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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JAN 13 2009 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT W.L. Pate,Jr.,At-Large BECKY AMES, MAYOR Gethrel Williams-Wright,At-Large Dr. Alan B. Coleman,Ward I CITY COUNCIL MEETING Nancy Beaulieu,Ward II Audwin Samuel, Mayor Pro Tem,Ward III January 13, 2009 Jamie Smith,Ward IV Tyrone E. Cooper, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Tina Broussard, City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on January 13, 2009, 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 1-12/Consent Agenda Consent Agenda Mayor Ames called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Reverend James Blackwell of South Park Baptist Church gave the invocation. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Stephanie Gandy, Deputy City Clerk. Present at the meeting were Mayor Ames, Mayor Pro Tern Samuel, Councilmembers Coleman, Beaulieu, Wright, Pate and Smith. Absent: Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Also present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney; Stephanie Gandy, Deputy City Clerk. Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions "School Board Recognition Month" - January 2009 - Proclamation read by Councilmember Wright; accepted by Martha Hicks, BISD School Board member Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-12/Consent Agenda. None CONSENT AGENDA Approval of minutes - December 23, 2008 Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution 09 - 001 George Crawford would be reappointed to the Convention and Tourism Advisory Board. The current term would expire October 14, 2010. (Councilmember Nancy Beaulieu). A) Approve the purchase and installation of security surveillance systems for the Police Department - Resolution 09 - 002 Minutes-January 13,2009 B) Approve a contract for ready-mix concrete and cement stabilized base for use by the Water Utilities and Public Works Departments - Resolution 09 - 003 C) Approve the purchase of five (5) powered ambulance stretchers - Resolution 09 - 004 D) Accept payment and authorize the release of weed liens against property described as Pennock Potts Addition Lot 12 Block A, or 2590 Potts Street, Beaumont, Texas - Resolution 09 - 005 Mayor Pro Tern Samuel made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Mayor Ames read the announcement regarding Executive Session being held at the conclusion of the General Business portion of the meeting. GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider amending Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances - Alcoholic Beverages. Administration recommended approval of the amendments proposed for Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances. In 2007, Senate Bill 1217 amended Sections 11.09 and 61.03 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code to allow the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to issue a license or permit for a period of two years. The TABC Administrative Rules have been updated to reflect this statutory requirement. Consequently, the commission will double the amount of fees and surcharges established for each license or permit and implement the change in phases. The phase implemented on January 1, 2009 will affect permits that the City requires according to Chapter 3 of the Code of Ordinances. According to Section 3-3, fees are to be paid in advance for one year for each place of business. This section must be updated such that fees are paid every two years. Councilmember Wright moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 3, SECTIONS 3-3 AND 3-4 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE Page 2 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 MOTION PASSED Ordinance 09 - 001 2. Consider amending Chapter 26 Traffic, Article IV Parades of the Code of Ordinances. Administration recommended approval of amending Chapter 26 relating to Parades. Language would be added to state that parades sponsored or co-sponsored by the City of Beaumont, as determined by the City Manager, will not be subject to permit fees or the reimbursement of police costs and cleanup expenses. Examples of city sponsored or co- sponsored parades presently include the Christmas Parade, MLK Parade and Neches River Parade. Also, language will be added relating to applications for a street or block closure. Approval of closures will be limited to non-commercial and/or civic events. Residential streets will not be allowed to be closed or blocked if access or egress to or from privately owned residential property would be adversely affected. Councilmember Pate made a motion to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26,ARTICLE IV, PARADES, SECTIONS 26-90 AND 26-93,AND SUBSECTIONS 26-94(b), (C) AND (d), AND 26-95(a) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Ordinance 09 - 002 3. Consider approving a contract for renovations to the Athletic Complex. Administration recommended the award of a bid to Bruce's General Construction of Beaumont in the amount of$2,200,000 and the execution of Change Order No. 1 reducing the project cost by $550,000 or 25%. The project included renovating baseball Complexes 1,2 and 4. Scheduled improvements included a new accessible restroom facility to service Complexes 1 and 2, new steel canopies structurally designed to complywith current windstorm codes, new covered patios with a score keepers bench for Complexes 1 and 2, and the installation of safety netting. Complex 3 was not scheduled for renovation at this time. Due to the cost of steel and the amount of steel required to construct the canopies for all three (3)complexes, the bids exceeded the budgeted funds in the Capital Program. Staff reviewed the design with the apparent low bidder and the architect, Dohn Labiche, to determine if the project could be modified and costs reduced. It was determined that a Page 3 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 complete renovation of Complex 1 and partial renovations of Complex 2 and 4 could be achieved within available funding. The new accessible restroom facility will be constructed adjacent to Complex 2. New structural steel canopies will be constructed over the bleachers and dugouts at Complex 1, 2 and 4. Bruce's General Construction is a certified Minority Business Enterprise company. The project will commence in February and be completed in October 2009. Funds for this project will be provided by Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and the Capital Program. Funding for Complex 4 will be provided by FEMA. Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THATTHE BID SUBMITTED BY BRUCE'S GENERAL CONSTRUCTION, BEAUMONT, TEXAS, FOR A CONTRACT TO FURNISH ALL LABOR,MATERIALS,AND EQUIPMENT TO RENOVATE THE ATHLETIC COMPLEX ON LANGHAM ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,200,000 BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 006 4. Consider approving the purchase of patrol vehicles for use in the Police Department. Administration recommended approval of the purchase of twenty-two (22) patrol vehicles from Philpott Motors of Nederland, Texas in the amount of$575,262. Pricing forthis purchase is obtained through the Houston-Galveston Area Council(H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program. H-GAC is a cooperative purchasing association providing cities and political subdivisions with the means to purchase specialized equipment at volume pricing. All twenty-two (22) patrol vehicles requested will replace units that are used in daily operations by the Patrol Division. The vehicles to be replaced are on a scheduled replacement cycle in order to keep serviceable vehicles available at all times. The new vehicles are 2009 Ford Crown Victorias with the police package. Delivery is expected within ninety (90) days. Funds are budgeted in the Capital Reserve Fund. Councilmember Pate made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE, AND HE IS HEREBY, AUTHORIZED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF TWENTY-TWO (22) PATROL VEHICLES FROM PHILPOTT MOTORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $575,262 THROUGH THE HOUSTON- Page 4 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 GALVESTON AREACOUNCIL(HGAC)COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR USE BYTHE POLICE DEPARTMENT. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 007 5. Consider approving the purchase of a Pierce pumper truck for use in the Fire Department. Administration recommended approval of the purchase from Martin Apparatus, Inc. of Houston, Texas in the amount of$494,849. Pricing for this fire truck is obtained through the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The truck specified includes a 1,500 gallon per minute pump for pumping water and foam, a 750 gallon water tank, a fifty (50) gallon foam tank, and an injected foam system. This truck will replace unit 7094, a 1993 KME pumper, and will be placed into service at Fire Station No. 11., located at 2815 Sabine Pass. Delivery time for the new truck will be approximately eight (8) to nine (9) months. Funds are budgeted in the Capital Reserve Fund. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE, AND HE IS HEREBY, AUTHORIZED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A PIERCE PUMPER TRUCK FROM MARTIN APPARATUS, INC., OF HOUSTON, TEXAS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $494,849 THROUGH THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL(HGAC)COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR USE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 008 6. Consider approving the purchase of fleet vehicles for use in various departments. Administration recommended approval of the purchase of vehicles from Caldwell Country Chevrolet of Caldwell, Texas in the amount of$126,593. Pricing forthis purchase is obtained through the Houston-Galveston Area Council(H-GAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program. Page 5 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 Replacement vehicles and additions to the fleet are requested through the City's budget process. The Fleet Superintendent reviews the requests and evaluates the vehicles to be replaced. Based on this evaluation, a recommendation is made to replace worn and obsolete vehicles that are no longer cost effective to operate. All four (4) vehicles to be purchased are replacing models ranging from 1997 to 2001. The age and mileage of the older sport utility vehicles render them unfit for continued services. The vehicles will be disposed of according to the City's surplus property disposal policies. Funds are budgeted in the Capital Reserve Fund. Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE, AND HE IS HEREBY, AUTHORIZED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF FLEET VEHICLES FROM CALDWELL COUNTRY CHEVROLET OF CALDWELL, TEXAS, THROUGH THE HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL (HGAC) COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $126,593. Councilmember Wright seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 009 7. Consider approving a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal purchase agreement for the purchase of traffic signal equipment. Administration recommended approval of an inter-local purchase agreement with the City of Temple for the purchase of traffic signal equipment. Currently, radar and/or microwave vehicle detection is specified in several ongoing roadway improvement projects throughout the City. Radar and microwave detection is not applicable for applications requiring presence or static vehicle detection and will result in inefficient traffic signal operation. This inter-local agreement will allow staff to quickly purchase vehicle detection equipment capable of presence detection equipment and will be integrated into on-going roadway improvement projects. Funds for the purchase of this equipment are included in the Capital Improvement Program. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE AN INTERLOCAL PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF TEMPLE,TEXAS,WHICH WOULD ALLOW PARTICIPATION IN A CONTRACT WITH NAZTEC, INC.,FOR THE PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL EQUIPMENT. Council member Coleman seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE Page 6 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 010 8. Consider approving an energy savings performance contract. Administration recommended the award of a performance contract to Johnson Controls of Houston, TX. An energy performance contract will provide information on the implementation of energy savings measures at various locations in the City. The Contractor would assess the City's buildings for energy savings measures in areas such as heating, air conditioning and lighting. After this assessment, a detailed report will be provided to the City listing the suggested areas of improvement and the potential cost as well as savings associated with the improvements. Requests for quote were solicited for an energy savings performance contract. Respondents were requested to provide qualifications as to the experience of the company and of the individuals that would be assigned to the project in addition to providing examples of that experience. A panel of City representatives reviewed the qualifications of each response. Johnson Control received the highest rating. There is no fee for the initial assessment of energy savings measures. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY APPROVES THE AWARD OF AN ENERGY SAVINGS PERFORMANCE CONTRACT TO JOHNSON CONTROLS OF HOUSTON, TEXAS, FOR AN ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY SAVINGS MEASURES FOR VARIOUS CITY BUILDINGS. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU, WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 011 9. Consider approving a contract for reconstruction of a home damaged by Hurricane Rita. Administration recommended the award of a contract to J.W. Turner Construction of Tomball, Texas for$86,900 for the reconstruction of 2426 Emile. The Housing Division of the Community Development Department identifies single family homes that are eligible for federal grant funding allocated to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs(TDHCA) Disaster Program from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to remediate the unmet housing needs of Beaumont residents resulting from Hurricane Rita. Page 7 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 Funding will be provided by a federal grant from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Disaster Recovery Program which requires no matching funds from the City. Councilmember Wright made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY J. W. TURNER CONSTRUCTION OF TOMBALL, TEXAS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,900 FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION OF ONE(1)OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNIT LOCATED AT2426 EMILE BEACCEPTED BYTHE CITYOF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 012 10. Consider approving the purchase of excess workers' compensation insurance. Administration recommended the approval of the purchase from McGriff, Seibels and Williams of Dallas in the estimated annual amount of$81,500. The City is self-insured for its workers' compensation program. The excess insurance coverage limits the City's liability for claims from anyone job-related accident or injury. The City's liability is called Self Insured Retention (SIR),which means the insurance carrierwill cover all costs incurred on any individual claim of more than $500,000 up to any amount authorized by statute. Our current policy is with Star Insurance Company, which is managed by McGriff, Seibels and Williams. The annual premium for the calendar year of 2008 was$82,600. Approximately 1,240 full-time employees and 300 part-time,temporary and/or casual employees are covered by workers' compensation. This policy is for one (1) year, with an option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods at the same guaranteed rate. Based on the 2009 projected payroll of$66,047,175, the annual premium for the first year is $81,500. The estimated annual premium for the following two years will be based on a rate of .121634 per$100 of payroll. Funds are budgeted in the Employee Benefits Fund. Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY MCGRIFF,SEIBELS AND WILLIAMS, REPRESENTING STAR INSURANCE COMPANY,FOR A POLICY FOR EXCESS WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Wright seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE Page 8 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 013 11. Consider approving the purchase of an automated valve operator for use by the Water Utilities Department. Administration recommended the approval of the purchase from E.H. Wachs Company of Lincolnshire, Illinois in the amount of $63,394.01. Pricing for the automated valve operator machine was obtained through the Buy Board cooperative purchasing program. Buy Board complies with the State of Texas procurement statutes. The Water Utilities Department has installed approximately eight-thousand (8000) water valves in many locations in the City to facilitate minimal disruption if the water service should require repairs. The automated valve testing machine will be used to clean and work all water valves. This machine is mounted on a trailer and is equipped with a hydraulic arm, vacuum system, global positioning device and software. The vacuum system of the machine will allow a single operator to clean water and debris from the area around the valve. The software will allow the hydraulic arm to work the valve by opening and closing while minimizing damage. The software also interacts with the global positioning device to track the time and date that the valve was last tested and provides a report so the valves can be tested on a regular basis. The Water Utilities Department does not currently have this type of equipment. Funds are budgeted in the Water Fund. Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF AN AUTOMATED VALVE OPERATOR FROM E. H. WACHS COMPANY OF LINCOLNSHIRE, ILLINOIS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,394.01 THROUGH BUY BOARD, A COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM, FOR USE BY THE WATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 014 12. Consider approving a contract for collection agency services. Administration recommended the award of an annual contract to Municipal Services Bureau of Austin, Texas. The Cash Management Division bills and collects fees for demolition, litter and weed abatements,landfill usage,water utilities, building code permits,damages to City property, Page 9 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 and emergency medical services (EMS). Customers are billed at the time of service with subsequent statements sent at 30, 60 and 90 day intervals. Upon exhaustion of the City's collection efforts, accounts in excess of 120 days past due are considered delinquent and forwarded to a collection agency. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, the City accrued $2,808,219 in delinquent accounts. Bidders were requested to submit separate commission rates for miscellaneous accounts and EMS accounts. Municipal Services Bureau ranked the highest as it offers the City the most advantageous combination of services, experience, and cost. Municipal Services Bureau has seventeen (17)years of experience and offers a full range of automated services for both EMS and miscellaneous services collections. The previous contract holder does not accept credit card payments and staff believes that collections could increase with a company that can take payments in a variety of ways. Payment is strictly on a commission contingent basis and there is no cost to the City until funds have been collected. The previous contract included a 21% commission rate. Municipal Services Bureau will charge a 19.5% commission rate. Councilmember Wright made a motion to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUREAU OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, FOR AN ANNUAL CONTRACT TO PROVIDE COLLECTION AGENCY SERVICES FOR THE CASH MANAGEMENT DIVISION AT 19.5% COMMISSION FOR BOTH MISCELLANEOUS AND EMS ACCOUNTS BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN, BEAULIEU,WRIGHT, PATE AND SMITH NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Resolution 09 - 015 COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN - WISHED EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR, EXPRESSED SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF .JIM TERRY ON HIS UNEXPECTED PASSING, COMMENTED ON THE NEW WATER BILLS COUNCILMEMBER BEAULIEU - GLAD TO BE BACK, JOINED WITH COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN HER SYMPATHIES TO THE TERRY FAMILY AND ALSO TO THE FAMILY OF RETIRED POLICE CHIEF GEORGE SCHULDT COUNCILMEMBER WRIGHT- HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL, EXPRESSED CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF .JIM TERRY, STREETS AND DRAINAGE SUPERINTENDENT, DISCUSSED THE NEED TO EXPAND TRANSITSERVICES Page 10 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 FOR SENIOR CITIZENS,REQUESTED A WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM, THANKED MAYOR AMES FOR HER PRESENTATION AT THE OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING COUNCILMEMBER PATE - OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE SCHULDT FAMILY AND ALSO TO THE TERRY FAMILY, COMMENTED ON WHAT A GREAT AMBASSADOR TO THE CITY JIM TERRY WAS AND WHAT A GREAT LOSS IT IS TO THE CITY WITH HIS PASSING MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL - EXPRESSED SYMPATHIES TO THE SCHULDT AND TERRY FAMILIES, ATTENDED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUEOF CITIES,PLEASED WITH THE WAY THE CITY MANAGER AND STAFF KEEP BEAUMONT IN SUCH A POSITIVE POSITION AS COMPARED TO OTHER CITIES, SPOKE ABOUT SOME OF THE MANY TOPICS THAT CITY LEADERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY DISCUSSED, WAS PLEASED THAT, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 8 YEARS, THERE WERE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE INCOMING ADMINISTRATION IN ATTENDANCE, COMMENTED ON THE MANY EXCITING IMPLEMENTATIONS EXPECTED IN THE COMING YEAR, ANNOUNCED THAT HE WOULD BE ATTENDING THE INAUGURATION IN WASHINGTON D.C. AND WOULD BE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION, PLEASED THAT THE NEW PARK WOULD BE INCLUDED IN CELEBRATION EVENTS, ASKED FOR A REPORT FROM STAFF ON THE RUMORED CHANGES TO THE MAGNOLIA PARK SWIMMING POOL COUNCILMEMBER SMITH - WISHED EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR, EXPRESSED CONDOLENCES TO THE SCHULDT, TERRY AND FUSELIER FAMILIES, ANNOUNCED A JOINT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND TYRRELL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING ON JANUARY 15,2009 AT THEODORE JOHNS LIBRARY, THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARADE WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 STARTING AT 9:00 A.M., A PROGRAM AFTERWARDS AT MLK MIDDLE SCHOOL AND A WREATH LAYING CEREMONY ATTHE MARTIN LUTHER KING,JR.MEMORIAL PARK AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 P.M., ENCOURAGED EVERYONE TO ATTEND CITY ATTORNEY COOPER- HAPPY NEW YEAR Page 11 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 CITY MANAGER HAYES - NONE MAYOR AMES - COMMENTED ON HER ATTENDANCE OF THE OAKS HISTORIC DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING AND ANNOUNCED THEIR CLEANUP BEING HELD ON SUNDAY,JANUARY 18,2009 AT 1:30 P.M., EVERYONE IS INVITED TO COME OUT AND MEET AT THE STRIP CENTER AT 7T" STREET AND IH-10, THINKS IT'S A GREAT THING THAT ALL THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS ARE DOING CLEANUPS AND HOPES TO GET BUSINESSES TO JOIN IN, COMMENTED ON THE NEED TO ADDRESS VEHICLES WITH TRASH FLYING OUT AS THEY GO DOWN THE ROADS, EXTENDED HER CONDOLENCES TO THE SCHULDT FAMILYAND TO THE FAMILY OF JIM TERRY,ANNOUNCED HER ATTENDANCE AT THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS IN WASHINGTON D.C., SPOKE ON THE PLANNED ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE BEING INTRODUCED BY CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA AND THE VARIOUS PROGRAMS THAT IT WILL FUND, MENTIONED HAVING ALREADY SUBMITTED SOME PROGRAMS SO AS TO BE READY WHEN FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE SUCH AS THE AMTRAK STOP, REINVESTMENT ZONE HOUSING, PUBLIC SAFETY,PARKING AND OTHERS,STATED SHE WOULD BE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION BUT THAT COUNCILMEMBER WRIGHT WOULD ATTEND IN HER PLACE Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) Warren Haynes 4355 Arthur Beaumont, TX Unhappy about the City cutting the grass on property he owns in the North end in December Willard Hall 278 Pearl Beaumont, TX Addressed Council regarding the street in front of his business being closed with no notice, displeased that none of the construction workers could speak English, recommended that the City only hire Americans Minister Jordan Burton Jr. 1830 Fairway St. Beaumont, TX Expressed his appreciation for the progress in the downtown area, commented on his inner-city ministry's work by having homeless and indigent individuals volunteer their time and efforts to serve meals to home-bound senior citizens in the area Page 12 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009 Carl Mason 460 E. Delaware Beaumont, TX Inquired as to the progress on buying out the homes that were flooded during Hurricane Ike, stated that many of the residents are elderly and do not have the available funds to do the necessary repairs to their homes Jennie Simon 4530 Goliad St. Beaumont, TX Spoke about the drainage problems at her home, asked if the City could look into the problem, also addressed an issue regarding a right-of-way for a piece of property she wishes to sell Bruce Hoffer 2615 Gladys Beaumont, TX Wished everyone a Happy New Year, hopes the Calder Avenue Project does not disrupt his business too much, stated that the spring soccer season is coming up which means prepping the fields, commented on the recent Kelly High School soccer tournament and that the Port Neches girls soccer team would be hosting a tournament soon, mentioned the upcoming construction of an indoor soccer arena at the Chris Quinn Complex, asked that one of the new traffic sensor lights be installed at Major and Dishman, encouraged everyone to come out and participate in soccer Open session of meeting recessed at 2:55 p.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Tina Lewallen vs. the City of Beaumont Entergy Texas street lighting billing charges There being no action taken in Executive Session, Council adjourned. Audio available upon request in the City Clerk's Office. 1 � Becky Ames, ayor � 1t1 Step anie Gandy, b4uty City Jerk Page 13 of 13 Minutes-January 13,2009