1887 January Council ProceedingsRegular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Byrne J M Byrne Doerfler Hollnagel Parker and Trexler
The minutes of last meeting were read and approved
Bills allowed
To Whom For What purpose Amt
L Daley Hauling Coke to city hall
F Mertz repairing locks in the city hall
M J G LaNicca glass for city hall
D D OConnell Supplies for city hall
Walter Eichman Assisting Market Master
Jm Trexler Feed for cow pound
J Pickley care of gasoline lamps
D Grant shoeing fire department horses
Hansen and Linehan Coal for 5th Ward engine co
G B Grosvenor Stationary
Key city Gas Co gas for street lamps and public buildings
Hansen and Linehan coal for Sol Turck Engine House
J R Lindsay copying rules and regulations of fire dept
Hough and Hardy weighers receipts
E M Dickey Co Waste linehan Engine Co
F Heer Examining city hall
J Trexler rope for H and L Co
thos Hermey repairing roof Sol Turck engine house
repairs to lamps
Central Union Telephone Co telephone service aldermen
Telephone fire alarm december
John Trexler feed for fire dept
Peter Oeth Interpreter justice court
Christman and Healey supplies for park commissioner
Peter Huss rent of room for registers 1st ward
R W Lange room and meals for registers 5th ward
F J Stoltz repairing fence for fire dept
J Hilson extra horse J K Graves Engine House
Hauling fuel for engine co
Thos E Frith hauling garbage
J H Pier fire dept supplies
John Leicht
G Wunderlich copperas for sewers
James Flanigan clerk recorders office
Silsby Mnfg Co one set swinging harness
Dubuque Water Co rent of hydrants
C H Whitewell veterinary fire department
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Byrne J M Byrne Doerfler Hollnagel Parker and Trexler
To whom for what purpose amount
Farley & Loetscher Mfg Co fuel for fire department
J P Schroeder patrol service
Paul Traut police equipment
Mrs Koenig scrubbing city hall
Key City H and L co time of minutes men
John Ryder and W H Foster Hauling road roller
Laflin and Rand Powder Co powder for street repairs
F Schloz sharpening road tools
S M Langworthy Lumber for road repairs
G B Grosvenor rules and level for street comissioner
Standard Lumber co lumber for road repairs
John Trexler one barrel cement for road repair
Wemott Howard and Co lanterns for road dept
J C paine cups for street fountains
John L Daniels grading street and sidewalks
John Spear rock for street crossings
Charles Steuck laying street crossings
Howard and mcMaster hauling tile pipe
Knapp Stout and Co co lumber for road repairs
F E Moser cement for road repairs
Chas Steuck building 8th street sewer
Ed Blake Asst city engineer
A Tschirgi
Howard and mcMaster grading alta vista street
Chas Steuck improving Julien Ave
M Lavin West 8th street
Chas Steuck Julien Ave
Macadam bills
J Schromen work on Dodge street
Thos McNulty street labor
Fengler and Schwagler lime for street repairs
Wm ribman
The following bills were on motion referred
Ryder Bros supplies for fire department to committee on claims
Ellwanger Bros Harness for fire department to committee on claims
Dubuque Fire and marine insurance co insurance on fifth ward engine house
McLaughlin and Reilly same
F G Brandt same
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Byrne J M Byrne Doerfler Hollnagel Parker and Trexler
to committee on public grounds and buildings
Ald Trexler moved to adjourn carried
Afternoon session
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
bill of Trexler Bros 7.00 for carriage hire was on motion ordered paid
Petitions
John Troussiant et al asking that a roadway be constructed connecting the wood levee with either
second or third streets to facilitate the removal of wood from said levee Referred to the street
committee
John Nagel et al praying that a lamp be placed on Jefferson street between Walnut and Spruce
streets referred to teh police and gas committee with power
Michael Byrne praying that a license paid by him for a team with which he done but little work on
account of an accident in his family be refunded referred to the committee on claims
F W Kringle et al praying for improvement of Cox Street referred to the committee on streets
Thos McDonald et al praying for a lamp on Emmett Street midway between bluff and St marys
Streets referred to the police and gas committee with power
James Plaister et al asking that an ordinance regulating the storage of illuminating oils be
adopted referred to the committee on ordinance
Knapp Stout and Co co praying that Eighth Street sewer be constructed between Whtie and
Washington Streets referred to the street committee and city engineer
A McCann praying that interest on 30.00 allowed him for
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
curbing used on the main street improvement and deducted from his special assessment for
said improvement be cancelled referred to street committee
John Finerty asking that action on his former petition claiming 7.00 damages caused him by
hoodlums on the night of October 30th 1886 be reconsidered and the amount allowed action
on the petition was deferred until the arrival of all the aldermen
Petitions of the following named parties relating to their taxes and assessments for year 1886
were upon motion of Ald Parker referred to the delinquent tax committee to wit Mrs M J Sullivan
Hugh Cavanaugh John wolf wm Pappenstein Louis Manahl
John Bahn John Bulo Julius Brecht Frederica Burdt anto Wandrasek Peter Oeth Catherine Harmon
John Kalp M Resehek E M Woodworth Dubuque Linseed Oil Co M A Hubert A W Hosford M AHern
Rose Reynolds Hannah OBrien James Donnelly Ernest Eitel D Conigisky E Langworthy Mrs Geo
Burklis Patrick Smith Catharine Barmon mary L Stevenson mary Staner Frank Weidlich Catharine
Reuter Mrs Bridget McMahon Elizabeth Metz John Boetka Catharine MOrrissey Andrew Treadway and
sons Carl Schmidt E H Shepply John Van Dillman Dora Puricka Mary Canovan mary Gillmore
Key City Furniture Company Michael OShea Robert Jess Butt Bros Harriet Wells C Mussehl
Bridget Brehman Chamberlain Plow Co A C Atherton
the bids for the improvement of West 17th street from West Locust street to west side of Clark
street and of ninth street from elm street to pine street were opened and referred to the city
engineer
Action being called upon the claim of John Finnerty Ald Hayden moved the rules be suspended
and mr Finnerty permitted to address the council carried
Mr Finnerty spoke
Ald Crawford moved the claim of Mr Finnerty be allowed carried by the following vote
Ayes Alds Thos Byrne John M Byrne Crawford Doerfler Hayden and Ryder 6
Nayes Alds Downer Hollnagel Parker and Trexler 4
Reports of officers
Street commissioner McMaster reported having expended 413.10 improving and repairing
streets during the month of
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
December ordered received and filed and warrants drawn to pay employees
Auditor Reilly reported 858.05 due city officers and 1076.70 due members of the fire department
for salaries for services rendered during the month of December. Orderd received and filed and
warrants drawn to pay salaries
Marshal Moore reported 1225 due members of the police force that 62 arrests had been made
also that he paid to the city treasurer 1.00 fees collected and 34.50 received for impounding animals
ordered received and filed and warrants drawn to pay police salaries
Marketmaster Rice reported having paid to the city treasurer the sum of 31.95 received for weighing
on the central market scales and that he furnished meals for prisoners amounting to 15.60 ordered
received and filed and warrants drawn to pay board of prisoners
Police justice Hoffman reported having paid to the city treasurer 7.00 fines collected during
December ordered received and filed
Recorder Agnew reported having issued licenses amounting to 267.60 during December Ordered
received and filed
Wood Inspector Reynolds reported having measured 1187 cords of wood during December ordered
received and filed
The reports of the following city weighers were on motion ordered received and filed to wit
Chas Pitschner West Dubuque Scales 141 drafts
David Crotty First Ward Scales 444 drafts
Frank Fosselman Fifth Ward Scales 135 drafts
Frank Frick City Hog Weigher
Treasurer Traut reported having paid for interest on warrants refunded tax feed for fire department
and postage the sum of 389.29 ordered received and filed and warrants drawn to pay same
the city engineer presented a statemetn of the expense incurred by the construction of a sewer
between 8th and 9th streets east of Elm Street of which the Minnesota and Northwestern Railway
is to pay on half Cost of labor 148.00 cost of tile pipe 325.92 On motion of Ald Crawford the
city treasurer was instructed to collect one half of said amount 236.90 from
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
the M and NW Railway company
The following bills were on motion allowed
To whom for what purpose
Blackmar and Post tile pipe
M mcCarten improving Grove Street
Chas Hollnagel feed for fire department
Thos J Burns Clerk in treasurers office
The bill of Jas Cushing and son 231.25 for grading on Lake street was on motion referred to the
street committee
reports of committees
Ald John M Byrne chairman of the committee on claims reported on the bill of Pfiffner and Kriebs
83.00 for harness etc for the fire department in favor of allowing Pfiffner & Kriebs 43.00 as said bill
report adopted
Ald Crawford chairman of the committee on streets reported on the petition of James Brunskill
recommend that the city engineer be instructed to report a suitable grade for South Dodge Street
as prayed for by petition report adopted
The same committee also submitted the following report which upon motion was adopted
to the honorable mayor and city council of Dubuque
Gentlemen your committee on streets respectfully report having accepted the work done by M
Laven contractor on West Eighth street from Wilson Ave to Roberts Ave the guttering and
macadamizing being done in accordance with specifications
P W Crawford Louis Doerfler Tom Byrne
the same committee also submitted the following report which upon motion was adopted
to the honorable mayor and city council of dubuque
Gentlemen your committee on streets would report having accepted the curbing guttering and
macadamizing done on Grove St by Michael McCarten contractor P W Crawford Louis Doerfler
Tom Byrne
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
the same committee recommended the payment of the bill of M Lavin 18.55 for constructing a
stone crossing corner of West 8th street and Roberts Avenue report adopted
the same committee presented and read a resolution laid over at the session of December 6th
1886 providing for the levying of a special assessment to pay for improving the northside of
Julien Avenue from lot 12 out lot 703 to Walnut street by Chas Steuck contractor no objections being
raised by the owners of abutting property on motion the resolution was adopted unanimously
the same committee presented and read resolution laid over at the session of December 6th
1886 providing for the levying of a special assessment to pay for improving the south side of Julien
Avenue from lot 8 Kellys subdivision to wilson Avenue by Chas Steuck contractor no objections
being raised by owners of abutting property on motion the resolution was adopted unanimously
the same committee presented the followign resolution which upon motion was laid over until
the regular session in February 1887 and the recorder instructed to notify the owners of abutting
property to appear and show cause if any they have why said resolution should not be adopted
The same committee presented the following resolution which upon motion was laid over until the
regular session in February 1887 and the recorder instructed to notify the owners of abutting
property to appear and show cause if any they have why said resolution should not be adopted
Resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that to pay for guttering and macadamizing
West 8th street by M Laven contractor in front of and adjoining the same a special tax be and is
hereby levied on the several lots and parts of lots and parcels of real estate hereinafter named
situate and owned and for the several amounts set opposite each lot or parcel of real estate
as follows
Name of Owner Description of Lot amount
Steve Harghty lot 30 Wilsons Subd
J Climinson Lot 32 Wilsons Subd
John Coleman lot 33 Wilsons Subd
P McCollins Lot 3 sub 4 min lot 79
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
Name of owner description of lot amount
John coleman lot 4 sub 4 min lot 79
the same committee presented the following resolution which upon motion was laid over until
the regular session in February 1887 and the recorder instructed to notify the owners of abutting
property to appear and show cause if any they have why said resolution should not be adopted
Resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that to pay for guttering curbing and macadamizing
Grove Street from S line of lot 771 McDaniels subdivision to 11th street by M mcCarten contractor
in front of and adjoining the same a special tax be and is hereby levied on the several lots and
parts of lots and parcels of real estate hereinafter named situate and owned and for the several
amounts set opposite each lot or parcel of real estate as follows
Name of owners description of lot amount
J T Hancock lot 771 McDaniels Subd
G A Andrew Lot 1 Corkrys subd
Ald Trexler chairman of the committee on markets asked for and was granted further time to
report
Ald Hollnagel chairman of the fire committee reported on the petition of Peter Martin in favor of
purchasing the two automatic engine lighters placed by him in the engine houses and recommended
his being allowed 50.00 for the same report adopted
The same committee reported in favor of allowing Tudor Jones to build a frame kitchen on his
property situated on 15th street between Iowa and Clay streets report adopted
The same committee reported in favor of paying the bill of Jos reinfred 1.66 for freight on harness
for the fire department report adopted
Ald Doerfler moved when the council adjourns it does so to meet atain Tuesday january 11th 1887
at 7:30 pm carried
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
Ald Doerfler moved the bill of Henry Smith 1.40 for labor of team be paid carried
Ald Ryder chairman of the committee of the whole reported in favor of receiving and filing the
petition of Dennis Gilliam claiming damages caused by the improvement of West 8th street
abutting his property report adopted
The same committee reported in favor of receiving and filing the petition of the members of the
key city hook and ladder co as the rules and regulations provided for that asked for by the
petitioners report adopted
The same committee reported in favor of referring the petition of the national iron and brass works
for the vacation of a part of Kniest street to the street committee report adopted
the same committee reported on the petition of W B allison et al in favor of granting the prayer
of the petitioners and recommended that said street be opened and the engineer instructed to
make a plat showing the location of at the same report adopted
Ald ryder offered the following resolution and moved its adoption Be it resolved by the city council
of the city of Dubuque That a street be established and laid out through mineral lots 344 345 347 and
348 and the city engineer be and is hereby instructed to make a survey and plat of said road and
proceed in accordance with ordinance relating to establishment of streets etc and report said plat
to city council at its next regular meeting adopted
Ald Ryder of the committee of the whole to whom was referred the plat of the city engineer showing
the proposed opening of Valley Street reported in favor of havinga jury empannelled to appraise
the damages said opening would cause Mr J S randall by opening said valley street
Ald downer moved the question of opening Valley Street be postponed for one month and that
the city engineer furnish an estimate of the cost of the proposed opening carried
Ald Crawford presented the estimate of the city engineer on bids receieved for the improvement
of ninth street from elm to pine streets to wit
T Kavanaugh Jr W H Rebman M Lavin J Kringle Chas Steuck Chas Steuck being the lowest
bidder on motion of Ald Crawford he was awarded the contract
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
Ald Crawford also presented the estimate of the city engineer on on bids received for improving
West Seventeenth street from west locust street to west side of Clark Street to wit
Chas Steuck M Lavin W J Rebman and J F Kringle
Ald Doerfler moved all bids for the improvement of West seventeenth street be rejected lost by the
following vote
Ayes Ald Doerfler parker and Trexler
Nayes Ald thos byrne John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Hollnagel and Ryder
Ald Crawford moved the contract be awarded to J F Kringle his being the lowest bid carried
Ald Ryder offered the following resolution
Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that Mr Robt Jess be allowed to pay his
special assessment for improvement of Jones Street as levied without interest or expense
Ald Doerfler moved the rules be suspended and mr Jess permitted to address the council
carried
Mr Robert Jess then addressed the council explaining the former and present improvements on
Jones street
Ald ryder moved the adoption of his resolution carried by the following vote
Ayes ald thos Byrne J M Byrne Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder and Trexler
Nayes Ald Crawford
Ald Trexler offered the following resolution
Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that the sum of 100 be accepted from
Ph finkenauer as part payment for special assessment on lot 102 East Dubuque add and 50.00
in six months at 8 percent per annum on motion adopted
The same also offered the following resolution
Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that a special committee be appointed
by the mayor to confer with the board of supervisors for employing the county prisoners to the
best advantage adopted by the following vote
Ayes ald J M byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel ryder and Trexler
Nayes ald Parker
Ald Hollnagel offered the following resolution
Regular Session January 3rd 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds John M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker Ryder and Trexler
Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that the committee on fire be instructed
to purchase a stove for the third Ward engine house as the old one is too small to keep the water
in the engine from freezing adopted
The mayor appointed the following special committee to confer with the board of supervisors
in relation to the employment of county prisoners Trexler Ryder and Hayden
Ald Crawford offered the following resolution
Resolved that the engineer be instructed to make an estimate of the expense of filing and extending
fourth street in a direct line to the outer levee near the western end of the high bridge and of putting
the same in a suitable condition for travel also to ascertain the practicability of obtaining the necessary
right of way on motion adopted
the city attorney called the attention of the council to a number of new law cases against the city
and the necessity of conferring with some committee in regard to the same
Ald Crawford moved the city attorney confer with the committee on ordinance motion adopted
Ald Downer moved the question of conferring on the street commissioner power to compel property
owners to remove snow from their sidewalks be referred to the city attorney to draft an ordinance
governing the same carried
Ald Hayden offered the following resolution
Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that the committee on police be instructed
to procure a room for a down town police headquarters and have the same fitted up with proper
wardrobes in which to hanve uniforms etc Lost b the following vote
ayes Ald Thos Byrne J M Byrne Hayden and Ryder
nayes Ald Crawford Doerfler Downer Hollnagel parker and Trexler
Ald Hayden moved the committee on public grounds and buildings be granted power to fit up a
room in the city hall as a central police headquarters carried
Ald Parker moved that the taking of the city assessment for the 1887 be referred to a special
committee consisting of the mayor of the city attorney and the committee on ordinance adopted
Ald trexler moved to adjourn carried Attest James Agnew city Recorder
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
The chair stated the object of the meeting was to hear the report of the delinquent tax committee
also the reports of special committees
Ald Doerfler chairman of the delinquent tax committee report as follows
In favor of remitting the taxes of 1886 on lots 7 and 8 Burtons add assessed to Elizabeth Mitz
adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes of 1886 on lot 134a Langs add assessed to mary Siege adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes of 1886 on lot 27 Fenglers add owned by C consor adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 sub minl lot 145 lot 3 sub minl lot 144 lot 1 to the same
as in 1885 assessed to Michael OShea adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment on south 1/2 lot 61 East Dubuque addition from 2,000 to
1,800 for 1886 assessed to Charles Bornheiser adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on N 1/2 374 citys from 800.00 to 500.00 and 325
city to 2400 assessed to G J Huckles adopted
In favor of reducing teh assessment of 1886 on lots 6 and 7 Bradstreets sub to 4000 and cancelling
tax on personalty assessed to Mrs C Pelan guardian adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment on lot 14 out lot 703 for 1886 to 1800 owned by Hugh
Cavanaugh adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes on lots 2 1 and 6 sub 575 hams add assessed to Mr Bleucher adopted
In favor of reducing assessment on S 20 ft of lot 62 city from 10,000 to 9,000 and adverse
to reduction of assessment on lot 142 of out lot 653a assessed to matilda Kaiser adopted
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
In favor of cancelling assessment on personal property for the year 1886 assessed against Gottlieb
Schneider adopted
In favor of granting petition of Theodore Meir for the cancelling of tax for 1886 adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax on lot 7 central add for 1886 and that the treasurer be instructed to
set aside tax sale of the same lot for the year 1882 owned by the African M E church adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on city lot 575 from 3500 to 3200 owned by M Ahern
adopted
In favor of remitting taxes on lots 8 and pt lot 9 out lot 598 city and lot 3 sub out lot 694 city for
1886 assessed to Rosa Reynolds adopted
In favor of reducing assessment on E 18 ft lot 10 sub outlot 688 city from 1200 to 1000 for 1886
assessed to Dora Puricka report adopted
in favor of remitting the taxes on part lot 6 collins subdivision for 1886 owned by Catherine Harmin
adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxers of 1886 on lots 77 and 78 union addition assessed to patrick
smith adopted
In favor of remitting the taxes of 1886 on lot 43 Dribelbes addition owned by Caroline Baule adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on the property of W C Leonard from 4500 to 4200
report adpted
In favor of cancelling the taxes on lot 8 sub mineral lot 72 owned by Am Sullivan adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on lots 5 6 7 8 9 and 10 block 3 Dubuque Harbor
Improvement Co addition to 5000 assessed to J A Rhomberg adopted
In favor of reudcing the assessment on lots 2 and 3 Cooleys subdivision to 3500 south 57 feet
of NE 1/4 of 746 city to 5000 and OTaylors addition to 10.00 assessed to Wm Rebman adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes on lot 3 sub 196 and 197 L H langworthys addition assessed to
mrs Mina Neubauer adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 on the property of Barbara Bitzberger N 1/3 lot 5 L H
Langworthys addition adopted
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
In favor of remitting the taxes of 1885 and 1886 on lots 10 and 11 Finleys addition assessed to
james Donnelly adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 of Catherine Bannon on N 1/3 city lot 556 adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes of 1886 on lot 119 Union addition assessed to mrs Geo Burkis
adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes of 1886 on the property of Hannah OBrien sub A Coopers sub lot
4 and W 1/2 4 adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes on the property of Mary Stauer for 1886 on lots 48 50 and 51 and part
of lot 344 Burtons addition adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 on lot 351 Davis Farm owned by Catherine Reuter adopted
In favor of cancelling 200.00 personalty assessed to mary L stevenson for 1886 adopted
In favor of reducing the personal assessment of the hazard powder co on Mds to 400.00
adopted
In favor of cancelling assessment on bonds stocks and notes for 1886 amounting to 185.00
assessed to Mrs M J Sullivan adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes on the property of Frederica Burdt for 1886 being the N 28 ft lot
56 L H Langworthys add adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on merchandise assessed to M A Hubert to 1000.00
adopted
In favor of cancelling the assessment of 1886 on moneys credits and stock amounting to 440.00
assessed to Julius Brecht adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes of 1886 on sub out lot 682 lot 5 assessed to mrs Bridget McMahon
adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 of the dubuque Linseed Oil Co to the same amount
as 1885 adopted
In favor of remitting the tax of 1886 on lot 46 Dribelbees addition owned by Mrs C Mussehl adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of carl Schmidt on lots 40 and 41 Fenglers addition for
1886 to 700.00 adopted
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
In favor of reducing the assessment of A W Hosford for 1886 on lot 623 city to 9000 adopted
In favor of cancelling the taxes of 1886 of the Chamberlain Plow Co in accordance with agreement
adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment for 1886 on the property of john Kalp SM 1/5 lot 432 city to
2000 adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 on lot 6 sub 710 quigleys subdivision owned by Bridget Breman
adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 on the property of mary Canovan Bissells Dubuque lot 3
adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of D Conigiskey on S 1/2 city lot 48 to 8000 and merchandise
to 5000 adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on personalty of the key city furniture company to
5000 adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of Butt Bros for 1886 on merchandise to 600.00 adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 on the property of Hannah Simmers being part lot 5 of mineral
lot 178 adopted
in favor of cancelling one half of the tax for 1886 on the property of Geo F Schmidt adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 of J Cameron on lots 28 29 30 and 31 L H Langworthys
addition to 2500 adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of Allison and Crane on personality to 2000 adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 on property Mrs Margt Roberts adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on the property of mrs harriet Wells to 1000 adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 to teh same as in 1885 on N 1/2 lot 283 Davis Farm
addition owned by William Pappantein adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of Dominick Nickles on 51 7/10 ft lot 499 city for 1886 to
3000 adopted
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
In favor of cancelling the tax on personal property and reducing assessment on real estate to 2200 for
1886 owned by F Weland adopted
In favor of cancelling the tax of 1886 on lot 28 Fenglers add owned by mrs H Kruger adopted
In favor of reducing teh assessment of 1886 of harris Bros on personalty to 1500 adopted
In favor of cancelling the personalty assessed against lot 828 McDaniels sub assessed to Dr Carter
adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment on lots 15 and 16 in rogers subd to 1600 and cancelling the
personal tax for 1886 owned by August Lange adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of A C Atherton on lots 17 and 18 S M Langworthys add
for 1886 to 1400 and that a warrant be drawn on the treasurer for 50 cents in favor of A C Atherton
adopted
In favor of referring the petition of Peter oeth to the city attorney adopted
In favor of reducing the assessment of 1886 on tools of john drehouse to 350 adopted
The same committee reported adverse to the prayers of the following petitioners to wit Chas B
Dorr E H Shapply John Wolf Catherine Morrisey mary Gilmore F Mueggenberg report adopted
Ald ryder moved the rules be suspended and mr J Drehouse be permitted to address the
council carried Mr Drehouse spoke
ald Thos Byrne moved action on mr Drehouses petition be reconsidered carried
Ald Crawford moved petition be referred to the committee on police and gas carried
Mayor Glab chairman of the special committee appointed to inqurie into certain charges against
Jos J Pfiffner city assessor presented the following charges
Whereas at a regular meeting of this council held on the 3rd day of january 1884 a special
committee consisting of the mayor and ordinance committee with the city attorney was appointed
to inquire into certain charges preferred against Joseph J Pfiffner growing out of his duties of city
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
assessor and whereas a result of such investigation the committee finds said assessor has in many
cases failed and neglected to list a large amount of property both real and personal which was
liable to taxation that he has listed a large amount of property without taking the list from the owner
or from any person authorized to list the same that he has in many cases simply copied the assessment
from the books containing the assessment of the state and county purposes for previous years
that he has failed and neglected almost wholly to administer the oath required by law to persons
listing property or where one refused to take the oath required to make a note of that fact in his
books He has listed much property in the names of persons who for several years prior thereto
had not owned such property He has in many cases listed property unreasonably high and in other
cases unreasonably low the owners of such property claiming to have never been listed or been
called upon by the city assessor or other persons to list the property and claiming not to have seen
the city assessor within the year 1886
therefore I John glab mayor of the city of Dubuque and chairman of said committee do hereby complain
ahd charge Joseph j Pfiffner city assessor of the city of Dubuque with gross negligence carelessness
and incompetency in the performance of the duties of his office and with gross violation of his
official duty John Glab
I John Glab being first duly sworn on my oath do say that the statements and allegations above
set forth are true to the best of my knowledge and belief John glab
Subscribed in my presence sworn to before me by the said Glab this 11th of january 1887
F G Brandt Notary public of Iowa in and for Dubuque county
Ald Hayden chairman of the ordinance committee offered the following resolution which upon
motion was adopted
Whereas it appears from the matters set forth in teh complaint on file that the charges therein
against city assessor Joseph J Pfiffner warrant an investigation by this council therefore be it
resolved that Tuesday, the 18th day of January 1887 at 7:30 oclock pm be fixed for the time
of heating
Resolved further that the city recorder be instructed to prepare a notice in accordance with this
resolution have it signed by the mayor and attach it to a copy of the complaint to be placed in
the hands of the city marshal for service in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of chapter
22 of the revised ordinance of the city of Dubuque
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
Ald John M byrne chairman of the committee on claims reported in favor of paying the bill of
Ellwanger Bros for fire department supplies 44.85 report adopted
Ald Hayden chairman of the committee on ordinance presented on an ordinance to amend an
ordinance entitled an ordinance relating to the obstruction of streets alleys and sidewalks
Ald parker moved the ordinance be read for its first time carried
The recorder read the ordinance for the first time
Ald Crawford moved the ordinance be laid over until the regular session in February adopted
Ald Doerfler offered the following resolution and moved its adoption
Whereas about a year ago a petition signed by a large number of citizens of the Fifth ward asking
that the ward be divided into two wards was presented to the council and Whereas the action
taken by the council upon said petition in dividing the ward into two voting precincts is unsatisfactory
and does not meet the wants of the people of the fifth ward and whereas the people of that ward
are more anxious and clamorous now for a division of the ward than ever before therefore be
it resolved that the fifth ward be divided into two wards to be known as the fifth and sixth wards and
resolved that the center line of Jackson street be and constitute the boundary line between the
wards that the territory west of the line be known as the Fifth ward and the territory east of the line
the sixth ward and that the ordinance committee be instructed to prepare an ordinance in conformity
with these resolutions
Ald Crawford offered as a substitute to Ald Doerflers resolution the following
Resolved that the subject of a change of ward boundaries in order to equalize as nearly as possible
the population of the several wards of the city be referred to a special committee consisting of
one alderman from each ward adopted by the following vote
Aeys Ald Thos Byrne John M byrne Crawford Downer Hayden Parker and Ryder 7
Nayes Ald Doerfler Hollnagel and Trexler 3
The mayor then appointed the following committee
Alds Crawford Downer Doerfler Ryder and Hayden
Adjourned Regular Session January 11th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Burne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder
and Trexler
Ald Hollnagel chairman of the committee on fire reported in favor of paying the bill of Albert Montague
5.50 report adopted
Ald Crawford moved that the insurance bills of Dubuque Fire and Marine Insurance company 37.50
McLaughlin and Reilly 18.75 London Assurance Corporation Insurance company 18.75 for insurance
on 5th ward engine house be paid carried
Ald Downer moved that the city auditor be instructed to prepare an insurance book showing city
buildings insured amount of insurance on teh same when insured and when it expires carried
The city engineer presented the following communication
to the honorable mayor and city council
Gentlemen as that portion of the dodge street sewer which was ordered constructed in addition
to the original contract amounting to 194 lineal feet was done very unsatisfactorily and contrary to
the instructions of the engineer and to the specifications I have not returned teh entire amount of
work done for which the contractor desires to receive pay on careful examination I find aobut 75
feet of the above named sewer from 3 to 5 inches less in size or inside diameter than specified
much of which is due to setting of arch owing to poor workmanship and material the committee on
streets have examined the work and probably will make their report but for myself I would
respectfully recommend that the sum of at least 200.00 be retained by the city until the sewer
shall be amply tested
The city engineer presented an estimate of work done on Dodge Street by John Schromen
contractgor amounting to 948.30
Ald Crawford moved that John Schromen be allowed 748.30 carried
Ald Crawford moved that john spear be allowed 200.00 as part payment for filling done on Dodge
Street per order street committee carried
Ald ryder moved that the matter of employing men to break macadam for the city be referred
to the street committee with power carried
Ald Hayden moved to adjourn carried
Attest James Agnew city Recorder
Special Session January 18th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Byrne John M Byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel Parker
and Trexler
On motion of ald Crawford the petition of the dubuque Pontoon bridge co was read stating that
one half the material for the construction of high bridge is now on the ground and that the iron work
of said bridge is being made as rapidly as possible and that the bridge at present can be said
to be one half completed In view of the facts set forth in the petition said bridge company ask that
the city pay to them the first installment due from the city to aid in the construction of the bridge
Ald Crawford moved that the Dubuque Pontoon Bridge company be allowed 5000 as part payment
of first installment and that the question of payment of the full amount of the first installment be
referred to teh committee on harbors carried
Ald Trexler offered the following resolution
Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Dubuque that a warrant be drawn in favor of Kopsa
and allen for 500.00 as part payment for police overcoats on motion adopted
Ald Crawford moved the estimates of the city engineer of the work done by Chas Steuck contractor
for improving north side Julien avenue and Eighth street be acted upon carried
The city engineer presented an estimate of the amount of work done by Chas Steuck for improvement
of north side of julien Avenue from lot 12 to out lot 703 said estimate amounting to 446.78
Ald Crawford moved the bill 446.78 be paid carried
The city engineer also presented an estimate of teh amount of work done by Charles Steuck
contractor improving Eighth Street from washington to pine streets amounting to 1540 cubic
yards at 29 cents 446.60
Ald Hayden moved the bill for said grading 446.60 be paid carried
The mayor stated the meeting was called to investigate the charges preferred against city
Assessor Joseph J Pfiffner by John Glab at the session of the city council held January 11th
1887
Special Session January 18th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Byrne John M Byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel Parker
and Trexler
Mr Joseph J Pfiffner was called and the charges read to him by the recorder
Mr Pfiffner stated he was ready for trial and introduced Mr J H Shields as his attorney
Atty Shields objected to teh proceedings of the trial and asked that it be dismissed as the council
has no jurisdiction
the ayes and nayes being called upon the objection of atty shields it was orverruled by the
following vote
Nayes Alds J M byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel parker and trexler 8
ayes Ald Thos byrne and Ryder
Atty shields objected to the charges preferred claiming the same to be illegal on account of their
being signed by John glab who is a member of the council trying the case
Objection overruled the following dissenting
Alds Thos Byrne J M Byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel Parker Ryder and
Trexler 10
The chair presented affidavits from sarah J Sprague and edward Langworthy
Attorney Shields objected to the reading of the affidavits as evidence no appeal being made the
objection was sustained
The following witnesses were called and sworn to wit
Edward Duncan F W Kringle John Cameron Aug Lange Julius Brecht Gotlieb Schneider
Helmuth Butt William Rebman D Conigisky E M Woodworth Thos F McDonald paul Traut
W E Wellington J Hoffman Andrew Reilly J G Huenckles Michael Liddy James Flanigan
they testified of increased valuation in their assessment of not having seen the assessor that
property was assessed to them which they did not own and that property owned was not
assessed also that the assessor or other person never called to list their property and that he
omitted assessing to any person several lots within the city on which taxes should be paid
the plaintiff called for the affidavits of mrs Sarah J sprague and Edward Langworthy
Attorney Shields objected to the presentation of the affidavits as evidence
the objection was overruled by the following vote
Ayes ald Thos Byrn J M Byrne Crawford Downer Doerfler Hayden Hollnagel parker and Trexler 9
Nayes Ald ryder
Special Session January 18th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Alds Thos Byrne John M Byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel Parker
and Trexler
The affidavits gave evidence that the assessor never called upon the parties that he failed to assess
property owned by them and that he assessed to E Langworthy property not owned by him
Ald Doerfler moved the trial by postponed until one week from tonight
Ald Crawford offered as an amendment that the trial be postponed until tomorrow Wednesday
evening carried by the following vote
Ayes Ald Thos Byrne J M Byrne Crawford Downer Hayden adn parker 6
Nayes Ald Doerfler Hollnagel Ryder and Trexler 4
Ald John M Byrne moved to adjourn carried
Attest James Agnew city recorder
Adjourned Special Session January 19th 1887
Mayor Glab in the chair
Present Adls Thomas Byrne John M Byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden Hollnagel Parker
Ryder and Trexler
The chair stated this was an adjourned meeting to continue the investigation of the charges against
city assessor Pfiffner
City attorney mcCarthy moved the information be amended by incorporating into the same the
words in teh year 1886
no objection carried
The evidence being taken attorney shields made his plea for the defense and was followed by
city attorney McCarthy for the prosocution At the close of the arguments the mayor submitted
the following question to wit is the defendant guilty
The ayes and nayes being called on the question resulted as follows
Ayes Ald J M Byrne Crawford Doerfler Downer Hayden and Parker
Nayes Alds thos Byrne Hollnagel Ryder and Trexler
A vote of two thirds of all members of the council being necessary to convict and the same not
being obtained the chair declared the defendant not guilty
Ald J M Byrne moved to adjourn carried
attest James Agnew city recorder