Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAR 31 1998 M I N U T E S CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Becky Ames,Mayor Pro Tem Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P.Cokinos John K.Davis MARCH 31, 1998 Bobbie J. Patterson Lane Nichols,City Attorney Ray A. Riley,City Manager Patrice Fogarty,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on March 31, 1998, 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 Richard McPherson, Cathedral in the Pines Christian Center, gave the invocation. Mr. Johnny Beatty, grant administrator, led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson. Councilmember Goodson was out of town. Also present were Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Patrice Fogarty, City Clerk; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognition: Five Proclamations were issued: "WalkAmerica Day," April 4, 1998; "Child Abuse Prevention Month," April, 1998 (proclamation given to 8 organizations—Randy Daniels with Buckner Children & Family Services presented an award to Bill Leger, anchorman for television station KFDM, Channel 6, as a champion of children and for his help in all phases of community services to aid children); "Professional Social Work Month," March, 1998; "National Youth Alcohol Awareness Month," April, 1998; and "Sexual Assault Awareness Month," April, 1998. (Mayor Pro Tem Ames left the Council Chambers at 2:05 p.m.) Ms. Erica Hardy announced that Sports Management Network, Pepsi Cola Company, and TCl Cablevision, with the cooperation of sponsors, will host a 3 on 3 Playground Basketball Tournament at Fair Park on May 30 and 31, 1998. Ms. Hardy said this will be a great occasion for family participation, scholarship opportunities and recreation. She said this event will be advertised through various media for a 150 mile radius, and will be an economic boost for hotels, motels, and restaurants. Mayor Moore announced that Mayor Pro Tem Ames had to leave the meeting to catch an air flight to attend a training session for her company. *Public Comment: Citizens were invited to comment on the Consent and Main Agendas. Recognizing that Mr. Allen Lee would be the first speaker, Mayor Moore asked Mr. Lee to conduct himself as a candidate while speaking today, reminded him that if he starts attacking members of Council, screaming, hollering or raising his tone of voice, or making personal attacks, he will be asked to remove himself from the microphone, and in the event he chooses not to leave the microphone, Mayor Moore said he will ask that Mr. Lee be removed (by a police officer). Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, retorted that he is glad the meeting is taped because Mayor Moore is being investigated by the District Attorney's office for official oppression for his behavior last week. Mr. Lee said he considers the consent agenda to be the hidden agenda and questioned confirmation of committee appointments. He asked what committees and who's on the committees? He requested the names and committees of those being approved today and for an immediate response. Mayor Moore told Mr. Lee that he would not respond at this time. Mr. Lee continued, told Mayor Moore that he would be filing an injunction against him for violation of the Open Meetings Act on Thursday, and said explanation of his request needs to be made known. Mr. Lee continued to urge an immediate response, and Mayor Moore instructed Mr. Lee to finish his comments, and said he would respond after his time for speaking has lapsed. Mr. Lee asked for an explanation of a consent agenda and reiterated that he considers it to be a hidden agenda. Mayor Moore answered Mr. Lee's questions by stating that City Council votes on a consent agenda with items posted for approval for issues that do not need a higher level of discussion. Mayor Moore reported that the confirmation of committee appointments made today appoint Mrs. Marilyn Dogan to the Beaumont Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and Mrs. Rosie Jones to the Library Commission at the recommendation of Councilmember Patterson. Mayor Moore said the consent agenda is in no way a hidden agenda; it is the same process that has been in place for the past 15 years. The following consent agenda items were considered: * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held March 24, 1998; * Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 98-77 Minutes;3/31198;Page 2 A) Authorize the Beaumont Police Department, on behalf of the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force, to make application and accept an award for assistance from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority - Resolution No. 98-78 B) Approve an annual contract for the purchase of a phosphate water treatment chemical used at the Water Production Plant (from Technical Product Corporation, 54,000 lbs. at $.8870 for an estimated total price of $47,898) - Resolution No. 98-79 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Davis and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving an extension of the in lieu agreement with Goodyear After introduction of the item, City Manager Riley detailed procedures and reasoning for entering into in lieu agreements with industry and the amount of revenue received. He explained that Goodyear Tire& Rubber Company is located over 1 '/z mile outside of the city limits on Interstate 10. Instead of beginning annexation procedures to include them in our tax base, an in lieu agreement has been negotiated that produces $625,000 per year for a seven-year period. Because the Goodyear plant in Beaumont is competing with other Goodyear plants for construction of a new unit, they have asked for a five-year extension of their in lieu agreement to place them in a stronger bargaining stance. Mr. Riley said the potential expansion could be as much as $200 million. Also, Mr. Riley explained that should our tax rate increase during this period, Goodyear's payments would be adjusted accordingly. He further stated that the City of Beaumont has a good relationship and partnership with Goodyear and the other companies participating in these agreements. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-80 extending the in lieu agreement with Goodyear Tire& Rubber Company an additional five years from December 31, 2001 through December 31, 2006. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Davis and Patterson Noes: None WORK SESSION Minutes;3!31/98;Page 3 *Review the preliminary budget for the 1998 Consolidated Grant Program The City Manager asked Finance Officer Beverly Hodges to initiate the report. (Mayor Moore left the Council Chambers at 2:25 p.m. and returned at 2:30 p.m. before the end of the review.) Finance Officer Beverly Hodges began by acknowledging past presentations to Council during the process of the HUD Consolidated Grant budget for their review and discussion. She said CDAC had met several times and submitted recommendations to Council, forwarded copies of their minutes to Council, and consider this to be their last and final recommendations to Council for this process. She said that today, she and Grant Administrator Johnny Beatty are available to act as a resource for further Council discussion. She said they are ready to bring forward a budget for adoption at the next meeting based on today's discussion. Mrs. Hodges recounted that at the beginning of the process different proportions of monies in the Consolidated Grant process were identified for Council. She said that of the total amount of money available, $2,303,000 would be for CDBG; the Home Grant would total $775,000; and Emergency Shelter Grant monies would total $87,000; with program income estimated at $170,000. She said that the CDAC has come back with allocation of some of the public facility money that concurred with the preliminary budget in all other areas. She referred to a breakdown of their recommended allocations of $94,990.57 among several agencies in both capital improvement and programmatic categories (listed in Exhibit "A"). In the Emergency Shelter Grant, she stat that the Salvation Army and Henry's Place are recommended. Mr. Riley pointed out that when the preliminary budget was prepared, categories were established as detailed on page 2 totaling $2,303,000 for CDBG. He said we will move toward public hearings and consideration of the preliminary budget based on those allocations. He mentioned that Council did not specify what was to be placed in the Capital Improvement or Programmatic categories for public service agencies. He said the CDAC has considered the request submitted, and to proceed, Council will need to indicate acceptance of these submissions or their modifications. Councilmember Davis voiced his strong support of BUILD, Inc. and the great benefit received from them. He questioned need for complete funding of the Clearance and Demolition allocation and suggested amending the budget by reducing the amount allocated for Charlton-Pollard Economic Development from $300,000 to $290,000 and increasing Build, Inc.'s allocation from $25,000 to $35,000. He verified that the $450,000 for Clearance and Demolition is already identified, questioned disbursement of Public Facility and Improvement, the Charlton-Pollard Economic Development and Administration categories, thanked Beverly Hodges and Johnny Beatty for performing commendable service with this program. Minutes;3!31!96;Page 4 Other Council discussion included confirmation that the Clearance and Demolition category included both residential and commercial structures, Emergency Shelter Grant funding of the Salvation Army and Henry's Place, and services offered by Henry's Place. Mayor Moore requested amounts funded last year for these agencies and information about Henry's Place. Councilmembers expressed appreciation to staff and CDAC members, and Mayor Moore requested another work session next week for the edification and input of councilmembers absent today. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters: Councilmember Smith said she was at the reception for the new Willard Library on Wednesday, but was out of town on Thursday to attend the ribbon cutting ceremonies, said it is a beautiful facility and something for which to be proud and said that area of town is deserving of this addition to their community. She congratulated Councilmember Patterson for being recipient of "The Woman of the Year" award from the National Association of University Women. She said Councilmember Patterson was honored at a very nice luncheon on Sunday, March 29, 1998. Councilmember Cokinos voiced congratulations for construction of the Willard Library and reported that he and Mayor Moore attended a Peace Week Celebration yesterday at Pease Elementary School (in Port Arthur). Councilmember Patterson announced that a Neighbors in the Park event will be held Sunday, April 5th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Alice Keith Park; and that the Tyrrell Park Neighborhood Association meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. Monday. Councilmember Patterson thanked Councilmember Smith and Mayor Moore for attending the luncheon hosted by the National Association of University Women that honored her. Also, Councilmember Patterson congratulated Councilmember Davis, the Library Commission, and staff for their roles in completion of the Willard Library. She said it is an awesome structure and will be well utilized. Councilmember Patterson announced that the I Have a Dream" banquet will be held tonight. Mayor Moore added his congratulations to the entire city of Beaumont and complimented Maurine Gray and her staff for organizing the opening celebrations for the Willard Library. He added compliments to Cecilia Shearron-Hawkins, the new librarian at the Willard Library, and said she will add enthusiasm and energy to the facility. He challenged every citizen to obtain a library card and said he hopes all our libraries will overflow this summer. He said "this is how we equip our children," and asked that we encourage children to spend time at the library. Mayor Moore said it is a safe haven and a new threshold for them to gain intellectual power. Mayor Moore confirmed with Community Services Director Maurine Gray Minutes;3131198;Page 5 that if 1,200 students are enrolled in the summer reading program, he will fulfill his promise. Maurine Gray reported to Council that on the first day of operation at the Willard Library, 45 new library cards were issued. Mayor Moore congratulated citizen participation last Saturday in the Baptist Foundation Fun Run and Walk that he and Congressman Lampson kicked off at about 7:30 a.m. Mayor Moore said he was disappointed in the lack of newspaper coverage of Mobil Oil's summer youth program. He complimented Mobil for being a great corporate citizen. He reported that a check for over $300,000 was presented to the City of Beaumont on Friday to be used for support of libraries and employment of 100 young people-60 to be employed by the City of Beaumont, 20 by BISD, and 20 with Lamar University. Mayor Moore thanked City staff for an excellent job fair at the Civic Center. He said students were able to attend after school and learn about their parent's job. Again, Mayor Moore thanked Mobil oil for their generous contribution and the partnership with the City of Beaumont, BISD, and Lamar University. He said that taking care of our youth is the type of partnership that will make us known as one of the better cities of our nation and said this employment will reward kids for being leaders. *Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, requested an audio tape of this meeting from the City Clerk, again spoke of official oppression by treatment received that he will bring to the District Attorney's office, said we are blessed to live in America and have the right to openly voice objections, announced that he has changed political parties and will support Republican candidates. Also, Mr. Lee proposed renaming the Civic Center to the Jimmy P. Cokinos Civic Center in recognition of his heroic actions to integrate Beaumont. He lauded Mr. Cokinos for being responsible for integration at Lamar University and for the opportunity of Black representation on City Council. Mr. Jimmy Dean, 1613 Orange Street, representing SETLIFE, addressed Council as a reminder that they need financial support to fund a training program for peer counselors and asked for reconsideration of funding from CDBG monies. Ms. Nancy Como, 2239 8th Street, Port Neches, also an employee and representative for SETLIFE, added her support to Mr. Dean's request and displayed new, updated brochures that were printed through the financial assistance received last year from CDBG funding. Mr. Donald Wise, representing the Beaumont Housing Authority, asked to be reconsidered in CDBG funding. He asked for financial assistance in modifying and remodeling a house to be used as a Child Development Center to train child care providers and serve as a child care center for those attending the classes. Mr. Bill Benning, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army, told Council that the $60,000 appropriation in the CDBG budget is very generous contribution towards Minutes;3/31/98;Page 6 operation of their emergency shelter, but said the total operation cost in 1997 was $310,000. He said they have acquired the Fairway House on McFadden Street since it closure and will open a family shelter at that location. Preliminary budgets indicate that operation of that shelter will be about $40,000 per year and any additional consideration would be appreciated. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Harold Dayse et ux v. City of Beaumont Municipal Administrative Services v. City of Beaumont There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 2:55 p.m. to reconvene in executive session. ` I r Mayor David W. Moore Patrice Fogarty, City I k Minutes;301198;Page 7 ('itc of Beaumont C-NalReaumont 11. Box 82 Room 330 Phone (109)880-3789 P.O.Box.3827 Fax:(4(19)880 3713 }3eaumontAA 77704 Momramkm To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager J From.: Beverly 1). Hodges, Finance Officer Date: Wednesday, March 25, 1998 Subject: HUD Consolidated Grant- 1998 Council was presented with the Preliminary Budget for the 1998 Consolidated Grant Program on January 20, 1998. The 1998 HUD Consolidated Budget totals $3,335,000, including program income. The Preliminary Budget is comprised of three entitlements, CDBG at $2,303,000, HOME at $775,000 and Emergency Shelter Grant(ESG) at $87,000. Program income generated by revolving loan funds is estimated at $170,000. The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held numerous meetings to discuss and formulate recommendations for Council concerning the 1998 HUD Consolidated Grant. The final recommendation of the CDAC was an allocation of CDBG funds from the Public Facilities category of$94,990.57 to fund various grant applications and the distribution of the ESG funds. The following breakdown provides a brief summary of the CDAC recommended allocations. CDGB Capital Improvement Anayat House, Inc. $6,050.57 Salvation Army 6,500.00 Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club 28,000.00 Stewart's Halfway House 18,440.00 Programmatic Melton YMCA 9,000.00 Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club 27,000.00 ESG Salvation Army 60,000.00 Henry's Place 27,000.00 Johnny Beatty and I are prepared to workshop the 1998 HUD Consolidated Grant Program at the March 31, 1998 Council Meeting and will be available for questions at that time. Also attached are copies of the Preliminary Budget and a recap of all grant applications received. EXHIBIT "A" HUD CONSOLIDATED GRANT PROGRAM 1998 Prelim Budget Community Development Block Grant HOUSING Minor Repair $125,000 Acquisition/Site Development 375,000 Habitat For Humanity - Administration 50,000 CLEARANCE AND DEMOLITION 450,000 PUBLIC FACILITY & IMPROVEMENT 300,000 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUILD, Inc. 25,000 Charlton-Pollard Economic Development 300,000 SBRLF 300,000 ADMINISTRATION 378,000 TOTAL CDBG $2,303,000 Emergency Shelter Grant Salvation Army $60,000 Henry's Place 27,000 TOTAL ESG HOME Grant $775,000 1998 GRANT APPLICATIONS Table of Contents Anayat House, Inc. $ 6,050.57 Funds will be used to help fund a sheet rock project for the interior of Anayat House which would eliminate the sagging ceiling and reduce maintenance costs. Beaumont Main Street/BUILD 30,000.00 Funds will be used to facilitate the growth of business as well as cultural and residential development in Beaumont's Central Business District. Henry's Place 27,000.00 Funds will be used to provide emergency shelter to mentally ill homeless persons. Housing Authority of the City of Beaumont 50,000.00 Funds will be used to provide perimeter fencing and renovations of an existing structure for a Child Development Center to be located near the Magnolia Gardens Complex. Junior League of Beaumont, Inc. 200,000.00 Funds will be used for property acquisition, site preparation, architectural fees and the initial construction of a proposed Family Resource Center in the Charlton- Pollard neighborhood. L. L. Melton Family Branch Y.M.C.A. 4,500.00 Funds will be used to sponsor a collaborative after school program between the YMCA and Martin Elementary. The Salvation Army 89,000.00 Funds will be used to continue the City's contract with the Salvation Army which provides emergency shelter to homeless persons. The Salvation Army 6,500.00 Funds will be used to help build a jungle gym next to the shelter. The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs 55,000.00 Funds will be used to repair the interior of the Pennsylvania Club and support the operation of an after-school program in Dunbar Elementary School. SETLIFE, Inc. 7,000.00 Funds will be used to publish and disseminate a bi-monthly newsletter, provide for public awareness materials and presentations, assist consumers in accessing their services, and enable the training of 10 Peer Counselors. Stewart's Halfway House, Inc. 18,440.00 Funds will be used to assist the organization in making needed repairs to the facility to help maintain continuous compliance with building and regulation codes and improve the overall efficiency of the facility. TOTAL $ 493,490.57