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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 14 2002 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith, Mayor Pro Tem EVELYN M. LORD, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson May 14, 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 14,2002,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 Evelyn Lord called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. City of Beaumont Interim Grants Administrator and Associate Ministerof Light Company Ministries,Janett Blunt,gave the invocation. Councilmember Cokinos led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern 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. Presentations and Recognitions Two proclamations were issued: "National Nursing Home Week" - May 12-19, 2002; and "Hurricane Awareness Week" - May 19-25, 2002. Schlesinger Geriatric Center Community Relations Director, Ms. Kristin Beale, expressed appreciation of Council's continued support and extended invitations to visit the facility. Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Micky Bertrand announced Hurricane Season officially begins June 1,and continues through November30,and the months of August,September, and October are historically the active months for hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region. Fire Chief Bertrand explained hurricanes are natures most severe storms,and a striking hurricane creates four major hazards,storm surge, high winds,tornados,and heavy rains. He acknowledged the best time to make hurricane preparations is now, and requested citizens to be ready to evacuate when advised by local officials and have emergency supplies available. Police Sergeant and Emergency Management Assistant Coordinator R. J. Smith extended invitations to the Annual Hurricane Conference,Wednesday,8:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.atthe Montagne Center. Sergeant Smith announced the event will be hosted by the National Weather Service, Jefferson County Emergency Management, and local emergency management organizations. A Rotary Exchange Group from Venezuela was recognized, and special guests, Group Leader, Adalberto Marquez,EugenioT.Lascaris Torres,Oliver J. Cardenas Gomez,and Ivan Alejo Garcia were presented with keys to the City. Mayor Lord recognized Councilmembers Smith and Ames as active members of the Rotary Exchange Program and Mr. Lee Freeland of the Rotary. Group Leader Adalberto Marquez extended appreciation for the kindness and the knowledge received, and stated being impressed with the management of the City. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Fire Museum of Texas President,Ms.Allison Golias, 1510 Belvedere,addressed Council on behalf of the Fire Museum of Texas Board of Directors to request consideration in naming the downtown property(400 Walnut Street)as the C.A. "Pete"Shelton Plaza. Ms. Golias acknowledged retired Fire Chief Shelton as an integral part of the Fire Department for many years and for being instrumental in the relocation of the Texas Fire Museum to Beaumont. She stated renaming the location will honor retired Fire Chief Shelton for his tireless efforts and selfless devotion to all residents of our area, and recognize his desire to help others throughout Texas. Fire Museum of Texas Executive Director, Ms.Susan Lanning,520 Dowlen Road,#54,addressed Council to discuss a unique opportunity to honor an individual who has been indispensable in the creation of one of the best and most recognized fire museums in the County. Ms. Lanning acknowledged retired Fire Chief Shelton for acquiring the museum's collection of fire apparatus, photographs,and memorabilia of which the museum has been recognized bythe State Firemen and Fire Marshall Association as the State Fire Museum of Texas. She requested Council consideration in naming the complex the "C. A. (Pete) Shelton Plaza. Fire Chief Micky Bertrand,6975 Killarney Drive,addressed Council to recognize Retired Fire Chief Shelton as a majorforce in establishing the Fire Museum and discussed Mr. Shelton's careerwith the Beaumont Fire Department. Speaking on behalf of the Beaumont Firefighters, the Museum Board of Directors, the Fire Chief stated it is a honor to request consideration in officially naming the downtown Fire Department property as the "C. A. (Pete) Shelton Plaza." Representing the Beaumont Professional Firefighters, Fire Captain Tommy May,addressed Council for consideration in naming the property after retired Fire Chief Shelton. He disclosed it was Firefighter Allen Bouillion's idea to name the plaza after retired Fire Chief Shelton,and stated the Museum Board of Directors have been very supportive. Fire Captain May stated the Firefighters recommended retired Fire Chief Shelton be honored in this fashion, because he is well respected and is recognized throughout Texas for his many achievements. Approval of minutes - May 7, 2002 Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made. A) Authorize eminent domain proceedings to acquire Parcel 16 (from property owner, A.M. Phelan, l l I, 0.300 acre out of Tract 8, H.T.&B. RR. ,for an appraised value of$4,125)of the Major Drive Improvement Project - Resolution No. 02-107 Minutes - May 14,2002 Page 2 B) Authorize the granting of a License to Encroach into the City's sixty(60)foot Concord Road Right of Way to Jerry Brown (for property located at 1195 Grand Avenue and described as being Tract 12, Plat X, of the J. McFaddin Surrey,Abstract 165)-Resolution No.02-108 Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Council member Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Conduct an election of Mayor Pro Tempore On a MOTION made by Mayor Pro Tern Goodson,Councilmember Smith was elected to fill the Mayor Pro Tempore position for a one year term. Council member Ames seconded the motion. MOTIONED PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None 2. Consider declaring the City property occupied by Beaumont Fire/Rescue Services, 400 Walnut Street, as the "C.A. (Pete) Shelton Plaza" CouncilmemberCokinos moved to approve Resolution No.02-109. Mayor Pro Tern Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None 3. Consider approving a contract for the replacement of the pedestrian ramp at the Police Station Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-110 awarding a contract to Mason Construction, LTD. in the amount of $29,680.Council member Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None Minutes - May 14,2002 Page 3 COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Samuel extended appreciation to staff for their prompt response concerning McLean Park and voiced concerns with setting precedence of responding to park complaints by allowing removal of items simply because someone feels it is not appropriate. He discussed the appropriateness of addressing the situation by removing basketball goals,other parks with similar noise complaints, and receiving calls from parents whose children did not have the opportunity to play in the park. Councilmember Samuel requested direction concerning the issue and also extended appreciation to staff for transit shelter report. Mayor Pro Tern Smith discussed having problems with McLean Park forovertifteen years,people creating noise at early morning hours,and parents with small children feeling unsafe. She reported having no knowledge of why the decision was made to remove the basketball goals and there are other parks with similar problems. Mayor Lord requested a police response record to discuss the matterfurther in a work session and commented that all parks should be treated equitably. City Manager Bonczek reported it is normal procedure to remove the basketball goals forthirty days and there is opportunity to review the matter and talk with neighbors for additional information. Council member Ames extended appreciation to Council for presenting the Venezuela visitors with keys to the City, discussed Mayor Pro Tern Smith and her involvement with the Rotary Group Exchange program, and reported the visitors are enjoying their visit to Beaumont. Councilmember Cokinos complimented the Police Department for holding a memorial and prayer service honoring National Law Enforcement Memorial Week,and stated the military style ceremony included a flag hoist and twenty-one gun salute. Councilmember Samuel acknowledged the Historic Landmark Commission and Ms. Rose Sprott- Swain,for their designation of property purchased in 1913 by Mr. Ed Sprott,Sr. He commented Mr. Sprott was the first African-American postal worker and landowner in Beaumont,Mr.Sprott and his wife, Myrtle, raised nine children in the two bedroom home, located at 2398 Roberts, and three of their children became physicians and founded the Sprott Hospital, located at 2390 Cartwright. Mayor Lord added the hospital was also designed as a historical landmark and acknowledged the Sprott family for their contributions. Council member Patterson mentioned Sprott Park was named in honor of Dr. Ed Sprott. Councilmember Goodson spoke of the opportunity to recognize a true City leader and friend, Mr. Pete Shelton,who continues to serve in many capacities,and brought it to fore the innerworkings between staff and one of the many boards and commissions to achieve goals promptly. He suggested an examination of the usage of the City's boards and commissions to determine needs for continuance ordissolution,or mission changes,and explained many are extremely active while others have languished into non-use. Councilmember Goodson stated the Planning and Zoning Commission would be discussing information relative to the sign ordinance at the June, Joint Public Hearing and would appreciate discussion afterthe meeting. He spoke of the sign ordinance affecting the Crockett Street downtown business district,a discord concerning signage,and the night club,"Antone's,"intention of using a chaser light similar to the one used at the Jefferson Theater. Relating to the park discussion, Councilmember Goodson suggested the Parks Advisory Board review utilization of the park facilities, and spoke of citizens being disappointed with the types of activities that go on. He proposed better policing,changing configurations, locking the facilities at night, and enacting limitations for improved utilization of the parks. Councilmember Goodson encouraged attendance of the grand reopening of the Miller Library, 2:00 p.m., Thursday. Mayor Pro Tern Smith reporting having problems at Klein,Wuthering Heights,McLean and Ida Reed Parks,with drug dealing and illicit activities,and supported reviewing the police records. She spoke of a discussion with Ms. Regina Rogers,who stated being amenable to the decision of the Parks Advisory Board for improved park utilization. Mayor Lord stated agreement in conducting a work session to review the security,the activities,and the usage of the parks,and spoke of park facilities enhancing a city's appearance and being used as intended. Mayor Lord reported having a very busy first week learning about problems and challenges she will be facing,and expressed pleasure with the cooperation,warmth,and help she has received. She spoke of giving a speech in Woodville, appreciated the beautiful drive and hospitality, and announced the city of Woodville also has a lady mayor. Mayor Lord spoke of attending the National Law Enforcement Memorial service,and believed the group gathered appropriately to honorthe men and women who serve the City and have given the highest price possible to be of service to the citizens. The Mayor mentioned attending a CAG (Community Action Group)meeting at Equistar. City Manager's Report - New Texas Veterans Homes, Miller Library Grand Opening, Neighbors in the Park and Law Enforcement City Manager Bonczek reported the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced plans to build two veterans homes in Texas, and requested analyzing various sites for consideration to compete for the project. The City Manager announced the Neighbor's in the Park events will be held from 3:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m., at Rogers Park, May 19; Sprott Park, June 9;Alice Keith Park , June 23; and Central Park, June 30. Mr. Bonczek presented Budget Summit dates and the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) for Council consideration. Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Mr. Frank Kiefer,3190 Willowood,addressed Council concerning taxes,renovations to the Crockett Street Entertainment District costing$1.5 Million, and the$2.5 Million budget shortfall. Mr. Kiefer spoke of the Jefferson County Tax Appraiser raising property appraisals and new development bringing in added revenues to reduce the shortfall. He spoke in opposition of closing the Fair Park, and requested Council to be fiscally responsible,cut non-essential positions, require department heads to live within the City,and reinstate the maximum$1,500 per year Councilmember allowance. Beaumont Police Officer Carmen Apple, addressed Council to extend appreciation for their attendance of the Law Enforcement Memorial Service this morning, and believed the importance of the service is giving honor,not only the officers who have lost their lives last year,but also to the family members for their ultimate sacrifice. Police Officer Apple announced the Beaumont Police Department's participation in the "Click it or Ticket" campaign, which is an educational and preventive measure to increase the use of seat belts,and the Safe Communities of Southeast Texas is hosting a free child safety seat checkup Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Super Walmart. She reported 97% of all child passenger safety seats are used incorrectly. Minutes - May 14,2002 Page 5 EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Debra Edwards v. City of Beaumont There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m. Evelyn M. Lor , Mayor Lolita Ramos, Interi City Clerk Minutes - May 14,2002 Page 6