NUMB:
991041
VERS:
ORIGINAL
REF:
XXBY:
ALD. SCHERBERT
TITL:
Resolution authorizing the acceptance of a private contribution for the purpose of performing needed repairs and installing an automatic pull-down striker for the bell in the City Hall bell tower.
ANLS:
- Analysis - This resolution authorizes the City to accept $7,000 in private contributions from Mr. Harry F. Franke for the purpose of performing needed repairs and installing an automatic pull-down striker for the bell in the City Hall bell tower. First rung on January 1, 1897, the 22,555-pound bell has not been used regularly since October 1925 for fear of causing structural damage to the bell tower. Recent analysis of the bell and the tower suggests the bell can return to regular use and the striker would allow the bell to be rung several times a day.
BODY:
Whereas, The Milwaukee Common Council, on October 28, 1895, authorized the construction of a bell suitable for the tower of its new City Hall; and
Whereas, On New Year's Day 1897, citizens of Milwaukee first heard the bell sound from the City Hall tower; and
Whereas, In October 1925, the City, fearing vibrations from the bell would cause structural damage to City Hall, stopped ringing it regularly; and
Whereas, More recent analysis of the bell and its tower suggests that, with careful monitoring, the bell can return to more regular use; and
Whereas, The bell and its infrastructure are in need of some repair and the installation of an automatic pull-down striker would make ringing the bell much easier; and
Whereas, A private citizen, Mr. Harry F. Franke, has generously offered to donate the $7,000 it will cost both for the repairs and the installation of a pull-down striker; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works-Buildings and Fleet Division is authorized to accept up to $7,000 in private contributions for the purpose of performing needed repairs and installing a pull-down striker for the bell in the City Hall bell tower, in accordance with established City policies and procedures for the acceptance of contributions; and be it
Further Resolved, That upon receipt and deposit of these funds, the City Comptroller is authorized and directed to establish a special account within the Department of Public Works-Buildings and Fleet Division's budget for the expenditure of the contribution; and be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized and directed to transfer appropriations and estimated revenue from the Special Purpose Account for Contributions, 0001-2110-0001-D001-006300 and the Estimated Revenue Account for Contributions, 0001-2110-0001-009850 to the Department of Public Works - Buildings and Fleet Division's Estimated Revenue Account, to be established by the City Comptroller, up to the amount of $7,000.
ZDPT:
DPW - Buildings and Fleet Division
DFTR:
99357
JRO
10/14/99