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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.