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GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01883 3050
GENEALOGY 974.202 R58, 1922
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014
https://archive.org/details/annualreportofci00roch
FREDERIC E. SMALL, MAYOR
Thirty-First Annual Report
OF THE
City of Rochester
New Hampshire
ROCHESTER
CHARTE
For the Year Ending December Thirty-First Nineteen Hundred and Twenty-Two
RD PRESS
THE R
ROCHESTER. N.H.
Inaugural Address
BY
MAYOR FREDERIC E. SMALL
Gentlemen of the City Council:
The people, by a majority vote in the largest total of votes ever given in at any City Election in Rochester, have determined to have a change in the administra- tion of our municipal affairs. I have made a pledge to accept the office of Mayor, as the servant of all the people, and to advocate and work for the policies of economy, efficiency and lower taxes. In order that the wishes of the people may be fulfilled, I respectfully ask and shall expect your full co-operation and assist- ance. I plead for harmony and good-will in all our deliberations with one another in the transaction of any and all business for the good and welfare of our City. I have the greatest confidence that you will act like men, divorced from all partisanship, and, render every assistance in your power to get back to normalcy.
Agreeably to a long established custom, I submit to you a financial statement together with an outline of my views, relating to the condition of our municipal affairs, with certain suggestions and recommendations for your consideration.
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ANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL STATEMENT, JANUARY 1, 1923
DEBIT
Municipal Bonds
$140,000 00
Municipal Highway Bonds
5,000 00
City Hall Bonds 19,000 00
Checks out unpaid
46,807 02
Amount due Water Works on Account
112 97
$210,919 99
CREDIT
Boston & Maine Stock $ 800 00
Due on Collector's list, 1921
128 60
Due on Collector's list, 1922
6,491 31
Due on sundry accounts
1,593 68
Cash in hands of Treasurer
47,140 32
$ 56,153 91
Net indebtedness (exclusive of Water Debt) 154,766 08
1
Water Bond outstanding
5,000 00
Sinking fund for Water Bonds outstanding 4,000 00
Decrease of debt during 1922, exclusive of Water Bonds 53,143 80
Bonded indebtedness decreased during 1922 49,000 00
SCHOOLS
Our schools are provided for by the largest single item in our appropriations, and, rightfully so. I am a firm believer in good schools, and, we should see to it that their efficiency is not impaired. I shall take up this subject in more detail with the School Board.
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CITY OF ROCHESTER
ROADS, BRIDGES AND DRAINS
Good roads are an invaluable asset to any com- munity. We all believe in good roads, but, there are those who do not believe that too heavy a burden should be placed upon the taxpayers, for this purpose, in a single year. A policy should be agreed upon and steadily pursued, and, no wide fluctuation in the yearly expenditures in this department should be allowed.
I favor the building of a bridge across the Cocheco River, to connect the North Main Street section with the Wakefield Street section, provided, it can be done without increasing the funded debt, and, without plac- ing any additional burden upon the taxpayers. I believe the building of this bridge would be in the line of real progress. I believe it would materially in- crease the valuation of real estate in that locality for the purposes of taxation; encourage and promote the erection of homes along the banks of the river and adjacent thereto; make more readily accessible to the people on the west side of the river the advantages of Dominicus Hanson Park, and, accomodate and con- serve the energy of employees of factories and shops on the east side, who live on the west side of the river. Our drains, or surface sewer system should be inspect- ed from time to time and kept in good condition.
WATER WORKS AND SEWERS
I favor a liberal policy in extending the water and sewer service to encourage the building of homes, and, thereby increase the valuation of real estate for the purposes of taxation.
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ANNUAL REPORT
In 1913 an Order was passed by the City Council authorizing the Committee on Water Works to install meters to be attached to all services not already metered, and providing for an installation of one hundred meters per year.
The execution of this order has been discontinued since 1916, except, in cases of new water takers, with- out any authority from the City Council, whereas, if continued, all services would now be metered, so that, everybody using the City Water would be paying for the service on a basis of equality.
The order made and provided in 1913 will be enforced, unless otherwise ordered by the Council.
Our deep sewers should be inspected from time to time, and, flushed with alkalis wherever practical to destroy all foreign substance and prevent clogging.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Since 1915 when the Chief Engineer was perman- ently installed at the Central Fire Station the protection to property against loss by fire has greatly improved, and, the efficiency of the Chief and the entire department, under his direction for the past seven years, should receive the commendation of the people.
In my judgment, the purchase of Ford Fire Trucks for East Rochester and Gonic during the past year at a cost of $4,600 was an expensive experiment and unwarranted from the standpoint of efficient service.
There is the additional cost of heating the two fire stations during the winter season, and, while the chauffeurs, each of whom are employed in the mills,
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CITY OF ROCHESTER
can be called from their work and reach the stations, a truck from the Central Fire Station could probably reach the scene of the fire.
The exchange of these trucks for a larger truck, of sufficient weight to safely carry the necessary equip- ment, to be housed at the Central Fire Station, may well be considered.
SALARIES OF CITY OFFICIALS
I recommend a re-adjustment of the salaries of city officials. The wages of city laborers have already been reduced from four dollars per day to three dollars and twenty-five cents, or about 19 per cent. Statistics from the United States Department of Labor show a decrease of 23 per cent. in the cost of living, from the high point in June, 1920, to September, 1922, so that, a salary of $1,300 per year now, is greater, from the standpoint of the cost of living than a salary of $1,600 in 1920.
The Tax Collector is receiving approximately $2,200 per year for collecting the taxes on a commission basis. I recommend the substitution of a flat salary of $1,200 per year, for the reason that it is costing too much to collect the taxes, and, for the further reason that a responsible, reliable citizen of Rochester, who has had an experience of five years as Collector of Taxes, has volunteered to do the job for that salary.
If these recommendations are adopted, in accord- ance with the schedule I have prepared, it will mean a reduction in the salaries of City Officials in the amount of $3,000 per year.
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ANNUAL REPORT
STREET LIGHTS
I have heard very little complaint regarding the lighting of the city, but, there is generally room for improvement, and, I am in favor of a careful inspec- tion of the system to ascertain whether any improve- ment can be made without any additional expense.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Public Library is a splendid institution, and, we are very fortunate in having such an efficient Librar- ian. The primary value of a public library in any community depends very largely on a wise selection of good books. I shall take up this subject more in detail with the Board of Trustees.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Our police department has made an excellent financial showing during the past year and has a good record. We have every reason to be proud of our City from the fact that there are few, if any, who do not subscribe to the principle and the enforcement of law and order.
SIDEWALKS
I believe in good sidewalks, and, wherever a side- walk is needed and the abuttors are willing to pay one- half the cost, as provided by law, I am in favor of building them.
OPERA HOUSE
We have a fine Opera House, well equipped, for a City of our size. As long as we are in the show
9
CITY OF ROCHESTER
business, we should undertake to show the largest possible profit each year. The net profit turned over to the City for the year 1921 was $33.80 which wouldn't begin to pay for the wear and tear of the building. If you are willing to co-operate with me in the selection of a manager, I feel sure that this depart- ment can be made to pay a satisfactory profit.
SHADE TREES, PARKS AND COMMONS
We should ever bear in mind the beauty and value of our shade trees, that they may be cared for and preserved, while every encouragement should be given for the planting of trees to fill up vacant spaces or to replace those which have died or been removed. In Dominicus Hanson Park we have the making of a splendid play-ground and place of recreation, which also affords an extensive breathing space to those who are confined in close quarters during the hot weather.
The "Common" deserves our attention with a rea- sonable outlay for its improvement. The band-stand erected by popular subscription is very much in need or repair, and the splendid flag-pole, a gift from a former citizen, is badly cracked for lack of proper care. Other small parks are an ornament to the city and should receive the attention which they deserve.
PURCHASING COMMITTEE
It was a wise provision when a Purchasing Commit- tee was created for the purchase of all materials and supplies, by requisition, and that policy will be pursued, unless otherwise ordered by the Council.
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ANNUAL REPORT
TAX DISCOUNTS
A discount of 11/2 per cent. on all taxes paid in full on or before the first day of July in each year, and 1 per cent. on all taxes paid in full on or before the first day of August in each year, is now provided by our Ordinances.
I believe this to be unfair to a large majority of our people who do not have a surplus to enable them to take advantage of such discounts. It is only beneficial to a small minority who are financially able to pay their taxes at any time. The amount of discounts on taxes paid for the year 1922 is $1,378.30.
I recommend the repeal of this Ordinance.
HIRING MONEY IN ANTICIPATION OF TAXES
It has long been a custom to hire money in antici- pation of taxes, in other words, for the purpose of paying the current bills of the City before a sufficient amount is paid in taxes.
In 1921 the City Council authorized the Finance Committee to hire $60,000, but, as a matter of fact, $65,000 was hired for this purpose.
It is probable that this custom cannot be done away with all at once, but, I believe an honest effort should be made to rid the City of this habit. All taxes assessed upon property are due after 14 days notice, and, I believe, that if requested we have enough public spirited citizens who can pay their taxes at one time as well as another, sufficient to enable the city to pay current bills without being obliged to borrow such a large sum of money.
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CITY OF ROCHESTER
FOR EACH MONTH
The legislature of 1915 passed a law entitled "An Act in relation to the deposit of public funds in banks," which provides a call for bids for the public funds for interest on daily average balances for each month, and, that all public funds, not permanently invested, shall be deposited in such solvent bank or banks as will pay the highest rate of interest.
This law is mandatory and is not being enforced.
CONCLUSION
The Chamber of Commerce and Merchants' Associa- tion are organizations which should be particularly interested in Good Government, and in making our city a bigger, busier and better place in which to live, and, I believe I voice your sentiments, as well as my own, when I invite their co-operation and assistance.
In fact, it is my ambition to assist in making Rochester one of the best governed cities to be found anywhere, and I invite the co-operation and assistance of any and all citizens.
City Government
AS ORGANIZED JANUARY 3, 1923
MAYOR FREDERIC E. SMALL
COUNCILMEN
Ward One
WILLIAM F. HARTFORD, CHARLES S. CLARK, HARRY G. BICKFORD.
Ward Two
FRANK D. CALLAGHAN, JOHN F. CONRAD, HARVEY D. SMITH.
Ward Three
FRED'RI'K A. HAMILTON, NELSON R. HART, HARRY H. MEADER.
Ward Four
ALBERT GRONDIN, JOSEPH BELANGER, EUGENE LUNEAU.
Ward Five
ALBERT E. EVANS, GEORGE H. TORR, HOWARD E. SMITH.
Ward Six
HAROLD M. CARR, FRED F. SEAVEY, FREEMAN CORSON.
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CITY OF ROCHESTER
City Clerk-Frank E. Hussey. City Treasurer-John L. Copp. City Solicitor-Elmer J. Smart. .Collector of Taxes-William K. Kimball. Street Commissioner-John H. Shepard.
Superintendent of Water Works and Sewers-J. Frank Ellis.
Marshal-William S. Davis.
Assistant Marshal-Frank H. Boston.
Night Watch-Adelard Duquette. Police at Gonic-Frederick A. Hamilton. Police at East Rochester-William F. Hartford. Chief Engineer of Fire Department-John F. Nute. First Assistant Engineer-Wilbur E. Horne. Second Assistant Engineer-Peter McShane. Third Assistant Engineer-Charles S. Clark. Fourth Assistant Engineer-Louis M. Richardson. Sanitary Officer-John I. Rankin.
Overseer of the Poor-Forrest L. Keay.
City Physician-Dudley L. Stokes.
Board of Health-Dudley L. Stokes, Forrest L. Keay, John I. Rankin.
Assessors-Charles H. Twombly, J. E. A. Bilodeau, Edgar J. Ham.
Plumbers' Examining Board-John I. Rankin, Albert P. Covey, Dudley L. Stokes. Covey, Dudley L. Stokes.
Trustees of Public Library-Mayor Frederic E. Small, Sidney B. Hayes. Fred P. Meader, Harry H. Meader, John Young, H. L. Worcester, Willis McDuffee.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Trustees of Trust Funds-John S. Kimball, Cecil C. Shaw, Frank E. Hussey.
Manager of Opera House-Elihu L. Webster.
Janitor-J. Harry Dame.
Licensing Board-Mayor Frederic E. Small, City Mar- shall William S. Davis and City Clerk Frank E. Hussey.
Special Police-George D. Dame, Nelson Hatch, Jo- seph Cooley, Stephen Howard, Edward Josselyn, William O. Allen, Walter J. Seavey, Joseph Woodes, William A. Martin, H. H. Clough, Louis Gauthier, Felix Hughes, Raymond A. Foss, Arthur T. Horne, Charles A. Emerson, John I. Rankin, Clarence L. Andrews, Fred Doyle, Arthur E. Tebbetts, Elmer A. Garland, Carl Jacobs, Elmer Watson, Thomas O'Brien, Joseph Roch- eleau, William J. Blair, Alfred J. Cooney, Arthur Ayscough, Robert G. Shea, William Littlefield, Stephen F. Bennett, Frank S. Edgerly, Everett A. Chadbourne, Fred Chesley, Charles Twombley, Dan Henderson, Cecil Shepard, Fred L. Seavey, Ernest Watson, Harold Caswell, George Fifield, J. Harry Dame, Elihu L. Webster, I. Belmont Allen. Public Weighers-Isaac C. Evans, Hubert C. Good- win, Albert E. Kleeb, Roland E. Joy, Alfred Rodier, Frank Hoyt, A. F. Bradley, Albert Holmes, E. M. Hawkes, Granville F. Grant, David Johnson, Elias Voyer, Frank L.' Wing, George Harris, Charles D. Peck, Walter J. Sea- vey, Chester H. Smith, George H. Torr, Charles C. Torr, V. E. Page, W. H. Otis, Vivian C. Cotton, James Foley, Frank Glidden, Heman G. Goodwin.
15
CITY OF ROCHESTER
Surveyors of Wood and Lumber-Nahum Woodman, Sidney B. Hayes, Louis Cartier, Robert Fownes, Charles Tebbetts, Ora Goodale, Levi Harmon, Arthur Davis, Nelson R. Hart, John Parry, Na- poleon Masse, David Shields, Harry H. Meader, George Bunker, Nathaniel Davis, Arthur W. Barber, Robert H. Kaler, Alphonse F. Potvin, W. Eugene Springfield, Thomas Dudley, J. O. Wat- son, Ralph Littlefield, James Allen, Isaac W. Rankin, John Higgins.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Finance-Mayor, Meader, Smith.
Shades Trees, Parks and Commons-Mayor, H. E. Smith, Hartford.
Public Instruction-Mayor, Seavey, Grondin. Claims and Accounts-Mayor, Evans, Callaghan.
Public Buildings-Seavey, Hart, Bickford. Fire Department-Callaghan, Luneau, Hamilton. Roads, Bridges and Drains-Smith, Carr, Conrad. Water Works and Sewers-Conrad, Belanger, Carr. Street Lights-Evans, Bickford, Hamilton. Printing-Torr, Seavey, Corson. Election and Returns-Hartford, Hart, Luneau. Legal Affairs-Mayor, Meader, Clark.
Bills in their Second Reading and Enrolled Ordinances -Clark, Grondin, Belanger.
Police-Mayor, H. E. Smith, Corson.
Purchasing Committee-Mayor, Meader, Corson.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Recommendations for Annual Appropriations, 1923
Sampson Post,
$ 200 00
East Rochester Public Library,
200 00
County Tax,
21,000 00
Public Library,
6,000 00
Fuel for City Hall,
2,000 00
Gypsy Moths,
200 00
Insurance on City Hall,
900 00
Street Lights,
9,000 00
Sidewalks,
2,300 00
Health Department,
200 00
Shade Trees, Parks and Commons,
1,000 00
City Hall Bonds,
5,000 00
Schools,
81,000 00
Police,
4,500 00
Salaries,
11,000 00
Fire Department,
12,000 00
Highways,
30,000 00
State Highways, Maintenance and Con- struction,
10,000 00
Deep Sewers,
1,000 00
Surface Sewers,
2,000 00
Street Sprinkling,
1,000 00
Municipal Bonds,
14,000 00
State Tax,
38,000 00
City Poor and Soldiers' Aid,
3,500 00
$256,000 00
Important Resolutions and Orders PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
TO HIRE IN ANTICIPATION OF TAXES
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the Committee on Finance is hereby authorized to hire on note or notes of the City a sum not exceeding $50,000.00 during the year 1922 in anticipation of taxes, said notes to be issued at such times as the bal- ance in the treasury makes it necessary, and to be taken up at the earliest possible date during 1922 as the balance in the treasury will permit.
Passed January 4, 1922.
FOR ANNUAL APPROPRIATION
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That for the support of the various departments for the year 1922, there be raised by taxation the sum of two hundred eighty-seven thousand nine hundred and sixty dollars ($287,960.00) and the assessors are directed to assess that amount with such overlay as may be thought necessary.
Passed January 24, 1922.
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ANNUAL REPORT
TO RAISE MONEY WITHIN THE SPRINKLING PRECINCT
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) be raised by taxation within the sprink- ling precinct, in accordance with the act of the Legis- lature, creating said precinct.
Passed January 24, 1922.
TO REPAIR TORRENT ENGINE HOUSE
Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the Committee on Fire Department and the Ward Six Delegation is hereby authorized to make all necessary repairs upon the Torrent Engine House, and to make such improvements as will provide proper facilities for the increased voting population, to be paid from any funds of the City available for that pur- pose. All of the work of making said repairs and improvements to be completed before September first, 1922.
Passed March 7, 1922.
TO APPROPRIATE $500.00 TO HELP DEFRAY THE EXPENSES OF THE TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the sum of five hundred dollars be placed at the disposal of the Committee, having in charge the ,exercises in connection with the celebration of the
19
CITY OF ROCHESTER
two hundredth anniversary founding of Rochester, the same to be paid from any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and that a committee of three of which the Mayor shall be one, be appointed to rep- resent the City in carrying out the plans for such cele- bration.
Passed March 7, 1922.
TO REMOVE CAR TRACK FROM NORTH MAIN STREET
Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the Dover, Somersworth and Rochester Street Railway be requested to remove, as soon as may be reasonable to do so, its rails, ties, poles, together with all overhead wires and equipment, between Straf- ford Square and the Y in front of Ainslie's drug store on Central Square in the City of Rochester, and to put the highway occupied by its tracks and poles into as good condition as the adjoining portion of said high- way is in, and in accordance with the order of the Public Service Commission, providing there is no objection made in seven days.
That an attested copy of this resolution, together with the vote thereon of the City Council, be given to said Railway Company, and another attested copy thereof be filed with the Public Service Commission.
Passed April 4, 1922.
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ANNUAL REPORT
TO EXEMPT ROCHESTER SHOE AND LEATHER CO., INC.
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the firm of Rochester Shoe and Leather Co., Inc., manufacturers of shoes and shoe trimmings at East Rochester, N. H., be exempt from taxation of city taxes for a term of ten years, upon their machinery and stock used in their manufacturing establishment, but said property shall be assessed and taxed for the purposes of state and county taxes.
Passed April 4, 1922.
TO EXEMPT H. U. PERKINS CO., INC.
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the firm of H. U. Perkins Co., Inc., manu- facturers of shoes and shoe trimmings at East Roches- ter, N. H., be exempt from taxation (city) for a term of ten years, upon their machinery and stock used in their manufacturing establishment, but said property shall be assessed and taxed for county and state pur- poses.
Passed April 4, 1922.
TO HIRE IN ANTICIPATION OF TAXES
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the Finance Committee be authorized to hire on note or notes of the City a sum not exceeding fifty thousand dollars in anticipation of taxes. Said notes to be taken up at the earliest possible date that the bal- ance in the treasury will permit.
· Passed May 2, 1922.
21
CITY OF ROCHESTER
TO REFUND WATER LOAN
Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the City of Rochester, New Hampshire be authorized to sell its notes to the extent of forty-three thousand dollars, the money to be used to retire the maturing Water Bond Issue, the said notes shall be dated June 6 and be made payable at the Public Na- tional Bank of the City of Rochester, New Hampshire, as follows: Fourteen thousand July 1, 1922, five thousand August 1, 1922, five thousand February 1, 1923, fourteen thousand July 1, 1923, five thousand August 1, 1923. Said notes shall be signed by the Mayor and City Treasurer, countersigned by the City Clerk and shall be under the seal of the City of Roch- ester, New Hampshire.
The Finance Committee is hereby authorized to negotiate and carry out the provisions of this resolu- tion.
Passed June 6, 1922.
TO FIX DATE OF MEETING
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
That the rules and orders of the City Council be suspended so far as they relate to the regular meeting of the City Council for the month of July, 1922, and that the regular meeting for the month of July, 1922 be called Wednesday, July 5, at 7.30 P. M.
Passed June 6, 1922.
·
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ANNUAL REPORT
AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE RELATING TO BUILDINGS WITHIN THE FIRE PRECINCT
Be it Ordained by the City Council of the City of Roch- ester as follows:
That Section 1 of Chapter IX of the ordinances as amended July 6, 1915, be further amended by striking out from the first and second lines thereof, the words "without the consent of the City Council" so that said section as amended shall read as follows :
SECTION 1. No person shall hereafter erect, or cause to be erected any building unless the walls and roof shall be incombustible, except dwelling houses, the roof of which shall be incombustible, nor hereafter re-cover the roof of any dwelling house or building with combustible material, within the following limits of the city, to wit: Beginning at the northeasterly .abutment of the passageway under Bridge street, thence running northerly by the Cocheco river to the northeasterly abutment of the stone bridge on North Main street, thence northeasterly by said river one hundred and fifty feet, turning at right angles and running on a line distant one hundred and fifty feet from North Main to Union street, thence running northeasterly by Union street to Wakefield street, thence southerly by Wakefield street to Summer street, thence by Sumner street one hundred and fifty feet, turning at right angles and running on a line one hun- dred and fifty feet from Wakefield street to Autumn street, thence northeasterly by Autumn street to the Boston and Maine railroad track, thence southerly by railroad track to Portland street, thence southwesterly
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CITY OF ROCHESTER
by Portland street to South Main street, thence south- easterly by South Main street to Liberty street, thence southwesterly by Liberty street to Charles street, thence northwesterly by Charles street to Congress street, thence northeasterly by Congress street to the easterly corner of land of Charles E. Clark, formerly Norway Plains Manufacturing Company, thence northwesterly in a direct line to the easterly corner of said Clark's Counting Room building, thence north- easterly in a direct line to the point begun at.
SECTION 2. That all ordinances inconsistent here- · with are hereby repealed and this amendment shall take effect upon its passage.
Passed July 5, 1922.
TO PURCHASE LAND CORNER OF BRIDGE AND RIVER STREETS
Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Rochester:
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