377 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting July 07, 1949 10:00 AM Council Chamber, City Hall 377 The meeting was called to order with Mayor Glass presiding. Roll Call: Present: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Absent: None Trueman E. O'Quinn, City Beverly Sheffield, John Eckert, Building Present also: Guiton Morgan, City Manager; Attorney; J. E. Motheral, Director of Public Works; Recreation Director; R. D. Thorp, Chief of Police; Inspector. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. MR. L. W. PRICE, AUSTIN GOLF ASSOCIATION, came before the Council to ask that the City take over the Golf Course now as requested by the Country Club and maintain it; that most of the Country Club members were using the course at the new Country Club. He stated the Municipal Golf Course was no t adequate for the number of players; and that if the City did take over the maintenance of the course at the Country Club, the Golf Association would promote golf and engage a pro to teach beginners and the young people. Later in the meeting, the City Manager presented a request from the Country Club, written to him on June 23, 1949, as follows: "It has been requested that the Country Club of Austin allow certain of its facilities on the property which you now own and on which the Country Club of Austin still has possession until January 1, 1950, to be used by you at the present time. "In accordance with this request, we are pleased to submit to you the following: (1) The golf course will be thrown open to the public under your supervision. The present members of the Country Club will continue to : 378 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 378 be allowed the use of this course with no additional charge to them; (2) The one large downstairs locker will be open to the public and in addition, the large shower room can also be used in connection with this locker room; (3) The back locker rooms, showers, and all facilities on the top floor will not be open to the public; (4) You will assume all maintenance and up-keep on the present course. The Country Club will continue to furnish porter service in the locker rooms. "We would appreciate an answer at your convenience. Thanking you, we are, Yours very truly, COUNTRY CLUB OF AUSTIN (S) Felix Reeves President The City Manager submitted the following figures showing an estimate of the amount needed for the operation of the course from now until the time the City takes full possession. PERSONAL SERVICES SALARIES AND MAGES 1 Manager $200.00 $1,200.00 1 Clerk 170.00 1,020.00 1 Foreman 160.00 960.00 2 Starters 130.00 780.00 .70 p.h. 650.00 6 Laborers $135.00 each 4,800.00 $ 9,410.00 OTHER SERVICES Telephone Transportation Car Allowance $10.00 per month Printing Laundry MATERIAL AND SUPPLIES Grass and seed $ 60.00 150.00 60.00 100.00 10.00 380.00 $ 100.00 Household and cleaning Ice Office Supplies Sundry 25.00 50.00 25.00 25.00 225.00 FIXED CHARGES MAINTENANCE Grounds, Dirt, Truck hire $ 1,000.00 Buildings Other equipment 50.00 100.00 1,150.00 CAPITAL OUTLAY Improvement to grounds Motored equipment Other equipment 379 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 379 $2,841.00 1,740.00 $4,581.00 $15.971.00 Grand Total The City Manager recommended that the Country Club golf course be accepted as a municipal course and that the necessary personnel be authorized and that the maintenance and changes be started. Councilman Long inquired if this would make the Country Club grounds a permanent golf course, as a number of citizens of north Austin, and the North AustinCivic Club had asked that it be used for playground purposes. It was explained this was a temporary arrangement and that part of the property would be considered as a playground after the highway right-of-way was laid off and it was determined how much would be left, and how much would be laid off as a golf course. Councilman Johnson moved that the recommendation of the City Manager to accept the golf course from the Country Club and maintain it and use it as a temporary course, be accepted. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Present but not voting: Councilman Drake Noes: None MR. JOE EDGAR appeared before the Council with reference to opening South 5th Street. The City Manager explained the delay, as the City was trying to negotiate peacefully with some colored people who did not want to give up their land, even though it had been condemned by the Courts and the money is available for them in the Courts at the present time; and that a little trouble is anticipated. The City Manager stated it probably would be necessary to send some of- ficers to police this when the men and equipment went through. The attorney for the colored people has informed these people that the City of Austin owns the land, but the negroes have now put a fence across the street property. Councilman MacCorkle moved that the City Manager be instructed to take the neces sary steps to proceed with opening this street as soon as possible and at the same time to proceed with preventing trouble as he had planned. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None REPRESENTATIVE JOHNNIE B. ROGERS appeared before the Council to ask the Council to intercede or influence or offer its help in getting the State Legislature to move the State Hospital to a tract of land near Jollyville and to sell the present land on Guadalupe. The Mayor stated the City welcomed state institutions and headquarters in Austin, but would be glad to do what he could, if the Legislature saw fit to keep the institution in the vicinity of Austin. 380 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 380 The Mayor brought up the following ordinance for second reading: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THAT CERTAIN ORDINANCE PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, JULY 17, 1941, AND RECORDED IN ORDINANCE BOOK "L", PAGES 152-174, INCLUSIVE, OF THE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, WHICH ORDINANCE WAS AMENDATORY OF THAT CERTAIN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING ZONING REGULATIONS AND DISTRICTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 23, 1931, AND RECORDED IN BOOK "I", PAGES 301-318, INCLUSIVE, OF THE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, THE AMENDATORY ORDINANCE HEREBY CHANGING THE HEIGHT AND AREA DESIGNATION FROM ITS PRESENT HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT TO FIFTH HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT ON ALL LOTS AND ACREAGE WHICH ABUT, OR ANY PART OF WHICH LIE WITHIN TWENTY-FIVE (25) FEET OF THE RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF CERTAIN PORTIONS OF EAST SEVENTH STREET FROM CHICON STREET EAST TO THE EAST CITY LIMIT LINE, BUT PROVIDING THAT WHERE THE RIGHT OF WAY WIDTH IS 80 FEET OR LESS SUCH SET-BACK SHALL BE 20 FEET, AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT FROM A POINT 324 FEET EAST OF THE CENTER LINE OF GUNTER STREET TO THE WEST LINE OF SPRINGDALE ROAD THE SET-BACK SAHLL BE A MAXIMUM OF 20 FEET REDUCED UNIFORMLY TO ZERO FEET AT SPRINGDALE ROAD, IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS; OR- DERING A CHANGE IN THE USE MAPS SO AS TO RECORD THE CHANGES HEREBY ORDERED; AND SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS. The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman Long moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to the third reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Thereupon the Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Councilman Long moved that the City Manager be instructed to have an ordinance drawn providing a 25 foot set-back on Lamar Boulevard, for the next regular Council meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None 381 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 381 Councilman Johnson ovvered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, the City Tax Assessor and Collector receives numerous applications for certificats evidencing full payment of ad valorem taxes or exceptions by years only, usually upon the transfer and sale of tracts, lots, and parcels of land; and WHEREAS, the furnishing of this service and accomodation to the buying and selling public is not required by law to be made by the City of Austin, but such services are furnished as an accomodation to the public and to facilitate the transfer and conveyance of real estate and other properties; and WHEREAS, the furnishing of these services requires considerable time and attention of two full-time deputies in the office of the City Tax Assessor and Collector; and WHEREAS, the state law authorizes each County Tax Assessor and Collector to make a charge of 50f for each tax certificate furnished under similar circumstances but forbids the charging of a fee for the furnishing of a tax statement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That from and after the 15th day of July, 1949, the following schedule of charges shall be in effect for the issuance of all tax certificates and duplicates thereof by the City Tax Assessor and Collector: 1. For each ad valorem tax certificate issued bearing the signature of the City Tax Assessor and Collector, the Tax Assessor and Collector shall charge 50 to be paid by the applicant therefor. 2. For each duplicate ad valorem tax certificate issued within 30 days from date of the orignal certificate the Tax Assessor and collector shall charge 25¢ to be paid by the applicant therefor. 3. For the issuance of each statement of ad valorem taxes due the City of Austin, showing the amounts of taxes, penalties, and interest, together with a description of the property involved, no fee shall be charged. Which motion carrying with it the adoption of the resolution, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None 382 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 382 Councilman Long offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (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 BLUEBONNET LANE, from Peach Tree Street southerly 674 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 20 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said BLUEBONNET LANE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of notless than 2 feet. (2) A gas main in BRENTWOOD STREET, from a point 217 feet east of Guadalupe Street easterly 100 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 7 feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said BRENTWOOD STREET. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of notless than 2 feet. (3) A gas main in WEST 55th STREET, from a point 234 feet west of Chesterfield Avenue westerly 108 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 7 feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said WEST 55th STREET. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of notless than 2 feet. (4) A gas main in WEST ANNIE STREET, from South 1st Street easterly 184 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 18 feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said WEST ANNIE STREET. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (5) A gas main in NORWALK LANE, from Quarry Road southerly 88 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 32 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said NORWALK LANE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (6) A gas main in ROSEWOOD AVENUE from a point 137 feet east 383 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS of Chestnut Avenue easterly 722 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 13 feet north of and parallel to the south property line of said ROSEWOOD AVENUE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (7) A gas main in ALGUNO ROAD, from Woodrow Avenue to Arroyo Seca, the centerline of which gas main shall be 7½ feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said ALGUNO ROAD. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (8) A gas main in KIRK AVENUE, from Govalle Avenue northerly 158 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 7 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said KIRK AVENUE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (9) A gas main in EAST 3rd STREET, from Elkhart Street easterly 137 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 7 feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said EAST 3rd STREET. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (10) A gas main in WEST 49th STREET, from Shoal Creek Boulevard easterly 117 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 7½ feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said WEST 49th STREET. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (11) A gas main in KIRK AVENUE, from a point 140 feet north of Govalle Avenue northerly 102 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 7 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said KIRK AVENUE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. 383 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 Department of Public Works 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 384 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 384 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 franchises granted to said company by the City of Austin. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Mayor Glass introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT OF A PORTION OF INDIAN TRAIL FROM THE EAST LINE OF VISTA LANE TO THE WEST LINE OF SHARON LANE, IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS; AND DIRECTING THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SUCH IMPROVEMENTS BE PREPARED AND FILED; AND DIRECTING AN ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS BE DELIVERED AND FILED; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS. The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman MacCorkle moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to the second reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman MacCorkle moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to the third reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Drake moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Councilman Johnson introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THAT CERTAIN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE REGULATING TRAFFIC UPON THE PUBLIC STREETS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN; PRESCRIBING PENALTIES 385 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 385 FOR THE VIOLATION OF SAME; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY," WHICH ORDINANCE WAS PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN MAY 6, 1937, AND IS RECORDED IN BOOK "K", PAGES 159-179, INCLUSIVE OF THE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, BY AMENDING SECTION 12(b) OF ARTICLE III RELATING TO STOP SIGN LOCATIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman Long moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to the second reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman MacCorkle moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to the third reading. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. The Mayor read the following telegram in reference to rent decontrol: Trueman E O'Quinn: City Attorney Austin, Texas July 7, 1949 It is our opinion that a city may defer to a future date the effective date of decontrol under Section 204/3/13/ of the Housing and Rent Act of 1949 provided there is finding as a result of a public hearing held after ten days notice that at the time of the passage of the resolution there no longer exists such a shortage in rental housing accommodations as to require rent control in such city. Tighe E Woods Housing Expediter Washington Mayor Glass offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of "Housing and Rent Act of 1949" 386 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 386 enacted by the 81st Congress of the United States, 1st Session, and approved March 30, 1949, the City Council of the City of Austin, Texas held a public hearing after ten days' notice in the Council Chamber of the City of Austin on the 5th day of July, 1949, to determine whether there no longer exists such a shortage in rental housing accommodations as to require rent control in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the City Council has made findings reached as a result of such public hearing held on the 5th day of July, 1949, that there no longer exists such a shortage in rental housing accommodations as to require rent control in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the City Council deems it expedient and an accommodation to the general public, including both the landlords and the tenants, that the effective date for discontinuance of rent controls in the City of Austin be the 1st day of September, 1949; Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That there no longer exists such a shortage in rental housing accommodations in the City of Austin as to require rent control in the City of Austin, based upon findings by the City Council reached as a result of a public hearing held in the City of Austin after ten days notice on the 5th day of July, 1949, this Resolution being adopted in accordance with applicable local law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The Housing Expediter, as referred to in the Housing and Rent Act of 1949", be and he is hereby requested to terminate the provisions of the "Housing and Rent Act of 1947" and of the "Housing and Rent Act of 1949" in the City of Austin effective the first day of September, 1949; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That in accordance with law this Resolution be presented to the Governor of the State of Texas for his approval before being transmitted to the Housing Expediter for his action. Which motion, carrying with it the adoption of the resolution, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The City Manager submitted the following report on the hospital survey: "The following figures are furnished in accordance with the Council's request for information regarding total hospital facitlities in the City of Austin. "At the present time, Brackenridge Hospital has 237 bed capacity, Seton has 121, St. David's 61, and Holy Cross 19, being a total of 438. In addition, Brackenridge has 35 basinets, Seton 30, St. David's 16, and Holy Cross 7, a total of 88. This is a total of 526 of both beds and basinets, and on the basis of 150,000 population, 3.9 beds per thousand. 387 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 387 Seton Infirmary has recently added 40 beds, which is included in these figures. "Holy Cross has under consideration a 31 bed addition and the University is building a hospital with 84 beds capacity and this additional 115 bed capacity will be in use some time in 1950. Adding our 438 bed capacity, plus the present 88 basinets, the total capacity of Austin in 1950 will be 641 and on the basis of 155,000 population, the figures will be 4.1 beds per thousand of population. The University hospital will, of course, be limited to students and will not be available for the general public, and perhaps the effect of this construction should be at least partially discounted. It is true that it will handle the students who are now hospitalized in the present City and private hospitals. "If the present plans for Brackenridge Hospital are carried out, 150 additional beds will become available in 1951, making a total of 791, including basinets and assuming a population of 160,000 in 1951, the hospital beds per thousand of population will be approximately 5. All of these figures are short of the hospitalization standards generally adopted as desirable by the public health services throughout the country. "In 1948, of the 237 bed rated capacity at Brackenridge Hospital, the average daily census was 148. At Seton Infirmary, the average daily cansus was 68, at St. David's 43, and at Holy Cross 11. Excluding the basi- nets and taking the present total bed capacity of 438 and a total of the average daily census of these four hospitals, at 270 the daily average occupancy is 62%. In considering these figures, however, it must be borne in mind that all of the hospitals are divided into various wards and services. For instance, vacant bed spaces in the obstetric wards are not generally available for other types of patients. Similarly, in the Polioward at Brackenridge Hospital, vacant beds are not available for the usual type of surgical and medical patients. Also, in the Negro Annex of Brackenridge Hospital, vacant beds there are not generally available. This means that while the average daily census is only a little less than twothirds of the total rated bed capacity, the actual capacity of these hos- pitals in certain services and of Brackenridge Hospital in particular, will not show this percentage readily and in particular, the medical and surgical facilities at Brackenridge Hospital are often crowded. "Under the present schedule of proposed improvements for Brackenridge Hospital, a total of $1,000,000 for construction, equipment and other expansion costs is to come from the sale of General Obligation Bonds of the City voted for that purpose, and $500,000 as a grant from the Federal Government, to be made available through the State Health Department. The architects have six months of work yet to do on detailed plans and specifications and this work could not be put under contract before January of 1950. It would take about18 months for this job to be completed and ready for use, which means that even if the present plans are carried out, the facilities would not be available before the summer of 1951. "I think it is quite true that the 150 bed addition to Brackenridge Hospital is more than is needed at this time and possible more than will be needed in 1950, and it is problematical based on the growth of Austin. 88 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 388 when this entire expansion will be required. Until such time as it would be needed certain parts of the building could be left unused but would be available if necessary. The total budgeted appropriation for the hospital this year is approximately $775,000, which will be offset by an estimated $375,000 from pay cases, leaving a net operating deficit of $400,000 for 1949. If the hospital as presently planned should have to be fully staffed, the total budgeted appropriation would probably be about $1,000,000, and the net operating deficit would likely be $500,000 to $550,000 a year. ".... "If any change whatever is made in the present plans, most of the architectural work which has been done will have to be scrapped, as the allocation of space in the hospital, both old and new, will have to be redetermined. The expansion as planned may make it unnecessary for any further expansion to be made for a number of years. Also, if the costs of the hospital further increase, it may be necessary to do what other cities and counties have considered doing, and that is to attempt to secure, through the Legislature, an authorization for a county-wide hospital tax for the benefit of the hospital. The City of Dallas and Dallas County have been faced with this situation where the cost of the hospital has been jointly carried by the City and County governments. In Austin, the cost of the hospital has been entirely carried by the City of Austin. The Brackenridge Hospital does serve a wider area than just the City of Austin and the County does admit County patients and reimburses the hospital for their care at the regular rates. When it comes to the City cases, however, I am sure that there are instances where people who are not bona-fide residents of the City of Austin and as such the cost is met by the taxpayers of the City only. The question of financing will have to be met, however, whenever the enlarged hospital must be staffed to anything like its full capacity." The City Manager after submitting his report in detail stated that the the Council instructed him to apply for $500,000 federal grant for enlarging the present hospital; and that much progress has been made as authorized; that it was a matter of policy for the Council, if it felt any part should be cut out; but as they planninghad gone pretty far, money would be lost on the architectual plans. He stated that when the hospital was enlarged, staffed and equipped and in use, it might be necessary to go before the Legislature to get authority for a county-wide hospital tax, to help on the deficit. DR. J. M. COLEMAN appeared before the Council in the interest of this Hospital discussion. He represented the public health of the community, and the medical profession. He called attention to the fact that the people of Austin asked for a bond issue and placed it second, second to education; and in that vote expressed a desire for hospital expansion. He stated in the statis tices and survey, that basinets should not be included in the figure. DR. COLEMAN stated 438 beds on the basis of 150,000 population would be 2.8 hospital beds per thousand as against a U.S.P.H.S figure of 4.5 as a minimum. In addition th re should be considered 2.5 beds in the trade area, and that the city needs a minimum of 675 beds now. He stated the national average was 22 admissions per bed per year. Brackenridge has 30 admissions per bed per year. He pointed out that Brackenridge was a departmentalized hospital and was a plan of service 389 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 389 to protect the people the most. In the isolation wards, maybe one case of a particular disease would tie up a two-bed room. Polio wards are reserved for certain times of the year. He stated that private hospitals ran $2.17 low on each patient; but these hospitals were kept up by endowments. Hospital operation would not attract private capital, as it is not a profitable business. If construction costs are a problem they are just as high for the new police building, municipal building. The people voted for them. Out of town people coming into Austin for hospital services are an asset to the whole community. People of medical skill will not be attracted to a community if it does not have good hospital facilities. Dr. Coleman felt it necessary to ask for every bit of the expenditure for the expansion of the hospital. DR. DECHERD stated the University Hospital would take very little from Brackenridge, as they averaged 1.9 per day. MRS. BROWN stated she did not want the county tax raised to take care of the Hospital. DR. GARCIA spoke saying he understood this building program was to be postponed until depression times, and he wanted the program started now to ward off a depression. DR. EVERETT GIVENS spoke in favor of continuing with the building as planned and to include more space for the colored people. He stated there were 69 beds for between 25,000 and 30,000 negroes, and only four private rooms. He expressed a desire to have colored nurses in Brackenridge Hospital for the colored section and suggested a piece of property on Sabine which the City now owns as a location for a nurses home and a place where the nurses could be trained. MAYOR GLASS stated he would like for the Council to meet with the doctors and go over all the plans and the entire program with the City Manager, and the Administrator of the Hospital, and see if there is any way to handle the program more economically. MR. PAUL H. PFEIFFER appeared before the Council stating that Washington had ruled that people must declare whether or not they are members of the Communist party if challenged, when they are dealing with matters of public interest. He stated he would like to recommend to the Council that on any public issue, when people spoke, that any individual at that meeting may be permitted to ask them if they were members of the Communist party or any party which is questionable to our national government; and if they refuse to clarify their position, that they not be permitted to take part, and any statement previously madenot be included in the record. MR. S. C. MCINTOSH appeared before the Council regarding the set-back on his property on East 7th on Allen. It was brought out, this was not a set-back problem, but one of drainage, and the City Manager was instructed to have the Engineering Department work this out with Mr. McIntosh and others in that immediate area. Councilman Johnson moved that the following taxicab operator's license duly recommended by the City Manager, be granted: WALKER, William McKinley The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: 1207 Alamo 1940 Plymouth Sedan, Motor No. 20075827, License No. BA 6288 Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None 340 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 390 Councilman Johnson moved that the following Taxicab Terminal Operator's License, duly recommended by the City Manager, be granted: THELMAN GRAY 2009 Tillotson Avenue The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Long moved that the following taxi-cab driver permits, duly recommended by the City Manager, be granted: TAYLOR, Billy Lynn DUNNING, Jack Hampton BUTLER, Willie ALEXANDER, Leonard Beatrice TAYLOR, James Albert The motion carried by the following vote: 2607 Shannon Road 610 Fletcher Street 1507 Juliet 2503 Bryant Street 601 Barton Springs Road Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman MacCorkle moved that the following application for taxicab drivers license be denied; due to his police record. PERKINS, Elish 2010 Tillotson The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, MacCorkle Noes: Councilmen Long, Mayor Glass Councilman Drake moved that the following Beer and Wine Permit, duly recommended by the City Manager, be granted: ADOLFO TREVINO & PETE PADILLA MI JACALITO CAFE 2217 Webberville Road The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Drake moved that the following Beer Retailers "On Premise License, duly recommended by the City Manager, be granted: NILE GRILL, EDWARD E. GILLETT 1207 Red River Street The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None 11 391 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 391 Councilman MacCorkle moved that the following Package Store Permit, duly recommended by the City Manager, be granted: BARTON ROAD PACKAGE STORE BEN BARBEE 300 Barton Springs Road The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The question of obtaining equipment for the compost project at St. Edwards was brought up for further discussion. At the previous meeting, estimates were submitted on the purchase of the equipment. The City Manager was instructed to obtain estimates on the cost of renting and operating this equipment, and the City Manager submitted the following report: "In compliance with your request, we have asked for rental rates for a tractor angledozer and scraper to be used in the compost project at St. Edwards. We requested prices from the following: Raymond Canion S. B. Ricks Lee Maners C. H. Lester Rex Kitchens J. R. Canion Collins Construction Company Joe Bland Construction Company "We have received only two (2) quotations, which are as follows: Raymond Canion One (1) C. H. Lester - - D7 Caterpillar tractor with 12-foot angledozer and 7 yard scraper at $8.75 per hour One (1) HDLO AC tractor with 9-foot dozer end 8.2 cubic yard scraper at $10.00 per hour. 'Wither of these units would do the work we have in mind but are slightly smaller than the machine we intended using. "For comparison between the rented equipment and our original recommendation, we have assumed a life expectancy of eight (8) years for a new tractor and scraper and have based the operator's salary, maintenance and fuel on our past records, and have assumed that we will operate 200 hours per month. Depreciation Operation $0.90 per hour 1.00 转 11 Maintenance 0.35 14 If Fuel 0.50 11 11 $2.75 Total operating cost "200 hours x $6.00 equals $1200.00 per month.. or $14,400.00 per year to be applied on the cost of a new tractor and grader. 392 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 392 "Rental at $8.75 per hour for 200 hours per month equals $1,750.00 or $21,000.00 per year." After consideration of both estimates, it was found it would be more economical to purchase the equipment than to rent it. Councilman Drake moved that the City Manager be authorized to purchase the equipment from R. B. George Equipment Company as previously recommended. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Johnson moved that the following application for change of zoning be set for public hearing at 2:30 July 28, 1949: JOHN S. RUSH Lots 1 - 10, John Rush Subdivision, between Middle Fiskville Road, Clayton Lane, and Highway 20, 801 through 821 Clay- ton Lane. To From "A" Residential "C" Commercial RECOMMENDED by the Zoning Board of Adjust- ment. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Long moved that the following application for change of zoning be referred to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for consideration and recommendation: RONALD A. WEAVER, Leasee From "C" Commercial FRANK DEL CURTO (owner) 2304 Fredericksburg Road To "C-1" Commercial The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The Council received a petition from citizens living within the Travis County Water Control and Improvement District No. 2, asking the City to furnish this district with water; to buy the Water District, and improve the utilities in that district. Councilman Drake moved that this petition be referred to the City Manager for his recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The Mayor read the following letter from the President of the School Board: 393 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 393 "July 6, 1949 "The Board of Education of the Austin Public Schools requests the City Council to levy and collect a tax of $1.15 on the one hundred dollars worth of taxable property for the main- tenance of the Austin Public Schools for the school year, 1949-1950. This is in accordance with Article XII, Section 2, subsection (2) of the Charter of the City of Austin. Very truly yours, (S) R. W. Byram R. W. Byram, President" It was decided by the Council to wait until September to set the tax rate as by that time it will be known whether or not the schools will receive the $175,000 from the Utility Fund (opinion from the Attorney General) and whether or not they will receive the requested amount from the Gilmer-Akin Bill and if they receive both, it was thought perhaps the School Board might reconsider the question of reducing their tax. Mayor Glass moved that the City Council vote to raise the salary of the City Manager from $11,000 to $15,000, effective June 1, 1949. Councilman Drake seconding the motion, and the motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None There being no further business, the Council adjourned. APPROVED: Taylor Glase OTED: Taylor ATTEST: to baie Nosaly