Improvement Plans

Altered in Compliance With Request of Many Property Owners.

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$90,000 CITY’S BONDED DEBT IS LIQUIDATED

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Caretaker Engaged

for Tourist Camp and

Hermann Park. Much Business Transacted.

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One of the busiest sessions of the city council in many a moon was the special meeting held Wednesday evening, when a great many pertinent matters were discussed and acted upon. At one stage of the proceedings, the breakers ran quite high, but the timely pouring of oil on the troubled waters restored a peaceful calm, and the deliberations were continued without further acrimony.

Eliminate Center Boulevard.

The meeting was a joint session of the city fathers and the board of public works for the purpose of discussing the proposed construction of a center boulevard on Broadway, between Fifth North and Fifth South streets, as well as cement curbing along the boulevards on the sides of that thoroughfare. Quite a delegation of interested property owners, headed by Attorney George D. Erickson, their counsel, was present in the meeting and objected to the former improvement, especially in the business section of Broadway, claiming that it would prove a hindrance, rather than a beautification of the street. It was also argued that, due to the ever-increasing traffic on Minnesota street, new parking regulations would soon have to be adopted on that thoroughfare, in which event Broadway would have to take care of the overflow.

Paving and Curbing.

It was finally decided to confine the improvement of Broadway to the paving of that section between Center and Fourth North streets, and the construction of cement curbing between Fifth North and Fifth South streets with the provision that the paving may be extended in either direction, should the abutting property owners so desire. Along the proposed paved area, side boulevards, are each to be extended 12 feet into the street, leaving a 56-foot driveway in the center. City Attorney Henry N. Somsen was directed to prepare the necessary petition, to be signed by interested property owners.

Cement Curbs, Gutters.

Upon recommendation of the street committee, the construction of cement curbing and gutters along the following street sections was also considered by the council, which referred all of the proposed improvements, including those on Broadway, to the board of public works: First North, Center and First South streets, from German to Spring street; Center street, from Washington street to the east end of the curbing on the Dr. Martin Luther college hill, and Second South street, from State to Broadway and from Minnesota to German street. The latter improvements are expected to minimize the present high cost of maintaining the streets affected, due to washouts, caused by heavy rains.

Call for Sewer Bids.

The resolution of the board of public works, recommending the construction of a storm and sanitary sewer on German street, between Sixth and Seventh South streets, was favorably acted upon by the council, which adopted plans and specifications as prepared by City Engineer F.D. Minimum. City Clerk William P. Backer was instructed to advertise for bids for this improvement.

Other Improvements.

The city clerk was also instructed to advertise for bids for the construction of 18 catch basins in various parts of the city, according to standard specifications. It was also voted to grade Sixth and Seventh North streets between Washington and Franklin streets, the cost of this improvement to be borne by the city at large, the same as heretofore. Agreeable with this action, it was decided to refund the assessments levied against the abutting property for the grading of Fifth and Sixth South streets, between Minnesota and German streets, some years ago. It is possible that the council will create a special fund to pay for all side street grading ordered in the future.

Bonded Debt Reduced.

City Clerk Backer reported that two state loans to the city, in the aggregate amount of $90,000,.had been liquidated this year. Of this amount,$50,000 was the remaining indebtedness on the new municipal building, while $40,000 represented the balance due on the Minnesota street paving bonds, and refunding bonds for floating indebtedness. The bonds were retired by payment as follows: Out of the sinking fund, $50,000 and $30,000,respectively, and the balance by direct taxation.

Caretaker Engaged.

Acting upon joint recommendations of the New Ulm Park board and the park committee of the city council, it was voted to engage Peter Allermann as park policeman for the purpose of caring for the local tourist camp and Hermann’s park, which are used jointly by tourists stopping here for meals and to spend the night. Mr. Allermann has been acting in that capacity on Sundays. He will receive a salary of $60 per month from the city for his full-time services as park policeman and caretaker of the tourist camp and Hermann’s park.

To Clean Ditch.

Chairman George Saffert of the street committee referred to the deplorable condition of the public ditch through the slough in the west part of the city, which is badly in need of being cleaned out. This should be done without delay, he stated. The matter will be taken up at the next regular session of the city council.

New Ulm Review,

June 19, 1925

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