The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMIN OCT 1 2002 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L.Smith, Mayor Pro Tern EVELYN M. LORD, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson / October 1,2002 Audwin Samuel ✓ Lane Nichols, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Susan Henderson, City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on October 1, 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 1:30 p.m. Reverend Blackwell of South Park Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Becky Ames led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson. Also, present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Susan Henderson, City Clerk; and Tina Broussard, Admin. Assistant City Clerk's Office. * Proclamations and Presentations - * Emergency Nurses Week - Presented by Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Accepted by Henry Murphy. * Disability Awareness Month - Presented by Mayor Evelyn Lord Accepted by Pat Buehrle, Chairman of the Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities, and Kathie Hughes, Staff Liaison. * Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled Agenda items 2-6 or Consent Agenda.** ** Agenda item #1 was withdrawn from the agenda. Paul Perritt - who resides at 3194 James Town, Beaumont, TX, and who is also a Beaumont Police Officer, requested a delay from Council voting on Agenda Item #2. Yvonne Sutherlin, Chairman of the Jefferson County Historical Commission,who resides at 2048 Oak Avenue, Port Arthur,TX, presented a Statewide Plan created by the Texas Historical Commission called "Preserving Our Heritage" for the City of Beaumont to possibly adopt. Consent Agenda • Approval of Minutes - Minutes of September 24, 2002 (with corrections being made) • Confirmation of Committee Appointments: Ann Heidtke-Poynor would be reappointed to the Library Commission. The term will expire August 31, 2004. (Councilmember Andrew Cokinos). Dohn LaBiche would be reappointed to the Planning Commission. The term will expire September 9, 2005. (Councilmember Guy Goodson). Larry Grantham would be reappointed to the Airport Advisory Committee. The term would commence October 1, 2002 and expire September 30, 2004. (Councilmember Becky Ames). Resolution No. 02-223. • Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Form ROW U-43, the Three Party Utility Agreement for the Huntsman Petrochemical Company, on the FM 364 Major Drive Improvement Project. Resolution No. 02-224. • Approve a resolution authorizing the acceptance of a 112.5 square foot Water Line Easement across property owned by Habitat for Humanity, Inc. Resolution No. 02-225. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda with corrections being made to the September 24, 2002 minutes. Corrections were made to the Agenda Item No. 3 and Agenda Item No. 8. The corrections are listed below: Agenda Item 3: Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a parking lot in a GC-MD- 2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District on property located on W. Lucas, behind Novrozsky's Restaurant subject to the installation of a stormwater collection system and that the landscaping along W. Lucas meet ordinance requirements. Agenda Item 8: Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 02-078 finding certain structures to be public nuisances and ordering their demolition and/or repair with the exception of No. 3, 11, and 17 begin given a 120 day extension to enter a work order and No. 25, being given only a 30 day extension to sale property or bring premises up to standard code as long as structure was immediately secured. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None Minutes -October 1,2002 Page 2 GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Removed from the Agenda 2. Consider approval of an one year contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for third party administration of the City's self funded Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)medical plan, self funded dental plan and a fully insured Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with HMO Blue Texas City Manager Kyle Hayes addressed comments made by Officer Paul Perritt. The City Manager stated that no negotiation or consultation had occurred with any employee groups relating to this agenda item, as this action would not negate existing police or fire fighter contracts. A lengthy work session was held last week with Council and those present detailing the proposed changes. Kyle Hayes explained the City currently has contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Mr. Hayes reiterated that he and City staff had held been working extensively with McGriff, Siebels and Williams,of Dallas,Texas, who negotiates on the City's behalf. Blue Cross offered the most cost effective plans because of their network, provider discount,ability to retain continuity of insurance and the lack of other extensive provider networks in the area, approval is recommended and desired immediately in order that changes be in affect by January 1, 2003. Councilmember Cokinos asked Officer Perritt if the City Manager's explanation answered his and other police officers' concern. Officer Perritt stated he was not sure since he knew about this agenda item was what he'd read in the newspaper. Officer Perritt voiced other concerns about the built in cost factor, the possible increase to deductibles, as well as the out of pocket expenses that were quoted in the paper as 150%, which is roughly $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 a year and $500.00 to a $1,000.00 a year. He expressed his concern that this plan was not comparable to what the contract requires and that a search will have to be done to find a administrator for the third plan, that will meet the requirements of the contract. Councilmember Cokinos asked Officer Perritt if more time was needed to look over the insurance plan. City Manager Kyle Hayes stated that it was not required that the police or fire departments review or negotiate this plan. City Manager stated that he and the City Attorney Lane Nichols had researched the issue to insure it would meet contract obligations. He reiterated again that insurance plans or changes are not sent out to unions, City employees or to the police or fire departments, for input or review. Councilmember Goodson wanted confirmation from City Attorney Lane Nichols that the contract had been reviewed thoroughly to guarantee this agenda item would meet the obligations of the plan. City Attorney Lane Nichols stated the contract calls for a 80/20 plan, besides other required deductibles and maximums. He knew the maximums could be raised up to $12.00 per month. Lane Nichols suggested that the police officers review this plan with the union. Minutes -October 1,2002 Page 3 Mayor Lord proposed that when the other business would be completed on the agenda, that a five minute recess be taken in order that Officer Perritt, City Manager Kyle Hayes and City Attorney Lane Nichols be allowed this time to meet for discussion and then return to Council session so action could be taken.** ** This item was revisited after all other business was handled. Following a five minute recess, all parties involved returned to session. City Attorney Lane Nichols stated he felt comfortable with what the City is doing. Officer Paul Perritt requested to obtain a copy of the proposed changes so that he may review it with the police officer's union. He further stated that should any problems arise, he would readdress Council and the City Manager in a future meeting. Mayor Lord asked if Council could move forward with Item #2. Mr. Nichols stated yes. Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-226 for a one year contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED Ayes: Mayor Lord, Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None Councilmember Cokinos Abstained. 3. Consider approval to continue the contract with Eckerd Health Services for the City's prescription drug plan with a modified plan design. As prescription drug costs continue to rise,the City faces a challenge in providing the same level of drug benefits as in previous years without incurring substantial cost increases. For 2002, City drug costs are estimated to be $1.9 million which is a 21% increase. Industry trends predict drug costs to increase 27% in FY 2003. Based on the recommended plan design changes, the estimated annual plan savings is $299,661 for the prescription drug plan with a modified plan design effective January 1, 2003 Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-227 with Eckerd Health Services for the City's prescription drug plan. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED Ayes: Mayor Lord, Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None 4. Consider a request to enact a new ordinance to provide for increased prior and current service annuities of 70% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all retirees and beneficiaries of deceased retirees of the City who retired through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) to become effective January 1, 2003. Minutes -October 1,2002 Page 4 TMRS allows for cities to grant an increase (when the cost of living increases) to protect retiree benefits from the effects of inflation. Based on the Beaumont Police Association Labor Agreement dated October 1, 2000 -September 30, 2003, the City agreed to a 70% CPI increase to annuitants effective January 1, 2003. Those employees who retired on before December 31, 2001 will be eligible to receive the January 2003 (COLA) the City last adopted an increase in TMRS retiree benefits in FY 2000 at a 30% rate as agreed to in the Beaumont Police Officers Labor agreement. This is a cost to the City in the amount $240,000 which is budgeted. Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 02-079. 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 5. Consider authorizing contribution rate changes for retirees in the medical plans, medical contribution rate changes for retirees including there dependents will be effective January 1, 2003 retirees and there dependents are to elect continuation of medical coverage as provided by state statue. The retiree/dependent may continue coverage until the retiree/dependent is covered by Medicare/Medicaid but not beyond age 65. Currently, there are 170 retirees on the City's medical plan. The retiree contribution rate for Police and Fire retirees is based on a provision in the Police and Fire contract agreements which states, "Any employee who retired on or after February 1, 1992 may be subject to an annual increase in contribution. The increase will be affected in accordance with the labor agreement. The single rate will be established at 69%; single rate +1 at 58%; and the family rate at 54% of the COBRA (Consolidate Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) rate on January 1St annually." This same formula is utilized when calculating the contribution rate for civilian retirees. Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 02-228. Councilmember Ames seconded. MOTION PASSED Ayes: Mayor Lord, Pro Tern Smith, Councilmember Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None 6. Consider approval of a two year contract for long term disability insurance, the administration recommends that the long term disability contract be awarded to the current carrier Prudential Financial for two years effective January 1, 2003. Prudential will provide the same level of long term disability benefits that are currently in effect and the long term disability cost remain the same for the employees. The long term disability is an employee paid benefit offered to police and civilian employees with approximately 58% of eligible employees participating, this benefit will provide the employee with up to 60% of his/her salary when disabled for a period in access of ninety (90) days. Minutes -October 1,2002 Page 5 Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve the Resolution No. 02-229. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None COMMENTS • Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Patterson - None Councilmember Samuel - None Councilmember Ames - None Councilmember Cokinos - None Councilmember Goodson - None Mayor Pro Tern Smith - None City Manager Kyle Hayes-Received an e-mail from Johnny Beatty, Grants Administrator of the Community Development Block Grant Program for the City of Beaumont, who has been on active military duty since September 11, 2001. Mr. Beatty has been assigned to an additional year of military duty. Mr. Beatty asked Council and City staff to keep him in prayers and relayed greetings to Council and City staff. Mayor Evelyn Lord-Discussed the meetings that have been held regarding Hurricane Lili. Asked the public to listen to the evening news and morning news of October 2, 2002 for any pertinent information. Mayor Lord also asked the citizens of Beaumont to heed any order for evacuation that may be issued. • Public Comment ( Persons are limited to three (3) minutes ) Citizens making public comments included: Frank Keifer, who resides at 3190 Willowood Beaumont, TX Thanked Councilmember Cokinos for information regarding the alternate fuel used for the City buses. Mr. Keifer proposed that the City form a core team of 25 retired police officers to monitor traffic light intersections Minutes -October 1,2002 Page 6 Leroy Lewis, who resides at 7866 Gladys Street, Beaumont, TX Mr. Lewis stated that flooding had occurred on Washington Blvd, 7th and Broadway and 4th & Calder streets, from the last heavy rains to the City of Beaumont. Mr. Lewis also proposed to Council that a street user fee may be helpful to boost revenue. Mr. Lewis also expressed a concern that Wal-Mart could be used in the South Park area. Allen Lee, who resides at 5995 Maddox, Beaumont, TX Mr. Lee requested that Mayor Lord remove the word `Handicap' from a Proclamation presented at today's meeting and change to ' Disabled'. Mr. Lee informed Council about a news conference to be held on Carroll St. regarding the Power Plant, as well as voter tips in reference to the November 5th elections. Rev. Dean Tucker, who resides at 2570 Laurel Avenue, Beaumont, TX Discussed the U.S. House Committee on the United Nations in regards to the possible call to war in the Middle East. Al Price, who resides at 3395 Eleanor, Beaumont, TX Mr. Price voiced his concern about the secured positions of mobile homes located at Cardinal Dr. and Sarah Street in the event Hurricane Lili hit Beaumont. He wanted to make sure security measures would be taken that these mobile homes would not become `flying torpedoes' when winds would reach dangerous gusts. Mr. Price stated that he, and other citizens lived within a block or two where the mobile homes are located. Audio and video tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's Office. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m. ` --A Evel4ML , M ayor IVL44 Susan Henderson, City Clerk Minutes -October 1,2002 Page 7