Hutchinson gazette., 1901-11-14
Wa,crwolks Report

| WalCTWulNb hVFu'h
The city council met in special scs-
sion last Monday night to receive the
report Of the committee who con-
ferred with the representatives OF the
Hutchinson Wafer Light and Power
90. In Chicago relative to fixing Il
purchase brlCe on the plant,
The committee reported that the
company through their representa-
tlyes were not ready 10 name n price
on the plant and works, but instead,
presented a plan which they thought
would be just and fair to both sides
The company's plan was for the
council to make Il selection OF five
expert engineers, capable OF making
an unbiased valuation Of the city
water works, and from this five the
company would select one TO make an
appraisement of their property here.
If no sale should result after jhe val
uation, the company agreed to pay the
cost of the engineer, so that the city
would be out nothing financially.
This offer of the company Is very
COnsiderate one as will be seen. A
competent engineer would cost from
$25. to $50 per day which would mean
an expenditure Of from 5000 to 81 600
for u complete appralscment and
should no sale be made and the city
have to pay the cost, 1t would be
throwing just so much money away,
The council accepted the report Of
the committee and instructed them
to 90 ahead with the matter Of select
ing an engineer. While In Chicago
the committee looked up number
oft he most reliable engineers and
have their list about ready to submit
to the company for selection. The
choice must lie ndh oi absolute
truthfulness ami honesty for upon
him depends an'appraisal fair to both
sides and judging from the way the
company has acted thus far the coun-
Gil has every reason to believe that
the company will do the right thing,
The following letter from n Hutch
inson business man to the chairman
of the Water and Light committee
will show some of the more impOr-
tant duties Of the engineer selected,
First, to have whatever engineer
you select report on the gross and net
earnings Of the company and cost Of
running the plant for the past fiscal
year.
Second. What increase per annum
in business could be reasonably eX-
pected during the next five years, un-
der city management, If well man
aged. This information would prob
ably be based on experience in other
cities.
Third. To give what the running cX-
pense of the property for one year
would be under economical city man
agement, regardless Of what 1t has
really cost to run the plant,
Fourth. TO report on the adyant-
ages and disadvantages Of city own
ership, with citations from other
towns of of like size within his know
ledge
Fifth. Whether the present prices
for water and light are reasonable and
compare favorably with the other
towns Of like size.
Sixth. To ascertain whether any
repairs or Improvements Of impor-
tanCe are needed at the works now.
Seventh. What expense could be
done away with under city manage
ment that is now incurred in any
way in running the plant.
Eighth. Whether city ownership
will tend to incease the patronage Of
the people, based on experience In
other cities within his knowledge.
Ninth. TO investigate the contain
ination Of the water during the past
summer and to suggest an effective
remedy and what such remedy would
cost.
After completing the evenings
work concerning the water works, the
council took up the matter Of APP
pointing special health officer tc
look after small pox and like conta-
gious diseases. 1t was left to the
mayor to attend to this, and it is un-
derstoOd that he will appoint Mr..
Fisk who held the same position last
year at a salary of $1,000 per month,
Marriage Licenses.
The following marriage licences