Job Layoffs, Salary Cuts for City Employees – February 19, 1894

Council laid off some Civic Employees and reduced salaries of those remaining by 10 – 50%, though the decision was not unanimous: the vote was 4 supporting, 2 opposed, 1 abstaining. The Fire Water and Light Committee’s request for a Silsby heater at $275 was overturned.

This transcript was made in 2019 by Transcribimus volunteer Gerald Soon

original handwritten minutes click here: part one | part two
City of Vancouver Archives
COV S 31 Volume 5 pages 705 – 718

[Volume 5 page 705]

Vancouver Feb 19th 1894

The Council met on Monday Feb 19th 1894
Present – Aldermen Salsbury, Queen, McDowell, McCraney, McPhaiden, Wm Brown Franklin and Bethune Ald McCraney in the Chair.
The Minutes were read and adopted.

Communications

From James Baker Provincial Secretary stating that Messrs B. Springer and G.I. Wilson had been appointed License Commissioners. Filed

From the Provincial Secretary stating that B. Springer had declined office and stating that A.E. Shelton had been appointed in his place. Filed

From Bewicke & Wulfpohn asking for a share of the City’s Insurance.
Referred to the Finance Committee

From the License Inspector requesting that steps be taken to fill the vacancy on the Licensing Board caused by the resignation death of D. McRae. Referred to the Mayor.

From J. Sturges etal petitioning for the grading of Burrard St. from Helmcken etc to Davie etc.
Referred to the Board of Works

From E. Kingcombe asking for a raise of Salary. Referred to the Board of Works

From C.E. Colson etal petitioning for water on Seventh Av. Fairview.
Referred to the F.W. & L. Committee

From J.M. Clute requesting the City to

[Volume 5 page 706]

Purchase a map of the District of New Westminster
Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Queen
That the Communications be filed. Carried.

From the Hon Theo Davie acknowledging the receipt of a resolution of Council re False Creek.
Filed.

From Alfred Ballard etal petitioning for the opening up of Park Drive.
Referred to the Board of Works

The following Reports were received and read:-

Board of Works

The Board of Works met on Thursday Feb 15th 1894

Present – Aldermen Queen, Franklin & Queen

It was recommended:-
1. That the South Vancouver Municipality be granted 300 yards of crushed rock more or less delivered at the scow at the foot of Gore Av on the Scow at cost price provided payment is made on delivery.
2. That the Trades and Labor Council be asked to draft a clause that would suit them in the nine hour clause and submit same for the consideration of the Board
3. That the Engineer be instructed to get estimate of cost of widening 7th Av in the vicinity of Brewery.
4. That C. Fenton be granted permission to put down a 3 plank walk on 8th Av cost from where it now terminates to Prince Edward St at the price of 2 ½ cts per foot he to supply the nails and the City the lumber.
5. That John Potter be instructed to commence work as soon as possible and that he be granted the sum of $10.00 for the use of his own tools, the City to do the sharpening and that he be authorized to hire a pipe layer at $2.00 a day.
6. That the property owners Protective Association be asked to submit a list of what work they consider most urgent in Ward 5, through the alderman representing their Ward for the consideration of the Board.
7. That the matter of grading the lane in Block 93.196 be referred to the officer in charge of the Chain gang and that the question of the sidewalk be laid over until the estimates are prepared.
8. That the matter of grading the lane in Block 44A, 200A back of the Post Office Mount Pleasant be referred to the Street Inspector for attention.
9. That the Communication from W.H. Mellish re the condition of Westminster Av near 15th be referred to the Street Inspector for attention.
10. That the City Clerk be instructed to notify the Trustees of the Street Railway Co. that they will be required to operate the 9th Av branch from the 1st of March.
11. That S.J. Brown be paid $1.50 for cutting down a stump on 6th Av.
12. That the tenders sent in for Sewers across Granville St and also for the Sewer across Hastings St be laid over and that the City Treasurer be authorized to return the deposits.
13. That the following accounts be paid:-

[Volume 5 page 708]

Thos Powell,               Temporary Sidewalks $436.71
Leamy & Kyle             Supplies                            30.04
Tryshall & Son            Tracing Linen                 10.00
A.D. McDonald          Sidewalk Thurlow St       7.26
R. Fetherston             “ 8th Av                            83.70
A. Balkwell                  Robson St                          7.00
News.Advertiser       Ads                                      3.00
Thos. Dunn & Co.     Shovels etc                         3.50
H. Lomos etal. Labor                                        120.95
Sgd. H.P. McCraney
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Franklin
Seconded by “ McDowell
That Clause 10 relating to the running of Cars around Fairview be so amended as to include Powell St. from Westminster Av to Barnard Castle and Hastings Street between Carrall Street and Westminster Av. Carried

Moved by Alderman Franklin
Seconded by “ McDonald
That the Report as amended be adopted. Carried.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met on Feb 16th 1894.
Present – Alderman Salsbury, Wm Brown, McPhaiden, and Bethune.

It was recommended:-
1. That the Mayor, City Clerk and Finance Committee be authorized to sign a note on behalf of the Corporation of the City of Vancouver for the sum of $10,000 bearing interest at a rate not to exceed 5 ½ per cent per annum said note being drawn on authority of a By-Law passed, on the 27th day of January 1894.

2. That the following accounts be paid:-
E. Clough                  Drayage     $2.00
Thos Clough             “                     7.00

[Volume 5 page 709]

Wm Ralph               Supplies                  2.80
C.F. Foreman         Supplies                   3.05
Green & Davidson
Chimney Sweeping 2.80

Sgd W.F. Salsbury
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Franklin
Seconded by “ Queen
That the Report be adopted. Carried

Health Committee

The Health Committee met on Tuesday February 13th 1894
Present – Alderman McDowell, McPhaiden and Salsbury

It was recommended:-
1. That the following accounts be paid:-

Dr. Bell-Irving Mental Ex $5.00
City of Victoria              Keep of Leper        38.69
R.A. Baynes                   Wood                     165.00
McIntosh & Co.            Supplies                  59.88
C.S. Philp                       “                                16.68
Weeks & Robson          “                                19.75
W.H. DeBow                 “                               58.36
Tilley & Son                   “                                 2.85
G. Drysdale                    “                                 1.65
Thomas Bros                 “                                 1.25
J.P. Blake                       “                                11.92
D.J. McLean & Co        “                               25.00
Pioneer Steam Laundry Washing              53.02
A Moss                            Nursing                 10.00
Crowder & Penser        Supplies                 21.00
Russell McDonald & Co. “ 17.15

2. That the communication from John. L. Carters asking the Council to set the stakes on the corner of his Cemetery lot be referred to the Cemetery Caretaker

3. That the communication from the City Clerk of Toronto stating that the Babcock Milk Tester was the best in use be laid over.

[Volume 5 page 710]

4. That Alexander Mitchell’s note be renewed for 90 days at 9 per cent per annum.
5. That the City Engineer be instructed to put in dry earth closets at the Isolation Hospital
6. That Frank Humphrey’s application for an increase of salary in consideration of taking two meals at home be not granted.
7. That the communication from Alex Webster so asking for the appointment of a food inspector be referred to the Medical Health officer to report on.
8. That the communication from H. McDowell offering a milk tester be filed and the tester returned.
9. That a flue be put in the furnace in the City Hospital and a women’s ward provided for
Sgd John McDowell
Chairman

Moved by Alderman Salsbury
Seconded by “ Brown

That the Report be adopted.
Carried

F.W. & L. Committee

The F.W. & L. Committee met on February 14th 1894.
Present – Aldermen McCraney (in the Chair) Queen and Bethune.
It was recommended:-
1. That the following accounts be paid:-
W. Hooper etal.            Labor                        $554.15
Purdy & Williams        Clearing Reservoir 2700.00
Thos Dunn                    Supplies                          4.70
C. Casselman               “                                        5.35
Thos Dunn & Co.         “                                     53.39
Hastings Saw Mill Co “                                     10.40
B.C. Iron Works Co    “                                    178.45
Robertson & Hackett “                                       2.00

[Volume 5 page 711]

Gurney Cab Co.               Drayage                   $1.25
McLennan & McFeely    Supplies                  16.70
Van Elec Ry & L Co         Lights                 1795.00
A Linton                            Boot hire                15.00
Hastings Saw Mill Co     Supplies                 10.32
Thos Dunn & Co             “                                  1.85
Welsh Bros                       “                                14.37
Tilley & Son                      “                                 6.25
R. Greenway                    “                              20.00
Rasmussen Bros             Repairs                     2.00
Telephone Co                  Rent                             .75
Wm Ralph                        Supplies                     .15
C.G. Johnston & Co.      “                              24.00
Crowder & Penzer         “                              174.24
G.I. Wilson                      “                                6.00
I Forbes                           Blacksmithing        2.00
B.F. Heney                     Supplies                    1.05
News. Advertiser           “                               10.10
A Blaney                          “                                8.00
Welsh Bros                     “                                11.91
Thos Lobb                      Blacksmithing        4.00
Leatherdale & Co         Hack hire                  5.00
Crowder & Penzer       Supplies                   28.96
Thos Dunn & Co.        “                                  28.43
E.H. Campbell            “                                    8.62
C.F. Foreman              “                                    4.45
Creamer & Langley    “                                    1.32
McLennan & McFeely “                                49.95
Crowder & Penzer      “                                 40.39
Tilley & Son                “                                    3.50
Thos Dunn & Co.       “                                  14.65
S. Madison                 Repairs                        2.50
B.F. Heney                “                                      4.75
Thos Dunn                Supplies                        1.55
Thomson Bros          “                                    3.25
Palmer & Corrigan  Rent                             1.00
Creamer & Langley Supplies                       2.69
Van Elec Ry & L Co “                                    5.00
C.F. Foreman            “                                   3.05
John Currell              Repairs                       1.25
Van Gas Co               Supplies                      4.50
Van Elec Ry & L Co  “                                     .51
R. Featherstone        Labor                          7.38
Van Gas Co               Supplies                      6.50

[Volume 5 page 712]

B.C. M. T & T Co                      Supplies        $2.55
Columbia Carriage Works     “                       3.00
Tilley & Son                              ”                          .50
D.J. McPhalen                         Labor                 .50
B.C. M. T & T. Co                    Supplies          5.58
Keefer & Godden                    Towing          26.00

2. That the Chief of the Fire Brigade be authorized to purchase a heater for $275.00 through the Gutta Percha & Rubber Co of Toronto.
3. That the Communication from J. Bailey asking for the appointment of Alfred Asker as blacksmith be filed.
4. That the Communication from the firemen asking for more time off duty be laid over.
5. That the Communication from Fireman Evans asking for his salary while being off duty with a broken leg be laid over.
6. That the Communication from J.A. Coldwell offering to collect the water rates at 1 5/8 per cent be laid over.
7. That Purdy & Williams be not paid for the cement delivered
8. That the Communications from J. McKie and M. Ellison re water power be referred to the City Engineer
9. That the Communication from H. Johnson asking if Thos Leslie was paying for his room at No 1 Fire Hall be filed.
10. That the Communication from Thos Crawford etal laborers on the reservoir asking the Council to force the contractors to pay $2.00 a day be laid over to see if there is a By-Law on the subject.
11. That the Communications from Victor

[Volume 5 page 713]

Giroux etal complaining of not being paid for work done at the reservoir be referred to the inspector to investigate
Sgd H.P. McCraney
Acting Chairman

Moved by by Ald Wm Brown
Seconded by “ Salsbury

That the clause in the report relating to the purchase of a Silsby Heater be referred back and tenders invited for same. Carried

Moved by Alderman Queen
Seconded by “ McDowell

That the Report as amended be adopted. Carried.

Special Report

At a Special meeting of the City Council held on Wednesday evening January 31st 1894 in the Mayor’s Office at the City Hall at which all the Aldermen were present for the purpose of considering and revising Civic salaries, the Council went into Committee of the Whole, with the Mayor in the Chair.

The Chairman of each Committee handed in a list of names and salaries paid to all the employees in each department and after going through each list and considering and discussing same.

It was resolved that the salary of the City Clerk also Accountant Tetley be fixed at $100.00 each per month instead of $125.00 each as at present.

That Wm Sutherland, Poll Tax Collector be paid in future $65.00 per month instead of $75.00 as at present.

That the City Engineer be paid in future in equal monthly instalments

[Volume 5 page 714]

the annual sum of $2200.00 instead of $2750.00 as at present

That J. Romang be paid in future $2.00 per day instead of $2.25 as at present

That W. G. McLeod be paid $70.00 per month and uniform, he to find his own board and to perform duties as License Inspector for same salary

That J. Brenton be paid $75.00 in future per month instead of $85.00 as at present and to perform the same duties

That the temporary appointments of A.W. Scoullar as Plumbing Inspector at a salary of $3.00 per day be terminated

That R. Reith, Caretaker of the Isolation Hospital, at a salary of $50.00 per month be notified that his services are no longer required.

That in future J.H. Carlisle be paid $90.00 per month instead of $100.00 as at present.

That A.W. Cameron be paid in future $75.00 per month instead of $80.00 as at present and John Cooper $65.20 as at present and John Cooper $65.20 per month instead of $70.00 as at present.

The Council then adjourned

The Council met again on Similar Premises on Monday February 12th at 10 o’clock P.M.
All the Aldermen being present except Alderman C.L. Brown. The Council went into Committee of the Whole with the Mayor in the Chair.

It was resolved that the pay for the Caretaker at the Crematory be in future $50.00 per month in place of $100.00 per month with

[Volume 5 page 715]

free house rent and fuel and that applications for the position be asked for.

That the Pound Keeper’s wages in future be $50.00 per month and free house and all fines to be paid into the City Treasury.

That the Assistant Engineer be paid in future $100.00 per month instead of $125.00 as at present.

That the Street Inspector be paid in future $75.00 per month instead of $100.00 as at present.

That F.W. Boultbee secretary of the Water Works be paid in future $85.00 per month instead of $100.00 as at present.

That the remuneration for Mayor for the year 1894 be fixed at $1200.00

That the Office hours during week days shall be from 9 oclock A.M. to 5 oclock P.M. with one hour off for lunch throughout the year excepting Saturdays when they shall be from 9 o’clock a.m. to 1 p.m.

That absence from duty on holidays or sick leave shall be limited to ten days in each year for each employee.

The Council then adjourned

Moved by Alderman Wm Brown
Seconded by “ McDowell

That the Clause in relation to A.W. Scoullar be struck out. Carried

Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Salsbury

That the Police Force be reduced 10 per cent all around. Lost

[Volume 5 page 716]

Moved by Alderman Franklin
Seconded by “ Wm Brown

That the Report as amended be adopted. 4 for 2 against, one not voting
Carried

Introduction of By-Law

Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Queen

That a By-Law be introduced to repeal By-Laws No’s 190 & 194 Carried
The By-Law was introduced and read a first time.

Motions

Moved by Alderman Wm Brown
Seconded by “ Franklin

That the City Clerk be instructed to notify all those effected by the reductions of salaries Committee, be notified that the change will take effect on and after the 1st of March 1894.
Carried.

Moved by Alderman Franklin
Seconded by “ Bethune

That the following account be paid:-
F.W. Boultbee,               Cash paid out   $7.23
Carried

Moved by Alderman Wm Brown
Seconded by “ Franklin

That the following account be paid:-
J. Clandenning etal        Labor           $397.85
Carried

[Volume 5 page 717]

Consideration of By-Laws

Moved by Alderman McDowell
Seconded by “ Bethune

That the Rules be suspended to allow of the second reading of the By-Law to repeal By-laws Nos 190 & 104. Carried

The By-Law was read a second time.

The Council went into Committee of the Whole for its consideration, Alderman McDowell in the Chair.
It was read over clause by clause and reported to Council as complete.

The Rules were again suspended and the By-Law read a 3rd time on motion of Alderman McDowell seconded by Alderman Queen.

Moved by Alderman Salsbury
Seconded by “ Franklin

That the Street Paving By-Law be recommitted to allow of further amendments.
Carried.

Alderman Salsbury in the Chair

A Clause was inserted providing for the issue of the Bonds in Sterling as well as currency and their payment of interest in London; also extending the time for the By-Law to come into effect.

The Committee then rose and reported the change.

The 3rd reading of the By-Law was deferred until some definite information is received regarding the rails to be put down and the outcome of the act now before the Legislature regarding the amalgamation of the two roads (WMB McDowell)

[Volume 5 page 718]

Notice of Motion

Alderman McDowell gave notice that at the next regular meeting of Council he would move that the following aldermen be a Committee to manage the Water Works:-
Aldermen Wm Brown, Bethune, Queen, Shaw and McPhaiden.

The Council then Adjourned.

R.A. Anderson
Mayor

Thos. F. McGuigan
City Clerk