592592 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting July 15, 1954 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall The meeting was called to order with Mayor McAden presiding. Roll Call: Present: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Absent: None Present also: W. E. Seaholm, City Manager; W. T. Williams, Jr., City Attorney; C. G. Levander, Director of Public Works. Invocation was delivered by REV. ED LONG, St. Martin's Lutheran Church. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Councilman White moved that the Minutes of July 8th be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None MR. LEO SUGGS presented MR. TRAVIS LARUE who spoke for a group and submitted the following petition: TO THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF AUSTIN, AUSTIN, TEXAS: THIS PETITION is presented by the undersigned citizens and taxpayers who are commercial users of gas from the Southern Union Gas Company in the City of Austin. THE PURPOSE of this petition is to request theCity Council to assume regulation of commercial gas rates in the City of Austin as authorized by law. GAS RATES FOR DOMESTICOCONSUMERS ONLY are at present controlled by the City of Austin, and gas rates for commercial users are fixed by the gas company itself without intervention of the City Council. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 513 593 AUTHORITY TO FIX GAS RATES is given the City Council: (1) By City Charter. (Art. XI, Sec. 6, P. 36, 1953 Ed.) (2) By STATE LAW. (Art 1175, Subd. 12, Vernon's Anno. Civ. Stats.) (3) By FRANCHISE under which the Southern Union Gas Company operates. (Sec. 13) WITHOUT REGULATION by the City Council, rates for commercial users may be fixed arbitrarily by the gas company, and this large class of consumers are denied the protection of a rate ordinance, the right of notice and hearing when rates are changed, representation in rate controversies by experts employed by the city at taxpayers' expense, and equal rights as citizens and taxpayers with the domestic consumers. Your petitioners request the City Council to adopt, at the earliest date possible, an ordinance setting commercial gas rates which will be fair and equitable for commercial users and for the gas company. The petition contained about 96 signatures of owners using commercial gas. MR. LARUE stated after the rate increase granted the Company two years ago in which the domestic consumers were increased 13%, the Company increased the commercial users 43%. The Mayor told the group their request had merit and was of concern to large users of gas. Councilman Long inquired why the City had not regulated the commercial rates in the past. The City Attorney answered that the City did have the power, but had not done so, perhaps for the reason there was competition in other fuels for large users. Councilman Thompson inquired why the previous Council did not take this regulation into consideration when it granted this past increase. Councilman Long recalled that no one brought the matter up; the rate expert did not bring it up, and it did not occur to her to check what the business men were paying for their gas and no one seemed dissatisified. Councilman White did not recall that the matter was brought up. MR. CHARLES BURTON stated the commercial users did not know until after the hearing was over that they were not represented by MR. OWSLEY. Councilman Long suggested that since the Council had a rate expert working now, that it might be the Council would want to get together to study this. MR. BURTON stated he had never received a refund and had not found anyone locally that had after the gathering tax was delcared unconstitutional, and the Company was supposed to refund the amount to the consumers. He asked the Council to assume by ordinance the regulation of commercial gas rates; to study the matter with the Legal Department to find out whether or not a new hearing would be justified as this group felt they were being overcharged. He thought that the fact there was no firm stipulated price on gas was a handicap in bringing industry to Austin. Councilman White was ready to make a study of the matter. Councilman Thompson stated when one rate was inspected, the other rate would have to be, as the total sales of gas would have to be considered. The Company would have to have sufficient revanues to operate its business; and if commercial users were paying more than their share, the domestic users payingless than their share, and the commercial rate were lowered, then the domestic rate would be increased. If the company were charging excessive rates, he thought there might be a lowering of the rates all the way. He brought out that a home owner, since his home would not be considered an investment, would be entitled to a lower rate. He believed there could be an equitable answer. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 594594 Councilman Pearson inquired about the City's contract. The City Manager stated it expired in 1957. The United Gas Company had a contract with the Southern Union which would be up for renewal in eight years. Councilman Long stated that possibly between now and 1957 the City may have purchased a gas line of its own so that it would knock out the possibility of that complete monopoly. Such thinking was under consideration now and a survey being made. MR. LEO SUGGS outlined his operations from coal to oil to gas. He stated since the 13% rate increase went into effect, the printing of the rates on the back of the statement were discontinued, and he now can not tell what he is paying. The Mayor announced that the Council would take this matter up in two weeks and would look into it further. MR. TRUEMAN E. O'QUINN in making a preliminary report from the Committee on Interim Zoning, stated the Committee was to have a meeting Monday night and go over the draft, and the Council would be furnished with a complete report next Thursday. He complimented the Council on its naming of the Committee in that the people understood what they were doing and were very conscientious. There had been 1300 man hours spent up to this time. The Mayor asked that this matter be placed first on the Agenda for next week. Councilman Pearson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, E. E. Naumann has made application in writing for permission to use his property for a convalescent home complying with all City and State regulations on Lot 79, Glen Oaks, of the Original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, being located on the west side of Nile Street, and located at 1124 Nile Street, which property is located in a "B" Residence District, and under Section #5, Item #6, of the Zoning Ordinance requires a special permit from the City Council; and WHEREAS, this application has been considered and approved by the City Council of the City of Austin, therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT permission for the use and maintenance of this building as a convalescent home at the above described address be granted to E. E. Naumann. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman Long stated this was granted on the basis of certain promises made to repair the building in accordance with recommendations from the health and fire inspectors. In case those are not complied with, it was subject to cancellation. Councilman Thompson stated the committement was that the premise would be put into shape for the operator. MRS. BRYSON S. DEWITTY was present, as she is the one who will operate the home. MR. NAUMAN outlined the work he had already under contract. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 595595 Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That W. E. Seaholm, City Manager, be, and he is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the City of Austin, to enter into a contract with Lower Colorado River Authority, providing for the exchange of certain 69 KV transmission lines and easements, and providing for the modification of certain agreements heretofore made between the City and the Authority, a copy of which contract has been exhibited to the City Council and marked by the City Clerk for identification, and the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to file such copy of the contract in the office of the City Clerk without recording the same in the Minutes of the Council. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None DR. CHARLES PEAVY inquired about the paving of East 19th, as requested sometime back by about 38 doctors. The Mayor announced that this was about ready to be undertaken by the Highway Department, and asked the City Manager to check with the Department to proceed as fast as possible. The City Manager stated the Highway Department would call for bids next month. Councilman Long asked Dr. Peavy about the water pressure in his area. He replied now they could get water 24 hours a day, but very little pressure. The City Manager stated work was being done on South First Street, but there would be very little relief this summer, but a big line was being put in. Councilman Long asked about the people on Clawson Road. The City Manager stated their pressure may have been caused by the drop in the tank, but the overall job would not be finished this summer. Councilman Pearson 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 across the INTERREGIONAL HIGHWAY beginning at the point of intersection of the south line of Riverside Drive and the east line of the INTERREGIONAL HIGHWAY, thence southwesterly approximately 503 feet to a CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 596596 point 1 foot east of the west property line of said HIGHWAY and 465 feet south of Riverside Drive. 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 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 Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman Pearson 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 telephone pole line 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 telephone pole line in the following streets: (1) A telephone pole line in INTERREGIONAL HIGHWAY, from Riverside Drive southerly 465 feet, the centerline of which telephone pole line shall be 1 foot east of and parallel to the west property line of said INTERREGIONAL HIGHWAY. THAT the work and constr uction of said telephone pole line, including the excavation of the streets and the restoration and maintenance of said streets after said telephone pole lines 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 Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT the City Council of the City of Austin hereby approves as a filling station site the property located at the northeast corner of Cameron Road and CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS 597597 Corona Drive, which property fronts 124.81 feet on Cameron Road and 115.74 feet on Corona Drive and being known as Lots 19 and 20, Block F, Delwood Number 4 Subdivision, in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and hereby authorizes the said V. G. Okie to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, ramps and sidewalks in conjunction therewith, subject to the same being constructed in compliance with all ordinances relating thereto, and further subject to the foregoing attached recommendations and plans; and the Building Inspector is hereby authorized to issue an occupancy permit for the operation of this filling station after full compliance with all the provisions of this resolution, and said permission shall be held to be granted and accepted to all necessary, reasonable and proper, present and future regulations and ordinances of the City of Austin, Texas, in the enforcement of the proper Police, Traffic and Fire regulations; and the right of revocation is retained, if, after hearing, it is found by the City Council that the said V. G. Okie has failed and refused and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations, and ordinances. (Recommendations attached) "Mr. Walter Seaholm City Manager Austin, Texas "Dear Sir: "July 15, 1954 "We, the undersigned, have considered the application of V. G. Okie for permission to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct commercial driveways in conjunction therewith upon the property located at the northeast corner of Cameron Road and Corona Drive, which property fronts 124.81 feet on Cameron Road and 115.74 feet on Corona Drive and being known as Lots 19 and 20, Block F, Delwood Number 4 Subdivision, in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and the property upon which this filling station is to be located is owned by V. G. Okie and we hereby advise that the following conditions exist. "The property upon which this filling station is to be located is designated as "C" Commercial Use District upon the zoning maps of the City of Austin. "All drainage, natural or otherwise, from this filling station is to be disposed of in such a manner that such drainage will not flow across the sidewalk area into the street and furthermore, shall not create a nuisance to others in the neighborhood and it is understood that the disposal of such drainage shall be entirely the responsibility of the property owner. "We recommend thatV. G. Okie be granted permission to construct, maintain and operate said drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, ramps and sidewalks in conjunction therewith, subject to the following conditions. "(1) That all buildings and equipment shall be placed inside of the property line, correct lines to be obtained before construction starts or equipment is installed. Lines and grades to be obtained from theDepartment of Public Works for entrances and driveways, building lines to be approved by the City Building Inspector. That the applicant shall confer with the Department of Public Works as to future grades of the sidewalks and gutters on the adjacent streets before he starts any construction relative to the filling station. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 58 598 "(2) That only underground tanks shall be used and that all pumps shall be so located that it will be impracticable to service motor vehicles therefrom while said motor vehicles are standing on any part of a sidewalk, street or alley. "(3) That the gasoline tanks, pumps, and all equipment used in connection with the storage and handling of gasoline shall be an approved type and shall bear the label of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and that all construction of the filling station improvements shall be in accord with the Building Ordinance the Zoning Ordinance, the Filling Station Ordinance, and in accordance with the ordinance prohibiting the disposal of commercial water or oils upon the City Streets. "(4) That the grades of the station shall be such that no waste water or oils or any floor washings shall ever pass over the City sidewalk area and that all of said oils and water shall be concentrated into a combined grease and sand trap which shall be constructed in accordance with our standard plan 146. 2 -H- "(5) That all filling station improvements, pump islands, driveways, ramps, gutters, sidewalks and curbs shall be constructed of concrete at the expense of the applicant as set forth upon the plan hereto attached, which plan bears the Department of Public Works file number 2 - Η - 1301. "(6) Expansion joints shall be constructed as shown upon the plan hereto attached marked 2 H 1301 and shall be of the pre-moulded type. - - "(7) When the owner considers that he has complied with all the requirements of the City of Austin for filling stations, he shall apply for a final inspection and upon approval, the Building Inspector shall issue a Certification of Operation before such filling station can be put into service. "Respectfully submitted C. G. Levander Director of Public Works (Sgd) J. C. Eckert Building Inspector" + The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: CouncilmenLong, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden : Noes: None Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT the City Council of the City of Austin hereby approves as a filling station site the property located at the south side of West 35th Street and between Glenview Avenue and Jefferson Street which property fronts 119.1 feet CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 599599 on West 35th Street, 203.7 feet on Glenview Avenue and 233.0 feet on Jefferson Street and being known as Lots 18, 19, 20 and 21, Glenview Addition in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and hereby authorizes the said Continental Oil Company to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, ramps and sidewalks in conjunction therewith, subject to the same being constructed in compliance with all ordinances relating thereto, and further subject to the foregoing attached recommendations and plans; and the Building Inspector is hereby authorized to issue an occupancy permit for the operation of this filling station after full compliance with all the provisions of this resolution, and said permission shall be held to be granted and accepted to all necessary, reasonable and proper, present and future regulations and ordinances of the City of Austin, Texas, in the enforcement of the proper Police, Traffic and Fire regulations; and the right of revocation is retained, if, after hearing, it is found by the City Council that the said Continental Oil Company has failed and refused and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations and ordinances. (Recommendations attached) "Mr. Walter Seaholm City Manager Austin, Texas "Dear Sir: 1 "July 15, 1954 "We, the undersigned, have considered the application of the Continental Oil Company, lessee, acting by and through RaymondRamsey, Jr., for permission to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct commercial driveways in conjunction therewith upon the property located on the south side of West 35th Street and between Glenview Avenue and Jefferson Street which property fronts 119.1 feet on West 35th Streeteand 203.7 feet on Glenview Avenue and 233.0 feet on Jefferson Street and being known as Lots 18, 19, 20 and 21, Glenview Addition in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and the property upon which this filling station is to be located is owned by Dean O. Smith and is under lease to the Continental Oil Company and we hereby advise that the following conditions exist. "The property upon which this filling station is to be located is designated as "C" Commercial Use District upon the zoning maps of the City of Austin. "All drainage, natural or otherwise, from this filling station is to be disposed of in such a manner that such drainage will not flow across the sidewalk area into the street and furthermore, shall not create a nuisance to others in the neighborhood and it is understood that the disposal of such drainage shall be entirely the responsiblility of the property owner. "We recommend that theContinental Oil Company be granted permission to construct, maintain and operate said drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, ramps and sidewalks in conjunction therewith, subject to the following conditions. "(1) That all buildings and equipment shall be placed inside of the property line, correct lines to be obtained before construction starts or equipment is installed. Lines and Grades to be obtained from the Department CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 600 600 of Public Works for entrances and driveways, building lines to be approved by the City Building Inspector. That the applicant shall confer with the Department of Public Works as to future grades of the sidewalks and gutters on the adjacent streets before he starts any construction relative to the filling station. "(2) That only underground tanks shall be used and that all pumps shall be so located that it will be impracticable to service motor vehicles therefrom whole said motor vehicles are standing on any part of a sidewalk, street or alley. "(3) That the gasoline tanks, pumps, and all equipment used in connection with the storage and handling of gasoline shall be an approved type and shall bear the label of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and that all construction of the filling station improvements shall be in accord with the Building Ordinance theZoning Ordinance, the Filling Station Ordinance, and in accordance with the ordinances prohibiting the disposal of commercial water or oils upon theCity Streets. "(4) That the grades of the station shall be such that no waste water or oils or any floor washings shall ever pass over the City sidewalk area and that all of said oids and water shall be concentrated into a combined grease and sand trap which shall be constructed in accordance with our standard plan 2 - H - 146. "(5) That all filling station improvements, pump islands, driveways, ramps, gutters, sidewalks and curbs shall be constructed of concrete at the expense of the applicant as set forth upon the plan hereto attached, which plan bears the Department of Public Works file number 2- H 1302. "(6) Expansion joints shall be constructed as shown upon the plan hereto attached marked 2 H 1302, and shall be of the pre-moulded type. "(7) When the owner considers that he has complied with all the requirements of the City of Austin for filling stations, he shall apply for a final inspection and upon approval, the Building Inspector shall issue a Certification of Operation before such filling station can be put into service. "Respectfully submitted, C. G. Levander Director of Public Works (Sgd) J. C. Eckert Building Inspector" vote:™ The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT the City Council of the City of Austin hereby approves as a filling CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 601 601 station site the property located at the east side of South Congress Avenue and north of East Oltorf Street, which property fronts approximately 106 feet on South Congress Avenue and being out of the Isaac Decker League in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and hereby authorizes the said Odas Jung to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, ramps and sidewalks in conjunction therewith, subject to the same being constructed in compliance with all ordinances relating thereto, and further subject to the foregoing attached recommendations and plans; and the Building Inspector is hereby authorized to issue an occupancy permit for the operation of this filling station after full compliance with all the provisions of this resolution, and said permission shall be held to be granted and accepted to all necessary, reasonable and proper, present and future regulations and ordinances of the City of Austin, Texas, in the enforcement of the proper Police, Traffic and Fire regulations; and the right of revocation is retained, if, after hearing, it is found by the City Council that the said Odas Jung has failed and refused and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations and ordinances. (Recommendations attached) "Mr. Walter Seaholm City Manager Austin, Texas "Dear Sir: "July 15, 1954 "We, the undersigned, have considered the application of Odas Jung for permission to construct, maintain and operate a drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct commercial driveways in conjunction therewith upon the property located at the east side of South Congress Avenue and north of East Oltorf Street, which property fronts approximately 106 feet on South Congress Avenue and being out of the Isaac Decker League in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and the property upon which this filling station is to be located is owned by Odas Jung and we hereby advise that the following conditions exist. "The property upon which this filling station is to be located is designated as "C" Commercial Use District upon the zoning maps of the City of Austin. "All drainage, natural or otherwise, from this filling station is to be disposed of in such a manner that such drainage will not flow across the sidewalk area into the street and furthermore, shall not create a nuisance to others in the neighborhood and it is understood that the disposal of such drainage shall be entirely the responsibility of the property owner. "We recommend that Odas Jung be granted permission to construct, maintain and operate said drive-in gasoline filling station and to construct curbs, ramps and sidewalks in conjunction therewith, subject to the following conditions "(1) That all buildings and equipment shall be placed inside of the propertyline, correct lines to be obtained before construction starts or equipment is installed. Lines and grades to be obtained from the Department of Public Works for entrances and driveways, building lines to be approved by CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 602 602 the City Building Inspector. That the applicant shall confer with the Department of Public Works as to future grades of the sidewalks and gutters on the adjacent streets before he starts any construction relative to the filling station. "(2) That only underground tanks shall be used and that all pumps shall be so located that it will be impracticable to service motor vehicles therefrom while said motor vehicles are standing on any part of a sidewalk, street or alley. "(3) That the gasoline tanks, pumps, and all equipment used in connection with the storage and handling of gasoline shall be an approved type and shall bear the label of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and that all construction of the filling station improvements shall be in accord with the Building Ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance, the Filling Station Ordinance, and in accordance with the ordinance prohibiting the disposal of commercial water or oils upon the City Streets. "(4) That the grades of the station shall be such that no waste water or oils or any floor washings shall ever pass over the City sidewalk area and that all of said oils and water shall be concentrated into a combined grease and sand trap which shall be constructed in accordance with our standard plan 2 H - 146. "(5) That all filling station improvements, pump islands, driveways, ramps, gutters, sidewalks and curbs shall be constructed of concrete at the expense of the applicant as set forth uponthe plan hereto attached, which plan bears the Department of Public Works file number 2 - Η - 1303. "(6) Expansion joints shall be constructed as shown upon the plan hereto attached marked 2 - H-1303 and shall be of the pre-moulded type. "(7) When the owner considers that he has complied with all the requirements of the City of Austin for filling stations, he shall apply for a final inspection and upon approval, the Building Inspector shall issue a Certification of Operation befors such filling station can be put into service. "Respectfully submitted C. G. Levander Director of Public Works (Sga) J. C. Eckert Building Inspector" The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: CouncilmenLong, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman Long offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, Bishop Louis J. Reicher has made application through his agent, J. M. Odom, for permission to erect and maintain a building for the Chancellery CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS 603 603 and business office for the Austin Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church on the south 1/2 of the east 1/3 of outlot 45, Division E of the Original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, the same being on the northwest intersection of Congress Avenue and West 16th Street and is locally known as 1600-1604 Congress Avenue, and is located in a "B" Residential District which, under Section #5, Item (C), as revised May 17, 1951 of the Zoning Ordinance, requires a special permit from the City Council; and WHEREAS, this application has been considered and approved by the City Council of the City of Austin, therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: THAT permission for the use and maintenance of this building as the Chancellery and business office for the Austin Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church at the location described above be granted to Bishop Louis J. Reicher. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Discussion of purchase of laundry equipment for Brackenridge Hospital was held. The City Manager stated the city felt it could do its laundry for about one-third of what it cost to contract it. Councilman Long inquired about the old equipment that had been stored. That equipment was being used, and the City Manager stated there would be between $50,000 and $60,000 investment and a savings of $18,000 a year. After more discussion, Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, on June 15, 1954, the City of Austin received bids for laundry equipment for Brackenridge Hospital; and, WHEREAS, the bid of American Laundry Machinery Company in the sum of $7,967.00 for one 54" extractor was the lowest and best bid therefor; and, WHEREAS, the alternate bid of American Laundry Machinery Company in the sum of $16,455.00 for flatwork ironer was the lowest and best bid therefor; and WHEREAS, the bid of the Prosperity Company, Inc. in the sum of $3,768.00 for press units was the lowest and best bid therefor; and, WHEREAS, the bid of Hugh G. Henderson Company in the sum of $235.00 less 5% for marking machine was the lowest and best bid therefor; and, WHEREAS, the bid of American Laundry Machinery Company in the sum of $126.00 was the lowest and best bid for soap tank; and, WHEREAS, the bid of American Laundry Machinery Company in the sum of $100.00 for the supervision, erection and setting in position 4 washers, 2 starch cookers, 1 extractor and 1 tumbler belonging to the City; and, WHEREAS, the acceptance of such bids has been recommended by the Administrator of Brackenridge Hospital and the City Manager; Now, Therefore, CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 604 604 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That said bids of American Laundry Machinery Company, The Prosperity Company, Inc. and Hugh G. Henderson Company be and the same are hereby accepted, and W. E. Seaholm, City Manager, be and he is hereby authorized and directed to enter into contracts with said parties. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The Council received notice from the City Manager that the following applications for change of zoning had been referred to the Plan Commission: 0. P. LOCKHART 402-06-08 East 11th St. J. O. ANDERWARTHA 407-09 East lith St. To From "B" Residence "C" COMMERCIAL MRS. JESSIE F. COOK 1506 West 5th St. & 501-503 Powell St. From "B" Residence To "C" Commercial The Council set the following application for change of zoning for public hearing on August 5th: CEN-TEX CONCRETE PIPE COMPANY From "A" Residence "D" Industrial 901-921 Koerner Drive 5409-13 & 5501-07 Bolm Rd. To LANE": The City Manager submitted the two following petitions regarding "ROGGE "July 7, 1954: "We, the undersigned, hereby petition that the road running from the Old Manor Road to Springdale Road in Northeast Austin known as P. W. Seiders Road be left the same as it is in name permanently. This road, formerly a County road, is recorded as the P. W. Seiders Road in the Travis County records, and we petition that the same name remain after it is incorporated into the City of Austin. "Lt. P. W. Seiders, son of 0. W. Seiders and grandson of Pinckney White Seidersthese two men having owned property on this road for the past 70 odd years along with their decendents--was killed in action while serving as aBombardier on a B-24 bomber in the European Theatre in 1943. This road was named P. W. Seiders Road in memory of Lt. Seiders, and we feel that it should remain in name-- The P. W. Seiders Road." (Eleven signatures) "TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: "Austin, Texas 9 July 1954 "We, the undersigned citizens of the City of Austin residing on ROGGE LANE, extending from Manor Road easterly to Springdale Road, respectfully CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 605 605 petition you to not change the name of said Rogge Lane. "This roadway was given this designation some time ago, and, to now change such designation, confusion would result to all concerned in the delivery of mail and packages to our homes as well as to visitors seeking to call upon us. (Fourteen signatures) The City Manager read the following memorandum from C. G. Levander, Director of Public Works: "Attached are two petitions regarding a street named "Rogge Lane" that extends from the Old Manor Road to Springdale Road. "The petition filed with the City on July 7, 1954 by Mr. Paul Hornberger and bearing eleven (11) signatures, requests that the City change the name of Rogge Lane to P. W. Seiders Road. In checking the petition, I find that seven (7) of the people signing the petition do not live on, nor own property on Rogge Lane. "The other petition that was filed with the City on July 13,1954 by Mr. Edward A. Rogge and bearing fourteen (14) signatures, requests that the City not change the name but leave it Rogge Lane. All of the signers on this petition either live on or own property on the street. Also, a few years ago Mr. Rogge gave theCounty some additional fight-of-way for widening the street. "I would recommend, since we already have a Seiders Avenue, and Mr. Rogge, who is one of the larger property owners on the street, gave some of the rightof-way for widening, and the name appears on our City Maps as well as The Sub- division of Manor Hills, Section 2, that we not change the name of the street as requested" After consideration, Councilman Pearson moved to leave the street named "ROGGE LANE". The motion, seconded by Councilman Thompson, carrded by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman Pearson called attention to the fact that someone had taken down the signs and put up signs with the other name on it. The City Manager stated he would look into that. Councilman White inquired about the opening of MORROW LANE as he was getting calls asking when it would be opened, as it had been stated a year ago that it would be opened in about three months. The Director of Public Works reported that as soon as the sewer contractor completed the job, the street would be opened, and he believed it would be opened within two months. Councilman White asked about erecting a sign on the mountain road toward West Lake Village, pointing out the route to the low water bridge. It developed this location where the sign was requested was outside the city limits. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 606 606 Councilman Pearson inquired about Lake Austin Blvd. and the scenic drive, stating it was practically impassable and asked what was in the plan for this improvement. The City Manager stated they were waiting for a subdivision development in this area. Councilman Pearson inquired about the improvement for West 35th Street. The City Manager stated this would be taken up with the next Legislature. Councilman Long inquired about the drainage on Avenue D and 4600 block. The Director of Public Works stated this was being worked out satisfactorily. he believed, and he had a meeting next week to get it settled. Councilman Long noted figures on the MUNICIPAL ACTIVITY DIGEST and stated the collection accounts were showing improvement over last years. She noted improvement in collection of parking tickets. She suggested that it would be interesting to include the number of outstanding parking tickets inthis report. She also suggested that the number of connections in the Utility Department be included. Councilman Long submitted a complaint from the residence at 217 Archway in that the electric current was not sufficient to keep the ice box and cooling systems going. The City Manager stated that particular area had to have some relief, and it was being worked on; however, this may be a local situation, and he would check it. Councilman Thompson suggested that the Council join the administration in the statement for the press to express to everyone concerned that it never has been the policy of the City to enforce this ten day limit period on tax appeals and is not now the intent; and if the people want to come up to the Tax Department, they should not wait until the last week; and also that the notion that the Tax Department is not willing and anxious to talk to the taxpayers is wrong. Councilman White stated that the people were afraid that the Council would raise the taxes next year. Councilman Thompson stated that the power to regulate and rule was still in the hands of the people, and the power to tax still rested in the people, and they had nothing to worry about; and if they wanted to protect themselves against any unusual burden of taxes assessed on them by a City Council, all they had to do was to call a tax election and fix a ceiling on which the Council could tax. He said the matter had not been taken out of the people's hands. MR. ASHLEY (on Lamar Boulevard) stated that values had been raised higher in some places. He figured his own tax was raised $16.00. Councilman Pearson stated everyone that was anxious to be heard on their taxes would be given an opportunity up until September 1st, and that everyone would see that they would be heard courteously. The offices will be open on Saturday mornings with a full staff to review their tax problems. The Council postponed the hearing on the Building Code until August 19th. Councilman Thompson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the proposal of the Texas Highway Department contained in Minute CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 607 607 No. 36017, dated April 21, 1954, be and the same is hereby accepted with the following modifications: 1. That within the City limits of the City of Austin, the roadway shall be of urban-type cross section and curbs, gutters, and storm sewers within the rightof-way, shall be provided by the State Highway Department. 2. That the portion of the existing U. S. Highway No. 290, between the point of beginning of the proposed route and U. S. Highway No. 81 Interstate, shall become an alternate or business route of the Highway System. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None There being no further business the Council adjourned at 12:30 P.M. subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED Mayor