1939 in the Village of Flushing, Michigan
\= 1939 in the Village of Flushing, Michigan =
1939 was a pivotal year for the \[\[Village of Flushing, Michigan]], marked by the launch and progression of a major federally-assisted waterworks improvement project, significant municipal governance activity, and community engagement on local issues. The Village Council oversaw the planning, bidding, and construction of a new water treatment plant, navigated federal grant requirements, and addressed a range of administrative and civic matters.
\== Municipal Officials ==
| | | | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | | | | | | Harley J. Parkhurst | | | | | | William E. Beebe | | | | | | Earl P. Luce | | | | | | Claud B. Wood | | | | | | J.A. Gardner | | | | | | James C. Stout | | | | | | James C. Stout, H.D. Armstrong | | | | | | George Nickerson | | | | | | Bernard P. Bueche, William J. Everett, Frank W. Hertrich, George C. Roof, Frank A. Niles, Clyde A. Jessop | | | |
\== Waterworks Improvement Project == The most significant undertaking in 1939 was the implementation of the waterworks improvement project, funded in part by the \[\[Public Works Administration]] (PWA) under Docket No. 1776-F (Michigan). The project included:
\=== Bidding and Contracts === On May 5, 1939, the Village Council opened bids for Contracts No. 2 and No. 3. Contract No. 2 was awarded to Furton Brothers Engineering & Construction Co. for $7,942.50. Contract No. 3 received a single bid from the Permutit Company of New York for $14,973.00. Due to PWA concerns over the single bid and the proposed use of automated equipment, approval of Contract No. 3 was delayed. Negotiations with PWA ensued, eventually resulting in approval to proceed. \=== Construction and Delays === Construction of the treatment plant began in June 1939. Delays occurred due to PWA’s initial disapproval of Contract No. 3 and later due to equipment delivery issues. The Council requested and received deadline extensions from the PWA, first to August 15 and later to December 15, 1939. By year’s end:
\== Administrative Actions == \=== Elections and Appointments === The March 1939 election reaffirmed Harley J. Parkhurst as Village President and William E. Beebe as Clerk. Earl P. Luce continued as Treasurer. Trustees elected or re-elected included Bernard Bueche, William J. Everett, Frank A. Niles, and Clyde A. Jessop. Standing committees were appointed, and key officials retained their posts. Claud B. Wood continued as Fire Chief for his 32nd year, with J.A. Gardner as Assistant Chief. \=== Budget and Finance === The Council approved a 1939 tax rate of 15.5 mills, allocated to:
The Peoples State Bank of Flushing was designated as the depository for village funds. The Council managed bond payments and maintained a stable financial position. \== Ordinances and Infrastructure ==
\== Community Engagement == \=== Petitions and Public Concerns ===
\== Departmental Reports == Monthly reports were provided by:
\== Legacy == The waterworks project, despite delays, was substantially completed by the end of 1939. The new infrastructure modernized Flushing’s water supply, providing softened and filtered water and expanded capacity. The year’s accomplishments laid the groundwork for improved public health and municipal services on the eve of World War II. |