536 Called Meeting City Council, Austin Texas, June 12, 1878. Mayor D.S Gress Presiding. Roll called. Present Aldermen Lasfro. Mitz, Plate, Rorem, Shebhin, Strong, and Daughall. - Alderman Rorem moved a call of the coun- -cil. The Call being sustained by three the Marshal was sent for absentees. The minutes of the meetings of June 3d & 6th were read and approved. Aldermen Brooker and Millett appeared and answered to their names and on motion the Call was suspended. The Mayor presented the following veto message: Mayor's office Austin Texas, June 8th 1878. To the Honorable Board of Aldermen City of Austin. Gentlemen. I have the honor to return herewith "an ordinance appropriating one thousand dollars for purpose of purchasing and erecting a new Fire Alarm bell and removing the one now in use," with my objections thereto. The Market House is the place for this bell. It is generally admitted that the structure upon which the City fire alarm bell is very insecure and dangerous to life. It should be removed without delay. The Market House is the place for this bell as a police officer is on duty there night and day and an alarm of fire could be sounded by him promptly and the number of the ward could also be given with accuracy. The structure over the Market House could be made strong enough to support a heavier bell and whenever it is required and the City is in a condition to afford it one could be placed there. Very respectfully, J. C.D.e Gress, Mayor --- Page break --- 537 The veto message was read and on motion was sustained by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Crow, Brooker, Miller, McDo, Platt, Barnet, Shehaw, Strong and Vaughan. Nays none. Absent Alderman Stalle. The Mayor also presented the following Veto Message: Mayor's Office Austin Texas June 8' 1878. To the Honorable Board of Aldermen of the City of Austin: Gentlemen: I have the honor to return here- with "An Ordinance appropriating five hundred dollars for the Construction of a Rock Bridge on West Bois d'Arc Street" with my objections thereto. It will be remembered that in my commun- nication to the City Council of May 6, 1878, I recommended a reduction of the ad valorem tax to five sixths of one per cent. which recommendation the Council accepted for city expenditures, but levied an additional one sixth of one per cent to redeem outstanding bonds. By the shrinkage in the value of property and the reduction of taxes, the income to the city, as far as her expenditures are concerned will be about $18,000 less than for the year 1877. As the way appropriations are now being made, the public debt of the City will be increased, to which I cannot become a party. A bridge over West Bois d'Arc Street would no doubt be a convenience but in my opinion it is not a necessity. Very respectfully, G. L. De Gress Mayor. The veto message having been read on motion it was sustained by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Crow, Brooker, Millett, Platt, Brown, Strong and Vaughan. 7. Nays Aldermen Metz and Shehaw 2. Absent Alderman Stalle 1. --- Page break --- 538 An Ordinance regulating the compensation of Aldermen of the City of Austin. Read second time. Alderman Brow offered the following amendment. Amend by striking out $4.00 and inserting Two and strike out $2.00 and insert one. and that this ordinance shall apply only to Aldermen hereafter elected. On motion the amendment was laid on the table and motion to suspend the rules to place the ordinance on its third reading last two thirds of a full council not voting in the affirmative. An Ordinance regulating the salaries of officers with report of Ordinance committee introducing a substitute. Report received. Resolution appropriating $25.00 to assist in the removal of a destitute family named Todd to their home. Read first time and on motion of Alderman Crane the rules were suspended and the resolution placed on its second reading by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Brow, Brooker, Millett, Platt, Barnes, Shuhan, Strong and Vaughan. 8. Nays Alderman Metz. 1 Read second time and on motion the rules were further suspended and the resolution placed on its third reading by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Brow, Brooker, Millett, Platt, Bann Shu- han, Strong and Vaughan 8. Nays Alderman Metz. 1. Read third time and on motion passed by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Brow, Brooker, Millett, Platt, Barnes, Shuhan, Strong and Vaughan. 8 Nays Alderman Metz. 1. Resolution appropriating $30.00 to purchase hose for the self acting Chemical Fire Extinguisher. --- Page break --- 539 Read first time and on motion the rules were suspended and the resolution placed on its second reading by the following Vote: Yeas Aldermen Crow, Croaker, Millett, Metz, Platt, Sheehan, Strong & Vaughan 8 Nays Alderman Parnu. 1. Read second time and on motion the rules were further suspended and the resolution placed on its third reading by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Crow, Croaker, Millett, Metz, Platt, Parnu, Sheehan, Strong and Vaughn 9 Nays None. Read third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Crow, Croaker, Millett, Metz, Platt, Parnu, Sheehan, Strong and Vaughan. 9 Nays None. Petition of J. A. Webb & Bro. et. al. complaining of hucksters on on Pecan Street. Referred to City Marshall Alderman Stelle appeared and answered to his name. and Alderman Crow was excused from further attendance at this meeting. Application of B.D. Anderson for leave of absence. On motion the leave was granted. By the Police Committee. Your committee having under consideration the resolution of the leauncil to reduce the police force of the city to six, would most respectfully recommend that the police force be reduced to eight, to include the night clerk and overseer of the Chain gang, and that the Marshal be directed to select the eight best men now on the force. (Signed) A. B. Metz, " G. Crogett " A. M. Strong. On motion the report of the committee was adopted and the resolution as amended was second and thi d times and passed under a sus- --- Page break --- 54⁶ suspension of the rules nine aldermen voting in the affirmative. On motion by Alderman Millett the council adjourned. Approved L.M. Bradley June 21 1878 City Clerk.