REGULAR MEETING
January 12, 1948
The regular meeting of City Council was held on Monday, January 12, 1948. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M. with Mayor Woodford presiding. Members present were Mrs. Frear and Messrs. Keith, Mikell, Carson, Hartnett, Wright and Vane.
Minutes
Minutes of the last regular meeting were read and accepted.
City Manager’s Report
The City Manager’s Report was accepted as read.
Chief of Police Report
Reports from the Chief of Police for the month of December 1947 and for the year of 1947 were accepted as read.
Aldermans’ Report
The Alderman’s Report was accepted as read. Collections for the month of December remitted to the City totaled $105.50. A check in that amount was turned over to the City Manager.
Resignation of City Solicitor
A letter of resignation from Melvin Hopkins, City Solicitor, was received. Council accepted the resignation effective with the expiration of Mr. Hopkins’ present term, February 1948, and directed that he be informed of the regret with which the action was taken and the sincere appreciation of the Mayor and members of Council for Mr. Hopkins’ services to the City.
Bill for Damage from Sewage
A letter was received from Walter W. Rash claiming damage to his cellar from backwashed sewage in the amount of $20.75. Council directed the City Manager to determine whether Howard Buckson was paid for similar damage. In the event he was, City Manager was authorized to make redress to Mr. Rash and to Mr. John Shilling who had claimed damage in the past. The City Manager was asked to present Council with an estimate of the cost of running a new sewer from the Dover school to remedy existing conditions.
Abatement of Fire Hazard
The City Manager reported he had told Mr. Eli Marker of steps he must take to eliminate insofar as possible the fire hazard resulting from his business of collecting waste. Council directed that the Police make routine checks of conditions and that if correction does not result Mr. Marker be prosecuted for maintaining a nuisance.
City Vehicles
With Mr. Wright dissenting, Council rescinded its directive of November 10, 1947 that all City Vehicles be parked in the City Garage at the end of each working day, and further directed that the marking of Police cars be left to the discretion of the Mayor.
Repair of Crane
Council approved expenditures for repair of the City-owned crane and directed that the order for purchase of a new one be cancelled.
Alfred Holland
Council expressed regret at the death of city employee Alfred Holland and directed that his widow be given the unpaid balance of 60 days sick leave granted him plus pay for one additional month.
No Parking Space
A request from the P & J Taxi Service for parking space on South New Street was referred to the City Manager for disposition.
Abatement of Head Taxes
Council directed that unpaid head taxes for the years 1942, 1943 and 1944 be removed from tax records.
Collection of Delinquent Taxes
Collection of unpaid taxes for the years 1945, 1946 and 1947 was referred to the City Manager, for his action.
Election Committee
Messrs. Carson, Wright and Hartnett, together with the City Alderman were appointed a committee to conduct the municipal election on January 19.
The City Clerk was instructed to have 5000 ballots printed. Authorization to hire clerks for the election was given.
Request for Concrete Apron – Robbins Hose
The Robbins Hose Company requested that the City install a concrete apron at the entrance to the addition to the fire building. The City Manager was authorized to obtain bids and install the apron.
Power Distribution Project
Council authorized the City Manager to order materials for the construction of a substation and connecting lines for distribution of electric current. The substation is to be erected on the site of the new well.
Report on Power Plant Survey
The City Manager presented to Council the report on the survey of the power plant. Council authorized the purchase of a circulating pump recommended in the report.
Railroad Crossing
A letter from the Chamber of Commerce recommending elimination of a grade crossing by the construction of a bridge or underpass was referred to the State Highway Department.
Elimination of Fire Hazard
A letter from the Chamber of Commerce recommending the elimination of a fire hazard resulting from the method of accumulation and collection of rubbish and trash on and near Loockerman Street was referred to the Fire Marshal.
Power Contract – International Latex Corporation
A letter from the Latex Corporation regarding the interpretation of the terms of its power contract with the City was read. No action was required.
Waste Collection for Hospital Drive
A letter from Willard Boyce, director of the Kent General Hospital Fund Drive requested permission to store waste collected by school children for the Hospital Drive in the triangle near the Hotel Richardson. This request was denied, but authorization was given to store such waste collected in the City Parking Lot.
Council adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
City Clerk