Austin: Revitalizing Downtown, Expanding Boundaries
Downtown Revitalization Debate:
Public concern was raised over the "unsightly condition" of Congress Avenue, sparking a debate on enforcing building codes for vacant commercial properties and the city's role in legislating urban aesthetics and demolition of dilapidated structures.Major Infrastructure & Growth Initiatives:
The city advanced numerous street improvements, including paving projects and road realignments with associated property assessments, and formally annexed two new areas totaling over 28 acres, underscoring ongoing urban expansion efforts.Strategic Land Deals & Future Development:
Authorized the sale of city property to the University of Texas, acquired several other land parcels for future street and infrastructure projects, and referred over 20 varied zoning change applications to the Planning Commission for upcoming public hearings.
Full Transcript
- CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting August 08, 1963 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall The meeting was called to order with Mayor Palmer presiding. Roll call: Present: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Absent: None Present also: W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager; Dudley Fowler, Assistant City Attorney; Reuben Rountree, Jr., Director of Public Works; Robert A. Miles, Chief of Police Invocation was delivered by DR. J. J. SEABROOK, Huston-Tillotson College. Austin Aqua Festival Officials, COMMODORE ED ST. JOHN, COMMANDER ALLEN B. HEARD, COMMODORES HUB BECHTOL, VIC MATHIAS, and others appeared before the Council, inviting the Council to the various official activities. CAPTAIN STEVE PRICE presented the finalists in the Beauty Contest, MISSES BARBARA BOWLING, PEGGY HARRELL, and CHERI THROOP. The Mayor read a proclamation appointing these young ladies as personal good will ambassadors of the City, and conveying the greetings and best wishes of the people of the Capitol City and those outside the City and State. The Council by rising vote endorsed the proclamation. The Mayor, on behalf of the City, expressed appreciation to the group for what it was doing in focusing national attention on the City. The Director of Aviation introduced COLONEL FRANK R. WALSH, Commander of Bergstrom Field. The Mayor stated Austin realized what a fine relationship it had with the military at Bergstrom Field; not only from an economical standpoint, but from the civil activities as well. COLONEL WALSH said he wanted to continue this good relationship, and expressed appreciation for the many things Austin had done for Bergstrom Air Force Base. MR. C. T. JOHNSON appeared before the Council pointing out the unsightly condition of Congress Avenue from 1st Street to 5th Street. To correct this problem, he suggested that the City issue a certificate of occupancy permit when a building becomes vacant, not only on Congress Avenue, that the various ordinances be complied with before the building could be occupied. This provision would =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 eliminate health, fire and safety hazards. He suggested a restudy of the electrical, plumbing and all of its codes pertaining to building structures. He described some of the older buildings in the area, stating several should be demolished. He suggested that a committee be set up to recommend some strong measures to eliminate the menances to health. He suggested an ordinance should be passed that would do to substandard commercial buildings what the minimum standards code does to substandard dwellings. He said Congress Avenue belonged to the people of Austin, and should be kept in a presentable appearance. Council man Long stated she thought the Council could improve its ordinance concerning the delapidated commercial buildings. Usually it is something that private enterprise had taken care of in the past, but apparently the Council would have to get an ordinance amending the Minimum Standards Code. Mayor Palmer stated the original initiation should come from the citizen first and the governmental action afterward. He stated what Mr. Johnson possibly had in mind could not be accomplished by any kind of ordinance, as the matter gets back to the individual owner With a very, very small amount of remodeling, most every building could be made safe, and he would say that most of them were already, so far as health and from a hazard standpoint were concerned. He stated he did not know of any ordinance that had been designed to cover esthetic beauty. He noted that the citizens of Austin had applauded the Austin National Bank in its success and remodeling, and it was certainly an asset to the City. The construction of the buildings and any remodeling and beautification would have to be left up to the individual owners, and the City could not legislate to make anyone remodel their building as long as it met the minimum standards. He stated Mr. Johnson was interested in new building and maybe a little face lifting on Congress. Councilman White moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of August 1, 1963 be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Austin, by Ordinance No. 630801-C passed on August 1, 1963, vacated and closed to public travel the hereinafter described portions of West Riverside Drive, Dawson Road and Bouldin Avenue as of 6:00 o'clock A.M. August 11, 1963, for the maximum protection of the public safety and the maximum convenience to the public; and, WHEREAS, the City Council deems it to be in the best interest of the public to dedicate and set aside as public streets and thoroughfares in the City of Austin, at 6:00 o'clock P.M. August 11, 1963, the hereinafter described portions of said streets; Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the portions of West Riverside Drive, Dawson Road and Bouldin Avenue vacated by Ordinance No. 630801-C, passed August 1, 1963, be and the same are =CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS August 8, 1963. hereby set aside and dedicated as public streets and thoroughfares, effective at 6:00 o'clock P.M. August 11, 1963, said portions of such streets being described as follows: All that certain portion of a street in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, known as West Riverside Drive, which certain portion of West Riverside Drive extends from the east line of South Lamar Boulevard easterly to the west line of South 1st Street. All that certain portion of a street in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, known as Dawson Road, which certain portion of Dawson Road extends from the north line of Barton Springs Road northerly to the south line of West Riverside Drive. All that certain portion of a street in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, known as Bouldin Avenue, which certain portion of Bouldin Avenue extends from the north line of Barton Springs northerly to the south line of West Riverside Drive. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None Mayor Palmer introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE WRITTEN STATEMENT AND REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, SHOWING THE ESTIMATES OF THE TOTAL COSTS OF ALL THE IMPROVEMENTS, THE ESTIMATES OF THE COSTS PER FRONT FOOT PROPOSED TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE ABUTTING PROPERTY, AND THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS THEREOF, AND THE ESTIMATES OF VARIOUS OTHER COSTS FOR THE IMPROVING OF PORTIONS OF SUNDRY STREETS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, WITHIN THE LIMITS HEREINBELOW DESCRIBED, AND OF OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO; DETERMINING AND FIXING THE PORTION OF SAID COSTS AND THE RATE THEREOF PROPOSED TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST AND PAID BY THE ABUTTING PROPERTY, AND THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS THEREOF; DETERMINING THE NECESSITY OF LEVYING AN ASSESSMENT AGAINST SAID ABUTTING PROPERTY, AND THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS THEREOF FOR THE PORTION OF SAID COSTS APPORTIONED TO THEM; ORDERING AND SETTING A HEARING AT 10:30 O'CLOCK A.M. ON THE 22ND DAY OF AUGUST, 1963, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY HALL OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, AS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE HEARING OF THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS OF SAID ABUTTING PROPERTY AND ALL OTHERS INTERESTED IN SAID ABUTTING PROPERTY OR IN ANY OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND CONTRACT CONCERNING SAID ASSESSMENTS, PROCEEDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS; DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, TO GIVE NOTICE OF SAID HEARING AS REQUIRED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN; DECLARING AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY UPON ITS PASSAGE. (Berkman Drive and sundry other streets) CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS August 8, 1963. The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman LaRue 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 LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman LaRue moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman LaRue moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Palmer introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE DECLARING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ORDERING THE PAVING AND IMPROVEMENT OF PORTIONS OF CERTAIN STREETS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SUCH WORK, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS, DIRECTING THE PREPARATION OF ESTIMATES, INVOKING THE ALTERNATE PROCEDURE PROVIDED BY ARTICLE I, SECTION 5 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND CHAPTER 106 OF THE ACTS OF THE FIRST CALLED SESSION OF THE 40TH LEGISLATURE OF TEXAS, DETERMINING THAT THE COST OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE PAID BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN, PROVIDING A METHOD OF REIMBURSING THE CITY OF AUSTIN FOR A PORTION OF SUCH COSTS BY ASSESSMENT OF A PORTION OF SUCH COSTS AGAINST THE PROPERTY ABUTTING SUCH STREETS OR PORTIONS THEREOF TO BE IMPROVED, AND FOR THE FIXING OF A LIEN TO SECURE PAYMENT OF SUCH ASSESSMENTS, STATING THE TIME AND MANNER PROPOSED FOR PAYMENT OF ALL SUCH COSTS, DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO CAUSE A NOTICE OF THE ENACTMENT OF THIS ORDINANCE TO BE FILED IN THE MORTGAGE OR DEED OF TRUST RECORDS OF TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (Chalmers Avenue and sundry other streets) The ordinance was read the first time and Councilman LaRue moved that the rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its second reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman LaRue moved that the CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 rule be suspended and the ordinance passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman LaRue moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Palmer 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 ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL TERRITORY CONSISTING OF 9.15 ACRES OF LAND, SAME BEING OUT OF AND A PART OF THE THEODORE BISSELL LEAGUE, 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. (Southern Oaks, Sec. 6) The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman LaRue moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Palmer 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 ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL TERRITORY CONSISTING OF 19.34 ACRES OF LAND, SAME BEING OUT OF AND A PART OF THE GEORGE W. DAVIS SURVEY AND THE JAMES M. MITCHELL 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. (Balcones West) The ordinance was read the second time and Councilman White moved that the ordinance be passed to its third reading. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 After an explanation that this street had three names--Barton Skyway, Lightsey Road and Woodward--and that the Planning Department had suggested that the street be called Lightsey Road between Lamar and South Congress, Councilman White offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, on maps or plats of Brackenridge Heights, a subdivision of a portion of the Isaac Decker League in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, a certain street, extending from the present west line of South Congress Avenue westerly 525 feet, more or less, to the west line of said Brackenridge Heights, is designated as Woodward Street; and, WHEREAS, the map or plat of Brackenridge Heights is of record in Volume 236 at Page 432 of the Deed Records of Travis County, Texas; and, WHEREAS, the hereinafter described portion of Woodward Street is being incorporated in a cross-town thoroughfare, which will be known as Lightsey Road; and, WHEREAS, needless confusion will occur if the same street bears different names while continuing in the same direction; and, WHEREAS, the City Council finds it to be in the public interest to change the name of this short section of Woodward Street so as to make it conform to the aforesaid name; Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the name of the following described portion of that street, designated as Woodward Street, as the same appears on the map or plat of Brackenridge Heights, of record in Volume 236 at Page 432 of the Deed Records of Travis County Texas, be and the same is hereby changed to Lightsey Road, said portion of such street so changed being described as follows: All of that certain portion of a street in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, known as Woodward Street, which street was dedicated by a map or plat of Brackenridge Heights, a subdivision of a portion of the Isaac Decker League in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas, according to said map or plat of Brackenridge Heights of record in Volume 236 at Page 432 of the Deed Records of Travis County, Texas, which certain portion of Woodward Street extends from the present west line of South Congress Avenue westerly 525 feet, more or less, to the west line of said Brackenridge Heights. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None Councilman Long inquired about the paving on East 382 Street from Red River to Harmon Street. The City Manager stated there had been so much objection that for the time being, the best solution would be to pave the paving cuts and _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 put a seal coat on the street which would preserve it for sometime, and then put in "no parking" through the area. The street is not wide enough to permit parking and carry the traffic. The Mayor stated this was a good solution. The City Manager stated "No parking" on 38th Street between Guadalupe and Duval on one side of the street has been provided, but this section of the street is wider. Councilman Long inquired about 38th between Duval and Red River in the section of the curve and the hill. The City Manager stated last week, the Council voted in the improvement of a series of streets, to improve this section where 38 Street cut-off comes down to 38th Street. It will be lowered and repaved. Councilman White stated he had a telephone call that a group wanted to come to see him about incorporating an area in the Pilot Knob area. The Mayor stated these people had been advised several weeks ago. Councilman Long stated Mr. Virgil Hendricks and Mr. John McMillan had discussed this with her also, and they were not so much interested in a town-site as they were in solving some problems of getting loans. It was explained they had to be in an approved subdivision; and if their land was outside the City's five-mile jurisdiction, the Commissioners Court would approve the subdivision. The City Manager stated also the F.H.A. was concerned with maintenance of the streets in this area. It was brought out that they could get all of these details clarified with the F.H.A. The City Manager called attention to the progress report on Status of Water and Sanitary Sewer Contract Reports as of August 5, 1963. Also noted was the filing of the Street Paving Summary, August 5, 1963. Councilman Long inquired about the status of the paving of 5407 Montview Street. The Director of Public Works stated the petition was received in February 1963. MAYOR PALMER read a letter from former Mayor Pro-tem EDGAR PERRY from Jinja Uganda, East Africa, describing a Council meeting in that city, and stating the Mayorof Jinja appreciated the proclamation of friendship from Austin. The City Manager submitted a written request from J. P. SHIERLOW, South Austin Optimist Club, asking to use City property on South Lamar adjacent to the Kash Karry Store, for the purpose of selling Christmas Trees this year. Councilman White moved that the request be approved. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The Assistant City Manager submitted a request from the Austin Livestock Show for permission to engage a carnival again next year from March 13th through March 21st. Councilman LaRue moved that the permit be granted conditioned upon approval of the Chief of Police. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 The City Manager stated it was mentioned last week that the sale of the Berkman tract again be considered, and inquiry was made if the Recreation Board was familiar with the plans and development of the Area. Copies of the plan had been sent to the Chairman of the Recreation Board but they had not yet had a Board meeting. The Mayor stated he would like to see the plans after the Recreation Board had approved it. The City Manager stated the plans could be brought in and reviewed by the Council next week. The City Manager stated two weeks ago the Council suggested that the Urban Renewal Agency give the Council a progress report on the Kealing Project. He distributed copies to the Council of the Report dated July 31, 1963, which was received last week. The Mayor stated the Council would review this and discuss it next Thursday. The City Manager stated he had a request from Water District No. 5 for transfer of funds in advance of rental in which they state the City will owe them on March 1, 1964. He said it was his opinion the last rental payment: had been made, and this is being checked. He recommended if the payment is due next spring that it be advanced; but if it is not due, that the funds which the City holds for them be transferred. Councilman Long moved that the City Manager be authorized to make the rental payment if due; or if not, to transfer the funds. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The City Manager had a report from the Assistant City Attorney on his meeting with representatives of the University of Texas in regard to their purchasing the property which the city owns on San Jacinto and Archway. He had suggested that the sale be made on the basis of selling the property north and south of Archway. He listed the appraisals that were made under different conditions as to the use of the property and the status of the street; and in con- sidering the best use of the property as "B", the appraisers set $21,000. The City Manager stated there would remain a strip 32' wide between the present curb line on San Jacinto and the property being conveyed; and the conveyance would be made subject to the drainage easement for the creek. The 32' would be available in the future if it is necessary to widen San Jacinto. He recommended selling the tract at this price as described. Councilman Shanks moved that the Council authorize the sale of this property as recommended by the City Manager. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The City Manager had a report from the Assistant City Attorney on the Paul Simms property to be acquired for the opening of East 2nd Street. The Council had authorized condemnation of the property. In negotiation, the City received an offer of an arrangement whereby the City pay a certain sum of money and pay for the paving, totalling $11,183. The Assistant City Attorney stated this was an acceptable offer. Councilman Long moved that the City Manager be authorized CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 to acquire the Paul Simms property at $11,183. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None Councilman Long inquired about the status of the property on 29th and Guadalupe. The City Manager explained there was an outstanding lease, which the City would also have to buy, and he recommended waiting for the lease to expire. He discussed widening the street at this point by rearranging the curb line, and putting in a temporary "gismo" curb. The Mayor stated he would be in favor of doing this before the City purchased the adjoining property. Councilman LaRue moved that the City Manager be instructed to study this; and if it is recommended, to handle it in this manner. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The City Manager stated there was a house and lot on Funston, south of 35th Street which is for sale, and on which the City had an offer. This location will be needed for the Missouri Pacific Boulevard if the Cotton Plan is followed, for a turn out. This particular lot would be reduced in a lot size below the minimum standards of the City. The property could be acquired for $9,100, and this price has been checked and is a fair value for this property. The Assistant City Attorney stated the legal Department recommended this purchase to the City Manager. Councilman LaRue moved that the City Manager be instructed to acquire this property as set out. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The City Manager, in discussing the grade separation of the Missouri Pacific Boulevard at Windsor Road, stated the City would need some property south of Windsor Road belonging to MRS. T. C. STENIER. Property on both sides of Windsor Road east of the Railroad had already been acquired, and it is necessary to acquire property on the west side also. The owner, after being contacted by the City, proposed to sell the lot for $6,000 with the understanding that the portion not used be reconveyed to her at no cost to her. The Assistant City Attorney stated right now it appeared the remainder of the tract would be about 10' wide. The Assistant City Attorney also discussed the possibility of the adjoining lot being off grade with no frontage on Windsor Road, after the grade separation. The City Manager stated it is necessary to set a right of way line some distance to the south of the curb line about 15 or 20', as there will have to be a retaining wall and a sidewalk area. Councilman Shanks moved that the City Manager be authorized to proceed. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 The City Manager stated MR. TUCKER who operates the Bridge Studio had expressed an interest in acquiring property in front of him between Mills Street and Mills Street cut-off north of 34th Street (Outlot 14). Since there may be a change in some of the street outlay in this area at some future date, the City Manager suggested leasing this property to Mr. Tucker. The Mayor stated until the Shoal Creek Boulevard was completed, it was not known what all would be needed, and he also suggested a lease. Councilman LaRue moved that the City Manager be authorized to negotiate a short term lease agreement with Mr. Tucker on this property. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None Councilman Long moved that the City Manager be authorized to purchase the two properties on Canadian and Anthony Street (Lot 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10, Block 6, Bergman Valley View) north of the Stroburg tract, for part of the roadway to be developed from the Town Lake to tie into Holly Street, for $3,000. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The Council greeted and welcomed MR. WALT WARNER, who has been assigned to Austin by KNOT-TV, Channel 12, San Antonio. Councilman Long offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager of the City of Austin, be and he is hereby authorized to execute a deed on behalf of the City of Austin, conveying to Will Wilson the following described property, to-wit: All of Lots 95 and 96, Northfield Addition, in the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas; said Lot 95 having been conveyed to the City of Austin by Warranty Deed dated September 26, 1952, of record in Volume 1289, page 309 of the Deed Records of Travis County, Texas; said Lot 96 having been conveyed to the City of Austin by Warranty Deed dated October 14, 1953 of record in Volume 1412, page 142 of the Deed Records of Travis County, Texas; SAVE and EXCEPT for an easement for drainage purposes across the east 35 feet of the whole parcel herein conveyed. (Remnant of land from the lot that was acquired for a drainage easement on Chesterfield and North Loop $3,000) The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None - CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS August 8, 1963 The City Manager discussed with the Council an inquiry for purchasing city property at 29th and Lamar, and stated that two weeks ago he recommended no action be taken on this. The offer was to exchange 35 square feet of whatever is needed on the front of his land for a like amount of the City's Lot 12, and an option to purchase the City's triangular shaped parcel so he would have access to Shoal Crest. The City Manager stated it was anticipated there will be a grade separation at some time. Also, since the Westover underpass is completed, traffic will be shifted into Northwood Road, and 29th Street would be used as a cross-town street; and it may be appropriate to acquire another lot and build a new bridge coming more directly into 29th Street. There are no plans now, but this plan may be considered later. The City Manager stated a quick preliminary layout could be studied for the grade separation, as the property owner should be aware of it and that someday his property might be below grade. The Mayor stated the property owner should recognize the fact the plans are in the early stages, and that he would be below grade, so that he would not be suing the City for damages. The Mayor suggested to check into this further and let him know all the possibilities; and if he were still willing to make the trade, to go ahead. Councilman LaRue moved that the City Manager be authorized to purchase the E. B. BOWLES land, Lot 11, on Bergman Avenue, for $1,500. The motion, second ed by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Ayes: Noes: None The Mayor stated he would bring up the appointment of the Citizens Advisory Committee next Thursday. Councilman Long moved that MRS. CLAUDE HILL be appointed as UNITED NATIONS DAY CHAIRMAN. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Ayes: Noes: None The Mayor inquired about the notice from the General Services Administration regarding surplus government property, and that public agencies were allowed a reasonable period of time to perfect a comprehensive and coordinated plan of use and procurement for surplus real estate and buildings. The City Manager stated this involved a 99 acre tract on Travis-Caldwell County line, and almost to the Bastrop line on which tract Bergstrom Field had a marker device for control. had routed this information through the Utilities Departments to see if they had any need for a tract in this area. He listed the type of disposal which has been authorized, and the discounts and conditions. He said he was checking to see if the City had any need for this land. He The City Manager reported he had a detailed letter from the Atomic Energy Commission about the Nuclear reactor installation at the University, to be used for experimental and teaching purposes. =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 The Mayor read a letter from UNITED STATES SENATOR RALPH W. YARBOROUGH accepting invitation to ride in the Land Parade of the Austin Aqua Festival on August 10th. The City Manager stated UNITED STATES SENATOR JOHN TOWER had planned to also be present for the Parade, but a communication had been received now that he would not. A communication from the VICE PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES had been received that MRS. LYNDON JOHNSON would be present, and there was a possibility that he too might be. The City Manager submitted lists of official appearances which the Council was to make in connection with the Aqua Festival A citizen inquired of the Council if there were any memorials for the War-dead of World War I. It was brought out the University Stadium was a Memorial to the Veterans of World War I, and there is a memorial on the corner of Austin High School. The citizen stated November 11th would be the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. The City Manager suggested the best approach for getting a memorial would be through the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. The citizen stated he had found no monuments, and that something should be erected, and he would contact these two agencies. The Council received notice from the City Manager that the following zoning applications had been referred to the Planning Commission and set for public hearing for September 12, 1963: WALTER WENDLANDT W. J. PANNELL By T. E. Wiley Co. CLARENCE MCCULLOUGH & RAY SAUNDERS V. LEON AUSTIN By J.P. Darrouzet CARL C. HARDIN, JR. MRS. NOLLIE PERRY D. C. BRADFORD From "A" Residence 1101-1205 Winsted Lane 2002-2006 West 11th Street To "BB" Residence 2001-2007 Waterston Street 3117-3131 Manor Road 2708-3004 South Inter- regional Highway 1523 Koenig Lane 809-811 West 34th Street 3307-3311 Grandview Street 500 Pressler Street 1400 West 5th Street 5207 Cameron Road From "GR" General Retail To "C" Commercial From Interim "A" Residence To "GR"General Retail From "A" Residence To "C" Commercial From "BB" Residence To "O" Office From "B" Residence 2nd Height & Area To "LR" Local Retail 2nd Height & Area From "GR" General Retail 6th Height & Area To "C-1" Commercial 6th Height & Area _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963. MISS MARY DELL SCHMITZ Rear of 6403-6421 North By Arthur E. Philgren Lamar Boulevard WOODLAND HILLS DEVELOP-1701-1825 South InterMENT CO. by Joe Gilbreth TOM BRADFIELD, Owner NASH PHILLIPS-COPUS, Lessee MRS. J. L. JOSEPH M. K. HAGE, JR. LOUIS A. JOSEPH & MAX W. KRETSCHMAN By Robert C. Sneed MARTIN LEGGETT By Rogan B. Giles regional Highway 1601-1627 Woodland Avenue 2818 Hancock Drive 712-714 Blackson 7400-7412 North Inter- regional Highway 814 East 31st Street From "A" Residence To "C" Commercial From "A" Residence To "0" Office 11 From "C" Commercial 2nd Height & Area Το "C-1" Commercial 2nd Height & Area From "A" Residence To "LR" Local Retail From "A" Residence To "O" Office 1017-1021 East 50th Street From "A" Residence To "C" Commercial 3717 Interregional Highway 1101-1103 East 38 Street MRS. LILLIAN B. HANKEY 3300 West Avenue By Cy Miller DONALD DEMPSEY AL SACKS By Joe Gilbreth 408-410 Park Lane 1407 Hillside Avenue 121-129 Krebs Lane 3801-3807 Wadford Street CLARENCE E. WILLIAMS By E. L. Williams 705-707 East 53rd Street 5210 Eilers Avenue CHRISTIAN FAITH and LIFE COMMUNITY, et al By W. Jack Lewis 2501-2507 Rio Grande 2500-2516 Seton Avenue 615-621 West 26th Street 608-614 West 25th Street From "Q" Office 5th Height & Area To "C" Commercial. 5th Height & Area From "BB" Residence To "O" Office From "A" Residence lst! Height & Area To "B" Residence 2nd Height & Area From "A" Residence lst Height & Area To "C" Commercial 2nd Height & Area From "B" Residence To "C" Commercial From "B" Residence 2nd Height & Area To "B" Residence 3rd Height & Area There being no further business, Councilman Shanks moved that the Council adjourn. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer None CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 8, 1963 The Council adjourned at 12:30 P.M., subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: Oli City Clerk le onkey Loan tho & Palmar APPROVED Mayor