Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN AUG 30 1988 REGULAR SESSION - TOWN MEETING STARLIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH HELD AUGUST 30, 1988 - 7: 00 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 30th day of August, 1988 with the following present: HONORABLE: Maurice Meyers Mayor Bob Lee, Jr. Councilman At Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Mike Brumley Councilman, Ward II David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Absent: Audwin Samuel Mayor Pro-Tem Councilman, Ward III Albert E. Haines City Manager Tyrone Cooper Assistant City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Albert Tibbs, pastor of Starlight Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Aaron Patterson, son of Maxie Patterson, Director of Resource Management. -000- Councilman David W. Moore welcomed citizens to the Town Meeting and expressed anticipation for an informative meeting resulting in workable solutions. -000- Mayor Meyers explained the general format for business and citizen comments and thanked Pastor Tibbs and Starlight Baptist Church for their hospitality in hosting this meeting. -000- Public comment was invited on Agenda Items A, B, and C. No one wished to address these items. -000- The following Consent Agenda Items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held August 23, 1988; -223- August 30, 1988 Resolution No. 88-176 appointing Shirlene Cook and Herman Rogers to the CDBG Advisory Commission with terms expiring May 31, 1990; Jan Ruppel to the Health Advisory Commission for a term expiring July 31, 1990; Helen McCarty to the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Board for a term expiring May 31, 1990; Dora Nisby to the Library Commission for a term expiring October 31, 1989; Murray Frank to the Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board of Directors for a term expiring December 31, 1989; Novella Lumbert to the Sr. Citizens Advisory Commission for a term expiring September 30, 1990; and Howard Nichols„ Jr. to the Plumbing and Mechanical Board of Review for a term expiring May 31, 1990; Resolution No. 88-177 authorizing M Bank - Beaumont to pledge $100,000 .00 and release $500,000. 00 in securities held at First Republic Bank of Dallas, effective August 30, 1988; Resolution No. 88-178 authorizing advising the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation that the City of Beaumont has no objection to the sale of a 2. 64-acre strip of surplus property remaining from the relocation of FM 364 (Major Drive) during the construction of Interstate 10 in the 1960 ' s between Highway 124 (Fannett Road) and Interstate 10; and Resolution No. 88-179 casting the City of Beaumont' s vote for the re- election of Mr. Randy Kimler, City Manager of Groves, Texas, as representative of Region 16 of the Texas Municipal League on the Board of Trustees of the TML Insurance Trust Fund. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- A Public Hearing was held to consider amendments to the City' s pending applications for a UDAG and Section 108 loan for the Spindletop Waterpark Project. The amendments would reduce the UDAG application by $700,000 and add a like amount to the Section 108 loan application to enhance the prospect for approval of the UDAG application. The total project cost would remain at approximately $9. 5 million as proposed by the principal developer, John Bartolomei of Niagra Falls, New York. In an overview statement and status report, Mr. Haines pointed out that the proposed Waterpark Project would be located in the Cardinal Drive area, would employ approximately 250 people for primarily summer jobs, would be a great attraction regionally by providing a major recreation opportunity for the community, and approval of the UDAG funding this month would allow developers to begin construction by late Fall, possibly in November, with completion by the Summer season of 1989. Mayor Meyers stated this is a most exciting project for our city and an outstanding effort to continue pursuing, and that we try not to over- utilize our Congressional and Senatorial representatives in Washington, so that when we call upon them for help we expect it. The message for help in securing these grant and loan funds will be sent immediately to Congressman Brooks, Senator Gramm and Senator Bentsen. -224- August 30, 1988 No one else wished to address the subject, and the Public Hearing was declared closed. -000- Resolution No. 88-180 authorizing submission of an amended application for an Urban Development Action Grant for the Spindletop Waterpark Project with the Department of Housing and Urban Development by reducing the amount $700,000. 00 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 88-181 authorizing submission of an amended application for a Section 108 Loan Guarantee to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in support of the Spindletop Waterpark Project by increasing the amount from $2 .175 million to $2. 875 million was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 88-182 authorizing Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $5,534. 00 for repairs caused by extensive water and termite damage and final payment in the amount of $28,521. 00 to Watkins Construction Company for Phase I of the Tyrrell Park Stable Renovation Project consisting of roof repairs was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 88-183 authorizing Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $2,407.79 for replacement of wall supports and final payment in the amount of $20,120.79 to Watkins Construction Company for Phase IV of the Tyrrell Park Stable Renovation Project consisting of general repairs including replacement of siding on the north wall, refurbishing of exterior windows and doors, repair of ceiling in living quarters, installation of new floors in the attic and loft, and repairs to the stable area was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Meyers introduced Councilmembers, the City Manager, and Assistant City Attorney and reported that Mayor Pro-Tem Samuel is out of town on business for the Minority Business Center. Councilman Brumley reported receiving many adverse telephone calls regarding the vast changes on Belvedere Drive and requested that the Public Works Director and Street Division review and correct the mistakes of -225- August 30, 1988 signage, remarked about the good comments of the "Concert on the Move" at Magnolia Park, and thanked Starlight Baptist Church for hosting this meeting. Councilman Lee also thanked Starlight Baptist Church and the Reverend Tibbs for hosting this Town Meeting and Regular Session of City Council. Councilman Cokinos expressed thanks to Reverend Tibbs and Starlight Baptist Church for their hospitality and said that last week' s "Sunday in the Park" hosted by the Art Studio was highly successful, and stated it was a pleasure to see happy faces. Councilman Moore relayed Councilman Samuel' s thanks to everyone for making last week' s "Concert on the Move" at Magnolia Park such a great success. He announced that "Sunday in the Park" will be hosted by Friends of Sunday in the Park on September 4th and reviewed the general activities of each week' s event. Councilman Moore introduced Lt. Tyler of the Beaumont Police Department and explained that Lt. Tyler, two Housing Board Commissioners, School Board Member Terry Williams, other concerned citizens and he began an endeavor called "Walk through the Community" last night in Magnolia Park in an attempt to understand problems of the community, especially the drug problem, and . how a task force could be established to combat this problem. Lt. Tyler has organized a group of concerned police officers willing to volunteer time to assist a foot patrol program under the supervision of Chief Schuldt. On Thursday, September 1, 1988, at 7: 00 p.m. there will be a Residents Community Meeting at the Neches Park Community Center to discuss issues of drugs and safety in Neches Park. Councilman Smith thanked individuals for their support in organizing the Old Town Association meetings and reported that the Neighborhood Business Association has made a lot of progress and thanked citizens for attending tonight' s Town Meeting and the Reverend Tibbs and Starlight Baptist Church for serving as host. Mayor Meyers emphasized the diverseness of the talents of Councilmembers and the amount of energy they expend in working for the City of Beaumont by initiating and improving various programs such as Concerts on the Move, Main Street on the Neches, Neighborhood Meetings, Old Town revitalization efforts, etc. and credited their success to the efforts of Council. -000- Mr. Haines thanked citizens for their attendance and Starlight Baptist Church for hosting the Town Meeting, introduced Department Heads, and asked Police Chief George Schuldt and Community Development Department Director Sherrell Cockrell to make two presentations. Chief Schuldt explained a new program called Problem-Oriented Policing that endeavors to discover problems in neighborhoods and assist in their solution and introduced recently promoted Lt. Charles Tyler who is involved in many community efforts to help citizens feel safer and combat various problems. -226- August 30, 1988 Ms. Cockrell explained the Housing Rehabilitation Program for low to moderate income families, the Enterprise Zone in conjunction with Jefferson County and the Beaumont Independent School District, and presented slides of Irving Street property in need of cleanup or repair and the use of services for rehabilitation and development offered by the Community Development Department. Mr. Kirt Anderson, Planning Director, unveiled a conceptual presentation of a triangular piece of property, approximately 150 ' by 200 ' , on Lavaca Street to be developed into an attractive plaza by creating a focal point with flag poles surrounded by flower beds, scattered trees, a circular sidewalk, and a gazebo or sheltered area with seats depending upon resources. -000- Mayor Meyers commented on the positive results he and Councilman Moore received while walking up and down Irving Street talking to residents and businessmen relative to their concerns and problems. Their interaction revealed a sense of pride and a desire to work together to "be a model" for other neighborhoods to follow. "A city, and a section of a city, are judged by how they look. . . " -000- Councilman Moore recognized the Reverend Tibbs, Tudy Duriso, Stan Hatcher, Mike Gant, Raymond Chaison, Wilmer Roberts, Father Gregory, and the Reverend Beasley as the beginning of a Task Force Group for S.C.U.P. (Southend Community Uplift Program) to study effective changes that need to be made in the Southend of Beaumont. Three phases of S.C.U.P. , a volunteer group of concerned citizens for better neighborhoods, include: ( 1. ) Cleanup the Neighborhood--enlisting help of citizens, ( 2. ) Awareness Phase-- assisting people to understand City resources, and ( 3 . ) Enrichment and Beautification of S.C.U.P. were reviewed by Councilman Moore. -000- Mr. Lafayette Spivey, 6010 Chandler, addressed Council for a further explanation of redevelopment assistance and expressed concerns in applying for loans through private institutions. Mr. Haines responded by mentioning opportunity occurs for redevelopment for housing and for commercial purposes and encouraged calling City Hall for specific redevelopment information. Mr. Paul Jones, 1870 Hebert, addressed Council questioning widening of Irving Street, who pays for demolition and removal of dilapidated buildings, the types of businesses planned for Irving Street, protection against break-ins and robbery for proposed businesses on Irving Street, and suggested seminars to educate people regarding City resources available. Reverend Lester Kirkmon, 2060 Irving, addressed Council regarding widening of Irving Street and asked who to contact regarding improvements. -227- August 30, 1988 Ms. Beverly Stewart, 2355 Irving Street, addressed Council regarding her application for an improvement loan and inability to secure additional funds needed. Mr. Donald Butler, 1210 Grant, addressed Council regarding possible incentives that might be specifically directed to encourage young people to go into business, income bracket restrictions, and how to obtain information about going into business for the first time. An unidentified woman addressed Assistant City Attorney Tyrone Cooper regarding sign regulations in yards and was directed to speak to Planning Director Kirt Anderson. Ms. Bridget Greer, 3965 Fonville, addressed Council regarding programs available or planned for elderly citizens. Mr. Lynn Bettis, 1410 Madison, addressed Council regarding no significant increase in appraisal value of his home, complained about an area behind his house that needs cleaning and the grass cut, and inquired if City-owned property on Irving Street is for sale. Mr. Calvin Moultrie, 2420 Clearview Street, addressed Council to express concern regarding Port of Beaumont expansion North of Buford Street and asked that the cement play tunnels on playgrounds be reviewed for safety and consideration be given an entry covering for protection of children. The Reverend Albert Tibbs, pastor of Starlight Baptist Church, questioned Port of Beaumont purchases immediately becoming industrialized. Ms. Annie Sole, 1850 Verone Street, addressed Council to complain of high grass on the lot next to her home and asked for assistance in getting the grass mowed. -000- There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned. -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/Town Meeting session held August 30, 1988. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -228- August 30, 1988