Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1934 [PAGE 582]

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58o

BOARD OF TRUSTEES RELATIONS WITH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

[May 22

Mr. Trees, for the special committee to consider the relations of the University to the Athletic Association, made a report of progress, and asked for more time. This request was granted. At this point, Dr. Meyer and Mr. Trees withdrew.

WATER SUPPLY A N D FIRE PROTECTION

Mr. Barrett presented a report from Alvord, Burdick, and Howson showing the results of their study of the water supply and fire protection of the University, with the following recommendations:

i. Source of Supply.—We recommend the immediate construction of one additional well of type similar to those now in use. We estimate the cost at $15,400.00, including pumping equipment, well house, and pipe connections. 2. Distribution Arteries.—-We find that the pipe system distributing the water is inadequate to produce sufficient pressure during the hours of heaviest use and materially inadequate for good fire protection. We recommend for construction at this time a new 12' main artery extending substantially north and south through the pipe distribution system. We estimate the cost of this improvement a t $32,500.00. 3. Elevated Storage.—The demand for water fluctuates widely, the peaks severely taxing all parts of the water supply system. This can be best corrected by the storage of water in an elevated tank, preferably in the southern part of the grounds where a suitable site is available. We recommend an elevated tank containing 500,000 gallons, or about one-half day's supply, at an estimated cost of $30,000.00. 4. House for Well jjf p.—This well has recently been drilled and is housed in a temporary wooden structure. We recommend t h a t a permanent well house be built in keeping with the surrounding buildings at an estimated cost of $2,500.00. 5. Fire Department.—The fire department is equipped with an antiquated hose and ladder wagon. It carries no pumping equipment. We recommend the purchase of a so-called quadruple combination, a modern piece of automobile equipment with pumper, ladders and hose with apparatus especially adapted to coping with incipient fires, at an estimated cost of $15,000.00. 6. Improved Well Houses.—The pumping equipment for wells # 7 and # 8 a r e a c commodated in concrete pits below ground, surmounted by unsightly derricks. These pits are objectionable on account of the possibility for polluting the water through drainage getting into the well. This has happened in the past. As soon as funds may be available, we recommend the construction of suitable well houses accommodating the pumps and motors above ground. The cost for thus housing the two wells is estimated at $5,000.00. 7. Miscellaneous Improvements.—We recommend that an accurate meter be installed upon the supply line from the wells and that certain additional valves be installed upon existing pipe line. Estimated cost $1,000.00. 8. Water Softening.—The water supply is very hard and as pumped from the wells contains an objectionable amount of iron. Facilities have already been provided to aerate and filter the water, thus removing the greater part of the iron; enough, however, is left to cause considerable nuisance at times. More than one-half the expenditure required to soften the water has already been made. We estimate the cost of the additional facilities necessary for water softening at $62,500.00. The operating expenses are estimated at $11,100.00 per year with the present pumpage. It is estimated that about one-half of the operating expenses would be recovered in savings due to the softened water, without regard to greater comfort and cleanliness, and the reduced labor required to keep the University clean.

On motion of Mr. Barrett, the construction of one additional well, of the twelve-inch main artery, and of the housing for wells 7, 8, and 9 was authorized, and an appropriation of $55,400, or so much thereof as may be necessary, was made for this purpose from unexpended