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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN DEC 22 1987 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD DECEMBER 22, 1987 - 1:15 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session the the 22nd day of December, 1987, with the following present: HONORABLE: Maurice Meyers Mayor Bob Lee, Jr. Councilman At Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Mike Brumley Mayor Pro-Tem Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward i4 Absent: Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Albert E. Haines City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Steve Smithers of Saint Anthony' s Cathedral. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mrs. Delia Harrington -000- MAYOR MEYERS We will continue to take opportunity and be delighted to do so, as a matter of fact, to share information relative to the small business element of our community that is driving our economy up. Driving our economy to a position of I think much more comfort and certainly on the plus side. And, two weeks ago, I mentioned the fact that seven months ago, in April of this year, a company that had been headquartered in Dallas had one representative working here, and I think a total of twenty employees at the time. Local investors had seen fit to acquire that company and move its headquarters to BeawTiont, and I mentioned also the fact that that same company now employed fifty people in Beaumont, and, I think probably now over 100 total, but the last count was 99, and the continued growth of that company is a perfect example of the kinds of businesses that are driving our economy. We will continue to recognize those people because I think they' re the heroes in reversing our economic difficulties of the past, and I 've asked Mr. Todd Christopher, president of the company, if he'd come today and come forward, Todd. Todd is president and principle of that company, and we're delighted that you're here, and pleased that you'd take time to share a little bit of the story of growth of Taylor Medical. -415- December 22, 1987 MR. TODD CHRISTOPHER Thank you, Mayor Meyers. I appreciate your invitation, and not only am I glad to be here, I 'm proud to be here. I 'm a native Beaumonter, lived outside of Beaumont for a few years in a city to the west of us about 90 miles in Houston. When we got our business back from the company who had bought us several years ago we were headquartered in Dallas, and we had part of our Board of Directors who are from Houston, and there was quite a bit of discussion about where we should put this new venture of ours, and we convinced them, I guess it' s the salesman in me and a few of our other board members, that Beaumont was the ideal spot, not only in Texas, but for the National Headquarters of Taylor, Medical Inc. , and that's where it is located today, and it' s thriving, and our, our promises so to speak, or our projections are certainly coming to life. Our sales have increased three-fold since our beginning in April. We're now up to 111 employees last count before I came to lunch today, and we' re headed in the right direction. We' re very optimistic about 188. We' re optimistic about our future,` and we're optimistic about the opportunities that Beaumont has given us. We're located centrally between New Orleans and Houston, or San Antonio and Houston, also. That was kind of one of our promises, or one of our guises that we used to put the business here in Beaumont. But, the main main asset, Mayor Meyers, that we've had, and the other Councilmembers, that I want you to recognize that has been one of the, I think the basis to our, to our success and will be to our continued success, are the people of Beaumont and the employees that we have. We've got just an untapped natural resource as we say quite often. But, the people that we have up there, the 60 plus employees that we have on board in Beaumont, Texas, are the real basis behind our success today and behind our success in the future. So, we're proud of that._ We've got the other naturals, the Port. We've go Interstate 10 which goes both ways, and 59 which now heads north, and we're moving in those directions, but the people are the real reason we' re successful. Thank you for having ,pie, bere. MAYOR MEYERS Thanks very much for coming. Thank for taking time, and keep us posted as the numbers go up. We wish you and all of the people at Taylor Medical a very merry Christmas, and thank you for making sure that this is where the company was headquartered. -000- Mayor Meyers invited public comment on Agenda Items A through E. Mr. Mike Holland, 5855 Meadowview Road, an affiliate of Star Graphics Inc. addressed Council regarding Agenda Item D authorizing lease- purchase of a high-speed, large-volume copier. Mr. Holland presented to Council an analysis of in-plant printing versus usage of a high-speed, large-volume copier and requested that Council consider the cost effectiveness of tax dollars in such a change. -000- -416- December 22, 1987 The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council session held December 8, 1987; Resolution 87-248 authorizing Texas Commerce Bank - Beaumont to release $200,000. 00 pledged as securities held at the Federal Reserve Bank Dallas - Houston Branch effective December 22, 1987; Resolution 87-249 appointing Milton Bell and Johnny Walker to the Historical Landmark Commission with terms expiring October 31, 1990, Robert A. Black to the Planning Commission with a term expiring July 31, 1990, Ed Dix and Nancy Neild to the Sister Cities Commission with terms expiring December 22, 1988, Paul Mattingly and Robert Swerdlow to the Sister Cities Commission with terms expiring December 22, 1989, and Herman Rogers to the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Commission with a term expiring December 8, 1989 and Bill Wilson to the Small Business Revolving Fund Commission for a term expiring December 8, 1990 ' Resolution 87-250 listing Unit #7065, 1982 Chevrolet station wagon, current license plate No. YCJ-884, VIN IG1AW35K.9CR173779, a Fire Department vehicle to be licensed with regular license plates in accordance with Vernon' s Texas Civil Statutes, Art. 6701m-2; Resolution 87-251 accepting the $15, 356 bid of Gulf Coast Specialties, Inc. for purchase of computer paper; Resolution 87-252 granting a twenty-foot ( 201 ) wide overhead and a ten- foot ( 101 ) wide underground electrical distribution easement to Gulf States Utilities Company for upgraded electrical service to Southwell Landing Marina in connection with the Marina Expansion Project; Resolution 87-253 authorizing execution of a deed conveying the city' s interest in Lot 5, Block 34 of the Calder Addition to the State of Texas for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway/Spur 380 Project; and Resolution 87-254 authorizing the City' s $2, 300,000 allocation in the Houston-Galveston Equipment Finance Corporation' s Certificates of Participation be designated as Qualified Tax Exempt Obligations. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Brumley. Question: ayes: All Nayes: None -000- City Manager Albert E. Haines announced receipt of the 111987 Excellence on the Waterfront Commendation" awarded to the Planning Division of the Community Development Department as a result of recognition and commendation for the Riverfront Park. It was one of five selected from a total of 109 projects by the Waterfront Center. The City's waterfront park entry was commended for demonstrating care about the waterfront resource, sensitivity to a community' s heritage, for fitting and -417- December 22, 1987 enhancing a site, blending with the surroundings and stimulating public imagination. Mr. Kirt Andersen and his staff were recognized for their efforts in garnering this commendation for the City of Beaumont. -000- Mayor Meyers announced there would be an Executive Session at the close of the Regular Session in accordance with Section 2e of the Open Meetings Act to discuss potential litigation. -000- Ordinance No. 87-94 designating the next to the last Saturday in May following any general election in which a run-off is required as the date for run-off elections was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 87-94 S ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A DATE FOR RUN-OFF ELECTIONS IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. The ordinance was approved ' on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Brumley. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 87-95 abandoning a 1. 5 ' wide by 37. 6 ' long portion of a utilities easement at 2220 Monica Drive (requested by Sam C. Parigi, Jr. . ) to remove the encroachment of a residence extending extending nine- tenths of a foot onto the 16-foot wide easement to clear the title for sale of the property was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 87-95 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING A 1. 5 FOOT-WIDE PORTION OF A DEDICATED 16 FOOT-WIDE UTILITY EASEMENT LOCATED ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 51, BLOCK 5, SOMERSET VILLAGE ADDITION, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS, AND PROVIDING FOR RETENTION OF A UTILITY EASEMENT. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- A resolution authorizing a 60-month lease purchase agreement for a high- speed, large volume copier to replace the offset press and copier in the printing shop with Xerox Corp. at a monthly charge of $1,046. 25 for the copier up to 41,200 copies a month, $512. 85 for maintenance and $0. 006 -418- December 22, 1987 RESOLUTION REGARDING COPIER CONTINUED per copy for copies in excess of 41, 200 with an option to purchase at the end of a five-year lease for $6,975 was considered. After a lengthy discussion with questions by Council regarding cost justification in eliminating the print shop, ventilation possibilities either by Building Maintenance or an outside firm, other locations, volume and type of printing going outside prior to shut down of the print shop, passible increase of outside printing that cannot be accomplished by a copier, disposition of printing equipment and copier specifications and a specific request for information by Councilman Samuel (If the Print Shop had to move, what would be the comparative cost of maintaining the Print Shop and possibly adding a high-speed copier versus using a high-speed copier only and contracting out specialty printing?) , the general consensus of Council was to delay action on this item until the information is received. -000= Resolution 87-255 awarding a contract in the amount of $83, 666.00 to John Bankston Construction Co. for constructing a 48-inch reinforced concrete drainage line at the Fire Department' s Training Center was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Lee. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Meyers called for a formal motion on Agenda Item D-3. Councilman Samuel made a motion seconded by Councilman Cokinos to delay action on Agenda Item D-3 authorizing a 60-month lease purchase agreement for a high-speed, large volume copier to replace the offset press and office copier in the Print Shop. Question: Ayes: Mayor Meyers Nayes: None Councilman Lee Councilman Cokinos Councilman Brumley Councilman Samuel Abstention: Councilman Moore -000- Councilman Moore questioned the certification process of Minority Business Enterprises. Public Works Director Tom Warner reported that processing initially begins with the Affirmative Action Officer in the Personnel Department; if there is a question concerning certification, an in-depth study will be performed by the Public Works Department to determine if it is a true MBE. -000- -419- December 22, 1987 Ordinance No. 87-96 amending the Fiscal Budget of the City, authorizing an inter-fund loan to the Marina Fund and authorizing a reopener to the agreement with the Beaumont Yacht Club to to amend the Marina Expansion Project to include asphalt paving of access drives at the boat landing for an additional $17,500 was considered: ORDINANCE 87-96 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT FOR THE FISCAL PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 1987 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1988 BY AUTHORIZING A LOAN OF SEVENTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($17,500) FROM THE UNALLOCATED FUND BALANCE IN THE GENERAL FUND TO THE MARINA FUND AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS BY THE _CITY MANAGER. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Brumley. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 87-97 changing the name of Brakes Bayou Road to Marina Drive was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 87-97 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT AND IN PARTICULAR THE NAME OF THAT CERTAIN STREET AS INDICATED UPON THE OFFICIAL STREET MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE NAME OF "BRAKES BAYOU ROAD" TO "MARINA DRIVE; " PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Brumley. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The first reading of an ordinance granting a franchise to Waste Management--Golden Triangle for operation of a commercial container garbage collection service was considered: -420- December 22, 1987 AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO WASTE MANAGEMENT--GOLDEN TRIANGLE TO OPERATE A COMMERCIAL CONTAINER GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICE IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; PROVIDING THE TERMS, CONDITIONS, OBLIGATIONS, AND LIMITATIONS OF SUCH SERVICE; PROVIDING INDEMNITY TO THE CITY; RETAINING AUTHORITY TO REGULATE RATES; PROVIDING FOR FRANCHISE PAYMENTS AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. The ordinance was passed to its second reading on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Brumley. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Meyers extended wishes for a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a bright 188 to all and gave opportunity for the City Manager, City Attorney, Staff Members in attendance, and News Media Representatives, to extend holiday greetings. -000- Councilman Lee inquired of Public Works Director Tom Warner if there is a regular flushing program for inlets. Mr. Warner reported we operate under an on-call policy and do not have a preventive maintenance program. Councilman Lee requested that Mr. Warner research the manpower that would be required to establish a preventive program. Councilman Moore requested of Mr. Warner an updated report of progress -of items discussed at the Community Town Meetings and complimented Mayor Meyers as moderator of a panel at the recent National League of Cities Seminar. Councilman Samuel complimented both Mayor Meyers and Councilman Moore for their participation at the National League of Cities in representing Beaumont and asked for more fill dirt in front of Magnolia Park and that pools be cleaned. -000- Mrs. Jessie Cooper, 446 Georgetown, addressed Council to again remind the City that Mr. Johnny Hale of American Machine Shop has invented a pump that could save the City of Beaumont dollars. (Councilman Cokinos withdrew from the Council Chambers. ) Mr. Terry Dopson, 814 Pyramid, Corpus Christi, addressed Council to request adoption of improvements in the Texas Municipal Retirement System Program, particularly the provision that enables retirement at any age with 25 years of service. -421- December 22, 1987 Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 3305 Avenue A, addressed Council to request contributions for the McBride Halfway House Christmas fund and thanked Council and Staff for their assistance in his efforts. Mrs. Suzy Juncker, President of Build, Inc. , addressed Council to thank them and City Staff for the downtown Christmas decorations and distributed copies of QUICK NOTES that detail quarterly activities of BUILD for the previous quarter which include: the Orleans Triangle Improvement Project, the Derelict Sign Removal Project and Facade Cleaning and Paint-up Project, an A & M Downtown Streetscape Study, a Street Vending Project, the Downtown Business Innovation Center (a business incubator) , a Tax Base and Property Owner Survey to be performed by Professor David Gates and his Lamar University engineering class, announced establishment of The FAIR Committee to serve in an advisory capacity for proposed economic development funding grant and to organize short-term clean-up, paint-up, fix-up efforts and to improve the public perception of the Forsythe area, publication of the Downtown Events Calendar, a list of New Downtown Businesses, the Holiday Fantasy Celebrations, and a list of Recent Renovations. -000- There being no further business, Mayor Meyers concluded the business portion of City Council and called the Executive Session. -000- I, Rosemarie Chiappetta, 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 December 22, 1987. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -422- December 22, 1987 EXCERPT FROM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL SESSION HELD DECEMBER 22, 1987 CITY MANAGER: Councilman (to Councilman Samuel) , I certainly have no objection, if Betty doesn't. We meet again in two weeks, if that's a problem. I would just like to simply add . . . make this comment, though. We do not have the history or the data in place to do what I would consider to be a good performance audit or review of our copy needs and how they really ought to best be managed. I can say this. We did have that in the city I came from. We did do a performance audit and we could not justify in a city twice this size a full-time print . . . offset print operation. We could not justify it and we ended up contracting our peculiar needs for printing outside the city and went to high-speed copiers in those satellite locations that could justify them. I just mention that as food for thought. tl END OF EXCERPT