Mayor UcFadden laid before the Council the following resolution: WHEREAS, the stock of goods of the Brown Cracker & Candy Company was assessed for taxes for 1926 at the value of $3500.00; and WHEREAS, the affidavit of Geo. W. Tod, Manager of said Company, shows that said stock of goods wes of the value of only $2530.00 on January 1,1926; Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That said assessment be corrected so as to read $1686.65, which is two-thirds of the true amount of the value of said stock of goods. The above resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Mayor McFadden asked to be excused from the Council meeting and Councilman Steck nominated Councilman Barker to act as temporary chairman. Nomination was confirmed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Pannell and Steck, 3; nays, none, Councilman Barker not voting, Councilman Reed absent. The following ordinance was read the second time and laid over. AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING AND ADOPTING SPECIFICATIONS FOR PIPE TO BE USED FOR SANITARY SEWERS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, REGULATING THE USE OF SUCH PIPE, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES. Councilman Steck moved that the Council recess subject to the call of the Mayor. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Barker, Pannell and Steck, 3; nays, none, Mayor McFadden and Councilmen Reed absent. The Council then recessed. , O. N. M Faadew REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, March 24, 1927. The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell and Steck, 4; absent, Councilman Reed. The Minutes of the last meeting were read and Councilman Barker moved that same be adopted. Motion was seconded by Councilman Steck and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. A committee, composed of Messrs. Mendell, Ulit, Schutze, and Powell, representing the Ex Volunteer Firemen's Association, requested the Council to grant them the use of Barton Springs for the San Jacinto celebration on April 21st, and also the use of some fire works belonging to the City, and the participation of the Fire Department in said celebration. Councilman Pannell moved that the Acting City Manager be authorized to grant such requests and to co-operate with said Committee in every way possible to the success of this celebration. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. 77 78 Geo. W. Mendell, Jr., representing certain citizens of Hyde Park, requested the Council to defer action for one week on the closing of an alley in Lot 16, Block 1, in Hyde Park Addition. The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution: WHEREAS, apparent title to a tract of land in the City of Austin, Travia County, Texas, is now vested in the said City of Austin for use as a public alley, said property being described as follows: and All that certain lot, tract or parcel of land lying and being situated in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, beginning at the Southeast corner of Lot No. Sixteen (16) in Block No. One (1) in Hyde Park Addition to said City of Austin, according to the plat of said addition recorded in the Plat Becords of Travis County, Texas; Thence Northerly with the east lines of Lots Nos. 16,15,14,13,12,11,10,9, 8,7,6 and 5 in said Block No. 1 of Hyde Park Addition to stake for corner, ten feet northerly from the Southeast corner of said Lot No. Five (5); Thence Easterly at right angles to the cast line of said lots, 12 feet to stake for corner; Thence Southerly parallel with the East line of said lots, 285 feet to stake for corner; Thence westerly 12 feet to the place of beginning, being Tract No. Two of the property conveyed to E. P. Mitchusson by Eno Jassens and wife, Clara Cassens, by warranty deed dated October 1, 1925, recorded in Vol. 378, page 621, of the Travis County Deed Records; WHEREAS, the said City of Austin in fact asserts no title to said tract of land, said land having been held in open, notorious and adverse possession for more than the statutory period of limitations by persons claiming adversely to the City; WHEREAS, said tract of land is not used as an alley, and is not in fact suitable for such purpose, and it would be to the best interests of the City of Austin to execute a quitclaim deed to the present owner of said property. Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: That the City Manager, or in his absence, the Acting City Manager, bo and he is hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver to J. L. Johnston a quitolaim deed to the above described property. Councilman Pannell moved that in view of the fact that the citizens had requested that action on the above matter be deferred, the Council defer action on the above resolution. Motion was seconded by Councilman Barker and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. J. G. Young appeared before the Council in regard to damages to his property on Rainey Street by reason of a sand pit having been opened up adjacent to same. He was requested to submit his request in writing to the City Council. Councilman Pannell moved that the report of Orin E. Metcalfe, City Engineer, on the use of sewer pipe be spread upon the Minutes. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor HoFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. The report follows: Mr. Adam R. Johnson, City Manager, City. Dear Mr. Johnson: "Austin, Texas, January 5,1927. Pursuant to your request, I have made an investigation of concrete pipe manufacture, the practicability of its use for sanitary sewers, and the records of its use by other cities for sanitary sewers. I have secured information for my report by the study of literature and letters furnished by Mr. D. G. Hewlett representing the local manufacturers of concrete pipe; literature and letters furnished by Mr Uel Stephens, an engineer for the Clay Pipe Company; various technical papers and magazines containing such articles and the specifications adopted by the American Society for Testing Materials, which society will hereafter be referred to by the initials "A.S.T.M." Practical investigations were made by visits to the local plant of the Waterscal Roofing Company; amd the plant of the Gonzales Concrete Pipe Compan to the outfall sewer of San Antonio, Texas; and to the Disposal Plant of Austin. Testing investigations and testing records were secured from tests made by H. R. Thomas, Testing Engineer of the University of Texas, and from tests made by Mr. Smith of the Waterseal Roofing Company in my presence. Comparisons of salt glazed clay tile and clay pipe were also made by technical tests, and comparative observations are made in this report. At your request, I have asked Mr. D. L. Lewis, City Engineer of Ft. Worth, Texas, to give me a report on concrete pipe for sanitary sowers, and his report to me shows that same has been used almost exclusively for about twelve months, and that tests made for him were superior to the requirements of the A. S. T. X. specifications. The specifications of the A. S. T. H. for concrete and for clay pipe are the same for inside diameter, length of pipe, crushing load, stength load per foot, on hydrostatic tests and absorption tests. There are differences as to the thickness of pipe walls, concrete pipe being made thicker to secure greater density. A. S. T. M. specifications recognize the necessity of making provision for acid and alkaline wastos. From literature and letters furnished by Mr. Hewlett, I found that Mr. G. L. Fugate, principal Assistant City Engineer of the City of Houston, Texas, gives unqualified approval of concrete pipe for sanitary sewers, but that they exercise close control over the inspection of its manufacture. Mr. R. C. Black, City Engineer of Beaumont, Texas, states that fifteen miles of concrete sanitary sewer has been laid, but does not state how much was for sanitary рurровеs, and further states that concrete pipe properly made equals that of vitrified pipe. Beaumont pipe is made under the supervision of Pittsburg testing laboratories. Mr. G. I. Byers, City Manager of Temple, Texas, states that Temple has concrete pipe for storm sewers only. Mr.Burchard City Engineer of Gonzales, Texas, personally told me that all recent exten sions of sanitary sewers in Gonzales had been made with concrete pipe, and it was satisfactory to him. As evidenced by certificates attached to the report of Mr. H. R. Thomas concrete pipe was used in Flatonia, Texas. Other Texas cities using concrete pipe are as follows: I find that from letters furnished by Mr. Stephens several civil engineers of Dallas advised the Dallas City Commissioners against the use of concrete sewer pipe on one project in Dallas, some of them referring to sulphuric acid gas, and some to an unsatisfactory concrete sanitary sower pipe apparently well known to Dallas Engineers and public officials. Various technical articles written by Engineers, who have made a study of the disintegration of concrete, describe the action of acid or acid gas, referring especially to sulphuric gas, also to alkaline action. References used were Iowa State Bulletin; 307 U. S. Department of Agriculture, and monthly articles in Technical Magazines. My visit to the Waterscal Roofing Company plant developed the fact that the local company has a good plant and were daily making pipe.Mechanical method of mixing and careful measuring of aggregates is approved. The water ratio is controlled by the skill of the mixerman; this is a human element. Tamping of the barrel is done by machinery up to the beginning of the bell. The bell is hand tamped. Density of the product depends upon both proper coment-water ratio, and the skill and faithfulness of the operator of the machine. Both operators appear to be skillful workmen and will doubtless increase in efficiency. The hand-tamped bell appears to be the poorest part of the product, and depends upon human skill, physical efforts and endurance. The officials seem to be making every effort to increase the efficiency of the plant and to perfect their product, and I believe will make such changes as may be necessary to meet requirements of the City, if their products are admitted to use in the City. My visit to the Gonzales plant showed practically the same type of plant as the Austin plant, but evidently double size. Various articles and statements in the interest of concrete pipe lay stress on the fact that the concrete pipe should have a web like appearance when finished, which would indicate the proper water-cement ratio. I saw many pipe in both the Austin and Gonzales yards which did not have the web like appearance. While in San Antonio I visited a recently abandoned sanitary concrete outfall sewer ditch. This ditch at several places showed disintegration of concrete just about the average flow line, which was evidently caused by acid in sewage or acid gas. The outside of the same concrete culvert was in good condition. I was informed that the San Antonio officials had agreed to open the specifications to concrete for sanitary sewers, but that final official action had not been taken. 79 80 Mr. Smith of the Waterseal Roofing Company, has a hydrostatic machine for testing pipe. In my presence he tested several 4" and 6 concrete pipe of his own manufacture, more than one-half of which withstood 105 pounds pressure without breaking. He then tested one 4" pipe which developed numerous running leaks at 5 pounds pressure, and another 4" pipe which withstood 15 pounds pressure without any show of moisture. Fifteen pounds pressure is the maximum pressure required by A. S. T. к. Official tests and copies of tests by H. R. Thomas, University of Texas Testing Engineer, are hereby inserted and follow as a part of this report. Laboratory No. 25-2076 Name of material: Concrete sewer pipe Locality: Submitted by: See attached sheet for dimensions and identifications Identification: Examined for: No. 1, 4 inch 5 16. 5 min. 10 10 15 * 15 . No. 2, 4 inch 5 1b. 5 min. 10 10 15 15 . . No. 3, 6 inch 5 1b. 5 min. 10 10 10 15 15 5. 10. 10 15 No. 4, 6 inch 5 " DETERMINATIONS. HYDROSTATIC TEST. Sweat in two spots One spot ran down 6 in. One spot about 3 in. wide ran down to bottom of pipe. Several small sweat spots showed. 0. Κ. 0. Ι. 0. к. 0. к. Slight sweat but no run off. Slight swoat Slight sweat but no run off At bell, over about 1/3 of circumference, water had run down 13 in. by end of test. At about center of length, area about 3 in. wide ran down 11 inches. No. 5, 8 inch at 5 1b pressure started leaking badly over about 1/3 of the circumference at about the 1/3 point below the bell. No. 7 10 inch at 5 pound pressure, as soon as the pressure was applied leakage started at the bell over about three fourths of the circumference. Leakage was very rapid, hence higher pressures were not considered necessary. Respectfully submitted, Signed "H. R. Thomas, Testing Engineer." A study of the tests made of 6 pieces of concrete pipe by Testing Engineer, H. R. Thomas for Mr. Uel Stephens, reported February 2nd, 1926, indicates that two of the concrete pipe passed A. S. T. V. specifications and that four of then did not pass. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN Jan. 5, 1927. Mr. O. I. Metcalfe, City Engineer, Austin. Dear Sir: The following is a report of the results of the hydrostatics tests made yesterday on the clay pipe and concrete sewer pipe: DIMENSIONS OF CLAY SEWER PIPE FOR HYDROSTATIC TEST. (All dimensions in inches) Sample Ho 4 10 Nominal Size Length Thickness of spigot-crown 4 23 7/8 0.55 4 23 3/4 0.64 6 24 3/16 0.6 24 0.59 invert side side 57 .... 56 9160 Thickness of socket-crown 0.48 Invert .46 .46 0. .50 side .47 47 52 side .47 .50 53 Internal Diameters Spigot vert. 4.10 3.88 5.93 5.90 Hor. Hor. 3.88 4.05 5.86 5.86 Back of socket vert. 5.86 5.81 hor. 3.92 4.05 • 5.89 5.92 Socket vert 5.68 5.76 7.75 7.76 hor. 5.73 5.74 7.89 7.76 Depth of socket 1.56 1.62 2.00 2.00 Remarks: Sample No. 10 was poorly glazed on outside and contained several blow holes inside. DIMENSIONS OF CONCRETE SEWER PIPE FOR HYDROSTATIC TEST (All dimensions in inches) SAMPLE NUMBER 6 8 4 Nominal size 4 4 4 6 6 Length 23.7 23.9 23.8 29.3 25.8 Thickness of Spigot-Crown 0.86 0.81 .75 .96 .90 Invert .78 77 .83 .90 .91 Side .81 .76 .74 .90 .91 Side .74 .80 .82 .97 .91 Thickness of Socket-Crown 0.82 .88 •75 .95 .85 Invert .75 .76 .75 .89 .91 Side .75 .85 .76 .88 .84 Side .80 .81 .81 .89 .91 Internal Diameters: • Spigot-Vert 4.00 4.03 4.02 5.95 6.02 Hor. 3.96 4.02 4.00 5.98 6.05 Back of Socket Vert 4.13 4.08 4.10 6.12 6.25 Hor. 4.09 4.15 4.13 6.10 6.09 Socket-Vert 6.11 6.03 6.16 8.26 8.50 Ног. 6.13 5.95 6.17 8.47 8.40 Depth of Socket 1.75 1.37 1.69 2.19 2.25 RESULTS OF HYDROSTATIC TESTS (Note that these tests were not made in accordance with A.S.T.M. Specifications, and give comparative values only. The accuracy of the pressure gage used is not known.) Sample No. 5, 4-in. Sample No. 3, 4-in. Sample No. 4, 4-in. Sample No. 9, 6-in Sample No.10, 6-in. Teats of Clay Pipe. This specimen was too rough at the spigot for testing. 5 1b. 24 min. Showed one small damp spot. 15 16. 25 min. One additional damp spot appeared; runoff occurred from one pinhole leak. 5 1b. 24 min. No. leaks 15 16. 24 min. No Leaks, No leakage at pressure up to 105 1b. per sq. in. 5 lb. 24 min, no leaks 15 1b. 24 min, Showed one small wet spot with no runoff 5 1. 2 min. Pin-hole leak at bell ran half way to bottom 15 1b. 24 min. No additional leaks. Runoff increased from leak to bell. 81 82 : Size 4-in. Sample No. 6. 6. Sample No. 7. Bize 4-in. Size 4-in. Sample No... Sample No.3 Size 6 in. Sample No. 4 Size 6 in. TESTS OF CONCRETE PIPE. (Replacing No. 8) 5 lb. 24 min. No leakage 15 1. 25 min. Wet spot at bell with very small runoff. 6 1b. 5 min. Two leaks occurred about 5 in. from spigot. 15 16.10 min. Slightly greater leakage at first but seemed to decrease slowly. One additional wet spot. Cracked in bell due to wedging action of blocks, Replaced by No. 6. 5 1b. 24 min. Several small leaks at bell. One wet spot on side. 15 1b. 24 min. 81ight increase in leakage at bell. One additional leak at bell. Wet spot showed no runoff. 5 1b. 24 min. Pin hole leak at bell with some runoff. 15 1b. 22 min. Increased. runoff, with one additional wet spot at bell. One sample of 6 in. pipe which did not have the "web marks" was tested for comparison with the above. 5 1b. 24 min. Leakage occurred at numerous places on sides of pipe, with one leak at bell. 15 1b. 22 min. Slow runoff from various spots. Signed H. R. Thomas. TEXAS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TESTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION Laboratory No. 27-24 AUSTIN. Date Received 1-5-27 dated reported 1-5-27 Name of material: Olay and concrete.sewer pipe. Locality: For use in Austin. Submitted by: .0. E. Metcalfe, City Engineer, Austin Identification: Clay tile made by San Antonio Pipe Works. Concrete tile made by Water Seal Roofing Tile Co Examined for City of Austin and Water Seal Roofing Tile Co. DETERMINATIONS CRUSHING STRENGTH OF PIPE (Three-edge Bearing) Sample Diameter Length No. Material In. ft. Orushing Load Strength Load per foot 9 10 Clay 2.01 2150 1070 2.00 2200 1100 1.99 1950 980 1.98 2100 1060 Concrete 2.44 4700 1930 2.40 2600 1085 6 8 : 4 1.97 3950 2010 4 1.97 4650 2360 Pipe stated to be two weeks old. Sample numbers refer to same samples used in hydrostatic test. See report to Mr. Metcalfe. Respectfully submitted, Signed H. R. Thomas, Testing Engineer. DIMENSIONS TESTS, COMPARISONS AND OBSERVATIONS Official tests showed that all concrete pipe equalled A. S. T. M. specifications as to thickness of spigot, thickness of socket, internal diameter and internal diameter of socket. Three-fifths of the concrete pipe was not long enough to meet A.8.Τ.Κ. requirements. All dimensions of clay pipe equalled specifications, except width of socket. The interior widths of the sockets of clay pipe was short of standard as required by A. 8. T. M. specifications. A comparison of the width of the standard bell opening of clay pipe and the actual measurement of the outside of the concrete pipe at the spigot end as tested shows that it is impractical to make a good connection between clay pipe and concrete pipe. The hydrostatic tests, which are the most important of all, give the following comparisons: Clay pipe had the best record, but not a perfect one. Two clay pipe did not leak at all. One leaked in the barrel and one leaked near the bell. The concrete pipe did not have any perfect record. One failed in the barrel and three failed near the bell. The crushing test with all the pipe, except one clay tile pipe, passed the specifications and concrete pipe was the strongest. The concrete pipe which was claimed by Mr. Smith to be a second as it did not have webb marks cs, was the poorest pipe tested by the hydrostatic method and seems to have upheld the expressed opinion that the webb appearance indicates superior quality. Disintegration of concrete by the action of acids or acid gas is known to be a fact, but is a study never previously made by me, and the short time allotted for the preparation of this report has been insufficient for me to give same a thorough study. I was able to see the effect of acid or acid gas on concrete in San Antonio sewer outfall. The most evident and positive evidence was found in the septic tank of the City of Austin. A concrete roof, about 4" inches thick, was put over the tanks at the Sewage Disposal Plant about February, 1921, by the city forces. Other concrete had been placed by Potts, Moore and Prentice on a cost plus contract basis. All of the concrete above water line, which included both old and new construction, is badly disintegrated and plainly visible, both new and old, some as much as two inches. The roof is over a tank which is usually kept air-tight. This is sufficient proof that certain kinds of sewer gas wi11 disintegrate concrete, but I did not have the opportunity to prove or disprove that the same kind of gas is existing in our pipe sewers. As a result of my investigations, I do not believe that concrete sewer pipe is the equal of salt glazed or vitrified clay tile pipe for sanitary sewer ригровев. I believe that concrete sewer pipe, if as stressed by some engineers who recommend same, is rigidly inspected and is made in accordance with A.S.T.и. specifications, will in many cases serve as a conductor of sanitary domestic sowage as successfully as the salt glazed clay tile, which has been used in standard practice for many years. make it; Concrete pipe has the following good qualities: Straighter and more nearly of dimensions which the manufacturers try to Under present quotations a slight decrease in price delivered at stock pile or job - approximately 5%. A possibility of forcing the clay products people into making some reduction in price if enough cities adopt concrete; The favoring of home industry; That it has been favored by consideration of the American Society for Testing Materials, and that capable engineers of some large cities have endorsed same. Concrete pipe has the following disadvantages: Concrete pipe will not be sufficient or successful in carrying certain classes of commercial sewage which have a large amount of chemicals and acids; Each pipe as now made depends upon individual effort to get proper density; The bells of the concrete pipe as made by the local company are handtamped, and are not the equal in quality and density as the barrel of the pipe; Tests for leakage have shown that concrete is more porous, although pipe which do not leak can be made; Inspection will probably cost the City more; A visual inspection to disclose leaks is not as easy as with clay pipe. The fact that certain gases will disintegrate concrete and that although we know those gases are at work on our Disposal Plant, we have not had any tests made to prove or disprove that the same gases exist in our sewer pipe. 83 84 I wish to call your attention to the fact that some investigation should be made, or that you should be properly advised by some competent chemist before taking final action. If the concrete pipe is favored by the City authorities, I suggest that the burden of presenting the public and the City with laboratory-tested pipe be put upon the producer and not the City of Austin, and that the specifications include certain details to aid the practical use of same, which I will present if called upon. In the comparative tests made of both concrete and clay tile pipe errors were found in both classes of pipe in regard to the standard measurements, but I do not consider these vital in the study of the situation at hand, as it is possible for the manufacturers to rectify same, and I am sure that they will be glad to do so. In regard to the condition which exists at present that the concrete pipe will not fit into a standard olay tile pipe, it is probable that some method can be planned whereby this difficulty will be overcome. In the conversation with the Manager of the local Company which makes the pipe I find every evidence of desire to put out the best quality possible and one that meets all the practical requirements for concrete pipe. Respectfully submitted, (Sgd) Orin I. Metcalfe, Ass't City Engineer. Austin, Texas, March 8, 1927. Adam R. Johnson, City Manager and Yembers of the City Council, Austin, Texas. Gentlemen: As a result of my study of the practicability of the use of cement-concret pipe for sanitary sewer purposes, beg to advise that I have not been convinced that cement-concrete pipe is the equal of clay sewer pipe for sanitary purposes. The principal objection is the unknown extent to which disintegration may take place in isolated cases and the danger of leakage from some isolated case of porous cement-concrete pipe, which are sure to get by the Inspector. I have prepared specifications, which have been embodied in an Ordinance by the City Attorney which I believe will protect the City's interest in the use of cement-concrete sewer pipe as much as may be possible. I believe that the requirements embodied in these specifications are such that the City will be safe in using cement-concrete pipe for sanitary purposes, but there may be a few instances which may develop otherwise which will be the result of conditions which cannot be foreseen by an engineer or inspector. Respectfully submitted, Orin E. Metacafe, City Engineer. Mayor McFadden laid before the Council the following resolution: WHEREAS, the improvements on Lot No. 18, Block No, 8, of South Heights Addition, City of Austin, Texas, were assessed for taxes for the year 1926; and WHEREAS, it appears from the affidavit of W. O. Burton for Hattie Fuchs, owner of said property, that there were no improvements on said property on January 1st, 1926, and the City Council so finds; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: That the City Tax Assessor and Collector be instructed to strike said assessment as to said improvements from the rolls. Councilman Barker moved the adoption of the above resolution. Motion was seconded by Councilman Steck and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Mayor Moradden laid before the Council the following resolution: WHEREAS, the improvements on Lot 9, Outlot No. 72, Division "D", , Don Wilson Addition City of Austin, Texas, were assessed for taxes for the year 1926; and WHEREAS, it appears from the affidavit of L. S. Mansfield, owner of said property, that there were no improvements on said property on January 1s 1926, and the City Council so finds; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: That the City Tax Assessor and Collector be instructed to strike said assessment as to said improvements from the rolls. Councilman Barker moved the adoption of the above resolution. Notion was seconded by Councilman Steck and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Mayor McFadden laid before the Council the following resolution: WHEREAS, there was assessed for taxes for the year 1926, a certain Studebaker automobile as the property of J. T. Stockton in the sum of $600.00 and WHEREAS, it has been shown that said assessment is excessive and same should be $300.00; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: That said assessment be corrected so as to read $300.00, and that such fast be noted on the tax roll. Councilman Steck moved the adoption of the above resolution. Motion was seconded by Councilman Barker and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; naya, none, Councilman Reed absent. Mayor McFadden laid before the Council report of the Toxas Power and Light Committee. Councilman Steck moved that said report be ordered spread upon the Minutes. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. "March 22, 1927. TO THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: Since your body stated that it would authorize the employment of experts to advise you and this committee concerning the many technical matters which necessarily enter into an analysis and consideration of the proposal made by the Texas Power & Light Company to the City of Austin, this committee has given consideration to the persons whom it would recommend to you for this employment. This committee is of opinion that neither it, nor yourselves, nor our citizens will be able to obtain a correct or intelligent understanding of the proposal, or of a contract, if one shall be made, unless all are given expert advice from dependable persons concerning all the matter affecting rates, charges, cost, valuations, refunds, and like important matters. After consideration, we have agreed to recommend that the City employ Messrs. R. A. Thompson, now of Austin, and G. R. Kenny, of Los Angeles, California, to make the necessary investigation and report, and give the required advice concerning the proposed contract. Mr. Thompson is, perhaps, well known to all of you. He is a graduate of the University of Texas, and was at one time an instructor in its school of engineering. He has been engineer for the Texas Railroad Commission, valuation expert during nine years for the Interstate Commerce Commission, and engineer for the California Railroad Commission. As engineer for the California Commission he was in charge of all of the utilities in that State, including its water and electric utilities. He is now engineer for the Texas Highway Commission, and consulting engineer in the construction of the Garza Dam near Dallas, a structure costing about five million dollars. He has had, perhaps, more extensive experience with large utilities and important public matters relating to them than any one who 85 86 is available to us for this work. At one time Mr. Thompson was one of the water and light commissioners of the City of Austin, and, as such, acquired an intimate knowledge of our local situation. Mr. G. R. Kenny is an electrical expert. He is now general manager of the Western Appraisal Company of Los Angeles. He was formerly electrical engineer for the California Railroad Commission, and was employed for several years by Ford, Bacon & Davis, large utility owners, in their utility work. He is now engaged as an electrical and utility expert in the rate investigation involving the San Jauquin Light & Power Company at Fresno, California. These two gentlemen will agree to make the investigation necessary to advise the City (through yourselves, and this committee, and any one who may act for the City in the formation of the contract) and will advise it on all the questions coming within the scope of their expert and technical knowledge involved in the proposal. Their charge for these services will be two thousand dollars. These services will include the several investigations which must be made, and a report to the City on the matters involved, which report w111 contain an expert analysis of these matters and advice concerning them, They also include the giving by Mr. Thompson at the conclusion of his labors in the matters above mentioned, of a reasonable amount of time in advising the City Concerning questions which, it is thought, will arise during the preparation of the final agreement between the City and' and the Texas Power & Light Co Company, if an agreement is reached. Your committee believes that Messrs. Thompson and Kenny will be able to give the services and advice which will be required, and recommends that they be employed. (Sgd) Ben M. Barker, Chairman, J. B. Pope J. H. Hart V. H. Pannell A. C. Baldwin, Committee." Mayor McFadden laid before the Council the following resolution: WHEREAS, negotiations with the Texas Power & Light Company for a power contract and the rehabilitation of the Austin Dan have reached such a stage as to necessitate the employment of engineers to advise the City Council in the technical details of any contract that may be made between said Company and the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, it has been ascertained that R. A. Thompson, formerly Water & Light Commissioner of the City of Austin, formerly Engineer of the Texas Railroad COBI mission, formerly Engineer of the California Railroad Commission, and formerly Valuation Expert of the Interstate Commerce Commission, and at present Chief Engineer of the Texas Highway Commission, and an engineer of eminence and ability, and G. R. Kenny, formerly Electrical Engineer for the California Railroad Commission, and now General Manager of the Western Appraisal Company of Los Angeles, California, and an Electrical Expert with large experience with utility work and rate matters, can be secured to advise the City Council in the capacities aforesaid; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: 1. That said R. A. Thompson and said G. R. Kenny be and they are hereby employed by the City of Austin to make a complete technical and economic analysis of the matters involved in the negotiations between the Texas Power & Light Company and the City of Austin, particularly with respect to the charges proposed to be made for power and the probable amount and value of power which may be reasonably expected to be developed after a rehabilitation of the dam and power house situated on the Colorado River, and to report their conclusions on said matters to the City Council for its information and guidance; it being understood that said employment will include all matters of a technical nature which have arisen or will arise in the disposition of the pending negotiations, and it being G , further understood that said R. A. Thompson will sit with and advise the City Council and its representatives when desired, during any further negotiations and final adjustment of said matters between said Company and the City. 2. That said parties be paid jointly for their services the sum of $2,000.00, and said amount is hereby appropriated out of the Water & Light Fund of the City of Austin. 3. That the City Attorney be instructed to draft a contract in accordance with the terms of this resolution, and that the City Manager shall execute said contract on behalf of the City. Councilman Steck moved the adoption of the above resolution. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayca, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. The Mayor laid before the Council, for its third reading, the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING AND ADOPTING SPECIFICATIONS FOR PIPE TO BE USED FOR SANITARY SEWERS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN REGULATING THE USE OF SUCH PIPE, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES. The ordinance was read the third time and Mayor McFadden offered the following amendment to the ordinance: "Amend the caption of the ordinance by striking out the words, 'and providing penalties". Councilman Pannell moved that the amendment be adopted. Motion was seconded by Councilman Steck and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Mayor McFadden offered the following amendment to the ordinance: Councilman Pannell moved that amendment be adopted. "Amend the ordinance by striking out all of Section 3". Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Mayor McFadden offered the following amendment to the ordinance: "Amend the ordinance by substituting the Figure 4 in Section 4 with the Figure 3 in lieu thereof. Councilman Pannell moved that amendment be adopted. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Hofadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Councilman Pannell moved that the ordinance be finally passed. Motion was seconded by Councilman Steck and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Koradden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Mayor McFadden laid before the Council the following resolution: WHEREAS, the alley traversing Block No. 39, City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, has been closed and not used by the public for about twentyfive years; and WHEREAS, all of the owners of said block, consisting of Lots Nos. 1 to 8, both inclusive, have agreed and declared that said alley may be closed and taken from public use in accordance with the ordinances providing for such action; and WHEREAS, it appears that limitation has long since run against public use of said alley, and as a matter of fact said alley is not necessary for the public convenience; therefore, 87 88 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: That the alley traversing Block No. 39 in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, be and the same is hereby vacated and closed. Councilman Barker moved the adoption of the above resolution. Motion was seconded by Councilman Steck and same prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. Aoting City Manager Rector laid before the Council letter from City Engineer Metcalfe recommending the acceptance by the City of the Barton Oreek Bridge, and also letter from Terrell Bartlett Engineers, Inc., Designers of said structure, stating that same has been completed in accordance with specifications. Acting City Manager Rector was instructed to draw proper resolution accepting said work and present. same to the Council at its next meeting. Acting City Manager Rector was instructed to draw resolution granting to M. R. Crockett temporary use of the ground in front of his filling station at the corner of Riverside Drive and South Congress Avenue, same being the theoretical line of the sidewalk on South Congress Avenue, and present same to the City Council. Councilman Barker moved that the Council recess, subject to call of the Mayor. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor Mofadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck, 4; nays, none, Councilman Reed absent. The Council then recessed. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Austin, Texas, March 31, 1927. The Council was called to order by the Mayor. Roll call showed the following members present: Mayor KoFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, and Steck; 4, absent, Councilman Reed. Councilman Reed entered the Council Chamber. The Minutes of the last meeting were read and Councilman Barker moved that same be adopted. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, Reed, and Steck, 5; nays, none. B. F. Logan presented to the Council a petition signed by residents of Aldridge Place, requesting that North Guadalupe Street be opened up for one blook north from Twenty-ninth Street. Councilman Barker moved that the matter be referred to the City Engineer and City Manager for report to the Council, with recommendations, at the next regular meeting. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, Reed, and Steck, 5; nays, none. Acting A communication from the Becker Lumber Company, requesting permission to lay a spur track to their property facing south on East 4th Street, was read and Councilman Barker moved that the request be referred to the City Engineer and Acting City Manager for report back to the Council at its next regular meeting. Motion prevailed by the following vote: Ayes, Mayor McFadden, Councilmen Barker, Pannell, Reed, and Steck, 5; nays, none.