HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 04 1999 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEA.UMONT
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 MAY 4,1999 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 May 4, 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 1:35 p.m. The Reverend Donald R. Franks, Sr.,
Assistant Pastor of Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church of Port Arthur, gave the invocation. Mr. Ray
Riley, City Manager for the City of Beaumont, led the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith,
Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis. Also, present were: Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Lane
Nichols, City Attorney; Barbara Liming, City Clerk; and Rebecca A. Hoge, Deputy City Clerk.
ELECTION OF COUNCILMEMBERS FOR CITY WARDS I, II, III, IV
*An ordinance canvassing the results of the May 1, 1999, City General Election
City Manger Ray Riley read from Ordinance No. 99-32 entitled AN ORDINANCE CANVASSING
THE RETURNS OF THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT ON THE 1 ST DAY OF
MAY, 1999, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING TWO (2) WARD COUNCILMEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL.
WHEREAS, after duly canvassing said returns, the City Council finds that the votes
cast at said election for the candidates for said offices are as follows:
For Ward III Councilmember: Votes
John K. Davis 923
Alice J. Wycoff 83
Roberto C. Flores, Sr. 93
For Ward IV Councilmember:
Robert Lynn DeMary 52
Georgine "Georgia" Guillory 450
Bobbie J. Patterson 974
Alice Felix Ramsey 291
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT:
That the results of said regular City election be and the same are hereby declared
to have been as herein set out, and the following named persons were elected to the
respective positions subject to the taking of their oaths of office as provided by the laws of
the state of Texas:
For Ward III Councilmember: John K. Davis
For Ward IV Councilmember: Bobbie J. Patterson
The City Council of the City of Beaumont further finds that notice of said election was
duly and properly given as required by law, and that said election was duly held and returns
thereof were duly made by the proper officials of said election and in all things according
to law...
City Manager Ray Riley stated that the City Council on March 23, 1999 did adopt
Ordinance 99-24 declaring Lulu L. Smith Elected as Ward I Councilmember and Guy N.
Goodson elected as Ward II Councilmember because of no opposition.
Councilmember Cokinos moved to adopt Ordinance No. 99-32. Councilmember Ames
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson,
Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
Mayor Moore explained to the young people in attendance, for all those 18 years of age, the
importance of registering to vote and voting. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson told students she had voter
registration applications if any of them were ready to register to vote. Mayor Moore welcomed
Judge John P. Davis and thanked him for administering the oath.
*Administration of the oath of office
Judge John P. Davis, of Jefferson County Court Three, expressed his honor and pleasure in
administering the oath of office to the newly elected Beaumont city councilmembers today. Judge
Davis asked councilmembers: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, and
John K. Davis to raise their right hand in order for him to administer the oath of office to all
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 2
councilmembers at the same time. After the oath was administered, Judge Davis thanked the
council for inviting him to administer the oath.
Mayor Moore presented each councilmember with their certificate of election and congratulated
them. Mayor Moore asked for comments from the newly elected councilmembers.
Councilmember Smith, Ward I, thanked everyone for supporting her all these years, and said it
didn't seem like she had been on council twelve years. She stated that she would be starting her
seventh term today. She also stated she was looking forward to two more very productive years.
Councilmember Goodson, Ward II, thanked the Mayor and congratulated Councilmember John and
Mayor Pro Tem Bobbie. He stated he had enjoyed working with them on council and was
beginning his fifth term, and has been on council for nine years. He stated that he greatly
appreciates the confidence the citizens have shown in this council in allowing them to continue with
a progressive agenda for improvements in the city; said that everyone views them as equitable
improvements throughout the city; and that we do not share the spirit of preferring one area of this
town over the other. As a council, he said he hoped it was demonstrated by the people that are
here, the demographics that they represent, that we realize a city is only as great as all its parts,
and that it was his desire to see them all advance.
Councilmember Davis, Ward III, thanked God for granting him the opportunity to serve. He
thanked his wife, father, brother, and mother for being so supportive over the last six weeks test.
He stated this election was more important than in 1993. This was an opportunity for him to be
evaluated on a measure of what he had done for his community and this city. He stated he was
overwhelmed by the support that was there. He thanked everyone for the financial and grassroots
support given during his campaign. Councilmember Davis said, to have 84% of the people within
your ward select you with two very credible opponents running against you is very humbling.
Again, he thanked everyone who had a part in his election.
Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Ward IV, congratulated councilmembers for their election successes.
She thanked God, her family, her friends, and all of the voters. She thanked the voters for enabling
her to build a relationship over the last few years. She stated that this was her third time
campaigning for office and with every race she has learned something new. In this race she
learned the role the media plays. Ultimately the voter always has the last say, and on Saturday,
May 1 st, the voters spoke. She stated she would work as hard as she has in the past; she will
continue to work for the city; she will continue to provide the best representation for Ward IV; and
she will move on for the people who elected her--the people who deserve the best representation
that she can offer.
Mayor Moore congratulated the members that were reelected today. He thanked those individuals
who also chose to run for office for their stability and how they stayed focused on the issues and
did not get personal or dirty. He hoped this helped the young people in attendance understand
that their vote actually counts and means something. He invited those individuals who were not
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 3
successful in this election to still come in and join with this council, this team, to continue to move
the city forward in the future.
Mayor Moore acknowledged some outstanding young men, the great support they have received
over the years, and said today was most appropriate for the students to be recognized because
they get to see their government in its fullest form—being sworn in, making public comments, going
through the proclamation and recognition process, and the business session.
Mayor Moore issued the first proclamation: "CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL JAGUAR'S DAY." May
4, 1999, (Jousha Dodson, Jeremy Wilson, Quincy Victor, Roderick Franklin, Dominick Young,
Aaron Thomas, Edward Garrette, Teddy Hall, Skip Jackson, Henry Morris, Brandon Andrews,
Shane Herring, Derrick Robinson, Kevin Landry, Lenny Johnson, Ronnie Davis, Roderick Riley,
and Head Coach David Green were recognized for advancing to the State Basketball Tournament.)
*Recess
The meeting recessed at 2:04 p.m. for a reception to greet the newly-elected Councilmembers.
RECONVENE MEETING
The meeting reconvened at 2:27 p.m.
*Presentations and Recognitions continue
Two additional proclamations were issued: "National Tourism Week," May 2 through May 8,
1999, and "National Transportation Week," May 9 through May 16, 1999.
*Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items
Citizen comment was invited on item #10 on the Regular agenda and Consent Items. No one
wished to address these subjects.
*Consent Agenda
* Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings held April 27, 1999
* Confirmation of committee appointments - No committee appointments were made
A) Approve the transfer of taxicab permits issued to Star Taxi Company of Beaumont, Inc. -
Resolution No. 99-137
B) Approve the purchase of a dump truck for use in the Streets and Drainage Division/Public
Works (Lawrence Marshall Chev-Olds, Inc., $37,980) - Resolution No. 99-138
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 4
C) Approve the conveyance of properties related to the Neighborhood Revitalization Project
(Lot 8, Block 17, Cartwright Addition, 2090 Corley. Lot 28, Block 4, Highland Park Addition,
370 south Parkway Drive; and Lot 16, Block 4, Cloverdale Addition, 505 East Elgie Street.)
- Resolution No. 99-139
D) Accept a donation of property from Amoco Production Company for the Delaware road right
-of-way (5,327 acres, Hezekiah Williams League, Abstract 56) - Resolution No. 99-140
E) Approve annual contracts for the purchase of medical supplies for use in the Public Health
Department and Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS) (Aero Products $23,896.73,
Emergency Medical products $49,469.16, and Promedix$19,063.44) - Resolution No. 99-
141
F) Approve a reimbursement payment related to the installation of a lift station for the
Brownstone Addition off of West Lucas (west along the Taft Street right-of-way $15,823.00)
- Resolution No. 99-142
G) Authorize the filing of a lawsuit (Michael Newman dba Mike's Softworks) - Resolution No.
99-143
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Davis
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith,
Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider a request for zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) and RM-
H (Residential Multiple Dwelling-Highest Density) to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple
Family Dwelling) District for property at the northeast corner of Folsom Drive and Dowlen
Road
An Ordinance No. 99-33 entitled an ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCE 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 AND RM-H
(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT TO GC-MD (GENERAL
COMMERCIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF DOWLEN ROAD AND FOLSOM, BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY.
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 5
Councilmember Smith reported receiving a lot of citizen complaints about the ingress and
egress on Folsom Road and moved that the ordinance restricts entering and exiting on
Folsom Road. In response to an inquiry about not having a curb cut on Folsom, The City
Attorney explained this is only a zone change that cannot be overlaid with conditions at this
point. However, he said the City does have control of curb cuts. Public Works Director Tom
Warner further explained that in the process, the applicant would bring in the site plan to
show points of ingress and egress, and parking lots. At that time, an evaluation could be
made to consider an additional drive on Dowlen being more appropriate than on Folsom.
At this point, the site plan does not give details. Councilmember Smith said it is important
to restrict ingress and egress because of the difficulty getting on and off the pad site onto
Folsom, and stated that another traffic light would be to close to Dowlen and create a traffic
problem. Mayor Moore asked Mr. Warner to bring back information to Council when a site
plan is received. Further discussion concluded that the zone change is the issue today, and
that staff will bring back a comprehensive site plan at a workshop for review, and
Councilmember Smith agreed to removing the conditions of her motion, since the issue of
ingress and egress would be reviewed before adoption.
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-33. Councilmember Davis
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: Councilmember Goodson
2. Consider a request for a zone change from HI (Heavy Industrial) to GC-MD (General
Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for property located in the 3000 block of
Brenham Street (at the request of pastor G. W. Winters, Jr., Bethel Missionary Baptist
Church)
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-34 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 HI (HEAVY INDUSTRIAL)
DISTRICT TO GC-MD(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED IN THE 3000 BLOCK OF BRENHAM STREET, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY.
Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith,
Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 6
3. Consider a request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-
Highest Density) to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for
property at the southwest corner of Rockwell and San Jacinto (at the request of Carl a.
Langley, of International Farms, Inc.)
Councilmember Davis moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-35 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 AS RM-H (RESIDENTIAL
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT TO GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-
MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF
ROCKWELL AND SAN JACINTO, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
4. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a service station and truck rental
business in an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District at 3355 Gladys and IH-10
An entitled ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A SERVICE STATION, AUTO
AND TRUCK REPAIR, INSPECTION SERVICE, WASHING AND DETAILING OF VEHICLES, REPAIR OF
BOATS,MOTORCYCLES,TRAILERS AND SMALL ENGINES,ROAD SERVICE, RENTAL OF CARS,TRUCKS
AND TRAILERS,SELLING AUTO PARTS AND THE COLLECTION OF USED OIL, BATTERIES AND FILTERS
IN An NC (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 3355 GLADYS, IN THE CITY OF
BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS.
Mr. Riley explained that a service station has been located at this site since about 1966, a
1984 rezoning study concluded that the property was rezoned to Neighborhood
Commercial, and the service station has operated there until about March 1995, and now
a specific use permit is requested for nine different accessory uses. None of these are
permitted uses in a Neighborhood Commercial Zone, but may be allowed with a specific use
permit approved by Council.
Councilmember Smith commented that a lot of discussion and emotional input were
exhibited at the planning commission meeting, but thinks the emotional aspect must be put
aside and focus placed on the specific use permit and decide if there are any compelling
reasons to allow "all of these various and sundry businesses at the location." Looking at
the request in that manner, Councilmember Smith stated she strongly favors denial.
Councilmember Ames said she tried to rationalize granting a speck use permit with fencing
or landscape restrictions, but is unsure of continued enforceability of those restrictions, and
has had a difficult time making a decision.
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 7
Councilmember Goodson said he could not support denial because during the past nine
years he has been on Council, preservation of neighborhoods has been a concern, but
another is to save small business operators. He stated that a number of situations have
arisen where commercial properties that were not conforming uses adjacent to residential
neighborhoods and creation of a new zone classification allowed the council to work with
intersecting needs of commercial and residential uses. Councilmember Goodson said the
council has worked through many difficult situations and believes there is a way to
accommodate this request through buffering and will not support denial.
Councilmember Davis questioned the operation history of this business. Mr. Riley reported
that some type of service station has been in that area since 1960 and was changed to R-3
with the zoning ordinance in 1980's, but did allow some commercial uses. The
Neighborhood Commercial zone allows neighborhood commercial activities, but businesses
such as a service station are only permitted with a specific use permit.
Councilmember Smith moved to DENY the ordinance granting a specific uses permit for
3355 Gladys at IH 10. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, and Ames
Noes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Goodson, and Davis
(Mayor Pro Tem Patterson left the Chambers at 3:00 p.m.)
5. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a professional office building in an RM-
H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District in the 4300 block of Crow
Road (at the request of"Rocky' Chapman)
Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-36 entitled an ORDINANCE
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING IN AN RM-H
(RESIDENTIAL FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT LOCATED IN THE 4300 BLOCK OF
CROW ROAD, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS. Councilmember Davis
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
6. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow the construction of a professional office
building in an RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District in the
Neches River Park Addition (at the request of the Port of Beaumont)
Councilmember Davis moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-37 entitled an ORDINANCE
GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROFESSIONAL OFFICE
BUILDING IN AN RM-H (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 8
LOCATED IN THE NECHES RIVE PARK ADDITION, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,
TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
7. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow the operation of a church education
facility in an existing structure and parking lot in an RCR (Residential Conservation and
Revitalization) and a LI (Light Industrial) District at 860 Trinity
Councilmember Davis moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-38 entitled an ORDINANCE
ISSUING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF A CHURCH EDUCATION FACILITY IN
AN EXISTING STRUCTURE AND PARKING LOT IN AN RCR (RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AND
REVITALIZATION)DISTRICT AND AN LI(LIGHT INDUSTRIAL)DISTRICT LOCATED AT 860 TRINITY, IN THE
CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
(Mayor Pro Tem Patterson returned to Chambers 3:05 p.m.)
8. Consider a request for an HC-L (Historic Cultural-Landmark Preservation) Designation for
the Sprott Hospital located at 2390 Cartwright Avenue (at the request of Brenda Garison on
the behalf of Alyxandria Sprott, granddaughter of Dr. Maxie C. Sprott, Sr.)
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-39 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 ADDING LOTS 5,6 AND 7, BLOCK 44, CARTWRIGHT ADDITION TO THE CITY OF BEAUMONT
AS AN HISTORIC-CULTURAL LANDMARK PRESERVATION DESIGNATION (HC-L); PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Davis
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson,
Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
9. Consider a request for an HC-L (Historic cultural-Landmark Preservation) Designation for
the property at 694 Forrest at North Street (home of Holmes Duke, Prominent local Business
and city official in the early 1900's)
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-40 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,
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 9
TEXAS, BY ADDING LOTS 7 AND 8, BLOCK 1, CALDER ADDITION,TO THE CITY OF BEAUMONT AS AN
HISTORIC-CULTURAL LANDMARK PRESERVATION DESIGNATION (HC-L); PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Davis
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson,
Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
10. Consider the purchase of an engine-driven fire pump for use at the Fire Training Center
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-144 authorizing purchase
of an engine-driven fire pump for the Fire Training Center from Saladin Pump & Equipment
in the amount of$93,995. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson,
Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
11. PUBLIC HEARING: Projects Plan and Financing Plan for Reinvestment Zone Number One
Consider an ordinance adopting a Projects Plan and Financing Plan for Reinvestment Zone
Number One Beaumont Central Business District
City Manager Riley stated the financing plan provides to borrow $1,200,000 to finance
construction of projects to enhance construction of projects to include: Street improvements,
sidewalk improvements, street lighting, and landscaping in the central business district; and
primarily to support those projects, such as: Crockett Street Project, Beaumont Hotel, along
Orleans Street, and the Jefferson Theater.
Mayor Moore declared the Public Hearing open at 3:10 p.m., and asked if any wished to
speak in regards to this public hearing, to come forward now; no citizens came up to speak
at this time.
Mayor Moore praised the staff in planning and work in conjunction with the people
downtown has been very thorough in bringing this about as this is a good way of moving
forward to the revitalization of downtown.
Councilmember Davis stated that we need to be perfectly clear in what we are trying to do
with downtown Beaumont, which is to bring back life to the downtown area with worthwhile
projects.
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 10
Councilmember Smith stated a tremendous amount of work as gone into the planning of
what we have funded (loans and grants), anywhere from four to six years. These are
wonderful projects which have been funded only to enhance our city.
Mayor Moore closed the Public Hearing at 3:17 p.m.
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-41 entitled an ORDINANCE TO
ADOPT THE PROJECTS PLAN AND FINANCING PLAN FOR REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE,
BEAUMONT'S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson,
Cokinos, Ames, and Davis
Noes: None
COMMENTS
* Councilmembers comment on various matters
Councilmember Ames congratulated Ward councilmembers for their reelection.
Councilmember Cokinos congratulated all councilmembers for reelection, offered his best
wishes and assistance. Also, Councilmember Cokinos reported that at the ACORN meeting
last night, a nice presentation was made by Lewis Hiltpold of the Parks and Recreation
Department about the new park in the Amelia area.
Mayor Pro Tem Patterson thanked those who voted for her, those residing outside Ward IV
who supported her, and those in attendance today for the ceremonies.
Councilmember Davis thanked citizens of Ward III for their vote of confidence in his
leadership and the strong support he received throughout the city.
Councilmember Goodson commented about the condition of the downtown area in 1978 that
was beyond decaying to a dying state. Looking at a map that was provided to illustrate the
number of vacant buildings, he said that number has decreased significantly.
Councilmember Goodson said some comments are being made that the rich and powerful
are benefiting from downtown revitalization, but they are the people that have made sealer
commitments to not only finance the facilities they occupy, but many of the facilities will
render benefit to all of Beaumont. He also emphasized that this is not just public dollars,
but public/private partner shipping, and stated this is what Council has learned from
National League of Cities' meetings that make cities grow and become great.
Councilmember Goodson said he wished there was enough money to complete all desired
projects, but thanked Councilmembers Davis and Smith and other members that have
worked with the downtown redevelopment.
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 11
Councilmember Smith added that there will not be a collaborative effort with the private
sector, if there is not some margin of profit, and said she thinks we are on the right track with
downtown revitalization. She congratulated councilmember Ames on the award her
company bestowed upon her.
Councilmember Davis interjected that according to the newspaper, this is the highest award
that the company gives for not only good financial management, but for interaction with
residents and their happiness.
Mayor Moore remarked that we are focused on older parts of our community. It is like the
heart-line that brings people back to the downtown community and is important. He
congratulated the Fire Training Center, Chief Bertrand and his staff. Mayor Moore said he
greeted about 237 fire fighters, personnel from Lamar University, Mobil Oil, Sabine Fire
Chiefs and others who were present. Today, Mayor Moore said he had a great time at
Dunbar Elementary School. He thanked Entergy Corporation and the Port of Beaumont for
cosponsoring the event. The children were presented with personalized books that included
their name and address in the text of the story. He spoke of the electricity and excitement
of the children when they received their book. Mayor Moore said that reading is the greatest
gift we can promote with our children, and we have to start at a young age with this kind of
program. Mayor Moore acknowledged that today was City Manager Riley's last canvass of
an election, and that Mrs. Riley had been in attendance at today's meeting.
* Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes)
Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, thanked Councilmember Cokinos for his
attendance at their fiesta celebration at Mendoza Park. He congratulated Councilmembers
Davis and Mayor Pro Tem Patterson on their recent election success.
Ms. Grace Molette, 2990 Roberts, congratulated various incumbents on city council and
extended best wishes for the present, past, and future. She stated, "Presently you are doing
a good job, in recalling the past you have done a fine job, and if I were issuing report cards
today I would give all of you a card that you would be proud of--an A. Looking to the future
am sure you will do a superb job. Councilmember Davis, I want you to continue and may
God bless you in your service to mankind. Councilmember Patterson, congratulations on
your recent victory--you are most deserving." Ms. Molette ended her comments by reading
a poem she had written specifically for Mayor Pro Tem Patterson.
Ms. Daisy Limbrick, 3030 Magnolia, congratulated councilmembers on recent election
victories. Ms. Limbrick stated she was unable to attend last weeks city council meeting
concerning condemnation of property she owns (3005 Magnolia), and asked if council could
give her consideration of more time. She has spent some time and money working on this
property and is still in the process of working on the property. Mayor Moore stated he was
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 12
unsure of the property in question, and asked Ms. Limbrick to meet with Councilmember
Davis and let him assist her with the process.
Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa Street, addressed Council to complain about the placement
of election signs and enforcement. He continued to speak about signs and other alleged
violations.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to
discuss contemplated or pending litigation:
Claim of Lola Seastrunk
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 3:35 p.m.
Mayor David W. Moore
Lt lc-'Y"
Barbara Liming, City Cl 4k
Minutes;May 4,1999;Page 13