HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-1931227
Minutes of a regular meeting of the Common Council of the City of Rochester,
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Minnesota, held in the Council Chambers, in the City Hall, in said City, at 2:00
o'clock P.M., on June 18t, 1931.
Meeting called to order by President Liddle.
Roll Call. Present: Liddle, Amundsen, MOdy, Vihstadt, Absent: Dallman,
Hicks, Miller.
There being no quorum present,the members who were present awaited the
arrival
arrival of Alderman Miller, at whicb/President Liddle declared the meeting open for
the transaction of such business as might regularly come before this meeting.
Upon motion by Vihstadt, seeund by Amundsen, the minutes of the meeting
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held on May 25th,1931, were approved.
The report of the Clerk of the Municipal Court for the week ending
May 25th,1931, showing criminal fines collected 0380,60, civil fees received ' 4.35,
Olmsted County check for April 1931 Municipal Court fees received in the amount of
$16,76, court costs charged to Olmsted County $19.15, and local Municipal Court
fines collected due to Olmsted County $191.65, was read, and President Liddle
referred the said report to the City Attorney.
Upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Miller, the sum of $191.65 was
appropriated from the General Fund, and it was ordered that the said sum be paid
to Olmsted County, Minmesota, for local Municipal Court fines collected due to
Olmsted County, Minnesota.
The application of Charles E. Wenzel for a soft drink dealers license at
No.9 Third Street Northwest, was read, and upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Amundsen,
license was granted.
The application of C. F. Dillon for a license to a minect with sewers and
drains was read and after the City Clerk reported that his delinquent account for
paving repairs had been paid, motion by.Vil�stadt, second by Amundsen, carried that
license be granted.
The following copies of resolutions passed and adopted by the Commissioners
of the Sinking Fund weFe each read and upon motion by Miller, second by Vihstadt,
the actions set forth therein were approved and it was ordered that the said copies
of resolutions be placed on file.:
"Be it resolved by the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota:
That the sum of 0177400 is hereby appropriated from -the Sinking Fund of
said City and it is ordered that the same be paid to the First National Bank of
Rochester, Minnesota, for interest due June 1st, 1931, on City of Rochester, Minnesota.,
44;:� Improvement Bonds (New City Hall) dared May 1st, 1931."
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' "Be it resolved by the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the
City of Rochester, Minnesota:
That the sum of 9,k5747.5Q is hereby appropriated from the Interest
Fund of said City and it is ordered that the, same be paid to the, First
National Bank of Rochester, Minnesota, for payment of interest due June
1st, 19313, on City of )Rochester, Minnesota, 4 Sewage Disposal Plant
Bonds dated September 1st, 1924."
"Be it resolved by the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the City
cf Rochester, Minnesota:
That the sum of 01125.00 be and the said sum is hereby appropriated
from the Sinking Fund of said City and it is ordered that the said sum be
paid to the First National Bank of Rochester, Minnesota, for the payment of
interest due June lst, 1931, on City of Rochester, Minnesota, 4j-% Improve -
went Bonds (New Central Fire Station) dated February 1st, 1930, and
numbered 1 to 50 inclusive."
A copy of requisition by the Health Officer upon Saint Mary's
Hospital for the isolation of Edward Dooley, age six years, living at
316 Second Avenue Southwest, diagnosed to be suffering from scarlet fever,
was read, and President Liddle drdered that the same be placed on file.
Edtimate prepared by the City Engineer in favor of Martin Paulson
showing the sum of $667.89 as being due the saia contractor for the congtruc-
tion of a sanitary sewer in parts of Seventh Street Southwest and Ninth -
Avenue Southwest, was read, and President Liddle ordered that the same be
placed on file.
The following report was read, and President Liddle ordered that
the same be placed on file:
"TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER
Gentlemen:
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The Committee has held a number off' meetings, inspected the lands,
has had conference with engineers and representatives of the Highway
Department and checked with them easefully the plans and specifications,
has hadaa conference with Geo. T. Granger, Attorney for Reid Murdock
Cc
lmpany and after careful a msideration has IniLde up this report and
begs to submit same to you: I
FIRST --That the controversy between the .Highway Department and
Reid Murdock Company has been greatly exaggerated. We find that they
have had only one short conference in which the matter was discussed
in a general way.
SECOND --We find that there has been no special effort on the part
of either the Highway Department or Reid Murdock Company to come to some
settlement and understanding in this matter.
THIRD --There appears to be no argument as to the value of the lands
to be taken by the Highway Department from the Reid Murdock Company.
For this reason the Committee deems it advisable not to make arW appraisal
or place any value on the lands at this time.
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FOIIRrH--As far as tie are able to learn the only controversy that does
exist is that at some future date the Highway Department may construct a grade
separation over the Great Western Railroad Tracks directly northwest of the Reid
Murdock Plant. There is no doubt in the minds of the members of the Committee
that the construction of a grade separation would obstruct the view for the Reid
Murdock Company, but the Committee cannot see any material damage to the property
on this account. • j
FIFTH --We would recommend that either the Highway Department proceed with
their plans and take this property as they acquire other property for this pur-
t)ose, or get together with the Reid Murdock Company and the Park Board and
endeavor to work out some plan whereby the construction of the grade separation
would be on the South Side of the 'Reid Murdock Plant. If this were done no doubt,
a small tract of land would have to be purchased by the Park Board in order to
carry out the Memorial Drive Idea. This, in our opinion would also work out to
an advantage for the present Golf Course.
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It has been a privilege for the Members of the Committee to be of service
to you in this matter,
F. D. Rommel,
Wrig.ht L. Toogood
Clarence R. Thompson
C. F. Dabelstein
John M. Norton,Chairman."
Upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Amundsen, the City Clerk was instructed
to forward a copy of the above quoted report to the Reid,Murdoek & Company, and one
to C. M. Babcock, Commissioner of Highways, and also that the City Clerk forward a
vote of thankq from the Common Council to the Committee members.
The following appointments were read, and President Liddle ordered that the
same be placed 'on file:
"Rochester, Minnesota
June 1, 1931
Honorable Common Council
City of Rochester, Minnesota
Gent lemen:
I hereby appoint Arnold Nelson to the position of Patrolman
on the Police Department of the City o.L Rochester, Minnesota under the
certification of the Police Civil Service Commission of said city, he
to hold office commencing the second day of June, 1931 and until removed
from off ice according to law.
Respectfully,
Julius J. Reiter
Mayor of the City of Rochester "
"Rochester, Minnesota
June 1, 1931
Honorable Common Council
City of Rochester, Minnesota
Gentlemen:
I hereby appoint Eldin L. Holtorf to the position of Patrolman
on the Police Department of the City of Rochester, Minnesota under the cer-
1-. 230
I! tification of the Police Civil Service Commission of said city,
he to hold office commencing the second day of June, 1931 and
until removed from office according to law.
Respectfully,
:i
Julius J. Reiter
Mayor of the City of Rochester "
The following rec emendations from the Firemen's Civil Service
Commission were read, and President Liddle ordered that the same be placed
on file:
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"Rochester, Minnesota,
June 1st, 1931.
Honorable Mayor and Common Council,
City of Rochester, Minnesota,
Gentlemen:
We, the members of the Firemen's Civil Service Commission '
of the City of Rochester, Minnesota, do hereby make the following
recommendations for the appointments, etc., subject to your approval:
That the firemen in the Fire Department of said City be
as follows:
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Chief of the Fire Department,
Cecil E. Ginther.
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First Assistant' Chief of Fire Dept.,
Richard Ryan
Second Assistant Chief of Fire Dept.,
Elmer E. Harder
Mechanic and Driver of Pumping Motor,
Edward J. Dillon
Driver of Pumping Motor,
Hubert L. Vroman,
'
John D. Ryan.
Frank W.Springer
" of Aerial Motor Truck,
August C. Blazing.,
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Elmer L. Lee.,
}.
" of Cadillac,
Charles VkShcrt.,.
Wm. J. Dugan
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Caretaker of Steamer,
Wilbert McHenry,
Charles F. Shields
Superintendent of Fire Alarm System,
Frank Adair,
Fireman:
Wilbert McHenry
"
Charles Shields
°=
n
Frank Adair
"
Carl W . Ranfranz
s:
"
Leo Fallon
n
Rudi P. Wiese
"
Edward J.Costello.u:
"
Peter S. Mackey'"
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n
Carl E. Lee
f'Y
n
Herman W. Carey.
'.r.;, •.
That the salaries remain the same as at present.
That the tires on the Ahrens Fox,Seagrave
and Cadillac be
exchanged for new ones.
That you make some arrangements to either
repair or dispose
of the old steamer pump.
Respectfully
submitted.,
THE F'IREUEN' S CIVIL SERVICE
COMLIISSION
=�
Earl A. Vine
R.C.Ranfranz, Chairman
'.
Dan Macke n. "
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Upon motion by Amundsen, second by Vihstadt, the above mentioned appoint-
monts for the Fire Department were approved and the persons mentioned therein were
duly a:pointed to the offices and rating mentioned therein.
Upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Miller, the matter of the repair or
disposal of the old steamer pWV ,&Ad new tires for motor equipm ent,was referred
to the Fire Department Committee for their report thereon at the next meeting of
this Common Council.
Alderman Dallman came in at this time and took his Chair.
The license bond of Chris Dillon .,.covering his license to connect with
sowers and drains with the Fddelity & Casualty Company of New York as, surety thereon
in the amount of $1,000.00 was read, and upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Amundsen,
the said surety was accepted, the said bond was approved, and it was ordered that
the same be placed on file.
Upon motion by Miller, second by Moody, the sum of $160,00 was appropriated
from the General Fund and it was ordered that the said sum be paid to Mrs. Catherine
Fritsch, as compensation for the' death of Christopher F.Fritseh during the period
April 2nd, 1931, to May 27th,1931, inclusive.
Alderman Hicks came in at this time and took his Chair.
An ordinance to amend an ordinance. entitled "An Ordinance regulating the
operation and rates of fare of'taxicabs and automobiles for carrying passengers for
hire, with a seating capacity of not to exceed seven passengers, within the City of
Rochester", the same being Ordinance . No.343, of the City of Rochester as heretofore
amended, was given its third and final reading.
A motion by Alderman Moody that the said ordinance be adopted as read,
received no second, and because of that fact, the City Attorney ruled that this
ordinance lost. I ' '
An ordinance regulating installation, camstruetion and maintenance of
plumbing, plumbing fixtures, private sewers and sewer c „nneetions within the City
of Rochester, Minnesota, was given its third and final reading.
Upon motion by Hicks, second by Dallman, that the said ordinance be
adopted as read., and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle declared the said
ordinance duly passed and adopted,
An ordinance amending Ordinance N0.286 and providing for the appointment of
one person to the office of Building,Electrical and Plumbing Inspector, and preecrib-
ing powers, and
duties,
was. given
its third and final
reading.
Upon
motion
by Hicks,
second by Amundsen,
that the said ordinance be
adopted as read, and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle declared the said
ordinance duly passed and adopted,
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The following co!munieation from the Board of Park Commissioners
was read, and President Liddle ordered that the same be placed on file:
"May 2831.1931
Mr. A. F. Wright,
City Clerk,
Rochester, Minnesota,
Dear Sir:
In reference to the invoices from the Barrows Grass
Nurseries covering creeping bent stolons furnished for Soldier's
Field, we wish to explain the circumstances under which these
!} purchases were made.
You will note that the invoice dated May 1,1931, amounting
to $432,66 covers the stolons furnished prior to May -it 1931, which
were used in planting the loth, llth, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th greens,
At the time this order was placed, it was the opinion of our Park
Superintendent that these were all of the stolons which would have to
be purchased. It was supposed that our own creeping bent nurseries :.
would furnish sufficient stolons for the remaining greens. However,
to after the completion of the first six greens, it was found that we
did not have enough bent to take care of the balance so it was necessary
n to purchase additional stolons from Mr. Barrows for the 7th, 8th, 16th
and 17th greens; These purchases, amounting to $300.60, are covered
by the invoice dated May 2� , 1931,
It was not our intention to make a purchase which would in
any way be contrary to the provisions of the city charter. In our
opinion these were two separate deals and we supposed them to be
perfectly legal add regular in every way.
k
We trust that the City Council will find this explanation
to be satisfactory and approve the unpaid invoice at their next
x.
meeting, .
' Respectfully submitted,
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
Art Nachre iner,President
Wm, Enke, Secretary
Roger L, J, Kennedy
James H& Starkey.'"
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Alderman Hicks introduced a resolution appropriating $285,57
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from the Park Improvement Fund and ordering payment made to Barrows Grass
Nurseries for* 20040 square feet of creeping bent stolons furnished and
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planted for greens numbers 7, 8, 16 and 17, in Soldier Field at $15.00 per
thousand
/square feet, less five per cent for cash in ten days from billing date,
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which was read,
Upon motion by Hicks, second by Amundsen, that the said resolu-
tion be adopted as read, and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle
declared the said resolution daily passed and adopted.
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Upon motion by Amundsen,.seeond by Hicks, the City Clerk was
authorized and directed to destroy such election records as do not effect
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the.present City and School officials, and that he be authorized to incur the
necessary expenditures for the boxing and removal of the City records in the so-
called basement vault' for storage in the basement of the Central Fire Station.
Upon motion by Hicks, second by Amundsen, the City Clerk was,authorized to
incur the necessary expenditures for the moving of the records and filing equipment
vaults
in his office/to the vaults in the temporary office location.
Alderman Hicks introduced the following resolution, which was read:
"Be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Rochester, Minnesota:
. That the salary of the Chief of Police of said City is hereby fixed at the
sum of $2400,00 per year for the balance of the ensuing official year, payable from
the General Fund of said City.
The said salar,, and compensation shall be paid semi-monthly; one-half
thereof being payable on the 16t h day of each month and the balance on the last day
of each calendar month during the balance of the said official year,"
Upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Miller, that the said resolution be
adopted as read, and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle declared the
said resolution duly passed and adopted.
The following claims were read, and upon motion,by Vihstadt, second by
Moody, the same were allowed and the Miayor and City Clerk were authorized and
directed to draw warrants upon the City Treasurer and make payments accordingly:
From the General Fund: Health Office Intact Office Fund 110.00, Ethel
Oesterreich $5.00, Elsie Rutz flk15.00, Edward Ranfranz $3.98;
From the Street and Alley Fund: Edward Ranfranz $7.65;
From the Sewer Fund: Edward Ranfranz $1,27.
Alderman Amundsen.introduced a resolution appropriating $797,20 from the
Park Improvement Fund and ordering payment made to the Mayo Trust Fund, for payrolls
f or labor dur ing the week ending May 28th,1931, in accordance w it h sworn billing
made by Wm, Enke, Secretary of the Board of Park Commissioners,under date of
June 1st, 1931, which was read.
Upon motion by Hicks, second by Amundsen, that the said resolution be
adopted as read, and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle declared the said
resolution du]y passed and ad opted.
Alderman Miller introduced the follownnc; resolution, which was read:
"WHEREAS, It is deemed expedient and necessary that a bath house be
constructed for the swimming pool in Slatterly Park, and
WHEREAS, An estimate has been made for the materials to be used, which
estimate of cost is $390000, and
WHEREAS, Ix)terested citizens have agreed to donate their services for
the construction of this bath house;
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I! SO THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Common Council of the City
of Rochester, Minnesota:
That the Board of Park Commissioners of said City be and the
,,said Board is hereby authorized to expend not to exceed the sum of 1500.00
for the materials for the construction of a bath house at the swimming pool
in Slatterly Park with the labor for the construction of the said bath house
,,to be donation of services above set forth."
Upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Amundsen, that the said resolu-
,tion be adopted as read, and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle
!;declared the said resolution duly passed and adopted.
Alderman Miller introduced a resolution appropriating P667.89 from
.the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund and ordering payment made to Martin
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,,Paulson,for estimate Nol on contract for the construction of a sanitary
sewer in parts of Seventh Street Southwest and Ninth Avenue Southwest under
,;Job N0.16114, which was read.
Upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Moody, that the said resolution
j;be adopted as read, and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle
;declared the said resolution duly passed and adopted.
John McG, Miller, Architect, submitted plans, specifications and
':estimate of cost for the wrecking and removal of the present City Hall, and
jthe public comfort station, which were considered by the Common Council;
;;the said estimate of cost being $3,000,00:
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Alderman Dallman introduced the following resolution, which was
y read:
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"WHO-,REAS, It is ,deemed for the best interest of the City of
Rochester, that the present City Hall and Comfort Station be wrecked and
+!removed as a separate contract from the construction of the New City Hall, and
WHEREAS, John McG.Miller, Architect' has prepared and submitted
iplans, specifications and estimate of cost for the wrecking and removal of
,;the present City Hall and Public Comfort Station;
SO THEREFORE, Be IOU resolved by the Common Council of the City of
!Rochester, Minnesota: 4
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That the said plans, and specifications for tht wrecking and
removal of the present City Hall and Comfort Station be and the same are
;hereby adopted for such wrecking and removal, and it is ordered that the same
.be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk of said City, and the said
,estimate of cost is hereby accepted and it is ordered that the same be placed
on file in the office of the City Clerk of said City.
'! Be it further resolved by the said Common Council: That the City
;Clerk of said City be and he is hereby authorized and directed to advertise
for sealed proposals for the wrecking and removal of the present Ci vy Hall
land Comfort Station, in accordance with the said plans and specifications,
which said sealed proposals will be received and opened at a meet 3ng of this
;"Common Council which is to be held at 7:30 o'clock P.M., on June 12th,1931,
iI in the Council Chambers, in the City Hall, in said City. Each bid must be
-accompanied by a certified check upon some reputable bank drawn payable to the
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Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota, for at least
10 per cent of the amount of
the bid,
which check and the amount of money specified
therein shall be forfeited
to the
City of Rochester, Minnesota, as liquidated
damages if the bidder upon the letting
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of the contract to him shall fail to enter into
the contract so let, the
said
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Common Council reserving the right to reject
any and all bids. A surety
bond
A
written for the full amount or the contract
by a surety company authorized to do
business in the State of minnesota, will be
required with the ccntract.
(Perscmal
bonds not to be accepted.)
-s;
All proposals must be addressed to Mr. A. F. Wright, City Clerk of the City
o0 Rochester, MInnesota, and shall have endorsed thereon "Proposal for wrecking
and removal of present City Hall and Comfort Station". "
Upon motion by Hicks, second by Amundsen, that the said resolution be
adopted as read, and all voting in favor thereof, President Liddle declared the said
resolution duly passed and adopted.
President Liddle referred the matter of thg street lines for Broadway
Street North, north of the Z,umbro River, to the Street and Alley Committee, the
City Attorney and the City Engineer; the same being in connection with what S.O.
Sanderson's ri:rrhts are as to the old routing of Broadway Street North as shown on
the plat of Northern Addition.
;- The official bonds,of Eldin L. Holtorf and Arnold M. Nelson, as Patrolmen,
each with the Fidelity & Casualty Company of New York as surety thereon in the amount
Of $500.00, were read, and upon motion by Vihstadt, second by Amundsen, the said
surety was accepted, the said binds were approved, and it was ordered that the
same be placed on file.
The following communication was read, and upon motion by Vihstadt, second
by Hicks, the sum of $100, 00 was appropriated fr .m the General Fund and it was
ordered that the said sum be paid to the Wm. T. McCoy Post No.92, American Legion,
as cancellation•ef and refundment for carnival license number 8, issued April 23rd,
1931) to license for the giving and exhibiting of the Morris & Castle Carnival
shows in this City during; the period May 25th,1931, to May 30th,1931, inclusive:
a
City Council
Rochester, Minn.
Gentlemen:
"Rochester, Minnesota
June 1, 1931
Due to circumstances, over which we had no control, the
Morris -Castle Carnival failed to show in Rochester during the week
of May 25th to May 30th.
We,therefore, respectfully request your honorable body to
refund to the Wm. T. McCoy Post No.#92, American Legion, the license
fee of $100,00 which was paid April 23,1931.
• Respectfully,
Wm. T. McCoy Post No,;02
', American Legion; "
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The following; Committee reports were read, and President Liddle
ordered that the same be placed on file:
" June 19 1931
,Honorable Mayor and Common Council
Gentlemen:
We, the Street and Alley Committee and the City Engineer
beg to report as follows:
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In the matter of the paving or construction of a curb and
gutter and the grading of Tenth Street Southwest through Plummer's
Re -Plat "A", the attitude of Dr. Plummer is as follows:
Dr. Plummer is willing to proceed with either grading and
curb and gutter or the paving of the street at such time as the
condit-ions justify. At the present time, there are no residents upon
this street and Dr. Plummer has stated that he objects to any expendi-
tures in improving the street under the present conditions.
Respectfully submitted,
STREET & ALLEY COMMITTEE & CITY ENGR
F. W. Miller, Chairman,
H.F.Vihstadt, Member,
B. Amundsen, Member.
C.H.Armstrong,City Engre "
"June 10 1931
Honorable Mayor and Common Council
Gentlemen:
The Street and Alley Committee and the City Engineer beg
to recommend as follows:
That Fifteenth Avenue Southeast, from the south line of
Second Street Southeast to the soulh line of Outlot no.l in Auditor's
Plat "A" be opened as a public street to the width of fifty (50) feet.
Respectfully submitted,
STREET & ALLEY COMMITTEE & CITY EWR.
F. W. stiller, Chairman,
Ho F, Vihstedt , Member,
B+ Amandeen , Member,
C. 14 Armstrong, City Engr;r"
" June 1, 1931
Honorable Mayor and Common Council
Gentlemen:
The Street & Alley Committee and the City Engineer beg
to recommend that the Alley running north and south through Block
No.25 in Head & McMahon's Addition be paved with 7" - steel -rein-
forced concrete to the width of eighteen (18) feet„
Respectfully submitted,
STP=, & ALLEY COMMITTEE & CITY ENGR,
BIV Amundsen, Member,
C. H. Armstrong,City Engr, F. W. Miller, Chairman. "
H.F.Vihstadt, Member.
tell
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" June 19 1931
Honorable mayor and Common Council
Gentlemen:
The Street & Alley Committee and the City Engineer beg to
recommend as follows:
That the sidewalk now in place in front of Lot No.5 in Block
No44 of Ireland's Sub -Division be reconstructed to the established grade
of the street. The north end of said sidewalk is .83 ft, too high and
the south and is 493 ft. high.
' Respectfully submitted,
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STREET AIM ALLEY COMMITTEE & CITY ENGR.
F. W. Miller,Chairman.
j . F
. HVihstadt, Member:
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B. Amundsen, Member.
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C. H. Armstrong, City Engineer."
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cond by Dallman, C. E. Ginther, Chief of the
Upon motion by Hicks, se
en Mackey and Vroman, were authorized to attend the
Fire Department ,and Firem
j; State Firemen's Convention at Owatonna, Minnesota, June 9th, 10th, and llth,1931,
at the expense of the City of Rochester, Minnesota.
i' Upon motion by Dallman, second by Amundsen, the Common Council ad journe
I� to 7:30 o'clock P.M., on June 8th, 1931.
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City Clerk.
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