Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APR 21 1998 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L.smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Becky Ames, Mayor Pro Tem Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P.Cokinos John K.Davis APRIL 21,1998 Bobbie J. Patterson Lane Nichols,City Attorney Ray A. Riley,City Manager Patrice Fogarty,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on April 21, 1998, 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 Roil 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. Rabbi Peter Hyman, Temple Emamuel, gave the invocation. Chamber of Commerce President Gene Ramsey led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson. Also present were Ray A Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Patrice Fogarty, City Clerk; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognition: Four proclamations were issued: "Days of Remembrance," (in memory of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust) April 19-26, 1998; "50th Neches River Festival Week," April 25-May 3, 1998; "National Volunteer Week," April 19-25, 1998; and "Week of the Young Child," April 19-25, 1998. Mr. Gary Hidalgo, executive director for the Beaumont State Center presented Mayor Moore with a cap and plaque for his participation as Honorary Chairman for the Beaumont State Center Golf Tournament this past weekend. The cap was signed by the members of the tournament organizing committee. The plaque read, "Mayor David Moore for outstanding dedication and support as Honorary Chairman of the 1998 Volunteer Services Council Spring Golf Classic benefits Beaumont State Center." Mr. Hidalgo said this was the fourth annual golf classic and the most successful. There were 156 players and over$10,000 was raised for the event in spite of the rain. Mr. Hidalgo expressed his appreciation to Mayor Moore for his support. Mayor Moore presented a "One Year Accident Free" plaque to Chief Sanitarian Randy Pemberton and Animal Control Supervisor Daniel Parker in recognition of Animal Control employees completing 469 days with no accidents or work related injuries. Mayor Moore shared that employees of Animal Control work 24 hours per day, seven days a week, have driven over 91,520 miles and responded to over 10,587 complaints with no accidents or injuries for 469 days as of April 14. Mayor Moore congratulated Councilmember Smith for being recipient of the 1998 Woman of the Year Award from the American Heart Association and recognized at a luncheon on April 14. Councilmember Smith said she was very surprised and appreciative of the award. She reported that over $22,000 was raised for heart research from the luncheon, thanked everyone for their participation in making the day special and for the proclamation issued by the City of Beaumont. (At this time the report from the Chamber of Commerce was received.) *Public Comment: Citizens were invited to comment on the Consent and Main agendas. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, noted that committee appointments are named, purchase amounts and vendors, and more detailed information is now on the Consent Agenda, spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 3 purchasing surveillance equipment for the Police Department, and welcomed Tony Sacker back to Council meetings (after suffering a heart attack). The following consent agenda items were considered: * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held April 14, 1998; * Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 98-91 A) Approve the purchase of a folding and inserting system for City service statements in the amount of $20,803 (through the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program) - Resolution No. 98-92 B) Accept water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and street improvements constructed in Rev. Elijah Domoneck, Jr. Subdivision, Section Two for City maintenance -Resolution No. 98-93 C) Approve a change order in the amount of $807 and a final payment in the amount of $5,061.85 related to the 20" water line relocation contract along West Port Arthur Road (with Norman Highway Constructors) - Resolution No. 98-94 Minutes;421 X96;Page 2 D) Approve the acceptance of a ten foot wide tract of land out of Lot 13, Block 1 of Broadway Place Addition in exchange for the City's conveyance of a fifteen foot wide tract of land out of Lot 14, Block 1 of Broadway Place Addition (from Mr. & Mrs. Jewel A Hymel at 4275 West Broadway in exchange for a portion of surplus West Lucas Drive right-of-way adjacent to their property) - Resolution No. 98-95 Mayor Pro Tem Ames moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at the Beaumont Municipal Airport Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-96 authorizing execution of all necessary agreements with the State of Texas, represented by the Texas Department of Transportation, to receive funding through the Aviation Facilities Development and Financial Assistance Program for improvements at the airport at a total estimated project cost of $1,430,000 and City participation of $143,000 (10%). Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider approving a contract with Statewide Consolidated Community Development Corporation (SCCDC) related to the 1997 HOME Grant Program Councilmember Davis moved to adopt Resolution 98-97 authorizing a contract with Statewide Consolidate Community Development Corporation in the amount of$60,000 from the 1997 HOME Grant Program for eligible project costs, administrative and operating expenses. Mayor Pro Tem Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes;4!21198;Page 3 3. Consider approving the purchase of surveillance equipment for use in the Police Department Councilmember Cokinos moved to adopt Resolution No. 98-98 authorizing purchase of additional cameras and body packs from Eagleye Technologies in the amount of $81,320.00. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider approving the purchase of concrete box culverts for use in the Engineering Division/Public Works Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-99 authorizing purchase of concrete box culverts in the amount of $33,144.30 from Gifford Hill Concrete Products. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None OTHER BUSINESS * Receive report from the Chamber of Commerce related to economic development activities (This report was received earlier to accommodate Chamber of Commerce scheduling.) Chamber of Commerce Chairman Nancy Beaulieu, accompanied by President Gene Ramsey, presented a quarterly economic development progress report of the Chamber of Commerce indicating changes in unemployment rates, visits made by the Chamber, and other activities as outlined in Exhibit"A." In addition, Mrs. Beaulieu displayed the new logo and slogan, "Beaumont Chamber of Commerce open and ready for business." She said this will be displayed on all stationery, billboards and publications. She said the Chamber has passed a resolution in support of maintaining the Tracon radar at the Jefferson County Airport, and said they announced location of Epco's new $5 million facility at the Dupont Industrial Park. She invited attendance at the first Annual Golden Triangle Economic Development Summit, sponsored by the Chamber and Entergy Corporation, that will be held tomorrow. She stated that cost of living statistics place Beaumont as one of the most affordable housing climates in the United States. Lastly, Mrs. Beaulieu said "Beaumont is on the verge of a real breakthrough in terms of economic growth, and a great deal of the course is thanks to thanks to the attitudes that we see reflected here in our Council." Minutes;4121198;Page 4 Mayor Moore expressed gratitude for the direction the Chamber is taking and for the relationship the City of Beaumont has with them. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters: Councilmember Patterson encouraged everyone to take advantage of early voting for the May 2nd election in the City Clerk's office through April 28. She thanked citizens for attendance at the Neighbors in the Park and Concert in the Park celebrations last Sunday and all participants in making the events a success. She said it was a beautiful day with approximately 500 to 600 in attendance, and thanked the Jazz Innovators for their concert performance. Councilmember Davis congratulated Councilmember Smith for receiving the Woman of the Year Award from the American Heart Association, and spoke of reorganization of the Avenues Neighborhood Association with a new beginning and moving forward in unity. Councilmember Davis asked for a meeting with Kyle Hayes and assistance from the City Manager's office in organizing a meeting of all neighborhood associations in Ward III to coordinate cleanup efforts in each area. Mayor Pro Tem Ames reviewed some of the community functions held this weekend that were very successful and congratulated all the groups that persisted in spite of the rain on Saturday. She added congratulation to Councilmember Smith upon receipt of the Woman of the Year Award and said, it could not have been presented to a better woman or better mentor. Councilmember Goodson reported that the Neighborhood Services Neches River cleanup planned for Saturday by David Oliver had to be rescheduled. The project will include a longer area of the river for cleanup on the rescheduled date in May. Councilmember Goodson thanked Nancy Beaulieu and Gene Ramsey for the collaborative economic development efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, announced a TML Region 16 meeting, and said that in conjunction with the Neches River Festival, State Representative Mark Stiles will be recognized as the Citizen of the Year on Thursday. Councilmember Smith commented that State Representative Stiles presence will be missed and a hard act for someone else to follow. Councilmember Smith, in reviewing her recent award, said the message she wants women to receive is that they are as much at risk for heart disease as men, just ten years later in life. She said that every year 500,000 women die of heart disease, and many, many more become disabled from stroke, and that much of this can be prevented with lifestyle changes. Councilmember Smith thanked everyone for the honor given her. Minutes;4/21/98;Page Mayor Moore said that successful events held in spite of rain demonstrates the "Can Do Spirit" of Beaumont! Mayor Moore acknowledged the McFaddin Ward House Cowboy Days he attended on Sunday, Sprott Park activities, and a luncheon held today expressing appreciation to library volunteers who gave over 10,000 volunteer hours to the library last year that would equate to about$60,000, if computed at minimum wage. Also, Mayor Moore said Zeta Phi Beta Sorority hosted a program that recognized 36 outstanding young people of the Golden Triangle with an exceptional speech about reaching for excellence in the next millennium, spoke about the success of a car and truck show benefiting a young man (Justin O'Neill, a cancer patient), and expounded upon the encouraging news of$7 million in bonds in our community for new housing starts for low to moderate income persons. *Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council to state that he has filed an intent to circulate a petition to rename the Civic Center to the Jimmy P. Cokinos Civic Center and has received community support for the effort, and said a new post office is going to be built to replace the one in the South end with consideration for relocation at Martin Luther King Parkway and Crockett Street. Mr. Lee spoke in opposition to the relocation, suggested the post office be placed at the old Giles School site, use the other location to build a library, and said he is a City Council candidate because he wants to be a servant to the community. Ms. Caroline Pickell, 3795 LeBleu, addressed Council in support of bus service every two hours, seven days per week, at a $.25 cent fare. Ms. Pickell listed bus stop locations and gave Council a drawing of her suggestions. Mr. Tony Sacker, 4635 Elmherst, told Council of his recent heart attack and pacemaker implant and need for resignation to volunteer positions. Mr. Sacker challenged those in the audience to explore the value of volunteer opportunities to the community and thanked Council for their trust in previously appointing him to boards and commissions. Ms. Paubla Ydrogo, 1590 Gilbert, thanked everyone who attended the Avenues Neighborhood Association meeting last night, those who attended the unveiling ceremonies for the Cinco de Mayo postage stamp, and extended an invitation to the Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 3rd at Fletcher Mini Park. Mr. Anthony Kojak, 3020 19th Street, addressed Council regarding removal of sexually explicit businesses in downtown Beaumont, thanked the Apostolic Church for the signatures gathered there, and questioned number of signatures required and the expected time limit needed to compare statistics of other cities regarding rezoning of these businesses. Mr. Kojak was instructed to consult with the City Clerk after the meeting for petition requirements. Minutes;4/21/96;Page 6 Mr. Benny Mendoza, (no address stated), thanked Council for attendance at the Avenues Neighborhood meeting last night and for the support given him during his tenure as president, and said he will continue working with the association. Mayor Moore reported that along with councilmembers and the city manager, he has been working very diligently to make sure that postal service remains in places where needed. He said conversations have been held with postal officials, and he is waiting to hear from them regarding relocation of the post office, and said they will visit with him before the process for the new building begins. Mayor Moore said a review is being made regarding extended bus service, said test programs have been run during the holiday months, and that the funding mechanism of bus service is difficult to explain because of ridership and other criteria. EXECUTIVE SESSION "Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Municipal Administrative Services v. City of Beaumont There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 2:40 p.m. to reconvene in executive session. Mayor David W. Moore Patrice Fogarty, i Clerk Minutes;4121 M;Page 7 BEAUMONT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT April 21, 1998 This is the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce quarterly progress report to the Beaumont City Council. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has been busy with its economic development efforts. The following are items that have been undertaken, accomplished or assisted with since the last time the Chamber reported to the Beaumont City Council. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has been aggressive in its efforts to respond to opportunities and to work with POST,Entergy, Southwestern Bell, Entex, Realtors, City and County officials and sister Chambers of Commerce. 1. The unemployment rate for the City of Beaumont has fallen from 7.00% to 6.20% 2. The number of persons employed within Beaumont has risen from 53,459 to 54,068. The number gained being 509. 3. The Chamber of Commerce has visited with C&D Robotics, EPCO and M&I Electric as part of its Industry Visits program. 4. The Chamber has visited with Entergy and The Cancer Institute at Baptist Hospital as part of its "Coffees with Corporate Leaders"program. 5. The Economic Development Specialist on staff has completed the Economic Development Course offered at Texas A&M. 6. The Chamber President attended the Texas Economic Development Council semi- annual meeting in Lubbock. 7. The Chambers Economic Development Specialist attended an international reception in Houston sponsored by the Texas Economic Development Council. 8. The Chamber has developed a new logo and slogan. 9. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has passed a resolution in support of maintaining the TRACON radar at the Jefferson County Airport. 10. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce has announced the location of EPCO's new$5 million facility. 11. Tomorrow we are co-hosting with Entergy the 1 st Annual Golden Triangle Economic Development Summit. EXHIBIT "A" PROGRESS REPORT CONTINUED: 12. The Chamber continues to research the local cost of living index by a survey conducted through the American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association. 13. The Chamber's Economic Development Division continues to compile and distribute its economic indicator reports. 14. The Chamber has assisted with several prospects including several back-office operations,manufacturing concerns and high-tech aerospace projects. 15. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting in which we invited Tom Moser of the Texas Aerospace Commission, area political leaders,professionals from POST and other area Chambers of Commerce to discuss a possible site for the new reusable launch vehicles. The project would encompass 4000 acres and could employ up to 1000 persons. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce will continue its economic development efforts with the goals of inclusion,honesty, and enthusiasm.