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1855 April Council ProceedingsMarch 26, 1855 Bill of Merritt, Mahony, and Dorr printing blank treasury orders April 3, 1855 Farley, Quigley, Weigel, Connel, Pelan, McNamara, Langworthy, Ham, Reid, Bissell Granting the application of C P Hall use of levee for coal yard 60 ft south of the south line of 4th St. and 85 ft in depth for one year City engineer survey and plat of street to be laid out between 8th St. and the Madden Hollow Road by J J E Norman S Y Bradstreet, S M Langworthy, T S Nairn, and others September 4, 1854 lies between 8th and 3rd streets Resolution Resolved that a street called Brad Street running from the Lorimer Hollow Road to the extension of 3rd St. declared to be laid out as a public highway for public use Resolved that the recorder shall cause a record of the plat and description of said street April 3, 1855 Farley, Quigley, Weigel, Connel, Pelan, McNamara, Langworthy, Ham, Reid, Bissell Bills Silas Sebring nightwatch Anderson and Pelan lumber Michael Flanagen John Ledy Michael Ledy Paul Seymore hoe and rake for post hauling F L Gelpcke engineer F Wittgsock George Ernst April 9, 1855 Farley, Quigley, Weigel, Connel, Pelan, McNamara, Langworthy, Ham, Reid, Bissell Settle with different City Officers Report Not been able to effect a settlement with the City Collector, as he has not collected taxes and kept his accounts as required by ordinances Paid over scrip, ought not be allowed interest at all on the scrip without showing by the duplicate receipt required by Ordinance Immediate settlement with the collector Examined the Marshals books and accounts and find as follows Paid George Connel market house money paid to the treasurer Leaving a balance due the City Marshall claims the following items balance of his years salary damages by the Lorimer Hollow Road April 9, 1855 Farley, Quigley, Weigel, Connel, Pelan, McNamara, Langworthy, Ham, Reid, Bissell Balance of salary due the Marshall Examined the treasurers account Account balances received paid out per account Balance cash on hand T Kelly Balance General Fund on Hand received scrip Treasurer has surrendered scrip in package Balance due from Treasurer Treasurer to make up the above amounts during the week and balance the account McCann voucher Coupons due January 1, 1854 and cancelled Made no examination of the Recorder's books and accounts April 9, 1855 Farley, Quigley, Weigel, Connel, Pelan, McNamara, Langworthy, Ham, Reid, Bissell Report on Collector, Treasurer, Marshal claims received and allowed P C Morhiser salary of Marshal Money Allowed Bills James Burt for legal services R C Waples Treasurer P W Crawford Recorder G Blocklinger Street Commissioner Horatio Walde Henry Sidle expenses of burying a child Henry Krohl removing bodies from the old cemetery outside the enclosure to new cemetery Official abstract filed with him by the Mayor of the votes cast at the recent election for city officiers Dubuque April 5, 1855 Jesse P Farley, Mayor, received returns of the municipal election held April 2, 1855 Election Results Whole Number of Votes 1143 Mayor John G Shields Mordecai Mobley Recorder P W Crawford H P Leech April 9, 1855 Farley, Quigley, Weigel, Connel, Pelan, McNamara, Langworthy, Ham, Reid, Bissell Dubuque April 5, 1855 Jesse P Farley, Mayor, received returns of the municipal election held April 2, 1855 Election Results Marshal Peter Kiene John Gunn P C Morhiser Collector J A Langton William Earhart Auditor D G Scott E J Mathis Assessor I N Higbee Treasurer A Mathews R M Walmsley Attorney J E Blatchley H A Wiltse Alderman 1st Ward M McNamara George E Wilde Alderman 2nd Ward R I Thomas M Curran A A Mills Alderman 3rd Ward B M Samuels A Gillespie Alderman 4th Ward E Spottswood P H Conger F E Bissell Alderman 5th Ward M Ham A Yager R M McKinley Thanks of the Board to Mayor Farley for dignified and impartial manner in which he presided in the board April 9, 1855 Farley, Quigley, Weigel, Connel, Pelan, McNamara, Langworthy, Ham, Reid, Bissell J H Thedinga, Esq, Justice of the Peace Qualification of John G Shield as Mayor New Board McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King Quigley president pro tem A petition was received from Morgan Curran by Nightingale and Wilson, his attorneys, contesting the election of R I Thomas Resolution Resolved that committee of three examine the roll books of the 2nd ward, what number of illegal votes and for whom April 9, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan Resolution Whereas act to incorporate and establish City of Dubuque in Section 15 of said act among other powers granted to the City Council, is that to license and establish ferries across the Mississippi River Resolved Committee to examine into and report the present rates of ferriage as charged by the different ferry boats Report an ordinance for the proper regulation of said ferries Bonds fixed at amount Treasurer $30,000 Marshal $10,000 Collector $25,000 Auditor $25,000 Recorder $15,000 Assessor $5,000 Street Commissioner $2,000 J E Blatchley City Attorney Petition from H A Wiltse and others asking the Council to establish a system of common schools April 9, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley Resolution Resolved that the Marshal is hereby instructed and directed to post up a dozen conspicuous notices to read as follows Any person hitching any animal to a shade or ornamental tree within city limits subject to fine Wilfully hack, mark, cut, or injure any shade or ornamental tree subject to fine Protection of public and private property Resolved that committee to ascertain the probable cost of having the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Dubuque printed neatly in a book together with a list of the present city officers and rules and order of business State Constitution Laws relating to the City U.S. Constitution and U.S. laws contracts, ordinances, relating to gas, water, and harbor improvement companies Resolved that the Council proceed to elect, by a viva voce vote, a City Printer Resolved that if the person elected accept the office, proceedings of the Council be published without charge Resolved that person chosen be furnished with a copy of these resolutions April 9, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Nominated City Printers Express and Herald Tribune Observer G Blocklinger appointed Street Commissioner Engineer to mark out 14th St. west through the land of J D Bush and others to the Delhi Road April 10, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Quigley President Pro Tem David G Scott Auditor P W Crawford Recorder Amos Mathews Treasurer Peter Kiene Marshal A Langton Collector Godfried Blocklinger Street Commissioner Taking the oath of office Marshal to proceed with the cleaning of the streets and alleys to have the city thoroughly cleaned and if necessary to be authorized to enter upon private property Resolution Resolved that the Mayor or Mayor Pro tempore be required to keep a suitable book to be entitled a "Complaint Book" Citizens can have free access for the express purpose of entering complaints for violations of city ordinances He or she may note in said book charges against any of the city officers Resolved that the Council furnish the Official City Paper to the Mayor and each aldermen, the recorder and marshal for one year April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Contested election for Alderman of the 2nd Ward Majority Report of the Committee Morgan Curran Robert Thomas Total number of legal votes 192 R J Thomas 38, Morgan Curran 89, A H Mills 65 R J Thomas, Independent Candidate, 52 without designating the office voted for, those votes informal and illegal April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel R J Thomas, Independent Candidate, 52 without designating the office voted for, those votes informal and illegal Reasons City Charter Section 5 ballots shall designate the office for which the persons therein named are voted for Code of Iowa Sec 256 Code of Iowa Sec 264 ballots without office are to be rejected Judges of election erred in returning R J Thomas had received 92 votes Not prepared to express an opinion as to whether Curran is entitled to a seat April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Resolution Resolved that Robert J Thomas is not entitled to the seat of Alderman from the Second Ward Minority Report City Charter Code Chapter 28 Section 314 The provisions relating to the general elections shall govern in the April (township) election according to their intent Code of Iowa Chapter 25 Sections 256 and 264 April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Minority Report Committee Election of Thomas An express designation of the office to be filled seems only essentially necessary upon the ballot under the Code when there are officers of different kinds to be elected by the same ballot Different ballots Second Ward, Independent Candidate, For Alderman, Robert J Thomas Second Ward, Independent Candidate, Robert J Thomas As there was but one officer to be chosen in that ward, it would seem in law and equity to be entitled to his seat as Alderman of the 2nd Ward April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Minorty Report John King Such an onerous construction of the law would very materially interfere with the freedom of the ballot box and make voting a precarious business Robert J Thomas is therefore entitled to his seat as Alderman of the 2nd Ward A respectful deference to the will of the majority of the people expressed through the ballot box April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Resolution Resolved that Morgan Curran entitled to seat 2nd Ward alderman Bills Henry Krohl removing bodies old graveyard Assess damages occasioned to Jno Hodgdon and M Ham by the opening of a street through their land running west from Division St. survey and plat of the City Engineer made by order of the City Council Verdict of the jury - damages to Ham and Hodgdon George W Scott pay damages April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Communication was received from the Auditor suggesting certain changes in the mode of issuing and receiving Treasury orders Petition from James Rowan and others asking the Council to locate and open South Dodge Street commencing in Madden Hollow, corner of Mineral Lot No. 63 intersect the ridge road, running between the lands of Messrs Wildes and Grafford City Engineer to make a survey of street and to return a plat Make a re-survey of the Madden Hollow Road Petition of H Bruening, L Clark, and others asking the Council to open a continuation of the road leading to the new City Cemetery Petition from H L Stout, C Gregoire and their associates to lay down a railway from the line of Main St. on Jones St. to the intersection of Locust St. April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Travel on the streets occupied by the track should not be obstructed left in as good condition as before the track was laid Petition from L L Wood and others improvement of Bluff St. between 9th and 11th streets Petition from Allen Leathers exclusive right to run lines of omnibusses subject to the regulation of Council Petition from C C Childs City Directory, census R C Waples extend the street across the Cooley on the line of Cooks Addition corner of land of George Scott lands of M Ham near Eagle Point survey and plat of said street April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Thomas, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Petition from W B King applying for the use of the Globe Hall exhibition of certain paintings Resolution Resolved A E Skinner required to furnish a full statement of his accounts to the board Rent the Globe Hall for another year City Engineer instructed to make a survey of an alley proposed to be opened in Langworthys and Kings additions at their own expense hay scales removed to such a place as a committee of the Council should select in the vicinity of the Court House Landing rings to be set watchman appointed James McGovern Daniel Wall James Howey Patrick Murphy April 16, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel James Howey watchman Bills P Wackerou City Engineer F Wittgsock C Dirchner Henry Sidle April 23, 1855 Morgan Curran 2nd Ward Dr. McMahan, City Health Officer, appeared before the board statements regarding the health of the city reccomending a thorough cleansing of the streets, alleys, and vacant lots Draft Ordinance change in the mode of drawing orders on the treasury provisions of the City Charter Petition of A Leathers Contract with Leathers exclusive right for 7 years of running a line of omnibusses on the route from 1st to 12th St. Main St. thence to Clay St. April 23, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Clay St. and Cooley Avenue to the city limits A Leathers contract H A Wiltse on behalf of M B Cullen in reference to a change in Mineral St. Correspond with Hunneman Cleaning of streets Resolution Resolved Marshal be instructed to commence a uniform system of the cleaning process at the lower end of Bluff St. Draining of the Pond on Division Street in McCraney's Addition Reducing the bill of Henry Sidle for the expense of burying a child April 23, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel An Ordinance to prohibit the sale of fresh fish Petition George W Jones widening the street Lorimer Hollow Road change in the name of that street to Appian Way declared a public highway Street from Bluff St. be called Julien Avenue Reduce the amount of merchants license L W Jackson, Charles Suffrens, and T Adams A W Sanford I N Higbee City Assessor W H Robbins and Co. street lamp posts General W Lewis Iowa St. between 8th and 10th streets was in bad condition standing water would produce sickness fix the grade April 23, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel An Ordinance to provide penalty for City Officers Petition asking for the appointment of L Krause as City Engineer Mr. Kniest take clay from a point in North Main St. Wood Measurer John O'Meara Lumber Measurer R Redman, A Bunting Rules for the government of the Council Ordinance regulating the duty of City Sexton A E Skinner statement of accounts collection of taxes Books and accounts referred to the auditor for examination and settlement April 23, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel rate of wharfage on the Steamer Berlin, while running between Dubuque and Galena, was fixed at one half the regular price Draft Ordinance regulating the sidewalks of the City amended Charter city attorney Bills of Anderson and Mitton April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Rent the Globe Hall Draft Ordinance regulating the rates of ferriage on Ferries running from the City to the Mississippi River Ordinance on laying sidewalks An Ordinance to provide for numbering houses on Main St. An Ordinance further to define the duties of certain city officers Petition A Leathers Hay Scales Hunneman and Co. April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Proposals for draining the pond on Division St. Bid of Franz Hug dig the ditch at the rate of ten cents per cubic yard Application of Mr. Kniest and Lensser Rules of the government of the Council Rules and Regulations Rule 1. strictly adhered to by the City Council unless temporarily suspended by three fourths of the aldermen Rule 2. Meet regularly on every Monday at 3 PM and at any other time they may deem proper Rule 3. Special Meetings, reasonable notice of such meetings Rule 4. Mayor shall preside at all meetings of the City Council and shall have the casting vote and no other April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Rules of the government of the Council Rule 5. A majority of all the aldermen elected shall constitute a quorum, but a minority may adjourn, fine not exceeding ten dollars Rule 6. Members called to order, anounce quorum Order of Business 1st. Reading of the minutes of the last meeting 2nd. Presentation of petitioners and reports by officers 3rd. Standing Committee 4th. Reports of Select Committees 5th. Communications to the City Council 6th. Unfinished business of preceding meetings 7th. Motions, Resolutions, Notices, and Communications 8th. Presentation of bills Rule 7. Questions relating to the priority of business shall be decided without debate Rule 8. Mayor preseve order and decorum, decide questions of order Rule 9. While the Mayor is putting the questions, no member shall walk across or out of the Council Room Rule 10. Previous to speaking shall rise say Mr. President not proceed with remarks until recognized April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Rules of the government of the Council Rule 11. Persons other than members of the City Council shall not address the Council otherwise in writing Rule 12. No member shall speak more than twice to the same question without the leave of three fourths of the members present Rule 13. While a member is speaking, no member shall entertain private discourse or pass between him and the chair Rule 14. A member called to order shall immediately sit down, unless permitted to explain. If there be no appeal, the decision of the Chair shall be conclusive Rule 15. Motions precedence in the following order 1. To lay on the table 2. To postpone 3. To comment 4. To amend Rule 16. All motions or resolutions shall be reduced to writing if required by the President or a member and when seconded and stated from the chair shall be open for consideration Rule 17. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order and have precedence over all others, decided without debate Rule 18. No member shall leave the settings of the City Council without leave Rule 19. Every member who shall be present when a question is stated from the Chair shall vote thereon, unless excused by the Council, or unless he be directly or indirectly interested in the question, in which case, shall not vote. Names of members voting shall be recorded on the minutes. April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Rules of the government of the Council Rule 20. All appointments to office by the Council shall be by ballot or viva voce as the Council shall determine and a majority of the members present, shall be necessary to a choice Rule 21. All Committees shall be appointed by the Mayor or pro tem Rule 22. If the question in debate contain several distinct propositions, any member may have the same divided Rule 23. When a blank is to be filled and different sums and times proposed, the question shall first be put upon the largest sum and longest time. Rule 24. A motion for the Previous Question, to lay the question on the table or to commit until it is decided, shall preclude all amendment and debate. Motion to postpone a question Rule 25. The Previous Question shall be as follows, "Shall the Main Question now be put?" Rule 26. Standing and select committees shall in all cases report in writing Rule 27. All reports of committees shall be addressed to the Mayor and Aldermen Rule 28. The City Recorder shall direct all papers to the appropriate committee and officers, and the Marshall shall deliver the same. Recorder shall attend all meetings Rule 29. Notices of special meetings shall be served by the Marshal on each Alderman personally April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Rules of the government of the Council Rule 29. The Marshal shall have charge of the Council Room and shall attend all meetings of the Council and assist in preserving order Rule 30. City Council shall keep a journal of its proceedings, compel attendance of absent members, punish disorderly conduct, expel any member Rule 31. The standing committee shall be appointed annually and the person first named on the committee shall be the chairman thereof. Standing Committees to wit: 1. On Finance 2. On Claims 3. On Public Schools 4. On Streets 5. On Harbor Improvements 6. On Market Houses and Public Grounds 7. On Pumps, Wells, and Cisterns J P Farley statement in reference to the claim of the estate of John Burton for the rent of the building used by the City as a Calaboose Honorable George W Jones requesting measures to prevent persons owning property along Julien Avenue from building or making other improvements on the along Julien Avenue from building or making other improvements on the ten feet of ground widening of Julien Avenue April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Julien Avenue declared a public highway License of N V Descelles Where persons keep houses for the sale of beer exclusively as merchandise and no other kind of intoxicating liquors, the license of such persons shall be fixed Telegraph Co. granted permission to remove their poles from Main St. to the alley between Main and Iowa St. Recorder procure a suitable desk for the keeping of the papers of the city Frederick L Gelpcke resigning City Engineer W H Linns James Potter elected City Engineer Lillie and McDonald for a part of the islands for a shipyard April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Street Commissioner was instructed to examine Bluff St. betwen 9th and 11th P C Morhiser and C C Hewitt be appointed a special police to act in conjunction with the special police of other cities Resolution Resolved thanks of the City Council be tendered to Frederick Gelpcke for time as City Engineer Petition received signed by merchants and businessmen permission for the erection of awnings without posts City Attorney to draft an ordinance in accordance with the petitioners Marshal instructed to sell the stalls in the market house Election of a Health Officer W R McMahan George W Scott April 30, 1855 Shields, McNamara, Curran, Samuels, Spottswood, Ham, King, Weigel, Pelan, Quigley, Connel Election of Health Officer Dr. W R McMahan elected City Attorney to draft an Ordinance preventing boats from discharging freight on Sunday John O'Meara presented his official bond as wood measurer A McCann contract paving Main St.