HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 30 2000 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT
Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Guy N.Goodson,Mayor Pro Tem
Andrew P.Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames
Bobbie J.Patterson May 30,2000 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 May 30, 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 Pro Tem Goodson called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The Reverend Charles Nevills,
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Councilmember Cokinos, led the pledge of
allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Pro Tem-Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames,
Samuel, and Patterson. Mayor Moore absent. Also present were: Stephen J. Bonczek, City
Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Rebecca A. Hoge, Deputy City Clerk.
*Presentations and Recognitions -Two presentations were made: A presentation was made by Ms.
Beverly Noland, Principal of Ozen High School, LaDonna Sherwood, Erica Domes, and Henry
Lamp members of the Ozen Magnet Choir for the "Benefit Basketball Game" with proceeds
benefitting the choir, a trophy for being the "Most Valuable Person" was presented to Mr. Earl
Wright, of the Fire Department, for all his help. The second presentation made by Kathleen
Jackson for the "Adopt-A-Street Participation Agreements Signing" to Red Lobster (signed
by Councilmember Smith and Mayor Pro Tem Goodson) and Educare (signed by Councilmember
Patterson). Other organizations recognized for their contributions to the community are to
Crenshaw Enterprises, Hibernia Bank, Exxon Mobil, Entergy, and Service Painting all receiving the
"Pride in Beaumont Awards" The "Traveling Trophy Award" to the business in the community that
presented itself in improving the business environment in Beaumont was reissued and awarded
to Entergy with Greg Shepherd accepting the award.
*Public Comment: Persons may speak on items listed on the Consent Agenda
No one wished to address these items.
* Consent Agenda
* Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held May 23, 2000.
* Confirmation of committee appointments: Appointments: Elaine Madole, Katie Durio, and
Marion Tanner, Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, for terms
Photographs taken after the public hearing and photographs taken today before the council
meeting of the 6640 Concord Road site were distributed for council's to view.
Councilmember Smith remarked council should look at this very carefully, the owner has not
cleaned up the site--just moved the debris to the back of the property, expressed she
believed this would continue to be an eyesore, a fence would not block the view completely
as the trucks were taller than the fence, said this site was one of four unsightly areas on
Concord Road, and stated we do not need to create another unsightly area on Concord
Road.
Councilmember Samuel asked if the owner was requested to remove the debris from the
location. Mr. Stephen Richardson, Planning Director, answered this was not a condition
of approval from the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Ames remarked the conditions were a fence and landscaping.
Councilmember Smith moved to DENY an Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND 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 RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT TO GC-MD-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2)
DISTRICT LOCATED AT 6640 CONCORD ROAD,BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY and an Ordinance
ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A TREE CUTTING SERVICE
IN A GC-MD-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 6640
CONCORD ROAD, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember
Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames,
Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
2. Consider an ordinance amending Section 28-50, Water Service Rates and Section 28-51,
Sanitary Sewer Service Rates
Councilmember Samuel asked City Manager Bonczek to inform the general public on what
options were available to remedy the aging infrastructures water and sewer lines, and meet
the criteria set by the Federal Government with out increasing water fees.
City Manager Bonczek stated the only other financing mechanism would a substantial tax
increase. He said it would be troublesome to take a public business and subsidize it with
tax payer's money rather than rate payer's money. He spoke of not having a rate increase
since 1992, of Beaumont having one of the lowest water rates in comparison to other cities
in Texas, and remarked even after the proposed 30 percent rate increase Beaumont's rates
would still be among the lowest. He said in a business providing specific services it was
appropriate those who receive the service help pay the cost to improve, upgrade, and
maintain that business.
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 3
Councilmember Ames remarked the biggest issue was not to improve the structure, said
many of the improvements must take place between 2002 and 2005 to meet new state and
federal unfunded mandates, and that we have to pay for them from somewhere.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson commented it was difficult to ask citizens to continue to pay rate
increases when in the planning process they could have started with rate increases five
years ago and tiered the increase in. He said no one on council was happy to ask the rate
payers to pay a 30 percent increase, and then an additional increase over the next couple
of years closer to 4 percent. He remarked it was necessary for the improvements to begin
now to meet federal unfunded mandates statutes, and said it was their goal to run the most
efficient water and sewer departments praising the past and present water administration.
He stated the water and sewer system are user charges, and it would not be appropriate to
make this a tax increase.
Councilmember Smith remarked we would have had to raise the rates considerably if it had
not been for the prisons coming on line. She spoke of the industrial contracts bringing city
water services out to the Mid-County area which gave us the capacity for the prisons, said
at that time we were do a 15 percent rate increase, and stated we were able to do all this
with out raising rates. She said we have been very fortunate in not having a rate increase,
and the water funds are enterprise funds that must pay for themselves.
Councilmember Ames asked what does this 30 percent increase come up to in a dollar
amount for the citizens.
Mr. Joe Majdalani of the Water Department said this increase would equal about a $5.00
to $10.00 increase per month.
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-45 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 28,SECTIONS 28-50(A)AND 28-51,OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCREASE
WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES EFFECTIVE JULY 1 IN THE YEARS 2000, 2001, 2002 AND 2003;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY.
Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames,
Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
3. Consider an ordinance amending Section 28-52, relating to the payment of utility charges
and deposits
Councilmember Patterson asked for examples of some of the changes that were to be made
in addition to the ones read changing the current ordinance, and asked if these changes
would change the ordinance presented today.
City Manager Bonczek referred to the attachment of the current ordinance from the Code
of Ordinance, Sec. 28-52, changing "water department or its authorized representatives,"
to "City of Beaumont," "Director of Water Utilities" to "Finance Officer," and referred to other
changes as marked on Attachment A. The ordinance presented today covers the major
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 4
changes in the fees, he said they were looking to establish a 60 day notice of cutoff rather
than 90 day.
Councilmember Patterson stated these minor changes must be included in the ordinance
and are not. She requested for clarification on when the field collection fee changed (that
field collectors can no longer except money from citizens) and had the citizens been made
aware of this change.
City Attorney Lane Nichols said the changes were not in the ordinance and they would
amend the ordinance accordingly.
Public Works Director Tom Warner said the field collections stopped in October 1,1999.
Councilmember Patterson asked if this change had to go before council for approval or was
it an administrative decision, and was there any notification to citizens (in their water bill) to
inform them of this change. City Manager Bonczek said it was an administrative decision,
and only the citizens who were not paying their water bill were notified of this change.
Councilmember Patterson stated everyone needs to be aware of this change. City Manager
Bonczek said they would send out notification of this policy change.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson remarked the late payment fee was not to generate new revenue,
but to offset some of the cost incurred in this department for trying to take care of those who
do not pay on time. He agreed our citizens must be made aware of changes whenever
they are made, and hoped this would be an incentive to citizens who continually fall behind
in their payments.
Councilmember Patterson asked how soon would a citizens services be restored after they
make payment. City Manager Bonczek answered services would be turned on the next day.
Councilmember Ames moved to approve as amended Ordinance No. 00-46 ENTITLED AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 28,SECTION 28-52,OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE
PAYMENT OF UTILITY CHARGES AND DEPOSITS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2000; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames,
Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
4. Consider a request to adopt "20 year any age" retirement with Texas Municipal Retirement
system (TMRS) with a one-time medical benefit incentive for all employees except Fire
City Manager Bonczek said adopting the "20 year any age" would improve employee morale,
help attract qualified personnel, free up vacancies we may or may not fill, and offer
promotional opportunities. He stated the cost of this benefit on an annual basis is about
$67,000 with a cost to the general fund of $51,000.
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 5
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 00-136 authorizing the adoption
of "20 year any age" retirement with Texas Municipal Retirement System (one-time medical
incentive of 50% payment of retiree's health insurance rate for one year for employees
giving notice of retirement to City between July 1, 2000 and September 30, 2000 of their
intent to retire between October 1, 2000 and January 31, 2001, for all employees except
Fire). Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames,
Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
OTHER BUSINESS
COMMENTS
* Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes), Mayor Pro Tem Goodson
moved "Public Comment" first in COMMENTS to allow all citizens in attendance time to
speak
Mr. Charles Johnson, 5735 Derby Lane, representing New Life Tabernacle, addressed
Council and spoke of his concerns regarding the proposed HUD Housing project on Highway
105. He spoke of past issues regarding HUD housing in 1995, the petitions from the
community, community response, legal council, private citizen meetings, and presented a
petition which he gave to the Deputy City Clerk. He stated the current situation was:
residences and the church were not informed of the Beaumont Housing Authority's action
that was held Monday night, they were not allowed to have the minutes of the meeting, nor
were they allowed to speak to the representatives, Director, or the Board of Commissioners
per Ms. Ruffin of the Housing Authority. He spoke of Ms. Ruffin's unprofessional conduct.
He spoke of his meeting with Mr. Joe James of the Beaumont Housing Authority and Mayor
Moore last night, and it was his belief that neither Mayor Moore or Mr. James wanted to
build town homes on the proposed sight. He said the proposed site had an estimated cost
of $75,000 per unit, where in last five years 100 homes have been bought for an
approximate $55,000 with a proposed savings of $1,000,000 which could be used in the
city's pool fund. As Mr. Johnson's three minutes was up, Councilmember Cokinos requested
to hear the remainder of what Mr. Johnson had to say. Mr. Johnson asked for the City of
Beaumont to help, said they wanted a meeting with the Beaumont Housing Authority Director
and its's commissioners to ask them questions, wanted answers and good solutions, asked
that Council join them with this directive to the end, and ask that Council make a petition to
the HUD offices (in Forth Worth and Washington, D.C.) for an extension to have the time
to come up with a program to buy single family residences. Mr. Johnson praised Mayor
Moore for coming out on a holiday to discuss these issues.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson announced Mayor Moore was not here today, apologized for not
mentioning it at the beginning of the meeting, and stated he was at a nutrition summit in
Washington, D. C. He said Mayor Moore was going to meet with a representative from HUD
this coming Friday.
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 6
Councilmember Cokinos asked Mr. Johnson if the property has been purchased. Mr.
Johnson stated current understanding was there is an option on the land and they have
until about June 20th.
Ms. Donna Ferchak, 6145 Bedford, addressed Council as a property owner near the
proposed HUD site, and said her main concern was the safety of her tenants and other
tenants. She remarked the Beaumont Housing Authority informed them last week that this
project's main interest would be at the end of Alpine. She spoke of her concerns, such as:
no sidewalks; side street parking creating congestion problems; the Beaumont Housing
Authority was unaware of the fencing issue with the LNVA Canal behind the proposed site;
the traffic near Highway 105 with 200 or more vehicles on Alpine only, asked how will
residents get in and out of the streets; where will the buses pick up school children; and
what about increased traffic on Sunday with church traffic. She wanted to be heard as a
citizen of Beaumont, asked the Mayor and City Council to cease this project until all was
corrected. She questioned the credibility of the leadership and integrity of the Beaumont
Housing Authority, and stated she believed there was a conflict of interest. She asked if the
concern was meeting the criteria or loosing the money they stand to gain.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson remarked councilmembers have asked the various city department
about their questions, such as, parking, zoning of this property. He said the question
pertaining to the plat approval, as of Monday a week ago he had not seen any proposed
plan for the units in question.
Mr. Leroy Lewis, 1201 Euclid, addressed Council regarding the three minute rule for public
comment stating he felt this rule should be upheld for everyone. He voiced his opinions on
using prisoners to do work in the City, said he felt these jobs should be offered to the
unemployed citizens of Beaumont; spoke of buses (City and BISD) driving to fast in the City
and of the possible accidents that could occur; voiced his opinion on charging people who
live outside the City that work inside the City; and spoke of having more police patrols in the
city helping to decrease crime and robberies in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson referred Mr. Lewis to talk with the City Attorney Nichols after the
meeting regarding the job ordinance for out of town workers.
Councilmember Samuel asked that the three minute rule for"Public Comments" be enforced.
Mr. Ervin Berger, 6155 Chisholm Trail, addressed Council voicing his objections to the
proposed HUD construction of 48 town house style units located as discussed earlier. He
spoke of getting a petition signed and submitted it to the Deputy City Clerk. He commented
on attending the public hearing last Monday night, of numerous questions raised to the
representatives of the Beaumont Housing Authority, and that the meeting had to be
adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to lock the Civic Center leaving unanswered questions. He made
references to the comments made by the Beaumont Housing Authority, said the residents
were disturbed, and felt the Beaumont Housing Authority had not put enough effort into this
proposed project. He stated the Beaumont Housing Authority should know what is going on
with this project and they could not answer simple questions, remarked the project was
hastily put together to meet deadlines, and based on his research understands how those
in attendance at the May 22, 2000, hearing could have the impression they were being
railroaded. He spoke of traffic problems, safety of the residents, felt as they were lied to at
Minutes;May 30,2000; Page 7
the meeting, remarked numerous residents of the area were not informed of the proposed
project, and commented on residents concerns on the social and long term economic effect
of this project. He requested the Council have the Beaumont Housing Authority officials
hold another hearing before preceding with the proposed project enabling those citizens who
were not informed of the May 22, 2000, hearing to have a chance to ask the Beaumont
Housing Authority their questions, and remarked every resident should be given an equal
opportunity to be heard.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson ask Mr. Berger if the Beaumont Housing Authority had allowed
them access to the requested records. Mr. Berger stated he had called the Beaumont
Housing Authority and was told they could not speak to him, that he had to call Mr. John
Goodyear. Mr. Berger said he had a phone conversation with Mr. Goodyear Friday morning,
in which Mr. Goodyear assured him he could get these public records. Mr. Berger stated
the Beaumont Housing Authority told him that he could not get the records. Mr. Berger did
indicate that possibly there was a problem in communication. He stated he had requested:
the questions they had to submit in writing to the Beaumont Housing Authority, the minutes
of the meeting, and has not gotten the information. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson asked Mr.
Berger to check with the City Clerk for current information on the "Public Information Act."
Mr. Berger said Mr. John Goodyear was very informative, not offensive, and requested him
to call the Beaumont Housing Authority and state that Mr. Goodyear said he could have
access to those files, of which has not been done yet.
Mr. Tim Breaux, 7125 Firethorn, addressed Council and thanked Mayor Moore and
Councilmember Smith for their attendance at the meeting last night. He presented a printed
list of questions, on safety of the neighborhood, traffic issues, bringing subsidized housing
into an area already saturated, confidence in the governmental agency, the manner in which
this issue was presented, and allowing the community due process and input into the
proposed complex and its location (Attachment B). He also presented a petition to the
Deputy City Clerk.
Mr. Luther Martin, 6955 Broadleaf, addressed Council on his opposition to the Beaumont
Housing Authority proposed low income complex. He stated the Beaumont Housing
Authority should operate with a high degree of accountability, pursue problem solving
relationships with residents and community, and to create a healthy community by not
bringing the value of the community down. He remarked if the Beaumont Housing Authority
would comeback with single family dwellings these goals could be achieved. He spoke of
the Beaumont Housing Authority producing positive impacts on those they are intending to
serve and manage in the community, creating self sufficient and productive tax payers,
building and preserving a healthy community.
Mr. Hubert L. King, addressed Council and thanked Councilmember Smith and Mayor Moore
for his attendance at the meeting last night. He spoke of past conditions in their community,
expressed his concern for the property value in the community, and mentioned the increase
number of subsidized apartments being built in the area. He said this project would really
hurt the property value, and would appreciate any help from the City.
Mr. Bill Proctor, 4340 West Ridge, addressed Council and stated once your three minutes
for Public Comments expires the only way to receive additional time would be for a
councilmember or the Mayor to ask additional questions.
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 8
Mr. Mike Medley, 7065 Birch Drive, addressed Council making comments on the HUD
Housing Project. He remarked would this be a housing project he would want to house his
family in. He spoke of the alternatives to living in this proposed housing project, such as
single family homes, which has been approved by Judge William Justice. He remarked on
the how children were affected by living in housing projects, and said this project was wrong
for Beaumont.
Ms. Sharon Eaves, 5550 Scenic Drive, addressed Council stating Beaumont Housing
Authority did not follow due process, and single family homes are alternatives to Housing
Projects apartments. She stated the bottom line was the Beaumont Housing Authority did
not do their job, and this was not the way to treat the citizens of Beaumont. She thanked
Councilmember Smith for her attendance to the meeting last night, said this was not handled
in a professional manner, and stated this was wrong.
Mr. Orlando Cantue, addressed Council and spoke of his past experiences with residents
of the "project," and said we need to resolve the issue of homelessness in Beaumont. He
stated he felt the project had been railroaded to get it through, and the "NIMBY" (not in my
back yard) was part of the objection to this project.
Mr. David Smith, 6930 Birch, addressed Council and commented on the neighborhood watch
programs that had been started because of the crime in the area, mentioned they had been
told to take care of their own neighborhood with the watch programs, he spoke of the police
response time, and spoke of how the "project' residence would be accepted when they were
put in neighborhoods where they were not wanted.
Mr. Charles Johnson approached Council to present his written questions and petition
sheets, and he was directed to give them to the Deputy City Clerk (see Attachment C).
* Councilmembers comment on various subjects
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson thanked Councilmember Smith and Mayor Moore for their
participation in the meeting yesterday, thanked everyone for their comments today, said the
issues that have been brought forward today will be adequately and timely addressed, he
stated certain city staff members have been asked the questions presented today, and said
Mayor Moore would be meeting with representatives from HUD and the Beaumont Housing
Authority. He requested Councilmember Smith get with the City Manager and the different
department heads making sure the issues are addressed until the Mayor returns and meets
with HUD representatives Friday.
Councilmember Smith said she would get the information together.
Councilmember Patterson reminded everyone of the "Concerts in the Park," the first being
at Sprott Park this Thursday, June 1, 2000, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the Jazz
Innovators playing. She asked for a correction in the minutes for May 23, 2000, on Item #5
she made the motion.
Councilmember Cokinos congratulated the Viet Nam Veterans for their Watch Fire #6
yesterday, spoke of the Memorial Service, and expressed his appreciation.
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 9
*City Manager's Report - Hotel Renovation Projects, Changes to Utility Billing and Maurine
Gray Recognitions
City Manager Bonczek remarked on the summary of the Budget Summit presented for
council to review, spoke of the revised projection of the HOT (Hotel Occupancy Tax) funds
for the year 2000-2001 end, FY 2000 with a -3% in revenue, FY 2001 revised to a +1%
increase, commented on the reorganization of the Convention and Tourism Department, and
stated the $25,000 operational funds for the Jefferson Theater would be discontinued for
one year while renovations were taking place. He proposed that the fireworks and the salary
for the Executive Director of the Fire Museum be paid out of the General Fund to help
balance the budget and of their eligibility status, and said we end up at a zero fund balance
making all these changes. He informed Council the Garden Clubs want $18,000 more, the
Heritage Society want $20,000 more than their current allocation, and we have the
Beaumont Hotel renovation of the Rose Room, Sky Room, and Peacock Alley lobby area
in the amount of$50,000 for five years. He said they have been working very hard on the
wading pools and learn to swim programs, and there will be a meeting tomorrow with the L.
L. Melton Y to establish programs there. He stated on Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
until 11:00 a.m. the YWCA will have a swim period with a charge of $3.00 per person of
which the City could consider subsidizing, mentioned a van from transportation that could
transport 15 people to swimming locations, said they were also in contact with Lamar
University, and commented their goal was to increase swim opportunities for children.
(Mayor Pro Tem Goodson left the Chamber at 3:08 p.m. during City Manager Bonczek's
report and returned at 3:12 p.m.)
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson said we need to work with the American Red Cross, when they
have training classes to possibly do some early interviewing, promotional information adds
on the need for lifeguards, and help with the cost of training.
City Manager Bonczek discussed the lifeguard situation, mentioned we should consider the
rate of pay for lifeguards (currently $7.00/hour), reimbursement or subsidy for training, and
possibly a bonus for staying the whole summer. He stated they would be putting together
a program, appreciated the promotion going on, said there would be another lifeguard
training class on June 15, 2000, and stated they may have to adjust pool hours until they
have enough lifeguards on staff. He said they would put together a comprehensive
recruitment retention program for lifeguards.
City Manager Bonczek requested Council give him their top three CIP priorities for Public
Works General Improvements in order to collate and inform them of what council's priorities
are. He said the annual Fire Training School had a 11% increase in students.
Councilmember Samuel stated Mr. Gregory Fontenot, of 3710 Bowing, has a problem with
a fire hydrant leaking underground, and said he was approached by a citizen requesting that
Beaumont try to get involved in the Mardi Gras celebration similar to the one in Port Arthur.
He suggested that maybe next year we could coordinate Mardi Gras with the new Crockett
Street coming on board.
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 10
Mayor Pro Tem Goodson suggested that possibly one of the "crews" could be worked into
the Crockett 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 W. Gertz and Carol P. Gertz v. City of
Beaumont
There be' no other business, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Guy N. Goodso Mayor Pro Tem
Rebecca A. Hoge, Deputy ity Clerk
Minutes;May 30,2000;Page 11
Printed from Chapter 28 UTILITIES* (20-Mar-00)
Sec . 28-52 . Payment of charges and deposits .
(a) All bills shall be computed at the herein described rates and shall
be payable within thirty (30) days from the date of such bills .
(b) Failure or refusal by any customer to pay any bill to the -watts
upon demand, shall
r
constitute a breach of contract, and water and sewer service may,
within ten (10) days from notice of such failure, be discontinued to
the customer, and, at the discretion of the
T i t ; 1 t ;1
��s, such services shall not be renewed until the customer has
paid all delinquent bills, plus the following applicable service
charges :
(1) Field $ 20 . 00
(2) Cut and seal . . . . 25 . 00
(3) Seal broken . . . . 5 . 00
(4) Meter removed . . . . 30 . 00
(5) Service killed at the main line 100 . 00
(6) Second trip on service turn-on 5 . 00
(7) Turn-on fee . . . . 10 . 00
(8)
(c) The notice to the user of failure or refusal to pay for water, sewer
and sanitation service shall provide for a hearing if requested by
the user. A user may request and receive a hearing concerning
termination of water service and termination shall not occur until a
determination of the merits of the user' s appeal is made by the
person conducting the hearing.
ATTACHMENT A
(d) The - ir'�e � � ut�ii s, may require
from any applicant for water service a cash deposit to secure payment
of water, sewer and sanitation charges or any other charges that may
accrue, and when such deposit is made it shall be not less than
ninety dollars ($90 . 00) , provided, however, additional deposits may
be required from any applicant to pay charges accrued or to accrue
for the services . Failure to pay additional deposit will forfeit
right to water, sewer and sanitation services and the same may be
discontinued five (5) days after notice to pay such additional
deposit .
(Ord. No . 88-72 , ° 1, 8-9-88)
Note--See the editor' s note at ° 28-50 .
Presentation to Beaumont City Council
May 30, 2000
Tim Breaux
Griffing Place Sub-division
7125 Firethorn
Beaumont, TX 77708
1. What assurances do the residents of our neighborhoods have that this
housing complex will be safe, not only one year from groundbreaking but
also five or ten years from groundbreaking?
2. How do you propose to address the traffic issue on highway 105?
Traffic Statistics
*Received from the Texas Department of Transportation
Traffic count for all types of vehicles in a 24-hour period, they include
both directions of travel down HWY 105 from HWY 69 to Major Drive.
1995 — 169500
1996 — 18,500
1997 — 209000
1998 — 21,000
• This is a 22% increase in traffic since 1995 (excluding data
from 1999 & 2000)
3. Why are we bringing in more apartments and subsidized housing into an
area that is already saturated with both?
4. How can we have confidence that a governmental agency will be good
neighbors when they are having difficulty operating their own day-to-day
affairs? The Beaumont Housing Authority will be in two locations in our
community, the proposed housing project and Lexington on the Lake.
5. Why was this presented to the community and near by residents in such a
covert manner? What is the Housing Authority hiding?
6. Why weren't the residents of our community allowed due process and
input into the proposed complex and its location?
ATTACHMENT B
05/50/00 07:57 $409 794 5447 rATSYR ISOPRENE IA002
Stacy and Jimmy O'Quinn C IT Y C E E R ;
6965 Vermejo Orcle
Muy30,2000 'CO MRY 30 PN 3 50
CITY Or EEAU ;','O ,:T
Stacy and Jimmy O'Quinn have given our permivsion for Rev.Charlc s Johnson to read our letter to the City
Council members_We are unable to attend todays meeting due to Stacy having to perform her civic fUletion
of jury duty and Jimmy is unable to get off of work-
We live in the sub-division,Meadowlands,that is in close proximity to the proposed housing project.We
arc very much against the location of this project for a number of reasons,some of which we have listed.
Safety for the residents who live around the arcs.
Decrease in property values.
tnerease in vehicle and pedestrian traffic along the already oongested Hwy. 105 aad stun areas.
Concern abont the high potential for kids drmming in the nearby LN VA Canal
If all the residents had been informed well before the public hearing on May 22,2000 there is a good possibility
=*re residents would have shown up to voice their disapproval of this project.
Suggestion:Instead of building new section 8 housing,wbty not spend all the extra tax money on upgrading
And expanding the existing low income housing.We hope that the City Council and Housing Authority
takes into consideration our petitions and lettera of disapproval for the]oration of this section 8 projeet-
Thanks,
Jimmy and Stacy O'Quinn
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