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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 29 1998 M I N U T E S — CITY OF BEA UMO1NT Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Bobbie J.Patterson, Mayor Pro Tem Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P.Cokinos John K.Davis SEPTEMBER 29, 1998 Becky Ames Lane Nichols,City Attorney Ray A. Riley,City Manager City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on September 29, 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 Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The Reverend Luther Maddox, Gospel Center Church, gave the invocation. Central Services Director Kirby Richard led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis. Councilmember Ames was out of the state on company business. Also present were Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk. "Presentations and Recognitions On proclamation was issued, "Disability Employment Awareness Month," October, 1998. Clean Community Department Director John Labrie addressed announced the Neighborhood Services Division's first "Neighborhood Clean Sweep." The cleanup project will be conducted Saturday, October 3rd, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mr. Labrie said the project is sponsored by the Clean Community Department, the Avenues and Heart of the City Neighborhood Associations. Mr. Labrie said this effort was inspired by Councilmember Davis through his work with those neighborhood associations. The scope of cleanup efforts will be bounded on the north by Crockett Street, Washington Boulevard on the south, and Martin Luther King Parkway to Fourth Street from east to west. Mr. Labrie extended an invitation for entire city participation. He said there has been good support by businesses in providing products for the cleanup, refreshments and door prizes for the volunteers. The Beaumont Independent School District has provided space for the headquarters in the new Martin Luther King Middle School and assisted in distribution of publicity fliers through students to their parents. Mr. Labrie announced that a continental breakfast and registration will begin at 7:00 a.m., and the first 200 volunteers registered will receive a tee-shirt. The actual cleanup will be from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., there will be a "Neighborhood Trash Bash," (an innovative time for lunch, entertainment, games for the young people and fellowship). Councilmember Davis thanked the City Manager, Kyle Hayes and John Labrie for their roles in executing this project expediently. Councilmember Davis acknowledged that in various ways Council has provided bricks and mortar improvements for Ward III, and now Ward III residents are in a phase of trying to cleanup and beautify their community. Mayor Moore added appreciation for past and continued cleanup efforts throughout the city. *Public Comment: Citizens were invited to comment on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 6-14. No one wished to address these subjects. *Consent Agenda At the request of Councilmember Goodson Consent Agenda Item A authorizing the City Attorney to initiate legal action to rectify a violation of the City's Zoning Ordinance was removed from the Consent Agenda for separate action. The following consent agenda items were considered: * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held September 22, 1998; Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made. B) Approve the renewal of an annual maintenance agreement for the City's mainframe computers and peripheral equipment (with International Business Machine Corporation, IBM, in the amount of $70,618.47 beginning October 1,1998 and ending September 30, 1999). - Resolution No. 98-262 C) Approve a contract for furnishing and installing a lighting system on the City's communications tower located at 1550 Pine Street - (with Lumberton Tower Service in the amount of$23,627). - Resolution No. 98-263 D) Approve a contract for the removal and replacement of the carpet and vinyl tile located in the Beaumont Public Library ( with Martin Van Clark Roofing and Flooring of Missouri City in the amount of$58,250) - Resolution No. 98-264 Minutes;9129196;Page 2 E) Accept the donation of a General Utility Easement ( to serve the Meadows Soccer Complex located from the end of Chavis Street westwardly to the soccer field in the A. Houston Survey, Abstract 33, from H. G. Nichols, Sr., H. G. Nichols, Jr., Reed E. Nichols, Kenneth B. Nichols, and R. Allan Nichols) - Resolution No. 98-265 F) Approve the purchase of properties as part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Project (Lot 15, Block 2, West Oakland Addition, 4400 Diamond Street, $5,250, and Lot 6, Block 3, West Oakland Addition, 4445 Diamond Street, $5,250, from Essie Mae Jacob Boyd, Helen Lois Boyd Haskin and Lloyd Boyd, Individually and as Independent Executor of the Estate of Lester Boyd, Deceased) - Resolution No. 98-266 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None A) Authorize the City Attorney to initiate legal action to rectify a violation of the City's Zoning Ordinance (against a truck rental business operating at 1155 IH-10 North and 3355 Gladys Street in a Neighborhood Commercial zone). - Resolution No. 98-267 Councilmember Goodson explained that he requested separate action to put a process in place that would indicate his vote on this item. Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 98-267. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: Councilmember Goodson GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider a Section 108 loan request by the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society for the Jefferson Theatre Restoration Project A public hearing was opened at 1:55 p.m. Minutes;9029196;Page 3 Mr. Raymond Chaisson, 1130 Lamar, voiced objection to using monies from Community Block Grant funds for restoration of the Jefferson Theatre and said that, in his estimation, that would be taking money from poor people. Mr. Roy Steinhagen spoke in support of the Section 108 loan for the Jefferson Theatre. He said that the Jefferson Theatre will not only serve the area, but all levels of society and will serve school children and adults from all walks of life. The public hearing was closed at 1:57 p.m. Councilmember Davis commended Mayor Moore, Councilmember Goodson, and especially Councilmember Smith regarding the Jefferson Theatre. He reported that Councilmember Smith raised $1 million in about 15 minutes for the Jefferson Theatre. Councilmember Davis said that besides the theatre being located in Ward III, he supports the restoration. He said that "we have to begin to understand how to grow a city. In order for a city to have all the characteristics that makes a city great, we must have activities such as this. We have to have facilities like this." Also, Councilmember Davis commented about Mayor Moore establishing a downtown committee to make sure, the City of Beaumont committed its fair share of endeavor toward downtown revitalization. He said Councilmember Goodson was appointed chairman, and he and Councilmember Smith served as members. Councilmember Smith thanked all the volunteers that worked long hours to make this project feasible and to reach this point. She said they are off to a great start that will result in a win-win situation for the entire city. Councilmember Smith said she is anxious to get started with this phase of the project. Councilmember Davis directed a comment to Mr. Chaisson regarding additional funding that is available and some earmarked for the people for which Mr. Chaisson is concerned. Mayor Moore thanked everyone that has had an active part and those that are getting involved in projects. He commented that a new frontier is being developed in the downtown area with three projects underway that will change the entire outlook of downtown. He shared with Mr. Chaisson that he had a meeting with a group of children from Austin Middle School where they shared their passion for the Jefferson Theatre. He said those young children know more about the Jefferson Theatre than most adults. They explained to him the value of historic preservation and preserving our past. The students toured the theatre with Mayor Moore, shared the fame of the theatre, and gave a report to him about how we could continue to improve our downtown area. He stated that the renovation is not only for adults, but for children who need to be taught about our history and cultural enrichment. Mayor Moore said the theatre will be open to everyone, even more than it may have been in the past. Minutes;9r2SW;Page 4 Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-268 authorizing submission of a Section 108 loan request to the HUD Texas State Office in the amount of $2,000,000 for the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 2. Consider a request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling- Highest Density) District to GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District for property on the west side of Irving north and south of the 600 block of Grant Councilmember Davis moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-60 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS,AND IN PARTICULAR THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS,BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED RM-H(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE- FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT TO GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT LOCATED IN THE 600 BLOCK OF GRANT AND 630 MARY STREET IN BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None Councilmember Davis commented about Mobil Oil responding to the construction of a gas station/convenience store/car wash in the Charlton Pollard neighborhood, expressed appreciation to Mayor Moore and the City Manager for the rapport cultivated with Mr. Tom Moeller and Mobil Oil, and thanked Planning Director Steve Richardson and his staff for assistance. Mayor Moore reciprocated appreciation to Councilmember Davis for being a driving force as a Ward representative, staying with projects, motivating staff and working with private entities to achieve results for the community. 3. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a wholesale durable goods business in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling) District at 3140 South Eleventh Street Minutes;9/29/98;Page 5 Mayor Pro Tem Patterson asked that an Ordinance ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A WHOLESALE DURABLE GOODS BUSINESS IN A GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING)DISTRICT LOCATED AT 3140 SOUTH ELEVENTH STREET, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS be deferred for one week to give opportunity for her to speak with constituents in Ward IV. She stated that some of the constituents expressed desires in moving to a revitalization of the South Eleventh Street area that more residential, single-family homes, rather than commercial properties, be established in that area. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson said that she would like to speak with her constituents before Council votes on this item. Council concurred with deferral of this item for one week. 4. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a six child day care center to operate in a residence in an RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) District at 445 Flowers Ordinance No. 98-61 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A SIX CHILD DAY CARE CENTER TO OPERATE IN A RESIDENCE IN AN RM-H (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 445 FLOWERS, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS was introduced. Councilmember Smith expressed concern with allowing commercial development in a single family dwelling neighborhood and said neighborhoods are lost one variance at a time. Councilmember Goodson also expressed concern with the future impact on the neighborhood, but deferred to Councilmember Davis' for insight. Councilmember Davis reported that he has received no negative responses from citizens, and for working class residents, this would be a normal business. He spoke of strengthening requirements, consulting with neighborhood associations and limited signage. After discussing concerns of Council, Mayor Moore said he would like to remove the stipulation to provide care for up to six children and increase it to a twelve-children facility. Mayor Moore said this would probably be the only local facility to provide this care for working parents in the neighborhood and would allow opportunity for school-age children to receive care after school, avoid some latch-key children problems and acts of violence. He said that increasing the number would also allow additional opportunity for success. Further discussion included parking and related problems, future widening of Flowers Street and requirement restrictions. A preference for limited parking except for picking up and dropping off children was expressed. Councilmember Cokinos raised the question of necessity for this item to be returned to the Planning and Zoning Commission if the number was increased. Minutes;9/29/98;Page 6 Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-61 with an amendment to allow a twelve child day care center with no on-street parking. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 5. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a fraternal association (Masonic Lodge) in an NC (Neighborhood Commercial) District at 8175 Gladys Avenue Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-62 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION (MASONIC LODGE) IN AN NC(NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 8175 GLADYS AVENUE, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 6. Consider approving a contract and Change Order No. 1 for the construction of three neighborhood fire stations At length, Council discussed the change order and affects of the reductions caused by Change Order No. 1. Fire Chief Bertrand and Mr. Dohn LaBiche, architect of the fire stations, were available to explain the changes and answer questions. Mayor Moore requested that the change order be modified to allow the station flag poles to remain. Also, Mayor Moore asked that when funds are available that some of the deletions be purchased across the board for all stations and stressed consistency in improvements. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-269 authorizing a contract with Daniels Building & Construction, Inc. in the amount of $2,199,200 and amending Change Order No. 1 to remove the deletion of station flag poles for a total of $254,104, thereby, reducing the contract amount to $1,945,096 for construction of three proposed neighborhood fire stations at 805 Woodrow Street, 1880 Major Drive, and 6375 Walden Road. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None Minutes;9/29/98;Page 7 (Mayor Moore left the Council Chambers at 2:49 p.m.) 7. Consider approving a contract with the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation relating to the 1998 Community Development Block Grant Program Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 270 authorizing a contract with Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation (SETCDC) in the amount of $212,500 from the 1998 CDBG Grant Program to provide site acquisition and development of up to 30 new sites in the City's CDBG target areas and provide for additional site development costs on existing lots in the M. L. King Addition. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 8. Consider approving the acquisition of properties for the Concord Road Improvement Project Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-271 acquisition of Parcel No. 45: 0.073 acre out of Lots 9 and 10, Block 1 of the Cousins Addition in the A. Williams Survey, 3111 Concord Road; Parcel No. 46: 0.011 acre out of Lot 8, Block 1 of the Cousins Addition in the A. Williams Survey, 3111 Concord Road; and Parcel No. 47: 0.023 acre out of the A. Williams Survey, 3113 Concord Road, for the appraised value of $80,000 from Theresa Coco Fertita and Joseph Lynn Ramey, Individually and as Independent Executor of the Estate of Rosetta Coco Ramey, Deceased, for the Concord Road Right-of-Way Project. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 9. Consider approving Change Order No. 2 and final payment relating to the contract for the 1997 Street Rehabilitation Program Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-272 authorizing Change Order No. 2 in the amount of ($13,758.58) to reflect actual quantities used and authorize final payment in the amount of$60,082.92 to Bo-Mac Contractors, Inc. for the 1997 Street Rehabilitation Program. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;9/29198;Page 8 Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 10. Consider approving a contract with the Southeast Texas Arts Council Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-273 authorizing a one-year contract with the Southeast Texas Arts Council (SETAC) in the amount of$140,000 (one monthly payment of$11,850 and $11,650 for remaining 11 months)from hotel tax revenues. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 11. Consider approving a contract with the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-274 authorizing a one-year contract with the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society in the amount of $25,000 with quarterly payments of$6,250 from hotel tax revenues. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 12. Consider approving a contract with the Texas Energy Museum Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-275 authorizing a one-year contract in the amount of$90,000 to be paid quarterly in the amount of$22,500 from hotel tax revenues. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None (Mayor Moore returned to the Chambers at 2:57 p.m.) Minutes;9/29/98;Page 9 13. Consider approving a contract with the John J. French Museum Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 98-276 authorizing a one-year contract with the Beaumont Heritage Society operating the John J. French Museum in the amount of $40,000 to be paid quarterly in the amount of $10,000 from hotel-motel occupancy tax revenues. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None 14. Consider approving a contract with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-277 authorizing a one-year contract with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas in the amount of $185,000 ($15,600 to be paid the first month and $15,400 for the remaining 11 months) from hotel-motel occupancy tax revenues. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, and Davis Noes: None COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Goodson thanked Councilmember Davis for his hard work with Mobil Oil in the Charlton Pollard neighborhood, spoke of lessons learned and the importance of infrastructure in neighborhoods. Councilmember Goodson addressed uncertainties of future Community Development Block Grant funds and suggested that Council might look forward into repayment schedules and look at long range plans for CDBG funds similar to the capital budget projections. Also, Councilmember Goodson discussed problems with the follow through with dilapidated structure work programs. He asked that the dilapidated structure ordinance be reviewed, that progress benchmark requirements be established with specific restraints and tie granting the work program with these requirements. Councilmember Smith added that most of the people requesting work permits do not fully realize the total impact involved with the cost of rehabilitation or condition of the structure. She suggested the possibility of reviewing the project with the individual and giving counsel regarding codes, costs and feasibility. Then once an extension is granted, they should be required to fulfill that obligation in a timely manner. Councilmember Smith said the progress Minutes;9/29196;Page 10 made in the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood shows what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together. She said that when the community becomes involved in their community with the help of the public and private sectors, lots of things happen. Councilmember Smith complimented Councilmember Davis for his work at Charlton-Pollard and commented that there are 405 students in the school located in that neighborhood. Councilmember Davis joined in support of the concern and leniency in repairs of dilapidated structures. Councilmember Davis spoke of the vacancy in the office of the City Clerk, acknowledged continued function of the position and possible compensation of those duties, and said he would like further discussion with Council. He congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Johnson for starting a Girl Scout Troop in Plymouth Village. Councilmember Davis spoke of the Jefferson Theatre meeting the downtown criteria for the HUD Section 108 loan program. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson concurred with fellow Councilmembers regarding the dilapidated structure ordinance and enforcement. She announced that Operation One Vote will sponsor a voter registration drive on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Market Basket stores, Lucky 7 stores, Washington Homes, Plymouth Village, Pear Orchard Plaza, Sunlight Manor, Magnolia Gardens and Virginia Estates. Volunteers will meet at the L. L. Melton YMCA at 9:00 a.m. and lunch will be served to them from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. At 1:15 p.m. a "Meet the Candidate" forum will begin. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson said invitations have been extended to all candidates and encouraged citizens to attend and become acquainted with the candidates and their interests. *Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. Raymond Chaisson, 1130 Lamar, addressed Council to state that he questions the good that "small people" (economically poor) could derive from money spent on the Jefferson Theatre; expressed concern about the fire station on Sabine Pass and a desire that a new station will be built; and questioned if it is legal and fair for Councilmember Goodson to serve as the attorney for the Port of Beaumont and to vote on items that affect citizens of the south end of Beaumont. Councilmember Davis responded to Mr. Chaisson that the Jefferson Theatre is open to all individual or groups who wish to participate in the facility. He said that he has attended a Community Club performance featuring Black American artists that impressed him and provided a very enjoyable evening of entertainment. Councilmember Davis said that the issues Mr. Chaisson addressed are delicate, but extremely important, and reemphasized that the Jefferson Theatre will be open to everyone. Minutes;9/29)98;Page 11 City Manager Ray Riley said staff has is no intention of closing the structure that is "currently used for emergency situation with the fire station." He explained that there is an overlap in responsibilities with Fire Station No. 1, but there are no plans to close the station because of needed emergency services. Mr. Riley said there will be no reduction of fire protection in any neighborhood as a result of construction of the three fire stations. Councilmember Goodson noted that an allusion was made to the zoning of Port of Beaumont property that has not been filed. Councilmember Goodson said there has been discussion, but no action has been taken. He explained that he has no financial interest in the matter, has looked repeatedly for conflict of interest, and does not believe he is in a state of conflict of interest. He said that he has recused himself in the past to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest and would be happy for the City's legal counsel to review the matter even further. Mrs. Cindy Johnson, 5080 Helbig Road, Apt. 40, addressed Council to thank Mayor Moore, Councilmember Cokinos, and Councilmember Davis for attending the first Girl Scout ceremony at Plymouth Village and showing support for the group. Mrs. Johnson said she would like to bring the Troop to Council and let them be photographed with the councilmembers. They would like a picture for their scrapbook. Mr. Charles Johnson, 5080 Helbig Road, Apt. 40, addressed Council to state that he will appear in Municipal Court on October 6, at 8:30 a.m. Mr. Johnson complained about the conduct of several police officers toward citizens, said he received an invalid ticket, and spoke of other experiences with police personnel at Plymouth Village. Mr. Brian Smith, Executive Director for the Texas Energy Museum, thanked Council for himself, and on behalf of his Board of Directors, for the continued support of the museum. He said the museum offers a strong show to all residents of the area that an interest can be developed in science, math, and education. Mr. Smith encouraged residents to take advantage of the events held at all the museums. Ms. Ann Nelson, a member of the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society, addressed Council to report some of the ways the money received from the City of Beaumont has been spent. Ms. Nelson said this year repairs will be made to the roof. Approximately 5,000 school students have attended various performances at the Jefferson Theatre, they helped sponsor an awards program for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, worked with the Austin Middle School on a year-long project, and provided talent show opportunities for middle school students. Ms. Nelson said there have been interesting performances that include: the A & M Mother's Club, Top Women of Distinction, Our Mother of Mercy Choir presentation, and usual performances by the Children's Performance Company, the Beaumont Community Players, and Charlie Pruitt. Ms. Nelson thanked Council for their support. Minutes;9/29/98;Page 12 Ms. Rebecca Woodland, Director of the John J. French Museum, thanked Council for continued support of the museum. Ms. Woodland said they have moved into a new office, and that exciting things are happening. Next year an educational pavilion will be built, and said they are hosting a heritage dinner on October 9th with John V. Roach, the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Tandy Corporation, as the Keynote Speaker. Seven business leaders will be recognized for their early start. Ms. Woodland thanked Council for financially supporting their continued education efforts. Ms. Jody Roberts Domingue, Development Director for the Art Museum, expressed appreciation for continued support and said they provide free service to over 128,000 people each year. Ms. Domingue invited everyone to attend the Oil Patch Dream exhibition at the Art Museum. She said that the works of notable artists such as Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Thomas Hart Benton that illustrate the works of the common man as well as the millionaires made by oil discovery will be on exhibit. This exhibition is the kickoff for the Spindletop 2001 celebration of the 100th year discovery of oil in Beaumont. Mr. Donnie Davis, 5323 Trail Lake, Houston, addressed Council regarding a structure at 2445 Rockwell that he began to rehabilitate. Mr. Davis explained that after rehabilitation of the exterior of the building, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was unable to continue with interior reconstruction. Mr. Davis requested another opportunity to begin a work program. The City Manager reported that his office is aware of this exceptional situation, and that arrangements have been made for Mr. Davis to initiate a work permit for 90 days. Mr. Riley said that in this exceptional situation his office would accept responsibility to administratively handle this so that it would not have to come before Council again. He said they intend to set up a 90-day work program and monitor the effort during that period. Council concurred with the Mr. Riley's comments. Mayor Moore encouraged Mr. Davis to complete the rehabilitation within the 90 days. Ms. Barbara Knight, Executive Director of the Southeast Texas Arts Council, thanked Council for supporting their work. She spoke of the number and diversity of programs that will be available for children and adults. In addition to her comments about the Arts Council, Ms. Knight expressed her personal appreciation and admiration to Council for the great job they do. She commented about the unity and cooperation displayed between Council, staff and citizens. Mayor Moore closed comments by stating that when Council stands together and embraces the same vision, there is accomplishment. He said that the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood Revitalization Project, downtown redevelopment and other recent proposed activities are examples. He spoke of attending a Mayors Conference to discuss issues in communities, and he did not have a "heated issue" to share. Mayor Moore said things are going well in this community because of the empowerment felt in each ward and area of the city. He spoke of Council being active in the community. Mayor Moore commented about the court Minutes;9/29198;Page 13 system assuring that everyone is treated fairly and that Mr. Johnson's complaint will be investigated. Mayor Moore thanked Council for this past fiscal year and thanked the City Manager and staff for assisting with the progress that Council has had. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Potential lawsuit against Entergy/Gulf States There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:45 p.m. to reconvene in executive session. Mayor David W. Moore Barbara Liming, Deputy ity lerk Minutes;9/29/98;Page 14