= CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Meeting March 18, 1964 4:30 Ρ.Μ. Council Chamber, City Hall 304 The meeting was called to order with Mayor Palmer presiding. Roll call: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Present: Absent: None The Council had a work session with its Committee to Study the Human Relation Needs in Austin. Later in the Meeting, Councilman Long moved that the City Council issue a declaration of City Policy that no person shall be subject to discrimination or denial of equal opportunity because of his race, creed or color, and that the City government has a direct responsibility to set a public example for all to follow; and that this policy be studied with the possibility of enlarging upon it at a later date. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, Mayor Palmer Noes: Councilman White Councilman White voting against the motion, stating the Council should have some time to study this report. MR. E. R. L. WROE stated a pretty healthy compromise was being approached, and told the Council there were some members of its Committee who had expressed willingness to serve on the other committee, and that the present Committee would like to recommend that the Council consider discharging it, and appoint a larger committee which would include some, or possibly all of the members of this Committee; and give the new Committee a new charge, so that it could feel its way into the area of conciliation. He suggested that the Council appoint itself, or a subcommittee of the Council, either as official or unofficial members to participate in its activities and guide its function. He said by making such a move, even though the Council did not pass an ordinance, it was in effect beginning to look into what the Committee has recommended. Councilman LaRue stated this would be preparing the committee set-up that would be required if the Federal legislation is passed. Councilman Shanks expressed confidence of everyone on the Committee, and stated the public likewise had confidence in the committee. Mayor Palmer stated this Committee has had the benefit of information that had CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS March 18, 1964 305 been brought up again and again, and the members would make a good contribution, and he would like to be able to call on them for advice and consultation. Mr. Wroe stated he was thinking of the termination of this committee and reappointing and augmenting this committee and giving this group a new charge to make further study and actually hear some injured parties, and possibly have a subcommittee that could visit with some of the other people that would have another side of the question. MR. HARRY AKIN supported this idea, stating he was 100% in accord, as this would put the punctuation where it belonged. The Committee had functioned to a point where to retrace its steps would not be effective. If it were discharged the members would be given an opportunity to appraise the subsequent development and see what the Council had in mind and what is projected by the Council. Councilman Long moved that the Council, since it had heard the Committee's report and had acted upon the first phase of it; and at the Committee's request, discharge the Committee with thanks from the Council. The motion, seconded by Councilman Shanks, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, Mayor Palmer Noes: Councilman White MR. AKIN suggested letting the matter cool and let something come from the Council. DR. J. J. SEABROOK suggested that the publicity be given, so that it will be known that the Committee had done something and the Council had done something. He did not want it said that anybody was dragging. Dr. Seabrook stated the Committee was pledged to the Council that it would help it. Mr. Akin said he would like to see what the Council was going to do next and then reserve judgment as to whether he would personally want to continue to be in this advisory capacity. Mr. Wroe stated some of the Committee might have some suggestions--they might find some people that would make a fine contribution to the work that the Council wanted done. Councilman Shanks suggested that the Council decide what the Committee's next charge would be. Councilman Long stated she was not going to ask another group of people to come up here and make a recommendation and it be ignored. Mr. Akin expressed thanks for the efforts of the Executive Secretary, MR. JIM WILSON. Dr. Seabrook again expressed hope that the Press would say something with reference to the sincerity of the City Council. The move it made today showed its sincerity. The people will know the Council is sincere and it will work this out, and this is not the last of it. Mayor Palmer thanked the Committee very kindly for what it had done. There being no further business, Councilman Long moved that the Council adjourn. The motion, seconded by Councilman LaRue, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen LaRue, Long, Shanks, White, Mayor Palmer Noes: None The Council adjourned at 6:10 P.M. subject to the call of the Mayor. ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED Fast & Palmer Mayor