77 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council. Austin, Texas, November 7th 1898. Hon. Jno. D. McCall Mayor presiding. Roll Called. Present Aldermen Healy, Belvin, Crooker, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, McLemore, Morris, Nitschner, Platt, Powell, Rosengran, Shelley, Stumph, Townsend & Zilker 17. Absent Aldermen Fischer, Miller, Redd & Roberdred & Taylor. Minutes approved On motion of Alderman Nitschner the minutes were approved as recorded without reading. Petitions, Memorials, etc. J. C. of Tom McMinnis By Alderman Townsend Petition of Tom McMinnis, asking the Council to pay him for pay for stray impounded dog that was impounded and found dead in the Pound. Read and referred to the Claims and Accounts Committee. Citizens Petition By Alderman Crooker, Petition of Citizens asking that a road be opened between that Road be opened the main entrance to the Drill grounds and the Colored Asylum near Drill grounds. Read and referred to the Street Committee. Communication from The Mayor laid before the Council, a communication from P. O. Klein President P. O. Klein asking that of St. Edward's College, asking that Congress Avenue, south of the Bridge be repaired be repaired. Read, and referred to the Street Committee. Pet. of Citizens of By Alderman Crooker Petition of Citizens of Wheatsville, asking for an Electric Wheatsville for Electric Light, near New Hope Church. Read and referred to the Water & Light Committee. Aldermen Miller and Redd entered the Council Chamber. City Officers The reports of the City Officers for the month of October 1898, were laid before Reports. the Council. On motion the reports were referred to their appropriate Committees without reading, except the reports of the Assessor & Collector, and the Treasurer which were read. Assessor & Collector The following is a synopsis of the reports by the Assessor & Collector. To collections as follows: Account of General Fund $ 6334.59 " " Interest and Sinking Fund Water & Light Bonds. 2767.59 " " " " Old Bonds. 264.94 " " School Tax. 1212.08 Total Collections. $ 10579.18 Refered to Finance Committee. City Treasurer Synopsis of the reports by the City Treasurer. General Fund Bal. on hand Oct. 3d 1898 $ 11918.71 " " " " " " Int & Sinking Fund Old Bonds 6478.60 Receipts during the month from Ad Valorum Tax 2323.19 " " " " " License Tax. 2905.60 " " " " " Miscellaneous Collections. 911.28 " " " " " Fines in Recorders Court 194.50 " " " " " Int & Sinking Funds Old Bonds 264.94 Total Receipts. $ 25296.82 Disbursements: Bal. Nov. 1st from Oct. 3d to Nov. 2d 1898 $ 4836.40 Balance Account of General Fund 13416.88 --- Page break --- 28 City Treasurer Balance Account of Int. - 7043.54 $25,796.82 Interest Sinking Fund Old Bonds. $13796.67 Water & Light Bonds. 10000.00 Balance on hand Oct. 1st 1898. Account Interest Fund 2764.59 " " " " " " Sinking " $26,064.26 Received from Assessor & Collector during the month Disbursements Remitted to take up $10000.00 of 5% H. & L. Bonds $10000.00 Paid Accrued Interest on $10000.00 H. & L. Bonds 23.54 Balance Account Interest Fund 16000.00 Earnings Fund 4072 $26,064.26 Balance on hand Oct. 1st 1898. $5303.97 Received from H. L. Patterson Superintendent 6565.06 $11869.03 Disbursements Paid Warrants for Oct. 1898. $5101.59 Balance on hand Nov. 1st 1898. 6767.44 $11869.03 Referred to Finance Committee. By the City Clerk. City Clerk. Total Amount of Warrants issued during the month Account of General Fund $5150.53 Referred to Finance Committee. By the City Marshal. City Marshal Total Amount of Fines assessed in Recorder's Court. $757.25 Paid in Cash 77.25 Worked out 10.00 Escaped 40.50 Carried forward $380.00 Collected on back fines 7.50 Bond fees for Oct. 36.35 Total arrests during the month .55 Referred to Police Committee. By the City Physician. City Physician Number Patients in Hospital Oct. 1st 1898. 21 " " Received during " " " 23 " " Dismissed " " " 17 " " Died " " " 3 " " Remaining " " 31st " 34 " " Visits to Paupers " " " 97 " " Prescriptions " " " 169 " " Cases Diphtheria reported. 4 Referred to Hospital Committee. By the City Sexton. City Sexton Total Interments during the month. 10. " " number Deaths " " 1st 15 White 3 Colored Mexican 1 --- Page break --- Males. Females. Still born 10 9 # Reports to Secretary Committee. # Reports of Standing Committees:- Alderman Saylor for a minority of the Finance Committee to whom was referred the message of the Mayor in regard to the Tax levy for the year 1898 presented a report, stating that he did not agree with the recommendations of the Mayor, and a majority of the Finance Committee as to the tax rate. The report was read, and laid over to come up with the Tax ordinance. Alderman Platt for the Claims and Accounts Committee to whom was referred a proposition from W.W. Robinson to compromise back taxes on certain property by him, presented a report recommending that the proposition be accepted, and that the Assessor and Collector be authorized and directed to accept the amount offered, and to execute a release for the years mentioned. The report of the Committee was adopted. Alderman Platt for the Claims and Accounts Committee to whom was referred a suit for damages to land owned by Mrs. L.H. Randolph occasioned by the erection of the Dam, presented a report recommending that the City paying the sum of two hundred and twenty five dollars in full satisfaction of the claim for damages to land and costs, and execute a release of damages and transfer the lands submerged by the Claimant to the City in setting forth an ordinance covering the same. The report was read, and laid over to come up with the ordinance under the head of "New Business". New Business: The Mayor laid before the Council the following reports of the Fire Commissioners: Reports of Fire Commissioners: 1. report on pet. of H.W. Oatman On the petition of H.W. Oatman, for permission to erect a room 9x10 feet in rear of his lots 8 & 9 Block 68, within the fire limits, they recommend that the petition be granted, provided that the building be constructed in compliance with Article 195, of Chapter 3, of the City Ordinances. The report was adopted. On petition of Deen & Walling for permission to erect a corrugated iron roof shed within the fire limits, they recommended that the petition be granted, provided that no wood be used, and that no wood be used and that the shed be strictly fire-proof and complied with. The report was adopted. On pet. of Deen & Walling On the petition of M.J. McLean, asking permission to erect a frame servants' room within the fire limits, they recommended that the petition be not granted for the reason that same is contrary to Article 195 Chapter 3, of the City Ordinances. The report was adopted. On pet. of M.J. McLean On the petition of L.W. Himes to erect a corrugated iron roof shed within the fire limits, they recommended that the petition be granted, provided that no wood be constructed, no wood be used, and that Article 195, Chapter 3, of the City Ordinances be complied with. Alderman Belvin moved that the petition of L.W. Himes be referred to a special committee for further investigation. Lost. Alderman Maddox moved, that the following resolution, by the City Council, of [illegible] by the City Council, is hereby given L.W. Himes 2. [illegible] 2 Austin. [illegible] 190 [illegible] X to maintain the --- Page break --- Males Females Still born 10 79 Returned to Cemetery Comm. Reports of Standing Committees Alderman Daussly report. Alderman Daussly for a minority of the Finance Committee to whom was referred the message of the Mayor in regard to the tax levy for the year 1898, presented a report, stating that he did not agree with the recommendations of the Mayor, and a minority of the Finance Committee as to the tax rate. The report was read and laid over to come up with the tax ordinance. Claims and Accts Com: report on proposition of A. Robinson to compromise back taxes Alderman Blatt for the Claims and Accounts Committee to whom was referred the proposition of A. Robinson to compromise back taxes on certain property, presented a report recommending that the proposition be accepted, and that the Assessor & Collector be authorized and directed to accept the amount offered; and to execute a release for the years mentioned. The report of the Committee was adopted. Claims and Accts Com: report on proposition of Mrs. L.H. Randolph to compromise suit for damages to land submerged by the Levy. Alderman Blatt for the Claims and Accounts Committee to whom was referred the proposition of Mrs. L.H. Randolph to compromise suit for damages to land occasioned by the erection of the Dam, presented a report recommending that the offer of the Agent of the Claimant to settle on the basis of the City paying the sum of Two hundred and Twenty five dollars in full satisfaction of the claim Claimant to pay all Court costs, and execute proper release of damages and transfer of the lands submerged, in the usual form adopted by the City in settling with other claimants, and submitting an ordinance covering the same. The report was read, and laid over to come up with the ordinance, under the head of New Business. Fire Commissioners report on pet. of H.W. Oatman The Mayor laid before the Council the following reports of the Fire Commissioners: On the petition of H.W. Oatman, for permission to erect a room 9x10 feet in rear of a building on lots 8 & 9 Block 68, within the fire limits, they recommend that the petition be granted, provided that the building be constructed in compliance with Article 195, Chapter 3, of the City Ordinances. The report was adopted. On pet. of Dens Watling On the petition of Dens Watling for permission to erect a corrugated iron roof shed, within the fire limits, they recommended that the petition be granted, provided that no wood be used, and that Article 195, Chapter 3, of the City Ordinances be complied with. The report was adopted. On pet of Mrs. McL. McLean On the petition of Mrs. McLean asking permission to erect a frame servants' room within the fire limits, they recommended that the petition be not granted for the reason that same is contrary to Article 195, Chapter 3, of the City Ordinances. The report was adopted. On pet. of J. Hines Alderman Belvin moved that the petition with the report of the Fire Commissioners be referred to a special Committee for further investigation. Lost. Alderman Madera offered the following resolution: Resolution granting permission to J. Hines to maintain structure. Be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of Augusta, that permission is hereby given J. Hines, to maintain the structure --- Page break --- 80 The structure now used as a shed for a portion of the machinery used in his Laundry business at as a shed at 413 Long 113 Congress Avenue. The resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ave. Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Haynes, Kuhn, Maddox, McLenore, Miller, Nitschke, Redd, Rosengren, Townsend and Zilker 14. Nays: Aldermen Belvin, Horton, Morris, Platt, Powell, Shelley and Stumpf 7. Unfinished Business Ord. to prevent the The Chair laid before the Council An ordinance to prevent the disturbance of public disturbance of Public worship, by the rapid driving of vehicles. The ordinance was read a third time, and worship. a motion made to pass the same, which was lost by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Crooker, Miller, Platt, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker 8. Nays: Aldermen Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, McLenore, Morris, Nitschke, Powell, Redd, Rosengren and Shelley. 11. Ord. levying taxes The Mayor then laid before the Council An ordinance levying taxes for the year for 1898. 1898. The ordinance was read the second time. Alderman Powell moved to amend Section 1, line 1, by striking out "98" and inserting "90" making the amount levied for General purposes "90" cents on the $100. Alderman Crooker offered as a substitute that the amount be 72¢ Alderman McLenore moved to postpone action on the ordinance until next Monday night, which was lost by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Belvin, Crooker, Haynes, Horton, McLenore, Platt, Redd, Rosengren, and Stumpf. 9. Nays: Aldermen Beaty, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Morris, Nitschke, Powell, Shelley, Townsend and Zilker 10. The vote was then taken on the substitute of Alderman Crooker, and the same was lost. Alderman Maddox moved to insert 85 cents for General purposes, which motion was lost by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Redd, Rosengren, and Townsend 8. Nays: Aldermen Belvin, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, McLenore, Morris, Nitschke, Powell, Shelley, Stumpf and Zilker 11. The vote was then taken on the amendment of Alderman Powell to strike out 98 and insert 90 instead, and the amendment was adopted by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Haynes, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren and Townsend 10. Nays: Aldermen Belvin, Horton, Kuhn, McLenore, Morris, Nitschke, Shelley, Stumpf and Zilker. 9. Alderman Maddox moved to amend Sec. 2, line 1, by striking out 60¢ and inserting 30¢, making the amount of the levy for the Interest and Sinking Fund on Water and Light Bonds, 30 cents on the $100, which motion was lost by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Haynes, Kuhn, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Rosengren and Townsend 9. Nays: Aldermen Belvin, Horton, McLenore, Morris, Nitschke, Powell, Redd, Shelley, Stumpf and Zilker 10. Alderman Crooker moved to amend Sec. 2. Line 1, by striking out 60¢ and inserting 25¢. Alderman McLenore moved to lay the amendment on the table, which motion was adopted by the following vote: --- Page break --- Yeas. Aldermen Belvin, Horton, Huhn, McSemore, Miller, Morris, Nitschke, Redd, Shelley, Stumpf and Zilker. 11. Nays. Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Haynes, Maddox, Platt, Powell, Rosengren and Townsend. 8. Alderman Maddox made the point of order, that the vote to table the amendment carried with it, the original ordinance. The Mayor ruled that the point of order was not well taken. Alderman Nitschke moved to suspend the rule, and place the ordinance on its third reading and final passage, which motion was lost, by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Belvin, Horton, Huhn, McSemore, Morris, Nitschke, Powell, Redd, Shelley, Stumpf and Zilker. 11. Nays. Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Haynes, Maddox, Miller, Platt, Rosengren and Townsend. 8. New Business. M.M.Shilfer asks Alderman Powell stated to the Council that Mr. M.M. Shilfer had found some cattle for remission of running at large on his lawn, in Hyde Park, contrary to the ordinances of the City. Pound fees paid that he had telephoned to the Pound Master asking him to come and get them, which by him he did. The next morning he discovered that they were his own cattle, and to get them released, was required to pay to the City, the sum of $5.00 as Pound fees. As they were his own cattle, and had not trespassed upon any one else, he asks that the City refund to him the amount paid out as Pound fees. On motion, the request was granted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Belvin, Maddox, McSemore, Morris, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Rosengren, Shelley and Stumpf. 10. Nays. Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Haynes, Horton, Huhn, Miller, Redd, Townsend and Zilker. 9. Ord. Appr. #371.00 By Alderman Nitschke. An ordinance appropriating the sum of $371.00 to pay to pay Approved approved accounts, Street Department. Accts. Street Dept. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Crooker, Haynes, Horton, Huhn, Maddox, McSemore, Miller, Morris, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker. 19. Nays. None. Ord. Appr. #1149.72 By Alderman Morris. An ordinance appropriating the sum of $1149.72 to pay to pay Approved approved accounts. The ordinance was read the first time, and a motion made Accts. to suspend the rule and place the ordinance on its second reading, which motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Crooker, Haynes, Horton, Huhn, Maddox, McSemore, Miller, Morris, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker. 19. Nays. None. Ord. amended by The ordinance was read the second time. Alderman McSemore moved to amend adding the sum by adding the following: Statesman Pub. Co. for Newspaper Printing 36.70 of $56.70 to Tribune Pub. Co. for Newspaper Printing 19.60 the Street Accts. The amendment was adopted by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Beaty, Crooker, Haynes, Huhn, Maddox, McSemore, Morris, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Townsend and Zilker. 13. And amended to refund, to M.M.Shilfer the sum of $5.00. of $5.00 for pound The ordinance was amended, by adding the sum of $5.00. fees. Refund to M.M.Shilfer. Yeas. Aldermen Belvin, Crooker, Haynes, Huhn, Maddox, McSemore, Morris, --- Page break --- 82 Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker 17. Nays: Aldermen Hopson and Miller. 2. The ordinance was passed, under suspension of the rule, by the following vote: Yeas: Aldermen Aduly, Arlen, Crooker, Haynes, Hopson, Huhl, Maddox, Mc Lemon, Miller, Morris, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker. 19. Nays: None. City Seamsters & Cart Alderman Mc Lemore moved, that the City Seamsters and Cart Drivers be given a Drivers granted Holiday Holiday on tomorrow, which motion prevailed. Resolution authorizing Alderman Nitschke offered the following resolution, which was read and adopted: "Resolved. That the Street Committee and City Engineer be, and they are hereby to sell 4 Mules now in pasture authorized and directed, to sell Four Mules now in pasture to the highest and best bidder." Bill of W. & L. Plants The bill of the Water and Light and Power Plant of the City, for the month for W. & L. furnished. of October 1898, was read and ordered filed. The Mayor laid before the Council, an ordinance ordering an election in all of the Ord. ordering an Wards of the City, on the first Monday in December, for the purpose of electing Election in all of Two Water and Light Commissioners, and One Alderman from each of the the Wards of the City. Wards of the City. The ordinance was placed to elect 2 W. & L. Com. was read, and on motion the rule was suspended and the & 11 Aldermen upon its second reading by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Healy, Aduly, Arlen, Crooker, Haynes, Hopson, Huhl, Maddox, Mc Lemore, Miller, Morris, Nitschke, Platt, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Stumpf, Townsend and Zilker. 19. Nays: None. The ordinance was read a second time. Alderman Maddox moved to postpone further consideration of the ordinance for a short time, which motion prevailed. Council declared the Alderman Maddox moved that the Council do now declare that the position office of Alderman of Alderman from the 14th Ward formerly held by Capt. R. C. Roberdeau, now of the 14th Ward vacated United States Army, is vacant, by reason of the fact that Major Roberdeau has formerly held by Capt. accepted a commission as an Officer in the Volunteer Army of the U. S. R. C. Roberdeau. The motion prevailed. The Council then resumed consideration of the election ordinance. Alderman Maddox moved to amend the ordinance as follows: Amend the caption by adding "Except the Fourth Ward, where there shall be Two elected." Amend Section 1, line 11, after the word City by adding "Except the Fourth Ward, where Two shall be elected." Also in line 43, by adding after the word election the following: "With the exception of the Alderman elected to succeed R. C. Roberdeau, who shall serve One year." Also after line 50, insert "In the Fourth Ward One Alderman, in place of R. C. Roberdeau." Ord. Amended. The amendments were adopted. The ordinance was further amended by inserting in the proper places the places of holding said election, and the Judges at each of the polling places, after which the ordinance was passed under suspension of the rule. Ald. Rosengren moved Alderman Rosengren moved that two Aldermen and the Finance Committee, 2 Ald. & Fin. Com. be appointed, to meet with the Water and Light Committee to meet w. W. & L. Com. on the matter of the Tax Levy for Water and Light furnished re Tax Levy in the City, which motion prevailed. & W. & L. fur. The Mayor appointed as the Special Committee, the Finance Committee, and Sp. Com. appointed Alderman Rosengren, Alderman Maddox, and Alderman Nitschke. Adjourned. The Council adjourned. --- Page break --- 83 Aldermen Maddox and Melvin. Ord. apprn. for by Alderman Platt. An ordinance appropriating the sum Mrs L.H. Randolph. of $175.⁰⁰ to pay claim of Mrs. L.H. Randolph, for land submerged by the Lake. The ordinance was read the first time. On motion of Alderman Melvin the Council adjourned. J.E. [illegible] City Clerk.