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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUL 25 2000 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE,MAYOR Guy N.Goodson,Mayor Pro Tern Andrew P.Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J.Patterson July 25,2000 Audwin Samuel Lane Nichols,City Attorney Stephen J.Bonczek,City Manager Barbara Liming,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont,Texas,met in a regular session on July 25,2000,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 * Consent Agenda Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. The Reverend Dwight Benoit, Magnolia Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Ms. Lauren Benoit, daughter of the Reverend Benoit, led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel. Councilmember Patterson was absent (out of town). Also, present were: Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. * Presentations and Recognitions -No proclamations were issued. Mayor Moore announced that a program has been implemented to assist senior citizens during the extreme summer heat by the Public Health and Parks and Recreation Departments. He asked Ms. Sherri Ulmer, Clinical Nurse Manager for the Public Health Department, and Parks and Recreation Director Luke Jackson to explain the program. Ms. Sherri Ulmer stated that Emergency Medical Services has increasingly received more calls for heat related incidents among elderly citizens. These calls have resulted in implementation of a new program. All citizens are encouraged to systematically check on senior citizens in their family or neighborhood. If a heat related problem is suspected, they are asked to contact the Public Health Department. Health Department staff will investigate and assess the situation. If any more than cooling relief is warranted, they will assist in moving to the next level in health assistance, up to transporting them to the hospital emergency room. Ms.Ulmer explained that the Parks and Recreation Department will participate in providing daytime care at the Best Years Center from approximately 11:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. She said that the Nutrition for Seniors Program,under the supervision of Ms. Norma Crane,will assist in providing meals. Ms.Ulmer expressed a desire that the community would be aware of the program and become participants in checking on the elderly. Parks and Recreation Director Luke Jackson said his department is pleased to assist the Health Department in a time of need for the elderly. * Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items. Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular Agenda Items 3 through 5. No one wished to address these items. * Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held July 18, 2000 * Confirmation of committee appointments: Appointments: Karen Neild, Lisa Pinto, Rita Leger, David Henry, and Jackie Simien to the Drug Free Beaumont Commission for terms expiring July 24, 2002;James Boykin,Chairperson,and Wanda Grimes,Vice Chairperson,of the Drug Free Beaumont Commission for terms expiring January 1,2002. Reappointments: Catherine Lee for a term expiring October 20, 2001, Dora Nisby for a term expiring July 5, 2001, and Carol Mattingly for a term expiring March 21,2002 to the Community Development Advisory Committee-Resolution No.00- 173. A) Accept the Concord Road Pavement Widening Phase I Project, Change Order No. 1 ($108,776.29) and authorize final payment (in the amount of$132,493.93 to Hart Construction) - Resolution No. 00-174. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a secondary school in an RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District at 7999 Gladys, Suite 6, Building"G". After stating that the request for a proposed secondary school specific use permit is in an office park complex area with only one entrance and exit and expressing a desire that they find a suitable location, Councilmember Ames moved to deny an Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN AN AREA ZONED RM-H(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7999 GLADYS, SUITE 6, BUILDING"C", IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Noes: None 2. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a church in a HI(Heavy Industrial)District at 595 South Fourth Street. Minutes;July 25,2000;Page 2 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-59 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A CHURCH IN A HI (HEAVY INDUSTRIAL) DISTRICT, LOCATED AT 595 S. FOURTH STREET IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Noes: None 3. Consider a request to abandon the undeveloped 989.6' of Clemmons Avenue from south of Stedman Street to Greeves Avenue. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-60 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING 989.6' OF THE 60' CLEMMONS AVENUE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY FROM 200' SOUTH OF STEDMAN STREET TO GREEVES AVENUE,IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE RETENTION OF A GENERAL UTILITY EASEMENT. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Noes: None 4. Consider a request to abandon Estelle Street between Waverly and Westmoreland. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-61 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING THE 60' X 300' ESTELLE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN WAVERLY STREET AND WESTMORELAND AVENUE,BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS,PROVIDING FOR THE RETENTION OF A GENERAL UTILITY EASEMENT. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Noes: None 5. Consider a resolution approving notice of sale and authorizing distribution thereof for $25 million Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution 00-175. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Noes: None Minutes;July 25,2000;Page 3 OTHER BUSINESS * Report from Condrey& Associates, Inc. relating to the City's Compensation Study City Manager Bonczek said that a preliminary report of a job classification and compensation plan presentation by Condrey and Associates will be formally reviewed with Council by Mr. Stephen Condrey. Mr. Bonczek said the report will be finalized soon, and that an extensive effort has been made by Mr. Condrey to work with employees. Surveys have been completed,analyzed,and market studies have been made. The City Manager expressed pleasure with the preliminary results and said implementation will be made in the 2001 budget process. Mr. Stephen Condrey reported that the City of Beaumont has an excellent work force, and that approximately 80 percent were interviewed in the study. He said Condrey and Associates were pleasantly impressed by performances and said the City has a lean structure and provides a good value of services to citizens. Mr. Condrey said the new personnel plan will add an enhancement to the system that will help attract good, long-term employees. Mr. Condrey began his commentary by referring to Page 6 of the preliminary report and commented that the salaries in Beaumont are highly compressed. A new hire's pay is close to someone already working for the City, and that could cause morale problems. Mr. Condrey explained that four plans are outlined as shown in Exhibit "A." He suggested that on October 1, 2000, all employees receive a 2.5 percent equity adjustment. This adjustment is shown in all four plans as Equity Adjustment - Phase 1. Equity Adjustment- Phase 2 in Plan A and Plan C provides for employees with seven or more years of employment as of September 30, 2000 to receive an additional 2.5 percent for an approximate cost of$250,000, or 1.1 percent, if implemented January 1, 2001. If implemented April 1, 2001, there would be a .7 of one percent cost. Mr. Condrey stated that new classification plan costs about $900,000 to implement. Waiting to implement the plan until July 1,2001,the cost would be about$226,000. He said that Plan A and Plan B use that implementation date and urged consideration of that fact in making a determination. Plan C and Plan D delay that implementation until October 1, 2001. If funds are available, Mr. Condrey recommended either Plan A or Plan B. Mr. Condrey asked that Council perceive these increases as an investment in City employees, remarked that often much more is requested in other capital improvements,such as buildings or equipment,and said this plan should last for ten years. He said a lot of impact will be received for the money spent. Mayor Moore addressed retention of good employees avoiding additional training expenses and enhances response time and a tremendous savings to the City on a long term basis. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson clarified that this is not a reorganization plan, and Mr. Condrey explained that jobs duties were verified,a comparison was made with the public,labor market,and a salary scale was established. There is no reorganization,no new positions,but there is abetter pay system. Some positions have changed in classification. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson confirmed with the City Manager that cost savings have been affected in the budget in not filling positions and maintaining the current level of employment. The City Manager substantiated that continued opportunities to not fill positions is being considered with a result that employees are performing at a higher level of productivity. He said there are less employees doing the same or more work, and they should be compensated. Mr. Bonczek stated that Minutes;July 25,2000;Page 4 the basic philosophy is"employees first." When we give them the resources to be successful, good things will happen, and fair compensation is a critical component. Mr. Condrey interjected that"fair" is the key. The City of Beaumont will not be the highest paying employer in this plan, but will be competitive. He said the system is fair to employees and fair to taxpayers. Mayor Moore pointed out that the report greatly benefits craft employees and voiced his interpretation that this is the area with the most disparity. Mr.Condrey explained that there are twenty-seven pay grades,and said the major impact is for grades five through sixteen,which is the starting point for entry level for professional positions. He estimated that at the lower end of the scale where there is a lot of turnover among maintenance workers, equipment operators, and clerical workers,about ninety percent of the money will be directed in that area. In looking at the General Fund cost, Mr. Condrey told Council that the cost of any of the plans is less than three quarters of a million dollars,with the highest being $740,000 and the lowest being $521,000 to the General Fund. Whichever plan is chosen, Mr. Condrey said he will be available for the implementation process. The City Manager reported that the study is being finalized, getting Council input, and determining how to incorporate the plan into the budget. He said the plan will be phased in over two years and feel optimistic toward presenting to Council implementation of the plan in the 2001 fiscal budget. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Samuel reported having a great time at the opening of the American Fast Pitch tournament,said a lot of excited kids were at the Athletic Complex,and there is a lot of activity in the city associated with the tournament. He commended City staff for the support given to make the event a success. Councilmember Samuel commented that he would like the City Manager to consider moving forward with establishment of a Sports Commission in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department, requested that City staff ask contractors to place steel covers on the street at the end of the day and on weekends in major street construction areas such as those on Magnolia and Pine Street because of the deep potholes that are developing. Also,Councilmember Samuel expressed concerns about the audio of the video recordings of Council meetings and suggested further inquiry into a solution, and announced that a Ward III meeting will be held Thursday at the Willard Library with a budget overview presentation by City staff. Councilmember Ames welcomed the ASA girls softball tournament, said there are more than 100 teams from all over the United States participating, and encouraged support by attending the games. She complimented Parks and Recreation staff for the condition of the fields and said she has received favorable comments about the support received from Parks and Recreation and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Councilmember Ames commented about the economic impact for Beaumont because of this great event. Councilmember Cokinos added his congratulations to ASA. Minutes;July 25,2000;Page 5 Mayor Pro Tern Goodson thanked Parks and Recreation Director Luke Jackson for doing a wonderful job preparing for the tournament and proposed that the budget meeting in Ward II be held at the ACORN Neighborhood Association meeting August 7, if that date fits with Council schedules. Councilmember Smith added comments about the morning events at the tournament, also congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department and Convention and Visitors Bureau,and reported that she spoke with coaches and parents who expressed excitement and high praise for the Athletic Complex facility. Councilmember Smith thanked EMS for their presence and Beaumont Bone and Joint who have established a staffed clinic at the site to be available for any health incident that might occur. Parents stated they like the tournament to come to Beaumont because the girls will receive good medical attention, if needed. She spoke of this being a collaborative community effort. Councilmember Smith further emphasized that the secondary school is much wanted,but not in the area where requested. She said that is not a safe area for a school. The bus stop is across the street from the location,and children would have difficulty crossing Gladys Avenue. The ingress and egress into the complex is too narrow for turning. Councilmember Smith stressed that it would not be wise for the academy to locate into the building on Gladys Avenue and the decision was not based on politics. Mayor Moore pointed out that the AFA tournament has become a regional effort with those outside Beaumont wanting to be part of the occasion,and said it is good that visitors and promoters both give accolades to City departments for their hospitality and work efforts. Mayor Moore relayed his appreciation for the efforts of Dr. Barbee and staff from Beaumont Bone and Joint in creating a safer tournament atmosphere, complimented the quality of the tournament, and stated that friendliness of citizens is an important factor in the AFA wanting to return to Beaumont. He addressed the economic impact and the opportunity to showcase Beaumont. Also, Mayor Moore reported that he welcomed about 500 educators to Beaumont on Monday morning for their state convention, thanked Sherri Ulmer and Luke Jackson again for participating in the heat advisory program for senior citizens and elaborated on the program's intent, and thanked employees for their input and assistance in the comprehensive study by Condrey and Associates. * City Manager's Reports - Spindletop 2001, Clean City 2000, Beaumont/Port Arthur Bus Service, Weed and Seed Program, Railroad Horn Noise Control and Current and Future Projects The City Manager briefly highlighted about the Beaumont/Port Arthur bus link using existing resources of equipment and personnel and stopping at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport. He reported on the Weed and Seed program and working with the Charlton Pollard neighborhood and Mr. Raymond Chaisson,truancy abatement and major drug investigations. Mr. Bonczek said the City of Beaumont received State of Texas honors issued through Governor Bush and the Texas National Resource Conservation Commission as a Clean City 2000 for outstanding efforts in environmental protection and pollution prevention. Clean Community Director John Labrie and Public Works Director Tom Warner and their staffs also were recognized for successfully performing their responsibilities in Public Works and Solid Waste. He informed Council that he is working with the Legal Department staff to address train noise and enforcement as a result of information provided by a citizen,Richard Bennett. Lastly,Mr.Bonczek reviewed his day working with Parks and Recreation maintenance crew members, Rosalie Babin, Tony LaSalle, and Jimmy Hubbard. Mayor Moore again encouraged citizen attendance at the ASA tournament games. The championship game will be played Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Minutes;July 25,2000;Page 6 * Public Comment (Persons are limited to three(3) minutes) Ms.Kathryn Hyde and Ms.Rachel Hyde addressed Council to relate their working relationships in the City of Beaumont and to ask for assistance regarding an eviction notice received from the residence at 655 Lee Street. EXECUTIVE SESSION * Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Christ Community Church, Paul and Carol Gertz v. City of Beaumont There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 2:27 p.m. David Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerl Minutes;July 25,2000;Page 7 Table III Cost of Implementation Beaumont Personnel Project Equity Equity Classification Total Fiscal Total Fiscal Year Total Fiscal Adjustment- Adjustment- Changes' Year Cost- Cost- General Year Cost- Phase 1' Phase 2' All Funds' Funds Other Funds" Plan A $571,913 $259,040 $226,869 $1,057,822 $740,475 $317,347 (2.5%) (1.1%) (0.9%) (4.6%) Plan B $571,913 $172,693 $226,869 $971,475 $680,033 $291,442 (2.5%) (0.7%) (0.9%) (4.2%) Plan C $571,913 $259,040 $830,953 $581,667 $249,286 (2.5%) (1.1%) (3.5%) Plan D $571,913 $172,693 $744,606 $521,224 $223,382 (2.5%) (0.7%) (3.1%) 'Implemented October 1,2000 for all four plans. Based on current payroll cost of$22,876;501.This equity adjustment is applied to all employee salaries. 21MPlemented January 1,2001 under Plans A and C;April 1,2001 under Plans B and D. The annualized cost of the equity adjustment is$345,386(1.47%of adjusted payroll cost of$23,488,414). This equity adjustment is applied to employees with seven(7)or more years of service as of September 30,2000. 3Implemented July 1,2001 for Plans A and B. Based on adjusted payroll cost of$23,793,800. This figure represents 2.5%of the$907,477 implementation cost detailed on page 7. Plans C and D delay implementation until the next fiscal year. 4Total fiscal year cost resulting in an approximate revised payroll total of$24,701,276 for Plans A and B; $23,793,799 for Plans C and D. SApproximately 70%of total cost. "Approximately 30%of total cost. EXHIBIT "A"