578 On motion, Alderman O. H. Cullen was added to the select committee appointed to draw up a resolution accepting the donation from E. H. Pease and Laddis of twenty three acres of ground for a City park. The minutes were read from April the first to June the ninth 1875. On motion Council adjourned Fred. Stegding Recorder Called meeting of the City Council Austin Tex Aug 23rd 1875 Mayor S.G. Wheeler in the chair. Present Aldermen G. T. Boardman, Wm Brueggerhoff, O. H. Cullen F. F. Dohme, A. B. Mitchell, J. H. Robinson. Absent. Aldermen Bremond, Ed. Christian and S. Piper. The Mayor stated that the meeting was called for various reasons. A petition from J. W. Wayman & Co. was read, praying that their occupation tax be issued them pro= rata from the first of this quarter to the time of their closing business. Granted by the following vote; Yeas - Ald. Boardman, Brueggerhoff, Dohme, Cullen, Mitchell and Robinson. Nays - none. A petition from G. W. Erwin was read, praying to be relieved from payment of license tax on his three water wagons. Laid on the table. A petition from A. O. Horne Sr. was read, praying that his assessment on real estate property in Block 28. be reduced from $7,600 to $5,500. On motion the Assessor was authorized to make the assessment the same as it had been rendered to the State & County. A petition from C. F. Millett, Ed. Finnin and six others was read, asking to reconsider the action in the matter of the erection of a small wooden house by Messrs. Lyster & French on Block No 53 on Pecan Street, and allow them to keep said house on the premises for a period of six months from Aug 19th 1875. Alderman Brueggerhoff moved that the City Attorney stay the proceeding against Messrs. Lyster. --- Page break --- and French with regard to the violation of the fire ordinance. Carried. Report of Committee: To the Honorable Mayor of the City of Austin; Your Committee who was appointed to draft a suitable resolution, accepting the donation to the City of Austin, of twenty-three acres of land, for a public park, by Gov. E.M. Pease and his wife: beg leave to report the following resolution, and ask that the same be adopted by the City Council and that a copy thereof be furnished to Gov. Pease and wife. J.H. Robinson, Chairman. Be it resolved by the City Council of the city of Austin, That the City of Austin, through its Council, hereby accepts the donation of twenty three acres of land within the corporate limits of said City, granted to it by Gov. E.M. Pease and wife for a public park. That the thanks of the citizens of said City are hereby extended to said donots, through their representatives in council assembled. On motion, the report from the Committee was received, and the resolution adopted by the following vote: Yeas—Ald. Boardman, Wm. Brug- gerhoff, Cullen, Dohme, Mitchell, and J.H. Robinson. Nays—none. Ald. Bruggerhoff introduced an ordinance, to be entitled “An Ordinance to amend, an ordinance defining the fire limits of the City of Austin.” The ordinance was read the first time, and lays over under the rules. Ald. Dohme offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted. To wit: Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin—That three additional Street lamps be placed in ward five; that the City Marshal shall locate the same; and there shall be two placed in Ward No. 1, one to be located at the corner of John Ravape store, the other at the corner of Pine and Lavaka streets; also one in the seventh Ward at the stone Bridge on Cherry Street. --- Page break --- 580 Ald. Brueggerhoff introduced the following resolution to wit: Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin That the Mayor and Street Committee be authorized to have done the following work or improvements: The proofing of the branch and Waller creek on Magnolia Avenue; the building of a culvert and improving them in the eighth ward on Robertson's Hill; and the improvement of Nuys quile street from Congress Avenue to Waller creek. The work to be let by contract to the lowest bidder as far practicable. The resolution was adopted by the following vote: Yeas—Ald. Boardman, Brueggerhoff, Cullen, Dohme, Mitchell and Robinson. Nays—none. Alderman Brueggerhoff moved that the Street Committee be authorized to contract with A. H. Cook for dirt to be hauled at the foot of Congress Avenue and that the amount of his bill for such work be credited him on his taxes. Carried unanimously. The following bills were presented, to wit: Frank Birkett, for work on public streets with horses and wagon amounting to $187.97. John Roberts, for work on public streets, amounting to $40.00. J. H. Gault for work on public streets, with mule & cart, amounting to $60.00. J. H. McGregor, for work on public streets, amounting to $140.00. W. H. Bray, for sundries for paupers, amounting to $26.70. On motion, the bills were referred to their respective Committees, to be allowed if found correct. On motion, the Council adjourned. Fred Sterzing Recorder Church 167- Public sqrs. 161. 162. 309. West Ave. Sidewalk Pg-351- Congress Ave. Paving Same - 302 --- Page break --- MAYOR'S OFFICE, AUSTIN, TEXAS, Feb. 3, 1875. To the Aldermen of the City of Austin, Texas: GENTLEMEN: It again becomes my duty under the ordinance of the city (see article 841,) to report to you the financial condition of the city, and make such suggestions as may seem meet and proper. That all may better understand the condition of the city finances, I concluded that it would be well for this report to go back to the beginning of our ad- ministration, and extend to the first of this month. It will be seen by my report submitted to your body, on the 20th day of Novem- ber, 1872, the recorder of the former administration furnished us with a state- ment, claiming that the indebtedness at that time amounted to only $26,870. But as you know, and as the recorder's books show the debt when registered amounted to $35,884. There being many approved accounts and unregistered warrants afloat, which were not included in the statement, furnished us. This en- tire debt, with the exception of a very small amount, was due, and the city was flooded with it in the shape of warrants, audited and unaudited claims, etc., which could be purchased at about 40 cents on the dollar. We, as you know, found the city thus financially embar- rassed, and what made our condition worse, there was not one cent in the treasury. Most of you know what diffi- culty we experienced in getting anything done for the city. Parties usually charging two or even three prices for work, which necessity forced us to do. This evil could only be remedied by absorbing this floating debt by heavy taxation, or by bidding it, at the option of the holders, such rates as would induce them to change it for bonds of the city. As I am aware, your body on the 7th day of April, 1873, passed an ordinance au- thorizing the creditors of the city to exchange their claims for city ten-year bonds at 75 cents on the dollar. Under this ordinance $22,875 in claims were funded, for which the holders received $30,500 bonds. As the city lost one- fourth in this exchange, the indebted- ness of the city was increased by $7625, leaving of the old debt not funded or paid $13,009, a portion of which was drawing interest at from 2 to 2 1-2 per cent. per month. It being impossible from the usual income of the city to get money enough to settle the balance due and pay the necessary expenses of the city, your body by ordinance ordered on the 30th day of March, 1874, that $20,- 000 in bonds be sold at not less than 75 cents on the dollar. They were sold at that price, and all of the debts due and drawing interest were settled. We have issued the following bonds in payment of improvements: J. Limberick................... $1600 J. Sheehan.................... 200 B. C. Wells, for clock............ 1200 P. M. Kearnan................. 700 J. W. Glenn................... 100 O. H. Millican................ 100 $6500 which with those stated above, make our entire bonded debt which amounts in the aggregate to $57,000--in 10 and 20 year bonds. The income of the city from all sources from the beginning of our administra- tion to the present time has been $119,- 928 58. And the disbursements for the same period have been as follows: For Police.................... $19412 94 For Charity.................. 4575 93. For Fire Department, inclu- ding house and furniture for Central Depot Fire Co 12813 32. For Administration, which includes the salary of May- or, City Attorney, Record- er, Treasurer, office rents, fuel, stationery, printing, lights, &c................... 26582 56. For Markethouse, including salary of Marketmaster..... 2226 38 For cemetery, including sal- ary of Sexton............... 1967 98. For Sanitary................. 1105 74. Interest paid on bonds...... 4904 60. For streets, bridges and pub- lic wells.................... 41,660 88. Among which are stone-arch- ed bridges, cutting down hills and grading, and em- bankments on Red River street, on Cherry street and on Ash street, 4 stone bridges with plank cover- ing, on large culvert on East Avenue, cutting large drain from Railroad, near Mason Town to near river, pav- ing gutters on Avenue and Pecan streets, build- ing pavements on Avenue in front of blocks 123 and 124, State property near Capitol, new abutments to iron bridges on Pecan street, 20 gas lamps and fixtures, twenty oil lamps, three carts and two horses and one mule and harness for street use. Old debts paid in cash................... $13,009 00 Cash on hand............. 465 34 Floating debt at this time amounts to.................. 8,826 00 His increase of the floating debt has been caused by the work we have been com- pelled to liquidate, from the fearful condition of our streets during this quarter, and not sufficient tax being collected to liquidate them and pay the current expenses of the city, and from delin- quent tax payers. Quite a number of our fellow citizens having failed and refused to pay their tax for 1874, and even from 1870 up, and said claims have been placed in the hands of the City Attor- ney for suit. The unpaid tax amounts to............ $14,893 76 It will be seen that if delin- quents would have paid their taxes, we would have no floating debt, but....... $6,076 65 in the Treasury. CHARITY—On account of the severity of the winter, our expenses for charitable purposes have been much larger than any previous quarter. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT is now in very good condition. The old companies are tolerably well equipped, and are as ready as ever to do their whole duty in meeting the fire fiend. A number one company has been organized near the freight depot; a house built for said company, and the Champion Machine placed in charge of said company. When the new Silsby's Steam Engine, which we have ordered, arrives, and we get one company located above the Capi- tol we will have this department in fine condition. The people of Austin can certainly congratulate themselves on the character, spirit and devotion of their firemen, and we should not hesitate to equip the companies well provided with all necessary accoutrements. The market house debt has been entirely liquidated, and as the object has been accomplished for which we sold the market privileges to the highest bidder, I would earnestly recommend that an ordinance be at once passed setting apart a portion of the town, including the market house, except at the market house, and the market house stalls be sold to the highest bidder, and that all who desire, be per- mitted to establish a market in any part of the city, not thus set apart for the protection of said market house, by paying to the city a nominal price. By that means the market business will not be monopolized by a few and consumers be compelled to submit to exorbitant prices. In conclusion I do earnestly suggest that all expenses be curtailed the balance of this year. If they are not lessened our city will ere long, be heavily involved and an onerous tax will be necessary to relieve us of our financial embarrassments. This, as the representatives of the people of the city we must prevent. And that our debt may not increase. And that we may have a certain mode of decreasing it, I most respectfully recommend that at least one-third of the income of this year be set apart to be used for no other purpose than of reducing the indebted- ness as a sinking fund and to pay inter- est on the bonded debt. I also earnestly suggest, as heretofore, that you, without delay, pass a resolution not permitting any city officer to contract for, or the Mayor to approve any account for work done for the city, unless an appropria- tion has previously been made by your body to pay for the same. And I would further suggest that no more work be done on the streets, bridges, &c., except what can be done by the city carts and prisoners, until there is money in the Treasury to pay for the same. Every month make our disburse- ments less than our income, and let the contracts for improvements be made only when there is money in the Treasury to pay for such improvements. By no means our improvements may be some- what retarded, but the city will get more work for the same amount of money. Contractors and laborers will be better satisfied and the city debt will be kept in due bounds. Trusting that your body will receive these suggestions and consider them in the spirit in which they are submitted, I remain respectfully, Your Ob't Servant, T. B. WHEELER, Mayor. 581 Page 56 Public weigher 50¢ Resolution with respect to fire dept. 23 Sess. 3. from 557. 21 Dale Hols. B. C. Wells Band Cemetery Lots Howells Est. & R.R. Page 30. Page 28 Page 29 Regn. of vid. 106 R.R. Page 30. 1100 --- Page break --- # See Page 540 for Census Taken by Joe A. Carter in Feb 1875 Vegetable orch. 557. Vegetable lands east of 618. In reference to open West Avenue 298, 341, 537. Receiving Warrants for Taxes & other dues Page 428 Church property petition 347. 352. Petition of Rev. Doolittle 357. Rev. Doolittle Claim page 298. Appoint The above ordinance was passed by a two-third vote of the City Council notwith- standing the Mayor's veto. Attest; Fred Sterzing Recorder --- Page break --- REPORT OF MAYOR WHEELER. MAYOR'S OFFICE, AUSTIN, TEXAS, August 3, 1874. To the Aldermen of the City of Austin. GENTLEMEN:—It becomes my duty to again make a report of the Financial condition of the City. This report in- cludes the income and expense from the third day of May last (the time of my last report) to the first day of the present month: Real Estate Tax collected .......... $6498 86 Licenses ............................ 4982 20 Merchandise Tax ..................... 801 18 D.L.W. or W.S.R.R. Tax ........... 400 00 Market House........................ 1387 25 Fines and Mayor's Court ........... 228 10 March and July ...................... 20 00 Total ............................ $13916 99 Added to this the amount on loan for $20,000 bond at ........... 5000 00 interest ............................ 989 98 Total receipts .................... $19906 97 Expenditures for the above period .. 20370 00 As will be seen by reference to this report, that our expenses in all the depart- ments have been rather heavy. And I would most respectfully recommend that no more work of any kind be contracted for until the money is in the Treasury and the appro- priation made, before the contract is closed. This course to the city paper will remain open and we can get work done at cash. I am glad to inform you that our citi- zens notwithstanding the hard times, are coming forward with alacrity and settling their city taxes. Although some of them complain of the amount, as they feel that they are all interested enough in the improvement of our beautiful town to move without delay, when they see that we are spending the money economically and prudently. Then let us as their representatives, see that every dollar is made to aid in either in protecting or improving the city. The pavements on the Avenue are not completed, I would respectfully re- commend that you at once take action to have East Pecan street as far as Trinity street, graded and paved, and also such other streets, along the blocks fronting on the Avenue, as you may think necessary for the convenience of the public. Our people have no place of public amusement in the city. I suggest for your consideration, the enclosing of one or more of our beautiful public squares, to be im- proved as the city is able. I have been urged by quite a number of our enter- prising citizens, that if the city would enclose them, they would set out trees and shrubbery and otherwise adorn and beau- tify them, without charge for their labor. I trust you will think of, and give this your early attention. I am pleased to report that the splen- did stone bridge on Ash street as well as others of less importance, have been completed during this quarter, and of great benefit and to the convenience of the people. And the prebed stone bridge over Waller on Cherry Street, with other public improvements about the city, are being completed with commendable speed. I trust that you will maturely and im- partially consider the suggestions herein named I remain, very respectfully, T. B. WHEELER, Mayor. MAYOR'S QUARTERLY REPORT. MAYOR'S OFFICE, AUSTIN, TEXAS, May 24, 1875. To the Board of Aldermen of the City of Austin, Texas: GENTLEMEN:—Under the ordinances of the city, it becomes my duty to again present to your body a report of the re- ceipts and expenditures of the city for the past quarter beginning on the first day of February and ending on the third day of May, 1875. The receipts have been as follows, to- wit: For real estate tax ................... $1200 00 For licenses ......................... 617 88 For merchandise tax ................. 194 01 For dog tax .......................... 20 00 For Market House .................... 530 00 For cemetery ........................ 225 00 For fines of Mayor's Court ......... 487 00 Total ............................ $3273 89 The expenditures have been as fol- lows, to-wit: For police .......................... $41 90 For streets ......................... 773 00 For administration (see itemized account below) ....................... 3386 87 For charity ......................... 79 36 For fire department (including new steam engine) ..................... 2182 51 For Market House ................... 225 45 For cemetery ....................... 192 80 For prisoners (to be accounted in street work) ....................... 1022 13 For Sanitary ....................... 14 00 Total ........................... $8115 02 Specification of expenses of adminis- tration in second quarter of 1875, February 1 to May 3, 1875: Interests paid on coupons due June and December, 1874 ..................... $2092 06 Books for taking census January, 1875. Printing done by the Gazette office in February, 1875 .................... 35 00 Salary of Mayor and City Attorney for April, 1875 ....................... 156 11 Rent of room for Mayor's Court and offices for February, 1875, bearing 2½ per cent. per month ............ 100 00 Commissions of Treasurer second quarter, 1875. ..................... 50 00 Collecting $68.88 real estate taxes ten per cent. of which is added to in- come .............................. 50 00 Bucket, broom and dipper for use in Mayor's Court and offices .......... 349 61 Rent for cattle pound for January and February, 1875 ..................... 65 50 Printing at Staads Bulletin in Febru- ary, 1875. ........................ 5 05 Gas light for Mayor's Court and offices in January and February, 1875 ..... 20 00 Printing and binding tax receipt books for both two volumes ............... 78 47 Difference on coupons for $100 bonds, changed to $500 bonds payable on 14th July ......................... 45 00 Collecting $50 real estate taxes as above ............................. 22 00 Salary of Mayor and City Attorney for March, 1875. ...................... 35 97 Rent of court room and offices for March, 1875, bearing 2½ per cent. per month. ........................ 100 00 Rent of cattle pound for March, 1875. Printing done at Staads Bulletin March, 1875. ...................... 50 00 Commissions of assessor and collector first quarter, 1875. ................ 10 20 Postage stamps ..................... 27 55 Printing 200 butcher's notes ......... 5 00 Pine table and benches to immigrant room .............................. 2 50 Putting up stove and flue in same .. 10 00 Printing at Statesman office from Jan- uary 23 to March 31, 1875 ........ 1 50 Interests on coupons paid second quar- ter, 1875 .......................... 75 00 Fire wood for court room and immigrant's room ....................... 11 50 Printing done at Staads Bulletin January, 1875. ....................... 17 16 Stove pipe, funnel and oil for immigrant's room ....................... 2 25 Salary of Mayor and City Attorney for April, 1875 ....................... 100 00 Salary of Recorder for second quarter, 1875 .............................. 25 00 Collecting $90.00 real estate taxes, ten per cent. commission, which are added to income .................... 90 00 Room rent for Mayor's Court and offi- ces for April, 1875, bearing 2½ per cent. per month .................... 3 60 Total ............................ $3160 46 That you might the better understand the expense under the head of adminis- tration, I have seen proper to submit an itemized statement, which includes the entire expense in that department. The ten per cent. paid the City Attorney for collecting taxes as you will see in the statement, has in every instance been paid by the delinquent taxpayer, and is included in the receipts of the city, and therefore, is no loss to the city treasury. The bonds which your body instructed myself and the Finance Committee to sell, have been disposed of, and the proceeds placed in the city treasury, and nearly the entire floating debt has been paid off and cancelled since the above financial statement was closed. Thirty- eight of the bonds were sold to Messrs. Forster, Ludlow & Co., for 72 and 25 cents cash, U. S. currency, and the other or two to Mr. Chadwick at 77 cents for city warrants. 583 Summery of Page 486. Cash box $2.75 Tax Records make no mention Page (521) Public minutes Page 505. * Hands = 39 --- Page break --- ANNUAL ASSESSMENT OF CITY PROPERTY FOR THE YEAR 1875.—All persons owning or having control of real estate or personal property within the corporate limits of the city of Austin, are hereby requested to render a list of such property before the first day of March 1875, to the City Assessor at the Mayor's Office for this year's taxation, as the law directs. Also every male resident of this city, over the age of twenty-one years, will report themselves for the assessment of the capitation tax. According to law, every person failing in this, will have to abide by the assessment as made by me. FRED. STERZING, City Assessor. jan23 tmar15