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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 24 2011 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT W.L. Pate,Jr., Mayor Pro Tern BECKY AMES, MAYOR Gethrel Williams-Wright,At Large Dr. Alan B. Coleman,Ward I CITY COUNCIL MEETING Michael D. Getz,Ward II Audwin Samuel,Ward III May 24, 2011 Jamie Smith,Ward IV Tyrone E. Cooper, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Tina Broussard, City Clerk f The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on May 24,2011, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the following: CALL TO ORDER Invocation Pledge Roll Call Mayor Ames called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Rabbi Joshua Taub of Temple Emanuel gave the invocation. Staff Sgt. Derick G. Woods, Jr.with the United States Army and City of Beaumont Employee led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Present at the meeting were Mayor Ames, Mayor Pro Tern Pate, Councilmembers Coleman, Wright and Smith. Absent: Councilmember Samuel. Also present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney; Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Councilmember Samuel is out of the City on City Business ELECTION OF MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS Consider approval of an ordinance canvassing the results of the May 14, 2011 City General Election Consider approval of an ordinance canvassing the results of the May 14, 2011 City General Election. Administration recommended the canvassed results of the May 14, 2011, General Election for Mayor, two (2)Councilmembers-At-Large, and four(4)Councilmembers for Wards I, Il, III, and IV. The Election Code, Section 67.003, states that each local canvassing authority shall convene to conduct the local canvass at the time set by the canvassing authority's presiding officer not earlier than the eighth day or laterthan the eleventh day after Election Day. Council shall meet and canvass the returns and officially declare the results. Elected officials will be sworn in and take office in their respective positions. Councilmember Wright made a motion to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT ON THE 14T" DAY OF MAY, 2011, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A MAYOR, FOUR (4) WARD Minutes—May 24,2011 COUNCILMEMBERS(WARD I, 11, III, IV)AND TWO(2)COUNCILMEMBERS-AT-LARGE; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. Mayor Pro Tem Pate seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES,MAYOR PRO TEM PATE,COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,WRIGHT AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Ordinance 11 - 038 Administration of the oath of office—Judge Craig Lively, Chief Magistrate Municipal Court Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Getz - Thanked his family, wife Allison who has been instrumental during the election as well as her parents, thanked everyone for their support Councilmember Coleman - Thanked his wife and mother for all of their support, thanked all of his friends and looks forward to two more years of service Councilmember Wright - Thanked God, her family and friends for supporting her, a special thanks to her campaign manager, Deloris Guidry, for keeping her going, a special thanks to 011ie Graves who kept her prayed up, her granddaughter, Aurora, her spiritual sister Ava Graves and her pastor,will continue to represent everyone in the best way that she knows how Mayor Pro Tern Pate - Stated that it is an honor to represent all of the citizens along with Councilmember Wright, thanked his two daughters, Suzanne and Jennifer, all of his friends who helped, it is so important to be involved In the community Councilmember Smith - Thanked God, his wife and family, as well as his spiritual family, stated that everyone on Council is judged on the work they do during the two year term and looks forward to serving another two years for Ward IV and hope good things will come Mayor Ames - Stated it is "Another Great Day in Beaumont", thanked her husband Rodney Ames for all of his hard work,the Council has had a great two years and a lot of hard work has been put into what they do, excited to be working with the new Councilmember as well as the incumbents, thanked all of her supporters and those that voted for her, for those that didn't vote for her she will try and win them over in the next two years Minutes—May 24,2011 Mayor Ames gave thanks to Jake Tortorice, owner of Rao's Bakery for the beautiful cake that was donated for the Swearing-in Ceremony Benediction — Pastor John Adolph, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Recess — 2:01 p.m. RECONVENE MEETING — 2:22 p.m. Presentations and Recognitions Presentation - Former Mayor David Moore and students from Blanchette Elementary School - The students are a part of the Leaders of Readers Program, they read over 3,185 books, they took quizzes over what they read to make sure they contemplated what they read, each student shook hands with Mayor and Council Public Comments: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-3/Consent Agenda Consent Agenda None CONSENT AGENDA Approval of minutes — May 17, 2011 Confirmation of committee appointments — None A) Authorize the City Manager to apply for, and accept if awarded, grant funds from the U.S. Department of Justice (2011 COPS Child Sexual Predator Program)—Resolution 11 -157 B) Authorize the settlement of the lawsuit styled Robert F. Ramsey, Sr. v. City of Beaumont- Resolution 11 - 158 Councilmember Wright made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM PATE,COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,GETZ, WRIGHT AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a contract for property insurance coverage for various city owned buildings and assets. Minutes—May 24 2011 Administration recommended approval of a contract with McGriff, Seibels & Williams of Dallas. McGriff, Seibels and Williams is the City's broker of record for securing the City's property insurance. The proposed premium is based on a total building value of $205,235,856. The cost of the policy for this year is $1,245,129.25, a 2.3% decrease from last year's premium of$1,274,376.79. The net rate per$100, based on the insured value decreased from $.6209 to $.6067 from last year. Companies providing insurance are layered with exposure limited to the amount of damage. The primary coverage is Great American Insurance Companywith Westchester, Lexington, AmRisc, Landmark American and Endurance providing catastrophic coverage and Aspen, Axis Surplus, Alterra, Liberty, James River and Everest providing Wind/Hail Coverage. All insurance companies contained in the new policy are A.M. Best rated at A+15. A binder to the policy was issued May 1 for primary coverage. The policy renewal will be in effect from May 1, 2011 to May 1, 2012. Funds are available in the Public Works Building Utilities budget. Mayor Pro Tern Pate made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THEY CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR FIRE,EXTENDED COVERAGE,FLOOD AND QUAKE PROPERTY INSURANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF$245,129.25 THROUGH MCGRIFF,SEIBELS &WILLIAMS, OF DALLAS, TEXAS, AS BROKER, FOR PRIMARY COVERAGE WITH GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY, CATASTROPHIC COVERAGE WITH WESTCHESTER, LEXINGTON, AMRISC, LANDMARK AMERICAN AND ENDURANCE AND WIND/HAIL COVERAGE WITH ASPEN,AXIS,SURPLUS, ALTERRA, LIBERTY, JAMES RIVER AND EVEREST EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2011. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM PATE, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,GETZ, WRIGHT AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 11 - 159 2. Consider approving a contract for the construction of a post tension overlay on four existing tennis courts located at the Athletic Complex. Administration recommended the award of a bid to Trans Texas Tennis, Ltd. of Houston in the amount of $196,240. In June 2009, Council awarded a contract to construct eight (8) new tennis courts at the Athletic Complex located at 6400 College St. Four (4) of the eight (8) courts failed and could not be repaired. The Contractor and Architect agreed that there were design flaws that contributed to the courts' failure. Minutes—May 24,2011 The City determined the most cost effective remedy was to construct a post tension slab over the existing courts. The project includes the removal and replacement of the perimeter fence, sidewalk reconstruction due to change in elevation, adjusting light fixtures, mobilization, an ADA ramp, and the concrete post tension tennis courts with surfacing material. The project should commence by mid June and be completed within 90 days. Funds for this project in the amount of $150,000 will be available from a settlement agreement with the previous Contractor and the Architect. The remaining balance is available in the Capital Program. Councilmember Getz made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH TRANS TEXAS TENNIS, LTD. FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED HEREIN. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM PATE,COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,GETZ, WRIGHT AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 11 - 160 3. Consider a request for an historic preservation loan for the property at 2300 Harrison. Administration recommended approval of the $31,140 request. Charles and Vanessa Pickens have applied for a historic preservation loan. The Pickens have applied for and received two historic preservation loans from the City- one in the amount of$3,500 and another in the amount of$5,000. Both loans have been paid off. The money was used to make a number of repairs to the house, including the replacement of floor joists and beams and leveling. The new request is for$31,140 to be used for repairing the front porch, adding vinyl siding to the exterior of the house, install five pairs of new shutters to the front of the house and replace missing shingles on the front side of the roof. The payments will be $370.71 per month for 84 months. At a Regular Meeting held May 9, 2011, the Historic Landmark Commission recommended approval 8:0 of a historic preservation loan for the property at 2300 Harrison. The Historic Preservation Loan program is funded with CDBG money. Currently, there is approximately $146,961.46 in the Preservation Loan Account. Councilmember Wright made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT A HISTORIC PRESERVATION LOAN IN THE AMOUNT OF THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY DOLLARS Minutes—May 24,2011 ($31,140 TO CHARLES AND VANESSA PICKENS FROM THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION LOAN FUND FOR REPAIRS TO THE RESIDENTIAL STUCTURE LOCATED AT 2300 HARRISON, BEAUMONT,TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM PATE,COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,GETZ, WRIGHT AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 11 - 161 COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS COUNCILMEMBER SMITH - CONGRATULATED THE NEWLY ELECTED COUNCILMEMBER MIKE GETZ, COMMENTED ON A NEW PROGRAM CALLED PROJECT TRANSFORMATION BEAUMONT WHERE 4 HOMES ARE CHOSEN THROUGHOUT THE CITY TO HELP SENIOR CITIZENS WITH LAWN WORK THAT CAN'T AFFORD IT,THIS PROJECT WILL BE DONE TWICE A YEAR, THANKED THE TWO HUNDRED VOLUNTEERS THAT WORKED COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL - ABSENT MAYOR PRO TEM PATE - WELCOMED NEWLY ELECTED COUNCILMEMBER MIKE GETZ, ALSO ENCOURAGED EVERYONE TO FIND A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION TO BECOME A PART OF ONE IF THEY AREN'T ALREADY INVOLVED, COMMENTED ON THE CITIZENS UTILIZING THE 311 SERVICE,STATED IT IS AN HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE TO REPRESENT THE CITIZENS OF BEAUMONT AND TO SERVE WITH ALL OF COUNCIL COUNCILMEMBER WRIGHT - VERY PROUD OF THE STUDENTS FROM BLANCHETTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THAT TOOK PART IN THE LEADERS OF READERS PROGRAM, COMMENTED ON THE AWARDS PROGRAMS THAT SHE ATTENDED EARLIER IN THE DAY, COMPLIMENTED HER GRANDDAUGHTER, AURORA,WHO PLACED 8T" IN THE A CATEGORY IN HER CLASS COUNCILMEMBER GETZ- COMPLEMENTED COUNCILMEMBER SMITH ON GETTING HIS WIFE TO DO PRESSURE WASHING, STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION STARTED IN THE DOWLEN WEST NEIGHBORHOOD,ASKED THAT CITIZENS OF THAT AREA PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM TO SEE IF THEY CAN'T MAKE THAT HAPPEN, LOOKS FORWARD TO SERVING WITH EACH COUNCILMEMBER AND IT IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR IN BEAUMONT COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN - THANKED THE CITIZENS OF WARD I FOR RE-ELECTING HIM, LOOKS FORWARD TO SERVING THEM, ALSO ASKED THAT EVERYONE CONTINUE TO KEEP REVEREND PAM BESS ER OF WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN PRAYER Minutes—May 24,2011 CITY ATTORNEY COOPER - CONGRATULATED ALL COUNCILMEMBER'S ON BEING ELECTED CITY MANAGER HAYES - CONGRATULATED COUNCIL ON BEING ELECTED MAYOR AMES - CONGRATULATED ALL OF COUNCIL ON BEING ELECTED, LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING THE NEXT TWO YEARS Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) Nathan Cross 6420 Wilder Beaumont TX Congratulated Councilmembers-at-Large Wright and Pate, willing to work on anything that Council may need his help on, stated that he would be back in two years considering his options it could be for the City or School Board Robert Reyna 1890 Laurel Beaumont TX Stated that he is the Executive Director of the Beaumont Housing Authority, passed out information in regards to the Housing Authority, stated that after every election he likes to give an update of the Authority, he discussed a handout that was given to Council, he discussed the HOPE VI Program,the budget, challenges that the Authority will be facing this year and the cuts that will be happening, also commented on a resident that was a Valedictorian at Central Medical Magnet School that was selected by the National Organization called the Public Housing Directors Association, out of 64 applicants she was selected, the Housing Authority flew her to New Orleans Louisiana to receive her $7,500 scholarship and she is ready to go to Prairie View University Karl Duerr 5410 N. Caldwood Beaumont TX Congratulated all of Council on their being elected, special congratulations to the tax payers new Councilmember Mike Getz, ask that the City consider promoting a Police Chief within the ranks, also consider giving the tax payers a homestead exemption William Johnson 1045 Madison St. Beaumont TX Congratulated all of Council, commented on water coming up out of the street at 1035 Madison St. with a bad odor, also at 1035 Madison the City has a yard man that cuts the grass, he throws the grass into his yard through the fence when he cuts instead of keeping the grass on the property that is being cut. Open session of meeting recessed at 2:15 p.m. There being no action taken in Executive Session, Council adjourned. Minutes—May 24,2011 Audio ailable upon request in the City Clerk's Office Becky Ames, M or tl� U t l Tina Broussard, City Clerk Minutes—May 24,2011