03031964 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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special meeting, march 3, 1964, page two v c The City Manager informed the Council that the Library Board had set April 26 as "Library Rally Day", and had asked permission of the Council to attach lighter-than-air balloons to the .parking meters to publicize the Library. The City Manager offered the opinion that children would detach the balloons from the meters quickly. Alderman Moore moved that the Council grant permission to the Library Board to attach balloons to the parking meters. Alderman Pool seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The City Manager requested permission to appoint an interim study group to investigate the Library's needs and make a firm recommendation to the Council on or before May 15, 1964. He stated that the' City had budget~d money the past two years for such a study. Alderman Stokes moved that the City Manager be authorized to appoint such an interim committee. Alderman Moore seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. I The Mayor announced receipt of a letter from Dr. James H. McCrocklin of Kingsville, in answer to his congratulatory wire on the educator's appointment as President of Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos. The City Manager also reported receipt of a letter from Dr. McCrocklin, in which he said he would like to visit the City Council at some time in the near future. Dr. Pool suggested that Council members arrange an informal meal at the time of Dr. McCrocklin's visit. By common consent, the City Manager was requested to write Dr. McCrocklin and arrange a convenient date for his visit. The Mayor introduced for discussion the question of an ordinance on regulating billiard tables in' San Marcos, or passage of an ordinance prohibiting billiard tables within the City Limits, a matter deferred from the previous meeting. A letter from the City Attorney with a requested legal opinion stated that the Council has a choice to either license, tax and control the use of billiard tables, or to prohibit them altogether. Alderman Ruiz moved that pool tables and billiard' tables be prohibited within the City Limits of San Marcos, and those now in operation be closed down by April 1, 1964. Alderman Stokes asked for the floor on a point of order, and stated he thought this action would have to be taken through due passage of an ordinance. Alderman Ruiz withdrew his original motion, and moved that discussion of billiard tables be tabled until the I March 9 meeting, at which time Mr. Fuller would present for consideration of the Council, an ordinance prohibiting billiard tables in San Marcos. Alderman Stokes seconded the motion, and on roll call, the following vote was recorded: AYE: Moore, Pool, Ruiz, Stokes NAY: None It appeared that Councilmen had not clearly understood the action taken, and after some discussion about parlimentary procedure, it was agreed by common consent to resume the discussion on billiards in order to clarify Council intent. The Mayor said he wished to "clear the air" and restate his position on the matter: he had been informed the previous week that a building had already been rented for the purpose of opening a billiard hall; the Mayor said he felt that if billiard tables were to be allowed in San Marcos, the Council should pass a strong ordinance to control their operation. Alderman Stokes said he had "mixed emotions" about allowing billiard halls to operate in San Marcos; he reminded Councilmen he had not been present when the ordinance regulating the operation of billiard tables had been introduced the previous week, but in looking the ordinance over, he would like to offer the comment that .if the Council put an age limit for'players in the ordinance, it would be to admit a billiard hall was not a fit place for young people. Alderman Pool said he felt the matter still needed study; that he would like to know how the people of San Marcos felt about it; that he doubted whether the Council had the right to invade people's rights by prohibiting the opening of a business of that type. Alderman Moore indicated he was in favor of permitting billiard hallS to operate under a regulatory ordinance. After thorough discussion, it was agreed by common consent to request the City Manager to prepare for consideration 'at the March 9 meeting both a prohibitive ordinance and a regulatory ordinance on billiard halls. I (".. l.A~. ~.~'l'{"1