Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-02-03

to promise Boston banks to reduce
our interest, being note indebtedness,
which on March 10, 1924, was $780,
600. We have paid $21,50O Of our
funded debt which came due this
year. This subtracted from our bond
issue of $4,000 makes an increase in
our funded debt of $4,000. but our
interest bearing notes have been re-
duced $4,000, making q decrease in
| our total Indebtedness Of $500 over
that Of March 0, 1925.
The city government petitioned
the public utilities commission to
have the North street bridge, which
Is owned and maintained by the
Maine Central Railroad Co, recon-
structed SO that same would be safe
for pedestrians and traffic. The
hearings were held and plans made
for a new bridge were submitted by
the railroad and accepted by our
engineer and the State highway de-
partment.
Recommendations
1 strongly recommend that the
city take advantage of the Five
Times Appropriation Act for state
aid roads and adopt the policy Of
building at least 1000 feet of per-
manent street each year. In this
way only few years will elapse
before our streets will not only be-
come the pride of our citizens but
great deal less expensive to main
tain.
"Hordes of autos now remind us
We should build our roads to stay
And departing leave behind us
Kind that rains don't wash way.
When our children pay the mortgage
Fathers made to haul their load,
They'll not have to ask the question.
Here's the bonds, but where's the
roads?"
1t is very evident that something
should be done to make 1t impossible
for land development companies in
volying the city in so much expense
establishing street grades and in
stalling sewers in new developed
areas. This work should be done by
the company who develops the land
and reaps the profit.
After the year just past I am fully
satisfied with the work of the police
/ department but am more than ever
of the opinion that this department
belongs under civil service.
The present system in use by the
board of assessors is very poor and
an appropriation should be made for
the purpose of installing a new card
system and an effort made to secure
a correct valuation on all taxable
property in existence.
In closing this report I wish to
thank the city government and all
city officials for their cooperation
and support during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
| p. r. BAIRD, Mayor.
A request was read by the mayor
| from members of the Ku Klux Khan
for the use of the City Opera House
for public lecture at some future
! date. 1t was announced that the mat
ter did not rest with the city govern
| ment as the hall is leased yearly.
Members of the Khan raised the ques-
ton as to whether or not it is possible
for an organization made up Of taxpay-
ers of the city to hire building or
| hall which is owned by the city.
The city treasurer was authorized
to pay to Harry NJ. Harmon the sum Of
$94.50 for back taxes on an automobile
1t was voted that two street lights
be installed on Cilline street and an
order was passed for light on the
| lower end of Broadway.
An order was passed to establish
the grade at the North street bridge
to comply with the Public Utilities
Commission and necessitated by the
proposed construction of a new bridge.
George Vashon was elected a mem
Der of Hose Co. 3 to take the place of
Joseph Lavasseur, who has resigned.
George H. Man was elected a trus-
tee OF the Waterville Public Library
to take the place Of the late Judge
Frank Shaw.
Concerning the purchase Of land on
North street from E. H Harris. Mayor
Baird said that Mr.. Harris had agreed
to leave the matter in the hands of a
committee of three, one to be appointed
by the city government, the second to
be appointed by Mr.. Harris, and the
third to be chosen by the other two.
w. Fl. lockwood was appointed as the
committeeman from the city govern
ment.
Roll Of accounts No. 500 was read
and accepted, as follows:
Administrative departments 4.9S3.15