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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 23 1999 M I N U T E S CITY OF BEAUMONT 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 23, 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 23, 1999, 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. The Reverend Torey Doucette, New Hope Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson was serving on jury duty. Also present were Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions - None *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular agenda Items. Mr. Kell Jones, 6010 Suzanne, addressed Council in opposition to Agenda Item 11 and distributed photographs of houses that have been moved from one location to another inside the city of Beaumont to Council. Mr. Jones stated that the seven homes represent over$800,000 on the tax rolls and would not have been able to have been moved within the confines of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Jones referred to major projects in Beaumont that could be adversely affected by the proposed ordinance and spoke of other cities requiring a bond to be posted to insure compatible rehabilitation. Councilmember Goodson requested that Mr. Jones remain in the meeting until the item is specifically addressed and be available for questions. *Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings held February 16, 1999 Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made A) Approve a contract for the purchase of polyacrylamide cationic emulsion liquid polymer for use in the Water Reclamation Division/Water Utilities (with Fort Bend Services for estimated expenditure of $44,750)- Resolution No. 99-56 B) Approve the purchase of a mailing machine through the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program (a Pitney Bowes Paragon II in the amount of$21,304)- Resolution No. 99-57 C) Authorize the purchase of properties for the Concord Road Improvement Project- 1) Parcel No. 48A: 424.7 feet out of A. Williams Survey, 3130 Concord Road, from Eddie J. Broussard in the amount of$850; and 2) Parcel No. 56: 0.052 acre, 3385 Concord Road, from Robert Edward Veale in the amount of$18,650 - Resolution No. 99-58 D) Authorize eminent domain proceedings to acquire property for the Concord Road Improvement Project (2929 Concord Road, 0.090 acre, appraised value of$3,130, owners: Prichett Hydal Willard, Jr., Rose Marie Willard Evans, Noralee Ura Willard Alexander, and Myrna Raye Willard Garlington) - Resolution No. 99-59 E) Approve an agreement with Parkdale Mall that will allow the City to monitor floatable material in the storm water detention basin surrounding the Parkdale Mall parking lot which goes into the City's and DD6's storm water system (to conform to the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, NPDES, as part of the Clean Water Act) - Resolution No. 99-60 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider authorizing the execution of a labor agreement with Beaumont Firefighters' Local 399 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-69 authorizing a three-year labor agreement with Beaumont Firefighters' Local 399 for the period October 1, 1998, through September 30, 2001. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;2123199;Page 2 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 2. Consider a request for a zone change from RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) to GC- MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for property in the 5200 block of Allen Drive Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-9 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 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE 5200 BLOCK OF ALLEN DRIVE, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 3. Consider a request for a zone change from GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) to RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District for property located in the 5200 block of LaBelle Road Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-10 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 GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) TO RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE 5200 BLOCK OF LABELLE ROAD,BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 4. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow the construction of a garage apartment in the rear yard of a home in an RS (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District at 1135 Central Drive Minutes;2/23/99;Page 3 Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-11 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GARAGE APARTMENT IN THE REAR YARD OF A HOME ON LAND ZONED RS (RESIDENTIAL SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT) AT 1135 CENTRAL DRIVE IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 5. Consider a request for the adoption of the Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood Plan Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-63 authorizing adoption of the Avenues/College Area Neighborhood Plan addressing land use, transportation systems, parks and open space, business development and housing revitalization. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Councilmember Davis commended Planning Director Steve Richardson, City staff, and neighborhood association members for their long months of efforts in formulating a plan. He clarified that this is a plan or a blueprint to use as a guide in reaching a goal for upgrading the neighborhood. Councilmember Davis further recommended emphasis on identifying single family houses on available lots through the Housing Program. 6. Consider a request for the adoption of the West Oakland/Pear Orchard Neighborhood Plan The City Manager commented that this is similar to the neighborhood plan in Item 5 and commended the combined work performed by neighborhood association citizens and City staff in bringing objectives to a point for Planning Commission consideration. He further explained facets of the plan. Mayor Moore reported that he received several telephone calls this weekend. Because Mayor Pro Tern Patterson is not present to answer questions, he requested Council permission to divert from normal procedure and allow residents to express views regarding the proposed plan. He stated that some residents were unable to attend either a public hearing or neighborhood association meeting. Mayor Moore explained that this item went before the Planning and Zoning Committee at a public hearing and was presented at a neighborhood association meeting for resident input. However, Mayor Moore said that since Minutes;2/23/99;Page 4 there are several residents wishing to express opinions, he has requested to deviate from the usual format and allow citizen comments. Mr. Kerry Jean, 1960 Sarah Street, said he saw a drawing of a proposed road that will cross his and his father's property, stated he is opposed to construction of what appears to be a four-lane road, and voiced is concerns about speed and noise pollution, and stated it appears to be a commercial encroachment into a neighborhood. Mr. Jean said he would like to receive more information about the proposed road between Erie and Virginia and expressed concern about his rights as a property owner. Mayor Moore stated this plan is intended to include feelings of everybody in the neighborhood and designed to move the neighborhood forward and not be intrusive and forceful. Mrs. Gethrel Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, said the map indicates the proposed road will cut directly through her property. Mrs. Williams said her home value is $142,000 and questioned if her property would be purchased by the City at retail value, since she does not want a thoroughfare in her back yard. Mr. Albert Ebow, Jr., 4740 Cornell Street, stated that a feasibility study of Avenue A would better serve the community and a road from Erie to Virginia would only take away from property value in that area. Mr. Ebow recommended that the focus be on improving Avenue A from Cardinal Drive to Virginia Avenue where it connects again across the railroad track. Mr. Ebow said he prefers making the crossover between Cardinal Drive and Florida Avenue to allow Avenue A to be aligned to Avenue A at the stop sign at Virginia. Mrs. Alice Ramsey, 3440 Goliad, spoke of a lot of residents not having input into a plan that causes discrepancies and serious concerns. Mrs. Ramsey asked for deferment of the item until all citizens can be informed intelligently. Mayor Moore questioned staff about the proposed road running through residential property, and Planning Director Steve Richardson said at this moment, the plan show a basic corridor, not a definite right-of-way and can be shifted to minimize the impact on all properties. Before any change, the Capital Improvement and engineering processes would be expedited to determine the exact location of the road, minimize all impact on adjacent properties, then go through the funding process. Mayor Moore commented about the request from the community for this neighborhood plan and the assistance given to Council to move forward with the item. Mr. Richardson emphasized that this plan was prepared with the same intent to revitalize a neighborhood as the one prepared for the Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood Plan. Minutes;2/23/99;Page 5 Mayor Moore requested that this item be deferred to a date to be announced later and give opportunity for residents to feel they are a part of the plan. Council concurred to defer action on this item until a later date. Ms. Gracie Middleton, 1585 Auburn Drive, thanked Council for deferring action and listening to citizens. 7. Consider a request to abandon the 20' wide alley right-of-way extending across a vacant block of land from the 3500 block of Chaison Avenue to Avenue A Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-12 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING THE 20'WIDE PLATTED ALLEY LOCATED IN BLOCK 5, PEAR ORCHARD ADDITION AND BLOCK 60, JEF CHAISON ADDITION, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 8. Consider an ordinance establishing Sanitary Control Easements for the City's three Loeb water wells Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-13 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN A FIFTY (50) FOOT AND ONE-HUNDRED FIFTY(150) FOOT RADIUS OF WELL SITES BELONGING TO THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL, AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 9. Consider approving a one-year contract for furnishing litter removal services on arterial street rights-of-way and other specified areas Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-65 authorizing a contract with Beaumont Products and Services, Inc. (BPS)for providing litter removal services at specified area at $11.50 per person per hour for hours actually worked. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;2/23/99;Page 6 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 10. Consider approving a change order and final payment related to the Folsom Interceptor Rehabilitation Project Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-66 authorizing Change Order No. 1 in the amount of$62,366.70 and final payment in the amount of$108,249.55 to Allco, Inc. for sanitary sewer improvements to the Folsom Interceptor Rehabilitation Project. Councilmember seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 11. Consider amending Section 6-21 of the Code of Ordinances related to moving residential structures An ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6, SECTION 6-21 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE BUILDING CODE OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO REGULATE THE MOVING OF BUILDINGS FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY was introduced. The City Manager explained that this ordinance is brought back in an effort to eliminate the total prohibition of moving structures. Mr. Riley reviewed previous Council consideration to upgrade and refine moving of buildings within the city. At that time, he said structures not meeting building codes were permitted and moved to other neighborhoods. Action was taken regarding relocation of structures to meet inspections before being moved. Recently, neighborhood associations have expressed concern with compatibility of houses or structure in neighborhoods. He addressed the exceptions of historical significant structures. Mr. Riley stated that after review of all characteristics that might be involved, the biggest concern seemed to be the assessed valuation compared to already established homes. He stated that if a house meeting codes could meet at least 75% of the average value of existing homes within a 200 foot radius from where it would be placed, it could be determined compatible. He advised Council that another percentage could be established as the benchmark. Council discussion included clarification of the percentage formula and variation of values, and Councilmember Goodson said compatibility is a major issue with neighborhood associations and would like an opportunity to meet with them before action on this item. Councilmember Goodson questioned time requirements after moving a structure to complete Minutes;2/23/99;Page 7 final hookups, addressed problems with houses remaining uninhabitable for a long period, possible permitting habitation requirements after being moved and posting a bond. Public Works Director Tom Warner said that in 1996 an ordinance was adopted requiring the house to meet codes before being moved and all other hook-ups be made within sixty days after being moved. Violation would be subject to penalties outlined in the Code of Ordinances. Other Council discussion included citizen concerns about derogatory effects on neighborhoods, house being habitable in a reasonable period of time, historical structure exemptions, and the 250-foot distance criteria for value comparison in an area where homes may be separated by more than 250 feet. Councilmember Goodson spoke of other cities using different methods and processes, and said he would like at least a week deferment. Mayor Moore invited Mr. Kell Jones to join as many Councilmembers as can to attend the neighborhood meeting. Councilmember Davis said this not just an Amelia neighborhood problem, but a city-wide problem, emphasized that compatibility is a strong issue, and said the house that precipitated this concern appears to be receiving rehabilitation attention. Councilmember Goodson announced that the Tyrrell Park Neighborhood Association meeting is next week, and since Mayor Pro Tern Patterson is absent, she should be alerted that the neighborhood plan has been deferred. He also mentioned undeveloped areas in the north end that could be affected by the 250-foot distance criteria in the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Ames questioned compatibility and requirement for structures to be brought up to code before being moved and asked Mr. Jones to comment about the photographs of the homes presented to Council. Mr. Kell Jones stated that the house in the photographs were moved before the ordinance was amended to require code compliance before being moved. Mr. Jones emphasized that under some conditions, such as the Concord Road Project, there is not time to make the code improvements before the lot has to be cleared. Council concurred to defer this item for two weeks, and Mayor Moore requested that Planning Director Steve Richardson advise Mayor Pro Tern Patterson about Tyrrell Park the Pear Orchard/West Oakland issues. 12. PUBLIC HEARING: Dilapidated Structures Consider an ordinance declaring certain dilapidated structures to be public nuisances and ordering their repair or removal by the owners and authorizing the removal of certain other structures whose owners failed to comply with condemnation orders Ordinance No. 99-14 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITION, RENOVATION AND REMOVAL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY was introduced: Minutes;2/23/99;Page 8 The twenty-one (21) below listed dilapidated structures are found to be in violation of the City of Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance, Article III, Section 14-50: 1170 Ashley- Billy Hadnot, owner; 2535 Atlanta - Margaret E. White, owner; 3360 Avenue B (garage)- Bernard C. Gill, owner; 3480 Avenue B - Mary Lawson, c/o Dudley Robinson, owner; 3120 Cartwright - Louis Preston Guidry, Attn: Arnold Guidry, owner; 790 Church - Texas Alpha Omega Chapter Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, owner; 990 Church (garage) - Texas Mortgage Investors, Inc., owner; 3_09_Cack_e1L - Rose Woods, c/o James Goolsbee, owner; 17 Delaware - Bill Charles Cormier, owner; 2510_Delaware -garage/carp# - Geraldine J. Cole, owner; 850 Doucette- Michael & Susan Alfred, owners; 1335 Grant- Frank Owens ET AL, owner; 3980 Harding Drive - Joyce Gallier Estate, c/o Kathleen Jones, owner; 2080 Hemlock - Marie Dumas Estate c/o Marie Gilder, owner; 3565 Kenneth - Texas Alpha Omega Chapter Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, owner; 911-19 Magnolia (commercial) - Kenneth A., Jr. & Connie Gengo, owners; 1104 Prince - Darline Buckley/Rachel Buckley, owners; 1950 Pierce (shed in rear) - Janette Hayles, owner; 1285 Ranier - Lucy Harmon, owner; 4190 Steelton (commercial) - Eugene L. Crossland, owner; and 771 Wall - Helen Thomas, owner; each with 25 violations and staff recommendation to raze within 30 days. It has been determined that the structures listed below meet the definition of a dangerous structures but are considered suitable for rehabilitation. Authorization is requested to order the owners to raze, remove, or repair such within a specified time: 1310 Broadway- Tommy W. Hinson, owner; and 1950 Pierce - Janette Hayles, owner; each with 25 violations and staff recommendation to raze or repair within 30 days. The eleven (11) below listed structures have been condemned by City Council and the owners ordered to either raze or repair them within specified time frames. Reinspection of these structures have revealed non-compliance with the Council's order. Authorization is requested from the City Council to demolish these structures in accordance with the Dangerous Structure Ordinance: 1180 Ashley, 5060 Chambers, 3425 Corley, 655 Fulton, 1525-27 Fulton, 2995 Glenwood, 2365 Lela, 1614 Port, 815 Saxe, 3909 Washington Blvd. (commercial), and 2235 Wilson. The public hearing was opened at 2:38 p.m. Mr. Tom Hinson addressed Council regarding his property at 1310 Broadway. Mr. Hinson said the structure is the Tyrrell House built in 1903, said he restores houses, and his house is on the cover of the City Directory. Mr. Hinson lives directly across from the property. He said the Tyrrell House is very historical, very sound, has a brand new roof, windows are in tact, has not been open to the public, and is not a nuisance. Mr. Hinson requested that he not be put on a work program since the restoration will be a large project. He said that he has restored three houses in the Oaks District in the past year and has worked hard to save Minutes;2/23/99;Page 9 a lot of history in Beaumont. Mr. Hinson reported that he bought the house to avoid demolition and paid $7,000 in back taxes. He stated that this structure should not be a candidate to be torn down. Mr. Eddie Bates, president of C & I Oil Company on Broadway, said his office is next to Mr. Hinson's home. He addressed Council in support of Mr. Hinson, and said he has observed his efforts in restoration of houses throughout the city. He said that Mr. Hinson has an aesthetic ability that few share, and said that in adequate time he will make a showplace out of the structure. He said the building has great historical significance. Mr. J. D. Mazola, 2105 West Lucas, addressed Council on behalf of his mother who owns a structure at 3090 Washington Boulevard. Mr. Mazola said the property owner adjacent to 3090 Washington Boulevard has a potential buyer and requested time to salvage the building. He explained that he learned of the demolition order on December 29th and has been in contact with Pam Lociano since that date. Mr. Mazola confirmed to Mayor Moore that 90 days would be adequate time to sell or repair the structure. Mr. Michael Alfred, 1395 Calvin, addressed Council regarding the structure at 850 Doucette to request additional time for rehabilitation. Mr. Alfred stated that it is an historic structure, and he has been working on the building for the past four or five years and would like to continue rehabilitation. He spoke of possible grant funding and the house being a former Babe Didrickson residence. Mr. Steve Wetzel, owner of the property at 1335 Broadway, directly across from the Tyrrell House that Mr. Hinson is restoring, spoke in support of Mr. Hinson's efforts and enumerated the work he has already accomplished on the structure. Mr. Wetzel said Mr. Hinson should be given the time and space needed to restore the house. Mr. Billy Hadnot, 1174 Ashley, addressed Council regarding structures at 1170 and 1180 Ashley to request addition time for rehabilitation. Mr. Hadnot said he was unemployed for a period of time and unable to make any progress in rehabilitation, but is currently employed and wants to continue repairing the structure. Also, he explained that some repairs were made, but he has problems with individuals vandalizing the property. Councilmember Davis told Mr. Hadnot of elderly ladies expressing safety concerns because of activity in these unoccupied houses. Mr. Hadnot said he works hard and is trying to keep his property in good shape and rehabilitate the other houses. Ms. Annie Guidry, P. O. Box 20096, addressed Council regarding 5060 Chambers to request an extension to complete repairs on the structure. She said she had rebuilt some of the interior framework, and the next project will be roof repairs and the exterior. Staff reported that used lumber is being used and may not meet codes, and the building is open and accessible to the public. Pam Lociano reviewed the work programs since April 19, 1996, and said some work has been accomplished since the second work program. Mayor Moore questioned a possible work schedule for a third work program. Ms. Guidry estimated she could complete the work in three to six months, and Mayor Moore replied that since there Minutes;2/23/99;Page 10 has been two other work programs, Council could probably not grant that much time. He encouraged Ms. Guidry to make extremely, serious progress, if a third work program is granted. Other discussion included condition of the wood being used, an inspection by Building Codes, a 30-day time frame to assess the property and bring back to Council, and a reasonable time to establish a work program. Mr. David White, 3565 Delaware, addressed Council regarding a structure his mother owns at 2535 Atlanta to request additional time for rehabilitation. Mr. White said the property is for sale, and they have a potential buyer that wants to set up a work program. Councilmember Davis mentioned his concern with drug dealing and encouraged the house being secured. Councilmember Goodson said that traditionally the City has not waited for a sale before initiation of a work program and questioned the possibility of Mr. White and the prospective owner meeting with Neighborhood Services to establish a work program. Mr. Nichols said the structure could be granted a raze or repair recommendation to accommodate the process. Mayor Moore concurred with Councilmember Goodson that accountability has to rest with the owner until the title is transferred to a buyer. Mr. Bryan Hendrix, 1814 Park Street, spoke in support of Mr. Hinson and his ability to rehabilitate structures, and said the code seems not to be uniformly enforced. He said a house at 2255 Broadway has been dilapidated for ten years, and a house at 1665 Pennsylvania has been open for four years. Mr. Hendrix said leeway needs to be given to a historical project that has a new roof and is secured. Mr. Raymond Chaisson, 1130 Lamar, requested that the house on Irving Street that burned last week be demolished as soon as possible because of drug addicts and dealers. Mayor Moore asked Mr. Hinson to give Pam Lociano a list of the progress made on the structure at 1310 Broadway with an overview of the complete plan for rehabilitation. The public hearing was closed at 3:25 p.m. Councilmember Smith moved to approve and amend Ordinance No. 99-14 by removing 1310 Broadway from the ordinance; authorize 90 days to raze or repair 3090 Washington Boulevard; authorize 30 days to demolish or repair structures at 850 Doucette and 2535 Atlanta; and allow 1170 Ashley, 1180 Ashley, and 5060 Chambers to be presented again to City Council in approximately 30 days at which time Council will determine whether the properties should be razed or given an opportunity to be repaired. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Minutes;2/23/99;Page 11 OTHER BUSINESS *1999 HUD Consolidated Program The City Manager opened review of the 1999 HUD Consolidated Program. He stated that the CDBG program budget is $2, 317,000; the HOME program is $837,000; and the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program is $82,000. Components of the preliminary program were those regarding housing, public facilities and improvements, and public service grants. Mr. Riley referred to the notebook provided Council with complete information concerning proposed grants related to the program. He said that today Council will decide how to move forward with the allocations. The total request for Housing is $500,000, $899,220 for Public Facility and Improvements, $424,523 for Public Service, and $685,000 for Economic Development. A summary of each request has been provided to Council. He pointed out that when the budget is adopted, it is not necessary to specify funding, but determine the allocation for each type of activity. Recipients may be determined at a later date. In the submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an amount for each line item must be included. Councilmember Davis commented that the preliminary budget with fixed numbers is good and can be modified. He questioned additional information or update on banks withdrawing from the Daniels Apartment project. The City Manager replied he has not received any official notice. Councilmember Davis asked for explanation of HOME funds. Mr. Riley said HOME funds primarily have been used with CHODO's and/or development and redevelopment of housing. The entire program has to be for housing, either for rehabilitation or construction financing. Those funds have been used in the Charlton-Pollard area and other areas. Community Development Block Grant funds may be used for various endeavors, such as public facilities, clearance and demolition, or anything concerning slum and blight and economic development in blighted neighborhoods. Further Council discussion included the unused balance available for present use from past allocations, review of the required schedule of workshops and public hearing, reprogramming funds, emergency shelter grant funds, andfunding both emergency shelter applicants. Finance Officer Beverly Hodges advised Council, her department is prepared to submit the final document for Council approval next Tuesday. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Davis thanked the City Manager, Steve Richardson, and all involved in the process of preparing the Avenues/College Street Area Neighborhood Plan. Councilmember Davis acknowledged the value of the Neighborhood Services Division and Pam Lociano in working with citizens with sensitive and personal concerns regarding their property. He complimented the Police Department for responding to neighborhood drug concerns and told Minutes;2/23/99;Page 12 residents that battles have been won in working on this problem. He encouraged continued steadfastness and citizen participation in making neighborhoods safer. Councilmember Ames echoed Councilmember Davis comments about the College/Avenues Neighborhood Plan. She said it looks really good, and this is an area in which a real difference can be made. Councilmember Goodson commented about the HUD Consolidated Grant Program, and questioned if that under the Public Facilities, the $250,000 that is line-itemed for Other Designated 108 Projects, is for construction. Finance Officer Beverly Hodges verified that amount is for debt service payments. Councilmember Goodson added comments about the volume of work involved in processing the applications for CDGB funding, expressed a concern that there is an impression of greater funding than is available, suggested focusing on certain areas to spend money and complete them sequentially. Also, he suggested establishing an upper limit to funding to insure reasonable expectations from applicants and to establish a realistic benchmark. Councilmember Smith expressed agreement with Councilmember Goodson's suggestions and spoke in support of setting guidelines. Councilmember Smith said her focus has always tended to be on bricks and mortar funding. She spoke of the need for better housing stock and realizing that all agencies cannot be helped, regardless of their worthiness. Councilmember Smith also thanked Tom Hinton for salvaging so many historical homes in Beaumont. She said that most would be amazed at what he has done in Old Town. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mrs. Gethrel Hall Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, addressed Council with a concern about a practice at the Landfill of eliminating the use of a paper stick for employees to pick up paper. She stated that with the sticks they pick up about ten bags per hour, and by hand the amount decreases to three bags. She questioned if this is a City policy and spoke of bending and stooping causing lower back pain. Mrs. Frieda Jackson, a resident of Cardinal Meadows, related experiencing a house fire on January 1st and thanked the City of Beaumont for their response to her home in this unincorporated area. Mrs. Jackson said her home was saved, but other frame homes in the area probably could not have sustained a fire such as the one she experienced. She submitted petitions to the City Clerk she has gathered requesting annexation of Cardinal Meadows to Beaumont. Mrs. Jackson solicited a favorable response from Council for annexation. Mrs. Marie Broussard, 1185 Ivey Lane, addressed Council in appreciation for Council support of the Garden Center at Tyrrell Park last week. Mrs. Broussard was out of town and unable to attend Council last week. She particularly thanked Mr. Riley and Mr. Kirby Minutes;2/23/99;Page 13 Richards for their work in preparing the contract approved last week. She referred to a generous citizen (Jack Binks) for donating a substantial amount of money. She said they hope to start construction on an Educational and Visitor's Center connected to the Conservatory in May and an improvement to the front of the current Garden Center building. 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 *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 3:50 p.m. (;i )X-� Lmslk David W. Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerk Minutes;2123/99;Page 14