Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 March 1905 — The New City Government Law. [ARTICLE]

The New City Government Law.

The new bill for the government of cities was chinged and amendad considerable before it finally passed and becams a law. Under its provisions, as finally adopted, Rensselaer will be a city of the fifth class, that is all cities of leas than 10.00 J population. Ths city elect : ons will ba held every four years, on the first Tuesday after the* first Monday in November, beginning wit i Nov. 1905. Tne terms of city officers are all to be four years, and none can be elected to two terms in succession. The elective officers in Rensselaer will consist of a mayor, ’clerk, city treasurer and five counoilmen. The city treasurer is not abolished in county seat cities of the 4th and sth classes, but is in the other three clashes. One councilman will be elected in each ward, and two in the city at large. In cities of the fifth class the powers of city judge shall devolve upon the mayor. The city marshal is to ba appointed by the mayor and the marshall has charge cf the police force. The fire chief is appointed by the mayor also, and has charge of the fire department. Every city, big or little must have a “humane officer,” who is to be a member of the police force, and get the same pay. Who ap points him the law does not state. He has to attend the'detection and arrest of persons violating the humane laws of the state and similar duties. Every city must also have a “police matron” whether it has anything eke or not. She has to look after all women and girls under a-rest or in jail, and attend court when any such are on trial. 9113 must also look after insane woman in detention or transfer. Every city must also have a “Department of Health and Charities,” ruled by a board of three commissioners, not all cf who can be of the same political party, and known as the “Board of Health.” One of their number must be the secretary, atd he must be a practicing physician. The boards of health are given extensive powers to regulate fill matteis affecting the public h alth. ”