FORMATION OF THE CITY GOVERMENT OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS The City was incorporated on July 29, 1889, with an area of 4.15 square miles.
MINUTES OF THE FIRST COUNCIL MEETINGS
First Meeting August 21, 1889 At 8:00 p. m. the newly elected Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Wichita Falls, met at the office of R. B. Huff for the purpose taking the oath of office and transacting any business that might present itself. A full board being present, the Mayor, Otis T. Bacon, administered the oath of office to J. C. Zeigler, G. U. Humphreys, C. W. Ward, W. B. Brothers, and Robert E. Huff, all having duly qualified. The regular business was then taken up. On motion, J. C. Zeigler was elected City Secretary pro tem to act until the appointment of a permanent secretary. The bond of the City Marshall was fixed at Two Thousand ($2000) Dollars. His Honor, Otis. T. Bacon, then appointed the following committees; Committee of Finance: R. E. Huff, J. C. Zeigler, C. W. Ward. Committee on Sanitary: J. C. Ziegler, G. U. Humphreys, W. E. Brothers. Committee on Ordinance: W. E. Brothers, R. E. Huff, G.U. Humphreys. Committee on Streets: C. W. Ward, G. U. Humphreys, W. E. Brothers Committee on Buildings: G. U. Humphreys, W.E. Brothers; Council Adjourned Otis. T. Bacon, Mayor. J. C. Ziegler, Sec’y. Pro. Tem. Second Meeting August 22, 1889 The City Council of Wichita Falls met in the office of R. E. Huff at the call of the Mayor. A. H. Carrigan was elected City Attorney. W. M. McGregor was elected City Treasurer. On motion, the election of a City Physician was postponed to some future date. On motion, the City Marshal was to be allowed one and one*half percent for assessing taxes and five percent for collecting taxes. On motion, the Treasurer’s fees were fixed at two and a half percent of all monies received and two and a half percent of all paid out. The City Treasurer’s bond was Fixed at Fifteen Hundred (1500) Dollars. The Council Adjourned, subject to call of the mayor. Otis T. Bacon, Mayor J. C. Ziegler, City Secretary Third Meeting August 30, 1889 A meeting of the City Council of Wichita Falls was held in the office of R. E. Huff on the evening of August 30, 1889. There were present and presiding, Otis. T. Bacon, Mayor, and aldermen, W. E. Brothers, J. C. Ziegler, C. W Ward, and G. U. Humphreys. Absent aldermen, R. E. Huff. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. On motion, the salary of the City Secretary was fixed at eight and one-third dollars per month. F. T. Daugherty was elected City Secretary. The proposition of the Herald Light newspaper, to print all ordinances and reading notices required to be published from this date until the first day of April A. D. 1890, at 6¢ a line for each time published was rejected. The proposition from the same paper to do the same work for the same length of time at 5¢ a line was accepted and all ordinances previously passed were ordered published. The proposition to rent the old Panhandle Bank building at twenty five dollars per month was adopted and the Mayor was instructed to accordingly notify the party having the renting of the said building. The council adjourned to meet at the old Bank Building, Monday evening Sep. 16, 1889, at 8 o’clock. Otis T. Bacon, Mayor F. T. Daugherty, City Secretary Fourth Meeting September 20, 1889 The City Council met in the Herald Light office Friday evening, Sep. 20, 1889, at 8:30 o’clock. There were present and presiding, Otis T. Bacon, Mayor, and aldermen: W. E. Brothers, R. E. Huff, G. U. Humphreys, and J. C. Ziegler. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. On motion, the Council decided to take up the matter of occupation taxes. The occupations tax for saloons was fixed at One Hundred Dollars each, where liquors are sold in quantities less than a quart. For saloons vending by the quart, and quantities less than five gallons, Seventy—five Dollars a year. For wholesale liquor dealers, One Hundred Dollars a year. On motion, occupation taxes were made payable annually. It was ordered by the Council that the old vacant house on Lot. one(l) and Block one Hundred and Sixty—two (162) be declared a nuisance and the owner be ordered to remove same at once. And it was further ordered that excavation on the same lot he declared a nuisance and ordered abated at the expense of the owner. The council adjourned to meet Monday evening, Sep. 23, 1889. at 7:30 o’clock. Otis T. Bacon, Mayor F. T. Daugherty, Secretary. Fifth Meeting Sep. 23, 1889 The City Council meat at its hall on the evening of Sep. 23rd, 1889. There were present and presiding, Otis T. Bacon, Mayor, and aldermen: W. E. Brothers, G. U. Humphreys, J. C. Ziegler, and C. W. Ward. Absent R. E. Huff. On motion, Mayor Otis T. Bacon was authorized to order for trial, from Mr. Cherry, representing Hetherinton & Nason of Dallas, Texas, one Leader Machine for street grading. The bills of Otis T. Bacon for espressage on stationery for City, and C. A. Brown for furniture, the former amounting to $1.95, and the latter to $32.50 were allowed and ordered paid. The Council adjourned, subject to call of the Mayor. Otis. T. Bacon, Mayor F. T. Daugherty, City Secretary Sixth meeting October 2, 1889 The City Council met in its hall Wednesday evening, Oct. 2 1889, at 8 o’clock. There were present and presiding, O. T. Bacon, Mayor, W. E. Brothers, R. E. Huff, G. U. Humphreys, and W. W. Ward, Aldermen. Absent: J. C. Ziegler. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. C. D. Keys was elected City Attorney. Council adjourned to meet Monday evening, Oct. 7th, at 7:30 o’clock. Mayor F. T. Daugherty, City Secretary. Seventh meeting October 10th, 1889 The City Counci1 of Wichita Falls met in its hall Oct. 10th, in obedience to the call of the Mayor. Present and presiding, O. T. Bacon, Mayor, Aldermen; W. E. Brothers, G. U. Humphreys, R. E. Huff, and C. W. Word. Absent J. C. Ziegler. On motion of Alderman Huff, the City Attorney was requested to make investigation as to what steps were necessary to consolidate the school corporation of Wichita Falls with the City Corporation. On motion, of Alderman Word, the City Attorney was instructed to draw up such ordinance of ordinances as were necessary to secure the building of sidewalks, and the enforcement of said ordinances. On motion of alderman Huff, the Mayor was requested to correspond with J. W. Field of Dal1as, a civil engineer, in regard to the establishment of a grade for sidewalks and streets. On motion of Alderman Brothers, the Mayor was authorized to draw on the City Treasurer for funds to pay the freight on the road grader ordered by the city. Council adjourned to meet Oct. 19, 1889, at 7:30 o’clock p. m. Mayor F. T. Daugherty, Secretary Eight Meeting October 19, 1889 The City Council of Wichita Falls met in its hall Oct. 19, 1889 at 7:30 o ‘clock p. m. There were present and presiding, O. T. Bacons, Mayor, J. C. Ziegler, R. E. Huff, and G. U. Humphreys. Absent, W. E. Brothers and C. W. Word. The bills of the Texas Printing and Lithograph Company of Fort Worth for stationery amounting to Eighty—Two ($82.20) Dollars and twenty cents and the bill of O. T. Bacon for express charges on stationery amounting to (90¢) ninety cents were allowed. Council adjourned to meet Saturday Oct. 26th at 7:30 o ‘clock p. m. Otis T. Bacon, Mayor F. T. Daugherty, City Secretary Ninth meeting November 2, 1889 The City Council of Wichita Falls met in its hall Saturday evening Nov. 2, 1889. There were present and presiding, Otis T. Bacon, Mayor, R. E. Huff, W. E. Brothers, and G. U. Humphreys, Absent. J. C. Zeigler, C. W. Word. The Leader road grader manufactured by Fleming Manufacturing Company and ordered through Miss Heterington and Nason of Dallas, Texas was ordered received and the Mayor was authorized to sign in behalf of the City of Wichita Falls, a note for One—Hundred and Forty—five dollars, ($145.00) to be given in payment for said road grader. Said note being dated Wichita Falls, November 2, 1889, bearing interest at the rate of eight per centum per annum and being payable on or before the first day of January, 1891, having also a clause providing for said note to draw twelve percent per annum from maturity and ten per cent for attorneys fees if collected by law. The bills of Wichita Herald newspaper for publishing ordinances and reading notices amounting to $l22.75 and for stationery amounting to $7.50 were allowed and ordered paid. The bill of F. T. Daugherty for services as City Secretary for the months of September and October amounting to Sixteen Dollars ($16.00) was allowed and ordered paid. The bill of D. C. Claiborne of One Dollar and Fifty cents, ($1.50) for hauling off six dead dogs was allowed and ordered paid. The bills of J. M. McAllister for Five Doallars, ($5.00) for hauling and testing road grader and the bill of Ferguson and Tankersley of (40¢) Forty cents for coal oil were allowed and ordered paid. On motion of R. E. Huff, the street committee in conjunction with the mayor, was authorized to employ a civil engineer to establish a grade for the city and employ men and teams to grade the streets, provided the total expense of said engineer, men, and teams shall not be more than eighteen dollars, ($l8.00) per day. Council adjourned to Meet Saturday evening, Nov. 9, 1889, at 7:30 O’Clock p.m. Otis Bacon, Mayor F. T. Daugherty, City Secretary Tenth meeting November 9, 1889 The City Council met in its hall Nov. 9, 1889, at 7:30 o’clock p. m. There were present and presiding, O. T. Bacon, Mayor, Aldermen: W.E. Brothers, G. U. Humphreys, R. E. Huff, and J. C. Ziegler, Absent, C. W. Word. On motion of Alderman Huff, the question of sidewalks and the Council’s rights under the present charter were referred to the City attorney with the request that he report on the same at the adjourned meeting to be held Monday evening, Nov. 11, 1889. The bill of J. C. Ziegler for stove pipe, etc. for City Hall, amounting to $23.90, was allowed and ordered paid. The following motion introduced by Alderman J. C. Ziegler was adopted: The Town Council of Wichita Falls in regular session this 9th day of November, A. D. 1889, has declared the building located on Lot no. 12 in block NO. 162, Wichita Falls, Texas, a public nuisance and orders for the same abated forthwith. The bill of the Wichita Drug House for One dollar ($l.00) for one day book was allowed and ordered paid. The bill of J. A. Bradley for three dollars and fifty cents for building pound was referred to the committee on finances. On motion of G. U. Humphreys, the bill of Len illiams for One Dolllar and Twenty—five cents, ($1.25) for hauling off two dead dogs and putting down puncheons, was allowed for and ordered paid. On motion, the Wichita Herald was authorized to print 500 licenses for occupations. On motion, all open wells in the city were declared public nuisances and the same ordered abated. On motion, the Council adjourned until Monday night, Nov. 11, 1889, at 7:30 o‘clock. Eleventh meeting November 11, 1889 The City Council met in adjourned session Monday. Nov. 11, 1889, at 7:30 o’clock p. m. Present and presiding; Otis T. Bacon, Mayor, and C. W. Worrd, W. E. Brothers, J. C. Ziegler, R. E. Huff, and G. U. Humphreys, aldermen. On motion, the Mayor was authorized to order of the Sun Vapor Street Light Company of Canton OHIO, two street lamps for trial. On motion of C. W. Word, B. G. Anderson was allowed the sum of $9 for hog killed by the city Marshal in his attempt to impound the same. On motion, M. T. Thomas was engaged by the City Council as a civil engineer to establish a grade for the City and the Mayor was authorized to employ men and teams to grade the streets. Among other proceedings, the following was had; The State of Texas) County of Wichita) Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls: That whereas the City has a population of over One—thousand inhabitants, now, therefore be it enacted, that said City hereby accepts the provisions of Title Seventeen of the Revised Statutes of Texas, relating to Cities and Towns, in order that it may have the rights, privileges and powers accorded to cities by the provisions of said chapter. The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the following aldermen voting for the same. Ayes; C. W. Word, R. E. Huff, W. E. Brothers, J. C. Ziegler, and G. U. Humphreys, NOS: none Council adjourned to Meet Sat. NOV. 16, 1889, at 7:30 o’clock p. m. Otis T. Bacon, Mayor F. T. Daughtery Twelfth Meeting November 16, 1889 The City 0ouncil met in its hall Saturday, NOV. 16, 1889, at 7:30 O’clock, There were present and presiding; O. T. Bacon, Mayor, C. W. Word, R. E. Huff, W. E. Brothers, and G. U. Humphreys, Absent, J. C. Ziegler. On motion, the Mayor was authorized to draw warrant on the City Treasurer for five dollars for postage and registration of letters notifying non—residents to put down sidewalks as required by law. J. A. Bradley was allowed three dollars and fifty cents for work in building pound for the city. ON motion, C. W. Word, and G. U. Humphreys were appointed a committee to confer with the officers and directors of the Panhandle National Bank, relative to the negotiating of a loan with said bank of a thousand dollars for four months. The bill of J. T. Woodhouse of Two Dollars for coal furnished the City was allowed and ordered paid. On motion, the Wichita Herald was allowed Five Dollars to republish ordinances Nos. 23 and 24 relating to sidewalks. Council adjourned to meet Saturday, Nov. 23, 1889, at 7:00 p. m. Otis T. Bacon, Mayor F. T. Daugherty, City Secretary Thirteenth Meeting November 23, 1889 The City Council met in regular session in its hall Saturday, Nov. 23, 1889, at 8 O’Clock p. m. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. There were present and presiding; O. T. Bacon, Mayor, C. W. Word, R. E. Huff, G. U. Humphreys, W. E. Brothers, and J. C. Ziegler. A petition was presented by B. T. Miller, praying that the plank sidewalks be reduced in width from five feet four inches to four feet. The petition, on motion of the alderman, R. E. Huff, was laid on the table, subject to call. The petition of D. J. Calkins, praying that he not be required to remove his scales used for loaded wagons, was referred to the street committee. ON motion, it was determined by the Council that the ordinance relating to sidewalks be amended so as to require all sidewalks to be built of brick, stone, or cement, to be made ten feet wide instead of twelve feet, as required by the ordinances relating to sidewalks. It was moved that part of the ordinance relating to sidewalks which required brick, stone, or cement, on Indiana Ave., between 6th and 7th street, on both, the east and west sides of the street, be rescinded. The vote stood; Ayes, Huff, Humphreys, Brother, And Word. No’s J. C. Ziegler. It was moved that the ordinance relating to sidewalks, in so far as said ordinance required a sidewalk on the east side of the Ohio Ave. from 8th street to Barwise and Jalonic addition to be received. Adopted. On motion, the ordinance relating to sidewalks was amended so as to require the sidewalks on the east and west sides of Indiana Ave. from 9th street to 12th street to be of brick stone, cement, or plank, said walk to be ten feet wide. It was ordered by the Council that the Mayor be authorized to draw warrant on the treasurer to pay for street work for the week ending Sat. Nov. 23, 1889. Council adjourned to meet. Sat., Nov 30, 1889. at 7 O’clock p. m. Approved: F. T. Daughterty, City Secretary Otis. T. Bacon, Mayor. Fourteenth Meeting November 30, 1889 The City Council met in its hall Sat, evening, Nov. 20, 1889 at 7 O’clock. There were present and presiding, O. T. Bacon, Mayor, R. E. Huff, W E. Brothers, C. U. Humphreys, and J. C. Ziegler, Absent; C. W. Word. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. On motion, of R. E. Huff, the bill of Hank C. Kahn for one dollar, for repairing broken pane of glass was allowed and ordered paid and the said amount was to be withheld from the rent of the City Hall, when paid. On motion of R. E. Huff, the bill of Libbey and Measles, for Seven dollars and fifty cents for two benches for City Hall was allowed and ordered paid. Messrs Pennock, Ballow, and Templeton appeared before the Council and requested that they would be able to put down sidewalks of plank in front of their property on Indiana Ave. between 8th and 9th streets. The members of the council expressed themselves as opposed to the proposition. The bill of I. Jaloniok for Thirty—five dollars for rent of premises, City Hall, from Sep. 20th, to Nov. 20th, 1889, was allowed and the ordered paid. On motion, of R. E. Huff, the question of persons selling meats without a license, was referred to the City Attorney, who was ordered to report on same at the next regular meeting of the Council. On motion, of R. E. Huff, the Mayor as authorized to sign a note in behalf of the City for One Thousand Dollars, to be borrowed from the Panhandle National Bank, at four months times, at one per centum per month interest from the date of said note until paid. Council adjourned to meet Saturday, Dec. 7, 1889, at 7:30 p. m. F. T. Daughery, City Secretary Fifteenth Meeting December 7, 1889 The City Council met in its hall Saturday, Dec. 7, 1889, at 7 O’clock pm. There were present and presiding; O. T. Bacon, Mayor, C. W. Word, R. E. Huff, G. U. Humphreys, and W. E. Brothers, Absent, J. C. Ziegler. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. S. T. Coffield appeared before the Council and requested that he be relieved from building sidewalks in front of his residence on Lamar Avenue. A. S. Stinnett appeared before the Council and Complained that the wooden building on Ohio Avenue on the east side of said street, between 7th and 8th were dangerous and liable to take fire at any time. On motion, the City Treasurer was instructed to keep the monies of the City in two funds to be known respectively as the Street fund and The general fund and the Secretary was instructed to name on each warrant the fund from which said warrant is paid. The bill of F. T. Daugherty for services as City Secretary for November, amounting to eight dollars was allowed and ordered paid. The bill of the Wichita Herald for publishing ordinances and reading notices (620 lines at 5¢ each) and for republishing ordinances Nos. 23 and 23 amounting to Thirty Six dollars, was allowed and ordered paid. On motion, the bill of Wm. Cameron and Company to furnish such lubber as the City needed for street crossings and said bid agreeing to furnish strictly all heart lumber, free on board the cars at Wichita Falls at Sixteen dollars per one thousand feet, and also agreeing to receive and place to the credit of the City, all lumber not needed, and all lumber not first class, was accepted. Council adjourned to meet Dec. l4, 1889, at 7 o’clock. p. m. F. T. Daugherty, City Secretary Sixteenth Meeting December 28, 1889 The City Council met in its hall Saturday, De. 28, at 7 o’clock. There were present and presiding, O. T. Bacon, Mayor, R. E. Huff, C. W. Word, G. U. Humphreys, and W. E. Brothers, Absent, J. C. Ziegler The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. The bill of B. G. Anderson for Four Dollars and Fifty cents for building sidewalk across the alley in the center of block 148 was allowed and ordered paid out of Street Fund. On motion of R. E. Huff, the street grading was ordered extended to Lamar Avenue and Lee Streets as per petition of certain citizens, if enough funds were left on hand after grading streets already ordered graded. The question of the most available railroad crossings was referred to the street committee. On motion, the city officers were instructed to report at next meeting the amounts of monies received and expended for all purposed whatever, by them. On motion of R. E. Huff, W. W. Dimuke was to be allowed one dollar and a half a day as deputy Marshall for such time as his services should be deemed necessary. Council adjourned to meet Jan. 4, 1890, at 7 o’clock. p. m. F. T. Daughterty, City Secretary Seventeenth Meeting Jan. 4, 1890 The City Council met in its hall Saturday, Jan. 4, 1890 at 7:30 o’clock pm. There were present and presiding; O. T. Bacon, Mayor, R. E. Huff, G. U. Humphreys and J. C. Ziegler. Absent, W. E. Brothers, And C. W. Word. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. The bill of J. S. Mayfield, for lumber furnished the City, amounting to $19.00 was allowed and ordered paid out of the General Fund. The bill of J. F. Stearns for building a bridge across Seventh Street, amounting to $4.50 was allowed and ordered paid out of the Street Fund. The bill of Jos. F. Edwards plow evener, amounting to Five dollars, was allowed and ordered paid of the street fund. The following report of the City Marshal was submitted and approved; Total amount of money collect to Jan. 1, 1890, $477.88 By Commissions 5% $23.39 Treasurer’s receipts $448.00 Total Balance due City $599.99 The following report of the City Treasurer was submitted and adopted; Total amount received of O. T. Bacon, Mayor; General Fund At various times $148.20 Oct. 23, Total Amot. rec’ of A. M. Davis, receipts No. 1 $220.00 Nov. 11 No. 2 $30.00 Nov. No. 3 $105.00 Nov. 13 No. 4 $29.00 Dec. 3l No. 6 $64.00 By amount of Warrants nos. 1, 2, 3, L, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 21, 25, 26, 27, 35, 36, and 37. $436.50 By commission 5% on $596.20 l4.90 2 1/2% on $436.50 10.92 _________ $562 .32 By balance due City to date $l33 .33 Street and Bridge fund Total amt. of Loan $960.00 By Warrants l4, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 $409.50 ________ By amt. of deposit in Panhandle Nat’l Bank this date ————$550.50 The question of salaries of the City Marshal and Mayor was deferred until the next regular meeting. The Council adjourned to meet Sat. Jan. 11, 1890, at 7 o’clock p. m. F. T. Daughterty, City Secretary Excerpts from the City Council Minutes June 20, 1904 Council was called to order by Mayor. T B. Noble. Roll called and following officers responded; Mayor, T. B. Noble, Aldermen: J. D. Avis, R. C. Hardy, J. L. Jackson, J. C. Hunt, City Attorney, Mathis, Secretary Rey, and Marshall Stearns in attendance. Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. J. C. Hunt for the committee appointed at last meeting to view the territory in Kemp’s addition proposed to be eliminated from the city, reported favorably. The committee was discharged and the matter was taken up by the council, and after discussion was passed over until the next meeting. Application of G. C. Rucks, to connect with the City Sewer System was granted. Ordinance to tax dogs was filed and laid over until next meeting. Petition of M. Lasker, I. H. Kempner, R. C. Malone, and Henry Sayles, for a franchise to erect and maintain an electric light and power plant came up for consideration. After considering the matter favorably Ordinance No. 55 - An ordinance granting to M. Lasker, I. H. Kempner, D. W. Kempner, A. C. Malone, and Henry Sayles, the right to construct to operate, and to maintain an electric light and power plant in the city of Wichita Falls, Texas, was taken up and after being read by sections, was placed on its first reading and passed by the following vote; Yea; J. C. Hunt, J. D. Avis, J. B. Jackson, and R. C. Hardy. The rule requiring ordinances to be read on three several days was suspended by the following vote; J. C. Hunt, J. D. Avis, J. L. Jackson, and R. C. Hardy. Ordinance 55 was then taken up and placed on it second reading and passed by the following vote; Yea; J. C. Hunt, J. D. Avis, J. L. Jackson, and R. C. Hardy. Ordinance 55 was then placed on its third reading and final passage and was passed by the following vote; Yea - J. C. Hunt, J. D. Avis, J. B. Jackson, and H. C. Hardy. After there being no dissenting vote, Mayor. T. B. Noble declared ordinance no. 55 passed, and it was so enacted. And there being no further business, council adjourned. July l8, 1904 Council as called to order by Mayor T. B. Noble. Roll call and following officers responded; Mayor; T. B. Noble, Aldermen: J. D. Avis, R. C. Hardy, J. C. Hunt, Secretary Rye and Attorney Mathis in attendance. Minutes of the previous meeting read approved. C. C. Huff, for the Forth Worth, and Denver City Railway, presented an ordinance giving and granting to said Fort Worth and Denver City Railway right of way and privileges over Michigan Ave. The ordinance recites, That the Forth Worth and Denver City Railway Co. is hereby granted the extension right of way for as many as two railroad tracks over, on, and along Michigan Ave., beginning at the point where said Michigan Ave. crosses the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway Company’s main track and running north said Michigan Ave. for one half mile. Said ordinance was read by sections and placed on its first reading and passed by the following vote. Yea; J. D. Avis, J. C. Hunt, R. C. Hardy. The rule requiring ordinance to read on three several days was suspended by the following vote, Yea; J. D. Avis, J. C. Hunt, and R. C. Hardy. Said ordinance was then placed on its second reading and passed by the following vote; Yea; J. D. Avis, J. C. Hunt, R. C. Hardy. Said ordinance was then placed on its third reading and passed by the following vote; Yea: J. D. Avis, J. C. Hunt, R. C. Hardy. And Mayor T. B, Noble declared said ordinance passed and it was so enacted. Application of W. R. Hales to continue contract for sprinkling streets granted and Mr. Hales allowed $10 per month, payable on the first day of each month. The petition of J. A. Kemp, A. B. Anderson, M. Lasker, J. H. Kempner, and Henry Sayles, to discontinue as a part of the City of Wichita Falls, 50 acres of land, more or less, contiguous to each other, which is uninhabited and adjoining the east and south lines of Kemp’s Addition of the City of Wichita Falls; said petition being accompanied by an exhibit was laid before the council. After a personal investigation of said territory, heretofore described in the petition to discontinue, an ordinance embracing in detail the metes and bounds of the said acres of land, more or less, contiguous, uninhabited and adjoining the east line of the city of Wichita Falls, Texas, was taken up by the Council and placed upon its first reading, and passed by the following vote; Yea; J. D. Avis, R. C. Hardy, J. C. Hunt. There being an emergency clause requiring the immediate passage of said ordinance, the rule requiring ordinances to read on three several days was suspended by the following vote; Yea; J. D. Avis, R. C. Hardy, J. C. Hunt. Said ordinance was then placed on its second reading and passed by the following vote; Yea; J. D. Avis, R. C. Hardy, J. C. Hunt. And Mayor T. B. Noble declared said ordinance to discontinue as part of Wichita Falls, Texas, 50 acres of land, contiguous, uninhabited, and adjoining the lines of said city passed, and it was so enacted. A motion carried that the Citv of Wichita Falls pay to Otis Bacon for the Texas Townsite Co. the sum of $250 in consideration that said Townsite Co. deed to the city Lot. 1, Block 7, Lot. 2, Block 6, and all of Block 9, Belvue addition to the City of Wichita Falls, for cemetery purposed. The following resolution was read and adopted; Be it resolved and it is hereby ordered by this council, that all parties who have erected or are maintaining within the fire limits of this city any structure prohibited within said limits shall be notified to at once remove such structure from limits and if not so removed within ten days, prosecution will be filed against them for violating said City ordinance. It coming to the knowledge of the Council that dangerous places appear in some of the streets and alleys, by reason of a ditch running from Crescent Lake to the River, the following resolution was read and adopted. Resolved that the parties responsible for the ditch running from Crescent lake to the River be notified, that said ditch must be filled at once, where the streets cross it, and such crossings must be restored to their original condition at once, on penalty of the City doing such work and charging said parties up with the expense of it. The following bills were allowed; S. H. Tabor, 8 days work on streets with team $23.25 R. B. Havener 21 3/4 days on streets with team $l4l.35 B. H. Tabor 3 1/2 days on streets with team $9.75 H. E. Stearns salary of Marshal for June, 1904 $30.00 George Dobson salary of teamster for June 1904 $50.00 A. M. Davis salary of policemen for June 1904 $l5.00 L. H. Mathis salary of Attorney for June 1904 $l0.00 Edgar Rey salary of Secretary for June 1904 $20.00 W. R. Hales salary Sprinkling street for June 1904 $10.00 Anderson and Bean rent on City Hall for June $25.00 R. B. Havener, grading streets as per contract $99.75 W. F. Vanhouser, 2230 Ibs, Hay OK Avis $7.98 Otis Bacon – Lot 1 Bk 7, Lot 2 Bk 8, all Lt 9 Bellvue Addition $250.00 Taylor and Hardy axel grease bucket, etc. .90 S. H. Tabor hauling of 2 dead dogs .50 Wichita Falls Light and Power Electric service June $45.00 Seitz and Seeley, 3 horse shoes for City horses $2.25 Wichita Falls Saddle and Harness Co. Conditioning powders for horses $1.00 Wichita Times 500 receipts for tax assessor 6.50 W. Cameron and Co. Bill of lumber OK Dobson $46.60 J. F. Jones Grain Co., feed stuff for city horses $17.35 J. L. Moore, flushing sewers from Feb. 5, to July 11, 1904 $5.00 J. S. Mayfield Lumber Co., bill of lumber for street improvements $20.66 W. T. Arthur, boarding city prisoners, May 2 to July 5,1904 $44.l0 There being no further business, Council adjourned. Read and approved this 1st day of August, 1904 Attest—Edgar Rye, Secretary T. B. Noble, Mayor August 1, l904 Electric light franchise confirmed Henry Sayles came before the Council in a matter connected with the Electric Light franchise heretofore granted to M. Lasker et al, and represented that, in veiw of a report in circulation, that said franchise was being used to crush out competition, that he and his associates were willing that Council revoke said franchise for a period of 30 days to enable owners of said competing plant to perfect arrangements to sell same to best advantage. In the mean time said M. Lasker el al, reserving the right to petition council for a renewal of said franchise at the expiration of the 30 days aforesaid, but that if the council failed to take action the primises, that said, M. Lasker et al, would proceed under their present franchise to erect and maintain a light and power plant. After a patient hearing to all parties interested in the franchised first aforesaid, Council refused to take action in the premises and the franchise heretofore granted to M. Lasker, I. H. Kempner, W. D. Kempner, R. C. Malone, and Harry Sayles, on the 20th day of June, 1904, remains in effect. November 7, 1904 Sale of Old Water Tank Committee on sale and removal of old water tank tower on alley between Ohio and Michigan avenues on 8th street, report sale of said tank and tower at $25.00 and that same has been removed. Rev. J. W. Smith presented petition of Li. H. Mathis and a large number of citizens of Wichita Falls praying for the enactment of an ordinance to prevent cruelty to animals and children. Council ordered the petition filed and directed the secretary to request that City Attorney to draft and ordinance embodying all the necessary demands of said Petition to be presented at the next meeting of the Council. Ordinance No. 69 passed June 15, 1905. November 15, 1904 Fire Prevention Association Mayor Noble laid before the council a communication from the Texas fire prevention association relative to changes in the waterworks system. Communication was filed and favorbly discussed but no action taken, and further consideration postponed. Motion carried that the secretary to be authorized to draw a warrant quarterly in favor of the Fire dep., for the sum of $25.00, first quarter commencing October 1 1904 and ending December 31st, 1904. December 5, l904 Cement crossings L. H. Roberts presented a proposition to put in two 4 foot and two 3 foot street crossing of portland cement, The Four foot crossings to be laid over Ohio and Indiana Avenues, one from corner of First National Bank to corner of Trevathan and Blands store, the other from Mittenthall corner to City National Bank, being 80 feet in length, each to cost $1.00 per running foot. The 3 foot crossings to be in 7th street 60 feet in length each to cost 75¢ per running foot. January 2, 1905 Petition for fire lanes The petition of W. J. Howard and many other citizens living the western part of the city, was filed, asking council to give them fire protection by having large Piping and plugs placed in that part of the city. The petition was laid aside for further action Gas Plant S. H. Huggins came before the Council asking that the City grant him a franchise to construct, own, and operate, maintain, and control a gas plant manufacturing system, for the purpose of generating, producing, conducting, using, utilizing, and selling gas for heating lighting, and power purposes within and throughout the City of Wichita Falls. After due consideration by Council, and examination by Attorney for City, an ordinance entitled; and ordinance, granting and giving to S. H. Huggins, his heirs, successors, and assigns, the right and franchise to construct, own and operate, and maintain a gas Plant manufacturing system for the purpose of generating, producing, conducting, using, utilizing and selling gas for heating, lighting, and power purposes within and throughout the City of Wichita Falls., was taken up and read by sections, and placed before the council for action thereon. A motion of Alderman J. L. Jackson, seconded by Alderman R. C. Hardy, said franchise hereafter to known as Ordinance No. 59, was placed on its first reading and passed by the following yes and nay vote . . . And there being not opposing vote, Mayor T. B. Noble declared Ordinance No, 59 granting said franchise passed and was so enacted. And it is further ordained that said ordinance No. 59 be spread upon the Ordinance book 1 and constitute a part of the minutes of this council. March 9, 1905 Sunday baseball Rev. A. A. Burroughs presented a petition to the council signed by Rev. W. F. Bryran and other citizens of Wichita falls, asking that the city council to absolutely prohibit the playing of Ball on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) on any lots controlled or owned by the City - not only regular baseball, but any practice games by men or boys on said Sabbath Days. The petition was ordered filed and the council responded to the petition by adopting the following resolution. ‘Resolved by the City Council, that the playing of baseball or any other games played with ball, whether a practice game or other, is hereby prohibited in the present baseball park, situation in the ground belonging to the city, on Sabbath Day; any violation of this resolution shall be authority for the City Marshall to take possession of said grounds and eject all parties there from. The Wichita Falls baseball team was requested by the Council to assist in the enforcement of this resolution, than the City council may revoke their authority to use said baseball park. May 3, 1905 Cemetery association Mrs. A. H. Carrigan, on behalf of the Ladies of the Cemetary Association appeared before the Council and stated that the sexton of the Cemetery had resigned, and the Association had decided that it is not advisable for the Association to retain the management of the work necessary to carrying on said cemetery, and that the Association requested that Council appoint a manager, secretary, and treasurer, with whom the Association can cooperate. In response to the request of the Association, the council appointed A, Zundlewits, secretary and manager, and R. E. Huff, treasurer of Riverside Cemetery. Civic League Mrs. A. Zundelwitz presented a request from the Ladies Civic League of the City, that the council see that the Sanitary laws be enforced to compel residents of the City to clean up the side streets, alleys, and back yards on, and adjacent to their premises, and that the City team be allowed to once a week haul off barrels and boxes prepared to receive all debris and refuse. The Council promised to comply with the request of the Civic League. June 5, 1905 Electric lights The following resolution relative to Electric lights was adopted; ‘Resolved that a committee of three be appointed to see the manager of Electric light company and inform him that the council is dissatisfied with the present lights and that the city must have arc lights at a reasonable price, and if the light company will not, within 30 days, make a contract for arc lights, at a fair price, the city will take no lights. This committee will report any offer made by the light company to council for consideration. June 15, 1905 Dog tax ordinance The mayor then laid before the council ordinance No. 67; An ordinance entitled; An ordinance providing for a tax on dogs and for a penalty for failure to pay tax thereon and providing for a method of the collection of said tax and declaring certain kinds of dogs a public nuisance. And there being no opposing vote, Mayor T. B, Noble declared Ordinance Nov.67 passed and it was so enacted and said ordinance was ordered published. Sep. 9, 1905 Water and Light company As a matter of special business, the council considered the negotiations between the City and Water and Light company to construct additional mains, put in fire plugs and supply the city a Standard Arc. lights. Messrs. Kempner, Lasker, Sayles, Kemp. and Malone, stockholders of the water and light co. were present. After considerable discussion the council and stockholders entered into an agreement to extend a line of six inch main from a points at intersecting streets to a point on 9th street opposite the corner of the block occupied by the Catholic school building and at, or near, the northern corner of block 256 of said city; and upon the main so constructed to put in at places to be designated by the city of Wichita Falls, tow fire plugs, the same to be in every respect, the same as the fire plugs not in use; also to put in fire plug on the present system at a point in, or within five feet of alley east of the Saint James hotel, and between 7th and 8th streets, the exact point to be selected by the City. And said water and light co. agreed to furnish the city for the purpose of lighting the public streets of said city, 12 arc lights, and to maintain and keep same in first class condition so as to furnish at all times the amount of light specified and usual for said lights. Also, said Water and light company to put in and maintain for the use of the City, 7 incandescent Lights of 32 candle power. January 13, 1906 Fire Limit Ordinances Ordinance N. 74 entitled an ordinance, establishing fire limits and regulating buildings within the City limits, was taken up by the council and read by sections, and was placed on its first reading. . . And there being no dissenting vote, Mayor. T. B. Noble declared ordinance 74 passed. April 26, 1906 Free postal delivery The council being informed that the receipts of the Post office in this city exceed the requisite amount of $10,000.00 annually, entitling this city to free postal delivery under the law and it being the desire of the citizens to secure the benefits of free delivery, the council passed the following resolution. Whereas the Postmaster has informed the council that by his report to the U.S. Government for the year ending March 31, 1906 that the postal receipts exceed the sum of 10 thousand dollars and where as under the postal laws regulating cities with postal revenues exceeding $l0,000 annually, are entitled to free postal delivery. It is therefore resolved by the city council that the Honorable Postmaster General of the United State be and he is hereby requested to install free delivery at once in this city. Houses numbered It is further resolved that all houses in this city be numbered, and the numbers placed on the front of each houses an accordance with the plan adopted by the Council. (Minutes dated June 9, l906 record app’t of committee to post names of streets and number lots and blocks preparatory to post office dept. establishing free mail delivery.) August 6, 1906 Riding bicycles on streets Ordinance NO. 76 to prevent person from riding bicycles on the sidewalks of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas was taken up and ready by section and placed on first reading . . . Mayor Noble declared Ordinance No. 76 passed and it is so enacted. Ordinance No. 77 to prevent fast riding and driving and riding and driving unbroken animals on the streets was declared by Mayor Noble passed and so enacted. March 12, 1907 Advertising Matter Ordinance no. 82——to prohibit the posting of any kind of advertising matter upon any telephone, telegraph or electric light poles within the limits of the city of Wichita Falls; also to prohibit the posting of any advertising matter upon any fence, wall, or building without the consent of the owner, was read and passed.