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Home My WebLink AboutMIN NOV 01 2005 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith,Ward I GUY N. GOODSON, MAYOR Nancy Beaulieu,Ward II Andrew P. Cokinos,At-Large CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames,At-Large Audwin Samuel, Mayor Pro Tem,Ward III November 1, 2005 Bobbie J. Patterson,Ward IV Tyrone E. Cooper, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on November 1,2005, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the following: OPENING * Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call * Presentations and Recognition * Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-8/Consent Agenda * Consent Agenda Mayor Goodson called the council meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Father Joyzy Pius of our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church gave the invocation. Councilmember Patterson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk. Present at the meeting were Mayor Goodson, Mayor Pro Tern Samuel, Councilmembers Smith, Beaulieu, Ames (arrived 1:35 p.m.) and Patterson. Absent: Councilmember Cokinos. Also present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney; Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk. Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions Presentations of Hurricane Rita Recovery: *Report by Tom Warner - Update on debris collection since FEMA contract has been terminated; new contract is with US Army Corps of Engineers of Galveston *Report by Don Burrell - Update on permit process and windstorm inspections *Report by Chief Micky Bertrand, Beaumont's Emergency Management Coordinator- Update of the returning of evacuees especially the special needs and handicapped citizens and contact numbers to help these people return *Report by Gary Underwood, Time Warner- Update on progress, revealed that 95% of all customers have been reconnected; scattered individual homes are still being worked on *Report by Robert Reyna, Director of the Beaumont Housing Authority - Over 188 units or buildings incurred some degree of damage; about $840,000; the most current problem is that there is no additional housing available in Beaumont Minutes-November 1,2005 Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-8/Consent Agenda. None CONSENT AGENDA Approval of minutes - Minutes of October 25, 2005 Confirmation of committee appointments - None A) Approve compensation for the City Manager- Resolution 05-219 B) Approve compensation for the City Attorney - Resolution 05-220 C) Authorize the City Manager to execute a grant for general maintenance at the Beaumont Municipal Airport - Resolution 05-221 D) Authorize the City Manager to execute a release of a ten foot (10') wide water line easement originally conveyed to the City by Antioch Missionary Baptist Church - Resolution 05-222 E) Approve a resolution authorizing the acceptance of two (2) - ten foot (10')wide water line easements providing access for fire prevention services - Resolution 05-223 F) Authorize the City Manager to execute instruments to settle the lawsuit of Fuqua General Contractors, Inc. - Resolution 05-224 Councilmember Ames made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a proposal to reallocate funds from the 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Consolidated Block Grant Programs - Resolution 05-225 Administration recommended approval to reallocate funds from the 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Consolidated Block Grant Programs totaling $380,254 which would allow for the administration of an Emergency Repair Program based upon urgent need. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Rita, the Administration proposed implementing an Emergency Repair Program, in orderto provide urgent Community Development and Housing assistance to homeowners impacted by this storm. Page 2 of 8 Minutes-November 1,2005 The Emergency Repair Program would provide grants to homeowners for repairs that are of an urgent need, with first priority given to persons age 62 and above who are also disabled. Second priority would be to persons age 62 and above. Third priority would be to persons who are disabled. Funding is available from the 2000(Charlton-Pollard Strip Center-$126,000),2002 (Acquisition - $85,376; Infrastructure - $53,878), 2003 (Infrastructure - $100,000) and 2004 (Infrastructure - $15,000) Consolidated Grant Programs. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel moved to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-225 REALLOCATING FUNDS FROM THE 2000,2002,2003 AND 2004 CONSOLIDATED BLOCK GRANT PROGRAMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $380,254 TO IMPLEMENT AN EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU, AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 2. Consider approving a contract fora telecommunications data infrastructure upgrade - Resolution 05-226 Administration recommended the award of a contract to SBC Communications to provide all hardware necessary for an upgrade to the telecommunications infrastructure. The total cost of the hardware is $74,880.05. The City's current data telecommunications infrastructure supports communications between thirty-nine city locations providing access to the City's computer network. This system was implemented in 2000 and has allowed the City to expand its database services to include Internet access, online bill payment, and Intranet and Internet email. Most of the current hardware is outdated and no longer supported. The hardware to be purchased includes two new routers for City Hall to service offices in Water Customer Service, Fleet Maintenance, Fire Headquarters, Police, Streets and Drainage, Health Department, Municipal Court, Narcotics, Building Services, Water Utilities, Auto Theft, and Family Violence. Integrated controller cards must be installed at twenty remote sites to communicate with the new routers. The price included implementation and installation by SBC. The total cost of the proposed SBC telecommunications infrastructure is $106,971.50 less 40% or$32,091.45. Proceeds from a legal settlement with SBC provide for the additional 30% discount from the total cost. All purchases made through SBC Communications until the expiration date of December 9,2005 qualify for the discount. The total net cost of the telecommunication infrastructure upgrade after the lawsuit settlement discount of 30% is $74,880.05. Funds are available in the Capital Reserve Fund for this expenditure. Page 3 of S Minutes-November 1,2005 Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-226 TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH SBC COMMUNICATIONS TO PROVIDE ALL HARDWARE NECESSARY FOR AN UPGRADE TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,880.05. Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU, AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 3. Consider approving a one year contract with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas - Resolution 05-227 Administration recommended funding the Art Museum of Southeast Texas(AMSET) $175,000 for FY 2006 from Hotel Occupancy Tax and General Funds. The City of Beaumont (City) and AMSET entered into a lease agreement on December 30, 1996 whereby the City and AMSET agreed to a 99-year lease on the land and building to be used as an art museum. The City supports AMSET with annual allocations and garbage removal. In return AMSET is open to the general public and strives to provide programs and services to the entire community. Funds are available in the FY 2006 budget with $50,000 funded through the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund and $125,000 funded with general revenues. Following a discussion of possible reallocation of funds, Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-227 THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE ART MUSEUM OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS(AMSET)AND THE CITY OF BEAUMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF$175,000 FOR FY 2006. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 4. Consider approving a one year contract with the Southeast Texas Arts Council (SETAC) - Resolution 05-228 Administration recommended funding the Southeast Texas Arts Council $99,000 for FY 2006 from the Hotel Occupancy Tax and General Funds. The City is entitled to utilize revenues derived from the hotel-motel occupancy tax to promote the arts. The City contracts with SETAC to distribute 80% of its contract payment to organizations like the Symphony of Southeast Texas as well as production of the magazine "Off Ramp" highlighting local events for distributions to Page 4 of 8 hotels. The remaining 20% is used for operating expenses. Minutes-November 1,2005 Funds are available in the FY 2006 budget, with $80,000 funded through the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund and $19,000 funded with general revenues. Councilmember Ames made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-228 THATTHECITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE SOUTHEAST TEXAS ARTS COUNCIL(SETAC)AND THE CITY OF BEAUMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF$99,000. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU, AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 5. Consider approving a one year contract with the Texas Energy Museum - Resolution 05-229 Administration recommended funding the Texas Energy Museum, $80,000, for FY 2006 from Hotel Occupancy Fund. The City is entitled to utilize revenues derived from the hotel-motel occupancy tax for historic preservation and the promotion of tourism. The Texas Energy Museum meets the above criteria by highlighting the history, along with the current developments, of the oil industry in the Southeast Texas region. Funds are available in the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund FY 2006 budget. Councilmember Smith made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-229 THATTHECITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TEXAS ENERGY MUSEUM AND THE CITY OF BEAUMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,000 FOR FY 2006. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 6. Consider approving funding for BUILD, Inc. Beaumont Main Street for downtown economic development purposes - Resolution 05-230 Administration recommended entering into a contract with BUILD, Inc., Beaumont Main Street for the amount of$75,000 to further the economic growth in downtown Beaumont. The Beaumont Main Street program has established a partnership between public and private sectors that is dedicated to the revitalization of Beaumont's historic Central Business District. The annual contribution from the City will be matched Page 5 of 8 Minutes-November 1,2005 with other local funds and used to promote downtown business development and retention. Funds have been budgeted in the FY 2006 General Fund budget for this purpose. Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-230 THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN BUILD INC.,BEAUMONT MAIN STREET,AND THE CITYOF BEAUMONT FOR FY2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000 FOR DOWNTOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 7. Consider approving a one year contract with the Beaumont Heritage Society/John Jay French Museum - Resolution 05-231 Administration recommended funding the Beaumont Heritage Society/John Jay French Museum $35,000 for FY 2006 from the Hotel Occupancy Fund. The City is entitled to utilize revenues derived from the hotel-motel occupancy tax for historic preservation and the promotion of tourism. John J. French, an early settler in Beaumont, built the Greek Revival home which has been faithfully restored; the home contains furniture and fixtures from the mid 19th century and is a tourist attraction for our city. Funds are available in the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund FY 2006 budget. Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-231 THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BEAUMONT HERITAGE SOCIETY/JOHN JAY FRENCH MUSEUM AND THE CITY OF BEAUMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,000. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 8. Consider approving a one year contract with the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society - Resolution 05-232 Page 6 of 8 Minutes-November 1,2005 Administration recommended funding the Jefferson Theater Preservation Society $20,000 for FY 2006 from the Hotel Occupancy Fund. After previous discussion among Council regarding funding, this amount was changed to $35,000. The City is entitled to utilize revenues derived from the hotel-motel occupancy tax for historic preservation and the promotion of tourism. The Jefferson Theater is a revitalized historical landmark located in downtown Beaumont. Funds are available in the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund FY 2006 budget. Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-232 THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A ONE YEAR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE JEFFERSON THEATER PRESERVATION SOCIETY AND THE CITY OF BEAUMONT IN THE AMOUNT OF$35,000. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,AMES AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS COUNCILMEMBER SMITH - NONE COUNCILMEMBER BEAULIEU - NONE COUNCILMEMBER COKINOS - ABSENT COUNCILMEMBER AMES - NONE MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL- RECOGNITION OF ROSA PARKS AND THE IMPACT THAT SHE HAD OVER OUR NATION COUNCILMEMBER PATTERSON - REMINDED EVERYBODY TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE DURING EARLY VOTING AND ON ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 8;STILL NOT PLEASED WITH FEMA CLEANUP AND INABILITY TO GET ANSWERS ABOUT TRAVEL TRAILERS; CONGRATULATIONS TO MUNICIPAL COURTAND THEIR STAFF DURING MUNICIPAL COURT WEEK CITY ATTORNEY COOPER - NONE MAYOR GOODSON- EXTENDED THANKS TO CONGRESSMEN TED POE AND KEVIN BRADY FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN BRINGING THE SUBCOMMITTEE OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO BEAUMONT AND SE TEXAS TO DO THEIR INSPECTION; AND FELT VERY Page 7 of 8 Minutes-November 1,2005 FAVORABLE AS A RESULT THAT PENDING LEGISLATION THAT INVOLVES RELIEF TO OTHER AREAS WILL BE EXTENDED OR REQUESTED FOR EXTENSION FOR TEXAS, PRIMARILY HOUSING; FEELS CONFIDENT THAT THE US ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS FROM GALVESTON WILL MAKE CERTAIN TO DO A FINE JOB IN GATHERING THE DEBRIS FROM OUR CITY; REMINDED CITIZENS TO BE PATIENT CITY MANAGER HAYES - GAVE AN UPDATE OF CITIZEN'S WATER BILLS; LATE FEES AND DISCONNECTION OF SERVICE WERE SUSPENDED UNTIL NOVEMBER 1ST; NOTICES HAVE NOW BEEN GENERATED BY THE COMPUTERAND SENTOUTTO CUSTOMERS;THOSEWHO WILL NOW BE DISCONNECTED HAVE BILLS WHICH ARE OVER 60 DAYS LATE; MANY BILLS WERE ESTIMATED THIS MONTH AND WILL BE CORRECTED AT THE NEXT READING; IF YOU HAD A WATER LINE BROKEN, YOU CAN FILL OUT A LEAK ADJUSTMENT FORM AVAILABLE FROM CASH MANAGEMENT Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) Kerry J. Avie 2570 Laurel Avenue Beaumont TX Prayer for City Frank Kiefer 3190 Willowood Beaumont TX Was glad to hear that the City will resume pick up of leaf and lawn bags; questioned Council about the possible closing of the Civic Center Priscilla Hunt 3523 Westmoreland St. Beaumont TX Questions about the money to be used for senior citizens to redo their home and where could applications be found Council adjourned at 2:57 p.m. Audio to a are avail 44e upon request in the City Clerk's Office. UMp Guy N. Goodson, Mayor W2,� Rose Ann Jones, TRM ! o City Clerk Page 8 of 8 Minutes-November 1,2005