The Second Municipality Council, on May 12, 1836, passed an ordinance allowing that body annually to appoint a "suitable person" as Surveyor. He was to keep his office in the Municipal Hall. All of his plans and other records were to be kept in that office. The Surveyor was to take an oath of office before the Mayor, and was also required to give bond in the amount of $10,000 for the faithful performance of his duties and to "secure the Municipality against any claims or injury that may arise" from any neglect of duty, etc.

The law also required the Surveyor to establish the official lines of city lots, streets, and sidewalks and to report anyone working on buildings or sidewalks without having first had such official lines established. He was also given the responsibility for supervising public works in the municipality; supervising the cart drivers, etc. employed by the municipality; and making plans, estimates, surveys, etc. as required by the Mayor and Council. The Surveyor also oversaw the execution of building ordinances, laws governing street names and numbers, and the planting of trees on public streets and squares.