HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN OCT 10 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 October 10, 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 October 10, 2000,
at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont,Texas,at 1:30 p.m.to considerthe
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 1:33 p.m. The Reverend Jason Sciscoe, Co-pastor of
the Apostolic Church of Beaumont, gave the invocation. Central Services Director Kirby Richard
led the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel(arrived at 1:40 p.m.). Councilmember Patterson was absent(family
emergency). Also presentwere:Stephen J. Bonczek,City Manager; Lane Nicholas,City Attorney;
and Barbara Liming, City Clerk.
*Presentations and Recognitions
One proclamation was issued: "Fire Prevention Week," October 8-14, 2000.
*Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items.
Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular Agenda Items 3 through 4. No one
wished to address these subjects.
*Consent Agenda
* Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held October 3, 2000
* Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made.
A) Accept the Franklin Street Pavement Widening Project, approve Change Order No. 1
($63,186.46)and final payment(to Brystar Contracting, Inc. in the amount of$90,719.51 )-
Resolution No. 00-252
B) Approve a contract for plumbing services for City facilities (to All Star Plumbing for an
estimated expenditure of$27,255) - Resolution No. 00-253
C) Approve a contract for repairs to a Loeb high service pump (to Layne Christensen Co.,
Layne-Texas Division in the amount of$22,947.25) - Resolution No. 00-254
D) Approve the purchase of four hydraulic concrete breakers, four hydraulic cut-off saws, and
one hydraulic alternator for use by the Water Utilities Division (to Commercial Body Corp.
in the amount of$16,848) - Resolution No. 00-255
E) Authorize eminent domain proceedings to acquire interest from two owners and the
acquisition of the remaining interest in Parcel 70A of the Concord Road Project: 447.2
square feet in the A. Williams Survey, Abstract 385, in amount of $585 for 90 percent
undivided interest from Timothy L. Laird, Laura Lea Jones, Jess Owen Smith, Elizabeth
Edmonds, Ruth Ann Lackey, William David Greathouse, and Jane Gonzales; and in the
amount of$65 for 10 percent undivided interest from the Estate of Oliver H.P. Stanford and
the Estate of John Bryant Stanford) - Resolution No. 00-256
F) Authorize the acquisition of property in the Fairview Addition for the Neighborhood
Revitalization Project (Lots 1, 9, and 10, Block 4, Fairview Addition, 740 and 760 Praire
Street, for appraised value of$8,000 from Joe Stevenson) - Resolution No. 00-257
G) Authorize the settlement of the lawsuit of Golden Triangle Paper Stock Co., Inc. D/B/A/ Gulf
Coast Recycling Co. v. City of Beaumont (in amount of$35,000) - Resolution No. 00-258
Councilmember Ames moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider a request for various zone changes for properties bounded on the north by Fannin
Street, on the west by Fourth Street, on the east by M.L.K. Parkway and the Southern
Pacific railroad tracks and on the south by Franklin Street
(Councilmember Samuel arrived at 1:40 p.m. during presentation of Item No. 1.)
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-87 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 RM-H
(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) TO RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING), RM-H TO GC-MD(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING), RM-H
TO RCR(RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION), HI (HEAVY INDUSTRIAL)TO RS, GC-
MD TO LI (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL), GC-MD TO RS, RCR TO RS, RM-H TO NC (NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL), RCR TO GC-MD AND LI TO GC-MD FOR PROPERTY BOUNDED ON THE NORTH BY
FANNIN STREET, ON THE WEST BY FOURTH STREET, ON THE EAST BY M.L.K. PARKWAY AND THE
Minutes;October 10, 2000; Page 2
SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD TRACKS AND ON THE SOUTH BY FRANKLIN STREET, BEAUMONT,
TEXAS,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEALAND
PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
2. Consider a request for a zone change from GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family
Dwelling) to RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District for the former Dick Dowling Jr.
High School site at 1300 North Street
Councilmember Samuel moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-88 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 THE PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED GC-M D
(GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT TO RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 1300 NORTH STREET, BEAUMONT, TEXAS, JEFFERSON
COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A
PENALTY. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
3. Consider granting the City Manager authority to implement the contribution rate changes for
employees and retirees in the medical plan
The City Manager reviewed the proposed increase to civilian, civil service, and retired
employee contribution rate changes for medical plans. Questions raised by Council last
week were answered by the City Manager and Interim Human Resource Director Sue
Dismukes. They compared the proposed rates with those of other entities, industry and
businesses. Council confirmed comprehension of facts and details and expressed
appreciation for the additional information provided by Human Resources staff that allows
an easier decision to be made.
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 259 authorizing implementation
of medical contribution rate changes for employees and retirees effective January 1, 2001.
Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
4. Consider an amendment to the existing "Food & Food Establishments" Ordinance, Chapter
11; Section 11-1, by adoption of the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) with
modifications
Minutes;October 10, 2000;Page 3
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-89 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 11 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO ADOPT TH E
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BUREAU OF FOOD AND DRUG SAFETY, RETAIL FOODS DIVISION,
TEXAS FOOD ESTABLISHMENT RULES;ADOPTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO SAME AND REPEALING
CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND
PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember 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
COMMENTS
Councilmembers comment on various matters
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson referred to an article in the Beaumont Enterprise about a meeting
conducted by the State Legislative delegate from Southeast Texas concerning the report
from the Texas Water Development Board. He expressed appreciation to the delegation for
organizing the meeting that Councilmember Smith, the City Manager, and he attended, and
the City Manager's quick response in drafting a letter about the future of ground water
management in Texas. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson expressed views about devastating effects
of maintenance of junior water rights. He supported a suggestion by Councilmember Smith
for Council to sign a letter before expiration of the comment period on October 15, and
suggested asking Nick Carter, chairman of the Region I Water Planning Study Group, and
possibly others, to present information and their findings to Council and engage in a dialogue
about possible consequences.
Councilmember Cokinos questioned Mayor Pro Tern Goodson's suggestion being on the
agenda, and the City Manager stated that it would be an appropriate Work Session item.
Councilmember Ames agreed that a collaborative letter expressing views should be sent by
Council and show support to our legislators.
Councilmember Samuel commented about Habitat for Humanity completing construction of
a home for the Evans family in Habitat Park. He lauded the efforts of Ms. Beatrice Beulah
for her volunteer service and sponsoring many of the homes, in conjunction with Habitat for
Humanity, for those who usually cannot afford to buy a home. Councilmember Samuel
reported that the ceremony held Sunday was very inspiring and added expressions of
appreciation to the Gist Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for providing
volunteer manpower and the Sisters of Hope of Our Mother of Mercy Church for donation
of the property for Habitat homes. Habitat Park is now complete, and they will be moving
to other areas of the city. He complimented the various programs providing affordable
housing and said great strides are being made. Councilmember Samuel added thanks to
Ramon Rodriguez and all volunteers who worked with Habitat for Humanity.
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson added that Habitat for Humanity held a groundbreaking for their
first home construction in the Amelia area and thanked them for their efforts in the Charlton
Minutes;October 10, 2000;Page 4
Pollard neighborhood and now in other parts of the city. He complimented their efficiency
and capability shown in choosing deserving families to purchase the homes. Mayor Pro Tern
Goodson expressed a desire that the City continue to find vacant lots throughout the city to
construct homes in partnership with groups such as Habitat for Humanity.
Councilmember Samuel said that being at the ceremony Sunday gave a sense of community
spirit. He said that spirit flowed throughout the home and is the spirit Habitat has picked
up—the spirit of John Reeder who died after a heart attack during a volunteer work day five
years ago last Sunday.
Councilmember Smith questioned if the Clean-Up Day scheduled for October 28 is city-wide
or just in the Old Town area and voiced support of a city-wide Clean-Up Day.
Mayor Moore told Council that he will formulate a letter expressing views on junior water
rights for all of Council to sign. He expounded on past concerns and dialogue regarding
water resources and the impact it could have on our economy and water supply.
City Manager's Report - Solid Waste Management Grant, Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation Training Session and Beaumont Day/Government Affairs Trip
Mr. Bonczek reported success in receiving a Solid Waste Management Grant in the amount
of$60,000 through the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission from fees landfill
operators pay to the state. He recognized Clean Community Director John Labrie's efforts
while serving as president of the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association
of North America in lobbying Austin for passage of this legislation.
Councilmember Samuel interjected a request for an update on Carroll Street Park progress.
Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes)
Sergeant Paul Perritt, 3194 Jamestown, addressed Council to thank them for consideration
of the insurance plan for retirees and expressed disappointment that their rate of payment
was not reduced.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section
551.071 of the Government Code:
Claim of Deborah Edwards
Golden Triangle Paper Stock Co., Inc. d.b.a. Gulf Coast Recycling Co.
v. City of Beaumont
Christ Community Church, Paul and Carol Gertz v. City of Beaumont
June Emerson v. City of Beaumont
Minutes;October 10, 2000;Page 5
Consider matters related to employment, evaluation and duties of a public officer or
employee in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code:
City Attorney Performance Evaluation
City Clerk Performance Evaluation
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 2:22 p.m.
David Moore, Mayor
Barbara Liming, City Clerk
Minutes;October 10, 2000;Page 6