Exhaustive Report Made By

Heuvelmann On Plants Inspected.

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HEATING CONNECTIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETING

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Motorizing Hook And Ladder Truck Unanimously Approved.

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That the city council is seriously considering the installation of a filtration plant to supply the citizens with water obtained in this way rather than thru deep wells now in operation, was quite apparent when at the regular meeting of the council Tuesday evening, a report was submitted of an inspection made of filtration plants at Watertown, S.D. and Granite Falls,Minn., by a committee consisting of Mayor Emil Mueller, Councilor Fred Hamann, Superintendent Herbert Huevelmann and City Engineer F.D. Minium. The report was made by Superintendent Huevelmann. For some years the city has been faced with the problem of an inadequate supply of water and confronted with the necessity of sinking additional deep wells which are expensive and which give only temporary relief.

Data On Watertown Plant.

According to Superintendent Huevelmann, Watertown has a filtration plant with a capacity of 1 1-2 million gallons. Water is taken from Lake Kampeska aerated, then treated with alum and lime in mixing chamber which produces a coagulation of all vegetable and other matters contained in the water. The water is then passed to a settling tank and from there conveyed to the filtering plant and passes thru a bed of gravel and sand, sand being obtained from Redwing and then goes into a clear well and is then ready for consumption. The water thus obtained is as clear as crystal, tasteless and odorless. It costs 7 cents per thousand gallons. This includes power charged at the rate of 4 cents per kilowatt and includes the pay of two men who are employed to take care of the work incidental to the filtration process. This plant costs approximately $62,000.

Granite Falls Plant.

The plant at Granite Falls, has a capacity of 3-4 million gallons and costs in the neighborhood of $42,000. In this plant the water is not aerated. The output in this plaint is also clear as crystal, odorless and tasteless. The plant at Granite Falls is under direct supervision of the state, insuring at all times proper inspection, and water that is chemically pure. Costs of operation in this plant were not available, because the plant was installed only a short time ago. In both plants the water is chlorinated and the claim is made that this filtrated water is clearer and purer than well water.

Conditions Of Present System.

In the course of the discussion it developed that the present reservoir on Hermann’s Heights is sadly in need of repair; that if the present system of supplying the citizens with water be maintained, it will be necessary to install either another reservoir or stand pipe west of the Loretto hospital together with an additional main which would necessitate the expenditure of $35,000 and the sinking and equipping of a new well at a cost of an additional $17,000 which would increase the water supply by only 200,000 gallons. The old water works plant is about ready to fall to pieces and should and could be removed to make room for the filtration plant. It was also stated at the meeting that the work of installing a filtration plant should be actively begun next spring and that the question of issuing bonds for this project should be submitted to the voters at the spring election. According to Superintendent Huevelmann the installation of a filtration plant would mean an annual saving to the city of approximately $8,000.

Applications for

Heating Connections.

The application of Albert Pfaender to have the commercial Hotel property connected with the heating plant brought on a very lively discussion. The electric light, water and heating committee thru Chairman Hamann reported that the committee had had only one meeting and was not ready to make a report. Mr. Pfaender wanted action as soon as possible, because of certain plans that he now has under consideration. Supt. Huevelmann stated that in his opinion this property could be connected with the heating plant without interfering with the present service, that the installation would cost approximately $1150; that a vacuum pump would have to be installed at a cost of $600, which pump is, as a matter-of-fact, a necessity to give certain of the present consumers better service. Mr. Gronau took the position that if the heating plant is a money-maker and he had always been told that it was, that he could see no reason why the request should not be granted at once and in this he was seconded by Councilor Woratschka, but the sentiment of the majority of the council seemed to favor a special meeting at which time the whole heating proposition could be carefully looked into, it having been made to appear that other places are asking for this service and the matter was disposed of by referring it back to the committee with instructions to have a special meeting called at an early day at which time, Mr. Plaender could appear again and be heard and likewise Frank Niemann, Sr, who appeared before the Council and also asked that the heating service be extended from the municipal building to his new garage which he intends to erect this year.

Bids Invited For Truck.

A delegation of the fire department headed by chief Engel appeared for the purpose of seeing that the council would take proper action with reference to having the hook and ladder truck motorized. This matter was disposed of by the council voting unanimously to invite bids returnable August 26 for a new motor hook and ladder truck; for the motorizing of the present hook and ladder truck and for a new hook and ladder truck, the old truck to be turned in on the purchase price. The bidders are to be confined to concerns making a specialty of building fire equipment and the motor is to have a capacity of not less than 75 horse-power. Chief Engel also complained about the alleys being blocked at night with autos and other impediments which in case of fire would seriously hamper the activities of the fire department. Attention was also called to the daily infraction of the ordinance pertaining to the parking of cars at fire hydrants and allowing cars to stand all night on the main thoroughfare. Fred Pfaender also spoke along similar lines. No action was taken, because there seemed to be some question if the city police could act on their own volition, or if they would have to wait until formal complaint is made to them

Wants Grades Established.

Otto Heymann made complaint that was expected to lay sidewalks on Washington and State streets between 7th and 8th North Streets and that there was no grade established which would make it possible for him to go ahead with the work. According to his version of the matter, the blocks in question are in a bad way and must be fixed up to permit of the laying of walks. This matter was disposed of by referring it to the street committee.

Nuisance To Be Abated.

John Bartl appeared before the council and made complaint that a private sewer had been extended from Valley to Front street without a permit of the city, that some of the tile has been broken and that the refuse from this sewer is being dumped in front of his property which causes stench that is simply unbearable and he wanted this nuisance abated. Health officer Seifert agreed with Mr. Bartl that this nuisance should belated and the street committee was instructed to make the necessary investigation.

Minor Matters.

By a vote of five to three the application of John Regelin to have his soft drink license transferred to Albert Nenno was granted. The city engineer submitted an estimate of $1011.-50 for work done by W. S. Vercoe on storm sewer on German Street between 6th South and 7th South street and the issuance of voucher in this amount was ordered. The street commissioner reported 656 hours of hand labor for the past month. After allowing the usual grist of bills the council adjourned.

New Ulm Review,

July 29, 1925

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