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