A communication from a private business concerning a waterworks was presented by the Fire Committee at the May 12, 1879, council meeting. It was the first time in city records a waterworks was actually discussed. No action was taken, but it was a beginning. On July 14, the Fire Committee recommended the use of drive pumps to supply water for the city, which the council accepted. On July 28, Councilman George E. Harris, then a member of the committee, urged the council to take action at once to guard against fire. Michael Zimmerly, who had also served on the original special committee, moved that the committee help the city develop a waterworks system, either through using bonds to allow the city to build its own, or by giving a franchise to a private company. Another first occurred as the city initiated action toward developing a water supply. And the question of private vs. municipal ownership of such a system was first raised, a question which would hound the city in the future