Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 March 1900 — The City Council. [ARTICLE]

The City Council.

The Halleek Telephone Franchise Granted. Council met Monday evening, President pro-tem Spitler in the chair. The fire chief was directed t<s purchase two single hydrant gates, and six each, of leak stops, ladder straps and respirators. The names of members of the fire company were reported for exemption from corporation taxes. There are 16 members. The membership of John W. H. Barns was approved; In the matter of the aro light, at intersection of Forest and Merritt streets, the far end of ‘ Lovers’ Lane,” petitioned for by Geo. Pumphrey and others, the light committee reported that arc light would be too expensive, | for that place; and recommended i an incandescent. Mr. Pumphrey said they wanted an arc or nothing ! and the matter was dismissed. A system of fire alarms was adopted. Each fire hydrant is to be numbered, and w hen a fire is discovered, the number of the nearest hydrant is telephoned in, aud then the fire screech will sound that number. Thus if it is hydrant 37 the whistle will give three blasts, then rest, and then seven more. A special wire is to be run from the telephone exchange to the waterworks, which will sound the gong when there is a fire alarm. The ordinance granting a franchise -to the Halleek Telephone Company, was read a third time and passed, and is now a law. The vote was four in favor and one against. The waterworks committee is directed to ascertain the cost of having the water tower and tank painted. Election boards, for the ensuing election were appointed, as follows: First ward, G. E. Murray, inspector; J. T. Hardman, O. D. Nowels, judges. Second ward, E. D. Rhoades, inspector, W. S. Parks, N S. Bates, judges. Third ward, E. A. Aldrich, inspector; J. N. Leatherman, L. Strong, judges. Some 15 claims were allowed.