Austin's 1890 Government Attendance Crisis
• Lack of quorum: The June 7th meeting was unable to proceed due to insufficient aldermen present (only 4 of 20), forcing an adjournment.
• Second meeting also failed: Two days later on June 9th, the situation worsened with only 1 alderman showing up, preventing any city business from being conducted.
• Leadership absent: Both the Mayor and Board President failed to attend the rescheduled meeting, highlighting serious government dysfunction.
• No business conducted: Due to the attendance failures, no agenda items, policy decisions, or public hearings could take place during this period.
Full Transcript
645 The minutes of a Called meeting of the City Council Austin, Tex., June 07, 1890.
Hon. John Mc. Donald, Mayor, presiding.
Roll Call- Present Aldermen, Anderson, Linn, Marris, Townsend - 4. Absent- Aldermen Assmann, Boland, Carleton, Graham, Hume, Jackson, Jones, Mety, Newton, Nitschke, North, Phillips, Platt, Schneider, Schuber, Ziller - 16. Quorum absent. Alderman Linn moved that the Council Stand Adjourned until 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, 1890. Carried.
Milton Morris, City Clerk.
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646
The Minutes of an adjourned called meeting of the City Council. Austin, Tex. June 9, 1890. The Council met pursuant to adjournment. The mayor and president of the Board of Aldermen being absent Alderman Ziller was, on motion, called to the chair. Roll Call- Present - Alderman Ziller. Absent - Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Boland, Carleton, Graham, Hume, Jackson, Jones, Linn, Metz, Morris, Newton, Nitschke, North, Phillips, Plett, Schneider, Schuler, Townsend - 19. On motion the Council adjourned. Milton Markis, City Clerk.