Minutes 02/28/1961 - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-40 - The following communication from Frank LaViola andothers was read: "W~ wish to bring mo your attention a matter which has been discussed in the pasm by us and o~hers with the City Manager, City Engineer and i~divi~ual Councilmen. It concerns the drainage (or better yem, the lack of it) of Gander Creek. This 'creek' is the prime drain for all the erea from Prentis Park throug~ downtown, sonth of High St. In years go~e by this drainage system was adequame as the 'creek' was deep and wid~ and had marshes on its banks in 6rder mo catch the overflow without damage. But through the years this creek and its marshes have been filled in until now it is hem much more than a crooked and debris-litter ditch° To compound this problem we have more water to drain from the area due to having more buildings, paved smreems and paved parking lots, etc. It seems a paradox to us that so much money is being spsnm for curbs and gummers-which are very good in themselves-and in the meantime not doing anything mo alleviate the main drainage problems, At the Tunnel venmilation building, south end of Middle street, an unnecessary impedi- menm was placed by the Tunnel builders in the form of a dike with only three pipes to carry all the water drained from this large area under the S. A. L. RR tracks and into the Cat Hole. Theoretically these pipes might be large enough'to do the job, but in practice they are always partly filled with silt and/or debris, thereby reducing their efficiency. After heavy smorms, even with the river water lower on the east side of this impediment, wamer will be backed up and higher on the west side because of this obstruction. It is respectfully suggested that as a start the Tunnel Commission be made to correct their error. This can be done by bridging instea8 of piping in this area as it Originally was. Debris and sil~ could hem Then accumulate at this point~ For the overall longer range improvemenm of this drainage condition it is respectfully suggested that some of the "curb and gutter" money be allocated to mnke'a study and a start toward the. placementlj of an enclosed large culvert or culverts in s more direct line mo the river. Then this ditbh could be complete covered and made efficient, safer for children and less of an eyesore. These suggestions are senm in the spirit of wanting the best for our City and we hope that you agree that these ~orrec tions are needed an~ will order the conunencemenm of same." Signed - Frank LaViols and others Motion of Mr. Walker to acknowledge and refer to the City Manager for investigation and report back to the Council within thirty days, was adopted, without dissenting vote, 61-41 - The following communication from Joseph T. Simons was read: accident January 25th: this tag number. Csssell Street." "I am requesting refund on my 1961 aumo license, a 1953 Ford Custom Coupe. I was in an 1961 and my car has been declared a total loss. Therefore, I have no further need for Please advise me if further proof zs needed. ~y car is at Orenduff's Garage, 22~2 dissenting vote. Motion of Mr. Barnes that this be refer~ed to the proper department was adopted, without - < ~ The following communication from the Co.missioner of Revenue was read: "Please be advised that James A. Hayes has been assessed for tangible personal propermy valmed for $1110.00 with taxes amounting to $30.53 for the year of 1960. Our investigation reveals that the correct assessment should have been $$60.00 with mares amounting to $23.65, representing an over assessment in taxes amounting to $6.88. James Hayes was erroneously assessed for household which was also assessed mo the owner, Ethel ~. Weaver. The taxpayer has paid the. orig.%al tax notice as evidenced b~ the enclosed receipt No. 31070. As this ls definitely an over paymen~ of $6.8~ plus penalmy and interest of $.40, we sincerely reques~ that a refund in the amount of $7.23 be made to the taxpayer." dissenting vote. On motion of Mr. Barnes the refund of $7.28 w~s approved on first reading, without 61-43 - The following communication from the Con~issioner of Revenue was read: "Please be advised that Je~sefD. and Gladys Alston has been assessed for Tangible Persona Property valued for $1310.00 with taxes amounting to '$36.03. Our investigation.reveals that the correcm assess- menm should have been $280.00 with taxes amounting to $7.70,. representing an over assessmenm in taxes amounting ~o $28.33. The over assessment is for a 1957 Ford, which was assessed to his mother, Annie M. Alston since it was registered in her name as of January 1, 1960 ~nd mransferred ~n Augusm, 1960 mo son. Both tax bills have been paid. As this is definitely an over payment of $28.33, plus penalty and interesm of $1.69, as evidenced by the enclosed receipt No. 26594, we sincerely request that a refund in the amounm of $30.02 be made to the maxpayer." dissenting vote. On motion of Mr. Breedlove said refund of $30.02 was approved on first reading, without 61-44 - The following letters from the PortsmouthTransit Company were read: "For thirteen months the Portsmouth Transit Compauyhas operated az a loss. For thirtee~ months the fa~es.collected through the fare boxes failed by a substantial margin mo meet the cost of operating the service. As a result, the Company's finances have been seriou~Iy.impaired, and our ability ~o continue mo operate becomes more doubtful each day. We must have the~re increase, and have it i~mediately, if' the Compen~ The ComPany has made every effort to convince the Ceunoil of our need, and no one has disputed the facts we have presented; bum for one reason or another Council has deferred action in granting the fare increase. We have presented figur&s And held publi~ meetings, but a decision has been withheld as will be seen by reviewing the following: