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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APR 02 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 April 2,2002 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 April 2,2002,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 1:33 p.m. The Rabbi Barbara Messinger of the Temple Emanuel, 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, City Clerk Administrative Assistant. Presentations and Recognitions Three proclamations were issued: "Beaumont Scottish Tartan Day"-April 6, 2002; and "Child Abuse Prevention Month"and"Sexual Assault Awareness Month"-April,2002. After a performance of traditional Scottish bagpipe music, Chieftain John Scott spoke on behalf of the Scottish Society of South East Texas,the Lone Star Pipe Band,and the millions of Scottish-Americans across the Country,to extend appreciation, and presented Council with Scottish shortbread cookies. Mayor Moore recognized the Scottish group, and commented on the critical importance of emphasizing diversitywithin the community and the sharing of cultures. The 16 agencies representing the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition included: Beaumont Advisory Commission for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Beaumont Police Department: Family Violence Task Force;Boys Haven;Buckner Children&Family Services of SE Texas; CASA of Southeast Texas; Catholic Diocese of Beaumont: Criminal Justice Ministry; Child Abuse and Forensic Services; Drug Free Beaumont; Garth House, Mickey Mchaffey Children's Advocacy Program; Girls Haven; Healthy Families and Women & Children's Shelter; Jefferson County DA's Office: Victim's Assistance Center; Legal Investigations:Jefferson County Family Pride Council;Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of SE Texas, Inc.; Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services. A short video concerning child abuse and neglect was shown by Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Program Administrator Ranny Voight. Buckner Children & Family Services of SE Texas Administrator Michelle Harris spoke on behalf of the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition members, and extended appreciation for recognizing the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. Ms. Harris highlighted several community awareness events, a Life Share Blood Drive benefitting child abuse victims on April 11 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse, and a Crime Victims Candlelight Vigil on April 25 at 6:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Jury Impaneling Room. Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of SE Texas, Inc. Executive Director Ms. Cheryl Williams announced asexual assault seminar on April 24 for professionals who serve sexual assault survivors, requested interested volunteers to contact 832-6530, or www.rapesuicide.ora. Council extended their appreciation and the Mayor stressed the importance of community awareness and volunteerism. Clean Community Coordinator Mack Mitchell discussed the"Adopt-A-Street Program"and acknowledged Calvary Baptist Church, Our Mother of Mercy Church and School, West Tabernacle Baptist Church, and Blessed Sacrament Church, for signing Adopt-A-Street agreements and participating in the Paint-A-Thon on April 13. Mayor Moore extended congratulations to Clean Community Coordinator Mack Mitchell forexerting momentum into the program and expressed stated his pleasure with youth participation. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 3-5 No one wished to address the scheduled agenda items. Consent Agenda Approval of minutes - March 26, 2002 Confirmation of committee appointments - Reappointments: Eddie Williams, Transit Advisory Committee, a term expiring January 3, 2004; Bill Faucett, Library Commission, a term expiring January 17,2004;and Myra Clay, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, a term expiring October 12, 2004 - Resolution No. 02-068 A) Approve a contract(with Sparkle Sign Company in the amount of$37,000)forfumishing and installing two combination neon and light signs at the entrance of the Crockett Street Entertainment District - Resolution No. 02-069 B) Approve a resolution dedicating resources to support the bid forthe 2005 Joint Institute and Trade Show of the Texas Recreation & Parks Society (TRAPS) and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department - Resolution No. 02-070 C) Approve the release of a security (Cusip No. 31364CA32,FNMA, 7.33%, Due 04/02/07, Current and Market Value $1 M) as collateral for City Accounts - Resolution No. 02-071 Minutes April 2,2002 Page 2 D) Approve a resolution to write-off uncollectible delinquent accounts for demolition charges (totaling $16,072.66) - Resolution No. 02-072 E) Approve a contract(with Beaumont Products and Services, Inc.at a rate of$11.85 per hour, per person) for arterial litter removal - Resolution No. 02-073 F) Authorize the acquisition of property(from Marie Hubbard for$1,500)described as Lot 6 of the Amelia Smith Subdivision for the Charlton Pollard Parksite - Resolution No. 02-074 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Ames 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 a request fora specific use permitforthe renting and leasing of heavy construction equipment with the associated storage,repair and maintenance of said equipment at the rear of 1680 W. Florida Councilmember Patterson moved to approve Ordinance No. 02-023 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE RENTING AND LEASING OF HEAVY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT WITH THE ASSOCIATED STORAGE,REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF SAID EQUIPMENT IN A GC-MD(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT LOCATED AT THE REAR OF 1680 W. FLORIDA IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS with the inclusion of the rear 200' of property. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider a request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling- Highest Density)to GC-MD-2(General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2)District and a specific use permit to allow a towing office and vehicle storage facility at 1575 S. Major City Manager Bonczek discussed concerns expressed by adjacent neighbors to the storage and towing operation,which included environmental impacts of noise,rodents,and drainage, and detrimental effects to property values. The City Manager spoke in support of the approval of the zoning change to GC-MD-2 and denial of the specific use permit,and stated the operation would not be a reflection of Council's strategic direction to revitalize neighborhoods. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No.02-024 ENTITLEDAN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS,AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THEZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, Minutes April 2,2002 Page 3 TEXAS,BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLYZONED RM-H(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) TO GC-MD-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1575 S. MAJOR, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Councilmember Ames moved to deny an ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A TOWING OFFICE AND VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITY IN A GC-MD-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2)DISTRICT LOCATED AT 1575 S. MAJOR IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION DENIED Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Mayor Pro Tern Goodson commented he hoped the applicant's efforts were not dissuaded, and acknowledged Mr. Roundtree forworking with Council by showing good faith to bring his business into compliance. He stated concerns with the zoning ordinance lacking better planning for permits impacting surrounding neighborhoods,and suggested narrowing SIC codes allowed under GC-MD-2 to become compatible with existing neighborhood development. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson mentioned the building boom recently reported in the media and being mindful of impacting surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Bonczek suggested an alternative utilized by other cities requiring a neighborhood compatibility meeting conducted by the applicant attheirtime,effort,and expense, priorto planning commission review. 3. Consider a request for approval of an agreement between the City of Beaumont and Jefferson County as to the regulation of subdivisions in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction(ETJ) (Mayor Moore left the Council Chambers during the reading of Item Number 3 at 2:17 p.m. and did not return to the meeting.) Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-075. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider authorizing the City Managerto sign an agreement with the Firefighters'Local 399 to amend Article XI of the Firefighters' Labor Agreement relating to sick leave Minutes April 2,2002 Page 4 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No.02-076.CouncilmemberAmes seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 5. Consider approving a resolution supporting the Southeast Texas Regional Airport Small Community Air Service Development Pilot Program CouncilmemberCokinos moved to approve Resolution No.02-077.CouncilmemberAmes seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 6. Consider conducting a workshop to review the 2002 Public Services/Public Facilities and Improvements Applications along with Administration and CDAC recommendations, and make allocations for the Public Services line item of the 2002 Action Plan,thereby adopting the Final 2002 Action Plan of the Consolidated Block Grant Program In response to Council inquiry, Housing Coordinator Richard Chappell reported the vast majority of funds are expended during the Spring/Summer construction season which explains the remaining balance of the 2001 minor repairs line item. In regards to the remaining 2001 budget allocation of$100,000 for replacement housing,Mr.Chappell related the Housing Department has recently contracted its first replacement house with plans to complete two,and the results would be evaluated before requesting any additional funding. Council discussed Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) and Staff proposed recommendations forfunding allocations to public services,otherfunding sources from prior years,and individual line items as detailed in Exhibits"A"and"B." Council agreed the public service organizations presented are all worthy projects,acknowledged difficulty in deliberating the allocations,and expressed appreciation to the CDAC and Staff fortheirtime and efforts in making the recommendations. Interim Grants Administrator Janett Blunt reported being instructed by HUD.to change the classification of Habitat For Humanityto public services,and noted in prioryears it had been funded as a housing item. Ms. Blunt stated all applications are verified for HUD eligibility and HUD requires at least 51%of the total persons served are of low to moderate income. For the record, Council Patterson requested Council consideration in funding Oyotex Management/Beaumont Community Learning Center/Public Services (Number 24). Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Economic Development Director Kyle Hayes stated the criteria used to determine funding included: $100,000 for public services, no request more than$20,000,previous requests forfunding and the numberof times requested,bricks and mortar, and is the organization providing a match. Minutes April 2,2002 Page 5 Councilmember Ames moved to approve $225,800 to the Consolidated Block Grant Program,and reprogram funds from the Edwards Park public services line item to the Oyotex Management/Beaumont Community Learning Center/Public Services Resolution No.02- 078. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Patterson extended invitations to attend an Annual Block Party,Saturday, April 6, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at South Park Middle School, the first Crime Stoppers meeting at Ozen High School,next Monday,from 11:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m.,and urged citizens to vote in the upcoming primary runoff election, April 9. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson announced the Annual Relay for Life,a fund raiserforthe American Cancer Society, will have two days of activities beginning the first Saturday in April at the Beaumont Youth Soccer Fields. Executive Assistant to the City Manager/Economic Development Director acknowledged the CDAC for their public service allocation recommendations. * City Manager's Report-2001/2002 Broadway Theatrical Series; 2002-2011 Long-Range Financial Forecast; 2001 PAFR; 2002 Budget Summit City Manager Bonczek discussed the second year of 2001/2002 Broadway Series at the Julie Rogers Theater, and announced one show remaining,Annie Get Your Gun,April 14. The City Manager reported being approached by the Theatre League of Louisiana to conduct the 2002/2003 series, including an exciting lineup of Cats, Saturday Night Fever and impersonator Rich Little. Mr. Bonczek stated the 2002-2011 long range financial plan,the capital improvement program,and critical issues facing the fiscal year2003 budget process, will be considered during the budget summit to be held May 14, Noon, at the Tyrrell Park Garden Center. Based upon the Comprehensive Annual Finance Report(CAFR),the City Manager reported the Popular Annual Finance Report (PAFR) is available, and acknowledged Fiscal Assistant Carol Wilson for a great summary and for capturing the Crockett Street development. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Mr.Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa, addressed Council concerning Ordinance 30-28(f), signs prohibited in public right-of-ways,complaints made in Municipal Court,budgetary shortfalls, ethics, and alleged City Charter violations. Minutes April 2,2002 Page 6 Ms. Rachel Lewis, 1855 North Street, addressed Council regarding community needs for strong leadership, positive role models,honesty,values,and high morals. Ms. Lewis spoke of alleged bribery, and mail fraud and laundering, and plead for restoration of faith in City leaders. She challenged citizens to become involved in making crucial election decisions. Mr. Leroy Lewis, 1855 North Street,addressed Council to extend appreciation to the Ozen School Choir for representing Beaumont in Washington, D.C., and commented on various community subjects. Mr. Robert Storms,4925 Concord, executive director of the Housing Authority, addressed Council to express his desire and intent to restore credibility and accountability to the Beaumont Housing Authority. Mr.Storms pledged to reestablish relationships with Council and Staff, acknowledged the Housing Authority as a valuable asset to restore community housing needs, and extended Council an invitation to attend a viewing of restoration atthe Concord Homes, 2020 Cottonwood, Friday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, addressed Council to acknowledge Council member Andrew Cokinos for 16 years of service as a Councilmember-At-Large,and for only missing one Council meeting. EXECUTIVE SESSION * Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Rates of Entergy/Gulf States, Inc. Vaughn Stephen Ayres, Jr. v. City of Beaumont, et al City of Beaumont v. Ralph D. Hodges, Jr. * Consider matters related to employment, evaluation and duties of a public officer or employee in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code: City Clerk There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m. - ni Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tem Lolit Ramos, Interi City Clerk Minutes April 2,2002 Page 7 PROPOSED REVISIONS - 2002 HUD CONSOLIDATED GRANT PROGRAM 2002 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) Preliminary HOUSING _ Budget_ Minor Repair $ 385,000 Funds will be used to repair approximately 25 homes at$15,000 per house. Acquisition 100,000 Funds will be used to purchase approximately 20 lots at$5,000 per lot. Interim Assistance 145,000 Funds will be used for site preparation, including infrastructure. CLEARANCE AND DEMOLITION 442,600 Clearance and Demolition Activities Funds will be used to demolish approximately 150 unsafe residential structures and specified commercial structures. Funds will also be used for project delivery costs. Downtown Clearance 55,000 Funds will be used for downton clearance/cleanup of debris and maintenance. PUBLIC FACILITY & IMPROVEMENT Section 108 530,000 Hotel Beaumont(Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Crockett Street(Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Jefferson Theater(Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Theodore R.Johns,Jr. Libray(Section 108 payment)- new construction L L Melton YMCA (Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Project delivery costs 2,000 PUBLIC SERVICES Public Services Organizations 133,200 Funds will be used for administrative and operating costs for various public services organizations. CBDO Activities 92,600 Funds will be used for the housing and economic development activities of Community-Based Development Organizations. Activities include home-buyer counseling, project delivery and salaries for CBDOs. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUILD, Inc. 50,000 Funds will be used to assist with the administration of the Main Street Downtown Development Program. ADMINISTRATION 451,600 Funds will be used for personnel and operating expenses necessary for compliance with the planning, execution, and regulatory requirements of the HUD Consolidated Grant Program. TOTAL CDBG 2,387,000 PROGRAM INCOME Small Business Loan Fund 170,000 Historic Preservation Loan Fund 20,000 Clearance and Demolition 10,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED PROGRAM INCOME 200,000 HOME 833,400 Funds will be used to assist a non-profit housing development organization with the development of approximately 30 new single family homes. Funds will also be used to assist low/moderate income families with the closing costs, mortgage buy downs, and down payments needed to purchase homes. HOME Administration 92,600 Funds will be used for personnel and operating expenses necessary for compliance with the planning, execution, and regulatory requirements of the HUD HOME Program. TOTAL HOME 926,000 EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (ESG) 83,000 Funds will be used to provide shelter and essential services for the homeless population. TOTAL ESG 83,000 TOTAL 2002 PRELIMINARY BUDGET $ 3,596,000 Proposed revisions to the Preliminary Budget adopted by City Council on 02/1212002 EXHIBIT "A" 2002 CONSOLIDATED BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS Public Services/Emergency Shelter Line Item Recommendations REVISED"1.,7W2 Public Services Requests I Alzheimer's Association 9,317.00 7,687.00 9,483..00 see note#1 2 Art Museum of Southeast Texas 162,000.00 3 Art Studio 20,000.00 16,500.00 4 Beaumont Community Players 20,000.00 16,500.00 5 Beaumont Habitat For Humanity/Infrastructure 70.000.00 6 Beaumont Housing Authority 20,000.00 7 Beaumont Metropolitan YMCA/L L Melton YMCA 35,000-00 16500.00 8 Beaumont Police Activities League 20,000.00 9 Best Years Center 20,000-00 16,500.00 3,000.00 10 Boys Haven of America,Inc. 18,807.77 15,516.00 14,600.00 11 Camp Fire USA 8,025.00 6,621.00 12 Dunbar Elementary School/Pub Svcx 13,175.00 13 Dunbar Elementary School/Pub Fac&lmp 6,825.00 14 Family Services of Southeast Texas 20,000.00 16,500.00 15 Gateway Senior Housing 15,000.00 16 Girl's Haven,Inc. 14,065.65 11,604.00 7 Golden Wheels of Beaumont 8,000.00 ---- 8,000.00 18 HOW Center 4,350.00 3,589.00 4,350.00 19 IEA-Inspire,Encourage,Achieve 19,537.50 16,118.00 19,500.00 20 Lean On Me,Inc. 20,000.00 15,000.00 see note#1 21 Martin Elementary School I Public Svcs 4,994.71 __4,121.00 22 Martin Elementary School I Public Fac.&Impr. 14,095.26 11,629.00 23 Nutrition&Services for Seniors 16,250.00 .13,406.00 16,250.00 24 Oyotex Mgmt1Bmt Comm Learn Ctr/Pub Svcs 4,000.00 25 Oyotex Mgmt[Bmt Comm Learn Ctr/Pub Fac&Imp 16,000.00 26 Salvation Army-Horne Sweet Home 15,000.00 -- - 27 Schlesinger Healthcare Centers 20,000.00 16,500.00 10,000.00 28 Southeast Texas Family Resource Center 12,500.00 10,313.00 12,500.00 29 Spindletop MHMR 20,000.00 30 Young Women's Christian Association 7,000.00 5,775.00 5,000.00 TOTAL PUBLIC SERVICES 653,942.89 205,379.00 117,693.00 see noted Public Services funded m the Preffffdnary Budget adopted on 0211217002 31 CBDO Activities 92,600.00 92,600.00 92,600.00 92,600.00 2 Habitat For Humanity 60.000.00 60,000.00 40,000.00 see note#2 --- -- TOTAL PUBLIC SERVICES I PRELIMINARY BUDGET 152,600.00 132,600.00 GRAND TOTAL PUBLIC SERVICES 357,979.00 260,283.00 Percentage of CDBG Entitlement 15.0% 9.5% Emergency Shelter Requests 31 Salvation Army,The 65,000.00 61,308.00 60,000.00 32 Some Other PLwWI-Ienry's Place 23,000.00 211,692.00 23,000.00 TOTAL EMERGENCY SHELTER $8,000.00 83,000.00 93,000.00 Notes: I The Administration's recommendations include reprogrammable funds of $19,700 from the 1999 Sr-Multi-Family Housing line item and$4,783 from the 2001 Anayat House fine Rem. The Administration recommends reallocating these funds to Lean on Me at$15,000,and the Attmikner's Association at$9,483. 2 The Administration recommends amending the 2002 Preliminary Budget,adopted by Council on 2/12/2002,to reflect funding for Habitat For Humanity at$40,000 instead of$60,000. The resulting$20,000 would be applied to the Administration One item. Recap of public services recommendations: 2002 Pub Svcs Allocation 133,200-00 Reprogram-prior years 24,483.00 157,683.00 2002 CBDO Activities 92,600.00 250,283.00 EXHIBIT "Bly