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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAR 19 2002 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tem Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson March 19,2002 Audwin Samuel Lane Nichols, City Attorney Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager Lolita Ramos, Interim City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont,Texas,met in a regular session on March 19,2002,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 1:38 p.m. The Reverend Jason Scisco, Co-Pastor of the Apostolic Church of Beaumont,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, and Patterson. Councilmember Samuel arrived at 1:44 p.m.Also, present were Stephen J. Bonczek,City Manager;Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Lolita Ramos, Interim City Clerk; and Terri Hanks, City Clerk Administrative Assistant. Presentations and Recognitions Three Proclamations were issued:"Inhalant&Poisons Awareness Week"-March 17-23, 2002;"Absolutely Incredible Kid Day"-March 21,2002;and a proclamation recognizing Neighborhood Services Senior Code Enforcement Officer Lois Balka for receiving Code Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Code Enforcement Association of Texas. (Council member Samuel arrived in Council Chambers at 1:44 p.m.during the beginning of the second proclamation.) Mayor Moore acknowledged and extended appreciation to Ms. Lois Balka for her accomplishment, and stated her job is related to the overall image and appearance of the community. Clean Community DirectorJohn Labrie stated Ms. Balka was selected from 50 nominations and Demolition Supervisor Pam Loiacano was one of the four finalist. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-4 No one wished to address the scheduled agenda items. Consent Agenda Approval of minutes - March 5, 2002 Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made. A) Approve a one-year contract(with Kahn Chemical -Aluminum Sulfate at$114.50 per ton; Pennco, Inc. - Fluorosilicic Acid at$145 per ton; Southern Ionics, Inc. -Aqua Ammonia at $330 per ton;ALTIVIA Corp. - Liquid Chlorine at$236.46 per ton; and Shannon Chemical Corp. - Phosphate at $1,700 per ton) for the purchase of water treatment chemicals - Resolution No. 02-055 B) Authorize the City Manager to convey properties (Lots 5 and 6, Block 6 of the Silver City Addition-2065 and 2085 011ie Street and Lots 1 A and 2A, Block 6 of the Silver City Addition - 3710 and 3720 Broussard Street )to the Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization, Inc. - Resolution No. 02-056 C) Accept the Delaware Street Extension improvements (from existing Dowlen Road approximately 296 feet west to the end of roadway and also the Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvements within the Delaware Street Extension right-of-way)for City maintenance - Resolution No. 02-057 D) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Form ROW U-43, the Three Party Utility Agreement forAlon Petroleum Pipe Line Company related to the FM 364 Major Drive(from Humble Road to 1-10) Improvement Project - Resolution No. 02-058 E) Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Beaumont Association for Senior Citizens(BASC)for space allocation at the Best Years Center-Resolution No.02-059 F) Authorize the City Managerto execute an agreement with the Young Men's Business League (YMBL) for use of an office building at Fair Park - Resolution No. 02-060 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider adopting a resolution authorizing an investigation into the electric rates of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. - ITEM DEFERRED 2. Consider readopting the City of Beaumont's Tax Abatement Policy and Philosophy Statement for Tax Abatement and Program for Financial Incentives Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No.02-061. Council member Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes March 19,2002 Page 2 3. Consider an amendment to the tax exemption for the "Coale Building" at 461-469 Bowie Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-062 amending the tax exemption to include Lot 335, Block 51, Beaumont Addition. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider conducting a public hearing/workshop to review the 2002 Public Services/Public Facilities and Improvements Applications,and receive comments on the public services line item of the 2002 Action Plan of the Consolidated Block Grant Program The Mayor spoke of a numberof meetings throughout the community,citizen input conceming the consolidated block grant process, requested amount being ten times greater than the amount allocated, and Council's policy of allocating $100,000 for public services. For the record, Mayor Moore,voiced support in favor of increasing the allocation amount bytwo,and commented on the critical needs of public service and the importance of allocating funds. Based on the number and types of applications received, the Mayor requested Council consideration in doubling the allocation amount this year. Mayor Moore acknowledged the intent of funding is to create different avenues for people, challenge creativity, and insure equal distribution of funding for targeted areas. The public hearing opened at 1:58 p.m. Ms. Colleen Grimes, Ms. Laurie Gratham, and Ms. Karina Kirk, representatives for the Alzheimer's Association, addressed Council to express appreciation for the Advisory Committee's recommendation, and discussed a facility enlargement project. Ms. Grimes spoke of offering free services to persons effected by Alzheimer's disease, the disease being indiscriminate, 10%of persons over 65 having the disease, and estimated there are 3,400 people affected by the disease in Beaumont. Ms. Lynn Huckaby, representative of the Best Years Center,distributed a building diagram and addressed Council to discuss the Best Years Center serving between 2,000 to 2,800 patrons per month with leisure and recreational programs. Ms. Huckaby requested Council consideration for external lighting for patron and staff security, two heaters, an extended security system, cabinets, and counter tops. Ms. Elaine Shellenberger, representative for Nutrition & Services for Seniors, addressed Council to discuss statistics of the number of people over 60,the number of meals served, and the sacrifices endured by senior citizens. Ms.Shellenberger requested assistance for kitchen renovations to prepare meals for seniors. Ms.Alice Ramsey, addressed Council in support of the Alzheimer's Association and other senior programs, and spoke of her own personal experiences with the various groups. Mr. Leroy Lewis 111, addressed Council in support of the Best Years Center and suggested having a security guard until the new lighting and security systems are complete. Minutes March 19,2002 Page 3 Mr. Jonathan Williams, music teacher at Martin Elementary School, addressed Council to extend appreciation for past support,and acknowledged the program success.Mr.Williams addressed concerns related to the school district receiving funding and publically stated the school district receives funding for only basic education. Ms. Shay Swift, assistant administrator for Girl's Haven, addressed Council to announce receiving a donation of the Beaumont Professional Men's Club building. Ms.Swift requested consideration of funding for maintenance tools to defer maintenance costs. Ms. Roxanne Gautreaux, on behalf of the Salvation Army and Captain Louis Reckline, addressed Council to request consideration of funding in the amount of$15,000 for a work therapy program,and she spoke of the Salvation Army celebrating its 100 year anniversary whose goal is to extend lives from basic survival to a flourishing existence. Ms. Regina Rogers, executive director of IEA - Inspire, Encourage, Achieve, addressed Council for consideration in providing funding to purchase a van. Ms. Rogers explained the IEA program is designed to rehabilitate children who are in detention or on probation by providing positive life skills training and substance abuse counseling. Mr. Rob Clark, president of the board of directors for the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, addressed Council for consideration of funding to re-roof the building,and discussed leaks causing problems with coordinating events and exhibitions. Mr.Andy Gardner,assistant curator of education with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, addressed Council to speak of the children's educational programs and reaching children throughout the entire community. Ms. Kristin Beale, representative for Schlesinger Heathcare Centers, addressed Council requesting a$20,000 grant to provide a second phase of an Alzheimer and dementia center. Ms.Beale said the original facility is full,with a waiting list. Expansion plans include a garden area. Mr.Owen Davillier,Jr.,program director forthe HOW Center,addressed Council to request funds for a copier to be used for grant preparations. Ms. Janet Walker and Ms. Candie Anderson, representatives from Family Services of Southeast Texas,addressed Council concerning a requestof funds for transitional housing. Ms.Walker and Ms.Anderson said funds will be used to renovate a large donated facility to provide shelter services and transitional housing for battered women and children. They invited Council to tour the facility. Ms. Donna Williams,on behalf of Lean On Me, Inc.,addressed Council to discuss funding for building renovations, roof replacement, and electrical wiring. Ms. Rita Ashley,volunteer executive director for Southeast Texas Family Resource Center, addressed Council to request$12,500 forone-half the cost of medical examining room which can be used to qualify for other medical grants, and would allow the expansion of medical services to the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood. Minutes March 19,2002 Page 4 Mr. Greg Busceme, representative of the Art Studio,addressed Council to request funding for the development of anew facility. Said the project is part of the downtown revitalization and the industrial district, and the programs help youth at risk with musical and theater productions. Mr. William Lee, 4685 Ford, president of the board of directors of the Family Services of Southeast Texas, addressed Council to speak on behalf of efforts of Family Services, and extended appreciation forfavorable consideration of the grant request to provide emergency shelter and transitional housing. Ms.Sherry Runyan and Ms. Rosalyn Cobbold,representative and substance abuse program administrator for Spindletop MHMR,addressed Council to request$20,000 for initiation of new programs to provide treatment services to address substance abuse and mental health. Ms. Barbara Knight,representing the Beaumont Community Players,addressed Council to withdraw their application this year and extended appreciation for consideration. Ms.Paula O'Neal,representing Some Other Place,addressed Council to request emergency shelter grants to assist the homeless. Ms. O'Neal spoke of Council's generosity in funding Henry's Place through the emergency shelterfunds,which have resulted in some successes in helping people get off the streets. Mayor Moore complimented Ms. O'Neal for her successful accomplishments. The public hearing closed at 2:33 p.m. COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tern Goodson commented the tax abatement policy is aggressive and favorable for industries using the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's voluntary clean up program. He noted concern with the requirement of the creation often new jobs being a disincentive,and requested comparison of other cities using similar creative tax abatements. Mayor Moore extended congratulations and recognized local athletic teams for well played basketball games, and encouraged support of the Westbrook soccer team. The Mayor requested a meeting to discuss issues concerning new development in Ward IV. City Manager's Report - Water Production Projects; Neighborhood Code Enforcement; Landfill Construction Status; Emergency Medical Services; Convention Facilities; Fire Department Staffing; Sales Tax Update City Manager Bonczek discussed extensive paramedic recruitment, water system improvements,neighborhood code enforcement,landfill construction,and convention events. Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Minutes March 19,2002 Page 5 Mr.William Lee,4685 Ford Street, addressed Council to extend appreciation for deferring agenda item one to ensure further discussion and consideration before action. Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, addressed Council to extend an invitation to attend a College Corridor meeting today at 6:00 p.m. at the Fletcher Elementary School. Mr. Leroy Lewis III, (address not given) addressed Council to report a fire hydrant out of service at Seventh and North, and discussed various community subjects. Mr.Mark Williford,Westgate Drive,addressed Council as president ofthe SoutheastTexas Council on Family Values to announce the desire to restore faith in city government, and requested City Council exercise leadership by creating an ethic commission that promotes open government and revise the sexually orientated business ordinance. Mr. George Diamantis, (address not given),addressed Council concerning not receiving a response for a business application to process utility payments. Mr. Cleveland Nisby, (address not given), addressed Council to speak on behalf of Mr. Diamantis. Mr. Nesbitt spoke of Mr. Diamantis'business investment at Franklin and Avenue C, a cage specially designed to receive utility payments, and being approved by two other utility service companies. The City Manager will investigate the business application. Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa,addressed Council to comment on local news,enforcement of laws, legal advise, and open records requests. EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Claim of Marie Hubbard Vaughn Stephen Ayres, Jr. v. City of Beaumont, et al There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:52 p.m. r 1 David W. Moore, Mayor Lolit6 Ramos, Inter City Clerk Minutes March 19,2002 Page 6