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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 01 1994 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD FEBRUARY 1, 1994 - 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 1st day of February, 1994, with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Guy N. Goodson Mayor Pro Tem Councilman, Ward II Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Brian R. Alter Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I John R. Davis 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 Father Anosike Donatus, Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Smith. -000- One Proclamation was issued: "American History Month, " February, 1994. -000- On behalf of Monsignor Kelly High School, Will Jenkins presented Council with a basket of assorted pastries and delicacies in appreciation for their continued support to Kelly High School and other Catholic schools and introduced classmates Colby Crenshaw and Michael Fertita who accompanied him to make this presentation. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 3 through 6. No one wished to address these subjects. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: -20- February 1, 1994 Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held January 25, 1994 ; Resolution No. 94-21 reappointing Stanley Elliott, appointing Dolly Johnson and David Bradley to the Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board of Directors; appointing Ranny Voight and Susan Maradian to the Beaumont Advisory Board for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; Mary Jowers as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustments; and Dina Bernsen to the Library Commission, all for two-year terms; Resolution No. 94-22 finding no objection to the Texas Department of Transportation quitclaiming a drainage easement located in the Daniel Easley League, Abstract 20, between Tolivar Road northward to the Lower Neches Valley Authority Canal; and, Resolution No. 94-23 authorizing an annual contract with Cintas Corporation for purchase of City of Beaumont employee work uniforms in the amount of $22,756. 55 with prices firm for a period of twelve (12) months to all for additional purchase. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 94-4 amending the Code of Ordinance to rezone property at 1090 Lyle from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density District) to GC-MD (General Commercial Multiple Family Dwelling District) at the request of Lelia A. Jeffero who plans to open an office for a home health care facility at that location, was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 94-4 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCE OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS, AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED RM- H ( RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING- HIGHEST DENSITY ) TO A GC - MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT) FOR 1090 LYLE STREET, BEING 0.367 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, LYING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF LYLE STREET AND THE M.L.K. , JR. PARKWAY, TRACT 20, TAX PLAT "P, " D. BROWN SURVEY IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. -21- February 1, 1994 Ordinance No. 94-4 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 94-5 authorizing issuance of a Specific Use Permit to Bruce Craig to allow expansion of a mini-warehouse storage facility at 8161 Eastex Freeway on property zoned GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling District) was considered: Mayor Pro Tem Goodson said he would abstain from voting on this item because of past representation of Mr. Craig by a member of his law firm. ORDINANCE NO. 94-5 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW EXPANSION OF A PERSONAL STORAGE WAREHOUSE FACILITY ON LAND ZONED GC-MD ( GENERAL COMMERCIAL - MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT ) FOR PROPERTY BEING LOCATED AT 8161 EASTEX FREEWAY, BEING ALL OF LOTS 15 AND 16, SUBURBAN ACRES ADDITION, UNIT 1, CONTAINING 1. 02 ACRES, MORE OR LESS; CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Ordinance No. 94-5 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Davis and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: Mayor Lord Nayes: None Councilman Cokinos Councilman Alter Councilman Smith Councilman Davis Councilman Moore Abstained: Mayor Pro Tem Goodson -000 Ordinance No. 94-6 authorizing appropriation of an additional $147, 000. 00 from the unreserved fund balance of the Confiscated Goods Fund to the Confiscated Goods Fund was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 94-6 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FISCAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 1993 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 BY APPROPRIATING $147, 000 FROM UNRESERVED FUNDS IN THE CONFISCATED GOODS FUND TO THE CONFISCATED GOODS FUND. -22- February 1, 1994 Ordinance No. 94-6 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 94-24 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a concession management service contract for the Civic Center Complex (Civic Center, Julie Rogers Theatre, Fair Park Coliseum, Harvest Club, Jefferson Theatre and Riverfront Park) with Swanson Corporation for a percentage of net sales to be paid to the City: Vending Services, 50%; Beer/Liquor, 25%; Catering, 12%; 3rd Party/Novelties, 50%; Concessions, 25; and Capital Investment of $80, 000 for an eight (8) year contract was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 94-25 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with the Innovative Housing Development Corporation in the amount of $40, 000. 00 (from Community Development Block Grant funds) to provide funding assistance for construction of a three-bedroom home by Beaumont Independent School District Building Trade students at 2270 Hazel Street, Oaks Historical District, to be sold upon completion to a family in the low-to-moderate income category, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolutions to approve Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $6,395.00 (additional work performed to shroud south half of the tank to prevent debris from falling on neighboring private properties) and authorizing a total final payment (including C.O. ) in the amount of $49,995. 00 to the contract with A-Way Tank Service, Inc. for cleaning and repainting of the exterior of the South Elevated Water Storage Tank on Sabine Pass at Harriott Street and authorizing final payment in the amount of $46,900. 00 to the contract with A-Way Tank Service, Inc. for cleaning and repainting of the exterior of the West Elevated Water Storage Tank on Sabine Pass at Harriott Street were considered: Resolution No. 94-26 authorizing Change Order No. 1 to the contract with A-Way Tank Service, Inc. for cleaning and repainting the exterior of the South Elevated Water Storage Tank and a total final payment in the amount of $49,995. 00 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -23- February 1, 1994 EXCERPT Mayor Lord Well then, let me go ahead and open the Public Hearing. Mr. Warner, you're on. Public Works Director Tom Warner Thank you, Mayor. In January of 1992, Beaumont Municipal Transit submitted to the Federal Transportation Administration a plan for implementing Paratransit requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The FTA requires that plan be updated annually with a reporting of any milestones that are met or have been delayed during the previous year. This plan, this would be the second update. We did one last year, and in our plan last year, we'd anticipated that in April of 194, we would buy three paratransit vans to be additional units placed out on the streets to complement the three that we already have. As you may recall in last year, we had placed in our grant request the funding for the three vans. That was turned down in Fiscal Year 1993. I 'm pleased to say that for this fiscal year that--those vans were approved as part of the grant process. We will be purchasing the buses--or the vans--this fiscal year. We anticipate that we would go out to bid in April with the vans purchased in June--or delivered in June--and then placed in service in July. The one thing, and we feel like the only area where we have not been in compliance, has been specifically with the paratransit vans. We have, by FTA requirements, we are to have zero trip denials. Basically, we cannot--someone cannot call in and we cannot deny them service, for whatever reason. In addition, we have to provide that service within an hour, either way of which they call in. During Fiscal Year 193, we had 1, 397 trip denials, with 25% of those--or approximately 25% of those being trips that we could not serve at all, and the other 900 or so, 75%, were trips that weren't within the one- hour schedule either way. We feel like with the purchase of the three vans, and those vans being placed in service, that we will be able to eliminate all the trip denials that we are currently experiencing. We, additionally, have included as part of our FY194 fiscal budget for the Transit System, the monies necessary to match the Federal fundings for the purchase of the three paratransit vans. Mayor Lord Thank you very much, Mr. Warner. I think at this time, that is the Public Hearing, and I would invite any member of the public who wishes to speak to us to come to us at this time. We ask only that you come to the microphone, give us your name and address for the record, and hopefully, keep your remarks within five minutes. So, please feel free to come forward. Just a minute, Mr. Jones, I think that we have a lady coming to the mike. Thank you. -24- February 1, 1994 Lady Okay, my husband works at 105 Mayor Lord Excuse me, Ma'am, your name and address first, please. Lady I 'm Jan. I lives at Courts of Beaumont, I-10, Apartment, I-10 125, 1- 10, Apartment 124, and my husband works at Market Basket at 105, and as far as the bus goes is to the Mall, and he has to walk the rest of the way to work. Could any possibility--could you all have a bus that goes way out there? Mayor Lord I believe we do, and are you speaking to the ADA requirements? Jan Yes Ma'am. Mayor Lord At this time, we don't--well, let me, let Staff answer that or Mr. Manager, do you want to handle--we do not have a service at 105, do we, because it doesn't meet the demand. What is, do you want to speak to the specifics? Mr. Warner No, we don't have a fixed-route service that goes beyond Parkdale Mall. There is the Paratransit Van Service that is available that will go anywhere within the corporate city limits. Mayor Lord So, perhaps you could take advantage of that. Jan Well, they said--well, you know he has to have a doctors, you know have a release to ride that little bus to get way out there. Mayor Lord Why don't you chat with Mr. Warner. Do you know, I think that would be the best thing--on an individual--and see what can be best arranged, if -25- February 1, 1994 anything, to meet your particular needs. And, did we get your last name? Did. . . Jan Leysath, L-e-y-s-a-t-h, Jan. Mayor Lord Would you be agreeable? We'll be through in just a few minutes, and Mr. Warner will be happy to speak with you. Jan Leysath Okay. I just thank you. Mayor Lord We thank you, ma'am. (Next speaker coming to microphone. ) Mayor Lord Owen doesn't like to sit down, when you're not sitting down. Gentleman No, Ma'am, he doesn't. My name is Tony Jones, and I reside at 508 Garland, here in Beaumont. And I was reading over the--the information that I got from the Municipal Transit on the--on the new vans. I am in full agreement of getting the vans. However, the vans that we have now are so big. I mean, they're like mini-buses. I believe it could be possible to get smaller vehicles when the bids are submitted. When I talked to Mr. Munson on the 25th of last month, which I believe was last Tuesday, he told me that they could handle up to twelve passengers, four of 'em being in wheel chairs. And, I have used STS before, and the most I have seen on the vans is three people, and I 've been riding STS since 191. Why do we have such big vans and such a big cost in gas? Why can't we have three vans for the wheel chair folks and then the three other vans, such as maybe like a Dodge mini-van or something like that, for other people, such as myself (Mr. Jones uses a seeing-eye dog for assistance) or elderly, because I have seen elderly people have trouble getting up those steps in--in the--in the STS vans. Mayor Lord Are you suggesting that we have more smaller ones, rather than three. . . -26- February 1, 1994 Mr. Jones Yes, Ma'am, it would be--yes, Ma'am, I think--I think it would be good because, in order to comply with the one-hour, I 'm not really sure what the percentage of wheel chair people are in the city, but we have a lot of elderly, and a lot people such as myself, that don't need the lifts. I think that we could still keep in compliance with the ADA and also have the smaller vans at less cost to the City and may possibly have more. Mayor Lord Mr. Warner, do you wish to respond to that at all? Mr. Warner We'd be glad to take a look at it, Mayor. I think one of the--one of the things that I 'd have to verify with the AD requirements is that each van that we purchase must have a lift, and I know that's true with the fixed-route system with the buses. Any bus purchased after 191 is required to have a lift. And, that's one of the things that I 'll have to verify. Mayor Lord Allright, that's fine. Well, we certainly appreciate the input, and I know many times when I 've asked questions like this myself, I have found that the economy that we thought might be there is really not there in the smaller thing, and you never know when you're going to need a bigger one either, for something particular. Especially, we're taking in--I trust I 'm not speaking out of school here to respond myself on this in a public hearing, into consideration the evacuation of people during hurricanes, etc. , and quite often, we need more room rather than less room, and we have to be prepared for that eventuality as well. Councilman Cokinos Mayor, I 'd like to hear from Mr. Munson back there. Mayor Lord Surely. Mr. Munson (Mr. Munson standing in back of Council Chambers without a microphone. ) Tom's correct. The ADA requires any vehicle purchased after 1991 has to have a lift, so you have to purchase. . . -27- February 1, 1994 Mayor Pro Tem Goodson That's the small (overridden) Mr. Munson Exactly what Mr. Jones says is true, there are times when they--when one- -even one individual may call in for a ride for one--one particular location. . .and there may be only one person on the van. However, at other times on given days, especially early in the morning and early afternoons. . .you may pick up six, seven people at one location, such as the Beaumont State Center and transfer them all back to a half-way house or whatever. And, there are times when there are large groups riding, so you have to have that capacity to accommodate them. . . . . .As far as his comment of not needing a lift to get up in the van, ADA also requires the new lifts, that if you don't have it now, have handrails on it, so that people who say have arthritis or have a hard time stepping up the steps from the van now but aren't necessarily in a wheel chair, can get on the standing lift, hold on to the handrail and the lift can usually lift them into the vehicle. Mayor Lord Oh, that's good news, isn't it Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones Yes, Ma'am. I didn't know that. Mayor Lord I didn't either. We certainly appreciate your remarks very much. We do take very seriously into consideration everything that is brought to us. Councilman Cokinos Mr. Munson, does this finalize the circle, as far as the buses are concerned? Mr. Munson On this, this? Yes, if we buy these three vans, hopefully, this will give us (comments overridden) . . .requirements with ADA. Councilman Cokinos That completes it! Thank you very much. Mayor Lord Is there someone else who would like to speak to us. Yes, Ma'am. -28- February 1, 1994 Casandra Stephens Good afternoon, my name is Casandra Stephens, and I reside at 810 South Major in Beaumont, and one of my concerns being a supporter of the Self-- Golden Triangle Self-Advocacy Group, is that we have an individual that's a part of the Advocacy that utilizes, or would like to utilize, public transit, but because he lives in an area that's a dead-end street, the concern was if the three new Para-vans would be able to make that turn-around to pick him up, door service, rather than, rather than having him wait out at a main street for pick up. Mr. Warner Yes, the Para-transit vans are door-to-door service. They can pull into the driveway (interrupted) Ms. Stephens And will be able Mr. Warner and turn around. Ms. Stephens because the concern was that the vans that are utilized now are too large, and they can't make the turnaround, so. Mr. Warner We use driveways, whatever we can to turn around. I don't know that that would be a problem. Ms. Stephens Okay, thank you. Councilman Alter Has it been a problem? Ms. Stephens Well, at one time we tried to access public transit for this particular individual, but there was a waiting list, so we have to utilize other means such as, the State Center now picks the individual up and transports him back and forth to programming, but he has to wait out at a main street, and if it's raining or the weather doesn't permit, then it's kinda hard, you know, he gets wet or, you know, problems occur. -29- February 1, 1994 Councilman Alter With the new requirement, he would now have access, is that not correct? Mr. Warner Yes. Councilman Alter He would be required to pick everybody up? Ms. Stephens Yes. Councilman Alter Is that right, Bill? Mr. Munson That's correct. Let me clarify waiting list. She must be--we have two types of service, okay. By ADA regulations, we are allowed to schedule up to 50% of our capacity for advance reservation. In other words, somebody who goes at least three times a week, same time, such as a dialysis. . .Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If they are on a permanent schedule don't have to call in and request a ride. The other 50% of that goes for the people who call in the day before to schedule a ride. There is no waiting list to call in. . .There is only a waiting list to get on advance reservation. What we do, our advance reservation is full now, so if somebody calls in and wants a permanent schedule, we put their name on the list if somebody should leave. . . Mayor Lord Will our new three buses alleviate some of that? Mr. Warner Well, it will increase the capacity of that list by another 50% of the three bus. . . Ms. Stephens Because it--as it--as it stands now, we have individuals that we serve at Beaumont State Center that a lot of times when we call, they can't get a ride for the next day, and these are on-going transportation needs. They attend every day, five, well, five days a week, Monday through Friday. -30- February 1, 1994 Mayor Lord You might want to check afterwards also and see if the individuals that you have in mind would--would be better served with the new situation. Ms. Stephens Okay, thank you. Mayor Lord Thank you. Thank you for your interest. Is there any other individual that would like to speak to us at this time? Is there any other individual that would like to speak to us at this time? If not, I will close the Public Hearing and turn it back to you, Mr. Manager. END OF EXCERPT Resolution No. 94-27 adopting the 1994 Annual Update for a Plan Implementing the Complementary Paratransit Requirements of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Lord announced that an Executive Session will be held in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated and pending litigation: Heavenly Mealanson vs. City of Beaumont following the Workshop Session. -000- Councilman Smith reported that the Health Fair conducted at the Civic Center last Saturday was excellent and well attended. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson commented on the Executive Director of the Texas Department of Transportation Bill Burnett's visit to our area and the tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and said he learned more of its development during that short time than all other information he had been able to assimilate previously and is happy to see the progress of the progress and renewed interest in our area on other projects by the Department of Transportation. Councilman Cokinos also expressed admiration of the tour of the MLK Parkway, encouraged citizens to make a point of reviewing the project and said it is "going to be one of the prettiest streets in the City of Beaumont. " -31- February 1, 1994 Council Alter echoed previous comments about the tour of the MLK project, said it was the first time he has experienced being down into a pump station to witness the actual construction, that it is amazing that it can be sunk down 60 feet into our gumbo soil, that is a magnificient project for both the north and southend of Beaumont with the ability to connect the Central Business District and Interstate 10 to the south part of our county and will be a tremendous boon with potential for growth. Councilman Davis thanked Councilman Cokinos for attending the Northend Neighborhood Association meeting, said the citizens were receptive to his comments and commended Staff for response to service requests from that area of Beaumont. Councilman Moore agreed with previous comments by Council regarding the tour of the MLK Parkway, thanked Council and Staff, especially Ms. Cheryl Robinson, for attending meetings for him during his absence due to deaths in his immediate family and for expressed appreciation for thoughtfulness to him at this time and said it is "good to be back. " Mayor Pro Tem added that on Thursday, February 3rd, a meeting will be held at Amelia Elementary School at 5: 30 p.m. to discuss neighborhood associations, how to access City Hall, and problems unique to their neighborhood and invited Council and Staff to attend. Mayor Lord echoed all the favorable comments of Council regarding Mr. Burnett's visit to Beaumont and the tour of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, said she spent three days last week in Washington, D. C. at the U. S. Conference of Mayors where she carried out and finished up her duties with that body and reported that the President, Vice-President, seven Cabinetmembers were there to make themselves available to the group and those Cabinetmembers not in attendance were represented by an under secretary. -000- Mr. Tony Jones, 508 Garland, expressed Council to thank Mr. Warner and Mr. Munson for their response to signage in buses stating guide dogs are allowed to accompany the sight impaired and suggested that at least one extra bus be added to the route to Parkdale Mall during the Christmas shopping season for those who are unable to drive. -000- There being no further business, the Regular Session of City Council was recessed to conduct the Workshop Session. -000- Due to inadvertantly not taking action on the second Resolution of -32- February 1, 1994 Agenda Item No. 6 relative to the south elevated tank, the Regular Session of City Council reconvened with all members of Council, the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk present. Resolution No. 94-28 authorizing final payment in the amount of $46,900. 00 to A-Nay Tank Service, Inc. for completion of the cleaning and repainting of the exterior 1. 0 million gallon Nest Elevated Storage Tank located on Liberty at 13th Street was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- There being no additional business, the Regular Session of City Council was recessed to conduct the Workshop Session. -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 February 1, 1994. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -33- February 1, 1994 PUBLIC HEARING FEBRUARY 1, 1994 1994 ANNUAL UPDATE FOR A PLAN IMPLEMENTING THE PARATRANSIT REQUIREMENTS OF THE ADA OF 1990 THOSE PRESENT: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Guy N. Goodson Mayor Pro Tem Councilman, Ward II Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Brian R. Alter Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I John R. Davis Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- EXCERPT Mayor Lord Well then, let me go ahead and open the Public Hearing. Mr. Warner, you're on. Public Works Director Tom Warner Thank you, Mayor. In January of 1992, Beaumont Municipal Transit submitted to the Federal Transportation Administration a plan for implementing Paratransit requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The FTA requires that plan be updated annually with a reporting of any milestones that are met or have been delayed during the previous year. This plan, this would be the second update. We did one last year, and in our plan last year, we'd anticipated that in April of 194, we would buy three paratransit vans to be additional units placed out on the streets to complement the three that we already have. As you may recall in last year, we had placed in our grant request the funding for the three vans. That was turned down in Fiscal Year 1993 . I 'm pleased to say that for this fiscal year that--those vans were approved as part of the grant process. We will be purchasing the buses--or the vans--this fiscal year. We anticipate that we would go out to bid in April with the vans purchased in June--or delivered in June--and then placed in service in July. The one thing, and we feel like the only area where we have not been in compliance, has been specifically with the paratransit vans. We have, by FTA requirements, we are to have zero trip denials. Basically, we cannot--someone cannot call in and we cannot deny them service, for whatever reason. In addition, we have to provide that service within an hour, either way of which they call in. During Fiscal Year 193, we had 1, 397 trip denials, with 25% of those--or approximately 25% of those being trips that we could not serve at all, and the other 900 or so, 75%, were trips that weren't within the one- hour schedule either way. We feel like with the purchase of the three vans, and those vans being placed in service, that we will be able to eliminate all the trip denials that we are currently experiencing. We, additionally, have included as part of our FY194 fiscal budget for the Transit System, the monies necessary to match the Federal fundings for the purchase of the three paratransit vans. Mayor Lord Thank you very much, Mr. Warner. I think at this time, that is the Public Hearing, and I would invite any member of the public who wishes to speak to us to come to us at this time. We ask only that you come to the microphone, give us your name and address for the record, and hopefully, keep your remarks within five minutes. So, please feel free to come forward. Just a minute, Mr. Jones, I think that we have a lady coming to the mike. Thank you. Lady Okay, my husband works at 105 Mayor Lord Excuse me, Ma'am, your name and address first, please. Lady I'm Jan. I lives at Courts of Beaumont, I-10, Apartment, I-10 125, 1- 10, Apartment 124, and my husband works at Market Basket at 105, and as far as the bus goes is to the Mall, and he has to walk the rest of the way to work. Could any possibility--could you all have a bus that goes way out there? Mayor Lord I believe we do, and are you speaking to the ADA requirements? Jan Yes Ma'am. Mayor Lord At this time, we don't--well, let me, let Staff answer that or Mr. Manager, do you want to handle--we do not have a service at 105, do we, because it doesn't meet the demand. What is, do you want to speak to the specifics? -2- Mr. Warner No, we don't have a fixed-route service that goes beyond Parkdale Mall. There is the Paratransit Van Service that is available that will go anywhere within the corporate city limits. Mayor Lord So, perhaps you could take advantage of that. Jan Well, they said--well, you know he has to have a doctors, you know have a release to ride that little bus to get way out there. Mayor Lord Why don't you chat with Mr. Warner. Do you know, I think that would be the best thing--on an individual--and see what can be best arranged, if anything, to meet your particular needs. And, did we get your last name? Did. . . Jan Leysath, L-e-y-s-a-t-h, Jan. Mayor Lord Would you be agreeable? We'll be through in just a few minutes, and Mr. Warner will be happy to speak with you. Jan Leysath Okay. I just thank you. Mayor Lord We thank you, ma'am. (Next speaker coming to microphone. ) Mayor Lord Owen doesn't like to sit down, when you're not sitting down. Gentleman No, Ma'am, he doesn't. My name is Tony Jones, and I reside at 508 Garland, here in Beaumont. And I was reading over the--the information that I got from the Municipal Transit on the--on the new vans. I am in full agreement of getting the vans. However, the vans that we have now -3- are so big. I mean, they're like mini-buses. I believe it could be possible to get smaller vehicles when the bids are submitted. When I talked to Mr. Munson on the 25th of last month, which I believe was last Tuesday, he told me that they could handle up to twelve passengers, four of 'em being in wheel chairs. And, I have used STS before, and the most I have seen on the vans is three people, and I 've been riding STS since 191. Why do we have such big vans and such a big cost in gas? Why can't we have three vans for the wheel chair folks and then the three other vans, such as maybe like a Dodge mini-van or something like that, for other people, such as myself (Mr. Jones uses a seeing-eye dog for assistance) or elderly, because I have seen elderly people have trouble getting up those steps in--in the--in the STS vans. Mayor Lord Are you suggesting that we have more smaller ones, rather than three. . . Mr. Jones Yes, Ma'am, it would be--yes, Ma'am, I think--I think it would be good because, in order to comply with the one-hour, I 'm not really sure what the percentage of wheel chair people are in the city, but we have a lot of elderly, and a lot people such as myself, that don't need the lifts. I think that we could still keep in compliance with the ADA and also have the smaller vans at less cost to the City and may possibly have more. Mayor Lord Mr. Warner, do you wish to respond to that at all? Mr. Warner We'd be glad to take a look at it, Mayor. I think one of the--one of the things that I 'd have to verify with the AD requirements is that each van that we purchase must have a lift, and I know that's true with the fixed-route system with the buses. Any bus purchased after 191 is required to have a lift. And, that's one of the things that I 'll have to verify. Mayor Lord Allright, that's fine. Well, we certainly appreciate the input, and I know many times when I 've asked questions like this myself, I have found that the economy that we thought might be there is really not there in the smaller thing, and you never know when you're going to need a bigger one either, for something particular. Especially, we're taking in--I trust I'm not speaking out of school here to respond myself on this in a public hearing, into consideration the evacuation of people during hurricanes, etc. , and quite often, we need more room rather than less room, and we have to be prepared for that eventuality as well. -4- Councilman Cokinos Mayor, I 'd like to hear from Mr. Munson back there. Mayor Lord Surely. Mr. Munson (Mr. Munson standing in back of Council Chambers without a microphone. ) Tom's correct. The ADA requires any vehicle purchased after 1991 has to have a lift, so you have to purchase. . . Mayor Pro Tem Goodson That's the small (overridden) Mr. Munson Exactly what Mr. Jones says is true, there are times when they--when one- -even one individual may call in for a ride for one--one particular location. . .and there may be only one person on the van. However, at other times on given days, especially early in the morning and early afternoons. . .you may pick up six, seven people at one location, such as the Beaumont State Center and transfer them all back to a half-way house or whatever. And, there are times when there are large groups riding, so you have to have that capacity to accommodate them. . . . . .As far as his comment of not needing a lift to get up in the van, ADA also requires the new lifts, that if you don't have it now, have handrails on it, so that people who say have arthritis or have a hard time stepping up the steps from the van now but aren't necessarily in a wheel chair, can get on the standing lift, hold on to the handrail and the lift can usually lift them into the vehicle. Mayor Lord Oh, that's good news, isn't it Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones Yes, Ma'am. I didn't know that. Mayor Lord I didn't either. We certainly appreciate your remarks very much. We do take very seriously into consideration everything that is brought to us. Councilman Cokinos Mr. Munson, does this finalize the circle, as far as the buses are concerned? -5- Mr. Munson On this, this? Yes, if we buy these three vans, hopefully, this will give us (comments overridden) . . .requirements with ADA. Councilman Cokinos That completes it! Thank you very much. Mayor Lord Is there someone else who would like to speak to us. Yes, Ma'am. Casandra Stephens Good afternoon, my name is Casandra Stephens, and I reside at 810 South Major in Beaumont, and one of my concerns being a supporter of the Self-- Golden Triangle Self-Advocacy Group, is that we have an individual that's a part of the Advocacy that utilizes, or would like to utilize, public transit, but because he lives in an area that's a dead-end street, the concern was if the three new para-vans would be able to make that turn-around to pick him up, door service, rather than, rather than having him wait out at a main street for pick up. Mr. Warner Yes, the Para-transit vans are door-to-door service. They can pull into the driveway (interrupted) Ms. Stephens And will be able Mr. Warner and turn around. Ms. Stephens because the concern was that the vans that are utilized now are too large, and they can't make the turnaround, so. Mr. Warner We use driveways, whatever we can to turn around. I don't know that that would be a problem. Ms. Stephens Okay, thank you. -6- Councilman Alter Has it been a problem? Ms. Stephens Well, at one time we tried to access public transit for this particular individual, but there was a waiting list, so we have to utilize other means such as, the State Center now picks the individual up and transports him back and forth to programming, but he has to wait out at a main street, and if it's raining or the weather doesn't permit, then it's kinda hard, you know, he gets wet or, you know, problems occur. Councilman Alter With the new requirement, he would now have access, is that not correct? Mr. Warner Yes. Councilman Alter He would be required to pick everybody up? Ms. Stephens Yes. Councilman Alter Is that right, Bill? Mr. Munson That's correct. Let me clarify waiting list. She must be--we have two types of service, okay. By ADA regulations, we are allowed to schedule up to 50% of our capacity for advance reservation. In other words, somebody who goes at least three times a week, same time, such as a dialysis. . .Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If they are on a permanent schedule don't have to call in and request a ride. The other 50% of that goes for the people who call in the day before to schedule a ride. There is no waiting list to call in. . .There is only a waiting list to get on advance reservation. What we do, our advance reservation is full now, so if somebody calls in and wants a permanent schedule, we put their name on the list if somebody should leave. . . Mayor Lord Will our new three buses alleviate some of that? -7- Mr. Warner Well, it will increase the capacity of that list by another 50% of the three bus. . . Ms. Stephens Because it--as it--as it stands now, we have individuals that we serve at Beaumont State Center that a lot of times when we call, they can't get a ride for the next day, and these are on-going transportation needs. They attend every day, five, well, five days a week, Monday through Friday. Mayor Lord You might want to check afterwards also and see if the individuals that you have in mind would--would be better served with the new situation. Ms. Stephens Okay, thank you. Mayor Lord Thank you. Thank you for your interest. Is there any other individual that would like to speak to us at this time? Is there any other individual that would like to speak to us at this time? If not, I will close the Public Hearing and turn it back to you, Mr. Manager. END OF EXCERPT -8-