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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MARCH 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 March 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 March 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 Pro Tern Lulu Smith called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Reverend James Blackwell, Pastor of South Park Baptist Church, led the invocation. Councilmember Becky Ames led the pledge of allegiance. Roll call was made by Susan Henderson, City Clerk. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos,Ames, Samuel and Patterson.Also, present was Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Susan Henderson, City Clerk; and Tina Broussard, Deputy Clerk. Absent from the meeting was Mayor Evelyn Lord . Proclamations, Presentations and Recognitions • A Proclamation was read by Councilmember Guy Goodson recognizing the Taste of Triangle Day held on Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at the Beaumont Civic Center and sponsored by the Sabine Area Restaurant Association. The following members of the association received the Proclamation: A. J. Leger, David Hielman, Leon Moncla, David Brocato, Charles Duit and Willie Broussard. • Todd Pruitt, with the CPA firm of Patillo, Brown and Hill, was introduced by City Manager Kyle Hayes to present a report related to FY2002 Audit. Each member of Council was given a copy of the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2002. Mr. Pruitt reviewed the contents of the report and the Independent Audit Report. 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 February 18, 2003 Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution 03-050 Marilyn Hebert would be reappointed to the Drug Free Beaumont Commission. The current term would expire February 25, 2005. (Councilmember Lulu Smith) Ken Dollingerwould be reappointed to the Drug Free Beaumont Commission. The current term would expire February 15, 2005. (Councilmember Guy Goodson) Adrien Hudspeth would be reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. The current term would expire September 21, 2004. (Councilmember Audwin Samuel) Greg Dykeman would be reappointed to the Planning Commission. The current term would expire January 6, 2006. (Mayor Evelyn M. Lord) Marilyn Hebert would be appointed as Chairman of the Drug Free Commission. The term would commence March 4, 2003 and expire March 3, 2004. (Mayor Evelyn M. Lord) Wanda Grimes would be reappointed as Vice-Chairman of the Drug Free Beaumont Commission. The term would commence March 4, 2003 and expire March 3, 2004. (Mayor Evelyn M. Lord) Mary Jowers would be reappointed to the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Advisory Committee. The current term would expire February 1, 2005. (Councilmember Andrew P. Cokinos) A) Approve a contract for the purchase of lubricants - Resolution No. 03-051 B) Approve a water meter reader system upgrade- Resolution No. 03-052 C) Approve an annual contract to purchase fire protective clothing - Resolution No. 03-053 D) Approve a request to deed properties at 740 Prairie and 760 Prairie to Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization (BCHDO) to provide affordable housing to low/moderate income families - Resolution No. 03-054 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH, COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 2 GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving an ordinance amending ward boundaries for the May 3,2003 General Election. Councilmember Ames moved to approve Ordinance 03-006 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE WARDS OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT FOR ELECTION PURPOSES ONLY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 2. Consider approving an ordinance calling the General Election for May 3,2003 to elect four (4) Ward Councilmembers for Wards I, ll, III and IV and a Runoff Election, if necessary, for May 17, 2003. Councilmember Ames moved to approve Ordinance 03-007 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR A GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE 3RD OF MAY 2003 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING WARD COUNCILMEMBERS FOR WARDS I,II,III AND IV; DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES AND APPOINTING ELECTION OFFICIALS FOR SUCH ELECTION; PROVIDING THE FORM OF THE BALLOT AT SUCH ELECTION; DIRECTING THE GIVING OF NOTICE OF SUCH ELECTION; ORDERING A RUNOFF ELECTION IF NECESSARY TO BE HELD ON THE 17TH DAY OF MAY 2003; PROVIDING FOR A JOINT ELECTION WITH THE BEAUMONT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE PORT OF BEAUMONT NAVIGATION DISTRICT; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. Councilmembers Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 3. Consider approving a zone change from RS(Residential Single Family Dwelling)to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for the property at 8155 Highway 105. This request would require spot zoning. The 20% Rule from Section 30-40 of the Zoning Ordinance became applicable to the request because of public protest. Section 30-40 of the Zoning Ordinance is as follows: Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 3 Protest: The City Council shall not amend, supplement, change, modify or repeal any regulation, restriction or boundary or approve a Specific Use Permit where a protest against such change, signed by the owners of twenty(20) percent or more either of the area of the lots included in such proposed change or of the lots or land immediately adjoining the same and extending two hundred (200)feet therefrom, except by the favorable vote of three-fourths(3/4)of all the members of City Council. The 20% Rule was applied to this request because a 32.18% protest was received. The application of the 20% Rule also required at least six Council members voting in favor of the Ordinance. At a Joint Public Hearing held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to deny this zone change request. Councilmember Goodson moved to deny a request for a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for the property at 8155 Highway 105. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 4. Consider approving a specific use permit to allow a dental office in a RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District at 2155 Dowlen. At a Joint Public Hearing held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the request for a specific use permit to allow a dental office in an RM-H District at 2155 Dowlen, subject to the condition that the property owner maintain an 8' tall opaque fence along the west property line, modification to the landscape strip along the west property line from 10'to 2 Wand modification to the front parking lot concerning aisle width and bumper curbs as per the Traffic Manager's recommendation. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No.03-008 ENTITLEDAN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A DENTAL OFFICE IN AN RM-H (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT, LOCATED AT 2155 DOWLEN,IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS, subject to the conditions that the property owner maintain an 8'tall opaque fence along the west property line, modify the landscape strip along the west property line from 10' to 2 %Z' and modify the front parking lot concerning aisle width and bumper curbs as per the Traffic Manager's recommendation. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 4 5. Consider approving a specific use permit to allow a nightclub in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at 5230 South M. L. King Parkway. At a Joint Public Hearing held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the request for a specific use permit to allow a nightclub in a GC-MD District at 5230 South M. L. King Parkway, subject to the Traffic Manager's condition of installing one additional disabled parking space. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No.03-009 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A NIGHTCLUB IN A GC-M D(GENERAL COMMERCIAL- MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 5230 SOUTH M. L.KING PARKWAY,IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS, subject to the Traffic Manager's condition of installing one additional disabled parking space. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH, COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS, AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 6. Consider approving a specific use permit to allow building construction/general contractors and construction/special trade contractors in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at the northeast corner of Chamberlin and Washington. At a Joint Public Hearing held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the request for a specific use permit to allow building construction/general contractors and construction/special contractors in a GC-MD District at the northeast corner of Chamberlin and Washington, subject to the following conditions: 1) A 30' landscaped strip will be required along the north side of the property. 2) If detached owner identification signs are desired, no more than three(3)detached signs shall be permitted. No detached owner identification sign shall exceed six(6) feet in height. Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 03-010 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION/GENERAL CONTRACTORS AND CONSTRUCTION/SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS IN A GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF CHAMBERLIN AND WASHINGTON,IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS,Subject to the following conditions: 1) A 30' landscraped strip will be required along the north side of the property. 2) If detached owner identification signs are desired, no more than three (3)detached signs shall be permitted. No detached owner identification sign shall exceed six(6) feet in height. Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 5 Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 7. Consider approving a specific use permit to allow a business office for a building construction/general contractor in a GC-MD(General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at 10295 Eastex Freeway. At a Joint Public Hearing held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the request for a specific use permit to allow a business office for a building construction/general contractor in a GC-MD District at 10295 Eastex Freeway, subject to the business owner complying with all applicable city codes, including installation of a fire hydrant. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No.03-011 ENTITLEDAN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A BUSINESS OFFICE FOR A BUILDING CONSTRUCTION/GENERAL CONTRACTOR IN A GC-MD(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 10295 EASTEx FREEWAY, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS,subject to the business owner complying with all applicable city codes, including installation of a fire hydrant. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 8. Consider approving a specific use permit to allow a beauty salon in an RCR (Residential Conservation and Revitalization) District at the northwest corner of Shell Road and Highland Avenue. At a Joint Public Hearing held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the request for a specific use permit to allow a beauty salon in an RCR District for the property at the northwest corner of Shell Road and Highland Avenue, subject to a modification to the landscaping/screening requirements along the west property line and to the landscaping requirements along the north property line. Councilmember Patterson moved to approve Ordinance No. 03-012 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A BEAUTY SALON IN AN RCR Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 6 (RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION) DISTRICT AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SHELL ROAD AND HIGHLAND AVENUE, subject to a modification to the landscaping/screening requirements along the west property line and to the landscaping requirements along the north property line. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 9. Consider approving a request to abandon a 49.92'x 59.90'section of Coolidge Street right- of-way. At a Regular Meeting held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the request to abandon a 49.92'x 59.90' section of Coolidge Street right-of-way. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No.03-013 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING A 49.92'x 59.90'SECTION OF COOLIDGE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY, CALDER HIGHLAND EXTENSION ADDITION, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 10. Consider approving a request to abandon the 20' drainage easement and the 10' utility easement on Lot 24, Block 17 of the Replat of Calder Place Addition at 985 22nd Street. At a Regular Meeting held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the request to abandon the 10' drainage easement and the 10' utility easement on Lot 24, Block 17, of the Replat of Calder Place Addition at 985 22nd Street. Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 03-014 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING THE 20' DRAINAGE EASEMENT AND THE 10, UTILITY EASEMENT ON LOT 24,BLOCK 17 OF THE REPLAT OF THE CALDER PLACE ADDITION AT 985 22ND STREET, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 7 11. Consider approving a request to abandon a 20' wide utility easement in the abandoned alley of Block 72, Van Wormer Addition, located between Orange Street and Avenue A. At a Regular Meeting held February 19, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 5:0 to approve the abandonment of a 20' wide utility easement in the abandoned alley of Block 72, Van Wormer Addition, located between Orange Street and Avenue A. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance 03-015 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING THE 20' WIDE UTILITY EASEMENT IN THE ABANDONED ALLEY OF BLOCK 72, VAN WORMER ADDITION, LOCATED BETWEEN ORANGE STREET AND AVENUE A, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 12. Consider approving the City Investment Policy. State law mandates the City Council review the Investment Policy and approve modifications, if any, to the policy on an annual basis. The Texas State Legislature was not in session during 2002 and therefore there were no changes to the law regarding Chapter 2256 of the Government Code (Public Funds Investment Act). In addition, no change to the City's policy was requested regarding authorized investments, maximum maturities or any other provisions. Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 03-055 approving the City of Beaumont Investment Policy as attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and made apart of. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 13. Consider amending the 1999 Consolidated Block Grant Program by reallocating $15,000.00 to Schlesinger Healthcare Centers to assist with emergency roof repairs. A recent monitoring visit by State Health officials noted that needed roof repairs at the Center would warrant sanctions if the facility did not meet substantial compliance by a particular date. The Theodore R. Johns, Jr. Library received an allocation of$125,000.00 from the 1999 Consolidated Block Grant Program and had a balance of$33,612.37 Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 8 available for reallocation to eligible activities. The facility received an allocation of $10,000.00 from the 2002 Consolidated Block Grant Program to construct a therapeutic garden at its facility. The Center has requested and received approval to change the use of these funds to assist with the needed roof repairs. Councilmember Patterson moved to approve Resolution No.03-056 authorizing a request to amend the 1999 Consolidated Block Grant Program by reallocating$15,000.00 from the Theodore R. Johns, Jr. Library (formerly South End Library) line item ($125,000.00) to Schlesinger Healthcare Centers to assist with emergency roof repairs. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 14. Consider a request to deed the Dick Dowling School site to the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc. (SETCDC) to provide affordable housing to low/moderate income families. Councilmember Samuel commended the staff and the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc. for their efforts to develop this community, commonly known as the M. L. King community. He noted this area had not realized new construction for 30 years. Councilmember Goodson asked City Manager Kyle Hayes for an estimated time period forthe development project. Mr. Hayes stated the project should be completed within one (1) year. Councilmember Samuel moved to approve Resolution No. 03-057 approving a request to deed the Dick Dowling School site to the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc. (SETCDC) to provide affordable housing to low/moderate income families. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 15. Consider approving a contract between the City of Beaumont and the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc. (SETCDC) in the amount of$350,000.00 for construction of 10 new homes at the Dick Dowling School site that will be sold to low/moderate income families. Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 9 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 03-058 awarding a contract with the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc. (SETCDC) in the amount of $350,000.00 for the construction of 10 new homes that will be sold to low/moderate income families. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON,COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 16. Consider approving a contract between the City of Beaumont and the Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization (BCHDO) in the amount of$200,000.00 for construction of three (3) new homes that will be leased to low/moderate income families. Councilmember Patterson moved to approve Resolution No.03-059 approving a contract between Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization in the amount of $200,000.00 for construction of three (3) new homes that will be leased to low/moderate income families. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH,COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Pro Tern Smith announced to the public that immediately following the Regular City Council meeting, Council would reconvene upstairs to hold Executive Session to: • Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: David Leaven v City of Beaumont City of Beaumont v TJC Investments The Claim of Herbert Howard Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 10 COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tem Smith - None Councilmember Goodson thanked those present atthe meeting representing Schlesinger Healthcare Center. Councilmember Goodson also thanked staff and the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc.and the Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization for working to provide affordable housing opportunities within the City of Beaumont. He also thanked Hibernia Bank and Community Bank for providing financial assistance to the families participating in the first time buyer's program for the affordable housing. Councilmember Cokinos - None Councilmember Ames - None Councilmember Samuel reported he had received a complaint about sidewalk conditions in the 1300 block of Doucette Street from Carolyn Smith, a resident of the South End of Beaumont. Councilmember Samuel asked City staff to make a visual site check. He also congratulated the Ozen High School basketball team for advancing to the State finals in Austin, Texas. He noted the team will play in the State Championship games beginning Thursday, March 6, 2003. He wished the team continued success. Councilmember Samuel also noted that two contracts awarded in the meeting were direct results of lobbying efforts with Beaumont's State and Federal legislators. He explained the lobbying efforts are to obtain funding to continue to develop affordable housing opportunities within the City. Councilmember Patterson - None City Manager Kyle Hayes reported he, along with City Attorney Lane Nichols, Councilmember Guy Goodson and Public Works Director Tom Warner, attended Beaumont Day in Austin, Texas on Monday, February 24, 2003. Mr. Hayes noted the group met with legislators from our area throughout the day. City Attorney Lane Nichols - None Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) Nelson Alter 1380 Thomas Road Beaumont, TX Mr. Alter thanked Council for approving financial assistance for Schlesinger Healthcare Center to help with the needed emergency roof repairs. Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 11 Jerry Whittington 2164 Cable Beaumont, TX Mr.Whittington addressed Council with concerns he and his neighbors have about the transitional treatment facility located at 2495 Gulf Street. He stated the facility is proposing to acquire additional properties adjacent to its current site for an expansion. Mr. Whittington said the neighborhood surrounding the site is comprised of mainly senior citizens and female single parents. Their major concern is that an expansion will increase the number of offenders who will live at the facility. Mr. Whittington also thanked Council and City staff for their efforts to demolish dilapidated structures in his community. City Manager Kyle Hayes told Mr. Whittington that the Planning Commission would be considering a request submitted by the facility's administration for a specific use permit on March 17, 2003. Mr. Hayes informed Council and Mr. Whittington that staff was reviewing the legality of the specific use permit request because the facility was denied such a request less than six(6) months ago. Councilmember Goodson also told Mr. Whittington the facility would be conducting a Public Hearing on April 23, 2003 as required by law, at which time his community could attend and voice all concerns. Councilmember Samuel stated the facility by law must have a Public Hearing in order to continue its operation. Councilmember Samuel confirmed the Public Hearing is set for April 23, 2003 Kerry Avery 5040 Chambers Beaumont, TX Mr. Avery read a letter to the United States government. The letter expressed his opposition to war in Iraq. LeRoy Lewis 7866 Gladys Beaumont, TX Mr. Lewis addressed Council to reportflooding areas on Washington Boulevard,Corley Street and Fourth Street. Mr. Lewis also asked Council to consider placing bus shelters along Washington Boulevard and other major streets of transit routes. He also asked Council to consider adding additional utility pole lights along Major Drive. Mr. Lewis also asked Council to provide more sidewalks for the disabled throughout the City and to have a door at City Hall for the disabled to use. Audio and video tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's Office. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:33 p.m. Mayor Pro Tern L'lu Smith Susan Henderson, City Clerk Minutes -March 4,2003 Page 12