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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAR 09 1982 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD MARCH 9, 1982 BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 9th day of March, 1982, with the following present: HONORABLE: Maurice Meyers Mayor Tom Combs, Jr. Councilman, Ward I Evelyn M. Lord Councilman, Ward II Calvin Williams Councilman, Ward III Wayne Turner Councilman, Ward IV Hugh Earnest Asst. City Manager Kenneth Wall City Attorney Myrtle Corgey City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by Reverend Richard Knott, Westminster Presbyterian Church; a newcomer to Beaumont from Jackson, Mississippi. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Turner. -000- Mayor Meyers announced that Workshop would be held this evening at 7:30 p.m. , in the Spindletop Roan, Gray Library, Lamar University and asked representatives of the news media to give this some publicity to encourage attendance from the citizenry. -000- Mayor Meyers introduced Mr. William Maurice Johnston and his wife, Jean, to the meeting. The distinguished guests are visiting with Councilman Lord and Family. Mr. Johnston was born in Newcastle, County Down; presently serving as Assistant Chief Constable, Royal Ulster Constabulary, Belfast, Northern Ireland; joined the Royal Ul- ster Constabulary in 1948; served in uniform at various places including Enniskillen, Belfast, Bangor, Newry and Londonderry; was promoted to sergeant in 1956; to Inspector in 1967; to superintendent, 1970; chief superintendent, 1977. Mr. Johnston served in Londonderry since 1970 as sub-divisional commander, deputy divisional commander and since 1977 has served as divisional commander; was promoted to assistant chief constable October, 1981, and appointed to Community Relations and Traffic; attended Inspector's course in 1969 and senior commander course, 1975; both at Police College, Bramshill, England. Mr. Johnston was awarded Police long-service and good conduct medal in 1970; is a member of Londonderry Rotary Club; Governor of Foyle & Londonderry College; Chairman of Londonderry talking newspapers for the blind; president-elect of City of Derry Golf Club; chairman of Royal Ulster Constabulary Athletic Association. Mr. Johnston was awarded Queen's Jubilee Medal in 1979; is a member of Order British Empire in Jubilee Honors List, 1979; was decorated by Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace. Mayor presented Mr. & Mrs. Johnston with the key to the City and a lucite paper weight with the seal of the City; both made Honorary Citizens of the City. Mr. Johnston presented the Mayor and Council a memento from the Royal Ulster Con- stabulary Athletic Association. -31- MARCH 9, 1982 -000- Mayor and Council welcomed students from Forest Park High School to the meeting. -000- Mayor Meyers issued two Proclamations: "Exceptional Children's Week in Beaumont," March 15th through March 20th, 1982. Elsie Walker, President-elect of the Southeast Texas Council for Exceptional Children accepted the Proclamation and invited Council to visit their facili- ties. "Camp Fire Birthday 1Lr�k. in Beaumont," March 14th through March 20th, 1982. Receiving the Proclamation: Mr. Harold Stewart, Principal, Wilbanks School, Mrs. Joanie Whitaker, tie Club Leader and Mrs. Jessie Brandes, Executive Di- rector, Camp Fire (3,1'.-Is. -000- The following items from: the- consent agenda were considered: R-82-75 authorizing the release of $50,000 in bonds pledged as collateral for City Bank deposits and accepting the pledge of $1 million in Treasury Notes as additional collateral. R-82-76 granting a revised overhead electrical and communication easement across a portion of the sewage treatment plant site to Gulf States Utilities Company. R-82-77 authorizing tlie execution of Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $2482.00, to the contract between the City of Beaumont and C.F.W. Construction Company, Inc. , increasing the amount of =the contract from $5,816,300.00 to $5,818,782.00. R-82-78 accepting the bid of Ennis Paint Mfg. , Inc. , in the amount of $14,699.80, for furnishing 1500 gallons of yellow traffic paint and 700 gallons of white traffic paint for the Transportation Department. R-82-79 accepting the bid of Duckworth, Inc., in the amount of $1320.00, for furnish- ing and setting up one (1) 10' x 20' Duckworth unlined portable building for the Fire Department training grounds. R-82-80 authorizing the issuance of Emergency Order 84-D, in the amount of $1917.11, to Kinsel Ford, Inc. , for the installation of a transmission in Unit 6068 (1979 Eagle side loading refuse truck.) R-82-81 accepting the bid of Automatic Pump & Equipment Co. , Inc. , in the amount of $4550.00, for a pumping system for the wastewater lift station at Riverfront Park. R-82-82 accepting the bid of Oshman's Athletic Goods, in the amount of $5970.00, for the purchase of softballs for the Parks and Recreation Department. R--82-83 accepting the bid of Thorne's Pools, in the amount of $4178.10, for the purchase of 3800 pounds of calcium hypochlorite for the City's swimming and wading Pools. R-82-84 accepting the bid of Houston Elevator Service, in the amount of $6119.88, for a one-year_ contract -or maintenance of elevators in city buildings. R-82-85 accepting the bid of Southwestern Pipe, Inc. , in the amount of $12,527.46, for 999 traffic sign posts. R-82-86 accepting the bid of Houston Fire & Safety Equipment Co. , in the amount of $5688.54, for the purchase of foam equipment for the Fire Department for converting a reserve pumper into a foam truck. -32- MARCH 9, 1982 R--82-87 accepting the bid of Micromat.ion Services, in the amount of $10,050.00, for the sale of microfilm equipment Caned by the City of Beaumont. Approval of minutes of City Council meetings held February 16th and 23rd, 1982. The above items on the Consent Agenda were approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs and seconded by Councilmen Lord. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None -000- REGULAR AGENDA The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-16 Flq2=1= AN ORDINANCE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO BUILD PRO- =SSIONAL OFFICES IN AN RM-H (RESIDENTIAL k9iiJ1e,1 1PLE D[�ELLING--HIGH DENSITY) DISTRICT ON A 1.5 ACRE TRACT LOCATED IN THE 3900 BLOCK OF DELAWARE Jesse Torres, Assistant Planning Director, stated the application had been filed by Carl Kohler, engineer, for developer Bill Little. The Planning & Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to approve the application for pro- fessional offices on a 1-1j2-acre tract; a single-story structure 20' in height; gross area of the project to be 17,075 square feet; will have one major entrance located in the 3900 Block of Delaware; underground storm sewer; will have a 10' landscaped buffer strip abutting the RS zoning; an 8' fence surrounding the property next to the RS side. The Planning Staff recommended approval since the application had satisfied each of the requirements for the issuance of a specific use permit. 25 notices were mailed to property owners within 200' ; two responses received in opposition of the issuance of the permit. Councilman Lord made the mLtion to adopt Ordinance No. 82-16; seconded by Councilman Turner. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-17 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER. 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND IN PARTICULAR °'i"'HE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING FROM GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL - PTJLTIPLE DWELLING) DISTRICT TO RS (RESIDENTIAL., SINGLE FAMILY) DISTRICT ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS 9.8 ACRES IN THE PLANT ROAD REZONING STUDY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Jesse Torres explained the area is generally located at the intersection of Helbig Road and Plant Road, extending northward for about one-half mile. The Planning & Zoning Cozrmission voted 6-1 to approve the zone change. The two most northern tracts were deleted at the request of the property owner to retain their current zoning. Thirteen notices mailed to property owners within the study area; also 18 notices sent to property owners within 200' of the boundaries; received three from property owners within the study in approval of the zone change and two from outside of the study for disapproval of the change. -33- MARCH 9, 1982 Councilman Turner moved ado-o-Ition. of Ordinance 82-17; seconded by Councilman Lord. Councilman Combs asked about the status of the auto body shop which had earlier been determined to be a non-conforming user. Jesse Torres stated it had been determined that the owner was in violation and had been asked to make an application. Planning Director Bruce McClendon pointed out that the property owner indicated he had been in operation for a number of years and at that time it was explained to him that if that was the situation and he could demonstrate through receipts or records that he would not be adversely affected by rezoning; that he would have all rights of any other legal user and would be allowed to expand his business in the future. To-date, this request has not come forward; he has withdrawn his request for a speci- fic use permit and that he no longer opposed rezoning to a residential district. Both Councilman Lord and Councilman Combs asked about the tree service and it was explained that it is the one that remained. Councilman Combs asked what would happen if the gentleman in question did not have the documents necessary to determine he was a legal non-conforming user and what options would be open to him at that point. Planning Director stated the burden was on the City to show that he is not a legal non-conforming user; if we can find evidence that he was not in business repairing car bodies prior to April 1st, he has the obligation to cease the use or come before the Planning & Zoning Commission to request rezoning and a specific use permit. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING FROM RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY DISTRICT) TO RM-H (RESIDEN- TIAL MULTIPLE-HIGH DENSITY DISTRICT) ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS 0.96 OF AN ACRE LOCATED AT 1765 MONTROSE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Jesse Torres stated the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended DENIAL of this request by a vote of 7-0 after the Planning Staff also recommended DENIAL based upon the fact that the surrounding uses on all four sides of the area represents single-family residential zoning; the property itself is under an acre in size; bound on two sides by drainage ditches; it is not in accordance with the compre- hensive plan for this particular part of the City, and the request represents "spot" zoning; also, the request is located in the middle of the block and not on a major arterial. Eighteen notices were mailed to property owners within 200' ; four responses in opposition were received. It was brought out that applicants file without any knowledge of costs to be incurred because of the mall cost of the zoning application fee ($100) and the time involved being five weeks for processing time. This makes it a very minimum risk to the property owner to initiate the request and there is always some slight possibly that it might he rezoned. Councilman Williams moved that the request be DENIED, following staff recommendation; seconded by Councilman Combs. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -000- Assistant City Manager requested that Item 10 on the Agenda, changing the name of EM 3120 and Walker Road to Major Drive be DEFERRED to a future date. It was pointed out the delay due to wording; some procedural problem. -34- MARCH 9, 1982 -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-18 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING YAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS BY CHANGING THE ZONING FROM AR (AGRICULTURAL RESIDEN- TIAL) DISTRICT TO RM-H (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE DWELLING- HIM DENSITY) DISTRICT ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS A 35-ACRE TRACT LOCATED 0.6 MILES SOUTH OF TRAM ROAD ON THE WEST SIDE OF FM 3120; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITYrl PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Jesse Torres stated the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the request made by J. E. Callaway who is the property owner. The Planning Staff recommended approval based on the fact that the property is located with access and frontage on a major arterial. The applicant, after consultation with the City's Water and Sewer Dept. , has voluntarily become a part of the improvement plans of the sanitation in the area. Councilman Lord moved to approve and adopt the Ordinance; seconded by Councilman Combs. A lengthy discussion was held concerning policy regarding undeveloped areas -- about the formula used. It was the general consensus of Council there should be a set stated policy to be made available to all applicants. It was pointed out the City did not have a standard policy; that applicants are referred to the Water Department to be made aware of what it will take to extend utilities. It was further pointed out that the City does not ask the applicants to pay part of the cost, but they are given the opportunity to do so. Planning Director suggested that this concern is appropriate and urged it be pursued by Council with the City Manager for a clear understanding of the policy for future Council. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -000- The following Ordinance was considered: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BEAUMONT, TEXAS, IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING FROM LI (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT) TO RM-H (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE-HIGH DENSITY) DISTRICT ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS 2.75 ACRES LOCATED AT 5745 ERIE STREET; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Jesse Torres stated the Planning & Zoning Commission and Planning Staff recommended DENIAL of the request (1) based on the lack of adequate utilities for multiple dwellings and (2) on the adverse affects on future industrial development in this particular area. The P & Z voted DENIAL by a vote of 5-2. Councilman Turner moved for DENIAL; seconded by Councilman Loard QUESTION: FOR DENIAL: Mayor Meyers AGAINST DENIAL: Councilman Lord Councilman Williams Councilman Combs Councilman Turner -35- MARCH 9, 1982 -000- An ordinance changing the zoning from Residential Single-Family District to RA-H (Residential Multiple-Family-High Density District for a 0.93 acre tract located on the north side of Calder in the 7900 block was considered: Jesse Torres stated this application was for a tract which measures 80' in width; 494.8' in depth. The Planning Staff recommended DENIAL of the request based upon the fact that no development plans had been submitted which led to a speculative request for rezoning and, secondly, the excessive amount Of linear transition would place incapabilities to the residential single-family zoning which surrounds the property on three sides; also, the lot dimensions limits its use for multiple family dwelling. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended DENIAL by 6-1 vote. Eighteen notices were mailed to property owners within 200' of the application; a petition had been received which had six of the property owners on the 200' list that were opposed to the change. Councilman Combs moved for DENIAL; seconded by Councilman Turner. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None -000- The following ordinance was read: AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS AND EXTENDING THE BOUNDARY LIMITS OF SAID CITY SO AS TO INCLUDE SAID HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS AND GRANTING THE SAME TERRITORY AND TO ALL FUTURE INHABITANTS OF SAID PROPERTY ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF OTHER CITIZENS AND BINDING SAID FUTURE INHABITANTS BY ALL OF THE ACTS AND ORDINANCES OF SAID CITY. AND AMENDING SECTION 10-21 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PLACE THE ANNEXED PROPERTY INTO A ZONE ALLOWING ABOVE GROUND STORAGE OF CERTAIN F A MABLE LIQUIDS. Jesse Torres stated this request includes 157 acres on the western boundaries of the City; that two public hearings had been held -- February lst and February 22nd, in compliance with State Statute. The Planning Staff recommended approval of the annexation to the Planning & Zoning Commission who approved the request. Motion made by Councilman Combs to approve; seconded by Councilman Williams. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None (This ordinance will have a second reading within 30 days.) Mayor Meyers commended Council for their action that the Laboratory will be a fine economic addition to the City and for the economy by providing additional jobs as well as another good cor- porate citizen.- -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-19 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 30-30B(8) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS BY AMENDING THE NON-CONFORMING USES STATUS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Jesse Torres stated the Planning Staff recommended to Planning & Zoning Commission -36- MARCH 9, 1982 that the existing ordinance be modified; that this particular amendment would stipulate that the non-conforming industrial uses be addressed so as to eliminate the other uses of a residential nature; this would solve a lot of problems we have for property owners who are currently concerned about reconstruction after damage to their property; the main thrust of the ordinance is the introduction of the industrial as to eliminate other uses. The second portion is where the change of the setbacks for advertising signs which was presented to the Joint City Development Committee who, after receiving a request from the local advertising sign industry, favored changing the setback from 25' to 10' . . Change was approved by the Planning Staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission. Kenneth Wall stated the Ordinance did not include that portion so Council would be dealing with 30-30B relative to the 600 -- with one part. Councilman Lord moved to adopt the Ordinance; seconded by Councilman Combs. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-20 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND IN PARTICULAR THE NAME OF THAT CERTAIN STREET AS INDICATED UPON THE OFFICIAL STREET MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE NAME OF A 3,000 FOOT PORTION OF DOWLEN ROAD TO WELLINGTON PLACE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Jesse Torres stated that one of the development aspect of the Terra Corporation's development on this portion of Old Dowlen Road was that they would improve the condition of this portion; they have come back to the Planning Department to re- quest this change to coincide with their development and have restated their intention to resurface this portion of the street for access to their development. The Planning Department approved the request; the Traffic Department was given notification and had no objections to the renaming. Councilman Combs moved adoption of the Ordinance; seconded by Councilman Turner. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -000- --82-88 authorizing the purchase of six parcels of right of way for the Phelan Blvd. extension from Dowlen west to Major Drive was approved by a motion made by Councilman Turner; seconded by Councilman Lord. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None (Includes Parcels 1, 5, 5-A, 6-A, 8-6, and 9 for total cost of $51,128.00) -000- R-82-89 authorizing final payment to Mar-Len, Inc. , in the amount of $21,632.65, for the school sidewalk improvement project was approved by a motion made by Councilman Turner; seconded by Councilman Lord. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -37- MARCH 9, 1982 -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-21 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 82-14 BY PROVIDING FOR A JOINT ELECTION WITH JEFFERSON COUNTY; BY CHANGING THE PLACE FOR VOTING OF VOTERS WITHIN PRECINCT NO. 6; AND BY PROVIDING A PLACE FOR VOTING BY VOTERS IN PRECINCT NO. 88. SECTION 12. THE CITY ELECTION SHALL BE HELD JOINTLY WITH THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ELECTION TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSITION OF WHETHER TO LEGALIZE BINGO GAMES FOR CHARI- TABLE PURPOSES. THE HOLDING OF SUCH JOINT ELECTION WITH JEFFERSON COUNTY IS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE BEAUMONT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND SOUTH PARK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. Councilman Williams moved adoption of the Ordinance; seconded by Councilman Lord. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -000- --82-90 accepting the bid of C & P Equipment Corporation, in the amount of $243,792, for the construction of the Phelan-Liberty Connector was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lord; seconded by Councilman Turner. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-22 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 80-82 BY APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE PARA- TRANSIT SERVICE CAPITAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROTECT NO. TX-05-0070. This ordinances appropriates the additional money needed for the conversion from gasoline-powered vans to diesel at a cost of $3,525.00. Councilman Turner moved adoption; seconded by Councilman Combs. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None -000- R-82-91 authorizing the acceptance of a bid received from United States Gypsum Co. , New Braunsfels, Texas, for the purchase of hydrated lime, in the amount of $101.08 per ton on an annual contract, was approved by a motion made by Councilman Lord; seconded by Councilman Combs. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None -38- MARCH 9, 1982 -000- --82-92 authorizing the execution of Change Orders 2 and 3, in the amounts of $43,571 and $1,490, to the contract between the City of Beaumont and B.R.H. Co., Inc. , increasing the contract from $3,192,157.80 to $3,237,218.80, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Turner; seconded by Councilman Williams. QUESTION: AYES: A11 NAYES: None (Construction of Segment 70 Interceptor.) -000- The following Ordinance was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 82-23 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE SETTING RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL CONNIERCIAL RATES FOR ENTEX, INC. ; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. City Attorney Kenneth Wall stated Entex was asking for an annual increase which would result in an increase of revenues of approximately $628,000 per year; that Staff had reviewed this request and recommended the rates be increased that would generate approximately $540,000 in additional annual revenues; will be approximately 2.7% within Beaumont; $1.36 per month on the average residential bill. Councilman Williams moved adoption of the Ordinance; seconded by Councilman Turner. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None -000- R-82-93 accepting the bid of General Electric Company, in the amount of $97,128.00, for radio equipment was approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs; seconded by Councilman Turner. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None -000- R-82-94 authorizing the purchase of traffic signal equipment from numerous suppliers for a total cost of $137,237.80, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Combs; seconded by Councilman Williams. QUESTION: AYES: All NAYES: None (New installations for following locations: Elizabeth & Pine; Washington & 23rd; Washington and Lindbergh; Walker and 105; also interconnections on Washington.) -000- R-82-95 acknowledging receipt of assessment paving petitions for sections of six (6) in the Fourth Street Acres area; also, acknowledges the receipt of these various petitions and also obligates a future Council to consider these in FY '83 funding and then suspends the program for further consideration. Motion made by Councilman Williams; seconded by Councilman Turner. QUESTION: AYES: All NAPES: None (CONCLUDES PRINTED AGENDA) -000- Councilman Combs asked about the softball games and the problems surrounding the out-of-town teams who wish to play and asked about the possibility of setting up a fee for them to participate. Mayor Meyers pointed out the Parks & Recreation Department and Advisory Committee did not pre-empt their playing, but can only be -39- MARCH 9, 1982 allowed if there are no local teams registered who want to participate, then they would go to the list of the out-of-town teams on the order of filing. So, trying to be fair, they set a time limit and they take the applications of the out--of-town teams; it is on a first-come first-serve basis which it is for all the teams. If the locals have not registered and there are some slots to be filled, then the out- of-town teams would be allowed to play. The only answer would be more diamonds. Councilman Combs stated the other item he said had been discussed from time to time but did not see the change he would like to see, that being the rotation on the selections of professional services, particularly in the appraisals; stated he felt we should move around. Councilman Lord stated she had a couple of items. One of them is directed toward safety and asked if it would be feasible to move the 20 mpr zone back to cover the space of the sidewalk around Marshall Middle School. And, in her conversations with various people, would like for her to carry to the media; to the City, and the Police, their appreciation for the efforts being made to find the hit and run driver of the recent tragedy in the West End and hoped the efforts would be continued. Councilman Lord further stated she thought the City needed once again to look into the noise situation at Fair Park Arena; not only the noise of the performance itself, but the noise of the rehearsals; it is getting to be too much; that it behooves us to see what we can do about the noise for the people living in that area. Assistant City Manager stated that in the foreseeable future, while some groups will not be forbidden to use the facility, we will offer them a facility under certain regulations specifically the Civic Center, under certain requirements that will guarantee the integrity of that building. Mayor Meyers stated that we don't need it; didn't believe there was any monetary benefit; didn't think there was any ccnv unity benefit since it is evident that 700 of the attenders are from out of town, and thought these groups should try to cooperate and lower the sound, instead they go to the opposite direction. Councilman Lord stated she was glad Council agrees and there will be no more of this type noise. Councilman Williams expressed concern for the money spent toward correcting this situation; thought it was unfortunate that we spent the money and did not correct the problem. Mayor Meyers stated he thought the levels of sound equipment they are using is even greater than it was and it is unbelievable how far it carries in both directions. Councilman Turner stated he wanted to discuss three items. (1) First, thanks for the help on Railroad Avenue -- marking the curbs; (2) An area on Goldsborough which is a 1/2 block long street deadends on Washington; we need to put some kind of iden- tification up; (3) proposed to Council a zoning study area in the Old South Park Area, bounded on the west by Highland, on the south by Florida, and on the east by Port Arthur Road. The general consensus of Council was to make this recommendation to the Planning Department. -000- CITIZENS J. C. Leggitt, 1849 Washington Blvd. wanted to know has much gas bills will be now. Kenneth Wall reiterated $1.36 per month. =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 March 9, 1982. Myrtle Corgey, City Clerk -40- MARCH 9, 1982