Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1918-02-22
COUNCIL ENGAGES ENGINEER
TO MAKE SURVEY OF CITY Wa
TER SYSTEN6-PRoF. BASS
SELECTED

A complete physical examination of
the water system in Little Falls viii /
be made within the next few months
by Professor Frederick Bass of the ex-
tension division of the University Of
Minnesota, for the purpose of gather
ing data to be used in connection with
the possible renewing of the water
franchise or for the purchase of the
system from the Water Power COM
pany. The city council, at an adjourn
ed regular meeting Tuesday evening,
passed resolution engaging Mr.. Baso
for this purpose, after general dis
cussion of the matter by members of
the council and citizens, of whom a
goodly number were present. All the
aldermen except LaFond were present
and they voted unanimously for the
survey. i
Mayor Bergheim was the first to
speak ON the proposed survey. He said
it would be unfair to make a contract
without first making an investigation.
The people would want fair rates and
good service, he said, but they would
also want to be fair to the company.
Mr.. Bergheim said that if the city
should not succeed in getting new
contract when the present one expires
the matter would probably be allowed
to run as at present until after the war
is over5 at least.
P. J. Vasaly spoke in favor Of tho
survey but stated that it would be
well to get an idea Of the physical
valuation Of the plant as it would be
in normal times, rs well as at present
extremely high prices, as this would
form better basis for negotiating for
extension of contract or for whatever
other proposition mi ght come up.
Favors Municipal Ownership
E. F. Shaw gave a long talk on pub
lie service and stated emphatically
that he was in favor of city ownership
| of public utilities. He criticized the
Water Power company Of this city for
its negligent attitude toward the city,
saying that instead of de1ei op;ng its
service in this city the company has
built transmission lines, giving other
towns the benefit of what Little Falls
should have. He went Oh to say that
the council should not enter into any
contract with the company, tnat he
was certain that if it was put to vote
Of the people they would be against it.
He said, however, that ne was in f"y-
or OF physical examination OF the
"vStem for the purpose Of finding out
what the plant is worth AMI that ne
favored the city bonding itself to buy
the plant.
Charles Sylvester was callei upon
| by President Hall for his views in the
matter. He expressed himself as fav-
| -oring the physical examination and
suggested that it be extended 50 as 10
include other public improvements,
! such as the paving of the streets, etc,
| but ne said that he was not in favor
OF the city buying the water plant,
claiming that it could not be run as
cheap by the city as by the company.
He said he did not believe in munich
pal ownership Of public utilities.
Dr. j. G. Millspaugh and DR.. E. W.
kalfher expressed themselves as fav-
or1ng the survey and the latter said
1t would be a good thing from the
standpoint of learning as to the cost
of the plant and Of getting at a fair
rate for service
City Attorney Cameron said that
this would be an inopportune time to
nave survey made if it was not b,
cause OF the contract expiring in year.
This cost might seem large, he said.
but when we think how much monev
the people of this city pay in a year
for water we can see that it is not q
1 great cost. He said it would not be
wise for the city to purchase the water
plant unless it purchased the entire
plant OF the company. In regard to
the water pressure he said it is a
known fact that the pressure has been
inadequate for years and not what
the contract calls for, and fire fighting
mas thus been handicapped.
:. q. Vasaly stated that this was moi
a very good time to spend money but
that apparently this survey is neces-
sary and therefore should be ma de
| now.
| Mr.. Shaw apain smoke regarding the
survey, this time saying that apparent
~ the citizens favored it. and that the
council could feel perfectly safe in
having such a survey made.
T. c. Gordon of the Water Pove,
company, upon being asked by Presi.
-dent Hall for statement as to what
w 0eSSpIdb1e TO Jne COMPANY IN
event that the city could not secure a
satisfactory agreement by the time the
present contract expires, said that in
snch event the company would glAdly
continue the service at the present
rates. The books Of the company will
be open to the engineer at all times
Tor any necessary data that can be
secured from them, Mr.. Gordon said.
A resolution engaging Mr.. Bass fo,
tne survey was then prepared By City
Attorney Cameron and was nnan;
mously passed.
1t was the general opinion thst
whatever was finally done in the mat
ter should be left to the voice of the
citizens.
Council adjourned to next Tuesday
evening.
Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Gordon entertain.
ed the teachers of the LINCOLN school al
Il O'Clock dinner Wednesday evening
Covers We're laid for twelve. Afte,