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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN AUG 16 1977 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD AUGUST 16, 1977 BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont , Texas, met in regular session this the 16th day of August , 1977, with the fol- lowing present : HONORABLE : Ken Ritter Mayor Don Cash Councilman, Ward I Vi McGinnis Councilwoman, Ward II. Calvin Williams Councilman, Ward III Leroy Evans Councilman, Ward IV Howard McDaniel City Manager Kenneth Wall City Attorney Myrtle Corgey City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by Dr. G. W. Daniels, Sunlight Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Cash. -000- The Minutes of the regular City Council session held August 9, 1977, were approved on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question Ayes : All Nayes None -000- Ordinance No. 77-84 authorizing a zoning change from R-lA (Single Family Residential) to R-2AI (Medium Density Multiple Dwelling) of a 2. 9 acre tract of land out of the H. Williams Survey, located in the 7300-7400 Block of Prutzman Road (request made by Elton J. Richard) was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 77-84 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 42 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING A 2. 9 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF THE HEZEKIAH WILLIAMS SURVEY, ABSTRACT 56, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS, AS HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, PRESENTLY ZONED "R--1A" , TO "R-2M" ; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilwoman McGinnis. Question: Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- Ordinance No. 77-85 authorizing the abandonment of a 20 x 300-foot alley located within Block 17, Cartwright Addition was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 77-85 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING A T1*ENTY FOOT (201 ) BY THREE HUNDRED FOOT (3001 ) ALLEY, PROVIDING THAT A GENERAL UTILITY EASEMENT IS RETAINED, IN THE CARTWRIGHT ADDITION IN BEAU- MONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN. -126- August 16, 1977 The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilwoman McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Williams. Question : Ayes : All Naves : None -000- Ordinance No. 77-86 authorizing the abandonment of a sanitary sewer ease- ment located in Block 32, Original Town of Beaumont, was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 77-86 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING A TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY FOOT (2701 ) SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT OUT OF BLOCK 32, ORIGINAL TOWN OF BEAU- MONT, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS, AS DE- SCRIBED HEREIN. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilwoman McGinnis. Question : Ayes : All Nayes: None. -000- Ordinance No. 77-87 authorizing the abandonment of a portion of Milam Street, located between Main and Pearl Streets (requested by Jefferson County for Courthouse expansion) was considered: ORDINANCE NO, 77-87 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING A PORTION OF MILAM STREET BETWEEN MAIN STREET AND PEARL STREET, PROVIDING THAT A GENERAL UTILITY EASEMENT IS RETAINED, IN THE ORIGINAL BEAUMONT TOWNSITE, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS, AS DESCRIBED HEREIN. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilwoman McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- Resolution 77-232 authorizing the American National Bank to release $400, 000 in U. S , Treasury Notes was approved on a motion made by Council- woman McGinnis and seconded by Councilman Cash, Question : Ayes: All Hayes : None -000- Ordinance No . 77-88 authorizing an increase in the Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax from 3 percent to 4 percent (Manager recommended the additional 1 be channeled into operation of the Civic Center or retirement of the Civic Center debt - expected revenue $50, 000; Council to review complete 4% ' before decision) was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 77-88 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE. AMENDING CHAPTER 34 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, TO INCREASE THE HOTEL- MOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX FROM THREE PERCENT (30) TO FOUR PERCENT (40) ; PROVIDING FOR SEV- ERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PRO- VIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE, The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilwoman McGinnis and " seconded by Councilman Evans. Question : Ayes All Hayes : None -127- August 16, 1977 Resolution 77-233 authorizing the City Manager to apply for $55,492 in Economic Development Administration/Local Public Works Funds (to be used for the overlay of Pearl Street from Blanchette to Calder) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Evans and seconded by Councilwoman 'McGinnis. Question : Ayes: All Nayes : None -000- Resolution 77-234 reappointing Mrs. David W. Granitz and Marne Meynig and appointing Thomas G. Warren to replace Alice Ramsey to three year terms to the Planning and Zoning Commission was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question : Ayes : - All Nayes : None -000- Ordinance No. 77-89 condemning certain dilapidated structures was considered: ORDINANCE N0, 77-89 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING THE BUILDINGS LOCATED AT 1035 ALABAMA STREET, 1495 CART- WRIGHT STREET (GARAGE ONLY) , AND 3532 ST. JAMES BOULEVARD TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Evans and se- conded by Councilwoman McGinnis. Question : Ayes: All Nayes : None -000-- Resolution 77-235 authorizing the settlement of two (2) claims (Pansy Wright - $2, 500. 00 and W. R. Lyons - $1 , 398 . 21) arising from a vehicular collision on June 14 , 1977 at 4th Street and Washington Boulevard was approved on a motion made by Councilman Evans and seconded by Councilman Williams. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- The City Manager presented the proposed budget for the fiscal year 1977-78 by reading the following letter : "August 11 , 1977 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Beaumont Beaumont , Texas Lady and Gentlemen : In accordance with the Civil Statutes of Texas and the Charter of the City of Beaumont , the proposed city budget for the 1977-78 fiscal year is herewith presented for your consideration. The budget document represents a plan for the year ' s operations stated in financial terms and as such is the end product of several months of in- tensive study involving all departments and the administrative staff . Pro- posed expenditures have been carefully reviewed in relation to cost feasi- bility and the need to maintain essential services at acceptable levels.. In general , the empahsis has been placed on continuation of existing pro- grams. A five-year capital program budget , as described in Article VI , Section 19, of the City Charter, has been prepared under separate cover for your consideration along with the annual budgets for operations, debt service, and special funds. -128- August 16, 1977 F (budget letter continued) "The General Fund Budget provides for a 7� tax reduction and increased ex- -enditures of $3, 962 , 367. These changes were made possible by the continued high rate of increase in the City ' s tax base and retail sales tax revenues and continued constraints on expenditures. The added expenditures consist of increases in personal services cost of 81 , 735,402 ; supplies cost $9,535; maintenance and repairs cost $31 , 709; contractual services cost $382 ,602; and capital outlay cost $1 , 595, 393 . It should be noted that the 7� tax reduction is possibly a temporary reduction and may be required to be reinstated in 1978-79. This reduction is possible only because of the unusually large beginning fund balance. You will note that the projected revenues of 821 , 257, 720 are only $743 , 798 more than the budgeted operating cost of $20, 513 , 922. When the transfers to the Fleet Maintenance Fund and the Transit Fund ($825, 000) are considered along with a minimum of $400, 000 for capital outlay, a deficit of $481 , 202 can be anticipated. The $1 , 735,403 increase in personal services cost is primarily due to cost of living raises . The 1977-78 budget reflects the full annual cost of the 5% raise given to the general employees in July, 1977, and the extra 20 given fire and police personnel in 1976-77. The budget provided for a 5% increase while they were given 71a0. This budget provides for a 6o cost of living raise for all full-time general employees effective October, 1977. In addition, the cost of group hospitalization and life insurance increased $139, 617 as a result of the new plan instituted in January, 1977, and the increased share of police employees dependent coverage being paid by the City. Also $75, 000 is provided for unemployment insurance due to the re- cently enacted law which makes Cities liable effective January 1 , 1978. Overtime and standby cost have been increased $72, 000 due to the decrease in the level of service provided during 1976-77 when overtime and standby was curtailed. The $9, 535 increase in supplies cost represents an increase of 2 . 8% which is less than the rate of price increases due to inflation. The $31 , 709 increase in maintenance and repair cost represents an in- crease of 3 . 7% which is less than the rate of price increases due to infla- tion . The $382 , 602 increase in contractual services cost provides for the replacement of two street sweepers to be purchased by the Fleet Maintenance Fund at a cost of $100, 000; increased utility cost of $75, 000; the addition of payments to the Economic Development Foundation of $40, 000; increased funding for the Transit System of $25, 000; increased insurance cost of $15, 000; and an increase in special services of $20, 000. The $1 , 771 , 846 increase in capital outlay expenditures provides for several normally non-repetative purchases with the largest being $1, 000, 000 for the purchase of a new landfill site. Also provided is $48 , 000 for the purchase of the City ' s existing computer; $150, 000 for a 100 foot ladder truck for the Fire Department ; $130, 000 for the street program; #450, 000 for the assessment paving program; participation paving addi- tion of a street sweeper; $40, 000 for the Peyton Street Bridge; and e$55,000 addition to the Health Department Building. New positions added are : Management Analyst - To initiate a productivity analysis program. Loss Control Specialist and Safety Technician - To establish a risk management program as recommended by the Wyatt Company insurance study. Computer Programmer - To improve documentation of computer systems as recommended by the Auditors. Police Captain and Sergeant - To establish an internal affairs section in the Police Department.. Planner - To facilitate the preparation of the master plan. Code Enforcement Officer - To provide for a mechanical inspection for building inspection. Public Health Nurse -129- August 16, 1977 (budget letter continued) "Positions eliminated are: Administrative Assistant to the City Manager Assistant City Attorney - The work load of the attorney assigned' to the Tax Collection Agency was reduced due to the hiring of a Tax Collection Administrator last year . Sr. Clerk Typist and Clerk Typist in the Personnel Department . Cook-Custodian - Work load reduced by substituting frozen meals in lieu of preparing all food at the jail . Other personnel changes : The Department of Community Development was eliminated and the Department of Community Services was established. This resulted in the establishment of one director position and the elimination of one director Position. The Assistant Director of Community Development and the Secretary were transferred to establish a Grants and Capital Improvements Coordinator section. The Real Property Manager was transferred to the Department of Public Works with no changes in duties. A secretary was transferred from the Legal Department to Adminis- trative Services . The Water Utility Fund budget provides for a continued fiscally sound operation which insures the production of net revenues not less than one and one-half (112 ) times the average annual debt service as required by the Bond Ordinance. Funds have been provided for the anticipated sale of the remain- ing $1 , 000, 000 of authorized, unissued bonds and the accumulation of $55, 000 for the proposed Salt Water Barrier project . A fire hydrant upgrading program has been implemented with initial funding of $24, 350 for the addition of twenty-three (23) hydrants . No increase in water rates is proposed. Operating expenses are at the same level as the prior year with the primary increase being in personal ser- vices cost due to cost of living raises . No additional personnel are being proposed. Funds provided for capital outlay includes $74 ,226 for replacement meters; $45, 000 for pro-rata and oversize water line participation; and $58 , 388 for replacement of motor starter components. The Sewer Utility Fund budget provides the same level of service as the prior year with no increase in rates being proposed and no additional employees. Funds are provided for capital outlay to construct a sludge de-watering plant at a cost of $155, 000 and for pro-rata and oversize sewer line participation in the amount of $45, 000. The Fleet Maintenance Fund budget also provides the same level of ser- vice as the prior year except for the addition of one Position, one Service Writer. Funding of the fleet replacement program has' been reduced by $50, 000 and capital outlay has been increased by $100, 000 for the replace- ment of two (2) street sweepers. The Beaumont Municipal Transit System is funded in the amount of $225, 000 from the General Fund for the City ' s 5011/1o' share of the anticipated deficit from operations. This is an increase of $25, 000 over 1976-77. The General Debt Service is being funded at the same level as 1976-77 with $0. 625 of the tax levy. Additional debt is anticipated in the amount of $1, 600, 000 for the Washington Blvd. project . With the continued growth of the tax base, sufficient revenues will be available to meet the increas- ing debt service currently required. Annual debt service requirements will increase by $693, 872 from 1977-78 to 1985-86. This increase does not in- clude the amounts to be required when the $6, 000, 000 of remaining bonds are sold for the Lamar Freeway project . The Revenue Bond Debt Service Fund provides for the_payment :of current debt and the anticipated sale of $1 , 000, 000 of Water Revenue Bonds. The -130- August , 16, 1977 (budget letter continued) "revenues of this fund are derived from the Water Utility operating fund and interest earnings. $138 , 215 was transferred to this fund from the Revenue Reserve Fund during 1976-77. The Revenue Reserve Fund is a fund required to be funded and maintained by the Revenue Bond Ordinance. No change in this fund is anticipated for this year. There are several Trust Funds with the most significant one being the Hotel--Motel Tax Fund. Revenues are disDersed from this fund with 95' " going to the Tourist and Convention Bureau and 5''c going to the General Fund to cover collection and handling cost . The Temperance Hall Fund derives its revenue from building rentals and distributes this revenue in total according to the terms of the trust agreements . There remains several small trusts with no designated distribution. This budget is submitted for your review with full confidence that it is fiscally sound and provides the citizens of Beaumont with the maximum level of service at the least Possible cost . Every effort will be made to continue to improve the efficiency and productivity of the City operations . It is the goal of the entire staff to attempt , through improvement , to main- tain the proposed tax rate and to reduce if not eliminate the need to rein- state the 7� tax reduction realized this year. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Howard McDaniel City Manager" The Public Hearing for the proposed budget for the fiscal year 1977-78 was set for 11 : 00 a.m, on September 6, 1977 , on a motion made by Councilman Cash and seconded by Councilman Evans. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- Mr. Elton J. Richard, 1159 South 11th, #25, addressed Council to express his appreciation for their Positive action in approving the R-2M zoning classification change for his property. -000- PUBLIC HEARING REVENUE SHARING BUDGET The public hearing on the proposed Revenue Sharing Budget was declared open : The City Manager reviewed the following proposed allocations for the 1977-78 fiscal year: City wide Reconstruction Program $500, 000 ,Florida/Highland Arterials $205, 000 West Virginia $180, 000 Replace Fleet Equipment $270, 000 Fourth Street Phase 11 $250, 000 Traffic Signals - Dowlen at Westgate and Dowlen at Gladys $ 50, 000 Participation Paving $ 14 , 000 New Street Lighting - Delaware' Eastex to Dowlen; Dowlen , Lexington to Delaware; Fourth, Cardinal to Calder and Sarah Highland to Fourth $101 ,400 Neighborhood Street Lighting $ 25,250 Covered area - Carroll Street Park $ 26, 000 Reserve $ 4 , 107 TOTAL REVENUE SHARING BUDGET $1 ,9_25, 757 -131- August 16, 1977 Citizens were invited to address Council concerning the proposed Revenue S�iaring Budget : Mr. J. C. Leggett , 1849 Washington Boulevard, addressed Council to request approximately $500, 000 be used to build a Meeting Hall near Farmers ' Market on Multimax and also requested Revenue Sharing be used to supplement private Ambulance owners for upgrading their equipment . Mr. Joe Shamburger , 2541 Calder, asked that Test Lucas be considered under the Street Reconstruction portion and also that street lighting be installed along Crow Road near Parkdale. Mrs. Delia Harrington , 815 Willow, asked that Grand Avenue from approximately the 1000 block to East Lucas be considered under the Street Reconstruction portion of the budget . Discussion was held by Council concerning the need for rehabilitation of the existing Airport Terminal Building or a new one constructed and the street reconstruction program -- Washington Boulevard, 2 lanes to Langham or 4 lanes to Lindbergh and West Lucas, Calder to Folsom. The public hearing was closed. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was recessed before continuing with the City Council Workshop Session . -000- I , Myrtle Corgey, 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 August 16 , 1977. Myrtle Corrgey City Clerk -132- August 16 , 1977