HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 16 1995 REGULAR SESSION
CITY COUNCIL- CITY OF BEAUMONT
HELD MAY 16, 1995 - 1:30 P.M.
BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session
this the 16th day of May, 1995, with the following present:
HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor
John K. Davis Mayor Pro Tem
Councilman,Ward III
Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman-At-Large
Becky Ames Councilman-At-Large
Lulu L. Smith Councilman,Ward I
Guy N. Goodson Councilman,Ward H
Absent: Calvin Williams Councilman,Ward IV
Ray A. Riley City Manager
Tyrone Cooper Assistant City Attorney
Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk
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The Invocation was given by Public Works Director Tom Warner.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Moore.
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Mayor Moore announced that an executive session will be held in accordance with Section 551.071 of
the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: C-1y of Beaumont vs. Successful
Endeavors, Inc. following the regular session of City Council.
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A presentation was made to Mrs. Sylvia Pruitt in memory of her husband and the City of Beaumont's
Assistant City Manager, Sterling R. Pruitt, by members of Representative Al Price's office.
Mr. Otis Briggs read a resolution signed by Representative Price that gave a history of Mr. Pruitt's
educational and public service background and acknowledged his dedication and accomplishments during
128 May 16, 1995
during his tenure with the City of Beaumont.
Ms. Antoinette Hardy presented the resolution to Mrs. Pruitt from the Texas House of Representatives
as an expression of high regards for Mr. Pruitt's exceptional public service career.
Mrs. Pruitt accepted the resolution, expressed appreciation to Representative Price for acknowledgment
of her husband and publicly thanked everyone for all they have done for her husband and family, thanked
City Manager Riley for being "a very good friend." She said her husband loved coming to work and had
high aspirations and expectations for making Beaumont greater.
Mayor Moore told Mrs. Pruitt that Mr. Pruitt was loved by all, said he will be missed, but "there are so
many positive things he did that will stay with this entire community" and said Beaumont appreciates his
service.
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Four Proclamations were issued: "Emergency Medical Services Week," May 14-20, 1995; "National
Police Week,"May 14-20, 1995; "National Safe Boating Week," May 20-26, 1995; and "Try Transit
Week," May 15-19, 1995.
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Mayor Moore recognized the presence of the newly appointed Director of the Beaumont Housing
Authority,Mr. Ernest Wilson, and asked him to make comments. Mr. Wilson said he is pleased to be in
Beaumont, thanked the Mayor and Council for being a friend to the Housing Authority, said their intent
is to offer citizens a decent, safe and sanitary environment for all residents in public housing, said they
have a lot of work to do and their goal is to present the Beaumont Housing Authority within one year as
one of the best in State of Texas.
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Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agendas. No one wished to address these
subjects.
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The following Consent Agenda items were considered:
Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held May 9, 1995; and
Resolution No.95-132 appointing Linda Clark, Chairman, and Naomi Crockett, Vice-Chairman of
129 May 16, 1995
the Beaumont Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and Sam Pulling,
Chairman,and Becky Stedman,Vice-Chairman, of the Historical Landmark Commission for terms
expiring May 15, 1996;
Resolution No.95-133 authorizing Ray A. Riley, City Manager,Beverly Hodges, Finance Officer, Kandy
Daniel, Treasurer, and Kirby Richard, Central Services Director, as signatories on the Escrow Account
No. 480085400(construction of T-Hangars at Municipal Airport) at First Interstate Bank of Texas, N.A.
and designating Tim Ryan,Brigid Pace, Robert C. Schulze,Pam Jamian, Ray A. Riley, Kandy Daniel, and
Beverly Hodges as signatories on the Memorial Healthnet Employee Benefits Account No.
0470035007 and the Healthnet Dental Claim Account No. 0470044082 at First Interstate Bank of
Texas, N.A., effective May 16, 1995;
Resolution No. 95-134 authorizing purchase and installation of carpet and tile for the first floor of City
Hall from Orange County Building Materials in the amount of$18,950.00;
Resolution No. 95-135 authorizing purchase of software from A. L. Roark and Associates in the
amount of$15,000.00 for an upgrade to the Police Department's computer aided dispatch software;
Resolution No. 95-136 accepting Street and Storm Sewer Improvements: Park West Drive from
Dowlen Road approximately 424 feet east to end of pavement and South Bend from Park West Drive
approximately 180 feet south to end of pavement and Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvements: Lots
1-4, 10 and 24-26, Block 1; constructed in Park West Subdivision,Phase I, for maintenance, contingent
on filing of final plat complete with proper filings of dedication of all rights-of-way and easements required
on preliminary and final plats; and
Resolution No. 95-137 authorizing the City Attorney to institute appropriate legal action to remove
unauthorized persons residing on the Collier's Ferry property.
The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by
Councilman Ames.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 95-138 authorizing an application to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development in the amount of$319,000 for a period of five years for Section 8 certificates of vouchers
for homeless families living on the streets, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing in a joint
effort with the Beaumont Housing Authority was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and
seconded by Councilman Goodson.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
130 May 16, 1995
Resolution No.95-139 authorizing a contract with Cleveco in the amount of$57,208.00 for construction
of a vehicle storage building at the Water Utilities Department Service Center was approved on a
motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Ames.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 95-140 authorizing acceptance of a bid in the amount of$25,232.00 from Mustang
Tractor and Equipment Company for repairs to a Caterpillar D7H dozer used at the City's Landfill
that should extend the life of the dozer for a minimum of two (2) years was approved on a motion made
by Councilman Ames and seconded by Councilman Smith.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Mayor Pro Tem Davis said that in his effort to initiate a better citizen inquiry tracking system, he would
like for the City Manager's office to give him an explanation in writing detailing reasons that he can give
to citizens for a complaint or action that cannot be performed by the City.
Councilman Cokinos asked the City Manager if Council could have another discussion regarding recent
implementation of an ordinance regulating intrusion and robbery alarm systems because he has received
several calls presenting questions for which he needs answers. Other Councilmembers confirmed they
have also received calls, and Mayor Moore asked each Councilmember to compile a list of questions,
submit them to the City Manager who said he would research the issues and report back to Council.
Councilman Goodson thanked and congratulated the YMBL for another successful Memorial Relays
activity for physically handicapped and mentally challenged students held at Babe Zaharias Memorial
Stadium yesterday and reported to Council that the Jefferson County Housing Finance Corporation
received about$18 million for first-time homebuyer loans and were successful in getting a HOME grant
in the amount of$400,000 that will be used for down-payment assistance for those in the median income
level at about $3,500 per home owner and thanked the Community Development Department Staff for
assisting the County.
Councilman Smith reported Beaumont experiencing another fun-filled weekend with Kaleidoscope
creating a festive atmosphere in the downtown area and a delightful tour of five homes in the Oaks
Historic District.
Mayor Moore said alarm system issues that have arisen and need to be readdressed is notification and the
ongoing $15.00 fee and congratulated and wished the City Manager luck on his marriage this past
weekend.
131 May 16, 1995
Mrs. Frances Lott, 890 Central Drive, Mrs. Pauline LaRocca, 850 Central Drive, Mr. Clark Teal, 895
Central Drive, and another unidentified resident at 945 Central Drive, addressed Council about a
dilapidated structure on Central Drive that has been ordered to be razed by Council, but no action has
been taken, and stated that it still remains to be dangerous, unsightly and a health hazard. They said they
have been told that another mortgage company owns the property, and if the structure is not demolished
by June 1, no further demolition action can be taken and asked Council for help in continuing the process.
The City Manager told Council a status report will be forwarded to them, said there is legal action
pending, and presently,the City is not in the position to demolish the structure because of notice from an
attorney representing the mortgage company. Councilman Goodson stated it appears that the legal action
is not to demolish the structure because the mortgage company is trying to sell or repair the building to
recuperate their investment,but asked the City Attorney's office,if an action has been taken, to go forward
with a counter-claim to injunctively force them to board up the house, clean up the property and make it
a better environment for the residents. However, he said to him, it does not appear that the structure is
repairable. Mayor Moore told the residents that the matter will be investigated.
Mr. Robert Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie,invited Council to attend the announcement tomorrow at 2:00
p.m. of the Beaumont Preservation Award at 2380 Gladys recognizing historic preservation by the
Beaumont Historical Landmark Commission, Beaumont Main Street, Beaumont Heritage Center and the
Beaumont Federation of Neighborhood Associations.
Officer Sheila Barton, Beaumont Police Department, addressed Council to inform them of activities to
raise funds for Special Olympics. She said they will leave Sunday, May 21, at 7:00 a.m. from Interstate
10 and Walden Road and run to Austin. Over the past four months, they have collected about $9,300,
Saturday they will hold a pep rally from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Babe Zaharias Park to raise additional
funds, said Chief Tom Scofield will lead off the run on Sunday, Deputy Chief Coffin, Officers Mary Gray
and Crystal Holmes, Marty Woods (Internal Affairs Division) and she will be runners, and Sonny
Chambers, his wife, Jeanelle, and Stan Daspit from the U. S. Customs office will be non-running assistants
and added that they raised $1,600 thru the Red Lobster Restaurant as waiters over a three-day period.
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There being no other business, the regular session of City Council was recessed to reconvene in executive
session.
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I, Barbara Liming, Deputy 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 16, 1995.
Barbara Liming
Deputy City Clerk
132 May 16, 1995