=CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Called Council Meeting September 26, 1979 9:00 Α.Μ. The meeting was called to order with Mayor McClellan presiding. Roll Call: Present: Mayor McClellan, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Snell Absent: Counci Imembers Trevino, Cooke, Goodman Mayor McClellan stated that this was a Special Called Meeting for the purpose of considering the adoption of both the 1979-84 Capital Improvements Program and the 1979-80 Operating Budget. Finance Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau moved that the Council cut 20% of the capital outlay of $2,000 from the budget. The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Snell, Mayor McClellan Noes: None Absent: Councilmembers Trevino, Cooke, Goodman Property Management No Cuts Utility Customer Service No Cuts CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 Purchases and Stores The Council had before them for discussion the following: Streamline office supply issuance Renovate microfilm area $15,672 17,000 (decided to return to this item for an alternate proposal later) Carpet materials control office 2,250 (Working Capital Fund) Office of Minority Business Affairs restore to current level 6,148 Capital outlay, cut 20% 2,210 Replacement capital and memory typewriter 4,946 Renovation of basement, not counting Municipal Building Cafeteria 36,000 (decided to return to this item for an alternate proposal later) (Building Services) At this time Councilmembers Cooke and Trevino entered the Council Chamber. After some discussion concerning the renovation of the basement and microfilm area, the Council requested estimates on alternate proposals and said that they would come back for a decision on these two matters later. Motion Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council delete $84,226 from the budget. The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen, Mayor Noes: McClellan, Councilmember Cooke Councilmember Snell Councilmember Trevino Abstain: Absent: Councilmember Goodman Research and Budget No Cuts September 26, 1979 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Paramount Theatre - General Revenue Sharing Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council delete $100,000 for lighting for the Paramount Theatre from the budget. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Mullen, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Mullen, Snell, Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Goodman Special Services The Council discussed the possible deletion of the following items from the budget: Austin Community Foundation $ 2,500 CPR (charge $7.50) (The City will pick up $40,000 40,000 in revenues by charging the $7.50) Minority Intern Program (pulled for a separate vote) 8,738 Special Projects (The Mayor suggested that this amount be reduced to $100,000 for the Fire Department study) 125,000 Tuition Reimbursement (pulled for a separate vote) Other fees and services (for neighborhood Council meetings) 5,000 5,000 Motion Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council delete $158,738 for the following items: CPR($40,000); Minority Intern Program($8,738); Special Projects ($100,000); Tuition Reimbursement ($5,000); and Other Fees and Services ($5,000). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Himmelblau. Councilmember Snell stated, "I don't know how I could vote for this, because I can't vote against... I can't support this taking $8,000 out of the Minority Intern Program; I can't support the Tuition Reimbursement. I wish we could pull those out. I would like to vote separately on those." Councilmember Trevino concurred with Councilmember Snell and the Mayor pulled the two items for a separate vote. • September 26, 1979 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS: The Council, on Councilmember Cooke's amended motion, voted to delete the following: CPR (added revenue Special Projects Other fees and Services Total Deletions $ 40,000 100,000 5,000 $105,000 The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Snell, Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Goodman Motion Vote Failed Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau moved to delete $8,738 from the Minority Intern Program. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Cooke, failed to carry by the following vote: Mullen Ayes: Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Noes: Councilmember Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Snell Absent: Councilmember Goodman Motion Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council delete $5,000 from the Tuition Reimbursement Program. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Mullen, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Noes: Councilmembers Snell, Trevino Absent: Councilmember Goodman Vehicle and Equipment Services The Council rather extensively discussed the replacement of vehicles, the upgrading of vehicles and gas allotments. Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau noted that too many vehicles are going home at night and that we need a cut-back with fuel being used more wisely. CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 There was some discrepancy in two memos supplied to the Council and a request was made for clarification in two specific areas the number of replacement vehicles and their impact on the General Fund and the number of vehicles to be upgraded, as reflected in the September 20 memo. At this time Councilmember Goodman entered the Council Chamber. Councilmember Cooke said, "Could I have Mr. Butler explain to us if we didn't replace the 33 vehicles, what that would... how that would effect the General fund? This is replacement of 33 vehicles." Mr. Butler replied, "Mr. Cooke, I think if we are able to park the 33 replacement sedans in the General Fund and as part of the fuel conservation program, to switch some of the people that would be driving sedans to the allowance thing, that we can effect a net reduction in.... across General Fund Departments that are effected, of about $110,000." He further stated, "Parking those vehicles and trying to put those people on allowances... the net effect of that would be $100,000 reduction in the General fund spread throughout the effected departments; so, when it is put in there, some of the departments will be effected $2,000... If Council does this, we are going to park those vehicles and we will sell them at an auction. We will not retain them in the fleet, whatsoever." Mayor McClellan commented that a real savings would be realized next year. Motion Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council delete $110,000 from the General Fund. The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Snell, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke Noes: None Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Trevino, Goodman Merit Raise Motion Councilmember Mullen moved that the Council cut the merit fund by 20% ($500,000). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Cooke. The Council discussed merit raises at some length, noting that it often appears that raises are automatic, rather than based on merit. Councilmember Goodman expressed concern about long-time employees having their salaries frozen. He suggested an increase in pay steps, in order to "unfreeze" those employees. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 Mr. Flakes noted in the first three quarters of this year that there have been 1,888 merit increases given and that the average, or the increase rate was 3.6%. In reply to Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau's inquiry, Mr. Davidson said that $624,797 of the total merit increase money would go to the Utility Fund. Substitute Motion Vote Failed for Lack of Second Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau said, "That is the point I wanted to make. I would go with a compromise and make it in the form of a substitute motion." (Substitute motion failed for lack of second). Friendly Amendment Not Accepted Councilmember Goodman offered a Friendly Amendment to the original motion to eliminate the freeze on employees after seven years, in order that the manager might have even more flexibility. Councilmember Mullen did not accept the Friendly Amendment, but he did make a commitment to look at it in a couple of weeks and perhaps at that time to consider amending the budget. Roll Call on Original Motion Councilmember Mullen moved that the Council delete 20% of the merit fund ($500,000). The motion, seconded by Councilmember Cooke, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen, Mayor McClellan, Counci Imember Cooke Councilmembers Goodman, Snell, Trevino Noes: Personnel Entry Levels Mr. Flakes presented a proposal to the Council which said that "we would have two new entry pay scales...one on the administrative-clerical pay-scale and one on the technical-craft pay scale. They would be at approximately....be minimum wage, and the purpose would be so that we would be able to reclassify those positions that we have traditionally overpaid; and, we don't need to pay to secure the entry level kinds of services...non-experience kinds of positions. We would save $138,000."*(Mr. Flakes later cor- rected the figure to be $182,000, rather than $138,000). $138,000). He said, "By implementing this at the beginning of the budget year and classifying all of the employees that should be on that scale." =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 Mr. Flakes further commented that this would be "all of the current employees that should be there. We are not proposing that any employee is losing his pay, but we are also not proposing that two employees in the same classification be paid on two separate pay scales; this would result "redlining" some jobs. Mayor McClellan commented that they wouldn't be losing their pay, but neither would they have any salary and wage increases or potential for growth. Mr. Flakes recommended to the Council that we widen our pay ranges to be competitive with the market, in order to protect employees from reaching the end of the line so quickly. If implemented immediately, the cost would be $287,000. Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council extend the pay grades to be effective May, 1980 (an estimated cost of $138,000) and to implement the two new entry pay grades in October, 1979 (a cost savings of $182,000). The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau. Councilmember Goodman commented that his proposal would result in a $44,000 savings. Substitute Motion Councilmember Mullen made a substitute motion that the Council take action only on the entry level question, in order to save $182,000 and take up the other question at a later date. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Cooke, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Mullen, Snell, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Noes: Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Councilmembers Trevino, Goodman Good News! After Mayor McClellan commented, "Yes, City of Austin, there is a Santa Claus," Mr. Butler addressed the Council as follows: "As you know, on Thursday, the City Council will be asked to certify the Tax Assessment Rolls for the City of Austin for the calendar year 1979. That certification will carry a larger number than the number upon which we did the budget planning for the tax base. We planned this budget on a tax base of $3,674,000,000. The Board...we will ask you to certify...the Board of Equalization will ask you to certify an Assessment Roll or Tax Roll of $3,789,487,573. This number is based upon a computer run which became available for the first time this morning, and there are three exceptions to that CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 number. 1) it does not exclude any decisions made on appeals by the Board, 2) changes in the amount of the City tax exemptions for the year 1978, or 3) enactment of any local tax exemptions for disabled persons; but, on that basis, this roll should generate about $785,315 in the next tax year, above that which is in the General Fund at this time. I wish we could have had this number sooner for you, but this information simply became available this morning. There will be some minor modifications. We will not realize the full gain in that income, but the assessment roll will be greater...the General Fund will gain $785,315 or in that neighborhood, which is about 2 cents." Aqua Festival Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council require the Aqua Festival to give the City of Austin reimbursement of $30,000 for all City services, except Police. (Net reimbursement - $20,000). The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Noes: Councilmembers Snell, Trevino, Goodman The Council noted that if the Aqua Festival attempts to get a service that the City finds substandard, the Council would not concur with that kind of situation; however, they are free to go to another entity and get the service cheaper, as long as the safety of the citizens, etc. is not endangered. Agency Arts and Cultural Agencies 1978-79 Contract Afro-American Players $ 5,375 1979-80 Request $15,025 Motion Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau moved that the Afro-American Players be reinstated at either last year's level, which was $5,375, or with a 10% increase, which is $5,900 (rounded off). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Cooke. Substitute Motion Vote Failed - Councilmember Snell presented a substitute motion that the AfroAmerican Players be considered for $10,000. The motion, seconded by Council- member Trevino, failed to carry by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Trevino, Goodman, Snell Noes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Mullen - CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 Roll Call on Original Motion Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau moved that the Council raise the AfroAmerican Players 10% and round it off to $5,900. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Cooke, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Trevino Noes: Councilmember Snell Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council increase the agency funds by 10% from last year for a total as follows: Austin Ballet Theatre Civic Ballet Austin Civic Wind Ensemble $ 6,820 19,935 660 Austin Contemporary Visual Art Association 1,935 Austin Ethnic History Association 594 Austin Federation of Musicians 9,680 Austin Friends of Traditional Music 1,733 Austin Guitar Society 495 The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Snell, Trevino, Mayor McClellan Noes: Councilmember Mullen Austin Opportunities, Inc. $ 1,780 (recommended by Arts Com.) Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau said that she would not go over the $1,780 recommended by the Arts Commission. Councilmember Snell said that he was looking at the level at which they were funded last year and would like to increase it by 10%, as they had the other agencies. Motion Vote Failed Councilmember Snell moved that the Council award the Austin Opportunities, Inc., $4,035. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodman, failed to carry by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Goodman, Snell, Trevino Noes: Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Abstain: Mayor McClellan CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 Motion Failed for Lack of Second Councilmember Goodman moved that Austin Opportunities, Inc. be awarded $1,782. Councilmember Snell commented that Austin Opportunities, Inc. would not accept $1,782, as it would do no good. He said, "If you don't give them enough, you might as well not give them any anything. This is all you are doing anyway."* Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council increase the funds 10% for the following agencies: Austin Repertory Theatre Austin Symphony Austin Symphony Choral Union Center for Cultural Resources Center Stage Creative Rapid Learning Center $ 1,683 42,989** 3,511 17,000 2,750 3,536 2,750 3,732 2,235 104,379 22,473 3,932 4,070 4,070 9,504 40,154 1,800 Dance Umbrella Invisible, Inc. KMFA Laguna Gloria Art Museum League of United Chicano Artists Music Umbrella Spectrum Texas Circuit Women and Their Art Zachary Scott Theatre Center Contingency Fund The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: * Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman Noes: None Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Snell Later in the meeting, Councilmember Snell moved that the Council award Austin Opportunities, Inc. $4,035. The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Snell, Trevino Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 ** Later in the meeting, Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council accept the Arts Commissions recommendation and fund the Austin Symphony $44,222. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Noes: Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen None Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Trevino, Goodman, Snell Austin Festival of Arts Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau moved that the Council delete $4,945 from the Austin Festival of Arts. The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Mullen, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Noes: Councilmember Trevino, Goodman Abstain: Councilmember Snell Inter-Arts Works Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council approve the Arts Commissions recommendation of $2,911 for InterArt Works. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Trevino, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Noes: Councilmember Snell Social Agencies Austin Area Urban League Motion Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau moved to fund the Austin Area Urban League with $28,494. The motion was seconded by Mayor McClellan. CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS September 26, 1979 Substitute Motion Vote Failed - Counci Imember Trevino moved that the Council fund the Austin Area Urban League with $31,127. The substitute motion, seconded by Councilmember Snell, failed to carry by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Trevino, Goodman, Snell Noes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Roll Call on Original Motion The Council voted on the original motion to fund the Austin Area Urban League with $28,494. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Trevino Noes: None Abstain: Councilmember Snell Austin Rehabilitation Center Motion Councilmember Trevino moved that the Council approve funding of $18,000 for the Austin Rehabilitation Center. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodman, failed to carry by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Goodman, Trevino Noes: Councilmember Cooke, Mayor McClellan, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Abstain: Councilmember Mullen Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Snell Councilmember Trevino noted that the Council was basing its figures on a seven month time period. After further discussion, Councilmember Mullen voted Yes and Mayor McClellan stated that she would change her vote to Yes, since it was based on seven months. Ayes: Councilmembers Goodman, Mullen, Trevino, Mayor McClellan Noes: Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Snell CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979. Social Agencies Continued Center for Battered Women Community Bound Legal Aid Middle Earth United Cerebral Palsy Youth Advocacy (contingent upon their receiving an additional $7,000 from the County. The program would then bring in approximately $100,000 worth of badly needed programs to the City). Motion $32,428 5,500 42,112 17,325 20,094 7,000 Councilmember Trevino moved that the Council fund the following Social Agencies as listed: Center for Battered Women Community Bound Legal Aid Middle Earth United Cerebral Palsy Youth Advocacy $32,428 5,500 42,112 17,325 20,094 7,000 (Contingent upon their receiving like funds from the County). The motion, seconded by Councilmember Snell, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Trevino, Noes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman None Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Snell MHMR Roving Leaders Motion Vote Failed Councilmember Trevino moved that the Council allocate $30,000 for MHMR Roving Leaders. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodman, failed to carry by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Trevino, Goodman Noes: Councilmember Mullen, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Snell September 26, 1979 CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS After further discussion, the Council again had a motion before it. Motion Vote Failed Councilmember Goodman moved to reconsider the Roving Leader Program/ MHMR and fund them $30,000. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Snell, failed to carry by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Goodman, Snell, Trevino Noes: Councilmember Cooke, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen, Mayor McClellan Legal Aid Motion Withdrawn Councilmember Mullen moved to delete $57,800 from Legal Aid. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau. (Motion withdrawn after discussion). Paramount Theatre Motion Died for Lack of Second Councilmember Goodman moved that the Paramount Theatre be awarded $25,000 to match that amount given to them by the Texas Historical Commission. (Motion died for lack of second). Died for Lack of Second Motion Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau $25,000 from the bed tax money. moved that the Paramount Theatre be awarded (Motion died for lack of second). Motion Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau moved that the Council cut $9,000 out of the Auditorium operating expense and combine that with $16,000 from the ending balance for a total of $25,000 and to increase the transfer to Special Services by $25,000 and further specify that the $25,000 would be bed tax funds and would to to the Paramount Theatre to be used to match a grant from the Texas Historical Commission. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Cooke, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Snell, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Noes: None Abstain: Councilmember Goodman Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Trevino CITY OF AUSTIN. TEXAS September 26, 1979 Social Service Agencies Continued Motion Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council fund the following agencies: Austin Child Guidance Center $62,308 Austin Community Nursery 29,276 Austin Rape Crisis Center 21,780 Austin Tenants Council 22,612 ATC/MH-MR 264,216 Big Brothers/Big Sisters 32,034 Capital Area Rehabilitation Center 36,664 Caritas 51,870 Child, Inc. 259,121 Development Assistance for Rehabili- tation 57,200 Extend-A-Care 17,703 People's Community Clinic 32,944 Services for the Elderly 54,936 United Action for the Elderly 43,721 Youth Employment 47,221 The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Mullen, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke, Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau None Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmember Snell, Trevino, Goodman Council Pay Raise Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council increase the pay of Councilmembers from $12,000 per year to $16,300. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Snell, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmember Mullen Goodman, Snell =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council increase the pay of the Mayor so that there be a differential between the Mayor's pay and the Councilmembers pay of $2,000 plus. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Snell, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Snell, Trevino Noes: Councilmember Mullen Abstain: Mayor McClellan Motion General Fund Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council adopt the General Fund portion of the 1979-80 budget as amended by Council. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodman, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Snell, Trevino, Mayor McClellan Noes: Councilmember Mullen Mayor McClellan commented that the General Fund budget was adopted with no tax increase. Electric Department Motion Councilmember Cooke moved that the Council cut $1,010,000 from the Electric Department, based on recommendations that this amount would reduce the rate increase from the proposed 8.8% to 8.2%. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Goodman, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Snell, Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke Noes: None Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau commented that the cuts should be made to be cost effective and not in the maintenance area. The Council further requested a report in two to three weeks, indicating where the cuts would be made. Water and Wastewater Department Dan Davidson, City Manager, told the Council if we "delete enough resources from the water and wastewater budget so that we could live within the 13% increase instead of a 16% increase, it is my opinion that such a CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 policy would have serious implications in our ability to provide adequate water and wastewater service in the future". He further stated, "I don't think that it will be acceptable to this Council for the maintenance of those facilities to fall below current standards, and it is on this basis that I respectfully requested that Mr. Cooke not propose the $891,000 cuts or whatever it amounted to". Motion Councilmember Mullen moved that the Council delete $90,000 from the Water and Wastewater Department and let the staff come back. The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Mullen, Snell, Noes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Cooke None Not in Council Chamber when roll was called: Councilmembers Trevino, Goodman Executive Session Mayor McClellan announced that Council would convene in a closed or executive session authorized by Section 2, Paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of Article 6252-17, Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated; and after such closed or executive session, any final action, decision or vote with regard to any matter considered in the closed or executive session would be made in open session, should such action, decision of vote be necessary. The Council reconvened in open meeting with Councilmember Mullen absent. Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council give the City Manager a 5% increase in pay. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Snell, Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Mullen Property Management Department Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council merge the Property Management Department with the Public Works Department. The motion, seconded by Mayor McClellan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Goodman, Noes: Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Councilmembers Snell, Cooke Absent: Councilmember Mullen CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 Building Services Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council move Building Services from Purchases and Stores to Public Works, effective October 1, 1979. The motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmember Trevino, Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Noes: Absent: Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau Councilmember Snell Councilmember Mullen ADOPTION OF BUDGET WITH ADJUSTMENTS Mayor McClellan introduced the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1979, AND TERMINATING SEPTEMBER 30, 1980, AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR EACH DEPARTMENT, PROJECT AND ACCOUNT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council waive the requirement for three readings, declare an emergency and finally pass the ordinance effective immediately with all approved adjustments. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Cooke, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau, Councilmembers Snell, Trevino Noes: None Absent: Councilmember Mullen The Mayor announced that the ordinance had been finally passed. After the motion, the Council made the following comments: Mayor McClellan said, "Before I vote, I want to make one short speech, and that is, I believe that we are about to adopt what we have done. To first of all, thank the City Manager, the Department Heads and the staff and certainly the citizens and our advisory groups that work with us and citizen groups who work with us and particularly my Council colleagues too, who put many many hours on a very tough budget; and I am particularly pleased with what I believe we are about to adopt, which is a balanced budget with no increase in taxes. Although this represents a lower spending level than recommended by the City Manager, it is not a negative reflection on his recommended budget that called for a tax increase. To meet what I believe was a necessity which is the no-tax increase, we have reduced or about to reduce spending levels for new programs. We have re-arranged priorities and policies and we have made some very, very difficult hard decisions; and, in these inflationary times, the City's costs, just like citizens' cost go up, and this budget reflects higher costs, but, I believe it is incumbent upon government to hold the line wherever possible, and as I study the City Manager's proposed budget, CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 I could...it is really difficult to find any fault with the suggested expenditures provided that we had the money to do that without a tax increase. The hard decisions usually concern the fact that the City cannot be all things to all people and the City cannot meet every request for funds or support without a tax increase and when faced with that decision, I landed on the side of "no" tax increase. I realize for many departments this will be a lean year for City government, but I also believe that this will mean that our financial health will remain high that basic services will remain strong and that we will continue to look for a way to maintain a quality city and I vote "yes" on the budget." Councilmember Cooke further commented, "I too vote "yes" and the only thing is, I feel that the one, probably the area most difficult, and I guess there is always the desire that you wish from this side of the podium that you could do more or in our electric utility and water and wastewater, because I really feel that while we did adopt a budget that didn't, or about to adopt a budget that didn't include any tax increase, that a lot larger segment of the community are effected by our utility bills. "yes". I vote Councilmember Goodman said, "I vote "yes". No speech. If you would like, I will give a short one". Mayor Pro Tem Himmelblau commented that "I, too, am gratified that we are adopting a budget that does not include a tax increase. I will have some policy statement either on tomorrow's agenda or next Thursday, and I will vote "yes", but I wish that we had allowed enough leeway in the budget to come out with two tax statements...one from us and one from A.I.S.D." Mayor McClellan replied, "If it didn't cost us more money, I would go with you on it." The Mayor Pro Tem said, "I know that. I didn't ask for the additional money, but...can I have Thursday underlined in red this year, Mr. Manager?" The City Manager replied, "We will look at it again, Mrs. Himmelblau." Councilmember Snell noted, "Of the years I have worked on the budget, I think this has been the toughest. I am not completely statisfied with the budget. I think the Council and the Staff have done a wonderful job, but there are some areas that I think should have been improved. Even though I am not completely satisified with it, I will vote yes." Councilmember Trevino was the last to comment. "Yes, but I do regret that we have reduced those areas of Human Services. I think, as all of us are very aware, that there is perhaps the one category that we have been very stingy with. We have the minimum of a percentage for that, and to go in and even remove one cent from those agencies, I think is regrettable. (For clarification of Legal Department's budget see minutes of September 27th, 1979) • =CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS September 26, 1979 ADJOURNMENT The Council adjourned its meeting at 12:45 P.M. APPROVED Ca Mayor ATTEST / Mone City Clerk