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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 01 2001 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tem Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson May 1, 2001 Audwin Samuel 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 May 1, 2001, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to considerthe 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 1:34 p.m. The Reverend Curtis Johnson, Greater Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson. Also present were Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. Presentations and Recognitions Mayor Moore presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Emelie Larousse for the Southeast Texas Food Bank received from the Feinstein Foundation. Members of the Mayor's Youth Commission participated in collecting enough signatures to qualify for receipt of the grant to assist in alleviating hunger. Four proclamations were issued: "YMBL Rodeo Week," April 30 — May 5, 2001; "Cinco de Mayo Celebration Days," May 5--6, 2001; "Mental Health Month," May 2001; "National Transportation Week," May 7-13, 2001; and "Nurses Week," May 6-12, 2001. (Councilmember Patterson left Council Chambers at 1:44 p.m. during the first proclamation and returned at 1:47 p.m. during the second proclamation.) Councilmember Samuel acknowledged the attendance of Lamar University Political Science students in the audience. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items. No one wished to address these items. Consent Agenda Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held April 24, 2001 Confirmation of committee appointments - No committee appointments. A) Approve the purchase of 50,000 feet of PVC pipe (from Rural Pipe and Supply in the amount of$166,800 ) for use in the Public Works Department, Water Utilities Division - Resolution No. 01-105 B) Approve the purchase of two Ford F-750 crew cab trucks with utility bodies (from Philpott Ford in the amount of$92,242)for the Public Works Department, Water Utilities Division- Resolution No. 01-106 C) Approve the purchase of two double disk pumps and an upgrade of one existing pump (from South Western Environmental Equipment Technicians in the amount of $46,740) for the Water Reclamation Plant - Resolution No. 01-107 D) Approve an Encroachment Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (in the amount of$36,000) - Resolution No. 01-108 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application and execute a contract with the State of Texas to receive Vehicle Capital Replacement funds for the Beaumont Municipal Transit System Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 01-109 authorizing application and receipt of Vehicle Capital Replacement funds for the Beaumont Municipal Transit System. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute an addendum to the contract agreement with Carroll and Blackman, Inc., for engineering services associated with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Minutes May 1,2001 Page 2 Mayor Pro Tem Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 01-110 executing an addendum to the agreement with Carroll and Blackman, Inc. for an estimated $112,900. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 3. Consider amending Chapter 16 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the Beaumont Public Library System Mayor Pro Tem Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 01-035 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND SECTIONS 16-3, 16-10, 16-14 AND 16-5 CONCERNING THE NAME OF THE LIBRARY SYSTEM, THE LOAN PERIOD, WHAT ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE AND ROOM RENTAL RATES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider approving an insurance policy for fire, flood and extended coverage insurance for City owned property Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 01-111 accepting a proposal for the purchase of an annual insurance policy for fire, flood and extended coverage insurance for City owned property from Marsh USA, Inc. through Zurich American Insurance Company in the amount of $141,549. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None WORK SESSION Report from Drainage District No. 6. -The City Manager reported that DD6 requested a one week deferral of the work session. COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Minutes May 1,2001 Page 3 Mayor Pro Tem Goodson reported that he will be going to Austin tomorrow, on behalf of the Municipal League, to voice opposition to a zoning bill under consideration. He encouraged others to join in the opposition by contacting legislators and spoke of the detrimental affects the bill would have on the City of Beaumont. Councilmember Smith added that if property owners, in areas such as Old Town, did not have zoning protection, individuals would not be willing to invest funds to refine those areas, and that the bill would be detrimental to any historic preservation endeavor. Councilmember Cokinos requested a one-way sign on Interstate Ten and Harrison Street be cleared of vines interfering with traffic view. Councilmember Samuel commented on the presence of law enforcement officers at Collier's Ferry Park, noted the impact of enforcement was perceived as being prejudicial because individuals going into the park were given rules, and checks were made for drivers license, proof of insurance, and outstanding warrants. Councilmember Samuel expressed views regarding usage of parks, safety of all citizens utilizing the parks, a desire to provide a wholesome environment for children, and not discouraging utilization of parks. He expressed pleasure with a reduction in the number citations issued from the previous week, spoke in favor of a police presence, and stated his belief that the community policing concept has been proven. He requested a report with the number of citations issued at Collier's Ferry Park, Tyrrell Park and Rogers Park during recent weeks. Councilmember Samuel stated he believes that perception becomes reality to people and suggested being sensitive to those concerns. Councilmember Patterson responded to the May 1, 2001 article in the Beaumont Enterprise entitled "Opinions" on the editorial page concerning the L.L. Melton Y.M.C.A. and candidate interviews with the newspaper. She stated she is Chairman of the Board of Managers at the L. L. Melton Y.M.C.A.; the Board of Managers does not make any decisions, does not hire, and does not handle the budget, and only advises and handles fund raising activities. Councilmember Patterson stated the Executive Director is responsible for management and hiring, the president of the Metropolitan Board of Directors and the Metropolitan Board make major decisions, issue checks, hires the CEO, and enters into contracts. She stated the Board of Managers does not have the authority the editorial implies. Councilmember Patterson, as Ward IV representative, said she promises to work hard, diligently, and be as consistent as possible to insure that the L. L. Melton Y.M.C.A.will be a community center for Ward IV. She expressed unfairness when recalling the 1999 election in which there were four candidates running for the Ward IV seat. She was interviewed only by Mr. Thomas Taschinger for three to five minutes and the other candidates were interviewed for fifteen to twenty minutes before a panel. Councilmember Patterson stated as an American citizen of the United States, she has the right to choose to be interviewed and respond to questions. (Mayor Moore left Council Chambers at 2:21 p.m. during Councilmember Patterson's comments and did not return.) Councilmember Samuel encouraged everyone to enjoy the celebration of Cinco de Mayo and Councilmember Patterson encouraged everyone to vote Saturday, May 5, 2001. Minutes May 1,2001 Page 4 City Manager Report-Beaumont Downtown Transit Improvements; Charter Provision On Council Candidates; Outstanding Campus Volunteers; 2001 Beaumont Paint-A-Thon; 2001 Clean Your Files Day Summary; Police Department Regional SWAT Competition Results; March of Dimes WalkAmerica; City of Beaumont Receives Clean Texas Certificate Before beginning his report, Mr. Bonczek confirmed distribution of the police report and conversations with Councilmember Samuel, Police Chief Tom Scofield and other members of the community regarding law enforcement security at Collier's Ferry Park. Mr. Bonczek reported there were 511 verbal warnings, 5 citations, and 2 arrests of which one was for a stolen vehicle, and added it is a small area and there is a need to control the number of vehicles. The City Manager reported meeting with Goodman and Associates to discuss pedestrian/transit improvements based upon improved access to the Dannenbaum Station with a goal to have a better pedestrian environment and encourage more people to utilize the bus service. He spoke of the City being a non- attainment air quality community, Goodman &Associates having completed reports that include downtown revitalization opportunities, visions for a waterfront attraction, and planned improvements in place that could be federally qualified for funding under certain guidelines. Mr. Bonczek reported staff is currently coordinating public improvements in the downtown area for Crockett Street with an estimated opening of Thanksgiving 2001. The City Manager stated the goal is to be approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to be eligible for future federal funding opportunities, and a Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) is required to be processed and approved by the FTA which could be completed with the assistance of Goodman &Associates. He stated that the goal would be to have approvals in place prior to initiating the actual physical improvements to leverage federal funds, and when funding opportunities become available, the City will have local matches established. Because of a tight time sequence, the City Manager recommended moving forward and requested a Council directive to proceed with Goodman & Associates prior to the Budget Summit. He explained it could put millions of dollars of federal funds in place, and once Crockett Street improvements begin, the City will not qualify for funding. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson requested further discussion during the Budget Summit, because of budget constraints. He questioned using General Fund monies and not funds already committed for Crockett Street improvements, requested a time frame, budget year, and how much more actual dollars would be needed, stressed the budget process will be difficult, and said he did not think the objective could be achieved in one meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Goodson questioned costs and sharing arrangements with other governmental entities, matters related to a difficult budget, recommended constituent awareness and all stakeholders and interested parties participation. The City Manager reported a busyweekend with the Paint-A-Thon,Walkamerica, Neches River Festival, and Clean Your Files Day activities, and that the City received the Clean Texas Certificate. (Councilmember Samuel left Council Chambers at 2:32 p.m. during the City Manager's Report and returned at 2:35 p.m.) Minutes May 1,2001 Page 5 Councilmember Patterson thanked citizens for participating in the last Sunday's Neighbors in the Park at Alice Keith Park and announced another Neighbors in the Park will be held at Central Park next Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Mr. Marshall Scott, 3725 Avenue B, addressed Council concerning stormwater management and a proposed petition to exempt churches from fees, determination of standards for distance and usage of decibel meters for noise violations, fencing for a ditch at Virginia and Houston Streets, dissatisfaction with commercial development near Hollywood Street, and suggested an investigation of the Police Department. Mr. Leroy Lewis III, 1201 Euclid, addressed Council to extend appreciation to everyone that attended Neighbor's in the Park and for assistance concerning loud music. He also addressed drug commerce in neighborhoods,disapproval of the stormwater management fees, requested additional bus stops on Washington Boulevard, pay raises and reduction of insurance premiums for the Police and Fire Departments, and additional personnel and equipment for the Fire Department. Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, addressed Council to extend invitations to a Cinco de Mayo fiesta at the Mendoza Plaza Sunday at 6:00 p.m. that will feature a live band to raise funds for college scholarships. Mr. David Barrow addressed Council to announce that the rodeo will begin Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m., with the "Harold Engstrom Memorial Special Kids Day Rodeo," named in honor of Harold Engstron (former police officer and justice of the peace). Mayor Pro Tem Goodson thanked Mr.Barrow for the invitation and recognized Mr. Harold Engstrom for being instrumental in many special events of the Y.M.B.L and community and said his recent death is a tremendous loss of a good friend. Ms. Carmen O'Shay, 3464 Corley, addressed Council in opposition to construction of a new park in the Avenues neighborhood, spoke in support of park maintenance, and addressed views of park vandalism. Mr. Robert Flores, 2425 Buchanan, addressed Council in support of residents desiring a neighborhood park, spoke of a proposed schedule for attracting tourists and festivals to Beaumont similar to those in San Antonio, a permanent performing platform to showcase talent, the College Street Corridor becoming the Old Spanish Trail, promoting the College Street Corridor and the Avenues becoming the driveway to downtown Beaumont, and voiced support in raising taxes to pay for additional City services. (Councilmember Smith left Council Chambers at 2:45 and returned at 2:49 p.m.) City Manager Bonczek reported invitations were sent to local churches to attend a stormwater management presentation on Monday, May 7, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. Minutes May 1,2001 Page 6 EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Janice Haynes v. City of Beaumont, et al There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:53 p.m. David W. Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerk df Minutes May 1,2001 Page 7