=CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS- 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Recessed Meeting of February 13, 1970 February 13, 1970 10:00 Α.Μ. COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL The meeting was called to order with Mayor LaRue presiding, Roll Call: Present: Absent: Councilmen Atkison, Gage, Janes, Johnson, Price, Mayor LaRue Councilman MacCorkle 164 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Mayor Larue stated that the meeting was a continuation of the regularly scheduled Council meeting for February 12, 1970 and was designed to give the Council more time to study the proposed Capital Improvements Program. Mr. Lynn Andrews, the City Manager, introduced Mr. Claude Boothman, legal advisor (bond advisor) for the City and stated that Mr. Boothman was available to answer any questions later in the meeting. Mr. Andrews then discussed various portions of the proposed Capital Improvements Program not covered previously and answered questions posed by the Council. Councilman Atkison raised several questions regarding the linear accelerator He to be located in Brackenridge Hospital but available for community-wide use. also asked how the City's key rate for fire insurance compared with San Antonio's and why the City's rate was higher, Fire Chief Kirkham stated that Austin's rate was 14 cents while San Antonio's rate was 11 cents, and that 14 cents was a very good rate. Both cities had the same fire loss record. Councilman Gage asked if some existing structures, such as fire stations that were being phased out, could be used to decentralize the Police Department. He also raised several questions regarding right-of-way purchases and the need for a crosstown thoroughfare. There was some discussion about TOPICS (Traffic Operation Program to Increase Capacity and Safety) and the amount of money to be received from the Program, The City had about 5 per cent of the State allocation for the Program. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS February 13, 1970. The City Manager indicated that he would bring to the Council a sidewalk construction policy which would include 50 per cent participation. One change would be to state in the petition signed by owners a dollar assessment amount rather than a percentage assessment, so that the owner would know his exact cost at the time he signed the petition. Thirteen railroad crossing protection gates were proposed at the following locations: North Lamar at Airport Boulevard, West Oltorf east of Lamar, Pleasant Valley Road, Canadian Street, East 53rd Street, Chicon Street, Guadalupe Street, Comal Street, Rosewood Avenue, Webberville Road, 38 1/2 Street, East 51st Street and Morrow Lane. Several new bridges and culverts involving owners or proponents (participa tion projects of about 50 per cent) were proposed. Additional storm drainage and improvements to existing channels were also included, A new major service center for all City departments and for Fleet maintenance was also proposed. The item would not necessarily be placed in the bond issue, but could be handled through the general fund. Most of the money under this item would go for structures rather than equipment. Computerized parts inventory control was also being established. Major parkland acquisition was proposed for district parks in the north, northwest and southeast parts of the City. Other items included the Walnut Creek addition, greenbelt areas and neighborhood playgrounds. Some existing playgrounds were to be rehabilitated, and improvements were planned for Lake Austin Park. Additional work was contemplated for the development of Town Lake, but further discussion with the City Manager and the Council was necessary. Improvements were planned for the Pan American Center and for the following parks: Givens, Bartholomew, Garrison, Pease, Rosewood and Zilker. New golf facilities were also to be considered for future development, as well as an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, tennis center and lighted softball complex. Based on the preliminary report on the airport, the City Manager felt that between $200,000 and $250,000 additional money would be required to meet the expected needs for that facility. He felt that the difference could be taken care of through the City's operating fund. Several improvements were proposed for the Municipal Auditorium, including acoustical improvements, mainfloor restrooms and telescoping platforms. The central library was in desperate need of renovations, and Mayor LaRue felt that within the next two to three years, serious consideration should be given to that problem. The building was 37 years old, the second oldest in the state, and was about one-third its needed size. Councilman Janes asked what effect it would have on the City's ability to service the debt if all of the bonds could be såld within two years instead of five. The City Manager stated that to sell the bonds in two years rather than five would require that the City either raise taxes or find some other additional source of revenue, such as through savings realized from better operations. The preferable course was to spread the sale over the five year period. Payoff for the bonds would be 25 years. 166 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS February 13, 1970 After some additional discussion regarding bonds, Councilman Gage moved the Council adjourn. The motion, seconded by Councilman Atkison, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmen Atkison, Gage, Janes, Johnson, Pride, Mayor LaRue None Absent: Councilman MacCorkle The Council then adjourned. ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED: Mayor