HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUN 23 1998 M I N U T E S -. CITY OF BEAUMONT
Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Bobbie J.Patterson,Mayor Pro Tem
Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P.Cokinos
John K.Davis JUNE 23,1998 Becky Ames
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 June 23, 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
Mayor Pro Tem Patterson called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The Reverend John Burke,
Associate Minister at Praise Christian Center, gave the invocation. Mr. David Bradley, a member
of the State School Board, led the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson,
Cokinos, Ames, and Davis. Mayor Moore is attending the U. S. Mayors Conference and meeting
with HUD officials about Section 108 funds that Beaumont will receive. Also present were Ray A
Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk.
*Presentations and Recognitions
One proclamation was issued: "Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Day," June 24, 1998.
*Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items (excluding 1 through 4). No
one wished to address these items.
*Consent Agenda
The following consent agenda items were considered:
* Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held June 9, 1998;
* Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 98-147
John Johnson - Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Advisory Committee
A) Approve Licenses to Encroach
1) Approve a License to Encroach Agreement on a portion of Park Street right-of-way
between Fannin and Bowie Streets (with Mark Whiteley and Associates on behalf of Chase
Bank of Texas ) - Resolution No. 98-148
2)Approve a License to Encroach Agreement on a portion of the Pecos and Eighth Street
rights-of-way and the alley adjacent to 2395 Pecos Street, (Lot 6, Block 10 of the Oaks
Addition, with Cynthia Sue Chandler on behalf of Catherine Cox and Estate of Glenn D.
Cox) - Resolution No. 98-149
B) Approve a Lease Agreement (with C. L. Sherman and Sons Lumber Dealers, Inc. At the rate
of $911 per month, effective July 1, 1998 for a three year period) for the EMS building
located at 2510 North 11 th Street, - Resolution No. 98-150
C) Approve annual contracts for work uniforms
1)Approve a contract for the purchase of civilian employee work uniforms (with Shepherd's
Uniform & Linen Supply Company for estimated expenditure of $31,233) - Resolution No.
98-151
2)Approve a contract for the purchase of uniforms for fire department personnel (with Lone
Star Uniform for estimated expenditure of $19,599.62) - Resolution No. 98-152
D) Approve the waiver of penalty and interest on two accounts by the Jefferson County Tax
Assessor-Collector's Office (Sharon Boutte, 012100-007200; Lucille Fisher, 300056-
025800) - Resolution No. 98-153
Councilmember Goodson moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider a request for a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) to GC-
MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling)for property located on Eastex Freeway
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-37 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 RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT TO GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)
DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF EASTEX FREEWAY(U.S.69,96 AND 287)
Minutes;6/23/98;Page 2
BETWEEN TXDOT PROPERTY AND THE FREEWAY BAPTIST CHURCH, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON
COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A
PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
2. Consider a request for a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) to GC-
MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) for property located at the
northwest corner of Washington Boulevard and Major Drive
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-38 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 RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT GC-MD-2 (GENERAL
COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF WASHINGTON BOULEVARD AND SOUTH MAJOR DRIVE,BEAUMONT,
JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND
PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION
PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
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) for property
located at 2050 South Street
An ordinance 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 RM-H(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-
HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT TO GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY
DWELLING) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2050 SOUTH STREET, IN THE CITY OF
BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS was introduced.
Councilmembers expressed concerns about spot zoning, discussed HI zoning and
the Landmark Commission requirements for demolition of a structure, lack of space
and inappropriateness in the Historic District.
Minutes;6l23M;Page 3
The ordinance was denied on a motion made by Councilmember Smith.
Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
4. Consider approving the Parks and Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Plan
Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 98-154 authorizing
readoption of the Parks and Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
5. Consider approving Section 18-23 of the Code of Ordinances to prohibit smoking at the
Civic Center
Councilmember Smith moved to adopt Ordinance No. 98-39 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE SMOKING REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO PROHIBIT SMOKING
IN ALL BUILDINGS OF THE CITY EXCEPT THE HARVEST CLUB; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Goodson
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
6. Consider amending Section 26-23 of the Code of Ordinances relating to speed limits on
Major Drive between Tram Road and College Street
Councilmember Smith moved to adopt Ordinance No. 98-40 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 26, SECTION 26-23 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
BEAUMONT TO ESTABLISH MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM SPEEDS IN CERTAIN ZONES; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY;PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember
Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Minutes;6/2366;Page 4
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
7. Consider modifying an engineering contract with Schaumburg & Polk and approving an
engineering contract with Dikita Engineering--both related to the Concord Road Project
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-155 authorizing modification
to the contract with Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. to design the roadway and on/off site drainage
for the southern section (IH-10 to the railroad tracks) for a fee of$768,940 and authorize
an engineering contract with Dikita Engineering as the lead engineering firm responsible
for design of the roadway and on/off site drainage for a fee of $249,228 for the northern
section (from the railroad tracks to East Lucas) of the Concord Road Project.
Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos,
Ames and Davis
Noes: None
8. Consider approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
Federal Correctional Complex of Beaumont to provide emergency fire protection services
Councilmember Cokinos questioned firefighter pay for responding to an emergency
fire outside the city limits, equipment at the Federal Correctional Complex, plan for
fire protection for Beaumont when emergency fire protection service is provided
outside the city, amount of contract payment being sufficient to cover costs for
service, and possible renegotiation of the contract amount. Councilmember Cokinos
said his concerns are for the fire equipment and firefighters. Other discussion
included which stations would respond to an emergency at the correctional facility,
no history of calls for emergency service to date, possibility of recovering expenses
that might exceed $3,000, renegotiating the contract, the benefits Beaumont has
gained by providing water and sewer service to the prison complex, and possibility
of approving the agreement today and analyzing it over a period of time.
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-156 authorizing
Intergovernmental Agreement No. 463-2 with the U. S. Department of Justice,
Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide emergency fire protection to the Federal
Correctional Complex, Beaumont, Texas, until June 30, 2000, for an annual fee of
$3,000. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Minutes;6!73198;Page 5
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames
and Davis
Noes: Councilmember Cokinos
WORK SESSION
* Discuss Beaumont Municipal Transit issues
Traffic Engineer Jim Cline addressed three topics that have been discussed and approved
at the staff and Transit Advisory Committee level for presentation to Council: 1) The Henry
Station -design concept approval; 2) Special Transit Service -fare structure and operation
consideration; and 3) Bus Shelters with advertising.
Mr. Cline displayed an artist's concept of the proposed transfer station called The Henry
Station and spoke about the six goals and objectives in the station's design. They are:
support operating plan; comfort for patrons; consistent architecture; restroom facilities; crime
prevention in original design; and overhead cover through boarding procedure. He
explained that funding for the transfer station would be from: a $350,000 FTA grant; an
80/20 match; and some additional funds from prior year carry over.
Architect Dohn LaBiche reviewed background research data used for development of the
transfer station design. He said the design fits in with the area and former train station
architecture and will be constructed of red brick with a metal roof. Design includes
accommodation for boarding under roof, meets ADA requirements, and attempts to present
a long-lasting, vandal-resistant structure. The site furniture includes benches with built-in
handles in the middle of the bench that will discourage vagrant overnight sleeping. Mr.
LaBiche said landscaping will be simple; the restrooms will be masonry on masonry with
ceramic tile; and there will be two water fountains and an information board. Mr. LaBiche
was available to answer questions.
Mr. Cline said the restrooms will be locked at night after bus runs have ceased, and that
Weiss Park will be used as a temporary transfer point during construction of the new
transfer station.
Councilmembers expressed approval of the design and preparation of the proposed facility.
Secondly, Mr. Cline addressed the Transit fare structure. He reviewed existing fares and
those under consideration. The proposal is for no change in fares for regular bus fares, the
STS base and bus passes. An increase is considered for individual STS subscription fares
and for STS Social Service rates, and a decrease for STS bus passes.
Minutes;6123M;Page 6
The third topic of bus shelter advertising was discussed by Mr. Cline in presenting: 1)
vendor request consideration; 2) potential means of funding additional shelters; 3) possible
conflict with property owners; 4) recommended consideration of a 3-4 shelter trial; and 4)
advertising content restrictions remaining the same.
Council expressed appreciation for the workshop presentation and discussed various
aspects of proposed changes that included funding, advertising restrictions and
responsibilities for the benches and service to the community.
COMMENTS
* Councilmembers comment on various matters
Councilmember Davis wished Councilmember Goodson good luck in serving as emcee
tonight for the fund-raising event for the Rape and Suicide Crisis Center. Councilmember
Davis reported activity in the areas of Forrest and Center Street and Irving and Shamrock
Street that might need aggressive Police Department investigation or action and asked that
the matter be overseen by staff.
Councilmember Goodson said he is looking forward to the fundraiser tonight for the Rape
and Suicide Crisis Center and is happy for other councilmember participation.
Councilmember Goodson asked everyone that possibly can to attend the farewell reception
for Sue Smith who has been Executive Director for CASA, Wednesday, from 5:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Patterson said she will "stop, look, and listen" by: attending the fundraiser
this evening, listen to Councilmember Goodson emcee, and watch Councilmembers Ames
and Davis model in the fashion show. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson asked the City Manager
and Public Works Director to look at the 11th Street Project and consider installation of a
traffic or caution light midway between Fannett and Washington Boulevard because of
speeding in this predominately residential area. She also announced that the South Park
Neighborhood Association meeting will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the South Park
Baptist Church.
*Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes)
Ms. Linda Mossey, 2210 North 11 th Street, addressed Council to express her opinion that
using old data to establish the fee for extending emergency fire service to the correctional
facility might be inadequate and to encourage promotion of the abundance of trees that we
have in our area as an attraction for economic development.
Minutes;6f23%;Page 7
EXECUTIVE SESSION
*Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss
contemplated or pending litigation:
Entergy - GSU rate case
City of Pearland v. Entex
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:10 p.m. to reconvene in executive
session.
Mayor Pro Tem bie J. Patterson
Barbara Liming, Deputy City dlerk
Minutes;6/23/98;Page 8