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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUG 28 1973 REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD AUGUST 28 , 1973 BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session on the 28th day of August, 1973, with the following present: HONORABLE: Ken Ritter Mayor Don Cash Councilman, Ward I George Dishman, Jr. Councilman, Ward II Calvin Williams Councilman, Ward III Leroy Evans Councilman, Ward IV Kenneth Devero City Manager Kenneth Wall City Attorney Cameron Harris Administrative Assistant Myrtle Corgey City Clerk W. J. Balmer Dir. Public Works J. D. Martin Pub. Wks. Prog. Coor. Earl Deland City Engineer Joe Impey Dir. Community Develop. Willie Bauer Chief of Police Dean Ransom Finance Officer Henry Engelbrecht Dir. Parks & Recreation Eddie Whitnell Dir. Traffic & Trans. Milton Palmer Dir. Environmental Control Underwood Hill Dir. Public Utilities -000- The Invocation was given by Reverend J. R. Johnson, Northwood Christian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Cash. -000- The Mayor issued one proclamation: Lamar University's "Come Together Week in Beaumont" - September 2 - 8, 1973 . -000- The Minutes of the regular meeting held on August 21, 1971, were approved on a motion made by Councilman Dishman and seconded by Councilman Williams. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The following resolution was introduced and read: A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City received bids on August 22, 1973 , for the fencing of the Solid Waste Department; and, WHEREAS, Hagan Fence Company submitted a bid of Two Thousand Nine Hun- dred Seventy-One and 60/100 ($2, 971. 60) Dollars for said fencing of the Solid Waste Department; and, WHEREAS, the City Council is of the opinion that the bid submitted by Hagan Fence Company is the lowest and best bid and should be accepted; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: That the bid of Hagan Fence Company in the amount of Two Thousand Nine Hundred Seventy-one and 60. 100 ($2, 971. 60) Dollars, with 45 working days to complete the work, be accepted by the City of Beaumont. PASSED by'-the City Council this the 28th day of August, 1973 . /s/ KEN RITTER - MAYOR - The resolution was passed on a motion made by Councilman Dishman and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The following resolution was introduced and read: A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City received bids on August 21, 1973 , for playground equipment for the Parks and Recreation Department; and, WHEREAS, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company submitted a bid in the amount of $524. 00 for the four basketball goals and poles for the Parks and Recreation Department; and, WHEREAS, the City Council is of the opinion that the bid submitted by Miracle Recreation Equipment Company is the lowest and best bid and should be accepted; and, WHEREAS, Vaughan & AssociAtes, Inc. submitted a bid in the amount of $5, 097 . 72 for the climber slides for the Parks and Recreation Department; and, WHEREAS, The City Council is of the opinion that the bid submitted by Vaughan & Associates, Inc. is the best bid and should be accepted; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: That the bids of Miracle Recreation Equipment Company in the amount of Five Hundred Twenty-Four and No/100 ($524. 00) Dollars for the basketball goals and of Vaughan & Associates, Inc. in the amount of Five Thousand Ninety-Seven and 72/100 ($5, 097 .72) Dollars for the climber slides for the Parks & Recreation Department be accepted by the City of Beaumont. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this the 28th day of August, 1973 . /s/ KEN RITTER - MAYOR - The resolution was passed on a motion made by Councilman Williams and se- conded by Councilman Cash. Question: Ayes: All Nayes : None -000- Permission to authorize for bids for traffic control equipment (TOPICS Pro- gram) for the Traffic & Transportation Department was granted on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- A motion to reject bids received for construction of four hardsurface areas in various parks was made by Councilman Evans and seconded by Councilman Williams. Question: Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- The following resolution was introduced and read: A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City of Beaumont and Work & Daniels Construction Company entered into a certain agreement to furnish all labor, superintendence, mater- ial and equipment to perform all work necessary to the construction of CIP Project 11-B-02, which is the Central Library Building Project; and, WHEREAS, a supplementary agreement to said Contract has been proposed, under which said supplementary agreement certain changes will be made in the plans and specifications in the total additional sum of $13,748 . 00 which is available within the construction budget; -2- -3- NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: That the City Manager be, and he is hereby, authorized to execute on behalf of the City of Beaumont the above described supplemental agreement to the original Contract; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Clerk is hereby authorized to attest to same and to affix the seal of the City of Beaumont thereto. PASSED by the City Council this 28th day of August, 1973 . /s/ KEN RITTER - MAYOR - The resolution was passed on a motion made by Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilman Cash. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The following resolution was introduced and read: A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Bar C. Ranch Company, a Texas Corporation, has tendered an easement to the City of Beaumont for water and sanitary sewer purposes over over and across property owned by it in the City of Beaumont, Jefferson County Texas, said easement being dated August 21, 1973; and, WHEREAS , the City Council has considered the purposes of said easement and is of the opinion that the acceptance of said easement for water and sani- tary sewer purposes only is necessary and desirable and that the same should be accepted; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: That said easement tendered by the above named to the City of Beaumont, be, and the same is hereby, in all things, accepted. PASSED by the City Council this 28th day of August, 1973 . Isl KEN RITTER - MAYOR - The resolution was passed on a motion made by Councilman Evans and seconded by Councilman Cash. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The following resolution was introduced and read: A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Beaumont feels it would be in the best interest of the City of Beaumont for the City to enter into an agree- ment with the State of Texas for the installation of a traffic signal system at the intersection of Spur 380 with U. S. 69, 96, and 287 on the South Frontage Road; and, WHEREAS, an agreement has been submitted by the State of Texas for this purpose; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: That the City Manager of the City of Beaumont is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with the State of Texas concerning the signalization of Spur 380 and the Frontage Road of Cardinal Drive, and the City Clerk is hereby authorized to attest to said agreement and affix the seal of the City thereto. PASSED by the City Council this the 28th day of August, 1973 . The resolution was passed on a motion made by Councilman Dishman and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- The following resolution was introduced and read: A RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the City of Beaumont and the American National Bank of Beau- mont, Texas, entered into a contract dated July 1, 1973, whereby it was pro- vided that the said American National Bank of Beaumont would pledge with the City Council of the City of Beaumont certain securities in lieu of giving bond as City Depository; and, WHEREAS, the American National Bank of Beaumont wishes to withdraw the following securities from the Federal Reserve Band of Dallas: Receipt # Description Value 59833 Austin, Texas. Elec. WW/SS Rev. 5. 50% due. 10-1-73 $200, 000 60010 Pampa WW/SS Rev. 3 .300, due 10-1-73 25,000 59838 Dallas, Tex. G/0 3. 00%, due 10-1-73 25, 000 59884 Dallas, Tex. Park Imp. 3 . 00%, due 10-1-73 25,000 TOTAL . . . . . $275, 000 WHEREAS, the American National Bank of Beaumont wishes to pledge the following securities with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas: SK Receipt # Description of Securities 4127/4136 Sabine River Authority of Texas and City of of Beaumont Waste Disposal Rev. Bonds 3 . 00% due 11-1-73/82 $150, 000 The total above securities being pledged being in the sum of $150, 000. 00; and, WHEREAS, after this withdrawal, the American National Bank of Beaumont will have sufficient securities pledged to protect the deposits of the said City of Beaumont, Texas; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: That the American National Bank of Beaumont, Texas, be permitted to withdraw the above described securities from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and a certified copy of this Resolution shall constitute evidence of the authority of the American National Bank of Beaumont, Texas, to make said withdrawal. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, this the 28th day of August, 1973 . /s/ KEN RITTER - MAYOR - The resolution was passed on a motion made by Councilman Evans and seconded by Councilman Cash. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Permission authorizing the City Attorney to sue Johnnie E. Maddox for damages to a police car was granted on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All Nayes : None -000- -4- Permission to authorize the City Attorney to settle a claim of the City of Beaumont against Jack Noell for $124.18 was granted on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilman Williams. —000— PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF BEAUMONT FISCAL YEAR BUDGET 1973-74 The City Manager read the following letter: August 14, 1973 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Beaumont Beaumont, Texas Gentlemen: I am pleased to transmit for your consideration the proposed budget for the operation of the City of Beaumont for the fiscal year 1973-74. This budget is presented in accordance with the provisions of the City Charter and the statutes of the State of Texas. We are recommending a budget which can be financed with available resources. The tax rate is proposed to remain the same at $1.59 per $100 of assessed valuation. Of the total $1.59 tax rate, it is proposed that $.375 be allocated to the tax supported debt fund and $1.195 to the general operating fund and $.02 to the bond fund as outlined in the Capital Improve- ments Program. Revenues from all sources to support city funds are estimated at $24,205,807 for the 1973-74 fiscal year. This is an increase of $4,014,880 above fiscal 1972-73 estimated revenues. These revenues combined with interfund transfers and balances brought forward from previous years budgets would provide $44,578,546 for meeting the expenditure requirements of the city. Expenditures in this budget are estimated to be $39,246,146. This compares with estimated expenditures for 1972-73 of $31,760,832. The increase in expenditures of some $7,485,314 in this budget are a result primarily of Federal Revenue Sharing projects and the Capital Improvements Program. With the addition of nine buildings and facilities, comprehensive street improvement plan, water and wastewater improvement programs, termination of the emergency employment pro- gram and general city growth, it is necessary for us to request the addition of 18 employees to our staff. This would bring the total number of full time employees to 1,199. This fig- ure would have been larger if some of the departments had not instituted new methods of ac- complishing their work thereby relieving the necessity for additional personnel. This budget is written around providing generally the same level of service as was provided in the budget of fiscal 1972-73, with the following exceptions which result in an increase in services. 1. It is proposed that three additional Grade II Field Sergeants be added to the Police Department. It is anticipated that these supervisory personnel will provide the needed assistance and direction to the Grade I Patrolman, many of whom have a relatively small amount of field experience. Three Grade I Patrol- man slots will be deleted as a result of the vacancy rate of this position dur- ing the past fiscal year. It is also proposed that a legal advisor be added to the city attorney's staff to assist the police department. 2. The new Central Library and Police Municipal Court facilities should become available for use by the latter part of this fiscal year. It will be necessary to add a maintenance engineer to maintain the central heating and aircondition® ing system for these buildings once they are complete and ready for service. Two additional library personnel have been budgeted for a six month period. 3. It is recommended that the Environmental Control Division be enlarged so as to provide better service to the citizens. Due to the difficulty of coordina- tion and a backlog of weed cutting and lot cleanup requests, it has become -5- practically impossible to do an effective job under our present system, It is proposed that two EEA Counselors and three maintenance personnel be added to this staff. The budget also reflects the purchase of two tractors with mowers and a truck to assist in this endeavor. 4. The new athletic complex will require the addition of one maintenance man for a period of six months and a tractor with a mower. 5. Due to the expanded services provided by the Health Unit, it is proposed that two EEA Public Health Nurses be absorbed into the department's budget. one nurse will be used part time to check absenteeism for the Personnel Department. 6. It is proposed that one EEA Water Meter Reader be included in the Water Com- mercial Division's budget to provide better coverage of the city. There has not been an addition to this staff in 8 years and during this time the num- ber of water customers has increased substantially. In order for the Water Distribution Division to do an effective and continuous job of cleaning and lining water lines, it is proposed that three additional persons be added to the Water Utilities' budget. It is estimated that it will take some ten years to cover the entire city through this program. The major benefit to the city is the ability to put more water through the existing lines. 7. In order to provide better inspection of new subdivision improvements, this budget proposes to add one inspector. The cost of this service is to be split between the Utilities and the Public Works. This year the budget reflects the expenditures for Federal Revenue Sharing. The estimated available resources for fiscal 1973-74 are $3,786,000. The recommended improvements under this budget include: I. It is recommended that the street projects initiated under the previous fiscal year budget be continued throughout the engineering and right-of-way acquisition stages and that the Phelan, Calder, Dowlen and Delaware-Eastex to Dowlen projects be carried through to the ultimate completion of construction. Also in the area of streets, $310,000 is proposed to continue the assessment paving program of the City with an additional $411,849 being allocated as a contingency for CIP street projects. Street expenditures under revenue sharing would amount to $3,531,849. 2. In the utilities activity, it is proposed that $30,000 be allocated for instru- mentation and a control system for the water reclamation plant and its companion lift stations. $53,586 is provided for the replacement of and slip-lining of deteriorating sewer lines within the city. The total cost of these activities is $83,586. 3. Due to the volume of vital statistics and official records of the city, it is necessary that funds be provided for supplying filing and retrieval systems for the City Clerk's office and Health Department. The anticipated cost of these systems is $64,965. Many of these records are presently in a deteriorat- ing state and are irreplaceable. 4. Revenue sharing funds proposed for the Parks and Recreation Department amount to $35,600. These funds would provide four hard-surface play areas at Caldwood, McLean, Roberts and Sprott Parks, tennis courts at Sprott and Carroll Parks and the difference between committed funds and the cost of constructing a multi-pur- pose recreational building at Sprott Park. 5. $25,000 of revenue sharing funds is proposed to purchase a tract of land north of the Central Fire Station for the purpose of providing a maintenance and park- ing area for Fire Department equipment. This land is needed to prevent the necessity of having to service fire apparatus on a city street. 6. It is anticipated that an Airport Advisory Committee will be formed in the near future and consequently $25,000 of revenue sharing funds is proposed to provide for initial study and plans for long-range improvements to this facility. 7. $20,000 is proposed to offset the cost of administering the financial aspects of these revenue sharing projects. _6- The proposed budget provides funds for the continuation of the City's classification and wage plan and for a 3% cost of living adjustment to the plan effective January 1, 1974, The cost of this adjustment amounts to $170,000. This budget allocates $90,000 to cover the estimated deficit of the Beaumont Transit System for the 1973-74 fiscal year. The budget does not provide any monies for new equipment. It may be noted in the text of the budget that the actual 1972 figures appear quite small in comparison to the figures for the other fiscal years. The reason for this is that the actual 1972 figures only cover a period of three months. This was brought about in the change of the fiscal year to October-September. We have included as a supplement to this budget the Five Year Capital Program as set forth in the City Charter, As explained in the Capital Budget, once a comprehensive plan has been adopted, we will be in a better position to prepare and present a complete document. The proposed 1973-74 budget and work program for the City of Beaumont does not meet all of the needs of the City. As the City attempts to provide more services and facilities for the pub- lic, it becomes necessary to develop additional sources of revenue to offset the cost for developing and maintaining these projects. It should be recognized that prudent but adequate staffing needs to be provided for the continuation of existing programs and the initiation of new ones. The proposed budget and work program is one in which we would hope to be able to maintain the same level of services as has been provided during the past year. Quality and level of ser- vices provided are greatly dependent upon the competence and innovated skills of our employees as well as the type and quality of equipment, materials, and supplies provided to them in or- der to carry out their service functions. The entire city team is to be commended for both the quality of work provided and in their fiscal responsibility in meeting the demands of the citizens. It is intended such quality and quantity of services will be maintained within the fiscal limitations as imposed by the proposed budget and work program. I would like to express my appreciation to the Council for its study, review and comments of this budget and to the Staff for the many hours of work in its development and a special thanks to Howard McDaniel and Dean Ransom for putting much of the budget together prior to my arri- val in Beaumont. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Kenneth R. Devero Kenneth R. Devero City Manager KRD:jj The Mayor opened the meeting to citizens wishing to address the Council concerning the proposed budget. Mr. Al Gerson, 1104 Orleans, asked reconsideration of proposed Police Department expansion for the budget. He stated that crime is more expensive in dollars and cents than adding personnel to the Police Department, salary increase Mr. Eugene Heathman, 1396 Central Drive, asked that no more than 5%/be given employees and also discussed tax rate allottments. Mr. Calvin Woods, box 3201, Local 385, supported the increase for employees and asked that consideration be given to more money allotted and that it be effective in October instead of January as proposed. Mr. Ronald Walker, 888 Pearl, appeared on behalf of the Beaumont Municipal Police Associa- tion and requested higher salaries for Police and asked for seven pay scale levels, separ- ating Sergeants and Detectives. Mr. Fred Linder, 500 Park Street, supported Mr. Walker's statements and spoke concerning pro- fessional Law Enforcement and the need for higher salaries for the Police Department. -7- Mr. Bruce O'Bannion, 2295 Leight Street, addressed the Council concerning the need for ad- ditional police. Mr. Ben Rogers, 2030 Thomas, addressed the Council and stated the Council should receive an increase in salary in the Budget. He further stated that he and his brothers will donate an additional 3+ acres of land for the park located at Dowlen and Gladys. Mr. Rogers requested that Dowlen be paved so that access to Parkdale Shopping Center would attract new businesses and keep those contracted for interested and easier access for customers. Reverend Harold Halcomb, 2575 Wilson, addressed the Council urging more pay for Police. Mr. Brock Brentlinger, Library Commission, addressed the Council concerning the needs of the Library, He requested reconsideration for the expansion of the Library Staff and further stated that the book budget should be increased. Father Eugene Ferrill, Our Mother of Mercy Church, 3390 Sarah Street, requested funds for the transit system from Revenue Sharing Funds, Mr. Bruce Allred, 170 Enfield, Sabine Area Restaurant Association requested more pay and more personnel for the Police Department. Detective Captain R. D. Williamson, President of the Beaumont Municipal Police Association, asked for more personnel and reconstruction of the salary scale. Mr. Joseph Deshotel, 4185 South 4th, requested allocating money from CIP for signalization and sidewalks on at least one side of Fourth Street. -000- CAPITAL PROGRAM BUDGET October 1, 1973 - September 30, 1978 The City Manager presented the Capital Program Budget to the Council with the following figures: Street $ 8 , 450, 000. 00 Parks $ 805, 000.00 Solid Waste $ 155, 000. 00 Fire $ 25, 000. 00 Municipal Airport $ 25, 000. 00 Water $ 2, 620, 000. 00 Sanitary Sewer $ 7,340, 000. 00 TOTAL $22,545, 600. 00 The Mayor asked if any citizen would like to address the Council concerning this budget. No citizen appeared. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. -000- I, Myrtle Corgey, City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, Texas, do hereby cer- tify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the City Council in regular session held August 28 , 1973. Myrtle Corgey City Clerk -8-