1005 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Meeting March 04, 1947 3:00 P. M. Council Chamber, City Hall 1045 The meeting was called to order, with Mayor Miller presiding. Roll call Present: Councilmen Bartholomew, Glass, Mayor Miller, Councilmen Thornberry and Wolf - 5 Absent : None Present also: Guiton Morgan, City Manager; Trueman E. O'Quinn, City Attorney; T. B. Marshall, Tax Assessor and Collector; and J. D. Huffman, Director of Finance. The Mayor stated that the meeting was called primarily to discuss land. He stated the necessity of getting a competent group of three men to appraise the land on East Avenue for the highway, with the help that has been set up by Mr. Harry Smith of the Engineering Department and with the records furnished from the Tax Department. He stated that the City would have to appraise the land, make an offer and negotiate, and failing in negotiation, would have the right of condemnation, but that the City wanted to pay a reasonable and fair price for the property. The names of Leonard Robbins, Ted Wendlandt, and North Millican were suggested for this group, and upon motion of Councilman Thornberry that this group be appointed, these three names were appointed by unanimous vote. The Mayor stated that they should be paid for their services. The next proposition was the Butler Tract and the Disch Field. The Mayor stated that many people thought Mr. Knebel was doing the right thing in leasing this land for the ball park and that it would only be fair to give him a longer lease in that he was going to spend around $125.000.00 on the park. The City promised to open certain streets and furnish parking areas; and if Mr. Knebel hadn't taken over the Ball Park, the City would have had to do so. Also, the City will have to open the streets for other projects-- the Navy Training School, and later on, will have to use the steel for the Colosseum - and also that the Symphony Orchestra needs a building to use even temporarily. The Mayor pointed out a viaduck which was washed out, and that arrangements had already been made between the City Manager and Railroad. 1046 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 1046 Then he showed the plans for the Robert E. Lee Road. Later, the City would have to build a $25,000.00 bridge, and that more roads would be needed in Butler Park. The Park was definitely designated as Butler Park, and the ball park as Disch Field. The Council agreed to offer for sale 300 to 400 for at least $30,000.00, take that money, making Butler Park more serviceable and more beautiful and fixing up the road along the river with the profits. The west side of the underpass on Barton Springs Road, 291 x 1300' ought to bring about $50,000.00. Councilman Wolf inquired about the zoning. It was finally agreed to lease Mr. Knebel the ball park and the boundaries will be defined, and that he would not be allowed to sub-lease the ball park. He may sell concessions and advertisements, etc., but not transfer the lease without permission of the City Council. The City Manager was instructed to have Mr. Granger make a survey on the land to be sold, make a detailed report, and bring in his recommendations as soon as possible. The next proposition was the land on Sixth Street. There was a discussion about selling the north one-half of the block with the buildings on it. It was finally decided that the City Manager be instructed to draw up sales negotiations for the north one-half of the Nalle block, with the understanding that an alley would be opened up through it. The 169 acres by the St. John's Orphanage was discussed, and it was decided not to sell it at this time, but perhaps later on, and that deed restrictions would be placed on this property. The Council then discussed the Reappraisal Boards. A letter from the Architects submitted the name of Emil Niggli. It was moved by Councilman Thornberry that Mr. Niggli be added to the Reappraisal Board, and unanimously adopted. The names of Barnes Hoff and Paul A. Keller were submitted by the T.S.P.E., and it was unanimously decided that Paul A. Keller be ap pointed a member of the Board. Councilman Wolf submitted the name of Travis Howard. The name of John C. Ross was also submitted. The unions submitted the name of Mr. Dunnagan, who is in the insurance business. These three names were unanimously agreed on by the Council to be asked to serve on this Committee. The two committees as appointed were as follows: The Appraisal Committee to appraise the East Avenue property is as follows: Leonard Robbins Ted Wendlandt North Millican The Reappraisal Board for the reappraisal of the City is as follows: L. Theo Bellmont Chas. E. Green - Ed St. John Ted Wendlandt Willis Saver, Murray Ramsey - Landon Bradfield- Professor in the University Editor. American-Statesman , Outdoor Advertiser Real Estate Real Estate Developer Local Oil Man Nurseryman 1047 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 1047 Emil Niggli - Paul A. Keller Travis Howard John C. Ross H. B. Dunnagan North Millican - - - The meeting was then recessed. Attest: Hallie Mi Hella City Clerk Architect Engineer Nurseryman Business Man and Merchant Insurance Real Estate and Insurance Jom Milla. Approved: MAYOR