The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1910-06-10
MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER TO
VISIT IOWA TOWNS.
Idea Is % Gain Information as to
the Operation of Des Moines and
Cedar Rapids Under the New Sys-
tenn of Government; John Luis
dorff Decides to Accept the Posi-.
tion of Fire Chief.
From Fridays Daily.

and that was that of Charles +.
Lentz to succeed himself as chief en-
2neer at the pumping station. Several
other matters of minor Importance
were considered. 1t was decided to
take Il trip to Des Moines and Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, next week, to endeavor
to learn number OF things that ex-
perience has taught those cities in
their form of government, relating to
different departments.
Held Private Conference.
The commission held private con-
ference before the hour Tor meeting,
and Chief Lulsdorff of the fire depart
ment was closeted with them for Il
time. Upon his coming out, he was
asked whether he would accept the
appointment of chief of the depart
ncnt, and replied that he had decided
to do SO. 1t is presumed that he was
given assurances that something would
be done for the department, to make
ii more efficient
The next regular meeting of the
commission will be held June 20, but
special meeting is expected when
the commissioners return from their
trip.
Mayor Meyer presided, and all of the
commissioners were present.
When the commission met formally,
Commissioner Henline moved that
Charles F. Lentz be appointed chief
engineer of the pumping station, and
this was carried.
Complained of Arches.
ii. L. Hance appeared and complained
OF the danger of the illuminating arches
from becoming electrified. They had
been put up for temporary purpose.
City Engineer Wilson had notified the
street car company to disconnect with
the arches, and this had been done,
but one of the arches had become cleo
trifed last night. He had protected
it with a board, but if it raincd con
nection would be formed again Either
the arches would have to come down
OF the cars would have to cease to run,
as it was dangerous proposition. IL
would be very unfortunate if any
body got killed. He had notified the
old council repeatedly of the danger.
The council decided to have the arch
repaired temporarily, until after the
carnival. Mr.. Hance agreeing to attend
to the insulating part of it.
Mr.. Hance told of the precautions
that the street car company had
taken to prevent accidents. The
management was doing all in its power
to prevent accidents. and if the public
would be more careful and work with
it there would be less danger of
accidents.
Mayor Meyer said that twelve inch
gas main runs directly through the
Mulberry street storm sewer on Front
street. and asked City Engineer Wilson
to explain it.
Mr.. Wilson Made Explanation.
Mr.. Wilson said that it formed an
obstruction and was Objectionable, but
the sewer is wider there. If it could
be removed. it ought to be. but it
would probably not stop the flow
in the sewer. 1t would be expensive
to move it.
mayor Meyer said that many peo-
pie thought that as long as such an
expensive sewer had been constructed.
the gas main ought to be taken out.
He desired the council to look into the
matter and see what ought to be done.
1t was decided afterwards to direct
the Consumers Power company to
raise or lower its main, SO as to clear
the sewer.
\ communication from property own
crs on West Fifth street. between
LeSueur street and Woodland avenue,
in regard to sidewalks desired, was re-
ceived and was referred to Commits
sioncr Humiston and the city eng
ncer.
1t was decided to hold regular
meeting Monday, June 20, at a. m,
at which time nine liquor license APP
plicatons will be received.
Mayor Meyer brought up the mat
ter of taking trip to Des Moines
and Cedar Rapids. Iowa, to learn what
could be learned of the workings of
the commission system in those cities.
City to Pay for Trip.
The question of whether tic city
on the commissioners should pay the
expense of the trip was discussed.
Some feared that if the city paid the
expense there woul! be criticism, but
the prevailing opinion was that it
would be Il good investment for the
city, saving money for it in the end.
and on motion of Commissioner Hum
ston it was voted to 90 to Des Moines
and Cedar Rapids. Iowa. taking City
Attorney Schmitt. The commissioners
will probably 90 Monday.
The park pay roll was allowed. and
also 5000 interest on bonds, and a
few other bills, for hay. coal, and
steel rods for the reinforcing Of the
Mulberry street storm sewer.
City Engineer Wilson said that
there had been complaints that the
quarrymen had encroached upon the
streets. He had taken measurements
yesterday and had found that they
had encroaclied twenty feet upon All
alley and ten feet upon Second ave.
nue..
The council thought rhat this would
have to be stopped, and Mayor Meyer