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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN DEC 12 2006 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Andrew P. Cokinos, At-Large GUY N. GOODSON, MAYOR Becky Ames, At-Large Lulu L. Smith,Ward I CITY COUNCIL MEETING Nancy Beaulieu, Mayor Pro Tem, Ward II Audwin Samuel, Ward III December 12, 2006 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 December 12, 2006, 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 5-9/Consent Agenda Consent Agenda Mayor Goodson called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Rev. James Blackwell of the South Park Baptist 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 Tem Beaulieu, Councilmembers Smith, Samuel (arrived at 1:35 p.m.) and Patterson. Absent: Councilmembers Cokinos and Ames. Also present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney; Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk. Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions "Crime Stoppers Day in Beaumont" - December 14, 2006- Proclamation read by Mayor Pro Tem Beaulieu, accepted by John Neil, Jr., President of Beaumont Crime Stoppers and other Board Members Presentation: Beaumont Chamber of Commerce,Jim Rich -gave an overview of all the new activities and projects being conducted in the area and thanked the City for their continued support; presented a very positive outlook and future for our area Mayor Goodson read the announcement about the Executive Session to be held at the conclusion of the General Business portion of the meeting. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 5-9/Consent Agenda. None Minutes-December 12,2006 CONSENT AGENDA Approval of minutes - Minutes of December 5, 2006 Confirmation of committee appointments - None A) Authorize the City Manager, Finance Officer, Budget Officer and the Director of Public Works to sign the funding drawdowns associated with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Project Grant - Resolution 06-370 B) Approve a contract for replacement of the roof at Fire Station No. 10 - Resolution 06-371 C) Approve the purchase of mobile video recording equipment for use in the Police Department - Resolution 06-372 D) Approve the purchase of pipe tapping equipment for use in the Water Utilities Department- Resolution 06-373 E) Approve the purchase of help desk software for the Technology Services Department - Resolution 06-374 Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu made a motion to approve the ConsentAgenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a request for a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District to RM-M (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Medium Density) District on the north side of Concord near Judy Lane - Ordinance 06-080 Administration recommended approval of a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District to RM-M (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Medium Density) District on the north side of Concord near Judy Lane. Fittz & Shipman, Inc. is requesting a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District to RM-M (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Medium Density) District for an 11.8 acre tract of land on the north side of Concord near Judy Lane. The master plan for the entire 62.3 acre development includes property for detached single family dwellings, medium density townhouses and medium density apartments. In February, 1998, the City Council approved a zone change from RS to RM-M for the 12 acres to be developed as townhouses. There will be 38.5 acres remaining for single family dwellings. Page 2 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 Access to the subject property will be provided by Sienna Trails, a collector street. A preliminary plat is being considered for the subject property and an additional 12.4 acres to the east. At a Joint Public Hearing held November 20, 2006, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 to approve a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District to RM-M (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Medium Density) District on the north side of Concord near Judy Lane. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu made a motion to ADOPT ORDINANCE 06-080 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND IN PARTICULARTHE BOUNDARIES OF THEZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THEZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT TO RM-M (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-MEDIUM DENSITY)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF CONCORD NEAR JUDY LANE, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 2. Consider approving a request for a zone change from LI (Light Industrial) District to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at the northwest corner of Fannett Road and Cardinal Drive - Ordinance 06-081 Administration recommended approval of a zone change from LI (Light Industrial) District to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at the northwest corner of Fannett Road and Cardinal Drive. Paradise Baptist Church is going to build a new church at Fannett Road and Cardinal Drive. The church's property zoning is split between GC-MD and LI. A church is permitted in a GC-MD District by right. LI zoning requires a specific use permit. At the suggestion of the Planning Manager, the church is requesting that the subject property be rezoned to GC-MD so that it may proceed with its development plans without a specific use permit. At a Joint Public Hearing held November 20, 2006, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 to approve a zone change from LI (Light Industrial) District to GC-MD (General Commercial- Multiple Family Dwelling) District at the northwest corner of Fannett Road and Cardinal Drive. Councilmember Patterson made a motion to ADOPT ORDINANCE 06-081 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND Page 3 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED LI (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) DISTRICT TO GC-MD(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF FANNETT ROAD AND CARDINAL DRIVE, BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON,MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 3. Consider approving a request for a specific use permit to allow a mortgage and real estate company in an RCR (Residential Conservation and Revitalization) District at 2365 McFaddin - Ordinance 06-082 Administration recommended approval of a specific use permit to allow a mortgage and real estate company in an RCR (Residential Conservation and Revitalization) District at 2365 McFaddin with a modification to the landscaping/screening requirements as recommended by the Planning Commission. Lawrence Bland, owner of Platinum Capital Mortgage and Real Estate, Inc., is requesting a specific use permit to allow the operation of his mortgage and real estate company in an existing building at 2365 McFaddin. Mr. Bland states that the necessary mortgage information is typically gathered over the phone and then processed by a loan processor. Occasionally, individuals do drop papers off at this location. The verification process is all handled electronically. Office hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. Four full-time employees work out of the office. At a Joint Public Hearing held November 20, 2006, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 to approve a specific use permit to allow a mortgage and real estate company in an RCR (Residential Conservation and Revitalization) District at 2365 McFaddin with a modification to the landscaping/screening requirements along the east and west sides of the property (no additional landscaping; existing 6' chain link and 8' wood fences along the east property line; existing 6' wood and 3' chain link fences along the west property line) and with the stipulation that the sign be attached to the building. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu made a motion to ADOPT ORDINANCE 06-082 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A MORTGAGE AND REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN AN RCR(RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 2365 MCFADDIN IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON Page 4 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 4. Consider approving a request for a specific use permit to allow the expansion of church activities in an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District at 3235 Highland Avenue - Ordinance 06-083 Administration recommended approval of a specific use permit to allow the expansion of church activities in an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District at 3235 Highland Avenue. Christ Gospel Church is requesting a specific use permit to allow the expansion of its church to an existing building at 3235 Highland Avenue. Reverend Samuel Jones, pastor of the church, states that the building will be used primarily on Sundays for Sunday school classrooms. The church will be building a new sanctuary and this building will become their educational facility. The pastor states that the building will be painted and renovated. Parking for this property will be accommodated on existing church parking lots. At a Joint Public Hearing held November 20, 2006, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 to approve a specific use permit to allow the expansion of church activities in an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District at 3235 Highland Avenue. Councilmember Patterson made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-083 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION OF CHURCH ACTIVITIES TO AN EXISTING BUILDING IN A NC (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 3235 HGIHLAND AVENUE IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 5. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract for Sanitary Sewer System Improvements referred to as the West Trunk Outfall Rehabilitation Phases I and II Project- Resolution 06-375 Administration recommended approval of a contract with Brystar Contracting Inc., Beaumont, Texas, in the amount of $3,417,512.00 for Sanitary Sewer System Improvements West Trunk Outfall Rehabilitation Phases I and II Project. The project will install approximately 9,189 linear feet of 45" PN 0/SN 46 Hobas pipe and replace 17 manholes, and includes an alternative item to install 212 linear feet of 45" PN 0/SN 46 Hobas pipe to rehabilitate a syphon. The project will include all necessary connections to existing junction boxes, tributary lines and service lines. Page 5 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 The MBE goal will be met through a subcontract with the MBE firm of Choctan Pipe and Equipment fora total amount of$700,000.00. This amount represents 20.48 percent of the total bid. Choctan Pipe and Equipment is in the process of obtaining MBE certification with the City of Beaumont. The Sanitary Sewer System Improvements West Trunk Outfall Rehabilitation Phases I and II encompasses the interceptor, originally installed in 1953, from Washington Boulevard to Lafin Road. The existing pipe has deteriorated and infiltration through separated joints is overloading the Wastewater Treatment Plant during rain events, creating sanitary sewer overflows in the collection system. Funds for the project are available in the Capital Program. Councilmember Patterson made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-375 THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY BRYSTAR CONTRACTING,INC.FORA CONTRACT FOR THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS WEST TRUNK OUTFALL REHABILITATION PHASES I AND II PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF$3,417,512 BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OFBEAUMONT. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 6. Consider approving the purchase of a track dozer for use at the Landfill - Resolution 06- 376 Administration recommended the purchase of a Caterpillar D6R XL track dozer for the Clean Community Department, Landfill Division, from Mustang Cat of Beaumont through the BuyBoard contract in the amount of $262,542. The Caterpillar D6R XL track dozer is used to push cover material and move refuse on the landfill working face. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality(TCEQ)has issued revised requirements pertaining to the number of pieces of equipment required to work a given volume of waste entering the landfill. To maintain compliance with these new TCEQ requirements, the City needs this additional piece of equipment. Delivery of the unit is expected in 100 to 120 days. The purchase will be made through the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) BuyBoard cooperative purchasing program. The Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative, administered by TASB, complies with all state bidding statutes. Membership with BuyBoard allows municipalities to purchase items from their contracted vendors. Funds are budgeted in the Solid Waste Fund for this expenditure of $262,542. Page 6 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 Councilmember Smith made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-376 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A CATERPILLAR D6R XL TRACK DOZER FOR THE CLEAN COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT, LANDFILL DIVISION, FROM MUSTANG CAT, BEAUMONT,TEXAS, THROUGH THE BUYBOARD CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF$262,542. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 7. Consider approving the purchase of a track hoe for use in the Water Department - Resolution 06-377 Administration recommended the purchase of a 54,000 lb. long reach track hoe from Mustang Cat of Beaumont in the amount of $233,949. Bids were solicited from six (6) vendors for furnishing a 54,000 lb. track hoe for the Water Utilities Department. The track hoe will be used by the Water Reclamation Division to maintain ponds, levees, and wetlands in compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements. The track hoe is equipped with a Slashbuster brush cutting attachment for cutting vegetation such as water hyacinth and small diameter trees as well as a ditch cleaning bucket. Delivery of the unit is expected in 100 to 160 days. Funds are budgeted in the Water Fund for this expenditure. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-377 THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY MUSTANG CAT OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 54,000 LB.TRACK HOE FOR THE WATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED 8. Consider approving a bid for furnishing and installing carpet at the Julie Rogers Theatre - Resolution 06-378 Administration recommended award of a bid for furnishing and installing decorative carpet in the Julie Rogers Theatre to Bruce's General Construction of Beaumont in the amount of $121,500. Page 7 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 Two (2) bids were received Thursday, November 30, 2006 for furnishing all equipment, materials, supplies and labor to furnish and install approximately 3,200 square yards of decorative carpet for the Julie Rogers Theatre. Damage from Hurricane Rita and the subsequent remediation of the building damaged all of the existing carpet. New decorative carpet will be installed in the corridors, lobby and meeting rooms. Milliken Carpets has a fixed price contract with U.S. Communities, a government purchasing alliance. The carpet will be purchased by the successful bidder at the U.S. Communities contracted rates. Vendors are responsible for determining the correct yardage and providing the cost for installation. Bruce's General Construction is the eneral contractor for the JRT. Currently,g y, orter s Carpet, Inc. is the subcontractor for furnishing and installing the office and dressing room carpet. Porters will also subcontract with Bruce's for furnishing and installing the decorative carpet. Bruce's General Construction is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise. The cost of the carpet will be submitted to the City's insurance carrier for reimbursement. Any funding not provided by insurance is available in the Capital Program Fund. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-378 THAT THE BID IN THE AMOUNT OF$121,500 SUBMITTED BY BRUCE'S GENERAL CONSTRUCTION,BEAUMONT,TEXAS, FOR FURNISHING AND INSTALLING DECORATIVE CARPET IN THE JULIE ROGERS THEATRE BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED WORKSESSION Review and discuss the reallocation of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Disaster Recovery Program funds and adopting revised Housing Program Guidelines for Disaster Recovery Programs Worksession commenced at 2:12 p.m. This session was led by Janett Lewis, Housing Manager. On October 31, 2006, City Council adopted guidelines for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs ("TDHCA") funded Residential Emergency Repair, Housing, Rehabilitation, and Single Family Rental Rehabilitation Programs. After that, new TDHCA program directives were given to the City. The new TDHCA approved Disaster Program Guidelines, proposed revisions include: ■ re-titling the"TDHCA Housing Rehabilitation Program"to the"TDHCA Owner Occupied Program" Page 8 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 ■ re-alignment of priority categories ■ omitting lien and/or security requirements ■ adjustments to funding levels Proposed revisions to previously adopted priority categories will conform to those established by TDHCA, placing uninsured senior citizens who are disabled or medically fragile as 1St Priority, uninsured single head-of-household as 2" priority, under insured senior citizens who are disabled or medically fragile as 3rd priority, and under insured single head-of-household as 4th priority. An additional recommendation change proposes adding a Reconstruction/New Construction component to the Owner Occupied Program. The October 30th Federal Register Notice announces a second round of funding totaling $428 Million for the Texas counties affected by Hurricane Rita. Of this funding, a minimum of 19.3311 percent, or $82,867,166, must be used to rehabilitate, repair or reconstruct affordable rental housing stock. In light of this additional future funding and its requirements regarding Rental Rehabilitation, this recommendation proposes reallocating the $1 Million previously approved for Rental Rehabilitation activities to Reconstruction/New Construction activities. As per the approved TDHCA Disaster Program Guidelines, Reconstruction/New Construction will be offered to a home owner whose hard costs for needed repairs exceed $51,250. This would be used to construct or reconstruct a minimum of 10 homes at a maximum of$100,000 per home which is the maximum set forth in the approved TDHCA Disaster Program Guidelines. Proposed revisions to previously adopted funding levels will also conform to funding levels established by TDHCA. Emergency Repair - will increase from $24,000 to $25,000. Where hard costs for needed repairs exceed $19,250, the home owner will be offered Rehabilitation assistance. Owner Occupied - two levels of assistance Rehabilitation -will increase from $15,000 to $65,000. Where hard costs for needed repairs exceed $51,250, Reconstruction assistance will be offered to the home owner. Reconstruction - Reconstruction assistance is limited to $100,000. Homes located inside the 100 - Year Flood Plain may not be reconstructed on the same site, but may opt for new construction on a site outside the 100-Year Flood Plain. Following a question and answer period, the worksession ended at 2:30 p.m. 9. Consider reallocating Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Disaster Recovery Program funds and adopting revised Housing Program Guidelines for Disaster Recovery Programs - Resolution 06-379 Administration recommended City Council approve reallocating Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs ("TDHCA") Disaster Recovery Program funds and adopting revised Housing Program Guidelines that will serve as an administrative tool for the federal disaster recovery programs administered by the City. Page 9 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 A breakdown of changes to the previously adopted program guidelines, approved TDHCA Disaster Program Guidelines, and the City's proposed revisions to its local TDHCA Disaster Program Guidelines were reviewed. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-379 THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVES THE ADOPTION OF THE REVISED HOUSING AND PROGRAM GUIDELINES THAT WILL SERVE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE TOOL FOR THE FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS COUNCILMEMBER PATTERSON - NONE COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL- LAST WEEK COUNCILMEMBER PATTERSON AND I ATTENDED THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CONFERENCE, ONE OF THE LARGEST POLICY ADVOCACY GROUPS IN THE COUNTRY, AND MANY ISSUES WERE DISCUSSED WHICH DIRECTLY IMPACT OUR CITY; TOOK POSITION TO CONTINUE TO REQUEST AN INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR CDBG AND TO CONTINUE THE SECTION 8 VOUCHER PROGRAM; THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REQUESTED ISSUES WHICH INCLUDED PANDEMIC FLU PREPARATIONS, INCREASED FUNDING FOR AMERICAN HEALTHCARE AND THE HOMELESS VETERAN PROGRAM; AS VICE CHAIR OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE, RESOLUTIONS WERE SUBMITTED WHICH DIRECTLY IMPACTED OUR CITY: RECOMMENDING CONGRESS TO ALLOCATE MORE FUNDS TO CITIES FOR REIMBURSEMENT COSTS TO OUR POLICE AGENCIES FOR THE ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DEVICES WHICH ARE THE NON-LETHAL TASERS; HIGHWAY 11- 10 IS ON THE DIRECT ROUTE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FROM NUCLEAR PLANTS AND THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDING WAS AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT THAT SOME TYPE OF HAZARDOUS SPILL OR SOME TYPE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AS WELL AS LETTING HOMELAND SECURITY BE AWARE OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE IMPACT THAT THIS WOULD HAVE ON OUR CITY IN CASE THAT WOULD BE THE ROUTE THAT SOME TERRORIST MIGHT CHOOSE FOR SOME TYPE OF ATTACK; ONE KEY ISSUE THAT CAME FROM THE CITY OF FORT WORTH WAS ASKING FOR FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR DISLOCATED INDIVIDUALS FROM ONE CITY TO ANOTHER,REIMBURSEMENT Page 10 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 OF OVERTIME FEES WAS RECEIVED BUT NOT FOR STRAIGHT TIME USE OF THE FACILITY BUT SINCE THE FACILITY COULD NOT BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES,FELT THEY SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THIS TIME AS WELL; THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES WILL SUPPORT THESE RESOLUTIONS WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED TO CONGRESS IN MARCH;VERY GOOD CONFERENCE AND LEARNED A LOT MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU - NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS RETURNED HOME SUNDAY AND WERE DISMISSED TO RETURN TO THEIR FAMILIES; SOME OF THE MORE INTERESTING THINGS THAT THEY DID WERE ESCORTING THE CHILDREN TO AND FROM SCHOOL TO KEEP THE WILD DOGS FROM ATTACKING THEM,COMPLETED 9000 PATROLS, HELPED TO BUILD SOCCER FIELDS AND ROADS, PROVIDED ELECTRICITY,AND COMPLETED HOUSE TO HOUSE SEARCH FOR WEAPONS; DID NOT LOSE ANY PEOPLE TO ANY UNFRIENDLY FIRE;THEY MADE A DIFFERENCE WITH A LOT OF FAMILIES IN THAT PART OF THE WORLD AND WE SHOULD HAVE PRIDE IN THE UNIT; ALSO ATTENDED THE WELCOME OF REV.CURTIS JOHNSON THE NEW MINISTER AT SUNLIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH WHICH WAS WELL RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNITY MAYOR GOODSON - ATTENDED SON'S COLLEGE GRADUATION THIS WEEKEND; CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. HANI TOHME ON RECEIVING HIS DOCTORAL DEGREE; APPRECIATED ALL EFFORTS ON PART OF OUR STAFF IN ALL DEPARTMENTS FOR CONTINUING THEIR EDUCATION;THIS MORNING BEAUMONT MAIN STREET HELD THEIR ANNUAL MEETING IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR 15 YEARS IN PROVIDING IMPROVEMENT AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE HISTORICAL PERSEVERATION IN DOWNTOWN BEAUMONT; CONGRATULATIONS TO CAROLYN HOWARD AND HER STAFF AND TO THE NEW PRESIDENT TOM BELL; A RETIREMENT OPEN HOUSE WILL BE HELD FOR FIRE CHIEF BERTRAND AT THE FIRE STATION ON WALNUT STREET THIS FRIDAY; HEB WILL HOLD THEIR "HOLIDAY FEST OF SHARING" THIS FRIDAY AT FORD PARK COUNCILMEMBER SMITH- BEAUMONT MAIN STREET CEREMONY BROUGHT FORTH ALL THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE PAST 15 YEARS AND REMEMBER WHEN WE STARTED WITH ZERO AND DIDN'T KNOW FROM DAY TO DAY WHERE THE NEXT FUNDS WERE COMING FROM; THEY HELP WITH ALL THE COMMUNITY NOT JUST MAIN STREET; SO ENCOURAGING AND STILL A LOT TO DO Page 11 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) John Werner 1 Oakleigh Blvd. Beaumont TX Quoted some excerpts from an article which appeared in a major Hurst newspaper over five years ago which was on the staffing of fire trucks and the passing of a new state law which required at least four firefighters to be on hand before any attempt is made to enter a burning building; this article referred to Houston Fire Department; gave some recent examples of some recent fire activities, response time and the damage this delay created; in reference to Mr. Rich, the fire fighters would like to work with the City on this issue and should be working together; public safety, fire response, lowering insurance premiums are important; Beaumont should do what it can to be the lead City in fire protection and its fire engines and fire personnel Roland M. Chavez 1907 Freeman Street Houston TX President of Houston Firefighters Local 341- last visit here was to assist after Rita; applaud the City leaders and the Chamber for all their efforts in getting the City back on its feet but keep in mind that public safety is a priority and as elected officials you understand that; staffing in Houston is a priority and with the blessing of our Mayor, our City Council and our Fire Chief and they do recognize the importance of four man staffing that they have incorporated this into our contract; shared his personal experience of the Houston tragedy and the events that followed and the importance of the issue of four man staffing Charles Olsen Galveston TX President of Galveston Firefighters Local 571 -spoke on behalf of the four man staffing; Galveston put this into effect three years ago; benefits include morale, overall efficiency of the fire department, allows the company officer to be in control, overall efficiency allows the truck to get back to the station and ready to respond, reduces the amount of trucks to initial fire alarms which reduces the wear and tear of the truck, saves fuel and employee expenses; there was also a great reduction in injury rate; feels that the department is only asking for the tools to do their job better and safer Ray Bryant 4495 W. Corley Beaumont TX Came to request that the four man on truck request be honored; stated that a lot of senior citizens and handicapped citizens feel that this safety issue is important when they need to be rescued Gene E. Bates 52 N. 7th Street Beaumont TX Trying to resolve some misinformation and dissolve some disputes on his property located at 2510 Calder which the City says is dilapidated and structurally unsound; feels that he has complied with the request to have the building secured and the hole in roof fixed and that has been done; brought with him an engineering report which states the building is structurally sound and safe for renovation; has offered on three occasions to resolve this situation with the City; feels that he is being coerced because of his property located on Page 12 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006 M. L. King for the future downtown lake project and feels that this is an additional dispute he would like to resolve Rev. J. D. Roberts 5475 Landry Ln Beaumont TX Concerns for self and senior citizens and ongoing saga with the firefighters and the four- man fire truck staffing and salary issue Bruce Hoffer 2615 Gladys Beaumont TX Says he has spoken with Dr. Tohme in regard to the water tower being painted with a soccer theme; Beaumont Soccer Association is trying to get more kids involved in the through the athletic and recreation department for the spring season which is less formal; also spoke on citizen concern of the staffing of the fire department, feels that every department should have more staffing and would like to see more statistics in this area Open session of meeting recessed at 3:05 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Roy Cooper v. City of Beaumont, et al; No. 105324 Southwestern Bell Telephone v. City of Beaumont; Cause No. A-176610 City of Beaumont v. The J. B. Langham Estate There being no action taken in Executive Session, Council adjourned. Audio recording is available upon request in the City Clerk's Office. Guy N. Goodson, Mayor i Ot Rose Ann Jones, TRMC U City Clerk Page 13 of 13 Minutes-December 12,2006