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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 31 1994 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD MAY 31, 1994 - 1:00 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 31st day of May, 1994, with the following present: HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor Guy N. Goodson Mayor Pro Tem Councilman, Ward II Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Becky Ames Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I John R. Davis Councilman, Ward III Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- Mayor Moore called an Executive Session in accordance with Section 551. 074 of the Government Code to discuss appointment of a Ward IV Councilmember. At the conclusion of Executive Session, the regular session of City Council was recessed until 1: 30 p.m. -000- The regular session of City Council reconvened at 1: 30 p.m. in the Council Chambers with all members present. -000- The Invocation was led by the Reverend Jack Colt, Dowlen Road Church of Christ. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Cokinos who asked Port Director Roger Heath, Flotila Commander Luther E. Dusty Rhodes and Vice Flotila Commander Doug Douglas to join him. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agendas. Mr. Doug McFarland, on behalf of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, requested that Council delay action on Agenda Item 3 considering -137- May 31, 1994 participation with the City of Port Arthur in a class action lawsuit until after a June 2nd Court Hearing. The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held May 24, 1994; Resolution No. 94-125 authorizing sale of 0.539 acres of land out of Block 22 and 23 , J. B. Langham, Sr. Homestead, in the amount of $13, 852 .52 and execute a deed to the Estate of B. P. Crittenden, Jr. , Deceased; and Resolution No. 94-126 authorizing a Pipeline License Agreement with Hardy Oil & Gas USA, Inc. to include installation of 22 ' of 5/8" natural gas pipeline across Sherwood Drive as a continuation of the agreement approved by Resolution No. 94-110 on May 10, 1994 . The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The appointment of Mr. Calvin Williams as Ward IV Councilmember to fill the unexpired term of Mr. David W. Moore upon his election as Mayor of the City of Beaumont was approved on a motion made by Councilman Davis and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Mayor Moore called Mr. Williams forward and Judge John Paul Davis administered the Oath of Office as Councilman for Ward IV to Mr. Calvin Williams. Councilman Williams: As I 've indicated, Mayor, to members of the Council, I want to express my appreciation that you would have this confidence in me to ask me to serve for the remainder of your term, Mayor, as our Councilman for Ward IV. I have no illusions at all that I would be able to bring to this Council experience that I gained in the 70 's. I know that a great deal has changed. The Council has changed. Even the makeup of the Council has changed. Never-the-less, I don't think that it would have been characteristic of me, Mayor, to turn Council down after going through the process and having been selected to serve during the remainder of this term. I know that I 'll support whole-heartedly what you are about, you and the Council. I know that you're about economic development, about bringing this city together. I think you've indicated, and I agree, that there's more that unite this city than divide us, and I certainly share those views and will do everything I can in my power -138- May 31, 1994 during the time I 'll be serving here to make sure that these things come to pass. I don't think, again, I 'll say that I don't think I can bring a great deal of experience. I 'll be relying on members of Council, as well as the Manager's office, to give me direction, let me know where we are and where we're going and will give it my best shot. While I 'm here, I would like to thank Superintendent Mallett, members of the Board of Education for BISD, for cooperating here and allowing me to serve. Also, I would like to express my appreciation for my wife who agreed for me to do this after having undergone twelve (12) years back in the 701s. So, I certainly couldn't go without saying that and go back home! Thank you very much. Councilmembers individually expressed appreciation to Councilman Williams for accepting the invitation to serve as Ward IV Councilman and conveyed their confidence in the experience, wisdom and maturity he will add to this Council. Council also thanked all other applicants for their interest, said there was tremendous number of qualified applicants, but felt that Mr. Williams 's experience was an advantage to draw upon at this time and encouraged them to remain involved with the City. -000- Councilman John Davis was selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the coming year on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None As out-going Mayor Pro Tem, Councilman Goodson complimented past Mayor Pro Tems for their hard work and dedication and Mayor Pro Tem Davis for his efforts as a Councilman and said that as Mayor Pro Tem, he will add his experience and enthusiasm to the position. -000- One Proclamation was issued: "National Safe Boating Week, " June 5-11, 1994. -000- At the request of Councilmembers Cokinos and Ames, Agenda Item No. 3 authorizing inclusion of the City of Beaumont in the class action lawsuit filed by the City of Port Arthur against Southwestern Bell Telephone Company was deferred in order for new councilmembers to receive more information about the case. -000- Resolution No. 94-127 authorizing the Community Development Division to -139- May 31, 1994 apply for and accept a Federal "Enterprise Community's grant in the amount of $2 .96 million over a ten-year period to allow the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation (SETCDC) , on a contract basis, to develop and implement a program to prepare individuals to take advantage of economic development outcomes was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: Mayor Moore Nayes: None Mayor Pro Tem Davis Councilman Cokinos Councilman Ames Councilman Smith Councilman Goodson Abstained: Councilman Williams -000- Resolution No. 94-128 authorizing a contract with the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation, Inc. (SETCDC) in the amount of $553, 000.00 to acquire and renovate 15 to 20 homes and make them available to Beaumont families on a rental or resale basis using funds from the 1993 HOME Grant, and as the City's only designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) , be awarded the 15% set-aside funds ($82,950) as part of the contract, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Davis. Question: Ayes: Mayor Moore Nayes: None Mayor Pro Tem Davis Councilman Cokinos Councilman Ames Councilman Smith Councilman Goodson Abstained: Councilman Williams Mr. Riley informed Council that Agenda Item 5b increasing the program administration amount from $25, 000. 00 to $55, 300. 00 was withdrawn at the request of the applicant. -000- Resolution No. 94-129 authorizing condemnation proceedings to acquire Lots 175, 176 and a portion of Lot 182, Block 38 of the Original Townsite of Beaumont from W/S Partnership, a General Partnership, and Lots 177 and 278, Block 38 of the Original Township of Beaumont from W/S Partnership, Trustee, for public use through the rights of eminent domain (LaSalle Hotel property to provide parking spaces for the planned Postal Service mail-coding operating) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -140- May 31, 1994 Resolution No. 94-130 authorizing acquisition of Parcel 110: 0. 0577 acres of land out of Lots 1-5, Block 40, Jarrett Addition (275 and 277 18th Street) from Don Streety Enterprises for the appraised value of $105, 136. 00 for improvements to the Liberty-Laurel Corridor from Eleventh Street to Phelan Boulevard was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Williams said he would like to be brought up to speed on the housing program, and the City Manager introduced him to Richard Chappell, Director of the Community Development Block Grant Department, and said he would be able to provide a complete status report of the housing program. Councilman Goodson reminded everyone that the Amelia Neighborhood Association will conduct a meeting Monday at 7: 00 p.m. at the Forest Park Methodist Church. Mayor Moore congratulated the South Park Neighborhood Association for their presentation of two patrol bicycles to the Police Department. He said they made a substantial contribution, along with the Market Basket Grocery Store and others. -000- Ms. LinMarie Garsee, 1725 Park Street, owner of property on Pennsylvania Avenue, distributed letters to Council and addressed them to voice concerns and complain about response for traffic light installation at Royal and Pennsylvania and the hardship to residents created by recent elimination of street parking on both sides of the street. Mayor Moore suggested that Ms. Garsee meet with her representative, Mayor Pro Tem Davis, after Council to discuss the remarks in her letter. Mr. Thomas Lewis, 3481 West Euclid, congratulated Mayor Moore and the At- Large Councilmember for successful campaigns, said he holds no animosity for the Ward IV Councilman selection, but announced that he will run for that position next year. The Reverend Blackwell, 685 Zavalla, pastor of Southpark Baptist Church, addressed Council to thank Mayor Moore for all his personal efforts with the Southpark Neighborhood Association that have brought positive changes in the neighborhood, welcomed Councilman Williams as Ward IV's representative, and thanked Councilmen Cokinos and Ames for their interest in Ward IV. Mrs. Marie Hubbard, 1919 Nora, addressed Council to thank them for their selection of Calvin Williams as Councilman for Ward IV, expressed her -141- May 31, 1994 pride in the success and accomplishments of Mr. Williams, a 1951 classmate of hers, congratulated Mayor Moore again for his election as mayor, and pledged her support. Councilman Williams responded to Mrs. Hubbard's complimentary statements that, " . . .There's more ways to serve the community other than being an elected official, and the lady who just spoke and addressed Council, I think, represents that type of person. She's been very active in the community, given a great deal of herself in the interest of children, in the interest of fairness in the community, and I 'm not surprised to see her here this afternoon, and I just want to express my appreciation for what you've done in the community. You don't have to be an elected official in order to do that. Sometimes you can be even more effective. And, you have really paid your dues, and I appreciate that. So, Class of 151 stands tall! " Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 2880 Grand, expressed appreciation to each Councilmember for their individual contributions to City Council. Ms. Bobbie Patterson, 4865 Cornell, added her congratulations to Mayor Moore, Councilmen Davis for being selected as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Williams as Ward IV's representatives and offered her support and assistance. Ms. Marie Marie Easley, 465 East Lavaca, congratulated the Mayor and At- Large Councilmembers for their recent election to Council, referred favorably to Councilman William's previous tenure on Council, commended Councilman Davis for his work in Ward III, reviewed her working relationship with other Councilmembers and offered her assistance. Ms. Bessie Hall, 5005 Ada, also congratulated Mayor Moore and At-Large Councilmembers and addressed Council to complain about a ditch about a half-block in length by the canal near her home that has not been cemented. Councilman Smith said the ditch is located in Ward I and she will check into the request and visit with Ms. Hall. -000- There being no further business, the regular session of City Council was recessed to conduct a 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 May 31, 1994. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -142- May 31, 1994