Douglas Island news., 1917-04-20
COUNCIL HAS
 LONG SESSION
Resistance Threatened if Suits to Collect Delinquent Taxes
 Arc Pressed

tho newly elected city council was held Monday night, when three hours were devoted to affairs munic- ipol Mayor Smith was in his seat at Che head of the table and an the members except Martin. who is out of town. were present
 Attorney George Irving, of Ju- ncau, was present in the interest of the Gas Company and asked the council Co eliminate section from the gas ordinance. which section contained a proviso for the city pur- chasing the property of the com pany within the city limits if, at some time in the misty future, it de- sired Co do SO. The attorney said Che section was a hindrance Co hn- anciug tho proposition. On motion, thc offending section was eliminated from Che ordinance.
 Martin olson was present and eX- pluIucd Co the council that the req son he had not paid his taxes was that an error had occurred in the description of a certain lot; that he was willing to pay the amount less any penalty or interest; also. that in ease the council did not accept his proposition. he would go to the mat in court his attorney having advised him that the city could not enforce its tax ordinance in court of law. As Che error in the dcscrip- ton gave Mr. Olson the best Of the situation, Che council unanimously voted to accept his oner and wave che penalty and interest
 The bin Of City Treasurer Abucr Murray for certain work done on the street in front of certain Third street property owned by him, which bin was disallowcd by the former council at its last meeting, was again presented and was Che sub- joct of nearly am hours discussion. Councilman Murray strongly adyo- catc1 payment of the bill by apply ing it on thc tax, penalty and inter- est owed by Abncr Murray Coun- cilmau Oliver olson asked who had authorized the street work alleged to have been done and vigorously opposed payment of the bin until the claim could be investigated by he street committee. He favored laying thc matter ou the table for a week. Murray wanted payment of thc bin sanctioned at once in or der that A. Murray against whom suit is being instituted for dclin- qucnt taxes, would. in the event of Che bin being allowed, pay his taxes, penalty and interest, upward of $500. but would otherwise contest Che matter in the courts. A motion by Councilman Murray that the bin be paid resulted in a tie, Murray, Young and Smith voting for, and Leiyers and the two Olsons voting against the motion. Olson's motion chat thc bin be tabled for a week carried.
 S. Walstcdt. manager of the Home bar appeared before the council and stated that he represented nearly an the saloon mon in town and that he was present Co request that the mid night closing ordinance be repealed; that as only seven or eight months more remain in which the saloons can operate. they should be given some recognition; anyway the bars being open as long as the owners desired to keep them open at night would lessen danger from fire and serve as a preventative Of crime. The request was referred to the com mittce on health and police.
 Councilman Young, health and police. thought arrangements for a rigid collection of dog tax should be made and that new bedding should be supplied in the city jail Mayor Smith suggested that a gate be placed across the runway leading
 from Front street Co the jail door and the police committee was in- sructed to make the needed im- proyomonts.
 O. Olson, fire and water, submitted a report from Fire Chief Langseth
 n which it was stated that the broken bonnet of the city pumping plant is being repaired at Troadwell; that several leaks exist in tho main along st. Ann avenue.
 Lcivers, wharf, reported piles on hand for repairing an ailing corner of the wharf. and that repairs are needed to the roof on the coal shed.
 In connection with this report the matter of raising dockage from 80 to S75O per steamer was discussed but no action taken.
 Councilman Murray, dnanc e, sought information as to what Treadwell children who attend the Douglas school pay for such educa- tional advantage. It was decided to
 invite the school board to attend the next meeting of the council and come with the desired information.
 A motion passed authorizing the clerk to collect an money due the city and turn the same over to the