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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN DEC 19 2000 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tern Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson December 19, 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 December 19, 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 1:30 p.m. Minister Sean Williams, of Love and Compassion Ministries, gave the invocation. The children of Mr. Landry Roundtree, Andrew and Grace Roundtree, led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson. Councilmember Smith was absent. Also, present were: Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Terri Hanks, Administrative Assistant. *Presentations and Recognitions Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Greta Bowman formally thanked the City for their partnership and support of the Habitat for Humanity mission, presented City Council with a golden hammer pin, and wished everyone a blessed Christmas and prosperous New Year. Council reciprocated appreciation to the Habitat for Humanity. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Mr. Landry Roundtree, owner of Landry's Towing Service, addressed Council for consideration in changing the effective date of the towing ordinance to share towing storage space with another company. Mr. Roundtree wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. * Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held December 12, 2000 * There were no Committee Appointments A) Approve the purchase of approximately 7,800 feet of (20-inch diameter) PVC and polyethylene pipe and associated fittings (from Hughes Supply in the amount$146,210.50) for use by the Water Utilities Department - Resolution No. 00-319 B) Approve the purchase of 1,800 feet of 16-inch diameter polyethylene pipe (from Coburn Supply in the amount of$21,906) for use by the Water Utilities Division - Resolution No. 00-320 C) Approve the purchase and installation of one belt filter press (from Ashbrook Corporation in the amount of$96,800) for use in the Water Reclamation Plant - Resolution No. 00-321 D) Approve the purchase of an electric forklift (from Southline Equipment in the amount of $29,380) for use at the Civic Center complex - Resolution No. 00-322 E) Approve a contract for $25,000 with BUILD, Inc., Beaumont Main Street - Resolution No. 00-323 F) Authorize the acquisition of property (D. Brown Survey, Tract 34, City Plat 4, at 2155 Saint Anthony from Eleanor Louise Boswell Holmes in the amount of $2,800) for the Charlton Pollard Park and Neighborhood Shopping Center - Resolution No. 00-324 G) Authorize the settlement of a claim (of Margaret Jones in the amount of $6,800) - Resolution 00-325 H) Approve an agreement with Adelphia Business Solutions of Texas L.P., for the placement of fiber optic cable in the public right-of-way - Resolution No. 00-326 1) Approve the renewal of a five-year lease(beginning January 1,2001 and expiring December 31, 2005) with the Neches Valley Producers Association (at 2095 Saint Helena Street, a 2.72-acre site out of the James Drake Survey) - Resolution No. 00-327 J) Authorize the acceptance of 35.91 acre tract of land in the Frederick Bigner Survey, Abstract No. 1 for the Housing Revitalization Project (donated by Dr. Neil T. Foley) - Resolution No. 00-328 K) Adopt post -construction water quality standards for development and redevelopment projects (for the City's storm sewer system) as required by the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit - Resolution No. 00-329 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Councilmember Samuel extended appreciation to the City Manager and the Economic Development Director for their continued efforts in moving forward with the development of the strip center and park in the Charlton Pollard area. GENERAL BUSINESS Minutes December 19,2000 Page 2 1. Consider approving a contract (with Allco, Inc. in the amount of $5,538,569.25) for the construction of Concord Road Pavement Widening Project, Phase III, including Travis Drive Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 00-330. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Councilmember Samuel mentioned it was requested by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission to reconsider naming a portion of Concord Road as an extension to the M.L. King, Jr. Parkway and requested comments. 2. Consider changes to Section 29-72 (B) (2) and (B) (3) (b) of the City Ordinances regarding tow truck and towing companies, amending Ordinance 98-64 City Attorney Lane Nichols expounded on the revision as a stand-alone section and it does not amend other requirements of the ordinance. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No.00-104 ENTITLEDAN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 29 REGULATING TOW TRUCKS, TOWING COMPANIES AND TOW TRUCK OPERATORS TO ALLOW COMPANIES WHO ARE SHARING STORAGE AND BUSINESS FACILITIES ON DECEMBER 20, 2000 TO CONTINUE TO SO OPERATE; 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 Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None OTHER BUSINESS *Proposed Senior-Housing Apartments on Martin Luther King Parkway City Manager Stephen J. Bonczek introduced a presentation for a senior citizen housing complex proposal by Sunlight Baptist Church, a 66-unit complex costing approximately$2.7 million, to be located in the Martin Luther King Parkway and the Cedar Street area. The City Manager stated Sunlight Baptist Church is requesting $350,000 in funding. (Councilmember Ames left Council Chambers at 2:01 p.m. and returned at 2:03 p.m.) C.P.A. Lou Anderson, reported the project has been in the works for some time, there have been discussions with H.U.D. and Wells Fargo concerning financing, and requested Council to reestablish a commitment to the project in the amount of$350,000. She stated a letter Minutes December 19,2000 Page 3 of support would be sufficient to move the project forward and updated figures for construction costs are being developed. Ms. Anderson extended appreciation to Council. (Mayor Pro Tern Goodson left Council Chambers at 2:05 p.m. and returned at 2:07 p.m.) Councilmember Cokinos expressed support of The Reverend Daniels and the proposed senior citizen housing project. Mayor Moore also expressed support of the senior citizen housing project for being a needed benefit of the community. The Mayor explained only a portion of the requested amount is available due to funding of other allocated senior citizen housing projects and suggested researching additional funding alternatives. Councilmember Samuel established Ms. Anderson was requesting a funding commitment, without a dollar amount, to move the project forward. Mr. Bonczek reported $180,000 is currently available in funds allocated for senior citizen housing projects and additional funds could be available in September 2001. The City Manager suggested making application for the funds and to consider other opportunities to financially stabilize the project. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson commented Council strongly supports The Reverend Daniels' visionary project for the senior citizen housing project. He requested reviewing the details of the project and supported sending a letter stating the City has an undetermined amount of funds for the senior citizen housing project. Mayor Moore conferred with Council in support the project, and agreed to submit a letter of support because of the need for senior citizen housing in the community. (Councilmember Samuel left Council Chambers at 2:23 p.m. and returned at 2:27 p.m.) COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Patterson acknowledged members in the audience regarding a recent fire in the South Park area. She stated concerns regarding the maintenance of the fire hydrants, time schedules, and communication between the Fire and Water Departments. Councilmember Patterson spoke of the maintenance program starting in selective neighborhoods with the most problems and appreciated the efforts City wide. (Mayor Moore left Council Chambers at 2:24 p.m. and returned at 2:44 p.m.) (Councilmember Ames left Council Chambers at 2:28 p.m. and returned at 2:30 p.m.) Fire Chief Bertrand explained the fire hydrant maintenance program was implemented in January 2000, the City was divided into twelve districts,three districts are complete, and the remaining districts will be completed by January 31, 2001. For citizen awareness, Fire Chief Minutes December 19,2000 Page 4 Bertrand noted the inspection of the fire hydrants will cause a disruption in the water distribution system, which will cause discoloration and the water will be safe to drink. The Fire Chief stated all fire fighting training programs have been be canceled pending the completion of the fire hydrant maintenance program. After a lengthy discussion regarding the recent fire, the Fire Chief commended the Fire Fighters for their fire fighting efforts. City Manager Bonczek noted the two hydrant outages did not affect the ability of the Fire Department to fight the fire. The City Manager commended the Fire Department for an outstanding job in responding to the fire and mentioned the City has one of the best trained and equipped Fire Departments in the State of Texas. He commented the Fire and Water Departments work continuously in maintaining over4,000 fire hydrants and the Departments will begin automation with a updated project tracking software program. Councilmember Ames stated appreciation for the fire report, for the initiation of City wide fire hydrant inspections, and the hard work of the Fire Fighters. She stated it is important to note the water flow did not stop during the recent fire, the Fire Fighters are trained for adverse situations, and the fire and water employees are extremely dedicated. Mayor Moore recommended every level of manpower be used for the fire hydrant inspections. He stated Council understands the conditions of the water distribution system and suggested having lines testing aggressively in the older neighborhoods to ensure safety for the community and the fire fighters. *City Manager Report: Gift for the Literacy Depot, R. C. Miller Memorial Branch Library Trust Fund and Downtown/Waterfront Development Charettes City Manager Stephen J. Bonczek reported the stakeholder's meetings for downtown waterfront revitalization were very successful in expressing shared visions and the Goodman Corporation will prepare an analysis of the suggestions for further discussion by February 2001. The City Manager commended the program performance based budget which has performance measures and high levels of accountability;and praised the Budget Team Staff, Kyle Hayes, Beverly Hodges, Andrea Deaton and Carol Wilson, for their efforts. Mr. Bonczek stated the Mayor's Youth Commission website is now online with a link on the City's home web page and thanked Information Services Staff, Vickie Thibodeaux and Eric Lewis, for their assistance. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson commented on a recent T.M.L. board meeting discussion concerning the debacle of the recent election which has raised a new height of interest of all Americans in the election process, thought it would be an opportunity to move forward with youth initiatives and programs bringing people together in a higher level of understanding city government, and hoped to continue the Mayor's youth initiatives on a broader basis. Councilmembers Samuel and Patterson wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Mayor Moore announced the retirement of Police Sergeant Sonny Chambers and recognized him for his thirty-three and a-half years of dedicated service to the City's Police Department. Minutes December 19,2000 Page 5 * Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Mr. Leroy Lewis III, of 1201 Euclid, addressed Council regarding loud music getting worse and being unable to sleep at night, questioned which fire hydrants work, requested having grass cut in his neighborhood, and wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Ms. Linda Cobbs, 260 East Elgie, addressed Council regarding concerns of the recent fire in her neighborhood, noted a breakdown of communication,thought the Fire Department did an outstanding job, and requested problems be resolved for safety assurance in the future. The Reverend Clay Williams, pastor of Vision Alive Christian Ministries, addressed Council regarding a fire at his church, he expressed appreciated to the Fire Department and their efforts to contain the fire and to Councilmember Patterson for her efforts, and he stated he felt the South Park area should be a priority in checking the fire hydrants. Ms. Connie Wilson, a resident nearthe recent fire, addressed Council concerning the recent fire and safety issues for the elderly, suggested a fire hydrant maintenance schedule every six months to ensure safety. Ms. Marlainda Bridges, former resident of 450 East Church Street and current resident of 510 York Town,addressed Council concerning the fire at her home,thanked Councilmember Patterson and expressed her devastation. She questioned if anyone knows if their fire hydrants are working and wanted questions answered concerning fire safety. Mr. Joseph Laday, 450 East Church Street, addressed Council to commend the Fire Department, questioned communication between the Fire and Water Departments, and suggested sending letters out to the neighborhoods when a fire hydrant is out. Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa Street, addressed Council and stated in his opinion if the same fire safety issues happened to Council's private enterprises, he believed it would not be tolerated and changes would be made immediately. Retired Pastor Gregory of New Hope Baptist Church,addressed Council regarding the City's growth, he expressed his thoughts on well spent funds and commended Council, and noted the damage the drought has caused to underground piping. Ms. Susan Walsh, 237 Roxton Lane, addressed Council to request City Council meeting minutes be posted, more user time allowed on personal computers, and internet e-mail access for adults be made available at the libraries. Mayor Moore appreciated the citizen attendance and extended sympathy to Ms. Bridges and Mr. Laday for their loss of their home. The Mayor stated the fire hydrant problems will be corrected, noted the water problems due to the aging of the system and the drought this Summer. Mayor Moore thanked the Citizens for their support in moving forward to make repairs totaling $55M over the next five years. He requested neighborhoods to forge together in 2001, because unity is necessary for success. The Mayor wished everyone Happy Holidays and a Great New Year. Minutes December 19,2000 Page 6 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m. 1 i David W. Moore, Mayor Terri Hanks, Ad inistrative Assistant Minutes December 19,2000 Page 7