751 751 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting September 01, 1955 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall The meeting was called to order with Mayor Miller presiding. Roll call: Present: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Absent: Councilman Pearson Present also: W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager; Doren R. Eskew, City Attorney; Reuben Rountree, Jr., Director of Public Works. Invocation was delivered by RABBI HAROLD I. KRANTZLER, Temple Beth Israel, 110l San Jacinto. Councilman White moved that the Minutes of August 25th be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson Present but not voting: Councilman Palmer MR. WM. LAWLOR appeared before the Council and asked that a date be set for public hearing on their request for rate increase. Councilman Dong moved that the gas rate hearing be set at 2:30 P.M. on October 13th. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by thefollowing vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson If the representatives of the Southern Union Gas Company could not be present at that time, the date would be reset. Councilman Long suggested that the Rate Expert be brought back. No action was taken at this time. MR. T. N. GRIFFIN, 3703 Munson in Govalle, made inquiry as to the time when the 2" water line would be enlarged in that area. The Superintendent of the Water Department reported that it probably would not be within the CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 752752 Mr. next year, as there was much work to be done getting out to this area. Griffin was referred to Mr. Davis to explain the details, and Mr. Davis was asked to report back to the Council. MR. AMOS HEROLD complimented the Council on the design of the Auditorium, stating there was a great improvement over the original design. The Mayor thanked Mr. Herold for his interest, and welcomed any criticism or suggestions. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CERTAIN CONTRACT WITH WEYFORD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY; 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 rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Pearson The ordinance was read the third timeand Councilman White moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CERTAIN CONTRACT WITH BRADFIELD-CUMMINS, INCORPORATED; 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 rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 75753 Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Pearson The ordinance was read the third time ana Councilman White moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Councilman Long offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, after an engineering and traffic investigation, the City Council has found that the free flow and expeditious handling of traffic under conditions existing at the locations described below require that traffic upon such streets move only in a one-way direction, such locations and streets being described as follows: STREET FROM TO Whitis Avenue Wichita Street 19th Street 21st Street 19th Street 21st Street DIRECTION OF ONE-WAY MOVEMENT Northbound Southbound Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Clerk be and she is hereby authorized and directed to record this finding in Section 33.38 of the Traffic Register. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS 754754 Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 33.43 OF CHAPTER 33 OF THE AUSTIN CITY CODE OF 1954; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman Long moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Pearson The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman Long 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: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. MAYOR MILLER reported on contacting MR. BEN POWELL, JR, regarding renting the property next to the Police Station; and the property is to be rented for a year, with the option to rent it longer. The roof and anything else that needs repairing is to be done by the owners, and other details about using the property and filling it in could be worked out. After discussion, Councilman Long moved that two-hour parking between 7th and 8th Streets on Sabine be put in. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson Councilman Long offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, after an engineering and traffic investigation, the City Council has found that traffic conditions are such that an urgent need for enforcement CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 755755 of strict limits upon the time of parking of vehicles at the locations hereinafter described upon the street makes it advisable to use mechanical devices in such enforcement, and has found that such locations should be removed from Parking Meter Zones 20, 30 and 60, and placed in Parking Meter Zones 60, 62, 63, 30-62 and 30-63, as hereinbelow indicated, such locations being described and located as follows: FROM TO ON SIDE Zone 30 Zone 60 West 11th South Street Zone 30 Zone 60 Lavaca Street West Zone 30 Zone 63 West llth South Street Zone 30 Zone 63 Lavaca West Street Zone 30 Zone 62 West 9th South Street Zone 30 Zone 30- Congress East 62 Avenue : Zone 20 Zone 30-63 Congress Avenue East Zone 60 Zone 62 Colorado Street Zone 60 Zone 62 West 7th Street Now, Therefore, East North LOCATION From Lavaca Street west along setback curb section adjacent to Austin Savings and Loan Associa- tion, except the parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 301 and 303. From West llth Street to the Alley south of llth Street, except the parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 1014 and 1016. Parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 301 and 303. Parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 1014 and 1016 Parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 109, 111, 113 and 115. Parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 511,513,515, and 517. Parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 1007,1009,1011, and 1013. Parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 701,703,705,707 and 709. Parking spaces adjacent to Parking Meters Nos. 124 and 126. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the locations upon the streets of the City of Austin as above described be and they are hereby removed from Parking Meter Zones 20, 30 and 60, and placed in Parking Meter Zones 60, 62, 63, 30-62 and 30-63 as above shown and that the City Clerk be, and she is hereby authorized and instructed to record this finding in Section 33.43 of the Traffic Register. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 756 756 The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by thefollowing vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Pearson 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 the property situated on the east side of Shirley Street as a private gasoline plant consisting of a 550 gallon tank and electric pump for the sole purpose of servicing their own motor equipment, and from which no gasoline is to be sold, which property is leased by The Stone Company, and is Lot 2, Block C, Plaza Place, of the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and hereby authorizes the said Stone Company to operate a private gasoline plant consisting of a 550 gallon tank and electric pump for the sole purpose of servicing their own motor equipment, and from which no gasoline is to be sold, subject to the same being operated in compliance with all the ordinances relating thereto, and further subject to the foregoing attached recommendations; and the Building Inspector is hereby authorized to issue an occupancy permit for the operation of this private gasoline plant after full compli- ance with all the provisions of this resolution, and said permission shall be held to be granted, and accepted subject 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 Stone Company has failed and refused, and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations and ordinances. (Recommendations attached) "Mr. W. T. Williams, Jr. City Manager Austin, Texas "Dear Sir: "Austin, Texas September 1, 1955 "I, the undersigned, have considered the application of The Stone Company for permission to operate a private gasoline plant consisting of a 550 gallon underground tank and one electric pump for the sole purpose of servicing their own motor equipment and from which no gasoline is to be sold, upon property located on the east side of Shirley Street, which property is designated as Lot 2, Block C, Plaza Place, in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and locally known as 6607 Shirley Street. "This property is located in a "C" Commercial District and I recommend that this permit be granted subject to the following conditions: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 757 757 "(1) That the gasoline tanks and pumps shall be of an approved type and shall bear the label of the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., and that all tanks and pumps shall be installed in compliance with the Ordinance governing the storage and handling of gasoline. "(2) That all tanks and pumps shall be located not nearer than 10 feet to the property line and so located that cars stopped for the purpose of unloading or receiving gasoline or other supplies shall not in any way obstruct the free passage of traffic on either the sidewalk, street, or alley. "(3) That "NO SMOKING" signs shall at all times be prominently displayed and no person shall be permitted to smoke on the premises where gasoline is handled or stored. "(4) That all fees shall be paid and a permit secured from the Building Inspector's Office before any installation work is started, and that no equipment shall be placed in operation until after final inspection and approval of same. "Respectfully submitted, (Sgd) J.C. Eckert Building Inspector" The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson 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 southeast corner of the intersection of East 12th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard, which property fronts 92 feet on East 12th Street and 160 feet on San Jacinto Boulevard and being known as Lots ll and 12, Block 137, Original City ofAustin, Travis County, Texas, and hereby authorizes the said Joe Lundell 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 Joe Lundell has failed and refused and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations, and ordinances. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 756 758 (Recommendations attached) "Mr. W. T. Williams, Jr. Acting City Manager Austin, Texas "Dear Sir: "September 1, 1955 "We, the undersigned, have considered the application of Joe Lundell 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 southeast corner of the intersection of East 12th Street and San Jacinto Boulevard, which property fronts 92 feet on East 12th Street and 160 feet on San Jacinto Boulevard and being known as Lots 11 and 12, Block 137, Original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and the property upon which this filling station is to be located is owned by Fred C. Morse and is under lease to Joe Lundell 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. Any waste connection to a storm sewer which empties into an open drainageway shall be discontinu- ed if the waste becomes a nuisance or damages any property or rights of others in the vicinity of the open drainageway. "We recommend that Joe Lundell 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 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 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 accordance 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 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS = 759 759 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 curbe 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 C 1887. "(6) Expansion joints shall be constructed as shown upon the plan hereto attached marked 2 - 1887, and shall be of the pre-moulded type. C "(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 sbumitted (Sgd) S. Reuben Rountree, Jr. Acting Director of Public Works (Sgd) J. C. Eckert Building Inspector" The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson Mayor Miller brought up the following ordinance for its third reading: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF CERTAIN BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND THE ANΝΕΧΑTION OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL TERRITORY CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 8.0 ACRES OF LAND, SAME BEING OUT OF AND A PART OF THE THEODORE BISSEL LEAGUE, AND THE JAMES TRAMMEL SURVEY IN TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS, WHICH SAID ADDITIONAL TERRITORY LIES ADJACENT TO AND ADJOINS THE PRESENT BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN IN PARTICULARS STATED IN THE ORDINANCE. , 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: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. MR. JOE DACY appeared in the interest of MR. PETE BALAGIA with regard to getting the Council to help reinstate his privilege for selling beer, as CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 760 760 he had voluntarily closed down when the Methodist Student Center was constructed, placing him within 300' of Church. Mr. Dacy wanted some determination as to whether or not this Student Center was a Church. The City Attorney explained the City's position in this matter. He also listed some of the requirements, etc, and pointed out the effects of each of the possibilities. The Mayor suggested getting the property defined according to the ordinance passed in 1940, either through a friendly suit, or if possible through the lawyers from the City, County, and State. He suggested study of the Charter of the Center, if any, as its purpose would be defined in the Charter. After much discussion, Councilman Long moved that the City Manager instruct the City Attorney to meet with MR. COKE STEVENSON, JR., Liquor Control Board, and study the situation and see if they can determine the legality of this business. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson Pursuant to published notice thereof the following zoning applications were publicly heard: CHESTER D. BROOKS, SR. 213-215 Chalmers Ave. From "B" Residence To "C" Commercial 2nd Height and Area The Mayor asked those who wished to grant the change to "C" Commercial 2nd Height and Area District to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll call showed the following: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the change had been granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance to cover. R. J. LONG 5900-24 Airport Blvd. From "A" Residence To "C" Commercial The Mayor asked those who wished to grant the change to "C" Commercial to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll call showed the following: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the change had been granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance to cover. ADA B. TURNER CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 703 Zennia 761 761 From "A" Residence Το "0" Office The Mayor asked those who wished to grant the change to "0" Office to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll@call showed the following: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the change had been granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance to cover. JACK H. KEY 6800-08 Guadalupe 6800-14 Airport Blvd. From "A" Residence To "C" Commercial The Mayor asked those who wished to grant the change to "C" Commercial to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll call showed the following: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the change had been granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance to cover. 12TH & NECHES, INC. James M.Purdy llll Neches Street From "B" Residence To "0" Office 2nd Height and Area The Mayor asked those who wished to grant the change to "O" Office 2nd Height and Area to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll call showed the following: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the change had been granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance to cover. 1. W. T. COVINGTON 3100-3102 So.Congress 101-113 Havana Street From "C" Commercial 6th & "A" Residence lst Το "C-1" Commercial 6th &"LR" Local Retail 6th Height and Area CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 762 762 The Mayor asked those who wished to grant the change to "C-1" Commercial and 6th Height and Area and "LR" Local, Retail and 6th Height and Area to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll call showed the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Nome Councilman Pearson The Mayor announced that the change had been granted and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance to cover. The Council postponed action on the following zoning ordinance: WM. D. GASTON & JOE TOCKER 1000-02 West 29th From "A" Residence 2900-02 San Gabriel 2906-08 San Gabriel To "GR" General Retail 2907-09 Lamar Blvd. Councilman Long reported a request from A. B. CLARK representing a group of people in Bowling Green asking for school bus service for the Children going to Wooten School. The group had taken this up with the Transit Company, but they did not believe there were enough children to justify putting in a bus. The parents had considered supplementing the difference if they could get the bus service. The City Manager explained the policy of the schools regarding furnishing bus service to children living more than a certain distance from a school, but this school now had been established in their district, even though some children lived two miles from the school. The Mayor suggested contacting the School Superintendent to see if they would change their policy and make an exception, and ask them to contact the Transit Company. If the Schools would contact the Transit Company before their hearing on September 8th, he thought the company might be willing to work something out. Councilman Long then moved that the City Manager be instructed to ask the Superintendent of Schools to file an application with the Transit Company to take over where they left off, as the schools were not in the transportation business; and the Council would take it up with them on September 8th. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: Absent: None Councilman Pearson Discussion of a policy on paving where costs of utilities exceeded $1,000 was held. The City Manager asked that a policy be set as to whether or not the City should go on and pave now and cut the pavement later; delay the paving until the need for the utilities actually develops; or put the planned utilities in now before the paving. After discussion, Councilman Palmer moved that the voluntary paving policy be amended so that where either because of deterioration of pipe or because of overloaded lines, the City CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS 763 763 Manager can forsee or reasonably anticipate that the lines need to be replaced within two years, that even where the expenditure exceeds $1,000, it be made before the paving is done provided it is within the budget. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes:. None Absent: Councilman Pearson Councilman Long moved that the policy be amended to read 80% instead of 85% (of owners of at least 80% of the property fronting the street or segment of the street covered by the petition). The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Pearson The City Manager reported on the request of B. M. SHERMAN who had offered $50.00 for the 9x12 house on the back of property purchased from P. G. WILSON. An appraiser from the Tax Department had looked this little building over and stated $50.00 would be a fair price. be authorized to sell this building. carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilman Long moved that the City Manager The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, Councilmen Long, Palmer, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Pearson The City Manager reported on a meeting with the Highway officials concerning needs of additional rights-of-way, and told of the tentative plans as outlined by the Highway. The City Manager inquired about the desire of the Council regarding the lease of the little bait house on the Butler Tract to permit the renting of boats. The Mayor stated the property was worth $20,000, and it was being rented for $50.00 a month. He believed it would be very dangerous having boats in this swift water, and he did not see how they could be controlled. If the man had the river bank, the rent should be increased, and he suggested that ifethetCity Manager talked to him, he should get the man to pay a reasonable rent. Councilman White did not believe the renting of boats should be allowed there. Councilman Long thought it would be the renter's liability. The City Manager submitted the proposition of purchasing copper, stating there was a telegram from the low bidder (NELSON ELECTRIC COMPANY) stating first that the price had gone up, and that delivery could not be made until after January 1st, 1956, and subject to the availability of copper. The other three CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 764 764 firms assure that if an order is placed with them, they will deliver in accordance to the requirements. It is necessary to place an order placing the companies on notice that a certain amount of copper will be needed at certain intervals, so that it may be scheduled. After discussion, Councilman White moved that the City Manager be authorized to place an order on copper (with the three companies as recommended). The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Noes: Councilman Long Absent: Councilman Pearson The Mayor asked that the City Manager furnish the Council, for a source of comparison, a list of the things that the City buys, how much they are going up in price, whether they can be purchased at all or not--how short they are. He thought Mr. Kinney and the Purchasing Agent would have much of this information, and he would like to have it as soon as possible, to see if there was anything that could be done about it. The City Manager submitted proposed changes in the electrical inspection fees as recommended by the Electric Board. Councilman Long stated she had information the inspectors were very unreasonable and made unreasonable suggestions for changes and would make extra trips. The City Manager stated in some cases there was a tendency on the part of some to let the Electric Inspector do the work they should be doing, and it amounted to the City paying the costs of the supervision of some of the contractors. The Mayor suggested charging about the same fees as the other cities were charging. No action was taken at this time and the matter was deferred until the following week. There being no further business the Council adjourned at 12:40 P.M. subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: Zola Paly City Clerk APPROVED Jom Milla. Mayor