Persons elected are notified in writing within five days by the city clerk. Duties of Officers.-(a) Mayor.-The mayor is the chief executive officer of the city. He presides over the council, giving information as to the affairs of the city and recommending such measures as he deems expedient. It is his duty to have supervision over all departments of city government and see that all laws relating to the city and the ordi nances and regulations of the council are enforced. He is a conservator of the peace and may exercise within the city the power of a sheriff in suppressing disorder. The president pro tem. of the council performs the duties of mayor in case of absence or disability of the mayor. (b) Clerk. The clerk is clerk of the council and keeper of the corporate seal and all papers, bonds and records of the city. He is general accountant of the city. All claims against the city are filed with him and when ordered by the council he draws orders upon the treasurer in payment of same. He keeps an account with the treasurer, making a report to the council when required of the financial condition of the city. (c) Treasurer. The treasurer has custody of all moneys, bonds, mortgages and notes belonging to the city. He is the collector of all taxes levied within the city. He reports to the clerk each month and to the council annually, or oftener if required, the amounts received and paid out by him.' (d) Marshal.-The marshal is chief of police, and under the direction of the mayor is to see that quiet and good order are preserved. It is his duty to arrest all disorderly persons and may command aid of citizens in the performance of his duty. In most smaller cities the duties of street commissioner are conferred upon the marshal. In this connection it is his duty to perform or cause to be performed all work ordered by the council upon highways, streets, walks, bridges, public grounds or parks. (e) Attorney. The city attorney is the legal adviser of the council and all city officers, and acts for the city in all The justices of the peace, constables and supervisors have the same duties within the city and their respective wards as have these officers under the general laws in the townships. legal proceedings in which the city is interested. He prosecutes all violations of the city ordinances. (f) Surveyor.-The duties of city surveyor within the city are similar to those of the county surveyor. He makes all necessary plats, maps, surveys required by the council relating to the public improvements, buildings, grounds and streets of the city. City Council.-The legislative authority of the city is vested in a council consisting of the mayor, two aldermen from each ward and the city clerk. The mayor is president of the council, but has no vote except in case of a tie. The city clerk is clerk of the council, but has no vote. Regular meetings of the council are required to be held at least twice each month, but are usually held each week. The attendance of all members is compulsory. All sessions of the council are public and the proceedings are published in one of the newspapers of the city. Departments. (a) Police.—The council may provide by ordinance for a police force, and the mayor may appoint such number of policemen and night watchmen as may be deemed necessary for the good government of the city. Special policemen may be appointed in an emergency. The marshal is chief of police. (b) Water Works.-Any city may purchase or construct a system of water works. Upon a two-thirds vote of all the electors of the city, money may be borrowed to an amount not exceeding five per cent of the assessed valuation of the city for such purpose. (c) Lighting.-Any city may purchase or construct and operate a plant in connection with or independent of the water works for supplying gas, electric or other lights. Money may be raised under same conditions as for water works. (d) Fire Department.-The council may organize fire companies, purchase necessary apparatus, provide suitable buildings for keeping the equipment and appoint firemen. The engineer shall be the chief of the fire department. The council may provide for and appoint fire wardens to examine all heating apparatus and all places where combustible or explosive substances are kept and cause, if necessary, all such to be made safe as respects to fire. The council may prescribe fire limits within which wooden buildings shall not be erected, and direct the manner of constructing buildings within such districts. Owners of buildings may be compelled to provide fire escapes. The council may pass and enforce all ordinances and regulations necessary for the prevention and suppression of fires. (e) Board of Public Works.—A non-partisan board of public works, consisting of five members, shall be appointed by the mayor, one each year for the term of five years, to serve without compensation. One of their own number shall be elected president, and the city clerk shall be ex officio clerk of the board. This board shall have charge, subject to the direction of the council, of the construction, management, supervision and control of the city water works, electric or other lighting plants, sewers and such other public improvements or works as the council may place under their management. Suggestions and Material. Classes in rural schools will not be interested in making as close study of city government, but should be able to see some of the differences between city and country life as shown in building restrictions, disposal of garbage, inspection of milk and meat and other restrictions. City classes and others may secure a city charter and a printed copy of the ordinances. It is not so important to learn particular facts as to different items of city legislation as to discover the nature of the subjects and the principles underlying the administration of municipal affaiṛs. A general study of city government, as illustrated in the great cities, will be profitable and interesting. The dangerous tendency of the population to center in cities and the relative decrease of rural population may be seen. Questions on the Text. When may a village be incorporated as a city? What are cities of the fourth class? What about cities of the first, second and third classes? How many and what are the divisions of a city? Name the city officers. The ward officers. What is the term of the city officers? council? When does the city election occur? appointive officers named? Who are the city election officials? Members of the When are the Give the duties of the mayor, clerk, treasurer, marshal, attorney, surveyor. Who compose the city council? How is the council organized and its business transacted? Name the city departments. What is said of the police department? Water works? Fire department? Board of public works? Home Study Questions. Is your city (or nearest one to you) incorporated under a special act or under the blanket charter? What is its population? Is the population increasing or decreasing? Why? |