69° Called Meeting of City Council. Austin, Tx. November 13, 1879. Mayor Le Gros presiding. Roll called. Present — Aldermen Crow, Crocker, Metz, Nalle, Platt, Raven, Sheehan, Stong, and Vaughan. Absent. Alderman Millett. The minutes of November 8th were read & approved. Resolution appropriating $77.50 for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the late election. Read first time and, on motion, the rules were suspended and the resolution passed to its second reading by the following vote: Yeas — Aldermen Crow, Crocker, Metz, Nalle, Platt, Raven, Sheehan, Stong, and Vaughan. Nays. — none. Resolution read second time and, on motion the rules were further suspended and the resolution placed on its third reading by the following vote: Yeas — Alderman Crow, Crocker, Metz, Nalle, Platt, Raven, Sheehan, Stong and Vaughan. Nays. — none. Resolution read third time and, on motion passed by the following vote: Yeas. — Aldermen Crow, Crocker, Metz, Nalle Platt, Raven, Sheehan, Stong and Vaughan. Nays. — done. Petitions of citizens protesting against the storage of cotton within certain limits. Referred to the fire committee of the incom-ing council. On motion the council then adjourned sine die — L. Wm. Bradley City Clerk. --- Page break --- 699 The City's Officers' Report. Mayor's Office. Austin Tx Oct. 20th 1879. To the Hon. Board of Aldermen, City of Austin: Gentlemen - In compliance with the city charter, I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report: The financial condition of the city. Amount of warrants outstanding Oct 20. 1879. $14,805.76 Cash in city treasury Oct 20-1879 · 5,881.61 Bonded indebtedness of the city Oct 20-79- 98,400.00 Fifteen bonds in addition to the above have been called in and have ceased to bear interest since Sept 20. 1879; they have not been presented to the treasurer for payment. but the money to pay them with interest due thereon, is in the city treasury-which really leaves the bonded indebtedness 91,900.00 Ad valorem tax collected of 1877 to Oct 20- 1879 752.28 Ad valorem taxes collected of 1876. 231.25 Back taxes collected to Oct 20- 1879. 698.88 Ad valorem taxes collected for the year 1878 to Oct 20- 1879 47,689.48 Ad valorem taxes collected for the year 1879 to Oct. 20. 1879 752.17 Ad valorem taxes uncollected for the year 1879 now due 43,793.63 License collected to Oct. 20 1879 10,217.00 Income from market house to Oct 20. 1879 1,417.05 Income from cemetery to Oct 20- 1879- 882.80 Fines from Mayors court to Oct 20-1879. 2,595.80 Income from ground rent to Oct 20-1879 190.00 Income from dog tax to Oct 20- 1879. 8.78 Income, miscellaneous, to Oct 20, 1879 108.29 Cash on hand, Oct 20- 1878 7,560.10 Expenses of the city for the year ending Oct 20, 1879 Fire Department- 7,804.89 Streets and Bridges- 12,500.09 Miscellaneous, (the different items can be seen in the City Clerks report) 1,127.42 Market House. 941.57 Printing, Postage and Stationary 1,025.63 --- Page break --- 700 Charity $2132.73 Police 8814.17 Sanitary 11465.10 Salaries of city officers 6493.31 Commissions of City Assessor and Collector and City Attorney 1384.98 City Cemetery 563.87 Street Lamps 6418.20 Water rents 5647.94 Interest 10499.88 Bonds redeemed 4500.00 Total expenditures 70,957.43 Total receipts $73,100.10 Although property has decreased in value, the taxes have been reduced to nine-tenths of one per cent. The valuation of property in the city in 1878 was $5,214,574. This year there is a falling off of $265,040, making a difference in taxes less than in 1878 of $7399.94. While this deduction in taxes is comparatively but little, yet it was the best that could be done, taking into consideration the improvements that were necessary to be made. There are but nineteen bonds of the city($1900) now outstanding that can be called in at the pleasure of the city, and they should be paid off at the earliest moment practicable, so as to save interest. During the last fiscal year two stone arch bridges have been built and the wing of the bridge on Chestnut street over Waller creek, which was washed away about ten months ago, has been rebuilt. In addition to these a large number of bridges have been erected on Congress Avenue, Pecan street and other streets. A new house has been put up for the Protection Hook and Ladder Company No 2, in place of the one burned down. The furniture that was destroyed has been replaced. This new house is much more convenient for the purpose intended than the old one. The City Water Company has extended its pipes in the southern and northern --- Page break --- 701 parts of the city, and contracts have been en-tered into with said company for eight additional hydrants and three water troughs. These hydrants are now in position and ready for use, except one, thus giving fire protection to portions of the city, where it was very much needed. This in addition to our splendid fire department in charge of Mr. John Bremend, its able chief, will reduce the rate of insurance to a consid-erable extent. The fire department is composed of five companies, two engines, and three hook and ladder companies. Its active members are 162 officers and men. The semi annual report semi-annual report of the chief is here to attached. The annual report of the city marshall is herewith submitted. The police force consists of nine men, one of whom has charge of the police station, another of the prisoners. One mounted officer patrols the streets at night and the others performs patrol duty. During the year 1114 persons have been arrested, of which number 857 were fined, 205 were discharged and 13 appealed to the county court and 40 were transferred to justices and United States courts; $2595.92 in fines were collected, $1270.22 is yet due and $2444.20 was worked out on the streets. The above shows that the marshal and his small force have performed their whole duty. Warrants have been worth from 95 cents to par during the fiscal year, and never below the above figure. Inventory of City Property. Five engine houses. $3051.00 One House for Protection Hook and Ladder No. 3 - 450.00 Two steam fire engines - 18000.00 One fire extinguisher 2788.00 one hose carriage 200.00 Two thousand feet of hose 2070.00 Three hook and ladder trucks 4800.00 Furniture of Central fire department 500.00 --- Page break --- 702 Market house and improvements 13616.29 Street lamps 1500.00 One clock 1000.00 Furniture of court room, council chamber and offices, including two safes- 800.00 One horse and cart 125.00 $44,080.29 It will be noticed that the hospital block, heretofore carried on the inventory of property at $2215.22 has been dropped, as it does not properly belong there. the reports of the other city officers are hereto attached. Very respectfully (signed) J.C. DeGress, Mayor City Clerks Office Austin Tex. November 1st 1879 Hon. J. C. De Gress Mayor of the City of Austin. Sir: In compliance with the city or- dinances, I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report of receipts and disbursements of the city government for the fiscal year ending October 20, 1879. Very respectfully J. M. Bradly, City Clerk. Annual Report of the City Clerk of the City of Austin, Showing the Receipts and Expenditures of the City for the year ending Oct. 20, 1879: Receipts Balance on hand as per Treasurers report $7560.15 Received this year. 65539.90 Total 73100.10 Which was received from the following sources: Balance in treasury at last report $7560.15 Received from Ad valorem taxes 60123.86 " " Licenses 10217.00 " " Market House rents 1417.05 " " Sale of cemetery lots- 882.50 " " Fines in Mayors court 2895.80 " " Ground rent 190.00 " " Dog tax 3.75 --- Page break --- 703 Received from Miscellaneous sources- Total. Disbursements by Warrants. On account of Fire department- " " " Streets & Bridges- " " " Market House " " " Printing, Postage & Stationery " " " Charity. " " " Sanitary Police " " " Sanitary " " " Salaries and Commissions " " " City cemetery " " " Street Lamps. " " " Water rents " " " Interest " " " Bonds redeemed " " " Miscellaneous, (see Exhibit A) Total Amount of registered warrants outstanding and called in but not presented for payment. Amount of registered warrants outstanding not called in. Balance on hand in city treasury as per City Treasurer's report. The items under head of miscellaneous expenditures will be seen by reference to Exhibit A, hereto annexed (Signed) L. M. Bradley, City Clerk Exhibit A Austin Ice Factory ice for Oct. L.M. Bradley, telegram Houston, fever nursesG. B. Zimpelman, rent of Pound, Oct G. B. Zimpelman " " " Nov. John Bremond, blankets for Calaboose Ed. Creary, fine in Mayors, remitted by Governor. Wm. Little, Bill poster, contract Dec 12. 1878. G. B. Zimpelman, rent of Pound, Dec. 1878 L. M. Bradley, telegram to Govt. Ord & Levino. Baker & Graham $2.50 and $1.50 C. S. Johns. fees in appealed cases do do do G. A. Bush, sundries for assessors office J. C. De Gress, telegram official business- 105.29 $73100.10 7504.39 12505.59 941.55 1025.63 2132.73 8814.17 1465.10 7878.29 563.57 6415.20 5647.94 10429.88 4500.00 1127.42 $70,951.43 38.52 14805.76 5881.01 $ 6.55 1.60 10.00 10.00 57.00 25.00 50.00 10.00 2.00 4.00 40.00 20.00 8.25 2.80 --- Page break --- 704 W. W. Telegraph Co. telegram 75 H. R. Hartz, photograph of dy. Mayor W.P. de Normandie 5.00 S. Lucksinger, sausage for poisoning dogs- 14.50 Holm, Marshall & Co, painting & lettering numbers 8.75 John Dougherty, bal. judgement vs. city 40.00 John Dougherty, " " " " 26.52 B. C. Wells, care of city clock, 6 mos. to Oct 26 1879. 25.00 Frank Brown, recording deeds, etc.- 119.70 S. Hayford, repairing city engineers transit 28.35 Fred. Sterzing - jury script rec'd for tapes .50 He. S. Suckatz taxes overpaid, assessment 1878. 3.00 C. W. White, cash box for city treasurer 2.00 H. M. Strong, pay on board of appraisement 40.00 C. Bremond " " " " 40.00 C. Raven " " " " 40.00 G. Crow " " " " " 40.00 O. A. Caldwell " " " " " 40.00 Capital Ice Co. ice bill to May 31 1879 1.47 Brunet & Co " " " " " 2.50 C. W. White, removing stand-water pipe 37.50 C. S. Johntz fees in appealed cases 140.00 R. von Beckman, printing & binding acess Rolls 1879. 14.25 J. J. Campbell, removing clock & tower to Market House 100.00 C. S. Johntz, fees in appealed cases 20.00 F. Bastian, binding ad valorem tax receipts- 6.25 Zimpleman & Co, ice bill for July, 1879. 5.30 J. J. Campbell, extra work in removing clock 36.00 J. C. Petmeckey, 100 dog tags 10.00 Zimpleman & Co, ice bill for June 1879 3.50 J. C. De Gress, having tax rolls made out for 1879 100.00 Zimpleman & Co ' ice bill for Aug 6.25 " " " " Sept. 6.30 J. Billison, Six dinners for jurpmen 3.00 1127.42 Annual report of Assessor and Collector for fiscal year ending Oct. 20. 1879 Jan. 31. To income from ad valorem taxes 1878. $2,672.55 To income from ad valorem taxes of 1877 185.70 " " " " " " 1876 8.00 " " " " " " back taxes 65.71 " " licenses 2649.05 " " market house 78.60 " " Cemetery 417.50 " " Mayors court 1244.25 --- Page break --- 705 To income, ground rents 20.00 " " dog tax 75 Total, 8343.11 April 30. To income from advalorem taxes 1878, 33715.28 To income from from advalorem taxes 1877. 27.13 " " " " " " 1876 13.50 " " " back taxes 34.71 " " " licenses 3210.80 " " " market house 582.35 " " " cemetery 197.50 " " " mayors court 1000.80 " " " ground rents 80.00 " " " miscellaneous 45.00 Total- $38907.07 July 31. To income from advalorem taxes of 1878, $8914.83 To income from advalorem taxes 1877 330.95 " " " " " 1876 143.50 " " " back taxes 199.63 " " " licenses 2660.43 " " " market house 248.70 " " " cemetery 160.00 " " " mayors court 126.50 " " " ground rent 142.00 " " " dog tax 14.00 " " " miscellaneous 41.95 Total- $12859.51 Oct 20. To income from advalorem taxes of 1879, 752.17 To income from advalorem taxes 1878 1385.88 " " " " 1877 208.80 " " " " 1876 66.28 " " back taxes 398.33 " " licenses 1696.70 " " market house 507.40 " " cemetery 117.50 " " mayors court 225.25 " " ground rents 50.00 " " dog tax 1.00 " " miscellaneous 21.34 Total- $5480.26 Grand total $65339.95 Jan 31. By Treasurers receipt No. 615 480.50 " " " 616 170.00 --- Page break --- 707 By Treasurers receipt No. 659. $3658.90 " " " 660 100.00 " " " 661 100.00 " " " 662 533.83 " " " 663 500.00 " " " 664 1838.30 " " " 665 1549.40 " " " 666 1296.77 " " " 667 76.32 " " " 668. 579.95 Total $12859.57 Oct 20. By Treasurers receipt No 669 712.40 " " " 670 1041.85 " " " 671 693.30 " " " 672 1056.82 " " " 673 1003.40 " " " 674 922.49 Total $5430.26 Grand total $65,539.95 Respectfully submitted Theo Sterzing City Assessor and Collector Annual Report of City Treasurer for fiscal year ending October 20 1879 (See document B for statement of items) Debits To Bal. on hand Oct. 31. 1878- $7560.15 " receipts from Ass'r and collector, viz: Ad valorem tax $50,123.06 Licenses tax 10217.00 Fines market cuts etc 5199.39 $65539.95 Total- $73100.10 Credits By city warrants paid $52195.71 " " Bonds paid 4500.00 " interest on bonds paid 9767.38 $67219.09 " Bal. on hand $5881.01 viz. reserved to pay bonds & warrants called in and not presented for payment as follows. Bond No 62 called in April and interest 103.75 Bonds No 2 181 to 191 and 194 to 196 inclusive, called in Sept 30 & interest 11446.67 Sundry warrants. 38.52 --- Page break --- 708. Balance at credit of interest and sinking fund account $4292.07 $5881.01 Total. $73100.10 signed J. W. Howard City Treasurer, City Marshal's Office Austin, Tex Oct 21, 1879. Hon J. C. De Gress, Mayor of the City of Austin. Sir:- I have the honor to report that the police force of the city of Austin, consists of nine men, and are distributed as follows: One Officer on duty at police office, one mounted officer patrolling the city at night, one officer guarding and work-ing the city prisoners, the balance being on patrol day and night in different parts of the city. There have been arrested by the police force from the twentieth day of October 1878, to the nineteenth day of October 1879 1114 persons, of which 851 were fined, 205 dismissed, and 13 appealed to county court; 40 were transferred to justices courts and 5 to the United States court. The fines for the above year amounts to $6280.00; amount of cash collected $3865.80; amount of fines worked out $2414.20; value of stolen and missing property reported at police office $5273.00, of which $3307.00 were recovered by the police and returned to owners. Very Respectfully, signed, Ed. Creary City Marshal; Austin Tex. Oct. 31. 1879 To the Hon. Mayor and Board of Aldermen, City of Austin: Gentlemen - At date of my last annual report October 31. 1878, seven pauper patients remained under treatment; since which time 252 additional have been treated, making a total of 259 indigent sick to whom the city has furnished medicines and medical attention during the year. Of this number 226 have been restored, six improved, 15 have died and 12 remain under treatment. --- Page break --- 709 Of the whole number treated, 228, to whom 948 prescriptions were given, where cared for at their homes, the remaining 34 were treated at the Manning Infirmary. In addition to the foregoing, the causes of death in twenty cases, two of whom required post mortem examinations, dying suddenly and without medical attention, have been investigated and burial certificates issued therefor. The proprietors of Manning Infirmary have been unremitting in efforts to supply patients treated at that institution with whatever their conditions required, and a deep sense of gratitude to them compels acknowledgement of obligations for many courtesies extended and much valuable assistance rendered me. Their institution complete in appointments, fitted up at great cost, and supplying a deficiency long felt by the community, is a meritorious one, and deserves liberal patronage from the city. In conclusion, and with thanks for your uniform consideration, I am, gentlemen with great esteem, etc. (Signed) P. N. L. Bitt M.D. City Physician Annual Report of the City Sexton of the city of Austin for the year ending October 20th. 1879. From birth to 5 years of age. 107 " 5 to 20. " " 19 " 20 to 40. . . 46 " 40 to 60. . . 39 " 60 to 80. . . 26 " 80 to 100. . . 3 Over 100 years of age 1 Age not given 10 Total. 251 Males 121. Females 130. White 165. Colored 79. Mexican 7. Still-born 20. Natives 215. Germany 16. Irish 2. Scotch 2. Sweden 1. Italians 2. Mexicans 1. Nativity of 12 not given. --- Page break --- 710 Respectfully submitted Signed ) C. L. Nitschke City Seyton. Executive Office Austin Fire Department Austin, Oct 22 1879 Hon. J. C. De Gray, Mayor: Sir: In compliance with the fire regulations and ordinances of the city, I herewith submit my semi-annual statement of the general proceedings and the working of this de- partment for the term of six months ending this day. During the term the department was called on duty twenty-two times, as follows: April 22, @ 9:30 P.M. Fire on lot 2 in block 101; a stable and woodhouse burned, belonging to and occupied by R. J. Loving; loss $175.00, no insurance. Cause, accidental. May 8th @ 11.22 P.M. Incendiary fire on lot 8 in block 87, known as Jagua's woodyard; loss $25; no insurance. May 9th at 10 P.M. An empty store-house belonging to Leander Brown; situated on outlot 68, division D; burned to the ground; loss $420.22; no insurance. Caused by carelessness. May 10, at 3 P.M. — A stable on lot 8 in block 87, know division I, was set on fire by an incendiary; loss $20; no insurance. May 11, at 2 A.M. — The United States barracks, in the south-eastern part of the city were discovered to be on fire; loss $440.00. Incendiary. May 20, at 1 A.M. A fire originated in the kitchen of the Raymond House, on lots 5 and 6 in block 46; $00 loss, insured. Caused by a defective stove-pipe. May 20, at 11.30 P.M. A stable on lot 1 in block 28 was set on fire with kerosene oil by an incendiary, but extinguished before much damage was done. --- Page break --- 711 June 23. at 5 A. M. — Jagua's woodyard, on lot 8 in block 54, was fired by an incendiary; damage $20.00; no insurance. June 26 at 3 A. M. — A kitchen on lot 2 in block 41; caught fire from coals falling out of the stove; loss $250.00; no insurance. July 18 at 3 A. M. — A pile of empty barrels and pipes burned in the yard of S. Simon's restaurant, on lot 1 in block 69. July 25 at 3 A. M. — The residence belong-ing to the Hill estate on lot 7 in block 72 and occupied by B. P. Stacey burned to the ground; loss about $3000.00; no in-surance. Caused by carelessness. July 25 at 11.30 P. M. — A dwelling house on lot 4 in block 123 was destroyed by fire; cause, carelessness; no insurance. July 28 at 11 P. M. — A lamp exploded in the Avenue Hotel, on lots 5 and 6 in block 84; no damage. July 29 at 3 A. M. — A fire originated in the residence of A. J. Peeler, in the northwest part of the city; damages $50 insured. July 29 at 3.45 A. M. — An incendiary put fire to the truck house of Protection Hook and Ladder Company No 3, which caused a loss of $950.00; no insurance. July 29 at 4 A. M. — A negro cabin on lot 3 in block 20, division C, was destroyed; loss $140. no insurance. August 14 at 11.30 P. M. — The wash house of the City Hotel, on lots 1 and 2 in block 43, was fired by an incendiary; loss $10; no insurance. August 17 at 11 P. M. — The residence of J. Fontaine, on lot 1 in block 45, division D, burned to the ground; cause incendiary; loss $800.00; no insurance. August 22 at 7.30 P. M. A kitchen be- -longing to and adjoining the Catholic Church, on lot 1 in block 112, was damaged to the extent of $20.00; no insurance. September 22 at 1 P. M. — A kitchen --- Page break --- 712 belonging to W. A. Saylor, on lot 3 in block 46; caught fire from a defective flue and burned to the ground; lost $175.00; no in-surance. October 5 at 1 P.M.— A servant house belonging to Mrs. A. M. Townsend and situated in block 17, division E, burned, causing a loss of $225.00; no insurance. Cause, care-lessness. October 13 at 6 P.M.— A lamp exploded at the postoffice, on lot 6 in block 69, caus-ing slight damage. The foregoing statement of fires shows that comparatively small damage was caused, considering the number of fires, and I take pleasure in congratulating the city on the efficiency of the fire department. Since the last report the truck house of Protection Hook and Ladder Company No 3 was destroyed by fire, and on its site now stands a building worthy of our city, and a ornament to the neighbourhood. Our three truck companies have equipped themselves with horses, and I find that the timely arrival of the companies at fires have saved a large amount of property the past six months. This improvement has greatly added to the efficiency of the department, and thanks are due these companies for the enterprise shown. The apparatus of the department, con- sisting of two steam fire engines, two hose carriages and three hook and ladder trucks, are in excellent working order, and the trucks and engine houses are conveniently situated and in good condition. The roster of the department shows 162 men ready for duty at a seconds notice, comprising the best class of citizens and property owners of Austin, and the best of spirits and friendly relations exists among the members. Incendiarism, known and supposed, was the cause of nine fires, and I am satisfied --- Page break --- 713 that the increase of this worse of all crimes is attributable in a great degree to the failure to bring the guilty parties to justice. Measures should be taken at once to provide means to check this evil, as it is increasing from year to year, and may at any time be the means of great disaster to our city. Our facilities for a supply of water have been considerably increased the last six months, and in connection with this I would suggest as an early day the single hydrants in the business portion of the city be removed and tripple ones be substituted, which improvement would greatly facilitate the effective working of the department. As it is now we have three different kinds of hydrants with different size openings, which at some time may cause a loss of valuable time when it is most needed. I trust you will favorable consider those suggestions and bring them before the honorable council at the proper time. There has been but one death in the department during the past half year, J. A. Cunningham, member of Colorado Steam Fire Engine Company No 2, whose loss was seriously felt, as he was an active and ef-ficient fireman. The credit given to the members for discipline is well deserved, and the department as a whole stands high in nearly all respects. I am pleased to say that the foremen have acquited themselves in a very commend-able way throughout the past half year, which has affected our increased efficiency. With pleasure I return my thanks to the officers and members for their strict attention to duty; also to the police officers for the valuable assistance they have rendered us on several occasions and to yourself and the honorable city council for the promptness in which you have carried on - everything that tendered to promote the --- Page break --- 715 [The page appears to be blank except for the page number 715 in the upper right corner] --- Page break --- 716 [The rest of the page appears to be blank] --- Page break --- [The page appears to be blank except for the page number 717 in the upper right corner] 717 --- Page break --- *Transcription of visible text (upper left corner, heavily degraded):* [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] *Upper right notation:* [illegible] in Page 315