162 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council. Austin, Texas, June 17, 1895. Hon. John McDonald, Mayor, presiding. Roll call. Present- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Fischer, Glass, Glasscock, Haynes, Jackson, Nitschke, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor-13 Absent- Aldermen Barth, Hume, Lawless, Linn, Platt, Roberdeau, Tobin, Townsend, Warmoth- 9. Minutes of the meetings of the city council held June 3rd and 6th 1895 were adopted as printed. Petitions, Memorials, Etc. Petition from Herman A petition was received from Herman Weise, Jno Bauer and RayWeise, Jno Bauer and mond Priester asking that the fines assessed against them in Raymond Priester - the recorder's court for catching fish near the dam in an unlawful manner, be remitted. It was read and laid over. Alderman Haynes introduced the following: To the Hon. Mayor and City Council of the City of Austin. Gentlemen- Acting under my suggestions as one of your police committee, the city marshal, in the enforcement of ordinance passed August 21, 1893 for the protection of fish and prohibiting fishing except with pole and line within 200 yards of the dam, and having made sundry arrests for violation of said ordinance, and the recorder having assessed in each case the lowest penalty, I find that most of the parties arrested had no knowledge of the existence of such ordinance, the city having no standing warning on the ground, as is usual in such cases, and while I deem it important that the ordinance should be enforced, I believe under the circumstances that the fines assessed should be remitted. Therefore I petition your honorable body, to remit the fines and to instruct the city City Marshal to post marshal to at once have a conspicuous notice painted notice as to fishing on the lower wall, on the river side, of the power house &c. calling attention to the terms of the law and the penalty for the violation thereof. Respectfully, H. L. Haynes. Approved: Jno. McDonald, Mayor. Alderman Anderson moved that the petition be granted and the recommendations adopted. Carried. Alderman Lawless entered the council chamber and answered to his name. J. A. Jacobson By Alderman Nitschke- A petition from J. A. Jacobson for permission to erect a wagon scale on Sabine Street between Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets, opposite or near the northwest corner of outLot No. 91, division E. It was referred to the street committee with power to act. --- Page break --- 163 Southwestern Tel By Alderman Schneider- A petition from the Southwestern & Tel Co. Petition Telegraph and Telephone Company by E. K. Baker general suas to attaching perintendent, for permission to attach to the bridge, on wires. the east side, sufficient wooden cross arms to safely carry its wires across the Colorado river into South Austin on Congress avenue. Granted. Alderman Platt entered the council chamber and answered to his name. Petition of citizens By Alderman Haynes- A petition of citizens living on of 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th & Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelf12th streets, not allowing th streets, asking that stock be not allowed to run at large stock to run at large. on the above named streets. It was read and referred to the committee on police. Reports of City Officers. Sublette's reports. Reports made by Engineer G.W. Sublette were received from the board of public works as follows: A report pointing out some defects in the belting furnished by the Norwich Belting Company, and stating that he cannot recommend final payment until the defects are remedied. A report of the test made of governor on turbines showing that it was necessary to change adjustment of governor to reduce speed of dynamos to 650, as with resistance all in and speed at 670, voltage could not be reduced. A report showing that there is now 493 cubic feet of granite on hand at the dam. A report showing property in hands of the board of public works, consisting of chairs, tables, etc. (Aldermen Townsend and Warnroth entered the council chamber and answered to their names) A report showing amount and value of material on hand at power house from Riter & Conley. The value is placed at $2610.38. An estimate of hydrants, valves and pipe at dam in charge of board of public works as follows: Three 6-inch hydrants at $26.25 $78.75 Five 6-inch gate valves at $12 60.00 15,666 lbs pipe at $21 164.49 ----- $303.24 An estimate of the amount and value of lumber on hand in charge of board of public works. The total value is placed at $96.27. (Alderman Roberdeau entered the council chamber and answered to his name) A report which states that the Stilwell-Bierce & Smith Vaile Company have complied with the terms of their contract in the construction of pumps, gearing and vertical turbines, except as to revolution counter, and recommends that the company be paid --- Page break --- 164 in full for this part of their contract when a substantial revolution counter is put in place. A report was in states that he can not approve of the governors now in place on the horizontal turbines and recommends that the company be notified that they do not work properly. All of the above reports were received and filed. Alderman Tobin, Herrick and Barth introduced the council chamber and answered to their names. The following was read: Austin, Tex, June 6. 1895. To the Hon Board of Public Works: Gentlemen, It is proper for me to say that Colonel Fanning, in the design of power house, contemplated the placing of struts, 12 inches square, between west wall of power house and the ends of piers of the different openings, to protect walls against severe pressure in times of extreme high water. It may be necessary to put these in place should such floods occur. I would further recommend the placing of extra supports under these heavy machines that do not rest on girders, and such bracing as may be necessary to take up vibrations of floor. This can all be done in time without great cost and without detriment to the operation of the plant. There is about two and a half million gallons of water flowing through the large main under the power house in 24 hours, which is cool, clear and seemingly very pure. This could be utilized at small expense for the city supply. It may be necessary to make the west side of the power house wholly impervious to water. I would recommend for this Sylvester's wash, which has been used on reservoir walls with success. The cost would be about $150.00. There is a noticeable moisture on the inner walls below the valley, even after heavy rains. It will perhaps be advisable should this not cease, to put up leaders and down spouts. Taking all into consideration, I feel that the city of Austin has a very complete plant. So far as I am informed, no city in the land of the size has ever undertaken so great a work. I am glad to have been associated with you in its completion. I wish to thank you for your uniform courtesy, and may the citizens of Austin, in their great public-spirited way, continue to guard this splendid plant with the same interest that the board of public works has displayed in its construction. The engineering profession will always entertain a deep interest in this work and --- Page break --- 165 profound respect for the deep business sagacity of the men who conceived and have carried out so great an undertaking with the hope that this work may be an index finger, guiding the New South to the high and noble prosperity of which she is capable. I am yours truly G. W. Sublette, Engineer. A report was also received from Mr. G. W. Sublette, engineer, which states that he at this time cannot recommend payment to the Stilwell-Bierce & Smith Vaile Mfg Co, for belt tightners, as they do not conform to the plans for the same now on file in his office and furnished by Col. J. P. Fanning consulting engineer. Received and filed. The following was read: Austin, Texas, June 10, 1895. ✓ Resolved by the Board of Public Works that the city council, through its water and light commission be requested to take charge of the plant now about completed and that such further details in the way of completion be committed to the said water and light commission, and that all employees heretofore engaged by the Board of Public Works be discontinued with the exception of Mr. W. J. Oliphant whose services the Board desires to retain until the submission of its final report which is now being prepared and which will be completed as soon as possible. The within resolution was adopted by the Board of Public Works at a meeting held on June 10, 1895, as shown by the records of said meeting. W. J. Oliphant Secty. Board of Public Works. Alderman Lawless moved that the resolution be returned to the Board of Public Works with the request that it be withdrawn until after the election on the bond question, as the services of the board will probably be desired after that time. The motion was adopted by a rising vote of 14 to 4. The following report was read: Austin, Texas, June 6, 1895. To the Honorable Board of Public Works, Austin, Texas. Gentlemen - I beg to submit herewith a final report of material furnished and in position June 1, 1895, by the Fort Wayne Electric Company on their contract with the city of Austin, dated March 22, 1894: 31 Star lighting towers 150 feet high. 2048 Northern white cedar poles 5000 yellow pine cross-arms 1700 Locust pins --- Page break --- 167 action on the water mains. The contract amounting to $113,500.00 I believe to be complete and without one dollar allowed for extras. While in the start some of the lamps on the towers did not work properly, it was expected they would not, as they hung in the weather on the towers nearly eight months without any attention, and I had no power in the contract to prevent any work being completed, providing it came up to the specifications. At the present time the lamps are in a fair condition and giving satisfaction. I believe the contract to be complete and in accordance with the plans and specifications furnished by Engineer Fanning, and respectfully recommend the acceptance of same. In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to his honor, Mayor McDonald, to Secretary Oliphant and to each and every member of the Board of Public Works for their hearty co-operation and their uniform kindness to me during my employment with them for the past year. With best wishes for the future welfare of the great enterprise, I am very respectfully Frank E. Scovill Electrical Engineer Board of Public Works. Read at a meeting of the Board of Public works on June 10. 1895 and on motion referred to the city council. W. J. Oliphant Secretary Board of Public Works. Alderman Lawless moved that the recommendations be adopted. Carried. The following was read: Austin, Texas, June 17, 1895. W. H. Tobin, Chairman Water and Light Commission, Subject handled Austin, Texas: as to cost of put- Dear Sir: For putting in water service pipe so ting in pipe. far has cost the city on an average of $3.29 for each Solicitor. consumer, while the average paid by each consumer is $1.98 making a total average cost of $5.27 for each consumer. Of the amount paid by consumers the great part has been paid by those who are not near the water mains, a mere pittance only having been paid by those who are on the mains. I estimate that $850.00 would cover the entire amount paid by such consumers and I would recommend that these small sums be returned by the city to those consumers who are on the mains, and that the city put service pipes to the sidewalk at its own expense for all persons on the mains who will promptly take water. --- Page break --- 168 from the city, and that so soon as the mains are extended that service pipes be put in free of cost to all who will promptly take the city water. And I would suggest that some suitable person be employed to visit all citizens on the mains and solicit them to take water and light from the plant, in which all alike are interested, and as many persons will not take time to come to the office it would be well for the solicitor to carry the book along so applicants can sign at their homes and places of business. Respectfully submitted. Jas W. Maddox, Superind't The within report was read at a meeting of the water and light commission on June 14, 1895, and on motion it was referred to the city council with the recommendation that the suggestion made be adopted. W. J. Oliphant, Secretary Water and Light Commission. On motion the recommendations were adopted. F. S. Scovill elected The following was read: "Resolved, That Mr. F. S. Scovill be City Electrician selected as electrician at $150.00 per month and the city council be requested to confirm the same." The above resolution was offered by Mr. Fischer at a meeting of the water and light commission on June 14. 1895 and on motion, same was adopted by a unanimous vote, as shown by the records of said meeting. W. J. Oliphant, Secretary Water and Light Com. Alderman Taylor moved that the resolution be adopted and the appointment of Mr Scovill be confirmed. Alderman Glascock moved to amend the resolution by changing the salary from $150 to $100.00 per month. Lost by the following vote: Yeas- Aldermen Glascock, Nitscke, Platt, Roberdeau - 4 Nays- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Fischer, Glass, Goeth, Haynes, Humm, Jackson, Lawless, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Shelby, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend, Warmoth. 17. Alderman Taylor's motion was then adopted. Wm Walsh Case Alderman Taylor presented the following: "Your comReport Finance Com mittee of finance, to whom was referred the report of the city attorney in relation to the William Walsh suit beg leave to report that they have considered the same and recommend that the city attorney be instructed to appeal the case." Adopted. Alderman Roberdeau presented the following: Austin, Tex, June 8. 1895 To the Hon. John McDonald, Mayor and Members of City Council. Gentlemen, Your fire committee, to whom was referred a resolution authorizing and empowering the fire committee --- Page break --- 169 to order out the fire department for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of hose that was serviceable at a given pressure; also to investigate the report that the chief of fire department had made an official statement to an agent of the State Board of underwriters detrimental to the city; also a resolution requesting the chief of fire department to make a test of the hose on Friday, the 7th instant, at 5 P.M., have had the same under consideration and beg leave to report – That in accordance with the above resolutions, the fire department was ordered out by the chief on Friday, the 7th instant, at 5 oclock. All of the companies responded promptly. One hundred and ten sections, or 5500 feet of hose were tested with a pressure of 120 pounds in the presence of your committee and Mr Jabonick, the insurance agent. Of the 5500 feet of hose tested 1500 failed to stand the test, leaving the department with 4000 feet of serviceable hose. It is but just to state that of the 1500 feet that failed to stand the test, 500 feet belonged to South Austin and had, prior to being assigned to them, been rejected and thrown aside. Your committee have to say in reference to the report of the chief that his statement to the insurance agent was a very conservative one; in fact he reported 500 feet more of good hose than we actually had. The following is an itemized statement of the amount of hose owned by each company: Name of Company. Good hose. Not Serviceable. Protection No 3 850 250 South Austin No 5 50 500 East Austin No 4 1050 350 Washington, No 1 1050 ... Colorado, No 2 1000 400 Total 4000 1500 Your committee would respectfully recommend that 2000 feet of hose be purchased in order that South Austin may be supplied with 500 feet and the rest of the companies be supplied with the balance, thereby insuring the efficiency of the department and lessening the necessity of buying new hose so frequently. R. C. Roberdeau, George P. Assmann C. E. Anderson, Fire Committee, The report was adopted. Alderman Shelley, for the claims and accounts committee, to whom was referred the communication of Mr E. C. Bartholomew, receiver of the Austin Water --- Page break --- 170 Light and Power Company, in reference to a settlement of a judgment against the city for $2585.84, reported that if in the opinion of the council it is not deemed wise to appeal the case, that the committee would recommend that the same be adjusted and payment be made as soon as there are sufficient funds in the treasury for that purpose after deducting the amount of taxes due the city by the said company. The report was adopted. Alderman Shelley, for the committee on claims and accounts to whom was referred the petition of W. B. Goss, president of Tillotson Institute, for the remission of taxes, reported that they find assessed to the American Missionary Society for taxes of 1894, 15 acres of land valued at $2250. As there are only three buildings upon said 20 acres used exclusively for school purposes and as, in the opinion of the committee, five acres are sufficient for the proper use and occupancy thereof the committee recommend that the petition be not granted. Adopted. Alderman Nitschke, for the special committee, to whom was Electric Machinery, referred a communication from the board of public works Report on accepting, in reference to the acceptance of the electric machinery, same. made report, which states: "That we have examined said machinery, together with the city electric engineers and the superintendent of water and light, and find the same in perfect working order, except one exciter, which the city electric engineer says he can fix in 10 minutes. When same is in perfect working order we recommend same be accepted in compliance with their contract. Adopted. The following was read: Austin, Texas, June 17, 1895. Gentlemen of the City Council: Mayor as part of us as The board of equalization for 1895 rate of taxation Bond should be elected not later than our next meeting, for the [illegible] assessment rolls will be ready for them at that time. I have been in hopes that we would be able to reduce the taxes for the coming year, and if the issue of $200000 bonds is voted I believe we can do so, and in that event would recommend assessment as follows: For interest and sinking fund on water and light bonds, 95 cents on the $100. For public school purposes, 33 1/3 cents on the $100. For interest on old bonds, 6 2/3 cents on the $100. For general revenue purposes, 30c on the $100. The balance of general revenue to be made up from the income from the water and light plant. Making the total assessment $1.65 on the $100. Should the bonds not be voted we should have to assess about as follows --- Page break --- 171 For interest and sinking fund water and light bonds 80 cents on the $100. For school tax, 33 1/3 cents on the $100. For old bonds, 6 2/3 cents on the $100. For general revenue, 70 cents on the $100. For payment of amount to become due on water works plant 45 cents on the $100 Total $2.35 on the $100 The difference is this: If the bonds are voted and we pay maturing obligations and complete our plant from the proceeds of the bonds, we will have the entire amount we receive from water and light to use as general revenue but if the bonds are not voted we will have to use our revenue from water and light to extend our plant and raise by taxation $45000 to pay maturing obligations, and we must also assess the full amount required for general revenue purposes Respectfully, Jno. W. McDonald, Mayor. On motion of Alderman Lawless the report was referred to the Finance committee and ordered printed in the minutes. New Business. By Alderman Goeth- An ordinance selling and conveying and authorizing the mayor to make deed to the Austin Dam and Suburban railway of the Dam railroad. It was read the first time and on motion of Alderman Haynes referred to the ordinance committee by a rising vote of 15 to 4. By Alderman Lawless. An ordinance regulating work in the streets of the city of Austin. It was read the first time and on motion of Alderman Glass referred to the ordinance committee. A resolution that hereafter no water shall be taken from the hydrants of the City Water Company or the Austin Water Light and Power Company by the fire department; also that the city will not take, accept or pay for any water furnished by said company and that the city clerk so instruct the receiver of said companywas read and referred to the fire committee and city attorney. By Alderman Schneider. An ordinance amending section 1 of an ordinance entitled an ordinance to prevent the destruction and to regulate the catching of fish in the Colorado river within the corporate limits of the city of Austin and providing a penalty for the violation thereof. It was read the first time after which, Alderman Haynes moved to refer the ordinance to the ordinance committee. Lost by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Glass, Glasscock, Haynes, Olatt, Shelley, Warmoth. --- Page break --- 172 Nays- Aldermen Anderson, Assmann, Fischer, Goeth, Humes, Jackson, Lawless, Nitschke, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Taylor, Tobin, and Townsend- 15 It was then read a second and third time under suspension of rules and passed. By Alderman Anderson An ordinance to authorize the receipts of the city of Austin for water and light to be received by the city tax collector at par in payment of the two third tax levied for the year 1895 and thereafter; to pay the running expenses, interest and sinking fund on the water and light bonds. Alderman Glasscock moved to refer the ordinance to the ordinance committee and city attorney. Alderman Schneider moved, as a substitute, to refer it to a special committee of three and the city attorney. The substitute was carried and Aldermen Schneider, Shelley and Glass were appointed such committee. City Electrician to inspect all unsafe wires and require same to be put in proper condition. By Alderman Haynes. Resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin that the city electrician be directed to inspect all electric wires erected on the streets of the city of Austin and that when such are unsafe or improperly constructed that he require the owners of such wire to at once put same in safe and proper condition. Adopted. City Water Co Case to be appealed. By Alderman Taylor- Resolved, That it is deemed expedient by the city council of the city of Austin that the case of The City Water Company vs. The City of Austin, now pending in the Federal Court be appealed, and the city attorney is hereby instructed to act accordingly. Adopted. Res. relative to laying of pipe. By Alderman Townsend- Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Austin- That when the bonded indebted- ness of the city of Austin is extended $200,000 that of said sum enough money shall be expended to lay at least 25 miles of six inch pipe, and enough smaller pipe to reach the sidewalk of all water consumers in the city of Austin, and that the six inch pipe shall be located in the several wards as designated by the Aldermen of the several wards. Adopted. Cemety com to have the fence now on the west side moved east. By Alderman Nitschke- Resolved, That the cemetery committee be and they are hereby authorized to have the fence now on the west side of the two and one-half acre tract of land north of the city cemetery and now owned by the city, moved east 60 feet, leaving the street that is now on the east side of said fence on the west side of the same. Referred to street committee with power to act. By Alderman Shelley- Whereas, There are 14 lamps yet to be located and that portion of the city known as Clarksville is without both water and light, therefore be it Resolved, That the Water and Light Commission be and --- Page break --- 173 they are hereby authorized and instructed to place one on the steeple of their church or at such point as the residents may select. Referred to Water and Light Commission By Alderman Shelley- A resolution authorizing the Water and Light Commission to make connection for all applicants within the next 60 days free of cost. Referred to the Water and Light Commission. Alderman Schneider moved to reconsider the vote authorizing the city attorney to appeal the City Water Compa- ny's case against the City now pending in the Federal Court. Lost by the following vote. Yeas- Aldermen Anderson, Isenmann, Glascock, Goeth, Lawless, Platt, Powell, Redd, Schneider- 9. Nays- Aldermen Fischer, Glass, Haynes, Hume, Jackson, Nitschke, Roberdeau, Shelley, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend, Warmoth-12. The Council then adjourned. Milton Morris, City Clerk.