Austin Debates Major Land Acquisition
- City leaders held a public meeting to discuss a proposal to purchase the 93-acre Country Club property for $175,000, planning to fund it using existing city funds rather than new bonds.
- A public hearing took place where citizens voiced their opinions on the land deal, with representatives from the Country Club presenting their offer.
- An informal public vote, conducted by a show of hands, revealed overwhelming support for the city to acquire the property, with almost unanimous approval and only five opposing votes.
- Despite strong public backing, city leadership opted to take the matter under further advisement and study before announcing a final decision on the purchase.
Full Transcript
CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS NIGHT MEET ING SEPTEMBER 26,1946 8:00 P.M. Council Chamber, City Hall 0 The meeting was called to order, with Mayor Miller presiding. Roll call Present: Councilmen Bartholomew, Glass, Mayor Miller, Councilmen 5 Thornberry and Wolf Absent : None Present also: A large delegation of citizens. The Mayor stated that the meeting was called to give the citizens of Austin an opportunity to be heard on the matter before the City would consider entering into a contract for the purchase of the Country Club property, which, if purchased, would not be paid for out of bond money, but out of other funds of the City. The Mayor then called on the representatives of the Country Club to present their proposal to sell the City the Country Club property, consisting of a 93-acre tract with improvements, for the sum of $175,000.00, said proposal having been published in full in the daily newspapers. Thereupon, F. L. Kuykendall, spokesman for the Club, outlined said proposal to the meeting. Following which, all present were given an opportunity to be heard either for or against the matter. The following citizens spoke in favor of accepting the proposal: Judge Ben Powell; Landon Bradfield; Dr. Alberto Garcia; Ed Clark; D. Carlson; Rodney Kidd; Mr. Crow; and a number of others. Opposition to the purchase was voiced principally by Mrs. R.J. Bob Long; Edmund Travis; and one or two others. Following a lengthy discussion, in which the details of the proposed transaction were fully discussed, a motion was made by W. R. Nabours from the floor, and seconded, that all in favor of the City's purchasing the Country Club property make it known by a show of the hands; those opposed, by like sign. The motion carried almost unanimously, with only five hands opposing. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Thereupon, the Mayor stated that the City Council would take the matter under further advisement and additional study before letting the public know its decision. The meeting was then recessed at 9:30 P. M. Attest: Halli Me Hella City Clerk APPROVED: Jom Milla. MAYOR