804 804 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Meeting October 09, 1953 10:00 Α. Μ. Mayor's Office, City Hall Roll Call: torney The meeting was called to order with Mayor McAden presiding. Present: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Absent: None Present also: W. E. Seaholm, City Manager; W. T. Williams, City AtThe Mayor announced that this meeting was called for the purpose of conferring with MR. HONAKER, rate expert, regarding the Telephone Company's plea for increase in rates. The City Attorney explained ARTICLE XI, Section 5, Item 9. MR. HONAKER stated his terms, under which he would assist the City in this matter were set forth in a letter addressed to MR. ROBERT BURNS, dated September 15, 1953. (Copy of letter on file in City Clerk's Office under "Telephone - Rates") His fee would be $100.00 per day spent in preparation for the hearing at $150.00 per day for every day spent in attendance or for every day he may testify at such hearing, plus the actual expenses incurred and also for his traveling expenses to and from. He stated the expenses at Houston ran about $4,000 for services and $800 for expenses. He outlined the approach to be used. He suggested having a whole year's figures under the rate granted last November, and suggested that the Council could, in its belief that the matter could be dealt with more expeditiously if the full year 1953 were before it, schedule a hearing as early in 1954 as the Company advises the Council that they can put on their case. After more discussion, Councilman Long moved that the City Manager be instructed to enter into a contract with Mr. James M. Honaker, to handle the rate case as agreed in the letter written Mr. Burns om September 15, 1953. The motion, seconded by Councilman Thompson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None 505 805 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS The Mayor announced that the Council would listen very faithfully to the Telephone Company's case and would give them a fair hearing; and at the same time represent the 163,000 people in Austin. He stated the Council would do its very best to come out with the right answer in this problem; and if it were necessary to go to Court, he wanted to state the Council would back up the Legal Department with what was necessary to pursue the matter, even if it meant hiring additional counsel. Councilman Long moved that the Council adjourn. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried unanimously and the Council stood adjourned at 11:35 Α.Μ. ATTEST: ATSTE City Clerk APPROVED: Amade Mayor