182 Regular meeting of the City Council: Austin, Texas, April 04, 1912. The Council was called to order by the Mayor: Rollcalled: Present Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Hart, Haynes & Powell 5 Absent none. The minutes of the last regular and subsequent recessed meetings were read and adopted. Reports of City Officers: The Mayor laid before the Council the report of the City Clerk and that of the City Treasurer for the month of March 1912, which were read and or-dered filed. This being the day set apart to hear persons interested in the paving of Colorado & Brazos streets, the Mayor stated that parties interested would now be heard. Judge T B Cochran, appeared and stated that he represented Mr P J Lawless, Mess Martin & Bro, F Heierman & Bro, also Dr R J Brackenridge, E T M Moore Esq & Geo Shelley Atty for Mrs Pendexter, who made their statements in regard to said pavement. The Council then recessed subject to call.. Councilman Haynes offered the following resolution : Whereas, the banking capital of the City of Austin for the year 1911 was assessed at 80% on its book value, and, Whereas, it appears to be just and reasonable to assess all other securi-ties on the same basis of valuation, and, Whereas, the securities of the Airdron dack Fire Insurance company of New York City , have been assessed on the tax rolls of 1911 at 100%; Therefore, Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin: That the Assessor and Collector be and is hereby authorized to correct said assessment and to value the securities of said Company on deposite with the State Treasurer at 80 % and to collect the taxes of 1911 on said basis. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Hart, Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. Councilman Haynes offered the following resolution : Whereas, the bank ing Capital of the City of Austin for the year 1911, was assessed at 80 % of its book value , and, Whereas, it appears to be just and reasonable to assess all other securi-ties on the same basis of valuation, and, Whereas, the securities of the Lumber Fire Insurance Company of New York City , have been assessed on the tax rolls of 1911 at 100% : Therefore, Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That the Assessor and Collector be and is hereby authorized to correct said Assessment and to value the securities of said Company on deposite with the State Treasurer at 80 % and to collect the taxes of 1911 on said basis. The resolution was adopted by the following vote: Marginal Notes: Colorado doings Paving Colorado Brazos streets Assessment Andirondack Fire Ins Co reduced Assessment Lumber Fire Ins Co N.Y. reduced --- Page break --- 183 . Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Hart, Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. Councilman Haynes offered the following resolution : Whereas, the banking capital of the City of Austin for the year 1911 was assessed at 80% of its book value, and, Whereas, it appears to be just and reasonable to assess all other securities on the same same basis of valuation, and, Whereas, the securities of the Southern Surety Co. of Muskogee, Oklahoma, have been assesssed on the tax rolls of 1911 at 100% : therefore, Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That the Assessor and Collector be and is hereby authorized to correct said assess-ment and to value the securities of said Company on deposit with the State Treasurer at 80 % and to collect the taxes of 1911 on said basis. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Hart, Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution : The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution : Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That upon the payment into the Office of the Assessor and Collector of this City of $ 200.00 , the City Council agrees to sell, and agrees to convey to Mrs Hattie Assman a strip of land 30 feet by 230 feet ,described as follows : Beginning at a point 30 feet to the eastward and 30 feet to the northward from the S W corner of Outlot 4 Division " Z" in the City of Austin, thence in northerly direction parallel with the Spear League line 230 feet to the division line between the Assman tract and tract belonging to C Wentland; thence westwardly 20 feet along the south line of the said Wentland tract to a point 10 feet from the Spear League line; thence southerly 230 feet parallel with Spear League line to a point 30 feet north of the south line of said Outlot 4, Division "Z"; thence easterly 20 feet along the north line of Ninth street to place of beginning. The Mayor of this City is hereby authorized and instructed to execute a Quit-claim deed conveying to said Mrs Hattie Assman , upon payment of two hundred dollars, into the office of the City Assessor and Collector of this City , the strip of land herein above described This conveyance of property is made to straighten West Lynn street in this City, and bring the strip of land herein conveyed into uniformity of line with the street line north and south of it . The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Hart, Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. The Council then recessed subject to call . Assessment Southern Surety Co Okla reduced Sale of tract of land to Mrs Assmann --- Page break --- 184 Assessment G. H. Click corrected Friday April 5th 1912. The Council was called to order bythe Mayor with all members present. Councilman Haynes presented the following resolution : Whereas, Mr G H Click has filed affidavit ,stating that the assessment against him for improvements on Lots 12,13 & 14,Block 4 South Heights addition to the City of Austin at a valuation of $ 400.00 for the taxes of 1911 is erroneous by reason of the fact that said improvements were not placed on said lots until after the first day of January 1911,although the permit for same was granted previous to that date ,therefore Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That the Assessor and Collector be and is hereby authorized to cancel said erroneous assessment and to take credit therefor. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew,Hart,Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. Assessment W. H. Crawford reduced Councilman Haynes offered the following resolution : Whereas, the improvements on lot 5, Block 7, Outlots 2 & 3 Division "B". were assessed against W H Crawford ,owner, for the taxes of 1911, at $ 1,000.00 valuation, Ans Whereas, the said W H Crawford makes affidavit that the same is errone-ous and excessive,and, Whereas, the Assessor and Collector through his Deputy has made an inspec-tion of said improvements, and places the valuation of same for taxation at $ 400.00 , Therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : that the Assessor and Collector be and is hereby authorized to correct said erroneous assessment by reducing the valuation of said improvements to $ 400.00 for the taxes of 1911 and to collect the taxes accordingly. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew,Hart,Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. Councilman Haynes offered the following resolution : Assessment Chas Isaacs reduced Whereas, Chas Isaacs rendered for taxes of 1911 a stock of Merchandise and Fixtures at $ 1,000.00 East 6th street at a valuation of $ 475.00 ,which valuation was raised by the Board of Equalization to $ 1,000.00 . And Whereas, the said Isaacs has filed an affidavit to the effect that said increase is unjust and erroneous,and more than double the value of the stock of Merchandise & Fixtures as rendered by him, And Whereas, the Assessor and Collector through his Deputyhas fully inves-tigated the matter and finds the protest just and reasonable , Therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That the Assessor and Collector be and is hereby authorized tocorrect said assessment by reducing the valuation of said stock for the taxes of 1911 to $ 500.00 and to collect the taxes accordingly. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew,Hart, Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. The Council then recessed subject to call. --- Page break --- 185 Saturday April 6th 1912. The Council was called to order by the Mayor with all members present except Councilman Bartholomew. Councilman Hart presented a petition from Mrs Florence Bishop, asking the Council to refund to her a certain pound fee paid by her. The petition was read and a motion made that the petition be NOT granted, which motion prevailed by the following vote: Yeas Mayor Woolridge, Councilmen Hart, Haynes 3 Nays Councilman Powell 1 Absent Councilman Bartholomew 1 Mrs Florence Bishop Pound fee Councilman Hart presented a petition from W D Mosteller, asking to have certain pound fees remitted. The petition was read and a motion made that the same be NOT granted, which motion prevailed by the following vote : W D Mosteller Pound fees Yeas Mayor Woolridge, Councilmen Hart & Haynes 3 Nays Councilman Powell 1 Absent Councilman Bartholomew 1 Councilman Hart offered the following resolution : It appearing to the City Council from an investigation made by the Supt of Police and Public Safety that the facts stated in the attached letter are practically true, and th that though the traffic ordinance was violated ,the act was not wilful, but through ignorance was violated ,and the Supt of Police and Public Safety so recommending; Therefore, Fine remitted Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That the fine and costs entered against the defendant John Steen in cause No 7019of the City vs John Steen ,be and the same is hereby remitted. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Woolridge, Councilmen Hart, Haynes & Powell 4 Absent Councilman Bartholomew 1 Councilman Hart offered the following resolution : Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That the Supt of Police and Public Safety be and he is hereby authorized to purchase for the Police Dept one twin cylinder Indian Motorcycle complete ,with lamp and speedSupt Police & Pub. Safety authorized To purchase Indian Motorcycle ometer for the sum of $ 250.00. Be it further resolved: That the old Motorcycle now owned by the City may be transferred in part payment for said Indian Motorcycle to the extent of $ 50.00,the remaining two hundred dollars to be paid out of the miscellaneous item of the Police Dept. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Woolridge, Councilmen Hart, Haynes & Powell 4 Absent Councilman Bartholomew 1 The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution : Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That this City hereby obligates itself to put in a retaining wall along the line of City & Supt. in Retaining wall Girls Co-oper. Home the Girls Co-operative Home in this City on East Tenth street,and also to provide steps up to the several entrances of said building on East 10th street. The expense for the services hereby agreed to be incurred not to exceed $ 150.00 The resolution was adopted by the following vote : --- Page break --- 186 Permit Rice & Dore shows Carnival . Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Hart, Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution: Whereas, in consideration of the fact that the Business League has petitioned this Council to grant certain privileges to the Rice and Dore shows to exhibit in this City from April 8th to 14th inclusive; and, Whereas, the net profits of this Carnival are to go to the Girls Co-operat-tive Home of this City ,a worthy charity; therefore, Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That permitts and is hereby granted said Rice and Dore shows to exhibit in this City from April 8th to 14th inclusive. That the privilege of closing or partially closing the following named streets streets is hereby granted to said Rice and Dore shows. East 10th street, off of Congress Avenue ,a space of 40 by 60 feet ,on the north side of said street. West 10th street ,off of Congress Avenue, two spaces 15 by 20 feet each, on both the north and south sides of said street. East ninth street ,off of Congress Avenue, a space 45 by 60 feet ,on the north side of said street. West ninth street ,off of Congress Avenue, a space 30 by 90 feet, on the north side of said street. East 8th street ,off of Congress Avenue, two spaces 14 by 20 feet each, on both the north and south sides of said street. West 8th street, off of Congress Avenue, one space 14 by 20 feet, on the north north side of said street. East 7th street, off of Congress Avenue, one space 40 by 90 feet ,on the north side of said street. West 7th street, off of Congress Avenue, one space 30 by 120 feet ,on the north side of said street. That permit is also granted to close Lavaca street from the north side of 6th street for a distance of one-half block ,and a permit is also granted , to use and occupy Brazos street south of 6th street on the east side for a space of 45 by 50 feet . Permit is also granted to said shows to place a Ferris Wheel of the dimen-sions of about 14 by 20 feet on Congress Avenue, in front of the Avenue Hotel ,the position of said Ferris Wheel to be designated by the Supt of Streets and Public Improvements. It is expressly stipulated that the placing of the shows of the said Rice and Dore Company is to be made at the places herein above designated by by the Supt of Streets and Public Improvements and to be in conformity with any rules or regulations as he may prescribe. It is expressly stipulated that neither spikes nor stobs of any character are are to be placed in the paved streets of this City. Be it further resolved : That the expense of employing such additional special Police as the Supt of Police and Public Safety may deem necessary for the week of these shows is to be paid in advance or secured to the satisfaction of the Supt of Police and Public Safety ,who shall designate said special extra Policemen . --- Page break --- 187 . Be it further resolved : Thar, in view of the fact that the net profits of this carnival is to go to local charity ,that the taxes and licenses imposed by ordinance ,in the instance of those shows shall be remitted. Be it further resolved : That the permit herein and hereby granted is to be deemed absolutely temporary and revocable by the City Council at its pleasure. The resolution was adopted by the following vote: Yeas Mayor Woolridge, Councilmen Bartholomew,Hart,Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. Councilman Powell offered the following resolution : Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : (1) That sidewalks and curbs be and the same are hereby ordered to be constructed in front of all property abutting on Brazos street between 8th street and 7th street in the the City of Austin,Texas. (2) That the said sidewalks and curbs hereinabove provided for shall be constructed at and upon the grades which have been established by the City Council at the respective places hereinabove designated ; said sidewalks and curbs shall be constructed of concre -ete and shall cover all the space between the curb and the building. (3) That the construction of said sidewalks and curbs shall be begun within thirty (30) days after the date of the notices to the respective owners of the above described property,and shall be completed respectively within ten (10) days after the commence -ment thereof. (4) That the City Engineer be and he is hereby instructed and required to file in the Office of the Dept of Streets and Public Improvements full plans and specifications as to how the details of said work are to be executed and completed,and to prepare and fil with the City Council a statement consisting of the names of the owners respectively of thelots abutting on the above mentioned street,and an estimate of the cost of each of such sidewalks and curbs hereby ordered to be constructed ,including all necessary filling and excavation. (5) That the Dept of Streets and Public Improvements be and he is hereby instructed and required to notify in writing the respective owners of the lots herein above des-cribed to construct said sidewalks and curbs in accordance with the terms of the ordi- -nances of the City of Austin regulating the construction of sidewalks. (6) That the cost of said sidewalks and curbs and such excavation or filling as may be necessary to bring same to the grade herein above stated shall be paid by the owners of the lots abutting thereon ,and shall be assessed against them and their property in accordance with the Charter and ordinances of the City of Austin ;provided, that no assessment shall be made against any owner or his property in excess of the actual benefits to the said property in enhanced value by means of said improvement,nor until after notice and hearing to said owner as provided by said Charter and ordinances. (7) That this resolution shall remain on file with the City Clerk for public inspection for one week before the final passage or adoption thereof. The resolution was read the first time and laid over for one week,as proved in said resolution. Councilman Haynes offered the following resolution : Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That the sum of twenty nine and 95/100( 29.95) dollars be and is hereby appropriated Sidewalk + Curb Brazos St. 7th to 8th --- Page break --- 188 Expense paying out of the General contingent fund of the City of Austin ,to pay the Citizens Annual installment Bank and Trust Company of this City for exchange and telegrams for a remitOld water & Light Plant -tance of $ 22,500.00 to J W Hamer ,Trustee ,of Philadelphia,Pa. This remittance was made in payment of an installment due on the 1st of April in payment of the purchase of the Old Water and Light Plant of this City ,and which remittance ,through inadvertance ,had not been previously made by City warrant. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew ,Hart ,Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. J M Kuechler Councilman Hart offered the following resolution : Pound fees It appearing to the City Council that two horses belonging to J M Kuechler have fallen into the hands of the Pound Master upon four seperate occasion upon each occasion he has paid the usual fee of $ 3.00,$ 6.00of the money hasbeen refunded to him ,but he asserts that each time the horses were take from his lot and used by some one and then turned loose without his knowl-edge or consent; under the circumstances the Supt of Police and Public Safety recommends that this pound fee of $ 3.00 be remitted, therefore, Be itresolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : That said pound fee of $ 3.00 paid by the said Kuechler be and the same is hereby remitted and the Clerk is authorized to refund the same. The resolution was adopted by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew ,Hart ,Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. Confetti Ordinance The Mayor laid before the Council an ordinance preventing the sale and thrm throwing of confetti, and for the certain other purposes herein expressed , and prescribing penalties for the violation of same. The ordinance was read the first time and passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote : Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew ,Hart ,Haynes & Powell 5 Nays none. The Council then recessed subject to call. --- Page break --- 189 * Monday April 8th 1912. * The Council was called to order by the Mayor with all members present. * Councilman Haynes offered the following resolution : * Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : * That the contract to build the stables, sheds, fences and Keeper's house for the * Sanitary Dept of this City be and the same is hereby awarded to Messrs Toungate and Contract - Sanitary Stables etc Awarded to Toungate & Spurling * Spurling, at the price of $ 1,547.00. The work to be done under this contract must be done * under the plans and specifications authorized by the Supt of Receipts, Disburse* -ments and Accounts, temporarily in charge of the Sanitary Dept, and he is hereby author- * -ized and instructed to employ an Inspector to superintend this work. The performance * of this Contract is to be guaranteed by a good and solvent bond in the amount of * $ 250.00. * The resolution was adopted by the following vote : * Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Hart , Haynes & Powell 5 * Nays none. * Councilman Bartholomew offered the following resolution : * Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin: * That the contract to build the fence , including a retaining wall from the gate on the * side west of the Oakwood Cemetery to the old Jewish Cemetery, be and the same is hereby Contract fence etc of Cemetery Awarded to E L Booth * awarded to Mr E L Boothe, for the price of $ 1,400.00 . * The work to be done under this contract is to be set forth under plans and specificati* -tions prepared by the City Engineer ,and said work is to be done subject to his super- * -vision and his approval . * The resolution was adopted by the following vote : * Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew , Hart , Haynes & Powell 5 * Nays none. * The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution : * It appearing to the City Council that it is highly probable that Mike Sheehan, convicted Fine against Mike Sheehan remitted * in the Corporation Court of this City for selling unwholesome food , to-wit: molasses * tainted by flies, did not have guilty knowledge of the condition of said molasses; * therefore, * Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin : * That the fine against him in said Court amounting to $ 25.00 and costs, be and the same * is hereby remitted. * The resolution was adopted by the following vote : * Yeas Mayor Wooldridge, Councilmen Bartholomew, Haynes & Powell 4 * Nays Councilman Hart 1 * The Council then adjourned. Jno. A. Johnson City Clerk