Cranbrook City Council

CBK. RATEPAYER ATTENDS COUNCIL MEET. – Only Routine Business Transacted at Last Night’s Meeting of City Dads.

            The remarkable feature of the city council meeting last night was the presence of Mr. Hughue Brock, a ratepayer, who was present to hear the deliberations of the council.  To some people there is nothing remarkable in that statement, but when one considers that year in and year out, a ratepayer seldom puts in an appearance at council meetings, the announcement that an honest-to-goodness ratepayer was in attendance is worthy of a display headline such as is attached to this story.

            There were present His Worship Mayor Genest and Aldermen Santo, Balment, Arnold and Moir.  Aldermen Flowers and Cameron being absent from the city.

            Minutes of previous meeting were read and on motion approved.  Correspondence from M.A. Beale and Joseph Marapodi was read.  The first dealing with the collection of certain rents and removal of building.  The later wrote asking that the sidewalk in front of his place of residence be raised to the street level.  This letter was referred to the board of works.  In the case of Mr. Beale Alderman Arnold moved that Mr. Beale be reimbursed the sum of $26, re lots 5, 6 and 7, block 34.  This passed the council.

            A delegation from the Rotary Club, comprising President Marsh, Secretary Graham, F.B. Miles, C.J. Little, F.W. MacPherson and W.H. Wilson were in attendance.  President Marsh addressed the council, seeking information as to when the city would be in a position to proceed with the swimming pool and park scheme.  He said the services of the Rotary club would be available at any time and asked the city to call on the club for assistance.  Mayor Genest thanked him for the suggestion and informed him that the city would take advantage of the opportunity.  The mayor also said that 30 days must elapse before the council can proceed with the work.

            The City Transfer and Warehouse company wrote the council thanking the city for services at the recent fire, which destroyed their warehouse.

            The result of the vote on the Park bylaw was announced by Secretary Roberts.  This was received and filed.  The finance committee passed a stack of accounts, which were passed and ordered paid.

            The monthly report of the Foreman of Works Soden was read showing work done by the department during the month of June.  Repairs to water services, and hydrants were carried out.  Van Horne street was graded and new sidewalks laid and repaired in various portions of the city.  The report also showed gross carelessness on the part of someone.  Rags and dishclothes have been removed from the manholes.  Report received and filed.

            Report of Chief Reece for the month showed one response for fire, that of the Worden warehouse, a detailed report of which was handed in by the chief.  The report was received and filed after some discussion.

            Alderman Moir, chairman of the health and relief committee, reported progress.

            The report of Dairy Inspector Rutledge for the month of June was read and received.  It is reported parties are selling milk without a license.  Inspector Rutledge will be asked to look into the matter.

            The report of the light department showed a number of new services cut in and improvements made.  Reports received and filed.

            Alderman Balment, chairman of the water committee, introduced the subject of the Slaterville water supply saying there was little use of the citizens paying out good money for improved water service if the Slaterville mains, which were a menace to the public safety, were not put in shape to hold water.  The people of Slaterville were not taking any steps to remedy the situation.  A motion by Alderman Balment, seconded by Alderman Moir, was put and carried, to the effect that unless some attempt was made in two weeks to repair the system the city would not be responsible for a further supply.

            Chairman Balment of the water committee inspected the work at the dam and was satisfied with the work.  He advised the council to go out in a body and inspect the work, which they will do Sunday afternoon.

            Alderman Santo mentioned that there were several complaints about the hydro service.  Superintendent Eakin will check up the voltage as soon as possible.

            The condition of the business streets was a subject which elicited a long discussion.  Superintendent Eakin will present a report on same immediately the work at the new reservoir is completed.

            Alderman Moir suggested that Cranbrook should institute a regular tree-planting campaign and Arbor Day, where the children could be encouraged in the care of trees instead of at present in their destruction.

            A lot on Baker street was sold to M.A. Beale for $211.05 through the tax sale.

            The Leask damage case was again brought up and is receiving due consideration at the hands of the city.

            Council adjourned.