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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUL 31 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 July 31, 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 July 31, 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 Moore called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. Ms. Wanda Johnson, Love and Compassion Ministries, gave the invocation. Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson. Also present were Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Terri Hanks, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office. Presentations and Recognitions City Manager Bonczek announced receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for significant achievements in budgeting and financial management. Mayor Moore presented the award to Budget Officer Andrea Deaton and spoke of the outstanding accomplishment. Budget OfficerAndrea Deaton expressed appreciation and acknowledged former Finance Officer Beverly Hodges and Fiscal Assistant Carol Wilson. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda item 1. No one wished to address this item. Consent Agenda Approval of minutes - July 24, 2001 Confirmation of committee appointments - No committee appointments. A) Approve a grant application to the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board to provide expanded network and connectivity for the Beaumont Public Library System (for an estimated project cost of$70,057) - Resolution No. 01-177 B) Authorize the settlement(in the amount of$6,500) of the lawsuit styled Leah Marie Scott v. Samuel Lee Walton and the City of Beaumont - Resolution No. 01-178 C) Approve the purchase of one truck cab and chassis (from Smart's Truck and Trailer in the amount of $78,193.36) for the Public Works Department, Parks Division - Resolution No. 01-179 D) Approve the purchase of one IBM iSeries 400 server (from Sirius Computer Solutions in the amount of$47,328) for the Information Services Division - Resolution No. 01-180 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider amending Section 13-16 of the Code of Ordinances relating to health fees Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No.01-057 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13, SECTION 13-16 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO ADD ADDITIONAL HEALTH FEES;PROVIDING FORSEVERABILITY;PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 2. PUBLIC HEARING: City of Beaumont's Drought Contingency Plan in compliance with Title 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 288 Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 28, Article III by Section 28-58, adopting a drought contingency plan Ordinance No.01-058 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN; ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR THE INITIATION AND TERMINATION OF DROUGHT RESPONSE STAGES; ESTABLISHING RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN WATER USES; ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION OF AND PROVISIONS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THESE RESTRICTIONS; ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR GRANTING VARIANCES; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL was introduced. The public hearing opened at 1:40 p.m. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 2 Mr. Frank Kiefer, 3190 Willowood, addressed Council to discuss expenses of each additional million gallons of potable water in excess of 50 million gallons per day (MGD), supplementing operations for increased water demands during population growth, and the Lumberton deep well system. Water Utilities Manager Joseph Majdalani responded the City averages 25 MGD, currently possess water rights in the amount of 50 MGD from the Neches River and cannot divert in excess, the infrastructure is designed for the year 2020 with expected demands from 28 MGD to 30 MGD, and there is capacity for the next 20 to 40 years. Mr. Majdalani stated the City owns three deep wells in Lumberton which adds 16 MGD in capacity and the wells are designed as a backup system providing the total water system an increased capacity of 65 MGD which will supply plenty of water for the next several hundred years. The public hearing closed at 1:48 p.m. Councilmember Cokinos questioned water use restrictions and landscape irrigation during the various stages of the drought contingency plan. Water Utilities Manager Joseph Majdalani explained the increased usage of landscape irrigation during the Summer months, and depending on the particular drought stage, landscape irrigation is allowed only during specified times. He referenced stage five for being an emergency stage with stricter restrictions and is very rare. Mr. Majdalani explained the drought contingency plan is a game plan to be prepared for drought situations, noted the area is subject to drought, and the plan will minimize the impact to citizens and industry. He stated the City Manager would be the individual responsible for declaring a state of emergency. Mayor Moore commented on the importance of citizens understanding the restrictions that are to be put in place during the different drought stage levels and gave assurance there should not be any fear of a disaster. Water Utilities Manager Joseph Majdalani acknowledged the City has an adequate supply of water, the water system is monitored 24-hours a day by staff and computer operations system, the water quality is excellent, and citizens are being conscientious in their water usage. Mayor Moore believed there are other communities who would like to have the same water availability, and as a community, be sensitive and continue to protect our water resources which are under constant challenge from the State Legislature. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 01-058. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes July 31,2001 Page 3 3. PUBLIC HEARING: Dilapidated Structures Consider an ordinance declaring certain dilapidated structures to be public nuisances and ordering their repair or removal by the owners and authorizing the removal of certain other structures whose owners failed to comply with condemnation orders Ordinance No. 01-059 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY was introduced. The below listed structures have been condemned by the City Council and owners are ordered to either raze or repair them within specified time frames. Reinspection of these structures has revealed a noncompliance with the Council's order. Authorization is requested from the City Council to allow the City to demolish the following six (6) structures immediately without further notification to the owners: 439 Crockett ( Commercial ) - B & M Properties, Attention: Marlin Williford, owner; 2085 Delaware - John Redeaux, Jr., owner; 1883 Liberty - Lester C. Tanton, owner; 1883 Liberty (Garage Apartment) - Lester C. Tanton, owner; 1180 Live Oak-Alfred L. Hayes, Owner; and 5225 Roberts - Howard Kern, owner. Authorization is requested from City Council to declare the twenty-seven (27) below listed structures to be dangerous structures and order the owners to raze such structures within ten (10) days. If the owner fails to comply within ten (10) days, staff requests City Council's authorization to allow the City to demolish these structures without further notification to the property owner or City Council action: 2030 Cable - Georgia Harris c/o Alex Haynes, owner; 4375 Carnegie (Garage Apartment) - Helen Fenell, owner; 5340 Combs - Fred R. Rodgers, owner; 855 Concord - Lucille Williams, owner; 861 Concord - Lucille Williams, owner; 3047 Crockett W. - Katheryn Bourgeois c/o Karen Harper, owner; 2008 Delaware - Bill Mann and Allen Cullens, owners; 3430 Duke - Hilda Ardoin, owner; 3440 Euclid W. - Frank Malinda, owner; 3900 Fannett Road (Commercial) - Walter Kyles, Jr. ET UX, owner; 4259 Grandberry - Joyce Gallier ESTATE c/o Kathleen Jones, owner; 2120 Hayes Lane -L.C. Morgan ET UX, owner; 1752 Herring Ally -Willie Roye ESTATE c/o Ella Mae Colone, owner; 11705 Loop Road - Christobelle Harrison, owner; 627 Pipkin E. -Wayne L. Turk ET UX, owner; 645 Pollard -Warren Richard, owner; 785 Pollard - Chester Gremillion, owner; 815 Pollard - Victor Idlebird, owner; 2124 Pope - Della Crawford ESTATE, owner; 2230 Poplar - William H. Bailey (Robert F. Ford, Jr.), owner; 2400 Rusk - Marshal Elswick, owner; 2525 San Jacinto - Gregory W. Lewis, owner; 4365 Sheffield (Garage Apartment) - Honor J. and Thelma Nobles c/o Isaac Fisher, owner; 2095 South -James H. Cook, owner; 3410 Texas-Matthew N. Steinberg, owner; 1155 Van Buren - Charley Rawls, owner; and 1325 Van Buren - Lewis H. McCarty, owner. The public hearing opened at 1:40 p.m. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 4 Mr. Howard Kern, 5225 Roberts Road, addressed Council to request allowing an additional work program to finish repairs. Mr. Kern explained his financial situation, loss of home owners insurance, and problems in securing funding. He stated he recently secured the resources to complete the repairs and could complete repairs in three months or less. Mr. Kern owns three adjacent properties and spoke of the financial devastation if the structure was demolished. Demolition Field Supervisor Pam Loiacano stated some repairs were done in 1999 and no repairs have been completed, the building was accessible the day of the inspection, serious electrical conditions, and indications someone was living in the structure. Council recommended ninety days to complete the repairs and amending the ordinance to move the structure to raze or repair and initiate a work program with a 90-day completion. Mr. Kern understood if a work program is not immediately initiated it would become an automatic raze. Mr. Marlin Williford, representing B&M properties, addressed Council as owner of 439 Crockett, the former Star Store building, to discuss securing the building and retaining property management. He discussed in detail downtown revitalization and commended the efforts of Council for their step forward in supporting the downtown entertainment district. Mr. Williford commented Tropical Storm Allison caused failure in the rear section of the roof, and spoke of demolishing the area more economically than the City to provide parking for the redevelopment. He agreed to perform cosmetic work to address issues so it will be complimentary while a plan is being developed for renovations, and claimed there is much work to do in a short period of time and the timing is right. Council discussion included support of the building being redeveloped, the structure having great opportunity and potential, the largest building ever set for demolition, and an estimate of$75,000 for demolition and asbestos abatement. Council recommended a 90- day extension to develop a plan to renovate the property. Ms. Patricia Baptiste, 3915 Steelton, addressed Council to discuss property at 3430 Duke Street belonging to her children's disabled grandmother and the property is being given to her daughter. Ms. Baptiste stated she has spoken with contractors, is prepared to repair the house, and requested time for completion. Demolition Field Supervisor Pam Loiacano stated she has spoken over the telephone with the owner, Ms. Hilda Ardoin, and stated she would be sending someone to speak for her regarding relinquishing the property to her daughter-in-law for her grandchildren. Council recommended 90 days to initiate a work program to complete repairs. Ms. Linda Pete, 1350 Long, addressed Council to question the time to come forward concerning rail road tracks, and Mayor Moore responded she would have opportunity at the conclusion of the meeting. The public hearing closed at 2:15 p.m. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 5 Demolition Field Supervisor Pam Loiacano reviewed a letter received from Mr. Wayne L. Turk, owner of 627 East Pipkin Street, requesting to enroll in a work program to complete the repairs to the structure. She stated the building has been secured and Mr. Turk is ready to proceed. Council recommended 90 days to develop a work program to complete the repairs. Mayor Moore recapped the structures addressed and Council made recommendations to amend the ordinance to defer action on structures: 439 Crockett (Commercial); 5225 Roberts; 3430 Duke; and 627 East Pipkin to allow 90-day extensions to develop work programs and all other structures will remain at their respective status. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No.01-059 with the above stated amendments. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None WORK SESSION Review and discuss City Manager's revised FY 2002 Budget proposal City Manager Bonczek introduced revised FY 2002 proposed budget as a reflection of direction received at the July 24, 2001 meeting where Council challenged administration to look at other alternatives to raising increased monies or reducing expenditures. He stated the proposed budget includes all of the $2.8 million in budget reductions, and balances the budget without a property tax increase or storm water utility fee, retains the street user fee, and also addresses the need to appropriate additional funds in the reserve for debt service to continue to meet requirements and maintain the ability to borrow money for capital projects. City Manager Bonczek reported the expenditure analysis has not been finalized, he is analyzing health care costs and other issues that could affect projections, and will present Council with a balanced budget on August 14, 2001. The first proposed item is privatization of the EMS, based on maintaining both operational and performance standards with the same employee structure, and includes an estimated $150,000 for sale of vehicles and a $900,000 operation subsidy. City Manager Bonczek commented the City has one of the finest EMS systems in the country and would not consider any alternative privatization, or otherwise, that did not maintain the status of the current system. He proposed developing specifications and requirements to be shared in the marketplace and evaluate the responses to determine comfort levels, and recommended taking a serious and comprehensive look at privatizing the EMS system. City Manager Bonczek responded to questions that an estimated $150,000 would be realized for five operational vehicles and two reserve vehicles, and cost of a new emergency vehicle is in the range of $80,000 to $100,000. He stated the net cost to Minutes July 31,2001 Page 6 provide EMS services are about $2.7 million, and after proceeds, it falls short $900,000. He stated the proposed privatization would have performance bonds in the agreement with stipulation to gain control of the equipment is there is a contract default, and will require an arrangement of hiring existing employees and a management team. City Manager Bonczek noted there are many variations of the privatization concept yet to be explored, prospective contractors have expressed an interest, and with Council concurrence a plan could possibly be implemented early in Fiscal Year 2002. Councilmember Samuel requested comparing private and public ambulance services across the state, and discussed issues related to realizing savings prior to the upcoming budget and preparation of specifications. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson stated this proposal presupposes the net impact of elimination from $900,000 in EMS deficits and discussed concerns related to a private company realizing profits with the same level of performance. He also suggested researching other cities to compare staffing, employee costs, protocol for 911 calls, and transports. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson stated he did not want to have lower quality EMS service, nor did he want to continue to incur a $900,000 shortfall. City Manager Bonczek reported the proposal will be based upon existing operational and performance standards, number of paramedics, and protocols. He stated the profitable side of the business is transfers, and a company coming in would be able to do transfers to enhance any loss and perform their own billing and collections. Mr. Bonczek stated he did not know the feasibility based on economics trends and would not know until requests for proposals are solicited, and emphasized a system would not be brought in unless it met all the standards and requirements that are in currently in place. City Manager Bonczek responded to Councilmember Smith's concerns with liability, contract management, and training. He stated the contract would also require certain levels of liability insurance with the City being named as the insured, an existing employee would manager the service, and all operational training would be maintained. City Manager Bonczek commented the prospective company would be able to compete in the marketplace for transfers and there would be advantages of being the EMS provider. He stated the EMS system has been a long-standing issue, and he does not have all the answers, only speculations, and requested Council guidance. Councilmember Samuel confirmed that existing transfers are competitive and are divided among the present seven carriers. He questioned if a private company maintained the same current level of staff and service, how could a private company be anymore successful than the current EMS system. City Manager Bonczek responded it would possibly be through operational efficiencies, billing and collections, and collections at higher raters. Councilmember Smith stated insurance reimbursements are the same and ambulance service fees are predetermined and City Manager Bonczek recommended revisiting the idea of contracting out EMS billing and collections. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 7 Councilmember Samuel made mention of a letter he received stating the type of EMS service in various communities, and statistical data on public and private services. He stated EMS service is crucial and essential and feels the City should have control. He stated not feeling comfortable in moving forward in privatizing EMS, having many unanswered questions, and stated he personally would not support the issue at this point. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson questioned the number of cities have moved from private to public services, if any public EMS services compete for transfers, and legal issues controlling the number of providers for transport services and franchising ambulance transfers. City Attorney Layne Nichols acknowledged regulating the ambulances and would research the matter further. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson spoke of having an excellent service and not wanting it diminished, concerned with almost $1 million in operating deficit, and like other communities, can no longer operate departments at huge deficits. He felt EMS privatization is worth exploring, and stated the City can no longer afford providing all 911 service and subsidizing while allowing the privates to make all transfers. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson was not against competition, but thought it was disappointing to struggle with a $1 million deficit and wanted a way to improve the loss. Councilmember Smith noted two or possibly three private ambulance businesses have gone out of business in the last twelve months and privatization would add another one in the group vying for the transport money. City Manager Bonczek stated there are consequences of having a franchise, you may be able to avoid any need to subsidize the operation, but you would drive other privates out. He spoke of the public/private partnership and strongly relying on the support of each other, and if there is not a support base, there must be a sufficient number of units and employees in place to accommodate the worst case scenario. Mayor Moore summarized by stating if Council accepts moving forward with EMS privatization there would not be a tax increase or storm water utility fee, or if Council accepts maintaining the EMS system in place there possibly would be a$.02 tax increase to cover the budget deficit. He questioned the estimated$150,000 for sale of emergency vehicles while expending$100,000 for a recent purchase of an emergency vehicle. Mayor Moore had serious concerns of private carriers refusing to respond to emergency calls, and stated it is important to understand that every possible question is answered. City Manager Bonczek relayed if a private carrier refused to respond, it would be a contract breach, the contract would address liquidated damages, penalties for response times, and performance standards. He stated corrective action would be taken if the provider failed to meet targets, or there would be reimbursement for lack of response, and reported he will move forward with the issue. City Manager Bonczek stated letters have been sent out regarding industrial district agreements in extra territorial jurisdiction's (ETJ's) and meetings are pending with other industries. He reported realizing additional money and having a positive impact on the budget, agreements are not finalized, and the agreements will be based on values, flat fees, and other options. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 8 City Manager Bonczek proposed transfering an additional $300,000 from the water fund, restructuring water connection fees for future development based on per unit rather than per development, and contracting meter reading and billing services. Mr. Bonczek noted there would not be employee displacement, any contract service would require hiring our employees, and has received a proposal from a company to analyze our billing. City Manager Bonczek proposed deferring the Lotus Office upgrade with an estimated expenditure of $100,000. Mr. Bonczek reported the Municipal Court Administrator has reorganized and he recommended elimination of the Juvenile Court Specialist position. City Manager Bonczek proposed reducing funding the South East Texas Arts Council from $140,000 to$100,000 and eliminating contributions to the Chamber of Commerce for their business program. After analyzing ridership, City Manager Bonczek proposed restoring transit services from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., reducing savings by$57,000, and fully restoring Saturday service and weekday peak times from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mr. Bonczek stated fares will be raised $.25 and social services will be charged. Councilmember Samuel confirmed transit services would provide full service until 7:30 p.m. and suggested extended hours of service until 9:00 p.m. by providing longer head times at non peak hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. He spoke of serious concerns of people losing jobs because of lack of transportation, and appreciated the continual efforts of the City Manager to maintain the service. City Manager Bonczek will perform calculations with the assistance of Transit Manager Bill Munson, and noted Councilmember Samuel's excellent suggestion. City Manager Bonczek proposed restoring employee service awards, and spoke of the awards banquet as an event celebrating years of services and retirees and it is the only event where everyone comes together. Mr. Bonczek noted substantially larger number of positions not being filled, and fewer employees with less financial human resource assistance with increased productivity. Depending on department director approval, he reported there are three positions currently on hold for possible elimination. Mr. Bonczek spoke of the compensation plan being designed to keep salaries within the market, the commitment based on financial resources, suggested keeping the opportunity open to implement the compensation plan for July 2002 at an estimated$160,000 for one quarter, requested implementation if resources were available, and the compensation plan does not apply to City Manager, City Attorney, or the City Clerk. Depending on budget direction, Mayor Moore requested additional consideration for the compensation plan, stated the plan is an important commitment to employees and acknowledged the additional demands, and noted the importance of a partnership in addressing the additional needs. The Mayor spoke of sale tax revenues beginning to improve and hoping trends continue, not wanting to close the door of the compensation plan, having the opportunity to address the issue before July, and believed it would be a tremendous incentive for the increased level of productivity. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 9 Mayor Pro Tem Goodson acknowledged the industrial district agreement increase of $400,000 representing a 3 percent or more increase and Mayor Moore added some of the agreements have extensions. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson confirmed being unable to fund the South East Texas Arts Council(SETAC)with Hotel Occupancy Tax(HOT)funds, questioned the general fund as the only other source for funding, suggested the possibility of using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, or applying proceeds from Hibernia Bank- sponsored series of plays, and requested exploration of options. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson spoke of the pilot program for contracting park and right-of-way maintenance, past performance problems with contractors, and questioned the possibility of providing the service at a cheaper cost. City Manager Bonczek suggested revisiting grass cutting of small lots in specific sections to prove feasibility and quality. (Mayor Moore left Council Chambers at 3:00 p.m. and returned at 3:09 p.m.) City Manager Bonczek summarized that there does not seem to be support for the storm water utility fee, the other considered alternative revenue source being property tax, and the key factor to his proposal is the privatization of the EMS. Prior to the August 14, 2001 meeting, a report will be submitted on the EMS system being integrated into the Fire Department, there are ongoing meetings between the Fire and Public Health Departments, and Mr. Bonczek is anticipating meeting with the Fire Union for their input. Councilmember Samuel expressed his appreciation to the City Manager for the budget proposal being presented in a clear and a concise manner, and he favored the direction of the budget proposal. In response to his question, Mayor Moore advised Mr. Allen Lee that public comments could be made at the conclusion of the meeting. COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Cokinos extended congratulations and appreciation to Mr. Tommy Voss of the American Fast Pitch Association for the fine program last evening at the Civic Center and for the pleasure of being able to throw one of the first balls today. Councilmember Cokinos reported having 82 teams last year with an upswing of 122 teams this year. Councilmember Samuel requested staff investigate a location at the corner of Magnolia, across from the Federal Building and Texas Work Commission, for tall grass and weeds. Mayor Moore congratulated the American Fast Pitch softball group, stated there were more than 3,000 young people participating, and acknowledged the economic impact of the playing field investment. He stated this is the third year to sponsor the event and one year is remaining in the contract. The Mayor also spoke of the Civic Center event, and Minutes July 31,2001 Page 10 appreciated the efforts of Convention and Visitors Bureau staff and others who worked very diligently and provided the level of coverage. He stated there were teams from all over the United States and requested community support and hospitality from citizens of Southeast Texas. * City Manager Report-Revised City Manager's FY 2002 Budget Proposal, Strategic Action Plan Status Report,Airport Improvement Update, City Warrants Initiative, Grease and Grit Trap Workshop and Savings from Eliminated Positions City Manager Bonczek reported the softball tournament will have over$4 million impact, and he has spoken with representatives who are interested in using all 12 playing fields of the South East Texas Entertainment Complex fields and at least 9 or all 12 playing fields at the Athletic Complex. Mr. Bonczek is focusing on strategic directions to build and diversify the economic base, revitalize neighborhoods, improve the visual appearance, and maintain financial stability and believed progress is good. City Manager Bonczek spoke of$2.2 million in airport improvements including extending runways and taxiways, 90 percent of the project is funded from Federal Aviation Administration, a new fueling system will be added, Conn's Appliance and the airport's Fixed-based Operator are both building new hangars, and there are plans to update the airport master plan. He made comments from an economic development prospective and suggested airport land acquisition for light industrial development and improvements. City Manager Bonczek addressed improving the performance of serving warrants and the Police Department's goal is to capture 25 percent of warrant money. The City Manager reported the grease and grip trap's workshop was a great success, expected positive results, and acknowledged the efforts of Water Utilities Manager Joseph Majdalani. While continuing to meet community needs and analyzing organizational impact, City Manager Bonczek reported an estimated savings of$280,000 from position eliminations, and a substantial amount of positions have been added in public safety areas. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes) Mr. Bill Proctor, 4340 Westridge, addressed Council concerning EMS privatization mirroring current standards of paramedic/paramedic teams, spoke in opposition of paramedic/emergency medical technician (EMT) teams, and emphasized that an EMT cannot administer intravenous injections and other medical procedures. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council to announce he has met with representatives from the Justice Department, claimed he is now a powerful person, and Council will address the committee's concerns. Mr. Lee stated agenda items include:The lack of African-American prosecutors in the District Attorney's Office; public access to L.L. Melton Y; usage of H.U.D. and City funds; Police Department's pepper spray policy and related deaths; racial profiling; Police Department promotion policy; tax revenue abuse; unequal street repairs in ethnic neighborhoods; an audit of tax revenues; establishment of a civilian review board; enterprise zoning; environmental racism and racial motives in the construction industry; review of the Beaumont Independent School District and the educational system; and public transit. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 11 Mr. Frank Kiefer, 3190 Willowood, addressed council concerning borrowing $8 million to be paid with taxes without tax payer approval, the Concord Road and East Delaware projects being paid from a 1980 $33 million bond issue, and past statements made by Senator David Bernsen, as head of the Texas Department of Transportation,that the state would rebuild Concord Road and the City would purchase right-of-ways. (Councilmember Patterson left Council Chambers at 3:25 p.m. and returned at 3:30 p.m.) Mr. Clarence Provost, 2170 Washington Boulevard addressed Council to suggest a television program showing convicted persons living in the City, he claimed it would make the community a better and safer place to live, and divert crime through prayer. Ms. Tracy Arline, 2055 Kingsley, addressed Council on behalf of SETLIFE concerning special transit services for persons with disabilities and requested Council to include disabled persons in ridership statistics when proposing transit service reductions. Ms. Sue Gabriel, 1096 Oregon,Apartment One, addressed Council in opposition of transit service reductions, the bus service being inadequate in the days and hours of operation, buses continually breaking down, and the transit service is a needed service that needs improvements. Mayor Moore expressed to Ms. Gabriel that Council is trying extremely hard to provide the level of service that all citizens can enjoy, spoke of efforts to construct the Dannenbaum Transfer Station and extend transit hours, and cited the ultimate responsibility of accountability in balancing the budget. Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, addressed Council to extend a personal invitation to attend a ground breaking ceremony in South Park, the event will be held at the corner of Florida and Park Streets on Friday starting at 10:00 a.m., and expressed appreciation to the City Manager for doing a good job. Pastor M. L. Johnson, (no address given), addressed Council to discuss dissatisfaction with changes in bus services, hampering students from obtaining an education, and concerns for handicapped passengers. He spoke of being a spiritual leader and a voice in the community, previously presenting 463 signatures and an additional 715 signatures in opposition of transit service reductions, and pledged to submit additional signatures. Pastor Johnson commented on his upbringing in Beaumont, the bus service being a benefit to many people who do not have transportation, and expressed discontentment with longer wait times during non-peak hours and the lack of shelter. Ms. Marilyn Weir, 1905 Ives Street, addressed Council to discuss limited accessibility of certain areas of town, consideration for bus riders who do not work 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, and claimed loss of revenues in moving the Southeast Texas State Fair to the new entertainment complex. Ms.Weir proposed bus routes to the new entertainment complex and the Crockett Street Entertainment District, cited reduction of hours is restricting accessibility for the population depending on bus services, and agreed with others that bus services should be expanded and not curtailed. Minutes July 31,2001 Page 12 Mr. Gene Martin, 856 Palermo Drive, addressed Council to acknowledge transit services have enabled him to be successfully employed, his job hours vary, and stated it is difficult to grocery shop after work with the reduction of bus hours. Mr. Martin spoke of waiting in the heat and the difficulties of others, bus stops in disrepair, and the non-use of bus services during inclement weather. He requested maintaining the same transit schedules while increasing fares and suggested additional routes to areas with employment opportunities. Ms. Paula O'Neal, 840 Jasmine, addressed Council to express her understanding of Council's difficult challenges and decisions and encouragement for continuation of the bus services. Ms. O'Neal presented 530 signatures petitioning the transit reductions and acknowledged petitions were obtained from those who are served and those who serve at Some Other Place. She commented social service professionals realize the biggest challenge in helping people become independent people are transportation and child care, and spoke of the impact of reducing transit services effecting everyone. Ms. Linda Pete, 1350 Long, addressed Council as a member of the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association to request assistance with railroad derailment repairs, and she discussed railroad tracks damage at Magnolia and Martin Luther King streets for ten blocks. Ms. Pete requested Council address this issue at the next Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association meeting at 1240 McFaddin on August 28, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Charlie Foxworth, president of Foxworth Real Estate, 2580 North Eleventh Street, addressed Council in support of current budget debates, stated his business is at the forefront of economic development, requested consideration in no fee or tax increases, and proposed increasing the tax base. Mr. Foxworth commended Council for rezoning efforts on Dowlen Road, spoke of significant increases on tax roles for the land, and applauded Council's progress. Mr. Dalton Babineaux, past chairman of Chamber of Commerce and president of American Valve and Hydrant, commended Council for addressing difficult issues and expressed appreciation in directions taken. Mr. Babineaux believed Council is sending the right message to corporate citizens and Council has demonstrated the ability to manage difficult issues. He hoped to see the tax base grow, place deficit budget in the past and move forward, and encouraged continued success. Mr. Eddie Bates, president of C&I Oil Company, addressed Council to reflect on comments made by Mr. Foxworth and Mr. Babineaux, expressed appreciation for the efforts in solving difficult budgetary issues, and spoke of his personal experiences is using the transit services. Mr. Bates suggested evaluating equipment cost structures and replacement in relations to Senate Bill No. 5 and stated $140 million available in funding for new transit equipment. He expressed appreciation in maintaining taxes, acknowledged the burden on cities created by Federal and State agencies, and offered a donation to sponsor a bus shelter. Mayor Moore commented Senate Bill No. 5 is the same State Legislation that reduced transit funding $170,000 this year, stated understanding needs for transit vehicle replacement and regulations involved, and also acknowledged the burden of local Minutes July 31,2001 Page 13 government entities. The Mayor stated 80%of transit operations are funding from federal grants and the City must subsidize what ridership does not cover. Ms. Bessie Chisum, owner of Chisum Resource Management and incoming chairman of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, addressed Council to express gratitude in balancing the budget by naming a hamburger in the Mayor's honor, she appreciated Council listening the Chamber's concerns and commitments made in the business community for all the residents of Beaumont. Ms. Chisum appreciated Council's direction and understood the difficult decisions affecting everyone. Mayor Moore extended appreciation for attendance,spirit of exchange and understanding, and emphasized Council is here to work with each other and for each other. The Mayor explained Council's commitment to the community and the need for balance and improvements. He spoke of constant changes in the world and the search for solutions in balancing the budget and providing essential services. EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Mary A. Sonnier-Ligon v. City of Beaumont There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. ate� David W. Moore, Mayor Terri Hanks, Administrative Assistant City Clerk's Office Minutes July 31,2001 Page 14