Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APRIL 01 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 April 1, 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 April 1,2003, 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 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. Councilmember Audwin Samuel led the invocation. Councilmember Andrew Cokinos led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Susan Henderson, City Clerk. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Lord, 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. Proclamations, Presentations and Recognitions • Mayor Pro Tern Smith read a Proclamation recognizing the month of April 2003 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Marion Tanner, Director of the Garth House, along with various representatives from Buckner Children's Center, CASA, Child Protective Services, Boy's Haven, Girl's Haven and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers received the Proclamation. • Councilmember Becky Ames read a Proclamation recognizing April 6 through April 12, 2003 as Week of the Young Child. Gloria Harrison, with the Southeast Texas Education of Young Children Association received the Proclamation. • Councilmember Bobbie Patterson read a Proclamation issued by Mayor Lord recognizing April 2003 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Alberta Lane, Education Director of the Rape& Suicide Crisis Center received the Proclamation. • Councilmember Audwin Samuel read the Proclamation issued by Mayor Lord recognizing April 1, 2003 as Smoke, Choak and Croak Day. Marilyn Hebert, Chairman of the Beaumont Drug Free Commission, along with members from the Commission received the Proclamation. Emma Brown, Chairperson of the Great Smoke Out Day Program, distributed program souvenirs to Councilmembers and also thanked Mayor Lord and Council for the Proclamation. • Councilmember Guy Goodson read the Proclamation issued by Mayor Lord recognizing the month of April 2003 as Parkinson's Disease Month. Pat Gilbert, a member of the Southeast Texas Support Group, Bill Tuey, President of the Southeast Texas Support Group, Matt McCluskey and Bobbie McCluskey, also members of the Southeast Texas Support Group, received the Proclamation. Public Comment: Persons may speak on items listed on scheduled Agenda Items 1 and 2 and the Consent Agenda. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of minutes - Minutes of March 25, 2003 Confirmation of committee appointments - None A) Authorize the City Manager to execute the renewal of a lease agreement for property located at 5350 Washington Blvd - Resolution 03-068 B) Approve the settlement of the lawsuit of Wilford Richard v City of Beaumont - Resolution 03-069 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR LORD, MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH, COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE Minutes -April 1,2003 Page 2 GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider amending Section 21-75 of the Code of Ordinances related to authorized positions in the Police Department. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve ORDINANCE No.03-026 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 21-75 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE GRADE I AND GRADE II POSITIONS IN THE BEAUMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR LORD, MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH, COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 2. Consider amending Ordinance No. 03-007 Section 5, Exhibit "A" changing the polling location of Precinct 72 for the May 3, 2003 General Election from the West End YMCA, 3625 Dowlen Road Beaumont, Texas 77706 to Southern Star Gymnastics 7595 Highway 105 Beaumont Texas 77713 Councilmember Samuel moved to approve ORDINANCE No.03-027 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 03-007 TO CHANGE THE POLLING PLACE FOR PRECINCT 72; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. AYES: MAYOR LORD, MAYOR PRO TEM SMITH, COUNCILMEMBERS GOODSON, COKINOS,AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE 3. PUBLIC HEARING:City Manager Kyle Hayes announced that the hearing was being held to receive public comment on the Public services, Public Facilities & Improvements and Emergency Shelter Grant line items of the Annual Action plan for the 2003 Consolidated Block Grant Program MAYOR LORD CALLED THE PUBLIC HEARING TO ORDER AT 2:05 P.M. APPLICANTS OF ALL THREE CATEGORIES OF THE GRANT PROGRAM CAME FORWARD TO EXPRESS THE REASON THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATION APPLIED FOR FUNDS FROM THE 2003 CONSOLIDATED BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIVES FROM ORGANIZATIONS THAT APPLIED FOR PUBLIC SERVICES ADDRESSED CITY COUNCIL FIRST: Minutes -April 1,2003 Page 3 Antoinette Hardy,Executive Directorof Beaumont Community Housing Development Corp, stated the organization was requesting funds to hire a housing counselor. The counselor would provide organized opportunities to low/moderate income persons to acquire skills, knowledge and confidence to buy and maintain a home. Gretta Bowen, of Beaumont Habitat for Humanity, stated the requested funds would be used for operating and administrative costs to construct affordable housing. Denise Roussel, Director of the Beaumont Heritage Society/John Jay French Museum, said funds would be used for tuition for a one time youth activity day that would coincide with BISD's teacher's in service day held in the fall. Henry Linley, with the Beaumont Housing Authority, spoke on the first of two requests made by housing authority. He stated these funds would be used to purchase computer software and supplies for a self-sufficient program conducted at the housing authority for low income persons. Mr. Linley also said the funds would pay for tuition and training for program participants. Bob Pollard,with the Beaumont Housing Authority,spoke on the second request made by the housing authority. He stated these funds would be used to provide down payment/closing cost assistance for eight low/moderate income persons to purchase homes. Mr. Pollard stated the eight persons would each receive $2500.00. Kim Smith,of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority/DREF Foundation,told Councilmembers the requested funds would be used to purchase computers, software and classroom equipment for an educational/personal awareness program sponsored by the Sorority. Ms. Smith also stated the funds would help purchase other supplies associated with the administration of the program. Kari Dolan, Executive Director of the I Have A Dream Program, stated the funds were requested to purchase computer software and lab furniture for an educational enrichment program offered to low/moderate income youth. Kerri Clark, Coordinator with the IEA - Inspire, Encourage, Achieve organization, told Councilmembers the funds requested were to purchase a copier for the organization's life skills program taught to low/moderate income youth. Lisa Mahan, music teacher at Lucas Elementary School, stated these funds would be used to purchase instruments and uniforms for students participating in an after school music enrichment program. Ms. Mahan also stated the funds would also be utilized for administrative costs associated with the program. Minutes -April 1,2003 Page 4 Elaine Shellenberger,Director of Nutrition and Services forSeniors,stated funds requested would be used to purchase two double stacking convection ovens that would be used to cook meals for the Meals-On-Wheels program. Mrs. Shellenberger said five utility carts would also be purchased. The carts would be utilized during the preparation and delivering stages of the Meals-On-Wheels program. Brian McGowen, Executive Director of the Southeast Texas Family Resource Center,said requested funds would be spent to purchase educational materials and pay costs for field trips for youth participating in both an after school and summer youth program at the center. Mr. McGowen also stated the desired funding would be used for administrative and program costs. Lorraine Pierce, Consumer Relations Specialist for Spindletop MHMR, told Councilmembers the funds were requested to purchase a 12-passengervan forthe mental health facility that clients can be transported to off-site facilities. THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIVES FROM ORGANIZATIONS THATAPPLIED FOR PUBIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS FUNDING FROM THE BLOCK GRA NT PROGRAM ADDRESSED CITY COUNCIL: Greg Busceme, Executive Director of the Art Studio, told Councilmembers the requested funds would be used to renovate a facility adjacent to the Art Studio that dance, film amd drama classes could be offered to low/moderate income persons. Fatai Oyejobi, President of the Beaumont Community Learning Center, said the funds would be used for roof repairs, wiring and other improvements for their facility. He stated his organization teaches life skills to low/moderate income persons. Billie Guillory, Executive Vice President of the Beaumont Community Learning Center, stated the requested funds would also be used to purchase kitchen equipment. Denise Roussell, Executive Director of the Beaumont Heritage Society/John Jay French Museum, said this second request for funds were to be used for roof repairs for the museum in the area where art programs are sponsored for youth from low/moderate income families. Donna Turchi, Executive Director of Boy's Haven, told Councilmembers the funds were requested for kitchen renovations for one of the three housing units for facility that provides long term residential care to boys from unstable homes and low/moderate income families. Michelle Harris,Administrator for Buckner Children and Family Services, stated the funds requested would be used for roof repairs to one of the housing units this organization uses to care for abused, neglected and abandoned children who have been removed from their homes. Dean Terrebonne, Executive Directorof Catholic Charities,said the requested funds would be used for renovations for the facility that houses the human services programs of Catholic Charities. Minutes -April 1,2003 Page 5 Debbie Madar, Executive Director of LifeShare Blood Centers, said the funds would be used for roofing and parking lot repairs at the blood donor facilities. Ann Brawley, from Quantum Omega Star, Inc., stated monies would be used for renovations to her organization's facility. The organization provides after school activities for youth who live in the North End of Beaumont. Mrs. Brawley also said part of the funds would be used for career enrichment, peer mediation and personal enrichment programs at the facility. Delores Davis, Executive Director of the Youth Rescue Mission, said the funds requested would be used to paint the facility where homeless low income individuals and families live who are helped by her organization. THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIVES FROM ORGANIZATIONS THAT APPLIED FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER FUNDING FROM THE BLOCK GRA NT PROGRAM ADDRESSED CITY COUNCIL LAST: CandyAnderson,of Family Services of Southeast Texas,stated the requested funds would be used to purchase and place fencing around the facility Familiy Services uses to provide transitional housing to battered women and children. Captain Dan Ford, of Salvation Army, told Councilmembers the monies requested would be used for essential services,operating expenses of an educational home buyer program offered to homeless families. Paula O'Neal, Director of Some Other Place/Henry's Place, said funds would be used to provide services to mentally ill homeless persons who are helped at Henry's Place. Mrs. O'Neal also stated the funds would be used for operating costs of Henry's Place. Carolyn Howard, Director of Beaumont Main Street, thanked Councilmembers for all the help City Council has provided to projects sponsored by Beaumont Main Street. Mayor Lord closed the Public Hearing at 3:03 p.m. Mayor Lord reconvened the Regular Meeting of City Council at 3:04 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Lord announced that the scheduled Executive Session would not be held. An Executive Session had been scheduled for Council to consider the following: • Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Claim of Herbert Howard Minutes -April 1,2003 Page 6 • WORK SESSION None Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tern Smith - None Councilmember Goodson - None Councilmember Cokinos - None Councilmember Ames - None Councilmember Samuel said he attended the Lamar University Black Student's reunion that was held the weekend of March 28 through March 30, 2003. Councilmember Samuel stated the function was a success and a very nice affair. Councilmember Patterson - None Mayor Evelyn Lord - None City Manager Kyle Hayes City Attorney Lane Nichols - None Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) Janett Blunt, of Housing & Grant Administration with the City of Beaumont Ms. Blunt announced the Golden Triangle Fair Housing Conference was scheduled for April 21 through April 22, 2003 at the Beaumont Civic Center. She noted the keynote speaker for the first day of the conference would be Congressman Nick Lampson. Bill Proctor 4340 Westridge Lane Beaumont, TX Mr. Proctor asked Councilmembers to grant the monies requested by MHMR from the 2003 Consolidated Block Grant Program, as he and many other disabled citizens depend on the services provided by Spindletop MHMR. Minutes -April 1,2003 Page 7 Mike St. Clair 980 Monterrey Beaumont, TX Mr. St. Clair asked Councilmembers to reconsider the 90-day time limit granted for a residential moving permit. Mr. St. Clair said this time period was insufficient to move a house and to have the structure in compliance with all applicable codes. LeRoy Lewis 7866 Gladys Beaumont, TX Mr. Lewis addressed Council to express his support for the monies requested from the Block Grant program to by the Nutrition Services for Seniors for the Meals-on- Wheels program. He also reported that a store located at 2910 Washington Boulevard had excessive debris around the premises. Mr. Lewis reported many faded street signs around the City. He also asked Council to review the need for utility light poles around Washington and Langham Street. Norm Burke 258 Roxton Beaumont, TX Mr. Burke asked Councilmembers to review the Ordinance dealing with stray dogs and the procedures not being used to pick them up as the dogs wander about. Mr. Burke stated part of his neighborhood had not received mail delivery because of the number of stray dogs on his street. Audio and video tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's Office. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Mayor Ev yn Lord wn�_ Susan Henderson, City Clerk Minutes -April 1,2003 Page 8