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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET APR 13 1999 CITY OF BEAUMONT REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 13, 1999 1:30 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA * Approval of minutes * Confirmation of committee appointments Shedrick Evans - Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission A) Approve the conveyance of properties to Statewide Consolidated Community I Development Corporation, Inc. for the construction of new homes as a part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Project Consent Agenda Summary April 13, 1999 • Approval of minutes • Confirmation of committee appointments Shedrick Evans would be appointed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission. The term would commence April 13, 1999 and expire April 12, 2001. (Mayor Pro Tern Bobbie Patterson) A) Approve the conveyance of properties to Statewide Consolidated Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the construction of new homes as a part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Project Property located at 1125 Lincoln Street and 1085 Lincoln Street would be conveyed to Statewide Consolidated Community Development Corporation, Inc. A copy of the staff memorandum is attached for your review. A INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM --- .� City of Beaumont,Texas Engineering Division Date: April 5, 1999 To: Ray A.Riley, City Manager From: Tom Warner, Director of Public Works Subject: AGENDA ITINERARY-CITY COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROJECT CONMIENTS As part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Project, lots are being acquired in various locations throughout the city to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing for low and moderate income families. The City of Beaumont acquired the property listed below in the name of the City of Beaumont for the project. The property needs to be conveyed to the Statewide Consolidated Community Development Corporation, Inc. for the construction of a new home. Lot 1,Out of a 0.4738 Acre Tract in the David Brown League,Abstract 5 (1125 Lincoln Street) Lot 2,Out of a 0.4738 Acre Tract in the David Brown League,Abstract 5 (1085 Lincoln Street) A plat depicting the property is attached. It is requested that a resolution be passed authorizing the City Manager to execute a deed conveying Lots 1 and 2 Out of a 0.4738 Acre Tract in the David Brown League to the Statewide Consolidated Community Development Corporation,Inc. for the construction of homes for the Neighborhood Revitalization Project. Tom Warner TW:JPC:ml Attachment LINCOLN® NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION SUBJECT PROJECT LOT 1, OUT OF A BUFORD 0.4788 ACRE TRACT ti y CUNIFF 1125 LINCOLN STREET u = LOT 2, OUT OF A 0- W '" 0.4788 ACRE TRACT Q g ER W Lj 1085 LINCOLN STREET E y C LINCI_N a H U IN THE DAVID BROWN LEAGUE, OR J ABSTRACT 5 Rs o> �`' H RMA TO BE CONVEYED TO THE J c A 7 ¢ a FORTE TBURT STATEWIDE CONSOLIDATED A o o Y W o� ET E cn MADISON z — > COMMUNITY DEVELOPEMENT VAN } BU EN ¢ _ CORPORATION, INC. FULTO ° = N LEGEND Q LEE LEE I i s RY SUBJECT PROPERTY LOCATION MAP N.T.S. .Tr N r S F :•P: -_ = r: <- •. - :•A:•. �•::4•..M'.. .:' �.��Ir. :•J .• : - _—__. ' •ta - _ 5 _ •- 1' 27 ° '/ \ __ LINCOLN STREET CITY OF BEAUMONT REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBERS APRIL 13, 1999 1:30 P.M. • AGENDA BARBARA LIMING CITY CLERK OPENING CITY CLERK'S OFFICE • Invocation Pledge Roll Call • Presentations and Recognition • Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items • Consent Agenda GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider abandoning the general utility easements located in the abandoned Wallace Street right-of-way north on Buford 2. Consider changing the name of Plaza 10 Circle located in the Plaza 10 Addition on IH-10 North to Veterans Circle /f 3. Consider applications for Community Development Block Grant funding and reallocation of prior years budget l 4. Consider the purchase of laptop computers for use in the Police Sd Department a er bus for use in the Clean 5. Consider the purchase of a 20-passenger P g d Community Department, Community Resource Program / - 6. Discussion of and possible action on a resolution authorizing Beaumont Power and t wM$ ;,� - Light to include the City of Beaumont in its application to the Public Utilities Commission for a certificate of convenience and necessity OTHER BUSINESS Review proposed Projects Plan and Financing Plan for Reinvestment Zone Number One C01L LENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) EXECUTIVE SESSION * Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Richard Schlesinger v. City of Beaumont Ingrid Dunn v. City of Beaumont * Consider matters related to employment, evaluation and duties of a public officer or employee in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code: City Manager Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids or services are requested to contact Kyle Hayes at 880-3716 a day prior to the meeting. r 1 April 13, 1999 Consider abandoning the general utility easements located in the abandoned Wallace Street right-of-way north of Buford The Port Authority owns all of the property abutting the requested abandonment. The Port has immediate plans to construct a rail dump pit to unload rail cars. At a Regular Meeting held April 5. 1999. the Planning Commission recommended approval of the abandonment request with the condition that the Port relocate existing phone lints per the request of South\V estern Bell Telephone Company. A copy of the staff memorandum is attached for your review. ORDINANCE NO. ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING THE GENERAL UTILITY • EASEMENTS LOCATED IN THE ABANDONED WALLACE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY NORTH OF BUFORD, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: THAT the general utility easements located in the abandoned Wallace Street right-of-way beginning at a point at the northwest corner of Buford Street and the abandoned Wallace Street; thence north along the west side of the former Wallace Street a distance of 865' to a point at the southwest intersection of the Neches River and the abandoned Wallace Street; thence northeast along tea so .th bank of the Neches River a o''stance of 30' to a point in the southeast intersection of the Neches River and the abandoned Wallace Street; thence south along the east side of the abandoned Wallace Street a distance of 865' to a point for corner at the northeast corner of Buford Street and the abandoned Wallace Street, thence west along the north right-of-way line of Buford Street a distance of 30' to the place of beginning, containing 0.60 acres, more or less, in Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas, as shown on Exhibit "A" attached hereto, is hereby, abandoned. Abandonment is conditioned upon relocation of telephone lines belonging to Southwestern Bell at the expense of the Port of Beaumont. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the day of 1999. - Mayor - FILE 588-OB: Request to abandon the utility easements located in the abandoned FORTH portions of%Wallace Street, north of Buford. Applicant: Port of Beaumont 1"-20 E ��=200' PORT OF 'BEA MONT �- ..pD �U PROPER 1Y z l SUBJECT U. At z AREHOLISE z PD C osE.O w FINIS oc P RT OF ; s ti •a . , • UMONT ` a R" < b P PERTY j a u N At Z O. • i // as ( j� w so v, Is / w I t l • N „ Jr Js G 4 i N • 1 o t // 30 !O 90 69 • A N AW N• /i• Q • /f s y J AO p I 4r'1 nD• u1 'L Z • // 3 2 !! _ rp /oJ Ji O •!o is S T E RT : Ado'd IV �o > h N / / I J t / '� Jt •I/ M • ( t �► « • • J ( ,. J 6 /S /P «4 Q J R r-� t , L ANA Or o + o �! t� �w.�! • •'• v EXHIBIT "A" C1. ' INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM IL City of Beaumont,Texas Planning Division Date: April 6, 1999 To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager �� From: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Director 419vc � Subject: AGENDA ITINERARY FOR APRIL 13, 1999 - REQUEST TO ABANDON THE GENERAL UTILITY EASEMENTS LOCATED IN THE ABANDONED WALLACE STREET RIGHT-OF- WAY NORTH OF BUFORD. CONLMENTS City Council is asked to consider a request to abandon the general utility easements located in the abandoned Wallace Street right-of-way north of Buford. The Port Authority owns all of the property abutting the requested abandonment. The Port has immediate plans to construct a rail dump pit to unload rail cars. The project is geared toward the export of goods. Wallace Street from Buford north to Finis Street was abandoned by ordinance in August, 1990. Later in November, 1995, Wallace from Finis north to the Neches River was abandoned. General utility easements were retained in each instance. Most of the public utilities and city services have been abandoned or relocated. The staff sent a memorandum to the City, County and public utility companies explaining the Port's request. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company had an objection because of existing phone lines in the easements. However, these lines can be relocated at the expense of the Port of Beaumont. Should the City abandon the easements, a condition to satisfy the utility companies as to any required relocation or abandonment of facilities should be made a part of the ordinance. At a Regular Meeting held April 5, 1999, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 to approve the abandonment of the general utility easements located in the abandoned Wallace Street north of Buford as requested with the condition that the Port relocate existing phone lines per the request of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Exhibits are attached. p�pNN1NG SN1S10 r,111 Or BE- POOF NIPAIISMO% February 26, 1999 Mr. Murray Duren City of Beaumont Planning T'ivision P.O. Box 3227 Beaumont, TX 77704 Dear Murray: Attached for your consideration is the Port of Beaumont application for Utility Abandonment of a portion of Wallace Street, City of Beaumont, Texas This request for utility abandonment is necessary to enable the port to excavate an area to build a rail dump pit necessary to unload railcars containing soda ash to facilitate the exporting of this commodity via ocean carrier. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call. Sincer ly, M. Curti Deputy Port Dir LMC/bp P.O.Drawer 2297 Beaumont.Texas.U.S.A. 77704 409/835-5367•FAX 409/835.0512 2 April 13, 1999 Consider changing the name of Plaza 10 Circle located in the Plaza 10 Addition on IH-10 North to Veterans Circle The staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic has requested the name change. There are six tracts which front on and will have addresses on the street. All of the abutting and affected property owners have signed letters in support of the street name change. At a Regular Meeting held April 5, 1999, the Planning Commission recommended approval of JlrCCL nall]% cllan-e n1gLicsl. A cope of the staff nicnloI"al;dwii ?s att:?c�lc d fOI' �OUT C�\-lt%%, s i ORDINANCE NO. • ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE NAME OF PLAZA 10 CIRCLE TO VETERANS CIRCLE IN BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: THAT Plaza 10 Circle located at the west end of Plaza 10 Boulevard in the Plaza 10 Addition on IH-10 North, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas, as shown on Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof, be and the same is hereby renamed to Veterans Circe. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the day of 11999. - Mayor - -.r FILE 587- OB: Request to change the street name from Plaza 10 Circle to Veterans NORTH 'N. Circl . ® 4j Applicant: VA clinic, Bmt., et al SCALE + 1"=200' `'mow .;! :, i . .• •{�.- �x!'F. - "7. .1,,.�Nf •*t: w• 1. � ' .. It ` -t. a...y i i 1. F •' s �'�y 7 fi' '• it i .rp' • r Vii:-. • �•.U�,� �.!I ..'� ►••�: _� •_ ai:.•U._ yJa. X(;,T.�•y#1�t t14_(t�,, / K,• _ .. . • .. `• - _. : .Tu'rt'�•, ..�'� y ^�, ,-!. f,,- 1 till �� Y r _ - T -1 276.06 334. ,. .;#' .,, �•�-r s,, 716.2 4142 . a (' . ` d ;,SUBJECT ° 193.04 Q+ N 3,4t N o 0 1 p 1 262.75 �' 190 t J N N N PLAZA BLVD. a zo �� 190 1QOJ 279.74 110 202.52 - Z , P� �AZa B Lw. • 1J ' to in Q1 K.90 144.77 100 40 7z m p 17 155_ 211.91 C ClR. - 219.15 31.81 ►� _ .r —old -010 . c°" •I .➢ +0 131.83 A`� J� /O�N N ++ O • Je � J� o ° 227.74 S cc • b 7774 2711t 41.14 o N N N .5-TH - J M'ESr ''CEDAR ~ 217.E 4t1.17 150 �r^ b� ° WEST CEDAR /J p iu OR Y Q ti, o FYNIRIT "A" " INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM A OL City of Beaumont,Texas Planning Division Date: April 6, 1999 To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager � From: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Director '1; Subject: AGENDA ITINERARY FOR APRIL 13, 1999 - REQUEST TO CHANGE THE NAME OF PLAZA 10 CIRCLE TO VETERANS CIRCLE. CONME`TS City Council is asked to consider a request to change the name of Plaza 10 Circle to Veterans Circle. The staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic has requested that Plaza 10 Circle located in the Plaza 10 Addition on IH-10 North be changed to Veterans Circle. Plaza 10 Circle lies at the west end of Plaza 10 Boulevard. There are six tracts which front on and will have addresses on the street. The VA has purchased Tracts 4, 5 and 9 for the construction of the new Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic. The Phelan Investment Company owns the remaining Tracts 6, 7 and 8. All of the abutting and affected property owners have signed letters in support of the street name change. Tracts 4-9 are now vacant. The original subdivision was filed for record in 1984. Replats of parts of the commercial addition were filed in 1984 and 1994. The major tenant in the addition is HealthSouth, formerly named Southeast Texas Rehabilitation Hospital. Chili's Restaurant is also a tenant. This request has been endorsed by a number of area veterans organizations, including Chapter 292 of Vietnam Veterans of America, representatives of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and also endorsed by the Medical Center Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston. The present VA Clinic which is moving from 3385 Fannin Street (Beaumont) to the new location serves patients in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. This application follows the regulatory guidelines of the City's Street Renaming Policy adopted by Beaumont City Council on October 25, 1988 (Resolution#88-231). The name change has historical significance. There is not another street with the same name or phonetic sound of another local street. The new name is for the entire length of the circular street. There are no commercial implications in the new name. All abutting property owners are in favor of the change. At a Regular Meeting held April 5, 1999, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 to approve the street name change from Plaza 10 Circle to Veterans Circle as requested. Exhibits are attached. Outpatient Clinic 3385 Fannin Beaumont, TX 77701 Veterans Administration VEtfXAjWFDjt t vL - W w • r i 'l R',�aADM1Ns�� February 25, 1999 City of Beaumont Planning Division P.O. Box 3827 Beaumont, Texas 77704-3827 Dear Mr. Duren: Please find enclosed the Application of the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, to be located at 3420 Plaza 10 Circle, to re-name the circle, "Veterans Circle". Also, enclosed is approval from Phelan Investments, property owner on the Plaza 10 Circle. We have obtained recommendations for the name change, from various Service Organizations that the VAOPC Serves which are enclosed. Regarding the payment of $150.00, will the City accept a Visa Government Credit Card? Will your office let us know the best way to handle this payment? If more information is needed, please call 409-839-2492. Sincerely yours, , FRANK J.JOHNSON, LISW Administrator Enclosures (6) 1. Application 2. Statement of approval from Phelan Investments 3. Approval letter from Luke Trahin 4. Approval letter from Vietnam Veterans of America 1 _ 5. Approval letter from First Pentecostal Church 6. Approval letter from Golden Triangle-X-Pow MAR 2 100-) In Reply Refer To: Department of Veterans Affair Outpatient Clinic 3385 Fannin St Beaumont, Texas Application to Re-Name, Plaza 10 Circle to "Veterans Circle" 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs is in the process of constructing a new facility, located at 3420 Plaza 10 Circle, Beaumont, Texas. - 2. The present clinic is located at 3385 Fannin St., Beaumont, Texas 77701. 3. Estimated time to move is June 1999. 4. A request was submitted to the City of Beaumont, to rename the Plaza 10 Circle to "Veterans Circle", because the VA Outpatient Clinic serves "Veterans" in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana and "Veterans Circle" would be very appropriate. 5. Attached is approval from Phelan Investments who is the property owner for other portions of the circle. 11. The proposed street name will: a. Have historical or other special significance. b. Not have the same or similar name or phonetic sound of any other street name. c. Will be for a complete street (circle) or continuous street. d. Will not represent a commercial endorsement. Ill. NA IV. Attached PHELAN INVESTMENTS : P.O. Box 1390 Beaumont, TX 77704-1390 ' City of Beaumont Planning Division _ P.O. Box 3827 Beaumont, Texas 77704 This is to state that Phelan Investments, as t (VA) Outpatient agree to the request of the Beaumont Department of Veterans to rename "Plaza Circle" as "Veterans Circle." • ME TITLE 4ATE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Medical Center ' 2002 Holcombe Boulevard ; Houston TX 77030 In Reply Refer To: 580/1311 NOV 0 21998 • The Honorable David W. Moore Mayor, City of Beaumont P. O. Box 3827 Beaumont, Texas 77704 Dear Mayor Moore: As you are aware, the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, currently located at 3385 Fannin St., Beaumont, Texas, will be moving to a newly constructed facility located at Plaza Circle, Beaumont, Texas. The projected date for completion at this time is April 1999. This is to request that the current "Plaza Circle" be renamed 'Veterans Circle". This will be in honor of the Veterans that we serve. Thank you for your consideration of this project and if more information is needed, please contact the Beaumont Outpatient Clinic Administrator, Mr. Frank Johnson at 409-839-2492. Sincerely yours, 3� DAVID WHATLEY Medical Center Director CITY OF BEAUMONT PLANNING DIVISION RECEIVED RECEIVED DEC' 41998 CITY EEX CUTIVEE OFFICES - ti��AM �~ 9'�s Southeast Texas Chapter 292 - P.O. Box 1071 • Beaumont,Texas 77704 Office: 409/898-4400 TE. O� A A'IERIC N 1 February 16, 1999 Mr. Frank Johnson, Director Veterans Outpatient Clinic 3385 Fannin Beaumont,Texas 77701 Dear Mr. Johnson, We,the members of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Southeast Texas Chapter 4292, support your efforts to change the name of the street in front of the new VA facility from Plaza 10 Circle to Veteran's Circle. With a new and improved Veterans' facility,the name change would honor those who have served and remember those who gave their all. We believe Veterans deserve the best in health care treatment and appreciate you and your staff's efforts in providing this to our area Veterans. We would be honored to attend the City Council meeting and stand with you, your staff,and other area Veterans in requesting this change. Please advise if we can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Oy _ 7<f . c (�53 ,� �111EP LUKE TRAHIN Chamber of Commerce Consultant Public Speaker February 23, 1999 VA Outpatient Clinic 3385 Fannin St Beaumont, Texas 77701 Dear Mr. Johnson: The renaming of Plaza Circle to "Veterans Circle" is most appropriate. This is the first street in Beaumont favoring veterans. Many men and women having served in the Armed Services from this area will appreciate the new veteran's clinic. Being a survivor of Pearl Harbor, I fully support the naming of Plaza Circle to "Veterans Circle". Sincerely yours, LUKE TRAHIN in Wr-gAPI Rn FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01701 • 508-877-1356 1 III I I I i t � Whereas, • The veterans of Southeast Texas are justifiably proud of the work done by the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic located in Beaumont, Texas and Whereas; Said veterans are extremely pleased by the expansion of the Veterans Administration Outpatient Cl uuc to their new facilities in Beaumont, Texas a n Whereas; The new Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic will not n provide also higher level of care for veterans of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, enhance the prestige of the city of Beaumont, Texas - therefore be it Resolved; That the city council of the city of Beaumont, Texas, at its earliest facilities convenience, change the name of the street, wherein the aforementioned of the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic are located, from its present name of "Plaza Drive" to the name of"Veterans Drive". Golden Triangle X-POW Order of Purple Heart American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars soutiteast Tewas Veterans coalition -- Past State Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars kertR. "Tiger"Lyo Joenterootat Cburc P.O. Boa 905 Vidor, Texas 77662 Phone 409-769-9055...Fax 409-769-3069 To: Veterans Beaumont Clinic Fannin St. Beaumont,Texas Subject: Renaming of Plaza Circle to Veterans Circle I wish to express our appreciation for the fine work the Beaumont Veterans Clinic has provided for the Veterans in this area. I would like to strongly support . the effort that the Plaza Circle be named the Veterans Circle for the new location of our Veterans Clinic. This would honor those Veterans in memory of the sacrifice they have given for our community and our country. Because the veterans cared let us also show we care on their behalf. Let us remember them as they remember us. Respectfully Submitted, G, ,�-14 Pastor,Bruce M. Lockett .'• -•y FILE 587- OB: Request to change the street name from Plaza 10 Circle to Veterans NORTH Circl . S •�t� t Applicant: VA clinic, Bmt•, et al SCALE ' 114=200' A. 49 t3 rlas !t 4� r �,ir fit M i i�e1�r .a ae :a ij ig 9;1 t6 w, ' \ : Zr��{,2Y• ;,w � �.. � ��.�-�Y ' .�• is�• s' - •� • .♦tom/ 1'sl i 4• � �'.'! •IY- \w • • `... ' • j)1 )j ?, y< A » . _y 1.�,. } .,� ♦ t ,R! � .•t r• • X7„1;,. t ,t.`; 1 -xC vv,- .YtC-.' 45Sy~- y•.R" / t• ,1. 276.06 334. •,. . 716.2 - .r 4142 to ;;SUBJECT ! F19 C_► N O 2fi2.75 3°' 190 - Q ti N _ : . ,,,J N AZA BLVD a 'tO ral1990 +4oJ Z79.74— - I10 202.52 ? ` PLAZA LAZA BLVD. • +� ".90 M.» loo so 155, 2!1.91 �� 219.15 3L8 r a ..o,s J1D0 `N z A w - A`� : J• A0� N O Je Js 227.74 e 77 74 znsz N 5TH wEsr n 150 b R WEST CEDAR M o a gyp. :J o to Jr of o 40 d ..,tl n •9 A • g n • �O n . a � � e . 60 AP O b AO m 17 ' Of 22 oj Oc ` Y • 3 April 13, 1999 Consider applications for Community Development Block Grant funding and reallocation of prior years budget A copy of the staff memorandum is attached for your review. • i City of Beaumont Ci4i of Beaumont P.O. ox 8 .R°���„320 Phone 9)880-3129 9 P.O.Box 38'27 Fax:(409)880-3129 Beautnont.TX 77704 Mamrcmd= To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager From: Beuerly P. Hodges, Finance Office cc: Mayor and City Council Dale: Thursday,April 08, 1999 Subject: CDBG Allocations As discussed at the April 6. 1999 City Council :Meeting under "Other Business" the authority to execute the following reallocations- designations of CDBG funds is requested. Existing Amended New Allocation Allocation Designation Rental Rehab -Multi-family 150,000 78,000 • Charlton/Pollard-Economic 150,000 100,000 Development Girls Haven 50,000 Charlton/Pollard Public 50,000 Service Anayat House 5,536 Southeast Texas Food Bank 20,000 YWCA 9,634 The amount of undesignated funds remaining in the 1999 "Public Service" allocation of the CDBG portion of the HUD Consolidated Grant is $64,830. 4 April 13, 1999 Consider the purchase of laptop computers for use in the Police Department The City would purchase 101 laptop computers from MPAQ Information Services, Inc. of Houston in the amount of S1,430 each for a total price of 5144,430. The laptops will be issued to patrol officers for recording information at crime and accident scenes. Currently, there are 43 laptops in the Patrol Division and they are rotated between officers. Funds for the purchase of these laptops will be provided through the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. A copy of the stafFr�eit:ora;�dun; INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM OL City of Beaumont,Texas Central Services Department Date: March 30, 1999 To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager -From: Kirby Richard, Central Services Director Subject: Purchase of Laptop Computers COMMENTS The Management Information Systems Division (MIS)requested the purchase of 101 laptop computers for the Police Department. The laptops will be issued to patrol officers for recording information at crime and accident scenes. The State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program offers the Catalogue Purchasing Program for the purchase of high technology items. A list of Qualified Information Systems Vendors (QISV) is provided by the State for the procurement of high technology goods such as personal computers, software and telecommunications systems. Vendors must offer a published catalog or an Internet site describing their products and prices. Local entities may contact a minimum of three vendors for furnishing specified products that meet the entities needs. In addition to price, the award of the bid may be based on criteria such as technical support, expansion and upgrading, and compatibility with existing systems. Three QISV companies were contacted and prices were requested for a minimum 233 Megahertz(MHz)processor, 4 Gigabyte(GB)Hard Drive,32 Megabyte(MB)Random Access Memory(RAM)laptop with a lithium batters-power supply. The three vendors submitted pricing for five different manufacturer's laptops meeting specifications. Each provided the manufacturer's standard warranty for consideration. QISV companies submitting pricing for laptops meeting all specifications are as follow: Company Location Manufacturer Bid Price Warranty MPAQ Information Houston,TX AMS Tech TravelPro $1,430.00 3 years Services, Inc. 2550 CT Notebook IBM Thinkpad 560X $1,530.00 1 year Purchase of Laptop Computers March 30, 1999 Page 2 Company Location Manufacturer Bid Price Warranty OMNI Computer Corp. Austin,TX OMNI Viper CL $1,693.00 2 years Notebook Department of Austin, TX Gateway Solo 2500 $1,739.00 1 vear Information Resources Pentium Fujitsu Lifebook E335 $1,780.00 3 years The apparent low bid was submitted by MPAQ in the amount of$1,430 each. The proposed laptop has been evaluated and approved bN the NTIS Division The laptop is «v2rranted for a reriod of three years h� _A\TC Tech and 'SIP-,Q Information Services, Inc. MPAQ will provide warranty service at their Houston office. During the three Near warranty period, MPAQ will be responsible for freight costs associated with laptop repairs. Therefore, it is recommended that the purchase of 101 AMS Tech TravelPro 2550 CT notebook computers be authorized from MPAQ Information Services, Inc. through the State of Texas Qualified Information Systems Vendor program at a cost of$1,430 each for a total of$144,430. Currently,there are 43 laptops in the patrol division and they are rotated between officers. This purchase will proNide each officer with a laptop. Officers not requesting an assigned unit will continue to rotate the laptops currently in service. Funds for the purchase of these laptops will be provided through the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant. i • 5 April 13, 1999 Consider the purchase of a 20-passenger bus for use in the Clean Community Department, Community Resource Program The City would purchase one 20-passenger bus from Texas School Bus Center, Inc. of Austin in the amount of$59,248. The bus will be used to transport persons in the prisoner work program from the Jefferson County Correctional Facility to various cleanup sites. The new bus will replace a 1989 model van that has in excess of 92,000 miles. This unit will be disposed of �COriliny� to thc Cl'—"S sumll'� ')r`pert,,, policies. FUnds for t1ils expl—idlture are 1vall,,Ne in the Solid Waste Fund. INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM ' OL City of Beaumont,Texas Central Services Department Date: April 6, 1999 To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager From: Kirby Richard, Central Services Director Subject: Purchase of One(1)Twenty (20) Passenger Bus COMMENTS Two (2) bids were received for the purchase of one (1) twenty (20) passenger bus for the Clean Community Department,Community Resource Program. The bus will be used to transport persons in the prisoner work program from the Jefferson County Correctional Facility to various cleanup sites. The Community Resource Program is responsible for litter removal along right-of-ways, ditches, abandoned property sites and city owned properties including M.L. King Parkway. Since October 1996,this program has contributed 49,865 man-hours to the Cite for various work projects. The two bids received are as follow: Vendor Price Delivery Texas School Bus Center, Inc. $59,248 210 -240 days Hemphill Bus Sales, Inc. $65,341 120 days It is recommended that this bid be awarded to Texas School Bus Center,Inc. in the amount of$59,248 for the purchase of one (1) 1999 Amtran twenty(20)passenger bus. The unit consists of an Amtran bus body mounted on a Navistar conventional chassis. Seating for twenty (20) adult passengers is provided as well as the rear of the bus being equipped with a totally enclosed restroom facility and fresh water supply. In addition,a locked storage area is installed in the bus for transporting tools. The bus is warranted for a period of one (1)year. Warranty service will be provided by the nearest service center located in Austin, Texas. Also, warranty repairs may be performed by the Fleet Management Division and the associated costs reimbursed by Texas School Bus Center,Inc. Delivery of the new unit is anticipated in approximately 210 to 240 calendar days. The new bus will replace unit 8931, a 1989 Ford Econoline Special Transit System van,that currently has in excess of 92,000 miles. This unit will be disposed of according to the City's surplus property policies. Funds for this expenditure are available in the Solid Waste Fund. s 6 April 13, 1999 Discussion of and possible action on a resolution authorizing Beaumont Power and Light to include the City of Beaumont in its application to the Public Utilities Commission for a certificate of convenience and necessity Information from the City Attorney is attached for you review. • INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM .lam! OL City of Beaumont, Texas City Attorneys Office Date: April 9, 1999 To: Mayor and City Council From: Lane Nichols, City Attorney Subject: Beaumont Power and Light COMMENTS Attached is a memorandum I provided you last week concerning Beaumont Power and Light's request that the City enact a resolution to allow Beaumont Power and Light to include the area within the City of Beaumont in its application to the PUC for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity. Also attached is a resolution which I have drafted which would allow the action requested by Beaumont Power and Light. It is my opinion that so long as it is clear that the City is only providing permission for the company to obtain a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for an area that includes the City of Beaumont that there is no downside risk if the City passes such a resolution. However, since no one knows what the legislature may do on retail electric competition, it is also possible that the resolution will be of no effect or assistance. Lane Nichols Attachments LN:cg I INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM L City of Beaumont, Texas City Attorney's Office Date: April 1, 1999 To: Mayor and City Council From: Lane Nichols, City Attorney Subject: Beaumont Power and Light Company COMMENTS Attached is a letter from Robert A. Webb of "Power Choice, Inc." requesting that the City consider passing a resolution authorizing Beaumont Power and Light, the company that earlier requested a franchise, to include the City of Beaumont within its application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity ("CCN") to provide retail electric service within the City. Mr. Webb believes that this resolution would authorize Beaumont Power and Light to expand the area of its pending application for a CCN to include the City of Beaumont. He cites a section of the Public Utility Regulatory Act which states that"the applicant shall file with the commission evidence the commission requires to show the applicant has received the consent, franchise, or permit required by the proper municipal or other public authority". The City does not require a "permit" for electric companies; we require a franchise. Mr. Webb, however, believes that a resolution permitting the company to include the City of Beaumont within its Certificate process would be sufficient for his purposes. The reason articulated in Mr. Webb's letter for requesting a permit at this time is that his company has obtained an amendment to the legislation pending before the Texas Legislature dealing with electric utility deregulation that allows pending certificate applications such as the one they presently have before the PUC to continue and further allows the certificate to be amended to include areas within municipalities, such as Beaumont, that are contiguous to the territory in the pending application. A certificate amendment, under the pending legislation, must be done before June 1, 1999. . To: Mayor and City Council April 1, 1999 Subject: Beaumont Power and Light Company Page 2/3 Of course, it is impossible to know in what form the final legislation will be passed or even if it will be passed. Nevertheless, because the company has been successful in obtaining this amendment it seems likely that if legislation is passed allowing electric utility deregulation that this "grandfather" clause will be included. Recently an administrative law judge rendered an opinion in Corpus Christi Power and Light's application for a CCN in the unincorporated areas around the City of Corpus Christi. Because the issues in that case are the same as those in Beaumont Power and Light's application for a CCN in Jefferson County and because the applicants are in fact the same people, it is my understanding that the final judgement in that case will be applicable to Beaumont Power and Light's application in Jefferson County. The administrative law judge found that Corpus Christi Power and Light is not an electric utility. The administrative law judge reasoned that because Corpus Christi Power and Light does not have a business plan in place nor own or lease distribution facilities through which it could provide electric service, it does not meet the definition of an electric utility and thus cannot be granted a CCN. The administrative law judge has recommended that the commission should allow Corpus Christi Power and Light to supplement its filing by October • 1, 1999 to show various facts to prove that they are an electric utility such as: 1. Ownership with the right to use facilities adequate to provide continuous service. 2. Written policies on quality of service standards. 3. Completed tariffs. 4. Projected costs for various components of service. 5. A detailed business plan. 6. Technical and engineering information. 7. That they retain the services of individuals or entities with the necessary skills to install, maintain and operate the equipment and facilities. In conversation with Mr. Webb, it is obvious they will appeal this ruling. I cannot predict the result. However, it would appear that Mr. Webb and Beaumont Power and Light have a significant hill to climb before they will be authorized to provide electric service at retail in is Jefferson County. Not the least of the problems is that currently state legislation does not allow retail competition in the electric industry. • To: Mayor and City Council April 1, 1999 Subject: Beaumont Power and Light Company Page 3/3 However, it does not appear that passing a resolution such as that requested by Mr. Webb in behalf of Beaumont Power and Light would be detrimental to the City of Beaumont. If Mr. Webb is right, the resolution would merely allow Beaumont Power and Light to seek a CCN for an area which would include the City of Beaumont. I do not approve of the present language of Mr. Webb's resolution; and I would only recommend the passage of a resolution which I would draft to clarify that the City of Beaumont is not committing to enter into a franchise to allow electric service by Beaumont Power and Light in Beaumont and that the resolution's sole purpose is to allow the amendment of the existing certificate process. This is an extremely complex situation involving competing interests. The most complex element, obviously, is that we will not know until the legislature acts what form, if any, electric deregulation will take. If the Council desires to enact a resolution as requested by Beaumont Power and Light, I believe it can be done without negatively affecting the rights of the City of Beaumont to demand appropriate franchise terms in the future should Beaumont Power and Light be successful in its CCN procedure and should the legislature allow retail electric competition. 1 will be glad to expand this issue in a workshop setting if you desire. Also, it might be useful to allow both Beaumont Power and Light and Entergy/Gulf States to present their point of view to the Council. Lane Nichols LN:cg . RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, Beaumont Power and Light Company, a limited liability company desires to provide retail electric utility services within the City of Beaumont, Texas; and, WHEREAS, Beaumont Power and Light Company has requested that the City grant a franchise to Beaumont Power and Light Company because such a franchise is required prior to providing retail electric utility service to the citizens of the City of Beaumont; and, WHEREAS, the City understands that Beaumont Power and Light Company has filed an application to obtain a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity from the Public Utility Commission for areas in Jefferson County not including the City of Beaumont; and, WHEREAS, Beaumont Power and Light has requested that the City grant permission to include the City of Beaumont's territory within its application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity before the Public Utility Commission; and, WHEREAS, the City desires to grant permission to Beaumont Power and Light to include the area within the city limits of the City of Beaumont within its application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity from the Public Utility Commission of Texas; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: Section 1. THAT the City of Beaumont hereby grants its consent or permission for Beaumont Power and Light Company to submit an application to the Public Utility Commission of Texas for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to provide retail electric utility service within the City of Beaumont and further authorizes Beaumont Power and Light Company to inform the Public Utility Commission of Texas that the City of Beaumont has granted such permission. Section 2. The permission hereby granted is not a franchise to operate and provide retail electric utility services within the City of Beaumont. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the day of 1999. - Mayor - _ �� 03/15/99 h[ON 15:42 FAX 512 478 6896 ROBERT A. W'EBB Josh Allen Z002 POWER CHOICE , INC . "Providing Tomorrow's Energy Choices Today TELEPHONE(512)478-5336 401 WEST 15TH STREET, SUITE 810 FAX(512)478-6896 AUSTIN,TEXAS 78701 Roberl A. Webb General Counsel March 15, 1999 Mr. Lane Nichols City Attorney City of Beaumont P.O. Box 3827 Beaumont, Texas 77704 Re: Application of Beaumont Power & Light Company for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to Provide Retail Electric Utility Service Within the City of Beaumont Dear Mr. Nichols: Beaumont Power & Light Company originally applied to the City of Beaumont for a non-exclusive franchise to use the streets and public rights of way within the City to provide retail electric utility service in February 1998. Before Beaumont Power & Light Company can provide retail electric utility service in Beaumont, it must apply for a certificate of convenience an necessity from the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act does not permit application for such a certificate for territory within a municipality until the municipality has issued a franchise, street use permit or otherwise consented to the application being filed. Beaumont Power & Light Company has offered to enter into a franchise with the City with terms identical to those in the franchise previously issued to the Central Power and Light Company. The City has indicated that it wishes to study possible changes to the form and content of that franchise before taking formal action on the franchise application. This process may take several months. Beaumont Power & Light Company appreciates that the City has concerns about the form of franchise for retail electric utilities in light of changes taking place within the electric industry. However, the electric restructuring legislation currently pending in the Texas Legislature has a limited window of opportunity for any municipality to consider a second retail electric utility. Only certificate applications on file before February 1, 1999, which included BP&L's pending application at the Public Utility Commission, can be considered. BP&L has until June 1, 1999 to amend its application to include areas within municipalities such as Josh Allen X003 03/15/99 MON 15:42 FA_YC 512 478 6896 ROBERT A. WEBB Mr. Lane Nichols March 15, 1999 Page 2 Beaumont contiguous to the territory in the pending application. The attached draft resolution would grant Beaumont Power& Light Company the consent of the City of Beaumont to consideration of a certificate for territory within the City pending negotiation and final action on the franchise application. The Public Utility Regulatory Act does not necessarily require ommission. § 37f053(b)ssimply tates:icate application to be processed by the Public Utility C Sec. 37.053. APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE. (b) The applicant shall file with the commission evidence the commission requires to show the applicant has received the consent, franchise, or permit required by the proper municipal or other public authority. In fact, The certificate provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Act provide for cases similar to the one presented here in § 37.055: Sec. 37.055. REQUEST FOR PRELIMINARY ORDER. (a) An electric utility that wants to exercise a right or privilege under a . franchise or permit that the utility anticipates obtaining but has not been granted may apply to the commission for a preliminary order under this section. (b) The commission may issue a preliminary order declaring that the commission, on application and under commission rules, will grant the requested certificate on terms the commission designates, after the electric utility obtains the franchise or permit. (c) The commission shall grant the certificate on presentation of evidence satisfactory to the commission that the electric utility has obtained the franchise or permit. The City retains full authority over the use of its streets, even if the Commission grants a certificate, under § 14.008(a): Sec. 14.008. MUNICIPAL FRANCHISES. (a) This title does not restrict the rights and powers of a municipality to grant or refuse a franchise to use the streets and alleys in the municipality or to make a statutory charge for that use. I hope this course of action is one that you can recommend to the City • Commission to accomplish the common goals of Beaumont Power & Light Company and the City of Beaumont to provide residents of Beaumont with a choice to obtain lower priced ` ROBERT A. ItiEBB + Josh Allen Z004 03/15/99 MON 15:43 FAX 512 478 6896 Mr. Lane Nichols March 15, 1999 Page 3 electricity from the competitive wholesale power market that currently exists in Texas. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or requests. Very truly yours, I Robert A. Webb cc: Josh Allen Dav Lee Snell s 03/15/99 MON 15:43 FAX 512 478 6896 ROBERT A. WEBB yy+ Josh Allen 0 005 A RESOLUTION • GRANTING CONSENT TO BEAUMONT POWER & LIGHT COMPANY TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE TO PROVIDE RETAIL ELECTRIC UTILITY SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY ANBEAUMONT R FRANCHISE FROM THE CITY OF ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT, BEAUMONT. WHEREAS, Beaumont Power & Light Company, a limited liability company duly organized under the laws of the State of Texas, desires to own and operate retail electric utility facilities in the City of Beaumont, Texas, under an electric light, heat, and power franchise ; and WHEREAS, said Beaumont Power & Light Company has filed an application for a franchise and, in connection with said application has pointed out various revenues, savings, and other advantages that will be realized by-the City and its inhabitants if said franchise is granted; and WHEREAS, § 37.051 of the Public Utility Regulatory Act requires that Beaumont Power & Light Company obtain a certificate of convenience and necessity from the Public Utility Commission of Texas prior to initiating retail electric utility service within the City; and WHEREAS, § 37.053 of the Public Utility Regulatory Act requires Beaumont Power & Light Company to file with its application for a certificate of convenience and necessity that it has "received the consent, franchise, or permit required" by the city; and WHEREAS, the City finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Beaumont that the Public Utility Commission consider the certificate application of Beaumont Power & Light Company on its merits; NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS: Section 1. That the City of Beaumont gives the consent necessary pursuant to § 37.053(b) of the Public Utility Regulatory Act for Beaumont Power & Light Company to submit an application to the Public Utility Commission of Texas for a certificate of convenience and necessity to provide retail electric utility service within the City of Beaumont and further authorizes Beaumont Power & Light Company to inform the Public Utility Commission of Texas that the City of Beaumont has granted such permission. Section 2. That the City of Beaumont will take under advisement the application of Beaumont Power & Light Company for an electric light, heat, and power franchise and will negotiate to determine appropriate terms and conditions for any such franchise with the objective of preseriting a franchise ordinance to the City Commission for formal consideration as soon as is practicable. v ROBERT�A. WEBB ... Josh Allen Z006 03/15/99 MON 15:43 FAX 512 478 6896 The foregoing Resolution was read and passed and approved on the — day of 1999, by the following vote: APPROVED, this the _ day of , A.D. 1999. !s/ Mayor of the City of Beaumont, Texas ATTEST: City y ecretary APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: City Attorney City Manager's Office City of Beaumont To: Mayor and Councilmembers From: Kyle Hayes Date: April 5, 1999 Subject: Downtown Reinvestment Zone The Texas Tax Increment Financing Act of 1981 authorized Texas cities to use Tax Increment Financing(TIF) as an urban revitalization tool. Tax increment financing is most commonly associated with programs to correct urban blight and revitalize central business districts. The Beaumont City Council designated a portion of the city's downtown area as a Reinvestment Zone for the purposes of Tax Increment Financing in November 1982, and appointed a Board of Directors to oversee the TIF program. Among the requirements of the Tax Increment Financing Act are the preparation and adoption of plans for the Reinvestment Zone describing existing conditions and specifying proposed improvements and sources of financing. This document is intended to meet the legal requirement for Projects and Financing Plans and to provide a unified strategy for revitalizing the Reinvestment Zone. Once a Reinvestment Zone has been established under Texas law and is placed in service, tax increment financing operates as follows: First, a tax increment base -- the total appraised value of all real property within the zone at the time of its establishment -- is determined. As long as the zone is legally in effect, taxing entities (city, county, school districts, and other special districts)receive tax payments for property within the zone calculated only on the tax increment base amount. In other words, the appraised value of real property in the zone is effectively"frozen" for the purposes of general taxation. At this point, tax exempt Tax Increment Bonds may be sold to finance public improvements such as streets, utilities,parking or sidewalks needed to support and attract privately funded redevelopment projects. As the value of property in the zone increases in subsequent years, special taxes based on the captured appraised value -- the amount in any given year by which the current assessed value of real estate in the zone exceeds the tax increment base -- are deposited in the City's Tax Increment Fund. The Tax Increment Fund may be used to retire Tax Increment Bonds. Alternatively,the accumulated deposits in the Tax Increment Fund may be used to finance public improvements on a"pay as you go" or cost reimbursement basis. The Downtown Reinvestment Zone Projects Plan and Financing Plan are required by the Texas Tax Increment Financing Act. The existing Projects Plan and Financing Plan was approved by the City Council in 1994 to extend the boundaries of the Reinvestment Zone to allow for the demolition of e former LaSalle Hotel. All expenditures associated with the demolition of the LaSalle have been repaid. A Project Plan provides a summary of existing conditions and proposed future development in the zone. A Financing Plan presents estimated costs and ro projects. methods of financing proposed p �ects. Projects cpmpkted to date with tax increment revenue are land acquisition and landscaping for the Southeast Texas Art Museum 0265 000 and Tyrrell Historical Library renovations ($430,000 , as well as land acquisition of the Pearl Street property ($237,000) and asbestos abatement and demolition of the former LaSalle Hotel and parking garage on the property (274,000). There are a number of projects located in the Reinvestment Zone that are either in the planning stage or under- -cons cru Lion that will greatly enhance the downtown area. The projects are as follows: i' 1) Crockett Street - The Beaumont City Council approved a Section 108 loan for the Crockett Street Project in the amount of$3,000,000 in August of 1998. The total project cost is estimated at $5,700,000. The project is the redevelopment of the"Dixie Street" commercial block in downtown Beaumont. The developers plan to redevelop the two story historic storefront buildings into a combination of entertainment, eating, and drinking establishments. Approximately 300 permanent jobs would be created upon completion of the project. Construction should begin in the Summer of 1999. 2) Hotel Beaumont- The Council approved a request from the National Development Council for Section 108 funding in the amount of$3.175 million in December of 1998. The National Development Council has plans for the complete renovation of the Hotel Beaumont, located at 625 Orleans Street. Currently, there are 75 occupied units at the Hotel Beaumont with plans to increase that number to 135 after the renovation is complete. The rehabilitation will be completed over a 12 month period and construction is anticipated to commence in the Summer of 1999. The total anticipated project cost is $7,495,000! 3) Jefferson Theater- Council approved Section 108 funding in the amount of$2,000,000 in September of 1998. Built in 1927 by the Jefferson Amusement Company as an American Movie Palace, this 1500 seat theater hosted stage and cinema events drawing audiences from southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. The Theater will be restored as close as possible to its original design. In 1996, a concentrated effort was initiated to mobilize over 150 civic leaders and area citizens to undertake a comprehensive planning process and capital campaign with a goal of raising $3,000,000 (this is in addition to the $2,000,000 loan from the City). v 4) Municipal C o art Building- The City acquired the former White House building located at.700_ .Orleans for$126,000, and the first floor is being renovated for the relocation of the Municipal Court. The estimated construction cost is $1,550,000 and the renovation should be complete by May of 1999. 5) Jefferson County C'o mL ity Supervision Department - Jefferson County is renovating the former Beaumont Independent School District Administration Building located at the corner of Neches and Wall. The estimated construction cost is $504.,000 and the renovation should be completed by September of 1999. As part of the downtown revitalization effort, the City is planning street, sidewalk, landscaping and lighting improvements downtown at an estimated cost of$1,2� 00,000. Phase i includes brick paving the sidewalks and street, and making landscaping and lighting improvements on Crockett Street between Main and Pearl. The estimated cost of the improvements is $540,000. Phase II includes sidewalk, landscaping, and lighting improvements on Orleans Street from Wall to n Fannin between Pearl and Orleans. The preliminary cost estimate for Crockett and o p improvements in Phase II is $560,000. The improvements in Phase would complement the Jefferson Theatre, new Municipal Court, and Hotel Beaumont. 1e-improvements proposed in the development concept plan will result in a more positive image for Beaumont and the downtown area and will advance the City Council's officially adopted policy of making the Central Business District a regional center of business and culture. On March 25, 1999, the Reinvestment Zone Number One Board of Directors approved a financing plan for the City-sponsored projects within the Zone whereby the City will arrange a loan of$1,200,000 from local banks for the proposed improvements. The banks will be repaid with annual tax increment revenue from the Tax Increment Fund. As a part of the $1.2 million, the Board of Directors approved $540,000 for improvements to complement the Crockett Street project. Accomplishing the projects outlined in the Projects Plan ultimately from tax increment revenue is economically feasible. The captured appraised value of the Zone produced $850,000 from 1988 through fiscal year 1998. In 1998, the TIF fund produced $93,000. The Crockett Street project is projected to generate an additional $84,000 in property tax revenues to the TIF fund annually once the project is complete. This estimate is based on the total appraised value of the buildings being renovated as part of the Crockett Street project increasing by$3,000,000. A copy of the 1999 Projects Plan and Financing Plan for the Reinvestment Zone Number One is attached for your review. At a future City Council meeting, Council will be asked to consider adopting the 1999 Projects Plan and Financing Plan for the Reinvestment Zone. The Reinvestment Zone has a statutory life of twenty years and will expire in October of 2002 unless the zone is extended through the issuance of additional debt. The estimated cost of the proposed improvements ($1.2 million)will be amortized over 10-12 years which would extend the life of the zone to 2009-2011. MEETING MINUTES REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE MARCH 25, 1999 A meeting of the Reinvestment Zone Number One Board of Directors was held on March 25, 1999 at 4:00 p.m. in the Executive Office Conference Room in City Hall located at 801 Main Street. RnARD MF.MB BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Herman Rogers, Chairman David Bradley Lamar Roach Haywood Walker Benn Bundy Terrance Holmes Carolyn Howard Carl Griffith John Williams James McNicholas C.A. "Pete" Shelton Walter Crawford, Sr. ALSO PREP Ray Riley, City Manager Kyle Hayes, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Tom Warner, Public Works Director Beverly Hodges, Finance Director Steve Richardson, Planning Director Chairman Herman Rogers convened the meeting at 4:05 p.m. Mr. Riley began by giving a status report of the Reinvestment Zone. Currently, there are no funds available nor are there any debts. He explained that the purpose of the meeting is to review proposed improvements on and around Crockett Street (Part I) to complement the Crockett Street Project and improvements on Orleans and Fannin Street(Part II) which would complement the Hotel Beaumont and Jefferson Theatre projects. Tom Flanagan, with James J. Flanagan Shipping Corporation, is nearing the start of construction for the Crockett Street Project and needs a commitment from the City that improvements will be made on city owned property such as the streets, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. The Board is to review the information provided, decide whether they approve of the proposed improvements, and if so send the proposal to the City Council for approval. Tom Warner displayed a plan that Mr. Flanagan's architects had revised showing exactly what they have in mind for the Crockett Street Project. He began by explaining to the Board the two parts included in the proposed projects plan. Part I includes improvements on Crockett Street between Main and Pearl. Mr. Flanagan plans to have sidewalk cafes which would mean widening the existing sidewalks by twelve feet on each side of the street. The estimated cost of the sidewalks is $265,000. The City will be responsible for adding brick pavers all around and in the rear of buildings, similar to that of the Art Museum. The estimated cost of the brick pavers is $100,000. Street lighting on both sides of Crockett,Main and Pearl Streets is estimated at $63,000. With all improvements included, the total estimated cost of Part I is $540,000. Mr. Flanagan has also suggested that the City be responsible for paying for arches that will add to the improvements on Crockett Street. The arches would be fifty feet tall, made out of iron, and would extend over the entrance to Crockett Street with the inscription"Crockett Street." The estimated cost for the arches is $100,000. With the arches included, the total cost of Part I is $640,000. Page 2 Park,II'of the project will include sidewalk, landscaping, and lighting improvements on Orleans Street from Wall to Crockett and on Fannin between Pearl and Orleans. Cost estimates have not been conducted for Part Il. Bern Bundy asked if Crockett Street will be open to vehicular traffic. Mr. Warner informed him that the street will be open during the day, and will likely be closed at night. John Williams asked if there will be appropriate parking for patrons. Mr. Warner informed him of different parking facilities that are already available, even though some are located a few blocks away. However, there will be limited parking on the streets, going from four lanes to possibly three. Carolyn Howard suggested that the Board draw up a master plan for future improvements downtown. Lamar Roach did not agree stating, it would cost an excessive amount of money and the City would not be able to enforce the plan if a store owner decided, for example, he or she wanted a different type of shrub in the front of their store than what the plan called for. John Williams stated in order for the master plan to work, the City should write an ordinance for landscaping. Beverly Hodges presented the financial plan. She stated in order to keep the cost down, the Board should agree to borrow more than what is needed if they plan to invest in the future, aside from the Crockett Street improvements and those on Orleans and Fannin. This will aide in keeping the issuance cost at a minimum. The estimated cost of the improvements in Parts I and II is $1,000,000. In the past, the TIF zone has produced revenues averaging $90,000 per year. The estimated cost over a ten year period would require annual payments of approximately $125,000. The Crockett Street Project is projected to generate an additional $84,000 in property tax revenues annually, once the project is complete. Therefore, by the time everything is underway, the TIF should generate approximately $170,000 annually to pay off any debt incurred. Pete Shelton made a motion to commit $540,000 for improvements on Crockett Street. The motion was seconded by John Williams, no one opposed and the motion was carried. Pete Shelton made a motion to commit $100,000 for the construction of the arches. Lamar Roach recommended not paying the full $100,000, but suggested half of the cost be paid by the City and half by the developer. Benn Bundy said that he respects the risk that Mr. Flanagan is taking by investing $3,000,000 of his money into this project. He went on to say that $100,000 is not much to invest considering how much is actually being invested by Mr. Flanagan and his investors. Chairman Rogers suggested that the motion be tabled until the next meeting. Pete Shelton made a motion to finance $1.2 million for improvements in the Reinvestment Zone. Lamar Roach seconded the motion, no one opposed and the motion was carried. The next meeting date will be set to discuss the funding of the arches. The meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Mayor's absence prompts delay on utility service bid By JEORGE ZARAZUA industry. He also noted little THE ENTERPRISE information was available ors BP&L's intentions. BEAUMONT - Council Current electric utility la«, members, with the mayor allows wholesale competition absent, postponed voting on a for power generation, but not resolution Tuesday allowing retail competition for customers. Beaumont Power and Light to A bill to deregulate the industr,- off er retail electrical service has been passed by the Senate and inside the city limits. was heard Monday in the House A workshop was instead Committee on State Affairs. scheduled to further discuss the After hearing Entergy's resolution. No date on when it concerns,Councilman Andrew would be held was given. Cokinos made a motion to "I think the move the coun- table the request until state cil did today was a smart one," lawmakers voted. said Tom Stewart, spokesman "It would definitely be wise for Entergy Corp., the city's for the city council to wait current and sole supplier of before taking any action," retail power. "It gives them Cokinos said. "Let them time to ponder the questions." decide the issue." BP&L, whose owners Other council members include former Gov. Mark opted not to wait as long. White, currently has an appli- "I don't think-we can wait a cation pending with the Public month or six weeks and there Utility Commission of Texas to allow them ample time to provide power for neighbor- amend their application,"said hoods immediately surround- Councilman Guy Goodson. ing Beaumont's city limits. Josh Allen, another partner The amendment must be in the new company, told the submitted by June 1 if it is to council the resolution was be grandfathered from the necessary for PUC to consider pending legislation and an amended application that allowed to continue,according would include Beaumont. to Robert Webb, an Austin BP&L's request was chal- attorney representing BP&L. lenged at Tuesday's city coun- "I just don't want to see it cil meeting by Entergy. indefinitely suspended," Greg Shepard, Entergy's Goodson said. local customer service manag- Cokinos then agreed to er, said they didn't oppose the change his motion to consider idea of competition, but said the resolution during a work- such an issue should be decid- shop to be held sometime in ed by the entire council, two weeks. including its mayor. White,in a telephone inter- Shepard also expressed view from his Houston home, concern the state's Legislature hoped the council wouldn't be has not yet decided on deregu- discouraged by Entergy's lating the electric utility remarks on Tuesday.