CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting January 23, 1958 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall 44 The meeting was called to order with Mayor Miller presiding. Roll Call: Present: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Absent: Councilman Long (due to illness in her family) Present also: W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager; Doren R. Eskew, City Attorney; Reuben Rountree, Jr., Director of Public Works. Councilmen White moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of January 16, 1958, be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long MR. HUGO LEIPZIGER appeared before the Council regarding the paving or closing of Possum Trot. He described the location of the street and the unique features of the area, and the use of the street as a through street. Mr. Leipziger asked that if nothing could be done about the street (either closing it or rerouting the traffic) that something be done about the dust problem and the safety problem at the low water bridge. The Mayor told the group about the plans for a new road along the river from Lamar to 5th Street which would ultimately take care of some of the traffic on the west side. The Director of Public Works read the following recommendation contained in a report dated November 19, 1957: "1. That Possum Trot from Enfield Road to 12th Street be paved with a double asphalt penetration surface, cost to be paid by the City of Austin; "2. That curb and gutter be constructed along the west side of Possum Trot, cost to be paid by the property owners; "3. That a concrete ribbon be constructed along the east side of Possum Trot to prevent erosion of the street, once paved, cost to be paid CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 45 45 by the City of Austin (those property owners abutting the east side of Possum Trot desiring curbing may install it at own expense); and "4. That all the above items must be agreed to by all parties before any one part can be accomplished." The Mayor asked Mr. Leipziger and the group that appeared with him to look this proposition over and talk with the City Engineer and see how it would work out for them. Mr. Leipziger stated some of the people would not want to put in curbs and gutters as it would ruin the country-like appearance of the area, and one would not be benefitted by the paving at all. Discussion of putting down a permanent type of paving and assessing the people was held, and Councilman Pearson stated if the group could not get everybody together on curbs and gutters, then the City could approach it from an assessment program as long as the majority of people wanted it paved; but then the people would be obligated to pay for the permanent type of paving at $2.65 a foot. The Mayor advised them to meet with Mr. Rountree and the City Manager and go over the plans. He stated also another traffic count would be made. MR. DON ABLES displayed an auditorium seat which he wanted the Council to consider. The Mayor stated the bidders had been asked to give a price on linking four chairs together, and he asked Mr. Ables to get his bid in also. The Mayor stated that it might be necessary to take new bids; and if not the Council would consider this next Friday, January 31st. (Later changed to THURSDAY, JANUARY 30th) The Council also set JANUARY 30th, 3:00P.M. as a date to review the over-all status of the Auditorium. Mayor Miller brought up the following ordinance for its third reading: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1 OF AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO ROY VELASQUEZ, DOING BUSINESS AS ROY'S TAXI, A FRANCHISE TO OPERATE A TAXICAB SERVICE IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, AND PRESCRIBING THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, OBLIGATIONS AND LIMITATIONS UPON AND UNDER WHICH SUCH FRANCHISE SHALL BE EXERCISED", FINALLY PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN ON THE 20TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 1951, RECORDED IN ORDINANCE BOOK "Q", AT PAGES 666-671 OF THE ORDINANCE RECORDS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, BY AMENDING SECTION 1 THEREOF PRESCRIBING THE NUMBER OF TAXICABS AUTHORIZED TO BE OPERATED, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND THREE (3) SEPARATE READINGS. The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Palmer moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Palmer, White, Mayor Miller Councilman Pearson Absent: Councilman Long The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 46 Mayor Miller brought up the following ordinance for its second reading: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF CERTAIN BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND THE ΑΝΝΕΧΑTION OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL TERRITORY CONSISTING OF 17.16 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, SAME BEING OUT OF AND A PART OF THAT CERTAIN 120 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE NAMES TRAMMEL SURVEY NO. 4, 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 second time and Councilman Pearson moved that the ordinance be passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long Councilman Palmer moved that DR. GEORGE F. BOHUSLAV be granted permission to put in a retaining wall where the earth and water met before the Lake was lowered, as was shown on his sketch as Island No. I. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, Mayor Miller Noes: Councilman White Absent: Councilman Long MAYOR MILLER asked that the City check on the light line that Dr. Bohuslav has on this island to see that it is safe, and also to find out who put the line in for him. Councilman Palmer moved that DR. T. J. MCELHENNEY be granted a permit to construct a boat dock and replace several inches of sand which had washed away. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: None Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: Absent: Councilman Long Councilman Palmer 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 erection of a boat dock on the property owned by J. B. Mitchell, the same being 115.28 =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 47 47 acres of land out of the William Brown Survey fronting 1214.83 feet on Lake Austin, as listed in the Travis County Deed Records, and hereby authorizes the said J. B. Mitchell to construct, maintain and operate this concrete boat slip subject to same being constructed 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 erection of this concrete boat slip after full compliance with all the provisions of this resolution. 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, fire and health regulations and the right of revocations is retained if, after hearing, it is found by the City Council that the said J. B. Mitchell has failed and refused, and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations and ordinances. (Recommendations attached) "Austin, Texas January 23, 1958 "Mr. W. T. Williams, Jr. City Manager Austin, Texas "Dear Sir: "I, the undersigned, have reviewed the plans and have considered the application of J. B. Mitchell, owner of a piece of property, through Trueman O'Quinn, attorney, abutting on that part of Lake Austin lying approximately 2 miles upstream from the westerly extension of the south line of Windsor Road, the same being 115.28 acres of land out of the William Brown Survey fronting 1214.83 feet on Lake Austin, as listed in the Travis County Deed Records, for permission to construct and maintain a concrete boat slip with screened observation deck above extending inward approximately 16 feet from the normal high water level. The construction details meeting all requirements, I, therefore, recommend that if J. B. Mitchell is granted his request by the City Council, that it be subject to the following conditions: "(1) That no business, such as a restaurant, dance hall, concession stand, or any other enterprise for the sale of goods, wares and merchandise, except marine supplies and tackle, and no living quarters of any character, shall be erected on any piér, dock, wharf, float, island, piling or other structure extending into or above Lake Austin. "(2) That every structure shall be equipped with proper lights which show all around the horizon for night use and shall be equipped with flags or other warnings for daylight use. "(3) That all structures extending out into the Lake be constantly kept in a state of geed repair and that the premises be kept reasonably clean at all times. "Respectfully submitted, (Sgd) J. C. Eckert Building Inspector" =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 48 48 The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long Councilman Palmer moved that MR. J. B. MITCHELL be granted a permit to excavate for boat basin on Lake Austin. (West side of lake, William Brown Survey) The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: None Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Absent: Councilman Long Mayor Miller introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CERTAIN CONTRACT WITH NASH PHILLIPS AND CLYDE COPUS, JR.; 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 Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long 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 Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman White moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. The City Manager submitted the following: "January 22, 1958 "From: S. Reuben Rountree, Jr. Director of Bublic Works "To: W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 49 49 "Subject: Construction of Miscellaneous Storm Sewers Contract No. 58-D-1 "Following is a tabulation of bids received at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 21, 1958, for the construction of miscellaneous storm sewers in the following areas: East 49th Street Easement and Caswell Avenue, Clawson Road Easement, and Exposition Boulevard Easement - Contract No. 58-D-1. "Austin Engineering Company $16,435.70 Karl B. Wagner Engr.Const., Inc. 17,811.25 Bland Construction Company 19,311.00 Lee Maners 119,935.46 Ed H. Page "City's Estimate 23,120.00 $15,072.00 "I recommend that Austin Engineering Company with their low bid of $16,435.70 be awarded the contract for this project." Councilman Pearson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, bids were received by the City of Austin on January 21, 1958, for the construction of miscellaneous storm sewers in East 49th Street Easement and Caswell Avenue, in Clawson Road Easement and Exposition Boulevard EasementContract No. 58-D-1; and, WHEREAS, the bid of Austin Engineering Company in the sum of $16,435.70 was the lowest and best bid therefor, and the acceptance of such bid has been recommended by the Director of Public Works, 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 $16,435.70 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 the City of Austin with Austin Engineering Company. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller None Noes: Absent: Councilman Long Councilmen White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, among the many other working objectives achieved by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, has been the establishment of a "Citizens Safety Council of Austin", a group of voluntary workers genuinely interested in assisting by all effective, realistic, and intelligent means to bring about a truly safe Austin; Now, Therefore, CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 50 50 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the appreciation of the people of Austin for this accomplishment be officially expressed to the Austin Chamber of Commerce and that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to said organization. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Long Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS all of the citizens of Texas have succeeded to the heritage of a Capital City endowed with unsurpassed natural advantages by our kind and generous God, and selected by the keen foresight of the founders of our seat of government in Texas; and WHEREAS, the people of Austin have succeeded to the duty and privilege not only of maintaining the rich traditions of that Capital City, but also of providing a wholesome framework of conditions within which the economic and social necessities of the people thereof can be met; and WHEREAS, for many years the untiring efforts of those who have combined their talents, their means, and their energies as members of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Austin Junior Chamber of Commerce have made valuable contributions toward the continued accomplishment of these goals; and WHEREAS, the tasks in the public's interest which the members of those organizations must yet do can be said to have only begun; and WHEREAS, a site for a strategically located headquarters for such organizations, which has bong been needed, has now been selected by the officials of both said organizations immediately west of the new Municipal Auditorium and Convention Center, fronting 200 feet on Bouldin Avenue, and being a part of the land known as the Butler Tract acquired in 1941 by the City of Austin; and, WHEREAS, the City Council has inspected and has approved said site for lease to said organizations; Now, Therefore BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the City Manager, W. T. Williams, Jr., be and he is hereby authorized to cause an appropriate lease agreement to be drawn and to execute the same on behalf of the City of Austin for the premises to be occupied as a joint headquarters of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Austin Junior Chamber of Commerce. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 51 51 No action was taken on vacating the Interregional Highway Alley south of Lambie Street. tion: Councilman Pearson offered the following resolution and moved its adop(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 Springdale Road as a bulk gasoline storage plant, which property is owned by Gulf Oil Corporation and is designated as the 10 acre tract out of the Tannehill League in the original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and hereby authorizes the said Gulf Oil Corporation to erect a bulk gasoline storage plant, 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 bulk gasoline storage plant after full compliance 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, persent 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 Gulf Oil Corporation has failed and refused and will continue to fail and refuse to perform any such conditions, regulations and ordinances. (Recommendations attached) "Austin, Texas January 23, 1958 "Mr. W. T. Williama, Jr. City Manager Austin, Texas "Dear Sir: "I, the undersigned, have considered the application of Gulf Oil Corporation for permission to add a new 24,170 barrel above ground storage tank to their present bulk storage facilities upon property located on the east side of Springdale Road, which property is designated as the Gulf Oil Corporation 10 acre tract out of the Tannehill League of the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, and locally known as 1131 Springdale Road. "This property is located in a "D" Industrial District and 6th Height and Area District and I recommend that this permit be granted subject to the following conditions. "(1) That all tanks, and other equipment used in connection with the storage or handling of gasoline or other volatile liquid, shall bear the label of the Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc., and all such equipment shall be installed in compliance with the rules and regulations governing such installations as CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 52 52 prescribed by the National Board of Fire Underwriters and all such equipment shall be inspected by and approved by the Fire Marshall of the City of Austin before being placed in service. All tanks shall meet the standards and specifications of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. "(2) That only electric lights shall be used in buildings or on premises where gasoline or other volatile liquid is stored or handled, and all electric wiring for lights or meters shall be installed in compliance with the ordinances and regulations of the City of Austin governing the wiring of any such buildings or premises, and shall be inspected and approved by the Electrical Inspector of the City of Austin. "(3) That there shall be provided in all buildings, or on premises where gasoline or other volatile liquids are stored or handled, at least one National Board of Fire Underwriters approved type fire extinguisher for every two thousand (2000) square feet of floor space or fraction thereof, each of which fire extinguishers shall be kept in good working order at all times. "(4) That "NO SMOKING" signs shall be displayed prominently about the premises at all times and no person shall be permitted to smoke on the premises where gasoline is stored or handled. "(5) That all fees shall be paid and a permit secured from the Building Inspector's Office before 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 White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Long Councilman Palmer offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, J. M. Odom Constructors Incorporated is the Contractor for the addition to a building located at 1904 Guadalupe Street and desires a portion of the sidewalk and street space abutting Lot 39, Block 22 of the Louis Horst Addition, of the Original City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, during the addition of the building, 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 J. M. Odom Constructors Incorporated, the boundary of which is described as follows: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 53 53 2. Sidewalk and Street Working Space Beginning at the northeast corner of the above described property; thence in an easterly direction and at right angles to the center line of Guadalupe Street to a point 12 feet east of the west curb line; thence in a southerly direction and parallel with the center line of Guadalupe Street approximately 72 feet to a point; thence in a westerly direction and at right angles to the center line of Guadalupe Street to the southeast corner of the above described property. THAT the above privileges and allotment of space are granted to the said J. M. Odom Constructors Incorporated, 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 space. (4) That "No Parking" signs shall be placed on the street side of the barricades. (5) That the Contractor is permitted to construct a temporary work office within such allotted working space provided such work office is not within 25 feet of any corner street intersection. (6) That the Contractor shall in no way obstruct any fire plugs or other public utilities in the construction of such barricades. (7) 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. (8) 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. (9) That the Contractor shall remove all fences, barricades, loose materials and other obstructions on the sidewalk and street immediately after CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS== 54 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 July 1, 1958. (10) 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. (11) 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 anypart or all of said space any time with its public utilities, or for other necessary public purposes. (12) 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. (13) That the Contractor shall furnish the City of Austin a surety bond in the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5000), 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 Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long Councilman Pearson offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, on January 7, 1958, the City of Austin received bids for furnishing the City's requirements of various estimated quantities of various diameters of type K copper water pipe; and, WHEREAS, the bid of Milstead Company in the sum of $19,487.87, with constant multiplier from published market prices of .8571, 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 said bid of Milstead Company be and the same is hereby accepted, and W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager, is hereby authorized to purchase the = CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 55 55 City's requirements for twelve (12) months of type K copper water pipe from said Milstead Company. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long The City Manager submitted the request of the DELWOOD OPTIMIST CLUB for permission to build a ball park for teen-age youngsters in the Northeast Park. The Club anticipated the project would be completed in the summer of 1959. The Parks and Recreation Board recommended the request with the following provisions; in their memorandum dated January 21, 1958: 1. That the field be used by the Delwood Optimist Club on a year-to-year basis 2. That all improvements be considered a part of the recreation facilities on Northeast Park 3. That the fence be constructed of chain link fencing 4. That all signs must be removable and only be allowed on the fence during baseball season 5. That the concession privileges for the baseball games be confined to the field for the baseball season 6. That the construction of the concession building and clubhouse be in keeping with other materials used for construction of buildings on the park 7. That when practical, the ball field be used by the regular 8. playground participants Thattthe location of the ball diamond be fitted in to the master plan for the park. Councilman White moved that the Delwood Optimist Club be granted permission to construct the ball park. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long Councilman White moved that the AUSTIN CIVITAN CLUB be granted permission to conduct a Waterama at Lake Austin Park on May 16, 17, and 18, 1958, under the same provisions as last year. The motion, seconded by Councilman Pearson, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long Councilman White introduced the following ordinance and moved that it be published in accordance with Article 1, Section 6 of the Charter of the City of Austin: AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF CERTAIN BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 56 56 AND THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL TERRITORY CONSISTING OF 23.08 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF THE THEODORE BISSEL SURVEY NO. 18, 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 motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller None Absent: Councilman Long The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman White moved that the ordinance be passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long The Mayor announced that for a number of years the City had been trying to acquire the Janes Tract of land, and that COUNCILMAN BEN WHITE had been the one negotiating the closing of acquisition, and had gotten a contract signed. The Mayor expressed appreciation also to the R. E. JANES, for selling the property to the City, as Mr. Janes had stated he would not have sold it to any one but the dity, as the City needed it. The tract was a little over 20 acres and the price agreed upon was $335,000, although appraised at a higher price. The Mayor wanted to publicly commend MR. BEN WHITE for his work in negotiating for this, as the land will benefit all parts of the City. The City Manager submitted an offer for lease from the city five lots in the 1300 Block of South First Streets (Lots 5-9, D.W.Bouldin Subdivision) for $75.00 per month for a 20 year lease. It was his recommendation that after the second phase of paving out to Oltorf is completed, the land will be considerably enhanced, and that MR. H. G. WEST be thanked for his offer and invited to bid when the property is offered for lease in the near future. The Council approved the City Manager's recommendation. Councilman Pearson moved that WADE, BARTON & MARSH be appointed as Auditors for the City at the same price as last year. ($10,000) The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long The Director of Public Works submitted request of PETE ALSUP for permission to build a boat dock on his property which is about 3/4 miles above Charley's Camp. The flood had washed his other dock down, and he wanted to build this dock three feet wide and 15 feet long along the shore - CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 57 57 line. Councilman White moved that this request be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman Palmer, carried by the following vote: Councilmen Palmer, Pearson, White, Mayor Miller Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Councilman Long The City Manager gave a report on the progress of the Urban Renewal Program, in that he had just received a form of contract which would result in the future advance of $5,000; and also a letter stating funds had been allocated for the project in the amount of $395,750; but the fact the funds had been allocated did not mean a committment. He stated the contract set out that if the $5,000 were spent on the survey, the City could go no further without adopting the terms of H.B. 70, unless it could show authority under the home rule provisions that it had the authority to proceed anyway. He explained the alternate under that provision, that even though the funds were allocated they might not be paid until the program was completed; that the city pay for the program and be reimbursed later. He stated there were some legal questions involved. After much discussion, the Mayor suggested that the matter be cleared through the Fort Worth Office; and if it could not be worked out there then the City Attorney could go to Washington and see if it could be cleared up in that office. The Council received a request from the South AustinOptimist Club for a loan of wire from the City to complete the lighting of the Southwest Little League ball grounds at Zilker Park awaiting delivery of some wire which has not yet been taken down from the lines west of the City Park. They also asked for city linemen to erect the wire. The Mayor and Councilman Pearson suggested that if the Club went ahead and got the wire that the City would do the work. Councilman Palmer stated the clubs had been putting in the complete systems themselves. Councilman White stated he had checked with Mr. Kinney, but he did not have any used wire. The Council received notice that bids on the Police cars would be opened Monday, February 3, 1958, at 2:00P.M., as set out in the specifications approved by the Council. The Council recessed until 3:00 Ρ.Μ. Recessed Meeting 3:00 Ρ.Μ. The Council resumed its business at 3:00 P.M. The Mayor announced tax appeals would be heard at this time. MR. LOUIS JOSEPH stated his tax had been raised out of reason on the property at 1019 East 50th Street, which is at the corner of East 50th and the Interregional Highway. MR. HOWARD BULL stated the unit on the Interregional Highway had been increased from $25.00 to $60.00 which had accounted for the _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS 58 58 increase, and that the property had been taxed in the past as facing on 50th Street. Mr. Bull, Chairman of the Board of Equalization, said the Board would recommend a reduction of some $500.00, as the mechanics in figuring the amount were a little bit off. The Mayor stated the Council would have to look into this; and at this meeting, the Council took no action. MR. HORACE RANKIN, Attorney representing AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY and UNIVERSAL STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY, stated the companies had no objections to the values arrived at for taxes for personal properties. He did not believe that any other property owner, except I.B.M. Company, was taxed on cash or mortgages held by the taxpayers, and his companies had been taxed for the cash in the banks. The Council went over the figures of the two companies, and the methods of taxing home offices of insurance companies was set forth; and that in the past there were only two home offices in Austin, and they were taxed by this same method. Later another survey was made, and all companies with their home offices here, are assessed in this manner. The whole taxing process of insurance companies was reviewed. The Council did not take any action at this time, and Mr. Rankin stated he would talk to his clients and that he would like to come back before the Council. Mr. T. B. Marshall, Tax Assessor, stated that MR. WILL G. KNOX had indicated that he would not appeal the assessment of the INTERNATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. Mr. Knox did not appear at this meeting. There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 5:00P.M., subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED Jom Miller Mayor