The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1941-05-08
Cement Bids
Approved by Council;
Talk &C Heat Costs
Seek Information From
Operators on Mine
Changes.
Charter Commission Asked
to "Get Busy" Labor
Pay Raise Hit.

Contracts for asphalt, cement, and
sewer pipe were awarded successful
bidders at the semi-monthly meeting
OF the city council Tuesday night.
The asphalt viii be used for Ely's
first street improvement work since
1899. City Engineer waino Somero
told The Miner that he believes the
Improvement work would be started
some time in June
After a lengthy discussion Of the
Community Center heating plant and
costs OF operating it, the council voted
to advertise for bids on a coal stoker
to be opened at the first meeting IN
June.
Other action taken included a recon-
menoation TO the city charter commits
sion that it organize and start work
on revising the city charter; delaying
action on a long list Of permanent
Improvement requests until they can
all be considered at one time at a
meeting called for that purpose and
defeating a motion to raise the daily
pay for common labor from $3.50 70
IS.
City Clerk A. O. Knutson reported
to the council that he had sent COM
munications 70 the Oliver Iron Mio-
ing company, the Evergreen Mines
company, and the Vermilion Mining
company asking them to outline any
proposed changes in mining operations
SO that the city would know what ef-
feet such changes might have on
power, light, and water lines
Knutson quoted 3. o. Strachan.
superintendent of the Oliver company,
as saying "as far as the local Office
knew the company didn't contemplate
any changes" No answer has yet been
received from the Evergreen COM
pany.
Last Thursday the council net IN
formally with B. S. Richards super
intendent of the Vermilion COMPANY
which operates the Zenith mine, and
Edward Leach, Duluth, district mana
ger for Pickands. Mather and company.
to discuss proposed changes IN the
operation of the Zenith mine.
These changes. while not completely
reported to the council. viii necessitate
moving power, sewage, and light lines,
and building a new road 70 connecs
Ely with Winton and the Grant Nc
Mahan boulevard.
Knutson reported that he understood
several members of the charter COM
mission had refused to serve, and
that the status of the commission was
unknown. A new commission was
named late last year by district court
judges.
Motivating the councils action III
asking the charter group to organize
was letter from the Ely Commercial
club suggesting such action. Ray
Hoefer, club secretary, explained that
it was the clubs idea to suggest TO
the proper body that the commission
"get busy"
The permanent improvements laid
over for further discussion included
projects ranging from installation of
a street light TO the construction OF
storm sewer and water lines. There were
also requests TO make two roads on
the southeast edge of the city pass
able.
Alderman John N Maxi made the
motion that daily labor be paid IS,
but it died for lack of support
Alderman o. T. Friedsburg expressed
the desire to investigate thoroughly
the entire wage structure Of city en-
MI ~oI~
one group. while Mayor John Kapsch
said a pay increase would not mean
anything if the city ran out of money
before the year ended Mayor Kapsch
also pointed to the fact that the city
had had to turn down permanent i'm
provements tonight" because of lack Of
funds
Alderman Toimi Ahola asked for a
report on engineers findings in regard
to the Community Center heating
plant The reports of three Ely con-
Germs were read, one Of which stated
that with the installation of a stoker
coal costs per year would not exceed
$780," which would make a saving
of $3.50" per year based on oil costs
during the past three years
After hearing the reports, AhOla
moved to advertise for bids on a stoker,
pointing out that 81 500 had been set
aside in the budget for the equipment.
Maxi opposed the action, saying he
could see no benefit from installing
stoker, and Alderman Edward z.
Porthan also voted against it because
he said that the matter should be
discussed more thoroughly.
Paul Buccowich. Jr, superintendent
of the water and light plant. then re-
minded the council that the water
plants furnace was overworked IN
the winter" suggesting that this con-
dition be corrected Aaola said that he
should submit such requests at the
budget meetings. and Buccovich
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