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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APR 24 2001 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 April 24, 2001 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 April 24, 2001, 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 Pro Tern Goodson called the meeting to orderat 1:32 p.m. CDBG Administrative Assistant Janett Blunt with Light Company Ministries, gave the invocation. Councilmember Cokinos led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson,Councilmembers Smith,Cokinos,Ames (arrived at 1:35 p.m.), Samuel, and Patterson. Mayor Moore was absent. Also present were Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. Presentations and Recognitions Two proclamations were issued:A proclamation in recognition of the"Fifty-third Neches River Festival" and "National Community Development Week," April 16-22, 2001. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson recognized Lamar University Political Science Department students in the audience. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items. No one wished to address these items. Consent Agenda Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held April 10, 2001 Confirmation of committee appointments - Reappointment: Lamar Roach, Board of Adjustment (Zoning), term expiring April 23, 2003. Appointment: Joey Hilliard, Board of Adjustment (Zoning), term expiring April 23, 2003 - Resolution No. 01-098 A) Approve a resolution authorizing an application for and acceptance of the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force Grant(in the amount of$608,867)-Resolution No.01-099 B) Approve a contract for a fleet fueling management system ( to FF Operating Co., Inc. / Fleet Fueling for approximate annual cost of$34,736 ) - Resolution No. 01-100 C) Approve an annual contract for the purchase of liquid chlorine ( with DXI Industries with an estimated expenditure of$55,396 ) - Resolution No. 01-101 D) Authorize the acquisition of properties(at 2140 Irving Street-Tract 22, Plat D, D. Brown Survey, 634 Neicy Street - Tract 39, City Plat D, D. Brown Survey, and 2068 Irving Street - Lot 8, Block 2, Amos Addition, in the total amount of $7,200 from Ms. Betty Jefferson) for the Charlton Pollard Parksite and Neighborhood Shopping Center - Resolution No. 01-102 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider amending Ordinance No.01-006 and 01-033 to fill vacant positions for alternate judges for the May 5, 2001 General and Special Election Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No.01-034 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 01-006 AND ORDINANCE 01-033, THE ELECTION ORDINANCE WHICH CALLED A GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE 5 TH DAY OF MAY, 2001 TO FILL VACANCIES FOR PRECINCT JUDGES AND ALTERNATES AND AMENDING PRECINCTS. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider approving a contract for the construction of a 5-million gallon (MG)clearwell and high-service/filter backwash pump station at the water production plant on Pine Street Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 01-103 awarding a contract to Blacksher & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $6,575,000 for the above stated project. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 3. Consider approving a contract for the construction of a new waste disposal cell at the City's landfill facility Minutes April 24,2001 Page 2 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 01-104 awarding a contract to Environmental Specialties International, Inc. in the amount of $1,233,539.14 for the construction of a new waste disposal cell at the municipal landfill. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Samuel requested staff contact Mr. Walter Morris at 270 East La Salle Street regarding standing water and drainage problems and a status report of Madison Street near the Sycamore Street area on the street rehabilitation plan. He requested students from Professor Boyd Lanear's class in the Lamar University Political Science Department to stand and be recognized. Councilmember Patterson announced the May Tyrrell Park Neighborhood Association meeting will be held at the old Tyrrell Elementary School Library next Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., and the South Park Neighborhood Association will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the South Park Baptist Church. She extended invitations for the groundbreaking of the new Theodore Johns Library at 11:15 a.m. Thursday at the project site on the corner of Sarah Street and Fannett Road, and announced the second Neighbor's in the Park event will be held Sunday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Alice Keith Park. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson thanked students from the Lamar University Political Science Department fortheir attendance,and the volunteers and representatives from the Neches River Festival for bringing events and festivities to the city. He encouraged citizens to take advantage of our parks and recreational facilities, announced Parks and Recreation Director Luke Jackson's retirement, complimented the Parks and Recreation Department staff for being hard working, caring and compassionate, and spoke of their efforts in bringing neighborhood parks to the city. City Manager Report - Stormwater Management Advisory Committee Report, February Sales Tax Collections, 2001/2002 Hibernia Broadway Series, The Olympic Torch Relay, Beaumont Housing Authority Survey, Landfill Engineering Services, Summer Youth Program, Russia Medical Doctor Visit, and Bus Link From Beaumont to Port Arthur City Manager Stephen J.Bonczek commented that the Stormwater Management Advisory Committee Report was presented to Council and recognized Chairman Adrian Eddleman of Parkdale Mall and all the other hard working members of the committee for their time and energy spent to analyze the stormwater operation, maintenance, and capital needs. He announced that the date for the Budget Summit will be Tuesday, May 15, 2001, and stated he will receive direction from the Financial Improvement Team before the Summit. Mr. Bonczek reported February sales tax collections were down 8% approximately Minutes April 24,2001 Page 3 $644,000 from budget projections. He expressed pleasure with the sponsorship by Hibernia Bank of the 2001/2002 Broadway Series, and with media sponsors KFDM Channel 6 TV, Beaumont Enterprise, and Clear Channel Communications. The performances for the 2001/2002 season will be: "Ragtime" October 18, 2001; "Sunshine Boys"January 20,2002; and "Annie Get Your Gun"April 13,2002. Mr. Bonczek reported there will be an event prior to the Olympic Torch Relay arrival and encouraged torch carrier nominations. He reported presentation of a check in the amount of$82,400 from Exxon/Mobil for Green Team, a joint summer youth employment program between Exxon/Mobil and the City of Beaumont, Beaumont Independent School District, and Lamar University and expressed appreciation for the community partnership. The City Manager recently used the Beaumont-Port Arthur LINK transportation to Port Arthur, reported his satisfaction with the service, and encouraged citizen participation. Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). The Reverend Dwight Benoit, first vice-president of the Baptist Ministers' Union and Vicinity, with the Reverend G. W. Daniels, serving as president, the Reverend Robert E. Campbell,as secretary,and the Reverend Willie T. Hankins addressed Council to express concern and opposition to the proposed storm water utility fee. Secretary Robert E. Campbell read a resolution from the Baptist Minister's Union and Vicinity,shown as"Exhibit A,"detailing their service to the community,concerns regarding the proposed storm water utility fee, and a request to deny establishment of the fee. Councilmember Samuel requested clarification regarding their opposition, and the Reverend Benoit responded that their first concern is for non-profit churches, and, secondly, the parishioners that cannot afford to pay additional fees. Mr. Randy Whitman,an employment specialist with Job Quest Employment Services,that is affiliated with the newly formed Spindletop MHMR Services of Southeast Texas, addressed Council regarding transportation for individuals with disabilities. Mr. Whitman requested consideration for additional transportation service to the Tinsel Town area where there are many job opportunities. He also requested that additional service and bus stops along M.L. King Parkway near Lamar University. Ms. Sandra Harris, 3375 Cherry Drive, addressed Council in support of Mr. Whitman's requests and to add a request for an extension of public transportation on College Street. (Councilmember Smith left the Council Chambers at 2:06 p.m. during Ms. Babson's comments.) Ms. Mary Babson, 3580 M.L. King Parkway, Corley House Apartments, addressed Council to request additional bus service on Avenue A to Corley House and on Washington Boulevard. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson interjected that public transportation service and state and federal funding will be discussed at the up-coming Budget Summit. Minutes April 24,2001 Page 4 Mr.Allen Lee,5095 Maddox,addressed Council to complain about parks without restroom accommodations, and to discuss wrap-around advertising on buses and bus management, his proposal for a non-resident employment user fee, Pear Orchard complaints,a sink-hole at Nora and Marie,foul odors from a Johnny-on-the-Spot at Sprott Park, and complained that a Council candidate owes outstanding taxes and should not have appeared on the ballot, claimed that Pear Orchard is not well represented and complained about the timing system for citizen comment. Ms. Sandra A. Williams, 3255 Elmira Street, addressed Council to consider a request for an extension of public transportation on Major Drive near Vincent Elementary School. (Councilmember Smith returned to the Chambers at 2:13 p.m. during Ms. Clark's comments.) Ms. Eva Mae Clark, 3580 South M.L. King Parkway, addressed Council in support of public transportation requests, reported foul orders from a drainage ditch at University and Lavaca near a bus stop, and said the bus stop sign at that location is missing. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson extended appreciation for citizen attendance, comments and patience. He stated that Council will always give consideration to the requests for public transportation in the budget process and will continue to work with state representatives, senators and the congressional delegation in Washington D.C. to continue receiving necessary funding for public transportation. Councilmember Patterson interjected that the Golden Eagle Motorcycle and Blue Knights Motorcycle groups sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt and family recreational activities last weekend at Central Park and extended her appreciation. EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Janice Haynes v. City of Beaumont Buncy Seago, Sr. and Audrey Seago, Individually and as heirs of the Estate of Deanene Linette Seago v. v. City of Beaumont, et al There be' no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:16 p.m. Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tern Barbara Liming, City Clerk Minutes April 24,2001 Page 5 BAPTIST MINISTERS' UNION AND VICINITY 1275 Cedar Street Beaumont, Texas 77701 TO Mayor and City Council FROM : Baptist Ministers' Union and Vicinity RE Resolution DATE April 7, 2001 As servants of our religious community, we are sure that you share our concerns about the plans for storm drainage fees. We need your support. With the realities of economic deprivation, reduced public support for women and children, and the plight of the elderly in our city, such community shaking news about more fees leaves our communities groaning. Regrettably, we oppose such a fee, which will place an additional burden on our community outreach. Our budgets are built on the contributions of those who will also be affected at their residences. We know that good news to our city government is economic boom and continuing productivity of the Beaumont Business Community. But retail cut backs cause businesses to shut down and leave the city. The fees usually remain. However, we are writing not so much to complain, as to ask that you find a better way to finance your new projects. We ask those who support the productivity of established institutions and neighborhoods which started from scratch in this city and have long supported this city, to refuse this startling proposition. Appreciatively, r. G. W. Danie resident K J �2,� • C Rev. Robert E. Campbell, Secretary EXHIBIT "A"