The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-01-17
STEVENS RESIGNS;
APPOINT BESCHER
TO FILL VACANCY

Baltz A. Bescher. former city con
troller, and more lately deputy city
clerk, was appointed city clerk to sue
coed William Stevens, resigned, at the
opening of the council meeting Mon
day evening. The resignation of Mr.
stevens came as surprise to mem
bers of the council, as only one or two
had learned of his intention before
the meeting.
Ill health was given as the cause of
the action. In presenting his resigna-
ton, Mr.. Stevens recommended Bosch
er as his successor. Mayor Handley
at once made the appointment, Besch-
err was sworn in and the regular bust
ness of the meeting taken up.
1T is with sincere regret, | know,
on both your part and mine, that this
resignation of Mr.. Stevens is accept
ed" said Mayor Handley. Applause
greeted Mr.. Bescher as he turned back
to his duties after being sworn in as
city clerk.
An ordinance providing for the or
ganizing of a city planning commits
bers, five of whom are to be citizens,
one member of the board of works,
and one the city engineer, was passed
to the third reading.
City Attorney Kelley explained that
as soon as the ordinance was passed
it would become necessary TO make
special tax levy of from three to. eight
mills on the hundred dollars valuation
OF city property, which would raise
from 81 ,066 to 1854 for the use of
this commission This money could
be used to employ architects and en-
gineer for the commission.
Sentiment in favor of the plan was
expressed by number of members of
the council, among them Frank Wal
dele. and Joseph Waterman. Walker
Land. president of the board of works,
told the council it was his opinion
that a city planning commission would
be of real help to the city government,
as it could pass on proposed improve
ments.
Discuss Needed Repairs
Numerous streets, sewers and alleys
in need of repair, were brought up in
the reports of members of the council,
and referred to the board of works and
the street department. Councilman
Fahlsing brought up the matter of
street lights needed on South Twenty
first street, near the ReevestOn Road.
Walker Land, president of the board
of works, explained to the council that
the street lighting system is undergo
ing a process Of change. a new and
more efficient set of lights being used
10 replace those at present in use, and
that requirements of street lights
he Of 10 Grct Il
en- up with the new superintendent of
the light plant, when he is named.
Joseph Waterman suggested that
fireboX doors which have been sticking
in some of the stations over the city,
be inspected by the fire chief. The
matter was referred to the fire chief
To Overhaul Street Roller.
The street roller will be thoroughly
gone over and arrangements made to
house it soon, City Engineer Dell Da-
Wis stated.
Mayor Handley asked the council
for permission to delay the appoint
ment of the coal contract investigat
ing committee pending the report Of
the state board of examiners, which
is now going over the boks of the
city. 1t was granted.
The need of a street sweeper was
mentioned by Councilman Waidelo,
and the matter was referred to the
board of works, and the committee on
property, streets and alleys.
Sentiment Divided.
That charity patients were not al
lowed the services of their own phys
ician, but must take the physician fur
nished by the hospital, was brought
out by Joseph Waterman, reporting
on a meeting of the hospital board.
Sentiment in the council was almost
unanimously against this arrangement,
which lad been introduced as a part
Of the standardization movement in
the institution. John White; Frank
Waidele. and Oscar Williams were
outspoken in their condemnation of
the plan. Mayor Handley suggested
further study of the matter.
Webb Parry, city controller, was APP
pointed to succeed Baltz Bescher as a
member of the hospital board. He
holds the position by virtue Of his Of
flee as controller.
An ordinance appropriating $11,717
for the sewers, streets and alleys fund,
was passed by the council. The APP
preparation was made to cover the cost
of the city's share of the South E
street Improvement, which had not
been completed in time for payment
last year.
Light Plant Figures.
Operating income of the light plant
amounted to S53,S53.57 and other rev
enue brought the amount up to S114,-
O76.26 for the month of December, ac-
cording to the report rendered by
Frank Bescher, accountant for the
plant Disbursements and operating
expenses amounted to $17,359.S3 and
those for buildings and equipment
amounted to S1S,740.21.
The sinking fund received a 81, 25O
payment during the month, and bal
ance was left in that fund OF S7,233.37.
The balance in the general fund was
given as $76,996.22.