The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMinutes City Council - 09_09_1852 to 05_20_1858 Transcribed MINUTES A CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI Book FFL C1 City of Corpus Christi Min. A Index A page Aldermen qualified 11 & 77 Attorney resolution relating to pay of 23 Attorney relating to pay to be allowed 26 City of Corpus Christi Min A Sept 9 – 1852 Dec 29 – 1871 1 B page Bell ringing appropriation for 6 Board of City prisoners fixing amt of 24 Bonds & Warrants destroyed 28 C page Claim of Dr Turner & Mrs Weymouth relating to 4, 5, 9, 10 Committees Standing appointment of 11 Council room Marshal to have fitted up 11 City Attorney fees agreed upon 26 Cemetary relating to 27 Census Scholastic to be taken 28 Central Wharf & Warehouse Co 41 – 44 – 46 to 51 – 57 – 59 to 63 115 – 119, 228 236 – 238 - 241 - 281 2 D page [D…] Well relating to 2, 12, Dead Animals relating to removal of 6 Doubtful Claims referred to Fin Com 23 [Do…ing] suit for Costs left to Courts 26 E pages Election count of vote 7, 8 “ of three Policemen 23 3 F Fire Well relating to filling 6 Fees of City Attorney 26 G 4 H page Hook & Ladder Co Truck house 1, 3 Health officer Election of 11 Hospital about building 27 I page Insurance relating to of School Buildings 1 “ “ reconsidered 4 5 J page Janitor election of 23 Jail fees to be allowed &c 24 K Keller suit of H 23, 26 6 L page Larkens petition to redeem property & action 23 M page Marshal & Police to receive two Warrants 6 7 N O page Ordinance making Star Rifles a police […fires] 4 “ regulating Taxation 16 & 17 “ defining duties of City Secretary 17 “ for enforcement of Collection of Poll tax 17 “ on Sanitary regulations 18, 19 & 20 “ Regulating Quarantine 20, 21 & 22 “ Creating office of Janitor and fixing his pay 22 & 23 “ on fast Riding and driving 29 “ about Butchers bringing hides to market 29 “ about duty of City Treasurer 29 “ Relating to fire arms & Etc use of and regulations 71 8 P page President pro tem Election of 11 Policemen Election of three 23 Q 9 R page Ringing Bell relating to and appropriation for 6 Resignation of Alderman Turner 6 Removing dead animals relating to 6 Report of Committee on Claim of Dr Turner & Mrs Weymouth 9, 10 Report of Fin Com on the Treas reports 12 “ “ “ “ and Budget with recommendations 13 14 15 16 Resignation of Policeman Tinney 24 R. Road Co about taxation and right of way 26 & 27 S page School Teacher of Public to be issued monthly Warrants 2 School Buildings relating to repairs 10 Standing Committees 11 Salaries of Officers Special fund for 17 10 T page Term long & Short in 4th Ward 11 Tinney policeman resignation of 24 Teachers relating to pay of 26 U 11 V W page Warrants two to be issued to Marshal & Police 6 “ and Bonds destroyed 28 12 X Y Z At the Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen here in the city of Corpus Christi September 9th 1852. Present Benjamin F Neal (Mayor) James R Barnard, S M H Butler, H W Berry, M Baldeswheeler Alder George Pfeiffer secretary On motion of Ald Butler secd Ald Berry, it was resolved that, the regular meeting of this Board shall be held at the mayors Office on Thursday, in every week. On motion of of Ald Barnard seconded by Ald Berry Aldm Butler was appointed to [wait] upon Col Kinney for the purpose of obtaining a Title for a market square. Moved and seconded that this meeting do adjourn until the next regular term of meeting. B. F. Neal Mayor City C C. } George Pfeiffer Secretary At the meeting of the mayor and aldermen held in the city of Corpus Christi on September 23th 1852 / Present B F Neal, mayor S M H Butler H W Berry J R Peterson Mathaias Baldeswheeler Ald George Pfeiffer secty 1. amendments of the last meeting read and approved. Alderm Butler reported progress verbaly and obtained leave for further continuance. The following Ordinances were presented by Ald Berry, which on motion were read article by article and unanimously adopted and passed by the Board. Section 1th Fandangos Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the penalty city of Corpus Christi that no Fandango, Dance or for holding Ball shall be held within the city limits under without license penalty of (10) Ten Dollars, except the same is regularly licensed by the Mayor the Fees for a license not to exceed the sum of five Dollars. City of Corpus Christi TX Min A Section 2th Be it further ordained, that it shall be the duty 2 Duty of of the Marshall, to be in attendance on all such Marshall Fandangos, Dances or Ball’s and see that there is good Order kept during the time of holding said Fandangos, Dances or Balls and that his Fees for such attendance, to be paid by the party so licensed as beforesaid, shall be the sum of one Dollar. Section 3th Time when That in every case all Fandangos, Dances or Balls closed shall be closed by three oclock AM and that this ordinance take effect from and after the first day, of October 1852. Section 4th Persons found Be it further ordained, that it shall be the duty of with deadly the Marshall any person or persons attending licensed weapons Fandangos Dances or Balls and found carrying any deadly weapon or weapons, to arrest such person or persons and take him before the Mayor who upon conviction shall be fined in the sum of five Dollars and upon failure of paying such fines shall forfeit the arms, that he was found carrying. Firing off Arms Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that if after the publi cation of this Ordinance any person or persons shall wantonly and without reasonable ocassion Firing Arms discharge or fire off any Gun or Pistol or other fire in the City arms within the inhabited parts of this city to the disturbance of any citizen every such person so offending on conviction thereof before the Mayor or either of the Aldermen shall be fined the sum not exceeding five Dollars for each and every offence provided any person wishing to discharge any firearms for the purpose of keeping them in order may discharge the same on the edge of the Bay elevating and pointing the piece eastward. On motion of Aldermen Peterson secd. Ald Berry the same were ordered to be published in the Nueces Valley in english and spanish – 3 On motion of Ald Peterson secd Ald Butler the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting. B F Neal Mayor } George Pfeiffer City Corpus Christi } secretary At a meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi, held Thursday evening 30th September. Present B F Neal Mayor Aldermen, Peterson, Berry, Vela, & Butler } G. Pfeiffer secrty The minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Alderm Butler reported progress verbally, and obtained leave for further continuance. On motion of Ald Butler secd Ald Peterson it was resolved, that a comittee of one be appointed consisting of B F Neal (Mayor) with the Power to contract for the publication of the city ordinances in the Nueces Valley. On motion of Alderm Butler secd by Alderm Peterson resolved, that the sum of one thousand Dollars be raised by Taxation on the taxable property, in the city of Corpus Christi and by subscription, for the purpose of building a city hall & prison – be it further resolved, that a comitee of three be ap pointed consisting of B G Neal Mayor Alderm Butler, Peterson & Vela for the purpose of obtaining subscription to build said city hall & prison. George Pfeiffer B F Neal secretary Mayor City C C 4 At a meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held in the city of Corpus Christi on 7th October 1852. Present B F Neal Mayor Berry, Peterson, Baldeswheeler, Vela Aldermen George Pfeiffer secretary Amendments of last meeting were read and approved. Publishing Benj F Neal as comittee for publication of the city ordinances ordinances reported that he had contracted with the proprietor of the Nueces Valley to print all such city Ordinances as may be passed by the Mayor and Aldermen for the term of one year for seventy five Dollars. Berry & Peterson Alderm, comittee on subscription for building of city Hall and prison reported progress verbally and obtained leave for continuance. On motion of B F Neal Mayor seconded Aldm Berry it was resolved, that the tendered resignation of Thomas S Parker as city Marshall be accepted. It was moved and seconded, that John M Cooper duly elected Treasurer, be requested by the secretary to give bonds and enter his Office as Treasurer of the city corporation. further resolved on motion of Ald Peterson scd Ald Baldeswheeler, that a comittee be appointed consisting of Ald Berry & Baldeswheeler to rent a house or suitable department and make the necessary arrange ments therein for the purpose of keeping and confining such persons as may be comitted by the Mayor or Aldermen. Adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting. George Pfeiffer B F Neal secretary Mayor City Corpus Christi At a meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held in the city of Corpus Christi October 14th 1852 _______________ Present Benj F Neal Mayor, Butler, Barnard, Baldeswheeler, Berry, Aldermen George Pfeiffer secretary Amendments of last Meeting were read and approved. The comittee to rent a Temporary prison reported that no suitable Department could be obtained at anything like reasonable price. On motion of Ald Butler secd Ald Barnard it was resolved, that Joseph Williams be appointed city Marshall pro tem untill the next regular election. The following Ordinances were presented by Ald Butler, which on motion of Ald Berry were read article by article and unanimously adopted and passed by the Board. Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that from and after the passage of this Ordinance, no Dogs dog, slut or puppy, be allowed to run at large within the limits of this corporation without being manacled. Tax on Be it further ordained, that a tax of fifty cents per annum Dogs be levied on the owner of each and every dog, that the city Marshall be authorized and empowered to collect such Tax. Marshall’s Be it further ordained, that the city Marshall be authorized duty to kill and ordered to kill or destroy every dog, slut or puppy dogs - running at large within the limits of this corporation not being so manacled and licensed as aforesaid. Adjourned to meet again (untill) at the next regular term of meeting. George Pfeiffer B F Neal secretary, CC Mayor City Corpus Christi 6 At a Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held in the city of Corpus Christi on November 16th 1852. / Present Benj F Neal Mayor Reuben Holbein James A Beveridge M Baldeswheeler H W Berry McConn Aldermen George Pfeiffer secretary James A Beveridge, Reuben Holbein J B McConn duly elected Aldermen made Oath as proscribed by Law, taking their seats on 11th November 1852. Minutes of last meeting were read and amended as follows Dog Ordi (Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the nance city of Corpus Christi, that from and after the passage of this ordinance, no dog be permited to go at large in the limits of the city of Corpus Christi, except under the following restrictions, every dog going at large, within said city, shall have around its neck Dogs to a collar on which shall be inscribed the name of wear collar the owner and the word licensed – and that each and every person keeping dogs within the corporation of Corpus Christi shall pay the sum of fifty cents per head, to be collected by the Marshall of said city, Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed to permit any female dog, when in heat, weather licensed or otherwise, to run at large in the city limits any female dog so going at large, shall be taken up and destroyed in the mode hereinafter provided _____________ Section 2th Marshal’s Be it further ordained, that it shall be the duty duty of the Marshall to carry this ordinance into effect, by causing all dogs found running at large with not licensed as aforesaid within the city limits to be taken up, killed and (destroyed) buried except when in cases of clearly established accident or emergency, where the animal is peculiarly valuable, then and not otherwise they, may be disposed of at the discretion of Mayor. 7 For the services to be performed in taking up killing and burying each dog the marshall shall receive the sum of one Dollar to be paid by the owner of the Compensation dog. if not known, then by, the Mayor, who is Hereby, authorized to draw his warrants on the city Treasurer for the amount. Section 3th Be it further ordained that any, person who shall willfully or maliciously obstruct the Marshall from carrying into effect the Persons obstr provisions of this ordinance in the seizing or trans ucting the portation of the dogs by him arrested, every person Marshall or persons those offending shall on conviction before Mayor thereof be fined in a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars, one half thereof go to the informant and the other half for the use of the city of Corpus Christi. Be it further ordained – that all ordinances here tofore passed, in order to prevent dogs from Repealing running at large in the city of Corpus Christi shall clause [be] be and the same is hereby repealed and that this ordinance take effect from and after its publication. Government Ordinance for the better Government of the city. C. Christi of Section 1th The City Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that to provide more effectually for the security of the persons and property of the Inhabitants of the city of Corpus Christi by a competent police, there shall be established Watch House and erected at some convenient point in said city a and suitable watch house or prison with convenient ac comodations thereunto adjoining and belonging, in which prisoners may be received and detained, and to be used and employed for the keeping, correcting and setting to work of all persons who have been comitted for violating the several ordinances of this city. And until such watch house be erected or otherwise provided, there shall be established a chain gang or such 7. 8 other means of securing prisoners as the said Mayor and Aldermen shall deem proper and direct. Section 2th That said watch house or prison shall be under the Watch House charge and control of the Marshal of said city, and all persons duly sent or committed to his custody shall be dealt with as hereinafter provided. Section 3th That the said Marshal shall have power and authority to set to work and labor all persons who have been condemned to pay any fine or fines, and have refused so to do (if they be able) for such time as they shall continue and remain in the said watch house or prison, and to punish them by putting shackles or fetters on them, and also from time to time in Treatment case they be stubborn, disorderly, idle or refractory, Of Prisoners and do not perform their tasks according as they shall be required (if in good health) the Marshal shall abridge them of their food, untill they be reduced to better order. And the said Marshal for his care labor and Service in looking after the several persons who shall from time to time be committed to his care and custody shall receive such compensation as may hereafter be allowed by Law. Section 4th That all persons who being able to work and having neither profession nor trade, nor any dwelling place, nor any property wherewith to maintain themselves, shall live idle, without following some honest Vagrants, idle occupation to procure themselves the means of subsistence & disorderly persons shall be deemed idle and disorderly persons and defined - such as are adjudged to be of the above cases, shall upon conviction thereof, be condemned to give security for their good behavior during twelve months to the satisfaction of the Mayor, which security shall be of such a sum as the said Mayor shall deem proper to affix and in case of refusal or on possibility on his or her or their part to give the said security the Mayor shall at discretion, commit the offender 9 or offenders to the watch house and chain gang, to be kept there to hard labor untill the necessary security is given, or for at time not exceeding one month for the first offence. Section 5th Harboring That all persons harboring vagrants or suspicious persons, Vagrants knowing them to be such, shall upon conviction thereof before the Mayor, be fined in a sum not exceeding one hundred Dollars, and be condemned to pay the cost of such arrests, and on failure to pay such fine and costs, shall be dealt with as probited for in the 4th section of this Ordinance Section 6th That any vagrant or idler as contemplated in the 4th Arrest of section of this ordinance, may be arrested by the Marshal Vagrants upon a [re…] Thereof, or by a warrant, whenever complaint shall be made before the Mayor Section 7th That the Mayor upon complaint under oath being made before him, or upon [re…] thereof, shall cause all affrayers, rioters, disturbers or breakers of the peace, and any person who shall assault or strike another where unlawful weapons are not Penalty for used, and such as shall ride immoderately, through Carrying Arms the streets, or go armed offensively, to the fear or terror of the good citizens of this city, or such others as may utter any, menaces or threatening speeches to be arrested, and require the offender or offenders to give security for his keeping the peace, and being of good behavior, and shall fine the offender or offenders in any sum at discretion, not exceeding one hundred Dollars, and in case of his her or their failure to give the security or pay the fine, shall commit him, her or them, to prison, untill he or she or they shall comply with such requisition, provided, that in no case shall a person for any offence under this section be imprisoned for a longer period than thirty days. Section 8th 10 That the Mayor and Aldermen shall appoint a Register whose duty it shall be to register the names of all male Register persons over the age of fifteen years residing within appointed the limits of the corporation and all persons arriving duty of here from a foreign country of the age of fifteen years or upwards shall within twenty, four hours afterwards their arrival come forward and register their names at the Mayors office and the object to their visit to this city, and their place of destination and any person thus offending against this ordinance shall be arrested by the marshall and on conviction thereof, before the Mayor he shall be fined in the sum of ten dollars, and in case of failure on their part to pay, said fine, the said Mayor at his discretion shall commit the person thus convicted to the watch house and chain gang for thirty days. Section 9th That this Ordinance take affect and be in force from and after its adoption On motion of Ald Beveridge secd Ald Holbein it was resolved that the sum of eight Dollars be and the same is hereby appropriated for the purchase of lights and stationery for the use of the Board. Be it further resolved that Alderm Holbein be appointed to keep and register every person’s name & object coming to this city from a foreign country as provided in Section 8th of this ordinance and where upon motion, was adjourned untill the next regular term of Meeting. George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary C.C. Mayor C. C. C. 11 At a meeting held by the Mayor and Aldermen in the city of Corpus Christi on the 2th December 1852 Present Benj F. Neal Mayor H W Berry R Holbein, McConn, Beveridge, And Vela J R Peterson Aldermen G Pfeiffer sc Amendments of last meeting were read and approved. Courthouse The proposition of the county to unite with the city corporation & Jail in building a courthouse and prison as per plan drawn by the committee appointed by the county court was presented before the Board and upon consideration voted as inconsisting with the best interest of the city. On motion of Ald Beveridge secd by Ald. McConn it was resolved, that a comittee of three Aldermen be appointed by the Mayor, whose duty, it shall be to devise the plan of and receive proposals for building a watch house and that said comittee devise and recommend some plan for the payment of the same. The comittee appointed by the Mayor on the foregoing resolution consists of McConn, Berry, & Peterson Aldermen. Alderm Baldeswheeler, Beveridge & Holbein were appointed by the Mayor as comittee on Streets. On motion of Ald McConn secd by Ald Berry, it was Fandango ordained, that all public Fandangoes, dances or Balls time of closing shall hereafter be closed by, Two o clk AM instead of three o clk as will be seen on page (2) ordinance regulating Fandangoes. whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again the next regular term of meeting. George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary 12 At a Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held in the city of Corpus Christi on the 9th December 1852 Present B F Neal Mayor McConn, Berry, Beveridge, Holbein, Alderm George Pfeiffer sect Amendments of last meeting were read and approved. The report of the comittee on Watchhouse was received and Beveridge & Holbein were added to the comittee, and upon motion obtained leave for continuance. On motion of Ald Beveridge secd by Ald McConn it was resolved, that the Mayor appoint a comittee of two in junction with himself for the purpose of obtaining subscriptions to build the watch house as per plan & report of the comittee on the same. On motion of Ald Holbein scd by Ald Beveridge it was resolved that the corporation give the amount of fifty Dollars as subscription to the Building of the watch house. On motion of Alderm Beveridge secd by Ald Berry it was resolved, that Felix A Blucher be re quested to act as translator for the city, and that the Mayor be authorised to make some equitable arrangement to pay, him fee for his services. Adjourned to meet at the next regular term of meeting. George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary Mayor 13 At a Meeting of the Mayor & Aldermen held in the city of Corpus Christi on December 23th 1852 Present Benj F Neal Mayor Reuben Holbein James A Beveridge McConn W Berry Aldermen G Pfeiffer Secretary Amendments of last Meeting were read and approved. On motion, the comittee on Watchhouse obtained leave for further continuance. The following Ordinances regulating Markets were on motion of Ald Holbein secd by Ald Peterson adopted and passed by the Board. Market Sect 1 / Be it ordained by the Mayor & Aldermen of the city, of Corpus Christi, that the lot or parcel of ground known by the Plan of said city, as the market square and donated by Coll H L Kinney to said city, for that purpose, be and the same shall from and after the passage of this ordinance be declared the market square of said the city, of Corpus Christi. Section 2/ Be it further ordained, that from and after the first day of January AD 1852, it shall Occupying not be lawful for any person or persons to stalls occupy, any stall, to expose meats for sale or other marketing at any place within the city, of Corpus Christi during market hours ex -cept the place above designated. Section 3 – That, untill a market house is build in said city, it shall and may, be lawful for any person desiring to follow the occupation of Butcher to erect a stall at such place or said market square as shall be designated and pointed out by the city, commissioners as markets, which said stall shall be erected under the supervision and directed by said comissioners and according to the plan adopted by the Board – Section 3/ The ground to be occupied. 14 the Stalls and Stands upon said Market square shall be marked out and defined by the city, commissioners and shall annually be let out by them to such persons by, law or ordinance Market are entitled to rent the same – and the rents shall be fixed by the commissioners before the day, of letting and in such, sums as they, shall deem reasonable, subject however to revision, by the Mayor or Aldermen in case of aledged grivance, the lease of the ground shall be for one year and renewed annually, rents payable in advance. Section 5/ The market hours shall begin at daylight and continue untill 10 o clk AM daily. On motion of Alderman McConn secd by, Alderman Beveridge, it was resolved that the commissioner on Markets shall consist of the Mayor B F Neal & C R Hopson. On motion of Alderm Beveridge secd by Ald Holbein it was resolved, that George Green be and is hereby appointed assistant Marshall whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting. George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary In a Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held in the city, of Corpus Christi on the 30th December 1852 Present Benj F Neal, Mayor. McConn, R. Holbein, Baldeswheeler Beveridge Aldermen - - - Amendments of last Meeting were read and approved. 15 Report of the comittee on Market was received and adopted by the Board also that of the comittee on Prison, which is that the prison be erected on the market square. On motion of Ald Beveridge, the following supplymentary Ordinances regulating markets were read and approved. Market Section 1th Be it ordained by, the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, of Corpus Christi that from and after the passage of this ordinance if any, person or persons shall vend meats fresh fish or vegetables, during market hours at any, other place, than designated by Law it shall be the duty, of the Marshall of said city, to arrest such person thus offending and bring him before the mayor, who upon conviction there of shall be fined in the sum not exceeding ten Dollars for every day, such persons continue to violate this ordinance, and in case of failure on the part of the offender to pay said fine he shall be condemned to the chaingang or prison for any, time not exceeding thirty days at the discretion of the Mayor. On motion the Board adjourned to meet again at Monday next in January, 1853. George Pfeiffer H W Berry Secretary Mayor Protem At a meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held in the City, of Corpus Christi on the 6th of January 1853 Present B F Neal Mayor, Berry Peterson, Baldesweller, Vela Alderm. On motion of Alderman Berry, John J Dix was appointed Secretary pro tempore. The comittee on Markets reported a Deed 16 of the Market square from Henry L Kinney, to the corporation, whereupon it was resolved, that the aforesaid comittee be continued and hereby authorised to have the said Deed recorded and pay, the consideration of one Dollar and draw for the same upon the Treasurer, which said Draft shall be countersigned by the Secretary. Benj F Neal presented a bill of Expences for Stationery and for 1 pair Shackles amounting to nine 13/100 Dollars which amount were also ordered to be paid. further resolved, that the Marshall be required to notify all persons following the avocation of Butcher, to prepare their Stalls on Market-square in accordance with our Ordinance relating thereto, also that he notify C. R. Hopson to fill up a well that is in the Street in front of his [illegible] building - On motion of Ald Berry, G W Foster was appointed assistant Marshall and the Secretary pro tem is hereby notified to notify him of the same. On motion of Ald Berry John A []emon was assistant Marshall. On motion of Ald Peterson, John J Dix was appointed assistant Marshall. On motion of Ald. Peterson, Ald Berry was elected Mayor pro tem during the absents of Benj F Neal – whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet next regular term of meeting. H W Berry Mayor P T C C C 17 At a Meeting of the mayor & Aldermen held on the 13th of January 1853 Present H W Berry Mayor pro tem. J Beveridge Aldermen Holbein, Baldeswheeler, McConn, On motion of Ald. Beveridge, secd by Ald Holbein it was resolved, that the thanks of the city, council be rendered to Coll H L Kinney for the gratuity, of the Market square. On motion of Ald McConn secd by Ald Beveridge it was resolved that the prison to be erected on the Market- square should be of the following dimension. Two stones high 15 feet of the entire hight, 8’ for the lower and 7’ for the upper story-, containing one door below with stairsteps and a trapdoor on the second floor, four windows above and two below the ground plan - be 16 feet by, 18 feet and notices given for proposals - to erect the same according to the above plan - further resolved that the Treasurer receive the List containing the Subscriptions for building the (market Square. void) Prison, for the purpose of obtaining new subscriptions and receiving that which is allready subscribed. ~ The comittee on Streets upon motion obtained leave for further continuance. Adjourned to meet again the next regular term of meeting. ~ H. W. Berry Mayor P. T. C . C. C. 18 At a Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held on the 24th January, 1853 in the city of C. Christi Present H W Berry, Mayor pro tem M Baldeswiller, J Beveridge, R Holbein McConn J Peterson. Aldermen His honor the Mayor in accordance with a resolution passed on folio 10 drew a draft on the Treassurer for eight for the use and benefit of the Board in purchasing Stationery, [illegible] On motion it was resolved that the report of the comittee on Prison and of the comittee on Subscription be laid over for further discussion consideration at the next Meeting On Motion of Ald Beveridge secd by Ald Holbein it was resolved, that the sum of three Dollars be refunded to Frederick Werner, who had been fined in that amt for violation of the Ordinances regulating Markets further resolved, that the Mayor appoint a comittee on Fees, which consists of Ald Beveridge & McConn. Adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting – H. W Berry George Pfeiffer Mayor P.T. C.C.C. Secretary, C. C. At a Meeting of the Mayor and Alderm. held on the 1st February 1853 Present H W Berry Mayor pro tem M. Baldeswiller J. Beveridge J R. Peterson R Holbein J B McConn Aldermen George Pfeiffer sec Minutes of last meeting were read and amended by striking out the word discussion and inserting consideration, no further objections being made the were adopted – 19 Aldm Baldeswheeler tendered his resignation, which upon earnest solicitation was withdrawn – On motion of Ald Beveridge sced by R Holbein it was resolved that the Marshalls and Treassurer be requested and are hereby, required to make a report on finances to the Board at the next meeting and to enter into the necessary bonds – “ the feelist introduced by the comittee on same, was referred back to them for further consideration “ on the resignation of H W Berry, as Mayor p t Ald McConn was elected Mayor pro tem in his stead on motion of Ald Beveridge scd. by Ald Holbein it was further resolved that Ald Vela be requested to resign his position as Alderm of the corporation of Corpus Christi and that the Mayor order an election for some person in his stead and that the Marshall notify him of the passing of this resolution – further resolved, that the sum of eight=Dollars or less be and the same is hereby, appropriated for the purchase of a city seal, the device to be furnished and arranged by George Pfeiffer, secretary to the council in the course of Business an order was issued by the Mayor to the Treassurrer for the sum of three Dollars as per resolution passed by the Board on page folio (18) of this Book the Thanks of the Board having been tendered to H W Berry, as Mayor pro tem for his efficient and untiring Services in that capacity, they adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of Meeting ~ B F. Neal George Pfeiffer Mayor C.C.C. secretary 20 Monday April 4th 10 a.m. Board met pursuant to adjournment Present his honor the Mayor Alderm- McConn, Berry, & Beveridge – Mr E Ohler and Dr S C Thomas Aldermen elect, were qualified and took their seats On motion of Alderm Beveridge, resolved that the Secretary be requested to summons G. W. Foster to appear before the Board of Aldermen at the next meeting and make report of his proceedings as Marshal – On motion of Alderm McConn resolved, that G. W. Foster Secretary be authorized to pay Capt Edwards the sum of eight Dollars for services rendered the corporation On motion of Alderm McConn, the Mayor, was authorized to commission George Pettigrew as city Marshal – The following Ordinances was introduced by his honor the Mayor and passed by the Board 21 At a Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held on the seventh April 1853 Present Benj F Neal Mayor McConn E Ohler, Berry, Beveridge, Petterson, and Doctor Thomas. Minutes of last Meeting were read and amended by striking out the word G. W. Foster and enserting the secretary of the Board, to read, that the secretary be authorized to draw on the Treassurer for the sum of eight Dollars in payment of Edwards a/c – John M Cooper The Treassurer having been qualified, reported that there was thirty one 37/100 Doll on hand in cash belonging to the corporation, which amount corresponded with his vouchers as per a/c on file G W Foster city Marshall in compliance with an order of the Board, reported: showing a Balance due the corporation of four Doll one cent as per a/c on file which on motion was accepted The motion of Alderm Beveridge moving for a recon. sideration of an Ordinance passed April 4th was lost by a tie vote also that of the repeal whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary C C C Mayor C C C At a Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held on the 21th day of April AD 1853 Present Benj F Neal Mayor Alderm Ohler, McConn, Beveridge, and Berry. Minutes of last Meeting, were read and approved – An account, against the corporation rendered by G P Perry, for boarding and guarding the prisoner Thompson, was upon motion of Ald Beveridge - scd 22 by Ald. McConn, allowed and ordered to be paid by authorizing the secretary to draw upon the Treassury, for the sum of five Dollar, which amount of the account was allowed – An a/c rendered by Benj F Neal for money, advanced Winfield in the case of Thompson and digging a grave was also allowed and ordered to be paid - said expenses amounting to three Dollars On motion of Ald. McConn secd by Ald. Berry it was resolved that a comittee of two be appointed, consisting of his honor the Mayor and James A Beveridge Ald. to draft suitable by laws for the consideration of this Board and report by next regular meeting. further resolved, that it shall be the duty of the Marshal elect to examine and make report of those having paid Taxes under the Ordinance taxing dogs – also to keep a register of the same The motion of Ald Beveridge to repeal the act for the better regulation of the city of Corpus Christi passed on April 4th 1853 was lost and ordered to be laid on the Table – On motion of Ald McConn scd by Ald Ohler be resolved that the Mayor be authorized, to appoint such force, consisting of assistant Marshals, as may be required in case of emergency, to enforce any ordinances passed by this Board – Adjourned to meet again untill next Monday the 25 of April AD 1853 ~ George Pfeiffer } B F Neal Secretary } Mayor C. C. C. C. C C. } 23 At a Meeting of the Mayor and Aldermen held on the 25th April 1853 Present Ald McConn, Berry, Ohler, Peterson – Benj F Neal Mayor Minutes of last meeting were read and approved – The following resolutions were offered by Alderm McConn and accepted by the Board. Be it resolved, by the Mayor and Alderm of the city of Corpus Christi, that all the funds now in the Treassury and not otherwise Tank apppriated, be and the same are her by appropriated for the construction of a Tank, by building a Dam on the ravine above the salt lake near the road leading to San Patricia further resolved that his honor the Mayor and several of the Aldermen visit and examin the place designated for the building of said Tank. and make the necessary arrangements for its progress whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting – George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary, CCC Mayor C. C. C. At a Meeting of the Mayor & Aldermen – held on the May, 1853 were present B F Neal Mayor Aldermen S. C. Thomas, J R Peterson, J A. Beveridge and McConn in the absence of Mr Pfeiffer, Alderm Beveridge acted as Secretary On motion of Ald Beveridge, scd. by Ald and act to repeal an Ordinance passed on April 4th 1853 for the better observance of the sabbath was passed by the following vote Yeas: Aldermen Beveridge, Thomas and Peterson Nays: “ McConn – _______ In course of business an a/c against the Corporation rendered 24 by Benj F Neal for was upon motion of Ald secd by Ald allowed and ordered to be paid by, authorizing Ald Beveridge as secretary, pro tem to draw on the Treassurer for the amount also an a/c of Ald McConn for 160 feet lumber at $480 furnished the corporation was ordered to be paid Market on the An Ordinance relative to establishing a Beef market on Hill the hill was passed reading as follows: Be it ordained by, the Mayor & Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi a Beef marked be established on the hill making it the duty of the Marshal to select a suitable position for the same – Alderman McConn presented his resignation as a member of the city council, which was accepted by a vote of the majority of Aldermen present whereupon the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting – George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary C C C Mayor C C C 25 In accordance to an Order of his honor Benjamin F Neal Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi an election were held on the sixth of June AD 1853 which resulted in the election of E H Winfield for Mayor and Benj F Neal, Felix A Blucher, S C Thomas, J R Peterson, Kinney, Cassidy, C R Hopson, James McMartin, for Aldermen George Pfeiffer as Secretary, Reuben Holbein as Treasurer and J. P. Goff as marshal for the Corporation of the city of Corpus Christi for the coming year. Due notice having been given to each of the aforesaid Officers, they appeared and were qualified on the 8th of June 1853 as will be seen by reference in the Papers on File of their Qualification Quorum being present E H Winfield Mayor Benj F Nial, Felix A Blucher, C R Hopson, S C Thomas and Henry Cassidy, Aldermen George Pfeiffer Secretary to the Board and deemed neccessary, that emediate steps should be taken to procure water for the use of City of Corpus Christi the following resolution was offered and Water passed be it resolved, that the Mayor appoint a comittee to devise means and carry, them into effect at as early, period as possible for the Construction of a water tank at the most convineant place within the City of Corpus Christi - the comittee appointed by, his honor the Mayor on the foregoing resolution consisted of C R Hopson, Felix A Blucher and Henry Cassidy, Aldermen. Whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet on Thursday, evening the nineth of June - George Pfeiffer E H Winfield Secretary C C C Mayor C. C. C. 26 Pursuant to adjournment Council met on the 9th of June 1853 Present E H Winfield Mayor S C Thomas, Felix A Blucher, James McMartin C R Hopson J R. Peterson Aldermen George Pfeiffer secretary Minutes of last meeting were read and approved The comittee on Water Tank reported verbatim, that by the 10th or 12 of June, there would be a sufficient quantity of Earth excavated to form a Basin, which would contain all the water required for temporary use, the comittee, then, upon motion, continued for further trans actions. On motion of Ald Peterson, scd by Ald McMartin, all resolutions and ordinances passed heretofore by the Mayor & Aldermen and contained in this Book were read article by article and a comittee of three appointed by the Mayor – consisting of Aldermen McMartin, Blucher & Cassidy to examin said city ordinances & Resolutions and report by next meeting, if in their judgment any, revision of any, of said ordinances was necessary – In reporting: the Comittee on Water Tank stated, that it would be neccessary, in order to keep the tank in a cleanly, condition, to exclude hogs from having access to the same, whereupon the following ordinance was introduced and passed by, the Board – Be it ordained by the Mayor & Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that no owners of any hogs or hog shall Hogs permit the same to run at large within the limits of the City Corporation under a penalty, of two Dollars for each hog running at large Sect 2 – further ordained that it shall be the duty of the Marshal to secure all hogs running at large in said limits, of which he shall be unable to ascertain the owner and after 24 hours notice on 3 different public places with the description of the animal, the time and place of 27 sale, sell the same to the highest bidder for the benefit of the city. This ordinance to take effect from and after its publication Motioned and seconded that the Marshal notify, and request J M Cooper Treassurer of the city of Corpus Christi, to appear at the next meeting on June 16th with his report on state of finances. On motion the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting – George Pfeiffer E H Winfield Secretary, C.C.C. Mayor Pursuant to adjournment of June 9th council met on the 16th day of June AD 1853. Present E H Winfield Mayor C R Hopson, James McMartin, J R Peterson, H Cassidy George Pfeiffer secty Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. The comittee on revision of Ordinances & resolution reported progress & obtained leave for continuance On motion of Alderm McMartin secd by Ald H Cassidy it was resolved that a comittee on claims & accounts be appointed by the mayor. The comittee on the fore going resolution appointed by the Mayor consisted of Alderm McMartin as chairman C. R Hopson, J. R. Peterson as members further resolved, that an a/c of eleven Dollars for chairs & writing materials purchased of Th. A Dwyer be paid and the secretary be authorized to draw on the Treassurer for the amount The following ordinance was passed by the Board Be it ordained by the Mayor & Aldermen of the Wills city of Corpus Christi, that it shall not be lawful 28 for any person or persons to dig a hole or well on any Well public place within the Inhabited part of the city and that all persons owning a well or having holes on unenclosed ground within said limits, shall be required to enclose or fill up the same on or before the 1th day of July, 1853. Section 2th Be it further ordained that any person offending against the provisions of this ordinance shall upon conviction thereof befor the Mayor be found in the sum of three Dollars, whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting George Pfeiffer E H Winfield Secretary, CCC. Mayor Pursuant to adjournment Council met on the 23th of June AD 1853 Present E H Winfield Mayor Henry Cassidy, James McMartin, S C Thomas J R Peterson C R Hopson Aldermen George Pfeiffer secty Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. The comittee on Revision of Ordinances reported progress and obtained leave for continuance On motion of Ald McMartin, secd by Ald Cassidy it was resolved that from and after this date all communications intended for the action of this Board or the city council shall be rendered in writing further resolved, that hereafter all regular meetings of the Mayor & Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, shall be held on the first and 29 third monday of every month wereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet on the first monday in July – George Pfeiffer H W Winfield ~ secretary C.C.C. Mayor C C C ~ Pursuant to adjournement. Board met on 19 July 1853 Present Aldermen Hopson, Cassidy, Peterson, McMartin In the absence of E H Winfield, Mayor B F Neal was elected Mayor pro tem Minutes of last meeting were read and approved – On motion the Ordinance authorizing and regulating Taxation was introduced by the comittee and after examination postponed for consideration untill next meeting It was moved and seconded, that the Marshal inform all the absent members of this Board and request them to appear at the next meeting, there being much business of importance before the Board _______ ____ whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting – George Pfeiffer B F Neal Mayor Secretary, CCC Pro tem Pursuant to adjournement of June 23th council met on July 18th Present: E W Winfield Mayor J R Peterson H Cassidy J McMartin C R Hopson Benj F Neal Aldermen Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. On motion of Alderm Peterson secd by H Cassidy, it was resolved, that the Mayor appoint a comittee of three, for 30 the purpose of drawing an Ordinance to tax the taxable property, within the limits of the corporation and to report thereof by tomorrow evening at 5 oclk. The comittee appointed by the Mayor on the foregoing resolution consisted of Mr Peterson Mr Hopson and B F Neal as chairman. On motion of Ald Hopson scd by Ald Cassidy, it was resolved that the fees of the Marshall shall be the same as those of the Sheriff – further resolved that J P Goff city Marshall be and the same is hereby appointed Assessor & collector for the city of Corpus Christi. moved and seconded, the secretary, be authorized to draw on the Treassurer for $350 Dollars in payment of an a/c for writing and recording the Deed for the Market square to the corporation. in the course of business, the Marshall rendered his account with the corporation, which upon motion was refered to the comittee on Finance the following Ordinance was offered and passed – Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi, that from and after the passage Fandango of this Ordinance, no license shall be issued for the holding of a Fandango within the limits of the corporation under the sum of seven Doll and fifty cents, from which two Doll and fifty cents shall be paid to the city Marshall for his attendance. George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary C.C.C. Mayor Pro tem 31 Pursuant to adjournement of July 19th Board met on 22th August 1853. Present Benj F Neal Mayor pro tem. Aldermen Hopson, Blucher, Thomas, Peterson Minutes of last Meeting were read and approved in the absents of his honor E H Winfield, Mayor elect B F Neal Mayor pro tem, was upon motion requested to sign the minutes of last meeting – whereupon motion the Ordinance authorizing and regulating taxation was taken up, discussed and postponed for further consideration sen for next meeting the following Ordinance on motion of F A Blucher secd by S C Thomas was introduced and passed by the Board Be it ordained by the Mayor and Alderman of the city of Corpus Christi, that from and after Fandango date no license shall be granted, authorizing prohibiting the holding of Fandangoes within the limits of the corporation and that, all laws passed heretofore, authorizing the granding of license to hold Fandangoes are hereby repealed – Section 2/ - further ordained, that every person offending against the provisions of the aforegoing Ordinance and shall give a Fandango, be found Fine & upon conviction thereof before the Mayor or either punishment one of the Aldermen, in the sum not lest then ten Dollars nor mor then fifty, Dollars and in case of failure, to pay such fine he shall be put in prison & to hard labor not exceeding thirty days – Beating drum Section 3 that any person or persons who shall beat or cause to beat on what ever occasion it may be, a big drum, making it a nuisance, shall be punished upon conviction thereof before proper authority, 32 by paying a find not less then five Dollars nor more then Twenty five Dollars – On motion of S C Thomas scd by C R Hopson it was resolved, that a comittee be appointed, consisting of F A Blucher & J R Peterson to purchase for the use of the city a triangular piece of steal or iron whereupon the board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting – George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary CCC Mayor Pro tem Pursuant to adjournement of August 22th Board met on September 10th 1853 Present Benjamin F Neal Mayor pro temp Aldermen, Hopson, McMartin, Cassidy, Thomas Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. On motion of Ald. McMartin scd by Ald Thomas it was resolved, that a comittee be appointed to examin the conditions of the streets within the corporation, and report and report thereof at the next meeting, containing in their report, the best mode to be adopted for the consideration of the Board, to make such improvements as there may be neccessary and the amount that would be required to accomplish the object The comittee appointed by the Mayor on the fore going resolution consists of Ald. McMartin & Thomas whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again next monday on the twelveth inst. – George Pfeiffer B. F Neal secretary Mayor Pro tem 33 Pursuant to adjournement of Sept 10th 1853 Board met on November 12th 1853 / Present Benj F Neal Mayor pro tem Aldermen Cassidy, McMartin, Peterson, Hopson and F A Blucher ~ Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. The comittee on streets reported verbally, stating that the present condition of our streets, required that immediate steps be taken by the Board to better them – wherefore contracts had been entered into with parties to that effect There not being sufficient means in the Treassury of the Corporation to meet the necessary outlays or expenses to which have allready been made in improving the streets Alderman Blucher moved the adoption of a law authorizing the taxation of Taxable property, within the limits of the corporation which being scd an ordinance to that effect was introduced by B. F Neal mayor pro tem read article by article and passed by the board: reading as follows: An Ordinance Tax law To raise a revenue by direct Taxation for the use of the city of Corpus Christi, to be appropriated to the purpose of removing nuisances and improving the streets Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi, that there shall be levied and collected for the use of the city a direct at valorem tax, of one fourth of the state tax upon all real and personal property within the corporation limits of the city of Corpus Christi; and shall also levy, and collect one fourth of the license tax as collected by the state, which shall be levied and collected in the way and manner hereinafter provided. Section 2'- That there shall be appointed by the Mayor and board of Aldermen of said city an assessor & collector to serve for one year or until otherwise provided for by law, who shall give bond with good and sufficient security, to be approved by the Mayor & Aldermen in the sum of six hundred Dollars, whose duty it shall 34 be so soon as he be notified of said appointment and duly, qualified to advertise in at least three of the most public places within said city, giving not less then ten days notice, to all persons living within the bounds of the same, that he will attend at some certain place or a particular day or days for the purpose of receiving inventories of all taxable property, at which time and place he shall attend and remain a sufficient length of time to enable all persons who may desire to do so, to give in their several inventories. It shall also be the duty of the assessor & collector to make out and register in duplicate, an assessment roll, one to be returned to the city collector and another to the secretary, of the Board of Aldermen, containing complete and correct inventories or assessments of all the property situated or found within the corporation limits of the city, showing in distinct and appropriate columns the persons name the number of the Block and lot or lots the number of Negroes and stock of all kinds, and the amount or quality of miscellaneous articles, including all classes of property subject to taxation not herein enumerated belonging to each and every individual – one column showing the aggregate or gross amount, another column showing the corresponding amount of tax due from each Section 3. That all heads of families or other individuals and all agents or representatives of others shall make out, or procure to be made out, a fair valued inventory of all the property to them belonging or by them held, or to them entrusted, estimating the same at what may be deemed a fair valuation, which inventory shall be subscribed and sworn to, before the assessor who is hereby authorized to administer the following oath “I A.B. do solemnly swear, that the inventory here presented, and to which I have subscribed, is a just, true & faithful valuation of all the taxable property belonging to me or in my possession, or held by me as the agent or representative of others within the corporation limits of the city 35 of Corpus Christi, – so help me god – Section 4th That if any person shall fail or refuse to make out and deliver to the assessor & collector the inventory herein required, he she or they shall be deemed delinquents and if the assessor & collector shall go to the house or usual place of abode of any such person, after the time has expired for receiving the inventory, he shall be entitled to demand and receive one Dollar as a compensation for having to go to the place of residence of such delinquents for an inventory of his or her taxable property, such compensation to be recovered before the Mayor of the city, if such person so called upon refused the same Section 5 That if any person shall fail or refuse to deliver to the assessor & collector an inventory of his or her taxable property, or if there be any goods or property of any description subject to taxation which have not been returned to the assessor, in both cases the assessor & collector in conjunction with two other individuals to be appointed by the Mayor and board of Aldermen (who shall be duly sworn for the faithful discharge of the duties devolving upon them) shall proceed to examine and value all such property, thus omitted to be returned and shall assess the tax or taxes thereon it shall also be the duty of the assessor & collector assisted by the two individuals thus appointed to examine the inventories returned to the assessor & collector and if in their judgment they consider the property valued too low or otherwise incorrect, it shall be their duty to appraise or value the same, notifying the person returning such inventory of the fact, and he may within ten days after such notice if he thinks himself agrieved, petition the Mayor & Board of Aldermen who shall take the matter under consideration and act upon the same, and any person rendering a false inventory, with intent to defraud the revenue shall be fined not exceeding double the amount of his her or their tax or license & costs of court as assessed to be recovered before the Mayor 36 of the city. Section 6th It shall be the duty of the assessor and collector to call upon every inhabitant within the limits of the corporation at least once at his or their usual place of abode for the payment of the taxes or license due from them – if the persons so called upon, shall refuse or fail to pay, when so demanded, all taxes or license due from them as aforesaid then in that case the assessor & collector shall report them to the Mayor as de linquents, and all persons thus returned delinquents shall be liable to double taxes and costs to be re= covered by the Mayor in the same manner as the law provides for the recovery of the state tax and license, provided that all persons who will come forward within twenty days after being notified of their delinquency and make payment to the assessor & collector of all sums due from them for taxes or license they shall be exempt from prosecution. Section 7 That the city assessor & collector shall receive as compensation for his Services ten percent on all monies collected by him and paid over to the Treassury, That the appraisers ap pointed under the ordinance shall receive one Doll. each for every case they may be called upon to estimate & value, to be recovered as other fees provided for in this ordinance – Section 8) That the ordinance take effect from and after its passage 37 On motion of Alderm Cassidy, scd by Ald McMartin George Pfeiffer was appointed assessor & collector for the City of Corpus Christi for the term of one year – The following ordinance having been introduced was passed Market Be it ordained by the mayor & Aldermen of the City of Corpus Rent Christi that each person occupying ground upon the market square, shall pay to the corporation the sum of one Doll. every month as rent for ground not exceeding a front of (12) twelve feet on any of the surrounding streets and running back feeften feet, and that it shall be the duty of the city Marshall to collect & receive such rent in advance – To take effect on the first of December 1853. whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on Monday the 14 November AD 1853 – George Pfeiffer E H Winfield Secretary CCC Mayor Pursuant to adjournement of November 12th Board met on the 14th inst – Present E H Winfield Mayor Cassidy, McMartin, Peterson, Neal, Blucher Aldermen E H Winfield having tendered his resignation as Mayor (which was accepted) Alderman Blucher was elected chairman of the Board – A vote of Thanks was tendered to E H Winfield ex Mayor 38 On motion of Ald. Neal secd by Ald. Cassidy Ald Hopson was elected Mayor pro tem – An account against the corporation for (18 25/100$ - for work done on Streets was presented and ordered to be paid out of the first money in the Treassury not otherwise appropriated On motion of Ald Blucher second by Ald Cassidy it was resolved, that the Marshal wait upon the Ex mayor E H Winfield to receive a statement of his accounts & transactions while acting as Mayor for the corporation and submit the same for the consideration of the comittee on finance and accounts. On motion of Alderman Cassidy scd by Ald Peterson further resolved that Ald Neal be requested to draw up an amendment of the charter of the corporation of the city of Corpus Christi, for the consideration of the Board by next meeting – Henry Cassidy tendered his resignation as Alderman which upon motion of Ald Neal F Blucher second was accepted, to take effect after his departure from the city, whence the Board adjourned to meet again on next Wednesday 16th November George Pfeiffer secretary CCC C R Hopson Mayor pro tem 39 (Pursuant to adjournement of November 14th Board met on the 16th inst 1853/ Present C R Hopson Mayor pro temp Aldermen Cassidy, Peterson, McMartin, Neal & Blucher Minutes of last meeting were read and approved George Pfeiffer having given his Bond for the amount of six hundred Dollars was approved by the Board and duly qualified Assessor & Collector for the city of Corpus Christi The Comittee on Finance and accounts, having received the statement of E H Winfields accounts & transactions as Mayor, obtained leave for continuation of their report on same – On motion of Alderm Blucher seconded by Ald Cassidy, it was resolved, that the account and statement of the transactions of the City Marshall as presented, be submitted to the comittee on same for adjustment – The following Ordinance was introduced and passed by the Board. Tax law (An Ordinance - To raise a revenue by direct taxation for the use of the city of Corpus Christi, to be appropriated to the purposes of removing nuisances and improving the streets - - - - - Section 1th Be it ordained by the Mayor & Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that there shall be levied and collected for the use of the city a direct ad valorem tax of one fourth of the state Tax upon all real and personal property, within the corporate limits of the city of Corpus Christi, and shall also levy and collect one fourth of the license tax as collected by the state, which shall be levied and collected in the way and manner hereinafter provided. Section 2th) That there shall be appointed by the Mayor & Aldermen of said city an assessor & collector, to serve for 40 one year, or until otherwise provided for by law, who shall give bond with good and sufficient security, to be approved by the Mayor & Aldermen in the sum of six hundred Dollars, whose duty it shall be so soon as he shall be notified of said appointment and duly qualified to advertise in at least three of the most public places within said city giving not less then ten days notice to all persons living within the bounds of the same, that he will attent at some certain place, on a particular day or days, for the purpose of receiving inventories of all taxable property, at which time and place he shall attend and remain a sufficient length of time, to enable all persons who may desire to do so, to give in their several inventories. It shall also be the duty of the Assessor & Collector to make out and register in duplicate, an assessment roll, one to be returned to the city Collector and another for the secretary of the Board of Aldermen, containing complete and correct inventories or assessments of all the property situated or found within the Corporate limits of the city showing in distinct and appropriate columns the persons name, the number of the Block and lot or lots, the number of Negroes or stock of all kinds and the amount or quality of miscellaneous articles including all classes of property subject to taxation not herein enumerated belonging to each and every individual – one columne showing the aggregate amount or gross amount another column showing the corresponding amount of tax due from each ~ Section 3) That all heads of familys or other individuals, and all agents or representatives of others shall make out, or procure to be made out a fair valued inventory of all the property to them belonging or by them held, or to them entrusted estimating the same, at what may deemed a fair valuation, which inventory shall be subscribed and sworn to, before the assessor, who is hereby au thorized to administer the following Oath: 41 I – A.B. do solemnly swear, that the inventory here presented, and to which I have subscribed, is a just true and faithful valuation of all the taxable property belonging to me or in my possession or held by me as the agent or representative of others within the corporate limits of the City of Corpus Christi – so help me God. Section 4 ~ That if any person shall fail or refuse to make out and deliver to the Assessor & collector, the inventory herein required, he, she, or they shall be deemed delinquents, and if the assessor and Collector shall go to the house or usual place of abode of any such person, after the time shall have ex pired for receiving the inventory, he shall be entitled to demand and receive, one Dollar as a Compensation for having to go to the place of resi dents of such delinquents, for an inventory of his or her taxable property, such compensation be recovered before the Mayor of the city, if such person so called upon shall refuse to pay the same Section 5 That if any person shall fail or refuse to deliver to the Assessor & Collector an inventory of his or her taxable property, of if there be any goods or property of any kind subject to taxation which have not been returned to the Assessor, in both Cases the assessor & collector in conjunction with two other individuals to be appointed by the Mayor & Board of Aldermen who shall be duly sworn for the faithful discharge of their duties devolving upon them Shall proceed to examin and value all such property thus entitled to be returned and shall assess the tax or taxes thereon; it shall also be the duty of the assessor & collector assisted by the two individuals thus appointed to examin the inventories, returned to the assessor and if in their judgement, they consider the property valued to low or otherwise incorrect it shall be their duty to appraise or value the same notifying the persons returning such inventory of the fact and he may within ten days after such notice if he thinks himself agrieved petition the 42 Mayor & Board of Aldermen who shall take the matter under consideration and any persons rendering a false inventory with intention to defraud the revenue, shall be fined not exceeding his or her or their tax or license as assesst and cost of court – To be received before the mayor of the city – Section 6 It shall be the duty of the assessor Collector to Call upon every inhabitant within the limits of the Corporation at least onced at his or her usual place of abode for the payment of the tax or license due for the term if the persons so called upon shall refuse or fail to pay when so demanded all Tax or license due from them as aforesaid Then and in that case the assessor & collector shall report them to the Mayor as delinquents and Tax law all persons thus d returned delinquents shall be liable to double Taxes and cost to be received by the mayor in the same manner as the law provides for the recovery of the state Tax and license, provided that all persons who will come forward within twenty days after being notified of their delinquency and make payment to the assessor & collector of all sums due from them for taxes or license they shall be exempt from prosecution Section 7 That the Assessor & collector shall receive as compensation for his services, ten percent on all moneys collected by him and paid over to the Treassury, that the appraisers appointed under the ordinance, shall receive one Dollar each for every case, they may be called upon to estimate and value, to be received as other fees provided for in this ordinance. Section 8 That this ordinance take effect and be in force from and after its passage further ordained by the Mayor & aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that each person occupying ground upon the market square shall pay to the Corporation the sum of one Dollar each month, as rent for ground not exceding a front of 12 feet on any of the surrounding streets and running back 43 fifteen feet and that it shall be the duty of the city Marshall to collect and receive such rent in advance to take effect on the first of December AD 1853 – J P Goff tendered his resignation as Marshall to the city of Corpus Christi, which upon motion of Ald Neal secd by Ald Cassidy was layed over untill nex meeting – whereupon the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular term of meeting ~ George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary C.CC Mayor Pro Tem Pursuant to adjournement of November 16th 1853 Board met on March 22th 1854 Present C R Hopson Mayor pro Tem Alderm. B. F. Neal Peterson, Blucher & McMartin ~ Minutes of last Meeting were read and approved – On motion of Ald Neal the resignation of the City Marshall John P Goff was accepted. It was resolved that a comittee be appointed to rent the most suitable place for an Office of the Mayor & Aldermen of the city ~ _ The Comitee therefore appointed by C R Hopson (Mayor pro tem) Consisted of Ald Blucher & McMartin – further resolved, That an election shall be held on the first day in April for one Alderman to fill the vancancy occured by the resignation of Henry Cassidy/ -- Whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again } on the 27 day of March 1854 ~~~~~~~ } C R Hopson George Pfeiffer secretary M P Tem 44 Pursuant to adjournement of March 22 1854 Board met on March 27th 1854 Present C R Hopson Mayor pro tem: Aldermen Neal, McMartin, Blucher and Peterson Minutes of last meeting were rea, approved and signed The report of the Comittee to rent a suitable place for an Office was received, stating that for the present time no suitable place could be obtained, whereupon motion of Ald Neal the Comittee continued for further action – The Petition of George Pettigrew and E B Tinney for the ap. pointment of Marshal to the city of Corpus Christi had been presented and read whereupon motion the Board proceded to Ballot, resulting in the election of George Pettigrew ~ To that Office ~ On motion of Ald Blucher sedd by Ald Neal, the ordinance Dogs providing for the Taxation of dogs was read and amended as follows. Section 1) Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi, that the ordinance heretofore passed Tax on in relation to dogs be so amended as to read thus - That after the first day of April next it shall be the duty of the Marshall of said city to call upon all persons, being owners of dogs within the city limits and assess and collect a Tax for the year 1854, of fifty cents per head upon each and every dog and shall also number each dog And the owners thereof shall be required to have around the neck of the dog so taxed a collar with the number corresponding with the register of dogs Section 2th That a fee be allowed the Marshall for killing Marshalls and removing the carcasses of dogs killed and said fees ~ fee be fifty cents per head. = 3 That this ordinance take effect from and after its promulgation The report of the city Treassurer R Holbein 45 was received and showed, that an order on G W Foster for four Dollars unpaid was the amount to be on hand ~ Whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on the 4 of aprel – George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary CCC Mayor CCC Pursuant to adjournement of March 22th Board met on Aprel 4th 1854 ~ Present C R Hopson Mayor pro tem - Alderm Peterson, McMartin, Blucher & Neal Absent S C Thomas Ald. The Book of Records being absent, the reading of the minutes of last meeting were dispenced with. Somers Kinney duly elected Alderman to the City of Corpus Christi at the last election was qualified and entered upon the duties of his Office. A Petition from the Citizens of Corpus Christi to repeal the hog law having been presented was read and upon motion of Ald McMartin secd by Ald Peterson layed over until next meeting for further consideration On motion of Ald Blucher sed by Ald McMartin it was resolved that Miguel Alderete be and is hereby appointed assistant Marshall for the city of Corpus Christi - On motion of Ald McMartin sed by Ald Blucher it was resolved that a comittee be appointed by the Mayor to report at the next meeting the probable cost and prospects for the erection of an Office for the Mayor and Aldermen ~ Said building be 16x20-nine feet in the clear and – of concrete material – which upon of Ald Kinney scd by Ald Peterson was 46 amended and that said comittee solicit subscriptions from the citizens of Corpus Christi, to that effect – The following resolution moved by Ald Peterson and secd by Ald McMartin was passed by The Board on March The 22th and omitted to have been recorded in the minutes of said meeting – Register Resolved that it shall be the duty of the Marshall to register the names of all male persons of the age of 18 years and upwards residing in Corpus Christi under the Register law heretofore adopted by the Board of Aldermen and he shall receive for each name so registered three cents ~ Whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on Saturday the 8th day of Aprel – next – George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary, C.C.C. Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournement of Aprel 4th Board met on the 8 inst Present : C R Hopson Mayor pro tem. Alderm McMartin, Kinney, Neal, Peterson Absent: Blucher & Thomas The Secretary being absent Ald Neal was appointed secretary ~ The report of the comittee on city hall building was received, stating that, at this time a sufficient amount of means to cover the necessary expences to erect a building of the size and dimensions as resolved, could not be raised, whereupon motion the committee was discharged ~ The petition for the repeal of the hog law was taken up and upon motion indefinitly postponed 47 On motion of Ald Neal secd by Ald Peterson it was resolved, that a comittee be appointed, to confer with Col Henry L Kinney in consequence of his proposition to transfer to the corporation a block of lots on which the Artesian well is situated in consideration of their completing said well – and be authorized to contract and make arrangements with John M Cooper to finish the same – The comittee appointed on the foregoing resolution consisted of Ald James McMartin & Somers Kinney. whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again one week after date at the same place George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary, CCC Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournment of Aprel 8th Board met on 13th inst Present C R Hopson Mayor pro tem. Ald Neal, McMartin, Peterson & Kinney Absent Blucher & Thomas Minutes of last meeting were read and adopted The comittee on Artesian Well reported progress and obtained leave for continuation – Miguel Alderete having given his bond in the sum of Two hundred and fifty Dollars for the faithfull per formance of his duties as assistant Marshall for the city of Corpus Christi was duly qualified and Bond approved~ It was resolved that the Office of S C Thomas as Alderm. for the city of Corpus Christi be and the same is hereby declared vacant, and that an election be held to fill said vacancy on Monday next and that J A F Gravis be appointed 48 presiding Officer under the superintendence of the Mayor~ further resolved that, an the same day of the election for Aldermen, the sense of the citizens of Corpus Christi be taken by Ballot for or against the repeal of the hog law ~ further resolved, that it shall be the duty of the Marshall to attend each meeting of the Board of Aldermen and that he shall pay over to the Treassurer of the Corporation at the end of each week all monies in his possession and belonging to the corporation of the city of Corpus Christi; whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on the 20th inst. George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary CCC- Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournment of Aprel 13th Board met on Aprel 20th 1854. Present: C R Hopson Mayor pro tem. Ald. Neal, McMartin, Kinney, Blucher Absent: Peterson J. R. Minutes of last meeting were read and approved John Love duly elected Alderman for the city of Corpus Christi at the last election, was qualified and entered upon the duties of his Office. The hog law was discused, the sense of the citizens of Corpus Christi on the same received to that effect and was upon motion of Ald Neal scd by Ald Peterson suspended and prohibited restraint from going into effect ~ 49 On motion of Ald Blucher, secd by Ald Neal it was resolved, that, a committee be appointed on improvements & to suppervise any improvements to be made and to dispose of persons arrested under an ordinance passed for the better regulation of the city of Corpus Christi. The comittee appointed on the foregoing resolution consists of Ald. Blucher & McMartin and Love ~ further resolved, that, a Book be procured suitable for the Records of the names of foreigners arriving in the city of Corpus Christi and also of those presented by the assistant marshall – The report of the city Treassurer was received, showing an order of the Ex Mayor E H Winfield on G W Foster for four Dollars unpaid ~~ The Board adjourned to meet again on 24th inst George Pfeiffer C. R. Hopson Secretary of C.C.C. Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournement of Aprel 20th Board met on the 24th inst. Present C R Hopson Myr pro tem. Aldermen Martin, Peterson, Neal, Kinney Absent “ “ Blucher { and Love The reading of the minutes of last meeting was suspended until next meeting ~ The report of the comittee on improvements was also deferred till next meeting ~ A series of By-laws, presented by Ald Neal for the better governement of the Board, were read and upon motion transferred to the comittee of the whole for consideration at the next meeting, to be taken up as the first business in order - 50 whence the Board adjourned to meet again on Saturday the 29th day of Aprel – 1854 ~ George Pfeiffer Secretary, CCC C. R. Hopson Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournement of Aprel 24th Board met on the 29th Aprel 1854 ~~ Present: C R Hopson Mayor pro tem Aldermen McMartin, Love, Neal, Peterson Absent: Alderm. Blucher ~~ Minutes of the meetings of Aprel 20th and 24th were read and approved. On motion, the consideration of the by-laws for the better governement of the Board was postponed to next meeting ~ The report of the comittee on improvements and disposition of prisoners was received and their authority enlarged by the following resolution ~ Be it resolved by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that, the money in Treassury of said city be appropriated for the erection of a temporary prison and that the comittee on suppervision of improvements & disposition of Prisoners be authorized to draw on the Treassury for the amount required to finance the same Whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again next Thursday the 4th of May ~ George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary CCC Mayor 51 Pursuant to adjournement of Aprel 29 Board met on May 8th 1854 ~ present C R Hopson Mayor pro tem. Aldermen Neal, Blucher, Love, McMartin, Peterson & G Kinney On motion of Ald Neal the reading of the minutes of last meeting was postponed and Ald Kinney appointed Secretary pro tem in the absents of the secretary ~ Channel The following resolution offered by Ald Neal was adopted Be it resolved by the Mayor & Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi, that a sufficient amount of money be raised by issuing corporation Bonds, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the amended charter relative to the deepening of or the cutting of a [illegible] channel between Corpus Christi Bay and Aransas Pass ~ On motion of Ald Kinney a comittee was appointed by the Mayor, consisting of Ald Blucher, McMartin, and Kinney to make such examinations as will best tend to the Commencement of work upon the Mud, flatt referred to in the proceeding resolution ~ The committee on improvements, reported progress in the construction of the jail and Thursday next was appointed a day for completing the same ~ On motion of Ald Love an order was drawn upon the Treassury in favor of Mr Love for all monies in his hands, which as for the purpose of purchasing lumber with which to construct the jail whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on Thursday - 9 ocl a m ~ George Pfeiffer C R Hopson secretary CCC Mayor 52 / Pursuant to adjournement of May 8th 1854 Board met on May 15h [illegible] ~ / Present C R Hopson Mayor ~ Alderm Kinney, Peterson, Neal, M.cMartin, Blucher and Love ~~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ Minutes of Meetings of Aprel 29 & May 8th were read and adopted ~ The comittee on disposition of Prisoners reported progress and obtained leave for continuance ~ The following resolution offered by Ald Neal and secd by Ald Blucher was adopted & passed by the Board Script Be it resolved, that the Mayor be authorized to issue script for the amount of debts due by the corporation said script be signed by the Mayor and countersigned by the Secretary ~ which upon motion of Ald Kinney was amended as follows – and that said script be in printed form and issued at five and ten Dollars The comittee on deepening or cutting a channel from Aransas Pass to Corpus Christi made a report, which upon motion of Ald Neal secd by Ald Love was received and the comittee discharged – On motion of Ald Neal, secd by Ald Blucher it was resolved that said report be adopted by section which was done as follows. Section I having been read was adopted Section II having been read was adopted Section III having been read was adopted Section IIII having been read was upon motion of Ald Blucher so amended. That the person or Company contracting for the said bonds shall not have the privilege of cutting or deepening said channel to an agregate depth of more then ten feet which was done by stricking out the word twelve and in serting ten ~ Section V was then considered and adopted – 53 Section VI after exciting considerable discussion was adopted Section VII was read and adopted Section VIII was also read considered and adopted – Section IX was read and discussed and with an amendment of Ald Neal to strike out the words “employ a competent lawyer” was passed ~ Upon motion of Ald Neal secd by Ald Kinney the Ayes and Noes were taken upon the adoption of the whole of the ordinance as amended, resulting as follows Ayes Ald Blucher, Kinney, McMartin Noes “ Neal. Love, and Peterson There being a tie the question was decided by Mayor Hopson casting in his vote in the affirmative and said ordinance so amended stood as follows there being a Tie the question was decided by Mayor Hopson casting in his vote in the affirmative and said ordinance so amended stood as follows, (Section I Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi, that said Board shall issue Bonds for and in the name of said corporation of said city In the amount of (50,000 Dollars) fifty Thousand Dollars drawing (8) eight percent interest, for the purposes and object of cutting Mud=Flat Scrip &c a ship channel between Corpus Christi Bay and Aransas Pass, as provided for and contemplated in the charter passed or granted by the legislature of the State of Texas at or during the sessions of 1853 and 1854 ~ Section II That said Bonds after being issued as afore- -said be sold or negotiated to any person, or to any persons forming themselves into a company subject to the provisions hereinafter mentioned or expressed to raise funds to defray the expences of cutting the channel above named ~ Section III That any person or company who shall purchase the Bonds of said corporation shall be vested with all rights and privleges of said corporation to enter upon a survey and commence and carry on the cutting of said channel in said corporation’s name and behalf according to the provisions of the charter as granted to said corporation and shall have the sole and exclusive management of said work and direct disbursement of funds neccessary therefor ~ Section IV That said person or company – shall, within 54 one year after the reception of said Bonds, have said channel cut or deepened to the depth of not less than five feet at ordinary Tides and in three months Thereafter have said channel cut or deepened to the depth of not less than six feet at ordinary winter Tides and shall Thereafter have the privilege of cutting or deepening said channel to any depth not exceeding Ten feet ~ Section V That said person or company shall when said channel is cut to the depth of five feet, inform the Chief Justice of Nueces County of the fact who will cause a survey to be made of said channel and give information thereof to the Mayor of said confirmation and after the said Mayor shall have advertised the same as specified in the said charter then said Channel ordinance. person or company shall have the right to enter upon the Collection of Tolls accruing to said channel according to the Terms of said charter ~ Section VI that should said person or company find in deepening said channel to a depth ex- -ceeding six feet, that the cost of cutting when added to the cost of cutting to six feet, exceeds the amount agreed upon for the original bonds, then said corporation shall, upon being apprised of said cost, shall issue to said person or company other Bonds to make up the deficiency at the same rates and conditions of the original Bonds ~ Section VII That said person or company or their agent or agents, after the said channel is completed and rendition of the cost as above made continue in sole and exclusive possession of said channel and appurtenances and control Thereof and have the right to collect all Tolls and moneys of whatsoever nature accruing to said channel until said Bonds with eight percent added Thereto and the expence of Toll collectors and keeping said channel open and other neccessary expences shall have been paid and fully satisfied, Provided that said person or company or their agents shall render to the said corporation, semi annually 55 an account of all moneys collected with the semi annual expense and shall after deducting said expence from said collections pay to said corporation ten percent of the balance and apply the remainder to the extinguishment or cancellation of the Bonds, which said Bonds shall so fast as cancelled be delivered over to the Mayor of said Corporation ~ Section VIII That when the said Bonds, percentage thereon and expence of collecting Tolls and keeping open the channel as provided for above shall have been fully paid and satisfied then said person or company shall turn over to said corporation said channel with a release of all further claim ~ Channel ordinance Section IX Be it further enacted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi, that when the sum of twenty cents on the Dollar be offered for the bonds referred to in the foregoing sections, that the said Mayor be authorized and required to issue the said Bonds as provided for in the foregoing sections of this ordinance, immediately and deliver over to the said person or company making said offer – of such deno= mination as said person or company may desire Provided however that the said Mayor shall have the said Bonds drawn up subject to the approval of the person or company contracting for the same and shall have them printed in the ------- sum of money at the expence of the corporation Provided that said Bonds shall not be transfered by the person or company first taking them, to any other person or company, without the consent of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen ~) whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on the twentieth of May 1854 ~~ George Pfeiffer Secretary CCC C R Hopson Mayor 56 Pursuant to adjournement of May 15 Board met on May 20th 1854 – Present C R Hopson Mayor Ald Neal, Blucher, Kinney, McMartin Peterson Absent Ald Love ~ Minutes of last meeting were read and approved The Mayor having informed the Board, that Somers Kinney had accepted the proposition contained in an ordinance passed May 15th relative to the cutting and deepening a channel between Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass in compliance with said ordinance had issued the Bonds of the city in the amount of fifty thousand Dollars as contemplated in said ordinance ~~ when upon motion of Ald Blucher and secd by Ald McMartin it was resolved that the pro= position by the contractors for cutting and deepening said channel and transactions of the Mayor with said company and form of bonds shall be entered upon the records of the city which are as follows – Proposition of contractor To the Mayor of the city of Corpus Christi Sir: “An ordinance passed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi on the 15 instant provides for the issuance of Bonds of said city to the amount of fifty thousand Dollars, negotiable at Twenty Somers Kinneys cents on the Dollar for the purposes and ends of cutting acceptance a channel between Corpus Christi Bay and Aransas Pass. I will take the said Bonds to the full amount of fifty thousand Dollars at twenty cents on the Dollar and request you to issue the same to me and when so issued and delivered to me, I hold myself in redi ness to Take the neccessary steps towards comencing the work on said channel and shall urge it to a speedy completion, in compliance with the ordinance herein referred to or the provisions of said ordinance. dated} Corpus Christi signed Somers Kinney May 17th 1854 57 form of Bonds & Transaction of the Mayor I, C R Hopson, Mayor of the city of Corpus Christi, adopt the following as the form of Bonds to be issued to secure the cutting and deepening of a ship channel between Corpus Christi Bay and Aransas Pass as provided for in an ordinance passed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of said city on the 15th day of May AD 1854 – The State of Texas City of Corpus Christi } Ship channel improvement Bond of the city of Corpus Christi $ ~~~~~~~~~ No ~~~~~~~ Know all by these presents, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi promise and bind themselves to pay on demand to the order of the sum of Dollars with interest at the rate of per cent per annum until paid – This Bond to be liquidated and paid Form of Bonds as provided by an Ordinance of the city council of said city, passed on the 15th day of May AD 1854 providing for the opening, deepening, or cutting a channel between Corpus Christi Bay and Aransas Pass, and the issuance of the neccessary Bonds therefore. In Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand this day of AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty-four Attest Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi Secretary approved and adopted this the eighteenth day of May, AD 1854 ~ signed C. R. Hopson Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi On motion of Ald Blucher secd by Ald Kinney it was further resolved, that all Bonds or city script issued by the Mayor shall be filed with the Treassurer for registering The comittee on Artesian Well reported progress and 58 obtained leave for continuance ~ whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on Monday the 22th instant ~ George Pfeiffer S. Kinney Secretary CCC Mayor Pro tem Pursuant to adjournement of May 21th Board met on 25th inst: Present Aldermen Neal, Peterson, McMartin, Kinney & Snow in the absence of C R Hopson Mayor, S Kinney was elected Chairman ~~ Mayor pro tem Minutes of last meeting were read and approved The petition of E B Tinney having been presented asking the privilege of erecting upon the North corner of the Market square a building for market purposes of the following dimensions said building fronting on Messquite street sixteen feet and running back twenty two feet whereupon motion of Ald Neal secd by Ald McMartin it was ordered and decreed by the said board of Aldermen That the said Tinney have permission to erect said house as above described and prayed for and occupy said ground for the Term of five years, provided he complies with all the requisition of an ordinance regulating markets provided said corporation deem it advisable to remove said building before the expiration of said lease in That case the said city is to pay to the said Tinney the value Thereof deducting de= ducting ten percent thereon the value to be estimated by Two freeholders residing in said cor= poration chosen by the Board ~~ On motion of Ald Neal it was resolved, that the comittee on Artesian Well be empowered to make such arrangement as they may think fit for its completion with E. B Kinney & John M Cooper. 59 On motion of Ald McMartin secd by Ald Love the Bylaws submitted to the Board by B F Neal for the Government of the Board of Mayor & Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi were read and adopted being as follows to wit – By Laws Rules and By=laws for The Government of the City Council of Corpus Christi ~~~~~~~~~~ The duty of Mayor. He shall take the chair at the hour to which the board shall have adjourned at its last meeting, call the Aldermen to order and direct the Secretary (if a quorum be present) to read the minutes of last meeting – Rule 2 he shall preserve order and decorum, and shall decide questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Board by any member 3 when a motion is regularly made, which places a question fairly before the Board, the Mayor shall print it distinctly in this form, [viz] As many as are of the opinion that (as the case, or question may be) say aye, and after the affirmative is expressed as many of the contrary opinion say no” If the Mayor should doubt on a decision be called for, the Board shall divide, those of the affirmative shall first rise from their seats, and afterwards, those in the negative ~ Rule 4 All Comittees shall be appointed by the Mayor unless otherwise specially directed by the Board, in which case they shall be appoined by Ballot. Order of Business ~~~ As soon as the minutes of last meeting are read and adopted, the following shall be the order of business 1st Petitions read and disposed of as follows 1 by motion to reject 2 to lie on the Table 3 to postpone to a day certain 4 “ “ “ indefinitely 5 “ refer to a comittee then reports from standing or select comittees shall be called for and disposed of ~~~ 60 Then ordinances shall be in order – Rule 6 After Petitions, Reports from committees and ordinances are disposed of then the unfinished business in which the Board was engaged at its last meeting if any there be shall be attended to – Rule 7 When an ordinance is prescribed by any member of the Board and no amendment is offered, the question shall be upon its adoption ~~ Rule 8th And amendment beyond the 2nd degree shall not be entertained ~~ Rule 9 A substitute when adopted, takes the place of the original and is subject to an amendment Rule 10 Any member may have the question before the Board divided if susceptible of any division, into distinct questions ~~ Rule 11 The previous question, when called for shall be in this form “shall the main question be now put By laws of the City and when demanded by a majority of the members previous or shall be decided without debate and until it is decided, it shall preclude all amendments and further debates of the main question ~~ Decorum and debate Rule 12 When a member is about to speak or comunicate any thing to the Board he shall rise from his seat and address himself to the Mayor ~ He shall confine his remarks to the question under debate and shall avoid all person= alities ~ when two or more Aldermen rise at once to address the Board, the Mayor shall name the member entitled to the floor ~~ Rule 13 If an alderman in the course of debate, should violate any of the rules, he shall be called to order by the Mayor or any of the members of the Board who shall immediately take his seat, unless permitted to explain or discuss the points of order Rule 14 All questions of order shall be decided by the Mayor subject to an appeal to the Board, which if decided in favor of the member called to order, he shall be at liberty to proceed, if not he shall suspend 61 his remarks unless by leave from the Board ~~~ Rule 15 No Alderman shall speak more than twice upon the same question unless by leave of the Board, nor then until every member choosing to speak shall have spoken Rule 16 No Alderman shall absent himself from the Meetings of the Board unless in case of sickness or some other reasonable excuse, which shall be satisfactory to the Board, provided that said Alderman at the time is within the limits of the corporation ~ Rule 17 Any Member of the Board of Alderman of the City of Corpus Christi who shall violate the 16th rule without rendering a satisfactory excuse to the Board shall be subject to a fine of one Dollar for each offence unless the same be remitted by the Board ~~ Rule 18 Every motion shall be reduced to writing if the Mayor or any member requires it and each By laws of the City motion must have a second, before the same can be put by the Chairman ~ Rule 19 When a question is under debate no motion shall be received except the following ~~ 1th To adjourn 2th To lie on the table 3 The previous question 4th To amend 5 To adjourn to a day, certain 6th To postpone indefinitely which several motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are stated ~~ Rule 20 A motion to lie on the Table or to adjourn shall be decided without debate, and a motion to adjourn shall be allways in order ~~ Rule 21 On a motion to fill a blank, the largest [illegible] and the largest [time] shall have precedence ~~ Rule 22 At each meeting of the Board, the names of the Aldermen shall be called, and the absentees noted and previous to adjournement the names of the absentees shall be called over and those that are absent shall be notified by the secretary to report at the next meeting, the reasons causing the non attendance ~ Rule 23 Any two Aldermen and the Mayor shall be authorized to compell the attendance of absent 62 members if within the city limits and it shall be the duty of the Marshall to bring them or cause the absent Aldermen to appear before the Board when required Rule 24 Regular meetings shall be stated by the Board, which all of the Aldermen shall be required to attend punctually ~ Duties of the Marshall ~ Rule 25 It shall be the duty of the Marshall or his assistants to attend each meeting of the Board during its session, to provide lights and fuel and to execute all commands of the Board, for which services he shall receive one Dollar for each meeting ~ Rule 26 All ordinances, resolutions or drafts upon the Treassury etc shall be signed by the Mayor and countersigned by the secretary) Whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again Tuesday 30 inst – George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary C.CC Mayor CCC Pursuant to adjournement of May 25 Board met on May 30nd Present C R Hopson Mayor pro tem Alderm Neal, McMartin, Love, Blucher & Kinney ~~~~~~~ On motion of Ald Neal, Ald Kinney was ap= pointed secretary pro tem [illegible] in the absence of the secretary, reading of minutes of the previous evening was postponed ~ On motion of Ald Neal the Secretary pro tem be instructed to request the assessor to report, at the next meeting of the Board of Aldermen the progress in the Assessment roll ~ 63 upon motion the Board adjourned to meet on Friday evening the 2th of June ~ George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary CCC Mayor CCC Pursuant to adjournement of May 30 Board met on June 2th 1854 Present C R Hopson Mayor Ald Kinney, Neal, Love, McMartin, Blucher Minutes of last meeting were read and approved The Assessor & collector having Tendered to the Board the Assessment roll for the year 1854 on motion of Ald Blucher scd by Ald Neal it was resolved that the same be refered to the committee on Finance for the purpose of examining the same and also to supply the assessment of the property of those persons that have neglected to hand in an inventory of property as required by the ordinance ~~~ The motion of Ald Kinney that all billiard tables, regardless of what games are played upon them be assessed ~ was upon motion of Ald Neal scd by Ald Blucher post= poned to the first meeting of the [illegible] Board after the twentieth of June ~ An ordinance amendating to an ordinance regulating Taxation was introduced by Ald Neal and passed by the Board = Be it ordained by the Mayor & Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that the assessmen & collection of Taxes for the city of corpus Christi be considered as comencing from the first of January to the last of December anually ~ The motion of Ald Kinney that no Billiard Table because pool is played upon it, shall be excempt from taxation was upon motion of Ald Neal transfered for the consider -ation of the Comittee on Assessment – The Comunication of Col H L Kinney to the Board of Ald concerning the artesian well was read and upon motion of Ald Neal scd by Ald McMartin refered to the 64 Committee on same ~ On motion of Ald Neal it was resolved, that the account of John M Cooper for houserent amounting to eight Dollars be paid out of the funds in the hands of the Treassurer and that the a/c of C R Hopson being 2 two Doll for having the triangle made be balanced by amt due the Corporation for the Months of Aprel & May for market ground rent ~ On motion of Ald Neal scd by Ald Petersen it was further resolved that the Secretary receive the sum of 25$ twenty five Dollars in consideration of services rendered the Corporation as secretary to the Board for the last year whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again at the next regular meeting ~~ George Pfeiffer C R Hopson Secretary CCC Mayor CC.C Pursuant to adjournement of June 2th Board met on the 7 inst Present C R Hopson Mayor Adlerm Peterson, Blucher, Love, McMartin, Kinney Minutes of last meeting were read and approved The mayor having presented to the Board the returns of last election for the City council – on motion of Ald Peterson the same was read and the result ordered to be recorded which being as follows. elected for Mayor H W Berry ~~ “ “ “ “ Aldermen James McMartin, Somers Kinney James R Barnard John Love C R Hopson John A Vernon John R Peterson – for Secretary George Pfeiffer for Treassurer R Holbein 65 The a/c of F A. Blucher against the Corporation being two Dollars and fifty cents for money advanced towards the building of the jail was upon motion of Ald Mc Martin sed by Ald Love ordered to be paid ~ ~ whereupon motion the Board adjourned sine die. George Pfeiffer H W Berry Secretary CCC Mayor CCC In pursuance to a Notice purporting a certificate of election issued by Mayor Hopson to the Mayor and members of the Board of Aldermen elected for the ensuing year, appeared at the Mayors Office on the evening of the inst – H W Berry, S Kinney, C R Hopson & James R Barnard H W Berry who had been qualified to the Office of Mayor for the city of Corpus Christi by Ex Mayor Hopson adminis= =tered the Oath of Office for Alderman to James R Barnard S Kinney & C R Hopson – there being no quorum present the Board adjourned to meet again in the - inst - George Pfeiffer H W Berry Secretary CCC Mayor CCC Pursuant to adjournement of Board met on inst present H W Berry Mayor Alderm Hopson, J R Peterson, J A Vernon, S Kinney John A Vernon & J R Peterson, who had been qualified as members to the Board of Alderm of the city of Corpus Christi took seats and entered upon business – On motion of Ald Peterson Ald Kinney was appd Secretary pro tem – the Reading of the minutes of last meeting was 66 necessarily postponed ~~ On motion of Ald Peterson secd by Ald Hopson it was resolved that an official comunication be addressed to Mssrs McMartin & Love Ald elect requesting of them information whether they intend qualifying as Aldermen and that the Mayor appoint a bearer of the comunication – whereupon the Mayor appointed Ald Petersen bearer of Comunication who was required to report to the Mayor at the earliest possible period On motion of Ald Hopson scd by Ald Kinney it was resolved, that a comittee of two be appointed to make a report for the protection and government of comerce, also to make a report on bathing ~ the comittee appointed thereto consisted of Ald Vernon & Hopson further resolved that a committee of two be appointed to confer with Col Kinney and John M Cooper relative to the purchase and completion of the Artesian Well his honor the Mayor appointed Ald Kinney & Peterson on the foregoing comittee ~~ whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on Monday evening the 15th of June ~ George Pfeiffer H. W Berry Secretary CCC Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournment of June 12th Board met on 15th inst. No Quorum present, adjourned to meet on the 19 inst Board met on the 19th of June Present H W Berry Mayor Aldermn Hopson, Barnard Peterson, Vernon Minutes of last meeting was read and approved. Alderm Peterson as Bearer of communication to 67 John Love, James McMartin, reported that they did not intent to qualify whereupon motion it was ordained that an election should be held on the 23th following to fill the vacancy occurred – The comittee on bathing reported, and presented an Ordinance for the consideration of the Board Bathing entitled an ordinance “regulating Bathing” which upon motion of Ald Barnard scd by Ald Hopson was read and passed – reading as follows (Section 1st Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that it shall be un= lawful for any person or persons to bath in day light on any place between the Ditch South of the Residence of John Dix, and the Brick yard North of near W Manns property on the Bay ~~ Section 2d That any person or persons over 15 years Fine for of age offending against this ordinance shall pay 15 year old a fine not less than five Dollars and all persons under the age of 15 year one Dollar for each Fine for those and every offence upon conviction thereof before under - the Mayor or either of the Aldermen – this ordinance to take effect from and after its pro= mulgation) Carts & Drays An ordinance regulating Darts and drays was also introduced by the aforesaid comittee and passed by the Board – reading as follows – Section 1th Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi – “That all owners of [illegible] Tax on drays and carts kept for public hire, shall pay an advance for each dray or cart so kept an annual license tax of twelve Dollars – That no license shall be issued by the Mayor for less than 6 months each dray and cart shall be numbered in legible figures – Rate of charge Section 2nd That it shall be unlawful for any keeper of a dray or cart to charge more than 25) twenty five cents per load for a distance 68 not exceeding a half mile – Section 3th That it shall be the duty of the Marshall to carry out the provisions of the above ordinance for which in each case he shall receive fifty cents Section 4th That any person violating the above ordinance Fine 5$ shall be fined upon conviction thereof before the Mayor or either of the Aldermen in a sum not less then five Dollars. this ordinance to take effect from and after its promulgation. The same comittee further presented an ordinance for the providing for the government of Minors which was read and upon Motion passed by the Board Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that whenever any free person under the age of fifteen shall Minors offending commit any offence against the ordinance of this city his Master, guardian, or parent having the control of him shall be fined as if he had himself commited the offence) Alderm Peterson, one of the committee on Artesian Well reported progress and obtained leave for continuance On motion of Ald it was resolved that John P Goff be and the same is hereby appointed Marshall pro tem, (until an election could be had for a Marshal by a ful Board) H W Berry Mayor having stated to the Board that he was compelled to be absent from this city for several weeks the Board elected C R Hopson Mayor pro tem whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again on the 27th of June – George Pfeiffer H W. Berry Secretary CCC Mayor CCC 69 Pursuant to adjournement of June 15 Board met on the 15th instant – Present C R Hopson Mayor pro tem ~ Aldermen, Vernon, Barnard and Peterson Cornelius Cahill who had been duly elected Alderman I to the city of Corpus took the Oath of Office and entered upon its duties – Minutes of last meeting were read and approved I with the amendment of stricking out all after the words pro tem – in the 28th line ~~ ~~ The returns of the Ballot Box at the last election for 2 aldermen had been received resulting in the 2 election of Cornelius Cahill and John L Hunsacker for Aldermen in the City of Corpus Christi ~~ R Holbein also qualified as Treassurer to the city of Corpus Christi by giving Bond in the sum of three hundred Dollars ~~ Bond approved The Comunication of Dr Lawrence to the Board of Aldermen was upon motion received; read and ordered to be “layed on the Table ~~ An a/c of Mr Patching amounting to 15$ for work done on the jail was ordered to be paid out of the first money in the Treasury ~ another a/c for 7 87/100 Dollars for hauling Sand and lumber for the jail was also ordered to be paid out of the first money in the Treassury – On motion of Ald Barnard secd by Ald Peterson it was ordained that an ordinance entitled an ordinance regulating drays & carts be so amended as to read as follows That all owners keeping vehicles for public hire shall pay in advance “wsf” whereupon motion 70 On motion it was resolved that the secretary inform the Treassurer & collector to make report of his transactions to the Board at the next meeting. also require the Marshal of to report of his transactions as collector of Dog Tax wsf – whereupon motion the Board ad= journed to meet again on the 5th of July George Pfeiffer H W Berry Secretary CCC Mayor CCC The Mayor and Board of Aldermen met on the evening of the 24th of July Present H W Berry, Mayor Aldermen Hopson, Barnard, Vernon and Peterson -------------- Absent Alderm Kinney Cahill and Hunsucker Secretary George Pfeiffer & R Holbein Treassurer On motion Ald Vernon was elected Secretary pro tem. On motion the following resolution was adopted Resolved that the city Marshall be authorized and empowered to visit all premises within the Nuisance corporate limits of this city and ascertain the Abatement of condition of the same. And in case it should come to his knowledge that any nuisance or nuisances exist upon any of said premises it shall become his duty to notify the owner or owners thereof to remove or abate the same within twenty four hours and in case of failure or refusal it shall be the duty of said Marshall to report the names of said persons to the Mayor whose duty it shall be to convict the person or persons so offending and where [illegible] shall be [illegible] not exceeding $20 nor less than $5.50 for each and every offense. On motion the Mayor was authorized and appointed a comittee of two Vernon & Barnard to examin into the most feasible and economical 71 plan for drawing the water now lying upon the streets and lots of our city and to report on Tuesday evening July 25th. The Mayor was added to the above committee. On motion the Board adjourned to meet again on the 25th inst – George Pfeiffer H. W Berry Secretary CCC - Mayor CCC Pursuant to adjournment of July 24th Board met on the 9th of August 1854 – Present H W Berry Mayor Aldermen: Barnard, Hopson, Hunsacker and Vernon – Absent Peterson & Cahill Minutes of the last two meetings were read and ap= proved The report of the Assessor & Collector was received and upon motion of Ald Hopson secd by Ald Barnard accepted ~ The City Marshal obtained leave to continue his report till next meeting The Comittee on devising means and plan to drain the water from the lots & streets of the city asked leave for continuation of their report till next meeting; which upon motion was als granted An a/c of John M Cooper against the city of Corpus Christi for 2 months Office rent amounting to eight Dollars was presented and ordered to be paid ~ An a/c of Peter Dunn for Blacksmiths work amounting to eleven 69/100 Doll was also ordered to be paid ~ His honor the Mayor ordered that a fine be entered against Ald Cahill & Peterson of one Doll 72 each for absence from this meeting ~~ On motion of Alderm Vernon it was resolved that it be promulgated, that an election would be held next monday evening for the Board of Aldermen for city Marshal for the ensuing year to enable all persons desirous of presenting their names as candidates, to do so – whence the Board adjourned to meet again next monday the 14 inst ~ George Pfeiffer H. W Berry Secretary CCC Mayor C.C.C Pursuant to adjournment Board met on the 14 inst. ~ Present H W Berry Mayor Alderm Hopson, Hunsacker, Peterson Vernon Cahill & Barnard ~~~~~~~~~~ Minutes of last meeting were read and approved On motion of Ald Hopson & seconded by Ald Vernon it was resolved in as much as the meetings of the Board of Aldermen had been very irregular, that all fines fines for non attendance of any of any of the members heretofore imposed shall be remitted ~ The report of the comittee on streets was received and upon motion of Ald Hopson entered upon the minutes, being as follows The Comittee to [illegible] was refered the duty to investigate and determin upon the most practicable plan to improve the streets – either by draining – or filling up – have had the same under investigation and instruct me to report, that draining by ditching would serve for momentary temporary purposes, and would perhaps secured with [illegible] of a lasting benefit to the city, but your com= =mittee 73 so decidedly of the opinion that “filling up” with sand and small shells, of which there is an abundance at hand would be infinitly better – and well in the end be the cheapest plan -. We should therefor recomend to your Honbl Body the “filling up” of the streets with Sand & shells ~ all of which is respect= fully submitted for your Consideration – signed John A Vernon Chairman – An Ordinance to suppress gambling was introduced which, after having been read section by section was upon motion of Ald Barnard transfered for the consideration of a comittee on same, to make report therein by next meeting – The committee appointed by the Mayor on the foregoing resolution consisted of Ald Peterson, Huns= aker & Vernon ~ Mrs Neal & McConn presented an a/c of $650 against the corporation, which was ordered to be paid. Pursuant to promulgation - that an election would be held by the Board, for city Marshal, John A F Gravis, George W Pettigrew, John J Dix, George W Foster presented their names as candidates for the Office on motion of Ald Barnard, The Board proceed to Ballot, which resulted in the election of J J Dix as Marshall for the city of Corpus Christi ~ Board adjourned to meet again on Sept 4# 1854 ~ George Pfeiffer H W Berry Secretary CCC Mayor CC.C 74 Pursuant to adjournement Board met on September 4th 1854 ~ Present H W Berry Mayor Alderm Vernon, Barnard, Hopson, Hunsacker, Peterson and Cahill ~ Reading of the minutes of last meeting was dispenced with – The committee to investigate the Records and a/cs of the city, reported progress & obtained leave for continuance ~ The report of the comittee on the ordinance to prohibit gaming was received and resolved upon motion of Ald Barnard that the discussion of this ordinance be indefinitly postponed ~ R Holbein Treassurer for the city of Corpus Christi having made a report showed a Balance of $49 38/100 Dollars in favor of the city – An a/c of eight Dollars 13 cents presented by the city Marshall J J Dix = (filed as No1 -) against the city was ordered to be paid – whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again the 2nd of October 1854 George Pfeiffer H W. Berry Secretary CCC Mayor C.C.C Pursuant to adjournment Board met on October 2th 1854 Present H W Berry Mayor Alderm Peterson, Barnard, Kinney, Vernon, Huns- = acker & Hopson ~ Minutes of last meetings were read and upon motion of Ald Kinney secd by Ald Peterson approved with the exception of the report of the com= mittee on draining the streets ~~ 75 R Holbein Treassurer, reported on state of finances, showing a Balance of fifty-four 44/100 Dollars on hand due the city. The report of the city Marshal marked No1 was received and accepted – The report of the Assessor & Collector was upon motion of Ald Hopson sed by Ald Kinney transferred for in= vestigation to the special committee on finances – The following ordinance was introduced and passed by the Board: Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the Police city of Corpus Christi That any person or persons who shall be found lying drunk in any of the drunkeness streets or public places within the corporation so as to annoy passers by from their drunkeness, or who shall be found lying drunk or staggering or loitering about the premises of another without the consent of the owner thereof, in such a manner as to annoy said owner or other persons there law= fully being, he she or they shall be fined in any sum not ex- ceding ten Dollars and cost for the first offence or confinement in the city jail at the discretion of the Mayor – Section 2nd That all persons who may in any Boisterous, obscene way disturb the peace and quiet of the city by singing and profane and indecent shouting or using obscene or profane language, he, she, or they, language shall suffer the penalty of section 1st of this ordinance making it also the duty of the Marshall to en= force this ordinance – Section 3th That this ordinance be published in spanish & english in the Nueces Valley to take effect from and after its promulgation – The petition from several of the citizens of Corpus Christi for the removal of Buildings upon the lots on the east side of Water street of States street and other nuisances 76 Therewith connected was received and upon motion of Ald Hopson secd by Ald Barnard transfered to a committee, appointed to take the same under consider ation – The committee appointed by the Mayor on the fore= going resolution consisted of Ald Hopson, Barnard and Kinney – George Pfeiffer having tendered his resignation as Secretary to the city of Corpus Christi, the same was upon motion of Ald Kinney by Ald Barnard ordered to be layed over table next meeting – whence the Board adjourned to meet again the 16 October following – George Pfeiffer H. W. Berry Secretary CCC Mayor C.CC At a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen held on the 10 of October were present W H Berry Mayor Aldermen Kinney, Barnard, Hopson, Vernon and Cahill ~ Alderm Kinney having stated to the Board the object of the special meeting – Tendered the report of the committee appointed to investigate the subject matter of a petition for the removal of Nuisances con= sisting of Buildings &c- on the east side of Water street, which upon motion of Ald Vernon secd by Ald Barnard was received & read, and approved by the Board. The same committee having introduced the legal opininion of Mesrs Lea & Enoch upon this subject the same was upon motion of Ald Kinney secd by Ald Vernon received & read to the Board Mesrs Pryor Lea & J T Enoch having also tendered 77 by said committee their propositions to conduct if necessary the suit for the recovery of the premises in question – the same was upon motion of Alderm- Hopson secd by Ald Kinney agreed to by the following votes to wit. in favor: yes = Ald. Barnard, Hopson, Kinney & Vernon against – no - Ald Cahill – The committee, then asked leave to be discharged, which was granted – Alderm. Kinney offered the following resolution which having been secd by Ald Barnard was adopted by the majority of the Board – Resolved by the Mayor & Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi that the Mayor and secretary be authorized and required to conclude the contract with Pryor Lea & J. T. Enoch by signing the same &c and to do all else on the part of the Board of Aldermen neccessary to be done for the conducting of such on the part of the corporation for the recovery of property lying east of Water street, as by them the said Lea & Enoch presented or proposed to this Board, to make the same of full force and effect ~ On motion the Board adjourned to meet again the next regular term of meeting ~ George Pfeiffer H. W. Berry Secretary CCC Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournment the Board met on the 27th of November ~ Present: H W Berry Mayor Aldermn: Barnard, Vernon, Cahill, Hopson Hunsucker, & Peterson Absent Kinney Minutes of last meeting were read and approved 78 The Committee, to whom was refered the report of the Assessor and Collector stated that they had examined said report and had found the same correct, whence upon motion of Ald. Hopson secd by Ald Hunsacker it was resolved by vote of a majority of the Board, that George Pfeiffer be and the same is hereby discharged from any further duties as assessor & collector to the City of Corpus Christi ~ The committee on Artesian Well, tendered their report which was received and com= mittee discharged – On motion of Ald Barnard – secd by Ald Cahill it was resolved that the report of J J Dix City Marshall, barring the instructions to the Board therein contained be received – and his account accompanying said report be paid which showing a Balance of twenty Dollars in his favor The petition from several of the citizens of corpus Christi to the Board of Aldermen asking for the passage of an ordinance for the better security of property against the accidents of fire was received and upon motion of Alderm Cahill secd by Ald Barnard resolved that a committee of three be appointed by the Mayor for the purpose of drawing up an ordinance to carry out in general the object of said petition ~ The Committee appointed by the Mayor on the fore going resolution consisted of Ald Cahill, Peterson and Hunsacker ~ His Honor the Mayor having presented to the Board for their consideration an Ordinance entitled an ordinance for the better regulation of the city of Corpus Christi was upon motion of Ald Barnard layed on the Table whence the Board adjourned till next meeting. George Pfeiffer Secretary CCC 79 The Board having considered [upon] the best means for draining the streets in the City of Corpus Christi – it was resolved upon motion of Ald Peterson secd by Ald Vernon, that a committee be appointed to receive proposals and device means for the purpose of draining the streets of Corpus Christi, with authority to make contracts for said purpose for the term of one year & to report of their proceedings by next regular meeting. The committee appointed under the foregoing resolution consisted of Ald Peterson and Cahill ~ whereupon motion the Board adjourned adjourned till Monday next ~~ George Pfeiffer H. W. Berry Secretary CCC Mayor C.C.C. Pursuant to adjournment Board met on the 21th of December Present H W Berry Mayor C Cahill, Hunsacker Barnard & Hopson Alderm= which being a quorum the Council proceeded to business by appointing C Cahill secretary pro tem = The committee on securing property against the accidents of fire recomended in their report the adoption of an ~~~~~~~~ ordinance presented by Ald Hunsacker which being Ordinance read as follows regulating Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Corpus Fires Christi – That no person shall within the city make or keep ~~~~~~~~ a fire in a wooden chimney, under the penalty of Three Doll for each offence ~ Section 2nd That any person who shall desire to have a stove -pipe pass through or near any wooden chimney, under the penalty of three Dollars for each offence part of Sectoin 3d a building, shall have it so put up as not to be nearer than three inches to any wood work, and shall have a sheet of tin or iron, or a course of Bricks 80 to intervene between such pipe and wood work, and unless the smoke is to escape from the pipe into a chimney, the end from which the smoke is to escape shall be at least two feet from any wood work, and woodin projection, and shall project at least two feet beyond any wooden projection which shall be above it, and shall be at least ten feet above the surface of the ground; the Penalty for any Breach of the provisions of this section shall be five Dollars for each day it shall be permitted to continue Fires Regulation of Section 2 No person shall light or keep a fire on any public ground in this City, under the penalty of three Dollars for each offence – Section #3 That any person who shall have controle of any work in the course of which chips or shavings shall be made, near any house or building, shall have the same removed every evening, under a penalty of three Dollars for each failure so to do – was adopted by a unanimous vote of the Board and resolved that the same be published in the Nueces Valley to take effect from and after its promulgation – =1) John M Cooper presented a Bill for rent of the city Council Office, being eight Dollars, the same was ordered to be paid – The committee on said ordinance was discharged from =1) further duties thereon – it was further resolved that the committee on streets be authorized to employ a surveyor for the purpose of ascertaining the different grades of the streets to be drained and that said committee report of their proceedings by next meeting – The Board adjourned to meet again next regular term of meeting – 81 Pursuant to adjournement Board met on January 15th 1855 ~ Present H W Berry Mayor Alderm Kinney, Barnard, Hunsacker and Cahill Absent Vernon, Hopson, & Peterson – Upon motion of Ald Barnard, Ald Cahill was ap= pointed and acted as secretary pro tem ~~ Ald Barnard having presented to the Board a preamble and resolution, as follows Channel Whereas, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, of The City of Corpus Christi, did, on the 15th day of May AD 1854 pass an ordinance in reference to opening a Ship Channel through the Mud Flats between Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass, in conformity with a charter granted by the Legislature of Texas for that purpose – And whereas, Somers Kinney afterwards became the contractor with and Agent for, the Corporation of said city of Corpus Christi, to open and make said Ship Channel in compliance with the time and terms expressed in said ordinance And whereas the said Somers Kinney, subsequent to taking said contract and agency, has met with misfortunes, hindrances and delays unforeseen by the wrecking of the Dredging Machine purchased for the opening and making said Ship Channel, Therefore be it resolved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, of the said city of Corpus Christi, that the time specified in the said Ordinance of the said city, of May 15th AD 1854 be extended to the said Somers Kinney, – as such contractor and agent so as not to limit the beginnings and completions of works, or portions of Channel works, therein mentioned, to the detriment of the enterprise, or to the injury of the said Somers Kinney, contractor and agent And that of the said Somers Kinney, contractor and agent, shall use energetic measures to urge forward the plans for, and work upon said ship channel, then the said Ordinance of May 15th 1854 - shall be and is so amended as 82 to extend the time expressed in said ordinance, as con= templated in this section – Provided that such time shall not be extended beyond the 1st of January 1856 – Be it further enacted, that when the said Ship Channel, shall have been cut to the width of sixty feet Channel and to the depth provided for by said Ordinance of May 15th AD 1854, the collection of Tolls, as therein re= fered to, may commence by the said Somers Kinney, contractor and agent, according to the provisions of Tolls said charter from the State, And that the said Somers Kinney, contractor and agent, shall immediately thereafter extend the said Ship Channel in width, as the commerce passing through it may demand, for which he shall receive compensation of the same kind, at the same rate, and under the same conditions, as for extending the said Ship Channel to a depth beyond six feet – the same having been read and duly considered was upon motion of Ald Barnard secd by Ald Hunsacker adopted by the votes of Ald Cahill, Barnard, and Hunsacker in the affirmative – no vote in the negative. whence upon motion of Ald. Barnard scd by Ald Hunsacker the said resolution stood adopted as an ordinance of the City of Corpus Christi by the following vote of Ald Barnard, Hunsacker & Cahill in the affirmative and no vote in the negative ~~ Whereupon motion the Board adjourned to meet again next regular term of meeting ~~ George Pfeiffer H W. Berry Secretary C.C.C Mayor CCC 83 At a Meeting of the Board of aldermen called by his Honor the Mayor on the 31th of March 1855 the following proceedings were had – Present Henry W Berry Mayor C R Hopson, J R Peterson, J R Barnard John Vernon Aldermen = Minutes of last meeting were read and approved Ald Peterson one of the committee on draining streets reported no progress, That his colleague Ald Cahill had been absent from the city for considerable time, - that as yet no proposals had been received by him for the draining of the streets – whereupon motion the said committee stood continued J J Dix having presented to the Board an a/c of G F Turner of Eighteen Dollars for cutting a ditch from his lot to Belden fence, to drain off the water from the same, was not allowed and ordered not be paid John J Dix as City Marshall presented his report and statement of account with the corporation which was received and accepted – having also tendered his resignation, upon motion of Ald Peterson secd by Ald Barnard the same was accepted – George Pfeiffer having tendered his resignation as secretary to the Board of Aldermen the same was accepted. * Refer to folio 84 for a more extended record of these proceedings by order of the Council [illegible] 12 1855 84 At a Meeting of the Board of Aldermen called by his Honor the , on the 31th day of March 1855. The following proceedings were had. Present Henry W. Berry -- Mayor. C. R. Hopson, J. R. Peterson - and Jas R Barnard, John Vernon – Aldermen. The Minutes of last Meeting were read and approved. Aldm Peterson one of the Committee on Draining streets reported no progress. that his colleague Ald Cahill had been absent from the City for a considerable time, that as yet no proposals had been received by him for the draining, of the Streets whereupon on motion the said Committee stood continued. J. J. Dix, having presented to the Board, an account of G. F. Turner, of Eighteen Dollars for cutting a Ditch from his lot to Beldens fence, to drain off the water from the same, was not allowed and ordered not to be paid. John J Dix as City Marshall presented his report and statement of account with the corporation which was received and accepted, having also tendered his resignation; upon motion of Ald Peterson seconded by Ald Barnard, the same was accepted. George Pfeiffer having tendered his resignation as Secretary, the same was accepted. Upon motion of Ald Peterson and seconded by Ald Vernon, J. J. Dix, was appointed Secretary pro tem. His Honor the Mayor presented to the Board the bill of [H…] O’Neill for the care of an infirm and sick Pauper (Watkins.) which on notice of Ald Hopson seconded by Ald Barnard was ordered to be accepted and paid. Ald Peterson nominated and was 85 by Ald Hopson (in the nominiation) the name of J A. F Gravis for City Marshall, who upon Ballot received the unanimous vote of all the Aldermen present, and was declared duly elected Marshall, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of John J Dix. On motion of Ald Barnard seconded by Ald Vernon, the Council adjourned untill the next regular time of meeting. (signed) John J Dix H W. Berry Sec. pro tem. C.C.C. Mayor C C. C A true Copy W. Worthington Johnson Secretary, C.C.C. The Proceedings of the City Council, at their Special Meeting of May 10th 1855, being unavoidably lost or mislaid. Certain amend= =ments and resolutions therein adopted, have been re’enacted by order of the Board, and embodied in their proceedings of June 11th 1855. W. Worthington Johnson H W. Berry Secretary, C.C.C. Mayor, C.C.C. 86 Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, at their Regular Meeting Monday evening June 11th 1855. Present H. W. Berry Mayor Aldermen, Hopson, Hunsucker, Vernon, Peterson, and Barnard. Proceedings of Meeting of March 31th were read and not approved. On motion it was made the duty of the Secretary, to record in as correct and legible form, in accordance with the minutes placed in his hands, the proceedings of the Council held March 31th 1855. Ald Barnard Scd Ald Hopson, offered an amendment to the resolution in regard to “Nuisences” – “after the word – “ to the Mayor, - whose duty it shall be to arrest the, person or persons so offending, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in a sum of not less than “Five” or more than “Twenty,” Dollars, for each and every offence. ~ adopted ~ On motion W. Worthington Johnson, was authorized to act as Secre -tary pro tem Ald Hopson, proposed an amendment to Amendment to the Ordinance relative to the hire of public vehicles, carts & drays reducing the yearly tax, from “Twelve” to “Six” Dollars, to take effect from and after the “first” day of May A.D. 1855. – adopted – Mr Holbein, presented his report as City Treasurer, representing a balance of $62 86/100 due the City – which on motion was received and adopted by the Board Ald Hopson, secd by Ald Barnard, motioned that indulgence be granted to the City Marshall J A F. Gravis, until 11 O’clock A M. of the coming morn- ing – to make his official report – Granted – Ald Hopson presented for the consideration of the Board, the acct of Daniel Davis employed by his authority while acting as Mayor of the City, for services rendered 87 in filling up public streets, and for which he has paid out of his private fund, - there being no funds in the City Treasury at the time, and therefore requests the amount of said bill be refunded to him. (amt of Bill $4200/100) ~~ On motion of Ald Peterson, secd by Ald Vernon, the account of Ald Hopson, was ordered to be accepted and paid by the City. ~~ adopted ~~ On motion of his Honor the Mayor, Ald Hopson, Peterson, and Barnard, proceeded to examine the returns of the late election held June 4th 1855, for Mayor and City officers, and reported the Election of the following gentlemen. Viz . – Benj F. Neal, Mayor. Mssrs. F. Belden, S. W. Fullerton, F. H. Blucher, D. H. Lawrence, T. Bowen, J. T. Edmonson, and B Folk, as Aldermen, W. Worthington Johnson, City Secretary. Reuben Holbein, City Treasurer. It was further motioned that Certificates be issued notifying the above gentlemen of their election. There being no further business before the Board, a motion was made for adjournment, untill 11’O’Clock AM. of the following morning. ~~ adopted ~~ W. Worthington Johnson H W Berry Secretary, C.C.C. Mayor CC.C Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, convened in the City of Corpus Christi, pursuant to motion of adjournment of June 11th 1855. Thursday, Morning June 12th 1855. Special Meeting – Present. H. W. Berry, Mayor. Ald Barnard, Hopson, Hunsucker, Peterson, and Vernon. Minutes of the meeting of June 11th 1855, read and approved. Ald Barnard, on motion suggested 88 the propriety of recording upon the “City record”, the loss of the proceedings of the Board, of their Special Meeting, held May 10th 1855, wherein certain amendments and resolutions were passed, and their re’enaction and embodiedment by the council of June 11th 1855. Mr Gravis, City Marshall, presented his report from April 11th to June 11th 1855. On motion of Ald Hopson, a committee of two were appointed to examine the report of the Marshall. – Whereupon the Committee reported that a deduction Approved of the sum of “Five” Dollars be made viz - the amount of $4.00/100 deducted from the charge of $12.00/100 for Superintending the Tank, and $1.00 for Committing a Negro Woman to Jail: and that said report with the deduction of Five Dollars, be and the same is hereby received. Also the balance showing the sum of “Forty three Dollars and fifty five cents,” due the city – the Marshal is hereby ordered to turn over to the City Treasurer. The account of J. R. Barnard for $15.00, being for services rendered re filling up street in front of Lots No 7 & 8, in Block No - in Chapparel Street was pres- Approved -ented, and on motion of Ald Hunsucker, seconded by Ald Vernon, it was ordered that a Warrant be drawn on the City Treasurer for the sum of Ten Dollars. The a/c of John M Cooper, for $24.00 for office rent for Three Approved months was presented, and on motion of Ald Barnard seconded by Ald Vernon, it was ordered that a Warrant be issued on the City Treasurer for said amount. On motion Ald Barnard, seconded by Ald Vernon, the following resolution was unanimously passed. Resolved, - That the thanks of the present board of Aldermen are hereby tendered to H. W. Berry, for the satisfactory manner in which he has performed the duties of Mayor, and for his uniform – 89 kindness and urbanity, at all times exhibited during out stated and special Meetings which have taken place during the past year. On motion Ald Barnard, secd by Ald Hunsucker, the Board adjourned, till meeting [in course]. W. Worthington Johnson Henry W Berry Secretary C.C.C. Mayor CCC Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen convened in the City of Corpus Christi: This Saturday evening June 16th 1855. Present: B. F. Neal Esqr Mayor elect, who presented his credentials, and entered upon his duties as Mayor. Mssrs. Lawrence, Edmonson, Folk, Bower, and Belden, having been duly qualifyed according to Law, were present, and entered upon their duties as Aldermen of the City The minutes of last meeting read by the Secret- -ary – were approved. Ald Edmonson on motion secd by Ald Folk, suggested the propriety, that the adopted - members of the present Board, have access to, Channel and examine the Contract relative to the Dredge Boat, and the deepening of the Channell. Ald Lawrence on motion secd by Ald Belden offered the name of J. A. F. Gravis as candidate for re election to the office of City Marshall. The motion of Ald Lawrence being adopted by the Board, they proceeded to Ballott for the Office of City Marshall, Mr Gravis, having rec’d the unanimous votes of the members present, was declared duly elected to that office. There being no further business before the Board, Ald Folk, secd by Ald Edmonson moved for an adjournment until 9 O’Clock, Monday 90 morning, June 18th 1855. ~ adopted ~ W. Worthington Johnson B. F. Neal Secretary C.C.C. Mayor City C C Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, con- =vened in the City of Corpus Christi, pursuant to adjournment, of June 16th 1855. Monday, morning 9 O’clock A.M. June 18th 1855. Present B. F. Neal. Mayor. Ald Belden, Bower, Edmonson, & Lawrence F A Blucher, having been duly qualifyed according to law, entered upon his duties as an Alderman of the City. The minutes of last meeting were read by the Secretary and adopted. Mr Somers Kinney the Channel Contractor for deepening the Channell being present, made a voluntary report upon the progress of said work, upon which no action was taken by the Council. On motion of Ald Laurence, a committee composed of three Aldermen, were appointed to report upon some plan, for the improvement of the Streets of Corpus Christi, whereupon Ald Belden, Blucher & Laurence, were appointed said Committee. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Edmonson, the Council adjourned until Wednesday Evening 7 O’clock PM, June 20th 1855. W Worthington Johnson, Benj. F. Neal Secretary, C.C.C. M 91 Proceedings of the Board of aldermen con- -vened in the City of Corpus Christi, this pursuant to adjournment of June 18th 1855 Wednesday evening 7 O’clk June 20th 1855. Present, B F Neal, Mayor. Ald Bowen, Belden, Edmonson, and Laurence. The minutes of last meeting were read by the Secretary and approved. On motion of Ald Belden, the rules and by-laws regulating the regular mode of proceedings of the Council, be dispensed with on this evening. – adopted – On motion of Ald Edmonson sed by Ald Lawrence, the contract of May 15th 1854. relative to the opening of the Ship Channell between Corpus Christi, and Aransas Pass, was read to the Board Channel by the Secretary. After some discussion by Ald Ed- munson, Lawrence, Belden and Bowen, upon the non-conformity of the requirement of said contract and the propriety of granting further extension of time, to said Contractor, further discussion and action, on motion of Ald Belden was postponed until a full Board convened. Ald Bowen secd by Ald Edmonson, motioned that Walter Merriman Esqr in the part of Somers Kinney the contractor (who was absent) make his statement pertaining to said contract, whereupon Mr. Merriman, presented a contract entered into between Somers Kinney the Contractor, and a Mr Howard, to carry out the provisions of the Contract of May 15th 1854. provided an extension be granted by the Board, of six months from the 1th Jany: 1856, (the expiration of the present contract) he also stated that the sum of $3.000 was now deposited in his (Merrimans) hands for the purpose of immediate operations, and that ample security would be given the Corporation, 92 for the prompt performance of said contract. No action was taken by the present council upon these propositions, but were deferred until a full attendence of the Board, before motioned by Ald Belden. There being no further business before the Board, on motion, they stood adjourned, until Saturday, Evening 7 O’clock June 23d 1855. W Worthington Johnson B. F. Neal Secretary C.C.C. M Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, con- -vened in the City of Corpus Christi, this pursuant to adjournment of June 20th 1855. Saturday evening 7 O’clk June 23d 1855 Present B. F. Neal Mayor Ald Belden, Bowen, Blucher, Lawrence and Edmonson. The minutes of the last meeting were read by the Secretary, and adopted. Ald Blucher, one of the committee on draining streets, reports:- that large bodies of water are deposited in the public streets and private lots of the city, by the late heavy rains. also that a quantity of oyster shells have been allowed to accumulate on the public market square – also recommended that the superfluous water arising from the Artesian be drained off, and that the re- -moval of these nuisences were indespensible to the health of the city. he further recommended that the owners of said lots, be requested to remove the Nuisences aforesaid. Whereupon the following resolution, was unanimously adopted by the Board, Resolved, By the Mayor and Board, 93 of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, in Council assembled. That the Marshall of said City be, and is hereby authorized and emp- -owered to employ as many persons as the Street Committee may think necessary to open & Streets improve said streets, or to cut a drain through any lot or lots, either vacant or occupied; said work shall be executed according to the instructions and directions of said Committee upon any of the streets or lots by them directed. Also that persons thus employed shall be paid out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. upon the order of said Committee, drawn upon the Treasurer, and signed by the Chairman of said Committee. On motion, his honor the Mayor, appointed Ald Lawrence, Chairman of said Committee on streets. Ald Belden, secd by Ald Blucher, motioned that a committee of two aldermen be appointed Channel to wait upon Somers Kinney the Contractor for deep- ening the Channell, between this city and Aransas Pass, and request a written proposition from said contractor to the Board, relative to said contract. Whereupon his honor the mayor, appointed Ald Belden and Edmonson on said committee. On motion of Ald Laurence secd by Ald Belden, William Fredericks was nominated as a Candidate for assistant Marshall for the ensuing year. Whereupon the votes of the Aldermen present were taken, and the said Fredericks declared unanimously elected to the office afore- -said. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Blucher, secd by Ald Belden, the council adjourned until Monday, Evening O’clock June 25th 1855. W. Worthington Johnson Benj. F. Neal Sec. C C C. Mayor C.C.C. 94 Proceedings of the Board of Alderman convened in the City of Corpus Christi. This pursuant to adjournment of June 23d 1855. Monday, evening 8’O.Clk June 25th 1855. Present ~~ B. F. Neal Mayor. Ald Belden, Bowen, Blucher, Edmonson, and Lawrence. The minutes of last meeting were read by the Secretary and ado- =pted. Ald Belden, presented the petition of Somers Kinney: which was read to the Board by the Secretary. After some discussion by Ald Lawrence & Belden, upon said petition:- on motion, of Ald Lawrence secd by Ald Belden, permission was granted to any Channel Citizen present to express his views on the subject, and relative to the commercial advantage of a Ship Channell; whereupon, Mr Thomas A Dwyer, Merchant, in a few remarks recommended the advantages of said work, the same being indesp- -ensible to the commercial prosperity of the City. and that every encouragement should be given the contractors for the speedy completion of the channell. Ald Blucher secd by Ald Edmonson motioned that a committee of three Aldermen be appointed to draft an ordinance in reference to the petition of Somers Kinney – to report on Tuesday evening 8’O’Clk 26th inst. whereupon his honor the Mayor appoin- Channel -ted Ald Blucher, Belden & Bowen on said committee. On motion of Ald Blucher secd by Ald Belden, his Honor the Mayor, was constituted one of said committee. The request of Somers Kinney in reference to the transfer of the City Bonds in his possession, was in motion, – refferred to the committee on drafting the aforesaid Ordinance – and granted; the same to be embodied in the Ordinance 95 above mentioned. – There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Belden, secd by Ald Lawrence, the Council adjourned until Tuesday, evening 8’O’Clk, P.M. June 26th 1855. W. Worthington Johnson Benj F Neal Secretary, C.C.C. Mayor City C C Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, con- -vened in the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, pursuant to adjournment of June 25th 1855. Tuesday evening 8’O Clk June 26th 1855. Present B F Neal. Mayor Ald Belden, Blucher, Bowen, Edmonson, and Lawrence. The minutes of last meeting were read by the Secretary and adopted. Ald Blucher, presented to the Council the following Ordinance Channel An Ordinance, to grant an extension of time to the contractor for the opening of a ship channell from Aransas Bar to the City of Corpus Christi, This Section 1st Whereas the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, did on the 15th day of May A.D. 1854. pass an ordinance for the purpose of opening a ship channell from the City of Corpus Christi, to Aransas Pass in conformity with an Act of the Hon, Legislature of the State of Texas, approved February 13th 1854. entitled “an act supplementary to an act to Incorporate the City of Corpus Christi, approved February 16th 1852” – And Somers Kinney of this city subsequently contracted to open the said ship channell within a certain time specified in the said ordinance. and whereas on the 15th day of January AD 1855, the Mayor and 96 Board of Aldermen of the said City did grant unto the said Somers Kinney, an extension of time for extension of time for the completion of said channell until the first day every thing amended of January AD 1856. Therefore now be it ordained that the said ordinances be, and are hereby so am- =ended as to extend the time stipulated for the completion of the said contract, until the first day of August AD 1856. provided, the said Somers Kinney shall on or before the first day of February AD 1856, have a good and serviceable Dredgeing Machine, actually at work and employed in the removal of the “Mud Flats,” or other obstructions of Navigation in the said channell – provided also, that the said Somers Kinney, continues from day to day actually and energetically engaged in the comp -letion of his contract, - and provided also, that the said Somers Kinney will cut the said Ship- -Channell through the obstructions known by the names of “Mud flat” and “Mouth of the Shell banks” to the depths of eight or nine feet. Section II Be it further ordained that the said Somers Kinney be, and is hereby authorized and empowered to transfer the Bonds issued to him by virtue of an ordinance enacted on the 15th day of May AD 1854. and bearing the date of 19th May AD 1854 to any person or persons engaged with him as partners in the fulfillment of the contract for the opening of the said Ship Channell. On motion, the ordinance above mentioned was unanimously adopted by the Council. Ald Edmonson secd by Ald Blucher, motioned that a Copy of said Ordinance be furnished to Somers Kinney, the Contractor – approved – Ald Blucher, one of the committee on draining streets, presented the following ordinance for the action of the Board. An Ordinance for the Draining and removal of stagnant water and other substances, deleterious to the health of the City of Corpus Christi 97 (Section I. Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that all persons owners of Lots or fractions of Lots subject to occasional innundations in rainy weather, are here- -by required to fill up such Lots, or any parts thereof sufficiently to insure a complete drainage according to the directives of the Board of Aldermen. Section II. That in all cases, where the parties being duly notified shall neglect to comply with the fore- [illegible] the City -going section within a reasonable time, - then the City Marshall shall be directed to have the obnoxious places filled up at the expense of the City, and the owner of such property, shall be held liable for said expenses and costs accruing – provided that no time exceeding ten days shall be granted before the owners of such property, or his agent shall commence the work required under the provisions of this ordinance, and continue the same to its completion. Section III. That this ordinance shall take effect, from and after its publication.) On motion, said ordinance was unanimously adopted. Ald Blucher, secd by Ald Edmonson motioned a Committee on Finance be appointed, whose duty shall be to enter into the immediate investigation of the Financial arrangements of the City The same being adopted; his honor the Mayor, appointed Ald Blucher & Edmonson, the committee on Finance. There being no further business for the action of the Board, on motion of Ald Blucher secd by Ald Edmonson, the council stood adjourned until Monday evening. 8’Oclk Till July 2d 1855. W Worthington Johnson Secretary CCC Benj. F. Neal Mayor City Corpus ([illegible]) 98 Proceedings of a Board of Aldermen convened in the City of Corpus Christi, Texas pursuant to adjournment of June 26th 1855. Monday evening 8’O'Clk July 2d 1855. Present. B F Neal Mayor Ald Belden, Blucher, Edmonson, and Folk The minutes of last meeting were read by the Secretary and approved. Ald Blucher one of the Committee on Finance, requested as extension of time to make his report. On motion the same was granted. The resignation of Ald Lawrence was read; and in motion, was laid on the Table. The City Marshall, J A. F Gravis, presen- -ted his resignation to the Board. On motion of Ald Folk secd by Ald Edmonson, the same was accepted in consideration of the ill health of that Adopted officer. Ald Blucher, secd by Ald Folk, motioned that the thanks of the Board be extended to J. A F. Gravis, for the efficient manner in which he has performed the duties of City Marshall. The Board then proceeded into the election of J P. Kissane, (nominated by Ald Blucher and secd by Ald Folk) who received the unanimous votes of the Aldermen present, for the office of City Marshall, for the ensuing year. Ald Blucher, secd by Ald Edmonson, motioned that the Board enter into an election of an Assesor and Collecter for the City; and nominated Wm S Shaw, for that office, whereupon Wm S Shaw, received the unanimous votes of the Aldermen present, and was declared duly elected Assessor and Collecter for the City for the ensuing year. There being no further business, on motion of Ald Blucher, secd by Ald Edmonson, the Council adjourned, until Monday evening July 16th 1855 W Worthington Johnson B. F. Neal Secretary CCC Mayor CCC 99 At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen on the 9th of October AD 1855 the following proceedings were had His Honor the Mayor informed the Board of Aldermen that Aldermn. Edmondson, Lawrence & Folk had tendered their resignation whereupon he had ordered an election to fill the vacancy, which resulted in the election of C R Hopson, J Dix and George Pfeiffer and that the said had been duly duly qualified as Aldermen for the city of Corpus Christi were present B F Neal Mayor Alderm Belden, Dix, Blucher, Fullerton, George Pfeiffer, Hopson and Bowen At the request of S Kinney to have D S Howard Channel acknowledged by the board of Aldermen in behalf of the city, as contractor under him for the opening of the mudflats a resolution was offered by Ald Pfeiffer to that effect which upon motion of Ald. Dix secd by Ald Hopson was laid over for the consideration of the Board at the next meeting In the absence of the Secretary, Ald Pfeiffer acted as secretary pro tem. On motion of Ald Belden scd by Ald Fullerton the Board adjourned to meet again on the 10th inst at 7 oclock George Pfeiffer B F Neal Secretary pro tem 100 Proceedings of the Board of aldermen con- =vened in the City of Corpus Christi, on the 10th October A.D. 1855. Wednesday Octr 10th 1855. 7 O’clk P.M. Present B F Neal. Mayor. Ald Belden, Bower, Blucher, Dix, Hopson, Fullerton, and Pfeiffer. The minutes of last meeting was read and approved. Ald Belden, read a letter to the Board from D S Howard, requesting him to present an Ordinance, relating to his contract with Somers Kinney, Ald Pfeiffer, presented a request from Simons Kinney to the same effect, and a copy of the Ordinance which read as follows. Channel “Whereas, Somers Kinney of Corpus Christi, the original contractor with said city for cutting and constructing a ship channel through the Mud Flats between Corpus Christi Bay and Aransas Pass, and Dean S Howard, of Lyonsdale N York, did in the nineteenth day of June AD 1855, make and enter into an agreement and contract between themselves Recognition of Contract in reference to said Ship channel, therefore ~~~~ Be it ordained by the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of said City of Corpus Christi, that the contract of the said Howard with the said Kinney is fully recog- =nized and approved; and that the rights, privilages, and power transferred to and conferred upon the said Howard by said Contract are acknowledged and recognized, and entitled to the same protection as though said Howard had contracted therefore directly with said city.” Whereupon Ald Hopson sed by Ald Fullerton, motioned the same be adopted and a copy forwarded to said Howard (Approved) Ald Blucher, presented to the Board the following account for their action -------- 101 The acct of Mr [Cannen], for grading streets &c &c for $73 50 ct. The acct of John Dix, for grading streets for a balance of $19.88 ct On motion the same were acknowledged and ordered to be paid. Ald Blucher, motioned that a committee of finance be appointed, whereupon his Honor the Mayor, appoint- =ted Aldm. Fullerton and Pfeiffer, in the same ~~ in conjunction with Ald Blucher, who has heretofore [acted], and whose assistants have resigned. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Bowen, they adjourned until Saturday evening next, 7 O’Clk P M. W Worthington Johnson Sec: C.C.C. Saturday evening. Octr 13th 1855. The Board met and the following proceedings were had Present, B F Neal Mayor. “ Ald Belden, Bowen, Blucher, Hopson, Fullerton and Pfeiffer, The minutes of last meeting was read, and the following amendments were offered; by Ald Blucher, that Ald Dix’s name be added to the Street committee, since Laurence resigned, By Ald Hopson, that in the acct, rendered by Ald Dix, the words “a balance of” be inserted, with these amendments – the minutes of the last meeting were approved. Ald Fullerton chairman of the committee on Finance ~~ presented his report to the Board, On motion of Ald Hopson, the same was adopted – Ald Hopson, also motioned, that a committee of three be appointed, to draft ordinances, relative to the matters set forth in said report ^ and Licensing & regulations Fandangoes ^ and to report on Thursday evening next, the same being approved by the Board, his Honor 102 the Mayor, appointed Aldmns. Hopson, Bowen, and Pfeiffer, said committee. On motion of Ald Blucher, secd by Hopson, that the law be put in force against all non payers of City Taxes, after the 1st November 1855, and that notice be given in the columns of the “Nueces Valley. (approved) The claims of Messrs Girgan and Fredericks, being placed before the Board, on motion of Ald Hopson the same was referred to the committee on Finance. Mr Holbein, tendered his resignation as City Treasurer, (to take effect Nov. 1th 1855. On motion of Ald Blucher the same was accepted. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Hopson, they adjourned until Thursday evening next. W Worthington Johnson Sec: C.C.C. C R Hopson Mayor pro Tem Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, convened Wednesday Evening 4 o’Clk Oct 30th 1855. Present. Ald Blucher, Bowen, Dix, Hopson, and “ Pfeiffer. His Honor the Mayor being absent on motion of Ald Pfeiffer, Ald Hopson, took the chair as Mayor pro tem. The minuets of last meeting read and approved, On motion Ald Dix, the renting of Council chambers laid over for the action of next meeting. On motion of Ald Blucher, the report of the Committee on Drafting Ordinances, was received, and ordered to be laid over until next meeting On motion of Ald Blucher, the report of the Finance committee was received, and also laid over until next meeting. On motion of Ald Dix, the proposition of C. C. Bryant 103 in relation to publishing & printing the transaction of the Corporation; was accepted. Whereupon the following resolution, offered by Ald Pfeiffer, was motioned, seconded & carried. Be it resolved by the Mayor and Board of Alder- =men of the City of Corpus Christi, that the propo- =sition of Chas. C. Bryant, proprietor of the Nueces Valley, to publish in said paper, beginning with the commencement of the present municipal year until its expiration, all of the proceedings had by the Board of Aldermen, reports of committees, accounts presented and allowed, inclusive of the proceedings had in the Mayors Court, be published in said paper, and that he receive in considera- =tion therefore forty dollars ($40.) per annum. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Blucher, it adjourned until Thursday evening at 7 o’clk P.M. Oct 31 Nov. 1th 1855. W. Worthington Johnson C R Hopson Sec: C. C. C. Mayor Pro tem CCC Proceedings of the Board of Alderman of the City of Corpus Christi, convened, Monday, evening 7 o’clk Novr 12th 1855. Present, Ald Hopson, Mayor pro tem Ald Blucher, Bowen, Dix & Pfeiffer. The Minutes of last meeting, were read & approved, Committee on selecting rooms for the use of the Mayors office and Council Chamber, reported that a room now occupied by Mr Holbein, had been offered to them, and very suitable for the aforesaid purpose, for $10. per month, which report upon motion was seconded and carried, and the room ordered to be rented Report of Committee on Streets were received, showing progress, and obtained leave for continuance John Dix, rendered his a/c with the Corporation, for improving streets which upon motion of Ald 104 Blucher, secdt By Ald Pfeiffer, was ordered by the Board to be paid, amount of said a/c being $13.00. Upon motion of Ald Blucher, secd by Ald Pfeiffer, it was resolved that Mr Shaw, the city assessor & collector be required to report at the next meeting of this Board, the amount of Taxes collected, together with a list of delinquents. On motion of Ald Blucher, sec by Belden, Ald Dix, was elected to act as Mayor pro tem, at all times during the absence of B. F. Neal Ayes Messrs Blucher & Belden Noes Ald Bowen, On motion of Ald Pfeiffer, it was seconded and carried that the regular meetings of the Board, should be once in every two weeks, commencing on the ensuing Monday Novr 19th 1855, at 7 o’clk P.M. On motion of Ald Belden, the Board adjourned to transact special Business on Thursday Novr 15th 1855. 7 o’clk P.M. John Dix W. Worthington Johnson Mayor pro tem Sect: C. C. City Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, Convened for Special Business. ~~ Thursday, Evening 7’O’Clk P.M. Novr 15th 1855. Present, Ald Dix, Mayor Pro tem. Ald Belden, Bowen, Blucher, Hopson & Pfeiffer. The minutes of last meeting read and approved. Mr Shaw, the City Assessor & Collector, being called upon for his report; upon explanation which were satisfactory to the Board, his time for making said report was extended, until the next regular meeting. The report of the Committee on Finance, laid over at the meeting on Octr 30th 1855, was called up, for defi- =nite action, Whereupon the following accounts were examined in detail, and ordered to be paid. 1st = N. Grogans, a/c, for Board, of Pauper Watkins, Prisoners, and others confined in the City Jail, 105 for the amount of $16.40/100, being found reasonable as reported, on motion of Ald Blucher, the same was ordered to be paid. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2d Wm A. Fredericks, a/c. for /$17.00, on motion of Ald ~ Blucher, was amended, to wit: the amt of $2.50 per diem ~ for 6 days services in superintending, workmen on streets, was ~ reduced to $1.50 per diem, the remaining charges of the a/c ~ allowed, a/c as amended $11.00, ordered to be paid. 3rd [Jno:] P Kissane, a/c for $35.95, on motion of Ald Blucher, ~ the amt of $5, charged for removing carrion, was reduced to ~ $2.00, On motion of Ald Belden, the charge of $32, for ~ directing the distribution of sand in public streets, reduced to ~ $30, Mr Kissane, acknowledged an error in entry of $4, which ~ was stricken off, the a/c, thus amended stood $16.95, which ~ was ordered to be paid. The credits on said Bill, in ~ favour of the City, were acknowledged and approved by ~ the Board. The report of the Committee on Ordinances, being next in order, that portion of the report relative to the Taxing of Retail Liquors Vendors, on motion of Ald Belden, was postponed until the next regular meeting The Ordinance, respecting Fandangoes & Dance Houses on motion, seconded, and carried, was so amended, to read as follows, to wit. Fandango An Ordinance for the Licenseing and regulation of Fan- =dangoes, and Dances of that description. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Section 1st ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that no Fandangoes or Dances of that description or nature, shall be held within the License 5$ limits of the City of Corpus Christi, except, the same be regularly licensed, and that such person or persons, desirous of holding a Fandangoe or dance, shall have obtained from the Mayor a License to that Effect, the fees for such License shall be “Five” Dollars, and in all cases payable in advance. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Section 2d ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That if any person or person’s shall violate the 106 first section of this Ordinance he, she, or they, shall be fined upon conviction thereof, before the Mayor, in the sum not less than “Ten” nor more Penalty than “Fifteen” Dollars, and upon failure to pay said for violating Fine, shall be imprisoned in the City Jail, and made to work in the Chain-Gang, a period not exceeding Thirty days, at the discretion of the Mayor. Section 3rd ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That it shall be the duty of the Marshall, to Duty of Marshall be in attendance in all such Fandangoes or Dances, to attend for the purpose of keeping order and preserving the Peace, and that his fees for such attendance be “Two Dollars & fifty Cents” to be paid by said party or parties giving said Fandangoes or Dances, invariably in advance. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Section 4th That all Ordinances or Laws heretofore passed ~ Repealing conflicting with the provisions of this Ordinance be clause and the same are hereby repealed, this Ordinance to take effect from and after the “Twentieth day of November A D. 1855.” On motion of Ald Belden, the Board adjourned to meet, Monday evening 7’O’Clk, PM, Novr 1919 1855. W. Worthington Johnson John Dix Sec: C C. C. Mayor pro tem Proceeding, of the Board of Aldermen, convened, Monday, Evening 7’O’Clock P.M. Novr 19th AD. 1855. Regular meeting. The Board met. ~ Present. ~ B. F. Neal, Mayor. Ald Blucher, Belden, Bowen, Hopson, Dix, and Pfeiffer - Minutes of last meeting read and approved. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 107 The committee on Ordinances relative to Taxing Retail Liquor Establishments, reported, Upon motion of Ald Pfeiffer, secd by Belden, said Report was postponed for further action, until the next Regular meeting of the Board, and motion made to appoint a Committee to examine the Legality of the City in imposing said Tax, Whereupon his Honor the Mayor, appointed Alds Belden, Blucher, and Pfeiffer, upon said Committee, upon motion of Ald Blucher, seconded , and Carried, His Honor the Mayor was appointed one of the Committee. The claims against the City, of Messrs Belden, and Cannon and Grogan, were presented to the Board for payment, on motion of Ald Pfeiffer, secd by Hopson, said claims were ordered to be referred to the Committee on Finance. On motion of Ald Pfeiffer, secd by Ald Dix, a committee was appointed to draft amendments to the present Charter of Corpus Christi City, whereupon his Honor the Mayor, appointed, Ald Dix, Hopson and Pfeiffer said Committee. Upon the motion of Ald Hopson secd by Ald Blucher, Seventy five ($75.) Dollars per annum, was allowed to the City Secretary, as a Salary for services to the Board. There being no further business, on motion of Ald Pfeiffer, the Board adjourned to meet at its next regular term. W. Worthington Johnson Sec C. C. C. B. F. Neal Mayor C C C 108 Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, Convened Monday evening 7’O’Clock PM Regular Meeting Decr 3rd 1855. The Board met pursuant to ~ adjournment, Present B. F. Neal. Mayor. “ Ald Blucher, Belden, Bowen, Dix, Fullerton, Hopson, and Pfeiffer. Minutes of last meeting read and approved, Ald Pfeiffer, chairman of the Committee on Taxing Liquor dealers, &c, reported, and asked leave for Con- =tinuance, On motion of Ald Blucher, seconded and carried, the same was laid on the table, Committee on Finance reported, on motion of Ald Pfeiffer, secd by Fullerton, report received, and Warrant on the Treasury to be issued, for the a/c embraced in said report, viz: ~~~~~~~~~~~~ T. Belden & Co $31.04. John Cannon $11.25. N. Grogan $24.00 Ald Pfeiffer, reported in behalf of the Committee, on Amending City Charter, shewing progress, and motioned for Continuance, the same being placed before the Board extension was granted until next Regular Meeting. W. S. Shaw, City Assessor and Collector, presented his Report, on motion of Ald Belden, secd by Ald Pfeiffer, the same was returned, and amendments suggested, to be again reviewed at the next regular meeting of the Board. Ms’rs F Belden & Co, and B F Neal, presented their claims against the City for settlement, the same were referred to the Committee on Finance. His Honor the Mayor presented to the Board an Ordinance, to raise a revenue for the support of the City, to build a Prison, and other purposes; Ald Dix secd by Belden, motioned a committee be appointed, to act upon the various sections of said Ordinance & to report for the approval of the Board at the next regular meeting ~ 109 Committee on Taxing Liquor Establishments, were appointed to act upon said ordinance. On motion of Ald Fullerton, secd and carried the Board adjourned until the next Regular meeting. W. Worthington Johnson Sec: C C C Benj F Neal Mayor C C C Proceedings of the Board of City Alderman, Regular Meeting. Monday, evening 7’o’clk P.M. Decr 17th 1855. Present. Ald Blucher, Belden and Hopson. There not being a sufficient number of Aldermen present to constitute a quorum, the regular meeting was postponed until the following evening ~ the 18th inst. Tuesday evening 7 O’Clock P.M. Decr 18th 1855. Present. B. F. Neal, Mayor. Ald Blucher, Belden, Dix and Hopson. The minutes of last meeting read and approved. Ald blucher on behalf of the Committee on Finance presented their Report, and motioned its adoption the same was received by the Board, and the following a/c s’ ordered to be paid. ~ Viz: ~ B F Neal $19 [] T. Belden. Co 8 52 On motion of Ald blucher secd by Hopson the further action of the Committee on Taxing Liquor Dealers, was postponed until intelligence be received from Austin, of the action of the State Legislature relative to said Taxation. On motion of Ald Blucher, secd by Belden, the Committee on Streets are hereby empowered to make passable and otherwise improve Lipan and Musquit Street of this City Ald Belden sec by Blucher, motioned that the Ordinance relative to digging Holes and Wells, within the City Limits, passed June 16th 1853, be re-published and enforced. (See pages 27 & 2[] for said Ordinance) 110 On motion of Ald Belden secd by Blucher, it was ordered by the Board, “That monies received in future for Fandan- -goe Licenses, by the Treasurer, shall be used in defraying the expenses of Flooring the City Jail, and the Mayor is hereby authorized to appropriate a sufficiency of said Fund for the purpose aforesaid. On motion of Ald Blucher secd by Belden, the following Ordinance was approved by the Board and ordered to be published and enforced An Ordinance regulating the Killing of Beef Cattle. Section 1st ~ “Be it ordained by the Mayor & Aldermen of the City “of Corpus Christi, that all persons intending to kill Hides “Beef Cattle, either for their own use or for the purpose of Inspection of “selling the meat in the market, shall be obliged to “have the hides of all animals so killed, inspected by “the City Marshall, within twelve hours after the animal “has been killed and pay unto the said officer the “amount of 12/2 cents for each hide thus inspected. ============================ Section 2d “That it shall be the duty of the City Marshall upon “thus being applied, to take a memorandum of all City Marshall “Brands, Ear-Marks, or other distinctive sign of the said duty of “hide, and enter the same, together with the name of the “person so applying, and the date of his application, - “into a separate Book, which shall be kept at the “Mayors office, open at all times for public inspection. ============================ Section 3rd “That any person or persons violating the provisions “of this Ordinance shall upon conviction thereof, be fined Fine “in any sum not exceeding Twenty Dollars, to be recovered “before the Mayor, or any competant authority of the Law. ============================ Section 4th “That this Ordinance take effect after its publication. ============================ On motion of Ald Dix, seconded, and Carried, the City Treasurer and Secretary are hereby required to furnish Quarterly Statements of their respective departments to the Board, Commencing Jany 1th 1856. On motion of Ald 111 Blucher secd by Belden, the following ordinance was adopted and approved by the Board. Market An Ordinance Regulating the City Market. (Section 1st “Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen “of the City of Corpus Christi, that from and after the first “day of January A.D. 1856, it shall not be lawful for any Market “person or persons, to occupy any stall or house situated “upon the Market square, without previously having pro- “-cured a license in accordance with the provisions of “this Ordinance. Section 2d “That all persons vending Meats, vegetables, fish, or “Coffee shall pay an annual Tax of twelve dollars “per annum payable quarterly in advance, for each “stall so occupied, and all persons occupying any stall “or house for the purpose of vending Ardent spirits, shall “pay for such privalege the sum of five dollars per “month in advance. Section 3rd “That in presenting the receipt of the Treasurer of said “City to the Secretary, showing that the Taxes above specif- “-ied have been paid with the Treasury, The Secretary “of the Board shall issue a License to the applicant “Corresponding to the amount paid. Section 4th “That this Ordinance take effect and be in force “from and after its promulgation, and any person “violating the provisions of the foregoing ordinance “shall upon conviction thereof be fined in any “sum not exceeding One hundred nor less than five “dollars.) On motion of Ald Belden the Board adjourned to meet for special business, Saturday evening 7.O’Clock PM Decr 22d 1855. W Worthington Johnson Benj F Neal Sec. C. C. C. Mayor C C C 112 Proceedings of the Board of City Aldermen. - Regular Meeting. Monday, Decr 31th 1855. 7 O’Clk P M. Present B F. Neal Mayor “ Ald Belden, Blucher, Dix & Pfeiffer. Absent. Ald Fullerton, Hopson & Bowen Minutes of last meeting read; and approved by all amendment to the “Ord Regulating the Killing of Beef Cattle”. on motion of Ald Blucher, seconded and carried the following Section was appended thereto. ~~~~~~~~ Sec: 5th That any person or persons, killing Beef Cattle or ~~~~~~ bringing meat within the Corporate limits of the City ~~ Beef Cattle ~~~~~~ without notifying the City Marshall and ~~~~~~ exhibiting the Hide for Inspection, shall be ~~~~~~ fined as set forth in the 3rd Section of this ~~~~~~ Ordinance. On motion of Ald Blucher, the report of the Committee on Finance was received and approved, and City scrip ordered to be issued for the a/c of Reuben Holbein for Rent for council Chambers, amt of Bill $1000 On motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Blucher, the Report of the City assessor & Collector, Mr S Shaw, was received. On motion of Ald Pfeiffer, secd & carried, the rules were suspended for this meeting, relative to the a/c of B F Neal for $40, for Room Rent, and Scrip was ordered to be issued for the same On motion of Ald Belden secd by Pfeiffer, the Reports of the City Assessor & Collector, Treasury, Secretary, & Marshall were referred to the Committee on Finance His Honor the Mayor appointed additional aldermen to the Committee on Finance, viz. Ald Pfeiffer, Belden and Dix. On motion of Ald Dix, secd by Blucher, it was ordered that City Scrip be issued to the Secretary, for his half years Salary, ending December 31th, ~ amounting to $3750 ~~ On Motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd By Blucher ~ Richard Orlopp was balloted [] for the office of Assistant City Marshall, and having received the unanimous vote of the Board he is hereby 113 declared duly elected to said office On motion of Ald Belden, the Rules regulating the attendance of Aldermen, as approved May 25th 1854, will be enforced on and after the date of this meeting, There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Blucher secod by Pfeiffer, they adjourned until the next Regular meeting in course. W. Worthington Johnson Secretary C.C.C. Benj F. Neal Mayor C. C C Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, Monday, evening 7 O’Clock Regular Meeting January 14th 1856. Present B F Neal Mayor Messrs Belden, Dix, Hopson, Fullerton & Pfeiffer Aldermen, Absent Ald Bowen & Blucher. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Minutes of last meeting read and approved On motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Hopson, the Report of the Committee on Finance was received and acted upon On motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Hopson, it is ordered that the City Treasurer, furnish the Board at its next meeting, his vouchers for accounts paid ~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~ Ald Fullerton, presented a Petition from Somers Kinney and his associate Contractors, praying for a further Extension of time, to complete the Cutting of the Ship Channel &c &c. ~~~~ On motion of Ald Hopson sec by Pfeiffer, the Petition was granted and the following Ordinance, approved and adop- -ted. Channel An Ordinance extending the time for cutting the Ship Channel through the Mud Flats near and at the outlet of Corpus Christi Bay, ~~~~~~~~~ Whereas, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Somers Kinney, Contractor with the Corporation of the City of Corpus Christi for cutting a Ship Channel through the Mud Flats intervening between said City and Aransas Pass under an Ordinance passed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of said City on 114 the 15th day of May A D. 1854. and D. E. Watrous, J. C. Riddle and D. S. Howard, subsequent Contractors with said Kinney in reference to said Kinney Channel, have petitioned the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of said City for an extension of time for the commencement and Channel completion of the work on said channel, which said commencement now stands limited to the 1st day of February A. D. 1856. by a supplementary Ordinance passed to that Effect on the 26th day of June A. D. 1855. Therefore: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Section 1th Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of ~ Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi: That a further extension of time be granted to Somers Kinney, and his associate contractors for deepening the Ship Channel between said City and Aransas Pass, Provided, that said Kinney and his associates in said Contract, for the Construction of said Channel, shall have the Machinery and Materials necessary for the Dredge Boat, to be used in Cutting said Channel at Corpus Christi Bay, on the 1st day of March A. D. 1856. and shall proceed to the Construction of said Dredge, ~ and preparation of said Machinery, and have the same in operation on the 1st day of May A. D. 1856. And Keep the same in operation until the Channel shall be completed, as set forth in accordance with the Ordinance passed June 26th A. D. 1855. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Section 2d Be it further Ordained, That Section 1st of an Ordinance passed June 26th A. D. 1855. be so amended, that the Repealing time stipulated for the Completion of said Contract, requiring the Completion of said Channel by the 1st day of August A. D. 1856, be, and the same to hereby repealed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ald Pfeiffer, presented the Petition of J. C. Riddle’s and others, praying for a charter and from the State of Texas to improve the mouth of Nueces River, and the Construction of a causeway at the [Rivers] &c. ~ the same being read ~ the motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Hopson, the following resolution was adopted and approved. Resolved That the Mayor and Board of Aldermen 115 of the City of Corpus Christi, sign the foregoing Petition to the Legislature of the State ,in their official capacity. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Belden, secd & carried, they adjourned until the next regular meeting in course, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ W. Worthington Johnson Sec. C C C. Benj F. Neal Mayor C C C Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of City Aldermen, convened at on their Regular night of meeting ~ Monday evening 7.O’Clock P M Present. Ald Bender & Dix. Absent Mayor Neal, Ald Blucher, Bowen, Hopson, ~~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~ Pfeiffer, Fullerton. ~~~~ No quorum ~ The Board met again on the next regular night of meeting. Monday evening 7 O’Clock P M February 11th 1856 Present. B F Neal Mayor Ald Belden, Bowen, Dix, Pfeiffer Hopson, and Fullerton. Absent Ald Blucher. The minutes of last meeting read and approved On motion of Ald Belden secd by Pfeiffer, the absentees of the Board of Aldermen, were called upon for an explanation for their non-attendance since the last regular meeting of Decr. 31th 1855, whereupon the following fines were ordered to be entered up, Ald Fullerton $1. Hopson $1. Bowers $1. Pfeiffer $1. and Blucher $3. On motion of Ald Dix secd by Belden, it was ordered that the accounts of B F Neal, C C Bryant, R Holbein, T Belden, Keenan, Headen and [Toomey] be referred to the Committee on Finance, to report at the next regular meeting ~~~~~~~~ On motion of Ald Belden secd by Pfeiffer 116 a committee was appointed by his Honor the Mayor, to examen the law in reference to Passengers coming to the State, and the establishing of a City Hospital Ald Belden Fullerton and Pfeiffer were appointed to constitute said Committee. On motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Belden, His Honor the Mayor was added to said committee. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Fullerton secd by Belden They adjourned until the next regular meeting in course W Worthington Johnson Benj F Neal Sec C C C Mayor C C C Proceedings of a Special Meeting of the Board of City Aldermen, called by order of the Mayor Wednesday Evening 7 O’Clock P M February 20th 1856. Present. B F. Neal Mayor Ald Blucher, Dix, Fullerton, Hopson & Pfeiffer Absent Ald Bowen & Belden His Honor the Mayor stated to the Board, that his object in calling them together this evening, was to act upon the proposition of the County of Nueces, in combining with the City of Corpus Christi, in the purchase of an Iron Prison for the use of said County and City On motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Hopson the proposition of the County of Nueces to unite with the City for the purpose aforesaid was received On motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Dix, the following resolution was unanimously adopted. Resolved, That whereas the necessity of a Jail is much ~~~~~~~ felt in this City, and the County of Nueces ~~~~~~~ has issued her Bond of $500 to unite with ~~~~~~~ the City of Corpus Christi to purchase an ~~~~~~~ Iron Prison ~~~~~~~ Therefore be it resolved by the Mayor ~~~~~~~ and /aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi 117 ~~~~~~~ that Ald S W Fullerton, be authorized and ~~~~~~~ empowered to purchase for said city an Iron ~~~~~~~ Prison of the size and quality required for ~~~~~~~ this purpose. That the City of Corpus Christi, ~~~~~~~ pay the Balance, or similar amount of that ~~~~~~~ subscribed by the County, of the Cost of said ~~~~~~~ Prison, And that a committee be appointed ~~~~~~~ to raise money by private subscription in ~~~~~~~ behalf of the city for said purpose ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Whereupon his Honor the Mayor, appointed Ald Dix, Pfeiffer, and Blucher, the Committee to raise funds by subscription. ~~~~~~~ On motion of Ald Blucher secd by Hopson, it was resolved that a copy of the foregoing resolution be furnished Ald S W Fullerton, by the Secretary: duly certified, and authenticated by the Clerk of Nueces County. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Pfeiffer, seconded, and carried, they adjourned to meet again the next Regular term W. Worthington Johnson B F. Neal Secretary C. C. C. Mayor C C. C. Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, of the City of Corpus Christi, convened. (special Meeting) Friday, evening 7 O’Clock P.M. March 21th A. D. 1856. Present. B. F. Neal. Mayor. “ Ald Blucher Belden, Bowen, Dix, & Hopson The Minutes of last meeting read and approved. On motion of Ald Blucher, secd by Belden, the Rule was suspended for this evening, relative to referring accounts, to the Financial Committee. On motion of Ald Blucher secd by Belden, the account current of B F. Neal, with the City, was received and found to be Correct. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 118 On motion of the said Alderman, seconded and carried the following accounts were ordered to be paid, viz. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reuben Holbein, For office rent. $20.00 Richard Keenan “ Work on City Jail 11.81 M. Headen, “ Nails furnished City. 1.60 E. Petzel “ Iron work for City Jail 4.00 Solemen Kinney “ Feeding Prisoners 5.25 F Belden & Co. Febry 5th 1856. Balance on a/c $5.71 F Belden & Co. March 17th 1856, Lumber, spikes & Labor furnished City. 16 25 $ 21.96 [Dr] to over-issue of City Scrip. 8.52 13.44 Ald Blucher, for sufficient reason shewn the Board, the $2 charged against him for non-attendance, was remitted. There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Ald Blucher, seconded and carried, they adjourned until Monday evening 7’O’Clock P M, March 24th 1856. W. Worthington Johnson Benj. F. Neal Sec C C C. Mayor C C. C. Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of Alder= =men, of the City of Corpus Christi, Convened Monday evening 7 O’Clock Special Meeting. April 28th 1856. Present B F Neal Mayor “ Ald Bowen, Dix, Hopson & Pfeiffer The minutes of last meeting read and approved On motion of Ald Hopson, secd by Pfeiffer, at the request of the Contractors for Dredging the Channel channel &c, between Aransas Pass, and Corpus Christi) The first section of the Ordinance passed January 14th 1856 is so amended, that 119 the time for the beginning of the work on said contract is hereby extended to the First day of January 1857. To raise & provide revenue for City purposes, On motion of Ald Dix secd by Pfeiffer, His honor the Mayor, appointed Ald Bowen, Dix & Pfeiffer, to constitute a committee to provide means for City Revenues, and to draft ordinances therefore, said Committee to report on Wednesday evening ensuing. On motion of Ald Dix secd by Hopson, It was resolved by the Board, that on and after the first day of May 1856, that all Dogs within the Corporate limits of this City, shall be taxed, each $ One, and Sluts $ Three, each, that the City Marshall shall proceed to assess said animals [illegible] and make a written report of the same, subject to the confirmation of the Board, previous to Collection, Upon further motion as aforesaid, the further action of this resolution was referred to the Committee on Revenus, referred to in the proceeding paragraph. On motion of Ald Pfeiffer, secd & carried the Board adjourned until Wednesday evening 30th inst. W. Worthington Johnson Benj F Neal Sec. C C. C Mayor C C C Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, convened Wednesday 30th April 1856. Special Meeting. 7 O’Clock P M. Present B F Neal, Mayor. “ Ald Bowen, Dix, Hopson & Pfeiffer. The Minutes of last Meeting read and approved. The committee on revenue reported in favor of the Resolution increasing taxation on Dogs, and recommend its passage. Report of Committee acted upon, and Resolution affirmed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On motion of Ald Dix, secd by Hopson, ‘the following 120 Resolution was approved and ordered to be promulgated Be it ordained, by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, of the City of Corpus Christi, that from and after the passage of this resolution, it shall be the duty of the several officers of said City, to enforce that portion of the Ordinance to raise a revenue for the use of said City, approved November 16th A D 1853 – so far as the same relates to the imposing licences for the Retail of Spirituous Liquors and other avocations – to take effect from the 1st Monday of May A D 1856. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On motion of Ald Pfeiffer secd by Dix, the following ordinance, dividing the City into Convenient Wards, was adopted, entitled. [illegible] An Ordinance dividing the City of Corpus Christi, into Convenient Wards. ( Section First: Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Board of “ Aldermen, of the City of Corpus Christi, that “ from and after the passage of this ordinance “ the City of Corpus Christi shall be divided “ into Three (3) Wards, as follows, ~~~~~~~ “ That portion of the City of Corpus Christi “ West of Broadway shall comprise the First Dividing City into Wards “ Ward, That all that portion of the City, - “ East of Broadway, and South of Schatzell “ Street, shall constitute the Second Ward, “ and all that portion of said City North “ of said Schatzell Street, shall comprise the “ Third Ward.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Be it further ordained that it shall be the duty of the Mayor, at the next ensuing Election in June, to order [units] of Election for two Aldermen in each Ward, and one Floater for the City, at large, and that he shall appoint suitable persons to superintend said election in each Ward, who shall make due return of the result of said election according to Law. The a/c’s of John Dix & Mandeola, against the City, were referred for further action to the Committee 121 on Finance, His Honor the Mayor, appointed Ald Hopson, as a member of said committee. No further business before the Board, Whereupon, on motion of Ald Pfeiffer, secd and carried, they adjourned, until the next Regular meeting in course. W. Worthington Johnson Benj F Neal Sec: C C C. Mayor C. C. C Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, convened June 18th 1856. Present H. A. Maltby, Mayor. “ Bowen, Cannon, Cahill & McMartin. Aldermen, The minutes of the past meeting of the Board, were read and adopted. On motion of Ald McMartin, sed by Bowen, the Bond of the City Treasurer for the ensuing Municipal Year, was fixed at Five Hundred Dollars. The Secretary elect for the City. ( O’Docharty.) failing to qualify as by law required, and the present incumbent W W Johnson, declining to serve, On motion of Ald Mc Martin, sed by Bowen, Reuben Holbein Esqr was elected to serve as Secretary Pro: tempore, On motion of Ald Bowen, secd by cannon, His Honor the Mayor, appointed Ald Cahill, to enter into a contract for the renting of a House at $6 per month, the property of Mrs Smith, situated on Water Street, to be used for Mayors Office and City purpose. ~~~~ His Honor the Mayor, appointed Ald Cannon, and McMartin, a Committee to furnish the same to report at the next meeting. No further business, on motion of Ald McMartin, scd by Cannon, the Board adjourned until wednesday evening ensuing. W Worthington Johnson Henry A Maltby Sec C. C C. Mayor C. C. C. 122 Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, convened June 25th, A. D. 1856. ~~ Present, ~~ Henry A. Maltby, Mayor Bowen, Cannon, Cahill, McMartin, Fisher, Aldermen. The minuets of the last meeting were read and approved. Report received from Mr Cahill Appointed at last Meeting, to rent room for May or ~~ adopted. The committee Mr Cannon and McMartin, apointed at last meeting to furnish Councel room with seats, &c, asked for further time to make report in, which was granted On motion of Ald Cahill, seconded by Cannon that all the City Officers be required to make their report at next Meeting On motion of Ald Fisher seconded by Ald Cannon, they adjourned to meet again on Wednesday evening July 9th, A.D. 1856. Jas McMartin Henry A. Maltby Sec protem. Mayor C.C.C. 123 Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, Called Session July 9th 1856 Present H A Maltby, Mayor “ James McMartin, } C Cahill “ Andrew Fisher } Aldermen “ John Cannon } “ Thomas Bowen “ Reuben Holbeing Secretary “ J P Kissane Marshal Quorum being present, Board proceeded to business The minutes of last Meeting were read and approved The Verbal report of James McMartin Chairman of special committee for supplying office with the necessary furniture was received and committee discharged Report of J P Kissane City Marshal, for Dog Licenses collected by him from May 1st to July 9th 1856, was received, and referred to committee on finance – On motion McMartin Secd by Aldm Fisher, the City Treasurer was allowed further time to make his report The Mayor appointed Alderman Cahill, Bowen and McMartin, Committee on finance The Message of his Honor the Mayor giving his Views upon matters affecting the general interest of the City, was received and read The following Accounts against the City of Corpus Christi were received and referred to the Committee on finance Viz over 124 Charles [G …….anh] for printing. [& & & &] Thomas [Turney] for Hauling on Streets, Andrew Fisher for office furniture, J P Kissane City Marshal Reuben Holbein for office rent The report of William A Fredericks for Dog Licenses collected by him as assistant Marshal was received and referred to Committee on finance The election of City Marshal, assistant Marshal and Assessor and Collector being next in order Whereupon J P Kissane, J R Goff, and W A Fredericks presented themselves as Candidates for the office of City Marshal, and upon Ballott resulted in the election of J P Kissane, he having received a majority of votes polled The election of Assistant Marshal was next held, J P Goff and W A Fredericks presenting themselves as Candidates for said office, and upon Ballott J P Goff was declared elected to the office of Asst Marshal, he having received a Majority of votes polled J P Goff, J P Kissane and W S Shaw, presented themselves as Candidates for the office of Assessor and Collector Whereupon the Board proceeded to Ballott which resulted in the election of J P Kissane, he having received a Majority of Votes polled for that office On motion Ald McMartin, Sec by Ald Cahill, the bonds of the Assessor & Collector & City Marshals Were fixed at the sum of Five hundred ($500) dollars each, for the present year 125 On Motion Ald Fisher Secd by Ald Cannon, the following Ordinance was adopted, entitled An Ordinance to provide the City with a Common Seal Seal Section First Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that the Mayor be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to provide a Seal for said City, whereon shall be engraved in the Center a star of five points, and around the Margin the Words, “City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas,” which Seal shall be left in the Mayors office and shall be used in the authentication of all official Acts. (except such process as shall issue from the Mayors Court, of the City of Corpus Christi) Section Second Be it further ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of said City that the sum of fifteen Dollars, be and the same is hereby appropriated, and that a corresponding amount of City Scrip issue to purchase said Seal Section Third Be it further ordained by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of said City, that this ordinance be in force from and after its passage) On Motion Ald McMartin Secd by Fisher, the ordinance regulating the fees of the Mayor was referred to Committee on finance On Motion Aldn McMartin Secd by Cahill the regular Meetings of the Board were set for the first and third Mondays in every Month. Whereupon the Board adjourned until Meeting in Course. Reuben Holbein Henry A Maltby, secretary C. C. C. Mayor C C. C. 126 Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi. Texas. Special Meeting July 12th 1856 Present H A Martby Mayor “ Thomas Bowen } “ Andrew Fisher } “ C Cahill } Aldermen “ J McMartin } “ Reuben Holbein Secretary “ J P Kissane Marshal Quorum being present, Board proceeded to business. The reading of the Minutes of last Meeting Were dis pensed with On Motion of Ald McMartin Secd by Fisher the following Ordinance was adopted, entitled An Ordinance Supplementary to an Ordinance passed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi on the [17th] day of May A D one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, related to Cutting of and Constructing a Ship Channel between Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass Section 1th Be it ordained by the Mayor and Board of Alder= Appropriations of the men of the City of Corpus Christi, that, if the Legislature Legislature for mud flat of the State of Texas, shall make to the Corporation enterprise of said City for the purpose of aiding and assisting in the Construction of the Ship Channel above-named, any appropriation or appropriations, either in land or money, unconditional or with conditions, therein and in that case, the Contractors with the Corporation of said City, for Cutting and Constructing said Ship Channel under the ordinance to which this is a sup= =plement, and under whatsoever other ordinances said Mayor & Board of Aldermen may have passed on the subject of said Ship Channel, shall be en= titled to have, receive, hold, and own Nine-tenths of the value of said appropriation that may be; that 127 the relinquishment, by the Corporation of said City, of said Nine-tenths, shall take effect from and after date of passage or approval of this Ordinance; and the right of said Contractors to have, receive, hold and own the same, shall commence on the date of said appropriation that may be, and that the Mayor and Board of Alderman shall, within a reasonable time after date of said appropriation that may be, pass a further Ordinance Confirming said relinquishment and said right Section 2d That in Case said Legislature shall Confer on the Corporation of said City, for the purpose of aiding, assisting and encouraging the Construction of said Ship Channel, any benefit, privilege, use or enjoy= =ment other than the aforesaid appropriation, that may be, which is not mentioned in, or conferred by, the Act of the Legislature of Texas, passed on the 11th day of February A D 1854, providing for and authorizing the Cutting and Construction of said Ship Channel, then said Contractors are, and shall be, from date thereof, entitled thereto as they are to the benefits, privileges, uses and enjoyments men= =tioned in, and confirmed by, said Act of said Legis= =lature, under Conditions of said Ordinance to which this is a supplement, and other Ordinances passed heretofore on the subject of said Ship Channel – On Motion Ald McMartin Secd by Cahill, the following Committee were appointed by the Mayor to draw up a Memorial to the Legislature of the State of Texas, for a Rail-road Charter from Corpus Christi to Eagle Pass. Viz – McMartin Chairman, Cahill and Fisher – Whereupon the Board adjourned until Meeting in Course Reuben Holbein Henry A Maltby Secretary C C C Mayor C. C C 128 Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi Texas Convened August 11th A D 1856 Special Meeting Present H A Maltby Mayor “ Jas McMartin } “ John Cannon } “ Andrew Fisher } Aldermen “ Cornelius Cahill } The Secretary being Absent his Honor the Mayor appointed Jas McMartin as Special Secre= tary for this evening The Committee on finance not being ready to make their report owing to the absence of Alderman Bowen Whereupon further leave was granted them There being no further business before the Board, on motion of Alderman Cahill they adjourned to meet on Thursday evening next. Henry A Maltby Jas McMartin Mayor C. C. C Sec Protem. Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of Alder= men of the City of Corpus Christi Convened August 14th A. D. 1856. Present H. A. Maltby Mayor “ John Cannon } “ Jas McMartin } “ Andrew Fisher } Aldermen Tere being no quorum present the board adjourned untill Meeting in Course Henry A Maltby Mayor C C. C August 18th A. D. 1856. this being the regular night of meting of the board. but no quorum present. Stood adjourned until Meeting in Course Henry A Maltby Mayor C C C 129 Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi Convened September 8th A. D. 1856. Special Meeting Present Henry A Maltby Mayor “ Jas McMartin } “ John Cannon } “ Andrew Fisher } Aldermen “ Thomas Bowen. } “ Cornelius Cahill } Quorum being present board proceeded to business the proceedings of last regular and Special Meetings were read and approved Committee on Finance reported “favorable” upon the following a/cs and upon motion of Ald Cannon were audited and ordered to be paid. Charles Bryant a/c for printing $ 50 00 [& & & & ] 12 00 A Fishers a/c for office Furniture R Holbeins a/c for office rent 10 00 John Hunsakers a/c for office rent 12 00 Wm Fredricks a/c as assistant marshall The a/c of [T Turney] for $ for work on streets was upon motion of Ald Fisher rejected The a/c of John P Kissane City Marshall, was upon motion of Ald Fisher laid over for further consideration by the committee on Finance On motion of Ald Fisher seconded by Ald Cahill the Board proceeded to elect an Assistant Marshall, the name of Wm A Fred- ricks being presented as a candidate for said office and upon Ballot he was declared elected he having received a Majority of the votes polled On motion of Ald Cannon scd by Ald Cahill Aldermen Cannon McMartin and 130 Cahill were appointed a committe to report on Streets and Nuicances On motion of Ald Cahill secd by Closing Stores on the Ald Fisher the following resolution was passed Sabbath Be it resolved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen the the City ordinance regulating the Closing of Groceries & Stores on the sabbath be from and after the passage of this resolution be carried into effect On motion of Ald McMartin secd by Ald Cannon the Board adjourned until Meeting in Course. Henry A Maltby Mayor C C. C. Proceedings of the Mayor & Board of aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi. Convened October 9th A. D. 1856 Special Meeting Present Henry A Maltby Mayor “ John Cannon } “ Andrew Fisher } Aldermen “ James McMartin “ Cornelius Cahill Quorum present Board proceeded to business the Minutes of the last Special Meeting were read and approved Report of Committees postponed until next Meeting Upon Motion of J McMartin Ald the following resolution was adopted Be it resolved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi. – that John P Kissane City Marshall and Assessor 131 and collector of said City pay into the City Treasury on or before the next regular meeting of the City Councel, all monies he has collected by virtue of his several offices and render a full and complete account (at the next regular Mee= ting of the City Counsel.) with the City of his proceed= dings, in default of all which he shall be dis= charged from his offices. On motion of Ald Fisher a committe of three were appointed by his Honor the Mayor. consisting of Ald McMartin, Cahill and Fisher to report at the next Meeting, on the best ways and means of building a City Hospital On motion of Ald Fisher secd by Ald Cannon it was resolved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, that J P Goff assistant Marshall be required to render his account current, with the city at the next regular meeting of the Board On motion of Ald Fisher secd by Ald Cahill that the Mayor notify the City Marshalls of the passage of the above resolutions, under his hand and seal of office carried On motion of Ald Cannon secd by Ald Cahill Board adjourned untill meeting in course. Henry A Maltby Mayor C C C 132 Proceedings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the city of Corpus Christi Special Meeting Wednesday Evening Nov 19 1856 Present H. A Maltby, Mayor “ John Cannon } “ Andrew Fisher } “ Thomas Bowen } Aldermen “ Cornelius Cahill } “ Frederick Marshall The Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved Mr D S Howard presented Channel a Petition praying for an extention of time to dig out the mud-flats. On motion of Alderman Bowen, seconded by Alderman Canon Said petition was laid over for further consideration until to-morrow morn= ing at 9 o’clock On motion of Ald Fisher, seconded by Ald Bowen, It was resolved by the Mayor and board of Aldermen that hereaf= ter the regular days of meeting of the City Council be on the First and Third Thurs= days of every Month On motion of Alder Bowen and Secd by Ald Cannon the board adjourned until to-morrow morning Henry Maltby C. Cahill Mayor CCC Sectry Pro tem 133 Proceedings of the Mayor and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi Special Meeting Thursday Moring Nov 20,, 1856 Pursuant to adjournment the council met at 9 o’cl’k Present H A. Maltby, Mayor “ John Cannon } “ Andrew Fisher } Aldermen “ Thos Bowen } “ C Cahill } “ Frederick Marshall The Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved H A Maltby, Mayor submitted the following ordinance to the Council which on motion of Ald. Cahill Seconded by Ald Fisher was unanimously passed an approved viz An Ordinance of the City of Corpus Christi, supplementary to an ordinance passed by the Mayor and Board of Channel Aldermen of said City, extending the time for commencing work on the Ship Channel between Corpus Christi Bay and Aransas pass. Be it enacted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that the time for commencing the work of cutting and extension of time opening the Ship Channel between Cor= pus Christi Bay and Aransas Pass, as provided for and expressed in ordinances heretofore passed by the Mayor and board of Aldermen of said city, be, and the same is hereby extended until the first day of April (1857) Eighteen hundred and fifty Seven, and that in case the Contractors for cons= tructing said channel shall, on or before 134 said first day of April, commence said work in manner required by the last Ordinance previous to this, in refer= ence to said work, then said contractors may and shall enjoy all the rights, privi= leges, possessions and immunities confered upon them by any ordinance or ordin ances now existing on the subject of said channel Moved, seconded and passed that D S Howard build a Plank bridge across street for which he shall be paid in city scrip. On motion of Ald Cannon Secd by Ald fisher the Board adjourned until the regular meeting in course. C. Cahill Henry A. Maltby, Sectry Pro. tem Mayor C.C.C 135 Proceedings of the Mayor and board of Al= dermen of the city of Corpus Christi, held on the 14th day of February 1857 Present H. A. Maltby, Mayor James McMartin } Andrew Fisher } Aldermen C. Cahill } John Canon } J. P Kissane Marshall The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved H A Maltby made his report which was read, examined and approved D S Howard presented his Bill for constructing a Bridge on Cha= paral street, for Forty one Dolls & 03 cts which was allowed and approved H A Maltby having presented his resignation as Mayor which was accepted whereupon, on Motion of James McMartin seconded by A Fisher Cornelius Cahill was nominated for mayor protem The vote having been taken by ballot resulted as follows – Cornelius Cahill recd four votes James McMartin “ one “ Whereupon Cornelius Cahill was declared duly elected Mayor - protem On motion of Alderman Canon and seconded by Alderman Fisher the board adjourned C Cahill Mayor Protem Jas McMartin – Secy protem 136 Pursuant to a call by the acting Mayor C Cahill, the board met Sunday March 22d 1857 Present C Cahill “ Andrew Fisher “ John Canon “ James McMartin Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. Somers Kinney made verbal application for an extention of time for the Commencement of work on the mud flats . Upon motion of Alderman McMartin and seconded by Alderman Fisher the following resolution was unanimously adopted Be it resolved by the Mayor and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi that the time at which Somers Kinney contractor with said City, and subsequent Con= Channel tractors with said Kinney for cutting & constructing a Ship Channel between said City and Aransass Pass, are required to have in operation, on the Mud flats inter- vening between Aransas Bay and Corpus Christi bay – the Dredge Boat for the Construction of said Channel, is now limitted to the first day of April 1857. Eighteen hundred and fifty seven, be, and the same is hereby extended for the period of thirty- Extention to May 57 days beyond said first day of April. to wit that said time be extended to the first day of May Eighteen hundred & fifty seven and that if said Contractors have said Dredge Boat in operation on said mud flats by the said first day of May Eighteen hundred and fifty seven as provided in the ordinance limitting 137 limiting the said time to the aforesaid first day of April, then the said Contrac tors preserve, and have are to have all the rights and priveleges conferred on them by ordinances now in exis= tence in relation to said Ship Channel On motion of Alderman Fisher and seconded by Alderman Cannon the Board adjourned – Jas McMartin C Cahill Sec Protem Mayor Protem Pursuant to a call by the acting Mayor C Cahill, the board met Monday Morning March 23 1857 Present C. Cahill “ Andrew Fisher “ John Cannon “ Jas McMartin Minutes of last meeting were read and approved On motion of Andrew Channel Fisher, seconded by Aldr Cannon the follow ing resolution was unanimously adopted Be it resolved by the Mayor & Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi that an ordinance passed by said Mayor and said, Board, and dated on Sunday the twenty Second day of March A D Eighteen hundred and fifty Seven, extending the time at which the contractors with said City for cutting and constructing a ship Channel between said city and Aransas Pass, are required to have in operation on said Channel 138 the Dredge Boat, for the Construction thereof, to the first day of May A. D Eighteen hundred and fifty seven be and the same is hereby approved, and that said time shall stand and is hereby extended to the first day of May aforesaid the same as the said ordinance, passed and dated on the twenty second Day of March A D Eighteen hundred and fifty seven, had been passed approved and dated on any other day – C. Cahill Jas McMartin Mayor Pro-tem Sec Protem 139 Called Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen _______ Monday Evening March 30th 1857 _______________ The Board met pursuant to call from the acting Mayor, C Cahill. Present Aldermen Andrew Fisher Jas McMartin C Cahill C Lovenskiold T Mussett John Graham Absent Ald John Cannon ______________________________ ________ Aldermen C Lovenskiold, T Mussett & J Graham presented certificates showing, that, at an election held pursuant to an order emanating from the Hon Mayor, to fill vaca – they had been duly elected Aldermen ____________________ _________ On motion Ald Fisher & McMartin were appointed a Committee to examine and report upon the returns and certify= y [] election, when, after having retired, they returned and reported that John Graham was duly elected Alderman of Ward No two to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of Alderman Thos Bowen, and that C Lovenskiold and T Mussett were duly elected Aldermen of Ward No One to fill vacancies caused by [] former parties elect having failed to quality. And which report was accepted _______________________________________ ___________. Whereupon Aldermen Lovenskiold, Mussett & Graham were duly qualified and sworn, and took their seats as members of the Board ________________________________________ ____________ On motion of Alderman Lovenskiold, seconded by Ald McMartin, the following ordinance was read and adopted unanimously, to wit __________________________________ “__________ Whereas, under an ordinance heretofore passed by the Channel “Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, under “an act of the Legislature of the State of Texas, authorizing and “providing for the construction of a Ship-Channel between said “city and Aranssas Pass, Somers Kinney became Contractor [] “said City for the construction of said Channel, and _________ “_______ Whereas divers ordinances have been subsequently passed “by the Mayor and Aldermen of said City, supplementary to the “first designated Ordinance in reference to the [afore…] 140 ship-channel and the said contract, extending the time thereof for commencement of the work and of constructing said channel, by the said Somers Kinney and subsequent contractors with him, therefore _______________________ Be it Resolved, by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that the Ordinances of said City, heretofore passed, and providing for the construction of the channel aforesaid, and which are now in force and effect, Ratification of [] or, in other words, which stand unabrogated and unrepealed, ordinances be, and the same are hereby approved and ratified And, Be it further Resolved, that the said Kinney, Contractor, and the said subsequent Contractors with said Kinney for the construction of said channel, be, and they are hereby en titled to all the rights, privileges and interests, conferred upon, and which accrued to them, under the aforesaid ordinances in reference thereto, which stand unabrogated and unrepealed as aforesaid, provided said Contractors shall comply with the provisions expressed in an Ordinance in reference to said Ship Channel, passed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of this City, on the 22d day of March A D 1857, and ratified by said Mayor and Board of Al -dermen on the 23d day of March in the year last afore -said, and that the time for commencing the work of constructing said Ship-Channel, be, and the same is; hereby extended to the first day of May A D One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty seven ______________ _____________ The proceedings of the meetings of March 22d and 23d were read, and approved ____________________ _____________ On motion of Ald Lovenskiold, seconded by Ald Graham, it was resolved, that the Secretary notify the City Assessor, Collector & Marshall, and the City Treasurer, to present themselves at the next regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen, and that then and there they report in writing all public monies which, in their official capacities, they severally may have collected and received during the present term of their offices, under any of the City Ordinances - _____________ On motion of Ald Graham seconded by Ald Fisher resolved that the next meeting be held on Thursday evening next, April 2d 1857 ___________________________________ 141 It being represented, that the Secretary pro tem, Mr Reuben Holbein, had resigned, at the time of his leaving for New Orleans on motion the Office of Secretary was declared vacant _______ On motion of Ald Graham, duly seconded, it was resolved, that the Board of Aldermen now proceed to an election of a Secretary, to serve during the unexpired term of such officer, when, the rules being dispensed with, Mr John Conrad was elected Secretary to the Board of Aldermen, unanimously _______ _______ Mr John Conrad being present intimated his accept ance of the office, and was duly qualified ____________________ _______When, no further business, being before the Board, on motion adjourned to Thursday evening next, April 2d 1857 J Conrad Jas McMartin Secretary Acting Mayor. _____________________________________________________ Regular Meeting Thursday April 2d 1857 Met pursuant to adjournment Present Aldermen Graham Mussett & Lovenskiold No Quorum being in attendance, for want thereof adjourned until Thursday evening next April 9th 1857 J Conrad Secretary ____________________________________________________ Adjourned Meeting Thursday April 9th 1857 Met pursuant to adjournment Present ___ Alderman McMartin _________ ________ A Fisher __________ ________ Jno Graham _______ ________ T Mussett _________ ________ C Lovenskiold _____ Absent Ald Cahill & Cannon __________________________ _________ On motion, duly seconded and carried, Alderman Jas McMartin was elected Mayor pro tem, and accordingly took 142 the Chair The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved The business first on order being Reports of Treasurer, Assessor & Collector and city Marshal, ___________________________________ __________ Treasurer, Mr Reuben Holbein, presented himself, and reported Total receipts $ 105 50 } _______ Disbursements 96 54 } _________________________________ Balance on hand $ 8 96. He also reported, that at no time during his present term of office had he received any public moneys from the Collector, Mr J P Kissane, on account of this Corporation. _________________________________ _________Which report, on motion, was accepted _________________ The Secretary informed the Board that he had duly notified Mr Kissane to attend this meeting and render his account of moneys collected during his present term of office _________________________ _________ Mr Kissane having failed to comply with this notice, On motion of Ald Lovenskiold, seconded by Ald Fisher, it was Resolved that a Committee of three be appointed to report and sug -gest to this Board, at their next meeting, as to what measures may and ought to be adopted to bring J P Kissane, the City Marshal, Assessor and Collector, to a settlement, and to recover from him such moneys as in his aforesaid capacities he may have collected during his present term of office for account of this Corporation, he, Mr Kissane having failed to appear and report after due notice by this Board _______________________________________________ _________ Committee Alds Lovinskiold, Graham & Fisher, ________ to which Committee, on motion, the Chair was duly added ___________ _________ Ald Lovinskiold offered the following resolutions, which being seconded by Ald Graham, were duly adopted, viz _____________ Resolved that until otherwise ordered, all collections for account of this Corporation, whether for Taxes, Licenses, fees or fines, stand suspended, and that no one is authorized for, or in the name, or for account of this Corpora tion, to collect any revenue whatever, accruing under any of the existing ordinances _____________________________________ Also Resolved that all claims against this Corporation, whether in script, […ted] or otherwise, be called in and brought before this Board, with a view to ascertain the habilities of the City, and to act upon, audit and classify such claims _________________________________ Resolved further that the Secretary be and he is hereby directed and required to give Public notice in the Valley of the preceding 143 Resolutions, and that he call upon all holders of claims to file them with him within the next ensuing 30 days _________ Ald Lovenskiold tendered to the Board the gratis use of his lower School room for purposes of meetings, provided no permanent arrangement existed with C Cahill Esqr And it being stated, that no such arrangement existed, on motion the offer of Ald Lovenskiold was accepted, and the Secretary directed to remove the Furniture & Records to said Room. _________ No further business being before the Board, on motion adjourned until Tuesday evening, April 14th 1857 J Conrad Jas McMartin Secretary Mayor Protem Notice. MAYOR & BOARD OF ALDERMEN City of Corpus Christi, Secretary’s Office, April 11th NOTICE is hereby given that until oth- erwise ordained, all collections for ac- count of this Corporation stand suspended and that no one is authorized to collect any tax, heence, fee or fine, for or [] the name or for account of the Corporation. With a view to ascertain the exact amount of liabilities, and to have them properly ac ted upon, classified and audited all persons, holding or having liquidated claims, script or other demands against the Corporation are requested and required within the next ensuing 30 days, to come forward and file the same with the undersigned By order of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen J CONRAD, Secretary ____________________________________________________ Adjourned Meeting Monday Tuesday April 13 14th 1857 Met pursuant to adjournment Present Aldn Lovenskiold, Mussett Graham & Fisher No Quorum being in attendance, for want thereof adjourned until Wednesday evening April 15th 1857 J. Conrad Secretary 144 Adjourned Meeting Wednesday April 15th 1857 Met pursuant to adjournment. Present ___ Aldermen, McMartin ________ ________ A Fisher ________ ________ C Lovenskiold ____ ________ Jno Graham ______ ________ C Cahill _________ ________ Frederick Asset Marshal Absent ___ Ald Cannon & Mussett ____________ Minutes of last meeting were read and approved. _______Whereas J. P. Kissane as city Marshall and as collector of Taxes has failed to comply with existing ordinance and to account to this board for such monies as in his said capacities he has collected and received for account of this corp- oration, during his present term of office; and whereas though duly notified in writing to come forward and settle said accounts and to pay into the treasury whatever Public monies he had in his hands on account of said collections, said J P. Kissane has totally failed and neglected – so to do _________________________________ Resolved that the offices of city Marshall and of city Assessor & Collector be and they are hereby declared vacant _____________________ On motion duly made & seconded, Resolved that the board proceed to the election of city Marshall When Wm A Fredericks having received the majority of votes, he was declared duly – elected to said office ______________________ On motion duly seconded the bond of __ [upon] A Fredericks as assistant Marshal was received for as as his bond for as marshall – 145 The bill of J Toomey not being duly certified was laid on the table __________ _______ When no business being before the board on motion adjourned untill Saturday _____ evening next, April 18th 1857 ___________ J Conrad C. Cahill ___________________ Secretary Mayor Protem ____________________________________________ Adjourned Meeting Saturday April 18th 1857 Met pursuant to adjournment Present ___ Aldermen, McMartin ___________ ________ C Lovenskiold _______ ________ Jno Graham _________ ________ A Fisher ____________ ________ C Cahill ____________ ________ Fredericks Marshall___ Absent ___ Ald Mussett & Cannon ______________ The reading of the minutes of last meeting were dispensed with ______________________________ On motion duly seconded it was resolved – that notice be given to J P Kissane through the mayor under the seal of the corporation, to come for- ward and settle within three days after notice in default of compliance to be criminally prosecuted for embezzling public finds, under the penal- , code of the state ___________________________ On motion duly seconded, the Ordinance adopted Wards Repealed April 30th/56 entitled an ordinance dividing the city into wards’, be and the same is hereby – repealed. __________________________________ The bill of J H Toomey was refered to Mr Wm W. Murphy for Authentication 146 No further business being before the board, on motion, adjourned untill Thursday ____ evening April 23rd 1857 _________________ J. Conrad C. Cahill Secretary Mayor Pro tem ____________________________________________ Adjourned Meeting Thursday April 23rd 1857 met pursuant to adjournment ____ Present Aldermen __ Lovenskiold ________ __________ Mussett ____________ __________ McMartin __________ __________ Fisher _____________ Absent. Ald Cannon, Cahill, Graham, ____________ There being no quorum present adjourned to next regular meeting __________ J Conrad Secretary ___________________________________________ Adjourned Meeting Monday May 4th 1857 met pursuant to adjournment _______________________ Present Ald ____ Lovenskiold _______ ____ Graham ___________ ____ Fisher ____________ ____ McMartin _________ ____ Cahill _____________ absent Ald Cannon & Mussett On motion duly made and seconded Resolved that the secretary have the two bonds of J. P. Kissane, as ___ Marshall & Assessor & Collector, recorded 147 by the County Clerk _____________________________ ________ After some preliminary remarks and discussion the following resolution was adopted unanimously, viz Resolved, that whereas J P Kissane, as City Marshal and as City Assessor and Collector, has embezzled or fraudulently misapplied, or converted to his own use, unlawfully, and unauthorized by this Corporation, certain sums of moneys belonging to this corporation, for Licenses, rents and Taxes, which said moneys have come unto his the said Kissane’s possession by virtue of his said offices, and whereas the said J P Kissane, in his capacities aforesaid, has totally failed and neglected, in violation of existing Ordinances and Resolutions, to account for such moneys and to pay the same over unto the hands of the City Treasurer ____________________________ _________ That information of his said criminal acts be lodged with the District Attorney, Jno T Enoch with a view to the criminal prosecution of said J. P. Kissane, according to Art. 770 of the Penal Code _____ Resolved further, that the official Bonds of said Kissane be handed to J T Enoch for collection, and that 25% on the amount recovered be allowed him for his attorneys fees. ________________________________________ Resolved also that the Secretary furnish J T Enoch with a certified Copy of these Resolutions under the seal of the Corporation, and turn over to him the two Bonds herein before referred to ________________________ _________ When on motion adjourned ____________ J. Conrad C. Cahill Secretary 148 Special Meeting Thursday – May 14th A D 1857. __________________ Met pursuant to call from the acting Mayor _________ _______ Present. ___ C Cahill actg Mayor _________ Aldermen Lovenskiold Mussett Fisher Graham McMartin The minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved ____________________________________ _______The following resolutions were offered and being duly seconded were carried unanimously, viz ___________ 1st Resolved that the Charter Election for Mayor, Aldermen, Treasurer and Secretary be held at Cahill’s new buildings on Monday, June 1st 1857, under the direction of Tirey Mussett, as prescribed by law ____________________ 2d Resolved that the Mayor be and he is hereby directed and authorized to issue script to Reuben Holbein to the amount of $45, and to John Conrad to the amt of $30, for their services as Secretary to this Board during the past year 3d Resolved that it be declared lawful for any person or persons, owning property fronting on any of the public streets, to plant shade-trees in front thereof at the edge Shade trees of their side walks, and to encase same trees and to enclose said sidewalks by suitable railing or fencing, for the protection of said trees, provided that the free passage to and from such sidewalks, at the intersections of streets and entrances to houses or stores, be not ob structed thereby ______________________________ ________ When, no further business being before the Board adjourned sine die ____________________________ H. W. Berry J. Conrad Mayor CCC Secretary 149 Special Meeting Thursday. June 11th 1857 – Met pursuant to call from the Acting Mayor Present C Cahill, Mayor pro tem Aldermen Graham Fisher Mussett McMartin Lovenskiold Absent Ald Jno Cannon The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and on motion duly seconded and carried, the words “sine die”, at the conclusion of the same, were stricken out, when said minutes were approved The following preamble and resolution were offered, and having been seconded, were submitted to the vote of the meeting, and carried unanimously, viz Whereas H A Maltby, Mayor elect at the June election of 1856, has returned to this city, and signified his readiness to resume the duties of his office, and whereas it appears that said H A Maltby, never tendered his resignation as Mayor, anything to the contrary notwithstanding. Resolved that H A Maltby Esqr be and he is hereby invited to resume his said office of Mayor until his term of office shall expire or his successor be qualified Whereupon, H A Maltby Esqr, being present was inducted into the chair and assumed the presidency On motion duly seconded and carried, the Returns of the Election for Mayor, Aldermen and Officers held on Monday June 1st 1857, T Mussett, presiding, were examined, when Aldermen Graham, Mussett & Fisher, as a Committee of Investigation on the subject, reported the following as being the result of said election, viz for Mayor H W Berry received 48 votes “ Treasurer J B Mitchell ‘ - 53 “ Secretary John Conrad - “ - 54 and that for Aldermen 150 C Lovenskiold received 50 votes R Holbein “ 48 “ L Meyer “ 46 “ A Fisher “ 46 “ Jno Graham “ 44 “ Geo Pfeiffer “ 38 “ Wm S Shaw “ 25 “ which were the largest number of votes cast for each candidate On motion duly made and recorded the above report was adopted, the parties therein named declared duly elected, and the Mayor directed to issue to each of them the requisite certificate of Election. When no further business appearring before the Board, adjourned. H. W. Berry J. Conrad Mayor CC.C Secretary CCC 151 Special Meeting Monday June 15th 1857 Met pursuant to a call from Henry W Berry, Mayor elect Present H W Berry, Mayor Aldermen J Graham R Holbein L Meyer G Pfeiffer C Lovenskiold J. B Mitchell Treasurer, - Jno Conrad Secretary H W Berry having called the meeting to order, presented his certificate of Election and oath of office taken and subscribed before [and filed] with the Clerk of the District Court Whereupon the Aldermen present as well as the Treasurer and Secretary came forward and were severally sworn into office by the Mayor The following resolutions were severally offered and being seconded were carried, viz. 1st Resolved that the Aldermen and Mayor and officers deposit with the Secretary their certificates of Election, and that the requisete oaths of office be endorsed upon their backs in order to their being taken and subscribed by each person elect before His Honor the Mayor 2d Resolved that on Thursday, 25th Instant, this Board will proceed to elect one City Marshall and one Assessor and Collector to serve during the ensuing year, and that the Secretary give notice accordingly inviting all candidates to present themselves 3d Resolved that His Honor the Mayor be a Committee of one to ascertain from the Editors of the Valley and report to this Council the amount for which the publication of proceedings and ordinances and notices can be obtained for the ensuing year On motion the rules having been dispensed with Wm A Fredericks was elected City Marshal pro tempore, to serve until the regular election H. W. Berry Adjourned Mayor CC.C J Conrad Secretary CCC 152 Special Meeting Thursday June 18th 1857 Met pursuant to call Present H W Berry Mayor Aldermen Jno Graham R Holbein W S Shaw A Fisher W A Fredericks Marshal p.t. Absent Ald L Meyer – C Lovenskiold – G Pfeiffer J B Mitchell Treasurer On motion the reading of the minutes was dispensed with. Aldermen Shaw and Fisher presented themselves and were duly sworn as such. The Mayor reported that the Editors of the Valley would publish all notices, proceedings and ordinances for thirty five Dollars per annum Which proposition, on motion was accepted When no further business appearing, adjourned H. W. Berry J Conrad Mayor C.C.C Secretary CCC 153 Adjourned Meeting Thursday June 25th 1857. Met pursuant to adjournment Present __ H W Berry __ Mayor Aldermen C Lovenskiold R Holbein Jno Graham L Meyer A Fisher Wm S Shaw G Pfeiffer Absent J B Mitchell Treasurer Fredericks M p t The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved On motion duly made & seconded it was Resolved, that a committee of four be app- ointed, said committee to be 154 Adjourned Meeting Thursday June 25th A D 1857 Met ____________ pursuant to adjournment Present H W Berry Mayor _________ Ald ____ Jno Graham __________________ _________________ C Lovenskiold ________________ _________________ R Holbein ___________________ _________________ L Myer _____________________ _________________ G. Pfeiffer ___________________ _________________ A Fisher _____________________ _________________ Wm S Shaw __________________ Absent J B Mitchell Treasurer Frederick Marsh pt The minutes of last meeting were read and approved ______________________________________ On motion duly made and seconded it was Resolved, that a committee of investigation be appointed, said committee to consist of four persons; to investigate all matters _______ handed to them, and to report at [all] ________ subsequent meetings when his honor the Mayor appointed Mess C Lovenskiold, R Holbein L Myer, and G Pfeiffer to be and to cons- titute said committee ____________________________ On motion duly made and seconded it was Resolved that the board proceed to the elec- tion of a City Marshall & a City Assessor & Collector; the name of Wm A Fredericks being presented as a candidate for Marshall, J J. Fitzimmons presenting himself as a candidate for City Assessor & Collector: when the votes being taken resulted in favor of Fredericks for – Marshall & Fitzimmons for Assessor & Collector On motion made & seconded, that the Secretary notifies the candidates elect to come forward and present their bonds; & be it further Resolved that their bonds be fixed at $250.— Two Hundred & fifty Dollars ____________________ 155 On motion duly made & seconded it was Resolved that the bond of City Treasurer be fixed at $500. Five Hundred Dollars – On motion adjourned _______________ J. Conrad H. W. Berry Secretary Mayor C.C. _________________________________________ Regular Meeting Thursday July 3rd A D 1857, the board – met pursuant to adjournment – Present. H W Berry Mayor Ald L Myers ____________ _______ C. Lovenskiold _______ _______ R. Holbein __________ _______ A. Fisher ____________ Absent Ald Jno Graham G Pfeiffer, W Shaw J. B Mitchell Treasurer, Wm Fredericks Mar The minutes of last meeting were read and approved _____________________________ The names of J L. Hunsaker & G. ____ Noessell having been presented as sureties of Wm Fredericks as Marshall. On motion the same were accepted __________________ On motion duly made and seconded it was Resolved that the bonds of City officers when delivered to the Mayor be recorded in the ____ County Clerk’s Office ___________________ The names of M Headen and Hoffman were presented as sureties for J. Fitzimmons as Assessor & Collector, On motion the same were accepted _________________________ On motion duly made & seconded it was Resolved that the Hon Mayor & Board of Aldermen ___ attends the Fourth of July Celebration to be held in this city. ________________________ 156 Alderman G. Pfeiffer having made his _______ appearance took his seat __________________ The following Resolution having been duly made and seconded & carried was adopted to wit=, Resolved that J. Fitzimmons be and he is hereby employed to furnish this board with a correct abstract of all prop- erty within the limits of this City, standing upon the Records of the County of Nueces, in__ the name of any person, or persons, party, or parties, up to July 1st A D 1857; the said ______ abstract to give the name of each property _____ holder or owners, and the description of ______ property by him or them owned _____________ Be it further Resolved that the sum of ________ Dollars be and is hereby appropriated to pay for said work ___________________________ On motion duly made & seconded that the amount of Blank dollars in the foregoing Resolution be filled.______________________ On motion duly made and seconded the sum __ of Fifty Dollars be and is hereby appropriated to pay for said work _____________________ On motion duly made and seconded, that a committee of Three be appointed to investigate into the rights of titles of a Cemetary donnated by H L. Kinney, to the city of Corpus Christi;- when his Honor the Mayor appointed Mess Fisher Holbein & Lovenskiold to constitute said Committee On motion made and seconded, that a standing committee on streets be appointed, his Honor the Mayor then appointed Mess Shaw Fisher and Pfeiffer to constitute said committee. ________ On motion made and seconded that a committee of Finance be appointed, when his Honor the Mayor __ appointed Mess Holbein, Graham, and Myer to constitute said committee _________________ ` On motion Adjourned ___________________ J Conrad H W Berry Secretary Mayor C.C 157 Regular Meeting Thursday July 16th A D 1857 Met ____ pursuant to adjournment _______________ _______ Present H. W Berry Mayor ____ ______ Ald A Fisher _____________ ___________ G. Pfeiffer ___________ There being no quorum present Board __ adjourned untill next regular meeting in course _____________________________ J. Conrad _________________________________________ Adjourned Meeting _________________________________________ Called Meeting of the Mayor & Board of Aldermen ___ Thursday Evening August 13th 1857 ________ The Board met pursuant to call from the ________ Mayor H W Berry __________________________ ______ Present H W Berry Mayor __________ ________Aldermen A Fisher _________ _____________ R Holbein ______________ ________________ Wm Shaw ______________ ______________ G Pfeiffer ______________ ______________ J Graham _______________ ______________ C Lovenskiold ___________ Minutes of previous meeting were read and adopted ___________________________________ _____ The committee on Graveyard had no report to make _____________________________ _____ The committee on finance reported the Treasury as being in a most ________________ distressing condition ________________________ 158 ___ On motion duly & made & seconded ____ that the action of the Mayor in accepting Mr M Baldeshweiller for surety of J ________ Fitzimmons as a substitute for M Headen be and the same is hereby approved ________ ___ Mr J P Kissane having presented his ____ report, through J L Hunsaker, his surety _____ On motion the same was refered to a _______ committee of three, whereby his Hon the Mayor, appointed Mess Lovenskiold ________ Holbein & Pfeiffer to constitute said ________ committee, and to report at next meeting ___ The petition presented by C. Lovenskiold was on motion refered to the committee on streets ___ ___ On Motion adjourned to Thursday Aug 20th H W. Berry J Conrad Mayor CC.C Secretary ____________________________________________ ______________Adjourned Meeting ______________ ___ Thursday August 20th A D 1857 Board met pursuant to adjournment ____________________ ________ Present H W Berry Mayor ___________ ___________ Ald C Lovenskiold ______________ ______________ R Holbein ____________ _____________ W Shaw _____________ _____________ Jno Graham __________ _____________ A Fisher _____________ _____________ G. Pfeiffer ___________ ___ The minutes of previous meeting were then read and adopted _______________________ ___ The report of investigation appointed at last meeting to investigate the papers presented by J. L Hunsaker for account of J P Kissane reported as follows, to wit 159 To _____ ___ The Hon Mayor & Council ___________ ______ City of Corpus Christi ___________________ _________________________ Your committee to ___ whom was refered the account of J P Kissane, late Assessor & Collector, & city Marshall, beg ___ leave to report, that there appears to be __ due the City for Taxes for the year 1855. ____ collectable by said Kissane, in his said capacity during the year 1856, as shown by the Assessment ___ roll for said year, and which is in his own hand writing, the sum of One Hundred & Fifty five 65/100 Dollars _________________________________ _________ By the accounts of said Kissane, the ___ following amount of Taxes have been paid by the persons whose name appear oppose to said ___ amount, viz ____________________________________ cts Belden & Co $ 8 75 Howard $ 3.75 Rahm $ .56 Barthelow 22½ Hunsaker & Bates 3 53 Robinson 10 Blucher 1 05 Johnson 3 38 Schubert 37½ Cody 60 Lawrence 75 Shaw 26 Cannon 48¼ M Mullen 38 Willett 2 50 Chapman 2 45 [Meuly] 4 16 Woessner 37/2 Cleary 18¼ Manning 42 Ziegler 63 Dwyer 5 -- Moore 75 Total paid $54 84¾ Dunn 37½ McCoy 38 Enoch 37½ Noessel 1 56 _________________ Fisher 47/4 Norris 85 Fitzimmons 25 Norton 56 Gould 30 J Petzel 15 Headen 2 55 Perez 1 88 [Hart & Paroux] 3 73/2 Pfeuffer 75 which exhibits due to the City and uncollected, the balance of One Hundred 8074/100 Dollars which balance, if actually uncollected, __ can still be recovered from the __ various property holders __________________________ ______________________________________________ 160 ______ As regards the money collected, or alleged to have been collected, or which should have __ been collected under existing ordinances by J P. Kissane, as City Marshall, say for Dog- Tax, stall rent of Marked [], Your committee can find no date upon which to charge ___ Kissane with any specific amount. It is [true,] true that he may have made such collections in his said capacity, but it is equally [true] proper and reasonable to admit that in the dis charge of the duties of said office, he incurred expenses and earned such compensations as would perhaps counterbalance his accounts if properly rendered _______________________ ___________ Your committee are unanimously of the opinion that J P Kissane as an officer of this corporation, failed and neglected to discharge his duty properly, that he disregarded and dis- obeyed the repeated orders and or mandates of the a former council; that he was quilty of gross neglect, - and that as a Tax collector he was – delinquent ____________________________ ________ But nevertheless, Mr Kissane, by voluntarily comming before this Board & asking for a settlement and submitting his accounts for that purpose, & having exhibited proper proof of his acknowledgment of former error, and his securities Mr J L Hunsaker showing a laudable and honorable anxiety to do full justice in the premises, Your committee are also of the opinion that these parties are entitled to some consideration at the hands of the present council, for these reasons the following resolutions are offered for the consideration of your Honorable Body, viz _____ 1st Resolved, that the Assessment Roll of J P Kissane for 1856, be handed to J Fitszimmons, the present Assessor & Collector, & - that he collect from all delin- quents the amount market unpaid and set – opposite to their respective names _________________ 2nd Resolved further, that when from the cash [] 161 and report of said Fitzimmons it shall appear to the satisfaction of this Council, that the parties represented as such as actual delinquents on the aforesaid Roll, - and when the sum of Fifty four 54¾/100 Dollars has been paid to the Treasurer of this corporation by J P Kissane or his agents on account of his receipts as Tax Collector for the year A D 1856 – then and in such cases the Bond of said J. P. Kissane Tax Collector with J L. Hunsaker and J C Huther as securities, shall be considered fully satisfied and cancelled – and it shall be the duty of the Mayor to cause the requisite cancellation to be made on the Records of the County. ____________________ 3rd Resolved also, that as no proofs of defalsation or malfeasance as City Marshall, can be found by your committee, against J P Kissane, whenever said J P Kissane shall file with the Secretary a release against this Corporation from all dues and demands whatsoever up to date, his Bond as Marshall with J. L. Hunsaker J E Ohler as securities, shall be deemed satisfied and cancelled, and said secretary shall cause said Bond to be erased and – made null upon the Records of the county, provided that notice of the intention of this Council to cancel said Bond, shall first have been given for and during Thirty days in the Valley, and that at the expiration of said time as no objection shall have been filed against such cancellation. ___________ ___ On motion duly made and seconded – the First Resolution of the Report was adopted On motion duly made & seconded the second Resolution of the Report was adopted ______ On Motion & duly made & seconded the _Third Resolution of the report was adopted _Alderman L Myers came in and took his seat. __________________________ 162 On Motion of Ald Lovenskiold duly made & seconded the following resolution was adopted to wit, Resolved that J Fitzimmons be inst- ructed to collect the Delinquent Tax Roll of J. P. Kissane, and to report thereon within the ensuring Thirty Days __________________ The amount of Fifty four, 84¾- $54 84¾ ___ Dollars was paid over to the Treasurer by J. L__ Hunsaker agent and Surety of J P Kissane _____ The following having been duly presented was __ adopted , to wit; Resolved that J Fitzimmons the owners of property on Broadway, Chatham, Karankhua, and Lipan streets be authorized __ and permitted, for the preservation of their ___ several properties and to prevent further _____ encroachments upon them, during the pleasure of this Council, to close said several streets in __ such a manner, as said property owners may seem best and so as to prevent all travel and passage on or through them except for foot __ passengers. ____________________________ On motion duly made & seconded that Ald Shaw be fined in the sum of Two Dollars for leaving the meeting without permission ____________ On motion of Ald Lovenskiold duly made & seconded the following resolution was ___ adopted, to wit, Resolved that during the ___ pleasure of this Council the property holders in Block No 1 on the Bluff, be permitted to take all necessary steps to protect their proper- ties and to prevent further enchroachments upon them by closing to all passengers, except foot, - Karankhua, Chatham, Lipan & Broadway, or, as __ much of said streets as may be necessary for such purposes __________________________ On motion duly made & seconded the fol- lowing resolution was unanimously carried to wit, Resolved that J Fitzimmons now Assessor & Collector of the city of Corpus __ 163 Christi, be required to commence from & after this day to Assess & Collect the City Tax, Dog License and Be it further Resolved that the foregoing Resolution be published for one week in the ___ Nueces Valley _____________________ On Motion adjourned till the next regular meeting in course ____________ H. W Berry J. Conrad Mayor C.C.C Secretary ____________________________________________ ____________ Regular Meeting __________ ______ Thursday October 1st A D 1857 Board met pursuant to adjournment _____________ ______ Present H W Berry Mayor ___ ________ Ald R Holbein __________ _____________ J Graham ___________ ______________ W Shaw ____________ _______________ G Pfeiffer ___________ On motion duly made & seconded the fine against Ald Shaw was remitted ____________ __ On motion the minutes of previous meeting were adopted Ald Fisher came in & took his seat ___ __ On motion leave was granted for an ex- tension of time, for the committee on Grave- Yard to report at next regular meeting ______ On motion leave of extension was also granted to committee on Streets to report at next meeting __ the committee having reported (progress) __ On motion leave was also granted to committee on Finance, to report at next meeting ______ On motion duly made & seconded that the __ Board meet on next Thursday October 8th /57 __ __ On motion duly made & Seconded it was Resolved that the Secretary notifies the Treasurer & Marshall (elect) to come forward & be qualified on next Thursday evening October 8th/57_____________________ 164 On motion the Board adjourned to next Thursday October 8th/57 _____________ J Conrad H W Berry Secretary CC.C. Mayor C.C.C _____________________________________________ ______________ Adjourned Meeting _____________ ____ Thursday October 8th A D. 1857 Board ___ met pursuant to adjournment ____________________ ________ Present H W Berry Mayor __________ ________ Ald R Holbein _________________ __________ W S. Shaw __________ __________ G Pfeiffer ___________ __________ J Graham ___________ _______ L Myers ____________ __________ J B. Mitchell Treasurer. ______ __________ W A Fredericks Marshall _____ __ The minutes of previous were read and adopted On motion duly made & seconded, (owning to ____ the absence of Members of the committee) extension of time was granted to the committee on Grave Yard to report ________________________________ __ The committee on streets being next in order __ reported as follows, to wit; ______________________ ______ To the Hon Mayor and ________ _________ Board of Aldermen, City of Corpus Christi ___ ___________________ Your committee upon which devolved the duty to devise, ways & means to repair and improve the streets of our City, beg leave to submit for your consideration the following report _________________________ _________ It is a fact, as well known to Your Hon Body as to your committee, that for sometime __ past and more especially since the late rain much damage was done, by the washing of soil, __ and consequent caveing in of the roads & streets ___ leading upon the Bluff. That these ravines __ 165 thus formed are continually increasing and are becoming dangerous to those owning ___ property adjacent, makes it a matter of too serious a matter nature to be it overlooked. Being likewise aware that the funds of the City are inadequate to stop the progress of the ravines and gullies alluded too, they know of no other way by which this object may be accomplished than the one which they have embodied in the fol- lowing resolutions, - believing that those whose property is becoming endangered by their situation, would feel an interest equal with that of the City, to assist in making the necessary repairs _________________________________ Therefore be it Resolved by the Mayor and – Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that all the funds now in the Treasury, and not otherwise appropriated, and all the funds yet to be received for Taxes due for the years 1856 & 1857 be set aside for the sole purpose of repairing and improving the streets ________ Further Resolved; ________________________ _______________ That a committee be appointed to receive and make proposals and enter into any agreements which they may deem proper and sufficient in behalf of the City to stop the progress of the ravines and gullies ____ forming on Chatham, Broadway and _________ _______________ Streets, and in all instances in making agreements for that purpose, & shall give preference to proposals from parties, whose properties may be endangered by further encroachments of said gullies & ravines ___ Further Resolved ________________________ _____________ That said committee shall call in person upon those situated as aforesaid and ascertain from them, what aid they would be willing to extend to the City in carrying out the object of these Resolutions _____________ 166 Further Resolved ___________________________ ____________ That said committee have the power and authority to make such improvements upon other streets, and portion of the City, not here-in mentioned as they may deem necessary, and report of their proceedings, at every meeting of the Board _______________________________ ____________ All of which is respectfully submitted ____________ Wm S. Shaw _____ _____ Chairman _ Which Report on motion duly made & Seconded was accepted ______________________________ On motion duly made & Seconded, that the ______ Resolutions of the committee on streets, be adopted acted upon on by one ____________________________ _____ Resolution First was on motion rejected ___ _____ The A motion was duly made & Seconded for a reconsideration ___________________________ _____ On motion duly made and seconded Reso – lution first was adopted, Ayes, Ald Pfeiffer, Myers J Shaw, Nays, Ald Holbein & Graham __________ _____ On motion duly made & Seconded Resolution the Second was adopted _____________________ _____ On motion duly made and seconded Resolu – tions Third & Fourth were duly adopted ________ _____ On motion an extension was granted to committee on Finance to report at next _______ regular Meeting ___________________________ _____ On motion, that a committee of four be ___ appointed to carry out and act upon Resolution Third of the committee on streets, when his Honor the Mayor requested the committee to be and act in said capacity; with the addition of Ald _______ Holbein to said committee __________________ _____ On motion duly made and seconded the Bond of City Treasurer was fixed in the sum of Four Hundred ($40000/100 Dollars ____________ _____ On motion duly made and Seconded 167 the following Resolution offered by Ald _______ Holbein, was adopted, to wit, _______________ { _____ Resolved that all persons holding { Claims or Scrip against the City of Corpus – { Christi, be notified to file the same with { the Secretary thereof within Twenty days from { the passage of this Resolution _ and that the { Secretary, gives due notice of the same by { publication in the Nueces Valley ____________ { _____ The verbal report of the City Assessor & Collector, was on Motion duly accepted; and an extension of time was granted to him to report at next regular meeting ____________ _____ On motion being duly made and seconded that the Secretary have the notice (in reference to J P. Kissane’s Bond) corrected ___________ _____ On motion adjourned till next ________ regular meeting _________________________ H. W. Berry J Conrad Mayor .C.C.C Secretary C.C.C. ____________________________________________ Regular Meeting Thursday October 15th A.D. 1857 Board met pursuant to adjournment Present H. W. Berry Mayor, Ald W S Shaw J. Graham R. Holbein L. Myers G. Pfeiffer His Honor the Mayor being absent, on Motion being duly made and seconded Ald L. Myers was installed as Mayor, Pro Tempore. The reading of the minutes of previous meeting was on 168 dispensed with. Owing to the absence of the Chairman, extension of time, was, on Motion, duly granted to the committee on Grave Yard, to report, a Ad libitum. Extension of time, was granted to the committee on streets to report at next regular meeting. The report of Committee on Finance being next the Committee reported, according to Report of Committee on Finance Marked Ord 3 Three on – file in the Secretary’s Office On motion having been duly made & Seconded a Committee of Three was appointed (consisting of Mess – Holbein, Shaw & Pfeiffer) to revise all – Resolutions adopted by the Mayors & Boards of – Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi and report Ad Libitum The Motion having been made & Seconded – Ald Lovenskiold was appointed chairman of said Committee It was also duly motioned and Seconded that a Committee be appointed, to revise the Charter of the City of Corpus Christi, when his Honor the Mayor appointed, the foregoing – committee to be and to constitute the same. The following Resolutions offered by Ald R. Holbein, was were on motion duly adopted, to wit, Resolution First – Be it Resolved by the Mayor Duties of Secretary and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus – Christi, that the Secretary thereof, be, and he is hereby required to keep a book for the express purpose of registering all accounts against said City which, has been audited and allowed, and also Scrips and Warrants drawn by him in payment therefore on the City Treasurer. Further, that he be and is hereby required to make his report in writing at the end of each and every month, setting forth the account 169 amount of accounts allowed, for what purpose, and the amount of Scrip by him issued. Resolution Second Be it Resolved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that the Assessor and Collector of said City be and he hereby is instructed and required to receive nothing but gold and Silver in payment of Taxes upon real and personal property. The Report of Assessor and Collector – marked No(4) Four on file in Secretary’s of- fice, was on motion accepted. The account of J. Fitszimmons against City of Corpus Christi, for the removal of Car- cases of Thirty Six dead dogs; was on motion referred to the committee on finance. A motion was duly made and Seconded that the present Assessor and Collector, receive instruct- ion be requested to report= in reference to the account List of to delinquents as reported by J – P. Kissane, late Assessor & Collector. On motion adjourned till next, regular meeting in course H. W Berry J Conrad. Mayor CCC Secretary CC.C. ____________________________________________ Special Meeting Thursday October 29th A D 1857 Board met pursuant to call from H W Berry Mayor Present H W. Berry Mayor Ald R. Holbein G Pfeiffer A Fisher W Shaw J Graham L Myers Ald R Holbein presented the following amendment, to the minutes of Meeting of October 15th A D 1857, amendatory to remarks or report of committee on Finance, which on motion 170 motion was adopted, to wit. – The Report of the Finance committee exhibiting a true and correct condition of the Financial state of the City of Corpus Christi from the Twenty third day of September A.D 1853 – and ending on the Twentieth day of August A.D. 1857 – also showing the ____ amount of Receipts, Disbursements, and ____ Assets of said City during the period above __ stated as follows, to wit: Receipts Seven Hundred & Fifty five 61/100 __ ($755 61/100) Dollars ____ Disbursements _____ Seven Hundred & Thirty Nine 07/100 ____ (739 07/100) Dollars ___ Assets One Hundred & Thirty-nine 11/100 Dollars ($139 11/100) – as will appear more fully, by reference to said ___ report, which was approved, and ordered to be filed __. On Motion the minutes of last ___ meeting were adopted The Committee on Finance to whom was referred the bill of J Fitzimmons rep- orted favorable of said Bill ___ On Motion the Bill of J Fitzsimmon was ordered to be paid On Motion adjourned, till next meeting in course. __________________________________________ 171 Special Meeting Thursday October 29th A D. 1857 Board – met pursuant to call from H W Berry Mayor ______ Present H. W. Berry Mayor ______ Ald R. Holbein _______ G. Pfeiffer ____ ______ A Fisher _________ W Shaw ______ ______ J. Graham ________ L. Myers _____ Ald Holbein presented the following amendment to the Minutes of Oct 15 A D/57 amendatory to remarks or report of – 57 committee on Finance, which on mo – tion was adopted, to wit, _________________ _______ The report of the Finance com – mittee exhibiting a true and correct condition of the Finance of the City of Corpus Christi, from the Twenty Third day of September A.D. 1853 – and ending on the Twentieth day of August A D 1857 also showing the amount of Receipts Disbursements, and assets of said City during the period above stated as follows to wit; _______________________________ _______ Receipts Seven Hundred & Fifty five – Dollars and Sixty One Cents $ 755. 61/100 ______ Disbursements Seven Hundred & Thirty Nine Dollars & Seven Cents $ 739 07/100 _____ as will appear more fully, by reference to said Report, which was approved, and ordered to be filed ____________________ On Motion the Minutes of previous meeting were then read & adopted __________ _______ The committee on Finance to whom was refered the bill of J Fitzs – immons reported as follows, to wit, ____ _______ To the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi _______________ ______________ Your committee to whom was 172 was refered the a/c of J Fitzsimmons for the sum of Nine Dollars, for removing dead dogs. from the 19th to 30th of August /57 as per statement hereunto annexed, respect- fully beg leave to report that they have had the same under consideration and recom- mend its passage and immediate payment ______ R Hobein ________ ______Chairman __ On motion said bill was ordered to be paid _________ Ald Myer being called upon __ stated the object of the meeting, whereupon __ a committee of Three consisting of Mess __ Myer Shaw & Pfeiffer, was appointed by his Hon the Mayor __ said Committee presen- ted to the consideration of the meeting the __ following preamble and Resolutions, which were unanimously adopted ______________ _________ Whereas, D. S. Howard & Co, having so Channel far progressed in their great work of cutting a ship channel between Aransas and Corpus Christi Bays as to admit vessels to this place drawing Six and a half feet of water, therefore, ________ Be it Resolved, That, looking upon the enterprise as one of the greatest importance to Western Texas, we have every reason to hope that, with proper encouragement from the State, the same will be brought to a speedy completion. __________ Resolved That we have entire confidence in the performance of their Dredging machinery to accomplish the work upon which they are now engaged _________________________ Resolved. That what is already done furnishes us with proof positive of the permanency of the Canal when finished, and that the depth of water, which is now Six and a half feet __ from Aransas bay to Corpus Christi, will __ then be increased to ten _________________ Resolved That we recognise Capt Matson, 173 of the Schooner Union, as the pioneer in a direct trade between this City and New Orleans; that the reduction of the cost of freight fifty per cent already, is indicative of future commercial advantages to this country, and that this enterprise meets with our approbations. ___________ ________ when on Motion adjourned to next regular meeting in course J. Conrad ________________________ Secretary CCC. H W. Berry Mayor ___ CC.C __ ___________________________________________ Regular Meeting Thursday November 5th A D. 1857 Met pursuant to adjournment ________________ _____Present H M W. Berry Mayor ______ Ald C. Lovenskiold ___ R Holbein _______ ____ A Fisher ________ G Pfeiffer _______ The minutes of last meeting was on Motion dispensed with _________________________ ____ Extension of time was granted to committee on Grave Yard to report __________________ ____ Owing to the absence of the Chairman extension of time was granted to committee on Streets, to report _____________________ ____ The committee on Finance had no report (Report being on File). _____________ ____ The Bond of J. B Mitchell as Treasurer and H A Gilpin & F. A Blucher as sureties was on motion accepted and the same handed to County Clerk to enter on the Record _____ ____ The Committee appointed last meeting reported as having done their duty as per minutes of last meeting _________________ ____ A fine of One dollar (each) was entered against Alds Graham, Myer, & Shaw, for ___ being absent without apparent cause ___ 174 ____ The report of Wm A Fredericks City Marshall, was refered to committee on Finance. to report at next meeting ____ ____ The Bill of J H. Toomey (for work on the Jail) was refered to same Committee ____ ____ The account of D. S Howard & Co was refered to same committee _______________ ___ On motion duly made and Seconded, that all funds in the hands of Officers &c – be turned over to the Treasurer ___________________ ____ On motion made & Seconded that the Secretary notifies the Treasurer to report at next regular meeting ___________________ ____ On motion moved & Seconded that a Special meeting be called on Monday Evening to take into consideration the cancellation of J. P Kissane’s Bond, no objection having been filed with the __ Secretary ____________________________ ____ The report of the Assessor & Collector (on file and marked No 5) was on motion received ____ On motion that a committee be appointed with full power and authority to instruct the Officer of the corporation in relation to their duties, for collection of Dog Tax, Market ground rent &c&c – and publication for the commencement of collection; whereupon the Mayor appointed the following Alds on said committee. viz __ Ald Pfeiffer, Lovenskiold & Holbein ______ ____ On motion that Capt Jno Dix be __ notified by the Secretary in reference to his account, whilst Act Mayor ______________ { ____ On motion &c&c – that according to notice { published in the Valley – there being no __ { account scrip &c&c filed. with Secretary { That payment of same be defered till next { year ___ made & seconded ______________ On motion, that the claims of the City against G W. Foster be placed in the hands of the ___ Marshall for collection. _________________ 175 On motion adjourned, __________________________ H. W. Berry J. Conrad Mayor C.C.C Secretary _____________________________________________ _________________ Special Meeting _____________ ____ Saturday November 29th A D 1857 ____ Board met pursuant to call from the Mayor _____ Present H W Berry ____ Mayor _____ ________Ald__ G Pfeiffer ____ R Holbein ____ _________ " A Fisher ______ G Graham ____ ____ Minutes of previous meetings were read and adopted _________________________________ ____ Ald R Holbein being called upon ___ stated that the Board met for certain purposes ____ The receipt of J P Kissane (late City ___ Marshall, Assessor and Collector) having __ been duly presented, the same was on __ motion ordered to be laid on the table till next Regular Meeting ________________ _________Ald R Holbein offered the foll – owing resolution which was approved by the Board, viz. ______________________ _________ Whereas Jno P Kissane late Assessor and Collector of the City of Corpus Christi, having voluntarily come forward adjusted and settled his accounts of monies received by him in his said capacity of Assessor & Collector as aforesaid: to the entire satisfaction of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of said City. Therefore be it ____________________ _________ Resolved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that the Bond of J P Kissane late 176 late Assessor and collector thereof be and ___ the same is hereby cancelled, and declared void And that the said J. P Kissane as ___ principal, and J L. Hunsaker and J ___ C Huther Sureties on said Bond be and they are hereby released from further res – ponsibility in the premises _____________ ____ Further Resolved That J. B. Murphy Esqr District Attorney pro-tem, for the 14th Judicial District, of the State of Texas, be and he is ___ hereby respectfully requested to withdraw the Criminal prosecution of said Jno. P __ Kissane, now pending in the District Court of Nueces County. ___________________ ________ The account of Capt Jno Dix ___ against the City of Corpus Christi, was on ___ Motion refered to committee on Finance. ________ On motion adjourned till next Regular Meeting in Course _______________________ H W Berry J Conrad Mayor C C.C Secretary ___________________________________________ _______________ Regular Meeting _____________ _______ Thursday December 3rd A D 1857 ______ Board met pursuant to adjournment Present _____ H W. Berry ____ Mayor ___ “ Ald___ R Holbein ________ ________ “ G Pfeiffer ________ ________ “ W S. Shaw _______ ________ “ A. Fisher _________ Minutes of previous meeting, read & adopted ____ The Committee on Finance presented their report. when On Motion duly made and seconded, - the same was ordered to be laid on table till next regular Meeting then to be taken up for action of the Board ___ 177 _______ The committee on Grave Yard requested an extension of time to report; when on , motion said request was granted _____________ _______ The committee on street having no ____ report to make, requested extension of time, which on motion was granted ________________ _______ Owing to the sickness of the Chairman the committee appointed to revise charter of the City, ordinances &c&c requested extension of time, which on motion was granted _________ _______Mr J. P Kissane (late City Marshall & Assessor & Collector) having voluntarily come forward and presented the following receipts to wit, __________________________________ “Received of the City of Corpus Christi __ the sum of One cent, in full settlement of all accounts and demands, that I may have against the said City as City Marshall up to date ________________________________ Corpus Christi (Signed) J P Kissane “December 3rd 1857 ___” __________________ and which is now on file in the ___ Secretary’s Office, his Bond of as City Marshall with J L. Hunsaker & E Ohler as securities was deemed satisfied, and the same ___ ordered to be cancelled ___ and the Secretary requested to have the same done _________ _______ There being no further business before the Board, on Motion adjourned till next Regular Meeting in course __________ J Conrad H W Berry Secretary Mayor CCC 178 Regular Meeting Thursday December – 17th A D 1857 Board met pursuant to adjournment Present H W Berry Mayor “ Ald R Holbein “ “ G. Pfeiffer “ “ C. Lovenskiold “ “ W S Shaw Minutes of previous meeting read & approved Committee on Grave Yard sked for an extension of time to report, which was __ granted indefinitely On Motion made & Seconded that the Comittee on Grave Yard, be authorized to Solicit funds for the re= pairing of the same and on further Motion that Alderman Shaw be added to said Committee and also Ald Pfeiffer – On Motion of Alderman Lovenskiold it was resolved, that a bill be presented to the County Court for the use of the Jail for 1 year 11 months & 28 days at five dollars per month, Committee on Streets reported that extension of time was required __ Granted __ Moved & Secd that report of Committee on Finance be taken up for action, and reread, item per item, __ The acct of [Me..] A Fredericks, ordered to be paid __ also that of James Toomey for $1350/100 __ Moved & Secd that the acct of D S Howard & Co be accepted & the parties requested to obtain the Certificate of the then acting Mayor. Joseph FitzSimons H W. Berry secretary Pro.Tem. Mayor C.C.C 179 Regular Meeting Thursday January 21st A. Domini 1858 Board met pursuant to adjournment Present. H W Berry Mayor “ Alderman R Holbein “ “ G Pfeiffer “ “ W. S Shaw “ “ L Meyer __ Minutes of previous Meeting being read & approved. Finance committee reported no business before it Street Comittee, continued indefinitely Grave yard Comittee Chairman being absent _ no report _ On motion of Ald Pfeifer that the account of Jno Dix against the city be taken up and Considered, the same was allowed, and ordered to be paid, deducting the amt due the City from said Jno Dix __ On Motion of Ald Holbein that the acct of D S Howard & Co be allowed – it was therefore ordered to be paid in full, also that the city Marshal be authorized and instructed to collect all ground rent of Market square that may be __ due the City (including back rent) to commence __ after having given notice of same to parties interested. On motion of Aldm Pfeiffer, the Secty was ordered to give notice of the foregoing resolution to persons occupying ground on the Market Square, by publication in the “Nueces Valley” On Motion of Ald Holbein that the Acct of Jno Dix against the city be reconsidered, it was accordingly rejected by a Majority __ On Motion of Ald Fisher that the Acct of D. S Howard & Co. be reconsidered it was also rejected __ On Motion _ the Board adjourned Joseph FitzSimons Sec. Pro tem 180 Regular Meeting Thursday February 18th 1858. Board met pursuant to adjournment Present H W Berry Mayor “ Ald R Holbein “ “ Graham “ “ Shaw “ “ Fisher The minutes of previous meeting were read and __approved as amended Finance Comittee, reported no business before it Street Com continued indefinitely Grave Yard Com. No report __ On Motion of Ald Shaw that a Com of three be appointed to examine the Maps of the City of Corpus Christi and ascertain what public property belongs thereto __ Whereupon, the following committee was appointed Alderman Lovenskiold, Chairman. “ Shaw, Holbein, & Fisher, and required to report at the next meeting __ Moved and Seconded that the City Marshal be ordered to collect the Market rent forthwith, and that the street Com. expend so much of it as they may deem necessary in the repairs of the Market Square __ Moved and secd that all tax Delinquents be proceeded __ against, On Motion the Board adjourned until’ Thursday 25th Inst. H. W. Berry Joseph Fitzsimons Mayor C.C.C Secretary P T 181 Special Meeting Thursday February 25th 1858 Board met pursuant to adjournment Present H. W Berry Mayor Aldermen – Holbein, Pfeifer, Fisher Shaw Graham The minutes of the previous meeting being read the same were amended by adding thereto the res resolutions entered erroneusly on the minutes of the 21st January instead of the 18th February when said actions were had – the resolutions being a reconsideration and rejectment of the accts of Jno Dix & D S Howard & Co. The Committee appointed by his honor the Mayor, last meeting to examine the Maps of the City – presented through their chairman Ald Lovenskiold the following report. viz To the Honble the Mayor & Board of Aldermen City of Corpus Christi Your Committee, appointed to ascertain what property, if any, has been dedicated as public, for Public uses, by H. L. Kinney the original owner of the land upon which the City of Corpus Christi is laid out __ and built, beg leave to report, that on careful investigation they find, that the original plan of said city was filed by said H L Kinney in the office of the County Clerk of Nueces Co. on the 1st day of November A D. 1848, and that said plan with the proper certificate of E. M. Haines the then County Clerk, inscribed on the reverse thereof is still extant in aforesaid office __ From said plan, as also from the testimony of Felix A Blucher, District Surveyor, and from information kindly furnished by Hon B F Neal and Frederick Belden Esqrs it is evident that said H L Kinney dedicated as public property, within said city, the following described squares, Blocks or lands to wit: ________________________________________ 182 ______________ On the Bluff part of the City ___________ 1st. the piece of land bounded by Romirez, Padre, Winnebago Jones and Broadway Streets __ now used as a Cemetery 2d_ the piece of land embraced within Leopard, Buffalo Artesian and Waco streets __ Known as the bluff Artesian Well Block __ 3d _ the square or Block bounded by Carisa, Tankhua Leopard and Antelope streets. _______________ On the Beach part of the City ________ 4th _ the square or block bounded by Tiger Mesquit Aubrey and Belden Streets, upon a portion of which the Court House is built __ 5th the square or block designated on aforesaid plan by the number nineteen (19) and bounded by Broadway Mesquite Peoples and Star streets __ 6th the fractional Block known as the Market Square _ and upon which stand the Market Buildings 7th all the land lying between the waters of Corpus Squares of City Christi bay and the Eastern boundary of the squares blocks or lots, which front on the street, designated on the aforesaid map as Water street __ being all the land made by accretion in front of the city, since the filing of the original plan of the same on the 1st _ day of November 1848 _ In view of the premises, and as under _ an Execution issued at the suit of Birdseye against said H L Kinney, the property of this latter is to be sold at Public _ Auction on the 1st Tuesday in March next, and hence some of the aforedescribed property might be offered for sale, and this involve purchases in difficulty, your committee would offer the subjoined resolution, and recommend its adoption, viz _ Resolved that the secretary be instructed and required, by publication in the Nueces Valley newspaper of the 27th Inst and for four successive weeks thereafter to give Notice to all whom it may concern, that by “dedication” from Henry L Kinney, the original owner, as per his original plan 183 Squares of the City of the city of Corpus Christi, by him filed in the office of the County Clerk of Nueces County, on the 1st day of _ November A D. 1848. This corporation claims for Public _ uses and holds as public property, the several Squares Blocks or lands in the foregoing repot before fully described All of which is respectfully submitted Thursday February 25th A D. 1858 (Signed) Chas. Lovenskiold Reuben Holbein Wm S. Shaw _ On Motion the foregoing Report was adopted _ and the board adjourned to the next regular meeting in Course. previous to adjournment, it was Resolved that a comittee of three be appointed Channel by the chair, whose duty it shall be to confer with Messrs D. S Howard & Co. and ascertain from them [] report to this council what measures if any, are desirable or necessary, to bring to completion the Ship Channel What aid this city may be able to furnish in the premises, and all such further measures and matters _ as by said Committee may be deemed proper _ Whereupon, Aldermen Lovenskiold, Pfeifer and Holbein were appointed and ordered to report at the next meeting the Board then adjourned __ Joseph Fitzsimons Sec. P T Regular Meeting Thursday April 1st 1858. Board met pursuant to adjournment Present. H W Berry, Mayor Aldermen _ Graham, Fisher, Lovenskiold, Shaw Pfeifer, Myers & Holbein. The minutes of the previous meeting were read __ and adopted. The Comittees on Finance, Streets. and Grave yard having no reports _ were continued indefinitely. The Comittee on Ship Channel presented their report, through Ald. Holbein, (a copy of which is on file) which was upon motion adopted. They also presented a preamble and ordinance _ and recommended its passage = _ whereupon Motion duly made and seconded it was ordered to be read Section by section Sections 1st and 2nd were read and adopted After much discussion on Section 3rd it was Resolved that the subject matter, be laid over until next Tuesday evening April 6th, Whereupon Motion duly made and seconded the board adjourned Joseph Fitzsimons Reuben Holbein Secty. Pro Temp. Mayor pro tem C.CC 185 Special Meeting Tuesday April 6th 1858. Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present H. W Berry Mayor “ Aldermen Fisher and Shaw There being no quorum present, the meeting was adjourned until the next regular day in course. Joseph FitzSimons Secretary P T Regular Meeting April 15th A D. 1858 being the third Thursday of the Said Month of April, agreeably to the rule of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, a regular meeting of the Council was held at the Buildings of the Corpus Christi Academy the usual place of meeting. Present: Aldermen, Holbein, Pfeuffer, Shaw, Graham and Lovenskiold, J FitzSimons Secrty The Mayor, H. W Berry not making his appearance, and it being stated on good authority that he had left the city __ with an avowed determination not again to meet this Board, on motion duly made and _ Seconded, and carried unanimously, the Board organized by appointing Alderman R Holbein chairman. When on Motion of Ald Shaw seconded by Ald Pfeuffer it was unanimously, resolved that the seat of H W. Berry as Mayor, be and the same is hereby declared vacant, and Resolved further that the Board of Aldermen proceed to Elect one of their number to fill said vacancy for its __ unexpired term. Whereupon an Election for Mayor was proceeded with in due form and resulted in the unanimous 186 Election of Ald Reuben Holbein, who being present accepted the office, and took his seat as such The minutes of the previous Meeting of April 1st and 6th were read and approved. The preamble and accompanying ordinance on the subject of the Ship Channel, “Entitled” an ordinance, Supplementary to and Consolidating all ordinances heretofore passed relative to the opening of the ship channel between Corpus Christi and [Ship Channel Aransas bays” was then taken up and par consolidated] Section by Section the Words “reserving to the City of Corpus Christi one tenth of all tolls collected, after deducting the expences and costs incurred and moneys Expended by the Company in the Collection of tolls; and in keeping Said channel in repair” having been stricken out, and, Section 6th having been amended as follows, to wit: “And it is further provided that the dredge boat now used by D. S. Howard and Co for Excavating Said Ship Channel shall not be removed for the purpose of being used on any other work until said Company shall have completed their present contract as contemplated by this ordinance.” And thereupon, on Motion duly made, seconded _ _ and carried the said preamble and ordinance _ as amended, was unanimously adopted as a whole in the words and figures, following, to wit,” An Ordinance Supplementary and Consolidating _ all ordinances heretofore passed relative to the opening of the Ship Channel between Corpus Christi and Aransas Bays. Ship Channel Whereas the Mayor and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi on the 8th day of May 1854. by virtue of a charter granted by the Legislature of the State of Texas bearing _ date the 13th day of February 1854. Entitled 187 an Act Supplementary to an Act to incorporate the City of Corpus Christi” approved February 16th 1852. _ did authorize the issuing of Corporation bonds for the purpose of Cutting a new Channel betwen Corpus Christi and Aransas bays, which said bonds to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, were issued to Somers Kinney in pursuance to the provisions of an ordinance passed by the Mayor and board of __ Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi on the 15th day of May 1854  And Whereas, Somers __ Kinney and his associates by his letter of acceptance _ dated the 17th day of May 1854, did accept and receive fifty thousand dollars in bonds at one thousand _ dollars each, bearing eight per cent interest per annum, _ and then and there did promise and agree to act as Ship channel _ agent for said Corporation, and thereby obligated himself _ and his associates to commence and complete said Ship Channel, in accordance with the provisions of said Ordinance adopted by the Mayor and board of Aldermen of said City of Corpus Christi on the 15th, _ day of May 1854 And Whereas said Contractors _ and agents Dean S Howard, Somers Kinney, D. E. Watrous Jeremiah Fail and John C Riddle have organized and formed themselves by articles of Association into a company known and designated by the name and Style of D. S Howard & Co and _ in pursuance of said Charter Ordinances and Contracts, heretofore ordered and adopted, did assume the agency of said Corporation and have entered upon and commenced said Ship Channel and have executed a portion of said works, in _ accordance with the 8th Section of said Charter of the City of Corpus Christi aforesaid at a great outlay and expense as can be shewn by bill of Expenses and Vouchers hereunto exhibited, say to the amount of Seventy thousand dollars, which said amount thus expended would entitle said agent and Contractors to an additional amount of bonds to make up the deficiency 188 in accordance with the requirements of the sixth Section of the Ordinance adopted May 15 1854, authorizing the further issuing of bonds at the same rates and conditions as the bonds heretofore issued ____ And Whereas, said D S Howard and Co agents _ and contractors aforesaid are desirous of fulfilling their _ said part of the undertaking by completing said Ship Channel, according to the conditions heretofore entered into, and it appearing to the Mayor and board of Aldermen, as more feasible and advantageous to the City of Corpus Christi that the said Ship Channel shall be finished at the Earliest possible time, and for a Stipulated Sum ___ Therefore: ___ Section First . Be it ordained by the Mayor and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, that the agents and Contractors D S Howard and Co shall surrender Channel to the proper authorities of said Corporation of the City of Corpus Christi, all the bonds, with the interest thereon issued and delivered to Somers Kinney and his associates pursuant to said ordinance adopted by the said Mayor and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi on the 15th day of May 1854, and that said bonds, when so surrendered, shall be and the same are hereby required to be cancelled annulled and made void, and in Lieu thereof the said Mayor and board of Aldermen _ aforesaid shall issue other bonds for and in the name of said Corporation of the City of Corpus Christi to the said D S Howard and Co. Composed of the members Mentioned aforesaid, for the amount of Five hundred thousand dollars, drawing Eight per cent interest thereon from the issuing thereof until redeemed, __ Said bonds _ to be issued for and in consideration and in accordance withe the conditions and provisions of this ordinance as hereinafter set forth and Expressed __ Section Second. That the said bonds named in the first section of this ordinance, are to be issued upon the following conditions that is to say, the said D. S Howard & Co 189 _ agents and Contractors aforesaid, are to commence as Conditions on early as practicable after the issuing of said bonds which bonds to open said channel as authorized by said charter issue - and shall construct deepen and complete said Ship Channel between Corpus Christi and Aransas bays in accordance with the requirements of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Texas, approved August 22nd 1856 entitled an “Act to Donate lands to certain persons therein named for the improvement of the channel between Depth and Corpus Christi and Aransas pass” which said Act width of specifies and requires that said channel shall be made channel _ at least Eight feet deep at ordinary tides through 8 feet deep its whole Extension, between said points, and 100 feet wide shall be made at least one hundred feet broad Section Third That said D S Howard and Co from and _ after the 16th day of February 1858 be and they are hereby authorized empowered and required to demand receive and collect tolls from the captains, Master owner, person or persons controlling any water craft Steamship, Steamboat, or sail Vessel upon any goods Wares and Merchandize of whatsoever character passing through said channel opened by said Company in Tolls _ accordance with the provisions of the act of incorporation Collection of of the City of Corpus Christi, approved February 12th 1854. And do hereby authorize and grant unto the said D S Howard and Co. agents aforesaid or their Assigns _ all the rights priviliges and immunities, held and [Assigns unto enjoyed by the City of Corpus Christi, by virtue of of all the rights said act of incorporation, so far as the same relates to [] city the opening of said Ship Channel and the collection of so far as the same tolls. Provided that the said Company shall keep [... the] opening the said Channel at all times open as they progress in channel & _ in said work, and should the said D. S Howard Collection of tolls _ and Co permit said channel to fill up or shoal, or place obstructions in said channel, so as to impede navig- =ation, then in that case the collection of tolls by them shall be suspended until all obstructions shall be removed or said channel deepened to the depth hence” 190 specified _ Section Fourth That D S Howard and Co shall procure _ a suitable set of books, which shall be properly and [] of regulary kept, Shewing an account of the Expenditures Expenses incurred by said company in keeping said channel open Collection of and the expenses of Collecting tolls _ the amount of tolls Tolls &c received, and a register of all vessels passing through said channel, and it shall further be the duty of the Clerk, agent or Superintendent of said Company or the person who may have charge or control of said books [illegible] to furnish a report or statement quarterly to said _ Mayor and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi _ exhibiting an account of all the receipts and Expendi= =tures of said Company in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance so far as the same refers to the removal of obstructions out of said channel and the collection of tolls, which said quarterly report or Statement shall be sworn to, by the person whose duty it shall be to make such report or Statement, also that said books shall _ always be subject to the inspection of said Mayor _ and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi or a committee appointed by said board _ Section 5th That the bonds issued under the provisions of this ordinance, for the said amount of five- hundred thousand dollars, shall be issued in sums [] bonds not exceeding one thousand dollars or less than one hundred dollars each, and the said D. S. Howard and Co shall be empowered and authorized to hypothecate, transfer, assign and dispose of said bonds or any portion of them; in such manner _ and form and on such terms as they may deem best calculated to promote the interest and object contemplated by this ordinance; Said bonds to be drawn up _ under the Supervision of said Company and signed by the Mayor and Secretary of Said Board – Shall be regularly numbered, and when transferred, hypothecated or assigned shall require no other Signatures to be used 191 to make said transfer hypothecation or Assignment valid than the name of the firm of D. S. Howard and Co. Section Sixth. – That the bonds issued under the provisions of this ordinance, shall be redeemed in the manner and Bonds redem- form as prescribed in the Act of incorporation of said ption of City of Corpus Christi, and the Said bonds when issued and delivered, amounting to Five hundred thousand dollars Receivable for are hereby received in full payment of all claims and claims against demands which the said D. S. Howard & Co. have heretofore the incorporation had or shall hereafter have against Said Corporation of the City of Corpus Christi, for the completion of said Ship channel in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and in liquidation of all previous contracts or engagements which the said Company has had with the City of Corpus Christi. And it is further provided that the dredge boat now used by D. S. Howard & Co for excavating said Ship channel Shall not be removed for the purpose of being used upon any other work until said. Company shall have completed their present contract as contemplated by this ordinance Section Seventh That all ordinances or parts of ordinances heretofore passed by the Mayor and board of Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi, which in any way or Repeals manner, conflicts with the provisions of this ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed, and that this ordinance take Effect and be in force from and _ after its passage; _________ On Motion duly made and carried, it was resolved that when said Preamble and ordinance as passed have been made a part of the minutes of this meeting by Copying the same in the record thereof – it is hereby made the duty of the Secretary to furnish to D. S. Howard _ and Co a certified Copy of the same, under his signature _ and the Seal of the Corporation. _ An account of the [Vally] office 192 for dollars was presented read and ordered paid. When no further business appearing on motion adjourned Joseph Fitzsimons Reuben Holbein Sec. P T. Mayor Pro Tem. Regular Meeting. May 6th 1858. Being the first Thursday of the said Month Present Reuben Holbein Mayor “ Aldermen Graham, Pfeiffer Shaw & Lovenskiold. The minutes of the previous Meeting were read and adopted _ On motion of Ald Lovenskiold it was resolved, that the Mayor be authorized to order an Election, to be holden in the City of Corpus Christi on the 1st Monday in June next for a Mayor seven Aldermen Treasurer and Secretary for said City for the foll wing term _ On Motion, the board adjourned until Next Meeting in Course _ A fine of one dollar was entered against Ald Fisher for non attendance 193 Regular Meeting May 20th 1858 Being the third Thursday of the Month. Present Reuben Holbein Mayor Joseph FitzSimons . Secretary There being no quorum the Board was adjourned to the meeting in course. 194 Received City of Corpus Christi Nueces County Texas. May 21st A D 1858, from the Mayor of said City, in accordance with “An Ordinance Supplementary and Consolidating all ordinances heretofore passed relative to the opening of the Ship Channel between Cor= pus Christi, and Aransas Bays.” approved May 6th A D 1858, the sum of five Hundred Thousands ($500,000.) Dollars, in Bonds of the said City of Corpus Christi, dated this twenty first day of May A.D, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, Signed by Reuben Holbein, Mayor and attested by Joseph FitzSimons Secretary with the Seal of said City, - in the following denominations, viz 400 Bonds, Numbering from 1 to 400 at $1000- each- $400,000 200 Bonds Numbering from 1 to 200, at $500- each 100,000 $500,000 D. S. Howard & Co. Attest Joseph Fitzsimons Secretary CCC- Reuben Holbein Mayor CCC (Form of) Bonds of the City of Corpus Christi Bonds The State of Texas } Ship Channel improvement $500,000 City of Corpus Christi } No $ The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Corpus Christi promise and bind themselves and their successors to pay on or before the 11th day of February 1904. Five Hundred Dollars to the order of D S. Howard and Co. with eight per cent interest per annum, until paid out of the revenues arising from the Tolls of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel as provided by a law 195 passed by the Legislature of the State of Texas approved February 11th 1854. This Bond transferable endorsement and record of the Same on the books of the Company In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Mayoralty of the City of Corpus Christi this twenty first day of May A D 1858 (Signed Reuben Holbein Mayor attest Joseph FitzSimons Secretary 196