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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 07 2002 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith EVELYN M. LORD, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tem Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson May 7,2002 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 May 7,2002,at the City Hall Council Chambers,801 Main Street, Beaumont,Texas,at 1:30 p.m.to considerthe 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 Reverend Harland Merriam, Pastor of Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, 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; Lolita Ramos, Interim City Clerk; and Terri Hanks, City Clerk Administrative Assistant. ELECTION CERTIFICATION - MAYOR AND TWO COUNCILMEMBERS-AT-LARGE Ms.Carolyn Howard began the election certification proceeding,while stirring patriotism within the hearts of the audience, with the singing of the National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner." Consider approval of an ordinance canvassing the results of the May 4, 2002 City General Election, and if necessary, a Mayoral Runoff Election for May 18, 2002 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No.02-032 ENTITLEDAN ORDINANCE CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT ON THE 4TH DAY OF MAY,2002, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A MAYOR AND TWO COUNCILMEMBERS- AT-LARGE;AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Former Mayor David Moore, with over eighteen years of service as Mayor and Councilmember, stated difficulty in expressing his thoughts, because of the inability to capsule the years in a few moments. Mr. Moore extended appreciation to the citizens of Beaumont, Council, Management Staff, Executive Office Secretaries, Field Personnel, and his family, for their support in making a difference in the community. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity in serving the City of Beaumont. Councilmember Smith extended appreciation to Former Mayor Moore for being a part of her life for almost sixteen years and for performing good deeds for the City, and wished him well. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson spoke of being privileged in serving with both David Moore and Mayor Evelyn Lord, and described Mr. Moore as being an integral part of Council and being zealous as Councilmember and Mayor. He commented that David Moore is known as a champion of many causes,manywhich encompass issues far beyond the City of Beaumont,and is known on statewide and nationwide levels. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson commended David Moore and wished he and his family the very best. Councilmember Cokinos commended both David Moore and Evelyn Lord for conducting a good election campaign, and commented Mr. Moore has been a guiding light to the City. Councilmember Ames commented on serving the past eight years with David Moore as Mayor, believed he made a big difference in the quality of life for many citizens, acknowledged his many years of service, and wished he and his family the very best. Councilmember Samuel acknowledged David Moore for dedicating manyyearsof his life to public service, and commended him for being a man with integrity, honesty, and truth. He extended appreciation for his service given to the City and for the opportunity of observing him represent Beaumont. Councilmember Samuel spoke of Mr. Moore's work,everyone's understanding of the man he is, and thanked him for being his friend. Councilmember Patterson commended David Moore for being the best ambassador of the City at local, state, and national levels, and for serving the City well. She spoke of pride in his representation,a privilege in serving with him,and learning a tremendous amount of knowledge from him. Councilmember Patterson stated Mr. Moore is talented, intelligent, a man of integrity and honesty, and will be missed. She hoped to continue to be friends. City Attomey Lane Nichols spoke of the eighteen years he and David Moore have worked together, mentioned the difficult times faced by Council, and acknowledged him with pride for service as Councilmember of Ward IV and as Mayor of the City. City Manager Stephen Bonczek spoke of the privilege of knowing David Moore for three years, acknowledged Mr. Moore as a experienced, caring, and compassionate Mayor, and hoped there would be opportunities for him to continue serving the community. Administration of the oath of office Attorney at Law and Public Notary Benny Hughes,Jr. individually administered the oaths of office to Mayor Evelyn M. Lord, Councilmember-At-Large Becky Ames, and Councilmember-At-Large Andrew P. Cokinos. Newly appointed Mayor of Beaumont, Evelyn M. Lord, extended appreciation to Dr. Harland Merriam,and her good friend, Benny Hughes. She also extended appreciation to David Moore for his many years of service to the City, and spoke of observing him mature as a politician and as a statesman. The Mayor acknowledged him for being an excellent ambassadorand forthe progress Minutes - May 7,2002 Page 2 he has made in the City. She directed her granddaughter Emma,from California, and grandson Chris, from Ohio, to present bouquets of roses to David Moore's wife and mother. Mayor Lord thanked the audience for their attendance,and extended invitations fora reception honoring Former Mayor David Moore,Tuesday,May 21,between 5:00 p.m.and 7:00 p.m.at the Civic Center Lobby. Newly appointed Councilmember-At-Large Becky Ames extended appreciation to the citizens who casttheirvote in herfavor,spoke of it being a privilege and a honorserving Council forthe past eight years, and believed a tremendous amount of progress has been made. Councilmember Ames commented she is looking forward to serving two more years because there are many items she would like to complete. Foremost,she thanked the citizens of Beaumont and expressed enjoyment in serving a City she deeply cares about. Councilmember Ames acknowledged her husband, Rodney Ames,and friends,who worked so diligently on her campaign. She looks forward to the next two years and serving with Mayor Lord. Newly appointed Councilmember-At-Large Andrew P. Cokinos extended his congratulations to Mayor Evelyn M.Lord and Councilmember-At-Large Becky Ames,and expressed pleasure in being re-elected. Councilmember Cokinos extended appreciation to the citizens of Beaumont. He acknowledged his brother in the audience, Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Cokinos. Mayor Lord expressed pleasure in having family members present,and stated it certainly is one of the values that David Moore and her have in common and they both appreciate what family means. She stated herfamily is fairly large,this is the first time that all of them have been together in years, and was honored that they came from California, Ohio, Kentucky, and Fruitvale and Beaumont, Texas to be with her today. Mayor Evelyn Lord introduced her husband of fifty-four years,Sam Lord, and their four sons and one daughter and their families. She decided in an effort to save the City money,she will not have a new picture taken of herself,and said the twelve year old picture will do very well. Mayor Lord requested acceptance with her sincerest appreciation, extended appreciation to the audience fortheir presence in participating in the small ritual symbolic of what makes this Country great,and added it is a peaceful transition of one administration to anotherand it is veryAmerican. She expressed deep appreciation to those who supported herwith monetary contributions, moral boosting sessions, in-kind contributions, and volunteer hours. Mayor Lord also expressed appreciation to those who supported other candidates for their essential participation in the democratic process,and stated without this participation,ourform of peaceful governance could not exist. Mayor Lord expressed fondness in saying democracy is not a spectators sport,agreed it is not,and said we have participated and that is great. To every citizen, in every neighborhood in this City,she pledged her effort,her energy,and her enthusiasm toward contributing and continuing the progress that has been made in many areas and towards increasing the involvement of Beaumonters in their local government. Mayor Lord promised her caring attention to the problems that are brought to Council and her thoughtful consideration of the issues that confront Council. She acknowledged the fact that the Mayor is only one City Councilmember,and without working as a team,they could not do their best. Mayor Lord affirmed every member of Council loves this City and promised to do their very best to serve the citizens. The Mayor stated many of you are blessed to be Beaumonters by birth,while her and her husband, Sam, came by whim of fate,and now are Beau monters by choice, and they feel keenly to a necessity to be of service. Minutes - May 7,2002 Page 3 Mayor Lord said, over the years one of things she has done whenever she finds a saying in a magazine ora newspaperthat moves her,she cuts it out and puts it underthe glass top of herdesk. And she finds that these sayings hold truth for her. The Mayor quoted Marion Wright Edelman,`That service is the rent you pay for living, it is the very purpose of life. It is not something you do in your spare time,or when your own goals have been reached." Mayor Lord also quoted Albert Schweitzer "One thing I know,the only one amongst you who will be truly happy are those that will have sought and found a way to be of service." She stated It would be personally satisfying to her if she could come up with nice things like that. Mayor Lord acknowledged she cannot, because so many of these people have said things much betterthan her, hence all of those little pieces of paper under herdesk. Mayor Lord stated she will let Abraham Lincoln speak for her,a saying repeated in every graduating class of Leadership Beaumont,which has turned out many leaders in the City.She quoted Abraham Lincoln"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives and I like to see him live and serve in it so his place can be proud of him." The newly appointed Mayor promised to do her best to make the citizens proud of their City,and the hundreds of people who serve it in so many capacities,and requested cooperation in matters of mutual concern and prayers for the days and months ahead. When Evelyn Lord was sworn in as Mayor in 1990,one of her most precious memories was the fact that her friend, Mr. Fred Simon, sang her favorite song, "America the Beautiful"of which he again sang for the newly elected Mayor. Mayor Evelyn Lord expressed sincere appreciation to both Ms.Carolyn Howard and Mr.Fred Simon forsinging,announced a short recess for refreshments in the lobby,and thereafter continue with the regular business session. RECONVENE MEETING OPENING Presentations and Recognitions Two proclamations were issued: "National Tourism Week"- May 4—May 12, 2002; and "National Transportation Week" - May 6-12, 2002. " Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Ms. Janet Walker, representative of Family Services, addressed Council to extend appreciation for consideration in receiving HOME funds, spoke of plans to renovate their facility to provide seventeen apartments for transitional housing for homeless women and children trying to escape domestic violence. Ms.Walker acknowledged receiving$50,000 in CDBG funds for architectural and engineering services which have completed the construction documents,having raised 25%of the funding,and with the assurance of HOME funds, they can return to the Major Texas Foundation for the balance of the funding to complete the project. She stated Beaumont will have a resource to help families live violence free and become productive citizens. Mr.Jude Paradez, 10620 Gage Road,addressed Council concerning Agenda Item Number 3,suggested giving the funds to the families instead of the agency helping the families,and wished a successful two years to Mayor Evelyn Lord. Minutes - May 7,2002 Page 4 Consent Agenda Approval of minutes - April 30, 2002 Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made. A) Authorize eminent domain proceedings to acquire property out of the David Brown Survey (City Plat D, Tract 29, 2163 Saint Anthony Street, from owner, Ernest D. Nichols for an appraised value of$2,800)forthe proposed Charlton Pollard Park- Resolution No.02-102 B) Authorize the City Managerto execute Change Orders No.2(decreasing the contract amount by $103,345) and No. 3 (increased the contract amount to $28,094)to the contract (with Allco, Inc.)for rehabilitation and conversion of the wastewater digester system-Resolution No. 02-103 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider the purchase of 16 refuse and trash trucks for the Clean Community Department CouncilmemberCokinos moved to approve Resolution No.02-104 awarding the purchase through Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) in the amount of $1,858,790 which includes a trade in value of $360,000. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None 2. Consider nominating Goodyear Tire&Rubber Company as an"Enterprise Project"pursuant to the Texas Enterprise Zone Act Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No.02-105. Council member Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None Minutes - May 7,2002 Page 5 3. Consider approval of a conditional commitment for a contract between the City of Beaumont and Family Services of Southeast Texas, Inc. in an amount up to$350,000 using funds from the 2001 HOME Grant Program to provide rehabilitation construction cost assistance to a 17-unit transitional housing facility. Councilmember Smith confirmed the$350,000 fund amountwill serve as half of the costs and is a commitment match, and spoke in favor of the project. Councilmember Patterson reaffirmed the$350,000 is contingent upon Family Services of Southeast Texas, Inc., raising the balance of the $1.6 Million project with a deadline of November 30,2002. For the record,she also supported the project, however, had several concerns.Councilmember Patterson stated the group was awarded$50,000 from last year's CDBG funds, and in lieu of the $350,000, requested Council consideration in allotting $300,000 in funding. She stated the City is providing up to 34%of the actual rehabilitation construction costs with exclusion of developers fee, and felt the developers fee was an excessive amount. Councilmember Patterson acknowledged CHDO's developers fee average 5%or 6%,which are substantially less,and appreciated the reduction of the original amount. She recommended allotting $300,000 in HOME funds, substantiated the HOME funds are needed to build single family homes, and emphasized the soaring costs of demolition and rehabilitation to revitalize the City. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson commented when the initial project was brought forward, Family Services was open to advising Council on their anticipated funding sources, and Staff presented the idea of a CDBG allocation with non-committal of HOME funds. He shared Councilmember Patterson's concerns with the developers fee,and thought the developers fee forthis type of project is probably not unreasonable. However, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson agreed the required 10% construction contingency is fairly large, and suggested not reviewing a project at the beginning where the absence of these funds might deny project viability, but discuss the possible use or reuse of monies that are unnecessary at the back end,or if a contingency is not required to be entirely used in the project. He acknowledged some risks and rewards, and suggested creativity between Family Services and Staff to ensure funds are used appropriately. Councilmember Patterson moved to approve a resolution approving a conditional commitmentfor a contract between the City of Beaumont and Family Services of Southeast Texas, Inc. in an amount up to$300,000 using funds from the 2001 HOME Grant Program to provide rehabilitation construction cost assistance to a 17-unit transitional housing facility. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION FAILED Ayes: Councilmembers Samuel, and Patterson Nays: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmember Smith, Cokinos, and Ames Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Resolution No.02-106 as originally presented with a direction to Staff to work with Family Services of Southeast Texas, Inc.to review the appropriate use of the contingency funding on the completion of the project to perhaps accomplish the goal of Councilmember Patterson. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes - May 7,2002 Page 6 Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Nays: Councilmember Patterson COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tem Goodson extended congratulations to Neches River King Mickey Shuffield, to all the organizers and the participants involved in another successful Neches River Festival and to the Neches River Queen, the lovely Ms. Dominique Marroquin. He also extended congratulations to Mr. Penland, Mr. Umphrey, Mr. Flanagan, for the beginning of a great venue,the downtown Crockett Street Entertainment District,and acknowledged the privilege of attending a grand opening. Lastly, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson extended congratulations to Lamar University and to the City of Beaumont for conducting a very important fire school at the Fire Training Center. He spoke of the fire school's attendance including both municipal and industrial firefighters from various areas of the United States and the fire school is obtaining the reputation as one of the preeminent fire schools in this Country. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson stated the fire school provides unique facilities for difficult industrial fire hazard training,and expressed pleasure in having over200 firefighters select Beaumont for their fire fighting training. Councilmember Ames acknowledged the many weekend activities, and stated the Boy's Haven Crawfish Festival and the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs were very successful in raising contributions. She congratulated Mayor Evelyn Lord for her election and Councilmember-At-Large Andrew Cokinos for his re-election. Councilmember Samuel requested a report concerning the removal of basketball goals at McLean Park. Mayor Lord expressed gratitude forthe courtesies to everyone concerned in the transition. City Manager's Report - FY2002 Budget Summit; Strategic Action Plan 2002 Quarterly Status Report; Terrorism Drill City Manager Bonczek reported completion of the Strategic Action Plan 2002 Quarterly Status Report, and the Budget Summit is scheduled for next Tuesday to discuss strategic budget issues and major impacts. The City Manager spoke of meeting with the Financial Improvement Team to go over issues and receiving feedback from business leaders concerning the projected$2.1 Million deficit. Mr.Bonczek acknowledged his family enjoying the Y.M.B.L. rodeo this weekend. Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Mr.Benny Mendoza,5655 South Kenneth,addressed Council to extend congratulations to Mayor Evelyn Lord and Councilmembers Becky Ames and Andrew Cokinos on their Minutes - May 7,2002 Page 7 elections. Mr. Mendoza stated he is a representative of Christi Ray Catholic Church, a memberof the College Street Corridor,board member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and a member of LULAC (League of the United Latin American Citizens) Council 4594,whose President,Ms.Judy Byrd,represents all of the Hispanics of Beaumont, Texas. He offered his assistance in working with Council. Ms. Dorothy Evans,2825 Arthur Lane,addressed Council to extend congratulations to newly appointed Mayor Evelyn Lord,and reported being an active volunteeratthe Literacy Depot. Ms. Evans discussed public transportation needs for youth job opportunities. Mr.Leroy Lewis, 1855 North,addressed Council to extend congratulations to all candidates, spoke of working together and supporting the Police Department,and requested additional public transportation and a larger park for the Fletcher area. Mr.William Johnson, 1045 Madison,addressed Council to extend congratulations to Mayor Lord and the elected Councilmembers and mentioned being a retired longshoreman with the Port of Beaumontwith 30 years of service. Mr.Johnson reported being in an traffic accident and having difficulties with the Police Department. Ms. Paubla Ydrogo,3035 French Road,Apartment 109,addressed Council concerning the lack of sidewalks in her area and reported being stopped by a police officer for riding her bike in the street. Based on Ms. Ydrogo's statements, Mayor Lord confirmed the police officerwas in possible error,and requested herto report any similar incidentto the Executive Office. Mr. Roberto Flores,2425 Buchanan,addressed Council to congratulate Mayor Lord and the two Councilmembers-At-Large on their election. As president of the LULAC Council 4410, he announced the organization sponsored the 17th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Fletcher Mini Park in the Avenues area. At the celebration, Mr. Flores reported initiation of a petition to rename Fletcher Mini Park to Caesar Chavez to stand as a symbol for the presence of the growing Hispanic community. EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Vaughn Stephen Ayres, Jr. v. City of Beaumont, et al There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:37 p.m. Evelyn M. Lor Mayor olit Ramos, InterA City Clerk Minutes - May 7,2002 Page 8