_ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Public Hearing February 11, 1957 4:30 Ρ.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall 21 93 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; Dexter Kinney, Director of Electric Utilities Present also: Members of the Navigation Board MR. R. G. MUELLER, JR., Chairman, represented the Board in its recommendation to lower the lake at least 12 feet to kill the weeds. The City Manager listed three reasons for paying the L.C.R.A. when the lake was lowered more than four feet. Also a four foot drop would not materially affect the propagation of the fish. With the new weed mower, the City was anxious to determine how satisfactory the results would be and how frequently it would be necessary to mow. He believed the weed cutter was going to be a better solution than the lowering of the lake 12 or 14 feet. MAYOR MILLER pointed out the many uses of the lake. MR. DEXTER KINNEY reported on the mowing activities, and the successful results. CHARLIE, Charlie's Place, asked that the lake not be lowered, in order to give the weed-cutter a chance to prove its success; and in order not to interfere with the spawning season of the fish. MR. MARION TOOLE and MR. J. E. TILTON, Game and Fish Commission, stated lowering of the lake had caused a deterioration of fishing, and was detrimental to the fish; and it might be if the lake is continued to be lowered, that the Wild Life Service may not stock it with fish; that if the lake had to be drained that it be done in the summer months. MR. ED GRIMMER saw no reason to lower the lake, as the weed cutter was doing a wonderful job. MR. ALVIN EAST felt the city was doing something about the lake, and he did not favor lowering it and killing the fish, and running the risk of not getting the lake restocked with fish. Two gentlemen complimented the weed cutter's progress, but complained of the loose weeds floating down on their property. They suggested if the lake had to be lowered that it be done between November = CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS 94 94 and February. MR. MAX HULL did not want the lake lowered during spawning season, and favored the continuation of the weed cutter, but urged that something be done to dispose of the weeds after they were cut. MR. TOM BRADFIELD suggested that the lake be lowered in December. MR. A. W. PENN asked that if the lake must be lowered that it not be done during spawning season, but in the summer months; and that the City Manager's recommendation of lowering the lake only 4 feet be accepted. He did not favor lowering the wateroevery year just to give people opportunity of repairing their boat docks annually. MR. TOM PRATHER stated the weed cutter had solved the problem of the weeds. As to repairing docks, several in the crowd stated it was not necessary to lower the water to make these repairs. MAYOR MILLER noted letters received--two not in favor of lowering the lake but letting the weed cutter continue; one in favor of lowering the lake a minimum of six feet. The Mayor asked if the crowd present would favor keeping the weed cutter in operation this year and not drain the lake in March; then in December, if there were a petition by the Board or others to drain the lake, it could be done for a couple of weeks. The Mayor announced the show of hands revealed that everybody was nearly satisfied over this proposal. MR. TED WALSH offered the service of his weed-cutting machine if necessary to help out the Civitan Show. Board. MR. A. W. PENN asked that a fisherman be included on the Navigation MR. CHARLIE ROBINSON reported the need for full-time supervision at the Municipal Park, particularly during the week-end nights. The Mayor pointed out that the river was full of holes, where the sand had been removed, and suggested that the Police Department should study the river and without too much expense, possibly erect markers showing the depth. In addition to the Police Department, the Mayor suggested that the Fire and Engineering Departments could work on this. Councilman Long moved that the City Manager be instructed to have the proper Departments make a study of the area, and put up markers and danger signs where necessary, and make some recommendations back to the Council. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: made. Ayes: Councilmen Long, Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None MAYOR MILLER asked that a report on licensing boats below the dam be There being no further business the Council adjourned at 6:00 P.M. subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: Clin Prosley City Clerk APPROVED Jommille Mayor