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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 16 1999 M I N U T E S b CITY OF B EAUMONT Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Bobbie J. Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Guy N. Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P. Cokinos John K. Davis FEBRUARY 16, 1999 Becky Ames Lane Nichols, City Attorney Ray A. Riley, City Manager Barbara Liming,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on February 16, 19997 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 Tern Patterson called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. The Reverend Vernon Tubbs, First Full Gospel Baptist Church gave the invocation. Former Mayor Evelyn M. Lord led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore (arrived at 2:27 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis. Also present were Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions Community Services Director Maurine Gray announced the U.S.S. Pelican's arrival at the Port of Beaumont. She recalled that the U.S.S. Pelican was commissioned in Beaumont in 1995, is based in Ingleside, Texas, and that this is its fourth visit to Beaumont. Ms. Gray introduced Mr. David Hern, chairman of the Pelican Commissioning Committee, Evelyn M. Lord, a member of the Pelican Commissioning Committee, Chief Lucas, and Lt. Commander Gordon. Lt. Commander Gordon told Council that it was great to be back at their home port. He said they live in Ingleside, but their hearts are in Beaumont. He spoke of being in Beaumont last October to receive his change of command as being a blessing and said it is good to include the whole ship. Lt. Commander Gordon announced that tours of the ship are being conducted for the public. He said that his is probably one of the only Navy ships with only one Chief, but said Chief Lucas makes things happen and fills the capacity not only as a Senior Technician in Engineering, but as the pulse of the crew. Chief Lucas concurred that he basically does spend his life on the ship, spoke of Pelican Pride among the crew, and said that they always put on a little extra polish when coming to Beaumont. He invited everyone to come down to see "what they actually gave the United States Navy." Chief Lucas stated he is proud to be on the Pelican and does the best job he can. He said that Ingleside, Texas, is the only area that has one class of ship. There are 12 MHC's, and Chief Lucas claimed the U. S. S. Pelican to be the best! Lt. Commander Gordon presented a photographic portfolio of the Pelican and sister-ships during mine hunter training exercises in the Caribbean to the City of Beaumont for appropriate display. He read the inscription on the portfolio: "City of Beaumont Pelican Commission Committee, thank you for all your hospitality during our stay and Port visit. Thanks so much. Respectfully, Scott S. Gordon (signed), U. S. S. Pelican." Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, on behalf of Mayor Moore, City Council, and the citizens of Beaumont, presented Lt. Commander Gorden with a key to the City of Beaumont. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson expressed pleasure in having the crew of the U. S. S. Pelican at the Port and thanked the Pelican Commission Committee and Chief Lucas for being in Council today. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular agenda Items. Mrs. Kathryn Wiggington, Elgie Street, addressed Council in favor of a branch library, but in opposition to the location outlined in Item 7. Mrs. Wiggington enumerated the number of children and senior citizens in the South Park area that could utilize a branch library and suggested using already City-owned Alice Keith property as a site for the construction to conserve funds and service the area. Mr. Cleveland Nisby, 4520 Corley, addressed Council in support of Agenda Item 7 as a wise choice. Mr. Nisby said that Washington Village, Washington Manor and the Blossom Additions are growing areas, and the site suggested would be a central location for these additions and the South Park residents. *Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings held February 2, 1999 * Confirmation of committee appointments: Frank Messina--Convention and Tourism Advisory Commission; Betty Leaf - Library Commission; Naaman Woodland - Library Commission; Scott Hale - Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Advisory Commission; and Gary Celi - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - Resolution No. 99-35 A) Approve a Surface Use Agreement relating to Cattail Marsh (with Esenjay Exploration, Inc. on property in the Christian Hillebrandt League, Abstract 28, in amount of $10,000 and $2000 per rod for a pipeline easement)- Resolution No. 99-36 Minutes;2/16/99;Page 2 B) Approve the granting of a utility easement on the Wiess Bluff Canal property in Jasper County to Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative, Inc. (10' wide utility easement on tract in S. K. Vanmeter Survey, Abstract 53, in Jasper County to serve the community near Wiess Bluff Pump Station) - Resolution No. 99-37 C) Authorize a pledge and release of collateral by Chase Bank of Texas (in the amount of $5,000,000, Receipt No. 1189) - Resolution No. 99-38 D) Approve the acquisition of properties for the Concord Road Improvement Project(Parcel No. 26: 0.065 acre out of F. Thomas Lot, Block 2, Bullock Addition, 2817 Concord Road, in the amount of$6,150 from Joseph Turner and the Estate of Eula Mae Turner, Deceased; and Parcel 57: 0.048 acre out of Lot 3, Comstock Addition, 3395 Concord, in the amount of $12,950 from Norma Patton Werner and Myra Antoinette Patton, Individually and as Trustee of the William Benjamin Patton Trust) - Resolution No. 99-39 E) Approve the purchase of automated storage and retrieval systems for use at the new Municipal Court Facility 1: 2 Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems, a White P172000, Model 72160H, $31,208 - Resolution No. 99-40 and 2: 1 Tennsco/White High Density Mechanical Mobile Storage Unit, $22,480.38)- Resolution No. 99-41 F) Authorize an extension of employment and compensation for the City Manager (until May 31, 1999 with additional 60 hours of persona leave and $5,000 payment to the RC deferred comp plan) - Resolution No. 99-42 G) Approve a change order and final payment relating to the 1998 Driveway Rehabilitation Project (Change Order No. 1 in amount of ($18.34) and final payment in amount of $18,842.13 to Triangle Paving, Inc.) - Resolution No. 99-43 H) Authorize the execution of interlocal agreements with the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission (for maintenance, equipment upgrade, and training for the City's Emergency 9-1-1 system)- Resolution No. 99-44 1) Authorize a proposal to host the 2001 Annual Institute for association of Mayors, Councilmembers and Commissioners - Resolution No. 99-45 J) Authorize lawsuits relating to defaulted small business loans (Nannee's Dolls, Nyron Colbert; JR's Drywall & Painting, Joseph Richards; Michael's Mobile Detailing, Lafayette Spivey; L. G. Properties, Inc, Lin Marie Garsee; Mr. Parker Handyman Service, Willie Parker, III; and Travis Hardware, Brenda Travis) - Resolution No. 99-46 K) Approve a resolution relating to the new Perlstein Park to be located in the Amelia-Gulf Terrace Addition and the condition of its use - Resolution No. 99-47 Minutes;2/16/99;Page 3 Councilmember Davis moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Adopt an ordinance calling the General Municipal Election to be held May 1, 1999, for the purpose of electing councilmembers to Wards I, II, III, and IV Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-8 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR A GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE 1ST OF MAY, 1999, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING WARD COUNCILMEMBERS FOR WARDS I, II, III,AND IV; DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES AND APPOINTING ELECTING OFFICIALS FOR SUCH ELECTION; PROVIDING THE FORM OF THE BALLOT AT SUCH ELECTION; DIRECTING THE GIVING OF NOTICE OF SUCH ELECTION; ORDERING A RUNOFF ELECTION IF NECESSARY TO BE HELD ON THE 15TH DAY OF MAY, 1999, PROVIDING FOR A JOINT ELECTION WITH THE BEAUMONT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE PORT OF BEAUMONT NAVIGATION DISTRICT; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 2. Consider approving a contract for the construction of improvements to the Beaumont Fire Training Center Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-48 approving a contract with Bo-Mac Contractors, Inc. in the amount of$1,046,504.63 for construction of improvements to the Fire Training Center. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 3. Consider approving the purchase of vehicles through the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program Minutes;2/16/99;Page 4 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-49 authorizing purchase of 30 vehicles through the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program in the amount of $568,576. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 4. Consider approving the purchase of four trucks through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) Purchasing Program for use in the Water Distribution Division/Water Utilities Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-50 authorizing purchase of four (4) 1999 Ford Super Duty F450 trucks for total amount of $134,383.70, including an administrative fee of $2,043.70. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 5. Consider approving a financing agreement for the purchase of two ambulances and one bulldozer Councilmember Davis confirmed the stability and standing of the financial corporation with the City Manager, and Councilmember Cokinos questioned the location of the two ambulances and stated that he wants all of Beaumont covered well with ambulance service. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-51 authorizing a financing agreement with Koch Financial Corporation at a rate of 4.59% for five years for purchase of two ambulances and one bulldozer. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis 6. Consider approving a financing agreement for the purchase of an upgrade to the City's mainframe computer Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 99-52 authorizing a financing agreement with Koch Financial Corporation at a rate of 4.63% for three years for purchase Minutes;2/16/99;Page 5 of an IBM Model 620/2180 Reduce Instruction Set Computer. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 7. Consider authorizing negotiations to acquire property in the vicinity of Fannett and Sarah for the location of a branch library Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 99-53 authorizing negotiations to commence to acquire property in the vicinity of Sarah and Fannett Streets for location of a new branch library. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Councilmember Goodson commented about personal access to a branch library, and stated that wherever the new branch is located, he desires that it be viewed as asset for the city. He concurred with Mrs. Wiggington that a library is a place we need to encourage citizen participation. 8. Consider approving a Management Agreement with the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs for maintaining and managing the Garden Center and Warren Loose Conservatory at Tyrrell Park Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-54 authorizing a Management Agreement with the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs in the amount of $1,000 during the five-year lease for maintaining and managing the Garden Center and Warren Loose Conservatory at Tyrrell Park. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Councilmember Goodson publicly thanked Mr. and Mrs. Jack Binks for their generous gift to the Loose Conservatory and encouraged more people to visit the Garden Center. Councilmembers Cokinos and Smith added comments of appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Binks. Councilmember Smith also thanked members of the Garden Club for 25 years of service and labor in making the Garden Center what it is today. Minutes;2/16/99;Page 6 9. Consider approving the purchase of two rubber track excavators for use in the Sewer Maintenance DivisioNWater Utilities Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-55 authorizing purchase of two excavators from CLM Equipment in the amount of $91,000 to be used for repair and maintenance of sewer lines. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Davis addressed two CDBG applications from the Charlton-Pollard Association. He stated that one was an appropriate proposal, and the other was a proposal that Council discussed being funded with left-over monies from a strip mall center. Also, Councilmember Davis reported that after more investigation, he observed that the Miller and Ashley areas have scattered sites that would be ideal for housing. Councilmember Davis said that previously he was unsure which streets he wanted to recommend for rehabilitation, but now he would like to submit Avenues I, H, and G, between Franklin and Corley Streets. He stated that these street have both street and drainage problems, and he understands that drainage problems may not be addressed, but hopes that sometime soon blacktopping will occur. Councilmember Goodson commented about an item on the Consent Agenda authorizing City staff to make a proposal for Beaumont to host the 2001 Institute for the Association of Mayors, Council Members and Commissioners, commended Debbie Borel and other Convention & Visitors Bureau staff for doing a great job promoting Beaumont and encouraged as many as possible to attend the meeting in Austin when Jef Russell and his staff make the presentation. Also, Councilmember Goodson commended about the future Municipal Court building being sandblasted today and looking very good. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. Allen Burch, residence at corner of Barton and Edson, distributed information to Council and spoke in opposition to closing Thomas Road to through traffic. Ms. Theresa Tate, 4325 Cartwright, expressed appreciation for voting to pave 23rd Street, but expressed concern with leaving the ditches. She stated that it would be a mistake to Minutes;2/16/99;Page 7 leave the ditches because of the litter and bugs they attract, and on behalf of his neighbors requested reconsideration to curb and gutter the street when repaving. Mr. Cleveland Nisby, 4520 Corley, expressed opinions in favor of curbing and guttering 23rd Street, and recalled approval for 23rd Street to be included in a Capital Improvement Program several years ago. He spoke of the area between Washington Boulevard and College street being considered for curb and guttering and an overpass and stated that costs for the additional work will rise in the future. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson expressed pleasure in the citizens of Ward IV being present to communicate their views and voiced similar concerns with leaving the ditches open. She spoke of approaching the subject at the February 2nd Council meeting to learn that it would cost $1.5 million as a drainage project and should be considered as a Capital Improvement Project. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson volunteered to attend neighborhood association meetings to discuss possibilities for accomplishing a suitable plan. (Mayor Moore arrived at 2:27 p.m. during Mrs. Nisby's comments.) Mrs. Dora Nisby, 4520 Corley, stated that as a neighborhood, they would like Council or staff clarification about 23rd Street being under previous consideration as a Capital Improvement Project that was never begun. She said other streets were finished, but 23rd Street was never accomplished. Mrs. Nisby asked that staff research a bond issue supposedly approved several years ago for 23rd Street, and asked where the money was spent, if it was approved. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson explained that Council has not voted on specific streets yet, and she is only aware of action taken these past four years during her tenure on Council. She volunteered to meet with Mr. Warner and research the situation in an effort to arrive at the same goal. Mr. Everett Alfred, 1335 Calvin, asked that Council help to curb and gutter 23rd Street as well as pave the street. Mr. Bill Proctor, 4340 Westridge Lane, addressed Council to commend and extend his appreciation for the efforts made toward ADA requirements and wheel chair accessibility in Beaumont. Mayor Moore thanked Mayor Pro Tern Patterson for presiding over the meeting while he attended a job-related meeting. He spoke of the excitement in the U.S.S. Pelican arriving yesterday at their second home port in Beaumont and the challenge of discussion of specific streets being expanded and surveyed. Mayor Moore complimented the number of people attending Council to participate in City government and addressed challenging situations that can be solved by working together. He stated that equity of improvements throughout the city is a goal of this Council. They desire that each section of the city is always seeing Minutes;2/16/99;Page 8 improvement in some form in an effort to build a bigger and better Beaumont. Mayor Moore said that some things we do not have the funding immediately, and said there is sometimes confusion about the allocation of monies. He encouraged participation in neighborhood meetings to discuss these issues and become better informed. Mayor Moore explained that street rehab priorities can be changed, but the result is that some other project will receive less or be delayed. When the street program began many years ago, Mayor Moore said the intent was to insure the worst streets would be repaired first. Less damaged streets can be salvaged before moving forward with total reconstruction. He said progress has been made repeatedly each year, and now Council can look at the bigger picture. He spoke of numerous project requests and encouraged continuance of momentum. Mayor Moore encouraged neighborhood meetings that could include active Council involvement. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Heath Vaughn v. City of Beaumont Golden Triangle Paper Stock Co., Inc. DBA Gulf Coast Recycling Co. v. City of Beaumont Mike Allen V. City of Beaumont *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 Manager There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m. Ma or Pro Tern P tterson 3 Barbara Liming, City Cler Minutes;2116/99;Page 9