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Water Department History
Entrance to Congdon Springs photo by J. Swartz St. Johnsville is in an enviable situation with water supply, thanks to the foresight of our forefathers. Many thanks to Jeff Swartz, who spent a lot of time in the village archives, gleaning the information and then writing about our water history. Our water system is well thought out and has served the village with a plentiful supply. In 1998, St. Johnsville was given the award for the best tasting water in New York State. (ajberry) -April 21, 1923 I. S. Devendorf was appointed water superintendent at $80 per month. -July 6, 1922 elections as follows due to death of president Hon. Martin Walrath, Merton Brown-president, Frank Ottman, W. H. Lenz, Otis Williams, L. D. MacWethy-trustees. NYC was to be notified to install a self-closing valve on the urinal at the Depot. Lester Timmerman was to be notified to close the faucet emptying into his watering through when not in use. A committee was appointed to estimate the cost of laying a water pipe from Center Street to the Dairymens League Building. -February 14, 1924 motion carried that owing to the scarcity of water, the waters of the creek be turned into the reservoirs. Also that the inhabitants of St. Johnsville be notified of the low water condition now existing and advise all to boil water as a precaution. -April 4, 1924 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, W. H. Lenz, E. J. Miller, David Walsh, F. J. Waltamath-trustees. The method of sending water bills was changed to a post card method. -April 18, 1924 an engineer was to be employed to furnish estimates for the installation of water and sewer on Crouse Blvd. Motion carried to go to Lassellsville to look over the acquisition of more water and employ and engineer to furnish the data. I.S. Devendorf was reappointed water superintendent. -May 1, 1924 motion carried that water be extended to the Dairymens League by extending the pipe from Center St. to the plant with the project to started immediately. -May 9, 1924 the pipe and material necessary for water and sewer to be laid on Crouse Blvd was ordered. Committee appointed to make necessary repairs to preserve the efficiency of the reservoir at the Lassellsville spring. The attorney was instructed to procure options on several springs available at Lassellsville. -June 6, 1924 Motion carried that Engineer Trumbull be employed to stake out a new intake dam at Lassellsville on the site of the present watershed, and also present plans and specification of the proposed construction. -June 6, 1924 the land and springs of Albert Miles totaling 97 acres was contracted for the sum of $1500. -June 13, 1924 James P. Wells was employed to make a preliminary survey of the entire water supply for $750. -July 8, 1924 All property owners on Averill St., Washington St., West Liberty St., Monroe St., and Union St. were to be notified to connect with the water and sewer lines before the streets get paved. -July 22, 1924 a resolution was adopted for a special election to be held to the borrowing of $170,000 for additional water supply for public use by connecting several springs and streams of water located in the Town of Ephratah, Fulton County with the election being August 5, 1924. -July 22, 1924 Village Attorney Butler advised the board that he believed $12,000 would purchase all the land needed for the water system improvement. Engineer Wells gave a talk that he believed 300,000 gallons of water was available from the springs on the properties of Messers, Miles, Kretser and Fical. Mr. Wells advised laying an eight inch pipe which would carry 800,000 gallons of water per day and the cost of this would be approx. $132,900. -July 29, 1924 Motion carried that the water line be extended on Averill Street north to the village limits. -August 8, 1924 The Village of St. Johnsville Board of Trustees was to be notified that the Municipal Board will hold them responsible if the water main on Averill St. should freeze owing to the lowering of the street level by grading for pavement. The chairman was authorized to sign and verify a petition to the New York State Water Control Board to obtain proper consents to construct proper additional water supply system. Motion carried that James P. Wells of Rochester, NY be hired as engineer on the proposed water supply system for $9,350 lump sum payment to pay only his own services, and all preparations of plans and specifications and other items as part of the items before the State Water Control Commission. -August 19, 1924 the taxpayers voted in favor of borrowing the $170,000 for 34 years and the bonds were sold to Sherwood and Merrifield of New York City. -September 4, 1924 Bids were opened for the construction of the additional water supply with H.W. Golden & Son Inc. from Troy, NY being the low bid of $55,590, also the bid from U.S. Cast Iron Pipe & Foundry Co. of Philadelphia, PA be accepted to furnish the pipe for the cost of $52,616. -September 17, 1924 Motion carried that the petition to the water control board of the State of New York, for permission to construct the proposed water supply system of the Village of St. Johnsville as duly adopted by the voters according to the plans and specifications prepared by James P. Wells, Civil Engineer, be amended so as to include a request for permission to sell and furnish to the inhabitants of Lassellsville water from the mains of the proposed additional water supply system. -October 10, 1924 Water Superintendent was empowered to repair several bad leaks and charge the homeowners if they do not repair the leaks themselves within a reasonable length of time. -October 31, 1924 the contracts were signed with U.S. Cast Iron & Foundry Co. and H.W. Golden and Sons Inc. for the additional water extension. Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory was employed to inspect all pipe furnished by U. S. Cast. -November 5, 1924 the water superintendent was empowered to extend the water main on South Division St. as far as required to supply National Knitting Machine Co. (Johnson) with water. J.H. Schiemer applied for pipe inspector on the new pipeline. -December 12, 1924 a committee composed of W. Trumbull, Frank Walrath, E.C. Trumbull and John Leek, representing Lassellsville, presented a proposition that would give the inhabitants of Lassellsville, water furnished them by the Village of St. Johnsville, in turn for certain considerations, with the water to be used for domestic and fire protection purposes. -April 3, 1925 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, W.H. Lenz, E.J. Miller, F. J. Waltamath, David Walsh-commissioners. I.S. Devendorf was reappointed water superintendent for $85 per month. Right of way was purchased over the following properties for the water line - Floyd Smith, Norman Smith, Eli Smith, Albert and George Weaver, Maggie Walrath, Julia Gray, Arthur Trumbull, Joe and Thomas Triumpho, Frank Seaman, Ed Miles, Murray Duesler, Maggie Walrath, Bruce Nellis. -May 1, 1925 more right of way purchased W.R. Trumbull and Dan Weaver. -June 5, 1925 suggested to use 6 - 1 inch Mueller automatic air valves on the water line. Right of way of Elmer Dempster paid. -August 25, 1925 George Butler was empowered to do all things necessary to secure additional right of way across land of Ed Miles. -September 4, 1925 right of way secured with Carrie Doland and Ed Miles. -December 10, 1925 J.P. Wells stated that the new water system was nearly completed and would be finished in another week. -March 30, 1926 Motion carried that the Rules and Regulations for the Protection from contamination of the public water supply of the Village of St. Johnsville as compiled by the Department of Health of the State of New York be adopted in their entirety. -May 12, 1926 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, W.H. Lenz, David Walsh, F. J. Waltamath, C.C. Walrath-commissioners. I.S. Devendorf was appointed water superintendent. -June 4, 1926 No Trespassing signs were to be posted about the lands of the St. Johnsville Water Department. -June 25, 1926 Daniel Smith has a claim in regards to building a fence on his lands alleged to be used. -July 20, 1926 H.W. Golden & Sons Inc. was paid their final payment for the water system extension work. -August 8, 1926 I.S. Devendorf water superintendent salary was increased to $100 per month. August 26, 1926 Motion carried to purchase the land of Daniel Smith surrounding the two reservoirs including the right of way from the state road to the village lands for $800. -December 11, 1926 Clark Weaver was offered $125 for a right of way across his property for the new water line in the Towns of Ephratah and Oppenheim. -May 5, 1927 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, David Walsh, F. J. Waltamath, W.H. Lenz, Chas. Walrath-commissioners. I.S. Devendorf appointed water superintendent. President Ottman was empowered to make application to the State Board for a permit to complete the Miles and Fical Springs intake as per plans and specifications already filed. -September 2, 1927 Motion carried that Fay Trumble be offered $6000 for the 122-acre farm along Zimmerman Creek. -October 25, 1927 Motion carried that the water to the Union Knitting Company, and the property of H.D. Allter on North Division St. be shut off for lack of payment. The president was empowered to make application for an extension in time for cleaning up the watershed and make all necessary work to make the watershed in a sanitary condition. The decision was received from the NYS Water Power and Control Commission that its request for the acquisition of two certain springs (Fical and Miles) in the application of August 9, 1924 was rejected. -December 2, 1927 a representative from Wallace and Tiernan Co. of Newark, NJ explained in detail a chlorinating system suitable for use for drinking purposes. Motion carried that the chlorine control apparatus be purchased for the price of $450. The board agreed to offer the sum of $3000 for the farm of Lyman Cromer on Zimmerman Creek. -January 6, 1928 the president was empowered to get an option on the Radley home near Lassellsville on the Zimmerman Creek. A bill was paid to ET Barnum Co. for wrought iron fence $140.70 and 1 pair of double gates $446.25 this is believed to be the present gates at the Congdon Springs entrance. -March 2, 1928 Final payment made on the purchase of the Lyman Cromer property along Zimmerman Creek. -April 6, 1928 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, William H. Lenz, Fred J. Waltamath-commissioners. William Wilsey-clerk. I.S. Devendorf appointed water superintendent. Edward Hall was present to discuss damages of the village taking water. The matter of reforestation was discussed with the decision to procure sixty thousand trees for planting. The board was to advertise for bids on the removal of the building on the recently purchased Trumbull and Cromer farms. Motion carried to offer $2000 for the Sutton farm located on the watershed. -June 5, 1928 motion carried to accept the bids of Clarence McCarther and Clarence VanGorder to remove building from the Trumbull and Cromer farms. Resolution to purchase the Roy Sutton farm of 47 acres for $2300 and also the Mary Radley house for $1000. -September 7, 1928 Motion carried that all claims of property owners upon the creek below the small intake, in the Town of Ephratah, be offered settlement upon the basis of the original settlement for damages at the time of construction of the water works. -June 7, 1929 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, W.H. Lenz, Frank Waltamath-commissioners. I.S. Devendorf appointed water commissioner. Motion carried that $1 be paid per trip to each man who responded to the two alarms of fire on the watershed property at Lassellsville during the summer of 1928. -July 5, 1929 resolution for President Ottman to apply to the NYS Conservation Commission for classification for taxation of forest land and reforested land. Motion carried that a six inch waterline be installed starting at Lion Ave at the corner of Crouse Blvd. easterly to the New York Central Rail Road CO. property and their water tank with the rail road to supply all valves and meter. -August 24, 1928 the village board authorized the municipal board to offer Mr. Arthur Cromer $2000 for 57-acres of property in the watershed. -October 4, 1929 A resolution was made to the following land owners for water taken by the Village of St. Johnsville from a stream known as Dempster Creek- Dempster, Leonard Brinell, Lois Mead, -Eva Carter, -Maggie and Frank Walrath, -William Trumbull, -Helen Trumbull, -Edward Trumbull, -Jennie Helen, Raymond King, -Lelah Smith, -Elmer Dempster, Jennie Fay, Alice Denure, Louise Weaver, Leonard Dempster, Bessie Dempster, Nellie Kennicott, -Grace Smith, -Francis Hill, -Pearl and Francis Getman, for the total amount of money being $1580. Resolved that the map of the water supply system of the Village of St. Johnsville that was filed in the Montgomery County Clerks Office on September 3, 1929 be filed in the Fulton County Clerk Office. -October 10, 1929 Contract was made with the New York Central Railroad Company to supply them with water. -January 27, 1930 Resolution regarding the filing of the map with Fulton County was described as follows: the water supply system of the Village of St. Johnsville showing the lands bordering upon Zimmerman Creek in the Town of Ephratah, commencing at a point where Dempster Creek runs into Zimmerman Creek extending northerly and easterly up to and including the dam constructed and owned by the Village of St. Johnsville, and including the lands back of the said dam not owned the Village of St. Johnsville but flooded by the dam. Resolution in compliance with condemnation proceedings to offer the following land owners a total of $1600 for taking water: Leah Smith, -Norman Smith, -Norman Smith, Edward and Lydia Miles, -Norman Smith and Charles Getman, - John and Mary Dolan, -Clifford Argersinger, -Floyd and Lizzie Cool and Norman Smith, -Floyd and Lizzie Cool and Floyd and Carrie Miles, -Norman Smith (sawmill lot), -Norman Smith (triangular), -Norman Smith and Edward Miles, -Henry Fical, -Edward and Leaphy Bronk, -Laura Mosher, -Leah Smith, Wilbur and Emma Monk, -Myra Miles. -May 13, 1930 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, W.H. Lenz, F.J Waltamath-commissioners. I.S. Devendorf appointed water superintendent. Wm. Wilsey-clerk. -October 6, 1930 Motion carried that the land comprising the headwaters of Zimmerman Creek, the waters which are now included in the St. Johnsville water supply system and known as Yauney property, and includes Yauney dam and being used for greater storage acquire the property for no more than $1500. -October 28, 1930 Motion carried to purchase a new chlorinating apparatus from Wallace & Tiernan Co. Inc. for $706 to replace the one previously used and was destroyed in a fire on October 27, 1930. -November 7, 1930 bill of $1500 was paid for the purchase of the Yauney property. -December 5, 1930 New York Central Railroad Co. was notified the water department was ready to supply the railroad with water at the trestle. -June 9, 1931 elections as follows Frank Ottman-president, W.H. Lenz, F. J. Waltamath-commissioners. Irvin S. Devendorf was appointed as water superintendent, Wm. Wilsey-clerk. Morrell W. Vrooman of Gloversville was to go over the watershed with the board and makes suggestions for changes. NYS Health Department recommended chlorinating the old spring along with the new supply. -July 20, 1931 Mr. Vrooman offered his suggestions to the changes needed at Yauney Dam and to follow out the plan at once. -September 14, 1931 Motion carried to purchase a combination chlorine and ammonia apparatus to further safeguard making the water pure from Wallace & Tiernan for $1250. -October 22, 1931 Ezra Nellis was paid $300 to cut a hole in the dam- believed to be the mud valve in Zimmerman Dam to flush out sediment buildup behind the dam. -December 10, 1931 Motion carried to dispose of a wood lot and brush land on the Yauney property, which were included in the land purchase. -January 8, 1932 letter read to board of trustees from the NYS Dept of Health that our water at the present time was very satisfactory. -February 12, 1932 the Municipal Board appeared before the Village Board of Trustees to explain the conditions as they now stand. The Municipal Board has bonds and interest due on March 1, 1932 and no funds to meet them, and request that the Board of Trustees arrange payment for them. The reasons of no funds available being that legal services and other matters connected with the additional water supply had been paid out from the general water fund and the amount needed at this time being $3000. -February 29, 1932 as per a resolution of the Village of St. Johnsville Board of Trustees on February 26, 1932, the Board of Water, Light, Sewer and Parks Commissioners is being dissolved and abolished and these four branches will embodied in the Proceedings of the Board of Trustees beginning March 1, 1932. -March 11, 1932 The Village Board of Trustees rescinded their resolution dissolving the Municipal Board of Water, Sewer, Light and Parks Commission as it was done without a public hearing as required by village and state laws and another resolution was made calling for the public hearing on April 8, 1932 for its dissolving. -April 8, 1932 At the public hearing on abolishing and dissolving the Municipal Board of Water, Sewer, Light and Parks Commission, several citizens were asked by Mayor Rush F. Lewis to express their views regarding this proposition. Mr. L.D. MacWethy pointed out the importance of having someone in charge of water familiar with the details in connection therewith to avoid serious trouble pointing out some of the many things current water superintendent Devendorf is confronted with the watchful eye of the state authorities over our water system, the large area which the water superintendent has to cover to see that no pollution gets into our water and other various things to be considered. Mr. Frank Ottman, current Municipal Board President, spoke at length on his experience in connection with the water system, and show in part the many duties of the water superintendent, and the real necessity for occasional trips to the reservoir and Lassellsville, which trips have been thought unnecessary by many, stating his opinion, that the combining of the positions of Street Commissioner and Water Superintendent was inadvisable, and the job of looking after the water was of too much importance to be neglected by having someone look after it who is not familiar with the system or requirements demanded by the state authorities. Mr. William H. Lenz spoke of some of the problems the Water Superintendent has to handle and solve, calling attention to the miles of pipelines, unmapped, the location is only known by experience, the many valves for controlling the flow, unmapped, and other things not previously mentioned. Mayor Lewis spoke of the necessity of advancing the water rates to pay claimants for damages already awarded and cases still being tried regarding the additional water system. No further action was taken at this meeting. -April 22, 1932 A petition signed by 32 voters and taxpayers requesting to continue the present method of managing the water system, by a water commission, and not to merge the Water Superintendent with that of the Street Commissioner was read and laid on the table. The official resolution was made by Lewis M. Fowler and seconded by John Maier to officially dissolve, abolish and terminate the Municipal Board of Water, Sewer, Light and Parks Commissioners. Motion was adopted to have I.S. Devendorf continue as Water Superintendent at the same salary. Motion carried to borrow $8500 to cover expenses and claims for water damages which have already been allowed in the condemnation proceedings against owners along Dempster Creek. -May 13, 1932 Mr. I.S. Devendorf was appointed water superintendent at $85 per month. L.M. Fowler and Geo. A. Horning were appointed by Mayor Lewis as a committee to act on the water department.
From the Filtration Plant looking south in the Fall -July 26, 1932 claims were paid against the taking of land and /or water to Pearl Lassell-$301, Wilber and Emma Munk-$301, Ed, Leapy Bronk and Dan Fitzgerald-$377, Grace Smith-$264. -September 8, 1932 more settlements paid to Jennie Phelan and Raymond King-$380, Pearl and Francis Getman-$337, Frances Hill-$266. -October 14, 1932 Resolution to purchase a parcel of land from Stephen Cromer, now being flooded by the waters of Yauney Reservoir for $100. -December 9, 1932 the Library Trustees were granted permission to erect a bird fountain on the library property and the village would supply the fountain with water free of charge except in the event of an insufficient supply. -February 24, 1933 Resolution made urging Senator Walter Stokes and Assemblyman L.J. Shaver to support the bill which has for its purpose the exemption from local taxation of all municipally owned and operated water pipelines which lie without the Corporate limits of the Municipality which owns or controls same. -April 3, 1933 Annual elections held with I.S. Devendorf appointed Superintendent of Water, Park and Sewer at a salary of $100. -August 25, 1933 Mayor Lewis appeared before the Board of Assessors of Oppenheim to ask for a reduction of real property taxes on approx. 500 acres from $20 an acre to $10. The Assessors advised there would be no reduction. -December 14, 1933 Resolution asking the Federal Government for full payment of all labor costs for the construction of a water pipeline from the village reservoir (dome) to the vicinity of Spring Street and the intersection of the present pipeline leading to the New York Central Pumping Station a distance of 10,000 feet to keep separate the two sources of water supply under the so-called Civil Works Administration (CWA) and the village purchase all materials needed. (commercial waterline) -December 22, 1933 Discussion on trading a wood lot at Yauney Dam to Sheldon Nellis for 20 acres of his property which lies close to Yauney Dam, no definite conclusion reached. -December 29, 1933 Resolution made to purchase the 8 inch pipeline to go to Spring Street as the Civil Works Administration project was approved. Resolution made to purchase a right-of-way across the land of Bruce Nellis for $50 for this waterline. -January 12, 1934 Communication from Hulbert Explosive Co. that the village needs to purchase 2000 lbs. of dynamite for the CWA pipeline project. Resolution to purchase 44 acres of land from Sheldon Nellis for the even exchange of a 20 acre lot owned by the village, the 44 acres described as follows: bounded on the north by Stephen Cromer, south by Benjamin Kretser and Thomas Gleason, west by the highway. -January 29, 1934 Warranty Deed received from Bruce Nellis and Ella B. Nellis for a right-of-way for the new pipeline from the village reservoir to the village. -February 14, 1934 The clerk was instructed to purchase a suitable car for the water department for an amount not to exceed $100. Resolution that adjustments be made to the March 1 water billing due to the severe cold weather and low temperatures prevailing as the water commissioner has freely advised water consumers to allow water to run during severe cold nights to avoid freezing. -April 2, 1934 annual elections with I.S. Devendorf appointed Water Superintendent for $100 per month. -April 23, 1934 the Water Superintendent was asked to place a red printed card at every residence to be affected by water shutoffs for water main repair work. -May 3, 1934 an agreement was reached to run the new 8 inch water line across the New York Central Railroad Company property from Sanders St. to the present waterline leading to the railroad water tower for no rental fee. -May 29, 1934 the clerk was advised to notify all plumbers of the village that no water is to be turned on or off for any resident of the village until the matter is taken up with the water superintendent or clerks office. -June 12, 1934 Motion carried that a map be made of the water and sewer system. -June 27, 1934 Mr. Reaney wished to install two fountains, one in the park facing New Street and the other on Bridge Street and that each be metered and charged commercial rate as it would be off the commercial line. -July 23, 1934 Motion carried that 1250 feet of 3 inch wrought iron pipe with necessary valves and fittings at a cost of $18.28 per 100 be purchased for the connecting the water supply to the St. Johnsville Supply Company's gravel plant with the new 8 inch pipe line recently laid (commercial line) and is to be laid in connection with the curbing along William Street. -September 7, 1934 Howard C. Winne was approved to purchase sand and gravel from village property in the vicinity of Zimmerman Creek intake and offered to 5 cents a cubic yard. -November 27, 1934 Communications from the State of New York, Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, advised that the sample of sand taken from the sand bank at the watershed in the Town of Ephratah of Sept. 8 had been analyzed and accepted for specifications of the Division of Highways. Agreed that all fire hydrants will be covered with a barrel and filled with straw to prevent them from freezing. -April 1, 1935 annual elections with I.S. Devendorf appointed Water Superintendent for $100 per month. -November 11, 1935 Ed Miles presented a proposal for purchasing 10 acres of land adjoining his property and which does not affect the watershed was considered. -December 9, 1935 Ed Miles purchased 10 acres of land previously sold by him to the village for $150 -January 13, 1936 Mayor Lewis reported work on the Watershed project to start January 14 with 21 men, eventually 50 men, federal contribution $14,170 and sponsors contribution $2224. -January 27, 1936 the clerk was instructed to order from the New York Conservation Department, 200,000 three-year old seedlings to be used in reforesting a portion of the watershed. -February 14, 1936 the New York Conservation Department was allowed to use 2 acres of the watershed in Lassellsville for experimental purposes. Clerk reported the making up of W.P.A. project proposal for reforesting on the watershed and the building of approx. 385 feet of road from the highway to the lower reservoir. -April 6, 1936 communication read from the New York Conservation Department stating a change had been made in the order of the village for trees for reforesting with the following now being supplied: 90,000 white pine, 85,000 red pine, 25,000 white spruce. I.S. Devendorf was appointed water superintendent at $100 per month. -November 9, 1936 communication read from the NYS Dept. of Health regarding regional schools for water works operators and superintendents. -November 23, 1936 NYS Dept. of Health suggested that a ventilator be provided so the fumes from the gas heater may escape in the plans to renovate and repair the scales and other equipment in the chlorinator house. -January 26, 1937 I.S. Devendorf was instructed to offer Bruce Nellis the sum of $50 to settle his claim of his calf drowning in the village reservoir. -March 8, 1937 clerk reported 30,000 white pines, 1,000 white spruce, and 1,000 white cedar were ordered from the New York State Conservation Department for use in the watershed. -April 5, 1937 elections held with I. S. Devendorf was appointed water superintendent at $100 per month. -April 19, 1937 Mayor Lewis reported one truck load of 32,000 trees was received from the Conservation Dept. for planting on the watershed. -October 11, 1937 Claude Bierman, St, Johnsville Postmaster, requested furnishing the Post Office with water. -April 4, 1938 elections held with I.S. Devendorf appointed water superintendent for $105 per month. -April 18, 1938 the ongoing claim for several years of Norman Smith against the Village of St. Johnsville for damages to lands by reason of flooding along Zimmerman Creek by the construction of the diversion dam in the Town of Ephratah was agreed settled for $2400 and the village to also purchase 100 acres of land from Norman Smith along Zimmerman Creek being a strip of land between parcels owned by the Village of St. Johnsville and constituting a strip on either side of Zimmerman Creek east of the diversion dam for $3500. -November 14, 1938 Resolution to purchase 34 acres of land from George K. Dorn for $200 with the Village of St. Johnsville exchanging a 30 acre piece of property on the south side of Rte 29 previously acquired from the Fay Trumble farm purchase. -April 3, 1939 elections held with I. S. Devendorf appointed water superintendent at $105 per month. -April 17, 1939 Resolution of the Village Board to the Conservation Department of the State of New York relative to turning over to the State, lands now owned by the Village of St. Johnsville in the Town of Ephratah, Fulton County know as its watershed. With the understanding that NYS will forever keep it forest and protect the waters for use by the Village of St. Johnsville. This being done as the Village of St. Johnsville has had considerable trouble with tax assessments upon the lands owned by the Village of St. Johnsville in the watershed and proceedings to lower the rate of assessment are ongoing. (unknown what the response to this was, other than the village still owns it) -February 26, 1940 15,000 more trees were ordered from the NY Conservation Department for use in the watershed. -March 25, 1940 Edward Miles purchased a 21 acre parcel of land in the watershed near the Congdon Springs area for $200. -April 1, 1940 elections held with I. S. Devendorf appointed water superintendent for $105 per month. -August 26, 1940 Alonzo Smith was hired at $3 per month for a complete inspection of the waterline each month. -April 23, 1940 letter read from NYS Health Department about a cross-connection of domestic and commercial water near the towers of NY Central RR Company. -April 7, 1941 elections held with I.S. Devendorf appointed water superintendent at $105 per month. -August 25, 1941 Bernard Feldstein, Health officer, stated the importance that a map of the water works be made available showing every valve and shutoff. -October 13, 1941 I.S. Devendorf was given a leave of absence as water superintendent due to ill health. -November 10, 1941 Roy Nellis filled in as water superintendent for $20 per month. -December 7, 1941 World War II started -December 12, 1941 Roy Nellis was appointed Superintendent of Water, Park and Sewer Departments. -April 6, 1942 annual elections with Roy Nellis appointed Superintendent of Water, Park and Sewer Departments for $105 per month. -June 28, 1942 Health Officer Dr. Feldstein spoke of the necessity for the instruction of one or more additional persons in the operation and maintenance of the water system. -July 13, 1942 Water Superintendent Roy Nellis and Asst. Water Supt. Horman were to attend a 3 day school for water commissioners at Albany. -August 14, 1942 the Water Superintendent was to be covered by Compensation Insurance Policy now carried with the State Ins. Fund. -December 2, 1942 Resolution made to lower the water rates being charged and were set up May 13, 1932. -December 14, 1942 the salary of Water Superintendent Roy Nellis was increased to $120 per month for the duration of the war. -December 28, 1942 Clark Burkdorf made an offer of $200 for timber on the Yauney Lot at the watershed above a 10 inch tree but this was tabled. -December 30, 1942 a 1935 Ford Panel Truck was purchased from Willard Ottman for $275 for use of the Water Superintendent. -April 5, 1943 elections with Roy Nellis appointed Water Superintendent for $120 per month and Street Supt. Duane Horman Asst. Water Supt. -April 12, 1943 the village purchased four $1000 war bonds from water dept. funds. -September 13, 1943 a load of wood from the watershed was given to the Observation Post. -January 24, 1944 communication in regard to the use of chlorinator from Klock Park as a stand-bye was read and that the necessary parts and labor are authorized in order to use the Chloroclock apparatus for stand by. One $1000 war bond was purchased with surplus money in the water fund. -April 3, 1944 elections with Roy Nellis appointed water superintendent for $126 per month and Police Chief Raymond Walrath appointed Asst. Water Supt. -November 13,1944 the Minister of the Scotch Bush was allowed to cut up to and no more than 10 cord of wood from the dead wood at the watershed, while under the water superintendents supervision. The Village of St. Johnsville joined the American Water Works Association for $15 annually. -November 27, 1944 Melvin Gray was appointed Asst. Water Supt. And Street Supt. The previous motion to rebuild the Chloroclock apparatus was rescinded and a new Wallace & Tiernan Co. chlorinator was to be purchased for $350. -April 2, 1945 elections with Ray Nellis appointed Water Superintendent for $126 per month and Street Supt. Melvin Gray as Asst. Water Supt. -April 24, 1945 the Water Committee was to contact the Cools relative to selling their property adjacent to Yauney Dam. -June 12, 1945 decided that the village should try to get W.J. Crangle to exchange the property on North Division St. known as Scudders Falls for the McCrone lot on Sanders St. Back to the Water Page. Back to the Village of St. Johnsville Page 01 24 2004 |
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