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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 04 2003 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 February 4,2003 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 February 4, 2003, 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, Recognition and Proclamations * Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items * Consent Agenda Mayor Evelyn Lord called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Rayfield Walker, Pastor of West Tabernacle Baptist Church, led the invocation. Amber Broussard and Paul Buxie, students of Ozen High School, led the pledge of allegiance. Roll call was made by Susan Henderson, City Clerk. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Lord, 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, Deputy Clerk. Mayor Pro Tern Smith arrived at the meeting at 1:36 p.m. Proclamations, Presentations and Recognitions • A Proclamation was read by Councilmember Becky Ames for National School Counseling Week, accepted by Charlotte Wills and counselors from every elementary and high school in the City of Beaumont. • West Tabernacle Baptist Church, represented by the church's Trustee Board, presented the City of Beaumont with a check for$778.00 for the Martin Luther King Monument to be located along the Martin Luther King Parkway. The check represented partial payment of a $5000.00 pledge made by West Tabernacle Baptist Church for this project. Head Trustee Walter Simpson presented the check to Mayor Lord. • Mayor Lord recognized two Ozen High School students,Amber Broussard and Paul Buxie, who participated in the kick off day of Job Shadowing Day, sponsored by Junior Achievement and its partner,PowerZone. JuniorAchievement liaison,Lorrie Hayes, explained that job shadowing was designed to give kids an opportunity to job shadow an adult during their daily lives. Power Zone liason, David Rodriquez explained that Power Zone is a youth development center,located within Texas Workforce, for young adults between the ages of 14 to 21. Amber Broussard spent Tuesday, February 4, 2003 with Mayor Lord,job shadowing a day as the Mayor of Beaumont. Paul Buxie spent the day with Channel 12 reporter, Jancey Sheats, job shadowing a day as a news reporter. Mayor Lord announced that the last tape of the Public Session held on Tuesday, January 28, 2003 will be played Wednesday, February 5, 2003, at the end of the telecast of City Council Meeting for Tuesday, February 4, 2003. Mayor Lord stated the final tape did not air due to technical difficulty. Public Comment: Persons may speak on items listed on the Consent Agenda or on any General Business item. None CONSENT AGENDA Approval of minutes - Minutes of January 28, 2003 Confirmation of committee appointments A) Approve expenditures for repairs to an ambulance module and installing the module on a new chassis - Resolution No. 03-031 B) Authorize a release of weed liens against property described as Lot 1 thru 18, Block 9, Oakwood Addition (Habitat Park)- Resolution No. 03-032 C) Authorize the acceptance of a six foot (6') wide water line easement out of the Pelham Humphrey League, Abstract 32, and across the Jefferson Triangle Marine property - Resolution No. 03-033 D) Approve a six (6) month contract for the purchase of liquid chlorine - Resolution No. 03-034 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None Minutes -February 4,2003 Page 2 GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a contract for Sanitary Sewer System Improvements (East Lucas Interceptor Rehabilitation) Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution 03-035 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for the Sanitary Sewer System East Lucas Interceptor Rehabilitation. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmember Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None Mayor Lord announced that at the close of the regular scheduled Council meeting, Council would reconvene in the executive office for Executive Session to consider the following: EXECUTIVE SESSION • 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 Manager The regular City Council meeting was recessed at 1:49 p.m. Mayor Lord opened the Public Hearing for the 2003 Action Plan of the Consolidated Block Grant Program at 1:50 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING: 2003 Action Plan of the Consolidated Block Grant Program City Manager Kyle Hayes began the Public Hearing by informing Council and the public that the purpose of the hearing was to review and receive comments on the 2003 Action Plan of the Consolidated Block Grant Program. He explained the hearing is mandated by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and that City Council has conducted such hearings in previous years prior to adopting the City's Annual Action Plan. City Manager Kyle Hayes stated that the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has held two (2) meetings to discuss the 2003 Action Plan in preparation to make its recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Hayes shared with Council and the public that the projected 2003 federal allocation of$3,069,000.00 is comprised of$2,126,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant funds, $860,000.00 in HOME funds and $83,000.00 in Emergency Shelter Grant funds. Mr. Hayes also asked Council to consider the action item to adopt the proposed 2003 Action Plan immediately following the work session that was scheduled to take place after the Public Hearing. No citizen participated in the Public Hearing. The hearing was closed at 1:51 p.m. Work Session A work session was held on the 2003 HUD Consolidated Grant Program. The session began at 1:52 p.m. Minutes -February 4,2003 Page 3 Janett Blunt, Interim Housing/Grants Coordinator for the City of Beaumont, addressed Council to review the proposed schedule for adopting the 2003 HUD Consolidated Grant Program and the proposed budget. An orientation package was presented to each Councilmember. The same package has been reviewed by members of the Community Development Advisory Committee. Councilmember Goodson noted that allocated funding is $350,000.00 down from last year's program funding. He also noted that a substantial loss is evident in the HOME fund from the allocated amount from the past two to three years. Councilmember Goodson stated the funding downfall will reduce the number of programs the City is able to fund. He emphasized however,that overthe years, many community improvement projects have been completed through these funds. Councilmember Patterson confirmed with Ms. Blunt that the amount allocated for BUILD, INC., in the amount of $50,000.00 was the same amount allocated last year. The work session ended at 1:56 p.m. Audio and video tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's office. Mayor Lord called to order the regular City Council meeting at 1:57 p.m. 2. Consider approving the Preliminary 2003 HUD Consolidated Grant Program Budget, schedule and application deadline for the 2003 Action Plan Councilmember Goodson moved to approve a request to adopt the preliminary budget, schedule and application deadline forthe 2003 Consolidated Grant/One-Year Action Plan. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None WORK SESSION • Discuss potential TEA-21 Transportation Projects Tom Warner, Public Works Director for the City of Beaumont, presented City Council with information on three (3) local projects are possibly eligible for funding provided from the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure(T&1)Committee through their Transportation Equity Act for the 21St Century(TEA-21). The three (3) projects eligible for funding and to be submitted to the City's Congressional Delegation for possible inclusion in TEA-21 are: • Delaware St. from Dowlen Rd. to FM 364 $3,500,000 • Dowlen Rd. from US 90 to Walden Rd. $4,000,000 • Washington Blvd. from Langham St. to FM 364 $2,500,000 Minutes -February 4,2003 Page 4 Mr. Warner noted that the Delaware Street and Washington Boulevard projects are currently included in the Jefferson-Orange-Hardin Regional Transportation Study Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2025. He also noted that it is anticipated that the Dowlen Road project will be added to this Plan by Summer, 2003. Audio and video tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's office. COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tern Smith - None Councilmember Goodson stated: "As Reverend Walker said, our thoughts go out to all of our close friends and neighbors that were involved in the recent NASA disaster, both the immediate families of the Astronauts and the NASA family, which has such an direct impact on this area. I know Congressman Lampson sits on the Space and Technology Committee and they will be starting hearings soon. I also want to thank all the volunteers and people who have been mentioned on the TV, who have helped in the recovery process so far, and to all our fellow Councils and other organizations, north of here, who are expending a great deal of their limited resources in this effort, which many of them have and very little has been said about this. I think that it's really wonderful, the efforts that the volunteers, as well as those in both the counties and the City governments up there, have tried to marshall up there. Thank you." Councilmember Cokinos - None Councilmember Ames - None Councilmember Samuel asked City Manager Kyle Hayes to provide him with a copy of an organizational chart of each department within the City, reflecting employee positions, employee hire dates and pay rates. Councilmember Patterson - None Mayor Evelyn Lord stated: "I would only add when Guy brings up what just happened with Columbia, that many of us, particularly those of us who are a little bit older, can remember that Bob Crippen, we had a very special day for him. He went up on the first flight on April 12, 1981. He was a Beaumont boy, born and reared I believe here, and we welcomed him. He was the co- pilot on the first mission, I believe, and then was the pilot on the second time that the Columbia went up. I meant to bring it with me today, I'm sorry I left it at home, but I still have the picture that he gave us. It has a first day cover that went up on the Columbia. It has the patch and an autographed picture and a group of us all over there on, I think it's the same old bandwagon that we still use, showcased, showmobile, all of us over there in the Civic Center parking lot celebrating this fine young man and our pride in him, and of couse he's now retired, but we do have that Beaumont connection, and it makes it mean a lot more to me. I know just last summer I gave my model of Columbia which I always kept upstairs, and then at home on my desk, to my grandson because of his interest in it. I don't know now whether I'm sorry I gave it to him, cause I'd like to have it back, but I hope that he appreciates the fact that he has this model. So, it's a very local thing when you talk about our neighbors, some of us have those memories." Minutes -February 4,2003 Page 5 City Manager Kyle Hayes - None City Attorney Lane Nichols - None Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) John St.John 1785 WesCalder Beaumont, TX Mr. St. John wanted to publicly acknowledge the local chapters of the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, for donating their time, money and efforts to minister to the needs of the individuals in East Texas who are participating in the recovery process of the space shuttle's wreckage. Kenneth Connor 9220 Broun Beaumont, TX Mr. Connor asked Council for help with a drainage problem that he previously attempted to resolve with the Water Department on five different occasions. Mayor Lord directed Mr. Connor to speak with Tom Warner immediately following Council meeting. Mr. Connor, who is also a Citizen on Patrol for the Acorn Neighborhood Association, also reported to Council that destruction of playground equipment had taken place by a senseless act of vandalism on Monday night, February 2, 2003 at the Pearlstein Park, located on Landis Street. Mr. Connor had already notified the Police Department. Councilmember Goodson thanked Mr. Connor for providing this information. Councilmember Goodson stated that perhaps a citizen, who may have noticed late night activity at the park and who may view the Council meeting on television, will telephone Mr. Connor or the City with any information that may lead to the identity of any individuals, who may have participated in this act of vandalism. Mickey Phelan 75022 nd Street Beaumont, TX Mr. Phelan asked Council to review an item in the newspaper on Sunday, February 2, 2003, that proposed the City Council allow the State Comptroller to prepare a report noting possible deficiencies within the City's operations, and ways to streamline operations. Mr. Phelan also presented to Council, problems he had with having to go to two (2) separate places, for matters concerning his water bill or to contact customer service for water related issues. He thanked the Council for their diligent work and service. Leroy Lewis III 7866 Gladys Beaumont, TX Mr. Lewis expressed his wishes that the citizens in Beaumont come together. Mr. Lewis asked the City Manager Kyle Hayes, if additional job cuts are being planned. Mr. Lewis proposed that Council consider a street user fee. Mr. Lewis also expressed his concern about safety for the City's elderly and senior citizens, from home invasions and other crimes. Mr. Lewis also voiced his concern that the Dowlen Road Post Office and City Hall did not have automatic doors for the disabled. Mr. Lewis also thanked the Fire Department on Gladys @ Lucas Street for keeping their respective fire engines nice and clean. Minutes -February 4,2003 Page 6 Mayor Lord recessed the regular Council meeting at 2:25 p.m. Council reconvened for Executive Session. Mayor Lord reconvened the regular session of City Council meeting at 3:40 p.m. Mayor Lord stated: "We have had our Executive session. And we discussed the position of the City Manager. He told of his visions and goals for the future, some of the challenges that he is facing and Council exchanged with him their opinions of the job that he is doing, and I certainly say that the review went very well, and that the City Manager came off quite nicely. That we're very, very pleased with, particularly the way that he communicates with us and answers our queries and gets us prompt response so we in turn can reply to our constituents." She continued, "Anyhow, he does realize that he's not going to get a raise in pay. That might be a question that you're curious about, but it's certainly not that he's not doing a fine job. Obviously it's because the City is not in a position to give a raise in pay and above all, Kyle realizes that more than any of us do. Does Council have anything they'd like to add?" Councilmember Goodson stated:"Just like to say Mayor that we do appreciate you,Kyle. You do have a lot of economic challenges that you inherited and there are more ahead of you. I appreciate you, personally, you're providing us with information timely, so that we can react to information promptly, not only for the benefit of the citizens, but also for the image of the City, because it has been disarming in the past, to appear to react to things after the horse was, as they say, was out of the gate, and I do appreciate it. We wish news on the economic front was better, so that you'd have more resources to work with so that you can advance some of the goals, that I know you have, along with Council, for the City. But, I do again thank you for the efforts and your frankness in talking to us about things and hopefully that it'll all prove productive and we can move the City ahead." Mayor Lord interjected the following statement: "As Councilmember Goodson mentioned, we know that we're not in the best financial times, and we know that we're not in the end of being in poor financial times, and we have a great deal of confidence in moving forward with you. Anybody want to add anything else?" Councilmember Samuel stated: "Yes, Mayor. Kyle, I didn't have an opportunity to remain in for the review, but I will simply state that I'm very pleased with the progress that you've made. I'm pleased with the way you've handled your job and with the way you've made some tough decisions. I look forward to a continued good working relation with you and I think we shall be able to work through these tough times together." Councilmember Ames stated: "Well, I think that it was important that he brought to us, that was something that he was going to recommend to us,and I think that all Council agreed,that we want to have anyone look at any ways that we can save and increase revenue, and that it was the consensus that I think everyone agreed with your recommendation, not really a recommendation but I don't think, I don't know that we have to vote on that, but that we will have the Comptrollers Office look at, go ahead Kyle." City Manager Kyle Hayes added the following statement in reference to the State Comptroller: "Come in and do an audit of our City of our operations and our services. I think that we all look forward to trying to look for ways that we can do a better job and be more efficient." Minutes -February 4,2003 Page 7 a ` Mayor Pro Tern Smith stated: "Well, I thank you very much for being our City Manager in these tough times, it's been a joy to work with you. And I feel like, that you look at the issues very carefully, and before you make any decisions. And I appreciate that. You include us in all the things that you're doing.And considering the tough times that we're in, I think that you're doing an excellent job. I wish you all the luck in the world for pulling us through this difficult time." Councilmember Cokinos added: "Congratulations to you Kyle. You're doing a great job. want to echo everything that Councilmember Goodson and Mayor Pro Tern Smith said. Just hang in there, you're doing a good job." With no further business, Council meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m Audio and video tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's Office. --- 4 Mayor Evelyn ord f04111�� Susan Henderson, City Clerk Minutes -February 4,2003 Page 8