558 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council Austin, Texas, Jan'y 18th 1897. Regular Meeting Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor, presiding. Roll called: Present, Aldermen Beaty, Haynes, Norton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Platt, Powell, Rosengren, Shelly, Stumphli, Taylor and Townsend. 14 Absent, Aldermen Belvin, Fischer, Miller, Nitchele, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider and Sims. 8. On motion, the minutes of the last regular and subsequent called meetings were adopted as printed. Alderman Fischer entered the Council Chamber. Petitions Petition of Citizens for Arc Lamp Cor. 7th St & Cong. Ave. By Alderman Platt, Petition of Citizens asking that an Arc Lamp be placed at the intersection of Congress Avenue and Seventh Street. On motion of Alderman Powell, the said petition was referred to the Water and Light Committee. Alderman Nitchele entered the Council Chamber. Pet. of Citizens W. 10th St & West Ave. asking for correct lines & to have W. 10th St. Graded. By Alderman Fischer, Petition of Citizens of West Tenth Street and West Avenue, asking for correct lines and for having West Tenth street graded from Rio Grand street to Shoal Creek. On motion of Alderman Powell, the first of the petition, in regard to lines, was referred to the City Engineer, and the remainder, in regard to grading street, to the Street Committee. Ald. Rosengren Excused. On motion, Alderman Rosengren was excused from further attendance at this session of the Council. Aldermen Belvin, Roberdeau, Miller and Redd entered the Council Chamber. Pet. of Citizens 1st & 2nd Ward to have Wagon Stand on W. 5th St. removed By Alderman Schneider, Petition of citizens of the First and Second Wards asking that the wagon stand on West Fifth street be removed Read and on motion referred to the Police Committee. Pet. of Mr. A. G. Gaines to have Stock Ord. extended The Mayor laid before the Council, a petition from Mr. A. G. Gaines, President of Tillotson Institute, asking that the Stock ordinance be extended so as to include that part of the City. Read and on motion referred to the Police Committee. Mayor's Message on Existing Financial Condition of the City. The Mayor then laid before the Council the following message: Mayor's Office, Austin, Texas, Jany 18th, 1897. To the Honorable City Council: Gentlemen: It is my duty to again call your attention to the condition of the general revenue. In my message to you on December 17th last, your attention was called to the fact that the general revenue for the current fiscal year, including the sums which might be spared from the Sinking Fund, would not exceed $70,000.09. It was further shown you that the expenditures for said year, if made upon the basis of last year's expenditures, would amount to $83,889.14 an excess of expenditures over revenues of $13,889.05, and that in my opinion the revenue is now so very much overtaxed that it is my duty to advise against this being continued and that in all things the expenditures be kept within the --- Page break --- 559 Mayor's Message obligations. I have not heard from any source, any suggestion or argument as to the incorrectness of these figures, or of the simple conclusions drawn from them, and I take it the Council is satisfied as to both. With a view to saving the City from falling into the condition of affairs, injurious alike to its credit and the conduct of its business, certain measures were recommended which would effect the necessary reduction in expenditures without, in my opinion, in any way or in the slightest degree decreasing the effectiveness of the City government in protecting the people's interests. These measures were suggested as the best in my opinion, but not the only ones, and you were asked to bring forward any others which might seem preferable to you. The matter has now been before you three regular meetings and nearly two months of the fiscal year have passed, and yet no step has been taken to accommodate the expenditures to the revenues, except a small saving effected by cutting down the Police force. Meanwhile, with the unimportant exception just noted, the City government is running along at the same rate of expenditure as last year, and the passage of every day makes the task of economy that much greater. Under present conditions it is inevitable that the fiscal year must end amid confusion of the City's affairs, disgrace to its credit and injustice to its employes and creditors. When the matter is clearly understood by you, I do not believe that you, as the guardians of the City's interests, will you consent to these. As Mayor, I can not do so. The situation demands immediate action. Inaction, letting things run along as they are now, is all that is needed to bring on the disaster. The same number of employes, the same scale of expense, and at the end of the month appropriation ordinances which must be passed because the services have been rendered. It does not seem to me possible that with the true condition of affairs laid before you and the effect of this inaction well understood, you will allow it to continue. As Mayor, I regard it as inconsistent with my duty to assent to it. I urge you to give the matter your immediate and serious consideration. Can you not, at least a majority of you, get together for the good of the City, and agree upon some reasonable and practicable legislation which will at once put the expenditures upon a proper basis? I believe you can do so, and I earnestly hope you will. Respectfully Lewis Hancock, Mayor. Alderman Schneider entered the Council Chamber. Mayor's Message referred to Alderman Kitchecue moved that the message of the Mayor be referred Special Com of 5. to a special Committee of five. Alderman Roberdeau, as a substitute, moved that the message be referred to the Finance Committee, with instructions to report at the next session of the Council the annual budget provided for by R. L. Wooten, which motion was lost by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Bent, Roberdeau, Maddox and Sydnor. 4 Nays Aldermen Brown, Dickens, Kitchecue, Latorne, Smith, Schneider, Simon and Swisher. 8 --- Page break --- 560 Platt, Rowell, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, and Townsend. 14 The motion of Alderman Stitschna to refer to a special committee of five was then adopted and the Mayor appointed the following named Aldermen as the committee viz: Aldermen Stitschna, Lawless, Beaty, Roberdeau and Shelley. Bids for Street Sprinkling Alderman Fischer for the Water and Light committee presented a report stating that the committee had received the following bids for water to be used for Street Sprinkling purposes: Victor Whitter bid $75. per month. E. L. Goodwin bid $77.50 per month. Pat Rail bid $81.50 per month. Award of contract for Water for Street Sprinkling awarded to Pat. Rail @ $81.50 per month Pat Rail being the highest bidder; they recommended that his bid be accepted, and that the Mayor be authorized to enter into contract with said Pat. Rail, and that he be required to enter into bond in the sum of $1000 for the faithful performance of his contract. Give bond in $1000 City Attorney directed to draw up contract & bond The report was adopted and the City Attorney instructed to draw up the bond, which is to be approved by the Mayor and City Attorney. Police Com's report on Marshal's report for December Alderman Powell for the Police Committee, to whom was referred the report of the City Marshal for the month of December, presented their report, stating that the reports had been examined and found correct. The report of the committee was adopted. Alderman Zilker entered the Council Chamber. Ord. Coms granted further time to make report. On motion the ordinance committee was granted further time in which to make their report on certain matters referred to them. Claims & Acct's Com's report on pet. of A. J. Hill, Treasurer. Alderman Platt, for the Claims and Accounts Committee, to whom was referred the petition of A. J. Hill, treasurer, in regard to certain penalties and costs on property heretofore sold for taxes be remitted, presented their report recommending that the petition be granted. On motion the report of the committee was adopted. Claims & Acct's Com's report on pet. of Wm Heye. Alderman Platt, for the Committee on Claims and Accounts, to whom was referred the petition of William Heye to have certain penalties paid by him on taxes for the year 1895, presented their report, recommending that the petition be not granted. The report of the committee was adopted. Com. on Printing reported verbally on Printing bids Alderman Haynes, for the Printing Committee, made a verbal report, stating that the committee had interviewed the Statesman and the Evening News, and that they had declined to submit another bid, and the committee could not recommend the acceptance of the bids heretofore submitted. Alderman Linn moved that the matter be referred to the special committee appointed on the message of the Mayor, which motion prevailed. Purchasing Com's report on award of contract to furnish Fuel. To Austin Fuel and Ice Co. at $5.69 per ton Alderman Linn, for the purchasing committee, presented a report, stating that they had awarded the contract for furnishing the City with Fuel, to the Austin Fuel and Ice Co. at $5.69 per ton, and that the New Mayor be authorized to enter into contract with them, all of which by motion, recommended, was adopted. Bids for Ice, Wood, Coal &c., for year 1896, were received, which were referred to the Purchasing Committee. --- Page break --- 561 Spc'l. Com. on Sale of Wagons & Mules. report substitute Ord. defining duties of Street Commi's. The Special Committee to whom was referred the ordinance providing for the Sale of the City teams and wagons presented a substitute for said ordinance and recommending the passage of the substitute. The substitute being, "An ordinance defining the duties of Street Commissioner of the City of Austin and repealing an ordinance defining the duties of Street Commissioner of the City of Austin, passed January 20th 1896," was then passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynie, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf and Townsend 19. Nays Aldermen Taylor and Zilker 2. Resolutions adopted on death of Frank Hamilton. Alderman Linn offered the following resolutions and asked their adoption. Whereas One of Austin's most distinguished Citizens has passed away, Frank Hamilton is dead; and, Whereas, it is meet and proper that this body should express its appreciation of his life, public services and untiring efforts in behalf of this City, therefore be it Resolved, First, that in the death of Frank Hamilton this City has lost its most liberal, energetic and enterprising Citizen; that in his death there has passed away one who was ever foremost and most zealous in every undertaking looking to the welfare and upbuilding of this City; Resolved, Second, that we, as the representatives of the people of the City of Austin, retain grateful recollection of his splendid services to the City and a full appreciation of his worth as a Citizen, and that we sincerely deplore his death; Resolved, Third, that we hereby tender to his bereaved family assurances of our tenderest sympathy in their great loss; Resolved, Fourth, that a copy of these resolutions suitably engrossed, be sent to his Mother, Mrs. Mary G. Hamilton and to his eldest daughter, Mrs. John Doom, and that a copy be furnished to the daily press for publication. After feeling and touching remarks by Alderman Linn and Mayor Hancock, the resolutions were unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the Council. Ord. Appropriating $250 to pay Salaries of Aldermen for Jan. 1897. By Alderman Townsend, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $250 to pay salaries of Aldermen for the month of January 1897. The ordinance was read first time, and on motion the rules were suspended and the ordinance placed upon its second reading by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynie, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker 19. Nays Aldermen Shelley and Taylor 2. The ordinance was then read second time, and a motion made to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third reading, which motion was lost by the following vote: --- Page break --- 562 Yeas Aldermen Fischer, Haynes, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd and Townsend. 11. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Horton, Maddox, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Ords. appropriating $3535.60 to pay Stumpf, Taylor and Zilker. 10. Salaries of Officers and employes for Jany By Alderman Townsend, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $3535.60 to pay Salaries of Officers and Employes of the City for the month of January 1897. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker. 21. Nays none. Com't. of 5 appointed to act with Alderman Shelley moved that a committee of five be appointed to act City Attorney looking to compromise with the with the City Attorney to see what compromise can be made with lists of Citizens in regard to valuation Citizens who have instituted suits against the City in regard to valuafixed by B'd of Equalization tions fixed by the Board of Equalization, and that they report the result to the next meeting of the Council. Alderman Linn, President of the Council, was called to the chair. Alderman Taylor moved that the committee be elected by the Council which motion was lost. The resolution of Alderman Shelley was then adopted and the chair appointed Aldermen Shelley, Townsend, Belvin, Powell and Fischer as the special committee. Ords. authorizing redemption of By Alderman Taylor, An ordinance authorizing the redemption of Real Estate sold for taxes & bid Real Estate heretofore sold for taxes, and bid in by the City. in by the City. The ordinance was passed, under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker. 21. Nays none. Ords. appropriating $12488.90 to By Alderman Fischer, An ordinance appropriating the sum of pay approved Accts Earnings Fund. $12488.90 out of the Earnings Fund for the purpose of paying approved accounts. The ordinance was passed, under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker. 20. Nays Alderman Stumpf. 1. Ords. appropriating $2000. to pay By Alderman Fischer, An ordinance appropriating the sum of Salaries of Employes W.W. & S & L Plant $2000. out of the Earnings Fund for the purpose of paying Salaries of Employes of the W.W. and S. & L. Plant The ordinance was passed, under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker. 20. Nays Alderman Stumpf. 1. --- Page break --- 563 Ord. Appropriating $100 to pay Extra Street Laborers. By Alderman Stitschue, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $100. for the purpose of paying for extra street labor. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules, by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beatty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Maddox, Miller, Stitschue, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley and Townsend. 18. Nays Aldermen Stumpf, Taylor and Zilker 3. Ord. Com. instructed to prepare Ord. regarding building permits Alderman Linn moved that the ordinance committee be instructed to prepare an ordinance in regard to building permits, which motion prevailed. On motion, Alderman Linn was excused from further attendance at this session of the Council. Resolution directing Street Commissioner to have City Teams & laborers work on Pecan Av. & 6th St. after Feb. 1st prox. Alderman Shelley offered a resolution instructing the Street Committee to place all the City teams and laborers at work on Congress - Avenue and Pecan Street on and after February 1st next. Alderman Maddox moved to amend by excepting two teams or more in case of an emergency. Alderman Redd moved as a substitute that the Street Commissioner be granted authority to use the teams at any place in his judgment for the good of the City. Resolution tabled. Alderman Stumpf moved to table the whole matter, which motion prevailed by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Beatty, Belvin, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Stitschue, Platt, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker 14. Nays Aldermen Fischer, Maddox, Miller, Roberdeau, Shelley, Taylor 6. On motion of Alderman Lawless, the Council adjourned. Jno. S. Johnson City Clerk.