_ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting February 07, 1957 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall 82 82 The meeting was called to order with Mayor Miller presiding. Roll call: Present: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Absent: None Present also: W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager; Doren R. Eskew, City Attorney; Reuben Rountree, Jr., Director of Public Works. Invocation was delivered by REV. PETER KATT, St. George's Episcopal Church, 4301 East Avenue. Councilman White moved that the Minutes of January 31, 1957, be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Ayes: Noes: None The Mayor greeted and welcomed a committee of the National Federation of Republican Women, composed of MRS. EARL PHARES, MRS. HAZEL FRIDGE, MRS. FRANCES YEAMAN, MRS. JACK HELM, MRS. EVELYN LLOYD, MRS. MILDRED BEYER, and MRS. E. B. DEVA. MR. LEE BARTON stated the Governor had proclaimed the week of February 11-17as LULAC WEEK, and asked that the Council declare a proclamation for the City of Austin. Councilman Long moved that the week of February 11-17 be declared as Lulac Week as suggested. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The Mayor signed the proclamation. 83 83 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE PERPETUALLY CLOSING AND VACATING A PORTION OF ROBERT E. LEE ROAD, IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AS SHOWN ON THE CITY OF AUSTIN DISTRICT MAP NO. 87; AND SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF AN ORDINANCE ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS. 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read thesecond time and Councilman Long 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, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 570207B AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN THE PRINCIPAL SUM OF FOUR MILLION SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($4,650,000.00) (BEING A PARCEL OR INSTALLMENT OF A TOTAL VOTED AUTHORIZATION OF $17,500,000.00) FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXTENDING AND IMPROVING THE CITY'S COMBINED ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER, WATERWORKS AND SEWER SYSTEM, AS AUTHORIZED BY THE GENERAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, PARTICULARLY ARTICLES 1111 ET SEQ., REVISED CIVIL STATUTES OF TEXAS, 1925, AS AMENDED: PRESCRIBING THE FORM, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE BOUNDS AND THE FORM OF INTEREST COUPONS; PLEDGING THE REVENUES OF THE CITY'S COMBINED ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER, WATERWORKS AND SEWER SYSTEM TO THE PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS, AFTER DEDUCTION OF REASONABLE EXPENSES OF OPERATING AND MAINTAINING SAID COMBINED SYSTEM; ENACTING PROVISIONS INCIDENT AND RELATING TO THE SUBJECT AND PURPOSE OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 84 84 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 5702070 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, TO THE AMOUNT OF TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($2,500,000.00) FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN, AND FOR ACQUIRING NECESSARY LANDS AND EQUIPMENT THEREFOR; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SAID BONDS; 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. seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The motion, 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS $5 85 The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 5702070 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, TO THE AMOUNT OF THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($300,000.00) FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING A MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, AND FOR ACQUIRING NECESSARY LANDS AND EQUIPMENT THEREFOR; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SAID BONDS; 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 570207E AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $1,000,000.00 "CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES NO. 224", DATED FEBRUARY 1, 1957, FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES TO-WIT: $300,000.00 (BEING THE FIRST PARCEL OR INSTALLMENT OF A TOTAL VOTED AUTHORIZATION OF $1,200,000.00 BONDS) FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING MUNICIPAL AIRPORT FACILITIES; $200,000.00 (BEING THE FIRST PARCEL OR INSTALLAMENT OF A TOTAL VOTED AUTHORIZATION OF $1,300,000.00 BONDS) FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING LANDS FOR STREET AND BOULEVARD RIGHTS-OFWAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE STATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM; AND CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 86 86 $500,000.00 (BEING THE FIRST PARCEL OR INSTALLMENT OF A TOTAL VOTED AUTHORIZATION OF $4,850,000.00 BONDS) FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING AND IMPROVING STREETS, BRIDGES AND DRAINAGEWAYS; PRESCRIBING THE FORM OF THE BONDS AND INTEREST COUPONS; LEVYING A CONTINUING DIRECT ANNUAL AD VALOREM TAX ON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY TO PAY THE INTEREST ON SAID BONDS AND TO CREATE A SINKING FUND FOR THE REDEMPTION THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF SUCH TAXES; ENACTING PROVISIONS INCIDENT AND RELATING TO THE PURPOSE AND SUBJECT OF THIS ORDINANCE; 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 570207F AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, TO THE AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($200,000.00) FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING AND IMPROVING PUBLIC PARKS AND PUBLIC PLAYGROUNDS, AND FOR CONSTRUCTING, IMPROVING AND REPAIRING BUILDINGS AND OTHER RECREATION FACILITIES OF SAID PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, AND FOR ACQUIRING NECESSARY LANDS AND EQUIPMENT THEREFOR; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF SAID BONDS; 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 87 87 Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. DR. E. H. GIVENS appeared before the Council thanking the Council on the $18,008 grant from the Housing and Home Finance Agencies for the survey to be made in the Thomas Jefferson area, and complimenting the Council on its fine work for Austin. He made the following requests: (1) That Rosewood Center be redecorated as it had been 10 years since the building had been renovated. (2) That a bridge be constructed over Short Cedar Street. (3) That the City purchase the area from Springdale Road back to Lovers Lane on 19th; and on 12th from Springdale Road about two blocks east. (4) That the number of negro firemen be increased; also the purchase of a new fire truck for the east side. (5) That Chestnut Street be paved. (6) That the negro policemen who qualify be permitted to take the examination for Sergeants and made detectives. (7) Traffic lights at Rosewood and Chicon; Navasota where 1lth and Rosewood all meet. (8) A street light at Short Cedar. Councilman Pearson announced that the Tannehill Branch sanitary sewer line would be contracted for this morning, in the sum of $113,375.68. Mayor Miller listed the work that was under way now--work to be done on the bathhouse; installing some nicè bleachers; and looking for another park site; and looking into the possibility of fixing up the Center. The Mayor thanked the group for coming up before the Council. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 88 88 Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THAT CERTAIN ORDINANCE PASSED , 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 ZON ING 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 FOLLOWING: (1) LOT 8 AND THE WEST 10 FEET OF LOT 7, BLOCK 105, ORIGINAL CITY, FROM "B" RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND SECOND HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT TO "O" OFFICE DISTRICT AND SECOND HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT; (2) LOTS 2, 3, 4, 5 AND THE NORTH 7-1/2 FEET OF LOT 1, AND LOTS 8 AND 9 AND THE SOUTH 31-1/2 FEET OF LOT 7, AND LOT 6 AND THE NORTH 31-1/2 FEET OF LOT 7, ALL IN BLOCK 29, CHRISTIAN AND FELLMAN ADDITION, FROM "BB" RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND SECOND HEIGHT AND AREA TO "C" COMMERCIAL DISTRICT AND SECOND HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT; AND (3) A TRACT OF LAND FRONTING APPROXIMATELY 210 FEET ALONG THE SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF RED BLUFF ROAD, LOCALLY KNOWN AS 4609-4617 RED BLUFF ROAD, FROM "A" RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT TO "C" COMMERCIAL DISTRICT; SAID PROPERTY BEING LOCATED IN AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS; ORDERING A CHANGE IN THE USE 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 Long moved that The the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None 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 Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Long moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 89 89 Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. The City Manager reported on the election held by the Policemen as to whether or not they wanted to increase their payments into the Retirement System and receive higher benefits. The vote showed 152 for, and 14 against, and he stated an amendment to the ordinance would be prepared. The City Manager submitted the following: "Mr. W. T. Williams, Jr. City Manager City of Austin "Dear Sir: "February 6, 1957 "Sealed proposals for the construction of concrete sanitary sewers and appurtenance generally along Tannehill Branch from existing 36-inch Out Fall Line to Oak Springs Road were received until 10:00 A. M. Wednesday, February 6, 1957 and then publicly opened and read. "The following is a tabulation of the bids received: Firm } Total Bid Austin Engineering Company $113,375.68 Karl B. Wagner Construction Co. $122,859.65 Joe Bland Construction Company $126,614.00 Hardin Construction Company $137,634.48 Working Days 100 175 90 115 "It is recommended that the contract be awarded to Austin Engineering Company on their low bid of $113,375.68 with 100 working days. "Yours truly, Albert R. Davis, Superintendent of Water & Sewer Department "Approved by: W. T. Williams, Jr. City Manager" Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, bids were received by the City of Austin on February 6, 1957, for the construction of concrete sanitary sewers and appurtenances generally along Tannehill Branch from existing 36-inch Out Fall Line to Oak Springs Road; and, _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 90 90 WHEREAS, the bid of Austin Engineering Company in the sum of $113,375.68 was the lowest and best bid therefor, and the acceptance of such bid has been recommended by the Superintendent of Water and Sewer Department 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 Engineering Company in the sum of $113,375.68 be and the same is hereby accepted, and W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager of the City of Austin is hereby authorized and directed to execute a contract on behalf of theCity of Austin with Austin Engineering Company. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None The City Manager announced that MR. WAYNE GOLDEN had been selected for the director of the URBAN RENEWAL STUDY for Jefferson Heights; and with the approval of the Council, he would employ MR. GOLDEN. The Council approved the selection of Mr. Golden. The City Manager submitted the request of MR. ARTHUR MCKOWN, a ham operator, to set up a station just beyond the low water bridge, on the left side of the road, and to erect a small tower. The group wants to use this station in their Civil Defense Work and other activities; also they want to construct a club house. The City Manager was asked to see just what site they actually wanted; to see if the activities would interruptthe services of the other stations or T.V. in the area. It was suggested that the time limit be set as long as it was satisfactory to the City Council. The City Manager stated the Business and Professional Women's Club had a piece of property north of Deep Eddy which they want to sell. A small part below the bluff is being used by the City as part of the parking area for Deep Eddy. The Club wanted to know if the City would be interested in buying the whole tract or the tract that is now being used. The Mayor stated the Council would go look at the property this day. The City Manager brought up the request of the Gulf Oil Company to purchase two lots on the Interregional Highway. The Tax Department had given a valuation, but the company thought it was too high. The Mayor stated the Council was going to have to set a policy of listing the public lands that are for sale, and work out something. He stated the Council would take a map of this and go look at this particular property today. The City Manager submitted a memorandum from the Navigation Board, (on file under LAKE AUSTIN) and the Mayor read the following: "Honorable Mayor Tom Miller and Members of the City Council P. O. Box 1160 Austin, Texas "February 1, 1957 "Honorable Mayor: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS= 91 91 "Report of Navigation Board Meeting January 31, 1957 "The attached minutes indicate the actions taken by your Navigation Board at a meeting yesterday afternoon, January 31, 1957. Whereas the minutes indicate the pertinent action taken, several items in these minutes deserve further comment. "The action of the Board requesting that the Council amend the ordinance to extend the authority for the licensing of boats and supervision of navigation on the River from the present limit from the mouth of Barton Creek on toothesèast City limits. This is done with the thought that policing these areas will be extremely difficult and perhaps, almost noneffective at the present time; however, it is our feeling that this enabling legislation should be on the books of the City so, as the Police Department or the Council feels the need of stepping in to supervision of these areas, no delay would be experienced. In this connection, attention needs to be given now to the careless way in which the sand companies have left dangerous pits all along the River bank which are perhaps the greatest threat to life of any condition on the River anywhere. "On the second point, that of lowering the Lake, it is the unanimous opinion of the Navigation Board that the Lake should be annually lowered to a level of at least twelve feet and left there for a full two week period in order that the weeds can be deterred as much as possible. However, in cooperation with a suggestion by City Manager Williams, the Board this year, with great reservation, has gone along with the suggestion that it be lowered only to six feet thereby saving the Lower Colorado River Authority its loss of "head" and the City the expense of reimbursing the Lower Colorado River Authority for its loss. The Board asked me to impress that their concurrence in this instance is only on an experimental basis. "As the Civitan Club will hold its Waterama in May, it is requested that the Lake be lowered to the six foot mark on or before March 15th so that adequate time for spring repairs can be made by all property owners and the weeds will be well out of the way before trials for the Waterama begin. "The minutes speak for themselves on other matters. "Respectively submitted, NAVIGATION BOARD, CITY OF AUSTIN Forest S. Pearson Chairman" The Mayor asked that the City Attorney have an ordinance prepared to cover the digging and excavation of the lake. The Council set a public hearing on the lowering of the lake for 4:30 P.M., February 11, 1957, Monday. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 92 92 The Mayor brought up the following zoning application postponed from last week: C. B. SMITH JAC GUBBELS W. W. TEMPERO 615-625 St. Johns Avenue From "A" Residence To "D" Industrial NOT Recommended by the Planning Commission RECOMMENDED "C" Commercial for South 100' of Tempero Tract, all of Gubbels Tract, and all of Smith Tract except North 140' The Council had made a personal inspection of the area. The Mayor asked those who wished to grant the change to "C" Commercial for South 100' of Tempero Tract, all of the Gubbels fract, and all of the Smith Tract except the north 140', thus leaving the front area of the Tracts "A" Residence, to vote "aye"; those opposed to vote "no". Roll call showed the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: Councilman Long The Mayor announced that the change had been granted to "C" Commercial and the City Attorney was instructed to draw the necessary ordinance to cover. The City Manager brought up the bids for the Concession at Barton Springs for discussion. The recommendation of the Director of Recreation was read (On file under CONCESSIONS). No action was taken pending further study. The City Manager brought up the question for advertising for bids on the Caswell Tennis Courts, and submitted an estimate for resurfacing the existing courts, and constructing two new courts. This estimate did not include any lights. The Mayor suggested taking separate bids on all of it. The City Manager gave a detailed report from the Traffic Engineer on the traffic controls at 12th and Lamar. Discussion was held. It was suggested that the concrete buttons be taken out altogether, and that possibly rubber buttons be placed during the morning rush hours and evening rush hours. No action was taken at this time. Councilman White had a complaint of slow traffic on the Interregional Highway. The City Manager stated there was a minimum speed limit of 40 miles per hour. The matter was referred to the City Manager. There being no further business the Council adjourned at 5:30 P.M. subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST City Clerk APPROVED Jom Miller Mayor