Little Falls weekly transcript. (Little Falls, Morrison Co., Minn.) 1894-19??, 1900-01-12
NOTION TO REPAIR THE OLD one.
But the Council Could Not Agree On How
It Should Be Done, and There
the Matter Rests.

OcO. AdC Ouu pFcScIlCcu d. plttu 1OF
a new steel structure furnished free
by Minneapolis bridge concern.
The plans were for a three span
steel bridge over the tracks with an
18-foot roadway, the cost OF whic h
independent Of the West side ap-
proach was not to exceed $4,000.
The council looked the plans over,
and called upon w. s. Hewett, a
Minneapolis bridge contractor pres
ent, to give his opinion on the mat
ter. He said the bridge as planned
becould built for the sum estimated,
but he did not consider that it would
be a satisfactory bridge. He
thought the city needed bridge
with a "a loot roadway, and that
would cost, including approaches,
about $40, 900. or without approaches
about $4,000. These were only ap-
proximate figures, however as he
had not looked the matter up
thoroughly. The new structure was
thoroughly discussed by the council
and some citizens present also gave
their views. The council finally de-
CT led Notwithstanding that it was
assured that the county could legal
ly make an appropriation for this
bridge, that the city was not in p osi-
ton to consider the new bridge prop
osition, as the city had not the fin.
ances to do the work Aid.
Martin had a list of figure 8
prepared showing the city's
financial condlti IN, according to
which there is only something be-
tween $4,000 and $4,000 available for
bridge purposes. Under the law
which prohibits cities from going in
to debt beyond 10 per cent OF the tax
sale valuation Of the city, this city's
total ind btedness according to Mar
tins figures, is very near the limit.
After having decided the new
bridge question the question of re-
pairing the old structure was taken
up. A motion was made that the old
structure be repaired and it passed,
all members but President Carlson
voting in the affirmative.
Attorney Rhodes who was present
asked how the council intended to
repair the bridge and received the re-
ply from Aid. Martin, that. the coun-
Gil would repair it as it saw fit, and
without any suggestions from him.
A similar rebuke was administered
to Geo. LaFond, who had some
suggestions to make. Mr.. Hewitt
was again called upon to give some
information regarding the repairing,
which he did, Offering his services
free to assist a committee in !getting
up new specifications.
There was quite a lengthy wrangle
over motion to re-advertis for
bids. Martin did not want to go to
the expense of advertising for bids.
He wanted the work done by 1.-The
day.
Mr.. Hewett told the council that it
was not necessary to advertise for
bids, that an outlay OF IL cents in
postal cards would bring all the
competitors for the contract the
council would want on "a hours no.
tice. This did not suit Martin
either.
A motion was made that the clerk
be instructed to notify bridge con-
tractors that the city council would
receive bids up to Saturday evening.
Jan. -, for repairing the Broadway
bridge according to specifications on
file with the citv clerk.
Aid. Martin called for an ave and
nay vote on this motion and it was
Lane voting in the affirmative and
Martin in the negative.
This ended all discussion, and a
motion to adjourn was carried.
Before taking up the bridge ques-
ion the council was requested by
Chief Emder on behalf of the fire de-
partment to grant permission for
the use of part of the assembly
room for a firemen's reading room.
and also that the council furnish it
with lights, and three or four tables
for the tiremen's use. The request
was granted.
The following bills 'were also
allowed.
Chemi:al Co No l, fire service.."".. S 8 50
Hook & Ladder Co, same. Is
Hose Co No 3, same."..".........".....", 30
Hose Co No 2, same."...r................ 6 Is
NJ Coleman, washing towels IL
Bell Clothing Co, mittens fire dept 80
P Medved, mdse for bath room.... 101
Same, hauling fire apparatus..."... 1 SO
F A Erickson, sane..............."...... ... n
M Jansen, sarne.""............... "...".". l SO
David Love, me..."............".......... Is
Chas Sylvester, reeling hose".."... 90
Jas Fearing, same. ".....-.. 90
Journal Printing Co, publishing
bridge bids........... ....."... 20 80
Ed Broder, repairs on city hall and