Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1920-04-16
CITY To COLLECT
ALL WATER RENTS
OR STOP SERVICE
DeIinquents Have But Few
Days To Pay Bills.

That there is more than $4,000
due the city in water rents was the
| statement made last night at a
special meeting of he city council.
Why some people are required to
pay their water rents and others
are not IS what the council would
like to know, but those 10 haven't
paid will now have their choice of
being without the service or laying
down the cold cash before the city
sergeant.
1t was unanimously decided that
"Squinch" Rhodes shall begin at
once and not be required to assist
| in any other work until he has
turned off the water at every delin-
quent's property.
After the water census had been
taken it was discovered that % cit
liens want only hose and use the
water for sprinkling purposes.
Whether or not the council has au-
thority to issue a permit for that
alone was debated at some length,
but it appears that such can be
done. However, no definite action
was taken.
The question of installing meters
was also discussed. 1t was stated
that If 200 were installed each year
that the city would benefit in two
ways: Either more revenue or less
water would be used. Something
definite Is expected along this line
at an early date.
Garage Owners Notified.
Fire Chief Martin Quinn reported
| that he had served notices, which
he had secured from the state fire
marshals office. on all owners of
| frame garages that they must COM
| ply with the fire ordinance. The
owners have thirty days in which to
meet the requirements, and should
they fail arrests and prosecutions
will follow.
Money For Streets.
Mayor Toukin reported that the
city would receive $1,700 from the
state as privilege taxes, and that
this money must be spent on the
streets and all must be named. 1t
was decided to use the money on
High street, Burke street, Maple
avenue and Winchester avenue.
Water For Berkeley.
Councilman Wiltshire called the
councils attention to the fact that
the water lines, which had been or
dered laid several months, had not
been laid. Water Commissioned
Shafer stated he had not been able
TO secure men, and was compelled
to hold up the work He was IN
structed to proceed with the work
at once and agreed to If help could
be found
Maple Avenue Bridge.
Repairs to the North Maple ave-
nue. bridge were discussed at some
length. Some OF the council favor.
ed new structure and others re-
pairs. To determine just what is
necessary the council planned to
visit the bridge today and make a
thorough examination and then de-
eide upon the improvements.
Ordinances Approved.
The ordinance approving the bond
OF P. Flanagan md Sons for the
paving of certain streets was read
for the third time and approved.
The bond is for $4,000 with the
United States Fidelity and Guaran-
ty Company Of Baltimore surety.
An ordinance authorizing the c.ty
attorney to institute condemnation
proceedings against the Cumberland
Valley Railroad company for the
purchase of certain property for the
opening OF Baltimore street vas
also approved. Recently the city
offered 800 for the property, but
1t was refused. If a favorable de-
cision is secured from the court the
street will be opened from North
Eoyd avenue near the residence of
J. William Stewart to poil- est
Of the water works. The ~ cad
company Is opposed to grade
crossing, but has agreed to pay half
the expense Of a subway.
An ordinance amending an ordi-
nance relating to the renewal of
water and gas lines passed its third
reading and was approved. The
gas pipes, where street improve.
ments are to be made, must be re-
newed at once. The Gas Company
has notified the city that work will
be started on West John street in a
few days.
Routine Business.
The city engineer was instructed
to look after the pavement at the
home of w D. Cloves. Virginia are
nue..
DR.. G.. P Morrison, V. C. Montieth
and r. C. Stefey will be notified to
repair the street in front of their
properties on West King street. It
appears the street was dug up to
lay water lines and the fills were
not properly made.
Miss Sallie Harrison was instruct
ed to lay a pavement at her prop
erty on West Virginia avenue.
improvements will be made at the
corner of New York avenue and
Baker street, where the new Second
United Brethren church is being