HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 10 1998 M I N U T E S .- CITY OF BEA UMONT
Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Becky Ames, Mayor Pro Tem
Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P.Cokinos
John K. Davis FEBRUARY 10,1998 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 February 10, 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 Roll Call
*Presentations and Recognition
*Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items
*Consent Agenda
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1:41 p.m. Father John Colbert, St. Pius X Catholic
Church, gave the invocation. Mr. Johnny Beatty, grants administrator for the City of Beaumont, led
the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith,
Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis. Councilmember Patterson was absent. 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:
1) Lamar University Instructor Harry Wood presented Mr. Rene' Metzker and Rhiner
Barren, faculty members, and eleven exchange students from Berufsbildendeschule
4 (BBS4)that have been touring Southeast Texas plants. Mr. Barren introduced the
students and Mayor Moore presented each of them with an honorary citizenship
card. BBS4 is a technical school that specializes training students in electronics
technology. This is the second BBS4 delegation to visit Lamar University and the
second delegation of Lamar students and faculty plan to visit Hanover this spring.
2) Mrs. Wanda Grimes displayed the trophy she recently received at the 13th Annual
Citizen Award ceremony from the National Commission Against Drunk Driving in
Washington, D.C. Mrs. Grimes credited Mayor Moore's secretary, Barbara Otto, for
recognizing her as a potential nominee, giving the necessary information to the Drug
Free Commission for nomination and for her continued confidence and
encouragement. Mrs. Grimes spoke of the great honor in representing Southeast
Texas, told of her exciting experiences that included attending the ceremony at the
Washington National Cathedral, a reception at the Army-Navy Officer's Club, lunch
with Elizabeth Dole, a personal tour of the White House, and presentation of the
award by Robert Stipple, CEO and president of General Motors. Mrs. Grimes
thanked Mr. Gene Landry and the Drug Free Commission for the nomination, Greg
Shepard—Entergy Corporation; Nancy Neild--Texas Commerce Bank; and Suzanne
Wolfrom—Jr. League; for providing financial sponsorship for the trip to Washington.
Also in attendance with Mrs. Grimes today were Drug Free Commission members
Bubba Martin, Tony Sacker and James Boykin. She thanked Council for their past
support and the opportunity to represent Beaumont in Washington, and Mayor Moore
conveyed to Mrs. Grimes Council's excitement in championing her nomination for this
award and applauded her heroic stance in working to free our society of drunk
drivers to make our roads and streets safer.
3) A proclamation was issued declaring February 9 through March 9, 1998, as
"Incredible Reading Rally Month. Ms. Barbara Price, Mrs. Dora Nisby and children
from the Chariton-Pollard Day Care and the L. L. Melton Y were present to receive
the proclamation and distributed packets containing items encouraging reading and
literacy programs. Everyone was asked to be an advocate of the program in some
way, either by reading to a child, increasing personal reading, becoming a literacy
volunteer or donating for the purchase of books. Mayor Moore asked that the
children be given a book from those donated to the City of Beaumont Library last
year as part of the kick-off of Incredible Reading Rally Month.
4) A proclamation was issued declaring February 9-14, 1998, as "Vocational
Education Week." Along with their teachers, students from Taylor Career Center,
Ozen High School, Central High School, and West Brook High School accepted a
copy of the proclamation and spoke regarding a facet of vocational training and how
it is impacting their lives.
5) Two other proclamations were issued: "National Sales Month," February, 1998; and
a "Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week," February 14-21, 1998.
*Public Comment: Citizens were invited to comment on the Consent and Main agendas. No one
wished to address these subjects.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following consent agenda items were considered:
* Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held February 3, 1998;
Minutes;2/1 OW;Page 2
Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 98-30;
A) Endorse a resolution supporting the appointment of members to the Region I Water
Planning Committee - Resolution No. 98-31;
B) Authorize the settlement of claims - Resolution No. 98-32 (Gwendolyn Price, $8,341) and
Resolution No. 98-33 (Timothy Daigle, $8,500);
C) Authorize a License to Encroach Agreement (with Lynn Bishop and Chara Helton, adjacent
to Lots 1 and 2, Block 6, W. W. Chaison Addition near Anchor Street) - Resolution No. 98-
34;
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Ames
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith,
Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
Before consideration of Agenda Item No. 1, Mayor Moore conveyed a request from Councilmember
Patterson that Council consider delaying action on Item No.1. Because of employment
responsibilities, she is unable to attend Council today and has questions regarding the item.
1. Consider amending Sections 21-74 of the Code of Ordinances related to authorized
positions in the Fire Department and Police Department
The Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21-74 AND 21-75 TO AMEND
THE GRADES AND POSITIONS IN THE BEAUMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE
DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL Was
considered.
Councilmember Cokinos began a lengthy Council discussion by raising questions
concerning elimination of Fire Department positions, pending grievances by the Fire
Department Union, and legal ramifications.
Fire Chief Bertrand reviewed his request to reduce the number of Grade 111 Captain
positions to 42 from 43 and increase Grade I Firefighter positions to 103 from 102. The total
number of positions would remain the same, no personnel would be eliminated since there
is a Grade III vacancy. The Chief said the increase in Grade I positions would allow
Minutes;2!10138;Page 3
balance of the shifts in the fire alarm dispatch office to one Grade I and one Grade III
present for each shift, instead of two Grade III's on one shift.
Further discussion included re-explanation of the classification and grade request, the
eligibility list and expiration date, test procedures and promotions, and Councilmember
Cokinos reiterated his legal concerns. Councilmember Cokinos said he could not support
the Fire Department request, but has no problem with the Police Department reclassification
request.
Police Chief Scofield reviewed his request to reduce the number of Grade II Sergeants from
69 to 68 and increase Grade I Officers from 173 to 174. He explained that within the
Beaumont Police Officers Association contract, the newly created position of Police
Specialist is now in place. Chief Scofield said the current eligibility list expires April 16, that
with the last labor contract the position of Police Specialist was established and 35 of those
positions must be filled by 2000, and the first Assessment Center promotional exam for
Police Specialists will be held on March 25.
Mayor Moore thanked the chiefs for explanation of their requests and reminded Council of
Councilmember Patterson's request to defer action until her questions have been answered,
and Councilmember Cokinos expressed a desire that each request be voted upon
separately and not in the same ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Ames moved to defer action on this item until next week for further
information. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith,
Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis
Noes: None
Councilmember Cokinos moved to take separate votes to amend Sections 21-74 and 21-75
of the Code of Ordinances. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Councilmember Cokinos asked the City Attorney to research this item and give Council a
ruling concerning any possible violation of state law.
2. Consider granting a new solid waste collection and transportation service franchise
Councilmember Davis moved to approve the second reading of an Ordinance
ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A FRANCHISE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY and
Minutes;2/10/98;Page 4
pass it to the third and final reading. Mayor Pro Tem Ames seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith,
Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis,
Noes: None
OTHER BUSINESS
*Report from Financial Advisory related to 1998 Refunding and issuance of Certificates of
Obligation
Mr. Frank Ildebrando of Dain Rauscher Incorporated presented a report of proposed events
relative to the future sale of Certificates of Obligation as shown in Exhibit "A," refinancing
of some of the City's Water and Sewer Revenue Bonds at the Texas Water and
Development Board for an approximate savings of$40,000 to $50,000 per year for the next
18 years and was available to answer questions.
WORK SESSION
*Discuss 1998 HUD Consolidated Grant
Finance Officer Beverly Hodges presented a report from a CDAC meeting and
recommendations for the HUD Consolidated Budget as shown in Exhibit "B." She said their
recommendation is that a Public Service Allocation be included in the budget in the amount
of $100,000 to be funded with a $50,000 reduction in the Clearance and Demolition line
item and a $50,000 reduction in Public Facilities. Council was asked to consider the Public
Service Allocation and indicate if that allocation should be programmatic or sticks and
mortar directed.
Council indicated favor in reserving enough funds for the clearance and demolition of major
projects, requested line item costs of Edwards School, Dick Dowling School, and Magnolia
Church demolition, and expressed a preference for sticks and mortar capital expenditure
funding. Council discussed a strong desire to work with the community, not become a line
item of an organization's budget, the possibility of working through the Public Facilities
Allocation for sticks and mortar requests, summer programming at the Sterling Pruitt Center,
and procedures necessary for applications. The City Manager summarized Council's
direction to be: not to amend any procedures regarding publishing, but maintain the
flexibility to modify the program in the future to fund any desired program that might be
appropriate. Council emphasized that because there would not be a Public Service line
item, the opportunity for good, appropriate programs would not be denied.
COMMENTS
Minutes;2/1 OW;Page 5
* Councilmembers comment on various matters:
Mayor Moore complimented the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board and Staff for an
outstanding year in tourism that brought in over $24 million dollars and 70,000 visitors to
our community. He said tourism is a major industry and an indication of Beaumont's
hospitality to visitors. Mayor Moore thanked everyone who worked so hard to bring a
convention or seminar to Beaumont and especially the CVB Board and Staff.
*Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes)
Mr. Tony Sacker, 4635 Elmherst, reviewed a program on television last week showing the
Merchant Marines, a German U-23 Submarine, and commentary about the sinking of ships.
The list of the deceased included a person with the surname of Blanchette. Mr. Sacker
requested that someone from the City of Beaumont call the numbers listed in the telephone
book with the listing of Blanchette to try to find out if one of their family members might have
served on the SS Muskogee. Mr. Sacker said that in the event a surviving member of Mr.
Blanchette is found, a memorial should be considered.
Sharon Braquet, of Bra-K Wrecker Service, and Cindy Loden, with Lumpkin Wrecker
Service, addressed Council to complain about the increase of fees and inspections and said
they are out of line with fees charged other businesses in Beaumont and other cities.
Mayor Moore requested that staff supply Council with backup to support the rate increase
and a comparison of charges of other like size cities.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
*Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss
contemplated or pending litigation:
Ingrid Dunn v. City of Beaumont et al
Juliet P. Simon v. City of Beaumont et al
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 4:03 p.m. to reconvene in executive
session.
nn
VDavid W. Moore
Patrice Fogarty, ity Cle
Minutes;2/10198;Page 6
City of Beaumont
Cry of Beaumont Sot Again St..tzo,m s'ao Phone. .)880 3712 9
P.O.Box 38'!7 Fax:(109)880 371'!
Beaumont.TX 77704
Mamran&m
7O: Ray A. Riley, City Manager
From: Beverly P. !lodges, Finance Officer
Date: Thursday, February 5, 1998
.Subject: Certificates of Obligation (Series 1998)
Water Revenue Bonds(Refunding)
Previously Council has adopted a reimbursement resolution providing for the
recovery of costs incurred prior to the issuance of the 1998 Certificates of Obligation. These
costs include fees paid for engineering and other professional services, acquisition costs
associated with obtaining materials, property and equipment, and
construction/development costs.
We have also received notice that the State will refund the outstanding Water
Development Board revolving loan bonds in March 1998. The refunding by the State would
effectively preclude the City from refunding those same bonds for the life of the existing
bonds. Because of a favorable market an continued low interest rates we propose that the
City, in conjunction with the new issuance, refund approximately$16M of the balance of
these bonds for an estimated$500,000 present value savings at this time. This would
effectively lower the net effective interest rate by 100 basis points from 5.5% to 4.5%. The
same schedule of events would be used for both issues.
I have attached a tentative schedule of events for Council consideration at it's
February 10, 1998 meeting. The City's financial advisor, Mr. Frank Ildebrando of Dain
Rauscher Incorporated, will be present at the meeting to answer any questions relating to
the Refunding or the issuance of Certificates of Obligation.
EXHIBIT "A"
CITY OF BEAUMONT
Reftinding Bonds and Certificates of Obligation
Series 1998
Tentative Schedule of Events
FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S SMTWTF S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 91011
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 1213 14 15 16 1718
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 2122 23 24 25
1293031 126 27 28 29 30
Day/Date Action Participants
Tuesday,February 10 City Council Reviews Refunding DRI,City
and Schedule of Events
Friday,February 13 First Draft of Preliminary Official Statement(P.O.S.) DRI,OBT
Friday,February 20 Second Draft of P.O.S. DRI,City,OBT
(Forward to Rating Agencies and Bond Insurers)
Wednesday,February 25 Third Draft of P.O.S.(Forward to all Participants) DRI,City,OBT
Friday,February 27 Due Diligence Conference Call(Review DRI,City,OBT
P.O.S.for Refunding Bonds and C.O.$)
Tuesday,March 3 City Council authorizes publication of Notice of City,OBT
Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation
Wednesday,March 4 Final Draft of P.O.S.for City Council Approval DRI,City,OBT
Friday,March 6 Final Comments Due on P.O.S. DRI,City,OBT
Monday,March 9 Rating Agency Presentation DRI,City
Tuesday,March 10 City Council Approves P.O.S.for Refunding DRI,City
Bonds and C.O.s(Regular Council Meeting)
Thursday,March 12 Print and Mail P.O.S. DRI
Tuesday,March 24 City Council Adopts Order Authorizing the DRI,City,OBT
Lsswmoe of the Bonds and the C.O.'s
Friday,March 27 Review Final Official Statement DRI,City,OBT
Tuesday,March 31 Print Final Offical Statement DRI
Tuesday,April 28 Delivery of Bonds DRI,City,OBT
PARTICIPANTS
City-City of Beaumont
DRI-Dain Rauscher Incorporated
OBT-Orgain Bell&Tucker L.L.P.
k:kldalbeamfoat.98r1ac1xvt
('ity of Naumont
801 Main St.OwdReaumont Beau nont Room
77704 Fax.o 7
(409)880-3712 9
MomrWom
To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager /
From: Beverly P. Hodges, Finance Officer
Date: Friday,February 06, 1998
,Subject: HUD Consolidated Grant
Council was presented with the Preliminary Budget for the 1998 Consolidated Grant
Program on January 20, 1998. The 1998 HUD Consolidated Budget totals $3,335,000, including
program income. The Preliminary Budget is comprised of three entitlements, CDBG at
$2,303,000, HOME at $775,000 and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) at $87,000. Program income
generated by revolving loan funds is estimated at $170,000.
The CDAC has held numerous meetings to discuss and formulate recommendations for
Council concerning the Consolidated Grant. The recommendation of the CDAC was to allocate
$100,000 for the Public Service Allocation which would be funded through a$50,000 reduction in
Clearance/Demolition and a$50,000 allocation of Public Facilities/Improvements line item.
There has been no recommendation as to whether the Public Service allocation should be
programmatic or for capital expenditures.
Attached for Council review are a memo from the CDAC Vice-Chairman, Daniel Clark;
the minutes of the February 5, 1998 CDAC meeting; and an updated schedule. Johnny Beatty
and I are prepared to workshop the 1998 HUD Consolidated Grant Program at the February 10,
1998 Council Meeting and will be available for questions at that time.
EXHIBIT "B"
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
City of Beaumont,Texas
Community Development
Date: February 6, 1998
To: Honorable Mayor David Moore and City Council Members
From: Daniel Clark, Vice-Chairperson
Subject: 1998 Consolidated Grant Schedule
COMMENTS
The CDBG advisory council met on February 5, 1998 to continue discussions on the 1998 CDBG program
and the schedule of activities submitted by staff.
It was a unanimous decision of the Advisory Committee that the dates for Public Service Grant Applications
and Review not be moved to June or July,.but remain March 2 and March 12. Since the Advisory Committee
does not meet in the summer months, it may be difficult to secure a quorum.
We submit this recommendation to you for your consideration in adopting this schedule.
Thanks for your consideration.
cc: Ray Riley, City Manager
Beverly Hodges, Finance Officer
Johnny Beatty, Grant Administrator
Community Development Advisory Committee Members
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of February 5, 1998
The CDAC began its meeting on February 5, 1998 @ 4:40 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Members present included: Bruce Drury, Jack Aldredge, Dora Nisby, Catherine Lee, Daniel Clark, Jeffrey
York, Raymond Chaison, Pauline Mouton, Bessie Chisum and Jesus Aberego.
The meeting was called to order by Daniel Clark, Vice -Chairperson.
Daniel Clark welcomed Jesus Aberego to the CDAC.
Bessie Chisum noted that she would like to see that Schedule 1 is amended to include the dates that the
CDAC met to discuss the 1998 CDBG budget. Johnny Beatty stated that he would see that the changes
were made. Daniel Clark discussed that he is going to write a letter to Council from the CDAC to inform
them of their recommendations.
Mayor David Moore joined the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
The CDAC noted that the minutes from the January 14, 1998 meeting are unclear and would like them
revised as follows:
Bruce Drury made a motion to take$50,000 from Public Facility and Improvements and the
$50,000 that was taken from Residential Clearance and Demolition and move these funds
to Public Services. Caroline Rekoff seconded the motion.
that the eDAe should not waivei fioin the original motion that was passed at the 1
meeting. �Hmt motion was to allocate 5% of eDB6 funds fb, Public Services. The vote
was taken with a show of hands. Seven voted for the motion and four voted against. The
motion passed.
Before the above motion was passed, Daniel Clark made a statement that the CDAC should
not waiver from the original motion that was passed at the last meeting. That motion was
to allocate 5% of CDBG funds for Public Services.
Daniel Clark recognized Mayor Moore's presence. Mayor Moore gave a brief statement thanking everyone
for their time and participation in the CDAC.
Dr. Drury made a motion to recommend Schedule 1 remain the same. Jack Aldredge seconded the motion.
A vote was take with seven in favor and no opposed. Bessie Chisum, Jesus Aberego and Catherine Lee
abstained from the vote.
A discussion ensued about the upcoming Public Hearings scheduled for February 18 and 19. Dr. Drury
proposed that Daniel Clark preside over the hearings and Johnny Beatty discuss the CDBG budget process,
types of funding available and answer questions that may arise.
Johnny Beatty informed the CDAC of Community Development Week in April and the NCDA conference
in October to be held in Beaumont.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
SCHEDULE FOR ADOPTING THE
1998 HUD CONSOLIDATED GRANT PROGRAM
Tuesday, January 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council workshop on the 1998 HUD
Consolidated Program; discuss proposed budget
and citizen participation.
Tuesday, February 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council workshop on the 1998 HUD
Consolidated Program; discuss CDAC
recommendations.
Wednesday, February 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publish Notice of Public Hearing
Thursday, February 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publish a summary of the proposed
Consolidated Plan for a 30 day comment
period. Forward document to HUD for review
and comments.
Wednesday, February 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Hearing/Workshop - Civic Center.
Citizens, Neighborhood Associations, and Non-
Profit Organizations - 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Hearing/Workshop - Civic Center.
Citizens, Neighborhood Associations, and Non-
Profit Organizations- 7 p.m.
Monday, March 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applications for the 1998 Public Service Grants
are due by 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDAC reviews Public Service Applications for
1998 HUD Consolidated Grant Program,
Council Chambers- 4 p.m.
Thursday, March 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDAC prepares recommendations for the 1998
HUD Consolidated Grant Program. Council
Chambers - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council workshop on the 1998 HUD
Consolidated Grant Program Budget.
Tuesday, March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council issues a resolution adopting the 1998
HUD Consolidated Grant Program.
Friday, April 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forward Final Consolidated Plan to HUD for
final review and approval.
*CDAC meetings: October 2, 1997, October 16, 1997, Bus Tour November 15, 1997,November
20, 1997, December 18, 1997, January 14, 1998 and February 5, 1998.