Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1896-04-22
MATERNORKS.


The construction Of the waterworl1s is pro-
crossing very rapidly and mainly in conform
ity with the ordinance passed October 10,
1885. The power house IS nearly perfected
and furnished with necessary machinery.
Eight miles Of water mains are laid, with
siXty-twO hydrant connections
Unless some unforeseen delays occur, the
plant will be ready to start up by the 1st of
jane next. Upon the completion of the wa
terWorks they are 10 be subjected to a thor
Ough test, and if they develop power and
show capacity and produce good, wholesome
water as provided for by the ordinance, |
| recommend their acceptance.
For the benefit Of aldermen serving their
! first term, will give general outline OF the
| waterwOrks franchise, touching mainly on
| the more important features embodied
! therein.
! to the WatertOwn Waterworks company for
| a system Of WaterwOrks, with an option to
the city at any time. to purchase the same at
actual cost at the'time of purchase. The city
! has obligated herself to rent leo hydrants at
an annual rental of forty dollars per hydrant
which will increase taxes S6,0O0j year, and
| entitle the city to free water for fire service,
| flushing and settling sewers, for drinking
| purposes and closets in all city buildings, in
Guiding churches, and four public fountains.
The question to be determined by this
] council is whether it will be less expensive
| and more advantageous for the City to buy
| the wOrk ks at actual cost when accepted
| (Which is not to exceed S1Q5 000), and pay
| the six per cent. interest, or pay the hydrant
rental The general feeling seems to be in
|
| is in a financial position to do so. If this is
the desire Of the people, it can be ratified by
this council, and is feasible on the following
plan:
| With the present bonded Indebtedness re
duced to S76 900 90, the city would not exceed
its statutory bond limit by borrowing ten to
| fifteen thousand dollars aand applying it in
part payment of the plant. The balance of
the purchase being about $500 would be
| outstanding bonds against the WaterwOrks
! company, subject to which the city would
| bonds
| become due, with six per cent. interest. No
| bonds would become due until 1902. Then
5000 would mature yearly for five years.
| Thereafter SIS, 900 a year till all are paid, with
an option contained in the bonds to the
WaterWorks company or its assigns to pay
any amount before due Oh thirty days notice.
If after the termination of ten years, the city
could borrow money at less than six per
cent. new bonds could be issued bearing a
| lower rate OF interest, and all the old ones,
| then amounting to SIS. 600, taken UP.
The latitude for diversity of opinion be-
tween the council andsW aterworks company
in regard to getting at the actual cost, would
be less the first year than it would be in
years later.
call your attention to the Importance of
having the water mains laid in conformity to
established street grades.
I [ commend this very important water
works question to your earnest considera-
ton.
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
The total length of sewers built in 1895
under the Gorder contract was 25, 1893 feet
at a total cost of $14, ,23960
The total length Of sidewalks constructed
under the street commissioners supervis ion
IL, 500 feet.
The total number of crossings, fifty, meas
uring $3.50 feet.
Sewers to be built during present year on
Fifth street Wisconsin to Dodge. 522 feet
North Fifth street from Cole to Cady 246 s.
Fourth street from Milwaukee to
Third Street from Bailey to western 80
avenue e. 266 s.
North Fourth street from Jones to
Main street. - 525 IS
Approximate total length ..... 1851 feet