The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-19
KEEP OUT FLOODS
City Council Will Devise Some
Plan.
Question Is Considered Inform.
ally Last Night.
A BENEFIT DISTRICT.
One Will Be Formed to Handle
Dixie Question.
East Side and South Side In.
cluded in Plans.
[ BENEFIT DISTRICT.

Though the city of Topeka cannot
expend money for bikes along the Kan
sas river and Soldier creek through the
city council it can do so through
regularly organized drainage board
which has in its jurisdiction district
which includes the city. Therefore the
city council cannot levy tax Tor this
purpose but 1t can take action as to
what steps of preliminary nature are
most advisable to be taken.
In accordance with this resolution
was introduced at the council meeting
Thursday night instructing the mayor,
THAT he be and is hereby authorized
to devise preliminary measures Tor the
thorough protection and drainage OF
the flood district on both sides of the
Kansas river and on Soldier creek.
This means that the services OF a
competent engineer may be secured by
the mayor preparatory to a preliminary
survey and estimate of the best scneme
to be adopted.
Embracing the same subject matter
was second resolution introduced by
Councilman Howard to guard against
further encroachment of the Kansas
river by individuals and corporations
by making f1lls along the river bank.
This resolution as carried provides:
1.-The chief of police be and is hereby
directed to Immediately cause the ar
tent of the law any person or corpora
ton manager for the encroachment
upon the river embankment, by con-
struction of any structure, dumping or
filling in or in any way Whatever IN
terfering with the free flow of the
Kansas river without our city limits"
IT don't know what Is the best plan
to pursue but something has got to
be DONE" said Councilman Jordan of
the First ward which comprises North
Topeka.
In addition to paving Locust street
from Fourth street to Eighth avenue,
repaving Sixth avenue from Locust
street to the viaduct in order to carry
off the flood water from Biddle creek,
John Rogers, city engineer, suggested
to the council that benefit district
must be created to pay for water lift
and spill way to convey the water
from Biddle creek to the paved road
way on Locust street. and straighten-
ing and riprapping the banks Of Bid
to the south line Of Mulvane and Chase
addition. The estimated expense for
this Is:
$50 feet by 20 feet concrete spill
way ........ ........-..-......$ $4,000
$50 feet e rl 5il pipe in place a1Y SS
Strengthening and riprapping... 10000
Total ....... ................$1,71 III. so
The proposal was submitted to the
streets and walks committee.
To relieve flood conditions which
exist in South Topeka whenever the
Shunganunga overfiows, ten property
owners petitioned the council to
deepen and widen the ditch on the
west side of Topeka avenue from
Seventeenth street south to bridge,
also fill Topeka avenue from end of
pavement at Seventeenth south to
Twentieth or the bridge in order to
prevent the surface water from
Douthitt tract and fair grounds from
overlooking Walnut Grove. The petit
ton was headed by J. C. Sinner. It
was referred to the committee on
ways and means.
While the police were using the
building at 521 North Kansas avenue
as temporary police headquarters on
the north. side during the flood an
explosion of natural gas took place
damaging the building. The occu-
pant of the building disconnected his
stove vacating the building and leav-
ing the gas running. A match was
struck by q patrolman and the ex-
plosion took place.
Mrs. A. T. Pigg, owner, wants the
city to make good the damage. Re-
ferred to police committee.
Mrs. c. ]! selly Christed who was
arrested for soliciting funds for an