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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APR 20 1999 MINUTES - 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 April 20, 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 April 20, 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 1:34 p.m. The Reverend Ronald Lee, Park North Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance. 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; Tyrone Cooper, Assistant City Attorney; Barbara Liming, City Clerk; and Rebecca Hoge, Deputy City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions One proclamation was issued, "Fair Housing Month," April, 1999. Mr. Mark Theobald, president of the YMBL announced that Ms. Donna Thibodeaux is conducting a REACH program sponsored by the YMBL. He said that REACH stands for Rodeo and Children. Ms. Thibodeaux is visiting area schools and begins her presentation by teaching children basic rodeo education, such as saddle bronco riding, bull riding, and use of clowns at a rodeo. Then, she talks to them about drugs and gang prevention. Mr. Theobald said she is dynamic and has a very strong message. There have been positive responses from schools and students, and Mr. Theobald said they really enjoy the program. Ms. Thibodeaux has had contact with about 9,300 children through the program during the past two weeks. Each child will receive a free admission voucher to the YMBL Rodeo. Mr. Theobald stated that this is a program they anticipate sponsoring next year and are proud and honored to have Ms. Thibodeaux here for the YMBL and community. Mr. Theobald introduced others accompanying him: Shawn Walker, an executive board member and rodeo chairman; Butch Rhymes, a member of the executive board and rodeo committee; and Executive YMBL Vice-President Chris Colletti. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular agenda Items. No one wished to address these items. *Consent Agenda Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held April 13, 1999. Confirmation of committee appointments: Sergeant John Bowls and Judge Tom Mulvaney appointed to the Beaumont Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and Benny Mendoza to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - Resolution No. 99- 121 A) Approve contracts for the purchase of manholes, manhole covers and sewer materials for use in the Sewer Maintenance Division/Water Utilities (Golden Triangle Pipe, $8,661.43; Coburn Supply Co., Inc., $21,994.75; Moore Supply, $5,226; and East Jordan Iron Works, Inc., $2,080) - Resolution No. 99-122 B) Approve a signatory change on City accounts (Maurine Gray added on City accounts effective April 20, 1999) - Resolution No. 99-123 C) Authorize the filing of a lawsuit (against Juanita Ceasar and/or entity dba Barbeque Lagniappe Restaurant to collect on a delinquent Small Business Revolving Loan) - Resolution No. 99-124 D) Authorize the settlement of a claim (Angela Marie Gill in the amount of $30,000) - Resolution No. 99-125 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson 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 a Project Plan and Financing Plan for Reinvestment Zone Number One Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-126 approving the Project Plan and Financing Plan for Reinvestment Zone Number One--Beaumont's Central Business District. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames and Davis Noes: None Minutes;4/20/99;Page 2 2. Consider the City's submittal of an application for State assistance from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority for the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-127 authorizing submission of a grant application for approximately $540,000 to the Texas Auto Theft Prevention Authority and authorizing documents necessary to accepting the grant, receive and disburse grant funds, and to execute inter-local agreements related to operation of the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 3. Consider a contract for janitorial services for six facilities in the Municipal Complex Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-128 with Sandra's Enterprises, Inc. , (Professional Maid Service) at an annual cost of$127,333.03 for janitorial services at City Hall, Police Building, new Municipal Court facility, Beaumont Public Library, Tyrrell Historical Library and restrooms at Riverfront Park. 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 about the cleanliness of buildings being a reflection upon the City and the importance of good public relations. Councilmember Cokinos questioned the second low bidder and consideration of local vendors. 4. Consider the purchase of equipment maintenance Insurance for City owned equipment Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 99-129 authorizing purchase of equipment maintenance insurance through Insurance Concepts in the amount of$55,482, effective May 1, 1999, for a one-year period. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Minutes;4/20/99;Page 3 5. PUBLIC HEARING: Application for taxicab operation Consider an application to operate a taxicab service within the city limits of Beaumont The public hearing was opened at 2:02 p.m. Mr. Lester Robin, 2243 Neches, addressed Council as the applicant for the taxicab permit and stated that with the recent closing of two companies, Beaumont needs additional cab service. He also stated that he would like to start his company with two vehicles in operation. Mr. Mark Adkins spoke in favor of another taxicab service, said that closure of the other companies has left a void for transportation for out-of-town visitors and seamen at the Port of Beaumont. Council discussion included obvious need for taxicab service and insurance requirements. The public hearing closed at 2:07 p.m. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-130 approving the application of Lester A. Robin to operate a taxicab under the name of Robin Taxi. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames and Davis Noes: None COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tern Patterson announced that the dedication of the new pool in Alice Keith Park will be held Tuesday, April 27, at 10:00 a.m. and extended an invitation for all to attend. A special "splash day" is being planned for next month. Councilmember Davis made positive remarks about street sweeping program, advised staff that the ditches in the 800 to 1400 blocks of Tulane need attention, and reported that a dead tree in the 200 block of East Plum is leaning toward telephone lines and could create a hazardous situation. Councilmember Goodson thanked City staff, the Mayor, Council, and the Jefferson County Judge for the attention given to the issue of elimination of junior water rights, and said it appears there is strong support being given to oppose the bill. Minutes;4/20/99;Page 4 Mayor Moore commented that one of the nicest parades was conducted last Saturday for the Neches River Festival. The weather was perfect and there was a high level of enthusiasm. He congratulated King Bud Leonard and the in-coming president, Mike Smith, and "Citizen of the Year," Dr. Carroll Thomas. Also, Mayor Moore congratulated the Art Museum for a most interesting ice-carving art sculpture display, said it was a great time for children and an interesting evening of dancing and music for families. Mayor Moore reported that some downtown businesses are experiencing parking problems for their patrons because people working in the area are parking in the same place all day. He questioned the possibility of posting time limits for parking and issuance of warnings. Mayor Moore reported undue traffic on SP Road before crossing the tracks around Bob Street going north toward Coastal Fish Market and asked that the Police Department monitor that area. Also, Mayor Moore thanked Bert Long, Jr., the ice sculptor, for sharing his artistic talent, commented about the participation by children, and thanked sponsors of the event for their generosity. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Ms. Addie Allen, 9695 Gross, addressed Council regarding property at 1030, 1040, 1050, and 1060 Schwamer. Ms. Allen stated that she gave consent to demolition of the structures at 1030, 1040, and 1050 Schwarner, and that she received a message from the Clean Community Director stating there had been no communication from her regarding the structures. She referred to a letter dated November 18, 1997, sent to Pam Lociano, an inspector, with a reply on November 2, 1998, and instructions to sign some notarized forms. Ms. Allen claimed that the property at 1060 Schwarner was fenced and locked. Inside the fence there was an antique Cadillac and awnings that have been removed. Neighbors told Ms. Allen that Lumpkin Wrecker Service removed the vehicle from the property, and she said a police officer in the area told her to contact the Clean Community Department. Ms. Allen stated that if the City was responsible for removing the vehicle, she would like contact with the authority. She claimed entry was unauthorized, and she has had no notification about the automobile's removal except from the neighbor. Ms. Allen said she did communicate with the City, said she gave permission for demolition of three structures, admitted there has been a delay in rehabilitating the structure at 1060 Schwarner because of family ownership. She requested relief on the issue and information about the car and awnings. She stated there has been vandalism and expressed her opinion that the City is at fault. Mr. Benny Mendosa reported that two family members of the recently elected president of the Avenues Neighborhood Association recently died and extended sympathies to Mr. Prados and voiced an opinion that more participation is needed in the association. Councilmember Davis interjected that grass roots participation is important, especially since the comprehensive plan for the neighborhood has been adopted, and encouraged Mr. Mendosa to remain optimistic. Minutes;4/20/99;Page 5 Ms. Pabla Ydrogo, 3030 French Road, a former member of the Avenues Neighborhood Association expressed appreciation and support for the organization. Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa, addressed Council regarding availability for public speaking engagements, referenced the City Manager and prison sentences, forwarded a document to Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, reported his request for public records of police vehicle usage and claimed his video tape records are in conflict with the records received. He voiced an opinion that tampering of records could have occurred, spoke of other police officers and Ward IV representation. Mayor Moore asked Ms. Allen to meet with Councilmember Davis and Mr. Kyle Hayes following the meeting to get a better understanding of her complaint. EXECUTIVE SESSION Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Claim of Lola Seastrunk Claim of Floyd Rigsby 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 2:26 p.m. -tom ..: /� •-� David W. Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerk Minutes;4/20/99;Page 6