History

Tiffin through time

Every dated item of the town's history in the archive on one list: history notes, checked research claims, events read from the records, ordinances, resolutions of the kinds that mark the town's life, project milestones, the earliest appointment to each board and proclamations. Each line is as the records put it, with its page. Atom feed.

383 items match.

July 12, 1962 Discussion The mayor asked the School Board for permission to drill a town well on the school ball diamond.
“The Mayor attended the next meeting of the School Board, and asked for permission to drill on the school ball diamond.”
document 3362, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 3, 1962 Figure The October 1962 bills include $100.00 paid to well driller Willis E. Miller to drill a test well.
“Willis E. Miller --- $100.00 (drill test well)”
document 40, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 7, 1962 Figure The November 1962 bills include $16.00 to the State Hygienic Laboratory for analyzing water samples.
“State Hygienic Lab. 16.00 (analyzing water samples)”
document 3361, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Decision The council moved to investigate a preliminary plan for a water system, with Powers & Associates as engineers, at a cost not to exceed $1,500.
“that a preliminary plan for a water system be investigated, appointing Powers & Associates as engineers, this cost not to exceed $1,500.”
document 3324, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Decision The council voted to have a preliminary plan for a water system investigated, appointing Powers & Associates as engineers at a cost not to exceed $1,500.
“Water. Glen moved, Ted seconded the motion that a preliminary plan for a water system be investigated, appointing Powers & Associates as engineers, this cost not to exceed $1,500. Carried unanimously.”
document 3324, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 3, 1964 Discussion On the geologists' advice the council planned a 5-inch test well and three sand points near the firehouse to measure the capacity of a water-bearing layer, noting the deeper strata had sulphate and was hard to soften.
“plan to put in three sand points and drill a well on the town property next to the Firehouse.”
document 3322, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 9, 1964 History note D. E. Edwards offers to drill the town's well at his own risk
“Mr. Edwards presented an alternate proposal, to drill a permanent well and test for flow himself with the understanding that if said flow was not attained, the Town would not pay him any amount.”
document 3322, p. 2 · D. E. Edwards · Wayne Reed · history note · 1960s
November 9, 1964 Figure At a special meeting the only bid for drilling a test well was $600.00 from J. E. Latta & Sons, Inc. of Riverside, Iowa.
“The only bid received on the proposal sent out was from J. E. Latta & Sons, Inc. Riverside, Iowa as follows: Item 1: $240.00, Item 2: $120.00, Item 3: $240.00 for a total of $600.00.”
document 3322, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
November 9, 1964 Figure The test well bid of $600.00 as printed in 1964 is about $6,500 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“The only bid received on the proposal sent out was from J. E. Latta & Sons, Inc. Riverside, Iowa as follows: Item 1: $240.00, Item 2: $120.00, Item 3: $240.00 for a total of $600.00.”
document 3322, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Decision The council unanimously awarded the contract for the test well to Latta after the engineer's geologist advised that the Latta bid would give the most information.
“Glen moved, Bill Bream seconded the motion to award the contract for test well to Latta. Unanimously carried.”
document 3323, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Report The test well hit water-bearing sand at about 70 feet; pumping at 50 gallons a minute drew the level down, and at 20 gallons a minute it held at 61 feet.
“Geologists hit the vein at about 70 feet (six feet of good sand) and they started pumping at 50 gallons a minute.”
document 3321, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1965 Report The minutes record that continued pumping kept dropping the water level, so the test well would not supply a town pump, though the water was of good quality.
“Apparently this will not provide enough water for a town pump.”
document 3319, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 3, 1965 Figure The mayor said an earlier estimate figured $65,000 for a water system on revenue, which would add another $3.00 to what customers paid for sewer and water.
“Even figuring $65,000, we were to go entirely on revenue, this would add another $3.00 to what we would be paying, for sewer and water.”
document 3317, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
March 3, 1965 Report The well was producing just over 10 gallons a minute, not enough for the town, though the minutes say two or three such wells would do.
“The well is producing just over 10 gallons a minute and will probably continue to produce that.”
document 3316, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 6, 1965 Report The geologist said a new well alongside the test well with cemented casing could possibly supply 15 gallons a minute, and that the deep aquifer was not worth using because of treatment cost.
“He said this could possibly supply you 15 gallons a minute.”
document 3315, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 5, 1965 Report The Geological Survey's analysis of water from a deep private well in the area found 800 parts sulphate and a lot of iron, the same as all over at that depth.
“it is the same as is all over at that depth--800 parts sulphate and a lot of iron.”
document 3314, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 2, 1965 Figure A tentative water system figure of $75,000 was to be financed by $18,000 in general obligation bonds, $45,000 in revenue bonds and a $12,000 balance of roughly $100 assessment each for 120 users.
“Tentative figure for a water system is $75,000, which could be financed by $18,000 in General Obligation bonds”
document 3312, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 7, 1965 Decision The council decided a brochure explaining the proposed water system should go to all Tiffin voters with notice of a public meeting on 21 July.
“It was decided that a brochure should be worked up and sent to all Tiffin voters explaining the system proposed and notifying them of a public meeting on July 21.”
document 3311, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 7, 1965 Report The engineer presented a preliminary water system survey including a 35,000 gallon underground storage tank, three pumps and a hypochlorinator, and said fire insurance rates should improve 15%.
“The 35,000 gallon storage tank is the underground type, which is much less expensive than the elevated type.”
document 3311, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 21, 1965 Report At a special meeting 20 or 30 townspeople heard the engineer explain the water system and were told that, unlike a sewer system, everyone was not required to hook up.
“It was emphasized that, unlike a sewer system, everyone is NOT required to hook up to a water system.”
document 3311, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
September 1, 1965 Decision Council members agreed to canvass the town on the proposed water system over the next thirty days, each taking assigned streets.
“Council members agreed to canvas the town to get definite opinions on the proposed water system during the next thirty days”
document 3310, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
October 6, 1965 Report The mayor reported progress on a possible federal loan for a water system, including correspondence with Representative Schmidhauser and a League of Municipalities meeting with federal agencies.
“The Mayor reported on the progress of a possible Federal loan, including correspondence with Representative Schmidhauser and a report about the League of Municipalities meeting”
document 3306, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
October 6, 1965 Decision The council resolved that enforcement of the State Plumbing Code, Section 1, would take effect 1 October 1966.
“Be it resolved that the effective date for enforcement of the State Plumbing Code, Section 1, shall be October 1, 1966.”
document 3306, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 3, 1965 Report Work had started on an application to the FHA for a 50% grant for the water system based on the preliminary cost estimate.
“Work has been started on the application with the FHA for a 50% grant based on the preliminary cost estimate.”
document 3305, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 2, 1966 Figure The well driller's letter said the town had paid for everything but the casing when the test well was dug; the council discussed keeping the casing for $392.50 and decided to negotiate because it was not budgeted.
“The council discussed keeping the casing for $392.50.”
document 3302, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
April 6, 1966 Report An FHA representative asked the mayor and council to be at the fire station on 12 April 1966 so Representative Schmidhauser could present the town with a $14,000.00 federal grant for the town water plant.
“so that Representative Scardhauser could present the town with the $14,000.00 Federal Grant to be used for the town water plant.”
document 3300, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 3, 1966 Discussion The FHA procedure required petitioning 80 users, each making a $25.00 cash contribution when signing, and then a vote at which 50% of townspeople had to approve before bonds were sold.
“The first step is to petition 80 users who must make a cash contribution of $25.00 at the time they sign.”
document 3299, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 3, 1966 Figure At a special meeting Farmers Home Administration representatives set the water rate at $4.75 per unit, an average from a survey of small towns, with a minimum of 80 guaranteed users needed before the loan could close.
“The cost of each unit was set at $4.75 per unit. A survey was taken of small towns based on payments and cost of water and $4.75 was arrived at as an average fee.”
document 3299, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 3, 1966 Discussion A former mayor attending as a participant objected that the $4.75 fee ignored the town's finances and that large users would not hook up without special fees.
“We have several large users who will not be interested in hooking up unless they are given special consideration in fees.”
document 3299, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 4, 1966 Decision The council had the clerk send a former mayor's letter explaining the proposed water system to everyone who is sent sewer bills.
“Ted Spivey made a motion that the Town Clerk send these letters to everyone who is sent sewer bills.”
document 3298, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 1, 1966 Figure The mayor told the school board that town water would cost the school roughly a little over $100.00 per month.
“He told the board if they would be interested in Town Water it would cost them roughly a little over $100.00 per mo.”
document 3297, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 6, 1966 Report A former mayor submitted a petition requesting an election on the water issue, and the clerk recorded 66 signers.
“The Clerk records 66 signers.”
document 3296, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
August 3, 1966 Decision The petition of 6 July was found not to carry the necessary number of signatures, the action on it was rescinded, and the council instead moved to publish notices for an election at the regular November election date.
“The petition cited in the minutes of the 7-6-66 meeting was found not to carry the necessary number of signatures. The action concerning the petition was rescinded.”
document 3295, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 7, 1966 Discussion The engineer recommended the town use the shallow well for four to five years, then dig a deep well and mix the two waters to cut demineralization cost.
“Mr. Reed recommended that the town use the shallow well for four to five years.”
document 3293, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 7, 1966 Discussion The attorney warned the council not to hold the water election without a guarantee of 80 users, since approval would obligate the town to sell bonds with no grant money; the council set about getting signers.
“warning us not to go ahead with the election on the water system without the guarantee of 80 users.”
document 3293, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 4, 1966 History note The water vote waits to see what the school does
“A motion was made by Bill Verry to postpone the water election date depending on direct commitments from the townspeople and to wait to see how the school situation develops.”
document 3291, p. 1 · meeting · history note · 1960s
October 4, 1966 Decision The council postponed the water election date depending on commitments from townspeople and to see how the school situation developed.
“A motion was made by Bill Verry to postpone the water election date depending on direct commitments from the townspeople and to wait to see how the school situation develops.”
document 3291, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 2, 1966 Report With 45 signatures in favor of the water system the council decided against signing a $750.00 contract with Powers at that time.
“There were 45 signatures in favor of the water system, so the council decided against signing a contract with Powers at this time”
document 3290, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 1, 1967 Report The mayor had more water applications printed and handed councilmen lists of people who agreed to sign for water but had not paid the fee, for collection.
“handed out lists of names of people who agreed to sign for water but haven't paid the fee, to the councilmen for the collections.”
document 3287, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 1, 1967 Decision The council designated the Iowa State Bank and Trust as the depositor for the water fund.
“Bill Bream made a motion that the Iowa State Bank and Trust be the depositor for the water fund.”
document 3287, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 5, 1967 Decision With FHA staff and the engineer present, the council voted to go ahead with the water election; the attorney's advice not to proceed without the minimum signers was read.
“Mr. Scott suggested that we go ahead with the election and have bids for water. Ted Spivey made a motion to go ahead with the election.”
document 3285, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 5, 1967 Figure The engineer's opinion was that $4.75 should be a minimum when metered water first started.
“He had the opinion that when we first start out $4.75 should be a minimum.”
document 3285, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 5, 1967 Decision The council adopted a resolution calling a special election on waterworks propositions.
“Councilman POTTER introduced and caused to be read a resolution entitled "Resolution calling a special election on waterworks propositions,"”
document 3285, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
April 5, 1967 Decision The council discussed the establishment and erection of a municipal waterworks and a council member introduced a resolution calling a special election on waterworks propositions.
“Matters were discussed concerning the establishment and erection of a municipal waterworks, whereupon Councilman POTTER introduced and caused to be read a resolution entitled "Resolution calling a special election on waterworks propositions,"”
document 3285, p. 2 · Glenn R. Potter · 1960s
May 3, 1967 Report The minutes of 5 April said 'FHA would go up to 50% on the lean'; on 3 May the council corrected the sentence to read 'on the grant'.
“Mayor Stratton suggested that the sentence reading "FHA would go up to 50% on the loan" read "FHA would go up to 50% on the grant."”
document 3284, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 3, 1967 Decision The council decided that a customer tapping on to the water main after the system is in is responsible for bringing the line to the house, for the meter deposit and for patching the street.
“the customer is responsible for bringing the line to his house, for the meter deposit, and for patching the street etc.”
document 3284, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 9, 1967 Figure The ballot for the 9 May 1967 special election asked whether to establish a municipal waterworks at a maximum expenditure of $115,000.00, paid solely out of net earnings without incurring any indebtedness.
“the maximum expenditure for the establishment of such waterworks not to exceed the sum of $115,000.00 to be paid solely out of the net earnings of such municipal waterworks without the incurring of any indebtedness therefor by said Town?”
document 3283, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
May 9, 1967 Figure The ballot ceiling for the waterworks of $115,000.00 as printed in 1967 is about $1,200,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“the maximum expenditure for the establishment of such waterworks not to exceed the sum of $115,000.00 to be paid solely out of the net earnings of such municipal waterworks without the incurring of any indebtedness therefor by said Town?”
document 3283, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
May 17, 1967 Report At a special meeting on 17 May 1967 the votes in the election were canvassed and the attorney explained next steps toward the water system; the page prints no vote totals.
“The votes to the election were canvassed.”
document 3282, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 7, 1967 Decision The council voted to sign the engineering agreement with Powers; the FHA representative brought a copy of the approved contract for engineering services.
“Bill Bream made a motion we sign engineering agreement for Powers.”
document 3281, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 26, 1967 Report The mayor had a map of the proposed site of the water tower and standpipe, and 51 names were accounted for water service.
“A total of 51 names were accounted for water service.”
document 3278, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 22, 1967 Decision The council approved an application for underground construction on State Highway right-of-way and noted two more easements were needed for the water lines.
“Mayor Stratton presented and application for approval of underground construction on State Highway right-of-way.”
document 3275, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
December 6, 1967 Discussion The council discussed the location of the water tower; a landowner who offered to sell a knoll wanted town sewer service before selling, and the knoll's height appeared the same as the site on the school property.
“The height of the knoll Mr. Wolfe offered to sell the town appears to be the same as the sight on the school property.”
document 3274, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
December 6, 1967 Figure The December 1967 bills include a $15.00 fee to the Iowa Natural Resources Council for a withdrawal permit for town wells.
“Iowa Natural Resources council 15.00 fee for withdrawal permit for town wells”
document 3274, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 3, 1968 Discussion The mayor suggested a board of three trustees, appointed to two, four and six year terms, to be responsible for utilities.
“He also suggested a board of trustees to be responsible for utilities. It would be a board of three appointed to two, four, and six year terms.”
document 3273, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 24, 1968 Discussion The council again discussed a Utility Commission to operate and manage the sewer and water systems, and a deputy clerk for sewer and water bills.
“The possible role of a Utility Commission in Tiffin which would be responsible for the operation and management of the sewer and water systems was again discussed”
document 3258, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 13, 1968 Figure The mayor told FHA officials the town could buy land and change the water tank site if it could be obtained for $1000.00 or under.
“Mr. O'Toole talked to FHA officials and said we could buy the land and change the sight if we could obtain it for $1000.00 or under.”
document 3272, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 6, 1968 History note The water tower goes on school property, on a lease
“OLD BUSINESS: Water: Mayor reported that the price Clyde Woolf asks for the property tentatively located for the water tower is quite a bit beyond what is budgeted, so on the basis of this price, the original proposed site on the school property was arbitrarily decided upon.”
document 3271, p. 1 · meeting · history note · 1960s
March 6, 1968 Figure The mayor gave comparative costs for the water storage: a 60-foot standpipe at $20,000, against an estimated $18,000 to disassemble, move and reassemble a donated tower.
“Comparative costs of a standpipe and a water tower (if one can be obtained gratis) are: 60' standpipe: $20,000; cost to disassemble, move and reassemble is estimated at $18,000.”
document 3271, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 3, 1968 Discussion The engineer said the State Department of Health would not let a water pipe be closer than ten feet to a sewer pipe, which required moving an easement from the south to the north side of the sewer.
“the State Department of Health will not let them get closer than ten feet to a sewer pipe with a water pipe”
document 3270, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 3, 1968 Figure Receipts of 3 April 1968 included $795.82 in sewer payments and $75.00 in water system deposits.
“75.00 . . water system deposits”
document 3270, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
April 3, 1968 Discussion The attorney reported the town had to acquire legal title to the water tower site on school property, requiring a procedure to show it was not needed for school purposes.
“The town must acquire legal title to the water tower site.”
document 3270, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 2, 1968 Discussion The attorney listed three ways to get the tower site from the school district: dispose of school property by appraisal and bids, condemn the land, or take a 99-year lease, which the mayor thought the fastest.
“(3) obtain a 99 year lease; Mayor will call the Des Moines FHA office to see if they will approve the lease plan, since it would be the fastest.”
document 3269, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
June 5, 1968 Figure A landowner was asking $500.00 for easement rights for the water line; the council later heard easements could cost $1.00 a foot and that condemnation might be needed.
“Oscar Bigelow is asking $500.00 for easement rights.”
document 3267, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 5, 1968 Figure The water tower site lease from the school district was reported at $50.00 per year, written first as 75-year lease.
“The 75-year lease for tower is at the rate of $50.00 per year.”
document 3267, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 1, 1968 Decision The attorney reported the FHA approved the tower site lease, and the council accepted by a show of hands a resolution on the agreement between the Town of Tiffin and the Clear Creek School District.
“Mr. Neuzil reported that the lease for the tower site has been approved by the FHH.”
document 3266, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 31, 1968 Decision At a special meeting the council moved to publish the water system construction bids as soon as possible so bids could be opened on 4 September 1968, in the Des Moines Register as well as the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
“that the publication for construction of the water system be made as soon as possible, which would make possible the bid opening on September 4, 1968.”
document 3265, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
August 14, 1968 Discussion The attorney told a landowner's representative the school board considered the leased site the best place for the water tower and that the town would proceed even if it meant a suit to enjoin it.
“if this means a law suit to enjoin us, we can't help it.”
document 3265, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 4, 1968 Figure The engineer found in the fine print that the bond election specified a total project cost not to exceed $115,000, so a new election to raise the limit to not more than $150,000 was needed.
“the bond election which was voted on specified a total project cost not to exceed $115,000. This means that it will be necessary to hold a bond election, placing the amount of the project not to exceed $150,000.”
document 3264, p. 3 · meeting · 1960s
September 4, 1968 Figure The estimated water financing at the bid opening was a $68,000 loan at 4%, a $14,000 grant and a $47,000 loan at 5%, for $149,000.
“$68,000 loan @ 4% 14,000 grant 47,000 loan @ 5% $149,000”
document 3264, p. 3 · meeting · 1960s
September 4, 1968 Figure Five bids were read for Contract B of the municipal water system, ranging from $27,755.50 to $65,950.80.
“Total Bid: $27,755.50”
document 3264, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 4, 1968 Figure An FHA representative said the minimum rate, expected at $4.75 for about 3,000 gallons a month, would probably rise to around $6.00 or $6.25 with new money at 5%, and the minutes also mention $6.50 per month.
“I am guessing at this point that this is going to be around $6.00 or $6.25 if we go with this new rate of money.”
document 3264, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
September 4, 1968 Figure The engineer analyzed the total water project cost on the bids received at $145,752.00 against a recent estimate of $132,000; the FHA's figure, excluding initial operating costs and an existing well, was $143,682.00.
“Mr. Reed analyzed the total project cost on the basis of bids received and obtained a total of $145,752.00. He said this compares with our recent total project cost estimate of $132,000.”
document 3264, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
September 4, 1968 Figure The engineer's water project cost of $145,752.00 as printed in 1968 is about $1,400,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“Mr. Reed analyzed the total project cost on the basis of bids received and obtained a total of $145,752.00. He said this compares with our recent total project cost estimate of $132,000.”
document 3264, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
September 4, 1968 Figure Two bids were read for Contract A, the wells, of $4,922.45 and $3,881.75.
“Total bid: $3,881.75”
document 3264, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 10, 1968 Decision The council rejected the Globe bid (a bid bond instead of a certified check) and the Maasdam bid (check payable to the Town of Tipton).
“Ned Allen made a motion to reject the Globe and Maasdam bids.”
document 3263, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 10, 1968 Decision The mayor directed the attorney to thank Owens Brush Co. for its offer of a tank but explain the town could not afford it.
“Mayor Bream directed Mr. Neuzil to write a letter thanking Owens Brush Co. for their offer of the tank, but explain that the town can't afford it.”
document 3263, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 10, 1968 Decision The council and engineer decided to drop the planned water treatment plant, change the elevated tank to a standpipe, and keep the well and distribution bids.
“the present treatment system plan be dropped, the elevated tank be changed to a standpipe, and the well bids and the distribution system bids be kept.”
document 3263, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 19, 1968 History note The new school is built expecting town water
“Points to be brought up at this meeting are: (1) School being built with anticipation of municipal water system, (2) Deletion of treatment plant and/or, (3) larger grant, and (4) the system has been cut, trimmed, and redesigned and still comes to much more than the $5.00 per month estimated earlier.”
document 3262, p. 1 · meeting · history note · 1960s
September 19, 1968 Figure The FHA required treatment of iron if the content was more than .2 grains; Tiffin's analysis was 3.5 grains.
“the F. H. A. requires treatment of iron if the content is more than .2 grains. Tiffin's analysis was 3.5 grains.”
document 3262, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 19, 1968 Discussion The council discussed dropping the FHA grant and loan and investigating a private concern putting water into the town's distribution system, citing North Liberty and Holiday Court as examples, because the rate per customer was higher than townspeople would accept.
“It was suggested the Council investigate a private concern putting water into our distribution system for a lot less than is now estimated or bid. The Town of North Liberty and Holiday Court were sighted as examples.”
document 3262, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 19, 1968 Figure The engineer noted the redesigned system still came to much more than the $5.00 per month estimated earlier.
“the system has been cut, trimmed, and redesigned and still comes to much more than the $5.00 per month estimated earlier.”
document 3262, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
September 19, 1968 Figure The engineer reported a Pittsburgh-Des Moines estimate of around $23,000 to $25,000 for a standpipe, against earlier bids of $31,700.
“They estimated we should be able to get a bid for around $23,000 to $25,000 for a standpipe. This would compare with earlier bids of $31,700.”
document 3262, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 3, 1968 Figure The October 1968 bills include $200.00 for a water easement; the owner had asked $500.00 in June.
“Oscar Bigelow (water easement) 200.00”
document 3261, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
October 3, 1968 Figure The engineer said the water system might be cut to a $115,000 cost but the rate per user would still be $6.50 to $7.50 without additional grant money.
“Maybe cost of water system can be cut down to $115,000 cost, but rate per user would still be at $6.50 to $7.50 without additional grant money.”
document 3261, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 3, 1968 Discussion The council listed selling points for water signers: a cheaper tap-on fee now, no gas until water is put in, and construction costs rising 20 per cent a year.
“Main selling points to attract more signers are: cheaper tap-on fee now, we won't get gas until water is put in, and construction costs are going up 20 per cent a year.”
document 3261, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 3, 1968 Figure An FHA representative said 108 users would be the minimum, counting the school and the Lark, and Tiffin then had 87.
“108 would be minimum number counting school and the Lark. We now have 87 in Tiffin.”
document 3261, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 14, 1968 Figure At a special meeting the council brought in 27 more water user contracts, raising signed users to 77 single units, with the school adding 19 and the Lark 5, and the list of potential single-unit users revised to 101.
“The Council brought in 27 more water user contracts. This brought up the town's minimum number of users to 77 single units.”
document 3260, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
December 4, 1968 Figure December 1968 receipts included $155.00 in water deposits.
“Townspeople . . . . $155.00 (water deposits)”
document 3259, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 7, 1969 Report The engineer reported the water survey was completed and submitted to the FHA, which said to readvertise and redesign and it would finance; deleting high service pumps and using a forced air system would lower costs.
“They said to readvertise and redesign and they will finance. Deleting high service pumps and putting in forced air system will lower costs.”
document 3257, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 5, 1969 Report The mayor reported that Knowling Brothers had withdrawn its bid on the water system.
“Knowling Brothers withdrew their bid.”
document 3256, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 22, 1969 Decision The bid specification would require the school to be connected to the water system by 28 August 1969, with bids to open 27 March 1969.
“Included in the bid specification will be a requirement that the school be connected to the water system by August 28, 1969.”
document 3255, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 27, 1969 History note Hearing and letting for the town's municipal water system
“NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND PROPOSED FORM OF CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM FOR THE [illegible]”
document 3252, p. 1 · meeting · history note · 1960s
March 27, 1969 Discussion The council raised again the bond election that specified a total project cost not to exceed $115,000, and planned to see whether grant money could be excluded from the cost to the town.
“Mr. Neuzil, Mr. Reed, F.H.A. and maybe a bonding attorney will get together to interp the bond election to see if the grant money can be excluded from the cost to the town.”
document 3251, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
March 27, 1969 Figure Latta & Sons of Riverside bid $4884.26 for Contract A (wells).
“Latta & Sons, Inc., Riverside, Iowa. (Cert. check for $249.60) Well #2, Well #1 and alternatives: Total bid: $4884.26”
document 3251, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 27, 1969 Figure Remakel & Felderman of Bellevue, Iowa bid $32,729.50 on Contract B, the lowest of four.
“Remakel & Felderman, Bellevue, Iowa (Cert. check for $1650.00) Total Bid: $32,729.50”
document 3251, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 27, 1969 Figure M.F. Goerdt Construction Co. of Dubuque bid $35,762.00 on Contract C (treatment plant), the lowest of five.
“M.F. Goerdt Const. Co., Dubuque, Iowa (Cert. check $2500.00) Total Bid: $35,762.00”
document 3251, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 27, 1969 Figure Andrews Tank & Tower Service of Hopkins, Missouri bid $21,960.00 for a standpipe on Contract D; Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel bid $23,000.00 for a standpipe and $30,300.00 for elevated storage.
“Andrews Tank & Tower Service, Hopkins, Missouri (Cert ck $1100.00) Total Bid-Standpipe: $21,960.00”
document 3251, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 27, 1969 Figure At the 27 March 1969 bid opening the engineer found the low bids on each water contract amounted to $95,335.76, about $122,000 with engineering, interest, design and bid letting.
“Mr. Reed analyzed the low bids on each contract amounted to $95,335.76. This with the basic engineering costs, interest, design, bid letting, etc., come to approximately $122,000.”
document 3251, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
March 27, 1969 Figure The low water-system bids totalling $95,335.76 as printed in 1969 is about $880,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“Mr. Reed analyzed the low bids on each contract amounted to $95,335.76. This with the basic engineering costs, interest, design, bid letting, etc., come to approximately $122,000.”
document 3251, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s

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Data last updated October 23, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.