143 Regular meeting of the City Council Austin, Texas, Feby 15th 1904 Hon R.E. White, Mayor, presiding. Roll Called Present Alderman, Crocker, Haynes, Hanne, Haddock Wielan, Moore, Schneider, Risley, Shumate, Smith, Wells Absent Alderman Madden, Witschke, Reed On motion the minutes were approved as recorded by the Clerk, without reading. Petitions, memorials, etc. Petitions Alderman Crocker, petition of Citizens, asking to Memorials etc. have certain pound fees paid by him refunded. Read and on motion referred to the Committee on Claims and accounts. Reports of City Officers Treasurers report The Mayor laid before the Council the report of the Treasurer for the month of Jany 1904, which was referred to the Finance Committee without reading. Reports H.J. Coms Alderman Witschke, Reed & delivered to the Council Chamber Reports of standing Committees Parks on 12th Street Alderman Shivats, for the Committee on Parks Pease Park which was directed to investigate and ascertain if the City had a title to the street leading from west 12th Street to Pease Park, on the east side of Black Creek, made a verbal report, stating that he was informed that he would take the City advise to Committee that he would make the City a deed to said Street, but as yet he had not done so. On motion further time was granted the Committee Hospital, Physicians Alderman Reed for the Hospital Committee to whom was report referred the report of the City Physicians for the month of Jany 1904, presented a report stating that same had been examined and found correct. Report was adopted. Witschke Streets Alderman Witschke for the Street Committee to whom Drinking fountain was referred the petition of the W.C.T.U. for permission to erect a drinking fountain at the intersection of Congress Avenue and 8th Street, presented a report recommending that same be granted, and that two fountains be placed on either 5th or 7th streets, at the option of petitioners. On motion the report was adopted. Unfinished business Police wagon The Mayor laid before the Council an ordinance appropriating the sum of $230.00 for the purpose of purchasing a patrol wagon, horse and harness etc. The ordinance was read the second time. Alderman Witschke moved to amend the ordinance by striking out in the caption and body of same, the words "Two hundred and thirty dollars" and inserting in lieu there of the following "that the Police" --- Page break --- 144 Committee be instructed to advertise for bids for furnishing wagon horse and driver." The amendment was lostby the following Vote. Yeas Aldermen Haynes Hunne maddox Ritschke Redd Schneider Meilit Nays Aldermen Crocker Macken Miller Moore Shelley Thumate Smith atto Mayor 7 The ordinance was then passed under suspension of the rule by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crocker Haynes Hunne maddox Ritschke Miller Moore Ritschke Redd Shelley Thumate Smith 12 Nays Aldermen Schneider Meilit 2 New Business Alderman Crocker offered the following resolution which was read and unanimously adopted by a rising Vote. Endorsement City Atty Brooks for Dist Judge Whereas it has come to the knowledge of the Council that V.L. Brooks Esq. will probably apply for appointment as Dist. Judge of the twenty-sixth Judicial District of Texas, to succeed Judge R.G. Perin who has resigned that office: and Whereas, our intimate acquaintance with the professional standing and personal character of Mr. Brooks is such as to satisfy us of his peculiar fitness to discharge the duties of the said office mentioned; therefore, Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin; Section 1. That we hereby indorse Mr. Brooks as a capable, efficient and honest lawyer, whose appointment and election as District Judge would redound in great satisfaction to the people of the twenty-sixth Judicial District, because of his learning in the law, his judicial fairness of mind and his incorruptible integrity of character. This opinion of Mr. Brooks is based on our close personal and official acquaintance with him as City Attorney of the City of Austin for many years. We know him and have many times seen his qualities tested, and from this knowledge derived experience we can advise him to the people of the twenty-sixth Judicial District, with perfect confidence that his judicial record will, if he be appointed and elected Judge, fully justify the great regard and pride which we feel in him. Section 2. That the City Clerk be and is hereby requested to transmit to Government Mr. Lanham a copy of this resolution. Alderman Shumate moved that Rev. Campbell be invited to address the Council on the subject of the Colored Baptist Association to be held in this City next, which motion prevailed. --- Page break --- 145 After remarks by Rev. Campbell, Alderman Shumate offered the following resolution, which was read & adopted. Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin, that we heartily endorse the proposed National Convention of Colored Baptists and Commended to our Citizens both white and black, and also to the people of the entire state; and Be it further resolved, that a Committee of three be appointed from this Council to co-operate with Alderman Shumate in locating a site for the proposed meeting. The Mayor appointed Aldermen Shumate, Moore and Crooker as the Committee provided for in the above resolution. Alderman Haynes for the Special Committee to whom was referred the resolution to investigate and report on a market place for wood, May 9th presented the following report: Austin, Texas, May 15th 1904 To the Hon Mayor and City Council of the City of Austin! Spe Com Report Gentlemen! on market Square Your Committee to whom was referred the resolution, In regard to investigating the practicability of a Market place on Sixth for the sale of wood and hay from wagons, have carefully examined the matter and beg leave to report that while we deem it advisable that the City Council should use for this purpose, as well as the sale of all Country produce from wagons, the public square designated for that purpose, as the only available . Cotton Alliance place, aside from the streets, we find the Market Square now occupied by the Cotton Alliance, and would therefore recommend that the Mayor confer with them, looking to their removal, if in his judgment it is for the best interest of the City, and pending any arrangement that may be made for the use of this square as a general market place, Your Committee would recommend, in order to relieve the residences from the standing of wood and hay wagons that they be allowed only to stand on Sixth Street between San Jacinto and Neches Streets, and in such manner as will not obstruct the public Sidewalk. street, And the City Marshal is hereby instructed to see that this recommendation is carried out. adopted On motion the report of the Committee was adopted. On motion the regular order of business was suspended and the five Committees presented the following report. Austin, Texas, May 15th 1904 To the Hon All while and Board of Aldermen of the City of Austin! Gentlemen! Your Committee on fire sept to whom --- Page break --- 146 Fire Law wafford for repair Protection Hall. was refened an ordinance appropriating the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars for the purpose of improving Protection Fire Hall beg I came to report that we have had the same under consideration and recommend that the sum of thirty five hundred be stricken out and the sum of thirty hundred be inserted in the ordinance The report of the Committee was adopted Alderman maddox for the Finance Committee presented the following report which was read. and adopted. Austin Texas, Feby 15th 1904 Hon R. A. White Mayor, and Board of Aldermen City of Austin! Budget for 1904 Gendemen! The your Committee beg leave to submit the following estimate of probable receipts and expenditures on account of General Revenue for the year ending December 31st 1904, Viz: From advalorum taxes for the year 1903, $86.792.ºº, Less one fourth set aside for street purposes leaving $65.094.ºº From License taxes 10,000.ºº From fines in Mayors Court 1750.ºº From Seveal penalties & Costs (approx) 2500.ºº From Pound fees & sales 650.ºº From Travis County account of prisoners 2250.ºº From Miscellaneous 3500.ºº Total estimated receipts $85494.ºº Expenditures For Salaries of officers & employees " " Policemen 14.405.ºº " " Aldermen 11.840.ºº " " Keeper of Parks 1.680.ºº " City Cemetary (including salary of Sexton) 480.ºº " Sanitary Dept ( " " " Inspector) 1.000.ºº " Fire Dept ( " " " Operators) 6.000.ºº " L. & W. Hospital ( " " " Pay Roll) 1.500.ºº " Charity 450.ºº " Printing, Stationery & Postage 1250.ºº " Weed for prisoners 750.ºº " Annual Installment to old Water Company 700.ºº " Miscellaneous 22.500.ºº 5.000.ºº Total estimated expenses. $84.605.ºº All of which is respectfully submitted F. W. Maddox H. L. Haynes F. J. Cheatham Finance Committee --- Page break --- 147 Repairs To Protection Alderman Crocker moved To suspend the regular Hall order of business, and go back to unfinished business which motion prevailed. Alderman Crocker called up the ordinance appropriating the sum of $3500.00 for the purpose of repairing Protection Fire Hall. The ordinance was read the second time Alderman Schneider moved to amend Same by striking out in the caption and body of the ordinance the auth of $3500.00 and inserting in lieu thereof "$3000.00" as was recommended in the report of the Fire Committee, which motion prevailed by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crocker Haynes Hume Maddock Miller Moore Vitoecke Redd Schneider Shelley Shumate Weick 12 Nays Aldermen Macken Smith 2 The ordinance was then passed under suspension of the rule by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crocker Haynes Hume Macken Maddock Miller Moore Vitoecke Redd Schneider Shelley Shumate Smith Weick 14 Nays none Regulating erection Regular order of business resumed & Repair of Awnings By Alderman Haynes An ordinance regulating the erection and repair of Awning and adhing sheds on front of Commercial avenue and State street and prohibiting the placing of signs over said parts of said streets or sidewalks, or gutters adjacent thereto. The ordinance was read the first time and on motion was referred to the Street Committee. East Austin The Mayor laid before the Council an invitation Invitation Annual Ball from East Austin Hose Co #4, inviting the Mayor and Council to attend their 18th Anniversary Ball To be given on Monday evening Feb 22nd 1904. On motion the invitation was accepted and the Council requested to attend in a body. Sign ordinance By Alderman Shumate An ordinance prohibiting Signs in certain parts of certain streets of city of Austin The ordinance was read the first time. Alderman Schneider moved to refer to the Street Committee, which motion was lost A motion was then made to suspend the rule and place it on its second reading, which motion prevailed by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crocker Haynes Hume Macken Miller Moore Vitoecke Redd Shelley Shumate Smith 11 Nays Aldermen Maddock Schneider Weick 3 The ordinance was read the second time, and a motion made to suspend the rule and place it --- Page break --- 148 on its third reading which was lost by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crooker Haynes Krumm Meaken Heition Moore Shelley Shumate &Schick 9 Nays Aldermen Waddas Nitreukea Read Schneider 5 Aldn Crooker Alderman Nitreuka asked that Alderman appointed Chairman Crooker be made Chairman of the special Committee Com to examine opera appointed To investigate five escape etc- in Opera houses etc Houses and other buildings The Mayor appointed Alderman Crooker as chairman of said Committee By Alderman Krumm an ordinance appropriating the $750.00 improve sum of $750.00 for the purpose of improving Guadalupe street Guadalupe Street from 13th to 21st Streets The ordinance was read the first time and on Motion was referred to the Street Committee By Alderman Veit An ordinance appropriating $50.00 to repair City the sum of $50.00 for the purpose of improving the Cemetery City Cemetery. The ordinance was read the first time and in motion the rule was suspended and it was placed on its second reading by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crooker Haynes Krumm Meaken Waddas Millen Moore Nitreuka Read Schneider Shelley Shumate Smith &Veit 14 Nays None The ordinance was read the second time Alderman Schneider moved To amend same by striking out in the Caption &body of the ordinance the figures &words. "$50.00" And inserting in lieu thereof "$200.00" The amendment was adapted and the ordinance as amended passed under suspension of the rule by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crooker Haynes Krumm Meaken Waddas Millen Moore Nitreuka Read Schneider Shelley Shumate Smith &Veit 14 Nays None. Supt Power requested Alderman Read offered the following to remove electric fixtures Resolution which was read and adapted old to new Hall Resolved by the City Council of the City of South Austin Hall Austin, That the Supt of the City Light Plant be and is hereby instructed and requested to change the electric fixtures at present located in the old South Austin Fire Hall to the new Hall of the South Austin Fire Company. $1600. to pay interest By Alderman Waddas An ordinance appropriating the sum of $1600.00 for the purpose of paying interest on old New bonds which are being refunded --- Page break --- The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Haynes, Hume, Macker, Wadday, Miller, Moore, Nitschke, Redd & Schneider, Shelley, Shumate, Smith & Welch. Nays none By Alderman Nitschke An ordinance appropriating $375.66 Oley Certain the sum of $375.66 for the purpose of paying certain approved accts. Storm approved accounts. The ordinance was placed under Sewer. the suspension of the rules by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Haynes, Hume, Macker, Wadday, Miller, Moore, Nitschke, Redd, Schneider, Smith & Welch, 12 apprd. acct of dept Nays Aldermen Schneider & Shelley By Alderman Wadday An ordinance appropriating the sum of $1018.46 for the purpose of paying approved accounts Street dept. The ordinance was read the first time, and on motion the rule was suspended and the ordinance placed on its second reading by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Haynes, Hume, Macker, Wadday, Miller, Moore, Nitschke, Redd & Schneider, Shelley, Shumate, Smith & Welch. Nays None. The ordinance was read the second time Alderman Wadday moved to amend same by adding "for work on Mills Avenue $49.00" The Amendment was adopted, and the ordinance passed under suspension of the rule by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Haynes, Hume, Macker, Wadday, Miller, Moore, Nitschke, Redd & Schneider, Shelley, Shumate, Smith & Welch. Nays None. Alderman Shelley offered the following resolution which was read and adopted City asst. here Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin, authorized to employ That the City Assessor & Collector of Taxes be and is asst for 2 months hereby authorized to employ an Assistant for not exceeding two months at a Salary of not exceeding $75.00 Alderman Nitschke for the Street Committee Improving Gradalupe to whom was referred An ordinance appropriating St. the sum of $700.00 for the purpose of improving Gradalupe Street, by permission of the Council submitted a report, recommending the passage of the ordinance. Alderman Wadday moved that the Council take up the ordinance, which motion prevailed. --- Page break --- 150 The ordinance was read the second time and passed under suspension of the rule by the following Vote Yeas Aldermen Brooke, Haynes, Hume, Macker Quadday, Miller, Moore, Nitschke, Read, Shelley, Shumate & Smith 13 Nays Alderman Schneider By Alderman Nitschke An ordinance appropriating the sum of $75.00 for the purpose of paying for Extra St labor extra street Labor & Se alus. The ordinance was read the first time and passed under suspension of the rules by the necessary Vote Yeas Aldermen Brooke, Haynes, Hume, Macker Quadday, Miller, Moore, Nitschke, Read, Shelley Shumate, Smith & West 14 Nays none. Pet. Citizens asking repeal By Alderman Haynes petition of Citizens asking or modification of Vending Ord the Council repeke or modify the Vending Ordinance On Motion the Council adjourned J.O. Johnson City Clerk