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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN DEC 15 1998 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT 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 DECEMBER 16, 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 December 15, 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 1:34 p.m. The Reverend Ronald Lee, Park North Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Darrell and Demetrious Johnson, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson and Austin Middle School students, led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis. Also present were Ray A Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions Mayor Moore read a letter from Carolyn Chaney, the City's Washington Assistant, regarding receipt of a COPS MORE grant. The Department of Justice informed Ms. Chaney that the Beaumont Police Department has been awarded a grant of $765,893 for a COPS MORE (Making Officer Redeployment Effective) Program. "The program encourages local police departments to expand time available for community policing by current officers through the purchase of technology or civilian support services." The Beaumont Police Department will use the grant to purchase 100 laptop computers to be used out in the field to check warrants, sending requests for vehicle registration, researching cases or obtaining photographs. The laptop computers will save time for each shift. The City Manager added that the City is pleased to receive the grant and appreciative of the work that Carolyn Chaney did to make the grant possible. Mrs. Cindy Johnson, leader for the Plymouth Village Girl Scout Troop, thanked Council for the opportunity to attend a Council meeting. Mrs. Johnson introduced sponsors from the Jefferson County Deputy Constable's Association that provide uniforms and supplies for the troop. Present were Rebecca Bowden, Bobby Simon, Thurman Miles, Ben Collins, and Charles Wiggins from Precinct 1, and Carl Holmes, Chief Deputy for Constable Stephenson, and David Werner, Precinct 4. Mrs. Johnson expressed her appreciation to the Constable's Association and to the Reverend Robinson for their constant support and assistance. The Reverend Robinson mentioned the board members of the Plymouth Village Apartments are a very important asset to the troop, and that Councilmember Davis is on that board. Mrs. Johnson presented certificates to her co-workers: Judy Stotte and Cristie Carroll. Girls Scouts Britney Bossette, Myhisha Landry, and Seleka Johnson assisted Mrs. Johnson in presenting Certificates of Appreciation for devoted and invaluable service to the Plymouth Village Girl Scout Troops 6197, 6198, and 6199 to Councilmembers Cokinos, Ames, and Davis. A special Certificate of Appreciation was presented by Mrs. Johnson to her husband, Charles Johnson, for his devoted and invaluable service to the Troops and to her. Mr. Charles Johnson acknowledged the Reverend Robinson, the Jefferson County Deputy Constable's Association, HEB Pantry personnel, managers of Mr. Gatti's Pizza, and City Council for past and present support of Girls Scout activities. Darrell Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, addressed Council to thank "several individuals for the continued love and support that has touched every child who lives in Plymouth Village." Darrell said that personally, he would like to thank Mr. Davis for the visit he made to his home, and Mayor Moore for his patience and understanding, and to Mr. Cokinos for the encouragement and "pats on the back," and to the Fire Chief, Police Chief, EMS, Parks and Recreation, Beaumont Public Library and all other City employees "for their generosity and caring attitude that has been displayed for the last three years" during the last day of school celebrations. Darrell again thanked everyone, and said their hopes and prayers are that there will be the continued support and encouragement that has proven every child can someday sit where Council now does. Darrell presented the Certificate of Appreciation, on behalf of the residents of the Plymouth Village Association, to Mayor Moore. Mayor Moore commented about the positive remarks made by Bobby Simon at a meeting of young people at Plymouth Village and community empowerment, and thanked the Johnsons for leadership and everyone that supports these young people for making this a great day for them. To conclude the presentation, a group picture of Council, sponsors, the Reverend Robinson, Girl Scout leaders and members was taken. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items - No one wished to address these subjects. *Consent Agenda Minutes;12/15198;Page 2 The following consent agenda items were considered: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held December 8, 1998; Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 98-350 A) Approve a salary adjustment for the Deputy City Clerk (increased to $3,035 monthly retroactive to July 13, 1998) - Resolution No. 98-351 B) Authorize a change in wire transfer authority of City funds (Delete Doug Carrier and add Nada Rogers, effective December 15, 1998) - Resolution No. 98-352 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames and Davis Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving the purchase of a fire pumper Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-353 authorizing purchase of a Pierce Lance 1,500 g.p.m. fire pumper for assignment to Fire Engine No. 9 through the Houston-Galveston Area Council in the amount of $316,971, with funds obtained by a financing agreement. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames and Davis Noes: None 2. Consider approving a one-year renewal contract with Carolyn C. Chaney & Associates, Inc. Councilmember Cokinos raised questions concerning the number of cities represented by Chaney &Associates, the $400 per month fee increase and moving her office location, her visits to Beaumont, and the feasibility of Congressman Lampson or Senators Gramm and Hutchinson being able to successfully lobby for grants. Councilmember Cokinos said he requested documentation of the grants Ms. Chaney has made possible for the City of Beaumont last year, and again requested that report. Minutes;12/15198;Page 3 Mr. Riley responded that elected officials cannot act as lobbyists or as an administrative representative in dealing with certain governmental departments. The elected officials serve the community well, and Ms. Chaney has been effective in working in administrative functions in all departments for the City of Beaumont and has assisted in receipt of many grants. She has kept the City of Beaumont apprised of the best way in which to submit grant applications and how to present them in the best format. Ms. Chaney has previously shared office space with another group, but had to get individual office space. Mayor Moore spoke of Ms. Chaney's invaluable assistance in working with HUD and economic development through Section 108 funds and her influence in meetings and leadership and direction. He said that Ms. Chaney is an on-going presence for the City of Beaumont in Washington and commented that there has been no increase in her fee since 1993. Councilmember Davis voiced support of the contract, said that Ward III has definitely benefited from the efforts of Ms. Chaney, said she has style, is a dynamic young lady who has worked hard for Beaumont, and has been instrumental in making Concord Road a funded project. Councilmember Smith said she has worked with Ms. Chaney for over 11 years and has found her to be very knowledgeable, knows the right people in Washington and understands the Beltway mentality. She said our elected representatives do not have the staff to focus on our priorities and give the advice that Carolyn Chaney is able to do. Councilmember Smith said this is money well spent for the service received from her. Councilmember Ames supports Ms. Chaney on the same basis as other Councilmembers, and said that recently in Washington while lobbying for $11 million, Ms. Chaney set up appointments essential in making that possible. Councilmember Ames said that Ms. Chaney has been to Beaumont at least once during her tenure on Council. Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 98-354 authorizing a twelve- month contract in the amount of $53,130 with Carolyn C. Chaney & Associates, Inc. to act as the City of Beaumont's Washington Assistant, effective January 1, 1999. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, and Davis Noes: Councilmember Cokinos Minutes;12115W;Page 4 3. Consider approving a contract with Statewide Consolidated Community Development Corporation (SCCDC) for site acquisition and development of eighteen properties and approve the transfer of several properties to SCCDC for use in the project Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-355 authorizing a contract with SCCDC to provide $30,000 from the 1998 CDBG Program for site acquisition and development of 18 properties and transfer seven City owned properties to SCCDC for use in the project. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Abstained: Mayor Moore 4. Consider approving an agreement for architectural services for the construction of a new softball facility within the Beaumont Municipal Athletic Complex Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 98-356 authorizing an architectural services agreement with Long/Magnuson Architects, Inc. at a fee of 7% of the total construction contract price, not to exceed $87,500. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Patterson, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None Mayor Moore asked that this facility be as close to state of the art as possible, since it will be such a large tournament attraction and requested that promoters of the tournament be included in the planning stage meetings. 5. Consider amending Section 26-23 of the Code of Ordinances relating to the speed limit on the Maury Meyers Bridge (Mayor Pro Tem Patterson left the Council Chamber at 2:16 p.m.) Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-74 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26,SECTION 26-23 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO AMEND A SPEED LIMIT;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;12/15/98;Page 5 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None 6. Consider amending Section 26-24 of the Code of Ordinances to establish a school zone on Champions Drive in front of the newly-opened Dishman Elementary School Councilmember Ames moved to approve Ordinance No. 98-75 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26,SECTION 26-24 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT BY ADDING A NEW SCHOOL ZONE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, and Davis Noes: None OTHER BUSINESS * Receive report related to a Section 108 funding request for up to $3.175 million by the National Development Council for the renovation of the Hotel Beaumont (Mayor Pro Tem Patterson returned to the council Chambers at 2:20 p.m.) Sally Loveland was invited to provide Council with an updated report regarding the renovation of Hotel Beaumont and Section 108 Loan Program. Ms. Loveland reviewed the report submitted in November indicating that five bids were received above anticipated costs and a request was made for an additional $1.3 million in funding from the City. After meeting with the bidders, Republic Contractors has negotiated to $4.9 million for the renovation. The request for Section 108 funds have been scaled back to $1.175 million, cutting the original request by $125,000. Funding from the City would total $3.175 million: a loan of $2 million and $1.175 in a grant. That total amount would be matched with a $3 million bank loan with State Street Global Advisors in Boston, and $1.3 million of equity from Fannie Mae for a total project cost of about $7.4 million. Ms. Loveland said they are comfortable with the contractor, and will continue to seek other funding in an effort to reduce the grant request. The budget has provided a contingency for cost overruns, and if it is not spent, that amount will be used to reduce the City funding request. Ms. Loveland pointed out that if in the future, for some reason the Hotel had to be sold, any excess of mortgage indebtedness would return to the City. She said the grant money would always be written so that if there were excess proceeds in the future, that income would come back to the City. Ms. Loveland stated that the freight elevator must be put in service as soon as possible to begin preliminary construction that must be accomplished before the actual construction. Minutes;12/15158;Page 6 She stated that she has been working closely with the Fire Department regarding fire protection. Mayor Moore shared feelings regarding the liens, grant dollars, and improvements to the downtown area. He questioned the savings scale back from the original construction bid, and Ms. Loveland said the major savings was due to redesigning the heating and cooling system from a four-pipe to a two-pipe system. That change reduced the amount by $750,000. Other Council discussion included use of CDBG monies, long-term affects in paying back the money, a review of this repayment plan and comparison to other plans, possible affect on future Councils, diversity of residents in the hotel, commitment for low to moderate income persons, this project's influence on downtown revitalization, lien position and ownership, and persistence in making this project affordable and a reality. Council concurred to approve the Section 108 fund request and place the item on the next Council agenda. COMMENTS " Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Goodson thanked Mr. Benn Bundy for his hospitality in hosting the Beaumont Main Street luncheon today and thanked him for his service and commitment as chairman this past year. Councilmember Goodson thanked Mr. Greg Shepherd for assuming the chairmanship for next year and commented about various downtown features and future vision. Councilmember Davis commented about the success of the COP program at the neighborhood association level, and with the beginning of a new year, suggested that it be revitalized for the benefit of the associations and police presence. In moving forward with Community Development Block Grant efforts, Councilmember Davis said it is important to be receptive to the needs and aspirations of the Avenues community. He discussed their plan of revitalization with house clean up, street light needs, and other goals. Councilmember Davis spoke of the importance of a five or ten-year plan for dispersing CDBG funds to coincide with long range decisions under consideration and concentrating on known projects and not adding to them. He stated that he is pleased with the fairness of the distribution of CDBG funding. Mayor Pro Tem Patterson reported that along with Councilmember Cokinos and Mayor Moore, she was privileged to attend a dedication and ribbon cutting for Ubi Caritis Health Clinic and Wellness Center. She said it was a nice ceremony, and the clinic will be an Minutes;12/15138;page 7 asset to the Pear Orchard and South Park communities in providing health and wellness services, seminars and some evening programs for youth in the area. She said this was a partnership between churches, Lamar University, and South Park residents. Mayor Moore complimented the addition of the clinic to the community and said the ribbon was cut at this ceremony by the first patient of the clinic, a 9 or 10 year old child, rather than the usual dignitary. Mayor Moore stated that the meeting with the people from the sprinkler system company and the pension fund served as a catalyst to getting the Hotel Beaumont project off the ground. He congratulated Channel 12 for their successful efforts this past week in the food drive and the Kelly Bulldogs for winning the Catholic School State Championship in Waco. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. James Lungs, 1890 Grand, addressed Council to request additional time to rehabilitate the structure at 850 Elm. Mayor Moore asked Councilmember Davis to guide Mr. Lungs to the proper staff to work through this request. Mr. Roberto Flores, 2425 Buchanan, distributed copies of information regarding the Avenues Neighborhood Association to Council. He commented about activity of the Association, said their logo represents diversity in the neighborhood, referred to celebration of Cinco de Mayo and Juneteenth celebration. Mr. Flores spoke of a clean-up program in October, and collaboration of the Avenues, Charlton-Pollard, South Park and Heart of the City neighborhood associations in conducting a Neighbors Meeting Neighbors event at Dunbar School. He said that the Avenues College Street Area Neighborhood Plan will be presented to Council soon. Mr. Flores said the plan has been in place for awhile and is being revitalized with the help of the Planning Department. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Firefighters Arbitration Wanda Young v. City of Beaumont *Consider matters related to employment, evaluation and duties of a public officer or employee in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code: Municipal Court Magistrates City Clerk City Manager Minutes;12/15/98;Page 8 There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:12 p.m. to reconvene in executive session. Mayor David W. Moore Barbara Liming, Deputy Cit Clerk Minutes;12115/98;Page 9