THE GERMAN Renaissance style of the New Ulm Post Office,finished in 1910,is reflected in the windows of the new library.

Projects which are complete, partially done, or still a twinkle in some planner’s eye were viewed this week by New Ulm officials on a three-hour tour.

All five city councilmen, the mayor and four of five members of the public Utilities Commission (Mark Retzlaff was on vacation) were bused from site to site for the inspection.

Starting point was a view of a new door at the fire station, a reconstruction job which cost about $5,000.

Then it was on to the new library, now almost complete, for a stroll amidst workmen and dust, each area described briefly as it will look when occupied.

Officials spent quite a while looking over new equipment such as the Vac-All truck purchased by the city utility for use at the sewage plant and sweeping leaves; the airport tractor, a loader, brush chipper and stump cutter.

The 24,000-ton coal stockpile on First N. demanded a peek, and the feasibility of renovation of the German Park bandstand called for a look at the site.

The new press box and automatic sprinkling system put a tour of Johnson Park on the agenda.

The sliding hill at West Side Park was visited. It has been improved for safety reasons – cut down to reduce steepness – and the Jaycees are cooperating to put in lighting.

The Hockey Association is paying for materials for a third skating rink at West Side. It will be a smaller rink for children. Park crews will provide the labor.

Pending street and drainage improvements in the N. Garden area were on the schedule, as were street, water and sewer improvements already completed along N. Garden, Franklin, State and 16th N.

A proposed second softball field to be developed next year at North Park was viewed. It will be unlighted.

The Minnecon Park pleasantly surprised most of the officials – they had not visited it personally before. Approaching on Fifth N. they found the gravel parking lot nearly done, the boat ramp in, all old buildings removed. The project should be largely completed next year,including the new shelter and footbridge. Approach along Third N. has also been cleaned up.

A visit to the new Center Street lift station gave a glimpse of the large screw pump at work. Renovation of Franklin School,presently used as arts and crafts center for park and recreation programs, was suggested to the group. A substantial amount of work both inside and out would be needed.

Residential development in the Country Club area was viewed. City Manager Richard Salvati noted it is the last large area with utilities in which is suitable for such development.

New Ulm Daily Journal

Oct. 30, 1975