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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN OCT 19 1993 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD OCTOBER 19, 1993 - 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 19th day of October, 1993, 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 K. Davis Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Bruce Felker, Roberts Avenue United Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Attorney Lane Nichols. -000- Three Proclamations were issued: "National Disability Employment Awareness Month, " October, 1993 ; a Proclamation recognizing the "African Violet Society of America;" and "National Arts and Humanities Month, " October, 1993 . Ms. Kathy Burbank, on behalf of the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society Board of Directors, announced their "Signature Paver Campaign" and presented bricks to Council with their individual names inscribed. She said the bricks will be laid in front of the Jefferson Theater in the summer of 1994 and are on sale now to the public as a fund-raiser. Ms. Burbank said this idea originated with Past-President Matt White several years ago, and she is following through with the project. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agendas. Mrs. Bobbie Cowart, 2250 21st Street, addressed Council concerning Agenda Item No. 4 authorizing renewal of a one-year contract with Carolyn Chaney to act as the City' s Washington Assistant. She -259- October 19, 1993 questioned if these services could be provided by our Congressman and Senators and the City not incur another expense. Mrs. Cowart was told that at the time of Council consideration of this item, an explanation of contractual services and benefits will be made, and opportunity offered for other questions at the end of the agenda. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held October 5, 1993, and the special City Council session held October 14, 1993 ; Resolution No. 93-257 appointing Vic Carlstrom to the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission for a term expiring September 30, 1995; Jayne Eisen as Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term expiring September 30, 1994 ; Alvin R. Cook to the Transit Advisory Committee for a term expiring June 30, 1994 ; Don Carter and Bill Thomas to the Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a term expiring December 1, 1995; Mary Jane Buttrill as Chairman and Jessica Foy as Vice-Chairman of the Historical Landmark Commission for terms expiring October 31, 1994 ; Dorcy Watler (Architect) , Bruce Hamilton (County Historical Commissioner) , Terrance Holmes (Attorney) , Debra Kay Johnson and Dr. Walter Sutton to the Historical Landmark Commission for terms expiring October 31, 1995; and reappointing Frank Messina, Judge J. Michael Bradford and Charlie Gibbs to the Convention and Tourism Advisory Committee; Jayne Eisen to the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and LeRoy Clark to the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee for terms expiring September 30, 1995; Resolution No. 93-258 accepting Street and Storm Sewer Improvements: Seminole Drive from the existing pavement on Seminole Drive approximately 29 feet south to 3-OM-4P markers and Medinah Drive from the existing pavement on Seminole Drive approximately 303 feet west to and including the cul-de-sac and Water and Sanitary Improvements: Lots 1 through 7, Block 1; and Lots 1 through 9, Block 2 in Willow Creek Country Club Estates, Phase II, Section VI for City maintenance contingent upon filing of the final plat, complete with filings of dedication of all rights-of-way and easements required on the preliminary and final plats; and Resolution No. 93-259 authorizing execution of a Release and Satisfaction of Judgement to Mr. and Mrs. William Travis and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Travis for the amount of $69, 850. 00 plus a maximum of $2,500. 00 in legal fees. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -260- October 19, 1993 Ordinance No. 93-60 amending Chapter 26, Section 24 of the Code of Ordinances installing a 20 miles per hour school zone with flashing beacons on Magnolia Street from a point 80 feet north of the centerline of Delaware to a point 50 feet south of the centerline of Prince Street was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 93-60 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26, SECTION 26-24 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. 93-60 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 93-260 authorizing submission of an application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance for a three-year grant in the amount of $600, 000. 00 for the hiring of additional police officers to work in the area of community oriented policing (COP) with the City's portion estimated at $84,939. 00 for the first year (total estimated three-year budget $915, 698) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 93-261 authorizing contracts for water treatment chemicals, to be utilized by the Water Production Division of the Public Utilities Department, for an approximate annual expenditure in the amount of $186,428.50 from Rhone-Poulenc for 450 tons of aluminum sulfate at $109. 13 per ton-- $49, 108 .50; Aquatec Engineering for 65 tons fluosilic acid at $140.00 per ton--9, 100. 00; Jones Chemicals for 220 tons of liquid chlorine at $390. 00 per ton--$85, 800. 00; Bower Ammonia for 60 tons of aqua ammonia at $300. 00 per ton--$18, 000. 00; and Van Waters & Rogers for 40, 000 pounds of phosphate water treatment compound at $. 6105 per pound--$24, 420. 00 was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Goodson and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 93-262 authorizing a one-year renewal contract, effective November 1, 1993 through October 31, 1994, with Carolyn Chaney in the amount of $48,234. 12 , plus maximum reimbursable expenses of $4, 000. 00, -261- October 19, 1993 to act as the City of Beaumont's Washington Assistant was introduced by Mr. Riley. Mr. Riley: Item 4 relates to a renewal of a contract with Carolyn Chaney to act as our Washington Assistant. Back in 1980, Carolyn Chaney was introduced to the Council, and our first contract was done with the National Center for Municipal Development to provide our liaison officer or as our employee in the City of Washington. She's been doing this now for twelve years, and we've had a very delightful working relationship. The Nation Center for Municipal Development was actually an off-shooter as a 501-C-3 or a non-profit organization that originally was founded under the direction of the National League of Cities, and I believe, the Conference of Mayors, to provide for additional assistance related to cities for those specific concerns that municipalities might have in dealing with various areas of the federal government and federal agencies and as a supplement to what you would normally have working on a local basis, rather than having to deal with each of these organizations, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Commerce or others for which we might have pending grants and administrative things or outside that area that is really related to legislation. But, the contacts of communication and liaison would be provided to us on an individual basis. And that rather than trying to deal with numbers of staff, we might by contracting with them, in effect, employ an individual that would be working directly as an employee for the City of Beaumont and share them with maybe one or two other cities, as opposed to having numbers of these assistants working there, representing a large group, such as the National League of Cities. We were very fortunate in that when Carolyn was first starting, she came here, and she interviewed, and the Council made the selection and has, she has been working on our behalf, and all of you have been in contact with her during the past twelve years. More recently, she has come to the community every year to, in effect, meet with various agencies that are affected by her work or that somehow has some relationship with the City of Beaumont. This year it happens that her visit here actually coincides with when the time that we would be considering the annual contract. And, while we are recommending the renewal, we're very pleased to have her here, and I would like to reintroduce her to the community, and certainly, she doesn't need to be introduced to the Council, but would like to have Carolyn recognized by the Council in consideration of the renewal of this contract that we've had with her. Carolyn. Ms. Chaney questioningly gestured if she should approach the podium. Mayor Lord: Yes, Carolyn, wherever you would be most comfortable. -262- October 19, 1993 Ms. Chaney thanked Council for the opportunity to appear before them again this year and said she has been meeting with various department heads and personnel and with Carolyn Hudler from the Housing Authority and will meet with the Police Department tomorrow. Ms. Chaney explained that an example of her assistance is the Cops on the Beat grant proposal that Council just acted upon. She said that when the Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Bill was defeated in Washington at the beginning of the year, the community policing appropriation was one of the things that survived. As Beaumont's Assistant in Washington, she met with the Department of Justice as they formulated the program that resulted in this request for proposal. She said "Beaumont's name was before them early and often. " In being there she had an advantage of knowing "the kinds of things they would probably be looking for" and able to convey this information by memorandum to Chief Scofield. Also, Ms. Chaney said she has opportunity to review with some City officials the proposed crime bill and consider options best for Beaumont with the possibility of asking Congressman Brooks, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to amend the bill. Ms. Chaney said that she grew up in Washington, D.C. and made her career choice because of a desire to work with citizens and taxpayers. She said that our elected officials represent us well in Washington and have always worked well with her in promoting the things that are good for Beaumont, but they also have many other policy issues to deal with and cannot concentrate solely upon urban programs as she does. Ms. Chaney complimented Council for their involvement in Washington and serving on various committees and said, "It gives an elevation to the City of Beaumont in Washington. " Mayor Lord told Ms. Chaney she was modest in outlining the assistance she provides, and along with other Councilmembers, thanked her for the many services she provides in addition to grant dollars, such as briefings on various subjects and information about programs that can be initiated to meet needs of the community. Councilman Cokinos told Council and Ms. Chaney that he did not favor hiring her, said the offices of Congressman Jack Brooks could provide the same information at no cost, said the same amount of money could be spent to hire two additional police officers or firefighters and complained that Ms. Chaney's Washington Report provided to Council was an extra expense because it is printed on City of Beaumont stationery . Ms. Chaney explained that City of Beaumont stationery is used because she is an extension of Beaumont in Washington. Councilman Davis said that because other Councilmembers ' opinions are important to him, and because he also wants to use Beaumont's money wisely, he spoke with Mrs. Chaney in depth for an hour discussing her activities in Washington. He said that in comparing the contract amount to the benefits derived from Mrs. Chaney's services, he supports and feels comfortable with renewal of her contract. -263- October 19, 1993 Resolution No. 93-262 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: Mayor Lord Nayes: Councilman Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos Goodson Councilman Alter Councilman Smith Councilman Davis Councilman Moore -000- Resolution No. 93-263 authorizing and directing the City Manager to cast all of the City of Beaumont's allocated votes for representation on the Jefferson County Appraisal District Board for C. L. (Sonny) Sherman, Jr. was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Councilmembers expressed appreciation for Mr. Sherman's hard work and concern in keeping citizens informed about taxes. They said Mr. Sherman's efforts have been a real benefit to Beaumont, he is immensely qualified, but pointed out that 835 votes are needed for election to the Appraisal Board and the City of Beaumont's allocation is 435, and encouraged other entities to consider casting votes for Mr. Sherman. -000- Councilman Cokinos reported "Sunday in the Park" was very successfully attended and the children enjoyed the afternoon. Councilman Davis thanked the City Manager for establishing a committee of community leaders to discuss the three-prong hiring system and the Police Department. He said he was very pleased with the meeting, and they came away from the meeting with an understanding of different cultural groups and a need to hire officers that are culturally sensitive. Councilman Moore shared announcements of Neighborhood Association meetings, including a meeting at Virginia Estates with the Police Department, and said the groups are beginning to focus more positively with preventive measures. He said the Pear Orchard Neighborhood Association meets tonight, the South Park Neighborhood Association tomorrow night and the Beaumont Charlton-Pollard group on Thursday. In addition, Councilman Moore said that two weeks ago he attended a Transportation and Communication Steering Committee Meeting and requested a possible Workshop with that Committee to review and discuss implications concerning cable television. -264- October 19, 1993 Mayor Lord commented that a well-deserved and quite an elegant and festive affair was held Saturday night to honor the Rogers brothers for their many benevolent contributions to Beaumont. Also, Mayor Lord said that she received a phone call shortly before Council from TCI stating they are in negotiations with Channel 12 and hopeful a settlement will be reached soon. -000- Ms. Sharon Allen, 916 West Lucas, addressed Council in support of KBMT TV, Channel 12 , in their controversy with TCI. Ms. Allen said TCI has displayed a "cavalier attitude towards the citizens of Beaumont and Southeast Texas" in refusing to allow Channel 12 to be aired on cable television and requested that Council revoke the franchise charter and operating license of TCI and negotiate with other cable companies. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 2880 Grand, also addressed Council in support of Channel 12 . Mrs. Bobbie Cowart, 2250 21st Street, thanked Mayor Lord, Council and Carolyn Chaney for the explanation and handling of Agenda Item No. 4 hiring Ms. Chaney as the City of Beaumont's Washington Assistant. Mr. Bill McCullough, a resident in Silsbee and owner of ten rental properties in Beaumont, addressed Council to discuss receiving individual water bills for each residence and suggested they be combined and mailed in the same envelope at the same time with only one set of any additional City information. He said this would save the City money and be more convenient for him. It was explained to Mr. McCullough that there are thirteen separate billings for water usage in Beaumont determined by the date the meters are read and bills are not separated on the basis of ownership, but location and area, and the City is open to any idea for improvement of efficiency. Also, Mr. McCullough spoke in support of hiring additional police officers. Mr. Myron Myrick, 3950 University Drive, addressed Council to question opening bids for another television cable company in Beaumont. He said we need competition in this area. Mayor Lord told Mr. Myrick that it is against the law to have a monopoly, and the City is always open to any company desiring to bid for this service. -000- There being no further business, the Regular Session of City Council was adjourned. -000- I, Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, Texas, -265- October 19, 1993 certify that the above is a true copy of the Minutes of the Regular City Council session held October 19, 1993 . Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk -266- October 19, 1992