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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 19 1989 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD SEPTEMBER 19, 1989 - 1: 15 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 19th day of September, 1989, with the following present: HONORABLE: Bob Lee, Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Councilman At Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Michael Brumley Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Absent: Maurice Meyers Mayor Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Richard Elwood, Saint Mark' s Episcopalian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Cokinos. -000- Mayor Pro Tem Lee reported that Mayor Meyers is in Austin appearing before the Task Force on Public Utility Regulation. -000- Mr. Joe Bob Kinsel, representing the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, was asked to share recent information. MR. KINSEL: Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, for allowing me to appear before you for just a few minutes. It was my pleasure to be at this same microphone several months ago to give you an update on some of the events of the Art Museum and the issue that was of primary concern to me, I think of interest to you also, was our effort to become an accredited institution. After about eighteen months of work, you will remember I reported, we submitted just a tremendous volume of information to the American Association of Museums, and they were to meet and review our documentation after a site visit here a couple of months back and give us word today as to our accredited status, and that' s why I called City Manager Ray Riley and asked for a spot on the -250- September 19, 1989 program. We waited until just a few minutes ago, and they are still in meeting, but I 'm unable to report absolutely, positive results from our efforts, but I did want to tell you where we were and to reassure you that we think we will be accredited in short order. And, we think that' s a very significant thing for our museum environment, that we are also proud of in Downtown Beaumont because as I mentioned, if we do become accredited, as we think we will, we will be one of only twenty- five institutions in the State of Texas that are accredited in the eyes of the American Association of Museums. So, as soon as we hear, hopefully, next week, we ' ll be back and let you know that we have officially become accredited. While I am here I would like to tell you the results of a very recent membership drive that we just conducted. The Art Museum has had approximately 12 or 1300 members for quite some time, during all of the time we have been in the new building downtown. The volunteers mounted a huge campaign drive that lasted for one full week--from 5 o'clock until 8: 30 every night--and I 'm really proud to report that during this last week' s membership effort, we attracted 640 new members of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, which raises about to the 1800 level, which we think really speaks highly for the support that the citizens feel for that institution and the role that it plays in our city. And, in closing, I 'd like to tell you how much we appreciate your support, and we think it' s an institution that is worthy of your support, and the volunteers and staff are doing everything to merit the confidence that you have placed in us. And, Dr. Smith, we really appreciate all of the input and counseling advice that you have given us while serving as a trustee. And, I have some copies of our annual report that I 'd like to leave with you for your review, and if you have any questions, please contact me or the staff. Sheila Stewart, the Executive Director, is here today. Also, the person who will succeed me as President of the Museum, Joanne Polk, is here. And, it' s refreshing to know that we ' ll once again have a president that knows something about art! MAYOR PRO TEM LEE: Well, Joe Bob, the Art Museum is a real asset to not only Beaumont, but Southeast Texas in its entirety, and it' s a terrific addition to our downtown area, and we appreciate all that you've done, and Sheila and Joanne. Both staff and volunteer support that you have is tremendous. COUNCILMAN SMITH: Bob, I would just like to thank Joe Bob for all of his help, and the Board of Trustees, and Sheila and the staff of the Art Museum. I enjoy working with you. I think you' re doing a fantastic job. I 'm very pleased with the way the Museum is shaping up, the increase in our membership, and it' s a very pleasant association. We appreciate all you do for our community. -000- Three Proclamations were issued: "Emergency Medical Services Week, " September 17-23 , 1989; "American Business Women' s Day, " September 22 , 1989 ; and "Constitution Week, " September 17-23 , 1989 . Dr. Charles Owen of Saint Elizabeth Hospital Emergency invited attendance at an open -251- September 19, 1989 house September 20th between the hours of 7: 00 a.m. and 11 p.m. honoring Emergency Medical Services personnel. Mrs. Nugent Boyd, Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, informed Council of a little publicized law that has just been passed by the Texas Legislature effective September 1, 1989, at any public gathering where the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is given, the Texas flag must also be saluted (hand placed over heart) and the Pledge of the Texas flag recited. The Pledge to the Texas flag is, "Honor the Texas Flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, one and indivisible. " -000- Mayor Pro Tem Lee announced that Wednesday, September 20, is National Education Day and invited everyone to attend a special ceremony at Boys Haven on North Major Drive at 9: 30 a.m. on September 20, 1989. Mayor Meyers will issue a Proclamation to Boys Haven, a non-profit, non- sectarian charitable home for Southeast Texas boys. -000- Mayor Pro Tem Lee reported that a vessel will be coming to the Port of Beaumont on September 29th and will be of interest to everyone and asked Lise Meyer to speak about the Mercy Ship Anastasis. MS. LISE MEYER: I appreciate this opportunity to announce to you that the Anastasis is coming into port, and at this time, right now, her sister-ship The Good Samaritan is coming to port in Beaumont. Should be here. Both ships are used to go around the world. For over a decade we have been fighting poverty and helping people who have been struck by disasters. Last year the ship went to Jamaica after Hurricane Gilbert struck. Maybe this year we can return to some of the islands that have been struck from Hurricane Hugo. I would like to invite the Councilmembers, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, on October 4th at 12 o' clock, there will be a Civic Businessmen' s Luncheon in which you will be having a presentation of more in-depth of what we do--the Mercy Ship as well as the Good Samaritan. I would like to invite you to that. I 've already sent invitations to you all. I 've been serving on board for a year, and in that year I 've been to four countries and been able to help people, either being part of a ship which administers medical relief through our operating rooms on board, as well as going into villages, as well as providing mercy relief, building homes, and doing training in agriculture. While we' re here in Beaumont, we are open for tours six days a week. We' ll be closed on Mondays. And, we'd like an opportunity to have everyone come and see exactly what we' re doing. I 'd like to also thank the Port of Beaumont, like to thank. . . .Southern Steamship, Tom Flanagan, as well as the community, the hospitals, the individuals who have been such a blessing to us in providing services either free of charge to us, as well as cargo. We will be collecting donations of cargo so we' ll are able to return to the Dominican Republic and maybe some of the other islands who have been struck as -252- September 19, 1989 well. . .We are on a good-will tour. . .The ship is now in Houston, and it will be going on to Lake Charles after this (Beaumont) , and two more ports after that before we go to the Caribbean. That is, if we don' t make a special tour. . .to the islands to help out immediately. Thank you. MAYOR PRO TEM LEE: We' re certainly pleased to have you. I have information here that says that in Jamaica you, this past year January through March, delivered two million pounds of relief goods, built twenty three ( 23 ) homes, three ( 3 ) house additions, replaced twelve ( 12) roofs, built one ( 1) school and finished another school, did a total of 292 surgeries, including 221 eye operations, fifty-four ( 54) special, fourteen ( 14) E.N.T. and three ( 3 ) others, treated 2, 228 dental patients, treated approximately 3 , 000 persons in village clinics, did training for pastors and nurses and teachers, held first-aid courses, and assisted in several agricultural projects. So, I think you all can see that these folks when they come in really do make an impact. We' re glad to have you in Beaumont, and we look forward to touring the ships with you. MISS MEYER: And the ship will be here through October 25th. -000- MAYOR PRO TEM LEE: Volunteer efforts do make the world go ' round, and they have been making Beaumont go ' round. We have with us today members of the Gold Wing Road Rider' s Association, Chapter J. Mayor Pro Tem Lee explained that the Gold Wing Road Riders' s Association is a national organization whose members ride Gold Wing Honda touring bikes. The basis of the organization is to improve motorcyclist' image and to provide an avenue for making new friends, sharing new-found roads, learning technical tips, and understanding the Gold Wing touring bike. It is a family-oriented organization who desires to change the image of bikers by increasing their involvement in the community. The organization has recently conducted a community cleanup of the railroad tracks along Calder and the cross streets from Laurel to North, an area in which Councilman Smith has a great interest. Mr. Duane Johnston, Police Sergeant Dave Sample, and Mr. Randy Haggart are present to represent the group. COUNCILMAN SMITH: Duane called me about the possibility of getting on the railroad right- of-way and cleaning the area. So, through Jim Terry with the City, we arranged to have the railroad do a little clean-up, and the City took a -253- September 19, 1989 dump truck out and parked it, and on September the 9th, the Gold Wing Rider' s came out and cleaned the area up. In Old Town we' re very appreciative of this. The place looks so much better, and we' re very, very happy, and we want to thank you very much for your community effort. MAYOR PRO TEM LEE: Duane, we offer you an opportunity to make any remarks that you like. MR. DUANE JOHNSTON: Well, Dave was going to make them, but he had to go back to work. This is one of our representatives, he' s going to tell you a little bit about what we do and why we did it. MR. RANDY HAGGART: I 'm Randy Haggart. Dave just stepped out, Sergeant Sample. He works for you all, also. Our group, we' re trying to improve the image of motorcycling. The recent laws of the State' s passed for the helmets-- we' ve support that law. We've supported that idea for years and years. I 'm relatively a new member. I 've been in the organization for two years, but it' s been around for a number of years. Our group, as you mentioned, we were looking for a project, a civic project, to let people know that we stand for a little bit more than just a motorcycle driver, just someone who wants to get on the street and ride their bike and create some noise and some havoc. We' re basically a family- oriented group. Most of our club members are married, and we usually tour together. We enjoyed the clean-up that we did. Beaumont weather could have been a little bit cooler. We had approximately twenty-two members out. . .but it was a fun experience for all of us. We look forward to getting more involved in the community. We represent people from Bridge City, from Port Arthur, from Groves, Mid-County, Beaumont, and North of Beaumont. So, we' re not just from the Beaumont area. We' re from the entire area. That' s basically our theology in life. We just like to serve and enjoy life. MAYOR PRO TEM LEE: We appreciate it. Of course, you know that the way our community looks has a great bearing on our success. I want to introduce Maree Calcote who is right beside you who is the Chairman of our Clean Community Commission, and I 'm sure she would like to shake your hand and say a brief word. . . MAREE CALCOTE- . . .I would like to tell you how much we appreciate what you have done, and I will be nominating your group for a "Pride in Beaumont" award. . .We really appreciate what the citizens do, and what we do in this entire area to make us look better and to make it safer, and we do appreciate what you've done, and we hope to work with you in the future. Thanks again. -254- September 19, 1989 Mrs. Maree Calcote joined by Mayor Pro Tem Lee acknowledged the efforts of two groups who are helping to beautify Beaumont and who are entering into an "Operation Clean Street" contract. Mrs. Calcote stated that participants in the "Operation Clean Street" program take on the responsibility of an area of the city. They mow, edge, and pick up litter on a regular basis for at least a year. Through the efforts of volunteers, Beaumont has won the State award for having the best program in reducing litter. Ms. Sally Blewett, Caldwood Elementary students, Richard McGee, Kyle Moss, G. L. Tritico, Christina Flores, Dexter Lockett, and Rebecca Gibbins, and teachers, Mrs. Cindy Wilkinson, Miss Donna Gober, and Miss Debbie Teeter agreed to clean the area around Caldwood Elementary School and Kyle Moss signed the contract for the group. In addition to this project, Ms. Blewett informed Council that the P.T.A. purchased azaleas as landscaping for Caldwood Elementary School grounds, and the children of various classes have accepted the responsibility for maintaining the shrubs. Mr. Everett Campbell and Mr. Williams representing a group who have taken the responsibility of keeping Spell Cemetery clean want to increase their commitment to include Caswell Street and formally signed an "Operation Clean Street" contract with Mayor Pro Tem Lee and Mrs. Calcote. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agenda. 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 September 12, 1989; and Resolution No. 89-184 authorizing purchase of traffic signal mast arms and pole assemblies from Union Metal Corporation in the amount of $66,068. 00. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Brumley. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 89-68 approving the property tax assessment rolls for the 1989 tax year, establishing the tax rate at $ . 54 per $100 assessed valuation, apportioning $0. 31068 to the General Fund, $0. 11080 to Debt Service, and $0. 00852 to the Drainage Improvement Fund, (net taxable assessed value of all property in the amount of $2,759,044,690) with a total levy of $14,898,839. 13 was considered: -255- September 19, 1989 ORDINANCE NO. 89-68 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE TAX ROLL FOR THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; ESTABLISHING A TAX RATE; PROVIDING FOR LEVYING, ASSESSING AND COLLECTING OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE TAX YEAR 1989; TO PROVIDE A GENERAL FUND, A SINKING FUND TO MEET THE PAYMENT OF ALL BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT AND THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST THEREON, AN INSURANCE FUND, AND A DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT FUND; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Ordinance No. 89-68 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 89-69 adopting the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 1990 based on appropriations totaling $108 ,730,898 at an effective spending level of $90, 914, 000, exclusive of interfund transfer and reserve for contingencies, highlighting a new insurance program and the new street maintenance and rehabilitation program was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 89-69 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE REFERRED TO AS THE "ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE" ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE ENSUING FISCAL PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1989 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1990 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. Ordinance No. 89-69 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 89-70 amending budget amendments for the 1988-89 Fiscal Year by appropriating $350,000 from unappropriated funds in the General Fund to the Fire Department, $41, 600 to the Legal Department, $93,640 to the Water Department; appropriate $792,720 in the Insurance Fund from unappropriated Insurance Fund revenues; appropriate $115,100 to the Convention Facilities Fund with $85,000 of such monies being appropriated from unappropriated funds in the General Fund, Parks Division and the remaining $30,100 appropriated from the Convention Facilities Fund balance; appropriate $30,000 appropriated to the Debt -256- September 19, 1989 Service Fund; appropriate $200,000 to the Sanitation Fund; appropriate $19,500 to the Library Trust Fund from the fund balance in the Library Trust Fund; appropriate $2,000 appropriated in the Expendable Trust Fund from current revenues in such fund; appropriate $710 appropriated in the Tyrrell Park Renovation Trust Fund from the fund balance for increased restoration activity in Tyrrell Park; appropriate $5,020 appropriated in the HUD Section 108 Loan Fund from unappropriated funds in the HUD Section 108 Loan Fund; appropriate $9,600 in the State Health Grant Fund from additional revenues to be received from the State Health Contract; and appropriate $50,000 in the Retired Employees Insurance Trust from current revenues for continued operations was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 89-70 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT FOR THE FISCAL PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 1988 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1989 BY APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL MONIES IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, LEGAL DEPARTMENT, WATER DEPARTMENT, INSURANCE FUND, CONVENTION FACILITIES DEPARTMENT, DEBT SERVICE FUND, SANITATION FUND AND VARIOUS TRUST AND GRANT FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Ordinance No. 89-70 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-185 adopting the Capital Improvement Program for the Period 1990 through 1994 (for FY' 90 $500,000 for street improvements, $412,000 for drainage improvements, $8,810,000 for water and sewer improvements, and $50,000 for improvements at the Fire Training Grounds is anticipated) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-186 appointing John Paul Davis as the first full-time Chief Magistrate of Municipal Court for a two-year term, effective October 1, 1989, at an annual salary of $44,000, thereby extending court session hours to both morning and afternoon Monday through Friday with Magistrate Wendell Radford continuing to serve as part-time relief judge was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- -257- September 19, 1989 Resolution No. 89-187 authorizing purchase of an IBM As/400 Model B35 central data processing unit for the Police Department to increase information storage capacity of the department' s networked computer system and allow for further expansion from IBM Corporation of Beaumont in the amount of $117,988 (close to $70,000 will be paid toward that cost from the confiscated goods funds and from the sale of the existing system) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-188 authorizing purchase of an uninterruptable power supply system for the IBM AS/400 Model B35 central data processing unit for the Police Department from Computer Power, Inc. of High Bridge, New Jersey in the amount of $11, 541 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-189 authorizing a new self-insured employee group health insurance program designed to continue coverage at essentially the same level as now offered (providing some new benefits and enabling the City to curtail rising insurance costs) with GreenTree Administrators of Beaumont under contract to provide claims administration services and Managed Healthcare, Inc. , of Houston for utilization review services and purchasing stop-loss insurance coverage at $75 ,000 per individual claimant and an individual lifetime maximum of $1,000, 000 from Harbor Insurance Company was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Moore, subject to GreenTree Administrators adhering to an Affirmative Action Plan sanctioned by the City of Beaumont. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-190 authorizing an interlocal agreement with Texas Political Subdivisions Workers ' Compensation Joint Insurance Fund for the purpose of providing workers ' compensation coverage to employees of the City of Beaumont was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Smith said she is still recuperating from the delightful marathon that "Main Street on the Neches" proved to be with all the entertaining activities, excellent attendance and volunteers. Councilman Samuel complimented Mayor Pro Tem Lee for a job well done in chairing the "Main Street on the Neches" celebration and said he is looking forward to next year. -258- September 19, 1989 Councilman Moore congratulated Council for their individual leadership participation in "Main Street on the Neches," and expressed gratitude for the good weather. Councilman Moore thanked Nick Toparcean, other City Staff, the Police and Sanitation Departments for assistance in cleaning up a situation at Sunlight Manor and asked City Manager Riley to get someone to investigate Neches and Emmett Streets and direct attention there by the Police and Sanitation Departments to correct a situation and discussed the sale of beverages at the Heritage Festival decided by vendors. Councilman Cokinos stated that he previously contacted Environmental Health and the Police Department about the situation at Neches and Emmett Street and expressed appreciation to the Sanitation Department for their assistance in clearing the area previously. Councilman Cokinos agreed that "Main Street on the Neches" was a great success and congratulated everyone involved, especially the Firefighters maintaining a safe atmosphere at the docks. Councilman Brumley commended Mayor Pro Tem Lee as Chairman of "Main Street on the Neches" in coordinating all the activities and thanked the media for their coverage and support of the event. Mayor Pro Tem Lee accepted congratulations from Council, but added that this was a unified effort of Council, city staff, volunteers, organizations in the community, the media, and citizens of the community. He added that the opportunity to experience the diverse cultural background of Beaumont citizens was a special compensation in addition to all the entertainment and other activities. -000- Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall Street, presented Council a poem entitled "Death and Taxes" and discussed portions of the poem. Mr. Jerone Bassett, 5180 Ada, addressed Council to commend the decision to hire John Paul Davis as a full-time magistrate for Municipal Court, complimented Councilman Moore and Councilman Samuel for their concern regarding minority participation in administration of the insurance fund and suggested they review the Affirmative Action Plan to be submitted by GreenTree. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was recessed before continuing with the Workshop Session. -000- I, Barbara Liming, Deputy 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 September 19, 1989. Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk -259- September 19, 1989