564 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council Held Wednesday, Feby 17th 1897. Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor, presiding. Present: Aldermen [illegible], Daily, Haynes, Pau, Powell, Shelley, Snyder and Townsend. 7 Absent: Aldermen Averill, Fischer, Harte, Kuhn, Lowman, Maddox, Miller, Pressler, Schneider and Zilker 10 Alderman Lowman moved a call of the Council, which was seconded. Present: Aldermen Daily, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Lowman, Pau, Powell, Pressler, Shelley, [illegible], Snyder and Townsend. 12 Ayes: Aldermen Belvin, Harte, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Pressler, Budd, Rosengren, Schneider and Zilker 10 Alderman Taylor moved to suspend the rules which motion prevailed. The minutes were adopted as printed without reading. Aldermen [illegible] Kuhn, Maddox, Rosengren, Schneider and Zilker entered the Council chamber. Petitions [Text in left margin:] Pet of Brumley & Costley to put in wagon Scales on Trinity St. bet. 6th and 7th St. Granted. By Alderman Platt, Petition of Brumley & Costley asking permission to put in Wagon Scales on Trinity Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets. Alderman Platt moved to grant the petition, the work to be done under the supervision of the City Engineer. Carried. Reports of City Officers The reports of the City Officers for the month of January, 1897, were laid before the Council and on motion were referred to their respective committees without reading. The following is a synopsis of the reports. Assessor & Collector By the Assessor and Collector. To Collections as follows: From General Revenue Tax $ 2928.32 " Interest and Sinking Fund-Water & Light Bonds! " 2557.75 " Interest and Sinking Fund Old Bonds! " 220.06 " School Tax. " 902.51 Total Collections- $ 6,608.64 Referred to Finance Committee. City Clerk By the City Clerk. Total amount of Warrants drawn against the General Fund 3,646.91 " " " " " " " " Paving " 2975.40 " " " Interest & Sinking Fund for payment of Interest due Jany 1st 1897. 22,587.50 " Amount of Warrants drawn against Interest Fund on Bonds issued prior to May 1st 1890 1,575.00 Referred to Finance Committee. City Treasurer By the City Treasurer Balances Dec 31st 1896 In the General Fund $ 852.27 " " Int. & Sinking Fund Old Bonds 1481.53 " " " " " Paving " 4303.03 " " " " " Int. & Sinking " W&Light " 28,431.66 " " " S.D. miscellaneous [illegible] Warrants 21,84[illegible]. --- Page break --- 565 City Marshal Referred to the Finance Committee. By the City Marshal Total amount of Fines assessed in Recorder's Court $315.00 Paid in Cash 48.00 Worked out 175.00 Appealed 30.00 Escaped 16.00 Committed 46.00 Cash collected on back fines $315.00 6.50 Total number of arrests for the month 14 City Physician Referred to the Police Committee. By the City Physician. Number of Patients in Hospital January 1st 24 " " Admitted during " " 20 " " dismissed " " 18 " " died " " 5 " " remaining in Hospital Feb. 1st 21 No. " Visits to Paupers during January 108 " " Prescriptions " " " " 197 No contagious diseases reported. Referred to the Hospital Committee. City Sexton. By the City Sexton. Total number of Deaths during January 15 White 10 Colored 5 Male 10 Female 5 Interments 18 Referred to the Cemetery Committee. W. & L. Supt's Report. The report of Superintendent Patterson was read showing: Total number of Water Takers Jan. 31st 2160 " " " Electric Light Takers Jan. 31st 934 The receipts for the month were as follows: For Water $1773.32 " Electric Lights. 2382.08 " Electric Bonds. 796.50 " Sundries 23.50 $4975.40 Total amount of bills approved for payment $7975.40 The report was ordered filed. Alderman Wideman and Sanders entered the Council Chamber. A petition from the Water and Light Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Citizens asking for One more Arc Light to be placed on Magnolia St., between Converse St. and Morgan's St., which was by them recalled from the Committee was presented. [illegible] W.R.C. [illegible], the same was adopted [illegible] [illegible] --- Page break --- 566 for Electric current for the propulsion of its cars for a term of five years, and recommending that the Mayor be authorized and instructed to enter into contract on the terms mentioned. On motion the report of the Committee was adopted. Alderman Wicks and Judd entered the Council Chamber. Street Com's report on the matter of reflooring Colorado River Bridge. Alderman Jucker, for the Street Committee, to whom was referred an ordinance appropriating the sum of $1799.00 to refloor the Colorado River Bridge, presented their report stating that they had carefully examined said Bridge and find that the flooring of same to be dangerous and recommending that bids should be advertised for, and the work let by contract. Horton entered the Council Chamber. Alderman Judd moved that the report of the Street Committee and the ordinance be recommitted to said committee and the City Engineer. Bridge matter referred to a special com. of 3 to confer with the County Commissioners' Court Alderman Maddox moved as a substitute that the matter be referred to a special committee, with instructions to confer with the County Commissioners Court and see if the County would assist in repairing the bridge. The substitute was adopted, and Aldermen Read, Maddox and Jucker were appointed as the Committee. Street Com's report on resolution regard to Culvert opposite Cerk's Store. South Cong Av. Alderman Zurner, for the Street Committee, to whom was referred the resolution of Alderman Read in regard to the Culvert opposite Cerk's story, leading into Fairview Park, presented a report recommending that the same be put in proper repair at once. On motion the report was adopted and the Street Committee and City Engineer instructed to have the work done. Police Com's report on Citizens pet. to have wagon stands on W. 5th St. removed. Alderman Powell, for the Police Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Citizens to have the wagon stand on West Fifth Street removed, presented their report recommending that the Marshal be instructed to allow the teams to stand between Colorado Street and the Alley west of Congress Avenue, and that the passage of the street must at all times be kept open. The report was adopted. Police Com's report on pet. of M.R. Dains asking to have Pound limits extended. Alderman Powell for the Police Committee, to whom was referred the petition of M.R. Dains asking to have the Pound limits extended, presented a report stating that the complaint of the petitioner is well founded, but to grant the relief would cause the extension of the Pound limits to the City line, which they did not deem advisable at this time, therefore they recommended that the petition be not granted. On motion the report of the Committee was adopted. Ord. Com's Majority report on Ord. repealing ordinance creating office of Pound Master. Ord. Com's Minority report on above. Alderman Shelley, for a majority of the committee on ordinances, to whom was referred the ordinance repealing an ordinance creating the office of Pound Master, presented a report recommending the passage of the ordinance. Alderman Powell also for the committee, presented a minority report on the same ordinance, recommending that the same do not pass, and giving the reasons therefor, and moved to adopt the minority report which motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes: Aldermen Birvin, Fischer, Haunes, Hulen, Maddox, Miller, Scott, Read, Judd, Schneider, Stubbs, Townsend and Jucker 13. Nays: Aldermen [illegible], [illegible], Shelley, Powell, Zurner and President Pro tem 6. Ord. Com's report on Ord. No. 118 to amend Ord. No. 200 Chap. 1st Title 1st "Disturbances" [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] --- Page break --- 567 do pass? On motion the report was laid over to come up with [illegible] [illegible] for the Cemetery Committee, to whom was referred the matter of entering into Contract with the Bethany Cemetery Co, at the rates specified in the contract presented. On motion the report was laid over to come up with the ordinance. Alderman Lewis, for the Special Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Council to prepare an estimate of receipts and expenditures out of the General Fund for the fiscal year ending November 30, 1897, presented the following report. Austin, Texas, February 1st 1897. Hon. Lewis Hancock, and Gentlemen of the City Council: Your Special Committee, appointed at the last meeting of the Council to prepare an estimate of the receipts and expenditures out of the General Fund for the fiscal year, beginning December 1st, 1896, and ending November 30th 1897, beg leave to submit the accompanying report. This task has been a most unpleasant and disagreeable one. We have not made our calculations upon a basis of what we would have liked, but upon the basis of what our actual receipts would be. If this report is adopted, it will be seen that our estimated receipts over expenditures will only be $1011.04. The only new item added to the budget is $2500.00 for reflooring the bridge over the Colorado River and $10,465.60 to pay the Old Water Company, as per order of Court. The depleted condition of the City's finances and the hard times generally demands upon our part, such retrenchment as will enable us to continue on a cash basis, and at the same time not impair the efficiency of any department of the City government. After giving the separate bills from the report their earnest consideration we trust, that the results sought by every member of the Council may be attained. Your Committee recommends the passage of the necessary ordinances and resolutions accompanying this report. We also recommend that the Council request the City Attorney, by resolution, to dispense with his Assistant, which would be a further saving of $416.68. While your Committee recognize fully, and duly appreciate the efficiency and usefulness of our City Assessor and Collector, we are constrained to say, that in our opinion, many delinquent tax payers could be induced to pay their taxes, by a more rigid enforcement of the tax ordinances, particularly in cases of assessment of both real and personal property, for by giving the right to seize and levy upon, and sell so much personal property, belonging to the delinquent, as may be sufficient to pay the taxes due by him, without institution of suit. Statement: Expenditures last year ................................................................ $49,907.04 Expenditures this year's budget ............................................ $86,154.04 Reduction over last year ......................................................... $38,855.04 [illegible] last year........................................................................... $30,600.00 City Attorney [illegible]........... $7300. City Assessor & Collector........ 10465.60 ................................ $10,465.60 Reduction................................................................................... $20,134.40 Estimated [illegible] --- Page break --- 568 Special Com report on Expenditures last year $79,992.94 Budget for Fiscal Year less Net [illegible] 10,775.09 ending Nov. 30 1897. New budget 69,217.85 Estimated excess of receipts over expenditures this year $1011.21 Respectfully submitted, R. Ritschman J. Ludwigs, H. L. [illegible] F. W. Peale, F. L. S. Roberts, Committee. Estimated Expenditures. Estimated expenditures out of General Fund of the City of Austin for fiscal year beginning December 1st 1896, and ending November 30th 1897: Salaries of Officers. $12,525.00 Salaries of Police. 13,750.50 City Cemetery Department. 783.07 Sanitary Department. 3,564.53 Fire Department. 6,605.50 Streets, Bridges & Alleys. 9,670.55 Meals City Prisoners 470.50 City & County Hospital 4,278.54 Printing, Stationery & Postage 1,700.00 Charity 1,033.51 Salary, Pound Master, Dec. 1896 & Jan. 1897. 146.00 Salary, City Auditor, Dec. 1896 & Jan. 1897. 33.34 Salary of Aldermen Dec. 1896. 770.00 Salary, Porter City Hall, 480.00 Pay Old Water Company 10,760.00 Reflooring, Bridge over Colorado River 2,300.00 Total. $66,883.52 1/4 On motion the report of the Committee was adopted by the following vote: Yeas, Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Millett, Nitschke, Redd, Roberdeau, Rossengren, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend and Ziker 18 (1) Nays, Aldermen Flatt, Powell and Stumpf. 3. Alderman Shelley moved to suspend the regular order of business and allow the ordinance Committee to make a report. Carried. Ord. Com report on Ord. Appropriating $1473.00 for Cost of Constructing Bull Creek Road Alderman Shelley, for the ordinance Committee, to whom was referred "An ordinance providing the sum of $1473.00 to pay one-half the cost of constructing a portion of the Bull Creek road," presented a report recommending that the ordinance be referred to the special Committee appointed to confer with the Commissioners Court in respect to reflooring the bridge across the Colorado River. The report of the Committee was adopted and the ordinance so referred. Ald. Schneider gave notice of a motion asking for a reconsideration of the vote adopting the report of the Budget Committee Alderman Schneider gave notice that at the next meeting of the Council he would make a motion to reconsider the vote adopting the report of the Budget Committee. On motion the Council adjourned sine die. [illegible] O. [illegible] City Clk [illegible] 38 page of Minutes Bk no 5 O.K. --- Page break --- 569 The ordinance was read a third time and passed by the following vote: Yeas, Aldermen Belvin, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Redd, Schneider, Stumpf and Townsend 11 Nays, Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Lawless, Nitschke, Powell, Roberdeau, Shelley, Taylor and Zilker 10. Alderman Nitschke moved to reconsider the vote, by which the Council adopted the report of the budget Committee, and to lay the motion on the table, which motion was lost by the following vote: Yeas, Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Horton, Lawless, Nitschke, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Shelley, Taylor and Zilker. 10 Nays, Aldermen Belvin, Haynes, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Stumpf and Townsend 11 An Ord. to amend Article 384 of Revised Civil Ordinances Alderman Fischer laid before the Council "An ordinance to amend Article 384 of the Revised Civil Ordinances of the City of Austin," with the report of the ordinance committee recommending its passage. The ordinance was read a second time and on motion the rules were suspended and the ordinance placed upon its third reading and final passage by the following vote: Yeas, Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker 21. Nays None. The ordinance was then read a third time and passed. Ald Linn excused On motion Alderman Linn was excused from attendance at this session of the Council. Ord. authorizing Mayor to enter into contract with Bethany Cemetery Co. The Mayor then laid before the Council "An ordinance authorizing and directing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Bethany Cemetery Company for the burial of the dead bodies of colored paupers of the City of Austin." The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker 21. Nays, None. An Ordinance repealing an Ord. and creating office of City Auditor. By Alderman Nitschke, "An ordinance repealing an ordinance creating the office of City Auditor," The ordinance was read first time. Alderman Schneider moved to refer to the Finance Committee. Lost. It was then moved to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its second reading, which was lost by the following vote: Yeas, Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Horton, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Townsend and Zilker 10. Nays, Aldermen Haynes, Kuhn, Powell, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Belvin and Redd 9. An Ord. repealing an Ord. Creating position of Bridge Keeper. By, Alderman Nitschke, an ordinance repealing an ordinance creating the position of Bridge Keeper. Read first time and a motion made to place it on its second reading, was lost by the following vote: [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] --- Page break --- 570 Resolution authorizing Mayor to assign certain judgements for taxes against Fellman & Christian to F. H. Kempner. of Mrs. M. Christian to H. Kempner By Alderman Maddox, Resolution authorizing the Mayor to assign certain judgments for taxes against Fellman & Christian (in the District Court of Travis County to F. H. Kempner, trustee, which assignments shall not create any liability against the City. The resolution was adopted. Also a resolution authorizing the Mayor to assign certain judgements for taxes against Mrs. M. Christian in the District Court of Travis County to H. Kempner which assignment shall not create any liability against the City of Austin. The resolution was adopted. Ordr. Appropriating $25 to repair fence & clean Park at stone By Alderman Schneider, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $25. out of the Park fund to repair fence and clean up the park at the Stone Dam. The ordinance was read first time and was on motion referred to Finance Committee. Resolution abolishing the offices of Asst City Clerk, Clerk, and 1st & 2nd Asst. Assessor & Collector. By Alderman Nitscke, Resolution to abolish the positions of Assistant City Clerk and second Assistant Clerk, in Assessor and Collectors' office. The resolution was lost by the following vote: Yeas, Aldrmen Beaty, Belvin, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Nitscke, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Shelley and Taylor, 10. Nays, Aldermen Fischer, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker, 11. An Ord. Amending Art. 70 Chapter 3, Title 4 of Revised Civil Ordinances. By Alderman Nitscke, An ordinance amending Article 70, Chapter 3, Title 4 of the revised civil ordinances of the City of Austin. The ordinances provides for a regular meeting of the City Council on the first Monday night in each month, no notice of which shall be necessary. This ordinance was read first time and a motion made to suspend the rule and place the ordinance on its second reading, which motion was lost by the following vote: Yeas, Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Nitscke, Redd, Roberdeau, Shelley, Taylor and Zilker, 13. Nays, Aldermen Haynes, Miller, Platt, Powell, Rosengren, Schneider, Stumpf and Townsend 8. On motion of Alderman Fischer, the Council adjourned. Jno. O. Johnson City Clerk.