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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN NOV 03 1998 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAU FONT 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 NOVEMBER 3,1998 Becky Ames Lane Nichols,City Attorney Ray A. Riley,City Manager City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on November 3, 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 Moore called the meeting to order at 1:37 p.m. The Reverend Robert Henderson, Associate Minister of Beech Grove Baptist Church gave the invocation. Mayor Moore 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; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions Two proclamations were issued: "Telephone Pioneers Week," November 1-7, 1998; and "Alzheimer's Disease Month," November, 1998. Mayor Moore asked Ms. Emilee LaRousse, the Executive Director of the South East Texas Food Bank to come forward to participate in a presentation. Mayor Moore explained that he is interested in raising awareness to the Food Bank and related problems. Recently they have had an extreme roof problem, and the facility has been broken into and robbed. Mayor Moore asked all Beaumonters to do their part. Mayor Moore explained that he attended a U. S. Conference of Mayors meeting a couple of months ago and participated in a planned bowling tournament with other mayors. Mayor Moore's team placed third in the competition and he has received a check in the amount of $225 to be given to a worthy charity of his choice. Mayor Moore presented the check to Ms. LaRouse for the South East Texas Food Bank. He further challenged everyone else to do their part in showing community support to fix the roof and other structural needs and to show support of the organization because so many people benefit from the Food Bank each month. Other donations may be sent to the South East Texas Food Bank, P. O. Box 21012, Beaumont, Texas 77720. Ms. LaRouse thanked Mayor Moore for helping to bring awareness to the community about their needs. She stated that is difficult for many in our society to realize the level of hunger that exists in our communities. She said they feed over 15,000 people every month and will distribute over a million pounds of food this year to the needy. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items (the Consent Agenda and Item 1 through 7 on the Regular Agenda). Mr. Charlie Weinbaum, 675 Wade, addressed Council regarding Agenda Item No. 7. Mr. Weinbaum gave a synopsis of the life of his grandfather, Mr. Hyman Asher Perlstein, beginning with his birth in 1869 in Lithuania and immigration at age 14 to America and to Beaumont. Mr. Weinbaum spoke of Mr. Perlstein's hard work, frugality, enterprising abilities and probably being the first private developer in Beaumont, as well as the contributions he made to Beaumont. Mr. Perlstein became a blacksmith, worked for$.50 a day, bought the business after a couple of years, sold the shop, built the Gordon Building, bought adjacent property, and built the six-story Perlstein Building in 1907. He was on the board for Hotel Beaumont, developed and built the LaSalle Hotel with nine other investors, and brought other relatives to Beaumont that added contributions such as the Jefferson Amusement Co. that built the Jefferson Theatre and the Beaumont Implement Co. Mr. Perlstein was Building Chairman of Temple Emanuel. He helped form the Community Chest, was on the boards for Boy's Haven, the Municipal Hospital, and Federal Home Savings & Home Loan Association, was president of the Beaumont Compress Company, helped save the East Beaumont Townsite, helped form the Sabine Oaks Retirement Home, was the first non-Christian asked to be on the Board of Directors for the YMCA, helped develop Forest Lawn Cemetery, paid off the mortgage of the Beaumont Children's Home (Buckner), was a member of Rotary and helped sell almost a million dollars in War Bonds during World War 11. Mr. Weinbaum said this is an abbreviation of Mr. Perlstein's contributions and activities, and said his father had a significant impact on the development of Beaumont and merits the park being named to commemorate his memory. Mrs. Kathryn Wiggington remarked about Mr. Perlstein's contribution to Beaumont High Royal Purple Guards. Mr. Gene Landry, 8580 Braebum, along with four members of the ACORN Association, addressed Council in support of Agenda Item No. 7 naming the new park the "Perlstein Park." They would like a provision to allow their Park Committee to continue discussion to propose locations of items in the park and issues of safety for the children. Ms. Georgine Guillory, 3690 South 11th Street, addressed Council on behalf of the South Park Neighborhood Association, to address Item No. 6. She questioned the number of ambulances to be purchased. She requested that the two EMS ambulances remain in South Park and questioned Minutes;t 1 MM;Page 2 the high rates for service. Mayor Moore explained that Beaumont's rates are less than those across the State and Country. Mrs. Joan Stuessel, 245 Giles, addressed Council to verify that presently the City has three EMS units and two under contract, and with the cancellation of contracts, the City will maintain four EMS units. Mrs. Stuessel supported keeping five units available and discussed emergency situations when time is of essence and stated that the same response time cannot be maintained with four units as with five. She spoke of the unit located at 723 Washington Boulevard being moved to assist other areas. Mrs. Stuessel presented an informal petition with approximately 38 signatures of South Park residents requesting continued service of five EMS vehicles in the city. Mr. Bill Proctor, 4340 Westridge Lane, also addressed Agenda Item No. 6 to question contracting with private carriers. Mr. Proctor claimed he was overcharged by a private carrier and questioned the billing system. Mr. Larry Selvey, 3320 Cherry Street, as a member of the North End Neighborhood Association expressed concerns about future ambulance service and response time with only four units. Mr. Greg Stuessel, 245 Giles, addressed Item No. 6 as an EMT and discussed time factors, other things to consider in cutting a unit and his background and experiences dealing with emergency situations. Mayor Moore interjected that for two years private ambulance service has provided additional service, but changes are being forced because the private services could not financially operate successfully and have not renewed their contracts. He spoke about budget process discussions and caution used in not cutting certain items and fiscal responsibility. He stated that our response time is about 5 minutes, which is below the national average, and said we will continue to monitor the program and make necessary adjustments to maintain a high level of service for the entire community. *Consent Agenda The following consent agenda items were considered: * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held October 20, 1998; * Confirmation of committee appointments - R-98-297 A) Approve a payment for relocation assistance related to the Concord Road Improvement Project (to LaVerne's Lounge in the amount of $10,890)- Resolution No. 98-298 Minutes;11 10 W;Page 3 B) Approve the sale of surplus property (a 978.8 square foot tract of land out of Lot 14, Block 1 of the Broadway Place Addition, adjacent to 4275 West Broadway, to Jewel A. Hymel and wife, Claire S. Hymel in the amount of$735) - Resolution No. 98-299 C) Approve the acquisition of property for the Concord Road Improvement Project (Parcel No. 456: 44 square feet out of Lots 7, 8, 9, and 10, Block 1 of the Cousins Addition, 2412 Delaware Street, in the amount of$100 from Salim Makdsi, Individually and as Independent Executor of the Estate of Christine Makdsi, Deceased.) - Resolution No. 98-300 D) Approve the conveyance of property (acquired by authorization of R-98-158 on 7/7/1998 in the amount of$2,500) related to the Neighborhood Revitalization Project (Lot 10, Block 1, Bowers, Hill and Thompson Subdivision, 1890 Lela Street, to the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the construction of a new home) - Resolution No. 98-301 E) Approve a contract to furnish and install carpet and vinyl the at the Beaumont Public Library (with Orange County Building Materials, Inc. In the amount of$69,000) - Resolution No. 98-302 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Goodson 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 approving contribution rate changes for employees and retirees including their dependents who are on the City's medical and/or dental plans effective January 1, 1999 Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-303 authorizing contributions from Police and civilian employees and retirees for medical and dental coverage. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames and Davis Noes: None Minutes;11 10 W;Page 4 2. Consider approving a contract for the construction of the Chaison Street Pavement Widening Project Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 304 authorizing a contract with Excavators & Constructors, Inc. in the amount of$159,553.05. 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 3. Consider adopting the 1997 Standard Codes - Building, Plumbing and Gas Mr. Riley explained that questions have arisen regarding the Hurricane Code. The Southern Building Code Congress and the Texas Department of Insurance both establish a Hurricane Code. Rather than to apply more stringent regulations with regard to windstorm coverage, this portion is being held in abeyance until reviewed by the Code Board and referred for consideration at a later date. This adoption amends the 1994 Standard Code to adopt the 1997 Code with the exception of the windstorm hazard, which will remain the same. We will remain as a non-coastal area. Councilmember Goodson expressed appreciation for not adopting the coastal area portion of the 1997 Code at this time. He said this standard would greatly impact the homes in the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood that the City of Beaumont is trying to build. The construction costs would be increased significantly and defeat the achievement of the program. He expressed appreciation to staff for their work, and said we may not succeed with this matter since Jefferson County has been designated as a coastal community, but should persevere to avoid some excessive regulations based on Beaumont's distance from the coast. He said homes in certain ranges will be more expensive, reduce construction and the number of people able to get into homes. He said this would be detrimental to the efforts of Council and others in the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood, and recommended caution in proceeding with this matter. Mayor Moore concurred with Councilmember Goodson's comments, and said that would not only impact the homes the City of Beaumont helps build, but would impact new home building starts. He stated that this ruling is somewhat unfair, and there are areas closer to the coast than Beaumont that are not included. Mayor Moore said he hopes legislators will have an open ear when this issue is brought to them. He said that economic development could be stymied, and he does not feel this is a fair practice. Mayor Moore thanked Mr. Sonny Sherman and others who have worked to prevent this occurrence. Minutes;11 A)3/96;Page 5 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-67 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 1997 STANDARD CODES - BUILDING, PLUMBING AND GAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 4. Consider adopting the 1997 Standard Fire Prevention Cade Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-68 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE 1997 STANDARD FIRE PREVENTION CODE;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL, AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 5. Consider approving the City of Beaumont Investment Policy as amended Councilmember Davis questioned the selection and number of brokers and dealers. Finance Officer Beverly Hodges reported that Chase and Prudential are the present brokers and the Investment Policy as amended would open opportunity for regional brokers and competitiveness. Mayor Moore addressed the incumbent sale of Chase Bank, and Beverly Hodges explained that if Chase is bought, we would have to go through a recertification process for the purchaser. Councilmember Davis mentioned prudence in government investing and return on monies, and asked if there are accounts that would generate more revenue with a State recommendation. The Finance Officer explained that we participate in Tex-Pool and Logic, and said treasuries are the only other securities we purchase. She said we do not take much risk. She also stated that the potential of Chase Bank changing ownership is one of the reasons they would like to increase the approved broker/dealer bidders list. She discussed issues with the depository contract, the proprietary software from Chase, and the Fire Pension Fund. Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 98-305 accepting the City of Beaumont Investment Policy as amended. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;11 X03/36;Page 6 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 6. Consider approving the purchase of two ambulances for use in the Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS) Mr. Riley related the background of the Emergency Medical Services Division. He said that almost three years ago, the City was using three units with one of the best trained and best qualified groups in the state. Each unit has two qualified paramedics and first responses are answered by the Fire Department . Three years ago, at their request, two private units were added with the same requirements of service, equipment, personnel and charges as the City. The private units supplemented the service of the City. Currently, there is an average of 625 transports per month, with the City serving about 400. The private units have had to withdraw because of cost and lack of business for them. The City has determined it would be cost efficient to make an investment in additional personnel and equipment for a fourth unit to make up the difference. Initially, there is a reserve unit that can be fully equipped and in operation on November 15. Mr. Riley reviewed the location of the units that will remain the same on the east side of the freeway and said the fourth unit will be at Dowlen and Phelan and absorb all the runs made by the private units. In the future, a fifth unit is anticipated, and the need will be monitored. A half-unit that would operate for a 12-hour shift during peak periods might be considered. The request today is for purchase of two Frazer units that can be delivered in about 120 days. The unit in reserve will be used until delivery of the new units, and upon delivery the new units will become frontline equipment, and there will be two older units in reserve. Should all four units be occupied, there is a rollover agreement authorizing use of private units to make calls. Council discussion included definition of a half-unit, confirmation of first response dispatch by the Fire Department, private/public partnerships, the status report, receipts received by the private units, spread of costs, returns and rates, possible need for a rate increase, location of units, concern with response time, interaction of units in responding, payment of two ambulances coming from the Capital Reserve Fund, and an ongoing review of needs and looking at areas with the highest number of calls. Mayor Moore said that if a fifth unit is needed, he will be the first to help get that unit. Councilmember Davis thanked Kyle Hayes for the information furnished him after receiving calls from the South Park Neighborhood Association. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-306 authorizing purchase of two ambulances from Frazer, Inc. for a total of$182,000. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;11/13198;Page 7 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 7. Consider the naming of a neighborhood park located in the Amelia area. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-307 accepting the donation of$30,000 from the heirs of H. A. Perlstein in return for naming the new park located in the Gulf Terrace Addition in the Amelia area as "Perlstein Park." Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 8. PUBLIC HEARING: Section 108 funding request for up to $3.3 million by theNational Development Council for the renovation of the Hotel Beaumont City Manager Ray Riley reported that a previous request was made for $2 million in Section 108 funding for renovation of Hotel Beaumont and would be repaid by rents received from the occupants. Bids have been received that were considerably higher than the anticipated costs. He said that the amount could be as much as $1 '/ million more than originally estimated and meetings are being held with contractors to determine how much might be reduced without affecting the scope of the project. A need for$1.2 or $1.3 million in Section 108 funds is a possibility and not supportable from revenues from the project. He said other funds could be received through tax credit equity. To consider use of Section 108 funds, another public hearing is required. Ms. Sally Loveland is available to explain details and give a progress report. Ms. Sally Loveland reviewed the previous proposal for Section 108 funding in September in the amount of$2 million. She said the original total of the project was $6.4 million. After receiving approval for the $2 million, the project was let out for bids, and five local and regional contractors bid on the project. The original cost estimates for the project were received 2'/ years ago, and during that period of time construction costs escalated considerably. The five bids were all above the budgeted amount. They are in the process of discussing the project and think they will need an additional $1.5 million from all sources and an additional $1.3 million from Section 108 funds. The other $200,000 would come from equity in the project. Ms. Loveland explained that this is an affordable project, and they are required to keep rents at a certain level. The $1.3 million from Section 108 funds would have to be received as a grant to be repaid by the City to HUD over the 20-year period. She Minutes;11/03198;Page 8 said that if costs can be brought down at the final negotiations, the $1.3 million request would be reduced as much as possible. Ms. Loveland said she requested that only a public hearing be held today, and that a vote be held until negotiations and selection of a contractor have been made. She stated that the costs have increased from $45,000 to $56,000 per unit. That cost includes new systems in the building, new roof, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling updating. With this increase, the City's share per unit will increase from $15,000 to $22,000 per unit. The City's $15,000 share is repayable in the form of a loan, and the $7,000 is the grant portion. The public hearing was opened at 3.42 p.m. No one from the audience wished to address the Section 108 request for renovation of Hotel Beaumont. Councilmember Goodson reviewed previous claims made with prior ownership when asked to make a grant that subsidizes a facility that competes in the market place. He stated that this is an issue that should be addressed today. For the record, Councilmember Goodson asked who will be the owner of this facility. Ms. Loveland responded that the project will ultimately be owned by a limited partnership. The general partner in the limited partnership is the National Development Council, a 501-C3 non-profit corporation. She said the National Development Council has worked in these kinds of projects for about 30 years with a purpose to create and preserve affordable housing, to createand preserve jobs for low and moderate income individuals, and revitalize downtown areas. The NDC will be the owner of the project for at least 15 years according to the structure of the project. Councilmember Goodson questioned the role of the limited partner. He said the last time Council dealt with a similar situation, the issue raised pertained to giving a grant of money and private investors receiving benefit by enuring a benefit to themselves. Today, he said the question is what is the bottom line for these limited partners? He expressed concern that a windfall situation could be created by this grant, and spoke of building into the contract assurance that this would not occur. Councilmember Goodson said he is for the project, but does not want to slip back into the position Council fought out of the last time. He said that he does not want "this money, if it is a grant, is in any manner going to enure to the benefit of a private individual..." He said that he wants no appearance that an outside investor is going to come in, "swoop down and take money from this community." In structuring this project, he said he wants to be sure that questions such as who the limited partners are, their expectations of a return on their investment, the play of ownership, and avoidance of having to answer questions of public money in private companies are addressed and answered. Sally Loveland explained the role of the limited partnership in this project. She said the limited partner is the Fannie Mae American Communities Foundation created by Fannie Mae to help invest in communities for projects such as this project; ones that require layering and structuring and partnerships. She said they are a tax credit investor putting about $1.3 million cash into the project and get the right to take a tax credit against their Minutes;11103X98;Page 9 taxes at Fannie Mae. She said it is a formula approved by the Federal Government. They may take a 20% tax credit for cost of renovation, and for that credit they will contribute $1,320,000. Their return will be from 9 to 11%, and their role in the project is to provide cash equity. Ms. Loveland stated that ownership cannot be changed without City approval, and said that conditions could be placed on the grant. Councilmember Cokinos commented about second mortgages, and Ms. Loveland concurred that if the whole project should collapse for some unknown reason, the first mortgage with State Street Global Advisors in Boston would be paid first. Beaumont, as the second mortgage holder, will get whatever remains after paying State Street the first $3 million, if the building should have to be sold. Councilmember Davis questioned allocations of the total Section 108 budget of$11 million. The City Manager replied that $2 million has been committed to the Jefferson Theatre, $3 million is pending for the Crockett Street Project, and the $3.3 request for Hotel Beaumont, for a total of$8.3 million. Councilmember Davis spoke about the request from the City, and asked if the scope of the project has decreased. Ms. Loveland stated that some scope items will have to be changed, and the main change may have to be made in the heating and cooling systems. Options are being studied about the kind of requirements Southeast Texas systems need for the climate. Councilmember Davis stated that this is an excellent project, but stated that some of his concerns are the additional request for Hotel Beaumont, money available to fund other worthy projects, and possible additional costs for other programs. Councilmember Davis further discussed the amount of the grant request and limited funds. Ms. Loveland expressed appreciation for the support of the City throughout the process and restated that this project is for assisted living for the elderly, but also serves other needs. It is affordable; it is downtown; and has all of the elements that are part of community development objectives. Councilmember Ames clarified that the original $2 million request would be a loan, and the $1.3 million would be a grant repaid by the City. She questioned why the additional $1.3 million does not qualify to be repaid by rent as the original request. Ms. Loveland replied that all of the cash flow has been designated to pay the original. Councilmember Ames also addressed the original percentage of rooms that would be targeted for low to moderate income persons and asked if that had changed to 100% occupancy for low to moderate income. Ms. Loveland said that 51% have to be low to moderate income residents and 49% could be at market value. Councilmember Ames supported low to moderate income availability, but questioned bringing the 49% rates up to pay for the $1.3 million, if all the space is not to be designated for low to moderate income residents. Ms. Loveland said the current census of the building is almost 90% low to moderate income, and they don't want to change the census. She said their mission as a non-profit organization is to provide Minutes;1183/96;Page 10 housing for low to moderate incomes. Therefore, they desire not to make the charges market rate, even though they could by HUD rules. Councilmember Smith thanked Sally Loveland for sticking with the project, and said this project has several advantages over the recent new construction request. This project is part of downtown and for low and moderate income housing, and said she is not surprised with the construction cost increase. Councilmember Smith stated that she is very much in favor of the project and moving forward. Ms. Loveland told Council that she met with Mr. Riley last week and has spent a lot of time structuring and making sure the project will work. She stated that a point of realization has been reached that contractor's costs cannot be changed and is now making information available to all partners. She spoke with lenders and equity partners about the added construction costs, and said they are very supportive, understand the increase, and are not frightened and encouraged proceeding with the project. Mayor Moore stated that he is not as excited today as he was at the time of the original $2 million request. He questioned if the five contractors that bid on the project was public information, and reported that some City bids have come in less than estimated costs. Ms. Loveland said she has attempted to get the costs as tight as possible. Mayor Moore asked about the number of bidders invited to bid on the project, and Ms. Loveland said that thirteen (13) invitations were extended and five bidders responded--three local and two regional companies. She said that only five responded because work loads and schedules of the other companies would not allow any more business. Ms. Loveland did not name the bidders, but said three are very reputable and well known contractors in Beaumont. The specifications were drawn up 2 '/z years ago and bids received recently when costs have increased. She stated that she has consistently endeavored to keep costs as low as possible. Opportunity was again given for response from the audience. There being no one else desiring to speak, the public hearing was closed at 4:10 p.m. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Davis asked Staff to check on a tree trimming problem at 2375 Corley, and asked the City Manager to check on the application of an elderly resident, Mrs. Rosa Doyle, 880 Concord, regarding an emergency rehabilitation loan request. Councilmember Davis told the City Manager he would like to confer with him about information he will be receiving that was submitted to Johnny Beatty's office, and spoke about concerns of the Cable Street, Northend, and some Charlton-Pollard residents relative to drug dealing. He said there is Minutes;11 X)3/98;Page 11 difficulty dealing with nickel and dime street drug dealers in the Bigner, Magnolia and Plum Street areas. He said their biggest problems in Ward 111 are with the nickel and dime drug dealers and absentee landlords. Councilmember Davis said progress has been made, but asked that agressive action be taken in the high crime areas, and on behalf of the citizens of the Northend, Cable Street, and Charlton-Pollard areas thanked the Police Department for their efforts and assistance. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson announced that the first annual Tribute to Success Gala fundraiser will be held Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Harvest Club. The funds raised will be for the L. L. Melton YMCA. Former United Nations Ambassador and the mayor of Atlanta, Mr. Andrew Young was scheduled to be the featured speaker, but because plans progessed faster than anticipated for a trip to Africa, his brother, Dr. Walter Young, will be the keynote speaker. The Youngs are relatives of the late Dr. L. L. Melton. Another guest will be Dr. Thomas Freeman, former debate and speech coach for the late Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson extended an invitation to everyone to attend the event. In addition, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson said residents in the community and some members of Council will be honored. Mayor Moore thanked Council, members of BISD, the City Manager and Superintendent of Schools for an excellent cooperative meeting last night to review successes of the past four years and plans for the future. He congratulated Councilmember Goodson for his service on the Texas Municipal League's Board of Directors and his high level of representation for our community. Mayor Moore thanked Triump Church and everyone that sponsored the Women of Destiny program held this past Saturday at the Civic Center. He said it was one of the most touching events he has ever attended, and said there was empowerment and teaching and helping women realize their potential. They held workshops, gave makeovers, and supplied clothing to some. Mayor Moore again thanked those responsible for extending the encouragement and direction to about 500 women. Mayor Moore thanked the Drug Free Task Force for the parade that began at City Hall. He said many young people participated and thanked the volunteers that made the event a success. Also, Mayor Moore commented about the spirit of Southeast Texas that exists among area cities. On a recent trip to San Antonio a mistake was made with late arrival hotel reservations for Mayor Moore, and a member of the City Council of Vidor volunteered to give him the use of his room. He expressed appreciation for their immediate concern and response. Also, Mayor Moore added his comments that when negative behavior occurs, it stimulates activity in other areas. He said that negative behavior is active on Blanchette, Columbia, and Continental Streets and the surrounding area and asked that patrol units survey that area. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) (Mayor Moore left the Council Chambers) Minutes;11/0 M;Page 12 Mrs. Roma Roberts, representing the Cable Street Neighborhood Association, voiced her concern about ambulance service, but expressed her trust in Councilmember Davis's decision. She informed Council that the Reverend Selvey is working with her in the neighborhood association. Mr. Bill Proctor, 4340 West Ridge, addressed Council regarding minimum and maximum response times of ambulances, and the City Manager answered that national standards like to have everything under 10 minutes, and the City's average now is under minutes. Mr. Riley further addressed the quality of service after the ambulance arrives. (Mayor Moore returned.) Mr. Charles Johnson, 5080 Helbig, apologized for the tone in which he spoke the last time he addressed Council and thanked them for the difference they are making in the lives of children by participating in activities such as Girl Scout ceremonies. Mrs. Jane Hebert, 295 North Parkway Drive, thanked Mayor Moore and Mayor Pro Tem Patterson for making her 50th anniversary so special, expressed her concern for EMS service and related incidents of successful life-saving efforts. Mrs. Kathryn Wiggington, president of the South Park Neighborhood Association, questioned if the Lamar Theatre restoration program is being monitored. She reported that she has seen no rehabilitation activity occurring. Mayor Moore said he will remain silent on that issue until January. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Andre Jones v. the City of Beaumont Charles Austin et al v. City of Beaumont Joe Fontenot et al v. City of Beaumont et al Claim of Elijah Ricky Jason Potential legal action against nine delinquent debtors under the Small business Revolving Loan Program: Carolann B. Gauthier/dba Automotive Shop on Wheels William Lee Beckett, Sr. /dba Beck's Package Store Arthur Steve Harris /dba Ebony Leader Joseph A. Jones / dba Sole Proprietorship Floyd Dixon, Sr. - Noxid, Inc. / dba Key West 86 Minutes;11A7 W;Page 13 Marilyn Dartest / dba Extended Family Walter Phillips / dba Phillips' Heavy Construction Lester Clayton Thomas /dba Thomas Garage & Wrecker Service Paul W. Veal / dba Veal Construction There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 4:30 p.m. to reconvene in executive session. 1 Mayor David W. Moore Barbara Liming, Deputy City ClAdrk Minutes;1110319B;Page 14