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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN OCT 31 1989 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD OCTOBER 31 , 1989 - 1 : 15 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 31st day of October, 1989 , 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 Michael Brumley Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Stanley Gerber, St. Mark' s Episcopal Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Meyers. -000- Mayor Meyers called an Executive Session, pursuant to Section 2(e) of the Texas Open Meetings Act, to consider pending or contemplative litigation, to be held immediately following the Council Workshop Session. -000- One proclamation was issued: "Poppy Day in Beaumont" - November 11, 1989. -000- Mayor Meyers mentioned a note he had received from the contractor working on I-10 , stating that the Harrison Street Off-Ramp would be closed from Southbound U.S. 69 , November 6th. -000- Receipt of the MARTHA ARBUCKLE AWARD MAYOR MEYERS: We had the distinct honor to be represented in Austin this past Friday by the Mayor ' s Committee for Employment of Disabled, -295- October 31, 1989 Now MAYOR MEYERS continued: some of whom are here today, Don Kelly, the Chairman, and several members. And, at that time, and it' s truly a credit to the committee, the Martha Arbuckle Award was presented from the Governor to the committee and I received this award on behalf of the committee for their outstanding work particularly relative to the innovative project of the year which was selected for the entire state and that was the scholarship program for persons for disabilities that our committee had fostered. Margaret Harmon from our staff is here. She and Don and everyone else on the committee have been integral parts of making this committee something special dealing with the needs of people who need help and assistance but yet can achieve so much. Don, would you come forward and locally accept this from me and Council for a job well done for all members of your committee and it was an honor for me. There were 14 Beaumonters who traveled on their own to Austin. We were,I think, the largest representation there and I was particularly proud of all of you and I would say that again here. I think you are doing an outstanding job, and I think you have a very clear focus on what you want to achieve, and you are doing it well and offer any comment you would want to make on behalf of the committee, Don. MR. DON KELLY: I think the committee all appreciates the Mayor' s support. He ' s attended all of our meetings and being an administrator myself, I know how valuable it is to have a top-flight professional working with us and Margaret does make us all look good. Our committee, we were 13 strong and we are just excited about what we are doing. We feel like we are doing some good, and we appreciate your support, Mayor. MAYOR MEYERS: Well, it was really something special when they referenced the fact that the awards seemed to be Beaumont Day, and I thought that spoke well for your efforts. Thank you very much. -000- Presentation to TODD FREELAND: MAYOR MEYERS: The second part is the fact that Todd Freeland is here today. I think everyone has had opportunity to meet Todd. Raise you hand in case they haven' t, Todd. And his wife, Debbie. And, they were both in Austin. And his mother is here today, Mrs. Freeland. It was a particularly special day for them because the Governor had his Chief of Staff present Todd with a Texas flag that he will take tomorrow when he leaves for Ouida, Japan, to compete in the International Wheelchair Mini-marathon. Todd accepted that as the only entrant from the State of Texas, so he is carrying a double banner. Great responsibility. The "eyes of Texas are upon you" I guess is the best way to look at it; but, Todd represents the entire State along with Beaumont. Bill Blackmon, the Manager of Beaumont' s local refinery (Mobil) and Roy Dickerson, their public relations man, were to be here. They've had an emergency at the refinery that has kept them from coming and -296- October 31 , 1989 1400s MAYOR MEYERS continued: they called just a few moments ago; but, they sent much more than their wishes. Mobil has seen fit to support Todd' s efforts with a very generous contribution for his expenses; but if you are not going to be the best dressed guy there, I don' t know who is and Bill and Roy being unable to come by, have got you fixed up pretty good, I ' ll guarantee you that. They've made you an official part of the Mobil racing team with this bag. Let me set some of this down. And, that' s the travel bag for you. . .your hat. . .they must have thought it was for me. This is a pretty neat shirt. I 've unpacked it. This is not a racing shirt, but it' s one that I think you will wear proudly. They've got lots more goodies in here. There ' s nothing but stuff. A jacket with Mobil racing emblem and tee shirt from the Mobil racing team and that all goes in your bag. And, Margaret, what have you got? Why don' t you get to it. MARGARET HARMON: From the Beaumont Mayor ' s Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons we want you to proudly display this shirt. We have this for you and a warm-up. We want everybody to know that Todd' s from Beaumont. And, he receives something else from California. This will be the official uniform that he will be wearing. And, here' s another jacket. MAYOR MEYERS: Todd, on behalf of Council and the Mayor ' s Committee and the citizens of Beaumont and the citizens of Texas, we wish you well. We give you opportunity now to make any comments prior to going as well as. . .Debbie, they didn' t give you a chance to say anything. I don' t think you wanted to, but it was an exciting day for that presentation and, Mrs. Freeland, likewise, any comment that you would want to make. And, Don, on behalf of the Committee, this will be your last opportunity so if Sam, or anybody, wants to say anything, the microphone' s open; but, Todd. why don' t you come forward if you'd care to make any comments at this time. MR. TODD FREELAND: I 'm most deeply honored to be able to represent Beaumont and, of course, the State of Texas also, and it' s definitely going to be an experience for myself and my wife, and we definitely thank you all for giving us this opportunity. I have something for Mayor Meyers and the Mayor' s Council also for the Employment of the Handicapped. MAYOR MEYERS: Open this first? Okay, all right. MR. FREELAND: This here is sure to become a collector ' s item in the future. It' s my first pair of gloves (very well worn) . MAYOR MEYERS: We' ll find an appropriate place for these - we may . . . what' s that statue out there ( indicating the statue "Winning" between the Civic Center and City Hall) . . .we can put these on one of those hands and people will really take a double-take as they walk by and look at that and wonder. We thank you for that. Todd has really learned a lot about this business of racing, and if you will look at his hands, he has some genuine calluses there, and I think it' s been -297 October 31 , 1989 WNW MAYOR MEYERS continued: an experience at this point. Do you want me to read this? Okay. "To the Mayor' s Council for the Employment of the Handicapped. Thank you to each and every one of you, not only for giving Debbie and I the opportunity for this Japan trip but also for doing this very special job of gaining strides for the handicapped population. You saw a need to be filled and you did it. I 'm honored to be among such people. Thanks again, Todd and Debbie Freeland. " Thank you, Todd. We wish you the best. MR. KELLY: We ' re very proud of Todd and I think one of the most electrifying moments of Friday was when he went up there to get the flag from the Mayor and Mike Toomey, the Governor ' s Assistant; but, Todd, we wish you the best of luck. I might want to add that his trip is financed by all private contributions. I think that is a high regard for the creditability of the committee and what we are doing. Appreciate once again the Mayor and Council ' s support. MAYOR MEYERS: Todd, I'll read this letter from Mobil. They wanted to take opportunity to let you know how much they enjoyed meeting you at your press conference "and we at Mobil want to wish you the best of luck in the competition you' ll be entering in Japan and please accept this racing gear with our warmest regards for your success. " Again, we wish you well. I guess as we said in Austin, you shouldn' t feel any pressure. I mean, nothing except you' re representing the entire state and everybody expects you to win! . But, really, I know it' s going to be a great trip for both of you, and we will look forward to hearing. . .we' ll look forward to hearing a report of your trip and the experience when you get back, but good luck. Thank you. Thank you all for coming today. -000- Public comment was called on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 1- 6. No one wished to address Council concerning these items. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the minutes of the Regular City Council Session held October 24, 1989; Resolution No. 89-229 appointing Jayne M. Eisen, Charles Thompson, Milton Bell, Ron Lanier, Whit Outlaw, Gerald Farha, and Bettye R. Smith to the Zoning Board of Adjustment with terms expiring September 30, 1991 ; and, Resolution No. 89-230 authorizing an annual contract for liquid polymer flocculent for use by the Water Reclamation Division in the -298- October 31, 1989 sludge drying process at the sewage treatment plant with Calgon Corporation at $0. 118 per pound. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-231 authorizing ratification of a labor agreement with the Fire Fighters Local 399 of the International Association of Fire Fighters for a two-year period, retroactive to October 1 , 1989, with new provisions including a $95-a-month across-the-board pay increase for all fire fighters, a $10-a-month incentive for attainment of greater proficiency through a certification program, permitting reopening of wage negotiations after the first year, and significant changes in arbitration procedures was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-232 authorizing ratification of a one-year labor contract with the Beaumont Police Officers Association, retroactive to October 1, 1989, including a six percent pay increase for all members of the bargaining unit including probationary members, establishment of a committee to perform a study and make recommendations for an Affirmative Action Plan for promotions, and cooperation in development of a health insurance plan was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-233 authorizing endorsement of Proposition No. 3 (providing the authority necessary for the issuance of $75 million in bonds approved by the last Legislature to finance programs for start-up and expansion loans for small business enterprises throughout the state) and urge voters to approve the proposition at the polls on November 7 , 1989 , was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 89-81 accepting the 1989 Certified Tax Roll reflecting a tax rate of 54 cents per $100 assessed valuation, showing a net total assessed valuation of $2 ,759, 044, 690 and a total levy of $14, 898 , 839. 13 as submitted by the Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector was considered: -299- October 31 , 1989 ORDINANCE NO. 89-81 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE TAX ROLL FOR THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; PROVIDING FOR LEVYING, ASSESSING AND COLLECTING OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE TAX YEAR 1989; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Ordinance No. 89-81 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-234 accepting the work performed by A-Way Tank Service, Inc. under a contract for the cleaning and repainting of an elevated water storage tank near the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Municipal Drive, Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 89-235 authorizing execution of a contract with the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation for a $157 , 262. 00 transit operating assistance grant to be applied against the transit system' s operating deficit for FY 1990 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and Seconded by Councilman Lee. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Councilman Moore requested an update from Public Works Director Tom Warner of the wages, salaries, and benefits paid to employees of the present operator of the transit system. -000- Councilman Lee announced that a circus theme will be used for the grand finale of "Sunday in the Park" to be sponsored by fifteen different organizations. Among the entertainment will be clowns, the Lamar Brass Quintet, the Toe Tappers and Happy Steppers, pony rides, a petting zoo, various games and crafts, and door prizes. Councilman Moore announced that SCUP (Southend Community Uplift Program) will sponsor another cleanup project on Saturday, November 11 , and expressed pleasure for the opportunity to be involved in the Drug Free Rally last Saturday morning. Councilman Samuel informed Council that the spirit of Southend Community Uplift Program is being extended to form a Northend Community Uplift Program in an effort to clean up a portion of Gladys -300- October 31 , 1989 Street in an attempt to eradicate drugs in the community through clean up, community awareness and participation, and complimented Mrs. Maree Calcote and all the other volunteers who have worked in these programs. Councilman Smith said she thought the whole program for Drug Awareness Week was very positive and hopes that preventive measures can be carried forward, and announced that the Heart Association will sponsor a Turkey Walk Saturday, November 5, 1989 . Councilman Cokinos congratulated the Reverend Daniels for the honors bestowed upon him at a banquet Friday, October 28 , 1989. -000- Mr. Richard Helms, 6980 Kilarney, addressed Council regarding various fees on the water bill, inquired why a previously State certified police officer from another Texas city has to go through the Police Academy at entry level for Beaumont and distributed some printed material to Council. Mrs. Martha Royall, 945 Central, addressed Council in opposition to the road use fee and discussed taxes, user fees, City department budgeting, and petition procedures. Mr. Gerald David Loden, 3540 South 11th Street, addressed Council to again complain about fire alarm system regulations, his request to obtain a copy of the City Fire Code that requires his business to install a fire alarm system, and to complain of preferential treatment to larger businesses. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall Street, addressed Council concerning monitoring cameras in the Market Place, congratulated Mayor Meyers for his participation in the walk-a-thon for the Heart Association, and expressed appreciation for ratification of the Police contract. Mr. Johnnie Ware, 4355 Pine Street, addressed Council regarding trash pick-up, demolition of dilapidated structures, the road use fee, and the charge for duplicate copies of water bills. Mrs. Delia Harrington, 815 Willow, addressed Council to compliment their leadership and encouraged all members to seek reelection and said that some citizens are trying to beautify Beaumont, but no one is perfect. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was recessed before continuing with the Workshop Session. -000- -301- October 31, 1989 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 October 31, 1989. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -302- October 31 , 1989