292 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council. Austin Texas, December 16, 1895. Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor, presiding. Roll Call Roll Called. Present, Aldermen Bentley, Eipers, Glascock, Giles, Servin, Starnes, Horton, Steussy, Linn, Hilsch, Hall, Powell, Todd, Penderan, Brosnan, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend and Ziller. (17) Absent, Aldermen Stumpf, Odom, Wengren, Schneider, and Shell. (5) Ald. Taylor moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and that they be adopted as printed. Carried. The Mayor then delivered his message, which on motion of Alderman Mayor's Message ordered printed Taylor, ordered printed in full in the Daily Statesman and Evening News. Alderman Fischer in full in Daily Statesman moved to amend, that the message be printed in the Evening News, which and Evening News. motion was adopted. The resolution, as amended, was then adopted. Mayor's Message The Message is as follows: To the Honorable City Council: As required by the Charter, I herewith submit to you such information and suggestions as would seem to demand your early attention. I congratulate you that the City is free from floating indebtedness and, that the substantial completeness of the City's great Water, and Light Plant relieves you of the harrassing duties of providing for and supervising its construction, thus permitting you to devote your whole time and attention to the orderly conduct of the City's affairs. The condition of the general revenue need give you no uneasiness, though its administration will require rigid economy. An estimate by the City Assessor and Collector is the amount of this fund for the current fiscal year is as follows: Ad Valorem Taxes 1895 $34,000.00 Ad Valorem Taxes, previous years 6,000.00 License Tax 10,000.00 Recorders Court 2,400.00 Pound fees and Dules 600.00 Travis County, support of Hospital 7,000.00 Miscellaneous 1,000.00 Dog tax 400.00 $60,400.00 Balance in Treasuries hands Dec. 1, 1895. 14,168.10 Total $74,568.10 This is $13,000.00 less than my predecessor's first estimate, just as his final estimate & the estimate of the Assessor and Collector for that year was overestimated. In his financial report for the year ending Feb 28 '95 or about 4 mos. after his estimate was made, he states that there will be a deficiency of $11000.00, which, with the old bills, and the floating indebtedness made a sum total indebtedness of $25000.00. and urges that a rigid economy be practiced in every branch of the city government, to meet this. --- Page break --- 293 time it is impossible to foresee what extraordinary demands may be made upon this fund. The expectation that the general fund will be increased by the earnings of the Water and Light plant is a just one, but too much reliance may not be placed upon it at this time, as the plant is not yet in full working order, the increase of consumers being therefore necessarily slow, and the required extensions may be a necessary demand upon the earning fund. Another possible demand upon this fund is that arising out of the litigation between the City and the old Water Company. This litigation comprises several suits and it is quite complicated, and can not be properly laid before you at this time. I will make it the subject of a future message to you at as early a day as practicable. On the whole, the condition of the earnings fund of the Water and Light Plant can not be regarded as a sufficient warranty for the present departure from your late policy of economy, and I trust you will bear this in mind in your consideration of the important matter of fixing salaries, which is likely to come before you at your present session. The most important subject for your care is, and must continue to be, the City’s great Water, Light and Power plant. It is now so near completion that the period of construction may be said to have passed and that a management to have begun. You are therefore to be congratulated that you are not likely to be called upon to face any extraordinary municipal problems. The policy adopted by you of reaching practically all parts of the City with pipes of ample size is now being carried out. There has been some unavoidable delay on the part of the contractor in delivering pipe for this purpose, but he has made arrangements satisfactory to the Water and Light Commission for the prompt delivery of pipe in the future and from now on the work of laying it will be pushed to completion as rapidly as possible. The only unsettled questions in connection with the construction of the plant are those as to the location, size, cost and sanitary protection of the reservoir. While I have decided opinions upon this subject and am convinced that the health and convenience of the City require the ultimate construction of a reservoir, I feel it my duty to postpone any definite suggestions to you on this subject until I have had an opportunity to acquaint myself with the extensive data collected by the Board of Public Works, and the Water and Light Commission. The present practical importance of the question is largely decreased by the utilization of the spring flowing through the power-house, whereby consumers will be supplied daily in every part with perfectly clean and pure water. So far, therefore, as concerns the business of supplying water, light, and power to our citizens, the plant may be said to have passed through its period of construction. As a matter, however, in the business administration of our City's great public utilities, it will be only a few months until the [illegible] organization is complete and ready to go on with its duties. The great question of the proper management is presented, of last and most lasting importance. I cannot at this time enter at proper length upon this great subject. but will be proper in my message to you to [illegible] the details of this most important subject. --- Page break --- 294 the blessing we seek, will require unremitting labor and energy, firmness, selfdenial, watchfulness and economy. The magnitude and peculiar nature of the interests involved require, in my opinion, that they should ultimately be placed in the hands of a commission organized for that special work. But pending legislative amendment of our Charter, these responsibilities devolve upon you as the representatives of the people. I am most happy to say that I am convinced that each and all of you appreciate the important duties thus imposed upon you and will bring to their performance your best efforts. The situation in brief is as follows: The City has increased its indebtedness to the extent of one million and six hundred thousand dollars, thereby necessitating a great increase in taxation which im- poses an enormous burden upon our property, our labor and our industries. The proceeds of this indebtedness have been invested in a great manufacturing plant, the conduct of which is solely in your hands. To the revenue derived from this plant we can alone look for the money with which to pay this indebtedness and its annual cost, and thus lift the burden from our shoulders. We thus have a great indebtedness imposing a heavy burden, upon the energy of every citizen; on the other a great manufacturing plant intended to carry this burden and capable of doing so if properly managed. In so far as it becomes self sustaining, or better still, profit producing, just so far will it add to the population of our City, the employment and remuneration of labor, the value of property, the profits of business, and the energies of every citizen, rich or poor. In so far as it fails to be self-sustaining it will remain a burden upon all the property, and all the labor, and all the energies of all our people. The proper management of the plant therefore, becomes of the first importance. And as it is in its nature, an ordinary manufacturing enterprise, though a large one, for the production and sale of certain commodities, therefore its conduct requires the application of the same business principles that are applied to the conduct of any other manufacturing enterprise. You do not require from me a discussion of what these business principles are, but I may say that for our purpose, they would be largely carried out by the following general rules: First, the exercise of the most watchful economy, in all expenditures, and, second, the employment of the very best men to be had in the United States, for all classes of your salaried employees. The manufacture and sale of any commodity, requires the services of experts, and this is particularly so in our case, where one of our commodities, power, is but little known or used in this part of the world, and another, electricity is but just coming into general use. We have a vast amount of costly and delicate machinery which must deteriorate without expert supervision and care, and you can and must produce a vast output of commodities which will go to waste without expert and energetic handling. We cannot compel or dissuade our citizens to use our water and light, and so we must induce them. However, on these points, I am [illegible] well advised, and by so doing convince you that you are required to do so. On these points, I am convinced of this, that with your ability, your experience, and your industry, you will solve the problem of a future statesman. [illegible] [illegible] --- Page break --- 295 or prosperity of our City will depend upon the capacity and energy of our salaried employees. The City is confronted with a peculiar problem in the disposal of its surplus power. The hopes and sacrifices of our people in constructing the dam, the prosperity of the City and the interests of all our citizens, demand that this surplus power should be utilized as soon as is possible at remunerative rates, both on account of the increased revenue and increased industrial activity. If our own citizens had the requisite knowledge of manufacturing, I am convinced that home capital and energy would soon absorb this one of our products. But such is not the case at present. An effort is being made to start a Cotton Mill which would take some of it, and you have wisely encouraged the movement by granting power for this, the initial enterprise, at a very low rate. Here your efforts to encourage the use of power by home people must necessarily cease. Any further efforts must come from the people themselves. But the City has surplus power for sale, and I understand it to be the settled policy of the people, as well as their wish, to utilize this power in bringing capital here to build up our City. With this policy and wish I heartily agree, and to this end I would urge now to have such action as may seem most efficacious in spreading a knowledge of our power plant and other industrial advantages in other localities notably, the Eastern and Middle States, even to the extent if permissible of sending or employing a personal representative there. In this connection I will call your attention to a most interesting and valuable letter upon this subject from the Hon. J.D. Sayers, member of Congress from this district and which, later on, I will ask your permission to read. In this connection, also, I suggest that our citizens organize among themselves, as supplemental to any work in this direction the City may do, a power utilization company or committee, similar to the deep water utilization com- mittee recently organized in Galveston, whose object would be to take such action as might be desirable, but which you could not have, to advertise our power and encourage foreign capital. I urge upon your attention the necessity of further energetic action to prevent the soiling of the same by persons occupying or using boats and houses on or about it. I also ask that you keep in mind the desirability of enclosing, grading, sodding and otherwise beautifying the land owned by the City at the dam so that the same may in time become an ornament to the City and a cleanly place of recreation for our people. The condition of our Public Cemetery is not what it should be, owing to the small amount of money spent upon it by the City. Nearly all of our Citizens are interested in this Cemetery, and its maintenance in a respectable condition would seem to be a public duty. For a number of years there has been no revenue received from it, or it has been in a most unsafe and uncertain condition. The records of the Sexton for years past showed a most meagre revenue from it, consisting mostly of payments made for digging graves; and sales of lots at the Cemetery. For years the Board of Health had no money, men, or means to work with, and a Committee of Citizens, consisting of Dr. Allen, Mr. L.N. Goldbeck and myself, with some money subscribed for the purpose, did some work on the fences, cleaned --- Page break --- 296 at least over a year, and whenever its large financial condition will permit. There is considerable complaint growing out of our last City election and others which have preceded it, of the improper activity of members of the City Police force within polls; and of their presence there as active political workers rather than as guardians of the peace. This is a grave abuse, which must, of necessity, tend to disorganize and injure the Police force, shock the public sense of decency, and bring the City Government into disrepute. It is an abuse which should never be allowed to occur again, as the entire control of such matters is well within the powers of the Council. The Mayor I shall exercise every power conferred by the Charter to remove all grounds for such complaint in the future. In this connection it is proper to say, that this abuse is to some extent encouraged by the custom of electing Policemen annually, and allowing their election to depend to some extent upon the friendship of the Mayor or Aldermen. This tempts the Policeman desirous of retaining his position to become an active politician, and to support too earnestly, both before and at the election a friend who will vote for him, against a candidate who will not do so. I can not but think that Austin is now large enough to profit by the application of civil service methods to the formation and control of her Police force to the extent that admission to the force shall be upon merit and not upon friendship, and that Policemen shall be secure in their places as long as they perform their duties. Another complaint of even a greater nature is as to active electioneering of Judges or Clerks of election, inside the election rooms and booths, and while supposed to be in the discharge of their duties. I need not enlarge upon the seriousness of such a complaint, if well founded, but earnestly commend it to your consideration, with a view to your examination and such correction as the case may demand. The mere existance of such a complaint brings the purity of our elections into question, and would do much to defeat the objects sought to be accomplished by the "Australian system of balloting". The condition of the General revenue does not permit us to hope that there will be much money available for street work. Such money as is spent in this way, however, should be spent to the best advantage, and a system should be adopted which can be profitably pursued, when greater sums can be spared. To this end, I earnestly recommend that all work done upon the streets be divided into two classes, first, repairs, such as filling washes, etc. which have-become dangerous, and which must be made according to the nature of the case, and second, improvements which should be made in pursuance of a resolution of the council. Improvements as thus designated, should always be made where they are most needed, and no improvements should ever be begun until the City has the money, the teams and the time to finish it. from the lowest point of grading, to the last cost of material so that when once done it will permanently conduce to the ornament of the City, the conduct of business and the comfort of the people. This method of pursuing street work can be adopted even with the small means at our command, and would, I am sure, bring into operation a more orderly system than now enters into our regular work. Instead of work now undertaken so soon to be open for improvement again. It would be truly improvements proper. It would to a great extent inaugurate a roads improvement. It would permanently improve our sidewalks and would [illegible] --- Page break --- 297 material, and save us much time and money by planning for us a scientific system of road making. But in the mean while the Final suggestion made above, ie, rigidly discarding repairs from Tulipa Creek, and strictly enforcing the condition of each improvement made under taken, will, I am convinced, result in a great saving of money, and much increased efficiency in street work. So soon as the condition of the general revenue will permit it, a wise saving, I think, can be effected and much hope for the comfort of our citizens and the strangers who may visit our City can be realised. In the meanwhile, I recommend to the consideration of the Council the following:-plan: Wherever practical along the most dusty streets, let the City furnish water to residents free at the expense, same to be used by such residents for the purpose of sprinkling the streets in front of them, and for no other purpose. This would enable us, at the cost of only a small amount of labor, to keep down the dust on many streets where it is impossible to run water from watering carts. It is done in other Cities; and would, I believe prove practicable and beneficial in Austin. As the best means of keeping the Citizens in touch with their Water & Light and Power Plant, I recommend that the Water and Light Commission be required to report monthly to the Council, the receipts and expenditures under proper headings, the increase in the number of takers and such other facts as shall be of value in keeping the public fully informed as to the operation of the plant, and that such report shall form part of the published proceedings of the Council. I believe the Sinking fund account should be early as possible investigated according to law. I shall from time to time in the future, as occasion shall suggest address you upon the above subjects and upon others that may seem to demand your consideration. In conclusion I have to say that my only desire is to cooperate with you in all measures for the good of the City. For all measures suggested by me I ask your deliberate and impartial consideration, promising to treat in the same way all those originating with you. In naming the Standing Committees of the Council, which will be submitted to you this evening, I have endeavored to be impartial, to make as few changes as possible and those only which seemed to me to facilitate the work of the Council. A thorough acquaintance on the part of the Mayor with details of the affairs of the City will facilitate the dispatch of public business and redound to the public good. I therefore would be gratified to attend the different meetings of the committees whenever practicable, and I solicit invitations to do so. Lewis Hancock. Mayor. Alderman Simm moved that the regular order of business be suspended and that the Council now proceed to the consideration of new business, which motion prevailed. The Mayor announced the following appointments of Standing Committees. Streets. Aldermen. Ziller, Townsend and Scutze. Finance. Aldermen. Townsend, Scutze, and Hart. Ordinances. Aldermen. Scutze, Hart, and Ziller. Regular order of business suspended. Announcement of Standing Committees for the Year... --- Page break --- 298 Parks. Aldermen, Hancock, Haynes and Sluss. Fire Department. Aldermen Robertson, Beatty and Powell. Police. Aldermen Powell, Shelley and Haynes. Ordinances. Aldermen Linn, Taylor and Shelley. Claims and Accounts Aldermen Platt, Horton and Zilker. Public Printing. Aldermen Haynes, Rosengren and Robardeau. Markets. Aldermen Redd, Sluss, and Horton. Cemetery. Aldermen Horton, Sluss, and Rosengren. Sanitation and Sewerage. Aldermen Glass, Powell and Beatty. Hospital. Aldermen Painter, Robertson and Glass. Charity. Aldermen Deeth, Hitzscher and Glasscock. Purchases. Aldermen Linn, Piatt and Redd. Report of Special Committee on Fixing Salaries. Alderman Linn, for the special committee to fix salaries, presented the following report: The Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor of the City of Austin: Sir - Your special committee, appointed to report an ordinance fixing salaries of the officers and employees of the City of Austin, beg leave to submit herewith an ordinance covering the subject, and we recommend that the same do pass. We beg to state that we have provided in the ordinance herewith presented only three changes! First - We recommend an increase of the City Detective's salary to $1080. Second. An increase in the Assistant Clerk's salary to $900. Third. That the Street Commissioner receive an annual salary of $1080. Your committee makes the latter recommendation for the reason that it will not increase expenses, in that it will do away with the necessity of a foreman of the street force, who draws a salary of $60. per month, and this amount, considered in connection with the salary heretofore paid the Street Commissioner, say $30 per month, amounts in the aggregate to the sum heretofore expended for this service. The salary of your City Detective has heretofore been $867. We regard the increase to $1080. as just and proper, because the Detective pays his own office rent and for his telephone. In the case of the Assistant City Clerk, we think the character and importance of his many duties call for a salary of at least $75. per month. Respectfully Submitted, Henry A. Linn C.P. Horton A. F. Redd Ord. fixing Salaries of Officers & employees for two Years ending Nov. 30. 1907. By Alderman Linn. An Ordinance fixing salaries of Officers and employees of the City of Austin, Texas, for the term of two years, commencing the third Monday in December, 1905. The ordinance was read the first time and on motion of Alderman Linn the rules were suspended and the ordinance be read the second time by its caption. Ayes: Aldermen: Abbott, Beatty, Bieserw, Glasscock, Haynes, Horton, Linn, Painter, Piatt, Powell, Redd, Robertson, Rosengren, Deeth, Sluss, Taylor, Zilker. Nays none. --- Page break --- 299 Nays. None. The Ordinance was then read a second time. Amendment by Ald. Lawless- Alderman Lawless moved to amend the ordinance by making the Salary of Street to make Salary of Street Com. $1200 Commissioner $1200 per annum instead of $1080. The amendment was lost by the folper Annum. Lost. lowing vote: Yeas Aldermen Lawless, Schneider, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker. 6 Nays Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glascock, Glass, Goeth, Haynes, Horton, Limm, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Shelley and Scrivin. 16. Ald. Taylor moved to amend Alderman Taylor moved to amend by striking out $1080. and inserting $600. as by inserting $600. per Annum Salary of Street Commissioner Ald. Beaty amended to $900. Alderman Beaty moved to make the Salary of Street Commissioner $900. The motion of Alderman Taylor to make the Salary Ald. Nitschke moved to further of Street Commissioner $600. instead of $1080. was then lost. The amendment suspend the rules & place the offered by Alderman Beaty was also lost and the amendment Ord. on its 3d reading. lost by the following vote: Ald. Taylors Amendment lost. Yeas Aldermen Fischer, Schneider, Taylor, and Townsend. 4. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Glascock, Glass, Goeth, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Limm, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Tobin and Zilker. 18. The motion of Alderman Nitschke, to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on Ald. Nitschkes motion to suspend its third reading was adopted by the following vote: the rules adopted. Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Glascock, Glass, Goeth, Haynes, Horton, Limm, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Tobin and Zilker. 16. Nays Aldermen Lawless, Roberdeau, Schneider, Taylor and Townsend. 5. Final passage of Ord. The ordinance was read a third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Fischer, Glascock, Glass, Goeth, Haynes, Horton, Limm, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Tobin and Zilker. 16. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Lawless, Roberdeau, Schneider, Taylor and Townsend. 6. Proposition of Drs. Denton, Bennett, By Alderman Shelley, A proposition from Drs. Denton, Bennett, Mc McLaughlin & Hudson to lease the Laughlin and Hudson to lease the City and County Hospital. City & County Hospital, referred On motion of Alderman Lawless, the proposition was referred to a to a Special Com. of 4 Aldermen Special committee of four Aldermen and the Mayor. and the Mayor. The Mayor appointed Aldermen Lawless, Roberdeau, Townsend and Taylor the special committee provided for on the motion of Alderman Lawless. Ord. for $2640. to pay Salaries By Alderman Limm, An ordinance appropriating the Sum of $2640. of Aldermen to pay salaries of Aldermen for the year ending November 30. 1896. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glascock, Glass, Goeth, Haynes, Horton, Limm, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend and Zilker. 22 Nays. None. Ord. no. 3535. 59/100 to pay claims By Alderman Limm, An ordinance appropriating the Sum of $3535.59 to pay claims audited by the Finance Com Dec 2d 1896 --- Page break --- 300 Officers & Employes for Dec. 1895. to pay salaries of Officers and employes of the City for the month of December, 1895. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules, by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glascock, Glass, Gooch, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Lumm, Milscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend and Zilker. 22. Nays: None. Ord. for $1575.00 to pay interest on By Alderman Linn, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $1575. to pay Bonds issued prior to May 1, 1890. interest due January 1, 1896, on Bonds issued prior to May 1, 1890. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glascock, Glass, Gooch, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Lumm, Milscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend and Zilker. 22. Nays: None. Ord. for $16,687.50 to pay interest on By Alderman Linn, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $16,687.50 to pay $1,335,000.00 Bonds due Jan. 1, 1896. interest due January 1, 1896, on the $1,335,000. Water Works and Electric Light Bonds of the City of Austin. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules, by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glascock, Glass, Gooch, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Lumm, Milscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend and Zilker. 22. Nays: None. Ord. for $6000.00 to pay interest By Alderman Linn, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $6000. to pay on $200,000.00 Bonds due Jan. 1, 1896. interest due January 1, 1896, on the $200,000.00 Water Works and Electric Light Bonds of the City of Austin. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glascock, Glass, Gooch, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Lumm, Milscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Tobin, Townsend and Zilker. 22. Nays: None. Ald. Taylor moved to transfer tem- Alderman Taylor moved that the sum of $6000. be transferred temparariporarily from Earnings fund $6000. ly from the Earnings fund, to the interest fund of the $200,000. Water to pay interest due on $200,000 Bonds. and Light Bonds, which motion prevailed. Res. instructing Com. on Printing Alderman Haynes offered the following resolution, which was read and adopted. to advertise for bids for Job & Resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin, That the Committee Newspaper printing for 2 years. on printing be authorized to advertise for bids for Job printing for the City and for printing the minutes of the Council for the two years ending November 30, 1897. Res. by Ald. Glass that the Alderman Glass offered the following resolution which was read and adopted. Sanitary Officer be authorized to Resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin, that the Sanitary Officer employ 2 extra laborers be, and is hereby, authorized to employ two extra men to assist him until the City is put in a good Sanitary condition. Res. by Ald. Glass that the San- Alderman Glass offered the following resolution which was read and adopted. itary Officer have charge of all Resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin, That all employes in the employes in San. Dept. Sanitary Department shall be under the immediate control of the Sanitary Officer, to whom they shall look for orders and directions in regard to their work and from whom they shall receive their pay vouchers. Officers appointed & confirmed The Mayor appointed, during recess of the Council, the for various Districts & the following officers to wit: Weighers for the various Assessor & Collector. Districts of the City, The Mayor also appointed [illegible] Assessor and Collector and asked that they be confirmed. The appointments were confirmed by the Council. --- Page break --- 301 The Council. Bonds of City Officers referred to Finance Com. for examination. Ald. Bowell moved that Council proceed to election of Policemen Ald. Roberdeau moved that City Marshal submit his names & 17 men to be balloted for 3 Tellers appointed Names of Men Submitted by the City Marshal, for Policemen. Names of Men submitted by Aldermen for Policemen. Names of Candidates elected Policemen on 1st Ballot. On motion the Bonds of the newly elected City Officers were referred to the Finance Committee for examination and report. Alderman Bowell moved that the Council now proceed to the election of Policemen and that a Captain and Policemen be elected first, which motion was lost. Alderman Roberdeau moved that the City Marshall now submit the names submitted by him, and these with the names submitted by the different Aldermen be balloted for, and that the 17 names receiving the highest number of votes be declared elected as the Police Force, which motion was adopted. Alderman Cires moved that the Mayor appoint three tellers. Carried, and the Mayor appointed Aldermen Fischer, Roberdeau and Redd as tellers. The City Marshall then submitted the following nominations for Policemen: Still Mc Cashin, John Chenneville, W. A. Cato. Geo. N. Kennedy. E. C. Follwell. C. C. Plumb. J. D. Platt, O. F. Gibson, T. C. Campbell. R. D. Bell. H. Maddox. C. O. Grizzard, C. A. J. Corwin. Scott Wilson, and D. Cargill. Alderman Stuart nominated William Rutledge. Alderman Booth nominated G. M. Gentry. Alderman Fischer nominated W. G. Grant. Alderman Zibler nominated H. Musgrove. Alderman Worlow nominated J. O. Mc Kenna. Alderman Platt nominated Gus. Evans. Alderman Glass nominated Tom Moore and Lon Evans. Alderman Schneider nominated John Quisk. Alderman Fischer nominated A. Brown and W. C. Looker. Alderman Taylor nominated W. F. Rankin. Alderman Kelley nominated W. B. Allen. Alderman Horton nominated Ginn. Overstreet. Alderman Ditscheler nominated W. B. James. Alderman Zilker nominated S. Trosset. Alderman Plumb nominated W. H. Haddock. Alderman Deaky nominated John Meredith. nominations were then declared closed. The tellers reported the following as the results of the first ballot: McCashin 20. Chenneville 19. Cato 21. Kennedy 18. Follwell 20. Plumb 16. J. D. Platt 19. Gibson 18. Campbell 20. Bell 10. Maddox 21. Grizzard 21. McSar. 17. Corwin 18. Wilson 16. Cargill 17. Rutledge 3. Gentry 1. Grant 2. Musgrove 4. McKenna 5. Gus Evans 4. Moore 4. Lon Evans 1. Quisk 2. Brown 7. Looker 6. Rankin 6. Allen 4. Overstreet 1. James 1. S. Trosset 2. Haddock 7. Meredith 1. Plumb 1. Costhey 1. The Mayor declared the following named persons duly and constitutionally elected to serve as Policemen for the ensuing term: McCashin, Cato, Chenneville, Follwell, J. D. Plumb, C. D. Platt, Sam Platt. Campbell, Maddox, Grizzard, McCorwin, Gibson, and Cargill. Alderman Taylor moved, that the Council, [illegible] [illegible] Policemen, [illegible] his seat. The Mayor put the motion. The Yeas and Nays were called for His Honor, the Mayor, did not give the Council time to have the roll called, The Mayor did vote No. and then declared the motion lost. --- Page break --- 302 Amendment by Ald. Glasscock to Ald. Saylors Motion that the 7 names receiving the highest no. of votes be declared elected. Motion lost. select men now. Alderman Glasscock moved as an amendment to the resolution of Alderman Taylor, that the 7 names receiving the highest number of votes on the first ballot be declared elected, which motion was lost by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Blatty, Glasscock, Glass, Haymes, Lawless, Sinn, Platt, Redd, and Powell. 9 Nays Aldermen Fischer, Dorth, Horton, Nitschke, Rosengren, Sheley, Stumpf, Tobin and Zilker. 9. Ald. Taylor on motion tabled The motion of Alderman Saylor was on motion of Alderman Sinn, tabled by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glass, Dorth, Haymes, Horton, Lawless, Sinn, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Tobin and Townsend. 15. Nays Aldermen Blatty, Scheider, Taylor and Zilker. 7. Alderman Taylor moved to adjourn, which motion was lost by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Taylor and Zilker. 2. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Glasscock, Glass, Dorth, Haymes, Horton, Lawless, Sinn, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Robertshaw, Rosengren, Scheider, Shelley, Stumpf, Tobin and Townsend. 20. Ald. Glasscock moved that Council now proceed to elect one more police man Alderman Glasscock moved that the Council now proceed to elect one more policeman and that the person receiving the highest number of votes cast be declared elected provided he has received a majority of all the votes cast. Carried. The tellers declared the result of the second ballot to be as follows: Hall 13, McKenna 7, Cooper 8, Rankin 2. No one having received a majority, a new ballot was ordered. The tellers declared the result of the Third ballot to be as follows: Hall 13, McKenna 1, Cooper 8. Mayor declared Hall Bell elected Mayor declared H.D. Bell duly elected. Finance Com's report on Bonds of Officers submitted to them. Alderman Townsend, for the Finance Committee, submitted the following report Austin, Texas, December 16, 1895. To Hon Lewis Hancock, Mayor, and Board of Aldermen. Gentlemen, Your Finance Committee, to whom was referred the Official bonds of the several City Officers, have examined the same and find them in proper form and with sufficient securities. H.W. Townsend. W.D. Shelley. H.L. Dorth. Ald. Taylor moved the Com's report lie over until next meeting Alderman Saylor moved that the report of the Committee lie over until the next regular meeting of the Council, which motion prevailed. Aldermen Dorth, Lawless and Sinn were excused from further attendance at the meeting of the Council. Communication from Mrs. I.C. White. Referred to Claims & Accts. Com. Communication from Mrs. Mary I.C. White, laid before the Council, a communication in regards to give her an opinion Alderman Saylor moved that the communication be referred to the Committee on Claims and Accounts, which motion prevailed. Communication from Alderman Fisher referred to H&W. Com. Communication from Alderman N. Rosengren, in regards to furnishing gas to the Bridge, was read and referred to the Water and Light Com. Communication from City Attorney A.S. Walker Jr. Communication from the Attorney for the City, A.S. Walker, Jr. was read and referred to the Com. on Ordinances. On motion of Alderman Platt, the Council adjourned. On motion of Alderman Budd, Mr. Cousins, Mr. Ennis, [illegible] G. O. Freeman City Clerk.