The Council consisted of the mayor and two aldermen from each ward. It was responsible for all city and school finances, for the establishment of city ordinances, for the construction of streets, sidewalks, water mains, sewers, schools, and other public buildings. Among topics regularly discussed at meetings were bills submitted to the Council for approval, capital expenditures, bonds, easements, public buildings, beverage licenses, and special taxes. The Council also canvassed election returns from municipal elections.
