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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN DEC 18 1990 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS HELD DECEMBER 18, 1990 - 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 18th day of December, 1990, with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Andrew P. Cokinos Mayor Pro Tem Councilman At Large Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Absent: Brian R. Alter Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Tim Green, Associate Minister at Ebenezer Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tiara Willis, a second grade student from Bayshore Elementary School in LaPorte, Texas, attending City Council while visiting relatives during the holiday season. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agenda Items 1 through 6. No one wished to address these subjects. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Session of City Council conducted December 11, 1990; Resolution No. 90-274 reappointing Stanley Shipper to the Airport Advisory Commission for a term expiring May 31, 1992 ; Sharon Bouttee to the Beaumont Advisory Commission for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect for a term expiring June 30, 1992; the Reverend Ron Bishop, Charles Taylor, and Paul Parker to the Clean Community Commission for terms expiring September 301 1992 ; Gaylyn Cooper to the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Board for a term expiring September 30, 1992 ; Betty -413- December 18, 1990 Rienstra to the Library Commission for a term expiring October 31, 1992 ; Delores R. Chevis to the Planning Commission for a term expiring July 31, 1993 ; Ida Mae Bouligny to the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission for a term expiring September 30, 1992 ; Herman Rogers to the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Advisory Commission for a term expiring December 31, 1991; appointing Pat Henderson to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for a term expiring June 30, 1992 ; and George Holliday to the Convention and Tourism Advisory Commission for a term expiring July 31, 1991; Resolution No. 90-275 authorizing a contract for purchase of approximately 400 tons of sodium carbonate (soda ash) for the unit price of $0. 0850515 per pound from Rhone-Poulence Basic Chemicals Company of Houston; Resolution No. 90-276 authorizing purchase of a hydraulic rescue tool ("Jaws of Life") in the amount of $13,488.44 from Amkus South of Panama City, Florida, for use to extricate victims trapped in wreckage of automobiles and industrial accidents by the Fire Department; Resolution No. 90-277 authorizing a $3,919.81 settlement of a property damage claim against the City involving a police vehicle and a passenger car owned by Ms. Mary Carroll; and Resolution No. 90-278 authorizing acquisition of Parcel No. 1: 0.012 acre tract of land, out of Block D of the Meentzen Brothers Subdivision from William P. Terrell, Trustee, in the amount of $30. 00 and Parcel No. 5: 0. 35 acre tract of land, being their interest in one-half of the previously dedicated Meentzen Street right-of-way adjacent to Lot 134 of the Meentzen Brothers Subdivision from H. E. Investments, Inc. , in the amount of $2,770. 00 for right-of-way easements for the Meentzen Drainage Project. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mr. Riley announced that presentation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the 1989-90 Fiscal Year is the first item on the agenda, and that it is especially significant that the CAFR and audit is being submitted in the most timely fashion ever presented to Council. He said that recently the City received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Officers Finance Association, representing the fourth year the City has received this honor. Mr. Riley said this document is not only being presented in a timely manner, but with accuracy and represents the most complete, most accurate and best prepared document accomplished to date. -414- December 18, 1990 Finance Officer Walter Thomas explained there is very little change in the form of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. It is divided into three major sections: the Introduction (transmittal letter and the organizational chart of the City, the Financial Section which includes financial statements and schedules for the City's funds, a summary of the City funds by type and Coopers and Lybrand's audit report with a narrative in the footnotes explaining the report in detail, and the Statistical Section with fifteen tables primarily containing data regarding ten-year presentations using charts and demographic information. Mr. Thomas said he feels the most important fact in the report is the indication of improvement of economic conditions in Beaumont. The two lead indicators are sales tax ($17.4 million, up 9. 3% over last year) and hotel-motel tax ($1. 1 million, up 15% over last year) . Mr. Joe Koshkin, a partner with Coopers and Lybrand, introduced Mr. Lamar Miller, Audit Manager, and Ms. Donna Spriggs, Sr. Associate from Houston, who have spent considerable time in Beaumont preparing the audit. In addition, Mr. Koshkin, introduced Mr. Greg Boutte of Boutte and Elmore, sub-contractor for Coopers and Lybrand for this audit. Mr. Koshkin explained their audit is conducted under generally accepted auditing standards and generally accepted government auditing standards and said their audit opinion for the City of Beaumont is a "clean opinion. " There are no qualifications in this opinion. Mayor Lord expressed appreciation for all the work represented in preparing this report and complimented the opening letter in the report containing concise financial information for the City. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report was acknowledged as received on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-279 authorizing a contract for reconstruction of Washington Boulevard between 11th Street and Interstate 10 with E. R. Dupuis Concrete Company, Inc. in the amount of $507,595.45 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-280 authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary applications with the Texas Department of Aviation to pursue financing 90 percent of the cost of improvements to the Beaumont Municipal Airport from the Federal Aviation Administration and to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Texas Department of Aviation to serve as agent for purposes of applying for, receiving and disbursing funds and administration of contracts associated with airport -415- December 18, 1990 improvements was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-281 authorizing filing of a grant application to the Texas Historical Commission for Certified Local Government funds for use by the Historical Landmark Commission to support four objectives--send two commissioners and one staff member to the annual CLG conference, continue the SPARE Beaumont Update program with Phase III, develop a Historical Resources Management Plan, and to develop an educational program that can be presented to seventh grade students--for a total request of $14, 142 . 00 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-282 adopting a policy that all City employees called to active duty in the reserves or National Guard shall be compensated for the difference between their service pay and their salary with the City for a period of 90 calendar days and that insurance coverage for their dependents shall be continued for 90 calendar days on the same basis as when they were actively employed by the City was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-283 authorizing a $15, 000. 00 grant, recommended by the Community Development Advisory Committee, from Community Development Block Grant funds to the Triplex Minority Business Development Council for travel, equipment, supplies, and other direct costs was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- A public hearing was called to consider the seven (7) below listed structures found to be in violation of the City of Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance, Article III, Section 14-50: 1740 Carroll - Vewiser Taylor, owner (21 violations) , Staff recommendation to raze within 30 days; 1764 Carroll - Reverend M. Washington, owner (21 violations) , Staff recommendation to raze within 30 days; 1756 Carroll (rear) - Olivia Ponia, owner (21 violations) , Staff recommendation to raze within 30 days; 2630-34 Cable - Glen Edward Boxie, owner (21 violations) , Staff recommendation to raze or repair within 30 days; 1065 Glasshouse - Agnes E. Ott, owner (21 violations) , Staff recommendation to raze within 30 days; 5045 Idylwood - Avis Martin -416- December 18, 1990 Estate c/o Silsbee State Bank-TR Dept. , owner (21 violations) , Staff recommendation to raze within 30 days; and 3375 Maida - James Ward Et Ux c/o Joseph Guidry, owner (21 violations) , Staff recommendation to raze or repair within 30 days. These parcels of property have been inspected, are vacant, and found to be in violation of Article III, Section 14-50 of the Code of Ordinances. Notices have been sent to owners by Certified Mail and published in the Beaumont Enterprise. The thirteen (13) structures listed below have been condemned by City Council and the owners ordered to either raze or repair them within specified time frames. Reinspection of these structures have revealed non-compliance with the Council 's order. The Public Safety Department is requesting authorization from City Council to demolish these structures in accordance with the Dangerous Structure Ordinance and charge the property owners with the cost of demolition. 2235 Angelina, 3910 Congress, 3910 Congress (garage) , 1094 Cottonwood (rear) , 185 Fletcher, 945 Fulton (garage) , 1540 Fulton, 1384 Grand, 1270 Harriot, 2310 Harriot, 1771 Herring Alley, 972 M L King N, and 992 M L King N. There being no property owners of the aforementioned structures to address Council, the public hearing was closed. Ordinance No. 90-83 declaring certain dilapidated structures to be public nuisances and ordering their repair or removal by their owners was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 90-83 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR REPAIR OR DEMOLITION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY. Ordinance No. 90-83 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Goodson thanked everyone for their assistance these first months of his tenure as a Councilman and said he looks forward to the New Year. Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. -417- December 18, 1990 Councilman Moore questioned completion of the Irving Street resurfacing and commented that it is still very rough, especially at the intersection of Doucette, where the irregularity of the pavement creates a potential accident situation. Public Works Director Tom Warner said the street is unfinished, and that a final surface is to be added. Councilman Samuel extended wishes for a Merry Christmas to everyone. City Attorney Lane Nichols added his wishes for a Merry Christmas, and City Manager Ray Riley pointed out that with the presentation of the CAFR today, there is indication of a fine, prosperous year in 1990, and added his wishes for a Merry Christmas and expectation of another good year in 1991. Mr. Riley announced the next regular session of City Council will be January 8, 1991, since both Christmas and New Year's Day are on Tuesdays. Mayor Lord expressed her feelings that City Council is very fortunate to be in the official position to be of service to the city and to participate in many activities helpful to citizens. She wished a very blessed and peaceful Christmas to all. -000- Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall Street, addressed Council to ask that consideration be given to individual contribution to McBride House and to encourage safety precautions with Christmas trees and space heaters. Mr. Damon Keeling, 950 Sherman, because of a time schedule, addressed Council regarding an item on the agenda for the scheduled meeting for the Beaumont Housing Finance Corporation to express concerns about the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood rejuvenation and requested that the packaging of the the six (6) affordable houses to be built in the Southend be made as attractive as possible to encourage their purchase and asked Council to be considerate and fair. Mr. Don Wise, Executive Director for the Triplex Minority Business Development Center, addressed Council to extend Christmas greetings and to express appreciation for Council support in renewal of the grant on today's agenda. Mrs. Lillie Scourton, 2320 Cartwright, addressed Council regarding her concern of narcotic sales traffic on Brooklyn Street near a residence she owns at 895 Lincoln Street, which she says she cannot sell or rent because of the problem. Councilman Moore assured Mrs. Scourton that neighborhood meetings have been conducted with residents in that area concerning the problem and that the Police Department is working with the residents. The Tactical Team is running operations in the area, and residents have discussed with Councilman Moore the POP program and Neighborhood Watches. He encouraged continuation of citizen input. -418 December 18, 1990 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 session held December 18, 1990. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -419- December 18, 1990