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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN OCT 12 1999 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR John K. Davis, Mayor Pro Tern Guy N. Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P. Cokinos Bobbie J. Patterson OCTOBER 12, 1999 Becky Ames Lane Nichols, City Attorney Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager Barbara Liming,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on October 12, 1999, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:40 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 1:40 p.m. The Reverend Benny Thomas, Church of the Living Waters, gave the invocation. Ozen High School Student council President Michael Sterling led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Davis, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson. Councilmember Goodson was absent. Also, present were: Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions Three proclamations were issued: "Red Ribbon Week," October 24-31, 1999; "Business Women's Week," October 18-25, 1999; and "Voter Awareness Month," October 1999. Clean Community Director John Labrie and Superintendent of Neighborhood Services David Oliver joined Mayor Moore and Councilmembers Smith and Patterson to sign "Adopt-A-Street Participation Agreements" with four groups who will commit to keeping litter and debris removed from specific streets and improving the appearance of our city. Signing an agreement in Ward I was: Vocational Director Pat Calhoun for the Taylor Career Center- BISD to adopt Seventh Street (IH-10 Frontage Road to Calder): Participants in Ward IV were: Student Activities Director and Student Council President Michael Sterling for Ozen High School Student Council to adopt Fannett Road (Fourth to Cardinal Drive); Ms. Rachel Jones for Greater St. Paul Baptist Church Campfire Boys and Girls to adopt Milan Street (Eight to Eleventh); and Resource & Development Director Jayne Bordelon for Communities in School Southeast Texas, Inc. for Fannin (Fourth to Eleventh). *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items. Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Regular Agenda Items 1 - 5. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council regarding the nomination of C. L. Sherman to the Jefferson County Appraisal District Board of Directors and his stand on increased property appraisals, said tax appraisals are a smoke screen for a tax increase, in opposition to Agenda Item No. 5, commended Entergy for being citizen friendly and complained about incomplete information for items on the Consent Agenda. *Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held October 5, 1999. * Confirmation of committee appointments - Dennis Guidry to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission, Don Vallier to the Library Commission, and Marie Carter to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, with terms expiring October 11, 2001 - Resolution No. 99-304 A) Approve a contract for the purchase and installation of carpet at the Tyrrell Historical Library (with Porter's Carpets in the amount of$34,389.80) - Resolution No. 99-305 B) Approve a contract for the purchase of lubricants to be used by City Departments for maintaining equipment (with Pumpelly Oil Company for an estimated expenditure of $27,063.40) - Resolution No. 99-306 C) Approve the purchase of properties for the Concord Road Improvement Project (Parcel No. 55: .049 acre out of Comstock Addition, 3383 Concord, in the amount of$18,000 from Mr. and Mrs. James C. Young; Parcel No. 100 & 10OA: .018 acre out of Lot 1, Block 1 of the Cousins Addition and out of Lot A-1, Babe Moore Addition, 2381 Delaware, in the amount of$7,598 from Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Isadore, Jr.; and Parcel No. 103: .011 acre out of Lot 4, Block 1 of the Cousins Second Addition, 2365 Delaware, in the amount of $9,006 from Marian J. Tatum) - Resolution No. 99-307 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Davis, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider nominating C.L. Sherman to the Jefferson County Appraisal District Board of Directors Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 99-308 . Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Davis, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider a contract for the purchase of fittings, pipes and couplings for use by the Water Utilities Department Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-309 authorizing a contract with Coburn Supply, $51,514.88, Golden Triangle Pipe, $136,106.75, Hughes Supply, Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 2 $4,873.00, and SPI Municipal Supply, $60,161.40, for purchase of fittings, pipes and couplings for use by the Water Utilities Department. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Davis, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson Noes: None 3. Consider a contract for the purchase of corrugated polyethylene pipe for use by the Public Works Department Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 99-310 authorizing a contract with Coburn Supply for various sizes of corrugated polyethylene pipe for an estimated expenditure of $85,718. Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Davis, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider authorizing the Clean Community Department to apply for and accept a grant if awarded from the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission for FY 2000 Solid Waste Implementation Projects Councilmember Patterson moved to approve Resolution No. 99-311. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Davis, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Patterson Noes: None 5. Consider an Ordinance requiring Entergy/Gulf States to book and suspense revenues from the River Bend Nuclear Plant associated with the bankruptcy of Cajun Electric Co-Operative Ordinance No. 0-99-79 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING ENTERGY GULF STATES TO BOOK AND HOLD REVENUES FROM THE SALE OF POWER FROM THE RIVER BEND NUCLEAR STATION ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE 281 MW ACQUIRED FROM CAJUN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IN A SUSPENSE ACCOUNT PENDING FINAL DETERMINATION OF THE REGULATORY TREATMENT OF THAT PORTION OF RIVER BEND was introduced. Councilmember Cokinos questioned Mr. Greg Shepard's opinion regarding action on this item, and City Attorney Nichols responded that Entergy is opposed to passage of the ordinance and he has spoken with Mr. Shepard. Councilmember Cokinos requested that Mr. Shepard address the subject. Mr. Shepard informed Council of a meeting with Mr. Nichols, clarified that Entergy has several fully owned subsidiaries, and said that Entergy/Gulf States nor any of the regulated operating companies were selling power off the system on July 23, 1999. He said Entergy Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 3 Power Group, which owns power plants in Massachusetts and other parts of the country and world, was selling power on that day and fulfilling contracts. He said the referenced power is a separate operating company and said their objection is to the process because action will occur with the settlement agreement and Senate Bill 7 in April of 2000. Councilmember Cokinos objected to a vote before Senate Bill 7 is acted upon. Mr. Nichols explained he is recommending that cities in this coalition take action because Entergy has filed their third rate-related case dealing with fuel. He said the fuel they want to recover at this time through a fuel factor will include power they had to purchase during the blackout at an exorbitant amount, up to $2,500 per megawatt hour, when production cost is more like $25.00 to $30.00. Mr. Nichols also stated we need to capture the revenues from this portion of River Bend, identify and hold them in a suspense account so that when the regulatory treatment of this portion of River Bend is finally determined by the PUC, we will have this information available accurately and timely. Mr. Nichols said we are not telling the company what to do with the revenues or how to report the revenues, we are demanding that they account for the revenues. He said the request is accounting that they probably should be doing anyway. Mr. Nichols expressed an opinion that this is a prudent course of action and recommends approval of the ordinance. Councilmember Cokinos requested additional information about Cajun Electric and stated he would like to table this item until details can be supplied. Mr. Shepard explained that Cajun Electric Cooperative was a part owner of River Bend that declared bankruptcy, and Entergy Power Group purchased their share of River Bend. He stated they have nothing to do with this issue. Mayor Pro Tern Davis expressed hesitation and reservation to move forward because of the strong corporate friend that Entergy has proven to be to the City of Beaumont. He stated he is perplexed with not completely understanding the total issue and does not feel comfortable in moving forward. Mayor Pro Tern Davis voiced appreciation and confidence in Mr. Nichols' counsel and reiterated his regard for Entergy's interest in Beaumont. He addressed a potential financial strain on citizens. Further discussion included Mr. Shepard's explanation of moving revenues from one company to another, Senate Bill 7, issues that will develop in April of 2000, timeliness, explanation of the brownout, costs to citizens by the brownout, provision for selling and receiving power, exercising options, and the request for accounting procedures. Mr. Nichols stated we are the largest city in the Texas Gulf States Service Area and what we do is important to the PUC. Mr. Nichols spoke of breaking traces with the coalition of cities, commended Entergy for being a good corporate citizen--comparable to Mobile Oil, and said if he thought that this would in some way significantly hurt the company and not provide us much benefit, he would not make this recommendation. He said he does not believe the company will be hurt significantly, but the City will benefit when it comes time to implement Senate Bill 7 and determine the final regulatory treatment of the totality of River Bend. Councilmember Cokinos again stated his desire to table action. Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 4 Mr. Shepard agreed with Mr. Nichols, said that comparisons show Entergy's rates to be the lowest of all investor-owned companies in the state of Texas, which is a result of the coalition's involvement in the rate cases. Mr. Shepard urged Council to move forward and asked that Council look at the requests of the coalition, determine if they are reasonable and prudent, and take action that is in the best interest of the City of Beaumont. Mayor Moore and Council expressed appreciation to Mr. Shepard and Entergy for their community involvement and stated Council's obligation. Further comments revealed a compromise between Entergy and the City of Beaumont by removing certain language from the proposed ordinance. Mayor Pro Tern Davis moved to approve Ordinance No. 99-79. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Davis, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, and Patterson Noes: Councilmember Cokinos OTHER BUSINESS *Report related to proposal for a Texas State Veterans Home The City Manager reported that Beaumont is a potential site for one of seven new Texas Veterans Homes to be funded through the Texas Veterans Land Board. Mr. Bonczek stated that administration is working with the County Commissioner's Court to make one application for the County. Port Arthur will also recommend sites. He proposed Fair Park as the primary site for this facility. He also reported that a citizen has offered to donate 35 acres of land west of Helbig Road, which could possibly serve as an alternate site. Mr. Bonczek made reference to working with Mr. Jim Rich and Mr. John Breier, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and requested Executive Assistant to the Manager and Economic Development Director Kyle Hayes to continue with the presentation. Mr. Hayes related his activity with members of the Chamber of Commerce and Ms. Regina Bell of Jefferson County regarding necessary preliminary work to present a proposal to the Texas Veterans Land Board for building a Texas State Veterans Home in Beaumont. Mr. Hayes presented information regarding the purpose of a Veterans Home, a list of criteria for site selection, benefits this would bring to the city, the possibility of the YMBL moving to the Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex. Mr. Hayes recommended Fair Park as the primary site for this facility, as outlined in Exhibit "A." In response to Councilmember Smith's comments to advantages of having the facility built closer to the medical complex and availability of land, Mr. Hayes replied that the required 20 acres of land is not available in that area. He stated that Central Park and other vacant properties in the City were considered, but were found to be unsuitable because of the expense involved, and reiterated the general consensus is that Fair Park is an ideal location, among those involved in the preliminary process. He also Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 5 spoke of the election requirement in order to commit Fair Park to be used for this facility, since it is dedicated park property. Mayor Moore commented that in order to participate in the bidding process and avoid being criticized for not trying to obtain the approval of the Texas Veterans Land Board, an acceptable site needs to be recommended when applying, and addressed the great economic impact this facility would have for the city and the convenience benefits for Veterans. Mayor Pro Tern Davis stated that this is an excellent opportunity, spoke of concerns regarding the clarity of the City's relationship with the YMBL, and commented that building this facility on Fair Park property would fill a void for the city in the event that the YMBL decides to relocate. He also spoke of the need for the public to understand the YMBL's importance to the city, that this is not being done to impact the YMBL negatively, commented on Council's responsibility to ensure the proper use of this property, and thanked Mr. Hayes for his efforts. In discussion, Mr. Hayes restated that a Beaumont doctor would like to donate 35 acres of land which could possibly be used as an alternate location. He spoke of visiting different properties and the need for the City to own the property that is proposed as a site. Mayor Moore spoke of discussions with the YMBL, having a mutual understanding and good working relationship with them, the possibility of the YMBL relocating to the Entertainment Complex, and the benefits that this facility would bring to the city. Mr. Hayes additionally stated that if it is the will of the Council, the administration will move forward in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Ms. Regina Bell in completing the application process, and would word the commitment of the Fair Park property in such a way that would allow flexibility in working with the YMBL. Mayor Moore encouraged Mr. Hayes to have an alternative site plan, which could possibly be the property that the citizen desires to contribute for this project. Mr. Bonczek stated that the City will accept the donation of this property without respect to its selection as a site for this project, as it is suitable for other uses, such as affordable housing. COMMENTS *Councilmembers comment on various subjects Mayor Pro Tern Davis congratulated the Beaumont Housing Authority on their first "Movement to Work" Program graduation and spoke of it being a very positive program. Councilmember Patterson announced that the Pear Orchard Neighborhood Association has changed their meetings to the third Tuesday of each Month, and the next meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. on October 19,1999, at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Hall. Councilmember Patterson addressed the City Manager in reference to Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 6 receiving accurate responses to questions asked at the October 5 Council meeting regarding the 24-hour operability of Fire Stations 3 and 10 and Medic Stations 3 and 2. She spoke of being told that nothing would change, stated that information obtained since that meeting suggests that Medic Station No. 2 will be out of service on some days, operating on a 12-hour day, and asked for confirmation or clarification. The City Manager responded that he was speaking in the context of fire service at that time, in which case the response given was correct, as the decision that he was speaking of did not affect EMS. He also spoke of realizing a possible misunderstanding the next day and ask the Public Health Department Director to contact Councilmember Patterson to clarify the issue. Mr. Bonczek stated that one of the administration's initiatives could involve assigning stations and services based on peak demand, which may involve three or five medic stations being operational at times, and made reference to time constraints of the last City Council meeting preventing him from presenting the City Manager's Report, which contained this information. In response to Councilmember Patterson's statement regarding her attempt to make a clear division between fire service and EMS service when posing her questions in the previous meeting, Mr. Bonczek reiterated the fact that he realized the next day that correct information may not have been given, which was the reason for requesting Ms. Holmes to contact her. Councilmember Patterson requested complete information on EMS plans, what hours the stations in question would be operable, spoke of the negative results of taking a medic unit out of service, and suggested a workshop to discuss these issues. The City Manager commented on the administration's efforts to find a more efficient and cost-effective way to manage the current system. He further discussed the challenge of maintaining high quality service while saving money and lives, the consideration of using private companies for non life-threatening situations, the possibility of privatizing the collection of EMS bills, the necessity of improving response times, analyzing previous history and making determinations on peak times, and keeping the City Council informed on these issues. Mayor Moore suggested Councilmembers obtain information and work out issues prior to the Council meetings and recommended that Councilmember Patterson and Mr. Bonczek meet to discuss her concerns before the next meeting. Councilmember Smith voiced her opinion that Council was in agreement about the EMS system, and spoke of there being no known area that could not be revaluated in order to provide better service at a lower cost. She also stated that the Council does not need to micro manage this issue, but needs to set policy and respect the professionals that have been hired to do the job. Councilmember Patterson interjected comments about not acquiring correct information to questions, stated that this is not an issue of micro management, but a matter of representation, and commented on her intent to represent her Ward in every way possible. Mayor Moore congratulated the Gift of Life Program on an excellent outreach endeavor, and said it will bring tremendous benefits to participants. Also, he Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 7 commended the Housing Authority's "Movement to Work" program for their first graduation. * City Manager's Report The City Manager explained the purpose and values of the manager's report and encouraged Council to respond to information presented. He reported on the progress to finalize the Partnership and Governance meeting to be held October 19 at the Texas Energy Museum; thanked Council for allowing him to attend the annual conference in Portland, Oregon; told about speaking to employees at work sites to obtain ideas to help develop mission and guiding principles, and asked for Council's thoughts on this issue; addressed right sizing our organization, connecting available resources to accomplish goals in the most effective way; the elimination of vacant positions with a $400,000 budget impact on the General Fund; setting a goal to either raise revenues or decrease expenditures, with a desired $2 million budget impact; work started on the FY 2000 budget on; the directive given by Mayor and Council to try to bring efficiencies and balance budget with no tax increase, and stated that he will be presenting ideas at the partnership meeting to obtain responses. Mr. Bonczek also presented information on EMS initiatives that involve deployment of EMS units, different working hours for employees, dispatch priorities, possible savings, a rollover program at the point of dispatch or when the first responder arrives to make determination of whether a City EMS unit is needed, and forming an ambulance provider committee. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council to commend Mayor Pro Tern Davis for leading efforts to secure fire service in the Charlton Pollard area, commended Council for compromising on this issue, complimented the City Manager on his approach in presenting different options to Council and presentation of a City Manager's report. Mr. Lee also spoke of being a purple card disabled veteran, the need for a Veterans Home, disagreed with the Fair Park location as a proposed site, and presented ideas for better use of Fair Park that he stated could be financed through hotel/motel tax. Mr. John Naumczik, 370 Giles, addressed Council as a member of the Coalition of Veterans Association, commented on the number of veterans in the Golden Triangle, the need for a veteran facility, past federal funding, and commended the Council for pursuing this issue. Mr. Charles Johnson, 5080 Helbig Road, addressed Council to allege harassment and improper conduct by police officers Lieutenant Beck and Officer Don Gordon, and stated that he has information regarding an improper relationship involving an officer. Mayor Moore strongly urged Mr. Johnson to present any evidence of this sort to a court of law where the matter can be handled appropriately. The Mayor also spoke of the City Council meeting not being an arena for personal attacks, encouraged Mr. Johnson to speak to the City Manager if he has important evidence regarding a City employee, informed him that no discussion regarding a City employee is allowed in Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 8 an open meeting, listed the only employees that the Council has jurisdiction over as being the City Clerk, Municipal Judges and the City Manager, and instructed Mr. Johnson not to use the microphone to address problems that Council cannot resolve. Mr. Johnson spoke of attempts to speak with Police authorities and Mayor Moore reiterated his direction for Mr. Johnson to make use of the proper channels by scheduling an appointment with the City Manager to discuss his charges. Mayor Pro Tern Davis requested the City Manger to schedule a meeting on Friday with Mr. Johnson, Lieutenant Beck and all parties deemed necessary in order to have a fair discussion on this issue. He also spoke of visiting Plymouth Village in an attempt to address these concerns, working with the Plymouth Village Board, and the limitations of his authority to intervene in this situation. EXECUTIVE SESSION * Executive Session in accordance with Section 555.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: * Executive Session in accordance with 551.074 of the Government Code to discuss the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer: specifically the City Attorney and City Clerk David W. Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerk Minutes;October 12,1999;Page 9 City Manager's Office City of Beaumont To: Mayor and Councilmembers From: Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager Kyle Hayes, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Date: October 8, 1999 Subject: Texas State Veterans Home The City Manager and I have been working with the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and Jefferson County on preliminary work necessary for Jefferson County to make a proposal for a Texas State Veterans Home in Beaumont. A Texas State Veterans Home is a home established for veterans disabled by age, disease, or otherwise, who by reason of such disability are incapable of earning a living. It also includes a home which furnishes care for such veterans. There are currently four Texas State Veterans Homes in Texas. The Texas Veterans Land Board is in the process of securing funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the construction of seven new Veterans Homes. We anticipate the Texas Veterans Land Board sending out requests for proposals in November of this year to interested governmental entities around the State. Approximately 45 entities are on the mailing list. A list of criteria for site selection is attached for your review. One specific requirement is that at least 20 acres must be donated or legally committed for long-term use. We would like for the Council to consider donating 20 acres which are currently a part of Fair Park (approximately 60 acres). The property has adequate water and sewer, access to public transportation, and is within five minutes from St. Elizabeth and Baptist Hospitals. In our opinion, a Veterans Home located in Beaumont at Fair Park would meet the site selection criteria. The construction of the 160 bed facility is projected at $10 million resulting in 50 permanent jobs with an estimated payroll of$5 million. Beaumont and Southeast Texas have a large veteran population and this type of facility and investment would be a tremendous asset. The property would be committed to the Texas Veterans Land Board at such a time not to interfere with the YMBL and the South Texas State Fair. The YMBL and the South Texas State Fair are planning to move to the Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex . The YMBL is currently negotiating with the County but as of this date has not reached an agreement. Additional information which was used for the first round of site selections a few years ago is attached for your review. EXHIBIT "A" FROM :BMT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 409 833 6718 1999.10-07 11:51 52734 P.02/07 TEXAS STATE VETERANS HOMES QUESTIONS & ANSWER • What is a Texas State Veterans Home? The term "Texas State Veterans Home" means a home established for veterans disabled by age, disease, or otherwise, who by reason of such disability are incapable of earning a living. It also includes a home which furnishes care for such veterans. • Who establishes a Texas State Veterans Home? In 19971 the Texas legislature authorized the Texas Veterans Land Board to extend its operation and bond authority to include "...the construction, acquisition, ownership, operation, maintenance, enlargement, improvement, or furnishing or equipping of veterans homes...." • How does the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) participate with a state in the construction of a State Veterans Home? Under Title 38 USC 8131-8137, the VA provides a grant of up to 65% of the cost of acquisition and construction of rew domiciliary or nursing home buildings, and/or the expansion,remodeling, or alteration of existing domiciliary, nursing or hospital care buildings, provided VA standards and regulations are met. Acquisition and renovation costs may not exceed the cost of construction of any equivalent new facility. Such cost may include architect fees, supervision, inspection, cost of final audit, and initial equipment, which is not included in the construction contract and may not exceed 10 percent of the cost of construction. The VA cannot participate in the cost of land and infrastructure. • How are construction grants awarded? The VA establishes a priority list of applications as of August 15 each year for funding the next fiscal year beginning October 1. After the appropriation for the construction grant program,projects will be funded in the order of priority on the list until federal finds are spent. FROM BMT CHAMBER OF cot-VIERCE 409 833 6718 1999.10-07 11'61 ttTs4 P.03/07 • What is the first priority on the August 15 list? First priority is accorded to feasible applications for which states have provided sufficient funds so that the project may proceed upon award of the grant. • Is there a limit on the number of beds that can be constructed with VA participation? Yes. Nursing home care beds cannot exceed 4 State Home beds per 1,000 veteran population in the state. Justification must be provided for nursing home beds in excess of 2.5 per 1,000 veteran population of a state. Domiciliary beds cannot exceed 2 beds per 1,000 veteran population in the state. • Can a building in an existing state facility be approved as a'Texas State Veterans Home? A building or buildings in an existing facility may qualify,provided that they are established and operated as A separate entity. It is permissible to purchase services, i.e., dietetic, engineering, laundry, and professional care from an existing facility. • How wiU the VA assure Congress that Texas State Veterans Homes provide quality care? An annual inspection, audit, and reconciliation of records is conducted by the VA medical center of jurisdiction to assure that the minimum standards of care as prescribed by the VA are met. • Does a Texas State Veterans Home require a state license? Yes. The facility must be licensed as a nursing home by the state and fully meet the same standards established for licensing all nursing homes in the state. The facility must be in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is subject to announced and unannounced inspections by the Texas Department of Human Services and the TVLB. FROM :BMT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 409 833 6718 1999.10-07 11:51 #734 P.04/07 • What federal funds are available for the operation of a Texas State Veterans Home? Under provisions of Title 38 USC 1741, the VA participates by making per diem payments of$43.92 to the Texas State Veterans Home for each Veteran residing in the home. • Can a Texas State Veterans Home assess or charge veterans for the cost of their care? Yes. The facility may establish a maintenance charge system and collect from the pension, compensation, or other income of veterans. • Is there a limit on the amount collected from veterans? No. However, income collected from veterans is subtracted from the total allowable costs during fiscal verifications. VA aid payments may not exceed this difference nor may VA aid payments exceed one-half the aggregate cost of maintaining veterans in a home. FROM :BMT CHRMBER OF COMMERCE 409 933 6718 1959. 10-07 11:S1 32734 P.OS/07 TEXAS STATE VETERANS HOMES SELECTION P12QCESS • Step 1: Request for Proposals A Request for Proposals (RFP) is mailed to County Judges, Mayors, Chambers of Commerce, Councils of Government, and other appropriate entities within targeted regions of the state. A deadline of approximately, six weeks is given for receipt of all proposals. • Step 2: RFP Review All proposals are reviewed by a team that includes the Executive Secretary of the Texas Veterans Land Board (TVLB), other TVLB staff members, and two General Land Office real estate appraisers. Each proposal is evaluated according to the proposer's ability to best demonstrate the site characteristics set by the TVLB, required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and recommended by the States Association of Veterans Homes. A list of the site characteristics is attached. • Step 3: Site Inspection All proposed sites are visited by a team that includes the Executive Secretary of the TVLB or his representative, TVLB staff members, and a staff appraiser. Each site is given the chance to demonstrate how it meets the requirements of the RFP. • Step 4: Scoring The site visit teams and the TVLB Special Projects Director score each site based on the site selection criteria. A score sheet from the last round of site selections is attached as an example. FROM :BMT CHAMBF_R OF COMMERCE 409 833 6718 1999. 10-07 11:S2 9734 P.OG/07 1EXAS STATE VETERANS HOMES O ERIA )E�OR SI�'E S�)C,E�(JN • Necessary Veteran population for financial sustainability of home • At least 20 acres donated or legally committed for long-term use • Access to other physician services and medical facilities • Available work force, especially health care professionals • Availability of work force training • Proximity of law enforcement and fire fighting facilities • Access to emergency transportation • Access to public transportation • Access to surrounding community and all its services and activities • Good site orientation for energy, water, building, and landscape efficiencies • Provision of utilities and infrastructure with reasonable long-term costs • Good drainage and waste services • Good public road access to site • Environment conducive to patient needs and well-being • Environment free of insects, rodents, dumps, smoke, fumes, emissions, or Odors • Compliance with all laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations • Ability to meet requirements necessary for licensing of home • Other site characteristics conducive to well-being of patients, the feasibility of operations, and the success of the program