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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAR 16 1999 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Bobbie J. Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Guy N. Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P. Cokinos John K. Davis March 16, 1999 Becky Ames Lane Nichols, City Attorney Ray A. Riley, City Manager Barbara Liming,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on March 16, 1999, 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 1:33 p.m. The Reverend G. W. Daniels, gave the invocation. Matthew Strait, a member of Scout Troop 221 sponsored by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, led the pledge of allegiance. At the request of Mayor Moore, Matthew introduced his father, Mr. Henry Strait. Matthew is observing Council as part of earning the citizenship merit badge. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis. Also present were: Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions Three proclamations were issued: "Professional Social Work Month," March, 1999; "Brain Awareness Week," March 15-23, 1999; and "Absolutely Incredible Kid Day," March 18, 1999. Mayor Moore congratulated Councilmember Cokinos for receiving the Golden Circle Certificate of the Sul-Ross classes from the Former Student Association of Texas A & M University. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular agenda Items. Ms. Jeannie Turk, a resident of Pinewood and owner of property in Beaumont, spoke in support of Consent Agenda Item A approving participation in a feasibility study related to moving the railroad tracks or holding yard in front of Riverfront Park. Ms. Turk specifically mentioned Mr. Tom Flanagan and his Crockett Street project partners, Mr. Walter Umphrey and Mr. Joe Penland as having vision, a willingness for financial involvement and commitment to work to tie together the beauty of the Neches River. She identified them as risk-takers and entrepreneurs. Mr. Jerry Doyle, 233 7th Street, a former teacher at French High School and substitute teacher at Charlton-Pollard recalled past hours spent on the Neches River and spoke in support of Item A on the Consent Agenda. He added comments about the unattractiveness of a backdrop of rail cars and the negativeness of noise and being trapped by rail cars across the egress. *Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings held March 2, 1999. * Confirmation of committee appointments: Bill Matthews-Airport Advisory Committee; Marie Hubbard - Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission; Beverly Hatcher - Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission; Bettye Smith - Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission; Jack Holden - Senior Citizen Advisory Committee; Adrian Hudspeth - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee; and Herman Rogers - Reinvestment Zone Number One Board of Directors - Resolution No. 99-72 A) Approve participation in a feasibility study related to moving the railroad tracks or holding yard in front of Riverfront Park (the City of Beaumont, Port of Beaumont, and Tom Flanagan will pay 1/3 of estimated cost between $35,000-$50,000)- Resolution No. 99-73 B) Approve the designation of building code fees and infrastructure improvements as matching contributions to the HOME Grant Program - Resolution No. 99-74 C) Approve the purchase of vehicles and equipment for use in the Sewer Maintenance Division/Water Utilities 1) Approve the purchase of one medium duty crew cab truck (in the amount of $49,973 from Lawrence Marshall Chevy-Olds, Inc. for use in Sewer Maintenance Division) - Resolution No. 99-75 2) Approve the purchase of a portable air compressor (in the amount of $19,936 from Ingersoll Rand Equipment) - Resolution No. 99-76 D) Approve the sale of property located at 3340 East Lucas by Jefferson County to the Catholic Diocese (in the amount of$1,000) - Resolution No. 99-77 E) Approve a contribution to the East Texas Regional Water Planning Group (in the amount of$10,332 for administrative expenses) - Resolution No. 99-78 F) Approve the purchase of properties for the concord Road Improvement Project 1) Property located at 3405 and 3425 Concord Road would be purchased for $12,200 (from Pandora Tinkle Brook) 2) Property located at 3465 Concord Road would be purchased for $5,200 (from Mary Ellen Nelson) 3) Property located at 3477 Concord Road would be purchased for $5,349 (from Debra Lynn Nelson Ishmael) - Resolution No. 99-79 Minutes;3/16/99;Page 2 G) Authorize a lease agreement for the placement of fiber optic cable (with CapRock Communications for initial fee of $500 and annual fee of $1.20 per linear foot per year)- Resolution No. 99-80 H) Accept improvements constructed in Park West Subdivision, Phase IV for City maintenance (Street and Storm Sewer Improvements: West Bend from existing West Bend approximately 130 feet west and including Cul-de-sac; and Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvements: Lots 16-20, Block 1) - Resolution No. 99-81 1) Authorize the settlement of a lawsuit of Mike Allen v. City of Beaumont (in the amount of$5,000) - Resolution No. 99-82 J) Authorize the filing of lawsuits related to small business loans in default (Alta Mere Window Tinting - Owner, William Stanfield; and Baskets & Things - Owner, Marsha Hoskins) - Resolution No. 99-83 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider an ordinance authorizing promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $8,175,000 and a contract for Loan Guarantee Assistance under Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended The City Manager stated that this ordinance was drafted to draw down $8,175,000, but in conversation with representatives of HUD, they said it would be more beneficial and economically effective to take the entire $11,000,000 in one package because of formal requirements and procedures. The item was deferred for one week in response to the recommendation of HUD. 2. Consider a request for a tax exemption for the Hotel Beaumont located at 625 Orleans Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-84 authorizing a tax exemption for the improvements that will would be made during the rehabilitation of Hotel Beaumont located at 625 Orleans. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Minutes;3/16/99;Page 3 Noes: None 3. Consider an amendment to the contract with Mark Whiteley and Associates, Inc. for the Walden Road Engineering Services contract Mayor Pro Tern Patterson moved to approve Resolution No. 99-85 authorizing an amendment to the contract with Mark Whiteley and Associates, Inc. for the Walden Road Engineering Services contract to include engineering and related design for improvements to Walden Road between IH-10 and Fannett Road at an additional cost of $102,299.57. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 4. Consider allocating funds relating to the Emergency Shelter Grant Program. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-86 authorizing allocating $82,000 to the Salvation Army from the Emergency Shelter Grant fund and $22,000 to Henry's Place from Community Development Block Grant funds. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Councilmember Davis commented the services to the homeless that Henry's Place and the Salvation Army offer and commended the dignity with which the Salvation Army treats homeless people. He stated that the environment is clean, the food is good, but more importantly is the attitude their staff displays to the homeless clients. Mayor Moore added that each entity offers a significant and unique service. Henry's Place assists during the day with food and other provisions, while the Salvation Army primarily offers their services during the evening and night. He related a conversation with the Captain of the Salvation Army voicing an unselfish comment regarding the need for continuance of funding for Henry's Place. 5. Consider a request for a historic preservation loan for 694 Forrest. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-87 authorizing a historic preservation loan for 694 Forrest in the amount of $52,000 at the request of Mr. Paul Chargois. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;3/16/99;Page 4 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None OTHER BUSINESS *Request from Melton YMCA for Section 108 funding Mr. Hart Green, chairman of the Metropolitan YMCA of Beaumont, announced that representatives are here to make a request of Section 108 loan money for construction of a gym-fitness center at the Melton YMCA. He stated this project has been planned for a long time, and is an important project and worthy of Council consideration. He announced that Mr. Norman Bellard, Mr. Andy Teal, and Ms. Kim Collier are present today. Mr. Bellard has served on the YMCA Metropolitan Board, the Melton Board, the Gymnasium Committee and will address Council to relate the history of the YMCA and why he, as an active participant, feels this is an important project. Mr. Teal is the CEO of the YMCA and will speak about the financial impact he feels the construction of the gym will have long-term on the community. Ms. Collier will would be available to answer Council architectural questions about the gym. Mr. Green will speak on behalf of the association. Mr. Bellard introduced board member managers of the YMCA: Ms. Daniels, Ms. Beverly Stone, Mrs. Julia Levy, Mr. Shannon Holmes, Mr. Adrian Hudspeth, Ms. Marva Provo, and Mr. Kenny Williams. Mr. Bellard reviewed the history of the L. L. Melton Family YMCA as outlined in Exhibit "A." Mr. Bellard stated that the YMCA's mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. He said the Y helps to nurture young people to become successful and productive individuals. Because of this, Mr. Bellard said a request of $1,220,514 from Section Loan funds is solicited. These funds will enable the Y to continue its quest in development of young people and allow construction for the proposed gymnasium-fitness center project. The facility will serve as a major hub in the Pear-Orchard and Southend communities and attract youth of all ages and backgrounds and provide a safe and wholesome environment for senior citizens' enjoyment. Other outreach programs, such as after school care, a tutoring-mentoring program, the Smooth-Talker debate program, Youth in Government, Councils in Training, and Rights of Passage will also would be expanded. He invited the City of Beaumont to join hands in further development of one of our greatest assets--the youth of our city. Mr. Andy Teal spoke about the new gym construction and renovation of the existing building. He said addition of the gym would unify the program and a summary of new programs include: volley ball, indoor sports, summer programs, after school activities, exercise glasses, gymnastics, aerobic classes, running and walking areas, a fitness and conditioning center for adults, and new locker rooms. Besides these amenities, Mr. Teal said that new employment opportunities for the community will be created. There will be a full-time program director, three part-time desk personnel, full-time and part-time maintenance workers, three to five part-time gym superintendents, multiple part-time fitness coordinators Minutes;3/16/99;Page 5 and class instructors and a part-time secretary. There will be about $129,475 in salaries plus approximately $20,000 in benefits and taxes. The impact the income earned in our community with the child-care and teachers by about $200,000 per year. Mr. Green concluded the presentation by displaying drawings of floor plans of the prospective project and emphasized that a unanimous vote was received from the Metropolitan YMCA to support this effort. He said the addition of this gym and the funds will provide a field of dreams--"build it, and they will come." Mr. Green used various overlays to explain various program arrangements. He stated that this facility will be used more by the immediate community, but would be used by the entire community in many aspects. Basketball teams throughout the city will be able to use the facility. Mayor Moore thanked the YMCA for the presentation, and said their proposal will would be reviewed. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson said she is very excited and looks forward to support of Council and serving the youth of the community. She thanked everyone for their hard and diligent work. *Report related to Southend Branch Library and Section 108 funding Mr. Kyle Hayes, assistant to the City Manager, explained to the public that the Section 108 Program is a loan guarantee provision of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program, whereby municipalities can receive a line of credit up to five times their annual CDBG allocation. Mr. Hayes said that last year the City of Beaumont's annual allocation was $2.2 million, and we were able to receive a line of credit up to $11 million, of which $8.75 million has been committed--$3.175 million for the Hotel Beaumont project, $3 million for the Crockett Street project, and $2 million for the Jefferson Theater Restoration, with a remainder of$2,825,000. If the request made by the Melton YMCA is granted, there would be a remainder of$595,000 available. Mr. Hayes said the estimated cost for the proposed Southend Branch Library is $1,625,000. Plans are to purchase three to four acres of land at the corner of Fannett and Sarah Streets. Council has appropriated $125,000 for land acquisition in the 1999 CDBG budget. A need for another$1.5 million is anticipated for construction, architectural fees, and furnishings for the building. Those costs are based on the actual costs of the Willard Branch Library. Mr. Hayes explained that Section 108 funds have to would be used for one of three criteria: 1) for the benefit of low to moderate income persons; 1) aid in the elimination or prevention of slum and blight; or 3) meet an urgent community need. Therefore, Section 108 funds can be used for the Southend Library. Mayor Moore commented about some funds being repaid and others given as grants that will not would be repaid. Minutes;3/16/99;Page 6 Councilmember Davis added comments that this is in a sense, a line of credit, and questioned that as the loan is repaid, if the line of credit will increase. Mr. Hayes explained that this is a one-time arrangement and funds will be used until they are depleted. Once the $11 million is used, it will be repaid over a 20-year period, and is not a continuing line of credit. Councilmember Davis verified that the two projects remaining are the library and the Melton YMCA with no new request. Councilmember Goodson pointed out that we can't apply for Section 108 funding, but if the funding is available, we can make an allocation from CDBG funds. Councilmember Ames questioned liability if the borrower is unable to repay the funds. Mr. Hayes said the City would be responsible for repayment out of future Community Development Block Grant funds. Mayor Moore remarked that 108 dollars is a tool the HUD has made available to cities, and Council as a body has aggressively solicited that funding. Hopefully, these monies will stimulate activity in the downtown area, the Pear-Orchard area, and wherever the balance of the dollars will would be spent. In turn, dividends should would be yielded in dividends and empowerment to the areas and make a bold statement about the progress and attitude of Council and the community and pleasant to the eyes of everyone. *Report on Bond Sale of$20,000,000 (Mayor Moore left the Chambers at 2:29 p.m.) Finance Officer Beverly Hodges referred to the proposed schedule for the proposed sale of $20 million in Certificates of Obligation. She said the $20 million is anticipated to would be the next phase of the Capital Improvement Program, and said this is a cash flow process. Projects have not been funded totally from beginning to end, but as cash flow needs have indicated. This portion will fund the existing and on-going projects for the next 12 to 18 months. Currently, Ms. Hodges said we have about $33 million in open projects. Some have Texas Department of Transportation funding or other funding sources, with a total funding need of about $22 million. This $20 million would give the necessary cash flow for projects such as the Concord Road Project, the softball facility, and the hike and bike trail. She said the process includes reviewing the preliminary statement and notice of intent to sell the CO's. *Report on annexation of Cardinal Meadows Area and fire protection contracts in the ETJ (Mayor Moore returned at 2:35 p.m. during this report.) Planning Director Steve Richardson familiarized Council with Extraterritorial Jurisdiction by stating that ETJ allows the city to control the area beyond its city limits for the purpose of annexation. For Beaumont, that is five miles. In the southeast area, other existing cities Minutes;3/16/99;Page 7 joined Beaumont in an agreement. Mr. Richardson stated that planning is a means by which a city exercises control in our ETJ. State law permits a city to annex areas within its ETJ, and it is important that a city be allowed to oversee development in this area. He said this is done in part by extending our comprehensive plan out to that area for purposes of proposed land use and thoroughfare planning. Also, Mr. Richardson said this allows us to extend our subdivision regulations. It enables us to guarantee that development concurs with city standards, and in the future, if we desire to annex these areas, we know development has occurred to our regulations. Within the southeast portion of our ETJ, Mr. Richardson said little development has occurred except for the county, state and federal prison complexes and the Cardinal Meadows subdivision. Mr. Richardson explained that the City of Beaumont has two intergovernmental agreements that provide fire protection service to the prison facilities and the Cardinal Meadows Subdivision. He stated that additional signatures have been received to add to the original annexation petition. Of those signatures, Mr. Richardson said 33 are property owners, or approximately 17% of the property owners within Cardinal Meadows, signed the petition. Husband and wife signatures were counted as one property owner. Council discussion included Councilmember Goodson's inquiry regarding a grant received by Cardinal Meadows for a water and sanitary sewer system and its compatibility to that of Beaumont. The City Manager confirmed the grant and said that in our subdivision standards, there is a suburban standard that does not require the exact standard as that within the city, but sufficient for suburban living. Mr. Riley relayed that sometimes annexation is viewed as a city annexing areas for tax purposes, but is not necessarily the situation. In looking at control in extraterritorial jurisdiction, it is to provide the necessary development to sustain that urban environment. The city does not look to annexing these areas, but to the responsibility if they are annexed. He said that a subdivision outside the city limits will not have the same level of fire protection as is inside the city limits. Neither is there the same taxing effort. The city's current tax levy for property tax is $.635, and over 60% of that is in the general fund, and operaton of a fire department is supported in that 60 percent. The contracts with the county provides fire protection to the areas that were done for economic purposes. In competition for locating the prisons to this area, contracts with municipalities to provide fire protection were necessary. Contracts were entered into with those facilities, but is not to the same standard as is within the city. The primary responsibility is to provide fire protection services to residents and property owners within the city. As possible, secondary responses are made to these areas in the extraterritorial jurisdiction as was previously witnessed when a fire occurred in Cardinal Meadows. Mr. Riley stated that to properly annex Cardinal Meadows in a contiguous manner, there is a triangular area that extends east of Cardinal Meadows that we would be required to annex. The only thing residents would receive with annexation is fire protection, but would be no more than they are receiving under the current contracts. Council consideration is what to do with a request for annexation. Mr. Riley said that normally this is a function of the Planning Commission. They should receive the request and determine the advisability and/or the feasibility of such a request. In this case, it becomes less feasible because such a small portion of the area is asking to be annexed. Mr. Riley reminded Council that this is Minutes;3/16/99;Page 8 a portion of what was given to Council for review of annexation this past year, and said it would be inappropriate to take further action without the inclusion of the Planning Commission. Councilmember Goodson concurred with the City Manager's comments and questioned the width of the area south of Cardinal Meadows to be annexed and referred to this being a part of an existing tank farm. He requested ownership information of the tank farm, spoke about the agreement with Cardinal Meadows and Garden Villas, county provision for road improvements, and requested a copy of the intergovernmental agreement providing these services. Councilmember Davis questioned any fixed costs associated with annexation and spoke of the appropriateness of Planning Commission involvement and lack of majority of residents requesting annexation. Councilmember Ames referred to the last annexation when there was a public outcry against annexation of the area that includes Cardinal Meadows, agreed that the Planning Commission should be initiators of an annexation procedure, and stated that the residents would be contacted again if procedures were again initiated. Councilmember Goodson added comments about Charter requirements for notification and spoke of a comparison of utility rates or fee obligations that might would be involved with annexation. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Moore thanked the ladies of Council who weathered the elements at the National League of Cities meeting in Washington, D.C. to meet with the offices of Congressman Lampson and Senators Hutchison and Gramm to carry on the city's agenda, especially the part that may be beneficial to further development of the Melton YMCA. Councilmember Goodson thanked everyone associated with the Beaumont Fire Museum, the Firefighters, the Enterprise and everyone else who gave good coverage to the recent addition to the Fire Museum. He complimented the ceremony and the Disney Company for their production efforts. Councilmember Goodson thanked the Port of Beaumont Navigation District and Mr. Tom Flanagan for the vision of a feasibility study to improve the Riverfront Park area. He thank Mr. Riley, Kyle Hayes, and Lane Nichols for assistance provided him as Chair of the TML Committee on Annexation. He said progress is slowly being made and hopes that opportunity will be given to continue prudent and successful uses of annexation power and not overextend citizens' pocketbooks. Councilmember Ames added that in addition to the Melton Y, other items were the transfer station for the municipal transit in downtown and the Jefferson Theater. She said these three Minutes;3/16/99;Page 9 items were the ones pressed on in Washington, D.C. Councilmember Ames thanked former Councilmember Tom Combs from Congressman Lampson's office who was open to Beaumont's issues. Councilmember Davis congratulated Mayor Moore as being one of the newest TV stars from Beaumont since his appearance on C-Span representing our city and the National League of Cities along with the mayor of Wichita, Kansas. Councilmember Davis said he was extremely proud of the way Mayor Moore represented Beaumont in such an articulate manner and the profile that has been established for Beaumont. In addition, Councilmember Davis commented about the feasibility study to relocate the railroad tracks at Riverfront Park, the Crockett Street project, and the Jefferson Theater projects, Hotel Beaumont and renovation of the White House building into a new Municipal Court facility as improvements to our downtown area. He stated that a city is as strong as its downtown area, and that he has learned from the National League of Cities that cities start to decline in their downtown areas first, and whenever we put efforts into downtown revitalization, our whole city prospers. Councilmember Davis added congratulations to Councilmember Cokinos for receiving the award from A& M University, thanked the City Manager, City Attorney, the Clean Community Department, and the Police Department for substantial improvements in the Bennett Street area with street lights. He complimented the success of a meeting today with Lt. Singletary. He reported that communication by Mr. Hadnot with neighbors regarding problems on Ashley Street and other safety concerns has not been fulfilled. He said he would like that to return to Council with deliberate speed. Councilmember Davis said that HUD was in town last week and Beaumont received a Best Practices award. Last Monday HUD sent a crew to Beaumont and taped our programs that are considered to would be the best use of funds in America. He said they toured the Sterling Pruitt Center, the Elmo Willard Library, and the revitalization of the Charlton-Pollard area. He stated that this will be part of a national presentation by Secretary of HUD. He remarked about other funding through HUD that we might investigate for other indirect programs. Mayor Moore added that he had a conversation with the Deputy Secretary regarding our projects and the possibility of additional dollars through the Housing Authority. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson commented about the Best Practices award, said we were privileged to have Angelique Campbell, a HUD representative, here last week at the Pear- Orchard Neighborhood Association meeting, agreed that Mayor Moore looked good on C- Span and represented Beaumont and the National League of Cities well, congratulated the Reverend G. W. Winters and his wife for celebrating their 44th pastor's anniversary this past Sunday. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson said she and Councilmember Goodson were at the eventful anniversary celebration. She added that revitalization is very important, announced that the Pear-Orchard Neighborhood Association will have its first project ground breaking on Thursday with former Representative Al Price as speaker. She announced that Blanchette Elementary School needs support to help beautify Blanchette Elementary's campus. She said they have funds, but need the time and service of citizens. They will conduct a meeting on March 22nd at 4:30 p.m. in the library. Mrs. Roe may be contacted Minutes;3/16/99;Page 10 at 833-3475 or the school at 842-1230. Also, she said volunteers and support is requested for a block party for the South Park area. They are going to clean up the area on April 10. Mayor Moore added congratulations to the Central High School Jaquars who did extemely well this year by going to the state playoffs. He added comments about the Disney presentation and thanked the firefighters who volunteered their time and presented a very good program. He said it was a fun time in the community, and added thanks to the entire Fire Department and Linda Gaudio, the Fire Museum director. He said everyone was pleased with the presentation. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mrs. Freida Jackson, on behalf of the Cardinal Meadows Improvement District, expressed appreciation for review of their petition and stated that this is not just a fire issue for their community. She said they are looking for more for their community and thinks it would be to their advantage to be annexed to Beaumont. She cited current water and sewer rates and said she thinks she has over 80 to 90% of community interest. Mr. Marshall Cooper, 1068 Meadowvale, on behalf of the Beaumont Founders Lions Club requested that a street be named in memory of Charles L. Smucker. Mr. Al Price reported receiving information at a Federal Reserve meeting about participation in community development by making capital and credit accessible to every area of the community. Mr. Price invited Council to attend the groundbreaking on Thursday, March 18, in the expansion of home building efforts. He said that one non-profit organization has built about 35 new homes with a mortage of about $40,000 for a total of over$1.5 million in new mortgages. Twenty-five homes have been rehabilitated, each with a mortgage of about $35,000, a total of about $750,000. He stated that the economic impact by one non-profit is tremendous. Mr. Price said his goal is to help economic development by providing homes and business opportunities and get people out of the renters mentality of dependence and into the home-owners attitude of independence. He complimented Council efforts in this area. At the request of Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Mr. Price announced that the location of the ground breaking is at 2080 Lela Street at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, addressed Council to express appreciation to Mr. Greg Shepherd (of Entergy) for assistance with lighting and sign needs in the Avenues neighborhood. He referred to a newspaper article, said the Neighborhood Association president is resigning and expressed other personal opinions. EXECUTIVE SESSION Minutes;3/16/99;Page 11 • Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Claim of Ruby Proudhome Gosey Claim of Angela Marie Gill Lloyd Brooks et al v. City of Beaumont • Consider matters related to employment, evaluation and duties of a public officer or employee in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code: City Manager There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m. David W. Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerg Minutes;3/16199;Page 12 GENERAL BACKGROUND OF THE L.L. MELTON FAMILY YMCA The physical facility now known as the "L.L. Melton Family YMCA" is 25 years old. j However, the seeds for the facility were sewn in the community more than 70 years prior with the inception of the Neches Street Branch YMCA. In May of 1928, Reverend Charles F.L. Graham called a very important meeting for the purpose of formulating-plans toward creation of a branch. YMCA serving this community: Reverend Graham-was greatly_-assisted bar a number of i �viduals _ including G.N.T. Griffith who had extensive experience with the YMCA in conjunction.with-his World War I experience. Support was given by Mr.-Hastings Harrison, secretary of the Central- YMCA with a sound endorsement. For the next 12 years}the branch YMCA pooled its resources, growing in strength and number and began to flourish. By. 1939, B.A. Steinghagen was elected president of the board of directors of the Central YMCA. Mr. Steinhagen had a very keen interest in the work of the branch, and in 1939 presented the deed and keys to a three-story brick structure at 776 Neches Street, which became the Neches Street Branch YMCA. At this time, the program began to really flourish. By having a permanent facility, the YMCA was able to offer fraternal, social, civic and religious groups the use of the building. The branch continued to grow in size and stature, ultimately, outgrowing the Neches Street facifity. In the early 1970's, the Metropolitan YMCA began a capital fund raising program culminating in the construction of the L.L. Melton Family YMCA, dedicated 1974. (See Exhibit A). Since 1974, the L.L. Melton Family YMCA has served predominately low to moderate income community and has made a concerted effort to identify, reach out to, and service this population. Most of our direct service area, defined as individuals that live in a close proximity to the L.L. Melton Family YMCA, fall well within the federal guidelines of low to moderate income. Examples of the community served included Virginia Estates, Pear Orchard Plaza, Washington Manor, and Magnolia Gardens. We are also trying to affect neighborhoods as a whole with the use of tools such as outreach programs to the various schools in the community,most recently including Dunbar and Martin Elementary. Some of these various programs, offered to the community,both historically and presently include: 1. Childcare/daycare; 2. After school care-, 3. Tutoring/mentoring; 4. Summer camp; S. Youth in government; 6. Counselors in training; 2 EXHIBIT "A"