53 Pa. Stat. § 16404
From and after the said first day of June next, the mayor or recorder, and four of the aldermen, shall be, and they are hereby fully authorized and empowered, either by themselves, or by proper persons to be by them for that purpose appointed, to do, perform and execute all such matters and things, as the said wardens and street commissioners respectively were, at and immediately before the passing of this act, authorized or enabled by law, to do and perform, in conjunction with any justice or justices of the peace of and for the city and county of Philadelphia, or of either of them. And for the several purposes aforesaid, it shall and may be lawful for the said mayor, recorder, aldermen and common council-men, in common council assembled, to make, ordain and establish such ordinances, regulations and provisions, concerning the same, as by them shall be deemed necessary and expedient; and also to allow and make such rewards and compensation to the several officers of the said corporation, and persons to be employed in the service thereof, as shall be just and reasonable.
53 P.S. § 16404