The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-03-07
dated April 81. 1903. and concerning
the telephone franchises.

might also here refer to the fact
that In the granting Of the Tri-state
telephone franchise as we'll as other
franchises since that time during my
term as mayor, insisted upon and
there was introduced into the ordi-
nances q provision for the taking over
by the city of the plants at the ap-
praised valuation at the end of
the term for which the fran
chise was granted as we'll as for con-
troll Of service and compensation to
the city for the rights granted.
Water Works.
The present excellent condition of
the water works is matter in which I
take peculiar pride and qualification
because five years ago instituted the
proceedings which have resulted SO
favorably by recommending the re-
adjustment of the water rates; in 1902
caused inquiries to be made of every
city In the United States owning and
operating water works systems for
the purpose of discovering whether or
not the consumption of water in this
city was normal or excessive; the
result of this investigation was placed
before the council with my recommen-
cation that meters be installed upon
all of the taps of the entire system.
At that time the plant was deliver
ing approximately 1,112,00O gallons
per day and l stated that this should
be reduced by at least SO per cent, If
my recommendations were followed;
meters were installed, and in the
month Just passed the amount of water
delivered per day was tri1e over
100000 gallons, thus establishing the
correctness of the views then ex-
pressed; the very large decrease in the
amount of work done by the plant
should have materially diminished the
expense of operation; in addition
thereto in 1900 new pump, with a
capacity of 100000 gallons per day,
was installed at a cost including the
setting thereof of $4,000; new stack
was built; the auxiliary station at the
river bank was Overhauled and re-
paired; new boilers were purchased,
and the entire plant put in most ex-
cellent condition involving consider
able outlay, the result being that during
my last year as mayor, from March
l, 1903, to March 1, 1904, the plant
shows balance of receipts over ex-
renses, after deducting about $4,000
for construction, etc., of over $4,000.
This. however, diminished during the
next year to about Sill 900 after de-
Quoting the same items.
There is yet room for improvement,
for the original mains were laid more
than twenty years ago and their life
Is about exhausted, with the result
that there is. an excessive wastage
through leaks. During the month of
February just ended this was approx
imately 25 per cent, the figures being
as follows: There was pumped into
the mains in the month of February
1906, 15,3S3,918 gallons, but the city
was only paid for 11,516,5OO gals,
showing loss of 3,S67,41S gallons:
this is more than is reasonable and
shall recommend that the question be
submitted to you as to what steps
shall be taken with respect to the re-
placing of these old mains. The ques-
ton is of importance, and demands
speedy solution.
The revenues of the plant are de-
rived entirely from the consumers of
water; the plant should be self-sus-
tanning; 1t should afford revenue suf-
ficient to pay interest on the bonds
and sinking fund to meet the bonds
at their maturity, or at least portion
thereof; there should be a reasonable
charge for depreciation, but am not
inclined to the opinion that the rates
should be. adjusted to furnish a rev.
cnue larger than this, after taking in
to consideration operating expenses;
the entire city is benefited by the
flushing of the sewers, sprinkling of
the streets and fire protection. In
other cities this last item is based
upon hydrant charge ranging from
$50 to $3.50 per hydrant. l shall again,
as in the past, make every effort to
see that these matters receive the
careful consideration of the council
and that an equitable solution thereof
is determined upon.
Filter.
The filtration plant covers one-half
of city block and comprises a set
thing basis with capacity of $4,000
gallons, sand beds embracing 1890
SO. it., and a clear water reservoir
Folding approximately 100000 gal
lens; this is the guardian of the health
of the city and no expense or care
should be spared to keep it at the very
highest point of efficiency; it is of the
continuous slow sand variety as dis
tinguished from the intermittent sand
the mechanical or chemical varieties:
rev sand must at stated periods be
placed in the beds and the old sand
has heretofore been discarded and sold
at low figure.
! believe that washer might be in
stalled at reasonable expense by
which much of this sand could be
cleaned and used again. This plant
will be looked after and cared for by
me with the utmost solicitude, for I
realize thoroughly its Importance to
our people.
Cemetery.
The immutable laws of nature in
evitably reduce US to one size and con-
sign us for our last resting place in
the bosom of Mother Earth; those Of
us who have not already, must soon
look forward to a tender interest in
the subject.
The association of citizens having