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Austin Navigates Growth, Welcomes Third-Term Mayor

Friday, May 15, 1981
  • A new Austin leadership was sworn in, including Mayor Carole Keeton McClellan beginning her third term, alongside returning and newly elected council members.
  • A major focus for the incoming officials was managing Austin's rapid growth, with discussions centering on balancing economic expansion with environmental preservation and quality of life.
  • Councilman John Trevino was elected as the new Mayor Pro Tem. The meeting also recognized outgoing Councilwoman Betty Himmelblau as she transitioned to a new role on the Texas Health Facilities Commission.

Full Transcript

CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Called Council Meeting May 15, 1981 6:00 Ρ.Μ. Wooldridge Park 9th and Guadalupe Streets Dan Davidson, City Manager, called the meeting to order. Roll Call: Present: Mayor McClellan, Councilmembers Cooke, Goodman, Himmelblau, Mullen, Trevino Absent: None Dan Davidson extended a warm welcome to incumbent Councilmembers, as well as the Councilmembers elect. Rev. Dr. Ray Burchette, Jr., pastor of the Highland Park Baptist Church, delivered the invocation. The Crockett High School Texans presented the colors and Keith Sunbury of the Crockett Texans lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Anthem. Mae McKinley, accompanied by Barbara A. Freeman, sang the National Mr. Davidson recognized Commissioner Jimmy Snell who served with the City Council until January of 1981 when he left his Council seat vacant to serve as County Commissioner in Precinct One. _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS May 15, 1981 Mr. Davidson introduced Councilman Lee Cooke, whom he cited for his "tremendous tenacity and energy and his demand for excellance" and presented him with an Award of Appreciation. Councilman Cooke expressed his appreciation to his wife, his administrative assistants, the city staff and the citizens of Austin for their supportive efforts over the past four years. Councilwoman Betty Himmelblau, who was sworn in today as a Commissioner for the Texas Health Facilities Commission, was commended by the City Manager for her efforts in Health, water and wastewater policies, the budget and city planning and zoning and was presented an Award of Appreciation. Councilwoman Himmelblau expressed her gratitude to the citizens of Austin who elected her to serve for six years, the City Manager and his staff and her colleagues on the Council. Councilmember. Ron Mullen, who was presented the Certificate of Office by Mr. Davidson, quoted Winston Churchill, saying, "Political ability is the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year and have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen." He said he recognizes the trust that the citizens of Austin have put in each Councilmember and he appreciates that trust. Mr. Davidson presented the Certificate of Office to Councilmember Richard Goodman who said that the prospects for the future look bright and that he looks forward to serving the next two years. Councilmember John Trevino, Jr., who also received the Certificate of Office from Mr. Davidson, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues on the Council, the City Manager and the City personnel, as well as to his administrative assistant and the general public. : Lastly, Mr. Davidson presented the Certificate of Office to the Mayor, Carole Keeton McClellan, who was elected to her third term of office. Mayor McClellan said that she feels a deep appreciation to each of her family members, as well as to the citizens of Austin who made "today a reality." She said "I keep coming back to this park (Wooldridge Park) because it represents much to me about Austin. The symbolism isn't sophisticated, but I like the openness of this park - its green grass and shady trees and the sense of history that surrounds it." She commented that "Austin residents didn't beat around the bush in telling us what they want and expect - a Council whose members will make the tough decisions while working together in harmony; a Council that pays attnetion to a clean environment, devises workable solutions to traffic problems; provides equitable utility rates; protects the neighborhoods and makes the street safe; a Council that most of all directs Austin's growth in a sane and healthy fashion...the people of Austin are concerned about growth and that concern must be answered. It is not a question _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS May 15, 1981 of no growth versus growth. We all know that Austin cannot be shut down. The question is how Austin is going to grow while retaining a respect, and yes, even a reverence for our physical assets and environment and at the same time, retaining an economy that is healthy and diversified." The Mayor continued, saying, "I propose no pat solutions; but, I believe strongly that this new Council, working together and working harmoniously, can and will find the methods and manners that will insure the compatibility of our environment and our economy." Councilman elect, Dr. Larry Deuser, was introduced by Mr. Davidson. He expressed his appreciation to his family and his supporters. Mr. Roger Duncan, who was elected to a two-year term in Place II, was also introduced by Mr. Davidson. Mr. Duncan thanked his family and supporters for their trust in him. He commented that Austin is in a transition period and one of the greatest challenges of the Council would be to keep Austin one of the best places in the country to work and to raise a family. He said it is his hope that the Council will be blessed with the fortitude to do the hard work, the wisdom to make sound judgements and the courage to vote their conscience. Lastly, Mr. Davidson introduced Dr. Charles Urdy, who was elected to a two-year term in Place VI. Dr. Urdy spoke to the issue of growth - not only in physical expansion and population, but in many other ways as well. He said there has been a growth of concern for the quality of life and the environment in the city. He said there has also been a growth of concern for the people in the community. The Honorable Bob Perkins, Judge of the Travis County Court at law II, administered the Oath of Office to the Mayor and members of the Council. Motion Councilmember Goodman moved that the Council select Councilmember John Trevino as Mayor Pro Tem. The motion, seconded by Councilmember Duncan, carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmembers Goodman, Duncan, Mullen, Mayor Pro Tem Trevino, Councilmember Urdy, Mayor McClellan, Councilmember Deuser Noes: None _ CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS May 15, 1981 In closing, Mr. Davidson remarked that "most people in Austin underestimate the task as a member of the City Council. Most of us don't appreciate the number of hours required or the pressures involved or the importance that they feel for each and every decision rendered. As City Manager, I certainly appreciate that time and the contribution of their talent. I know that you join me...in welcoming the 1981-83 City Council into office." Monsignor Lonnie C. Reyes led the audience in the benediction. ADJOURN Council adjourned its Special Called Meeting. APPROVED Mayor ATTEST: Grace Mouse City Clerk