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Paving the Way: Austin's Urban Projects

Thursday, May 14, 1936 regular
  • Major Infrastructure & Traffic Upgrades:

    The city committed to significant public works, including adjusting water, electric, and sewer lines, maintaining new pavement, removing a bridge fence, and installing traffic lights and markers.
  • Commercial Development & Zoning Debates:

    Approved new commercial driveways and a drive-in gas station, while also holding a public hearing and deferring a decision on a proposed zoning change for Fredericksburg Road.
  • Utility Expansion & Community Life:

    Authorized the laying of new gas mains across several streets and proclaimed "Baseball Week" at the request of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
  • Citizen Tax Relief:

    Granted remission of penalties for overdue property taxes to two residents, provided they immediately paid the outstanding taxes and interest.

Full Transcript

470 agrees to do, or provide for the proper execution of, the following: 1. The City will satisfactorily make all necessary adjustments and/or replacements of all city water, electric, and sewer lines. 2. The City will make all arrangements with the owners of all telephone and gas lines for any replacements or adjustments necessary to conform to the improvements proposed by this project. 3. The City will maintain the pavement and appurtenances together with all shrubs and planting installed. 4. The City will remove and dispose of the wire mesh guard fence and posts existing adjacent to the south end of the Colorado River Bridge. 5. After completion of the project, the City agrees to install and maintain all traffic line markera, traffic control lights, and street lights necessary for the proper control, convenience, and protection of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 6. After completion of the project, and after the proposed creosote-treated timber post for guard rail have seasoned sufficiently, the City agrees to paint all exposed surfaces of the timber post, and to maintain same in a sightly condition. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, G1111s, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; naye, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Upon motion duly made and seconded the meeting was recessed, subject to call of the Mayor. Attes Stalle City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: Approved: Jom milla. Mayor. Austin, Texas, May 14, 1936. The meeting was called to order at 10:30 A. M., with Mayor Tom Miller presiding. Roll call showed the following members present: Councilmen O. F. Alford, Simon G11118, Mayor Tom Miller, and Councilman Oswald G. Wolf, 4; abeent, Councilman C. M. Bartholomew, 1. The Minutes of the regular meetings of April 9 and April 16 were read and upon motion of Councilman Wolf were adopted as read by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Gillis, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; nays, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Councilman Wolf introduced the following resolution: WHEREAS, G. K. Eifler is owner of Lot 7, Block C, Outlot 20, Division "D", of the Government Outlots adjoining the original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, which property abuts the east side of Guadalupe Street and the south side of West 20th Street, and being situated at the southeast corner of the intersection of said streets; and WHEREAS, Harry Akin, lessee of the above described property, has made application to the City Council of the City of Austin for permission to set the curb back from the 471 established curb line on the south side of West 20th Street and to build commercial driveways across the south sidewalk area of West 20th Street, and to set the curb back from the established curb line on the east side of Guadalupe Street and to build commercial driveways across the east sidewalk area of Guadalupe Street; and WHEREAS, a plan has been prepared showing the proposed layout of the above described curb setbacks and commercial driveways, which plan is hereto attached marked 2-4-95, and made a part hereof, and said plan has been considered and approved by the City Counc11 of the City of Austin; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT Harry Akin, lessee from G. K. Eifler, owner of Lot 7, Block C, Outlot 20, Division "D", of the Government Outlots adjoining the Original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, which property abuts the east side of Guadalupe Street and the south side of West 20th Street, and being situated at the southeast corner of the intersection of said streets, is hereby granted permission to set the curb back from the established curb line on the south side of West 20th Street and to build commercial driveways across the south sidewalk area of West 20th Street, and to set the curb back from the established curb line on the east side of Guadalupe Street and to build commercial driveways across the east sidewalk area of Guadalupe Street. Permission to construct the above described curb setbacks and commercial driveways is granted subject to the same's being constructed in accordance with the plan approved by the City Engineer of the City of Austin, which plan is hereby attached marked 2-0-95 and made a part hereof, and in accordance with the following conditione: (1) That the construction of the setback areas on West 20th Street and on Guadalupe Street shall be carried out in accordance with the accompanying plan marked 2-0-95, and that all such widened areas, driveways or ramps and curbs shall be constructed of concrete at the expense of the applicant. (2) That all such concrete shall be not less than 6 inches in thickness and shall be of the following proportions: 1 part cement, 22 parts of sand, and 4 parts of screened gravel or rock. (3) That the concrete curbs adjacent to the sidewalk area shall be not less than 6 inches high and that an expansion Joint not less than 3/4 inch thick shall be placed between the curb and the sidewalk as shown on the plan hereto attached marked 2-0-95. (4) That all such expansion Joints shall be of the pre-moulded type. (5) That all concrete work within the street area shall be done by a bonded sidewalk contractor. (6) That the applicant shall be required to clean the newly created ramp area at least twice per week and shall dispose of the debris at his expense. (7) That all work shall be done in accordance with lines and grades furnished by the Engineering Department of the City of Austin and under the direction of the City Engineer. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, G11118, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; naye, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Councilman Alford offered the following: Mr. Guiton Morgan City Manager Austin, Texas Dear Sir: "Austin, Teхав May 13, 1936 I have investigated the request of Jim Tucker, owner of Lot 33 and the north onehalf of Lot 32, of Speedway Heights within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, which property abuts the east side of Tom Green Street at a location north of East 31st Street, and being locally known as 3109 Tom Green Street, for permission to construct a flagstone walk from the curb line to the property line at the above described location. I recommend that this permit be granted at the above location, subject to the following conditions: That the stone shall be laid in a smooth and workmanlike manner and shall conform 472 to the sidewalk grades and curb grades as given by the Engineering Department of the City of Austin in order that same will not create a hazard to pedestrians. That the stone shall be placed upon a 4" concrete base and that all work within the City streets shall be done by a bonded sidewalk contractor and in accordance with the instructions and directions of the City Engineer of the Oity of Austin. Respectfully submitted, (Signed) J. E. Motheral, City Engineer. " (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, the curb and sidewalk specifications of the City of Austin which have been previously adopted by the City Council of the City of Austin require that all curbs and sidewalks be constructed of concrete unless a special permit has been secured from the City Council of the City of Austin to construct curbs, sidewalks and ramps of other materials; and WHEREAS, Jim Tucker, owner of Lot 33 and the north one-half of Lot 32, of Speedway Heights within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, which property abuts the east side of Tom Green Street at a location north of East 31st Street, and being locally known as 3109 Tom Green Street, has requested the City Council of the City of Austin to grant permission to construct a flagstone walk from the curb line to the property line at the above described location; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Austin has investigated and approved the construction of said flagstone walk; therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT Jim Tucker, owner of Lot 33 and the north one-half of Lot 32, of Speedway Heights within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, which property abuts the east side of Tom Green Street at a location north of East 31st Street, and being locally known as 3109 Tom Green Street, is hereby granted permission to construct a flagstone walk from the property line to the curb line at the above described location and said walk is to be constructed under the supervision and direction of the City Engineer of the City of Austin and in accordance with lines and grades furnished by the Engineering Department of the City of Austin, and further subject to the following conditions: That the stone shall be laid in a smooth and workmanlike manner and shall conform to the sidewalk grades and ourb grades as given by the Engineering Department of the City of Austin in order that same will not create a hazard to pedestrians. That the stone shall be placed upon a 4" concrete base and that all work within the City streets shall be done by a bonded sidewalk contractor and in accordance with the instructions and directions of the City Engineer of the City of Austin. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, G11118, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; nays, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Councilman Alford offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, Texas Public Service Company has presented to the City Council tentative maps or plans showing the proposed construction of its gas mains in the streets in the City of Austin hereafter named, and said maps or plans have been considered by the City Council; therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT Texas Public Service Company be and the same is hereby permitted to lay and construct its gas mains in and upon the following streets: (1) A gas main in SINCLAIR AVENUE, beginning at a point 15 feet south of the north line of West 44th Street and 9 feet west of the east line of Sinclair Avenue; Thence in a northerly direction with the centerline of a gas main, which centerline shall be 9 feet west of and parallel to the east line of said Sinclair Avenue, for a dis! 473 tance of 515 feet. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 20 feet. (2) A gas main in HARRIS AVENUE, beginning at a point 13 feet south of the north line of Harris Avenue and 65 feet west of the west line of Woodrow Street; Thence in a westerly direction with the centerline of a gas main, which centerline shall be 13 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said Harris Avenue, for a distance of 90 feet. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 21 feet. (3) A gas main in WEST FORTY-THIRD STREET, beginning at a point 20 feet south of the north line of said East 43rdStreet and 192 feet east of the east line of Red River Street; Thence in an easterly direction with the centerline of a gas main, which centerline shall be 20 feet south of and parallel to the north line of said East 43rd Street, for a distance of 541 feet. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 20 feet. The Texas Public Service Company is hereby put upon notice that the City of Austin does not guarantee that the space assigned above is clear from other underground utilities, but is based upon the best records we have at hand, and that the minimum depth stated does not have any reference to the fact that greater depths may not be required at special points. When the Texas Public Service Company requires definite information upon the ground as to elevations or working points from which to base the location of their assignments, they shall apply to the City Engineering Department not less than three (3) days before such information is required. The Texas Public Service Company is further put upon notice that they will be required to bear the expense of repairs or replacement of any underground utility damaged during the construction of lines named in this resolution. AND THAT whenever pavement is cut in the vicinity of a fire plug, water must be used at intervals during the course of backfilling of the ditches. THAT the work and laying of said gas mains, including the excavation in the streets and the restoration and maintenance of said streets after said mains have been laid, shall be under the supervision and direction of the City Manager, and under all the pertinent terms and conditions of the certain franchise granted to said Company by the City of Austin. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Gillis, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; naye, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Councilman Wolf offered the following: "Austin, Tехав May 13, 1936 Mr. Guiton Morgan Oity Manager Austin, Texas Dear Sirt We, the undersigned, have considered the application of Manfred Holck, owner of Lots 15 and 16, Block 10, of Hyde Park Addition #1 to the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, which property abuts the east side of Guadalupe Street and the north side of West 43rå Street, and being situated at the northeast corner of the intersection of said streets, for permission to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, ramps, sidewalks and commercial driveways in conjunction therewith upon the above described property, and we hereby advise that the following conditions exist: There is a filling station located upon the above described property at the present time, which filling station improvements are to be rearranged in accordance with the plan hereto attached marked 2-H-501. The property upon which this filling station is to be located is designated as "C" Commercial Use District as shown upon the zoning maps of the City of Austin. A storm sewer existe near the north curb line of 43rd Street at this location and a storm sewer inlet exists on the east curb line of Guadalupe Street at the north line of West 43rd Street. 474 We recommend that Manfred Holok be granted permission to construct, maintain and operate said drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, rampe, sidewalks and commercial driveways in conjunction therewith, subject to the following conditions: (1) That all buildings and equipment shall be placed inside of the property line, correct lines to be obtained before construction starts or equipment is installed. Lines and grades to be obtained from the City Engineering Department for entrances and driveways, building lines to be approved by the City Building Inspector. That the applicant shall confer with the City Engineering Department as to the future grades of the sidewalks and gutters on the adjacent streets before he starts any construction relative to the filling station. (2)That all construction of the filling station improvements shall be in accord with the Building Ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance, the Filling Station Ordinance, and in accord with the ordinance prohibiting the disposal of commercial water or oils upon the City streets. (3) That the grades of the station shall be such that no waste oils or water or any floor washings shall ever pass over the City sidewalk area and that all of said oils and water shall be concentrated into a combined grease and sand trap which shall be constructed in accordance with our standard plan 2-H-146 and shall be conducted by a pipe connection from said sand trap to the nearest storm sewer at the expense of the applicant. Before commencement of any construction, the applicant shall apply to the City Engineer for an esti- mate of the cost of that portion of the storm sewer which will have to be built within any City street or alley and shall deposit în escrow a sum equal to said estimate with the City Finance Director. (4) That all filling station improvements, pumps, driveways, ramps, gutters, sidewalks! and curbs shall be constructed of concrete at the expense of the applicant as set forth upon the plan hereto attached, which plan bears the City Engineer's file Number 2-H-501. (5) Expansion Joints shall be constructed as shown upon the plan hereto attached marked 2-H-501 and shall be of the pre-moulded type. (6) That before use of said station the owner shall apply to the Building Inspector for final inspection when he considers that he has complied with all the requirements of the City. Respectfully submitted, (Signed) J. E. Motheral, City Engineer. Lewis M. Hamby, Building Inspector. 11 (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT the City Council of the City of Austin hereby approves as a filling station site the property abutting the east side of Guadalupe Street and the north side of West 43rd Street, and being situated at the northeast corner of the intersection of said streets, which property is owned by Manfred Holck and is designated as Lots 15 and 16, Block 10, of Hyde Park Addition #1 to the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and hereby authorizes the said Manfred Holok to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct ourbs, ramps, sidewalks and commercial driveways in conjunction therewith, subject to the same's being constructed in compliance with all the ordinances relating thereto, and further subject to the foregoing attached recommendations and plans; and the Building Inspector is hereby authorized to issue an occupancy permit for the operation of this filling station after full compliance with all the provisions of this resolu- tion, and said permission shall be held to be granted and accepted subject to all necessary, reasonable and proper, present and future regulations and ordinances of the City of Austin, Texas, in the enforcement of proper police, traffic and fire regulations; and the right of revocation is retained if, after hearing, it is found by the City Council that the said Manfred Holck has failed and refused, and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations and ordinances. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Gillie, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; nays, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Councilman Wolf moved that, at the request of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor be authorized to issue a proclamation proclaiming the week of May 16-24 as "Baseball Week". The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Gillis, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; mays, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. 475 Mr. John C. Butler presented a petition signed by thirty-nine property owners, residents, lien holders, and parties at interest, indorsing the proposed change in zoning on the Fredericksburg Road from Residence "A" District to "C" Commercial District. Protests by Miss Nannie Dawson, Mrs. Elsie Fruth, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Templer, and E. H. Smartt, Attorney for a group of protestants, against the proposed change in zoning on the Fredericksburg Road from Residence "A" District to "C" Commercial District, were heard. Action on the above matter was deferred, pending the submission of a certain written agreement by the proponents of the proposed change. Councilman Wolf offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, taxes are owing on 128 feet by 420 feet, Block 3, Outlote 72 and 73, Division "E", City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, for the years 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, and 1935, in the name of Mrs. Ella N. Plant, together with interest, penalties, and court costs, amounting in the aggregate to $633.42; and WHEREAS, after an investigation of the facts, it is deemed proper that said penalties on said taxes, amounting to the sum of $22.06, should be remitted; therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT said penalties on said taxes for said years are hereby remitted; provided that all of said taxes and said interest and court costs are immediately paid. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, G1111s, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; nays, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Councilman Alford offered the following resolution: WHEREAS, taxes are owing on the West 23 feet of Lot 7 and all of Lot 8, Block 65, Original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, for the years 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, and 1934, in the name of Julia Foster, together with interest and penalties, amounting in the aggregate to $1274.46; and WHEREAS, after an investigation of the facts it is deemed proper that said penalties on said taxes, amounting to the sum of $47.94, should be remitted; therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT said penalties on said taxes for said years are hereby remitted; provided that all of said taxes and said interest are immediately paid. The foregoing resolution was adopted by the following vote: Ayes, Councilmen Alford, Gillis, Mayor Miller, and Councilman Wolf, 4; nays, none; Councilman Bartholomew absent, 1. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the meeting was recessed subject to call of the Mayor. Attest: Fallin mean City Clerk Approved: Jom Milla. Mayor