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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JULY 02 1991 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD JULY 2 , 1991 - 1: 30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 2nd day of July, 1991, with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman-At-Large Brian Alter Councilman-At-Large Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Absent: Lulu L. Smith Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman, Ward I Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by The Reverend David Robinson, Douglas Memorial Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Ray Riley. -000- No citizens wished to address the City Council on items included in the Consent and Main agendas. -000- The following items of the Consent Agenda were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held June 25, 1991; Resolution No. 91-153 appointing Marion Foster to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission, with term expiring January 1, 1993, and Michael Ryals to..the Transit Advisory Committee, term expiring June 30, 1993 ; -155- July 2, 1991 Resolution No. 91-154 authorizing the purchase of a three-quarter-ton cargo van with sliding door for use by the Special Services Detail (SSD) of the Police Department from Wickersham Ford of Orange in the amount of $14,772 . 00; Resolution No. 91-155 authorizing a license to encroach with Ms. Johnnie R. Hector for a one-time fee of $500. 00 for a residence at 2226 Harriot Street encroaching four feet onto Waco Street right-of-way for a distance of twenty-two feet adjacent to Lot 40, Block 11, Booker Heights Addition; and Resolution No. 91-156 granting a permit to Gulf States Utilities and Sabine Gas Transmission Company for a twenty-four-inch natural gas pipeline crossing Spindletop Road at a fee of $60. 00 for the sixty-foot section. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 91-56 establishing a 40-miles-per-hour speed limit during construction on State Highway 105 from Eastex Freeway to Keith Road (requested by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation for approximately 18 months of construction) was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 91-56 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26, SECTION 26-23 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TO AMEND A SPEED LIMIT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Ordinance No. 91-56 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-157 authorizing the purchase of fifty-five (55) two- way radios (20 Kenwood TX 822R mobile radios at $815.00 each and 35 Kenwood TX 330 hand-held radios less a discount of $50.00 per unit when awarded total bid from Lumberton Tower Service in the amount of $38,925. 00 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -156- July 2 , 1991 a Resolution No. 91-158 authorizing execution of a license to encroach with Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word for St. Elizabeth Hospital 's Cancer Treatment Center on the southeast corner of North and Fourteenth Street for an entrance drive that would extend 15 feet onto street right-of-way for a distance of 104 feet and 8-by-37-foot canopy that would extend eight feet onto the right-of-way with a clearance of at least 15 feet above the gutter line was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-159 authorizing conveyance of title to the Kansas City Railway Company for a strip of land approximately 20 feet wide and about 246 feet long and described as 0. 112 acre out of the Noah Tevis Survey which is the site of its signal tower on the west bank of the Neches River southeast of City Hall (strip inadvertently omitted when other. land was deeded to the railroad in 1978 under provisions of the Primary Agreement for Railroad Grade Separation and Relocation executed in 1965) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-160 authorizing a five-year renewal, beginning May 18, 1991, of the City's lease No. CL 860003 on a State-owned boat launching ramp at Collier's Ferry Landing adjacent to the end of Pine Street was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Goodson told those present he had seen some of the floats for the 4th of July parade and was looking forward to the festivities. Councilman Moore reported receipt of a complaint about a tree growing into the street at the intersection of Park and Church Streets and asked that it be removed, either by the City or the property owner. In addition, Councilman Moore expressed his appreciation for the approximately 1,000 participants in Saturday's 4-mile "Walk with Jesus Parade, " and rally led by ministers to "show young people they have a better choice than using drugs and joining criminal gangs. " Mr. Moore was very complimentary of the Police Department and their "outstanding" monitoring of the crowd and traffic control. Councilman Samuel echoed comments of Councilman Moore concerning Saturday's youth parade and rally. -157- July 2, 1991 Councilman Alter said he was looking forward to the 4th of July festivities. Mayor Lord reviewed plans for the 4th of July parade, fireworks, and other activities. In addition, Mayor Lord requested a report on the feasibility of use of dogs for one-man police units. -000- Messrs. Robert E. Price, 965 Goodhue, and O. R. Gilstrap, 2365 Primrose, addressed Council to express their opposition to one-time per week garbage pickup. Mr. Eddie Sulcer, 1825 Fairway, addressed Council to question new fees established for the use of the Best Year's Center on Fourth Street. Mr. Bob Stone, 1075 Palermo, who works with Programs for Human Services, addressed Council to tell of rehabilitation of homes for the low to moderate income families in the area and to introduce two young men, Herman Davis III and Eric Shawn Smith, students who are working on a project on Euclid Street. HERMAN DAVIS, III• Herman Davis, the third; I live at 790 Amarillo Street, and I 'll ask- the Council could I bring up Shawn Smith to help me in my presentation? MAYOR LORD: Indeed you can. ERIC SHAWN SMITH• My name is Eric Shawn Smith. I live at 310 Iowa Avenue. MR. DAVIS: This all began while we were still in school. I am a recent graduate of Central High School and he is going to be a senior next year and we took biology class together. And, we belong to two separate groups. One group is at Central and one group is at Central and Westbrook and because of the rising gang problem, you know, we got fed up with the way gangs are trying to take over the society. And, so what me and Shawn decided to do, we decided to get the two groups together and form one group and we labeled it YOUTHPIN - and what YOUTHPIN stands for is Youth Organizations United to Help People in Need. " And, basically, what we are trying is y g to do provide an example for the younger kids because they see us as , being high school students so they look up to US. Because, if you look at the news or the newspaper, you know read about gang violence here, you read about the gang death here, and when young children see this, that's all they can refer to is being a part of growing up. We are hoping to provide an example to show them that there is an alternative and you can belong to something positive. -158- July 2, 1991 MR. DAVIS continued: And, we have all these ideas and the Beaumont Enterprise did an article on us and we had all these doors we needed to open and Mr. Stone, he called my house one afternoon and I went to his house and he fixed me hamburgers and we talked about life in general. And, he's offered us the leadership that we need to accomplish different things. And, last Saturday we went to West Euclid and we learned what it is really like to be down. We saw a side that we'd never seen before and we worked at the house from 8: 00 o'clock in the morning until about 6: 00 o'clock that night and we got a lot done and we are going to go back there. We are hoping to get young people more involved in the community and to show them a different part that they never knew. He's taught us to love one another as people, not as my kind or your kind but he showed us that we are all each other. We need to help each other out instead of depending on, you know, helping . We need to help the fellowman out. And, he deserved a lot of credit for that. You know, we are hoping by us joining together, we can show that just because hey, we're this group from Central and they're this group from Beaumont. That don't mean we hate each other. You know, we're working together for the same cause and we are hoping to expand throughout the community and provide different programs for the younger children as well and for the adults as well, so they can help participate. Because, we need to all work together, not only as children but all work together as people of Beaumont. ERIC SHAWN SMITH• Also, I 'd like to add some of the things we plan on trying to accomplish. Well, he didn't mention about all the problems we've had during school and the course of school and everything else. The schools have tried to label us as gangs because we are all together, one group, a bunch of young black youths together and they figure we are up to no good and we are all under one name. So, we have tried to talk to the principals before and we've tried to talk to other people and some of the teachers . . we've got some of the teachers to . we've won some of the teachers over to our side and they've actually listened and tried to talk to some of the principals also but they are still trying to classify us as a gang, you know. So, we hope that this way we can show that Beaumont and also show that members of our school board and our schools that we are not a gang and that we are out to do good and we are not out to do anything to any harm to anyone or even to ourselves. In our programs we specify, we stress a whole lot on grades. As far as grades go we stress that you have to maintain 2 . average, a 2 .GPA and above. If you don't maintain a 2.GPA and above, you will be placed on probation as which is saying you will get a paper in the mail, you know, sending it to your parents to help us you know keep you from doing things other than educational wise. -159- July 2 , 1991 MR. SMITH continued: We are now trying to get in touch with a whole lot more other people so that we can somewhat broaden out our organizations to the fact that we will be known under one name such as YOUTHPIN, you know, throughout Beaumont, so that when they see us working together that they will be able to have that sense of family to show that the youth of Beaumont are out to do good. MAYOR LORD: Thank you. It's very, very impressive and it's really wonderful to see the people, the young people of our community responding all over the city as they are doing to show us that there are so many more of you that are good and worthwhile than there are for the few who make all the bad names for young people. David (Moore) , please. . . COUNCILMAN DAVID MOORE: I just wanted to add both to Herman and to Bob, on both of your calls, I got those messages today from you all and I certainly appreciate that but. it is truly good to see you all come forward. And, you know, there's not a need for us to create too many different groups but it is great that you all have taken initiative. I 've read the articles on you all and saw the story and I know for what you stand and I understand the dilemma you are facing being labeled as a gang. But in the group I 'm working with, we are trying to create a greater awareness . . . the word "gang" doesn't necessarily mean. it's all bad and we need to get the positives out there as the Mayor just stated. There are so many good youth, great youth with outstanding ability, we want to make use of your talents. We want to get your input. The Mayor has done that with the Youth Commission. I am trying to add on to that with the Youth Task Force and certainly invite you all to become active members of that. You are working with a guy that has a phrase if you were there from 8 to 6, he let you all off easy. He doesn't believe in "burning daylight. " Right, Bob? That's the expression. I look forward to incorporating your assistance with the group we are working with. There are other youth in our community that are also volunteering this summer to help with yard work and stuff for the elderly in our community. Sergeant Duriso has coordinated that and that's on a volunteer basis. It is very refreshing to know there are guys like yourselves out there so if you have the time when we dismiss this meeting I 'd like . to get additional information from you all. I 'm glad Mr. Stone brought you all forward, more importantly, I 'm glad your parents and all gave you the guidance and direction that it is important to give back and that you can truly make a difference and it looks like you all are trying to make a difference today with the information you've presented as well as the things you are going to do in the coming months so congratulations to you for coming forward and look forward to working with you. -160- July 2, 1991 MAYOR LORD: Councilman Samuel. COUNCILMAN AUDWIN SAMUEL: Yes, I 'd like to add to that. I received a message from you. I talked with your dad since that time but I want to say, you know, as I go about talking with students, I always mention the three "D's" - having a dream, and being dedicated to that dream, and having that determination . . . you've shown that. Okay, you've stated you've encountered some problems but you've persevered, you've continued to go on. I think what has happened in being contacted by Mr. Stone - that is going to be an example to others if you are a gang, yes, you are a group of people coming together but not for bad but for good. And, many times, words are soon forgotten but it is your actions that will stand. And, your actions in working with Mr. Stone are going to be self-evident not only to the principals, to the school board, but to anyone else that wants to put some type of stigma on you. And, that stigma will not stick unless you allow it to. But, I just want to tell you, I commend you, and if there's anything that I can do or I feel that we as a Council can do to assist you, we are more than happy because you've shown those leadership abilities. And, you are going to be the leaders of tomorrow and what you are doing now is preparing you for that later so I want to tell you thank you very much. I appreciate both of your efforts. I know you are not doing it by yourself. I know there must be others and I appreciate all of your efforts, so thank you very much and if there's anything we can do, just let us know. MAYOR LORD: Audwin, what did you say your three "D's" were? COUNCILMAN ANDREW COKINOS: Mayor, may I make a . . . . . . COUNCILMAN SAMUEL: Having a dream, being dedicated and being determined to see it through. MAYOR LORD: I think that maybe from -what you just said you need to add a fourth one and that's the "deeds. " COUNCILMAN COKINOS: May I make a comment? -161- July 2, 1991 MAYOR LORD: Yes, Andrew (Cokinos) . . . COUNCILMAN COKINOS: I also want to applaud and congratulate this group and also Mr. Bob Stone for his efforts of dipping into a resource that is no telling where it will take you and congratulations to you on your efforts over on . . . the house that y'all are working on now. Follow Mr. Stone's advice. He'll get you there. MAYOR LORD: I see Guy is shaking his head yes. COUNCILMAN GUY GOODSON: Yes, I just want to join in and say this looks like some . . a good potential for your youth commission, Mayor. MAYOR LORD: Doesn't it. I 've already written that down. The one that is going in as a senior; unfortunately, they have to be in high school but I 've got his name. Have you got his address, Tu? (City Clerk responded "yes" . ) We've got an appointment, too. Brian . . . COUNCILMAN BRIAN ALTER: I 'm one of the very few who's had the opportunity to return Herman's call and we had a nice chat this morning and I look forward to it. Just let us know what needs to be done and as Audwin said, we'll be there. MAYOR LORD: I must say, Herman, must be quite an operator because we had a long conversation, too, and with that kind of determination, he is certainly going to go places. Yes . . . COUNCILMAN SAMUEL: Mayor, one last comment You know, you can't help but mention it. I know that dream had to come from somewhere and I 've talked with your dad and he has talked about something like that and it's . . . I know for me to see my son taking the baton and moving on would be a real thrill so I know you are very proud. -162- July 2, 1991 MAYOR LORD: But we don't want you to think for one minute that your dad is through doing his thing either, right? We've all let you know I hope in the sincerest way that we can that we will help you in every way that we can and thank you very much indeed. COUNCILMAN MOORE• I'd like to invite you all to our next meeting on July 24th, 10:00 o'clock in the morning in the Civic Center. I think you'd have the opportunity to meet some other young people doing some of the same things. We'll get you all together to see if you can't have a great gang. COUNCILMAN ALTER• What time, David? COUNCILMAN MOORE: 10: 00 A.M. (The two students asked Council for help in applying for non-profit status to receive donations for rehabilitation projects. Councilman Samuel agreed to help them with an application for 5013C status. ) END OF EXCERPT Mr. Charles Jones, 275 E. Plum, member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, addressed Council to say he is writing a letter to his chapter proposing that they lend some type of assistance (to the efforts of Herman Davis, III, and Eric Shawn Smith) , "maybe not monetary but maybe a social or something to applaud them for their leads and for their efforts. " Mr. Herman Davis, . Jr. , 790 Amarillo, addressed Council to tell of a woman living on E. Lucas who had called for food and said that the boys raised about $100 for it and took the food to her. Mrs. Rosetta Patterson, 3070 Dogwood, addressed Council to speak of the Isetta E. Dunlop Child Care and Family Outreach which provides service and help for children 0-14 years and their families. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall, addressed Council to express appreciation for the efforts of the two students today. -163- July 2, 1991 There being no further 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 July 2, 1991. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -164- July 2, 1991