Austin 1874: New Police, Dumping Carts, Gas Lamps
• Police Force Expansion – Mayor Wheeler appointed three new policemen (W. P. Allen, A. H. Cox, and M. L. Langford) to strengthen law enforcement in the growing city.
• Waste Management Infrastructure – The council authorized purchasing two dumping carts and animals to haul them, addressing Austin's growing sanitation needs.
• Street Lighting Upgrades – A committee was tasked with inspecting new gas street lamps to ensure they met contract standards and deciding what to do with older lamps.
• Public Scales Installation – The city appointed Val. C. Giles as city weigher and directed the Street Committee to find a location for public scales, likely for commercial use and trade regulation.
Full Transcript
(received) for that purpose. Carried. On motion Council adjourned Fred Sterzing Recorder.
Called meeting of City Council. Austin Tex. July 11, 1874.
His Hon. J. B. Wheeler Mayor in the chair called the Council to order. The roll being called the following Aldermen answered to their names: Alderman E. Bremond, G. T. Boardman, Wm. Bouggerhoffe J. Dohme H. McMety N. B. Mitchell and J. H. Robinson. Absent Aldermen Col. Christian A. Scholp and S. H. Todd. His Hon. the Mayor stated that the meeting had been called to take action in regard to procuring dumping carts and appointing the additional police etc. The Mayor appointed W. P. Allen Capt. A. H. Cox and M. L. Langford as policemen and submitted their names to the board of Aldermen. On motion the appointments were confirmed. Ald. Bremond moved that the Street Committee and Marshal be authorized to purchase two carts and two mules or horses and make arrangements for the keeping of the same. Carried. Ald. Bremond moved that the Street Committee be instructed and authorized to inspect the Street Gas Lamps and if found according to contract to accept the same and report at the next meeting. And that said Committee also distribute the old street lamps as they may see proper. Carried. Mr. Val. C. Giles was nominated by His Hon. the Mayor as city weigher and his name submitted to the Board of Aldermen. On motion the nomination was confirmed. On motion the Street Committee was instructed to select a place for the erection of the public scales. and make report of the same at next meeting. On motion Council adjourned. Fred Sterzing Recorder.