Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-06-06
To THE Hon. MAYOR AND CITY CoUs

To THE Hon. MAYOR AND CITY COUN-
Gil OF DEBORAH, Iowa:
Gentlemen: Having been requested
to give an opinion as to the proper loca-
ton of sewers necessary to accommodate
the property abutting on Water Street
where improvement is contemplated,
| beg leave to state that after investi-
eating the situation in company with
committee of your council / find that
it is feasible aud advisable TO construct
sewers in the alleys north and south of
said street, which in connection with
sewers now in the street, will accom-
plish the purpose more economically
than a single s. wer placed in the center
of the street. Owing to the deep cut
ting and solid rock, to lay the sewer
and make connections to abutting lots
would be very expensive if located in
the center of Water Street. The proper
and most economical method of con-
structing any sewer can only be deter
mined by securing general plan of
sewers based on complete survey of
the city. The necessity of a sewerage
system, as a sanitary and economical
improvement is apparent. The cost of
sanitary sewers is much less than gen
orally supposed, being less than the
construction of cess-pools and vaults.
No street improvement should be under
taken where sewers may be required
until such are constructed. Introduc-
ton of sewers also increases water rev.
enue, as many object to the use of
public water on account Of having no
drainage.
In reference to your proposed im-
provement Of Water Street there seems
to be q question as 10 the material 10 be
used, macadam or brick. There can be
no question as 10 which is the better
pavement, but owing to the cheapness
of macadam, a difference of opinion
exists. Having had large experience
in the use of macadam Oh the streets in
Dubuque, and also in the construction
Of brick pavements there, l only voice
the universal statements of city engi-
neers in stating that for the principal
or business streets of city, brick is far
preferable TO macadam for pavements.
The best macadam pavement- do not
stand the wear OF heavy traffic, and
soon become rutted and require con-
slant repairs, while they are either
muddy or dusty. The annual cost of
repairs, scleaning and sprinkling is far
more than the interest ON the addition
al est of brick pavement, which is
always clean, smooth, and wears indef-
initeiy, besides adding much to the
appearance of your street. Probably
the following estimate of the cost OF
constructing brick pavement in your
city would not be amiss, as l have
heard exaggerated estimates of such
cost from abutters. There are various
methods of constructing foundations
for the pavement. A.concrete found
alton six inches in thickness is fire.
quently used, but while very good it is
expensive, costing about forty cents
per square yard. Macadam or gravel
foundation well rolled and compacted
and costs less than One-half that of con-
crete. Your street can with proper
shaping and rolling be made first class
foundation tor brick paving at q cost OF
about fif cen cents per square yard.
Estimating that paving brick will cost
SIG. 90 per thousand delivered at Deco
rah, the cost per square yard Of paving
will be about as follows:
Foundation. .......... .l5c per square yard
Paving. ng...............$l.0O per square yard