The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1905-07-07
Believes That This Saves Money
Over Contract System.
Lampert Lumber Company to
Furnish the Coal.
st. ps Taken 10 Refund Bonds
Soon to Fall Due.
From Thursdays Daily.

ing present at the meeting. In the alb
sence of President Hughes and Vice
President Fletcher, DIR. Davis was
elected president pro TEN.
Judge Comstock stated that only a
six foot walk is required on the Hick-
DRY street side of the high school prop
erty, and he thought that that width
would be better, and he moved that
the action of the board awarding the
contract for building an eight foot walk,
to Nels Henning, be recOnsidered. This
was carried, and the president and sec
rotary were then directed to contract
with Mr.. Henning for six foot walk.
Superintendent Mcconnell presented a
long list of supplies for the schools
during the coming year. The primary
supplies foot up to $l8360, the general
supplies for the stock room, $65; print
ed blanks, $50; office supplies, So;
maps, $45; and books, $l35, of which
$50 will come back in state aid. SUI
perintendent Mcconnell also made a
requisition for about 500 for the
science department The total requisi-
ton was about 1915, which he said is
about the amount usually allowed.
The committee on schools recon-
mended that the requisition be granted.
Judge Comstock moved that the requis-
ition be granted and that an appro-
priation of not to exceed $500 be made.
This was carried.
Captain Keysor reported for the COM
mittee on property and expense that
three members of the board had visit
ed the school buildings to see what re-
pairs or improvements are needed. A
list was presented and read by Mr..
Currier. The desks in the high school
assembly room were in the worst con-
dition of any in the city, because of
cutting and ink stains. The deck of
the roof needs repairs, and woodwork
desks. blackboards and floors need a
tention. At the Franklin building wa
ter and sewer are recommended to be
put in as soon as possible, a leak in
the tower needs fixing, and some small
repairs are needed. 1t was recommend
ed that the fence be taken down on
all but the west side. At the Union
building the roof needs repairing and
minor interior repairs are needed. At
the Pleasant Grove, some minor re-
put on the basement windows. The
storm blew one of the outhouses over
Painting is needed at all of the build
ings.
Judge Comstock said that there had
been some criticism of the way in
which work had been let and suggested
that bids he secured and the work be
done by contract.
Captain Keysor said that this plan
had been followed several times and
the work let to the lowest bidder anG
poor jobs resulted. When the workmer
have been picked, the price is the low
est and the work best Those who
grumble about not having any work tc
do are the ones who charge the most
when they are employed.
Mr.. Currier said that the committee
in making its list had tried to use
economy as much as possible.
Mrs. Smith moved that the matter OF
making necessary repairs be referred tC
the committee on property and expense
with power to act.
Judge Comstock moved as an amend
ment that the property and expense
committee be instructed to prepare
schedules of the calsomining, repaint
ing and blackboard work and adver
tise for bids and report back at the
next meeting.
The amendment received no second
The original motion was then lost on {
tie vote.
Messers. Currier and CoughIai
thought that an architect would hav,
to be hired to prepare the specifications
Mr. Coughlan thought that the cos
would be a third higher if bids are Sc
cured, for after the work is done {
man will have to be hired to complet,
the work according to the desires of tn,
board, as there are SO many littl,
things to be done that may be over
looked.
Judge Comstock lid not think tha-
many specifications were needed. Som,
tax payers are objecting to the policy
of the board in not having work dom
by contract. He moved that the com
mittee ON property and expense be re
queste1 to classify the decorative worl
and get bids and have power to act
This received no second. Judge Com
stock then moved that the matter b.
referred to the committee with powe
to act, except with instructions to ge