90 "Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the City Council. Austin, Texas, Dec. 10th 1898. Hon. Geo. W. McCall, Mayor, presiding. Roll called: Present: Aldermen Beaty, Belvin, Booker, Fischer, Hagemes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, McLemore, Miller, Morris, Pietschne, Platt, Pourii, Reid, Rosengren, Stumpf and Townsend. 18. Absent: Aldermen Shelley, Taylor and Zilker. 3 Alderman McLemore asked a suspension of the regular order of business, and that he be allowed to offer a resolution, which motion prevailed. Resolution of Alderman McLemore offered the following resolution, which was unanimously passed upon the adopted by a rising vote. Retirement of Ald. Platt from the City Council. Whereas, the Honorable R. Platt, after being a member of City Council. the City Council of Austin, for a period of more than twenty years, will, with tonight, voluntarily sever his connection with this body; and Whereas, during all of this long period, he has represented his people faithfully, zealously and conscientiously; therefore, be it Resolved, that in retiring to private life, Mr. Platt takes with him the best wishes and respect of this Council. Resolved, further, that until some other member has served a longer period, that Mr. Platt shall have the exclusive honor of being the "Father of Austin City Council", a name that is voted him, with the adoption of these resolutions. Aldermen Shelley and Zilker entered the Council Chamber. Canvass of Vote Alderman Morris moved that the Council do now proceed to canvass the vote of Election held last at the election held Dec. 5th 1898, and that the Mayor appoint a Committee Dec. 5th 1898 for that purpose, which motion prevailed and the Mayor appointed as the Committee, Aldermen Morris, Horton and McLemore. The Committee reported the following as the result of the Canvass: W.& L. Commission For Water and Light Commissioners: Geo. A. Brush received 1540 Votes. D.W. Doom " 1594 " W.B. Wortham " 1894 " Aldermen For Alderman of the First Ward. O.W. Powell received 180 Votes. For Alderman of the Second Ward. F.M. Maddox received 326 Votes. For Alderman of the Third Ward. Francis Fischer received 204 Votes. For Alderman of the Fourth Ward. Long term W. E. Brown received 94 Votes. " " J. L. Butler " 45 " Short " " O. G. Smith " 17 " For Alderman of the Fifth Ward. James Bouldin received 104 Votes. J.R. Townsend " 108 " For Alderman of the Sixth Ward. C.W. Von Boeckmann received 187 Votes. B. Bettner " 3 " --- Page break --- 91 Aldermen For Alderman of the Seventh Ward. N.O. Graniger received 284 Votes J.B. Kitschner " 294 " For Alderman of the Eighth Ward H.S. Haynes received 206 Votes B.E. Mortimer " 17 " For Alderman of the Ninth Ward Felix Danica received 98 Votes Irving Daniel " 6 " Aug. Fehr " 219 " For Alderman of the Tenth Ward Jos. S. Kuhn received 291 Votes. Scattering " 4 " For Alderman of the Eleventh Ward W.D. Miller Jr. received 108 Votes. W.G. Swain " 3 " P.D. Weyereman " 63 " Mayor declared The report of the Committee was adopted, and the Mayor declared the following result of Election named Persons duly and constitutionally elected for the ensuing term, viz: For Water and Light Commissioners. D.W. Doom and W.B. Wortham. For Alderman of the First Ward J.M. Cowell. " " Second " F.M. Maddox. " " Third " August Fischer. " " Fourth " Long term M.C. Broos. " " " " Short " R.E. Walker. " " Fifth " James Brady. " " Sixth " P.M. Belvid. " " Seventh " B.B. Kitschner. " " Eighth " H.S. Haynes. " " Ninth " Aug. Fehr. " " Tenth " Jos. S. Kuhn. " " Eleventh " W.D. Miller Jr. Aldermen Elect. The newly elected Aldermen were then sworn in by Recorder Carleton. Sworn in by Roll called. Recorder Carleton Present Aldermen Archy Belvin Brady, Broos, Fehr, Fischer, Broos, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, Mc Lemon Miller, Morris, Kitschner, Cowell, Reed, Rosengren, Shelley, Strumph, Walker and Zilmer 22. Absent None. Recorder Carleton Alderman W.S. Lemmon moved that Recorder Carleton be allowed to address the Council upon the address Council retirement of Alderman Bloot, who had voluntarily retired after having served as Alderman upon retirement of 202 the 9th Ward for almost a quarter of a Century, which motion prevailed, and Recorder of Alderman Bloot. Carleton made a short address complimentary to Alderman Bloot. The Clerk was authorized to have 1000 copies of the Charter and Ordinances printed, and ordered to advertise for bids to print the same. Do this however be done on the orders of the City Council. Simple. 4. motion O.S. News Dec. 18. '94. --- Page break --- 82 Mayor's Annual of the City of Austin. Message. Gentlemen:- - We have met here tonight, to take up the work of caring for the City's business and to legislate as best we can for the good of our fellow citizens during the coming year. Let us act harmoniously together, that the City's interest may be advanced, its affairs efficiently, honestly and prudently administered, so that Austin, the beautiful Capital City, of the great State of Texas, may be in the front ranks of Cities, honored for its hospitality, thrift, refinement and integrity of her people. Finances. The taxable values for 1898, is $10.754.843.00 The tax levy for the General fund, is 90 cents on the $100. valuation, which will bring a revenue of $96.793.58, provided all the taxes are collected. The Assessor & Collector estimates that we can collect of this amount, the sum of $81.000.00, and from other sources, such as License Tax, Fines, Hospital etc., $19185.00 making the total amount of General fund available, for the ordinary expenses of the City government, for the fiscal year ending 1899, $100185.00 The estimated expenses, for this fiscal year, are as follows: Salaries. Mayor. $ 600.00 Assessor & Collector 1800.00 Marshal 1500.00 Attorney 1500.00 Clerk 1500.00 Engineer 1200.00 Recorder 900.00 Treasurer 600.00 Physician 600.00 Sexton 275.00 Two Assistants in Assessor & Collector's Office. 2160.00 Assistant Clerk 900.00 Sanitary Inspector 876.00 Pound Master 876.00 Porter. 480.00 #15707.00 Sergt. of Police 1080.00 Day Clerk of Police 900.00 Bridge Overseers 720.00 Five Mounted Policemen at $720.00 each 4380.00 Eight Foot Policemen at $720.00 each. 5760.00 Officers & Employees City & County Hospital. #12840.00 2040.00 (Fire Department) Six Drivers and One Dillerman at $600.00 each. 4200.00 Two Drivers Street Sweepers at $480.00 each. 960.00 Four Drivers and One Huterman Sanitary Department. 2400.00 Old Salaries. 2640.00 Sanitary [illegible] 1000.00 Fire Department. Supplies 2183.00 Extra help paid. 25700. --- Page break --- 93 Mayor's Annual Rent of Engine House, $ 600.00 Mission: Meals for City Prisoners, 500.00 Supplies for City & County Hospital 3000.00 Printing, Stationery & Postage, 1000.00 Charity 1700.00 Water & Lights 15000.00 Third installment of judgement due Old Water Company, say, 17375.00 Expenses of City Election 175.00 Board of Equalization 450.00 Miscellaneous 3000.00 Making a total of $ 83790.33 To this amount should be added the following: There is now in the hands of the City Clerk, a warrant for $3660.00 drawn on the fifth day of March 1896, due the Water & Light Plant, for the quarter ending February 1896, which has not been paid, the Clerk tells me, for want of funds. In addition to this, there was due on November 30th 1898, $34969.50, for Water & Light furnished the City, for public uses by the Plant from April 1st 1897 to November 30th 1898. The City Engineer estimates that it will take $2500.00 to repair the Bridges over the City, which is now a dangerous condition, making in all, the amount of $124919.83 to be provided for out of the General fund, for the fiscal year ending December 1899. It will be seen that the estimated expenses are greater than the estimated receipts, and while these amounts may vary, careful attention should be given to these estimates. One thing is certain, our expenses must of necessity be controlled by our income. Wherever the pruning knife can be applied without impairing the efficiency of the public service, it should be done. Every useless expenditure of the tax payers money, should be avoided. The Sergeant of Police having resigned, I would recommend to the Council, that this position be abolished. It will be seen from the report of the City Treasurer, that the amount on hand at the beginning of the year, to the credit of the General fund was $ 5147.54 Receipts during the year $91093.00 Total balance and receipts $96235.54 Disbursements during the year. $84698.02 Balance on hand Dec. 1st 1898. $11537.52 The City Clerk's report shows $ 81850.97 drawn against the General fund. Of this amount, there are in the City Clerk's Office undelivered warrants, amounting to $587.79. Add this amount to the $84698.02 reported paid by the Treasurer, and we have a total of $85285.81, showing that there is included in the payments made by the Treasurer, $587.79, which amount was drawn during the previous fiscal year, and not presented for payment during that year, which accounts for the apparent discrepancy in the Clerk's report of warrants drawn and the Treasurer's report of warrants paid. $587.79 in the hands of the Clerk, $11537.52 should be deducted, for warrants now in hand, the warrants for November expenses drawn, now in the hands of the fiscal officer, and $828.80 warrants, now in the hands of the Police Department. This would give a true balance of $9921.23, which represents the amount due by the City from the Water and Light Plant, and this amount could be used, to assist in reducing the bonded debt. --- Page break --- 04 Mayor's Annual Message If this is not done, then it should be set aside to pay the 3rd and last installment of the judgement due the Old Water Company, so as to enable the City, to pay this judgement as soon as possible, and save to the City, the interest we are paying on this judgement. It is a matter of congratulation that we have paid this year, the first and second installment of this judgement, amounting to $23149.90. If this money could have been used in improving and sprinkling our Streets, it would have been more advantageous to the City, and that she has been able to meet and pay this debt, and also pay her current expenses, without a deficiency, at the end of the fiscal year, save the amount she owes the Water & Light plant, is indeed a matter of congratulation. Assessor & Collector's Report. Amount of Ad Valorem Taxes collected for 1894 and previous years, was, $74504.04 Licenses Tax 9936.20 Recorder's Court 1546.75 Sound fees & sales 546.80 Interest. Costs & penalties on taxes. 1987.72 Travis County (Hospital Account). 2000.00 Dog Tax 592.00 Miscellaneous 184.99 Water Works Tax 6875.69 Interest on Bonds issued prior to May 1st 1890. 9236.11 School Tax 35601.63 Total Collections for the year for all purposes $204659.43 The amount of Taxes charged the Assessor & Collector, on the rolls of 1894, on account of General fund, was $83044.30 Amount collected during the year was 69975.55 Leaving uncollected $13068.75 The School Tax charged on said roll was $38439.09 Of this amount there was collected during the year the sum of 32389.79 Leaving uncollected $6049.30 Water Works Tax charged on said rolls $71510.70 Of this amount there was collected during the year 60197.41 Leaving uncollected $11312.79 Interest on Bonds issued prior to May 1st 1890 charged on said rolls was, $10100.73 Of this amount there was collected during the year 8510.28 Leaving uncollected $1590.45 Total Amounts collected on the rolls of 1894, 171073.53 Total Amounts uncollected on the rolls of 1894. 32070.79 General Fund Balance, on hand Dec. 1st 1897 5142.54 Receipts during the year. 91093.00 Total Balance and Receipts $96235.54 --- Page break --- 95 Mayor's Annual. General Fund. Disbursements during the year. Message. Balance on hand Dec 1st 1898. $84698.02 Interest & Sinking Fund. Water & Light Bonds. $11537.52 Balance on hand Dec 1st 1897. $3607.03 Receipts during the year. 68425.69 Total Balance and Receipts. 105432.72 Disbursements during the year. 87273.54 Balance on hand Dec 1st 1898. $18159.18 Bonds issued prior to May 1st 1890. Balance on hand Dec 1st 1897. $4037.31 Receipts during the year. 9236.11 Total Balance and Receipts. 13273.42 Disbursements during the year. 11975.00 Balance on hand Dec 1st 1898. Cash $1298.42 and six 5 per cent Water & Light Bonds of $1000.00 each 6000.00 City Clerk's Report. Warrants drawn against the General Fund. 81850.97 Warrants drawn against Interest Fund, Old Bonds. 5975.00 Warrants drawn against the Int & Sinking Fund, W. & S. Bonds. 77273.54 Warrants drawn for Purchase and Cancellation of W. & S. Bonds. 10000.00 Total Warrants drawn. $175099.51 The report of the Recorder shows 594 Cases tried. Convictions 464, Acquitted 103, Dismissed 27, appealed to County Court 2, Undisposed of not arrested 34. Fines Assessed $3610.00. The report of the City Marshal shows amount of Fines Assessed in the Recorder's Court, to be $3610.00. Collected in Cash $1418.70. Escaped $25.00. Appealed $25.00. Laid in Jail and worked out $1847.30. Remitted by City Council $15.00. Total $3610.00. In addition to this there has been collected from Fines of previous years, in Cash $140.75. There is $394.00 worth of City property in the hands of the City Marshal as per itemized report. Report of City Pound. Number of Cows impounded during the year 147. Horses 176. Mules 34. Donkeys 4. Hogs 12. To redeem these Animals it cost the owners $960.05. Of this amount $399.45 was paid the Keeper of the Pound, for Feed and care, and $560.60 was paid as Fines into the City Treasury. City Physicians Report. Patients admitted to Hospital during the year 233 Number of Patients who died in Hospital. 29 Patients dismissed from Hospital. 183 Total number of Visits to Patients during the year 109 Number of Prescriptions written for Patients. 230 Number of Cases of Diphtheria. 15 Number of Cases of Scarlet Fever, None. --- Page break --- 96 Mayor's Annual Message For the past year we have been working together, for the best interests of the City of Austin. That we have managed the finances of the City, to the best advantage, is shown by the fact, that we have paid the ordinary expenses of the City government, and also paid the first and second installments of a judgement in favor of the Old Water Company, amounting to $23149.90, principal and interest; and this has been done without creating a deficiency. There has been much complaint about the condition of the Streets, and justly so. But to put the Streets in proper condition, it takes money, and the money we have not had, for the reason that we have had to pay some debts, not of our contracting. This year we have said, pay as you contract, and we have done so. There are still other debts to pay, which will help us back another year, and for this reason, the tax rate was increased 13 cents on the 100. dollars valuation so as to enable us to pay out this year. While it is easy to find fault, and complain, yet if those persons who criticise so freely, would take the trouble to inform themselves correctly, they would find much to commend, that they overlook for want of proper examination. There is every reason to believe, and the facts warrant us in saying, that Austin is in a healthy condition, both physically and financially. Her sanitary condition is first class, her taxes, and Water and Light rates, taken as a whole, are lower than any City that I know of. I feel that I am justified in saying that this day two years from now, every Citizen will justify in saying, that Austin is forging to the front. That we have a work on our hands, and consider what we have to show for that debt. One of the grandest City Water Works and Electric Light Plants, in the world. One that will soon pay for itself. It is now bringing in approximately $1000.00 per annum. When the new filtering trench is finished, and new pumps in position which will be by the first of April next as per contract, the filtered water supply will be completed, then there will be ample filtered water, for all takers. If the Citizens, will all patronize their own plant for Water, Lights and Power and Interest will pay annually, the operating expenses, Interest and the two per cent Sinking Fund, on the Bonds. When the debt is paid, the earnings from the plant, will, not only pay the expenses of operating it, but it will also pay, the ordinary expenses of running the City government, without one cent of taxation. I say unhesitatingly, if these results are not obtained, it is because those who have it in charge, are not capacitated to handle it. Bonded Debt. There is outstanding now, $52500.00, Six per cent Bonds that were issued prior to May 1st 1890, $17500.00, of Funding Bonds, issued in 1895. $1295000.00 Six per cent Water & Light Bonds; $200000.00 Six per cent Water & Light BondsTotal Bonded debt, $1620000.00 During the year, we have redeemed $10000.00 Five per cent Water & Light Bondsof loan and accruing interest. Our Water & Light Commission have directed that $5000.00, of the earnings of the plant, be turned over to the Sinking Fund. There has been purchased for the Sinking Fund, of Funding Bonds, $6000.00. --- Page break --- Mayor's Annual Water & Light Bonds, bearing Five per cent Interest, as Message. this with the $8000.00 above mentioned, is equivalent to retiring, or reducing our bonded debt this year, $24000.00 Conclusion. In conclusion, I desire to express to each and every member of the City Council my grateful appreciation of their kind and courteous manner towards me; also to the City Officers and employes, to the members of the Water and Light Commission, the Superintendent, and Clerks, and employes of the City's plant, for consider- ations shown me. To all of you gentlemen, and to Mrs. Bitter, the worthy matron at the City Hospital, as also, whatever good has been accomplished in the City's interest. I am sure, we have all had the same aim and object in view, and that is, to work honestly and faithfully for the City's well being. So each of you without exception, I wish to express the heart felt wish, that good health, good fortune and happiness, may attend upon you at all times. We shall miss from among us, the face of that bold veteran, champion of the people's rights, the Hon. Radcliff Platt, the "Father of the Council", who has represented his Ward, for almost a quarter of a century. We shall also miss the Honorables, Thos. I. Saylor, of the 4th Ward, and A. W. Townsend of the 5th Ward. Respectfully submitted, Thos. D. McCall, Mayor. Nominations for The Mayor declared that nominations for President of the Council for the President of Council ensuing year, were now in order. Alderman Redd nominated Alderman Shelley. Alderman Shelley declined, and asked that his name be withdrawn which was done. Alderman Maddox Alderman Maddox nominated Alderman Maddox of the 1st Ward, and on motion elected President of Council. Maddox elected by acclimation. declared closed, and Alderman Maddox Nominations for Nominations were offered the following resolution: President of Council Alderman Nitschke Resolution to Resolved, by the City Council of the City of Austin, That the Police force of the increase Police force City be increased, by the addition of One Patrolman, making a total of Fifteen and that one of the instead of Fourteen, as at present, be it further members be a colored Resolved, That the increase be appointed from the colored citizenship. citizen The resolution was lost by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Bowen, Conner, Fischer, Haynes, Horton, McLemore, Nitschke, Powell and Rosenman. Nays. Aldermen Belvin, Brady, Groos, Huhn, Maddox, Miller, Morris, Redd, Shelley, Stewart, Walker and Zilker 13. Election of Policemen Alderman Belvin moved that the Council now proceed to the election of Policemen for the ensuing year, which motion prevailed, and the Mayor appointed Aldermen Groos, Haynes and Brady, as tellers. Mayor's message to Alderman Belvin moved that the recommendations of the Mayor in his abolish Police. message to abolish the position of Sergeant of Police, be concurred in, which motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Conner, Belvin, Brady, Groos, Haynes, Horton, Huhn, McLemore, Morris, Powell, Rosenman, Stewart, Walker and Zilker 16. Nays. Aldermen Fischer, Maddox, Miller, Nitschke, Redd and Shelley 6. Alderman Rosenman moved that the Council now proceed to the election of --- Page break --- 98 his list of recommendations for Policeman, which motion prevailed City Marshals list The following is the Marshals list: of nominations Hill McLashim, Jno. Kennerly, John Chenneville, J.D. Blatt, O.St. Gibson, J.J. Campbell, R.D. Bell, S. Sherwood, S.B. Lane, A.J. Corwin, H. Maddox, J.C. Grizzard, Scott Wilson, and Hiram McBan. Aldermanic nominations Alderman Morris nominated E.L. Follwell. Alderman Haynes nominated Allen Grimes Alderman McLenor nominated W.A. Cato. Alderman Nitschke nominated W.M. Sears Alderman Beaty nominated W.E. Singleton Alderman Horton nominated Geo. McLain Alderman McLemor moved that nominations do now close, which motion prevailed. The Tellers announced the following as the result of the first ballot: Mc Lashim received 21 Votes Kennerly " 21 " Chenneville " 15 " Blatt " 22 " Gibson " 19 " Campbell " 19 " Bell " 21 " Sherwood " 11 " Lane " 8 " Corwin " 21 " Maddox " 22 " Grizzard " 17 " Wilson " 18 " McBan " 15 " Follwell " 20 " Grimes " 7 " Cato " 13 " Sears " 6 " Singleton " 7 " McLain " 4 " Policemen elected The following named persons having received a majority of all the votes cast, for ensuing term were, by the Mayor, declared elected Policemen for the ensuing term, viz: Mc Lashim, Kennerly, Chenneville, Blatt, Gibson, Campbell, Bell, Corwin, Maddox, Grizzard, Wilson, McBan, Follwell and Cato. Ord. Amending Acts By Alderman Shelley, an ordinance Amending Articles 229, 334 & 328. of the 229, 334 & 328. to Revised Civil Code of the City of Austin, so as to dispense with the Office of dispense with Office of Sergeant of Police, and to provide for the selection of one member of the Police Sergt. of Police & to force to be known as Police Captain, and to define his duties. select 1 member of the The ordinance was passed under a suspension of the rules, by the following force to be known as vote: Pol. Cap. & define his duties Yeas: O'lderman Melvin, Brady, Brookes, Fisher, Broggs, Haynes, Horton, Kuhn, Maddox, McLemor, Miller, Morris, Nitschke, Bowell, Gradd, Shelley, Stumpf, Warner and Walker, 20. Nays: O'lderman Beaty, and Brovington, 2. O'lderman Shelley, moved that this Council now proceed to the election of --- Page break --- a Porter at the City Hall, which motion prevailed. Nominations for Porter Nominations being declared in order Alderman Shelley nominated WH Harrison. at City Hall Alderman Krooken nominated Chas Halpin. Alderman Witschke nominated Tom Hamilton. Nominations were declared closed, and the Tellers announced the following as the result of the first ballot: WH Harrison received 15 Votes. Chas Halpin 7 " Tom Hamilton 5 " The Mayor declared WH Harrison duly elected Porter at the City Hall, for the ensuing term. Alderman Fischer moved that the Council now proceed to elect a Captain of Police as provided for in the ordinance just passed, and approved by the Mayor, which motion prevailed. H. Maddox elected Alderman Morris nominated H. Maddox, Alderman Belvin moved that nomPolice Captain for inations be closed, and the Clerk be instructed to cast the vote of the Council ensuing term. for H. Maddox, which motion prevailed, and the Mayor declared H. Maddox elected as Captain of Police, for the ensuing year. On motion the Council adjourned. Jno. A. Johnson City Clerk.