575 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council. Austin, Texas. Feb. 15th 1897. Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor, presiding. Roll called Present, Aldermen Haynie, Hulen, Maddox, Miller, Oritschelke, Platt, Prowell, Redd, Schneider, Sheley, and Stump 12 Absent Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Hooton, Lawless, Linn, Rosengren, Townsend and Zilker 10 On motion the minutes were approved as printed without reading Aldermen Beaty and Taylor entered. Communication from Board of Equalization regarding an erroneous assessment of part of Out lot No. 3 Div Z of Dr. A. W. Smoot. The Mayor laid before the Council, a communication from the Board of Equalization, stating that an error had been made in the assessment of part of out lot No. 3, division Z, the homestead of Dr. A. W. Smoot, by which it was assessed for more than adjoining property, and recommending that the assessment be reduced to the amount of $4000. Read and referred to the Committee on Claims and Accounts. Pet. of C. N. Austin By Alderman Redd, Petition of C. N. Austin, asking that an account in his favor for $30.60 for work done at the Dam Park be paid. On motion the petition and claim was referred to the Committee on Claims and Accounts. Communication from Geo. A. Brush regarding a building not fire-proof, near his store. The Mayor laid before the Council a communication from Geo. A. Brush, calling attention to a certain building which had been erected near his store within the fire limits, which is not fire proof, and on account of which he had been notified by the Insurance Company that his rate of insurance had been advanced, and asking that said building be made fire proof or removed. Read and referred to Fire Committee. Aldermen Fischer and Lawless entered the Council Chamber. Mayor read Annual Report. The Mayor then read his annual report for the year 1896. The report was referred to the Printing Committee with instructions to ascertain the probable cost of printing the reports of the Mayor and other City Officers in pamphlet form, and a recommendation as to the number of copies to be printed. Mayor's Special Message Alderman Belvin entered the Council Chamber. The Mayor then laid before the Council the following special message: Mayor's Office, Austin, Texas. Feb. 15th 1897. To the Hon. City Council: Gentlemen, I have the honor herewith to call to your attention several matters of consequence to the Water & Light Plant. For months past I, together with the special Committee appointed for that purpose, the Water & Light Committee, the superintendent Mr. A.C. McLaughlin, City Attorney, have made strenuous efforts, by correspondence and otherwise, to adjust the matters in dispute between the City & David Thomson, besides the New York & Boston [illegible] Co. & Mr. A. W. Miller who represented them on the east, and on the part of the City, the Superintendent [illegible] have [illegible] interviews to adjust this matter with the David Thomson Company. Besides the many times, we have been in correspondence with Mr. Miller who represented them. --- Page break --- 576 Mayor's Special Message of the Company. On the side of the City, it may be said, as has been reported to you by Superintendent Atkinson, that the pumps sold to the City by the Company, have never been capable of doing the work required of them by the contract, that they are at present broken and practically useless, and that there are defects in the cylinders which existed when the pumps left the factory. On the side of the Company, it is claimed that the pumps were built and furnished in strict accordance with the plans and specifications of the City's Engineer Mr. J. S. Banning, that they have at all times supplied new pieces in place of defective pieces when requested of them under the contract, and that if the pumps were not such as required by the City, it was the fault of the City or its Engineer and not of the Company. The most thoughtful investigation on my part, leads me to the conclusion, that the Company is in the wrong, and that if it were practicable to litigate the matter, the City might force the Company to furnish pumps, which would comply with our interpretation of the contract, or refund a greater part of the money paid on account of them. This litigation however, would have to take place in Chicago, the City would have to employ Counsel there, and would be under the disadvantage of having to present its evidence in the shape of depositions, or of sending its Superintendent and other Officers & Employees to Chicago to testify in person. In view of these disadvantages it is, my opinion that it is to the best interest of the City to compromise the matter. After much correspondence and discussion the Company has offered, through its representative, Mr. D. A. Arcer, to release its claim for the balance of the contract price, amounting to about $1600.00, and to pay the City $850.00 in cash, the City to deliver them the pumps f.o.b. the cars in Austin. This would entail a loss on the City of about $3000.00. In view of the facts that the pumps are worthless to the City, and that we could litigate overagainst the Company only at such a disadvantage as to practically preclude all hope of success, I think that the matter be compromised by accepting the above proposition. The City Attorney and the Water, Light and Power Committee join with me in making this recommendation. After examining all available sites on the bank of the Colorado River for the proposed new pumping Station, the Superintendent with the approval of the Water & Light Committee and myself determined upon land belonging to Mrs. Laura P. Duval, one block west of Crockett Street as the most favorable site. Three lots with one and one-half lot for frontages are offered to the City for $1000.00, and I recommend the appropriation of the money necessary for its purchase. Superintendent Patterson has sunk an experimental filtering gallery or well in the sand bank opposite this land, and has demonstrated beyond question, that an ample supply of pure water is to be obtained at this point. After receiving bids for various kinds of pumps, and of Patterson's improvements, the Committee from this body, to wit: Messrs. [illegible], [illegible], [illegible], [illegible], with [illegible] [illegible], of the Board of Public Works, to whom was referred the duty of visiting different cities, recommend the purchase of two [illegible] pumping engines, which are [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]. --- Page break --- 577 Mayor's Special Message be provided with out board bearings in place of the present overhanging pulleys. The price of the two new turbines is $ 8818. from which $175.00 will be deducted to enable the City to make the proposed change in the pulley of the old dynamo. Supt. Patterson also recommends the purchase from the StilwellBierce and Smith-Vaile Co., for $7900. of one double [illegible] h.p. turbine, which he is also now ready to ask for bids for the construction of the new pumping station and the completion of the filtering Tunnel. In all these suggestions he has the concurrence of the Waters Light Committe and of myself, and I therefore recommend the passage of resolutions putting them into effect. I have much pleasure in reporting to you that since your last meeting the City has won the suit in the Federal District Court in which the Austin Water Light and Power Company sought to recover some $19,000.00 on an alleged contract with the City. The Court sustained the City's demurrers, thereby, holding the alleged contract void. The City was ably represented by the City Attorney, and by Mr. S.R. Fisher, who gave his valuable services without compensation, and who rendered material assistance in the trial of the case. I have also to call your attention the suit of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, vs. the City, now pending in the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington. Mr. S.R. Fisher was employed to represent the City in this case under a contract in substance as follows: A payment of $500.00 in Cash (which has been paid) and a further payment of $1000.00 in case the City was successful; and in case his personal attendance in Washington was deemed necessary, his expenses to be borne by the City. The case will come up in a few months, and is of supreme importance to the City, involving, as it does, the very life of the Water & Light Plant, and it is considered essential, by the City Attorney, and by me, that Mr. Fisher should visit Washington to present the City's case in person. Mr. Fisher, who has given much time and labor to the preparation of the case, is of the same opinion, though his personal interests may suffer thereby. He offers to go as soon as notified, and to accept the sum of $750.00 in full settlement of his expenses, whether he shall loose by it or not. I consider this a fair and satisfactory arrangement, and therefore recommend that Mr. Fisher be authorized to proceed to Washington when his presence there shall be needful, and that the Council appropriate out of the Earnings Fund the sum of $750.00 for his expenses. It is my duty to call your attention the expenditures for the current year on account of what may be called miscellaneous items so that you may become aware how necessary it is to exercise economy in the General & various departments. So far they have been as follows: Election Officers 153.53 Desk in W & L Office 200.00 Telephones in W & L. Dept. 4.00 Ground for E.L. Pole 9.00 Oil on River 7.00 Filling sink hole, & c. in street 4.00 12.00 Library 30 --- Page break --- 578 Mayor's Special Message Dog, Meat and Cartridges 2.45 Judgment and Costs, S. J. Reed Case. 37.75 13 Lost Bills, Dist. Court 734.11 2 Tons Coal 17.00 Telephone messages 1.55 Balance due from Stover sold 25.00 Jury fees 4.00 800 ft. Fire Hose 1000.00 Account Fire department 17.70 " " " " 55.00 City & Hotel Bills 136.40 Cor. East 6th Street 50.00 Solar expiration $2880.79 The amount allowed in the Budget for Miscellaneous expenditures was $3000.00 which as is seen from the above is already nearly exhausted. We may fairly assume that our expenditures on miscellaneous account for the balance of the fiscal year will be $500.00, which added to the budget adopted at the last meeting would bring the total to $66,843.51. The Revenue was estimated at $70,229.09 which would leave a balance of $3,385.58, applicable to street work. But we have already spent on account of street work $1994.55 which leaves a balance of $1191.03 for the balance of the year, an amount which will hardly feed and shoe the teams. Respectfully, Lewis Hardcox, Mayor. Reports of Committees No 5. Reviews report on Goulds His proposition of compromise Alderman Fischer, for the Water & Light Committee presented a report stating that the Goulds Company proposed as a compromise of the matter of difference between the City and Said Company on account of pumps furnished the City, to release the City from all claims for balance and to pay into the City treasury $850. provided that the City will deliver to the Company the Pumps that were furnished by the Company, free on board the Cars at Austin, and recommending that the proposition be accepted. Alderman Lawless moved to adopt the report of the Committee. Lost by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Fischer, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Powell, Reddy, Shelley and Taylor. 9 Nays Aldermen Beaty, Colvin, Haymes, Horton, Kuhn, Nitsche, Proberdham, Schneider, Shumick, Townsend, and Zilker 12. Alderman Maddox moved to refer the report to a special Committee consisting of Aldermen Horton, Schneider and the City Attorney, which motion prevailed. No 23. Lewis's report on matter of Penn Mutual Life Ins. Co. vs. The City. Alderman Fischer, for the Water & Light Committee, presented a report in the case of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company vs. the City, now pending in the Supreme Court of the United States, etc., Soon to be considered, and his Committee deemed it advisable to have the City represented in said matter, and his Committee having taken the matter under consideration, recommended that Mr. D. W. Doom be employed to assist the City Attorney, his fee to be $150. and his actual expenses while attending to said business, which was adopted. --- Page break --- 579 W & L Comis report on New Pumping Station & recommend- ing the purchase of Ground Alderman Fischer also presented a report from the Water & Light Committee in regard to the Pumping Station; also recommending the purchase of certain ground upon which to put the station, and that $1000. be appropriated to pay for same. The report was adopted. Street Com report on resolution in regard to work on East 6th St Alderman Gilker, for the Street Committee, to whom was referred a resolution in regard to work on East Sixth Street, presented their report, recommending that the work extend to be built, the roadbed having already been worked by the City teams. The report was adopted. Street Comie report on Pet. of A.B. Woodridge et. al. Alderman Gilker, for the Street Committee, to whom was referred the petition of G. B. Woodridge et. al. for permission to widen the sidewalk along south side of block 124 by the City, presented a report recommending that the petition be not granted. The report was adopted. Street Comie report on Pet. of Citizens on W. 10th St. & Citizens on [illegible] Avenue. Alderman Ronig, in the absence of Alderman Zilker, for the Street Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Citizens on W. 10th Street & Citizens on West Tenth street asking for correct lines and for certain grading on said street, presented a report stating that the correct lines have been furnished by the City Engineer and recommending that the grading be done by contract, and that the City Engineer be directed to give an estimate of the cost of grading, and report at the next regular meeting of the Council. Alderman Powell moved to table the report. Lost by the following vote: Ayes Aldermen Miller, Powell, Redd, Schneider and Townsend 5. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Ritschke, Blatt, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor and Zilker 16. The report of the Committee was then adopted by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Fischer, Haynes, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Blatt, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, and Zilker 11. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Horton, Miller, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, and Townsend. 10 Police Comis report on City Marshals report for Jan. 1897. Alderman Powell, for the Police Committee, to whom was referred the reports of the City Marshal for the month of January, presented a report, stating that they had been examined and found correct. The report was adopted. Printing Comis report on bids for Newspaper Printing & recommending awarding of Contract to G. W. Mendell Sr. Alderman Haynes, for the Printing Committee, presented a report submitting bids for newspaper printing for the fiscal year, and recommend- ing that the contract be awarded to G. W. Mendell, Sr., of the State Democrat, upon execution of a proper bond. Alderman Rosengren moved to defer action on the report until the next regular meeting. Lost by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Rosengren, Taylor & Zilker 7. Nays Aldermen Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Miller, Ritschke, Blatt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, and Townsend 14. Alderman Redd moved to adopt the report, and that the Mayor be authorized to enter into contract with the party named, upon furnishing proper bond. The motion was carried. Ordinance Comie report on the Ordinance to amend Sec 1 of Art I Alderman Redd for the Special Committee, on Ordinances presented an Ordinance to amend Sec. 1 Art I by striking out the word “ten” and inserting “twelve” instead, and on motion the same was placed upon its passage and read a first time. Alderman Rosengren moved that it be read a second time, which motion was agreed to by the Council. Alderman Powell moved that the rules be suspended and the ordinance be placed upon its passage and read a third time, which motion was lost for want of a two thirds vote. On motion the Council adjourned until Tuesday next at 7:30 P.M. --- Page break --- 580 in regard to reflooring said bridge to pay one-half the Cost of reflooring bridge, provided that it did not cost the County more than $1750., and that the County be allowed the old lumber now in said bridge, and recommending that the City Engineer be directed to join a Engineer to be appointed by said County in examining the condition of said bridge and to report to the City Council at its next meeting. The report of the Committee was adopted by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Beloin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitsche, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zillver. 21. Nays None. Unfinished Business Ord. repealing an Ord. creat- The Mayor laid before the Council an ordinance repealing an ordinanceing position of Bridge Keeper creating the position of Bridge-Keeper. On motion, further consideration of the ordinance was postponed until the matter of reflooring the bridge was settled. Ord. abolishing the Office of The Mayor then laid before the Council an ordinance abolishing the office of City Auditor. City Auditor, which was 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: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Beloin, Fischer, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau and Shelley. 12. Nays Aldermen Haynes, Nitsche, Platt, Rosengran, Schneider, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zillver. 9. Ord. amending Art. 70 Chapter The Mayor then laid before the Council an ordinance amending article 70 3, Title H of Revised Civil Ordinances of Chapter 3, Title H of the Revised Civil Ordinances. The ordinance was read second time. Alderman Schneider moved to amend by adding the following: Sec- That any member being absent from any regular meeting shall be fined in the sum of $5. Alderman Beaty moved to table the amendment, which motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Maddox, Miller, Nitsche, Platt, Powell, Redd, Schneider, Stumpf, and Townsend. 12. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Beloin, Kuhn, Lawless, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Shelley, Taylor and Zillver. 9. New Business Alderman Maddox moved that when the Council adjourn it do so until Thursday evening, February 18th, at 8 oclock, which motion prevailed. Ord. Appropriating $1000. By Alderman Fischer, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $1000. out of to purchase Land for Water Light Fund to purchase Land for a Pumping Station. Pumping Station The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Beloin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitsche, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Taylor, Townsend and Zillver. 21. Nays None. Ord. Appropriating the sum of $2500. to Box Otter..., claims of Conkling & Co, Dr. Walker, and [illegible] of P. [illegible] pay laborers in the 4th Ward was passed under suspension of the rules. See Minutes [illegible] The minutes were approved, and the council [illegible] --- Page break --- 551 Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker 21. Nays None. Ord. Appropriating $1261.26 to pay Approved Accts [illegible] Fund By Alderman Fischer, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $1261.26/100 out of the Earnings Fund to pay approved accounts. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker 21. Nays None. Ord. Appropriating $150.00 to pay Contingent Expenses of Wt & L Plant By Alderman Fischer, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $150. out of the Earnings Fund to pay contingent expenses of the Water & Light Plant. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker 21. Nays None. Ord. Appropriating $250.00 to pay Expenses of S.A. Fischer to Washington D.C. in Penn Mutual Life Ins. Co. vs. The City By Alderman Fischer, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $250. out of the General Fund to pay expenses of S.A. Fischer, Esq., in representing the City in the United States Supreme Court at Washington, D.C. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker 21. Nays None. By Alderman Platt, Resolution directing the City Marshal to remove all obstructions on East Sixth Street in front of Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Division A. Alderman Taylor moved to refer to the Street Committee with power to act. Lost. The resolution was then adopted. On motion Alderman Lawless was excused. Alderman Townsend, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following ordinances: Ord. appropriating $605.82 to pay Approved Accts An ordinance appropriating the sum of $605.82/100 to pay approved accounts. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker 20. Nays None. An Ord. Appropriating $3005.56 to pay Salaries of Officers &c for month of February 1890. An ordinance appropriating the sum of $3005.56/100 to pay Salaries of Officers and employees for the 1/2 month of February, 1890. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Nitscher, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengran, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker. 20 Nays None. U By Aldm Fischer, An ordinance making an appro of the sum of $10810. to make certain improvements on the South side of the River. The ordinance was read the first time. On motion of Ald. Fischer the ordinance was placed upon its second reading. Read the second time and passed under suspension of the rules. Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, --- Page break --- 582 of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Shelley, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker, 17. Nays Aldermen Oberdeau, Shelley and Taylor. 3. Resolution to dispose of one Mule now unfit for use on Street Department By Alderman Roberdeau, A resolution stating that one of the City's mules was unfit for future service, and is hereby condemned and instructing the Superintendent of Streets to dispose of him at once. Adopted. By Alderman Nitschke, An ordinance appropriating the sum of 6000. to pay salaries of Teamsters and Sanitary drivers. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, Townsend and Zilker. 19. Nays None. Ord. Appropriating the sum of $150.00 to pay Extra Street laborers. By Alderman Taylor. By Alderman Nitschke, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $150. to pay Extra Street laborers. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker. 19. Nays Alderman Taylor. Resolution asking W.L. Supt. to furnish Council estimate cost of new Pumping Station By Alderman Schneider, Resolution requesting the Superintendent of the Water & Light Plant to furnish the Council with an estimate of the cost of the new Pumping Station. Adopted. Communication from Trustees of Colorado Hose Co. & H&L Co. to repair roof of Hall By Alderman Stumpf, Communication from the Trustees of Colorado Hose & Hook and Ladder Company, calling attention to the condition of the roof of the hall of these Companies. The resolution was referred to the Fire Committee. W.L. Supt. requested to run Electric & Water pipe to N. Austin Fire Hall. Alderman Nitschke moved that the Superintendent of the Water & Light Plant be instructed to run a water pipe and electric light wire to, and connect with, the North Austin Fire Hall. Adopted. The following report was inadvertently omitted from insertion on page 579 where it should properly appear under head of Committee Reports. W. & L. Com report or certain recommendations regarding W. & L. Plant. Alderman Fischer, for the Water & Light Committee presented the following report and recommendations, which were read and adopted. Austin, Texas, February 15th 1897. To Hon. Mayor and City Council: Gentlemen: Your Water & Light Committee begs leave to submit the following report and recommendations: In regard to the new pumping station we will say that an experimental hole 30 feet long, and 10 feet wide has been dug on the sand beach at the foot of Crockett Street to determine the amount of ditch necessary to supply the City with four million gallons of water per day. The flow into this hole has varied from 400 to 600 gallons per minute or from 576,000 to 864,000 gallons for 24 hours. From these figures it would appear that a ditch of about six times the size of the one now dug would be required to supply the City with four million gallons per day. We recommend the digging of one or two other similar holes. Mr. Bixby and Smith both informed us, that he would superintend. --- Page break --- 553 Mr. Davis' report on resolution he authorized to advertise for and receive bids for the construction of recommendations regarding this ditch! Relating to the rearrangement of the Power House and Electrical machinery made necessary by the construction of the new Pumping Station, it is my opinion that two new power generators will be needed, taking the present 180 K.W. power generator at the Power Station and using it as a motor to drive the Stilwell-Bierce & Smith-Vaile pump located in the new pump station. Bids were asked for and received from the General Electric Company, of Schenectady, N.Y. and the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, of Pittsburg, Pa. with the following results: The General Electric Company bid for two 750 K.W. tri-phase generators, free on board cars at Schenectady, with all necessary switch- board instruments, exciters &c., for $8818.60, or $17.65 per K.W. The Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company bid for two 775 K.W. machines for $8575.00 or $19.00 per K.W. or two 360 K.W. machines at $11080.00 or $18.46 per K.W. We therefore recommend that the Contract be given to the General Electric Company for the two 750 K.W. machines. In regard to the Power house it would appear advisable to buy a new Water Wheel, and a piece of shafting necessary to transmit the power of this wheel. These changes can be made without interferance with our present services. Bids have been asked for and received for 1000 to 1700 H.P. wheels as follows: The Stilwell-Bierce & Smith-Vaile Co. of Dayton, Ohio, 1 pair 27 inch wheels which will develope 1700 horse power under 60 foot head for the sum of $7700.00, F.O.B. Dayton Ohio. The Rodney Hunt Manufacturing Company, Orange, Mass., 1 pair of 30 inch new pattern Hunt wheel which will develope about the same horse power as the Stilwell-Bierce & Smith-Vaile Co's for $7000.00 F.O.B. Cars Orange, Mass. The Dayton Globe Iron Works, of Dayton, Ohio, 1 pair of 27 1/2 inch wheels which will develope 1700 horse power for the sum of $7300.00 F.O.B. Cars at Dayton. As most of our wheels at present in the Power Station as well as the larger pumps are from the Stilwell-Bierce & Smith Vaile Company, we recommend that the Contract be given to said Company. We have been advised by the City Engineer that there is not sufficient found water in sufficient quantities to warrant the purchase of the land at the foot of Crockett Street belonging to the [illegible] Company, and we recommend that an appropriation of $1000.00 be made out of the Water & Light Fund for the purchase of said land and that authority be given for said purchase. In connection with this matter we would report that plans and specifications have been prepared for the new pumping house and we would recommend that Mr. [illegible] Superintendent be authorized to advertise and receive bids for said erection of same. Respectfully --- Page break --- 584 Francis Fischer P C Lawless D H Maddox Water & Light Committee. On motion the Council adjourned until 8 o'clock Thursday, February 18, 1897 Jno. G Johnson City Clerk --- Page break --- 555 Minutes of an adjourned Regular meeting of the City Council. Austin, Texas, Feb. 18, 1897. Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor, presiding. Roll called. Present, Aldermen Belvin, Haynes, Maddox, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Roberdeau, Schneyder, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor, and Townsend. 12. Absent, Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Miller, Redd, Rosegren, and Zilker 10. Alderman Roberdeau moved a call of the Council, which was seconded. Roll called. Present, Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Linn, Miller, Redd, and Zilker. 9. Alderman Shelley moved to excuse Alderman Linn, which motion prevailed. Aldermen Fischer, Kuhn and Lawless entered the Council Chamber and answered to their names. Reconsideration of vote had adopt- ing resolution regarding Wagon dealers on E 6th St. Alderman Haynes moved to reconsider the vote adopting the resolution offered by Alderman Platt instructing the City Marshall to remove all obstructions on East Sixth Street, in front of lots Nos. 1 and 2, Block A, which motion prevailed by a division. Alderman Maddox moved to suspend the call of the Council. Carried. Alderman Haynes moved that the resolution of Alderman Platt be referred to a special Committee of three, which motion prevailed and the Mayor appointed as the Special Committee Aldermen Haynes, Lawless and Stumpf. Verbal report by Chairman Printing Com. on Cost of Printing Officers Reports for 1896 Alderman Haynes for the Printing Committee, made a verbal report as to the Cost of printing the reports of the City Officers for 1896. On motion of Alderman Shelley, 500 Copies of the reports were ordered. Alderman Townsend moved that the Council now proceed to the Con- Consideration of Colorado River Bridge Matter. City Engineers report on same sideration of the Colorado Bridge matter, Carried. The report of the City Engineer in regard to the condition of the bridge was read, showing said bridge to be in an unsafe and dangerous condition. Alderman Maddox moved that the report be received and filed. Carried. The proposition of the Commissioners Court of Travis County in regard to repairs on the bridge was then read. Alderman Roberdeau moved to reject the proposition. Alderman Horton entered the Council Chamber. Alderman Lawless moved as a substitute for the motion of Alderman Roberdeau, that the proposition be accepted. Alderman Maddox moved to amend the substitute by adding "with the understanding, that in future the County, bear one-half of the expense of keeping the bridge in repair". The amendment of Alderman Maddox was lost by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Maddox, Powell, Rosegren, Schneyder, Shelley and Stumpf. 6. Nays Aldermen Beaty, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Nitschke, Platt, Roberdeau, Taylor and Townsend. 11. The substitute of Alderman Lawless was then voted upon and lost by a viva voce vote. --- Page break --- 586 Colorado River Bridge matter, Yeas Aldermen Lawless, and Rosengren Nays Aldermen Belvin, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Roberdeau, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Taylor and Townsend 15 Alderman Belvin moved to reconsider the vote on Alderman Lawless' substitute. Lost. Alderman Shelley offered as a substitute for the motion of Alderman Roberdeau, that the special committee appointed to confer with the Commissioners Court be requested to call upon the Court and ascertain if they were willing to contribute the sum of $1750. to refloor the bridge, without regard to the amount it would cost. Alderman Roberdeau moved the previous question on the substitute, and the original motion. The substitute of Alderman Shelley, was lost The vote was then taken on the motion of Alderman Roberdeau, and was lost by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Fischer, Haynes, Platt, Roberdeau, Schneider, Taylor and Townsend - 7 Nays Aldermen Belvin, Horton, Kuhn, Lawless, Maddox, Nitschke, Powell Rosengren, Shelley, and Stumpf 10 Alderman Taylor moved that the matter be referred back to the Special Committee, and that the City Attorney be added to the Committee. Entire matter referred to City Alderman Maddox moved as a substitute that the matter be referred Attorney to the City Attorney with instructions to see the Commissioners Court, and find out the best that can be done. The substitute was adopted, and the motion as amended, was then adopted. On motion of Alderman Roberdeau the Council adjourned Jno C Johnson City Clerk.