783 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the City Council. Austin, Oct 1. 1894. Hon John McDonald, mayor, presiding. Roll call: Present Aldermen Anderson, Amman, Dawson, Gluss, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Linn, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdson, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; Total, 18. Absent - Aldermen Fischer, Lawless, Nitschke, Powell; Total, 4. Alderman Schneider moved to amend the minutes of the meeting of the city council held Sept 17. 1894, so as to show that he made the motion at that meeting to refer the resolution concerning electric wiring, etc., to a special committee of five. Carried. The minutes were adopted as amended. Petitions, Etc. J. S. James' petition By Alderman Jackson. A petition from J. S. James, requesting the council to remit $15 of a fine of $20 that was assessed against him in the recorders court for an offense committed while under the influence of brandy administered by a physician for medicinal purposes. On the recommendation of the mayor the amount ($15) was remitted. Alderman Powell entered the council and answered to his name. Petition for removal By Alderman Platt. A petition of citizens and tax payers stock pen stating that a stock pen is maintained on a portion of block 180, between Congress avenue and Brazos street, which is a nuisance and the council is requested to afford relief by the removal an abatement of same. Alderman Shelley moved to refer the petition to the Street committee. Alderman Schneider moved to amend the motion by referring it to the committee on Sanitation and Sewerage. The amendment was accepted and the motion as amended adopted. Petition of members By Alderman Warmoth. A petition of citizens and of Christian church members of the Christian church of this city, which states to have Colorado street that the foundations of their church building, on the graded. northwest corner of Eighth and Colorado streets, are below the present surface of Colorado street, and of the alley in the rear and unoccupied portion of the lot upon which said building stands and that it is impossible in the present condition of said street to prevent the water from rains flowing from said street on to said lot penetrating to the foundation of said building and under the floor of the same; that they desire to grade the rear of said lot to a level with the legal grade of Colorado street, but can not safely do so until said street is also reduced to its proper grade as it would cause the water from said street and the alley in the rear of same to accumulate on said lot. The city council is requested to properly grade such street and alley. It was referred to the street committee. Alderman Lawless, Fischer and Nitschke entered the council and answered to their names. --- Page break --- Reports of City Officers for the month of September 1894 By Joseph Keppler, engineer- Austin, Oct 1. To the Board of Public Works: Gentlemen- I herewith submit the following report for the month of September. On Sept. 4, H.H. Breneman, contractor for the power house, commenced laying brick, since that time the brick work for a distance of 108 feet have been carried up to the elevation X37, and during the present week be brought up to the proper elevation to receive the pump bed stones. Stilwell, Bierce + Smith Vaile Co. placed in position two more of the dynamo turbine draft tubes and are now engaged in putting in place the third dynamo turbine. Riter + Conley fitted up, riveted and placed in position the seven foot pen stock for the pump turbine and they are now putting in the nine foot pen stocks. Browne Dabney, contractors for the rebuilding of the power house foundation, have put the masonry around the draft tube which was put in place during the month. It is expected that the power house foundation will be completed during the next two weeks. Respectfully Joseph Keppler, Engineer. Referred to the Water + Light Committee. The report of A. Rhoads Fisher, Jr., engineer concerning the placing of water pipes, was read and referred to the committee on water + light. By Truman E. Scovill, electrical engineerTo the Honorable Members of the Board of Public Works, Austin, Texas: Gentlemen- I beg to submit herewith the following report of material in place and yet to be placed under the electric contract to date: Material in Place. 2048 poles. 31 towers complete. 1360 pole steps. 1700 locust pins. 8550 oak pins. 4525 cross arms. 9500 glass insulators. 2748 iron braces. 30 miles of No. 0 line wire. 27 miles of No. 2 line wire. 51 miles of No. 4 line wire. 72 miles of No. 6 line wire. 12 miles of No. 4 guy wire. 7 miles of barb wire. 21 12-light transformers. 34 21-light transformers. 40 50-light transformers. 11 1250-light transformers. 15 100-light transformers. 186 wood and hanging boards 186 arc lights. --- Page break --- This material is placed on the streets and alleys of the city, as provided for in the contract in such a manner that I believe nearly every residence and business house can be reached for lights. For power the wires are provided from G. & H. R. R. track to South street on each side of Congress avenue, and on each side of East Pecan street to Red River street, as provided for in the contract. The following is a list of the material yet to be placed to complete the contract: 25 guy stubs at $3 each $75.00 15 junction boxes & c 270.00 1 500-light transformer 500.00 12 250-light transformers at $275 each 3300.00 65 25-light transformers at $37.50 each 2437.50 1050 pole steps at 5 cents each 52.50 4250 feet of No. 0 wire at 7 cents per ft. 297.50 5300 feet of No. 4 wire at 3 cents per ft. 159.00 11500 feet of No. 6 wire at 2 1/4 cents per ft. 258.75 14 hoods for street lights at $5.00 each 70.00 14 arc lamps for street lights at $40 each 560.00 Total $7,980.25 A part of this material is here and is being placed as rapidly as possible. In some places guys were placed temporarily on trees, fences, etc. but are being removed and guy stubs put in to hold the line in position. The contractors have received in cash $23466.98 Amount of freights paid on account 839.48 Works yet to be placed, amount (at contract price) 7980.25 Total $39786.71 Amount of cash due on contract $70,000.00 Deduct 39786.11 Balance $30213.89 Very Respectfully submitted Frank E. Scanlon Electrical Engineer. By the City Sexton:- Total number interments 22 Total number of deaths 17 White 20 Colored 2 Male 12 Female 10 Referred to Cemetery Committee. By the City Assessor and Collector. Collections: Amount of general revenue $12944.67 " water works tax 9448.96 " Interest on old Bonds 1688.81 " School Tax 5853.31 Total $29935.76 Referred to the Finance Committee. By the City Treasurer. To, general revenue, balance on hand $14630.29 Int on bonds issued prior to May 1, 1890, balance on hand 1994.38, --- Page break --- 786 Referred to the Finance Committee. By the City Treasurer- Water Works and Electric Light Fund, balance on hand $69,090.61 Referred to the Finance Committee. By the City Treasurer. Water Works fund bal. on hand $12983.14 " " " Sinking " " " 5000.00 Referred to the Finance Committee. By the City Clerk- Statement of warrants issued against the General Fund: Salaries of officers $1159.67 Salaries of police 1233.00 City Cemetery 97.92 Sanitary department 401.17 Fire department 978.68 Streets, bridges and alleys 1301.26 Feed for City teams 51.75 City & County hospital 346.65 Printing, stationery and postage 54.80 Charity 95.60 Feed for teams 97.71 Salary of teamsters 317.65 Street Lights 137.50 Water - Hydrant rental 5601.10 Salary of pound officer 79.00 Salary of porter 28.00 Pay of Aldermen 215.00 Miscellaneous 787.09 Total $13246.53 Referred to the Finance Committee. By the City Clerk- Statement of warrants issued against the Water and Light Fund: Salaries for engineers, inspectors and secretary $790.00 Wingfield Bros. for water pipes laid 3749.38 Stillwell, Bierce & Smith Vaile Co. re-cutting girders, draft tubes etc. 375.32 Ft Wayne Electric Co. electric plant 665.23 Brown & Dabney, power house foundation 2,222.90 Miscellaneous 672.36 Total $8475.59 Referred to the Finance Committee. By the City Physician. Number of patients in hospital Sept 1, 1894. 12. Number of patients admitted to hospital during Sept 1894 15. Number of patients discharged from hospital during Sept, 1894 10. Number of deaths in hospital during September, 1894 2. Number of patients remaining in hospital Oct 1, 1894 15. Number of visits made to paupers in the city, during Sept, 1894 102 Number of prescriptions written for paupers in the city, during Sept, 1894 154 Number of cases of diphtheria reported in the city, during Sept, 1894 4 Number of cases of Scarlet fever reported in the city, during Sept 1894 1 The general health of the city is good. Referred to the Hospital Committee. By the City Marshal- --- Page break --- 787 Total amount of fines assessed in the recorders court Collected in cash Worked out Escaped Carried forward Total Referred to Police Committee. Reports of Committee. Report on petition to Alderman Jackson for the street committee to whom was referred lane alley between Comal a petition of citizens of the seventh and eighth wards, asking that +Chincapin of uniform the alley between Comal and Chincapin streets be opened to a width. uniform width, presented a report thereon which states: That your committee have examined same and find that said alley is about the standard width of 20 feet - except about 150 feet, and that the property adjoining same is not enclosed now and we do not think it necessary at present, or until the adjoining property is enclosed, to do anything with it, but would recommend that at the proper time the property at north end of said alley be condemned and the "alley made the proper width". The report was adopted. Alderman Linn presented the following report: Report of finance To the Hon. John McDonald, Mayor, and the City Council of the committee on tax City of Austin: ordinances. Gentlemen - The undersigned, your finance committee, beg to submit the following ordinances, the passage of which is respectfully recommended: First - An ordinance laying a tax of 60 cents on each $100 worth of property within the limits of the city for revenue purposes. Second - An ordinance laying a tax of 33½ cents on the $100 valuation for school purposes. Third - An ordinance laying 91 cents on the $100 valuation for the purpose of paying the interest and provid- ing for the sinking fund on the bonds issued for the purpose of constructing a water and light system for the City of Austin. Fourth - An ordinance laying a tax of 8 cents on the $100 valuation within the old city limits to pay the interest on the bonded indebtedness of the city prior to May 1. 1890. Your committee beg to say that the passage of the ordinances herewith presented will reduce taxes 12 cents on the $100 valuation as compared with the assessment for the year 1893. Your committee is of the opinion that the levies provided in accompanying ordinances will amply for a strict compliance with all legal obligations, and provides ample revenue for general purposes. Your committee realizes that the burdens imposed on the tax paying citizens have been onerous, pending the construction of the dams, but it is the candid opinion of your committee that the necessity for this revenue, to meet new issues, that the revenue derived from the water and light system will in time be more than an ample return is necessary, such that water and light, --- Page break --- 788 at a reasonable price, can be had by every citizen of the city. Respectfully submitted. Henry A. Linn. Thos. F. Taylor. W. F. North Finance Committee. The report was laid over to be taken up with the ordinances named therein. Alderman Roberdeau moved that the report be printed in full in the minutes of the city council and the motion prevailed. Alderman Shilley presented the following report: Austin Oct 1. Report on claim of Hon Jas McDonald, Mayor and Board of Aldermen of M. Schlachaur. the City of Austin: Your Claims and Accounts committee, to whom was referred the petition of Mr. Schlachaur asking that one, Lewis Smith be required to pay a certain account, claimed to be due, beg leave to say that, in the opinion of your committee the matter is not a proper subject for cognizance by this body. The petition is herewith returned. Respectfully W. D. Shelley Chas P. Raymond Alderman Platt moved that action on the report be postponed and the city engineer instructed to inform Lewis Smith that if he does not pay the bill mentioned he will be discharged. Alderman Linn moved to lay the motion on the table, which was lost by the following vote: Yeas - Aldermen Anderson, Henne, Jackson, Linn, Raymond, Roberdeau, Shelley, Townsend - 8. Nays - Aldermen Assmann, Dawson, Fisher, Glass, Hancock, Kintschel, Kitschke, North, Platt, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Taylor, Warmoth - 14. The motion made by Alderman Platt was then adopted by the following vote: Yeas - Aldermen Assmann, Dawson, Fisher, Glass, Hancock, Kintschel, Kitschke, North, Platt, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Taylor, Warmoth - 14. Nays - Aldermen Anderson, Henne, Jackson, Linn, Raymond, Roberdeau, Shelley, Townsend - 8. Bethany Cemetery Alderman North for the ordinance committee, to Co - Ordinance for whom was referred an ordinance authorizing the mayor Mayor to sign contract of the city of Austin to sign an agreement with the Bethany Cemetery Company for furnishing the ground and burying the colored paupers, submitted a report thereon, recommending the passage of the same. The report was laid over, to be taken up under the head of unfinished business, together with the ordinances named therein. Ordi... [illegible]... [illegible]... Alderman North for the ordinance committee, to whom [illegible] [illegible] was referred an ordinance regulating all [illegible] [illegible] places and fixing a penalty for violation of --- Page break --- same, presented a favorable report thereon, which was laid over to come up with the ordinance named therein under the head of Unfinished business. C. J. Martin mule feed contract. Alderman North for the committee on purchases, submitted a report relative to bids received for supplying the city mules with feed during the quarter ending Dec. 31. 1891, which states that the bid of C. J. Martin being considered the lowest, we accept his bid and recommend that contract be awarded him. The report was adopted and award made, subject to the filing of the requisite bond. Water + Light + Power Co. Hydrants to be counted. Alderman Anderson moved that as there is some misunder standing with the receiver of the Austin Water, Light and Power company as to the number of fire hydrants now in use by the city, that the city engineer be instructed to make a careful count of such hydrants, in company with some person designated by the said receiver, and report the result of said count to city council as soon as practicable. Carried. Alderman Powell was excused from further attendance on the session of the council. Electric Wiring. Report of special Com. Alderman Taylor presented the following report: Austin, Oct 1 Hon John McDonald, mayor, and City Council of City of Austin. Gentlemen – Your special committee, to whom was referred a resolution relative to the construction, alteration and repairs of all electrical wires and the running and maintaining of electric plants within the city of Austin, beg leave to sub- mit as a substitute therefor the accompanying ordinance and respectfully recommend its passage. Respectfully submitted Thomas F. Taylor Chas P. Raymond O. J. Lawless Francis Fischer J. B. Nitschke The report was laid over to be taken up with the ordinance named therein under the head of new business. Hay, fodder + ordinance. Unfinished Business. An ordinance amending article 196, title V, chapter 3, of the revised Penal Ordinances of the city of Austin, was taken up on its third reading, read and passed by the following vote: Ayes: Aldermen Anderson, Armman, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, North, Platt, Raymond, Reed, Rosch, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Town-send, Warmouth, Nitschke Nays: Alderman Nitschke. The ordinance relates to the storage of hay, sheaves, fodder, etc. and was noticed at length in a report as part of the council proceedings. An ordinance regulating "projections in public places," and providing for rules for the "erection of houses" was taken up on its second reading, read and after [illegible] on motion was made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third reading, which was adopted by a vote of two-thirds. --- Page break --- 790 of the whole council. The ordinance was then read a second time, after which Alderman Anderson moved to amend section 1 thereof by striking out the words "a majority of the police committee of the city council" and inserting in lieu thereof "the alderman of the ward in which such public hall, dance or public assemblage is to take place". Carried. Alderman Nitschke moved to amend section 1 of the ordinance by inserting "special" before the word "officers". The amend- ment was lost by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Dawson, Fischer, Nitschke, Raymond, Schneider, Thayer. Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, North, Platt, Redd, Roberdeau, Shelby, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth - 16. Alderman Anderson moved to amend section 1 by striking out "two" and inserting instead "one" as the minimum number of officers that shall be employed to attend such dances, etc. The amendment was adopted. A motion was then made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third reading, which was adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the whole council. The ordinance was then read a third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelby, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; 21. The ordinance will be published for ten days. Bethany Cem. Co. An ordinance authorizing the mayor of the city of Austin Ordinance for mayor to sign an agreement with the Bethany Cemetery Company to sign contract. for furnishing the ground and burying the colored paupers, was taken up on its second reading and read and passed under suspension of the rules. New Business Mayor's message as The mayor presented the following message: to light, power, Austin, Tex. Oct. 6, 1894. water +c. Hon City Council, Austin, Texas: Gentlemen: I believe, if no unforeseen accident occurs to interfere with our work, that we will have the pumps in place and be ready to begin supplying our city and citizens with water by the first of December next, and that very soon thereafter we will be in position to furnish electric light and power throughout the city for public, domestic and commercial purposes. Many inquiries are being made as to what prices will be charged for water and light when furnished by the city, and concerning the rules and regulations that will govern the tapping of mains and the laying of supply pipes. These are questions which can be determined only by the city council and they should have your early deliberation. The fixing of the prices for water, light and power to be furnished must as in any industrial matter and requires as fair consideration for the [illegible] should be arranged that the --- Page break --- revenues of the system will be sufficient to pay all operating expenses and meet the interest and sinking fund on the water and light bonds and thus do away with the water and light tax. It must not be forgotten that as the plant will be run by water power, the operating expenses of the system will be the same, regardless of the number of water, light and power takers in the city, and that the amount of interest and sinking fund on the bonds will be the same every year. The price of water, light and power to be furnished our citizens should, in consequence of the facts, be in my opinion, fixed at the lowest possible rates, so that as many of our citizens as possible will be induced to become at once patrons of the city's plant, for we know that the greater the number of takers there be the lower the price can be fixed. In this connection I beg to refer you to the recommendations as to prices to be charged to my last annual report. I therefore recommend the adoption by your honorable body of a resolution requesting the water and light, the finance and the ordinance committees of the city council to prepare an ordinance or ordinances regulating the tapping of water mains and electric wires for furnishing our citizens with water, light and power and fixing the prices for same. Very respectfully, John McDonald Mayor. Alderman Nitschke moved that the recommendations of the mayor be concurred in and that the message be published in the proceedings of the city council. Carried. City teams ordered to Dam. The mayor stated that it would soon be necessary to make certain fills at the dam and grade in over the farm stocks, and suggested that the city teams be used in the connection. Alderman Schneider moved that the teams be ordered to the dam at the proper time to be used as suggested. Carried. Tax of 60 cts. and. By Alderman Luin. An ordinance entitled "An ordinance providing for the levy and collection of a tax of 60 cents on each $100 worth of property within the limits of the city of Austin for the year 1894". It was read first time, after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Alderman Urckers, Urssman, Dawson, Fischer, Glues, Simmons, Hennes, Jackson, Johnson, Kidwill, Nitschke, North, Platt, Ross, Robertson, Schneider, Shillio, Turgeon, Townsen, Winona. Total 20. Nays. Alderman Ranger. The ordinance was accordingly read, after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place --- Page break --- 792 The same on its third reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Heime, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; Total 21. The ordinance was then read a third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Heime, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; Total 21. School tax ord. By Alderman Linn. An ordinance entitled “An ordinance levying a tax of one-third of one per cent for the support and maintenance of the public schools within the city of Austin for the year 1894”.” It was read first time after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Heime, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth. Total 21. The ordinance was accordingly read, after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the same on its third reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Heime, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth – Total 21. The ordinance was then read a third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Heime, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth. 21. Int. & Sinking fund By Alderman Linn, an ordinance entitled “An orditax for 1894. ord. nance levying a tax of ninety-one cents on each one hun- dred dollars worth of property within the limits of the city of Austin for the year 1894, to pay interest and sinking fund of the water works and electric light bonds of the city of Austin and confirming the sale and delivery of those heretofore sold and ordering the sale and delivery of the remainder”.” It was read first time after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Heime, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth, Total 21. The ordinance was accordingly read, after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the same on its third --- Page break --- which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Anderson, Ammann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Robershaw, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth. Total 21. Nays: Alderman Raymond. The ordinance was accordingly read, after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the same on its third reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Anderson, Ammann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Redd, Robershaw, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth. Total 20. Nay: Alderman Raymond. The ordinance was read a third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Ammann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Redd, Robershaw, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth. Total 20. Nay. Alderman Raymond. Int on bonds issued Alderman Linn. An ordinance entitled "An ordinance prior to May 1. 1890. providing for the levy and collection of a tax of 8 cents Ord. on each $100 worth of property within the former limits of the city of Austin to pay the interest and principal on the valid bonds of the city of Austin issued prior to May 1. 1890." It was read first time after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Ammann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Robershaw, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth. Total 21. The ordinance was accordingly read, after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place the same on its third reading which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Ammann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Robershaw, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend and Warmoth. 21. The ordinance was then read a third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Anderson, Ammann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Robershaw, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend and Warmoth. 21. By Alderman Linn - An ordinance appropriating the sum of $125 for the purpose of paying interest on water works [illegible] [illegible] of the city of Austin. It was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: --- Page break --- 794 # 1380.30 approp. accounts and. Yeas- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdean, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; 21. By Alderman Linn- An ordinance appropriating the sum of #1380.30 for the purpose of paying approved accounts. It was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdean, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; 21. # 23062.48 for expenses at Dam. By Alderman Anderson- An ordinance appropriating the sum of #23062.48 for the purpose of paying certain expenses connected with the construction of the Water and Light System for the city of Austin. The items are: H. L. Breneman, estimate #10, account power house #3405.98 H. L. Breneman, estimate #1, per extra brick work 541.83 Ft. Wayne Electric Co., estimate #3 12500.00 Wingfield Bros, estimate #4, for laying pipe 1684.65 The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdean, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; 21. St. Comm. officer. Resolution to dis- continue same. By Alderman Raymond- Resolved, By the city council of the city of Austin, that from this date until the city council may deem it wise and advisable, the office of street commissioner is hereby discontinued and that any money in the treasury fund which has amount reserved or appropriated for the payment of his salary be and is hereby transferred to the fund which is most in need of same. The chair ruled that the resolution was out of order as it conflicted with the city charter, which requires, that there shall be a street commissioner; and further, that the compensation of officers and employes shall not be increased nor diminished during their term of office. Res to remodel city wards. By Alderman Raymond- Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Austin, That the wards of this city be remodelled in such manner as to cause them to run parallel with each other from the eastern to the western boundary lines of the city, and that this resolution be referred to a special committee of three, whose duty it shall be to thoroughly examine into the matter and report to the council at its earliest opportunity an ordinance so remodelling said wards; and that the city will pay the expenses of such committee, provided it does not exceed $25. Alderman Raymond moved the adoption of the resolution. Alderman Taylor moved to refer it to the standing --- Page break --- 795 committee, and the motion carried. $75 for street crossing at Guadalupe & 24th Sts. By Alderman Jackson- An ordinance appropriating the sum of #75 for the purpose of paying for a street crossing at the intersection of Guadalupe and Twenty-fourth streets, in the Sixthward. It was read and referred to the street committee. $1000. Street laborers. By Alderman Jackson- An ordinance appropriating the sum of $1000 for the purpose of paying street laborers. It was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Dawson, Fischer, Glass, Hancock, Hume, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Platt, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, and Warmoth- 21. An to prohibit posting bills on telegraph poles. By Alderman Schneider- An ordinance to prohibit the placing of bill boards on telegraph and other poles within the city of Austin and fixing a penalty therefor. It was read and referred to the ordinance committee. Electric Wiring Ordinance. By Alderman Taylor- An ordinance entitled "An ordinance regulating the running and maintaining of electric wires and plants in the city of Austin. Alderman Linn moved to suspend the rules and have the ordinance read only by caption. Alderman Platt moved that the council stand adjourned which was lost by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Assmann, Glass, Hume, 4. Nays- Aldermen Anderson, Dawson, Fischer, Hancock, Jackson, Lawless, Linn, Nitschke, North, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, Warmoth; 17. While the ordinance was being read, Alderman Schneider moved that further reading of the ordinance be dispensed with and that the amendments submitted by the committee be considered. The motion was lost. Aldermen Hume and Platt were excused from further attendance on the session of the council. Reading of the ordinance was then resumed. Alderman Schneider moved that the city marshal be instructed to send after the aldermen who had left the council chamber without permission and the motion carried. Aldermen Fischer and Lawless were excused from further attendance on the session. Reading of the ordinance was again resumed and completed. A motion was then made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Glass, Hancock, Jackson, Linn, Nitschke, North, Raymond, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend and Warmoth; 16. Nays- Alderman Dunn; 1. The ordinance was accordingly read, after which a motion was made to suspend the rules and place --- Page break --- 796 the same on its third reading, which was adopted by the following vote: Yeas - Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Glass, Hancox, Jackson, Linn, Nitschke, North, Raymond, Redd, Roberdean, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend, and Warmoth. Nay Alderman Dawson. The ordinance was read a third time and passed. Alderman Dawson reason for voting. Alderman Dawson filed the following: I vote against the passage of the above ordinance because I believe an ordinance covering six pages, with every paragraph therein containing different requirements and containing technical expressions can not be put into execution, and because I believe the above ordinance, if put into execution, will work a great hardship on the citizens of Austin. H. A. Dawson. Alderman Taylor moved that the committee on printing, be requested to ascertain the cost of printing not less than 5000 copies of the ordinance. Alderman Schneider moved that the council stand adjourned and the motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas - Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Glass, Hancox, Jackson, Linn, Nitschke, North, Redd, Roberdean, Schneider, Shelley, Townsend, Warmoth. Total 14. Nays - Aldermen Dawson, Raymond, Taylor - 3. Milton Morris, City Clerk.