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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 15 1981 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD SEPTEMBER 15 , 1981 BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont , Texas , met in regular session this the 15th day of September , 1981 , with the following present : HONORABLE: Maurice Meyers Mayor Tom Combs, Jr. Councilman , Ward I Wayne Turner Councilman, Ward IV Absent : Evelyn M. Lord Councilman, Ward II Calvin Williams Councilman , Ward III Ray Riley City Manager R. E. Platt Asst . City Manager Kenneth Wall City Attorney Myrtle Corgey City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by Mr. R. E. Platt , Asst , City Manager. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr . Ray Riley , City Manager. ,-000- Mayor Meyers issued the following proclamations : "Cardinal Craze Carni val Day in Beaumont" - September 22 , 1981 and "Constitution Week in Beau- mont" - September 17-23 , 1981 . -000- Planning Economic Progress (PEP) - presentation of two-.year report : MAYOR MEYERS : The next portion of our program is one that I think is particularly pleasurable to all of us. I don' t know of any personal effort in my life that I ' ve been involved in that has been more rewarding and more satisfying and there are some people that I will introduce in just a moment - and, they in turn will introduce many of their fellow committee members. And, I just want to say that before I would call either or both of these gentlemen , I don 't . . . they are kind of like frick and frack, I don't know which one determines which one is going to go first and so I just usually throw it out and they 've worked it out as to who is going to start - but , I am making reference to two people who I think that the history of this region down the road will record the results of probably the most unselfish dedicated effort that I 've ever seen displayed and I am speaking particularly of Mr . Jim Yarbrough who is President of American Valve and Hydrant Company, and Mr. Jack Kennedy, who is Busi- ness Manager for the Sabine Area Labor Council . Both of these gentlemen accepted responsibility in September of 1979 to serve at that time and continue serving as Co-Chairmen of our PEP Labor Management Committee, which, for all of those who might not be familiar, stands for "Planning Economic Progress. '' I think they would probably have liked to have provided a report on the activities of this committee sooner ; but , quite honestly , they didn' t have time . They've just been that busy and so it is today that we have the second anniversary of this PEP Committee and, with that , if both Jim Yarbrough and Jack Kennedy would come forward and they are going to make the two-year report presen. tation of the PEP program and its efforts and acquaint you all with some of the things they have been doing. -146 September 15 , 1981 MAYOR MEYERS continued : Later in the day, the regular monthly PEP Committee meeting will be held at the CASA Hall , the Constructors Association , out on Gorman Road, and it will be an open committee meeting. And, before I would pass on, I would like to mention that Dr. Bob Kemble' s presence today as president of Lamar University, I guess, would be two- fold. I couldn 't ignore the Cardinal Craze aspect because he 's certainly one of the strongest boosters for everything that goes on , but we all have been excited and interested in the formation of the John Gray Insti- tute at Lamar University and Dr. Kemble and those associated with the Institute are naturally vitally interested in the work of PEP. And, so , later today, Dr. Kemble will be on the agenda of the PEP Program to bring the PEP Committee up to date on the John Gray Institute and where it is at this point and what the future holds for that fine Institute . So, Dr. Kemble, we do appreciate very much your coming today and will look forward to being with you later in the day . And, with that , I 'd like to ask the two co-chairmen of PEP to begin their presentation. And, I don ' t know who to call , so I will let you determine that . One thing about this committee is there was always equal distri- bution so I could never call Jim first without offending labor and I was never allowed to call Jack first without offending business. So , I would just throw it out there and let them determine who would speak first . MR. JACK KENNEDY, Business Manager of Sabine Area Building and Construc tion Trades Council : Mayor, what I would like to do and to the Council is thank the Mayor and Council for having faith when we originally set up this program two years ago. I ' d also like to thank you for the $5, 000 donation that got us off the ground - got us to St . Louis where we could understand some things other areas were doing and seeing that teamwork is getting the job done - and the many hours you have spent into it , Mayor - the facilities - the Sunday. nights we have been up here with the Don Crawfords and the other people, using your facilities and seeing our two years achievement . And, I believe two years down the road we ' ll even get better. So, I want to thank you and the Council for getting us off the ground and we are look- ing forward to a better community effort for all this area in the coming years. Thank you . MAYOR MEYERS : Thank you very much, Jack. MR. JIM YARBROUGH, President of American Valve & Hydrant Company : Mayor Meyers , members of the Beaumont City Co-ncil , my name is Jim Yar- brough and my full time job is being Co-Chairman of the Pep Committee and I work part time at being president of American Valve and Hydrant Company. I wanted that in the record. Two years ago, this Committee was formed by Mayor Meyers and the Council approved an amount for the first year ' s operation not to exceed $5 ,000. By begging, borrowing, and using secretarial help from my company, from the CASA Association , from City Hall , and from Jack Kennedy' s headquar- ters, we got by on that $5,000. We lived within that budget . The se- cond year' s work has been financed by the members of PEP with the help of a small number of businessmen who made a contribution here in Beaumont . A line of communication has been established, problems have been defined, and a plan is being worked out to solve those problems. PEP looks back on the accomplishments during the past two years with great pride. These accomplishments reflect the pride felt by the people in this area. We've -147- September 15, 1981 MR. ' YARBROUGH continued: learned from our experience and some of our lessons will provide insights into the problems of tomorrow. PEP was founded on the principle that union members and management officials can work together for the better- ment of our area and still remain faithful to their respected constituents. The results witnessed have proven this principle true. Self-interest has been replaced with the unified approach by former adversaries who are working together for the community's well-being. Our thanks to labor and business for setting aside conflict in favor of cooperation . To the community - to the media -, and to all the citizens who have con- tributed to the success of Planning Economic Progress , we thank you. Our pledge is one of continuing dedication of time, energies, and abili- ties to the task to promoting the economic growth and development of this area. We look forward to your continued support; and, at this time , I ' d like to ask Jack Kennedy to come forward and present to the Council members and to the Mayor a copy of our two-year report . (Two-Year Report of PEP presented and members of the Committee introduced.) MAYOR MEYERS : I could only once again say that the work that all of this committee has done over the past two years is truly remarkable. Their committment and dedication to the effort I think is reflected in the results to this point . And, there are a lot of good things happening and I think they are happening because these gentlemen and others that they are continu- ally working with are staying hitched to the program. When this program was initiated, we did not set timetables and we do not today set timetables. We felt then and we realize now that we just have to keep working. But , I would like to share with particularly all of the media and every- body present . . . . . . the gentleman walking in is Mr. John Wallace, a mem- ber of the labor side. Fantastic turnaround, there, John , glad to have you I got a call about three weeks ago from about six Business Mana- gers and they asked if I could join them for lunch. And, I don' t think I asked - I think I am to the point now that I don ' t ask them why any- more, I just go. So we did meet for lunch.. The thrust of the luncheon was they wanted me to review a letter that they had composed that later this week there will be I think in excess of 13 , 000 of the letters that I 'm going to read to you now - and I will distribute copies for the media. They asked me if I would look over this letter and see if there might be any suggestions or corrections that I felt 3ould be appropriate. Before I read the letter, I ' ll tell you that when I was done , there was a significant lump in my throat and my response to them was that there would be no way in the world that I would attempt to change one word of the letter that they had written. And, I am proud of the letter - and they should be proud - because I think in writing this letter -- and later this week every Business Mana- ger from every Union from South Texas will direct this letter to every rank and file member, every steward, everybody connected with their Union and it is from the labor leadership. And, I restate the word ',"leadership',' because that is exactly what we are seeing. And, I ^i like to read that letter for you. The letter reads : DEAR SIRS AND BROTHERS : Please read this letter very carefully , relax a few minutes and read it again . This area is rapidly reaching a critical stage in regards to your job and your families. It is becoming apparent that we , the Building Tradesmen of this area, may be our own worst enemy. The reports and statistics of high absentism, low productivity, and lack of initiative and pride in ourselves and our craft Unions is apparent . Let 's remember that first of all , we belong to -148- September 15 , 1981 LETTER continued: a Craft Labor Union , with the emphasis on L A B 0 R, and Labor means to work. Secondly, we all work under a signed agreement between our respec- tive unions and the employer for whom we work, which specifies the wages and conditions under which we agreed to work. All Craft Unions in this area do a remarkable job in assuring that the employers abide by the agreement . Is it expecting too much that we , as Union Craftsmen do less than abide by our obligation to give a respec- table day's work for a respectable day's pay? It has been said that in every group there is 10% who will not get the message. DON'T BE IN THIS 10% The message is "Be proud of your job and opportunity to be Union , and do your job as best you know how. Also, the absentism rate is totally uncalled for. To be a little more to the point , if you don't want to work, don' t ac-ept a job through your Union Hall . If you only want to work part time, get a job . outside construction industry. We especially want to encourage our foreman and stewards as well as all members to look for the 10%, and not let the 10% destroy your future. If you are not a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. Protect your job and your future by cutting out absentism and low produc- tivity. There is to be a special called meeting of all crafts , including all officers, foremen , stewards and concerned members at BE AWARE----ATTEND YOUR UNION MEETINGS. (End of letter) MAYOR MEYERS continued: . . . and the letter ended at that point , but I would add that that special called meeting will be September 29th at the new I .B.E,W. Electricians Hall and they would anticipate anywhere from 1500 to 2000 union members who will be there to listen to Merlin Breaux, Vice-President of Gulf Oil , myself, Jim Yarbrough, and I am not sure who else will be on the program; but bringing their people together to listen and better understand more of what it ' s all about . And, I again have to take a moment to compliment the labor leaders because I think it is a remarkable step. I think you are displaying the kind of leadership locally that I think we need to see more of in this country and I commend you for it and anybody who' d like to join me in a round of applause , I "d welcome it . . . . . . MR. YARBROUGH: Mayor , if you "d allow me to say just one more word and I address this mainly to the media. I hope you see this as one of the greatest positive things that has happened. The effort that we 've put forth in two years has all been worth it because we now see the leadership of the labor movement taking the leadership role that they have and this is a very, very positive step and I hope it is reported that way. Thank you. END OF EXCERPT. -000- The Minutes of the regular City Council session held September 8, 1981 , were approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs and seconded by Coun- cilman Turner. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- -149- September 15, 1981 Resolution 81-382 authorizing preparation of construction plans and speci- fications for three (3) proposed water production improvements (1 . con- struction of a 24" well water transmission line from the main pumping station at Loeb to theCity in addition to a pump to increase the capacity to 20. 0 million gallons per day when the largest pump is out of service ; 2 . improvements to the raw water diversion system from Wiess Bluff to the waterworks on Pine Street ; and 3 . improvements to the Waterworks Plant to increase capacity by 50% to 30. 0 million gallons per day with enlargement to the Plant 's north section) by Freese & Nichols , Inc. Consulting Engineers, with an estimated cost of $7. 5 million dollars with completion of projects in approximately two years was approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs and seconded by Councilman Turner. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None --_000 Resolution 81-383 authorizing a contract with the Texas Municipal League Insurance Trust (Prudential) to provide dental care group coverage for city employees at a $4 . 82 a month per employee and $8. 69 for dependent coverage was approved on a motion made by Councilman Turner and seconded by Coun- cilman Combs . Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- Resolution 81-384 authorizing purchase of hot mix-cold lay asphalt over a six-month period from October 1 , 1981 through March 31 , 1982 from A & H Asphalt Company at $27 . 95 per ton was approved on a motion made by Council- man Combs and seconded by Councilman Turner. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000 Resolution 81-385 authorizing a contract with Texas Vehicle Information and Computer Services to provide a vehicle registry file and updates for Municipal Court at a cost of $4, 500. 00 with regular monthly updates at $200. 00 each was approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs and se- conded by Councilman Turner . Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- Resolution 81-386 approving the sale of a lot at 2225 Harriot Street (held by City for Tax Judgment ) to Cleon W. Fowler at $1 , 550.00 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs and seconded by Councilman Turner . Question : Ayes: All Nayes : None -000- Ordinance No. 81-73 giving notice of intent for the issuance of certificates of obligation was considered : ORDINANCE NO. 81-73 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE DIRECTING THE GIVING OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE AND SELL CERTIFICATES OF OBLI CATION. The ordinance was approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs and secon- ded by Councilman Turner. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None . , -000- Resolution 81-387 authorizing employment of Vinson , Elkins , Searls , Con- nally & Smith as bond counsel in connection with the sale of approximately $5. 0 million dollars of Certificates of Obligation , 1981 series, $17. 5 million dollars of water and sewer system revenue bonds, Series 1982, and Waterworks System refundin- bonds , Series 1981 , was approved on a motion made by Councilmar Combs and seconded by Councilman Turner. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -150- September 15, 1981 Resolution 81-388 appointing Underwood, Neuhaus and Company as financial advisers for the sale of city securities , $5. 0 million dollars of Certi- ficates of Obligation , Series 1981 , and approximately $17 . 5 million dollars water and sewer revenue bonds, Series 1982, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs and seconded by Councilman Turner. Question : Ayes : All Nayes : None -000- Mr. Ben Rogers, 2010 Thomas Road, addressed Council to question the sale of the lot at 2225 Harriot Street and to request City Council representa- tion at the County Tax District "s meeting to consider its budget . Mr. J. C. Leggett , 1849 Washington Boulevard, addressed Council to ques- tion bond items on agenda. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was recessed before an Executive Session pursuant to Section 2 of the Texas Open Meetings Law was called. -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 ses- sion held September 15, 1981 . Myrtle Corgey City Clerk -151- September 15 , 1981