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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUN 10 1975 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD JUNE 10, 1975 BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, Mc-'7C in regular session this the 10th day of June, 1975, with the following present , HONORABLE: Ken Ritter Mayor Don Cash Councilman, Ward I Vi McGinnis Councilwoman, Ward Tj Calvin Williams Councilman, Ward !I! Leroy Evans Councilman, Ward 1V Appointed Officials: Kenneth Devero City Manager Kenneth Wall City Attorney Myrtle Corgey City Clerk Howard McDaniel Asst. City Manager -000- The Invocation was given by Mr. Wilbur J. Balmer, Director of Public Works, The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief of Police Willie Bauer. -000- The Minutes of the regular session of the City Council held June 3, 1975, were approved on a motion made by Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Ritter called an Executive Session pursuant to Section 2 of the Texas Open Meeting Law. The meeting was reconvened and Mayor Ritter said Mr. Devero had asked to give a statement at this time® Mr. Devero read a letter he had submitted to Council earlier: "June 10, 1975 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Beaumont Beaumont, Texas Lady and Gentlemen: For two years I have been privileged to serve as City Manager of Beaumont , I have worked with many loyal and dedicated persons who have had but one thing in mind, that being to make Beaumont a better place in which to live, This includes not only members of the City Council, various boards and commissions and employees, but also the citizens of Beaumont as well. It has truly been a challenging and rewarding experience for me, and for this I am most thankful, I feel that it would not be proper at this time for me to make a list of the accomplishments that have taken place during the last two years, and cer- tainly the manager cannot take credit for all of these. It has been a team effort starting with the capable leadership of the City Council, the competent professional staff and the efforts of many citizens who have served and are serving on various boards, committees and commissions. This record wl' 11 stand on its own in the years to come. I would like to mention a few of the -major activities of the last two years® _100- June 10, 1975 1. The City is in a sound financial position and has been able to maintain the same tax rate for the last four years. The growth experienced in the City is the greatest in recent history. 2. The 1971 CIP Program is practically complete. This is a program that was expanded from some $18 million dollars funded by the public to total ex- penditures in excess of $31 million. It encompasses 31 individual projects. 3 . Improvements have been made to internal organization which include Response Service Center created to provide citizens and Council with information on routine complaints and operations. Staff trained and assigned to functions of collective bargaining, Office of Community Relations, Traffic Safety Coordinator Program, position of Assistant City Manager, internship with Lamar University, created organizational development concepts within De- partments. 4. The community funded a $28 million dollar Citizens Activities Bond Program in October to provide improvements in five major areas, two of these being a Civic Center Complex and Street Improvement Programs which include a new Lamar Freeway. 5. New buildings constructed include $2 million Tyrrell Library, $3 million Police and Municipal Court Building and Water Utility Service Center and Fire Training Tower. 6. The economic base of the city is the greatest in recent history. This is brought about by new industry in the area as well as new commercial activ- ities. 7a Obtained federal funding for reconstruction and addition to Municipal Air- port. Airport to service a major portion of general aviation activities in South East Texas © 8 . Obtained federal funding for a new transit system. This system will be completely operational within one year. 9. Work to improve low and moderate income housing stock within the City. 10. Creation of a Beaumont Consolidated Tax Agency. This agency should become the first step in other inter-governmental relationships to improve ser- vices to the citizens at minimal cost. I have been asked by three members of the City Council to tender my resig- nation. It is a great personal and professional shock to be asked to resign. However, under the Council-Manager form of government, the City Manager works for and at the pleasure of the City Council. Therefore, I submit my resigna- tion to the Beaumont City Council for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the Council and the citizens of Beaumont. I would be glad to do this for a specific period of time or would consider any other arrangement in order to restore your confidence in me and to manage the operation of the city during the next few critical months. I realize this would be most difficult for the Council as well as for me. How- ever, in order to accomplish some of the things that need to be done, I would be willing to so serve. Once again, it has been my pleausre to serve the City Council and to work with such a fine staff as well as the citizens of this community. Beaumont is a wonderful city - a city that my family and I have grown to love. I can only wish the best for Beaumont - I have tried to the best of my ability to serve it well. I urge the Council and staff to stand behind Howard McDaniel in a most difficult situation. Respectfully, Isl Kenneth R. Devero City Manager" -101- June 10 , 1975 Mayor Ritter called for citizens wishing to address Council. Councilwoman McGinnis made a motion to have "Proposed Rules of Procedure" read; the motion was seconded by Councilman Williams. Councilman Cash made a motion to table the first motion© Question: Ayes : Councilwoman McGinnis Councilman Williams Councilman Evans Nayes : Mayor Ritter Councilman Cash Mr. Kenneth Wall, City Attorney, read the "Proposed Rules of Procedure" -. 1. All speakers will be required to limit their remarks to one minute. 2. In order to assure that both sides are represented, speakers will be required to speak at a microphone for or against the motion. Those in favor of the motion and those opposed to the motion will speak alternately. 3. The total time limit for both sides of the question will be one hour. 4 . During the debate, members of the City Council will not respond to questions from the audience. Councilwoman McGinnis made a motion to approve the rules as read; Councilman Williams seconded the motion. Question: Ayes : Councilwoman McGinnis Councilman Williams Councilman Evans Nayes : Mayor Ritter Councilman Cash -000- Mayor Ritter recognized citizens wishing to address Council: Mr. Guy McDonald, 4620 Steelton Avenue, asked the majority of Council to re- consider the City Manager' s resignation. Mrs. Edna Wooster, 855 Chatwood Drive, addressed Council in support of the majority in their decision. Mr. Max Trenck, 661 Washington Blvd. , addressed Council to request they take more time to consider the matter. Mr. C. L. Sherman, Jr. , 585 Belvedere, addressed Council in support of the City Manager. Mr. Tobe Duhon, 2545 Amarillo, spoke in opposition to the proposed recall action for some members of Council. Mr. H. Y. Weir, 2045 Kingsley, addressed Council in support of the majority on this issue and in support of the Chief of Police. Mr. deck King, 80 Ruth Street addressed Council in support of Mr. Devero. Mr. Collis Cannon, 4735 Pine Street, addressed Council in support of the major- ' ity decision. Mr. T. J. Hebert, President of the Beaumont Chapter of Texas Senior Citizens, addressed Council in support of the majority decision. Mr. Walter Keneson, 4045 Rothwell, addressed Council to consider the re-enact- ment of the CAP Steering Committee so that the program could be re-evaluated and the Committee could assist in setting priorities and finding solutions to assumed problems. Mr. Steep Marion, 625 Orleans, addressed Council in support of Councilwoman McGinnis. -102- June 10, 1975 Mr. Leantha J. Redd, Executive Secretary of the Beaumont Chapter N.A.A.C.P. , 2720 San Antonio, addressed Council in support of the majority decision. Mr. Ronald Guinn, 6370 Carnation, addressed Council in support of Mr. Devero. Reverend Edward Brown, 2950 Waco, addressed Council supporting the majority will of the Council. Mr. Gerald Buckley,, 5755 Mel Sha Lane, addressed Council in opposition to the recall movement and urged citizens to support the Council. Mr. Paul Hemker, 207 1st Street, Nederland (stated he lived in Nederland but was a property owner in Beaumont) addressed Council in support of Mr. Devero. Mr. Jerry Mallett, 880 Howell Street, addressed Council in support of Mr. Devero and urged Council to reconsider its decision. Mr. Bob Westberry, 2240 Wescalder, addressed Council in support of Mr. Devero. Mayor Ritter recognized a Civics Class from Nederland and invited them back to a typical Council meeting. Mr. Everett Brashear, 1845 E. Lucas, addressed Council to say that today's action is regrettable but that he recognized the majority of Council has the authority to employ and to discharge the City Manager. Resolution 75-208 appointing Mr. Howard McDaniel, Acting City Manager at a salary of $32,400 per annum was approved on a motion made by Councilwoman McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Williams. Question: Ayes: All* Nayes : None *Mayor Ritter and Councilman Cash voted for the resolution but both stated they did not concur with the resignation of the City Manager. -000- Resolution 75-209 authorizing payment of six months ' salary for consulting services of $15,612. 09 plus all other termination benefits to which he may be ,entitled pursuant to existing City Ordinances and policies, less any appro- priate deductions, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilwoman McGinnis. Question: Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- Resolution 75-210 accepting a grant from the Criminal Justice Division for an automated reporting system in the amount of $20,503 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the acceptance agreement was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilwoman McGinnis. Question: Ayes : All Nayes: None -000- Resolution 75-211 authorizing the City Manager to file an amended application for Comprehensive Planning Assistance Grant in the amount of $55,000 was ap- proved on a motion made by Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All Nayes : None -000- Resolution 75-212 authorizing the release of paving lien in the amount of $501. 40 to Mrs. Barbara A. Joseph, owner of Lot No. 1 in Block No. 3 of the Fleetwood Addition was approved on a motion made by Councilwoman McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All Nayes : None -103- June 10, 1975 Resolution 75-213 authorizing the release of a weed lien in the amunt of $55.00 to Sidney L. Segura, owner of Lot No. 5 in Block No. 1 of Blue Lake Estates Unit One was approved on a motion made by Courciluxxmn McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes.- All Nayes: None -000- Resolution 75-214 authorizing the release liens in the mount of $8.00 and $5.00 to Ethel Davidson Hensley, owner of Lot No. 2 4-n B'ick %, 17 of Bel Air Addition was approved an a motion made � Councilman Evans and secmi-d by Councilman 'Williams. Question.- Ayes: All, Nayes: None -000- Resolution 75-215 authorizing Dresser-ldczc to use street right-of-way along South Street for the installation of a 21' impressed air line was approved on a motion made. by Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question: Ayes: All. Nayes: None Ordinance 75-41 granting BeaLwnt Irdependent School Distr:'Lct a waiver of moving inspection charges (BI is to move 33 portable class rocm buildings) was considered-. ORDINANCE NO. 75-41 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE WAIVING THE $50000 FEE FOUND IN APPENDIX g'M'; , PARAGRAPH "B" OF THE SOUTHERN STANDARD BUILDING CODE AS AMENDED AS TO, THE BEAUMONT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE MOVING OF PORTABLE BUILDINGS; PROVID- ING FOR 1 FUND OF ANY FEES HERETOFORE PAID; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERA- BILITY. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Evans and seconded by Councilwoman McGinnis. Question: Ayes : Mayor Ritter Abstained: Councilman Councilman Cash Williams Councilwoman McAlainnlls Councilman Evans. Resolution 75-216 authorizing the Cil-y Manager to execute an agreement with the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation providing for the City' s use of property owned by said agency was approved on a motion made by Councilwoman McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Cash. Question: Ayes: All Mayes® None -000.- Resolution 75-217 authorizing the City Manager to enter into a .contract for engineering services relative to the infiltration-inflow study of the City's sanitary sewer system with Turner, Collie, & Braden, Inc. and Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. , was approved on a motion made by Councilman Williams And seconded by Councilman Evans. Question.- Ayes: All Nayes : None -000- Resolution 75-218 designating those persons authorized to sign city checks (Howard McDaniel, Acting City Manager & Myrtle Corgey, City Clerk and alternate Dean Ransom, Finance Officer) was approved on a motion made by Councilwoman McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Evans, Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000® yam xa C.,nc bide b'y the W cision which he said they have the right- to make. He further said he looked forward to work- ing with Howard McDaniel in making our City continue to progress and move forward ... 6104- June 10, 1175 Mayor Ritter said: "Howard, I think you know that you have my support and I am sure the staff will give theirs . . . they have worked with you in the past. It's a difficult tact and a difficult time ahead. " Councilman Williams: " . . .this Council needs cooperation of one another and all of the cooperation we can give our City Manager. -I know he has what it takes to carry on Councilwoman McGinnis: " . . .I think you can get from me, Howard, all the coop- eration I can give and I think you will get it from the citizens once this has settled down. This has been a very painful and trying time for all of us . We should take a positive attitude about the future because I think we can and we should and I will promise to help in every way I can. " Councilman Evans: "Howard, I would like to make it unanimous. You know the confidence we all have in you . . . I know we will work together and this Council has the ability to put things behind us . . . and I know we will do everything we can . . and I know the staff will do their utmost to get us moving . . . " Howard McDaniel: "I appreciate the expression of confidence voiced by the Council. Certainly I would never consider to accept this job on an interim basis if it were not for the confidence you have voiced in me today. I can assure you that you will have my very best effort. " Mayor Ritter: "We thank you, Howard. We all regret the resignation of Dean Ransom. We hope you will be able to find a suitable replacement for Mr. Ransom as soon as possible. . .We are all in agreement that Mr. Ransom has done an out- standing job for this city. . .so we all regret the fact that he is leaving the employ of the city. But, again, if there is anything we can do to help to assist you in that area, we stand ready . o . " -000- There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. -000- I, Myrtle Corgey, City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, Texas, certify that the above is a true copy of the regular City Council session held June 10, 1975. Myrtle Corgey City Clerk -105- June 10, 1975