CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting April 26, 1951. 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall 341 341 The meeting was called to order with Mayor Glass presiding. Roll Call: Present: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Absent: None Present also: Walter E. Seaholm, City Manager; Trueman E. O'Quinn, City Attorney; C. G. Levander, Director of Public Works; R. D. Thorp, Chief of Police: W. H. Klapproth, Traffic Engineer. tors. The Council greeted MRS. TAYLOR GLASS and LAURA ELLEN GLASS who were visiMR. M. D. MOSTELLER presented Mayor Glass with a gun, the case for which was given by Councilman Drake. MR. JESS ALLMAN presented the Mayor with a fishing tackle box. MRS. GLASS and LAURA ELLEN were given bouquets by MR. WALTER GUTTMAN. The Mayor thanked the citizens of Austin for their support and wonderful understanding shown the Council, and expressed his pleasure in serving on the Council. He felt that the Council had all worked together, and the employees had worked and cooperated all the way through. MRS. INEZ WHEELER asked that the Speedway Alley between East 30th and East 31st Streets NOT be opened to provide access to property now under construction in the block; as if it should be opened, it would have to be filled in, and this would bring the alley up to a level with her windows. Her house in on the property line. She asked if this alley did have to be opened, would she be allowed time to remove the shrubbery she had planted. She was advised if she could get all the property owners in the block to agree to closing the alley, it could be vacated; but as it was now, the alley was designated and was needed to provide 342 342 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS an access to this other property. She was told to check with the Department of Public Works about giving her time to remove her shrubbery. Councilman MacCorkle moved that a public hearing be set at 11:00 Α.Μ., May 17, 1951, to consider a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Item 4 of Section 5, to permit in "B" Residence Districts, headquarter buildings for professional organizations, and defining the term "club" and "profession". The motion, seconded by Councilman Johnson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None RUDOLPH RYANS, (Colored) inquiried about the taxi-cab franchise of the MODERN CAB COMPANY. The City Attorney stated the Taxi-cab Inspector would have a report to submit to the City Manager this week; that Ryans was not complying with the franchise requirements, and that Ryans would have a hearing on it. MR. DENSON stated he wanted to buy this franchise. He was advised to take the matter up with MR. J. E. MCCLAIN and MR. J. D. HUFFMAN; and if something could be worked outin this line, there would be no need of RUDOLPH RYANS having a hearing before the Council. MR. D. E. LAKE made inquiry about the bids for the fire equipment. The City Manager stated he probably would have a recommendation by next Thursday, as he had not had a chance to go over the bids at this time. Public hearing was held on the proposed one-way street plan. The Traffic Engineer made an explanation of the master plan, showing the movement of traffic, the areas involved in this particular study, and how the plans were made as to the starting points of the one-way streets--their pairs, and the final recommendation. He pointed out the perfect pattern in which these streets would fit in with the bridge which is to be constructed between Lavaca and Guadalupe Streets across the River; and the fact that the one-way streets would carry from 50% to 75% more traffic; and the fact that the down-town district would benefit by them. A decentralization program of different types of businesses moving out of the down-town areas is underway; and to keep business down town, routes must be furnished for the people and sufficient terminal facilities must be furnished. MR. DON ABLE submitted a petition with approximately 122 names representing merchants opposing one-way on Sixth street, stating that "the changing of Sixth Street to a one way street will hurt not only the amount of business that we anticipate doing, but feel that it will affect the collecting of debts incurred by the people that shop on this street. We also sincerely believe that Sixth Street is a main artery and should be considered in much the same light as would the Council consider Congress Avenue. We, therefore, petition the City Council of Austin, Texas, not to make Sixth Street a one way street, but leave it as it is today." Mr. Able read a statement (Copy on file in City Clerk's Office under STREETS One-way) in opposition, stating this plan was not in the interest and welfare of the general public and would increase the traffic hazard. - 343 343 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MR. JOHN NASH, JR., Capitol Chevrolet Company, submitted petitions in opposition to one-way streets, reading as follows: "We, the undersigned owners of property abutting on West Fifth Street, between Lavaca and Guadalupe Streets, and also between Lamar Boulevard on the West and West Avenue on the East, respectively protest the designation of West Fifth Street as a one-way thoroughfare. In order to meet any problem of traffic, we propose that the City widen said street in the places mentioned an additional ten (10) feet, plus curbs and gutters on both sides of Fifth Street. We agree to pay and have assessed against our property the cost of this widening, not to exceed $6.50 per lineal foot. We respectfully point out that because of the "bottlenecks" above described only two lanes of traffic are now open. With the proposed widening, four lanes will be available --two lanes to carry traffic going West, and two lanes to carry traffic going East. This proposal will take care of all of the traffic which could be handled under a one-way designation and at the same time carry an equal amount of traffic in the proposed direction. "The foregoing offer is made only upon condition that said street shall not be designated as a one-way thoroughfare, "Respectfully submitted, (S) Capitol Chevrolet, Inc., (Already done) (S) Estate of Mrs. Joe Wooten, By D. W. Wooten (S) Swearingen Armstrong, by, W. A. Swearingen (S) Geo. T. Reinhardt (S) J. M. Odom (S) Guiditta Franzetti, By Joe C. Franzetti, Agent. (S) Estate of E. P. Wilmot, by Elizabeth Wilmot Roberdeau (S) James T. Peal (S) J. F. Steussy A petition signed by Paul Simms, Joe A. Goeth, and Lem Scarbrough, owners of property abutting on West Sixth Street, between Lamar Boulevard on the West and West Avenue on the East, was also filed, stating they proposed that the City widen said street in the place mentioned an additional ten feet, plus curbs and gutters, on both sides, and the they agreed to pay and have assessed against their property the cost of this widening, not to exceed $6.50 per lineal foot. This offer was made upon condition that said street would not be designated as a one way thoroughfare. (Petition on file in City Clerk's Office under "Streets-One-way" Another petition carrying 53 signatures was filed in opposition to making Fifth Street one way, stating this was not critical enough that they should have their business injured by the loss of business due to one-way traffic. Their customers would not drive around and around to try to get to their place of business, and especially those who come from out of town to trade with them. 344 344 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MR. NASH, in his opposition, suggested the opening of West Lynn and Exposition Boulevard, thinking the City owned enough property on those streets to widen them. Mr. Schulle, although he had not signed the petition, stated before the Council that he would pay for his part of widening West 5th Street. Mr. Nash thought if the streets were widened to their capacity and Exposition Boulevard and West Lynn were opened, the congestion would be ended at 12th and Lamar. He asked that the Council wait until all other resources were exhausted before going into this program. He stated double parking was a cause of traffic congestion, and he felt the merchants would get together and do something about that. MR. A. C. BULL opposed making 6th Street one-way as it is the only eastwest street running from city-limit to city-limit. MRS. A. F. HARDCASTLE, 1501 West 6th Street expressed opposition, and made several recommendations: Prohibit double parking; Widen West 6th Street to its fullest extent; limit parking in congested areas; better synchronization of traffic lights; remove the little yellow buttons in a number of the streets; mark lanes on the streets and maintain better traffic enforcement. MR. M. H. CROCKETT was in opposition to the plan of one-way traffic. MR. LUCIAN DEAN asked that one way streets not be put in until we get the two new bridges and proper traffic signals. He felt he had been hurt by the two streets now as there were inadequate signals. His place of business was at 5th and Brazos. G. B. KNAPP, 910 Brazos, suggested opening 7th through 10th Streets all the way through. MR. BOB ERWIN, 300 Block E. 6th Street complained of double parking in this area; also he stated he parked his car all day long, as well as others in the block parking their cars all day in front of their businesses. The Mayor stated the merchants who parked all day in front of their stores were hurting their own business. MR. RECTOR ALLEN, Scacbroughs, asked that the Council not accept the recommendation to make 6th Street a oneway street. F. R. OATES expressed opposition. MR. R. E. LEIGH asked that the streets be widened and parking be restricted on certain streets. MR. W. L. BRADFIELD asked that further study be made about this plan. MR. A. W. PENN asked that the methods suggested this morning be used first, before making these streets one-way. MR. JOHN AYCOCK felt the whole trouble was lack of parking spaces; that more time was spent in trying to park than in moving along, and suggested that lots owned by the City could be used for parking. He suggested parking lote and the use of shuttle busses for people whose cars would be parked all day; bet ter enforcement of the parking spaces in the down-town area and checking every hour to keep cars moving out every hour. MR. DAVID LAMME expressed opposition. MR. CHAS. SANDAHL submitted a list of recommendations worked out in 1947 by the Chamber of Commerce Committee, some of which are being carried out now. The Mayor explained that as the money became available, more improvements could be made. MR. SANDAHL suggested that deliveries to concerns be made not later than 9:30. Others spoke in opposition and many mentioned the parking problems. The Mayor asked if the group felt the City should go into the parking-lot business, as private enterprise had not provided them as yet. MR. DON KNIGHT fromWestern Auto asked about the traffic at the drive-in bank, stating his drive-way would be completely blocked off by a one-way street. The Mayor stated problems like this would be noted and worked out. MR. NASH respectfully asked that at the time the Council voted on these one-way streets, that everyone signing the petitions be notified. The City Attorney cleared several points which had been made regarding the solving of the traffic problem: 1. That the Council had no power to divert any public park into a parking lot: 2. The suggestion of taking a part of the capitol grounds as parking space--that was something the Council had nothing CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 345 345 to do with; and 3. The City did not own the property necessary to widen Exposition Boulevard, as that was University land. MR. J. E. STERROCK asked that the group present at the hearing give a rising vote of thanks to the Council for holding public hearings like this one, and for serving the City. MAYOR GLASS suggested that the Council have an ordinance to prohibit the switching of railroad cars during the busy hours around 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. drawn up. The following persons were nominated as members of the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD; and Councilman Johnson moved their appointment: MRS. ALDEN DAVIS MRS. R. N. LEWIS DR. D. K. BRACE MR. NASH MORENO MR. M. D. MOSTELLER MR. W. T. CASWELL MR. FRANK QUINN The motion, seconded by Councilman Drake, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None MR. R. W. BYRAM was nominated as a member of the City Plan Commission, to fill the unexpired term of GEORGE WALLING who resigned the last of January of this year. (Mr. Walter Koch, previously appointed on March 1, 1951, was unable to accept this appointment) Councilman MacCorkle moved that MR. R. W. BYRAM be appointed as a member of the City Plan Commission. The motion, seconded by Councilman Drake, carried by the following vote : Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None The City Manager stated the American Legion had requested the use of Zilker Park for its annual celebration on July 4, 1951. Councilman Johnson moved that the American Legion be permited to use Zilker Park for its celebration on July 4, 1951, in connection with the Recreation Department. The motion, seconded by Councilman Drake, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None MAYOR GLASS notified the Council that a special meeting was called at 10:00 A.M., May 1st, for the new Council to take oaths of office and to make necessary appointments. The Mayor was named Moderator of this meeting for the purpose of organizing the new Council, by informal agreement of the Council. 346 346 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Councilman Johnson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company has presented to the City Council tentative maps or plans showing the proposed construction of its underground telephone conduits in the streets in the City of Austin hereafter named, and said maps or plans have been considered by the Director of Public Works; therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company be and the same is hereby permitted to construct its underground telephone conduits in the following streets (1) An underground telephone conduit in LAVACA STREET, from West 10th Street Alley northerly 106 feet, the centerline of which underground telephone conduit shall be 8.5 feet east of and parallel to the centerline of said LAVACA STREET. (2) An underground telephone conduit across LAVACA STREET approximately 106 feet north of the north line of West 10th Street Alley. THAT the work and construction of said underground telephone conduits, including the excavation of the streets and the restoration and maintenance of said streets after said underground telephone conduits have been constructed, shall be under the supervision and direction of the City Manager and in accordance with the ordinances and regulations of the City of Austin governing such construction. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Johnson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Manager be and he is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Austin with Herman E. Becker, Thedor E. Becker and August Haenell, in accordance with the terms and provisions of a certain contract, copy of which is attached to this Resolution and marked by the CityClerk for purposes of identification, and the City Clerk is hereby directed to file for permanent record in the office of the City Clerk the attached copy of said contract without recordation in the Minutes of the City Council. (Filed under Water Main Extensions-1951) (Contract File No. 520-C) The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 347 347 Councilman Johnson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Manager be and he is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Austin with May Freund Dear, in accordance with the terms and conditions of a certain contract, copy of which is at- tached to this Resolution, and marked by the City Clerk for purposes of identification, and the City Clerk is hereby directed to file for permanent record in the office of the City Clerk the attached copy of said contract without recordation in the Minutes of the City Council. (Filed under Water Main Extensions, 1951) Contract File No. _) (Contract not executed) The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Johnson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Manager be and he is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Austin with Marvin B. Braswell in accordance with the terms and provisions of a certain contract, copy of which is attached to this Resolution, and marked by the City Clerk for purposesof iden tification, and the City Clerk is hereby directed to file for permanent record in the office of the CityClerk the attached copy of said contract without recordation in the Minutes of the City Council. (Filed under Water Main Extensions, 1951) Contract File No.506-0. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Johnson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Manager be and he is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Austin with Anna Ford Vance Norfleet and husband, William J. Norfleet, in accordance with the terms and provisions of a certain contract, copy of which is attached to this Resolution, and marked by the City Clerk for purposes of identification, and the City Clerk is hereby directed to file for permanent record in the office of the CityClerk the attached copy of said contract without recordation in the Minutes of the CityCouncil. (Filed under Water Main Extensions, 1951) Contract File No.447-C. 348 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 348 Councilman Johnson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Manager be and he is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Austin with B. N. Holman in accordance with the terms and provisions of a certain contract, copy of which is attached to this resolution, and marked by the CityClerk for purposes of identification, and the City Clerk is hereby directed to file for permanent record in the office of the CityClerk the attached copy of said contract without recordation in the Minutes of the City Council. (Filed under Water Main Extensions, 1951) (Contract File No.507-C) The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None Councilman Johnson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, on the 24th day of October, 1950, in consideration of full payment of the paving assessment against Lots 15 and 16, Block 6, Hyde Park No. 2, a subdivision in theCity of Austin, Travis County, Texas, by R. A. Harris and wife, Bessie Harris, the City Manager executed a release of the paving lien against said Lots 15 and 16, Block 6, in Hyde Park No. 2, to R. A. Harris and wife, Bessie Harris; and WHEREAS, it now appears that there is no resolution of the City Council authorizing such release; Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the action of the City Manager in executing a release of the paving lien on Lots 15 and 16, Block 6, in Hyde Park No. 2, a subdivision in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, to R. A. Harris and wife, Bessie Harris, is hereby in all things confirmed and ratified and shall have the same effect as if the City Council had authorized the City Manager to execute such release prior to the execution of the release. The motion, seconded by Councilman Lòng, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Drake, Johnson, Long, MacCorkle, Mayor Glass Noes: None CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 349 349 There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 2:00 P.M., subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: City Clerk Mossley ATTROTED Mayor