Fire Limits, Flying Switches and a Fifty-Year Franchise: One Evening at Newport's City Hall

The town council met in regular session Tuesday evening, all members present except Hynes, who was out of town. A large amount of new business was brought before the council, and from the work that is being mapped out it is evident that the office of councilman is not a sinecure.

The mayor's message of the evening was in regard to the establishment of fire limits in the business district. He stated that a good many property owners have suggested to him that the town has progressed to a point where the construction of frame business buildings should no longer be allowed, and he suggested that the council prepare to take some action in the matter.

A petition of a majority of property owners on Warren avenue asking the grading of that thoroughfare from Second street to the I. W. N. right-of-way was presented and was referred to the committee on streets for action, and the committee instructed to have engineer's report on grade made.

A petition for the grading of Third street from Union avenue to Fea avenue was presented and was referred to the committee on streets with the same instruction as above.

The council was informed that a petition is being circulated for the grading of Spokane avenue; that same was not ready to present that evening but would come up at the next meeting. The council expressed a desire to see arrangements for grading perfected as soon as possible.

Night Marshal Kirkpatrick reported several unprotected stovepipes in the business district and was authorized to compel changes. He also made complaint that flying switches are endangering the lives of people at the Fourth street crossing, that there had been three narrow escapes that very day, and suggested that something should be done to lessen the danger.

The committee on judiciary reported favorably on the application of J. J. Dunlap for saloon license and same was approved by the council.

The committee on judiciary reported unfavorably on the application of the Interstate Telephone Co. for a telephone franchise, on the ground that the needs of the town are well provided and that we do not want or need two phone exchanges. The committee suggested that there would be no objection to a franchise on certain streets to give the company the privilege of operating through the town and establishing a toll office. As the franchise was not due for action until the next meeting the matter was passed.

The committee on streets reported that it is making an endeavor to get the streets cleaned up and requests the cooperation of the citizens for a general spring clean-up.

J. M. McDonald, police magistrate, handed in his report for the year ending Jan. 1. He reported 92 cases tried, of which 75 were for drunkenness and disorderly conduct, 7 for vagrancy, 3 for larceny, 2 for assault, and 1 for attempt to defraud a hotelkeeper. Fines and costs collected amounted to $233.80, of which there was paid to the city the sum of $175.11.

There was introduced and given first and second readings the application of the Northern Electric Co. for a fifty-year franchise, also the application of the same company for a repeal of Section 7 of Ordinance No. 28, which requires the placing of wires underground. Both were referred to the committee on judiciary and legislation.

The matter of providing better exits from Kelly's Hall was brought up, but no action was taken thereon, as it was understood that arrangements were being made for better conditions.

It was moved by Bennett that the city attorney be requested to draw up an ordinance to regulate switching of railroad trains at street crossings. He stated that the present practices were dangerous, that cars were placed so as to obstruct the view of coming trains, and that trains sometimes blocked the crossing 18 minutes. The motion was unanimously adopted.

A. L. Ries presented the report of the Commercial Club committee on fire department organization. The report will be taken up at a special meeting of the council to be held next Wednesday evening, and the volunteers for the fire department are requested to meet Monday evening to complete organization.

The city attorney was instructed to draw up an ordinance establishing fire limits on Washington avenue.

On motion of Caldwell, A. L. Ries was allowed a rebate of $50 on saloon license for the period during which he did not operate last summer.

The following claims were allowed: Pend Oreille Press, publishing $30; M. M. Summons, bonds for town officials $20.00; Newport Miner, publishing and job work $13.05; John Jacobson, electric globes .70; Marshal Mills, meals for prisoners $4.50; Bell Turnbull, lanterns $3.75; Adam's Pharmacy, chemicals $1.00; chemicals for fire extinguisher $11.63; freight and drayage .95.