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Home My WebLink AboutMIN JANUARY 30 1996 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD JANUARY 30, 1996 - 1 :30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 30th day of January, 1996, with the following present: HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman-At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II John K. Davis Councilman, Ward III Bobbie Patterson Councilman, Ward IV Absent: Becky Ames Mayor Pro Tern Councilman-At-Large Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Smith City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by City Attorney Lane Nichols. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Moore. -000- The City Manager explained that notices were sent to owners of the structures listed for the public hearing before announcement of the meeting in Ward IV for tonight, but said due consideration would be given before the next fifth (5th) Tuesday meeting scheduled away from City Hall. A public hearing was called to consider the forty (40) below listed dilapidated structures found to be in violation of the City of Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance, Article III, Section 14-50: 1570 Annie - Kenneth Garner Et Ux, owner (25 violations); 2368 Avenue A -Venorice Springer, owner (14 violations); 2385 Avenue A - Christy R. Knowles, owner (15 violations); 2855 Avenue A - Sandra F. Chavis, owner (23 violations); 1012 Avenue B - Bryant & Wheelus, owner (25 violations); 6755 Bigner Road - Margaret L. Denton, owner (19 violations); 2315-17 Cartwright - 37 January 30, 1996 Doris L. Plummer, owner (11 violations); 3170 Cooke (22 violations) and 3174 Cooke - Mrs. John B. Searcy, owner of both structures; 2360 Delaware (22 violations) and 2360 Delaware,_garage (8 violations) - Paul E. Brimlow, owner of both structures; 4170 Ector, front - Lyndon M. Duchamp, owner (14 violations); 3910 Ethel - Ellen Harmon Estate, owner (23 violations); 4447 Galveston - David Melonson, owner (20 violations); 1265 Gill - Rita L. Weston c/o Pat L. Weston (22 violations); 4085-89 Howard - Jefferson County, owner (23 violations); 4301 Ironton - Larry W. Buckner, owner (22 violations); 1772 Irving - Mittie Johnson, owner (25 violations); 3280 Irving - Will L. Houston, owner (20 violations); 1312 Isla (21 violations) and 1320-22 Isla (20 violations) - Raymond Dumas, owner of both structures; 644 Jackson - Henry Johnson Et Ux, owner (25 violations); 805 Jefferson Alley, 815 Jefferson Alley and 845 Jefferson Alley - Bryan Investments, owner of all three structures (25 violations for each structure); 849 Jefferson - Theodore R. Searcy c/o Gloria W. Searcy Young, owner (25 violations); 2865 M. L. King S. Parkway and 720 Lee - Julian Alfaro, owner of both structures (17 violations each structure); 1705 Leiper - Samuel T. Rogers, owner(25 violations); 1715 Leiper -Verna C. Gilbert, owner (20 violations); 775 Lincoln - Franklin Cooper, owner (20 violations); 1540 Madison - Myrtle C. King, owner (17 violations); 2297 Magnolia, garage apartment- Hazel Young, owner (17 violations); 2912 Magnolia, garage - Heirs of Bernest T. Atkins, owners (7 violations); 3955 Magnolia - Lean On Me, Inc., owner (22 violations); 2330 Pear - Henry and Linda White, owners (20 violations); 1170-72 Powell - Eula Simon c/o Ora Espritt, owner (18 violations); 3249 Shannon - Mrs. Patrick W. Carter, owner (24 violations; 709 Stanton - Estelle A. Gallier c/o Edward J. Gallier, Jr., owner (19 violations); and 355 E. Woodrow, garage apartment - Bruce Brosnahan, owner (23 violations); Staff recommendation to raze each structure within 30 days. The above listed parcels of property have been inspected, are vacant and have been found to be in violation of Article III, Section 14-50 of the Codes of Ordinances. Notices have been sent to owners by Certified Mail and published in the Beaumont Enterprise. The thirty-six (36) structures listed below have been condemned by City Council and the owners ordered to either raze and repair them within specified time frames. Reinspection of these structures have revealed non-compliance with the Council's order. Authorization is requested from the City Council to demolish these structures in accordance with the Dangerous Structure Ordinance and charge the property owners with the cost of demolition. 5120 Bigner Road, 4540 Brandon, 4542 Brandon, garage apartment, 1310 Broadway, 4150 Buffalo, 9565 Calder, 4160 Ector, 1407 Emile, 2645 Euclid, 9705 Faggard Road, 1205 Gill, 3590 Goliad, 655 Harriot, 2335 Hemlock, 1475 West Highland Drive, 3105 Houston, 3125 Houston, 4035 Houston, 804 Isla, 1219-25 Laurel, 2250 Laurel, 1196 Lona, 1055 Madison, 2380 Monroe, 1963-65 Nora, 892 North, apartments, 1801 011ie, garage apartment, 2305 Pear, 455 Pollard, 1655 Port, 1815 Prairie, 2165 Sabine Pass Avenue, 4165 Steelton, 1525 Texas, 3240 Westmoreland and 4945 Wilshire. 38 January 30, 1996 Mrs. Lillie Wilson, 4020 Cleveland, addressed Council regarding a dilapidated structure at 403 Cleveland and two other structures that have been used as rental property, but are now dilapidated and dangerous to the neighborhood. Mrs. Wilson said the houses are unsightly, present a fire hazard, are used by gangs and present an unsafe atmosphere. Mayor Moore confirmed these structures are not on the list presented for Council consideration today and told Mrs. Wilson that Staff will inspect the structures and begin whatever process is warranted. Mr. Valry Brown, owner of 4150 Buffalo, addressed Council to request a sixty (60) day extension before demolition to sell the structure. Mr. Brown said the structure is basically sound, but needs cosmetic repairs. He said the property value is set at $20,000 on the tax roll and he will it for $3,000 to someone who might want to rehabilitate the structure and put it back on the tax roll. Mr. Lester Smith, owner of 892 North, addressed Council to request a sixty (60) day extension. He said appearing before the Historical Commission for a demolition permit and failure of a sale of the property to finalize have caused unexpected delays. Mayor Moore asked if demolition would begin within thirty (30) days, and Mr. Smith that the demolition would probably begin within a week. Mr. Preston Wagner, 3330 French Road, addressed Council on behalf of his grandmother who owns property at 2635 Hazel. Mr. Wagner was told this structure was not on the dilapidated structures public hearing list for today and Mr. Chappell offered to speak with him after the meeting. Councilman Goodson questioned Item 71, a brick structure at 1815 Prairie, and asked if a local organization might be able ro rehabilitate this home. Mr. Richard Chappell reported extensive roof and ceiling damage that has allowed interior and rafter deterioration and said rehabilitation would be expensive. Councilman Davis said that he is familiar with that structure and added that plumbing damage is extensive. Councilman Cokinos indicated being in favor of granting the requested extensions. Mayor Moore confirmed with Mr. Brown that he would either sell or demolish the structure at 4150 Buffalo within sixty (60) days and that Mr. Smith is ready to begin demolition within thirty (30) days and complete within sixty (60) days. Council concurred to pull Item 45, 4150 Buffalo, and Item 66, 892 North, from the list of structures. There being no one else to address these structures, the public hearing was closed. A motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson to pass the Ordinance with the exception of Items 45 and 66 was approved. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Mr. Riley said the ordinance caption had not been read. 39 January 30, 1996 Ordinance No. 96-6 declaring certain dilapidated structures to be public nuisances and ordering their removal by the owners and authorizing removal of certain other structures whose owners failed to comply with condemnation orders was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 96-6 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITION AND/OR REPAIR PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY. Ordinance No. 96-6 was approved as amended on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The meeting was recessed to reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the John Gray Institute for Council's "Fifth Tuesday in the Wards" meeting. -000- The regular session of City Council reconvened at 6:30 p.m. at Lamar University's John Gray Institute with the following present: HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman-At-Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II John K. Davis Councilman, Ward III Bobbie Patterson Councilman, Ward IV Absent: Becky Ames Mayor Pro Tern & Councilmember-At-Large Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Smith City Clerk 40 January 30, 1996 The Invocation was given by the Reverend Travis Harrington. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chris Hilton, student at Monseigneur Kelly High School. -000- Citizen comment was called for Items 1 and 2 on the Agenda. No one wished to address Council on these items. -000- Chris Hilton, Matt Ashabranner and Matt Matthews, Monseigneur Kelly High School Student Council representatives, presented City Council with a fruit and snack-filled basket in recognition of Catholic Schools Week. -000- The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for FY 1995 was presented. Mr. Ted Williams of Cook, Shaver, Parker and Williams, Certified Public Accountants, addressed City Council to summarize work performed and opinion given on the general purpose financial statements and the combining and individual fund and account group financial statements of the City of Beaumont, as of September 30, 1995, for Fiscal Year 1995. The CAFR contains the Independent Auditor's Report which in part states: "In our opinion, the general purpose financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the City of Beaumont, Texas, as of September 30, 1995, and the results of its operations and cash flows of its proprietary and similar trust fund types for the year ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the combining and individual fund and account group financial statements referred to above presently fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the individual funds and account groups of the City of Beaumont, Texas, as of September 30, 1995 and the results of operations of such funds and the cash flows of individual proprietary and similar trust funds for the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles." Mr. Williams introduced other members of the Audit Joint Venture: Gayle Botley and Travis Harrington of Botley, Harrington, CPA's and James Edwards of Cook, Shaver, Parker and Williams. -000- Ordinance No. 96-7 authorizing the issuance and sale of $16,000,000 City of Beaumont, Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1996, was considered: 41 January 30, 1996 ORDINANCE NO. 96-7 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $16,000,000 THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES, 1996; LEVYING TAXES TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT THEREOF; AND CONTAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 96-8 authorizing the issuance of City of Beaumont, Texas, $16,205,000 Refunding Bonds, Series 1996, was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 96-8 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 1996; AUTHORIZING THE ADVANCE REFUNDING OF CERTAIN CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION AND BONDS AND THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN ESCROW AGREEMENT AND THE SUBSCRIPTION FOR AND PURCHASE OF CERTAIN ESCROWED SECURITIES; AND CONTAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Patterson welcomed everyone to the meeting in Ward IV. Councilman Davis expressed his satisfaction with the good financial position of the City and the fact that there had been no tax increase for five years. Councilman Cokinos congratulated the City Manager and staff for the sound financial structure of the City and commented on the opening of another portion of the MLK Parkway. 42 January 30, 1996 Councilman Goodson also commented on the opening another section of the MLK Parkway, saying it has been at least a decade in the process and hoped for its completion before Dr. King's birthday next year and that it truly brings South Park and Lamar into the mainstream of the City. Mayor Moore told of his recent trip to Washington and his meetings with Secretary Henry Cisneros and the direction of HUD, such as possibility of Section 8 funds going to home ownership. -000- Mayor Moore recessed the meeting to reconvene for the City Council Workshop Session. Mr. Jim Cline, City Traffic Engineer, presented information concerning classifications and funding for street and highway projects. -000- Mayor Moore reconvened the City Council session to hear comments from citizens in attendance at the meeting. Mrs. LaVert Mollett, 2990 Roberts, addressed Council to compliment Councilman Patterson for her dedication toward improvements for the City of Beaumont and Ward IV and offered her the support of many organizations. Mr. Buddy Hebert, 295 Parkway Drive, member of the South Park Neighborhood Association and member of the South Park Citizens on Patrol Program, addressed Council to express his concerns for senior citizens and other patrons of Lamar Bank and Stadium Shopping Center from "panhandlers" who live in a nearby Half-way House. In addition, he spoke of the litter and trash and general unkept condition of the Half-way House premises. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, again addressed Council concerning his circulation of a petition to establish a civilian review board. Mr. Tony Jones, 3715 East Lucas, again addressed Council to request extension of bus service to the new Super WalMart and to the Social Security Office. Ms. Pat Henderson, 970 Saxe, addressed Council to express her appreciation for the drainage improvements in the South Park area. -000- 43 January 30, 1996 Councilman Patterson announced a meeting Thursday for Operation One Vote to be held at 7:00 p.m. at the L. L. Melton YMCA. In addition, she thanked Mrs. Mollett and her many supporters and made a strong response to accusations and opinions made by Mr. Lee. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. -000- 1, Rosemarie Smith, City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, Texas, certify that the above is a true copy of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held January 30, 1996. Rosemarie Smith City Clerk 44 January 30, 1996