HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistory of the Bozeman Police Dept_Chapter 02
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' The First Meeting
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Bozeman City Council
On February 13, 1874, the State Legislature approved an act authorizin the
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people of Bozeman to organize as a corporate body, and def ne boundaries as laid down
' in the original plan. Under a charter granted by the legislature in 1883, Bozeman became
an incorporated city, and on April 9 of the same year, the City Council was organized.
Far the first time, Bozeman had the power to enact laws relevant to the City's needs and
' desires.
At the first meeting of the City Council, newly elected mayor, John V. Bogert
' addressed the newly elected Aldermen in his office. Mayor Bogert spoke to the Council.
' "In the past Bozeman's rival interests, having had no hand to guide them, have
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s way an
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at, and to little if any result. But now, under organized control,
rivalries will foster general benefits, if we but bear in mind that we represent a whole and
not a part."
"About to try an experiment, it should be born in mind that some of our people do
not favorably regard incorporation-but wise and equitable ordinances and their just and
fair enforcement must soon make us ofane mind as a people on this subject-and in
favor of it."
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Mayor Bogert went an to say he didn
t want to antici ate Council action but that
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' he did have a shopping list of things he would like to see accomplished. 'They were:
1. A ro rl e ui d fire de artment
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' 2. Prohibition of wooded buildings and tin flues
3. Grading and graveling of Main Street and crosswalks
4. Crosswalks throughout the City
' 5. Construction of permanent sidewalks
6. Construction of a decent walkway from Main Street to the new railroad depot
7. Secural of public health
' 8. Secural of a new cemetery
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' 9. Construction of a pound and the elimination of swine from the city and other
animals at large
10. Find a permanent meeting place for the new City Council
It is reported the aldermen present resolved that the speech be recorded in the
City's minutes. The ballot was unanimous. Those voting were: William B. McAdow,
Will J. Davis, William Tracy, William W. Alderson, Nelson Story, Daniel E. Rouse and
' Peter Koch.
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