HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN NOV 21 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 November 21, 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 November 21, 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 1:30 p.m. Salvation Army Captain Lewis Reckline
gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, (arrived at 1:41 p.m.) and Patterson. Also, present were: Stephen J.
Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk.
*Presentations and Recognitions
Captain Reckline announced that the Salvation Army Bell Ringers have begun their annual fund
raiser to help finance their community services. He thanked the community for their support and
announced that volunteers are needed.
Mr. Rick Szalach from ExxonMobil Chemical Company announced that they have partnered with
the American Heart Association and formed "Operation Heartbeat," with a goal to save lives. He
announced that today they presented seven (7) automated external defibrilators (AED's) to the
Beaumont Community. Mr. Rick Golden demonstrated how an AED is used in conjunction with
CPR and other life saving tools to one suffering from cardiac arrest. Mayor Moore and other
community leaders thanked ExxonMobil for their donation of AED's to the community.
Two proclamations were issued: "American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout Day,"
November 16, 2000; and "National Hospice Month," November, 2000.
Mayor Moore announced that Mayor Pro Tern Goodson was elected as President-Elect of the
Texas Municipal Board of Directors for 2001 at the Texas Municipal League Conference in Austin
on Friday, November 17. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson has been a very active member of the Board
of Directors of the Texas Municipal League for many years and has served as their Secretary,Vice
President, and President and as Regional Representative for Region 16.
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson expressed appreciation to Council and to those in the region for their
support and stated that he is looking forward to working with Mayor Lloyd Neal of Corpus Christi,
the current president. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson Goodson added an announcement that Mayor
Moore received the Administrator of the Year Award at the TML Conference on Thursday,
November 16. Mayor Moore was nominated by Library Director Maurine Gray for his continuing
and long-term support of the Beaumont Public Library System. Mayor Moore vigorously promotes
the importance of reading to children and actively participates in the library's Summer Reading
Club.
Mayor Moore said he will wait until Library Director Maurine Gray returns to the city to receive the
award and cited experiences he has enjoyed in promoting reading in our community. He said that
one of the most memorable moments was of a four-year-old girl who read 80 books and when
presented with her certificate gave him a hand-made thank you note that he has kept. Mayor
Moore announced that another member of Council, Councilmember Bobbie Patterson, was
acknowledged as a state board member for the Texas Association of Black City Councilmembers
and received a certificate of recognition from the organization.
Mayor Moore recognized the presence of the new Human Resource Department Director Marie
Dodson. City Manager Bonczek stated that he is pleased to have Ms. Dodson on the Executive
Management Team, and that the Human Resource Director is a very important position. He said
that a nation-wide search was conducted, and that her experience, credentials, and abilities made
her the ideal candidate for the City of Beaumont. Mr. Bonczek voiced confidence in Ms. Dodson
addressing the needs of City employees, and said he looks forward to the contributions she will
make to this organization and to the community.
*Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1 and 2.
Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Regular Agenda Items 1 and 2. No one
wished to address these subjects.
* Consent Agenda
* Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held November 7, 2000
* Confirmation of committee appointments: Deeann Cisco to the Beaumont Advisory
Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect for a term expiring November 20,
2002 - Resolution No. 00-287
A) Approve an amendment to Section 13-16 of the Code of Ordinances relating to health fees
(to restore kennel fees to the existing health fees with no increase)- Ordinance No. 00-94
B) Approve a three-month contract for the purchase of personal computers (from Personal
Computer Depot at $1,139 each) and laptop computers (from Gateway at $2,174 each) -
Resolution No. 00-288
C) Approve funding in the amount of $25,000 for the Partnership of Southeast Texas-
Resolution No. 00-289
Minutes November 21,2000 Page 2
D) Approve a resolution supporting state legislation to allow Photographic Red Light
Enforcement in Texas - Resolution No. 00-290
E) Authorize the acceptance of a general utility easement (a ten-foot wide utility easement
donation from E.G. Cordts, Jr. out of Block 42 of the M.C. Cartwright Subdivision) -
Resolution No. 00-291
F) Approve amendments to the City's approved list of broker/dealers and approved list of
investment pools (adding Coastal Securities, JW Genesis Financial Services, Inc.,Wells
Fargo Brokerage Services, LLC and deleting First Union Security, Inc.) - Resolution No.
00-292
G) Authorize signatories for the Blue Cross Employees Benefits Account at Hibernia National
Bank (Denise A. Bujak, Brian A. Kennedy, Stephen J. Bonczek, Kandy Daniel, Beverly
Hodges, and Kyle Hayes for Account No. 3620005494 at Hibernia National Bank) -
Resolution No. 00-293
H) Approve an annual contract for the purchase of tower rock used for street patching and
pothole repair(with Bo-Mac Contractors for an estimated annual expenditure of$34,625) -
Resolution No. 00-294
1) Approve a one year contract for the purchase of corrugated polyethylene pipe for use by the
Public Works Department, Streets and Drainage Division (with Lumberton Culvert Sales for
estimated total expenditure of$80,165) - Resolution No. 00-295
J) Approve a contract for the purchase of cement stabilized base for use by the Public Works
Department, Streets and Drainage Division (with Trinity Aggregate Distribution with an
estimated total annual expenditure of$79,750) - Resolution No. 00-296
K) Approve a resolution to reject the bid received for the Blossom Street Pavement
Improvement Project (exceeded original estimated construction cost by 40%) -
Resolution No. 00-297
L) Accept improvements constructed in Willow Creek Country Club Estates, Phase II, Section
X-A (for the maintenance of street and storm sewer improvements from Champions Drive
from existing Champions Drive approximately 552 feet north to 3-OM-4P end of roadway
markers and Champions Drive from existing Champions Drive approximately 198 feet south
to 3-OM-4P end of roadway markers and the maintenance of water and sanitary sewer
improvements for Lots 1-5, Block 1, Lots 1-6 Block 2 and the Sanitary Sewer Lift Station
Improvements and access road) - Resolution No. 00-298
M) Authorize the settlement of a lawsuit (Deborah Savant/Lone Star Overnight in amount of
$19,000) - Resolution No. 00-299
Before the vote was taken on the Consent Agenda, the City Manager read the caption for
Ordinance No. 00-94 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13,SECTION 13-16 OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO ADD KENNEL FEES; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY.
Minutes November 21,2000 Page 3
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider accepting the Grand Recap of the tax roll forthe tax year 2000 with a taxable value
of$3,779,873,302
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 00-300. Councilmember Ames
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
2. Consider approving a change in the City's Investment Policy
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 00-301 to include investments
in direct U.S. obligations or agencies/instrumentalities which are non-callable.
Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
3. PUBLIC HEARING: Expansion of the Beaumont/Nederland/Jefferson County Enterprise
Zone.
Consider approving an ordinance amending Ordinances 97-40 and 97-58 to expand the
Beaumont/Nederland/Jefferson County Enterprise Zone to allow West Teleservices
Corporation located in the Village Shopping Center to be eligible for state and local
incentives.
Ordinance No. 00-95 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BOUNDARY OF
BEAUMONT/NEDERLAND/JEFFERSON COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE AS ESTABLISHED IN
ORDINANCES 97-40 AND 97-58 PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT; PROVIDING TAX
INCENTIVES TO THE AMENDED AREA; REAFFIRMING THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE TO ACT
IN ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE NOMINATION AND DESIGNATION OF THE AREA DESCRIBED
HEREIN AS AN ENTERPRISE ZONE AND REINVESTMENT ZONE AND FURTHER REAFFIRMING THE
LIAISON TO ACT ON ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE ENTERPRISE ZONE ACT; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL was introduced.
Minutes November 21,2000 Page 4
The public hearing opened at 2:07 p.m.
No citizens wished to address the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson expressed approval of the agenda item and moving forward.
The public hearing closed a 2:08 p.m.
Councilmember Samuel moved to approve Ordinance No.00-95. Councilmember Cokinos
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson
Noes: None
COMMENTS
* Councilmembers comment on various matters
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson thanked everyone for their support, and stated that this will be an
exciting time for the City as we move ahead with this year's legislative agenda for the Texas
Municipal League.
Councilmember Ames extended congratulations to Mayor Pro Tem Goodson as the
President-Elect of the Texas Municipal League and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Councilmember Samuel also extended congratulations to Mayor Pro Tern Goodson for being
a leader at the helm of a very strong organization. He commented about the entertainment
and success of the Universal Soul Circus and having opportunity to meet with children of
several schools. Councilmember Samuel also extended wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.
Councilmember Patterson extended congratulations to Mayor Pro Tern Goodson and Mayor
Moore for their achievements and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. She announced
that the L. L. Melton Y.M.C.A.'s Tribute to Success Gala will be held Thursday, November
30, 2000, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Harvest Club. In response to telephone calls received,
Councilmember Patterson addressed questions to City Manager Bonczek and Fire Chief
Bertrand concerning the fire at Vision Alive Christian Ministries church on Highland Avenue.
She related receiving a report of a fire hydrant's inability to produce water and asked for a
full report of how often fire hydrants are checked and why they're not working properly.
Fire Chief Bertrand explained that the City has over 4,000 fire hydrants and that a fire
hydrant maintenance program is in place in a collaborative effort between the Fire and Water
Departments. He explained the Fire Department cuts the grass around fire hydrants three
times per year, color code paints the hydrants, and performs flow tests on hydrants, but
cannot test all hydrants annually. If a problem is identified in a test, it is reported to the
Water Department for further maintenance repair. Chief Bertrand explained in detail the
Fire Department's activities concerning the fire atthe Vision Alive Christian Ministries church.
Minutes November 21,2000 Page 5
The fire hydrant that had a problem was the fourth source of water and did not affect the
ability of the fire fighters to effectively control the fire.
Mayor Moore commented that according to the report that standard procedures were put into
place and handled properly. He recommended visiting with the concerned constituents who
live in the community to discuss the level of fire protection.
City Manager Bonczek commented that there were fire fighters in training that were there
to observe and learn from the experience, but could not participate.
Fire Chief Bertrand added that at the request of Fire Academy Director Will Lyons,
approximately twenty students observed Fire Department activities and cadets assisted in
rolling up hoses and loading and unloading equipment to gain experience. Chief Bertrand
thanked the Police and Water Departments, the EMS, and the Red Cross for their
contributions in helping to fight the fire. Fire Chief Bertrand announced that a neighborhood
association meeting is scheduled for a Water and Fire Department presentation on January
25, 2001 to explain fire fighting operations and water distribution system works.
Councilmember Patterson stated that communication is very important and would like to
convey facts to her constituents and other concerned citizens.
Mayor Moore commented that Councilmember Samuel did an excellent job in putting
together the pre show conference for the Universal Soul Circus performers at the Harvest
Club and that students from various elementary schools were there to welcome them to the
community. He thanked the media for their coverage and stated that we were fortunate to
have the Circus come to the City of Beaumont.
Councilmember Samuel thanked Convention Facilities Manager Claudie Hawkins and her
staff for their hard work, the local television stations for good coverage, and said he thought
the children really enjoyed the circus.
* City Manager's Report- Federal Railroad Administration Quiet Zone Study, Partnership in
Governance 2001, Halloween Fest, HUD Funding Allocation, Downtown/Waterfront
Revitalization Program/Assessment, GSA Meeting, GASB Statement 34, Turkey Trot and
Council Mobile Meeting
Mr. Bonczek updated Council regarding the Federal Railroad Administration completion of
a cost study associated with the implementation of quiet zones. He said the City would have
to institute supplemental safety measures to compensate for not having train horns blow at
various times, and the City has received an Intelligence Transpiration System Grant of
$150,000 to address safety and reducing noise impact on residential neighborhoods,
signalization and transportation related projects. The City Manager asked Council to
complete the Partnership in Governance questionnaire, and reported that HUD announced
the City's Block Grant Funding, Home, and Emergency Shelter Grants amounting to $3.5
million. Mr. Bonczek announced that the Downtown Waterfront Revitalization planning
meeting is scheduled for December 13, and 14 at the Port of Beaumont and reported a
very positive meeting with the Union Pacific Railroad. He reported that the General Services
Administration (GSA) is reviewing all the federal leases of federal agencies in the City of
Minutes November 21,2000 Page 6
Beaumont for extensions or changing locations, and there is an executive order that states
they should be located in a central business district and that some of those location changes
could be brought under the Downtown Revitalization Project. Mr. Bonczek announced the
Turkey Trot Race on Thanksgiving morning and wished everyone a great Thanksgiving.
* Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes)
Mr. Leroy Lewis, III, 1201 Euclid, addressed Council regarding additional street lighting at
the L. L Melton Y.M.C.A. and additional lighting and police patrols at Ozen High School, and
thanked Council for the street lights on College Street. He requested more water, sewer,
street and drainage improvements in minority areas, support for the Police Department,
more businesses in minority areas, and that minority churches assist the homeless. He
questioned minority opportunities and complimented work in Ward 1.
Mayor Moore stated that work is going on throughout our entire community. The City works
for the whole city. He said it is made up of different communities, but there is not a focus
on one minority group, and he is confident each Councilmember works hard for his
respective Ward. Mayor Moore told Mr. Lewis that he would like to converse with him
privately and commented about the number of new business and projects that are in place.
Mayor Moore stated that many positive things are occurring in our community,that the levels
of services are as consistent as possible throughout the city, and noted that a vast majority
of infrastructure improvements will take place in older communities. Mayor Moore wished
everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
* Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section
551.071 of the Government Code:
Claim of Margaret Jones
Janice Haynes v. City of Beaumont, et al
Greentree Administrators, Inc. v. City of Beaumont, et al
* Consider matters related to the deliberation of the offer of a financial or other incentive to
a business prospect in accordance with Section 551.086 of the Government Code
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:44 p.m.
III
David W. Moore, Mayor
Barbara Liming, City Clerk
Minutes November 21,2000 Page 7