The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1921-04-20
SPARKS FLY AT
FIRST MEETING
OF COMMISSION
Objections Are Raised To Many
of Commission Appoint
UTILITY QUESTIONS UP
Thompson Would Stop Electric
Company Payments Until
Taxes Paid
UTILITY QUESTIONS UP

The new city commission got into
action last night with lively meet
ing.
The commission made number of
appointments and acted on several
other matters. Commissioner ThOmp-
son opposing many OF the appoint
ments.
The commission organized as fol-
lows: Vice President and Commission
er of Finance and Revenue, John A.
Larson, Commissioner OF Streets,
John French; Commissioner Of Water
and Sewers, Harry A. Thompson, and
Commissioner of Fire and Police, C. W.
Henzler. All present members OF the
commission were re-assigned to the
positions they now hold. Mr.. Henz-
Ter being the only new commissioners
except President A. p. Lenhart, whose
duties are defined by law as head of
the executive department.
The old commission held short
meeting and approved minutes of the
previous meeting.
Retiring President Speaks.
A. w. Lucas, retiring president Of
the commission, who has been mem
ber since the city received charter
under the commission form of govern
ment ewelve years ago, serving the last
eight years as mayor thanked the
commissioners for their cooperation
and declared his belief that every
member had done his best for the ad-
vancement Of the city.
President Lenhart, Of the new COM
mission, responded. He thanked the
commissioners and citizens who sup
ported him for their support, said he
appreciated the honor, realized that
there devolved great responsibility for
himself and colleagues on the commits
sion, and knew that all would work
with him for the betterment Of the
city. eI..
He urged a progressive, economical
and business-like administration.
Thompson Objects.
When Commissions: Thompson was
proposed for commissioner of sewers
and water he voted mo-" declaring
that he had been accused Of being can
didate of the water company during the
election and that he did not believe
that he ought to be placed in that po.
sitiOn. He declared, however, that il
the commissioners inisted he take the
place that he was going to name the
inspectors and exercise control of the
direction of the work.
There had been some speculation as
to whether Mr.. Henzler or Mr.. French
would step into the position of com
missioner of fire and police held by
Christ Bertsch, Jr. Friends OF Mr..
Thompson urged him for the place
because of long service in the fire de
partment.
Employees Re.appOinted.
The following appointments were
made:
City Auditor-M H. Atkinson.
Treasurer-A. J. Arnot
City Attorney-H. F. O'Hare.
City Engineer-T. r. Atkinson.
City Assessor-W. A. Falconer.
Health Officer-Dr. G.. E. Stackhouse. |
City Weigher-J. D. Wakeman.
Poor Commissioner-Ruth D. Kol |
ling.
Street Commissioner-D. C. Mclean |
Chief of POlice-Chief Martineson.
Chief of Fire Departmental. + !
Jager.
Auditorium Committee - y. \
Thompson, chairman, ]. \. -ench /
John A. Larson.
Manager Auditorium-E. H. l.. Yes |
perman.
All of the appointments Of individu-
ais were appointments. Commits
sioner Thompson voted against the re-
appointment of H.\F. O'Hare, city at
torney, declaring that he had not jli-
ed the position acceptably and moved
that the city attorney be instructed to
care for all city legal business in the
future without assistance. The motion
was lost for want of a second.
Commissioner Thompson proposed
the name Of DR.. Lipp for city health
officer He opposed the reappointment
of T. r. Atkinson as city en-
gineer, Chief Martinesen as chief of
police, and r. F. Jager as chief of the
fire department.
O'Hare Writes on Paving.
Following 4the disposal Of appoint
ments letter from City Attorney
O'Hare on paving in the downtown al
leys was received. An investigation
was suggested. Commissioner Thomp-
son moved that committee be ap.
pointed to Investigate the paving work
done in the downtown district by Han
Ion and Okes and the Ford Paving
company. The committee named IS
composed of Commissioners Thomp-
son. French and Larson. The COM
mittee is to report May 21.
The request of E. G. Patterson to
move a building within the fire limits
were referred to the city attorney for
an opinion.
Commissioner Thompson moved that
the payment of bills to the Hughes
Electric company be refused until that
company has. paid its back taxes.
which he declared were considerably
in arrears and amounted to great
ICON Timed IN papa ~