The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11

Kirklan & Starkey, the ST. Paul con-
tractors, from all damages from the
Byron and Pleasant street sewer, and
discharged their bond.
The city recorder was authorized to
advertise for 10000 feet Of three inch
oak plank, to be used in street work,
etc.
The bills were taken up and allowed,
including 5000 to Gus Tuberg as his
third estimate on Fourth street
grading.
A delegation from North Mankato
was present and was given chance
to make ''big talk"
eWtR Geddes said that heshad been Sc
lected to lead off, and the rest were
expected to follow. He advocated the
construction of foot path beside the
Minnesota river bridge. The north
siders would have to pay their share
by private subscription. Resuggested
that council committee should meet
a committee Of people on his side and
arrive at some conclusion with the
proper data at hand. The feeling
that the city owes the Belgrade peo-
pie foot way is dying out. He had
seen some hair breadth escapes on
the bridge, and unless something is
done some fearful accident will
result.
Mr.. Roeptke thought the idea of
two committees meeting good one.
Mr.. Hodapp, a member of the town
board, said that he was ready to sign
guaranty bond. The people had
come to the council meeting upon in
vitatiOn and not as delegation. A
canvass for funds has been made and
a limited amount promised, 5000 in
the township.
Engineer Haynes said that from
the north side to the county line, over
the center of the river, was only one
fifth of the length of the bridge.
Mr.. CttCI. said that the town
board has $1,000 to $1,000 in the
treasury lying idle, which could be
used. He did not favor the guaranty
bond idea.
L. H. Johnson, a bridge builder of
Minneapolis, was introduced by III. F.
Christensen and made some extended
remarks. He said that he and Mr..
Jackson, of his company, had looked
the bridge over. 1t was built sixteen
years ago and not as heavy as are
built'now. 1t was never intended to
have a sidewalk, and not built for it.
A six foot walk would be too heavy
for one side. A four or four and half
footwalk could be built safely. He
did not like the idea of one walk on a
bridge. If a walk was put on each
side, the looks would be better and
the bridge better balanced 1t would
be better for the bridge construction
to have two walks. The approximate
cost of a four and half foot walk on
one side would be $500 to 5000, and on
both sides, $1,000 to 81 800. These
figures might be reduced some after
consultation with the committee. The
work ought to be done in an engineer
ing way aud would be substantial for
many yesrs to come. The figures given
are ON steel cantelevers and wooden
railing. The city could be allowed
some little time on payment.
A. L. Wheeler said that he favored
a walk, either one or two, and any
arrangement would be satisfactory.
Aid. Andrews spoke of the urgent
necessity for foot way and said that
the suggestion for two committees
was good one.
MI Hodapp said that he had legal
advice and there was no question but
that the town board had no authority
to appropriate town money for the
purpose without authority of the peo-
pie. TIE board with other citizens
was ready to sign guaranty bond.
Aid. Bradley favored sidewalk on
each side as better for the bridge.
He moved that the matter be left
with the street and city property
committees, to meet with the people
of the north side, and report at the
next meeting. This was carried.
Aid. Zimmerman said that it is a
county bridge and moved that the
county commissioners be asked to
meet with the committees. Carried.
The north side appointed the fol-
lowing committee: T. Roeptke, C.P.
Pframer, M. P. Kennedy, A. l..
Wheeler and Nels. Anderson. A
meeting will be held at two o'clock
Thursday afternoon at the city hall.
The council adjourned.