In June 1856, Fernando Wood appointed a "consulting board" of seven people, headed by author Washington Irving, to inspire public confidence in the proposed development.[64][65] Wood hired military engineer Egbert Ludovicus Viele as the park's chief engineer, tasking him with a topographical survey of the site.[66][67][68] The following April, the state legislature passed a bill to authorize the appointment of four Democratic and seven Republican commissioners,[64][69] who had exclusive control over the planning and construction process.[70][2][72] Though Viele had already devised a plan for the park,[73] the commissioners disregarded it and retained him to complete only the topographical surveys.[74][75] The Central Park Commission began hosting a landscape design contest shortly after its creation.[75][76][77] The commission specified that each entry contain extremely detailed specifications, as mandated by the consulting board.[77][78][70] Thirty-three firms or organizations submitted plans.[77][78]