Approximately 70 people attended the regular meeting of the City Council Tuesday night and after the dust cleared the Council voted 4-1 to hire an architect to finish drawing plans for the new library.

The opposition to the new library was less than anticipated as only a handful of people spoke against the plans for the $800,000 building.

Among the complaints was one from Steve Ibberson, 1126 S. Broadway. “We are going to build an $800,000 library when we don’t have a city hall large enough to hold a city council meeting.” He continued by wondering where books would come from for the new building and called the new library a monstrosity.

Other complaints included such things as having libraries all over town already, children not using the library during the summer and feelings that a referendum should be proposed to vote on the new library.

The arguments for the new library outnumbered those against. Steve Baloga, 1300 N. Franklin, had an interesting comment.

“According to the National Library of Statistics, for general modern library usage, the facility here is adequate for a town of 2,000 people.” He continued. “We currently have library card folders for over 8,500 people. That is approximately two-thirds of New Ulm.”

Mrs. Lynn Blaylock, 1024 S. Payne, commented that the library is overflowing with books and there is no place to put them or order new ones. She stated for three months of the year during the summer, the public library is the only place for people to go and get books.

Librarian Mrs. Christine Dawson,1117 S. State, spoke of circulation of books during the summer. “The first day after school closed, we had an increase of 200 in circulation.”

She continued by saying they have circulated between 200 and 400 books a day since school has closed.

After nearly 45 minutes of the public hearing, the council voted 4-1 to build the new library. The dissenting vote came from Dr. George Germann.

Mayor Carl Wyczawski spoke of the importance of the new library after the meeting. “This is a significant step for the community. We’ve needed a new library here for over 25 years. The council should be commended for its efforts.”

++

IN OTHER MAJOR action, the council passed a motion to proceed with a request to secure fee title to the land optioned as a site for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Southwest Regional Headquarters.

Robert L. Herbst,commissioner of the (DNR), wrote a congratulatory letter to the city council and Mayor Wyczawski, commending the New Ulm area as a fine city.

The council also accepted $41,214 for the State Natural Resources grant for the Minnecon Park and Trail Project.

THE CITY COUNCIL spent nearly one hour in discussing penalty damages it was to receive in the North Garden Water Main Project.

The liquidated damages, totaling $3,700, were finally lowered to $1,000 and State Contracting Inc. finally accepted paying $1,000 in damages.

Failure to answer charges of failing to answer letters written by the council regarding delays in the completion of the project led to a feeling by the council that the liquidation damages should be paid in part.

State Contracting Inc. represented by an attorney, felt it should have been granted an extension of its contract. However, it failed to sway the council.

++

PUBLIC HEARINGS were also scheduled for Aug. 7 and 21. On Aug. 7, the Council will consider hearings on public utility improvements for the area surrounding the new Madsen’s store. On Aug. 21, a hearing will be held to discuss improvement needs for Louis Spoor, S. German Street.

The council also passed a motion for the development of a municipal parking lot, to hold 69 stalls, on the site of former St. Paul Lutheran Grade School. Discussions will be held with Brown County officials. Sheriff Ervin E. Weinkauf’s report on the inspection of the city jail also was presented. It is a routine annually to check the jail.

Also discussed were plans to install sidewalks on 10th South, between Payne and Summit. A motion was passed to build a sidewalk in the area.

Licenses were granted to three groups. Elvoyd J. Jacobson, 214 N. Minnesota, received on and off sale non-intoxicating malt liquor license, a soft drink license, mechanical music devices and machines license and a cigarette license.

Alan C. (Skeeter) Hilbert received an auction service-soft drink license, and Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life 305 N. Minnesota, also received a soft drink license.

++

A PETITION, with 75 per cent signers, was presented. The city engineer was ordered to make plans and specifications for surfacing 10th South.

The alley in Block 66, South will be made two-way in action Tuesday night.

And finally, the council accepted the veto of Mayor Wyczawski on angle parking.

In other action, Ordinance No. 287 was revised and codified, collateral posted by Farmers and Merchants Bank of New Ulm was released and a motion was passed to approve a Plat showing a subdivision of Lots 6 and 7 of Block 66 South.

New Ulm Daily Journal,

July 18, 1973