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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAR 02 1999 III I N U T E S > CI , 1l OIL BEAjC MONO 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 MARCH 2, 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 March 2, 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 1:32 p.m. The Reverend Jerry Colbert, Goodwill Christian Church, gave the invocation. Mr. Greg Shepherd of Entergy led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, 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 One Proclamation was issued: "Incredible Reading Rally Week," March 1-5, 1999. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular agenda Items. No one wished to address these items. *Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meetings held February 23, 1999. * Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made A) Approve the acquisition of property related to the Neighborhood Revitalization Project (Lots 10 and 11, Block 20, Cartwright Addition, 1820 and 1830 Corley Street in the amount of $5,000 from Emma Wilridge Lee and the Estate of Solomon Lee, Deceased, and execute a deed to Statewide Consolidate Community Development Corporation for construction of homes on the property)- Resolution No. 99-65 B) Approve the acquisition of property for the Concord Road Improvement Project (Parcel No. 27: 0.056 acre out of Lot 1 and the Lillian Dodd Lot of Block 1, Bullock Addition, 2845 Concord Road in the amount of$6,800 from Linda Gayle Johnson) - Resolution No. 99-66 C) Approve the purchase of filter media for use at the Water Production Plant (from Vaughn Construction Company in the amount of$22,500) - Resolution No. 99-67 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider the 1999 HUD Consolidated Program Budget Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 99-68 approving the 1999 HUD Consolidated Grant Program in the amount of$3,406,000. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Councilmember Davis thanked Beverly Hodges, Johnny Beatty and Richard Chappell for an excellent job in preparation of the budget, spoke of upcoming good news regarding housing, and stated that he considers us to be moving at the right pace and that as Councilmember Smith advocates, this is about bricks and mortar and sets our city apart. 2. Consider approving a contract for the repair and repainting of the Northwest Elevated Storage Tank located on Lucas Street Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-69 authorizing a contract with Coatings, Inc. in the amount of$229,800 for repairing and repainting the interior of the 1,500,000 gallon elevated storage tank on Lucas Street. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Minutes;312/99;Page 2 3. Consider approving the purchase of modular furniture for the new Municipal Court facility Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-70 authorizing purchase of modular furniture for the new Municipal Court facility at 720 Orleans from the Texas Correctional Industries of Huntsville, Texas in the amount of$35,676.42. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 4. Consider approving the purchase of a forty ton lowboy trailer for use in the Streets and Drainage Division/Public Works Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-71 authorizing purchase of a lowboy trailer in the amount of $36,681 from Smart's Truck & Trailer. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None OTHER BUSINESS *Receive report from the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Chairman Tom Gober greeted Council, said Mr. Milt Prewitt, chairman of the Economic Development Council, would present their report and introduced President John Breier and asked other board and staff members to stand. Mr. Milt Prewitt began his report by stating that the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has renewed its commitment to the economic development of this area during these past four years. In the fall of 1998, he said this commitment was strengthened by hiring John Breier, one of the state's top economic development specialists. He told Council that the Mission Statement of the Chamber of Commerce is, "To enhance the economic vitality of Beaumont, Texas, through a process of averaging up the factors that affect the growth of our economy." Mr. Prewitt reviewed the Economic Development Division's 1999 Program of Work and goals of accountability as outlined in Exhibit "A." He requested $65,000 from the City of Beaumont for the 1999 budget, an increase of $15,000. The extra $15,000 will be earmarked for a Small Business Minority economic development project. He said this three- phase program is to be launched under the leadership George Gardner to assist small and Minutes;3/2/99;Page 3 minority businesses. It will determine the feasibility of a project, assist in identifying funding sources, and will assist in development of potential markets. He said that it is as close to an incubator as can be to assist in getting ideas materialized. He spoke of economic development successes and the partnership of the Beaumont Economic Development Council and the City of Beaumont. Mr. Prewitt thanked Council for the time to make a presentation and for Council's vision and leadership. Mr. John Breier expressed appreciation for consideration and past investment in economic development and addressed the benefits of the combination of public and private endeavors that have worked well in Beaumont. Mr. Breier spoke of short term goals in growing the economy for both today and tomorrow. He stated that a long term issue of theirs is continued support of the Port of Beaumont. Mr. Breier introduced Vice President Shirley Bartos, Projects Manager Gay Chionsini, and Economic Development Specialist Karen Capps. Mayor Moore thanked the Chamber for the interactive visit, commented about a recent visit with Chamber members to the hospital system in Houston regarding plans in Beaumont, and questioned status of the postal encoding operation and Elf-Atochem. Mayor Moore encouraged making a courtesy call on Elf-Atochem and questioned status of a back-office operation coming to Mid-County. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Goodson thanked Councilmembers Ames and Cokinos for attending the Acorn Neighborhood Association meeting last night, and Public Works Director Tom Warner for meeting with him today regarding the house moving ordinance. He reported that the meeting was lively, but very good. Comments from the meeting have been given to Mr. Warner and staff for review. Councilmember Goodson thanked Mayor Moore for allowing him, along with Councilmember Smith, to be present at the merger signing of the Memorial Herman Healthcare Systems/Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas last Monday at Baptist Hospital. He said it will be another significant advancement for the health care system in our city. Councilmember Ames said a lot was accomplished at the Acorn Neighborhood Association meeting. Also, Councilmember Ames congratulated Councilmember Smith for being the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow through the Rotary Club, and said she is very deserving and expressed her pride in Councilmember Smith. Councilmember Smith responded that she was totally surprised at the honor. Councilmember Davis added his congratulations to Councilmember Smith. He reported that at the Northend Neighborhood Association meeting he received a list of requests: Bennett Minutes;3!2!99;Page 4 Street needs ditches cleaned; Bigner Road request for lighting between 6110 Barrett through 6350 Barrett; another street light concern at 5375 Nelkin Lane; and a request for street lighting all the way down Helbig Road; and a request for "No Dumping Signs" on Roland Road, Barrett Road, Helbig Road, McHale, and Maida Road. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson invited everyone to attend the Pear Orchard Neighborhood Association meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church to address the comprehensive plan for the Pear Orchard/West Oakland areas. She said last night the Tyrrell Park Neighborhood Association held their meeting, thanked Public Works Director Tom Warner, City of Beaumont staff, Drainage District 6 personnel, Jim Terry and former Judge Richard LeBlanc for the good information shared about drainage improvements. She said that close to $1 million was spent on drainage in Tyrrell Park during the past two years. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson said this is a good example of working together and making strides in improvement. Mayor Pro Tern Patterson announced that the Beaumont community Players will present a musical from the Big Band era entitled The 1940's Radio Hour on March 5, 6, 12, 13, 18-20, at 8:00 p.m. with matinees on March 7 and 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the BCP Playhouse, 5515 Phelps Road. Mayor Moore apologized for not being to attend the various neighborhood association meetings because of commitment to a private industry meeting for Xerox Corporation. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. Bill Proctor, 4340 Westridge Lane, expressed appreciation to Public Works Director Tom Warner for the time and effort spent to insure sidewalk installation by the developer from the corner of the Hollywood Video office down to Dowlen and Old Dowlen Road. Mrs. Kathryn Wiggington, Elgie Street, addressed Council in support of a branch library at Alice Keith Park. She gave statistics of the number of children and older adults that would utilize the facility, and said the one proposed to be constructed at Fannett Road and Sarah would logistically be too far for residents in South Park to use. She supported consideration of a library at each location. Also, Mrs. Wiggington thanked Lt. Singletary, the District Attorney's Office, and Sheriff Mitch Woods and their staffs for continuing with investigations of sexually oriented businesses. She stated that these businesses help ruin many lives and corrupt many young adults. Mr. Dennis Clever, 5480 Tyrrell Park Road, informed Council he has been trying to move a house since December 31 st, has expended a lot of money on the structure, and complained about inconsistent time expectations for him to complete the process. Mayor Moore explained that Council is working through a revised ordinance relative to moving structures and encouraged Mr. Clever to meet with staff after the meeting concerning details. Mr. Herman Davis, 790 Amarillo, addressed Council on behalf of Viet Nam Veterans Chapter 292. Mr. Davis related that the Chapter has property on Keith Road and traditionally have Minutes;3/2/99;Page 5 a 24-hour fire watch for POW's and veterans in May. The Chapter was notified by the City that the wood stored for the bonfire has to be cleared by March 5. Mr. Davis questioned who he would need to contact for an extension since the wood is being temporarily stored for this event and asked for Council assistance. He related that they are a service organization helping to meet needs of the community. Also, Mr. Davis thanked Councilmembers Davis, Ames, and Cokinos for supporting the Avenues/College Street Neighborhood Plan and bringing a resolution to the point of placement on the agenda. Mayor Moore thanked Pastor Colbert for remaining for the entire Council meeting and announced that Council will not meet next Tuesday because members of Council will be attending a National League of Cities Congress in Washington, D.C. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: William Stanfield dba Alta Mere Window Tinting Marsha Hoskins dba Baskets & Things Mike Allen v. City of Beaumont Janice Haynes v. City of Beaumont et al Greentree Administrators, Inc. 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 2:30 p.m. Davi W. Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City be rk Minutes;3!2/99;Page 6 1999 Work Plan In addition to our continuing economic development efforts, the follow programs and initiatives are scheduled for this year: Development of a Beaumont Strategic Economic Development Plan (1999-2000) : The Plan will provide recommendations and a road map to guide Beaumont's industrial growth and retention programs and recruitment efforts as well as strengthen our overall economy. Industrial Growth and Retention Program: Throughout 1999, meetings will be scheduled with key business and industrial leaders to express the communities' appreciation for their investment in Beaumont, to identify issues of concern in which we may be of assistance, and to determine if there are business opportunities for growth and expansion that the communities economic development program can facilitate. The objective being to identify what economic development programs are truly benefiting our industrial base and development of new one to enhance industrial growth. Economic Analysis Panel: This quarterly report of economic information is given by a group of community leaders from Beaumont and the metro area. This statistical information, which is not generally available or published, gives informational reports on labor, construction, utility, transportation, real estate, retail, government, and tourism in the form of a media briefing. Economic Development News Bulletin: The bulletin highlights new development and economic indicators in Beaumont and the metro area. It is published and faxed monthly to the entire Beaumont Chamber of Commerce membership, the marketing network, prospects and interested citizens who have called to inquire about Beaumont. Good News Publication: The compilation of success stories exerted from local newspapers covers Beaumont,the metro, and the Southeast Texas region. It is published quarterly cooperatively with Entergy- Texas and is distributed to our marketing network and prospects who have called to inquire about Beaumont. Development of a Comprehensive Marketing Plan: As a result of the strategic economic development plan, a short and long-term marketing plan will be developed. This will include the development of a new multi-media promotional material. Business Surveys: Workforce development surveys will be performed to identify labor availability and needs as well as training resources and requirements. This will provide for development of business consortiums to facilitate the application for Smart Job and Skill Development training grants. Partnership Efforts: We will work closely with city and county government, regional and state economic development agencies, industry and business leaders as well as real estate, financial and investment professionals who market Beaumont daily. Small/Minority Business Economic Development Program "Focusing on the Future": This will be an integral part of Beaumont's overall Economic Development Program. The effort will have three phases with ■ Phase I starting this year utilizing the nationally recognized Premier Fast Trac I Program. In this first phase, participants will learn to take an innovative business idea and determine its feasibility. They will expose and expand business ideas before completing the program with a blueprint for successful launch. EXHIBIT "A" Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Division 1999 Program of Work Mission Statement: To enhance the economic vitality of Beaumont, Texas through a process of "averaging up"the factors that affect the growth of the economy. • Develop and maintain an aggressive pro-active marketing program to improve the perception of Beaumont and to educate prospects of the benefits that Beaumont has to offer. The marketing program shall include prospect development, data collection, and assisting prospects in the negotiation of agreements. • Develop and support a strong workforce development program to educate and prepare the existing and future workforce to meet the changing demands of industry and commerce. This will include an aggressive campaign to identify and assist Beaumont companies to obtain state training-grants through the"Smart Jobs and Skill Development"programs. • Set objectives of accountability in measuring the success of economic development efforts: a. Reduce unemployment to below an average of 7.0% over the next 12 months. b. Increase ad valorem tax base by 3.5% over the next 12 months. c. Increase job growth by 2.0% over the next 12 months. d. Visit key industry and business at least twice annually. • Focus on the creation of jobs from new and existing business and industry with emphasis on job retention. • Cooperate with the City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Port of Beaumont, Entergy, Partnership of Southeast Texas, Texas Department of Economic Development and all appropriate state and federal agencies to accomplish the Chamber's economic development mission. • Monitor all issues pertaining to the fresh water assets of the Neches and Sabine River basins and strive to preserve these assets for the benefit of Beaumont and Southeast Texas. • Cooperate with the City of Beaumont for providing financial incentives for prospective business and industries and thereby making Beaumont competitive with other cities in its efforts to bring new jobs to the local area. GAEco-Dev\99mission • Phase II will help these firms identify funds to help support new business ventures and help existing firms grow and expand. • Phase III will be to develop programs and procedures to identify market opportunities, relationships and contacts to help these firms enter both domestic and international markets. Continuation of current programs With your help, we will continue to aggressively generate investment and reinvestments in our local economy by working to attract industrial and manufacturing firms,retail customers, tourists, conventions and help current businesses prosper and expand. We will respond to correspondence, phone calls, and walk-in visitors who are considering relocations. We will provide statistical information through our research and publications and will actively assist businesses and individuals who are considering choosing our Beaumont market: We will continue the SBA 504 loan program through the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation (a certified development company), offering small businesses loner term financing for real estate acquisition, construction, renovation, and equipment purchases. The SBA 504 program is an economic development program developed to promote growth and job creation in small businesses. In 1998, the foundation received more than 100 SBA inquiries for assistance. Currently the Southeast Texas 504 program has two loans that have been approved which are pending funding/closing, and another that is pending SBA loan approval. We continue our efforts to market the SBA 504 loan program to Beaumont businesses and business prospects looking to expand or locate here. We will continue to plan, organize and stage Business Showcase with 130 business firms displaying information about their products and services to the 4,000 persons in attendance. We will continue"Operation Education," a community-wide advertising campaign, promoting Beaumont schools and Lamar University.