HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN DEC 19 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 19, 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 19,
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 1-6/Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
Mayor Goodson called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Brother Colin Gordon of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gave the invocation.
Mayor Goodson 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 Beaulieu, Councilmembers Smith,
Ames, Samuel and Patterson. Absent: Councilmember Cokinos. Also present were Kyle Hayes,
City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney; Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk.
Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions
Special thanks to Harvey Zindel and staff of HEB for their "Feast of Sharing" last Friday;
gave a beautiful cake to the City and Council; pleased to announce that they served over
3000 meals on site and 3500 homebound meals
The Mayor gave Councilmembers a copy of a report received from Mr. Fisher with the Port
of Beaumont, which was an extract done by the Jefferson County Waterways and
Navigation District Economic showing the economic impact of the Port
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-6/Consent Agenda.
None
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of minutes - Minutes of December 12, 2006
Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution 06-380
Minutes-December 19,2006
Dr. John Falgout would be reappointed to the Animal Health Advisory Committee. The current
term would expire December 13, 2008. (Mayor Guy N. Goodson)
Ingrid Holmes would be reappointed to the Animal Health Advisory Committee. The current term
would expire December 15, 2008. (Mayor Guy N. Goodson)
Dan Parker would be reappointed to the Animal Health Advisory Committee. The current term
would expire November 15, 2008. (Mayor Guy N. Goodson)
Ann Reynolds would be reappointed to the Animal Health Advisory Committee. The current term
would expire December 13, 2008. (Mayor Guy N. Goodson)
Joyce Kean would be reappointed to the Animal Health Advisory Committee. The current term
would expire December 13, 2008. (Mayor Guy N. Goodson)
Dewey Gonsoulin would be reappointed to the Civil Service Commission. The current term would
expire October 14, 2009. (Kyle Hayes, City Manager)
George Crawford would be reappointed to the Convention and Tourism Advisory Committee. The
current term would expire October 14, 2008. (Councilmember Nancy Beaulieu)
A) Authorize the City Managerto join with Jefferson County in approving the Planning Funding
Agreement for the 800 Mhz Reconfiguration - Resolution 06-381
B) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Settlement Agreement and Release with Mr.
Weldon Green regarding a small business loan for Granny's Old-Fashioned Pies -
Resolution 06-382
C) Authorize the City Clerk to accept outside employment with H & R Block- Resolution 06-
383
Councilmember Ames made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Smith seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON,MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,
AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider approving a contract with the Beaumont Community Housing Development
Organization (BCHDO) for the construction of 5 new scattered site homes - Resolution
06-384
Administration recommended Council approve a request to authorize the City Manager to
execute a contract with the Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization
Page 2 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006
(BCHDO) in the amount of $281,000 for the construction of 5 new scattered site homes
from 2006 HOME CHDO Reserve funds. Four homes will be constructed in the 3500 Block
of Avenue B and one on West Highland Avenue.
The City of Beaumont receives an annual allocation of HOME Investments Partnership
funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") and has
previously awarded contracts to the Beaumont Community Housing Development
Organization (BCHDO) for construction of new housing in targeted neighborhoods.
Funding is available from the 2006 HOME Program.
Councilmember Smith moved to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-384 THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE
AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE BEAUMONT COMMUNITY
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION (BCHDO) IN THE AMOUNT OF $281,000 FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE (5) NEW SCATTERED SITE HOMES FROM 2006 HOME CHDO RESERVE
FUND. Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON,MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,
AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
2. Consider approving a contract with the Beaumont Community Housing Development
Organization (BCHDO) for the purchase of two pre-existing scattered-site homes -
Resolution 06-385
Administration recommended City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a
contract with the Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization (BCHDO) in
the amount of$180,000 for the purchase of two pre-existing scattered-site homes that will
be retained as lease property for no more than thirty-six months and sold to eligible
low/moderate income families.
The Beaumont Community Housing Development Organization (BCHDO) successfully
implemented lease-purchase agreements with low/moderate income families under prior
contracts. All properties were conveyed to the lessors within 12 months, well in advance
of the federal requirements to convey such properties within thirty-six months.
Funding is available from the 2006 HOME program.
Councilmember Samuel made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-385 THAT THE CITY
MANAGER IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF$180,000 WITH
THE BEAUMONT COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION(BCHDO)FORTHE PURCHASE
OF TWO(2)PRE-EXISTING SCATTERED-SITE HOMES THAT WILL BE RETAINED AS LEASE PROPERTY
FOR NO MORE THAN THIRTY-SIX (36) MONTHS AND SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD TO ELIGIBLE
LOW/MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion.
Page 3 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON,MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,
AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
3. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract to provide project
management and grant administration for a Federal Emergency Management Agency
Grant - Resolution 06-386
Administration recommended Council authorize the City Managerto execute an agreement
with Jeffery S. Ward & Associates in the amount of $200,000 to provide project
management and grant administration for a Federal Emergency Management Agency
Grant.
The Drainage District No. 6 (DD#6) received a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
award from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of
$23,665,180. Although the grant will be received by DD#6, the City will be responsible for
project development and construction and for the 25 percent local match. Additionally, the
City has received a grant from the Texas Office of Rural and Community Affairs to be
utilized as a portion of the local match.
The combined funds will be used to construct a drainage system on Calder Avenue from
the Neches River to West Lucas Street. This project will address repetitive flooding
problems in a significantly populated area of approximately 26,250 persons and will
remove more than 900 homes on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) repetitive
loss listing. Additionally, this project will benefit 14,817 persons of low to moderate income.
The agreement with Jeffery S. Ward & Associates is for project management and grant
administration of the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant. The Scope of Work under this
agreement includes, but is not limited to, development of the interlocal agreement between
the City and DD#6; development of a detailed management plan outlining the City's
responsibilities as a sub grantee including details relating to the process and
documentation required for reimbursement, process and documentation for solicitation of
subcontractors and process for subcontractor invoicing; development of reimbursement
requests to the State; support the reconciliation of contract award advances; preparation
of monthly and quarterly reports and support of the grant closeout.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $47,150,000 with the City's share totaling
approximately$21,534,820. Funds are available in the grant for project management and
grant administration.
Councilmember Smith made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-386 THAT THE CITY
MANAGER IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH JEFFERY S. WARD &
ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 TO PROVIDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND GRANT
ADMINISTRATION FOR A FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY GRANT. Mayor Pro Tern
Beaulieu seconded the motion.
Page 4 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,
AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
4. Consider authorizing the City Manager to increase the 2 MG Elevated Water Tank at
Dishman Road Project amount for "extra work" - Resolution 06-387
Administration recommended approval of increasing the Proposed 2 MG Elevated Water
Tank at Dishman Road Project amount by $147,700.00. The proposed changes to the
original contract will install two reinforced concrete floors supported by galvanized formed
steel decks and galvanized steel girders. The proposed change will provide an elevated
and structurally secure housing area during natural disasters and storage/office area during
standard operations. The proposed change order will increase the total contract amount
by 5.32%. The total of all of the extra work to date, including this proposed
recommendation, will represent 9.44% of the original contract amount.
The City is required to eliminate the deficiency before August 2008. The proposed
improvements will provide the water system with additional elevated storage capacity
required to meet State and Federal regulations. In addition, the new elevated tank will
increase the water pressure in the area and provide adequate water supply for future
development. This change order will provide a safe housing facility for employees during
a natural disaster.
Funds for the project are available in the Capital Program.
Mayor Pro Tern Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-387 THAT THE CITY
MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE CHANGE ORDER No.2 INCREASING THE
CONTRACT AMOUNT BY$147,700.00 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF$3,040,189.00 FOR
THE PROPOSED 2 MG ELEVATED WATER TANK AT THE DISHMAN ROAD PROJECT. Councilmember
Samuel seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,
AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
5. Consider approving eminent domain proceedings to acquire property at 840 College Street
for public use - Resolution 06-388
Administration recommended authorization to acquire the property by eminent domain.
Page 5 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006
The property owner listed below has not accepted the appraised value for this property:
West 30.52 feet of Lot 3, all of Lots 4, 5 and 6, and '/Z of adjacent alley, Block 68-B
in the Van Wormer Addition [840 College Street]
Appraised Value: $39,000
Appraiser: Bishop Real Estate Appraisers, Inc.
Owner: Vaughn S. Ayers, Sr.
The above property is located on College between Archie and Jefferson Streets or just east
of the future M.L. King Park site. The acquisition of the property is for the M.L. King Park.
The appraised value of this parcel is $39,000. Funds for the acquisition are available in
the Capital Program. Councilmember Samuel made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-
388 THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED TO FILE OR
CAUSE TO BE FILED AGAINST ALL OWNERS OF THE FOLLOWING PARCEL OF LAND, AND ALL
CLAIMANTS OF ANY INTEREST THEREIN, PROCEEDINGS IN EMINENT DOMAIN TO ACQUIRE FEE
SIMPLE TITLE FOR SAID PURPOSES, IN AND TO THE SAID PARCELS OF LAND BEING SITUATED IN
BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,
AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
6. Consider approving a contract with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce for
economic development purposes - Resolution 06-389
Administration recommended awarding a contract to the Greater Beaumont Chamber of
Commerce in the amount of $75,000 for economic development purposes.
The funds will be used for marketing Beaumont and business retention/recruitment efforts.
A presentation was made to Council by Jim Rich on December 12, 2006. Administration
is extremely pleased with the relationship between the City and the Chamber.
Funds are budgeted and available for this economic development purpose in the FY 2007
General Fund budget.
Contract payments will be made quarterly in the amount of $18,750.
Councilmember Smith made a motion t0 APPROVE RESOLUTION 06-389 THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL HEREBY APPROVES A CONTRACT WITH THE GREATER BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000 FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES FOR THE
PERIODJANUARY 1,2007 THROUGH JANUARY31,2007. Councilmember Ames seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU, COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,
AMES, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
Page 6 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
COUNCILMEMBER PATTERSON - MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL- MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR; ASKED CITY
MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOME COST FIGURES FOR PUTTING
FOUR MEN ON AN ENGINE AND ASKED THE UNION TO
PROVIDE SOME INFORMATION TO HELP US GET TO THAT
POSITION
COUNCILMEMBER AMES- MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY HOLIDAYS
MAYOR PRO TEM BEAULIEU - FELIZ NAVIDAD
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH - MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR
MAYOR GOODSON- ANNOUNCED THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A COUNCIL MEETING
SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 26, 2006 NOR JANUARY 2,
2007 UNLESS IT BECOMES NECESSARY; THANKED JIM
[RICH]FOR THE VERY COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL REPORT ON
THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE LAST YEAR; THANKED
EVERYONE IN THEIR PARTICIPATION IN MICKEY'S
RETIREMENT PARTY LAST FRIDAY AND TO RANI [TOHME]
FOR INVITING EVERYONE TO HIS DOCTORAL GRADUATION
PARTY; RECOGNIZED HABITAT BOARD ON THEIR RIBBON-
CUTTING CEREMONIES ON GIRARD STREET; RECOGNIZED
AND THANKED DRC EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR THEIR
GENEROSITY OF ABOUT 20 BICYCLES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO
NEEDY CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY
Public. Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes)
Mike Getz 7950 Phelan Beaumont TX
Talked about the issue of the fire fighters and their request of putting four fire fighters on
a truck but feels that this is not an economic reality; compared the Houston Fire Fighters
salaries with the arbitration award for Beaumont and feels that the salary issue interferes
with the realization of placing four fire fighters on a truck; not happy with the scare tactics
currently being used by the Union and feels that we have adequate protection
Frank Kifer 3190 Willowood Drive Beaumont TX
With all the Immigrants moving into our country, would like Council to consider a proposal
to recognize December 25 as the birthday of Jesus Christ; and that in order to change that,
it would have to have the entire City Council not just a forum to make the change
Page 7 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006
John Werner 1 Oakleigh Blvd Beaumont TX
Appreciated Councilmember Samuel's attention to this very complicated issue and he
would be glad to meet with council's and city manager's designee to talk about some of the
details; quoted from the SE Texas political review website stating the City will bring into line
a four man engine company on each fire truck by April and stated that there is enough
support for the four man issue and by moving some equipment around, taking some men
out of dispatch and closing a station would allow the man power on each truck which would
be good for the citizens and for the safety of the fireman; talked about full staffing and how
its affects would have two drawbacks, one substance and one procedural
Galen Key 2836 Old Spurger Hwy Silsbee TX
Talked about the fact that to the Union's knowledge, neither the assistant chief nor the
deputy chiefs, district chiefs or captains have been consulted in any connection with any
plan; proper plan to improve fire safety and public safety in Beaumont must involve more
people than just the office of the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the budget office; the
Beaumont Fire Fighters want to be and should be involved in this process and would like
to help come up with a plan to help achieve both public safety and financial consideration
of achieving full staffing; feels that full relations cannot be fully repaired unless the City
sees fit to recognize the fire fighters as an important part of the process and a partner of
public safety; introduced the topic of comparison of cities with like population
Darwin Wailes 4468 Church House Rd Orange TX
Talked about the difference in comparing different cities and why that is not easily done;
each city has its own unique demographics, size, population, economics, residential
neighborhoods, agriculture, industry, schools, colleges, major highways, railroads, ports
and entertainment facilities which makes up each communities risk profile; another point
to consider is the in lieu of tax agreements that the City has made with major industrial
industries outside the City limits in which the primary services is to provide fire protection;
other agreements have been made with prison systems outside the City
Tommy May 4670 N Main Pine Forest TX
Stated that due to the city's contractual agreements, Beaumont Fire Rescue Services has
service obligations extending beyond its municipal city limits to major industrial facilities
and should be considered in mitigation; also, to be considered is that for the protection of
these 21 plants and business, the City receives $10 million dollars for these services;
further stated that Beaumont is a hub city and does not have the benefit of being
surrounded by nearby cities with professional firefighters; felt that these are some of the
reasons no other city can be compared to Beaumont
Don Schroener 7601 Shady Lane Beaumont TX
On behalf of the Firefighters Local Union 399, wished everybody Best Wishes, Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year and if needed, would be just a phone call away
Page 8 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006
There being no Executive Session, Council adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
Audio recording is available upon request in the City Clerk's Office.
uy N. Goodson,oodson, yor
Rose Ann Jones, TRMC % w
City Clerk l/ i
1,11 '
Page 9 of 9 Minutes-December 19,2006