CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Regular Meeting August 14, 1975 10:00 Α.Μ. Council Chambers 301 West Second Street 20 The meeting was called to order with Mayor Pro Tem Snell presiding, Mayor Friedman being delayed briefly. Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell Absent: Mayor Friedman The Invocation was delivered by REVEREND B. C. SCHMIDT, First United Methodist Church. RECOGNITION Councilmember Trevino read and then presented a resolution signed by the Council to Amador Ramirez and Kevin Brown, noting that the Austin Aces had won the Amateur Softball Association Fast Pitch Class A Metro Tournament and would be representing the City of Austin in national competition in Hamilton, Ohio, August 28-31. Mr. Ramirez accepted the Resolution and thanked the Council. JAPANESE TEACHERS DAY Mayor Pro Tem Snell read and then presented a proclamation to Dr. Tom O'Hare and Ms. Marge Mayerrproclaiming August 14, 1975 as "Japanese Teachers Day" in Austin and called on all residents to join in recognizing the visitors and the celebrated work of the Council on International Educational Exchange which was sponsoring the group. Dr. O'Hare thanked the Council and the whole City of Austin for the hospitality which had been extended to the group. Mayor Pro Tem Snell then asked the group of 41 teachers to rise and be recognized. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS- August 14, 1975 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 847 Councilmember Linn moved that the Council approve the Minutes for August 7, 1975. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman POSTPONEMENT OF APPEARANCE Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council postpone until August 21, 1975, the appearance of Mr. Arturo Cassillas to discuss the Community Development Minority Economic Development Program for 1975-76. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Linn, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Bro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman 1 CITIZEN APPEARANCE Mr. Russell Lowe did not appear before the Council to discuss the dispatching of emergency vehicles to non-emergency situations and coordination of traffic lights as he had previously requested. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT Councilmember Linn moved that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Delhi Gas Pipeline Corporation for an additional 200,000 cubic feet per day under a previous agreement dated October 18, 1973. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES Councilmember Hofmann moved that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing demolition of the following structures: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 848 Accept negative bids to be demolished or moved a. 5703 Clay Avenue (Front and Rear) b. 35 Lynn Street Accept positive bid to be moved Clarence Cullen Co. August Heyer $440.00 $ 90.00 c. 401 Hearne Street Action House Movers $157.50 The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Councilmembers Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmember Himmelblau None Absent: Mayor Friedman ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT Cn Councilmember Linn asked if the City would be able to enforce matters pertaining to age, physical handicap and sexual orientation eventthoughtthose items had been removed from the contract. Assistant City Attorney Jan Kubicek responded that the City would be able to enforce the areas under question but that reimbursement would cover only the areas specified in the contract. Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept a contract for $47,249 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Dallas Regional Office. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Linn, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Hebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman CONTRACTS AWARDED Councilmember Linn moved that the Council adopt a resolution awarding the following contract: TEXAS BATTERY ASSOCIATES, INC. 804 Capitol Court Austin, Texas - Batteries, Dry Charge, Vehicle and Equipment Services, Twelve Months Supply Agreement Item Nos. 1 through 41 - $16,076.21 The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 849 Councilmember Linn moved that the Council adopt a resolution awarding the following contract: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY 6901 North Lamar Austin, Texas 50 Mobile Radio Transmitter-Receivers, Vehicle & Equipment Services Department. Item 1: 50 each @ $1,257.00 Total $62,850.00 The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman CONTRACT WITH RENT-A-KID PROGRAM Councilmember Linn moved that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Rent-A-Kid Program to provide permanent and part-time employment for young people, ages 14-18. (Contract period: September 1, 1975 - May 30, 1976) The motion, seconded by Councilmember Hofmann, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS Councilmember Linn moved that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing eminent domain proceedings to acquire the following property for the Municipal Annex and that the City apply for historic designation for the building located on the property: The Lots 5 & 6, Block 2, Original City of Austin (401-407 West 2nd Street) F. Ralph Schneider, owner. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Hofmann, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Snell Absent: Mayor Friedman Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council adopt a resolution authorizing eminent domain proceedings to acquire the following property for the Municipal Annex: Lots 1, 2 & 3, Block 21, Original City of Austin (203 Guadalupe) Charles J. Schneider, Jr., owner. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 850 The motion, seconded by Councilmember Linn, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Snell Absent: Mayor Friedman POSTPONEMENT OF ESTABLISHING POLICIES Councilmember Linn moved that the Council postpone consideration of establishing policies concerning public employees and labor organization. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Noes: Pro Tem Snell, Councilmember Himmelblau None Absent: Mayor Friedman POSTPONEMENT OF PROPOSED APPROACH MAIN CONTRACT TRAVIS COUNTRY Motion Councilmember Linn moved that the Coupciiddeny the proposed contract and stated that the Council had never voted on a contract for a proposed approach main when it had no idea of where the main would be located and that the engineering work on the approach main would begin within ten days after execution of the Agreement. The motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Pro Tem Snell stated that he felt that a full Council should be present before taking action on the item. Deputy City Manager Reed stated that at the appropriate time the staff would like to make a brief presentation on the item. Motion Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council postpone action on the item for two weeks. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Snell, carried by the following vote: Ayes: MayoriPromfems Shell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann Noes: Councilmembers Linn, Trevino Absent: Mayor Friedman Later in the meeting after Mayor Friedman had arrived, Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council reconsider postponing the item from August 28, 1975 and instead postpone the item until September 4, 1975. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Snell, carried by the following vote: _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 851 Ayes: Mayor Friedman, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Noes: Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn Councilmember Trevino ZONING ORDINANCES Mayor Pro Tem Snell introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE ORDERING A CHANGE IN USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA AND CHANGING THE USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA MAPS ACCOMPANYING CHAPTER 45 OF THE AUSTIN CITY CODE OF 1967 AS FOLLOWS: LOTS 1 AND 2, PEPPERTREE PARK COMMERCIAL ADDITION, LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF FREDERICK LANE AND TERI ROAD, FROM INTERIM "A" RESIDENCE, INTERIM FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT TO "LR" LOCAL RETAIL, FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT; SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (Farm & Home Savings Association, C14-74-082) Councilmember Linn moved that the Council waive the requirement for three readings, declare an emergency and finally pass the ordinance effective immediately. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman The Mayor Pro Tem announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. Mayor Pro Tem Snell introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE ORDERING A CHANGE IN USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA AND CHANGING THE USE AND HEIGHT AND AREA MAPS ACCOMPANYING CHAPTER 45 OF THE AUSTIN CITY CODE OF 1967 AS FOLLOWS: (1) TRACTS 1 THRU 5, PHASE I, THE CROSSING, FROM INTERIM "A" RESIDENCE, INTERIM FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT TO "BB" RESIDENCE, FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT; AND, (2) TRACT 6, PHASE I, THE CROSSING, FROM INTERIM "A" RESIDENCE, INTERIM FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT TO "LR" LOCAL RETAIL, FIRST HEIGHT AND AREA DISTRICT; LOCATED AT PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD AND EAST RIVERSIDE DRIVE; ALL OF SAID PROPERTY BEING LOCATED IN AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS; SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (Dickson Properties, Inc. & Roberta P. Dickson, C14-72-204) Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council waive the requirement for three readings, declare an emergency and finally pass the ordinance effective immediately. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Trevino Noes: Councilmember Linn* Absent: Mayor Friedman _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 852 Mayor Pro Tem Snell announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. *Councilmember Linn stated that she voted "No" because the density in the area was already so great. Mayor Pro Tem Snell introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 45 OF THE AUSTIN CITY CODE OF 1967 BY PERMITTING 5.044 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 2609 PECOS STREET AND 2612 HILLVIEW ROAD TO BE USED AS A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT; SAID PROPERTY BEING LOCATED IN AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS; SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. (Kirkland Michaux, C814-73-005) Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council waive the requirement for three readings, declare an emergency and finally pass theoordinance effective immediately. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman The Mayor Pro Tem announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. In response to Councilmember Linn's question as to whether the ordinance contained the sidewalks stipulation, Planning Director Dick Lillie stated that the ordinance did not include the sidewalks stipulation. The sidewalks were required under previous Council action and were part of the subdivision requirements. : SETTING OF ELECTION POSTPONED Councilmember Linn moved that the Council postpone the setting of an election to determine which employee association will be allowed to have payroll deductions for dues and establishing procedures and guidelines for the election. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, earried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman ARTS COUNCIL ESTABLISHED The Council had before it consideration of an ordinance to establish an Arts Council of the City of Austin proposed by Councilmember Himmelblau. Councilmember Linn asked who determined what visual arts was. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 853 1 Councilmember Himmelblau stated that the Parks and Recreation Department had a list of over 25 groups in that category. If the ordinance passed, a letter would be sent out signed by the Mayor asking those groups to submit names for consideration as members of the Arts Council. The Council would have eleven members. Councilmember Linn asked if perhaps the Council should be expanded to make it somewhat larger. Councilmember Himmelblau stated that the Council should not be enlarged for the first year. The meetings of the Council would be open and other groups could participate without having named representation. The existing Arts Council had become too large to accomplish anything. She hoped that the eleven members selected would be strong enough to pull the Council together. Councilmember Linn asked if Councilmember Himmelblau would consider substituting the Travis County Historical Commission for the Heritage Society and Councilmember Himmelblau agreed to the substitution. Mayor Pro Tem Snell introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 47 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN OF 1967 BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE IV TO SAID CHAPTER 47 PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF AN ARTS COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR THE COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF SUCH COUNCIL AND THE FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF SUCH COUNCIL; SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Councilmember Himmelblau moved that the Council waive the requirement for three readings, declare an emergency and finally pass the ordinance effective immediately, ashamendedabysCoundiImember Linn. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Lebermann, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmember Himmelblau Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman The Mayor Pro Tem announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. SPEED ZONE CHANGES The Council had before it an ordinance to amend Section 21.41(d) of the Austin City Code as follows: ON DELETING FROM TO Avenue B 200' south of W. 39th St. 200' north of W. 40th St. West 34th Street 200' west of Mills Cut Off 300' east of Shoal Creek Blvd. CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS August 14, 1975 854 ON East 1st Street East 2nd Street East I.H. 35 S.R. West I.H. 35 S.R. Cooper Drive ADDING FROM 300' W. of W. I.H. 35 S.R. 185' E. of E. I.H. 35 S.R. 241' south of E. 1st St. 150' north of E. 1st St. 150' east of Lamar Blvd. } TO 247' east of E. I.H. 35 S.R. Centerline of E. 1st St. 287' north of E. 1st St. 300' south of E. 1st St. 50' west of Slayton Drive Mr. George Henry, Urban Transportation Department, explained to the Council the procedures followed when making speed zone changes, particularly if such changes involved school children walking to school. He stated that when changes were made, there was an automatic monitoring of the changes. Mayor Pro Tem Snell brought up the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21-41, SUBSECTION (d), OF THE AUSTIN CITY CODE OF 1967, MAKING CERTAIN DELETIONS AND ADDITIONS TO SAID SUBSECTION, THEREBY DECLARING MAXIMUM PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN STREETS WITHIN SCHOOL ZONES IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE "UNIFORM ACT REGULATING TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAYS" (VERNON'S ANN. CIV. ST., ART. 6701d), REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT WITH THIS ORDINANCE; SUSPENDING THE RULE REQUIRING THE READING OF ORDINANCES ON THREE SEPARATE DAYS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Councilmember Trevino moved that the Council waive the requirement for three readings, declare an emergency and finally pass the ordinance effective immediately. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Noes: Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann None Absent: Mayor Friedman The Mayor Pro Tem announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. POSTPONEMENT OF WRECKER ORDINANCE Councilmember Lebermann moved that the Council postpone for one week the second and third readings of the Wrecker Ordinance. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Linn, Trevino, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann Noes: None Absent: Mayor Friedman MAYOR ENTERS At this point, Mayor Friedman entered the Council Chambers. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 PUBLIC HEARING SET ON SUBDIVISION PARTICIPATION POLICIES 855 Councilmember Linn moved that the Council set a public hearing on Subidivison Participation Policies for 11:00 A.M. August 28, 1975. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Snell, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Friedman Noes: None Since Mayor Friedman was scheduled to be out of the City on August 28th, voting on the item would be delayed until September 4th when a full Council would be present. Mayor Friedman stated that the public should be notified as much as possible regarding hearings on the upcoming Capital Improvements Program Budget and the Annual Operating Budget. The Council planned to approve the CIP Budget on September 11th and devote the remainder of the month to the Operating Budget. ΑΝΝΕΧΑΤΙON HEARING RECESSED Councilmember Lebermann moved that the Council recess until 2:30 P.M., September 4, 1975, the public hearing to consider the annexation of and directing the administration to institute annexation proceedings to annex the following: 323.55 Total acres of land (Case No. C7a-75-001) (1) 53.86 acres known as Travis Country (Requested by owner Farm and Home Savings Association) (2) 173.51 acres known as Trailwood Village One at Travis Country and Trailwood Village Two at Travis Country (3) 96.18 acres portion of Loop 360 and unplatted land (Initiated by City of Austin) The motion, seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Friedman, Mayor Pro Tem Snell Noes: None PAVING ASSESSMENT POLICIES POSTPONED Councilmember Linn moved that the Council agree to delay consideration of Paving Assessment Policies. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Hofmann, Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Friedman, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmember Himmelblau Noes: None _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 856 FINAL REPORT OF THE : SPECIAL POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS TASK FORCE MR. NORMAN EATON, Member, Special Police-Community Relations Task Force, introduced DR. JOHN WARFIELD, Chairperson of the Task Force, who presented a symbolic copy of the Report to the Council. Dr. Warfield stated that bound copies of the Report would be available to the Council later in the day. Dr. Warfield stated that he felt that the recommendations in his report would strengthen police-community relationships. He pointed out that the Report neglected several areas of community concern: 1. Police use of deadly force 2. Racism as an attitudinal and practical affair from administrative policies or the lack thereof to the behavior of the patrolman in his encounters with Black and Brown citizens 3. Affirmative Action Program; little or no indepth analysis or recommendations to correct the internal hiring and racial discriminatory practices regarding placement and promotion as well 4. Indepth plans to develop viable and corrective police-community relations programs. That area will require further study and radical changes in the design and function of police work. Dr. Warfield stated that special interests in the community must not be allowed to threaten social and criminal justice. He stated that the City administration had worked in total complicity with the reactionary and antagonistic membership of the Task Force and that the City administration collab- orated totally with racist forces in the City. He stated that the so-called minority report (of the Task Force) which had been delivered to the Council earlier was simply a response of the rich. He further stated that his report must serve to place social justice and humanity in all phases of police work. Councilmember Himmelblau asked how many and who signed the report which he (Dr. Warfield) had presented. Dr. Warfield replied that it had been voted on by a majority several weeks ago but had not been signed by the Task Force. Councilmember Himmelblau stated that she had seen the minority report and counted the names appearing on it. She wondered what constituted a majority on the report presented by Dr. Warfield. Dr. Warfield replied that it probably would be roughly seven people. Mr. Norman Eaton stated that the Task Force originally had 17 members. Recommendations in both reports to the Council which were not controversial were approved by a 7 or 8 to 0 vote. The controversial issues were usually voted on by 4 to 3 with one abstention. The controversial issues thus represented the views of four of the original 17 members of the Task Force. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 857 Mr. Eaton stated that he hoped the Council would study procedures for appointing future task forces because even though the present Task Force represented a true cross-section of the City, it had not been able to work together. REVEREND FRED BOMAR, Member, Police-Community Relations Task Force, introduced Mrs. Ammon Wroe, Ms. Suzon Kemp and Lt. Ernie Hinkle, who were also members of the Task Force and who signed the two reports which had been delivered to the Council earlier. He felt that the group was presenting an equality report since there was a 4 to 3 vote of the seven members present when a vote was taken on the final report to the Council. The report had been submitted to the Council four weeks ago. The second report was signed by five members of the Task Force. Reverend Bomar stated that he signed both reports because he felt that they paralleled each other even though they were developed independently. The signers felt that the reports were in order because the required quorum was not present at many meetings. Also, the report preparation deadline was approaching and the signers wanted to meet the deadline. In preparing the report, four guidelines were followed: 1. All recommendations had to conform to Article 1269 of the Civil Service Statutes of the State of Texas. 2. All recommendations had to conform to the Charter of the City of Austin. 3. All recommendations should be constructive and reflect positive, progressive programs beneficial to all citizens of Austin. 4. All recommendations should express confidence in the excellent job being done by the Police Department and its leadership, while simultaneously bolster morale of the Department in general. The group also considered two other reports which Rev. Bomar commended to the Council and the City administration: 1. Austin Police Department's response to questions from the SubCommittee of Special Community Relations Task Force 2. The report presented by Major Don Doyle on Crime in Austin during the past four years In conclusion, Reverend Bomar stated that the cooperation received from the City Manager, the Austin Police Department and others was timely and constructive and most helpful. The Austin Police Department under Chief Miles should be singled out particularly for its openness and honesty. Finally, he thanked the print and electronic media for their coverage of the Task Force. MR. PAUL HERNANDEZ, former member of the Task Force, commented on the two reports. He requested that the Council read the report prepared by Dr. Warfield's group and report back to the public. The Council assured Mr. Hernandez that they would be taking action on the matter. = CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 858 HEARING ON PAVING ASSESSMENTS Mayor Friedman opened the public hearing on paving assessments scheduled for 11:00 A.M. No one appeared to be heard. After a brief discussion with the Deputy City Manager and City Manager, it was decided to recess the hearing for three weeks. Mayor Friedman moved that the Council recess the hearing until September 4, 1975. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Linn, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Lebermann, Linn, Trevino, Mayor Friedman, Mayor Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann Noes: None EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Friedman announced that the Council would go into Executive Session to consider appointments to the Alternative Revenue Committee. CIP HEARING SET Mayor Friedman announced that there would be a public hearing at 7:30 Ρ.Μ. August 21, 1975 on the 1975-80 Capital Improvements Program. AFTERNOON SESSION 2:00 Ρ.Μ. Mayora Friedman called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. POSTPONEMENT OF APPEARANCE ON CIP Mr. Wayne Gronquist, representing the South River City Citizens Association, agreed to postpone his appearance on a Capital Improvements Program item until the public hearing on the CIP which would begin at 2:30 p.m. STREET BANNER ON MANCHACA ROAD Councilmember Lebermann moved that the Council grant permission to Crockett High School to install a street banner on Manchaca Road at the intersection of Jones Road from September to November, 1975. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Linn, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Linn, Trevino, Mayor Friedman, Mayor Noes: None Pro Tem Snell, Councilmembers Himmelblau, Hofmann, Lebermann - CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 859 APPEARANCE CONCERNING BICENTENNIAL ITEM Ms. Linda Evans appeared before the Council to request the Council's endorsement of a Bicentennial Horse-drawn wagon ride from Austin to Washington, D. C. The project, known as "Women's Spirit '76", would involve four wagons: (1) a show wagon, (2) an alternative energy devices wagon, (3) a conservation wagon and (4) an old-time chuck wagon which would feed the groupdduring the trip. The wagons would be drawn to Washington during the year of 1976. project was being endorsed by the Women's Experimental Studies Group. would be through donations. The Funding Councilmember Lebermann suggested that the group first go before the City of Austin Bicentennial Commission, discuss the project with them and then let the Commission make recommendations to the Council. As a State Bicentennial Commissioner, he also agreed to discuss the project with the State Bicentennial Commission. Mayor Friedman also recommended that the group meet with the City of Austin Bicentennial Commission and then come back before the Council. WITHDRAWAL OF UNION APPEARANCE Mr. Don McCullar, Chuck Caldwell, Jesse Sapp and Will Duncan, representing A.F.S.C.M.E. Local 1624 requested that their appearance before the Council to discuss employee relations be withdrawn. HEARING ON 1975-80 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Mayor Friedman opened the public hearing scheduled for 2:30 P.M. to consider the 1975-80 Capital Improvements Program. He then stated that the City Manager would introduce the Program. City Manager Davidson stated that the five-year program totaled $846,000,000 with $119.25 million allocated to General Government, $427.19 million to Electric and $299.94 million to Water and Wastewater. The program was flexible and could be changed to respond to changes in public needs. He then introduced key staff members who were available to answer questions. After those introductions, he called on Mr. C. W. Hetherly, Chairman, Planning Commission, who outlined several critical and controversial issues which the Council would have to consider before approving a CIP. Those issues included the Barton Skyway Bridge, the Arena for the Auditorium-Coliseum Complex, Wild Basin Wilderness Park, Neighborhood Health Centers, Wastewater Interceptors and Fire Stations. He stated that the Planning Commission had changed its initial recommendation and now recommended that Fire Station #4, located at 1000 Blanco, and Fire Station #9, located at 43rd and Speedway, be kept open. The City Manager then introduced Mr. Norman Barker, Finance Administrator, Mr. Barker stated that General Government items could be financed without levying additional taxes provided that the two-cent reduction made last year was restored next year. Electric items would require no new bond authority in the next five years. Water and Wastewater items would require $240 million in new authority. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 860 The City Manager concluded the presentation by stating that the Program was presented to the City Council only after an extensive series of public hearings and work sessions by the Planning Commission, followed by several months of staff work. After the Council had received the recommendations, six public work sessions were held to cover every project in the CIP. He felt that the various reviews had strengthened his confidence in the Program and in recommending it to the Council. Mayor Friedman thanked the City Manager and stated that the Council probably would approve the CIP at the September 11th meeting. He then stated that the Capital Improvements Program would now be open for discussion starting from the beginning of the Program. Electric No one appeared to be heard. Traffic Signalization Mr. Pat Holman appeared to request that a traffic light be installed at the Blind School on 45th Street. City Manager Davidson stated that he would get a report from Urban Transportation by tomorrow. Councilmember Lebermann stated that Mr. Ternus had met with officials at the School and that the project was underway. Water No one appeared to be heard. Wastewater Mr. Woodrow Sledge appeared before the Council to support CIP Item 73/50-29 (Williamson Creek Wastewater Interceptor). Public Works Mr. Wayne Gronquist, representing the South River City Citizens Association, appeared before the Council to request that the proposed development of Riverside Drive from Newning to Interstate Highway 35 be included in the current CIP. He also requested that Woodland be closed at Stacy Park. Mr. Joe Liro stated that the item was not in the current CIP because the Planning Commission felt that there were other items with higher priorities. A special report on the item could be provided if desired. Mayor Friedman asked Mr. Gronquist what effect delaying the project would have on the overall neighborhood plan. Mr. Gronquist replied that it would delay the plan. Mr. Woodrow Sledge, representing the Austin Independent School District, spoke in favor of the following CIP Items: CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 861 73/62-30 (Stassney Lane widening / Congress Avenue to Manchaca Road) 76/62-08 (Metcalfe Road widening from Glen Springs Road to Catalina) 76/62-10 (Barton Skyway extension / Barton Hills Drive to MoPac Blvd.) 76/62-12 (William Cannon Drive extension / Brodie Lane to US 290) 73/62-25 (South ist Street widening / Blue Valley Drive to Ramble Lane) Mr. Sledge was concerned about desecrating the land in the Barton Skyway area but asked that the general public interest be considered with regard to the proposed bridge. The bridge would be helpful when the proposed transfer of additional students from South Austin schools to the new Austin High School went into effect. On CIP Item 76/62-12, Mr. Sledge told the Council not to expect much from the County. Mayor Friedman asked what help could be expected from the Austin Independent School District in building roads. Mr. Sledge stated that the school district would pay its part but that the City could handle the job better. The school district did not want to get into the business of building roads and sewers. Mayor Friedman felt that there was room for more cooperation between the City and the school district. CIP Item 73/62-39 Mrs. Joann Bartz did not object to the entire project, but she did oppose the building of a six-lane highway through University Hills. She was concerned about commercial encroachment. She asked consideration of the following items: 1. That Manor Road to Springdale Road be four lanes 2. Construction of sidewalks 3. Immediate installation of a traffic light at Loyola and Manor Road Mayor Friedman stated that the decision had not been made as to how many lanes the street would be. CIP Item 76/62-23 Mr. Tom Whitley, Project Manager, Great Hills, spoke in favor of widening Spicewood Springs Road. His organization would dedicate 80 to 90 feet of right-of-way for twoomiles along Spicewood Springs Road to Loop 360. Annexation by the City would be requested as plats were filed by Great Hills. Mr. John Rothgeb, 1602 Northwood, was concerned that certain MoPac related projects (CIP Items 76/60-01, 76/62-13, 76/62-16) were blank checks for the City to build access roads for MoPac. Mayor Friedman assured Mr. Rothgeb that the City was not getting a blank check for the projects. Bond authorization first had to be obtained from the voters. The projects then came back to the Council for consideration. Approval was not automatic. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 862 CIP Item 76/70-09 Mr. Jerry Cassis, 1905 Winsted Lane, spoke in opposition to the Johnson Creek Drainage Improvements / Enfield Road to Margranita Crescent. CIP Item 75/62-03 Ms. Sally Whitliss asked how she could find out when certain items would be considered. Mayor Friedman suggested that she contact her neighborhood association. A list could be obtained from the City Clerk's office. CIP Item 73/62-23 Mr. Chuck Caldwell, 8017 Greenslope, spoke against the Spicewood Springs Road improvements. He requested that the project be reduced in size and scope. CIP Item 76/62-10 The following individuals spoke against the extension of Barton Skyway: Mr. Gerald Baugh, Mr. Jim Bannerot, Mr. Phil Campbell, Ms. Nan Clayton and Mr. Chester Spaw. A questionnaire had been circulated to the Barton Hills area residents, and responses indicated that 84 per cent of the area residents opposed the construction of the bridge across Barton Creek. Ms. Frances Dudley presented a petition to Mayor Friedman signed by other Barton Hills residents who requested that the bridge remain in the CIP. Mr. Jim Bannerot stated that he did not oppose the extension of MoPac Blvd. to Loop 360. CIP Item 76/70-09 Ms. Beverly Jones was concerned that the culverts were too narrow for proper drainage along Johnson Creek at Winsted Lane. Mayor Friedman stated that Mr. Snyder or Mr. Graves would be in touch with her regarding the project. Mrs. Barbara Robinson requested that no highways be built within the City. She felt that road funds should be put into a mass transportation system. Aviation No one appeared to be heard. Fire Protection Mrs. Walter Richter, Dr. Agnes Edwards, Mr. Tom Salenka and Mr. Steve McGuire opposed the closing of Fire Station #9 located at 43rd and Speedway. Hospital No one appeared to be heard. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 863 Library Mr. Jim Harmon, President, Austin Public Library Commission, spoke in favor of the Library budget. Mr. Fred Sackett and Ms. Helen Speer, members of the Library Commission, Mr. Sam Whitten and Mrs. Marie Schulze supported the building of a fourth floor to the new central library. CIP Item 76/85-02 Ms. Mary Pound, 9212 Hunter's Trace East, requested that this item be funded during 1975-76 instead of 1978-99 as proposed. (North Regional Library Parks He Mr. Curtis Dickson, University Hills Optimist Club, requested that certain additions and improvement to Reznicek Field be included in the CIP now. requested the following action: 1. Dedicate the field as park land. 2. Put in adequate drainage. 3. Buy at least one adjoining vacant lot and try to buy more. CIP Item 76/86-34 Mr. Wayne McCollum supported the renovation of the Austin Recreation Center but asked that it be moved from 1976-77 to 1975-76. CIP Item 75/86-56 Mr. Bill Snow, 7511 Delafield Lane, asked that the softball complex be moved from 1977-78 to 1976-77. He proposed that consideration be given to building the complex at the existing facility on Pleasant Valley Road. Costs could be cut by about 60 per cent. CIP Item 73/86-54 Mrs. Mary Williams, 8602 Emerald Hill, requested that the proposed Northwest Austin Recreation Center be moved from 1975-76 to 1974-75. Mayor Friedman stated that there was no way the item could be moved up. Mrs. Francie Breyfogle, President, North Austin Civic Association, requested that the item be retained in the CIP. CIP Item 76/86-44 This item (Wild Basin Wilderness Area) had been removed from the 1975-80 Capital Improvements Program. Ms. Peggy Ferguson, representing Now or Never, requested that $175,000 be restored to the CIP for this item. Councilmember Linn stated that consideration should be given to the establishing of a wilderness park in the Barton Creek area. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 864 Mr. John Scanlan, a West Lake Hills resident who owned land in the proposed wilderness area, agreed with the idea of establishing such a park, but did not want it to be located on the proposed site. He suggested that the Hamilton Pool area be considered for the park. CIP Item 75/86-31 Mr. John Rothgeb supported the proposed improvements to the Zilker Hillside Theater, but thought that at least $150,000 should be allocated for the project. He offered his services as a consultant at no charge to the City. Mayor Friedman thanked Mr. Rothgeb for his offer. Mr. Mark Rosen, Member, Parks Board, spoke in favor of CIP Item 73/86-08 (Parks and Recreation Department Administration Building). He felt that the southeast olympic pool (CIP Item 75/86-45) should be moved from 1979-80 to 1978-79. Mr. Bill Coates, Chairman, Parks Board, spoke in favor of the new Parks and Recreation Administration Building. No one appeared to be heard. Police i General Government CIP Item 76/80-01 Mr. Frank Newsom spoke in favor of the proposed Arena. He cited its multi-purpose uses and how badly it was needed for youth activities such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). The proposed Arena would bessimilar to one built in Abilene. It would be built south of the present coliseum in the Disch Field area. In response to Councilmember Lebermann's question, Mr. Newsom stated that the present coliseum would not be razed. The Arena would be attached to the coliseum. Mr. Neal Johnson, President, Austin Livestock Show Board of Directors, spoke in favor of the Arena. He stated that 43 other organizations were interested in such a facility. Mr. Kurth Sprague, representing the Austin Horse Show Organization, supported the building of the Arena. In response to Councilmember Himmelblau's question, he stated that the Arena would serve the horse show's purposes. Transit No one appeared to be heard. 1. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS August 14, 1975 865 ADJOURNMENT The Council adjourned at 6:32 p.m. ATTEST: Anace Monroe City Clerk 1 APPROVED Mayor