Culbertson council orders fire-hose purchases, appoints fire chief and requires repair or removal of condemned building

The Town Council of Culbertson recorded several public-safety actions in spring 1936: orders for fire-hose purchases, selection of fire-department leadership, and a resolution addressing a condemned building.

Minutes show the clerk was instructed to order 500 feet of fire hose from the American La France Co. (subject to terms) and, at a later meeting, to order 200 feet of 1½-inch hose with Siamese coupling from W. S. Darley & Co., Chicago. The council also moved that the town would not allow any carnivals within 60 days prior to the town's dates (the first week of September 1936), and the clerk was asked to express appreciation to nearby towns for assistance during a recent fire.

On April 6 Mayor L. W. Moen appointed E. E. Bonebright as Fire Chief and Bert J. Soppe as Assistant Chief. The council later adopted RESOLUTION NO. 81 ordering repairs or demolition of the condemned Gussenhoven building, directing that the property owner, Joseph Gussenhoven, have repairs made immediately or the remaining structure be torn down or braced to prevent danger to life or property. The resolution also states the town assumes no responsibility for damages that may occur to property, cars or lives in connection with the required work.

These actions were recorded in the council minutes and attested by the town clerk; the council directed the clerk and responsible officers to execute the purchases and to see that the condemned structure was secured or removed.