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Film Censor, Special Police, City Health

Saturday, May 7, 1921 special called
  • Debated Film Censorship:

    Officials heard arguments for and against appointing a moving picture censor, taking the matter under advisement.
  • Expanded Special Police Force:

    New special officers were approved for diverse duties, including university watchmen, traffic enforcement, and roles at city picture shows and parks.
  • Appointed Key Health Officials:

    New leadership was confirmed for the City Health Officer, Assistant Health Officer, and the Matron of the city hospital.
  • Financial Oversight & Adjustments:

    An extra payment was approved for an audit of the city's Water, Light, and Power Department, and a tax assessment for a minor was lowered, resulting in a refund.

Full Transcript

The bonds of W. L. Eyres and J. D. Copeland, Councilmen, were received, approved and ordered filed. The Council then recessed until 3:30 P. M. AFTERNOON SESSION Councilman Haynes introduced the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That for good and sufficient reasons shown to the City Council, the assessment for One Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200.00) for the year 1920, on Lot 45, Outlot 33, Division "0" of the City of Austin in the name of Frances R. Martin, a minor, be and the same is hereby changed to the sum of Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00); and the City Assessor and Collector of Taxes is hereby instructed to make said change on his rolls, and the City Clerk is hereby instructed to draw warrant of the City of Austin in the amount of Eleven Dollars and Seventy-five Cents ($11.75), payable to G. H. Griffin, the amount due him as a refund on taxes overpaid by him for said Frances R. Martin, minor. The above resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; nayes, none. Mayor Yett nominated C, H. Brownlee to be City Health Officer. Nomination was confirmed by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight; 4, nayes, none, Mayor Yett not voting. Mayor Yett nominated J. F. Gullette to be assistant city health officer. Nomination was confirmed by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 4; nayes, none, Mayor Yett not voting. Mayor Yett nominated Mrs. Bettie Kerns to be matron of the city hospital. Nomination was confirmed by the following vote: Ayes, Council men Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 4; nayes, none, Mayor Yett not voting. The Council then recessed. 1 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, May 7, 1921, The Council met with the following members present: Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; absent, none. A. C. Upleger of the firm of Upleger & Falk appeared before the Council and made a proposition to audit the books of the Water, Light and Power Department of the city for the period from January 1st, 1919, 459 ! ! i 160 : to May lat, 1919, for the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). Councilman Haynes moved that Upleger & Falk be allowed the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) extra in addition to their contract. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; nayes, none. The Council then recessed, SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, May 10,1921. The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Bearight, 5; absent, none, After hearing a number of arguments for and against the appointment of a moving picture sensor, the Council took the matter under advisement. The Council then adjourned. Jor Stormeby REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, May 12, 1921, The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Mayor Yett, Councilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; absent, none. The Minutes of the last meetings were read and upon motion of Counoilman Haynes were adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Yett, Coun- oilmen Copeland, Eyres, Haynes and Searight, 5; nayes, none. Upon the recommendation of Sam D. Griffin, Chief of Police, Councilman Copeland nominated the following to be Special Policemen of the City of Austin: B. B. Neans, J. F. Martin, George W. Patterson, and O. M. Roberts, Special Watchmen at Texas State University; S. M. Foster, Special Watchman for Guy Collett at the Dam; Bob Rockwood, Special Duties at Picture Shows; J. A. Nelson, R. L. Ziller, A. H. Pool, C. W. Barker, Frederick J. Bohn, A. W. Von Struve, H. C. Edgar, and Harvey Harrell, to assist in enforcement of traffic laws; J. K. Rambo, City Park Policeman;