CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting November 26, 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; Doren R. Eskew, City Attorney; Reuben Rountree, Jr., Director of Public Works; Robert A. Miles, Chief of Police Mayor Palmer made a report of his trip to Washington, D. C., to attend, along with the Mayors of the larger cities of Texas, the funeral services of President JOHN F. KENNEDY. Austin was to have been the President's host for a seated banquet at which President Kennedy would have addressed a large group of people, and the citizens had looked forward to this with great anticipation. Austin was to have been President Kennedy's last stop in Texas. Mayor Palmer stated he arrived in Washington, D. C., at 5:45 A.M. and had breakfast with MAYORS WALTER MCALLISTER, San Antonio; BAYARD H. FRIEDMAN, Fort Worth; LYNN BROWN, Irving; JOHN J. GAVIN, Wichita Falls; and EARL CABELL, Dallas. While they were at breakfast, one of the world-renowned ministers came to their table making a statement to them that they should not let this tragical incident be charged to Texas nor to Dallas alone as this was a responsibility of the entire nation and of the entire world as this type of evil and this type of hatred could slip into any city in America and this tragedy could have happened in any city. The Mayor stated he felt this was an expression of the feelings of the larger part of the nation. Mayor Palmer said this was a lesson everyone should learn and learn it well; and if individuals do not start trying in each one's own way to remove this type of thing from this country, then everyone is in for trouble. He noted that so many times people would say, "Well what can I, as one individual, do to help this?" In reverse, when one individual through his means, altered the fate of an entire nation and perhaps an entire world, possibly in reverse, if we as individuals would dedicate ourselves for good, maybe something good would come out of it. Mayor Palmer stated another thing stood out to him and his group; and that was if there is such a thing as grandeur in death, it was certainly exemplified during this memorial. Every member of the Armed Service, whether a Private or an Officer, knew every step he was supposed to make; he knew every _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS November 26, 1963 movement of his arms; he knew every movement of the flag; he knew where he was supposed to be; and he was there in his place when and where he was supposed to be. Everything was carefully planned so that each custom or ritual that had been handed down in our rich heritage was carried out according to plan. In describing a part of the funeral services, Mayor Palmer stated, on their way to Arlington Cemetery, there were hundreds of thousands of people crowded all the way up the hillside going up to the Cemetery, and they were really grief stricken. The gravesite, located on a high knoll, overlooks the City of Washington. One of the young men who was in the office of one of the Congressmen explained that from President Kennedy's gravesite, if a line were drawn from it to the Washington Monument and one between the Capitol Building and the White House, a perfect cross would be formed. A cocoa mat was laid on the ground from the street up this steep incline to the graveside where the President was to be interred. It was a long, steep walk. Mayor Palmer stated he was deeply impressed when he saw Mrs. Kennedy and her little children start this long walk; that, in truth, she was literally in the shadow of death, yet she walked with no fear of evil. She showed to the world that this spirit, or whatever it may be, of America and the American people could not be killed by one man, by one individual, or even by the loss of one President. She showed to all of those peoples from all over the world (some 53 nations represented) that here was a woman, a wife, and a mother who in view of this tragedy, grief stricken as she was, knew exactly what to do and how to do it, remaining composed and queenly. Mayor Palmer reported, after the Ceremony, the Mayor visited with quite a few of the United States Senators and Congressmen. Another thing by which he was impressed was that even after this great tragedy there was such a tremendous confidence in the leadership that was to take over. Comments could be heard that "Certainly President Johnson has a complete knowledge of government; "Certainly he has the ability; he has demonstrated this in the Senate; "Certainly our country will go forward and our American way of life, even in the light of what has happened, would continue with no interruption; and that America would move on and prove to the world that it still has the leadership to meet the problems of today and the problems of the world. Mayor Palmer asked that FATHER PETER SHEA give the invocation at this time, in light of this report. MR. HORACE BARNHART and MR. LOUIS SOUTHERLAND, Architect, appeared in the interest of a building permit at 707 Rio Grande Street providing only 13 offstreet parking spaces. A memorandum from the Traffic Engineer was read suggest- ing that the parking layout along the alley would be more convenient if the spaces were laid out at right angles to the alley and suggesting the 19' wide space from the alley to the sidewalk be increased to 20' since the alley is 20' wide, and that each parking space be made 9' wide. No recommendation was made as to the required number of off-street parking spaces, since this was an area in which the Council made the determination. Also read was a memorandum from the Building Inspector stating the first floor of the building was to be occupied by the Retail Merchants Association, and the second floor would be for office rental area. The Retail Merchants Association has 35 employees. It was the recommendation of the Building Inspector that 13 off-street parking spaces would not be adequate, and he recommended against the issuance of a permit. Mr. Barnhart discussed the plans with the Council stating ultimately the Retail Merchants Association would occupy the entire building and stating only three or four of the employees ever bring their cars to work. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS November 26, 1963 Jordan, Building Official, suggested that Mr. Southerland, Mr. Barnhart and he meet and try to work something out. The Mayor asked the gentlemen to get with Mr. Jordan, and probably they could come up with something acceptable. Mayor Palmer announced that Councilman White had just received notice that MR. HUGO KUEHNE had died. Mr. Kuehne served for many years as Chairman of the Planning Commission and rendered a tremendous service to the City. The Council stood in silent prayer in memory of MR. HUGO KUEHNE, and in recognition of his service. The City Attorney stated Mr. Osborne had a report from the Planning Commission that it had recommended that TRAVIS HEIGHTS BOULEVARD be extended south which would go across the Lynn Storm property on south to St. Edwards Drive. He explained under the planned use for this property, the developers could get a building permit without a dedication of this street through the property. Mayor Palmer brought up the following ordinance for its third reading: AN ORDINANCE ORDERING A CHANGE IN USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA AND CHANGING THE USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA MAPS ACCOMPANYING CHAPTER 39 OF THE AUSTIN CITY CODE OF 1954 AS FOLLOWS: A TRACT OF LAND FRONTING 931 FEET ON THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF EAST LIVE OAK STREET AND 1002 FEET ON THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF EAST OLTORF STREET, LOCALLY KNOWN AS 910-1206 EAST OLTORF STREET AND 915-1115 EAST LIVE OAK STREET, IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM INTERIM "A" RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND INTERIM FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT AND "A" RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA TO "B" RESIDENCE DISTRICT AND FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT; AND SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS. (The City Attorney reported receipt of an instrument dedicating additional right of way required for Oltorf Street.) The ordinance was read the third time and Councilman Shanks moved that the ordinance be finally passed. The motion, seconded by Councilman Long, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, Mayor Palmer Noes: Councilman White The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. The City Manager reported that the Council had determined it advisable to acquire certain water districts surrounding the City, and there was some publicity concerning the matter. Immediately after the action of the Council, TRAVIS- WILLIAMSON COUNTY WATER DISTRICT NO. 1 expressed an interest that the City proceed with the plan. Travis County Water District Nos. 7, 8 and 6 also expressed CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS November 26, 1963 an interest. Travis-Williamson County Water District No. 1 now has met the conditions the Council set up in that they have obtained the commitments that all bonds would be surrendered at par for payment on December 1st; they have levied a tax which will bring their assets in balance with their liabilities; and they have a commitment from the holders of the refund contracts that they would surrender them for 50 on the dollar. A lengthy discussion was held. The City Manager stated the contract would pass title to the City to all lines, easements and all of the assets including cash in the banks, and the City would assume the obligations of the district. Counting the bonds, a judgment in favor of the State of $40,000 with interest, refund contracts, all obligations including unpaid interest of the bonds would total in the neighborhood of $1,700,000. This would be in balance with the assets. Councilman Shanks offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: (RESOLUTION) WHEREAS, on the 8th day of December, 1955, the City of Austin and TravisWilliamson County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 entered into a contract by the terms of which the City of Austin became entitled to purchase the assets of the District; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Austin, acting in the public interest, has elected to exercise its option to purchase the assets of said District in compliance with the terms and provisions of that certain conveyance, transfer, assignment, and contract therefor exhibited to the City Council by the City Manager; Now, Therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That W. T. Williams, Jr., City Manager be and he is hereby authorized, on behalf of the City of Austin to accept the conveyance, transfer, assignment and contract transferring all assets of said Travis-Williamson County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 to the City of Austin, and to execute said contract by which the City of Austin shall assume the obligations of said District. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The City Manager reported a number of years ago the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the City jointly constructed some bleachers at Butler Softball Diamond No. 1. Two-thirds of them have become deteriorated and should be removed. The Director of Recreation had checked with the Junior Chamber of Com- merce, and they had no objection. The Assistant City Manager made a report in that the Director of Recreation had discussed this with the schools to see if they would like to use these at the new stadium; but after they had a cost estimate, they figured they could construct seats with new steel more economically than tearing these down and moving them. A Junior Chamber of Commerce from one of the smaller cities around Austin asked to purchase these seats at an agreed price of 12 per seat, and this Junior Chamber of Commerce would dismantle them and move them to their city. The Board of the Austin Jaycees unanimously voted _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS November 26, 1963 to dispose of the two-thirds of the bleachers. Councilman Long moved that the City Manager be instructed to dispose of these seats in the manner he sees fit which is most advantageous to the City. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None Councilman Long asked if an answer had been received from Mr. Sheffield, Director of Recreation, on whether or not the City could provide lights for the OAK HILL LITTLE LEAGUE. The Assistant City Manager stated recommendations could possibly be ready by next Thursday. Councilman LaRue asked about the annual cost of such a project. The Mayor stated a check could be made of some of the other comparable fields, and he asked that this information be included also. The City Manager submitted a request from one of the employees in the Building Inspector's Office that the City consider extending its limit line out to include his home which he had acquired prior to his employment with the City. He has moved into the City but has asked that his property be annexed. The property is approximately one mile beyond the city limit line from Manchaca Road. Councilman Long moved that the request to extend the city limits out to take in the home of MR. GREEN be denied. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None Councilman White said he had always spoken in the past in behalf of the City employees, and he would like to see them given a half-day on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24th. The Council suggested that this may be a matter to be handled administratively and referred his request to the City Manager. In regard to holidays, Councilman Long inquired if any of the Boards had scheduled meetings on the holidays. The City Attorney stated he would check to see if there were any. Councilman Long suggested, when these special holidays are set out, that the Chairman of the Boards be notified so they could set their meetings in accordance. The City Manager submitted the request of ANNETTE DUVAL SCHOOL OF DANCING for the use of the Auditorium for the Variety Dance which is proposed in connection with the Shoe Fund Drive and that the fee be waived since it would take a considerable part of the funds that would be raised for this drive. Councilman Long stated there were many other worthy projects, and she did not believe the Council could waive the fees. The City Manager stated this was a worthy cause, but many other such requests are also for worthy causes. Councilman LaRue moved in keeping with the policies and precedents, that the Council deny this request. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS November 26, 1963.. Mayor Palmer had an official request from the Merchants that the CHRISTMAS LIGHTS be turned on Thursday, November 28th. It was reported the lights would be turned on Wednesday night, November 27th. The City Attorney stated there was a part of a street north of the Colorado River that is in the Airport-Montopolis Interchange. For speed regulations one-way direction regulations, etc., it will be necessary to name a part of this loop from Airport Boulevard to East 7th Street, and he thought the Council would like to have a little time to think about the naming. The Mayor suggested that the exact location of the street line be established for the convenience of the public, Post Office, and for emergency calls. The Council decided to meet at its regular date on JANUARY 2, 1964. The City Manager reported that the following applications had been referred to the Planning Commission for recommendation and had been set for public hearing at 11:00 A.M. on JANUARY 2, 1964: CLARENCE MCCULLOUGH & 2708-3004 South InterRAY SAUNDERS regional Highway NELDA PULKRABEK By Richard Baker T. C. BARNES By A. B. Beddow AUS-TOWN DEVELOPMENT GREG T. SCOTT By Marion Shafer CONWAY TAYLOR WILLIAM D. PATTON By E. H. Smartt R. R. TALLEY W. L. DRIGGS By J. T. Baumgardner 6305-6315 Burnet Road Rear of 5509-5511 Mont- view Street 4800-5016 Springdale Road 1803-1805 West 35th Street 7019-7033 U.S. Highway 290 6903-7024 Mira Loma Lane 1037 East 44th Street 4304-4308 Clarkson Street 2254-2264 Redwood Avenue 3543-3549 Manor Road From Interim "A" Resi- dence 1st Height & Area To "GR" General Retail 1st Height & Area From "C" Commercial To "C-1" Commercial From "A" Residence To "O" Office From Interim "A" Resi- dence & Interim 1st Height & Area To "GR" General Retail 1st Height & Area From "BB" Residence To "0" Office From "A" Residence To "C-1" Commercial From "A" Residence To "0" Office From "A" Residence To "GR" General Retail ) CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS-November 26, 1963. JACK ANDREWARTHA By Oscar W. Holmes PAUL C. WALTER THE CHERRYLAWN CORP. By John B. Sellman O. C. HARDIN By Robert C. Sneed G. H. BRUSH By Robert C. Sneed THE RELIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY By G. C. Perryman Tract 1: 2232-2338 Parton Skyway Tract 2: From "GR" General Retail To "A" Residence From "GR"General Retail Rear of 2236-2338 Barton To "B" Residence Skyway Tract 1: 6830-6836 Burnet Road Tract 2: 6800-6828 Burnet Road 2400-2404 Addison Avenue Tract 3: 6724-6728 Burnet Road From "O" Office To "C" Commercial From "A" Residence To "C" Commercial From "GR" General Retail 6th Height & Area 2401-2405 Addison Avenue To "C" Commercial 6th Tract 1: 6201-6205 Manor Road 6117-6125 Walnut Hills Tract 2: Rear of 6201 Manor Road Rear of 6119 Walnut Hills 1220 East 52nd Street 5200-5204 Lancaster Court 3400-3414 Woodleigh Street 201-203 Braeswood Street 4808-4810 Interregional Highway Height & Area From "A" Residence To "IR" Local Retail From "A" Residence To "C-1" Commercial From "A" Residence To "B" Residence From "A" Residence To "0" Office From "0" Office To "GR" General Retail There being no further business Councilman Shanks moved that the Council adjourn. The motion, seconded by Councilman White, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The Council adjourned at 11:30 A.M., subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: APPROVED . Mayor City Clerk