CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting September 16, 1954 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall 738 738 The meeting was called 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. Church. Invocation was delivered by REV. ARCHIE STEVENSON, Hyde Park Christian Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The 6th Grade class of Brykerwoods School was welcomed. Councilman White moved that the Minutes of September 9th be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None MR. JACK DARROUZET, member of the Newman Alumni Association, stated this Association had made a study of the comic and other books sold on the stands to see if some of them were of immoral nature; and on September 9th, passed the following resolution: "RESOLUTION OF THE NEWMAN CLUB PASSED: ALUMNI 9 SEPT., 1954 "WHEREAS, the sale, dissemination and distribution of obscene, vulgar, lascivious, lewd and immoral literature to minors is shocking and harmful and destructive to the morals an habits of our children, and these tend to glorify and promote the commission of obscene, vulgar, lascivious, lewd and immoral acts, and, 734 739 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS = "WHEREAS, certain comic books further tend to glorify and promote and stimulate the commission of crimes, and that as a consequence of this as well as other stimuli, juvenile deliquency in our community has increased to an alarming degree, therefore, "BE IT RESOLVED, that the Newman Club Alumni petition merchants and dealers to voluntarily refrain and refuse to sell, disseminate, distribute or display this type of literature to minors, further "That parents be requested to petition merchants and dealers of this type of literature to voluntarily refrain and refuse to sell, distribute, disseminate or display this kind of literature to minors, further "That the members of the City Council of Austin, Texas, be petitioned to study the passage of ordinances which will discourage the continuation of the sale, distribution and dissemination of this type of literature to minors, and further "That other civic organizations be requested to also petition the City Council of Austin and other City and Travis County law enforcement officials to study this problem thoroughly and to initiate whatever steps may be necessary to discourage the sale, distribution and dissemination of all obscene, vulgar, lasci- vious, lewd and immoral literature to minors." The distributors were not anxious to handle this type of books, etc., but they could not step in and do their own censoring. He suggested three ways for the Council to handle this--(1) by ordinance after a careful study of phraseology; (2) by setting up a Board of Review which could act with the distributors of the magazines and be an ex-officio way of expressing the City Council's mind in the manner; (3) by setting up a small group of people to make a thorough investigation and then passa resolution disapproving this type of literature in Austin. He asked that the Council make a thorough study of what could be done to curtail the sale of this literature to the children. MR. HERMAN NEUSCH explained that the distributors were anxious to stop this, but were helpless; and if the Board of Review could be set up and report on some particular magazine, the distributor could send the report to the jobber, without endangering his own business. It would have to be a permanent set-up as the publications change name. Many places compelled to handle these immoral publications, do not put them out on the stands. MR. C. A. SCHUTZE, JR., submitted an article in the Scout Magazine indicating the national scope of this move. MRS. DICK MASON, PTA City Council, asked for quick action, and promised the assistance and cooperation of the PIA, and promised assistance through the State PTA. Councilman Thompson believed the source of this distribution could be looked into; that it seemed to be the two wholesale distributors here were compelled to take all the magazines or none, and he believed there could be a solution to this problem, and that the Council would take very definite and positive action on it. Councilman Long suggested that as other organizations took the matter up that they send the Council copies of their resolutions; and that the Texas League of Municipalities would be meeting shortly in a state-wide convention, and she would see that a Resolution was introduced there condemning this type of thing, and that would give it statewide effect. MRS. MERLE WARD, Teacher of the 6th Grade Class at Brykerwood was in favor of some action; although most of the families of this school censored the literature themselves before it got into their homes. The Pastor stated that block-booking of movies had been stopped, and he believed this too could be stopped. The Mayor announced this would be taken under consideration by the Council and it would come up with a resolution that would apply to this in principle and a thorough study would be CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 740 740 made pertaining to this problem. He thanked the citizens for their constructive suggestions. Councilman Thompson stated he would like to see this Resolution offered declaring the Council's intention to do something about this, and that the resolution be offered next week. Councilman White believed the PTA and other organizations could sell the parents and public on this public sentiment against the sale of these books. Mayor McAden introduced the following ordinance: "AN AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THAT ORDINANCE ENTITLED: ORDINANCE REGULATING TAXICAB SERVICES IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND PRESCRIBING RULES AND STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION AND CONTROL OF SUCH SERVICES IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST; PROVIDING FOR THE GRANTING OF FRANCHISES FOR TAXICAB SERVICES AND CREATING THE TAXICAB FRANCHISE COMMISSION; REQUIRING REGISTRATION OF ALL DRIVERS OF TAXICABS; REQUIRING THE INSTALLATION OF TAXIMETERS ON ALL TAXICABS AND FIXING MAXIMUM FARES; PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ORDINANCE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE; PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY," WHICH ORDINANCE WAS PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL June 8, 1950, AND IS RECORDED IN BOOK "P", PAGES 321-345, OF THE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, BY AMENDING SECTION 34, THEREOF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman Pearson moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman Pearson moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Pearson moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor McAden introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THAT CERTAIN ORDINANCE PASSED CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 741 741 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 USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FROM "A" RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT TO "C" COMMERCIAL DISTRICT AND SIXTH HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT ON LOTS 1 THROUGH 6, AND LOTS 8 THROUGH 11, ALL IN BLOCK 3, BROOKS SUBDIVISION, IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS; ORDERING A CHANGE IN THE USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA 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 first time and Councilman White moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noès: Councilman Pearson The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman White moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: Conncilman Pearson The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman White moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. ARTHUR DEWITTY presented a statement from the Executive Committee of the Travis County Voters League to be considered in the hearing of the budget. (Copied in full in the Minutes covering the Budget Hearing.) ion: Councilman Pearson offered the following resolution and moved its adopt(RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, Andy Anderson is the Contractor for the erection of the awning located at 401 Congress Avenue and desires a portion of the sidewalk and street space abutting Lot 1 and the south 1/2 of 2, Block 42, of the Original City of CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 742 742 Austin, Travis County, Texas, during the erection of the awning, such space to be used in the work and for the storage of materials therefor; therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: 1. THAT space for the uses hereinabove enumerated be granted to said Andy Anderson, the boundary of which is described as follows: Sidewalk and Street Working Space Beginning at the north west corner of the above described property; thence in a westerly direction and at right angles to the center line of Congress Avenue to a point 4 feet west of the east curb line; thence in a southerly direction and parallel with the center line of Congress Avenue approximately 69 feet to the point; thence in an easterly direction and at right angles to the center line of Congress Avenue to the south west corner of the above described property. 0. Thence in a southerly direction and at right angles to the center line of East 4th Street to a point 4 feet south of the north curb line; thence in an easterly direction and parallel with the center line of East 4th Street approximately 25 feet to the point; thence in a northerly direction and at right angles to the center line of East 4th Street to the south line of the above described property. 2. THAT the above privileges and allotment of space are granted to the said Andy Anderson, hereinafter termed "Contractor", upon the following express terms and conditions: (1) That the Contractor shall construct a 4-foot walkway within the outer boundaries of the above described working space, such walkway to be protected on each side by a guard rail at least 4 feet high and substantially braced and anchored, and without wood strips or obstructions of any kind along the pavement within the walkway, and at any time in the opinion of the City officials it becomes necessary for any reason to install a board floor within the walkway, the Contractor shall upon notice from the Building Inspector immediately place such a wood floor and substantially support same to prevent sagging under load. (2) That the Contractor is permitted to construct in his working space a substantial gate which shall be kept closed at all times when not in use, and at all times that such gate is open, the Contractor shall maintain a person at this gate to warn pedestrians and vehicles of approaching trucks. This gate is not to open out so as to impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic. (3) That no vehicles in loading or unloading material at the working space shall park on any part of the street outside of the allotted working spасе. (4) That "No Parking" signs shall be placed on the street side of the barricades. (5) That provisions shall be made for the normal flow of all storm waters in the gutter and the Contractor will be responsible for any damage done due to obstruction of any such storm water. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 743 743 (6) That the Contractor shall place on the outside corners of any walkway, barricades or obstructions, red lights during all periods of darkness and provide lighting system for all tunnels. (7) That the Contractor shall remove all fences, barricades, loose materials and other obstructions on the sidewalk and street immediately after the necessity for their existence on said sidewalk or street has ceased, such time to be determined by the City Manager, and in any event all such sidewalk, barricades, materials, equipment and other obstructions shall be removed not later than October 30, 1954. (8) That the City reserves the right to revoke at any time any and all the privileges herein granted or to require the erection or installation of additional barriers or safeguards if the conditions demand it. (9) That the use and enjoyment of the spaces herein granted shall not be exclusive as against public needs, and the City, in making such grant reserves the right to enter and occupy any part or all of said space any time with its public utilities, or for other necessary public purposes. (10) That any public utility, or public or private property disturbed or injured as a result of any of the activities necessary for the completion of the construction work for said building projects, whether done by the Contractor, City forces, or public utilities, shall be replaced or repaired at the Contractors expense. (11) That the Contractor shall furnish the City of Austin a surety bond in the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1000.), which shall protect, indemnify and hold harmless the City of Austin from any claims or damages to any person or property that may accrue to or be brought by any person by reason of the exercise or abuse of the privileges granted the Contractor by the City of Austin and shall guarantee the replacement of all sidewalks, pavement and all other public property and public utilities disturbed or removed during the construction work and shall further guarantee the construction of a walkway and other safeguards during the occupancy of the space. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman Thompson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, Southern Union Gas 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 Southern Union Gas Company be and the same is hereby permitted to lay and construct its gas mains in and upon the following streets: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 744 744 (1) A gas main in BELFAST DRIVE, from a point 23 feet south of Corona Drive southerly 583 feet to a point 25 feet south of Westmoor Drive, the centerline of which gas main shall be 6.5 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said BELFAST DRIVE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 22 feet. (2) A gas main in SUFFOLK DRIVE, from Berkman Drive westerly 1612 feet to the west property line of Windsor Park Subdivision, Section 1, the centerline of which gas main shall be 6.5 feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said SUFFORK DRIVE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2½ feet. (3) A gas main in WESTMOOR DRIVE, from Berkman Drive westerly 1609 feet to the west property line of Windsor Park Subdivision, Section 1, the centerline of which gas main shall be 6.5 feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said WESTMOOR DRIVE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. (4) A gas main in MULLEN DRIVE, from St. Joseph Boulevard northerly 1272 feet to a point 197 feet south of Anderson Lane, the centerline of which gas main shall be 6.5 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said MULLEN DRIVE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 22 feet. (5) A gas main in WALNUT AVENUE, from a point 119 feet north of East 12th Street northerly 50 feet, the centere line of which gas main shall be 7.5 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said WALNUT AVENUE. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of notless than 2 feet. (6) A gas main in NILE STREET, from a point 100 feet south of Vaiden Street southerly 78 feet, the centerline of which gas main shall be 6 feet west of and parallel to the east property line of said NILE STREET. Said gas main described above shall have a cover of not less than 2 feet. THE Southern Union Gas 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 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 745 745 that the minimum depth stated does not have any reference to the fact that greated depths may not be required at special points. When the Southern Union Gas 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 Southern Union Gas Company is further put upon notice that they will be required to bear the expense of repairs or replacement of any underground utilityedamaged during the construction 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, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoptinn: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, bids were received by the City of Austin on September 9, 1954, for the furnishing of quantities of hospital gases for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1954, and terminating September 30, 1955; and, WHEREAS, the bid of Austin Oxygen Company in the sum of $16,671.12 was the lowest and best bid therefor, and the acceptance of such bid has been recommended by the Purchasing Agent of the City of Austin, and by the City Manager; Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the Bid of Austin Oxygen Company in the sum of $16,671.12 be and the same is hereby accepted, and W. E. Seaholm, City Manager of the City of Austin is hereby authorized and directed to execute a contract on behalf of the City of Austin with Austin Oxygen Company. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Mayor McAden introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CERTAIN CONTRACT WITH D. H. BRYANT; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF MONEY PAID TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN UNDER SUCH CONTRACT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 746 The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman White moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None... The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman White moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilmen White moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The Mayor announced the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor McAden introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CERTAIN CONTRACT WITH JOE P. HOFFMAN; PROVIDING FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF MONEY PAID TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN UNDER SUCH CONTRACT AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman White moved that the ralê be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The motion, The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman White moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman White moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The Mayor announded the ordinance had been finally passed. Councilman White recognized former COUNCILMAN WILL JORNSON. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 747 747 Pursuant to published notice thereof the following zoning application was publicly heard: MARK BURNETT, et al Jefferson Street and Bull Creek Road From "A" Residence To 1st Height and Area "C" Commercial 6th Height and Area NOT Recommended by the Planning Commission. Mr. Burnett agreed to give approximately 10' of property to round off the corner, and was instructed to get with the Engineering Department to see about cutting it back 10'; also to have it in writing. The Mayor asked that those who favored upholding the recommendation of the Planning Commission to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll call showed the following: Ayes: None Noes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden The Mayor announced the recommendation of the Planning Commission had been overruled and the change granted; and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance. The Council had under consideration the following zoning application: FRED WALKER, HELENA HARDCASTLE & MRS. JESSIE F. COOK. 1500-06 West 5th Street 501-03 Powell Street From "A" Residence To "C" Commercial RECOMMENDED "C" 6th Height and Area except- ing north 150' of Hard- castle property. Mrs. Hardcastle withdrew the north 150' of her property adjacent to 6th Street. Councilman Pearson moved to amend the recommendation of the Planning Commission to read, "COMMERCIAL and SECOND HEIGHT AND AREA". The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None Councilman Long moved to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission as amended and grant the change to "C" 2nd Height and Area. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The Mayor announced that the change had been granted to "C" Commercial and 2nd Height and Area and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance. The Council recessed at 12:00 until 2:00 Ρ.Μ. At 2:00 P.M. the Council resumed its business. The Mayor announced that the Council had received the proposed budget from the City Manager on August 31st according to the Charter. This was a public hearing to discuss the budget. The CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 748 748 League of Women Voters, through its President, MRS. D. K. SACKEN, submitted the following statement: "September 16, 1954 "To the Mayor and Members of the City Council: "The Austin League of Women Voters has been interested in city planning since 1946. The new City Charter adopted in 1953 made adequate provision for a Master Plan. Under Article X, Section 2 of this Charter the two provisions pertaining directly to a Master Plan are: 11 *** The Planning Commission shall: (1) Make and amend a Master Plan for the physical development of the City; *** (6) Within its budget appropriation, contract with City planners and other consultants for such services as it may require." "In August of this year the Board of the League of Women Voters voted to support the proposal of a number of other civic organizations that $100,000 be appropriated for the preparation of a Master Plan. "We are pleased that the City Manager has recommended that the Council appropriate $50,000 for consulting services for this fiscal year. We are sure the Council realizes this is only a beginning." Councilman Long called attention to the document presented by ARTHUR DeWITTY earlier in the meeting stating that this should be considered and placed in the Minutes. The statement is set out below: "To: "From: Mayor C. A. McAden, Member of the City Council, and the City Manager Executive Committee, Travis County Voters League, Arthur DeWitty, Executive Secretary "Subject: The City Budgets for 1954 and 1955 "Date: September 16, 1954 "Last year at a public hearing on the 1954 City Budget, a committee from the Travis County Voters League attended the hearing in the interest of securing budgetary allocations for: "1. More permanent paving for East Austin. "2. Activation of the Olive Street Playground and Downs Stadium, and, the institution of a cooperative plan between the City School Board and the City Recreation Department to afford the use of school playgrounds for community purpose. "3. The extention of water and sewer services to areas where these facilities were so very badly needed. "With reference to these requests, the following measures have obtained: "1. Facilities previously known as Downs Field have been removed to CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 749 749 the Old Anderson Stadium. It would appear that this facility should be ready for use very soon. The 1954 budgetary allocation of $10,000.00 for improvements at the Olive Street Playground are evidently still to be programmed for this operation as no improvements have been made at the playground during the past year. "2. During 1954, three blocks of paving were done in East Austin. The paving of Nineteenth Street is now underway. "3. During the summer cooperative playground programs were in effect at several of the public school. "We are recommending the following measures for adoption in the proposed City Budget for 1955: "1. The budget allocation made in 1954 for the improvement of the Olive Street Playground should be used in order that this playground can efficiently serve the neighborhood beginning in April of 1955. "2. The budget allocations appearing in the proposed budget for 1955 covering the construction of an East Austin recreation center and the improvement of swimming facilities at Rosewood Park be used during 1955 for these afore- mentioned purposes. These facilities are needed; no carry-over into 1956 should occur. "3. City property which is now designated for the incinerator should be given a new purpose. We are heartily recommending the transfer of this property to the recreation department thereby providing additional recreation services for citizens in this area at a minimum cost to the City of Austin. Excavation has already been done; additional cost for swimming facilities would be practically nil. "4. A more vigorous effort on the part of the city administration in securing park and playground facilities should be employed. Money which has been allocated for the purchases of sites for the St. Johns Area and in East Austin. $10,000.00 has been allocated in each proposed purchase. "5. The installation of water lines and sanitary sewer lines East of Airport Boulevard should be scheduled for 1955-1956 because of the acute need of the citizens living in the area. Also, inadequacy of water and sanitation prohibit development East of Airport Boulevard thereby providing no room for expansion for additional housing for East Austin residents. "The question of additional paving poses a serious financial problem for the city administration. With no funds left in bond reserves, we are faced with the issue of raising more money for this purpose through additional bond issues 750 750 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS or additional taxes. Otherwise, the paving program will continue to stand still. The Travis County Voters League is requesting the city administration to look into the possibility of securing additional tax money on state property which at the present time is tax exempt even though it comprises 40% of the taxable property of the city. The city receives no revenue from state facilities; yet the city is obligated to service these buildings with utilities, paving and other city services. By working with our State representatives from this area, we believe a suitable tax program could be derived acceptable to the State of Texas and the City of Austin, consequently providing our city with some much needed revenue. "While this is not directly a budgetary matter, we should like to call to the attention of the City Council that the Committee on Slum Eradication appointed by the Council in February, 1954 has apparently become non-functioning. The Travis County Voters League had hopefully anticipated that the recommendations that were to be forthcoming from that Committee within six months of activation would be presented to the City Council and thereby transferred to the City Manager for assistance in preparing the 1955 budget for the City of Austin. Now we find ourselves practically in the same position as last year. Improvements, whether adequate or not, are being haphardly proposed and pursued since no comprehensive and objective plan is known or adopted. We know, undoubtedly, that special plans have to be made for East Side development because of the neglected conditions of many years. We are requesting that the City Council call the Committee in and review its progress report." The City Manager discussed various points of the Budget--IEM set up as to rental and employees and the training program; the CONTRACTURAL SERVICES on Page 13 covering Codification of the Ordinances, Actuary Services, Survey of Administration, IM expert; INSURANCE, CLAIMS, ACCIDENT AND SICK LEAVE, accident and sick leave amounting to about 5% of the 6 3/4 million dollar payroll; RECREATION - development of Center in East part of the City; improve- ment of Reed Park, provision of a park in the St. Johns Area; small improvement in Perry Park. Councilman White made inquiries about employees working at night on the parking tickets. The City Manager stated this was a very good set up, and explained the improvement. Councilman Long suggested if parking tickets were not paid off in a three day period that the fee be doubled. Councilman White made inquiry about the five appraisers and the program in that line and the City Manager explained the four year program. Discussion was held on the purchase of 20 new cars for the Police Department and eight motorcycles. The Council discussed the interest and sinking fund, page 202 of the budget. The Finance Director explained the application of $289,000 to meet the principal and interest payments in 1954-55, and the calculation of the tax rate. Detailed discussion on the bond issues followed. MR. LANDON BRADFIELD expressed appreciation of the City Manager's recommendation of $50,000 for the Master Plan. In discussion of the Budget, Councilman Long suggested passing a Resolution stating the Council's intent to accept the recommendation of the City Manager concerning the firemen and policemen and other city employees so that the ordinance that had been introduced calling for an election could be withdrawn. She stated the firemen had voted to accept the City Manager's recommenda- tion of 63-hour week and 40-hour for the rest of the employees, and 72% increase for the policemen. She suggested going on record either opposing the recommendation and going on with the ordinance or rejecting the ordinance and passing a 751 751 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS motion of intent and asking the City Attorney to draw up the ordinance next week. Councilman Pearson stated since the Council had just discussed the budget, there were some pertinent things that he wanted to know particularly what effect this could have on the interest and sinking fund; and what effect will this have on the 1956 taxes. Councilman Thompson stated this would add another quarter of a million dollars to the city's budget. Councilman White moved that the Council approve the City Manager's recommendation of that portion of the Budget to cut the firemen's hours from 72 to 63; leave the policemen as they are, giving them a 72% increase, and all other city employees be cut to 40 hours, as the City Manager recommended. Councilman Long seconded the motion, Councilman Thompson, discussing the reduction of the Reserve in the Bond Fund, and not beliving the Council should be put in a position to vote on this at this time, moved to table the motion. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearson, Thompson, Mayor McAden Noes: Councilmen Long, White Mayor McAden brought up the following ordinance for its second reading: AN ORDINANCE ORDERING AN ELECTION IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 16, 1954, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUEMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, FOR ADOPTION OR REJECTION, AN ORDINANCE CONTAINED IN A PETITION FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN ON THE 1ST DAY OF JULY, 1954. - The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman Thompson moved that the ordinance be passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Pearson, Thompson, Mayor McAden Noes: Councilmen Long, White Councilman Pearson thought that now was the time to discuss future taxes, and get that planned, as when the Council voted payroll increases, in was voting eventually to raise taxes. After more discussion, Councilman Thompson moved that the hearing be continued until Monday, September 20th at 2:00P.M. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Pearson, Thompson, White, Mayor McAden Noes: None The meeting was recessed at 5:15 until Monday at 2:00 Ρ.Μ. APPROVED: Can ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor