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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAR 07 2000 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Guy N.Goodson,Mayor Pro Tem Andrew P.Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J.Patterson March 07,2000 Audwin Samuel Lane Nichols,City Attorney Stephen J.Bonczek,City Manager Barbara Liming,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on March 07, 2000, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the following: OPENING * Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call * Presentations and Recognition * Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items * Consent Agenda Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1:36 p.m. The Reverend Howard Cameron,Trinity Church,gave the invocation. Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem. Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson. Also present were: Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions Three proclamations were issued: "David W.Hearn,Jr.Day,"March 7,2000;"Brain Awareness Week," March 13-19, 2000; and"Taste of the Triangle Day," March 7, 2000 Beaumont Police Officer David Henry, director of the Police Activity League (P. A. L.) program, invited everyone to a celebrity fund raising basketball game that will feature the Harlem Globetrotter Ambassadors vs. local celebrities that include Mayor Moore a.k.a. "Disco Mo" and Councilmember Samuel. The event will be held at the Montagne Center,Thursday at 7:00 p.m.,and the proceeds will fund the Beaumont P.A.L. year-round youth programs. Discount rates are available for children, seniors, and groups. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items. Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Items 7-10 on the Regular Agenda. No one wished to address these items. * Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held February 22, 2000. * Confirmation of committee appointments: No appointments made. A) Approve a change order to the contract for the improvements to the Beaumont Fire Training Center and authorize final payment(to BoMac Contractors,Inc.,in the amount of$53,282.11)- Resolution No. 00-58 B) Approve a contract between the City of Beaumont and Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation (in the amount of$50,000 to provide home buyer's counseling and to pay 1999 audit fees) - Resolution No. 00-59 C) Approve an annual contract for the purchase of passenger and light truck tires for use by the Fleet Management Division (with Gray's Wholesale Tire Distributors, Inc.) - Resolution No. 00-60 D) Authorize the acquisition of property for the Concord Road Improvement Project (Parcel 77: 360 square feet out of Lot 22, Block 1, Minglewood Addition (3945 Concord Road) from Anna Bell Spector in the amount of$700;Parcel 88: 0.043 acres out of Lots 3 and 4,Block 3, South Woodlawn Addition(4145 Concord Road), in the amount of$2,400; and Parcel 90: 0.035 acre out of the former Garfield Street right-of-way and Lot 1,Block 3 of South Woodlawn Addition(4199 Concord Road) from Harold and Charlene Weitzel in the amount of$1,600) - Resolution No. 00-61 E) Authorize a payment for relocation expenses related to the Concord Road Improvement Project(in the amount of$6,800 to Mr. Billy Foutz) - Resolution No. 00-62 F) Authorize a change in signatories for the Cash Bond Account at Hibernia National Bank (Debora Guillory,Geneva Gordon,Sheryl Duvall,Patricia Franklin and Janice Jones as authorized signatories on Cash Bond Account No. 5007019292) - Resolution No. 00-63 G) Authorize the execution of a lease agreement with the State of Texas for coastal public lands(on the Neches River at Riverfront Park with the General Land Office) - Resolution No. 00-64 H) Approve a resolution amending the Management Agreement with Beaumont Transit Company (to include required federal certifications and clauses) - Resolution No. 00-65 I) Authorize the conveyance of right-of-way acquired for FM 364 (Major Drive) to the State of Texas and authorize the City Manager to execute a Right-of-Way Certification (on Parcels 22, 45, 164C, 167A, 167B, 167C, 168A, 168B, 168C) - Resolution No. 00-66 J) Authorize the acceptance of two utility easements (10' wide utility easement, 2275 Franklin Street, from Maria Parra and Servando Vizcaino and at 2285 Franklin Street from Beal Bank, SSB, out of the David Brown Survey, Abstract 5) - Resolution No. 00-67 K) Authorize the granting of a License to Encroach into the rights-of-way of Avenue A and Washington Boulevard to Omega Environmental, Inc. - Resolution No. 00-68 L) Approve a resolution relating to a waiver of penalty and interest on seven tax accounts (A. L. Gremillion, Glen Meadows T/H Association, Sean McSwain, Woodhaven Apartments, Cecil McConnel, Jean Buscher, Jean Buscher, and Bill Thames) - Resolution No. 00-69 M) Approve the purchase of vehicles through the State of Texas General Services Commission Cooperative Purchasing Program (in the amount of$361,427) - Resolution No. 00-70 Minutes,March 7,2000,Page 2 N) Approve the award of a bid for a financing agreement relating to the purchase of a Caterpillar D7 dozer(from Banc One Leasing Corporation with a fixed interest rate of 5.73%)-Resolution No. 00- 71 O) Approve the purchase of three zero-turn radius mowers for use in the Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works Department(from Scooter's Lawnmower for three(3)Encore Prowler MC61 zero-turn radius mowers, $6,190 each, for a total of$18,750) - Resolution No. 00-72 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider a request for a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for 7.6 acres at Concord Road, Highway 105 and Eastex Freeway Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-23 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS,AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT TO GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) AND GC-MD-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE SOUTHWEST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF CONCORD ROAD, NORTH OF HIGHWAY 105, BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Mayor Pro Tern Goodson stated that the action taken requires the developer to present a full scale development plan for the last 25 feet along this acreage. Councilmember Smith expressed curb cut concerns of area residents, reiterated that nothing can be done to the 25-foot strip without a development plan being presented to Council, and stated that she was assured by Mr. Parigi that he does not need four curb cuts along Concord Road. 2. Consider a request for zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for the property at 1395 W. Lucas Drive Councilmember Smith moved to deny an Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AM ENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS,AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS,BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED AS RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING) Minutes,March 7,2000,Page 3 DISTRICT TO GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1395 W.LUCAS DRIVE,BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 3. Consider a request for a zone change from A-R (Agricultural-Residential) to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling)District for an 8.7 acre tract on the east side of North Major Drive Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to deny an Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS, AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED A-R (AGRICULTURAL- RESIDENTIAL)DISTRICT TO GC-MD(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT LOCATED 2100 FEET SOUTH OF FOLSOM DRIVE (FUTURE) AND 1850 FEET NORTH OF BLUEBONNET FRONTING THE EAST SIDE OF NORTH MAJOR DRIVE IN BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a religious prayer group,counseling and pastoral study for Christian education in an RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District at 1995 W. Lucas Drive Mayor Pro Tern Goodson explained that he will abstain from voting on this item because of his business partner's interest in the property. Councilmember Smith moved to deny an Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A RELIGIOUS PRAYER GROUP, COUNSELING AND PASTORAL STUDY FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN AN RS(RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT LOCATED AT 1995 W. LUCAS DRIVE, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION FAILED. Ayes: Councilmembers Smith and Ames Noes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Abstention: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson Councilmember Smith commented that citizens in the neighborhood are against approval of this ordinance and said she feels that their wishes should be honored, spoke of the lack of parking on Lucas Street, and commented on the resurgence of people into the neighborhood since the widening of Lucas Street. Minutes,March 7,2000,Page 4 In response to Councilmember Ames'query,Planning Director Steve Richardson, stated that the cars will park in the circular drive, in a single car garage, and on a two-car carport. Further discussion included denial of a flower shop in this area and explanation that this would be a specific use permit, not a zoning change. Councilmember Samuel moved to approve an Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A RELIGIOUS PRAYER GROUP,COUNSELING AND PASTORAL STUDY FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN AN RS(RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT LOCATED AT 1995 W.LUCAS DRIVE,IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS. Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION FAILED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Cokinos, Samuel, Patterson Noes: Councilmembers Ames and Smith Abstention: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson Mayor Moore explained that the"20%Rule"outlined in Sec. 30-40.D of the Zoning Ordinance is in effect for this item because protests of 20%or more of residents within 200 feet of the residence were received. Six votes in favor of the specific use permit are required for passage. 5. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a residential care facility(Youth Rescue Mission) in an RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling) District at 1930 Franklin Street In response to Councilmember Samuel's queries,City Attorney Lane Nichols stated that he has read the terms of the permanent injunction granted in 1998. Mr.Nichols stated that Section 42.002 of the Texas Human Resource Code refers to a child care facility, not a residential care facility. He commented that if a residential care facility performed specific services as outlined in this code, it would have the elements of a child care facility. Mr. Nichols said he is unaware of how this organization is operated, and therefore cannot state specifically if this would apply to the Youth Rescue Mission. He explained that there is a definition of a family home in Section 42.002 of the Texas Human Resource Code,which is not included within the definition of a child care facility. The injunction was granted under the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Enforcement is not the responsibility of the City;however,it is not appropriate to ignore the existence of the injunction. The City Attorney confirmed that it is his understanding that a residential care facility can be licensed by the State or secure a specific use permit from the City. In response to inquiries by Councilmember Samuel, Planning Director Stephen Richardson commented that the City's procedure is that a facility must be licensed by the State or given a specific use permit before a certificate of occupancy can be issued;the City's ordinance regulates zoning and not the facility. Mr. Richardson stated that there is a disparity between State requirements and City requirements for a specific use permit. The zoning ordinance states that any reasonable conditions may be placed upon a specific use permit by City Council. Councilmember Samuel added comments about lack of verification of use for specific use permits, City funding,no method of determination if the operation is adhering to its intended purpose or goal, spoke in support of establishing criteria,and asked Council to consider this application with additional stipulations that will enable Council to verify the use of the property in the future. Minutes,March 7,2000,Page 5 Councilmember Ames agreed that if the specific use permit is issued, there needs to be additional stipulations,outlined items that she believes should be added or enforced,commented on the number of police calls to this facility, favored verification of adherence to the added stipulations,and agreed that it is not the administrator's fault that permit requirements were not enforced. She said the Youth Rescue Mission should be given a chance,but needs of the neighborhood should also be addressed. Councilmember Patterson concurred with Councilmembers Samuel and Ames, said the City made an error concerning the permit, commented on the use of the $71,000 grant to the Youth Rescue Mission, spoke of monitoring use of these funds, and outlined stipulations she would like to see attached to the issuance of a specific use permit. Mayor Moore reviewed a process with confirmation of violations when brought back for Council to address that would be in the same manner as any other permit violation. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson commented on other residential homes integrating well within the neighborhoods without becoming a disservice, asked Planning Director Stephen Richardson to present Council with information from other cities regarding how the process of obtaining a specific use permit can be refined, commented on the notification process of organizations licensed by the State, spoke of alleviating problems later by raising the level of responsibility in the beginning, and outlined stipulations that he would like to see attached to the specific use permit. Councilmember Smith commented on the need for an independent board to provide financial accountability, facilities operating without proper permits, outlined events that led to the current situation, and commented on a lack of faith in the administration of the center. Councilmember Patterson spoke about past and present uses of the facility, stated that area residents are concerned about the background of individuals allowed to reside at this facility, commented on incorporating some State requirements into the City's regulations for a residential care facility, and the need for consistency in handling these facilities within the City. Councilmember Samuel told of visiting the facility, speaking with neighbors, said there have been allegations,but no presentation of factual evidence for alleged negative activities at this facility,and stated that there is a need for this service in the community. He said Council should define what is acceptable and unacceptable, and listed stipulations to be attached to the specific use permit. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson added comments about code violations that need to be completely rectified before a specific use permit is granted. The City Manager reported that administration of the Youth Rescue Mission is working on correcting these deficiencies and should be in compliance soon. Mr. Bonczek commented that the Planning Director has determined 42 residents could be housed in this facility, outlined specifications that would be attached to the specific use permit, stated that conformity to these requirements would be assessed, and he outlined corrective actions that should be taken if nonconformity is identified. Further discussion included passing an enforceable ordinance, lack of personnel to evaluate these facilities, stipulations necessitated because of complaints from neighbors, follow-up of complaints, the number of police calls to this facility outnumbering those of similar facilities in the City,the lack Minutes,March 7,2000,Page 6 of supervision and protection of the neighborhood,and the need for further City regulation. Suggested regulations included an enforced curfew,24-hour supervision,posted house rules, a resident census, prohibition of solicitation by occupants,an independent board to oversee financial responsibility,and landscaping appropriate for the neighborhood. Councilmember Samuel suggested that this ordinance be brought back before Council at the next Council meeting with the additional stipulations to ensure that all concerns are addressed. City Attorney Lane Nichols acknowledged that deferring action by Council would allow him opportunity to research legality of some of the stipulations. Grants Administrator Johnny Beatty responded to Councilmember Patterson's query that an organization is not required to have a board in place to receive CDBG funds, said the federal government does not require a 501.C3,and these are stipulations the City places on the organizations. Mayor Moore reviewed Council and citizen concerns,addressed safety ofthe community and the City moving to create the necessary balance between this organization and the community,and stated that this item will be deferred until the next Council meeting. 6. Consider the readoption of the Land Use and Major Streets and Highway Plan Elements of the Comprehensive Plan (Councilmember Samuel left the Council Chamber at 3:04 p.m. before the vote.) Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 00-73 approving a request for the readoption of the Land Use and Major Streets and Highway Plan Elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson Noes: None 7. Consider a resolution authorizing the award of a contract for the Folsom Drive Pavement Extension Project from Dowlen Road to Major Drive Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No.00-74 authorizing the award of a contract to Brystar Contracting for construction of the Folsom Drive Pavement Extension Project. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson Noes: None 8. Consider and select one of two alternatives relating to adding a fifth ambulance for the EMS system Minutes,March 7,2000,Page 7 (Councilmember Samuel returned to the Chamber at 3:07 p.m.) Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 00-75 authorizing Alternative 1, a City operated ambulance station and fifth ambulance unit for the City's EMS System. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. Before the vote was taken, Mayor Moore commented that he is happy about the increased collection rate for ambulance calls and expressed his concern with use of CDBG funds. He spoke in support of ambulance service as a General Operating Budget item, emphasized support of this as a one-time expenditure and not a policy,encouraged using only the amount necessary from CDBG monies, and expressed his desire that CDBG funding be used for other community programs. Mayor Moore also addressed receiving information of any private ambulance interest. The MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 9. Consider an ordinance eliminating the Charter Rate in Section 28-5(7)Bus Fares-Schedule of Regular Fares of the Code of Ordinances Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-24 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28,SECTION 28-5(7)OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO REMOVE THE CHARTER RATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 10. Consider a request to amend Chapter 2 %, Article II of the City of Beaumont Code of Ordinances relating to the regulation of alarm systems as follows: Section 2 % - 13 (d) shall be amended to read: A permit shall be issued for a one (1) year term beginning on the date of issuance Section 2 %2-16 shall be amended to read: An application to renew a permit shall be submitted to the City with a ten ($10) dollar fee due on or before the expiration date on the permit. The term of the renewal is one (1)year Councilmember Ames moved to approve Ordinance No.00-25 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2%2,ARTICLE II,SECTION 2 %-13(D)AND SECTION 2 %Z-16 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF ALARM SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED Minutes,March 7,2000, Page 8 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem. Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 11. PUBLIC HEARING: Receive comments on the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the final draft of the 2000 One-Year Action Plan, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The public hearing opened at 2:20 p.m. Ms. Pattie Lee, Executive Director of the Watts Homeless Shelter, Ms. Paula O'Neal, 840 Jasmine, Director of Some Other Place, on behalf of Henry's Place, and Mr. Dwayne Keeling, 950 Sherman Street, a representative of the Charlton Pollard Neighborhood Association, Inc., addressed Council to request funding assistance. Mr.Jonathan Pressley,2304 Wilson,addressed Council to request funding to initiate a technical arts program in the Beaumont Independent School District. Mr. Foster Bennett, a representative of the Bethel Baptist Church, addressed Council to request funding to assist with building an extended care facility for elderly citizens and stated that an independent Board of Directors not affiliated with the church would be formed. Ms. Lela Goins,9765 Landis,Program Director at Henry's Place, addressed Council to speak about the importance of their organization making a difference in people's lives and the limited services available to the mentally ill and added her request for funding. The public hearing closed at 3:35 p.m. OTHER BUSINESS *Review and discuss the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the final draft of the 2000 One-Year Action Plan -Not discussed. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various subjects Mayor Pro Tem Goodson thanked staff for their work on the Comprehensive Plan,commented on the denial of a permit on Major Drive not being viewed as a negative to development in that corridor, thanked Planning Director Steve Richardson,the Planning Staff,and the developers that have worked with Council to create other zoning categories that allowed much greater opportunities for development control in these corridors. Councilmember Ames questioned when public services requests would be considered, and Mr. Bonczek stated that recommendations regarding grant applications will be brought before Council on March 28, 2000. Minutes,March 7,2000, Page 9 Councilmember Samuel announced that the North End Neighborhood Association meeting will be held Thursday, March 9, 2000, 6:30 p.m. at the Willard Library, and encouraged attendance at the P.A.L. Fund-raiser Basketball Game Thursday evening. Councilmember Patterson spoke about the Street Rehabilitation Program and stated that she and many residents in Ward IV have concerns about the absence of concreted, curbed and guttered streets in Ward IV . She stated that covering an existing concreted, curbed, and guttered street with a lesser substance, such as black top, adds insult to injury and is disappointing. She referred to an incident that occurred last week and meeting staff and the City Manager to work out a solution. Councilmember Patterson solicited Council support in seeing that the streets in the Ward IV area are improved and gradually resurface black top and shelled streets with concrete. She stated that good streets brings a quality of life to residents and economic development. She expressed appreciation to the City Manager and Mr. Warner for working with her toward that end. Mayor Moore congratulated the City of Port Arthur and Southeast Texas for setting a new Mardi Gras participation record, spoke about its economic impact, congratulated the City of Beaumont on the turnout at the ZZ Top Concert,spoke of working with Beaumont Independent School District(BISD) leadership students, and congratulated area basketball teams who advanced to the playoffs. Councilmember Patterson reminded everyone to vote in the primary election on March 14th and announced that early voting ends Friday, March 10th. * City Manager's Report-EMS System-"Rollover"Program,Classification/Compensation Analysis, Wading Pool Renovations, Salvation Army Transitional Family Shelter, Boys and Girls Club Van, ABC World News Profile, Jefferson Theatre Restoration, Beaumont Recycling Task Force, Exxon/Mobile New Plant Manager The City Manager reported proposed changes to improve the effectiveness of the"rollover"program, said a meeting was held with private providers to discuss proposed changes, stated that Fire Department staff will meet with primary responders to develop an enhanced communication system, and outlined information that companies must submit to the Health Department to be considered as a primary provider. Mr. Bonczek reported that five proposals were received from professional consultants to conduct a comprehensive audit of the City's classification and compensation system and said Condrey and Associates were selected to provide the services for a fee of$55,700, and outlined the process. He reported State law requirements for wading pool renovations and cost estimates for each and the cost for two weeks of swim classes by the Red Cross. The City Manager informed Council of a request from the Salvation Army for$50,000 to renovate an existing structure for transitional housing, listed resident requirements for individuals in the facility,other services the Salvation Army would provide residents,and stated they will coordinate with the Housing Authority to place each family in housing after a 6-8 month stay. The Salvation Army has also requested 50% ($14,000)funding of a van for the Boys and Girls Club. He reported that ABC News wants to profile a water system,such as Beaumont's,with sufficient supply of water for the next 20 years.Information was shared about water usage and projections and also a $23 million Capital Project to expand the water treatment plant to be able to treat 50 million gallons a day. Mr. Bonczek reported that Central Services Director Kirby Richard and Public Works Director Tom Warner took ABC's Kevin Newman and camera crew on a boat ride on the Neches River, and ABC News will inform the City when the segment will appear on their program. Mr.Bonczek advised Council of a luncheon meeting with Mr. Minutes, March 7,2000,Page 10 Jerry Wascom, the new Plant Manager of Exxon/Mobil and Mr. Johnny Casmore, Legislative and Regulatory Advisor, and Council that is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 st at the Beaumont Club and briefed Council on the Sign Development Review Committee meeting held on February 24. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to three(3) minutes) Mr. Bill Proctor, 4340 Westridge, addressed Council in favor of issuing a specific use permit to the Youth Rescue Mission and giving administrators an opportunity to comply with code regulations. Mr. Lynn DeMary,430 East Elgie, addressed Council in favor of the resolution passed to provide a fifth ambulance unit for the EMS System and commented about fairness in distributing CDBG funds. Ms. Rebecca Garcia,Avenue F,addressed Council in appreciation for efforts with the Youth Rescue Mission,asked that use of the facility be clarified,and outlined items she would like to see enforced. Mr.Jack Dalio,890 Yount,owner of Scooters Lawn Mower service,addressed Council to thank them for their support. Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, addressed Council in support of awarding a specific use permit to the Youth Rescue Mission and for Mrs. Davis' efforts. Ms. Jenny Morris, Pastor of New Hope Deliverance Ministries, 890 Grant Street, addressed Council in support of the Youth Rescue Mission, commented about her work with them, living among those that need help, and seeing people's lives changed through the program. Mrs.Delores Davis,Director ofthe Youth Rescue Mission,addressed Council to express appreciation to Mr. Bonczek, stated she agrees with stipulations of the specific use permit, and told Council they are the only organization that allows individuals to work a night shift,which helps those with children. EXECUTIVE SESSION * Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Janie Talmore v. City of Beaumont Lloyd Brooks v. City of Beaumont Gilbert Eaves v. City of Beaumont Claim of Marilyn Harmon There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m. Cq�� David Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerk Minutes,March 7,2000,Page 11