Council Minutes Book E

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Report of Supt. Gas. Mr. E. C. Pond, Superintendent of Gas, submitted his report of the operation and condition of the department for the quarter.

Railways requested to place watchman at 9th St. crossing. In thematter of mitigating the danger to life and limb at the railway crossing at Ninth Street West, the following offered by Mr. Gleason, was adopted; Resolved, by the Common Council of Charlottesville, the Board of Aldermen concurring, That the Chesapeake and Ohio and the Southern Railway Companies be requested to have a watchman stationed at the crossing on West 9th Street.

Coke donated Home for Aged. Mr. Elliott moved, and it was adopted, That the city donate two tons of coke to the Home for the Aged.

Refund license Betts & Boyce. A motion to refund to Betts & Boyce, contractors, the sum of $17. paid by them as license on Contractors, in connection with laying the cement road on Free Bridge Road, was adopted. (The Aldermen did no concur in this resolution.)

Coats for City Fire Co. On motion, the City Manager was authorized to purchase two dozen rubber coats for the City Fire Company.

in re. City Sergeant's sal. A motion to increase the salary of the City Sergeant $5. per month from Jan. 1,1917, was defeated.

The following resolutions were adopted and will be found spread on the Ordinance Book:

App. City Manager's car. A Resolution appropriating the sum of $250. to cover the expenses of City Manager's car for the year beginning September 1,1917.

App. for quarterly budget. A Resolution appropriating the sum of $57,320.06 to cover the estimated expenses of the City Government for the quarter ending Feb. 28,1918.

The meeting then adjourned.

E. I. Carruthers, Clerk. W. F. Souder Jr., President.

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COUNCIL CHAMBER, January 10,1918.

The regular monthly meeting of the Council was held on this date with the following members present: Elliott, Forrest, Gleason, Graves, Souder, Twyman and Wingfield.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

The Clerk reported that His Honor, Mayor Haden, had returned to him without his approval, the resolution adopted by the Common Council on December 13, 1917, appropriating the sum of $50. to be used by the City Manager in defraying his expenses to Detroit to attend a meeting of the City Managers of the United States, and accompanied by the following communication:

MAYOR'S VETO appropriation Stecker's expenses to Detroit. December 17, 1917. To the Clerk of the Board of Aldermen and Council of the City of Charlottesville, Va. Sir: I veto and herewith return to you the resolution passed by the Board of Aldermen on the 12th of November,1917, and concurred in by the Council on the 13th day of December,1917, appropriating an amount not exceeding $50. to pay Mr. H. A. Stecker's (City Manager) expenses, on a trip to Detroit, Mich. In my opinion this was an unnecessary expenditure, and, owing to the stringency in money matters I do not think the City should pay the expenses incurred on this trip. Respectfully submitted, E. G. Haden, Mayor.

Appropriation passed over his veto. The Chairman then stated the question, "Shall the Mayor's veto be sustained?" whereupon it was moved, That the resolution be passed over his veto, which was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Elliott, Forrest,Graves, Souder, Twyman and Wingfield (6): Noes, Gleason (1): The resolution is as follows; Resolved by the Board of Aldermen, The Common Council concurring, That a sum not to exceed $50. be appropriated to defray the expenses of the City Manager to Detroit, Mich. to attend a meeting of the City Managers of the United States, held in that city November 19-24, 1917.

Report of City Manager. In re. Ford truck for Street Dept. Arc lamp for Park Place. The monthly report of the City Manager was presented, read, and the following matters acted upon: That portion of his report transmitting the recommendation of the Street Committee that a Ford one-ton truck be purchased for said department, was adopted in a formal resolution. Also therecommendation of the Gas & Lights Committee that the petition of the citizens for an arc lamp to be placed on that part of Frys Springs Road adjacent to Park Place be granted, was approved.

Report of Finance Committee. January 9,1918. To the Common Council:

In re. Craven's bill for rent of road mch. Gentlemen: We would recommend for your consideration the following matters: That the $50. bill rendered by E. A. Craven for rent of road machine be not allowed:

In re. bill U. Va. Hospital for Diphtheria cases. That the bill of $387.44 sent in by the University Hospital for services rendered by said institution in treating and caring for Diphtheria patients during the epidemic in the summer of 1916, be allowed.

In re. Bankhead Highway party's expenses. That one-half the expenses of entertaining the Bankhead Highway party be borne by the City on condition that the County of Albemarle has already paid the other half. One-half the expense amounts to $27.75.

Respectfully submitted, J. E. Gleason, Chairman.

In re. Craven's bill. In connection with the foregoing recommendations: that with reference to the rejection of the bill of E. F. Craven for rent of road machine, was approved.

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In re. Bankhead Highway entertainment bill. The resolution to appropriate $27.75, being one-half of the expenses of entertaining the Bankhead Highway Party, upon learning that the County had not paid its one-half, was laid on the table.

University Hospital bill for care of Diphtheria cases 1916. The resolution appropriating the sum of $387.44 to pay the City's portion of the University Hospital's account for care of Diphtheria patients in 1916, was unanimously adopted. (See meetings of Aldermen following this date for action.)

Police. The Chif of Police reported Cash fines for December, $210.77, cases in default, $76/50; State warrants paid, $32; Appealed, $32.

The following resolution were adopted and will be found spread on Ordinance Book #1:

Committee on Sewer Conn. claims. A Resolution appointing a Committee to adjust all claims between the City and Citizens growing out of the Sewer Connecting ordinance:

Truck for Street Dept. A Resolution authorizing the Street committee to purchase a one-ton truck for the Street Department: and

Price of Coke. A resolution fixing the price of coke and providing for its sale.

The meeting then adjourned.

E. I. Carruthers, Clerk. W. F. Souder Jr., President.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, February 14, 1918.

The regular monthly meeting of the Common Council was held on this date with the following members present: Elliott, Forrest, Gleason, Souder, Twymand and Wingfield.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Report of City Manager. The City Manager, H. A. Stecker, submitted his report for the month ending February 14th, together with a recommendation for the re-numbering and re-naming of certain streets and for erecting appropriate street signs. Action on these recommedations was deferred until the next meeting.

Health Inspector appointed. His Honor the Mayor advised the Council of the appointment of Dr. R. L. Robertson as Health Inspector and, as such, a special policeman of the City, which was approved.

Report of Fiance Committee in re. sale of Meade property. Mr. J. E. Gleason, Chairman of the Finance Committee, to which was referred the offer of the C. & O Ry. Company for the old "Meade" property, submitted the following report: February 14, 1918. To the Presidents of the Council and Board of Aldermen; Gentlemen: Your Finance Committee met on February 12th to consider the offer of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company of $7,500. for the "Meade" property for the purpose of a Y. M. C. A. for its employees. Following a general discussion of the matter, during which the fact that the City's finances would not justify the sale of the property at the figures offered, it was deemed wise, in view of the purpose to which this property is to be devoted, that the property be offered to the C. & O. Ry. Co. for the sum of $10,000. to be used for the purposes of a Y. M. C. A. and trust that the recommendation may receive the favorable action of the two bodies. Respectfully submitted, J. E. Gleason, Chairman.

The foregoing report was acted upon in a formal resolution which will be found spread hereafter.

Report of Health Officer. Dr. R. L. Robertson, Health Officer, submitted his report for the month of January, together with the following recommendations: That all ordinances and amendments relating to the cleaning and taxing of the earth privies by the City be revoked and that occupants of premises upon which privies exist be required to keep the same in a sanitary condition, under penalty of the law of maintaining a nuisance when the fail to do so.

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And, that the private sewer line on Grove Avenue be connected with the City sewer with as little delay as possible as the cess-pool thatreceives the seweage from said line is unsanitary.

Referred. Ordiance and Sewers. The first of the above recommendations was referred to the Ordinance Committee, and the second to the Sewer Committee.

Police. Report of the Chief of Police, A. L. Henderson, showed cash fines for January $214. and cases sent to jail in default, $90.50.

In re. Sec. 311-112 of the City Code. Referred. The Mayor, in transmitting an opinion from the City Attorneyas to the legality of Sec. 311-1/2 of the City Code, known as the Segregation Ordinance, suggested that said section be repealed. The matter was referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Bill for Armory light. Tabled. A bill for the electric current furnished the Armory by the C. & A. Ry. Co. for the benefit of the Albemarle Rifles was considered and tabled.

In re. McIntire Gift of the Venable Property to the City as a public park. A communication from His Honor the Mayor: February 14, 1918. To the President and Members of the Board of Aldermen and Common Council: Gentlemen: It is with great pleasure I transmit to you the leter hereto attached. The magnitude of the gift proposed is an index to the bigness of the heart from which the idea originated. I feel sure you will accept the offer, and I trust that you and your successors may duly cherish this gift; and so manage that the park, which should be known as The McIntire Park, shall be a joy and pleasure for all future generations of our city. Respectfully submitted, E. G. Haden, Mayor.

Letter of Mr. R. A. Watson, Attorney, for Paul G. McIntire: Charlottesville, Va., February 5, 1918. Hon. E. G. Haden, Mayor, City. Dear Sir: I am directed by Mr. Paul G. McIntire to say that he will be glad to present to the City of Charlottesville, as a memorial to his parents, the property known as the "Venable Property" opposite the Post Office, for the purpose of establishing a park. This property embraces the square between 1st and 2nd and Jefferson and Market Streets. Mr. McIntire will put the square in good condition and erect in the center thereof an equestrian statue of General Robert E. Lee, of which the City can feel justly proud. It will require about three years to complete this monument but other improvements can be made at an early date. Mr. H. M. Shrady, of New York, the noted sculptor, who was selected by the United States Governmwnt to erect the statue and monument to General Grant at Washington, now nearing completion, and which is said to be the hansomest memorial in America, has been awarded the commission to make the Lee statue. The property will be given with the Understanding that it will be used as a park and that no buildings will be erected thereon. The conveyance of the property will be made as soon as advised of the acceptance by the City of this offer. Very truly yours, R. A. Watson.

The gift, as set out above, was accepted in a formal resolution as hereinafter set out.

The following resolutions were adopted, and will be found spread at length on the Ordinance Book:

Resolutions: Meade Property. A Resolution in re. sale of the Meade Property to the C & O Ry. Co.

Venable Property. A Resolution accepting the gift of the Venable Property by Paul G. McIntire, as a memorial to his parents, and to be used as a public park.

Woman's College gift. A Resolution pledging to the University of Virginia the sum of $25,000. for the purpose of establishing and maintaining the higher education of women, as provided for in bills now pending in the Legislature; said sum to be obtained by an election by the voters of the City called for that purpose.

In re. C & O crossings. A Resolution requesting the C. & O. Ry. Co. to install crossing bells and lights at First and Second Street crossings.

The meeting then adjourned. E. I. Carruthers, Clerk. W. F. Souder, Jr., President.

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COUNCIL CHAMBER, March 14, 1918.

The regular monthly meeting of the Common Council was held on this date with the following members present: Messrs. Elliott, Forrest, Gleason, Long, Souder, Twyman and Wingfield.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

In re. City taxes 1917 on Home for ahged. Referred. Mr. John S. Patton, a member of the Board of the Home for the Aged, appeared before the council and requested that the Home be relieve of the City Taxes for 1917, amounting to $87.93. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee.

In re. sewer rights on Preston Heights. Referred. Rev. H. H. Hudson addressed the Council in the matter of securing city sewer connection for his property on Preston Heights. The matter was referred to the City Manager Sewer Committee and City Attorney to determine the City's rights in the private sewer lines there existing at the time said territory was annexed to the City in 1916.

Resignation W. E. Graves. Mr. W. E. Graves tendered, in writing, his resignation as a member of the Common Council from the Second Ward, which was accepted.

Election of F. M. Huyett to fill the vacancy. Mr. Elliott nominated Mr. F. M. Huyett to succeed Mr. Graves as a member of the Council from the Second Ward, and he was unanimously elected.

Communication from Paul G. McIntire. His Honor the Mayor, transmitted to the Council the following communication received from Mr. Paul G. McIntire: New York, Feb. 26,1918. Hon. E. G. Haden, Mayor, Charlottesville, Va. My dear Mr. Haden: It is a great pleasure to me that the City of Charlottesville accepted the Park and Monument in memory of my parents, and I feel that in the great crisis through which we are now passing that the thought of Lee will help us to do what he considered the noblest word in the English language, "OUR DUTY". I have the honor to remain, Sincerely yours, Paul G. McIntire.

His Honor the Mayor, transmitted to the Council the following communication received from Mr. W. O. Watson, being addressed to him by Mr. g. B. Wall, VicePresident of the C. & O. Ry. Co. in the offer of the City to said company of the Meade property:

Communication from C & O Ry. Co. declining the City's offer of Meade property. Richmond, Va.,Feb.25,1918. Mr. W. O. Watson, Agent, Charlottesville, Va. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 20th inst. regarding the Y.M.C.A. property at Charlottesville; the price of $10,000. as shown by the resolution passed by the Council of the City of Charlottesville on February 14th,1918, is more than the Railway company felt that it was able to pay in the first place, and since these negotiations started the matter has assumed an entirely different phase, account of the Government control: therefore, it is necessary now to secure the approval of the Director General before this purchase could be made, and at the present moment it is not propitious to attempt to procure this approval. I will thank you to communicate the above to Hon. E. G. Haden, Mayor of Charlottesville. Yours truly, G. B. Wall, Vice President.

No action was taken on the foregoing communication.

Petitions: referred. The following petitions were presented and referred, as set out:

Fire Plug Little High. Petition from property holders of Little High Street asking for fire protection by the installation of a fire plug which they state was promised them some 18 months or two years ago. Referred to Water Committee.

Light on 10-1/2 & Page. Petition of tax payers on West Page Street for an arc light corner of 10-1/2 and Page streets, was referred to Gas & Light Committee.

To open Wertland St. Petition of property owners in and near Wertland Street asking that Wertland be opened through the Berkeley property, to City Manager and Street Committee to investigate and report back.