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1884 April Council ProceedingsSpecial Session April 2, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin and Olinger Absent Altman and McCarthy The mayor stated the object of the meeting to be to take final action on the gas ordinance On motion of Ald Kavanaugh William Warring was appointed Wharf master at the same salary as last year to being on March 27th 1884 Ald Crawford offered the following resolution which was adopted Resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that the north side of eighth street between the east side of Iowa and the east side of white streets be graded guttered curbed and macadamized in conformity with the ordinance upon that subject that the city engineer be and is hereby directed to make the necessary plans and specifications for said improvement and the city recorder directed to give the proper notice for bids and proposals for the performance of the work the guttering curbing and macadamizing to be done at the expense of the ownes of abutting property On motion of Ald Glab the finance committee with ald Clancy and martin were appointed to examine the new index to council records made by T J Connell On motion the proposals for building the eighth street sewer from the eas side of Iowa to the east side of White Street were opened and read T J Donohue grading $240 mason work 1824 total 2064 Redmond Road 396 2023.00 2419.50 Ross McMahon 276 1596 1872 Jas N Foye 720 2280 3000 Jas Brophy 444 2131.80 2575.80 Chas Stueck 360 2104 2464 Patk Tibey 360 2104 2464 B Chatfield 300 1966.50 2266.50 The bid of Ross McMahon was the lowest but the securitie on the bond had not qualified Ald Deckert moved that the contract be let to the next lowest bidder Mr T J Donehue Special Session April 2, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin and Olinger Absent Altman and McCarthy Ald Kavanaugh moved to amend the motion of Ald Deckert and allow McMahon to correct the error in the bidders bond the ayes and nays were called on the amendment Ayes Ald Clancy Crawford Glab and Kavanaugh Nays Deckert Hollnagel Martin and Olinger The vote being a tie the mayor voted aye to give Mr McMahon until 2 oclock p.m. Thursday April 3rd to complete his bond Ald Crawford then moved that the council take up the gas ordinance and moved to strike out the preamble and section one and two of the ordinance and offered a substitute for the same see amended ordinance The ordinance as amended was read for a first and second time and was adopted by a unaminous vote of the council Ald Crawford moved that the ordinance be published and that the gas company must accept within ten days carried Ald Kavanaugh then moved that the water gas ordinance be taken from the table and read for the first time which was done On motion of Ald Clancy the ordinance was referred back to the ordinance for amendment Ald Glab offered the following resolution which was adopted resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that the ordinance committee report to the next session of the council an amendment to seciton 16 of chapter 23 of the revised ordinances so as to require persons owning or constructing roller skating rinks to take out a license therefore fixing the amount and providing for a penalty for a refusal to comply with said section Ald Deckert offered the following which was adopted Be it resolved by the city council of Dubuuqe that Weigle alley be graded and that the contract for doing the work be awarded to Spear and Lee the lowest bidder at 60 cents per cubic yard adjourned attest John W Halpin Recorder Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger The minutes of the previous regular adjourned and special sessions were read and approved after which the following bills allowed the daily telegraph Wm Hollnagel Macadam The Herald W F Sullivan Gilsby Manufacturing Co Allen and Taylor Spahn and Noyes John Ganahl Andrew Treadway & Sons Mrs Leist Mrs Koenig Fred ODonnell FJ Zugenbuehler William Coates T J Hippman Ed Reynoldson J M mkenzie Fred Ruh Iowa Iron Works Jms Drehouse M E Connolly Arnold Tschergi Central Union Telephone D Hoffman National Brass and Iron Works James H Boyce M M Walker & Co Geo W Burden T J Connell Monroe Barnes Fred Ruhel Hansen & Linehan County Recorder Michael Hall Peter Klauer N H thedinga Luxemberg Gazette Dr Staples Key City Hool and Ladder Linehan and Sullivan Peter Nicks Dubuque Steam Works Henry Muller Peter klauer Andrew Treadway & Sons Jms W Halpin T OSullivan Job Barnes C H McMaster Rbt Jess J J Pfiffner Key City Gas Co Dubuque Water Company R Cox C H McMaster Thos Murray Geo W Burden Geo H Fry Grosvener & Harger Duggan Sullivan & Kinsella Key City Gas Company F A Gnifke Thos E Frith D D Nitterauer Vogel & Ferguson J S Randall Norton Bros Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger Petitions and Communications The petition of the Citizens of West Hill asking for the improvement of Bluff Street Extension and Villa Street referred to Street Com The petition of T OSullivan and G Gmehle asking that they be allowed $300.00 each as part of their salary granted The petition of C Loetscher et al asking for improvement of Division Street referred to Com on Streets The petition of A McCann et al for permission to erect a frame shop was granted The petition of Jms Deery for Fire Proof Vault for the better protection of Public Records to the Com on PG&B Remonstrance of Peter Kiene & Son against the closing of West 8th St to Com on Streets Petitions of G Flemming and F Jaeger et al in relation to Barracks received and filed Petition of G F Thorman et al for gas lamps to the committee on Police and gas Petition of F Mundt et al for fire plug to the committee on Fire and Chief Engineer Petition of Frank Russo et al to grade sidewalk on High Street to the committee on streets Petition and claim of John Spiers for damage caused by falling on Eleventh Street to the committee on claims and city attorney Petition of mrs J Rielly for damage by loss of a horse caused by bad condition of street to com on claims and attorney Petition of Rev Lutz for privelege to lay curb on 13th street granted Petitions of the following in relation to taxes and assessment was referred to the com on Del Tax of Magt Glennon Mary Stephenson Rose Cadyman Adam Pier Bridget Burke Mary Kelly Fred Holst S M Langworthy J W Seidell B Kevough Wm Teide Jms F Duncombe Mrs Eugene Earley Ms mary DeLorimer and margaret Quinn Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger Reports of Officers Auditor Brayton reported that 858.00 was necessary to pay the city officers and employees and 909.15 to pay the fire department for the month of March ordered paid Marshal Zugenbuehler reported that 962.50 was necessary to pay the police force for march ordered paid also that 58 arrests had been made during the month Lamplighter Hackney reported that 199 gas lamps had been lighted during the month received and filed marketmaster rice reported that he had furnished 234 meals to prisoners and lodgers at 20 cents per meal ordered paid Woodmeasurer Warring reported having measured 572 cords of wood during the month gross receipts 29.60 R&F Audtioneer Hedley reported that he had sold at auction during the month real estate and furniture to the amount of 2345.75 received and filed Police Justice Hoffmann reported having tried three cases forviolation of city ordinances and had paid in to the treasury two dollars as fines in said cases r&f Treasurer traut reported having paid out as interest 543.00 and as refunded tax $114.61 total 657.61 and asks that warrants be drawn in his favor for the amounts warrants ordered drawn Recorder halpin reported having issued five licenses to the amount of 4.95 for which he holds the treasurers receipts received and filed market master rice reported having collected two dollars from Co K for gas used by them R&F Engineer Tschergi reported and estimate of the cost of medacamizing park street west Dubuque from Center Street north to city limits as follows 910 yds grading 815 lin ft madacam 16 ft wide total cost He also reported an estimate of cost of Main St improvement with profiles of the proposed change of grade with profiles showing cross sections all of which was referred to the special committee on Main Street Improvement Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger On motion of Ald Crawford teh city engineer was instructed to prepare plans and specifications for the improvement of Park St and the recorder advertize for bids for the performance of the work The city Weighers reported as follows First WArd Scales Fifth Ward Scales West Dubuque Scales Central markets All of which were received and filed Reports of committees Ald Glab reported on the claim of Ed Bowen in favor of paying said Bowen 40.00 he to give a receipt in fll for all damage The same reported on the bill of the daily times that the same be referred to the new committee on printing The same reported that a large batch of petitions in the hands of the committee of the whole be referred to the new council all of which was adopted Ald McCarty chairman of the committee on PG&B reported recommending that 3000.00 insurance which expired march 1st 1884 on the town clock tower be not renewed as it is the opinion of the committee that $3000 insurance is sufficient and that amount is still on the tower The same reported that the norton Bros be allowed fifty 50 dollars on their contract for lowering the trees on the east side of jackson Park Adopted Ald Clancy reported in favor of placing two globe gas lamps on the west locust street and two on West Dodge Street and that the communications of the missourij valley street light co be received and filed The petition of Peter Schiltz was referred to teh com on streets of the new council The petition of the citizens of the fifth ward for the straightening of Couler Creek was received and filed The petition of F Weihe et al the committee reported in favor of laying the sidewalk as prayed for under direction of the city eng Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger Ald Hollnagel of the del tax com reported as follows adversely to The petitions of Patrick Smith Cath Morrisey John Butche Johannah Broderick Wm Coates June Young Wm Rebman and Fannie Winterer and that the petition of LUella Roberts be received and filed The same reported on the petition of M Lippmann that he be allowed to pay on an assessment of $85-- On the petition of John Pilmaier that petitioner be allowed to pay 20.85 the taxes without interest fot the year 1858 On the petition of mrs Michael Kelly the committee recommend that a warrant be drawn in favor of city auditor for 16.95 to redeem lot 135 Union Add from tax sale and that the treasurer be instructed to cancel the delinquent tax of 1838 On the petition of F Hitschens the committee recommend that the petitioners prayer be granted and an order drawn on the treasurer for 2.35 to refund to petitioner On the petition of P Miller the committee recommend that the prayer of petitioner be granted and an order be drawn on the city treasurer for 7.00 to be refunded to petitioner The same committee reported in favor of cancelling the taxes of the following for the year 1883 Of Johanna McNally on lot 574 of Mag d Heeb on lots 314 sub out lot 675 of Cath Sand on lot 208 East Dubuque of Geo W Thompson on 1 horse 1 cow and 2 wagons of Ann Stuart on lot 33 West Addition of mary Trausch on lot 200 east Dubuque of Adam Cress on lot 579 Hams Addition The same com reported in favor of cancelling one half the tax of 1883 of Mary Zwind on lot 107 of Mrs M Seige on lots 134 135 and 136 in Langworthys addition and of Sarah Devine on the S 17 of the W 1/2 of lot 131 ald McCarthy from the special committee on the grade of West Fourteenth reported as follows To the city council of Dubuque the undersigned committee appointed Feb 4 1884 to examine and consider the profile of the grade of West Fourteenth street as proposed by the city engineer and shown by the red line on the plat respectfully recommend the adoption of said grade Com P W Crawford M H McCarthy H C Deckert Thos kavanaugh John Glab Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger The same reported on the grade of Broad Street The undersigned your committee appointed February 4th 1884 to examine and consider the profile of the grade of Broad street as proposed by the city engineer and in the red line of the plat respectfully recommend the adoption of said grade P W Craword M H McCarthy H C Deckert Thos Kavanaugh John Glab Com The committee on streets reported on the plat of the proposed streets dedicted to public use by Langworthy et al as follows your committee would report in favor of accepting 23rd 24th and 25th street as shown on the plat H C Deckert Jas S martin Thos Kavanaugh Ald glab chairman on Finance reported that the stocking bonds were in his possession and recommended that they be destroyed by burning them which was ordered the finance committee proceeded outside of the council chamber and destroyed the bonds Ald Glab offered the following action upon which was postponed Resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that Nevada street between Julien Ave and Fifth Street be graded guttered curbed and macadamized in conformity with the ordidnance upon that subject that the city engineer be and is hereby directed to make the necessary plans and specifications for said improvement and that the city recorder directed to give the proper notice for bids and proposals for the performance of the work the guttering curbing and macadamizing to be done at the expense of the abutting property owners Ald Martin offered the following which was adopted Resolved By the city council of the city of Dubuque that a sidewalk 12 feet wide of good two inch plank be within thirty 30 days of this notice constructed and laid in conformity with the ordinance in relation to sidewalks on the east side of Locust street between fifteenth and sixteenth street Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger Ald Hollnagel offered the following which was adopted Whereas the city financial report shows that the amount paid for printing is much more than it has been for years Therefore resolved that the printing matter for the ensuing year referred to the com on printing to ascertain how the expense can be reduced Ald Crawford offered the following which was adopted Whereas upon an examination of the report of the engineer and the assessment and estimate of the jury summoned to assess the damages caused by the extension of West 8th Street as proposed and as shown by the plat on file in the office of the city engineer therefore resolved that the verdict of the jury summoned to assess the damges caused by said extension be approved and that the city treasurer be instructed to set apart the amount of said damages and pay the same over to the owners of the property taken on the execution and delivery by them to the city of proper deeeds to same property taken Ald Crawford offered the following which was adopted Resolved tht when the salaries of the different city officers shall be established for the ensuing year the same fixed shall cover all services rendered by each officer and no extra compensation shall be allowed The mayor then appointed Ald Crawford McCarthy and Deckert a committee to cavass the votes cast at the late city election and reported the officers elected as follows Mayor Fred ODonnell Recorder John W Halpin Treasurer Paul Traut Auditor Andrew Reilly Attorney D J Linehan Assessor P F Guthrie Aldermen First WArd Thos Byrne Second Ward John Page Third P Olinger Fourth Martin Kane Fifth Henry C Deckert The report was adopted Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger The mayor then announced that the time had come when the ceremonies incidental to the retirement of the old and the initiation of the new council would take place and that the retiring members of the council desired to say a few words whereupon Ald Altman delivered the following Mr President and gentlemen the time has come for me to retire from the service of the city of Dubuque I believe I go out of office as an alderman after a longer service in that position than any other person except one whoever held the office During all those years the city has passed through a good many changes but I am proud to say they have all been changes for the better We have increased in population in wealth in railroads in commerce in trade and increased greatly in the amount of capital invested in factories Dubuque is growing rapidly and her prospects for the future were never as bright as they are today I feel proud of all this beause it is certain to help us all and keep our city at the front of other ciies in the northwest We as a city council have spent some money for the prupose of giving the new railroads and other enterprises a good start and the people knew that we did well I say to you now tive help to every new company or factory which wants to come here and increase our wealth and population Now tht I am going to withdraw from the council after coming to its meetings so many years I expect to forget myself sometimes and come up the same as before I will always take an interest in your proceedings and be happy at any good thing you do for the city where I have lived so long and where I expect to end my days Ald Glab Mr Mayor and membes of the council It affords me pleasure to say a few words before closing my relation with you as trustee for the city of Dubuque which we all live so well and of which we are justly proud I know that to be selected as an alderman to act for a city like Dubuque is a compliment It could hardly be hoped that every act of a body of man like this would always be the wisest and best but if in their judgment they do everything for the best the people should be satisfied and contented I believe this council at all times acted in good faith for the best interest of the city and has accomplished some good for the whole people We have mainained the credit and standing of the city in a financial way and met promptly all maturing liabilities I can see for thsi city a great future in extended limits and increased population much will depend upon the spirit and pride of her common council I am conficent that the gentlemen who are elected to succeed us will act most cordially with the older members of the council in doing every thing for an honest and economical administration As i now take my Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Altman Clancy Crawford Deckert Glab Hollnagel Kavanaugh Martin McCarthy and Olinger leave of you and retire to make place for my successor I hope you will believe me when I say it is a matter of regret I part with you after two years of such pleasant fellowship in acting for our constituents and almost say that I welcome a return to my own business exclusively as it has suffered frommy attention to city matters during that time I wish you all the greatest success and hope that you so well act your several parts that the people will again honor you with their support Mr President before I leave my seat I desire to thank you in behalf of the retiring members of the council for the fairness and impartiality with which you have at all times presided over us I do not think any member of the council will say that you ruled to favor anyone but only as you thought it right as an officer of the city I now bid you goodbye Ald Kavanaugh Gentlemen of the council after spending four years in the service of the city the time has come for severing the pleasant relations as members of the common council whether any of us have discharged our duties faithfully for the best interest of the city is perhaps for the people we have served to say and not me I can only say gentlemen that I retire with the most kindly feelings toward you all and in the fullest confidence that whatever mistakes I have made are entirely those of the head and not of the heart you must not expect because you do just as you think right that you will not be blamed any man who serves the public must expect to take his share of the blame you must not mind this but go on and do right and you will be satisfied with yourself I now bid you all good bye with the hope that you may have a pleasant year and do much good for the city And while you are engaged in looking after all the different interests of the city do not fail to keep in mind the necessity for the water gas ordinance city Attorney Linehan administered the oath of office to Mayor O'Donnell On motion of Ald McCarthy a vote of thanks was tendered to the retiring aldermen The new Aldermen Byrne Page and kane then took their places and were sworn into office by the Mayor The mayor then read the following Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page Mayors Address Gentlemen of the city council In obediance to a custom which has much to commend it I wish to briefly to engage your attention while we review to some extent the administration of the city government for the year just past and anticipate as far as we may be able thte couse for the new year upon which we are about to enter allow me to congratulate you most cordially upon the present evidences of thrift and prosperity in our city and especially upon the grand prospects for our future growth that Dubuque is entering upon an era of unparralleled advancemenbt in population and material resources is best attested by the fact that within six months from this period we will have the certain assurance of three more railroad connections to be added to the facilities which we already enjoy the Dubuque and northwestern will certainy be built it is equally certain that the Chicago Burlington and Quincy will afford us another outlet to Chicago and the east while the Chicago and Northwestern is only waiting an opportunity to reach an arm from Galena to connect with its great system it is not necessary to urge the importance of doing everything possible to foster and encourage these great municipal wealth makers First in importance is the railroad officered by our own people and encouraged by our own and this road is going to reach sections of country with which heretofore we have had but little communication but which will when bound to us by bands of steel pour its rich traffic into the markes of the key city There are but two great agencies which can make a city leap to wealth power and importance and they are railroads and factories secure the railroads and the factories cannot be driven away Today no city in the state compres with Dubuque as a munafacturing metropolis this interest fully capitalized would represent millions of dollars with the new railroads secured who can tell the factories growth Who can say how many thousand of our people how many of our young men and women may find employment at home instead of tramping the streets of strange cities seeking the uncertain chance to earn the equivalent of bread we must employ all our people at home if we would grow to greatness and the smoke of the factor and the locomotive are the signs which give assurance of this employment Already an appreciation of Dubuque as a manuracturing point is becoming apparent and a sewing machine company has made a proposition to erect a factory in our city as a branch of their chicago factory The capital to be employed will be 200,000 one half of which they wish our people to subscribe on a guarantee of keeping at least 150 men employed and an assured return on their investmentShould this offer prove all that is claimed for it I have no doubt our fellow citizens of means will cheerfully subscribe to the stock and thereby assure Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page The expenditure of about $100,000 more every year in our city Economy in Administration We commenced the last year with many promises and confident hopes that we would be able by wise economy to save a number of thousand of dollars in the current expense of the city There was an honest purpose to accomplish that end upon the part of every member of the council but that we did not succeed to the extent anticipated I am forced by frnkness to admit Of course it is much easier to talk economy than to practice it still the result shows that we did save on street expenses last year the sum of $3999.00 and paid $4700.00 of the floating debt We also saved about $200 on gas and something perhaps in every department except that during the year we expended about $700 more for printing We should have saved more money than we did and I believe we can do so this year We naturally look to the committee on streets to make the largest saving in annual expense Last year the net expense in the department was $30,502.01 a saving of $4000 over the year preceeding but still a heavy expense I know well some of the difficulties under which the committee labored Last year was a severe one on many persons in the city and a large numer of deserving men were out of employment and the means of gaining a livlelihood the necessity for affording the most needy an opportunity of earning a few dollars is apparent to everybody Had it not been for the severe winer and the lack of employment I am assured the committee could have made a still better showing If the expenses on streets can be kept below $25,000 this year and they can we will have some money next year with which to discharge more of the floating debt Will we cut down it depends entirely upon ourselves People will blame us for being extravagant and charge that too much money is spent for repairs and permanent improvements while these same people will turn around and petition for improvement in their respective localities and think we do well if we grant their particular petitions It remains for us to do only such work as necessity demands and we can truthfully answer petitioners that the city cannot afford anything not of absolute necessity one thing is certain we should not feel that we are under obligations to do work anywhere simply on account of locality It matters not that we come to the council representing constituencies in teh different wards we are still the representative of the whole city and should always be guided alone by the question is the work necessary for the people at large regardless of its benefit to this or that locality I think if we bear this constantly in mine we may save some money Gas Last year we expended $10,688.57 for gas for city purposes This includes gas for street lamps Engine Houses City Offices and all purposes for which we require illumination Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page This amount is a saving of $200 as I before stated and we will be able to save in both price and consumption for the coming year as you are aware we passed an ordinance giving the Key City Gas Company a charter for ten years from the first of July next by which gas is to be furnished the city and private consumers at reduced rates and such as we hope will prove satisfactory to the people The city still reserves to itself the right to charter other gas companies when in their judgement it is proper to do so Fire Department We ordanized the fire department last year by providing for a full paid department the ordinance to take effect on the first of January last We have had three months trial of the new system and it works admirably It will cos probably $3000 a year more than formerly but is imparably better This department cost us $12279.10 last year and will as I say cost about $15000 per year as now organized This seems a large amount for protection from fire exclusive of the water rates but we have a highly efficient department one as far as it goes quite equal to that of Chicago or Milwaukee They can save more than this difference every month Police This department was also re-employed if not reorganized last year notwithstanding some people have complained and perhaps may continue to do so Our force has done good service during the past year a less percent of crime has been committee in this city than in other of equal population in the whole United States the total expense of the force was 13,500.90 a reduction of $3000 from the year before General Expense Our general expenses for the past year were 16,769.60 This amount inclues salaries of city officers and all current expenses such as stationary supplies fuel etc $600 of this amount came over from other years which would bring the amount to nearly the $16,000 during the year we provided that all supplies in the way of stationary or other matters which could be purchased by the recorder should be procured on his order alone This was a very salutary and economical regulation for a very considerable amount has been saved in this eay to allow any officer to purchase as he might think proper was but to lead to extrvagance That we can by close economy cut down the amount of general expense I have no doubt as soon as I am able to suggest in detail the different items upon which we can retrench I will lay the same before you Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page Resources Our resources for the current year will be larger if we receive the same amount from license than for last year The assessment of property is $835,375 more and this will yield about $9,000 more revenue Now it is estimated that we will collect $22,000 of delinquent tax That we will get about $20,000 from licenses which with the large balance of cash on hand march 1st 1884 $53,763.59 and the tax of 1884 estimated at $145,000 would give us a total fund of $240,763.59 There is no reason why If taxes were collected semi-annually we could not with such a revenue pay off may obligations including interest and the mturing portion of the bonded debt and have money sufficient to discharge a portion of the floating debt and never borrow a cent from anyone The Floating Debt The proposition submitted to the people to fund the floating debt was voted down by such a majority as leaves no doubt as to the public mind on that proposition the ground upon which it was voted down was that to remove the present debt would but furnish an excuse to the members of future councils to increase the debt by commencing another one If this would be the result then the people voted wisely One would think that when once the floating debt was bonded that it would require great temerity in a city council to commence to create another one especially as such a course would at once attract public attention and invite public condemnation whereas the increase by a few thousands a year of an existing floating debt is hardly noticed by anyone the object in submitting the proposition was I know gentlemen to avoid the very evil most feared by the people the debt may now run without provision for payment such as the funding proposition contemplated however the people have clearly expressed themselves and it is our duty to govern ourselves accordingly Let us not forget that this debt is to be met and discharged and the people expect us to devise the ways and means Municipal Legislation In the course of the past year we have considered a great many important propositions and taken action in the form of ordinance or otherwise upon most of them we have passed the gas ordinance the electric light ordinance the street railway ordinance and charter and the ordinance to provided for the filling of lots We considered and acted upon the offer to purchase the fair grounds have granted the right of way to the D & N W Railway have reached an end of the stange suit and must pay the judgement have stopped the motor and built a new engine house have considered an ordinance providing for a system of sewerage built a portion of Eighth Street sewer opened fourteenth street from Alta Vista to Delhi Road Settled the Stocking claim granted right of way to the Eagle Point Street Railroad Company and given a charter to the Eagle Point Ferry Passed an ordinance fixing the Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page time for terms of office to commence so as to avoid paying double salaries. We enlarged the water district and did many other matters requiring deliberative action which do not come to my mind at this time Recommendations I think your attention has already been called to the necessity for amending th eordinance providing for the grading of streets and alleys so tht it shall conform to the statute of Iowa which permits the cost of grading alleys to be taxed to abutters instead of to the city as the ordinance now provides I would very strongly recommend that it be made the part of the duty of every city officer to keep up any and all records which properly belong to his office A dispute as to the obligation to thus keep up some records has in the pat and may in the future lead to the procuring of the work to be done by other parties at a very large expense to the city where any unusual work is thus required let the obligation to do it be considered in fixing the salary and have it so understood I am constrained to again renew the recommendation made last year that in the interest of economy in our expenses we do what every well regulated government does make an estimate of our total expense of our total expenses for the year set apart a fixed amount for the street police interest and sinking fund to pay the floating debt etc and determine that the expense in each fund shall not exceed a dollar of the amount thus set apart under this system we wouuld know exactly how much we were going to sav each year and could save it In conclusion let me say that all the officers of the city have done their duty faithfully and well They have been polite and accomodating to those with whom they have had business and the people express themselves well satisfied with the services rendered it is with regret that we part company with Ald Glab Kavanaugh and Altman who now retire from our body The associations of the year that is gone leave only the most pleasant recollections of our common service with those gentlemen I hope sincerely we may enjoy a year of official service profitable to the city and pleasant to ourselves That all our actions and deliberations may be for the public good free from ought that would tender to injur or offend Let us so discharge the several duties which may devolve upon us that when the time shall come to leave our places for those who then succeed we will be the recipients of the most gratifying compliment We as public officers can receive the confidence of our citizens The Mayor then administered the oath of office to Treasurer Paul Traut Attorney D J Linehan and Recorder John W Halpin Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page Standing Committees Finance Kane Hollnagel Martin Ordinance Crawford McCarthy Kane Claims Page Clancy Hollnagel Streets Deckert Clancy martin Harbors Byrne Deckert Kane Public Grounds and Buildings McCarthy Crawford Olinger Markets Martin Olinger Byrne Police Clancy Deckert Byrne Fire Olinger Crawford Page Printing McCrathy Martin Page Delinquent Tax Hollnagel Crawford Kane The council then proceeded to elect the appointive officers for the several positions Marshal F J Zugenbuehler and james McDonnell were nominated first ballot Zubenguehler 5 McDonnell 4 Upton 1 Schunk 1 second ballot Zugenbuehler 5 McDonnell 4 Upton 1 Third Ballot Zugenbuehler 6 McDonnel 4 Mr Zigenburhler named Wm AHern for his deputy Ald Crawford moved that the council vote openly for Marshal which was seconde by Ald Kane the motion was amended by Al McCarthy to vote by ballot the amendment carried Fourth ballot Zugenbuehler 5 McDonnell 5 The vote behing a tie the mayor decided in favor of Zugenbuehler The maarshal named Jms ONiell as his deput which nomination was approved by the council Regular Session April 10, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page Market Master Messrs Klauer Schunk and Rice were nominated SB Rice was elected on the fifth ballot by a vote of 6 to 4 for Mr Schunk City Engineer William Evans and M Tschirgi Jr were nomominated First Ballot Evans 4 Tschirgi 6 Mr Tschirgi was declared elected City MD Dr Connolly Dr Jennings Dr Lewis and Dr Waples were put in nomination the reuslt of the tenth ballot was Waples 6 Connolly 3 Jennings 1 Dr Waples was declared elected Chief Engineer FD Messrs Reinfried Strinsky Drehouse and mcMaster were nominated the result of the 10th ballto was Reinfried 5 McMaster 5 being a tie the mayor decided in favor of Jos Reinfried who was declared elected Woodmeasurer Messrs Warrings Brnadt and Martin were nominated tied the first ballto resulted in the election of Wm Warring The election of Street comissioner was postponed until the next meeting the election of Mayor Pro tem after a few ballots reuslted in the election of Ald Olinger by acclimation Ald Crawford offered the following which was adopted Resolved that a tax of $1.00 be imposed on all owners of dogs in the city instead of the present tax The Council then adjourned to meet Thursday evening April 17th at 7:30 p.m. Adjourned Attest Jms W Halpin Recorder Regular Adjourned Session April 17, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page The mayor stated the object of the meeting Ald McCarthy reported that the committee on PG&B had appointed M OLoughlin as custodian of the parks for the year the action of the committee was approved by the council The petition of Peter Kiene et al asking that the water company be instructed to extend the water mains to and along Broadway Street in Kings Addition was referred to the committee on fire The petition of C F Scheppele et al asking that 18th street between Jackson and Pine be curbed and macadamized was referred to the committee on streets The petition of T Faherty et al asking for the grading of an alley between 3rd and Fenelon Street referred to the committee on streets Ald Deckert reported a list of men employed on streets during march and omitted from the regular payroll ordered that warrants be drawn for the several amounts The petition of James Houre asking extra compensation for damages caused by the extension of West Eighth street was referred to the committee on streets The petition of E W Albee asking permission to erect a frame building within fire limits referred to the committee on fire The petition of motor railway company in relation to the plank covering on the sewer on Hill Street to the committee on streets The proposition of W W Wormood in relation to town clock was referred to the committee on PG&B On motion of Ald Kane the recorder was instructed to draw warrants in favor of the judges and clerks of the late election to the amount of five dollars each and also for the owners of the houses where the election was held adopted Regular Adjourned Session April 17, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page Ald McCarthy from the committee on printing reported that the following papers be declared the official apers for the year at the following rates The hearld 1/2 rates the Times 1/2 rates the Telegraph 1/2 Rates The Daily Democrat 350 per year The National Democrat 250 per year The Iowa Gazette 250 per year The Independent 100 per year and that no extra bills be allowed for printing more than the above named and that all bills be accompanied by copies of the publication adopted On motion of Ald Kane the council proceeded to elect a street commissioner which resulted on the 12th ballot in the election of John Norton On motion of Ald Byrne the council proceded to elect a captain of police which resulted in the election on the twelfth ballot of John Raesli On motion of Ald Kane Ed Moore was appointed to take the place of John Raesli on the day force For weigher of the first ward scales N C Rya and Ed Reynoldson were nominated the first ballot resulted in the choice of Edward Reynoldson On motion the weighmasters of the other city scales were elected by acclamation For poundmaster Mr Jms L Vaughan was elected on the third ballot For inspector of Weights and Measures Mr Dennis McCabe was elected by acclamation Ald Olinger made a report in relation to the building of the new fourth street engine house stating that the committee could not come to any terms with Mr Jones for the building and they recommend that the recorder be instructed to advertise for bids Ald Deckert moved that the recorder be so instructed Amended by Ald Crawford that action be postponed until the next session and that the committee agan consult Mr Jones carried Regular Adjourned Session April 17, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page On motion of Ald Crawford the mayor appointed the following a committee on appropriations Ald McCarthy Clancy Crawford Hollnagel and martin Ald Hollnagel moved that the saloon license be fied at one hundred dollars to be paid in two installments of fifty dollars each on the first of May and the first of August adopted Ald Crawford m,oved that when the council now adjourn it be until Monday April 21st at 7:30 p.m. Ald Deckert offered the following which was adopted Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that the abutting property owners on the north side of Lake Street from Jackson to Washington street be granted permission to set curb stone and gutter along said property The work to be done under the direction of the city engineer and to the satisfaction of the street committee and engineer Ald Deckert Be it resolved by the city council of Dubuque that the city marshal be and is hereby insructed to remove the obstructions from seventh street in Hms addition immediately adopted Ald McCarthy Resolved that the ordinance committee be instructed to report an ordinance at the next regular meeting what amount of license should be charged for the privelege of conducting a skating rink in the city of Dubuque adopted Ald McCarthy Whereas the embankment on the southside of lots 10 and 12 and the west half 1/2 pf ;pt 6 in Prospect addition to the city of Dubuque and abutting on third street is dangerous to persons traveling upon said stret and is in its present condition a public nuisance Therefore be it resolved that the city marshal be and is hereby instructed to notify the ownres of said lots to properly secure said embankment by building such walls or structure as as well permanently abate the nuisance caused thereby and that upon their failure so to do within a resonable time to be fixed in such notice the same will be abated by the city at the expense of the owners of the abutting property Regular Adjourned Session April 17, 1884 Mayor O'Donnell in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy Olinger and Page Ald Kane offered the following resolution which was adopted Whereas at the regular meeting of the city council held April 10th 1884 it was agreed by the city council of the city of Dubuque that upon the payment of the sum of one hundred and forty one 141.00 dollars in to the city treasury that the sum of six hundred and seventeen 617 dollars to be set apart in the treasury for the payment of damages to lots no 1 and 2 in Wilsons addition for opening 8th street and it appearing that said amount has been so paid Therefore be it resolved by the city council of Dubuque that Eighth Street be and is hereby declared open from the old corporation line to Wilson Avenue and that the sum of six hundred and seventeen 617.00 dollars be set apart in the treasurers office to be paid to the owners of lots 1 and 2 in Wilsons addition to the city upon the presentation of deeds to the lots aforesaid Adopted Ald McCarthy presented a renewal policy of $3,000 on the Town Clock and recommended the payment of the bill of $37.50 which was so ordered Ald Crawford moved that the matter of Bonds and Salaries of officers be referred to the Finance The bids for the improvement of Eighth Street were opened and read as follows Chas Stueck 424.50 Jas E Foye 615.00 W H Rebman 472.00 A Link 431.60 J W Morgan 551.50 On motion the work was let to Chas Steuck he being the lowest bidder Adjourned Attest JW Halpin City Recorder Adjourned Session April 21, 1884 Mayor Pro-tem Olinger in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy and Page The council met at 8 o'clock pm ald McCarthy Chairman on PG&B reported on the petition of W W Wormood for the care of the city clock be referred to the council and moved the suspension of the rules in order that Dr Horr might address the council in relation to the matter which was done Ald Crawford moved that action on the matter be postponed until the next regular session carried Ald McCarthy from the special committee on the Simplot case made the following report To the mayor and City Council Your committee to whom was referred the proposition of Aleander and Chas Simplot for settlement of all cases now pending in the courts and brought by said Simplots against the city of Dubuque and CM and St P railway company and arising out of the disputed title and right of possession to a certain triangular lot on Iowa Street adjoining lot 530 in said city respectfully recommend the pyament toward Simplots of the sum of Five Hundred 500 dollars upon the condition that they dismiss at their own cost all cases brought by them in any court upon any claim of title or right in said triangle and upon executing to the city of Dubuque a quit clim deed to all of said triangular lot provided this proposition be accepted within thirty days. Fred ODonnell M H McCarthy D J LInehan Committee Mr M H Beach was allowed to address the in relation to the matter stating that he as attorney for the Simplots couldnot accept the proposition On motion the report was referred to the committee of the whole which was carried Adjourned Session April 21, 1884 Mayor Pro-tem Olinger in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy and Page Ald Kane made the following report as the action of the committee of the whole regarding bonds and salaries of officers for the year 1884 Treasurer Bond 5---- Salary 1500 per year Recorder 5000 1400 Auditor 5000 1100 Attorney 5000 1500 Marshal 5000 1000 City Engineer 5000 1000 Chief Engineer FD 5000 900 Street Commissioner 1000 75 per month Market Master 500 600 per year Health Physician 500 360 Deputy Marshal 720 Pound Master 40 per month The chief Engineer of the Fire Department to devote his whole time to the department Ald McCarthy moved to amend the report by fixing the salary of the recorder at 1600 per year lost Ald Kane moved to place the salary of the recorder at 1500 per year amended by Ald Crawford that he be allowed 100 extra for finishing the index book and that the salary remain as reported by the committee the amendment prevailed Ald Crawford of the special committee on the improvement of Main Street improvement made the following report To the city council of the city of Dubuque your special committee to which was referred the proposed reduction of the surface of main street between curbs from first to eighth street respectfully report that it has given the subject the careful consideration it deserves This improvement has been contemplated for several years and is now almost a neceessity The original macadam by the heavy travel over it formore than twenty years has become largely ground up and rotten and the continual repairing rendered necessary of late years in order to keep the stret in fit condition for travel has made the surface of the street so high and rounding in the center that a considerable portion of it each side next the curbing is almost useless for ordinary travel by vehicles by contract with the Dubuque Street Railway company that company has bound itself to pay one half the expense of cutting down the street if the improvement shall be commenced within one year from July 9th 1884 In order that the city may avail itself of that agreement Adjourned Session April 21, 1884 Mayor Pro-tem Olinger in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy and Page It is essential therefore that the work be commencedwithout unnecessary delay In making this improvement it has been considered by many of our citizens that it would be well to substitute some kind of paving for macadamizing and the attention of your committee has been directed to this question We find from investigations and estimates of the city engineer that a granite block pavement for the portion of the street mentioned would cost about $38,000 and a cedar block pavement about 19,000 This expense is greater than the city of the property owners under the present circumstances could afford to incur and we therefore cannot recommend either The city engineer in his report has recommended a mode of remacadamizing which if properly performed will be a great improvement over the usual method and in his opinion will be little less inferior to a stone block pavement His estimates of the expenses is 8882.72 besides the curbing which will mostly have to be renewed He estimates that this can be reduced by the value of the present macadam which can be used to the amount of 1,600 leaving 7,282.72 as the cost of the improvement This expense will have to be paid by the abutting property owners less the portion to be paid by the street railway company as they will have to pay the entire cost of macadamizing beneath and between their tracks the cost to the property holders will not be large It will be a question to be decided hereafter whether the city should not pay for the improvement at the street intersections less what the railway company will have to pay Your committee recommend that the plan proposed by the city engineer be adopted and the work performed by the contract and be commenced as soon as proposals can be received and the contrct let The work to be done at the expense of the abutting property less the amount to be paid by the street railway company Respectfully submitted P W Crawford M H McCathy H C Deckert P Olinger Com the report of the committee was adopted Ald Crawford offered the following Resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that Main Street between First and the North line of Eighth Street be graded curbed guttered and macadamized in conformity with the ordinance upon that subject with the plans submitted by the city engineer that the city engineer be and he is hereby directed to make the necessary plans and specifications for said improvement and the city recorder directed to give the proper notice for bids and proposals for the performance of the work Adjourned Session April 21, 1884 Mayor Pro-tem Olinger in the chair Present Ald Byrne Clancy Crawford Deckert Hollnagel Kane Martin McCarthy and Page The guttering curbing and macadamizing to be done at the expense of the abutting property less the amount to be paid by the Dubuque street railway company under the provisions of the ordinance adopted July 9th 1883 Adopted Ald Byrne moved that the vote by which the compensation of the Daily Democrat was fixed at 250.00 be reconsidered carried On motion the proposals for the improvement of Park Street in West Dubuque were not opened and the recorder was instructed to agian advertise for bids The petition of the daily democrat co was read asking to be placed on an equal footing with other daily papers On motion of Ald Kane the daily democrt was to receive one half 1/2 rate for printing the same as other daily papers adjourned attest J W halpin Recorder