HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN OCT 14 1997 M I N U T E S p CITY OF BEAUMONT
Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Becky Ames,Mayor Pro Tem
Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P.Cokinos
John K.Davis OCTOBER 14, 1997 Bobbie J. Patterson
Lane Nichols,City Attorney Ray A. Riley,City Manager Patrice Fogarty,City Clerk
The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on October 14, 1997,
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 Moore called the meeting to order at 1:39 p.m. Pastor Cliff Cummings, Fellowship of Grace
First Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Former Mayor Evelyn M. Lord led the pledge of
allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson. Councilmember Goodson was absent. Also present were Ray A.
Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Patrice Fogarty, City Clerk; and Barbara Liming,
Deputy City Clerk.
*Presentations and Recognition
One Proclamation was issued: "Respiratory Care Week," October 12-18, 1997.
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to the Evelyn M. Lord Teen Court as recipients of the
"Spotlight Achievement" Award at the Texas Teen Court Association's 8th Annual Statewide
Conference held October 8-10, 1997. This recognition is given to those courts which have
distinguished themselves as true innovators in the Teen Court Community. Present to receive the
Certificate of Appreciation were: Nancy Schilhab, Juvenile Coordinator for the Beaumont Municipal
Court, Evelyn M. Lord, former mayor who inspired and directed establishment of Beaumont's Teen
Court, Attorney Craig Lively, a volunteer Teen Court judge, Winnie Kocot, Municipal Court
Administrator and Neil Walker, Assistant Municipal Court Administrator. Ms. Schilhab said our
Teen Court was recognized because of a high level of volunteer community participation and for
unique and innovative ways of involving parents in counseling and workshops and announced that
Beaumont will host the Texas Teen Court Association Conference in 1999.
Janet Walker, Executive Director of Family Services, announced that a Celebrate Families Festival
will be held Saturday, November 22, a celebration of this year's National Family Week. Ms. Walker
said it will be a time for family fun and entertainment and there will be activities leading up the
festival. Many other groups, churches and volunteers are involved in preparing this community
celebration. Also, Mr. John Piimer announced that in conjunction with the festival, churches will
be sponsoring a family worship service at First Methodist Church. Members of the committee
presented Council with packets of information regarding the festival and commemorative tee-shirts
for the occasion.
Councilmember Smith said this is a very enthusiastic group doing a wonderful job to provide a fun
day for everyone and encouraged community support and participation.
`Public Comment: Citizens were invited to comment on the Consent and Main Agenda. No one
wished to comment on these subjects.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following consent agenda items were considered:
Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held October 7, 1997;
Confirmation of committee appointments - None made
A) Authorize the renewal of an annual maintenance agreement for software support (HTE, Inc.
in the amount of$23,440) - Resolution No. 97-238
B) Authorize a change in signatories on two accounts at Texas Commerce Bank as well as
changes to wire transfer and investment authority for the City (Memorial Sisters of Charity
Employee Benefits account and Dental Claims account at Texas Commerce: Ray A. Riley,
Beverly Hodges, Kandy Daniel, Richard Todd, Nancy Horstmann, Laurie Gutierrez and
Michele Spees; electronic fund or ACH transfers: Ray A. Riley, Beverly Hodges, Kandy
Daniel and Robert Pearce; authority to invest City funds: Beverly Hodges and Kandy Daniel)
- Resolution No. 97-239
C) Authorize the purchase of furniture for the Elmo Willard Branch Library (in the amount of
$47,847 from Workplace Interiors of Houston for study carrels and paperback book end
panels) - Resolution No. 97-240
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers
Smith, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
Minutes;10/14197;Page 2
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider a request to abandon several utility easements that were originally dedicated by
the plat and replat of the undeveloped Ferguson Development Park Addition
Councilmember Smith moved to adopt Ordinance No. 97-52 entitled AN ORDINANCE
VACATING AND ABANDONING SEVERAL DEDICATED UTILITY EASEMENTS IN THE FERGUSON
DEVELOPMENT PARK ADDITION IN THE CHARLES WILLIAMS SURVEY,AB.#59, LOCATED SOUTHEAST
OF IH-10 S., NORTH OF WALDEN ROAD AND WEST OF HILLEBRANDT BAYOU, CITY OF BEAUMONT,
JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL.
Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,
Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
2. Consider authorizing a one-year contract with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas
Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 97-241 approving a contract with
the Art Museum of Southeast Texas in the amount of$185,000 with one payment of$15,600
and eleven in the amount of $15,400. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers
Smith, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
3. Consider authorizing a one-year contract with the Southeast Texas Arts Council
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 97-242 authorizing a contract with
the Southeast Texas Arts Council in the amount of$140,000 with one payment of$11,850
and eleven in the amount of $11,650. Mayor Pro Tem Ames seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,
Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
4. Consider authorizing a one-year contract with the Texas Energy Museum
Minutes;10/14197;Page 3
Councilmember Patterson moved to approve Resolution No. 97-243 authorizing a contract
with the Texas Energy Museum in the amount of$90,000 to be paid in quarterly payments
of$22,500. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,
Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
5. Consider authorizing authorizing a one-year contract with the John J. French Museum
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 97-244 authorizing a contract
with the Beaumont Heritage Society to operate the John J. French Museum in the amount
of$40,000. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,
Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
6. Consider authorizing a one-year contract with the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 97-245 authorizing a contract with
the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society in the amount of $25,000 payable in quarterly
payments of$6,250.00. Mayor Pro Tem Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,
Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
7. Consider approving a contract for miscellaneous paving projects
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 97-246 authorizing a contract
with Salenga Construction in the amount of$203,737.56 for various paving projects to ease
traffic flow in the Parkdale Mall area and other locations (median and intersection
construction include Dowlen Road, Old Dowlen Road, Highway 105, Westridge and Dowlen
intersection, Parkdale and Parkdale Plaza, Plaza and Phelan intersection, and the
Crossroads Shopping Center intersection). Councilmember Davis seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,
Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
Minutes;10/14/97;Page 4
8. Consider the renewal of an agreement with A. L. Roark & Associates, Inc. for software
support of public safety systems
Mayor Pro Tem Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 97-247 authorizing renewal of an
annual software support agreement with A. L. Roark&Associates in the amount of$55,995.
Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,
Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
COMMENTS
* Councilmembers comment on various matters:
Councilmember Patterson reminded everyone of the Ward IV Community Meeting to be held
this evening at 7:00 p.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church and asked Staff to begin
planning a schedule of meetings to conduct informational sessions about the CDBG grant
process.
Councilmember Davis thanked Dr. Hal Quigley, a sociology professor at Lamar University,
for the criminal justice statistics he periodically provides the community, commended Ward
III residents and the Police Department for a reduction of crime and expressed pleasure with
the Citizens on Patrol program.
Councilmember Smith commented that items such as those on today's agenda are great for
arts and entertainment in Beaumont, said we get a lot of bang for our buck in supporting
these kinds of cultural organizations, and noted the phenomenal museums and libraries in
Beaumont. Councilmember Smith added her desire that an aggressive program will be
taken in restoration of the Jefferson Theater and commented about the effect that Hotel
Beaumont and the Jefferson Theater will have on the appearance of the downtown area
when the restoration is complete.
Mayor Moore said it is great Beaumont is known for enrichment programs, acknowledged
that Councilmember Cokinos and his three brothers were all part of the opening ceremonies
of the South Texas State Fair, and spoke of the recent death of Mr. "Bones" Nobles. Mr.
Nobles was 95 and become an icon in Beaumont and all of Southeast Texas for his dynamic
personality and ability of creating something out of nothing. Mr. Nobles was able to create
a musical rendition with bones and played for civic and group affairs all over Southeast
Texas. Mayor Moore extended thanks to C. W. and Dorothy Conn for establishing the Conn
"Take Part ART Gallery" addition to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas that was opened
Minutes;10/14/97;Page 5
this past Saturday and designed as a hands-on art gallery for children. Mayor Moore
encouraged everyone to take advantage of the beautiful weather and support the YMBL by
attending the Fair, said he has received telephone calls regarding the city's curfew policy,
spoke in favor of the Beaumont Police Department enforcing the curfew law, thanked those
providing entertainment for teens and suggested that if the length of their activities extend
beyond curfew, to consider conducting them over a two-day period.
* Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes)
Mr. Raymond Chaison addressed Council to request that Council consider building a
swimming pool in the Chariton-Pollard neighborhood, since the one nearest that
neighborhood has been closed. Mr. Chaison said dopeheads are out again, asked for
police surveillance and protection, and said he has received no response from the Narcotics
Task Force since his notification to them of the problem. Mayor Moore asked Mr. Chaison
to give specific locations of drug-related problems to Councilmember Davis and him after
the meeting.
Mr. Tony Jones, 508 Garland, addressed Council to requested repair or resurfacing of
Walden Road near the new theater and post office and perhaps widening because of
increased traffic, commended installation of wheelchair ramps at the new Willard Library,
suggested lengthening the traffic light cycle at Lucas and Helbig to accommodate the elderly
and handicapped citizens, suggested a four-way stop at the Highway 105 and Old Dowlen
intersection, and announced that Cardinal Achile Silvestrini, of Rome, Italy, will be at Saint
Anthony Cathedral tonight.
Mrs. Marie Hubbard, 1990 Nora, addressed Council to state that she has not received a
satisfactory answer to her complaint about property taken in the Charlton-Pollard area,
asked that at-large councilmembers investigate the request, questioned to whom the tax
assessor-collector is accountable, who answers citizen complaints, where does the
Charlton-Pollard revitalization begin and end and are houses being built in the Charlton-
Pollard revitalization area? Mrs. Hubbard discussed one person buying all the property in
that area when it is presented for auction by Jefferson County, a letter received releasing
liens against her family's property with a name unknown to her and said she needs to have
a discussion with Council because she is not getting answers.
Mayor Moore told Mrs. Hubbard that he and Councilmember Davis would be glad to spend
time with her at the conclusion of Council.
Councilmember Davis said that he and Mayor Pro Tem Ames have both contacted Mirian
Johnson, the tax assessor-collector, and she will be happy to meet with any citizen to
explain the property being auctioned for back taxes owed. Councilmember Davis said he
will present a revitalization plan to Mrs. Hubbard, concurred that one individual is watching
Minutes;10/14/97;Page 6
sale ads and purchasing the property and said there are two issues being addressed: one
is about taxes and money and the other about the Charlton-Pollard revitalization.
Mayor Moore explained that the Sheriff's Sale is handled by Jefferson County and in the
past when property has been taken through eminent domain procedures for a project,
sometimes more than the appraised value has been paid to the owner and that we do not
want negative perceptions to be prevalent about the positive improvement in Charlton-
Pollard .
Councilmember Davis added that as Councilman for the area, he has received no other
calls from residents in the area.
Mayor Pro Tem Ames verified that she spoke with the tax assessor-collector and offered to
set up a meeting with Mrs. Hubbard and Miriam Johnson, if desired.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
* Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to
discuss contemplated or pending litigation:
Contract proposals for Police and Fire Unions
*Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code to
consider the evaluation of appointed officials: specifically the Chief Magistrate and
Magistrates and/or City Attorney
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:32 p.m. to reconvene in executive
session.
Mayor David W. Moore
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Patrice Fogarty, Vity Cle
Minutes;10/14/97;Page 7