MEMORANDUM TO: Council Meeting December 19, 1968 MAYOR AKIN called the meeting to order welcoming all those present. Invocation REVEREND MERLE FRANKE, First English Lutheran Church ANNUAL REPORT BRACKENRIDGE HOSPITAL Councilman LaRue noted the Brackenridge Hast Facility was not being used to its fullest extent, in that the average occupancy was 13 people, and a total of 20 employees. He suggested that a study be made to determine how these facilities could better be utilized. The City Manager reported the Hospital Staff had developed. a program and it had just come into being this year, that the facilities could be used for recuperation services. He said he would get a full report from the Hospital. Administrator on.the.status. On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second, the Council received the Annual report of Brackenridge Hospital. (5 to 0 vote) APPEAL ON FINE IMPOSED UNDER JUNKYARK ORDINANCE MR. JESSIE SHAW appeared before the Council, stating he had cleaned up his junkyard, but was fined for not putting up a fence. The case developed he had received two letters before clearing the area. The City Manager reported the law enforcement action took place prior to the Court action, and the judgement of the Court. The fine is imposed based upon the violation of the ordinance.at that time. Since Court action, the imposing of the fine, and the judgment of the Court, Mr. Shaw has done some clean-up work, but there is still not full compliance with the ordinance at this time. The fine was imposed on the violation on December 3. The Mayor stated it seemed a little late for the Council to take into its jurisdiction the matter of remitting a fine, The question was raised as to accepting his fine after he had made an appeal to the Coumntil The Council, on Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman LaRue's second, voted that Mr. Shaw be provided the immediate opportunity to go ahead and pay the $100 fine in accordance with the previous judgment of the Court. (5 to 0 vote) The City Manager told Mr. Shaw the Court would accept his fine. RODENT CONTROL ORDINANCE The Council discussed various provisions of the ordinance, Councilman LaRue bringing up the question of the City's using its personnel, equipment and supplies to do this work without making some charge or levy against the subject. property. Councilman Nichols did not want to get into the sale of rat poison. Councilman Long stated they were making poison. available for sale at a fee set by the Council. MR. BILL YOUNGBLOOD. questioned the desirability of selling or distributing rat poison as there are persons who do not know. how to use it. He referred to the Pest Control Ordinance passed recently, that before persons engage in pest control they must pass an exam to prove they have knowledge and skill to use such poison. Mayor Akin said the intent of the ordinance as interpreted by the Health Department is to have a remedy for helping those people in need of help, and to give them the means of educating those people under their supervisions on rodents and pest control. Councilman LaRue suggested that more.. emphasis be placed on the commercial exterminators. He read an article from the Christian Science. Monitor, Nov. 27, 1968 stating the rat problemscould be reduced to zero by high standards of smitation and building maintenance. After more discussion, the Council on Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman LaRue's.second, continued the hearing until Monday. (4 to 0 vote, Councilman Long voting "NO", as she saw nothing to wait on, as they had a good ordinance now.) Council Memo Page 2 December 19, 1968 REPORT FISCAL YEAR 1967-68 On Councilman LaRue's motion, Councilman. Nichols' second, the Council noted receipt of the Report of the Fiscal Year 1967-1968. (5 to 0 vote) HEARING ON ANNEXATION ORDINANCES It being 10:30A.M., Mayor Akin opened the public hearing on the annexation ordinance scheduled for this time. No one appeared to be heard. On Councilman Nichols' motion, Councilman Janes' second, the Council closed the hearing and passed the following annexation ordinances through their first and second reading: (1) 0.18 acre of land out of the Join Applegate Survey a portion of the resubdivision of Lots 1 through 8, Block H, QUAIL CREEK SECTION TWO. (Requested by representative for owner) (5 to 0 vote) (2) 18.73 acres of land out of the Theodore: Bissel: League posed CHERRY CREEK SECTION FOUR. for owner) (5 to 0 vote) pro- (Requested by representative HEARING CONTINUED UNTIL DECEMBER 30, 1968, 10:30 Α.Μ. On Councilman Janes motion, Councilman Nichols' second, the Council continued the hearing until December 30, 1968, 10:30 A.M., asking that the property owners be notified on the following annexation ordinance: (5 to 0 vote) (3) 9.86 acres of land out of the J. C. Tannehill. League a portion of a proposed subdivision to be known as JAIN LANE ADDITION and unplatted land. (Partially requested) FINAL PASSAGE OF ANNEXATION ORDINANCES On Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman Nichols' second, the Council passed the following annexation ordinance through its final passage. (5 to 0 vote) (1) 434.11 acres of land out of the James Burleson and Phillip McElroy Leagues TRAVIS STATE SCHOOL. 45.67 acres of land out of the T. J. Chambers Grant and: the George W. Davis Survey proposed HIGHLAND HILLS, SECTION NINE, PHASE TWO, and unplatted land. 13.51 acres of land out of the George W. Davis Survey proposed NORTHWEST HILLS, MESA OAKS, PHASE 5-B. (2) 27.42 acres of land out of the William Cannon League and the Santiago Del Valle Grant BATTLE BEND SPRINGS, SECTION ONE. Council Memo Page 3 December 19, 1968 ZONING ORDINANCES PASSED On Councilman LaRue's motion, Councilman Nichols' second, the Council passed the following zoning ordinances through all three readings: (1) C. L. REEVES Tract 1 From Int. "A" 1st H&A (Councilamn LaRue's motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (5 to 0 vote) 7016-7616 Balcones Trail To "BB" 1st H&A Tract 2 "LR" 1st H&A (2) CARRINGTON'S UNIVERSITY HILLS By Richard Baker (Councilman Nichols' motion, Councilman LaRue's Second) (5 to 0 vote) Rear of 7322-7516 Balcones TTO From Int. "A" 1st.H&A "BB" 1st H&A 7008-7126 Northeast Drive To Tract 1 Tract 2 Tract 3 7028-7126 Northeast Drive To 7101-7227 U. S. Highway 290 7200-7244 Northeast Drive To "B" 1st H&A "GR" Ist H&A ANNEXATION ORDINANCES SET FOR HEARING ON JANUARY 9, 1969 Mayor Akin relinquished the Chair, disqualifying himself as he was personally involved in one of the annexation items. Mayor Pro-tem Long presided. The Council, On Councilman Nichols' motion, Councilman LaRue's second, introduced ordered published and set for public hearing at 10:30 A.M. January 9, 1969, the following annexation ordinances: (1) 15.74 acres of land out of the James P. Wallace Survey No. 18.- proposed NORTHWEST TERRACE SECTION THREE. (Requested by representative for owner) (2) 52.64 acres of unplatted land out of the Santiago Del Valle Grant and the Isaac Decker League located south of Saint Elmo Road and west of Interstate Highway No. 35. (Partially requested) FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman LaRue's second, the Council adopted a resolution awarding the sale of houses as follows: (5 to 0 vote) (1) 1008 Midway to W. Johnston $1.50 (2) 1110 (Front) Midway to W. Johnston $18.00 (3) 1110 (Rear) Midway to August Heyer $2.85 (4) 2513 New York to L. McDonald $22.98 (5) 2324 (Front) Rosewood to W. Johnston $7.50 (6) 2324 (Rear) Rosewood to W. Johnston $5.00 (7) 2328C Rosewood to H. Settemeyer $25.15 (8) 2328D Rosewood to August Heyer $7.85 (9) 1163 Singleton to August Heyer $1.55 (10) 1165 Singleton to James C. Evans $15.00 Council Memo Page 4 (11) 1167 Singleton to L. McDonald (12) 1175 1/2 Singleton to James C. Evans (13) 1177 Singleton to W. Johnston $1.50 (14) 1181A Singleton to August Heyer. - $8.85 (15) 1183B Singleton to Jack White - $25.00 (16) 1185 Singletonto. Jack. White. - $10.00 $22.98 $10.00 (17) 1187B Singleton.to. August. Heyer - $2.10 (18) 1154 Walnut to W. Johnston. $6.50 (19) 2355 Washington to August Heyer $37.95 December 19, 1968 APPROVAL OF URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT On Councilman Longss motion, Councilman LaRue's second, the Council adopted a resolution approving bid of Leon Risher and wife Wille Mae Risher for the purchase of parcel No. R-26, intthe Kealing Urban Renewal Project $2,700.00. (5 to 0 vote) REFUND CONTRACT OnnCouncilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second the Council passed an ordinance on all three readings authorizing refund contract with the following: (5 to 0 vote) CARRINGTON'S UNIVERSITY HILLS For Water and Sewer Mains in River- bend, Section 3A-B-C and Parkwood at University Hills. ($47,017.06) GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION METER EQUIPMENT WATER PLANT #2 After explanation and discussion, on Councilman Long's motion, Councilman LaRue's second, the Council adopted a resolution awarding contract to B.I.F., a Unit of General Signal Corporation, for Metering Equipment to be used in connection with High Service Pump #17 at Water Treatment Plant %232. ($6,647.00) (5 to 0 vote) SPEED LIMITS OVER 30 MPH On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols! second, the Council adopted a resolution establishing "speed limits over 30 MPH" as follows: 35 MPH speed limit on Guadalupe from 30th Street to 45th Street 40 MPH speed limit on West Guadalupe from 45th Street to Lamar Boulevard SPEED LIMITS OVER 30 MPH ON I. H. 35's EXPRESSWAY On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second, the Council adopted a resolution establishing "speed limits over 30 MPH" on I. H. 35's Expressway lanes as follows: 45 MPH Minimum 55 Maximum speed limit from U. S. Highway 290 to East 1st Street. 60 MPH Maximum speed limit from East 1st Street to East Oltorf Street. Council Memo Page 5 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT December 19, 1968 After viewing sketches presented by the Director of Public Works, the Council, on Councilman Longs' motions, Councilman Nichols' seconds, approved shoreline improvements on Lake Austin as requested: (1) Mrs. T. J. McElhenney, 3103 West Lake DriveExcavate channel and turning basin. (2).Earl Podolnick from Dry Creek North side lake Austin upstream Retaining wall along shoreline. PETITION FOR DELETION OF PAVING Mr. Viscardi had asked to present a petition to delete paving. Unit 68-7, Delmar Avenue from Avenue C to North Interegional Highway, but had called in to say he would not be present. The City Manager reported a substantial majority of the property owners had either paid for their portion of the work, or had sent in letters of credit. The Council, on Councilman LaRue's motion, Councilman Janes! second, noted receipt of the information from Mr. Viscardi in that if they completed their petition, he would call back later. (5 to 0 vote) TAX APPEALS CONTINUED On Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman LaRue's second, the Council voted to continue the following Tax Appeals until 10:30 A.M. January 16, 1969. (5 to 0 vote) (1) FRED A. BUAAS (2) JOHN J. McKETTA, JR. By Robert Sneed TAX APPEALS MAYOR AKIN read a statement as to his position on tax policies as follows: "In hearing appeals from the values fixed by the City Board of Equalization on properties in the Independent School District, the Austin City Council inherited an unsolicited responsibility. The taxing authorities and the City Legal Department, however, have held that this is necessarily the function of the Council as a part of the arrangement between the school system and the City providing that the City Tax Department collect taxes for the schools. As a result of studies this far, I am of the opinion that a comprehensive reevaluation of our assessing and taxing procedures would be desirable, not only in the outlying school districts, but within the City as well. I wish it to be distinctly understood that I am not critical of our tax department in making this statement. Mr. Klitgaard and his capable staff have been most diligent and energetic in the discharge of their responsibilities according to established guidelines. It would appear that our tax rates per hundred dollar evaluation are reasonable enough, both for taxes collected for City operations and for support of the schools. It will also be recalled that the City reduced its tax rate by five cents at the beginning of this fiscal year. Council Memo Page 6 December 19, 1968 It is in the area of evaluations that I think we have some problem. I am aware that certain State statutes require that collection of taxes be on a fair and equal basis. The assessment of value to be placed on a given property, however, is a matter of judgment on the part of the appraiser. It is understood that fair market value serves as the basis for taxation, and that seventy-five percent of this appraised value is the amount against which the tax rate is applied in determining the tax upon a given property. I believe present methods of determining market values upon real property, particularly in rural areas, have resulted in unfair and burdensome taxes bordering on being confiscatory, in some cases. It is unrealistic, I think, to use the sale price of an isolated piece of real estate to es-ablish the value of undeveloped acreage for miles around. Farm and ranch land surrounding the City for distances of five to eight miles have been valued between four hundred to two thousand dollars per acre. Such values can only be justified by the assumption that such areas are all eligible for immediate development for residential or commercial development. Since such an assumption is totally impractical, it can only have the effect of burdening the property owner to the extent that he must dispose of his property in order to settle his tax bill. Taxation based upon such infalted and speculative values can only have the long range result of inhibiting healthy growth and development in the surrounding territory, and in turn depressing the economy of the City itself. It is equally inadvisable and unfair, in my opinion, to place high values on undeveloped land within the City far in advance of development. No developer can long survive the burden of such taxation without some degree of offsetting income. Austin is at a considerable disadvantage as compared with most cities regarding tax income, since 52% of all real property in the City is tax exempt governmental, educational, and other. This disparity, however, cannot properly be overcome by disproportionate taxation. In order to provide the citizens of Austin with the services which they desire and expect, and in order to adequately provide for the increasing needs of a fast growing community, it would be desirable to find new sources of revenue with which to supplement those presently utilized. It would be most helpful, for example, if State and other institutions and entities could be prevailed upon to remit fees to the City for services in lieu of taxes. It would also benefit the City substantially if industries and residents currently enjoying services of the City, although beyond the immediate boundaries of the City, should volunteer to become a part of the community, and thereby make their proportionate contributions to the support of the City. A re-examination of our taxing policies and procedures would be most helpful in relieving the concerns of our people, and would constitute a benefit to the community generally." COUNCILMAN NICHOLS did not concur with the Mayor's statement in whole; but he thought in the future, the School Board should do their own tax appraising and collecting. Councilman LaRue stated there was a provision fixed by the State Law cover- ing properties as these, in the outlying areas--that they will be taxed on fair market value or be taxed for agricultural purposes, and they must qualify under that statute. If these properties do not qualify, the fair market value approach must be taken, and Councilman LaRue thought the Tax Department had been doing a creditable job. Councilman Long stated she thought the market value had been inflated. Council Memo Page T December 19, 1968 MAYOR AKIN opened the hearings on Tax Appeals from decisions of the Board of Equalization. On each appeal, the appellant or his representative, presented the case, which was discussed thoroughly with the Council and at length. The Tax Assessor reviewed maps, pointed out recent sales in each area that might indicate the fair market value, discussed topography, land which might come under agricultural exemption, and pointed out all factors that affect or have bearing on the value of each parcel. In most instances the Council made trips to the areas to see the properties on the ground. Each of the following cases was carefully considered by the Council before a decision was reached. The Council voted to uphold the Board of Equalization on the following: JACOB BAUERLE (Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (3 to 2 vote, Councilman Long and Mayor Akin voting against the motion) ASSESSED VALUES Parcel #9-4-3947-0201, 53.14 acres, J. G. McGehee Survey 6, Vacant Land Improvements Total $17,930 0 $17,930 POLLY B. BROOKS By J. C. HINSLEY (Councilman LaRue's motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (3 to 2 vote, Councilman Long and Mayor Akin voting against the motion) Parcel #9-4-3937-0103, 219 acres, Walker Wilson Survey 2, Old Bear Road Land $73,910 Improvements 4,420 Total $78,330 ASSESSED VALUES Parcel #9-4-3127-0201, 173.370 acres, Theodore Bissell Survey 18, Vacant Land Improvements Total $78,020 0 $78,020 Parcel #9-4-3147-0102, 142 acres, H. W. Cocke Survey 431, Vacant Land Improvements Total $31,950 0 $31,950 Parcel #9-4-3147-0101, 196 acres, H. Haigwood Survey 433, Vacant Land Improvements Total $44,100 0 $44,100 Parcel #9-4-3157-0203, 115.20 acres, Thomas Brite Survey 65, Vacant Land $30,240 Improvements 0 Total $30,240 Council Memo Polly B. Brooks (cont.) DELWOOD CENTER, INC. By Rogan B. Giles (Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (5 to 0 vote) Page 8 December 19, 1968 ASSESSED VALUES Parcel #9-4-2347-0103, 3,571 acres, Sam I. W. Hamilton Survey 16, Vacant Land Improvements Total $1,071,300 21,280 $1,092,580 Parcel #9-402337-0110, 200 acres, Sam I. W. Hamilton Survey 16, Vacant Land Improvements Total $67,500 0 $67,500 ASSESSED VALUE Parcel #2-0101-1106, 6.70 acres, Isaac Decker League, Riverside Dr. Land Improvements Total $186,060 0 $186,060 GAGE WESTERN INVESTMENT, INC. By John B. Selman (Councilman LaRue's motion, Councilman Janes' second) (3 to 2 vote, Councilmen Long and Nichols voting against the motion) ASSESSED VALUE Parcel #2-3707-0242, Tract 2, North Village, 2103 Anderson Lane Land $ 85,330 Improvements 483,700 Total $569,030 R. C. GRUMBLES (Councilman LaRue's motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (3 to 2 vote, Councilman Long and Mayor Akin voting against the motion) ASSESSED VALUE Parcel #9-4-1527-0102, 151.59 acres, Thomas Anderson Survey 17, SW Hwy. 290 Land Improvements Total Mrs. Grumbles had been contacted by the Tax Assessor regarding the appeal and she stated she did not want to pursue the appeal. ROSWELL G. MILLER (Councilman Nichols' motion, Councilman Long's second) (5 to 0 vote) $90,950 7,950 $98,900 ASSESSED VALUE Parcel #1-3005-0301, Lot 3, Block U, Highland Park West, 4701 Ridge Oak Drive Land Total $ 9,040 12,940 $21,980 Improvements Council Memo GEORGE S. NALLE, JR. (Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman LaRue's second) (5 to 0 vote) Page 9 December 19, 1968 ASSESSED VALUES Parcel #2-0501-0406, Lots 11 & 12, Block 19, 201 Colorado Street Land Improvements Total $33,910 22,430 $56,340 Parcel #2-800-1604, Lot 4-A, Resub- division of Lots 1 thru 4, Block 129, 600 West 10th Street Land $ 16,050 Improvements 245,740 Total $261,790 SMITH PROPERTIES, INC. By Ted Wendlandt (Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (4 to 0 vote, Councilman Janes present but not voting) ASSESSED VALUES Parcel #9-1-5309-0101, Lot 1, Ledgestone Cliffs, Corner Spicewood Spgs. Rd. & Cliff Dr. Land $1,500 Improvements 0 Total $1,500 Parcel #9-1-5309-0123, Lot 23, Ledgestone Cliffs, Cliff Drive Land Improvements $600 0 Total $600 Parcel #9-1-5313-0104, 2.11 acres, Joseph Scott Sur., Spicewood Spgs. Road Land Improvements $1,350 0 Parcel #9-1-5309-0102, Lot 2, Ledgestone Cliffs, Spicewood Spgs. Road Land Improvements Total $600 0 $600 Parcel #9-1-5309-0103, Lot 3, Ledgestone Cliffs, Spicewood Spgs. Road Land Improvements Total $600 0 $600 Total $1,350 Parcel #9-1-5309-0122, Lot 22, Ledgestone Cliffs, Cliff Drive Land Improvements $600 0 Total $600 Parcel #9-1-5309-0104, Lot 4, Ledgestone Cliffs, Spicewood Spgs. Road Land $600 Improvements 0 Total $600 DAVID BARROW (Councilman LaRue's motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (5 to 0 vote) ASSESSED VALUES Parcel #9-4-2357-0304, 74.19 acres, Corbet Stevens Sur. 63, Vacant Land $19,480 Improvements 0 Total $19,480 Council Memo Page 10 December 19, 1968 David Barrow (cont.) Parcel #9-1-3501-0107, 72.69 acres, Geo. W. Davis & T. J. Chambers Sur., Vacant Land Improvements $136,290 0 Total $136,290 ASSESSED VALUES Parcel #9-4-4827-0431, 56.26 acres, S. F. Slaughter Sur. 1, Old San Antonio Hwy. Land Improvements Total $29,540 610 $30,150 Parcel #9-1-3702-0201, 20.18 acres, Geo. W. Davis Sur., Vacant Parcel #9-1-3601-0201, 29.6 acres, Geo. W. Davis & T. J. Chambers Sur., Vacant Land Improvements Total $133,200 0 $133,200 Land $60,540 Improvements 0 Total $60,540 Parcel #9-1-3705-0802, 32.38 acres, T. J. Chambers Grant, Vacant Land Improvements Total $36,430 0 $36,430 Parcel #9-2-3501-1001, 4.43 acres, George W. Davis Sur., Vacant Parcel #9-1-4806-0404, 38.11 acres, James M. Mitchell Sur., Vacant Land Improvements Total $28,580 0 $28,580 Parcel #9-1-3601-0101, 4.4 acres, Geo. W. Davis Survey, Vacant Land $16,500 Improvements 0 Total $16,500 Land Improvements Total $13,290 0 $13,290 Parcel #9-1-3501-0101, 8.136 acres, T. J. Chambers Grant, Vacant Parcel #9-1-2809-0214, 1.88 acres, T. J. Chambers Grant, Vacant Land Improvements Total $33,340 0 $33,340 Land $42,710 Improvements 0 Total $42,710 Parcel #9-1-4210-0112, 14.395 acres, T. J. Chambers Grant, Vacant Land $10,800 Improvements 0 Total $10,800 Parcel #1-2606-0209, Lot 4, Resubdi- vision of Lot 4, Block J. Sec. 2 and part of lot 4, Block B, Sec. 1, Balcones Park Addition, 4406 Balcones Land Improvements Total $5,880 0 $5,880 Parcel #9-1-3902-0101, 16.523 acres, Geo. W. Davis Sur., Vacant Land Improvements Total $30,980 0 $30,980 Parcel #1-3804-0503, Lot 18, Block P., Northwest Hills Sec. 10, Ph. 2, Off Hart Lane Land $3,630 Improvements 0 Total $3,630 Parcel #9-1-4103-0102, 6.43 acres, Geo. W. Davis Survey, Vacant Land $9,650 Improvements 0 Total $9,650 Council Memo Page 11 December 19, 1968 David Barrow (cont.) (Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman Nichols' second) (3 to 2 vote, Councilman Parcel #9-1-5313-0211, 209.44 acres, James Cole Survey, Vacant Long and Mayor Akin voting Land against the motion) Improvements Total $62,830 0 $62,830 On Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman LaRue's second, the Council changed the assessed value on the following property as described below: (4 to 1 vote, Mayor Akin voting against the motion) DAVID BARROW ASSESSED VALUE Parcel #9-1-4806-0301, 241.43 acres, James Coleman Survey, Vacant Land $162,970 Improvements 0 Total $162,970 On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Janes' second, the Council changed the assessed value on the following property as described below: (3 to 2 vote, Councilmen Nichols and LaRue voting against the motion) ROY C. SANDERS ASSESSED VALUE Parcel #9-4-4818-0104, 47.603 acres, S. F. Slaughter Sur. 1, Off Old San Antonio Road. Land Improvements Total $21,420 15,450 $36,870 POLICIES GOVERNING OPERATION OF MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSES The City Manager reported the various organizations interested in the golf program had been contacted and advised about the proposed policies. The Recreation Director stated MR. ALEXANDER, President of the Austin Golf Association had expressed interest in these general policies, but some problems would result in conducting their tournaments; however, they could live under this particular policy and he would be in favor of it. The change in policy would be no tournaments except those listed on week ends, and a few tournaments would be eliminated. Individual golfers criticize the tournaments on the week ends. He discussed the policy concerning players that must be designated by the schools, and trying to get them playing in teams. High school students may use the Hancock golf course at any time for 30 cents for the nine holes, and the Recreation Director was recommending raising that to sixty cents. MR. PETER ACOSTA, member of Austin Golf Association, and the Pan American Association, said eliminating all tournament play on weekends was going too far. Working people cannot get off to play in a tournament during the week. Mr. Sheffield recalled that last year the Pan American Golf Association in addition to their big two-day tournament reserved both courses, which is a very special request, and on other occasions had several tournaments. The Pan American Association would have tournaments just as some of the other groups, and he was recommending that because of the tremendous amount of golf played in the City, that it is not a good policy to continue tying up the courses for tournament play on Saturdays and Sundays. For the Council Neuo Page 12 December 19, 1903 big tournaments, where two courses would be tied up, and many people attending, that would be a tournament to accomodate, and there would be times when the Council would need to pass on some special events as these, Mr. Acosta emphasized the great numbers of golfers in the City, pointing out many leave town every weekend as Austin did not have the facilities. The City Manager stated what was being discussed is the pressures of the general public wishing to use the public golf courses, on weekends, and finding there is a tournament. Mr. Acosta said if the tournament play on weekends were cut out, many golfing enthusiasts would be hurt. Most of all the golfers themselves will be hurt, Mr. Alexander said there would be a number of tournaments held on some weekends, so there will be good golf on weekends at certain times when everybody can get in competitive play. These are open tournaments. He pointed our there were six to eight junior tournaments held on municipal courses on Mondays or Tuesdays, He wanted assurance that these could be continued. After the Council heard from all concerned, and after reviewing each section of the suggested policies at length, the Council, on Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second, voted to adopt the policies with the amendments--striking out the 60 cents charge, leaving it at 30 cents for nine holes on Hancock for the juniors; that local golf associations may upon request, schedule one tournament per year between Monday and Friday only; and that Items 1, 2, and 3 (Tournament Prizes) be deleted. (All tournament prizes must be merchandise only and be obtained through the golf shop where the tournament is held. (2) Any cash prizes will be considered a violation of the USGA regulations, regarding amateur standing; and (3) All junior tournament awards must conform to University Interscholastic League regulations) RECREAT LON HOLIDAYS ON GOLF COURSES AND CASWELL TENNIS COURT The Council, on Councilman Nichols' motion, Councilman Janes' second, voled te close the Golf Courses and Caswell Tennis Center on Christmas Day. (5 to 0 vore) The Recreation Director stated people might go out and play or practice, but none of the facilities would be open. RECOGNITION OF REAGAN HIGII SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM MAYOR AKIN noted a group of distinguished football players had just entered the Council Room. He read a resolution expressing pride of this team, as it erters into the playoff of the Class AΛΛA State Championship for the Texas Juterscholastic League against Odessa, and recognizing the opportunity for them to distinguish their school and their home town. The Council, on Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman Nichols' second, adopted the Resolution, setting December 21st as REAGAN RAIDERS' DAY in Austin and San Angelo. (5 to 0 vote) COACH BAYLAND introduced the four captains. ORDINANCE CONS DERATION ON AUSTIN TRANSIT RATE ADJUSTMEN I COUNCILMAN LARUE asked for more information, as to the amount of receipts from the percentage of return on investment. Councilman Long asked that Mr. Harrison review che analysis and give lus opinion. Counciman Janes was concerned about schoul bus rates, and the feasibility of selling ticket books. The City Manager stated he would convey this information to Mr. Harrison. The Council, on Councilman LaRue's metion, Councilman Long's second, noted receipt of the Austin Transit Rate Adjustment Report. (5 to 0 VOLE) Council Memo Page 13 December 19, 1968 CONSIDER PURCHASE OF BOAT FOR FIESTA GARDENS The City Manager said this item was included in an overall study and was recommended as indicated in the report. MR. LESLIE ELICH lists this item higher in priorities than when previously considered, and it would be far more desirable as far as service and activity could be furnished at Fiesta Gardens during the coming season. He believes this expenditure could be financed from existing appropriations. Members of the Council did not believe the boat could be operated at the estimate set out. The City Manager, Mr. Tinstman, recommended, with some reservations about the detailed figures, that this would be a desirable addition so far as the public utilization of the Fiesta Gardens was concerned. After discussion, the Council, on Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second, voted that the party boat be purchased. (5 to 0 vote) She said it would pay off in the long run. CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL FIXED BASE OPERATOR AT MUELLER AIRPORT The City Manager reported receipt of a proposal from AUSTIN AVIATION COMPANY, a partnership, to establish a new and additional fixed base operation at Mueller Airport. There is considerable work to be done insofar as preparation of a lease should the Council so desire, and there is some extra work to be done by the parties before formal submission. It was recommended that no proposal should be approved until the Master Plan Study of the Airport is completed. The Council, on Councilman Long's motion, Councilman LaRue's second, received the report. (5 to 0 vote) FUNERALS AND OTHER PROCESSIONS ORDINANCE After discussion, the Council, on Councilman Janes' motion, Councilman Nichols' second, passed the Ordinance amending Article I, Section 33. "Funerals and other processions generally" through all three readings. (5 to 0 vote) VACATION OF ALLEY AND REMOVAL OF UTILITIES The City Manager brought up a question not on the Agenda for consideration, reporting the Council passed an ordinance vacating an alley west of Guadalupe in the vicinity of the new Tower development by Sam Dunham and others. There was a te technical change to be made in that ordinance, and it has been re-drawn relating to the vacation of the alley, reserving the utility easement. After the utilities have been removed the conditions would cease. The Legal Staff has redrawn the Ordinance. The Council, on Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second, passed the ordinance through all three readings. (5 to 0 vote) WITHDRAWAL OF ZONING APPLICATION On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman LaRue's second, the Council granted permission for MR. THOMAS KINCHEON to withdraw the following zoning application, as requested in writing: (5 to 0 vote) CAREY LEGETT, JR. By Les Mendelsohn and Thomas Kincheon 1810-4500 Tannehill Lane 4301-4319 Webberville Road 4323-4501 Webberville Road Additional Area: 4321 Webberville Road Council Memo Page 14 December 19, 1968 RODENT CONTROL MR. BILL YOUNGBLOOD returned to the Council regarding the rat control discussion held this morning, referring concern about Section B, Page 2. He suggested that the Council might handle this rodent control in the same way it helps the poor with the War on Poverty. Millions of dollars are spent in East Austin now, and some 10% to 20% comes from services from the City government in programs like Headstart, Day Care, etc. He suggested by simply resolution, a motion, or administrative decision that rat poison might be purchased or distributed by the City Health Department to the poor. The City Attorney replied the rules applicable to the use of Federal Funds and those applicable to City funds are different. There is no constitutional prohibition against making a gift in Federal Constitution or Federal statutes; but there is in the Texas Constitution, Public services and supplies for the abatement of public nuisance and protection of public health can be used. He had recommended as an alternate for Section B, that the Health Department be authorized to engage in using or contracting for poison in exterminating rats in densely populated residential premises where the City Health Officer had found that the infestation of rats thereon constituted a public health hazard where private and public resources had not succeeded in reducing such infestation of rats. This would be within the legal límits of the State Constitution. At the request of some of the Council members, the City Attorney, Mr. Eskew, stated he would provide a copy of this statute and have it available for the Monday meeting. RECOGNITION OF A YOUTH WHO AIDED IN APPREHENDING AN INDIVIDUAL COUNCILMAN LARUE reported a young man a week or so ago had aided in the arrest of an escaping person under arrest, suggesting it would be well for the Council to invite this young man before it and receive the Council's expressions of appreciation. The Council, on Councilman Long's motion, Councilman LaRue's second, voted that the City Manager have an appropriate resolution drawn for next week and invite this young man to appear before the Council. (5 to 0 vote) RECOGNITION OF 10OTH BIRTHDAY OF MISS ANNA HENDRICKS MAYOR AKIN read a resolution extending birthday greetings of the people of Austin to MISS ANNA HENDRICKS on her 100th birthday on December 21, 1968, together with sincerest best wishes for many more Happy Birthdays. On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman LaRue's second, the Council adopted the Resolution. (5 to 0 vote) On Councilman Long's motion, Councilman Nichols' second, the Council adjourned to meet again as previously agreed at 10:00 A.M., Monday, December 23, 1968.