HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1924-05-13 MinutesCOMMISSION
MINUTES
OF NEETINS HELDIN
MAX 13, 1924
PREPARED SY THEOFFICE OF E , EITM FLEE
may 1:)Ln, Ivzs.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THP BOARD CB' COMMISSIONERS (P THE 0I71 OF MIAMI, FLORIN.
0n this 13th day of May, A. D. 1924, the Commission of the City of Miami, Florida,
met in regular session at the City Hall in Miami, Florida. lhe meeting wee palled
to order at 9:00 o'olook A. M. by Chairmen Romfh and an roll call the following mem-
bers of the Commission were present:
E. C. Romfh, J. E. Lummus, J. I. Wilson, J. H. Gilman, C. D. Leffler.`
ABSENT: None.
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES pp MEETING OF MAY 6TH
The Clerk read the minutes of the meeting of May 6th and there being no corrections
or additions thereto on motion duly made and seconded the same were approved and
accepted es written.
GAS OCtLPANY CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP
101 The following oommunioation from Mr. Wegner 8. MoCall, President of Central Power
ME & Light Company in reference to the repent purchase of the Miami Gas Company by that
.MN company was received and after being read was ordered tiled and copied upon the min -
MI utes of the meeting:
aMUS
wom
Nmem
May 12th, 1984.
The Honorable Board of City Commissioners,
City of Miami, Fla.
Gentlemen:
(1) The Central Power & Light Go. have aoquired the Miami
Gas Company.
(2) The oompany has furnished funds to the Gas Co. so that
all floating debts prior to Receivership oan be paid in full. We
have just received a wire from Jacksonville stating that the Receiver-
ship wae terminated this morning.
(3) The Company also stands ready to supply the Gee Company
with funds to immediately inorease its gas manufacturing equipment, so
the oapeci ty will be more than double that at present; further addi-
tional units will be added as demands for service warrant.
(4) It is vital to the interests of both pity and oompany
that this additional equipment be installed and in operation before or
during the month of November, so there will not be a repetition of in-
adequate supply of gas as experienced heretofore. Flans have been
completed - representatives of the manufacturing companies are now in
Miami, waiting to °lose contracte, which must be done promptly if the
new apparatus is to be installed for next winters use. It requires
considerable time and preparation for this steel delivery and erection
for service). Therefore, no time should be lost in oloeing contracts.
(5) In the matter of making this additional investment for
enlargement of the plant, the company will be palled upon for approxi-
mately 4250,000 to be expended within the next few months at the plant.
We believe it is unfair to our stookholders to use this additional am-
ount of their money in enlarging the plant, unlese we are assured that
the rate of $1.90 per 1000 pubic feet of gas will prevail until such
time that theGas Company oan appear before you with an appraisal of
the eystem by independent qualified evalulatore and an independent cer-
tified audit of production and other expenses, end some other rate oan
then be named if the rate is unjust. We believe this reasonable rate
will not be lees than 41.90 per 1000 ou. feet for the reason that the
same conditions exist today which existed in 1918 when the rate was
given. Cost of materials entering into the manufaoture of gas were
no lower in 1923 than they ware in 1918 - oast of oil is a few oents
lower, but oast of Doke and labor ie higher than it was in 1918.
(6) We earnestly request that aoting under the powers grant-
ed by the new city charter, you continue this rate as above mentioned,
thereby permitting the Gas Company to immediately place the °entreats
for this new apparatus.
(7) Permit us to call attention to the feet that Miami win-
ter gee requirements greatly exoeed those of the summer, while in
moat localities there is not suoh a :great Ztuotuation. The invest-
ment required here to handle the winter business is large as oompared
with the business which the summer months afford. Another thing Mia-
mi is a long distanoe from supplies, necessitating a larger invest-
ment in materaall in manufacturing, as well as the maintenance, than
would be required if nearer the manufacturing centers. In Miami, due
to the large number of tourists, the company is required to set meters
at the beginning of the season and remove them a few months later.
These meters are removed and placed on shelves in our store rooms; per-
haps just a few weeks later it is neoessery to re-inetall them for the
summer months, which in turn are again removed and placed on the elmelvea
only to be re -installed when the tourist season again begins. hie
handling of meters so often is very injurious to the meter, which to a
sensitive applianoe, and these costs are entirely different than in
communities where the service ie regular thr oughout the twelve months
of the year.
(8) In ocnolusion, permit us to say that our °Drapery' has
disposed of some of its properties in Missouri with the idea of using
those funds here, believing that in doing so the integrity of our in-
vestment will be protected. We are now working out a oomprehensive
plan for the extension of mains, which information will be given to
yourselves and the public before a new franohise is asked for.
•This oontemplates a very large expenditure in that direction.
Respectfully submitted
CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT CCtIPANY
By (Signed) WARNER 3. MoOALL
President
P. S. We are attaching hereto Dopy of our plans for enlargement
o the manufacturing plant.
mom PRIVATE SEWER OF MR. JESSE RANDELL CONNEOTED TO BY CITY AND OTRRB
mom
M The following oommunioation from Twyman & Soott, Attorneys, representing Mr. Jesse
Ma Randall of No. 449 N. E. 24th Street, was reoeived and after being read was ordered
iB oopied upon the minutes:
eei
M
City Commission,
Miami, Florida.
Gentlemen:-
As attorneys for Mr. Jesse Pendell of No. 449 N. E. 24th
Street, we beg to pall your attention to the :fact that the oity has
oonneoted its sewer to a private sewer oonstruoted by Mr. Randell
from the intersection of N. E. 4th Avenue and N. E. 24th Street to
ME the Bay. Other persona erecting housee and apartment houses on
ill the south side of N. E. 24th Street are also making preparation to
oonneot with this private sewer and, unless some arrangement is made
with Mr. Randall to reimburse him for a part of the coat of this sew-
er, we are instructed to file a bill asking for an injunction against
the city and other persons from maintaining their oonneotion with
thi a pr iva to sewer .
We would appreciate your having this matter investigated
promptly.
Very truly yours,
TVIYMAN & SC OTT
By(Signed) Paul R. Scott
The oommunioation was referred to the City Attorney end the City Manager for inveeti
gation and report bank to the City Commission.
REFUND OF TAXES TO J. B. COZATT PAID ON PROPERTY IN FT. DALLAS PARK
The City Manager submitted the following written report on the communication of Mr.
J. B. Cozatt in reference to the assessment placed on property owned by him at the
last regular meeting:
City Commission,
Miami, Fla.
Gentlemen: -
Miami, Florida,
May 10, 1924.
May 10th, 1924.
In the matter of the olaim for refund of taxes filed by J.
B. Cozatt et al, which olaim le hereto attached, I have gone over
this assessment with Mr. C. K. Cring, Tax Assessor, and find that
this property was assessed practically double to that of other pro-
perty immediately adjaoent and as favorably located.
This property is known as the old Budge Homeetead in Ft.
Dallas Park, and is described as "Tract bounded on west by Genovar
Tract, north by R. R. Spur, east by Ft. Dallas Park, south by Miami
River". This tract is irregular in shape with a frontage of 100
feet on Miami River and a frontage of 25 feet on R. R. Spur.
In making a comparative valuation for assessment purposes,
I believe that an asa3ssed valuation of �, 34,800.00 would be equit-
able, and that the present assessed valuation of ,$68,600.00 is entire-
ly out of line as compared with other similar properties.
L4r. Cozatt has paid the City Taxes amounting to $1607.00 •
and now asks a refund of ^$741.40 based upon the valuation of $34,800.
I therefore recommend that this olaim be allowed and that the Direo-
tor of Finance be authorized to refund J. B. Cozatt et al the amount
of 741.40.
Respectfully,
(Signed) F. H. WHARTON
City Manager
Thereupon the following resolution was introduced by Mr. Wilson;
RESOLUTION N0. 1411.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DUCTING THE DIRECTOR
OF FINANCE TO EVIRID TO J. B. COZATT THE AMOUNT OP
4741.40.
WHEREAS, it appears that the assessed valuation of the property
known as "tract bounded on west by Genovar Traot, north by R. R. Spain,
East by Ft. Telles Park, South by Miami River" is in exoeas of that of
similar properties in close proximity, and
WHEREAS, the City Manager in his letter of the 10th of May, 1924,
recommends that a refund be made to Mr. J. B. Cozatt et al in the am-
ount of $741.40,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of the City of
Miami:
64 May 13 th, 1924.
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That the Direotor of Finanoe be, and he is hereby, authorized
and directed to refund to J. B. Cozatt et al the sum of *741. 40.
Moved by Mr. Wilson and seconded by Mr. Lun:mus that the resolution be passed and
adopted. Roll oalled and the vote thereon was as follows: AYES: Masora.
Romfh, Lummus, Leffler,Wileon, Gilman. NOES: None. Motion unanimously oarried
and the said resolution passed and adopted.
RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT WITH.CLARK DREDGING 00.
FOR HYDRAULIC FILLING
The City Manager submitted the oontraot between the City of Miami and the Clark
Dredging Company for Hydraulic Filling of the Bay Front Park duly exeouted by
both the Contractor and the City Manager, for and on behalf of the City of Miami.
The oontraot had bean approved by the City Attorney as to form and execution and
the bond also was approved by the City Attorney as to form and execution and the
oontraot and the bond meeting with the approval of the City Commission the fol-
lowing resolution ratifying and confirming the execution of the said oontraot wss
offered by Mr. Gilman:
RESOLUTION NO. 1412.
A RESOLUTION RATIYII1G AND CONFIRMING THE EXECUTION
OF A CONTRACT BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR AND ON BEHAIF CF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, WITH THE: CLARK DREDGING COMPANY, FOR
HYDRAULIC FILLING Ol' THE BAY P'RON'T PARK.
WHEREAS, an the 29th day of April, 1924, the City Commission author.
ized and directed the City Manager to enter into oontraot with the Clerk
Dredging Company for the hydraulio filling of the Bay Front Park, and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has submitted said oontraot duly exeouted
by the City of Miami and the Contractor together with bond furnished by
the eaid contractor, both bond and oontraot having been approved as to
farm and execution by the City Attorney,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of the City of Mi-
ami:
1: That the said oontraot between the City of Miami and Clark Dredg-
ing Company for hydraulic filling of Bay Front Park be, and the same is
hereby, ratified and oonf irmed by the Commission of the City of Miami.
2: That the bond furnished by the sa id contractor be, and is here-
by, approved.
Moved by Mr. Gilman and seconded by Mr. Leffler that the said resolution be adopt-
ed. Roll oalled and the vote thereon was as follows: AYES: Messrs. Bomfh, Lum-
mus, Leffler, Wilson, Gilman. NOES: None. Motion unanimously oarried and the
said resolution adopted by the City Commission.
BILLS OF CHAMBER OF COMmfIROE ORDERED PAID AND APPROPRIATION FOR PART
The following communication was submitted by the City Manager together with bills
of the Chamber of Commerce:
Jdr. P. H. Wharton,
City Manager,
Miami, Florida.
Dear Sir: -
I hand you he
meroe for payment, viz.
$19,110.43, and The Reo
a total of 33,610.43,
amounts to 32,884.60,
the sum of 725.83.
Upon examination the
al of the Commission
following resolution
ing a n appr opr is t ion
was introduced by Mr.
May 12th., 1924.
rewith bills approved by the Chamber of Com-
Lcrland Advertising Agenoy in the sum of
ord Company in the sum of $14,500.00, making
As the present balance in the Publicity Fund
these bills will leave this fund overdrawn in
Very truly yours,
(Signed) L. J. GRIFFIN
Chief A o o o u n t a n t
bills submitted by the Chamber of Commeroe met with the approv-
and it being necessary to make an appropriation of $725.83 the
ordering the said bills paid from the Publioity Fund and mak-
of $725.83 from the General Fund Surplus to the Publicity Fund
Wilson:
RESOLUTION NO. 1413.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
TO PAY CERTAIN BILLS OF THE CHAJA'aER OF COMMERCE
AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $72 5.83 TO THE PU-
BLICITY FUND.
WHEREAS, the Chamber of Commerce has submitted certain bills for
printing and advertising duly approved by them and request the payment
of same from the Publioity Fund of the City of Miami and
WHEREAS, it is necessary that an appropriation of '725.83 be made
to the Publicity Fund for the purpose of paying eaid bills,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission of the City of Miami:.
1: That the Director of Finance be, and he is hereby au-
thorized and direoted to pay the following bills from the Pu-
blicity Fund of the Oity of Miami, to -wit:
Dorland Advertising Agency. . . . 419,110.43
The Reoord Company 14 600 00
Total $33,510.43
2: That the ems of $785.83 be, and is hereby, appropriat-
ed from the General Fund Surpluee to the Publio tty Fund for the
purpose of paying the bills hereinabove set forth.
On motion of Mr. Nilson, seconded by Lir. Leffler, the said resolution was adopted by
the following vote: AYES: Messrs. RomTh, Lummue, Leffler, Wilson, Gilman, NOES:
None.
OPENING OF STREETS ON SOU'THSID
REQUESTED BY MR.WATTS
Mr. Watts appeared before the Commission and asked that the Oommieeion keep in mind
the opening of the streets between Eriokell Avenue and the Bay that caul be worked
out when funds are available for the purpose.
REQUEST OF MAJOR B. L. SMITH FOR CONTROL 0P CITY HANGAR AT HIALEAH,FIELD
Major B. L. Smith appeared before the Commission and asked that he be given some au-.
thority over the Municipal Hangar located at Curtis Field at Hialeah so that there
may be some satiefaotory regulation of the use of the hangar. Major Smith stated that
his company had spent considerable money on the hangar in the way of repairing, main-
taining and flooring it and thought that some one should be given the authority to
exercise earns oontrol over it. The matter was referred to the City Manager.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further bueinese to come before the Commission at this meeting, an
motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned.
ATTEST:
criw OF MIAMI
DOCUMENT
INDEX
MEETING DATE:
MAY 13, 1924
ITEM NO.
1.
2.
3.
DOCUMENT IDENTIFICATION
AUTHORIZE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO REFUND TO J.B. COZATT
ET AL THE AMOUNT OF $741.40.
RATIFYING EXECUTION OF CANTRACT BY CITY MANAGER WITH
CLARK DREDGING COMPANY FOR HYDRAULIC FILLING OF BAYFRONT
PARK.
AUTHORIZE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO PAY BILLS OF CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE - MAKING APPROPRIATION OF $725.83 TO
PUBLICITY FUNDS.
COMMISSION RETRIEVAL
ACTION I CODE NO.
R-1411 01411
R-1412 01412
R-1413 01413