HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN OCT 16 2001 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT
Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tern
Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames
Bobbie J. Patterson October 16,2001 Audwin Samuel
Lane Nichols, City Attorney Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager Barbara Liming, City Clerk
The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on October 16, 2001,
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 1:37 p.m. YMBL Executive Director Chris Colletti
gave the invocation. Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames (arrived
at 1:40), Samuel, and Patterson. (Mayor Pro Tern Goodson was absent). Also present were
Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk.
Presentations and Recognitions
One proclamation was issued: "YMBL State Fair Days," October 18-28, 2001
Community Services Director Maurine Gray serving as area chairman of the Olympic
Torch Relay for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah announced that
the Olympic Torch Relay will be in Beaumont on Monday, December 10 on its tourthrough
46 states. Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Chevrolet Corporation are co-sponsors for
the relay and have named Mr. Bevil Henry, a retired school teacher of 57 years, Ms. Toy
R. Stech, a promising athlete and surviving victim of an accident caused by a drunk driver
leaving her with disabilities to overcome, and businessmen Mr. Skylar Thompson of
Market Basket Stores, and Mr. David Barrows of the Young Men's Business League, as
Olympic torch bearers from our area.
Coca-Cola Sales Center Manager Butch Taylor voiced his company's excitement and role
in sharing the magic of the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Torch Relay and announced that
"Inspiration" is the theme of the event and said it is very fitting at this time in our history.
Mr. Taylor explained that the Torch Relay is a means of recognizing those who have done
something special and inspiring and said the Relay has a history of unifying Americans
as it passes from town to town and state to state. As it passes through Beaumont, Mr.
Taylor said opportunity will be given for Southeast Texas residents to showtheir patriotism
and support, as Coca Cola Bottling Company has done for over 70 years.
Chevrolet Corporation Market Area Manager Randy Parker acknowledged the importance
of these inspiring individuals who will carry the Olympic flame, and the celebration of the
spirit that inspires the desire within all of us to face challenges and overcome obstacles
in our lives. Also, today represents a time to celebrate the Olympic games and the hopes
and dreams of the teams who by their own example show us the endless possibilities
achievable through determination, desire and commitment.
Mayor Moore congratulated the named Torchbearers, reminded them they represent
Beaumont, and said he looks forward to the Torch Relay on December 10.
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items - No one wished to
speak.
Consent Agenda
Approval of minutes - October 9, 2001
Confirmation of committee appointments - Appointments: Donna Laird, Beaumont
Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect for terms ending
October 15, 2003 - Resolution No. 01-236
A) Authorize the acquisition of 18 parcels (Parcel 2, 0.195 acre S. Stivers, Survey, 6808
South Major Drive, $29,650, Keith Brandon Barnett; Parcel 4, 0.073 acre Tract 12-A, SP-
9, S. Stivers Survey, $7,950, K. H. Phelan Land L.P.; Parcel 5, 1.148 acre Tract 25-D, Plat
B-19, S. Stivers Survey, $126,250, Mickey Phelan B. Land L.P.; Parcel 6, 3.225 acres
Tract 1, Q. R. Beckman and Tract 1, W.R. Hebert, $51,950, K. H. Phelan Land L.P.;
Parcel 7, 0.039 acre Tract 25-D, Plat B-19, S. Stivers Survey, $2,750, Mickey Phelan B.
Land L.P.; Parcel 8, 0.027 acre Tract 25-D, Plat B-19, S. Stivers Survey, $1,925, K.H.
Phelan Land, L.P.; Parcel 9, 1.935 acre Section 1, Tracts 2 thru 12, 16, 25, H.T.&B. RR.,
$37,075, K. H. Phelan Land L.P.; Parcel 10, 0.130 acre Section 1, Tracts 2 thru 12, 16,
25, H.T.&B. RR., $1,525, K. H. Phelan Land L.P.; Parcel 11, 0.195 acre out of Section
1, Tract 2 thru 12, 16, 25, H.T.&B. RR., $2,100, K.H. Phelan Land L.P.; Parcel 14, 0.369
acre Section 1, Tracts 2 thru 12, 16, 25, H.T.&B. RR., $3,950, Mickey Phelan B Land L.P.;
Parcel 15, 0.077 acre Section 1,Tracts 2 thru 12, 16, 25, H.T.&B. RR., $800, K. H. Phelan
Land L.P.; Parcel 16, 0.300 acre Tract 8, H.T.&B. RR., $4,125, Mary Jane Phelan; Parcel
17, 1.017 acres Section 1, Tract 2 thru 12, 16, 25, H.T.&B. RR., $34,225, Mickey Phelan
B Land L.P.; Parcel 18, 0.328 acre Tract 22, H.T.&B. RR. $6,250, Mickey Phelan B Land
L.P.; Parcel 19, 0.331 acre Lots 1-4, 8-17, 20, 22-26, 29, 32 Tract 1, Sprotts & Campbell,
Lots 1-7, 10-14, 16 Tract 1, W.C. Tyrrell Trust, Plat B-19, Tract 25-C, S. Stivers Survey,
$27,750, Mickey Phelan B. Land L.P.; Parcel 21, 1.31 acres Tract 20, SP-8, Plat B-18, C.
Williams Survey, $36,010, Mickey Phelan B Land L.P.; Parcel 23, 0.099 acre Lot 1, Block
1, Willow Creek One, 8390 Willow Bend Drive, $16,900, Beaumont Willow Creek, Inc.;
Parcel 26, 0.028 acre Tract 20, SP-8, Plat B-18, C. Williams Survey, $300, Mickey Phelan
B. Land L.P., total amount $391,485) for the right-of-way for the FM 364/Major Drive
Improvement Project - Resolution No. 01-237
Minutes October 16,2001 Page 2
B) Approve the purchase of one excavating and grading machine (through Houston-
Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) with Hi-Way Equipment Company for a total cost of
$183,014.50) for the Street and Drainage Division - Resolution No. 01-238
C) Approve the purchase of two asphalt patching machines (with Houston-Galveston Area
Council for $94,748.37) for the Streets and Drainage Division - Resolution No. 01-239
D) Approve a six-month contract(with Altivia for an estimated expenditure of$73,470)for the
purchase of sodium hydroxide for the Water Utilities Division - Resolution No. 01-240
E) Approve the purchase of audio receiver boards and audio transmitters (from Eagleye
Technologies, Inc. in the amount of$34,600)for the Beaumont Police Department's trunk
mounted video camera surveillance systems - Resolution No. 01-241
F) Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to accept grant funding
(in the amount of $27,488) for the project titled "Safe and Sober S.T.E.P." - Resolution
No. 01-242
G) Authorize the settlement of a claim (with Atrue Jackson in the amount of $5,000) -
Resolution No. 01-243
H) Accept maintenance of the improvements (Street and Storm Sewer Improvements for
Sunflower Lane from existing Sunflower Lane approximately 557 feet north to three OM-
4P end of roadway markers and Deer Chase Drive from proposed Sunflower Lane
approximately 366 feet east to three OM-4P end of roadway markers; and Water and
Sanitary Sewer Improvements for Lots 1-8, Block 1, Lots 1-6, Block 2, and Lots 1-4, Block
3) in Westchase Village, Section One - Resolution No. 01-244
1) Approve a declaration of intentto reimburse capital expenditures-Resolution No.01-245
Councilmember Smith moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and
Patterson
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider approving a contract to modify the existing Lawson's pump station
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 01-246 approving a contract
with Boyer, Inc. in the amount of$3,652,918 to modify the existing Lawson's pump station.
Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,Ames, Samuel, and
Patterson
Noes: None
Minutes October 16,2001 Page 3
2. Consider amending Section 25-53 of the Code of Ordinances related to the payment of
hotel occupancy taxes
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No.01-079 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 25, SECTION 25-53 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
BEAUMONT TO AMEND THE REPORTING PERIOD CONCERNING HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX
PAYMENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A
PENALTY. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore,Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,Ames,Samuel,and
Patterson
Noes: None
3. Consider amendments to the existing Animal Ordinance, Chapter 5, Section 5-4; Section
5-5; and Section 5-8
Councilmember Samuel questioned the definition of animals in the Code of Ordinances
and commended efforts of the Animal Health Advisory Committee with the revision.
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 01-080 ENTITLED AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND AREA,DISTANCE,
AND CREATING REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE KEEPING OF LIVESTOCK IN THE CITY;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING A PENALTY.
Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore,Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,Ames,Samuel,and
Patterson
Noes: None
4. Consider amending Section 21-74 of the Code of Ordinances related to authorized
positions in the Fire Department
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No.01-081 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 21 TO AMEND THE NUMBER OF POSITIONS IN GRADE I IN THE BEAUMONT
FIRE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL.
Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore,Councilmembers Smith,Ames,Samuel,and Patterson
Noes: Councilmember Cokinos
5. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute an Industrial District Contract with Arch
Chemicals, Inc.
Councilmember Samuel moved to approve Resolution No. 01-247 authorizing the City
Manager to execute an Industrial District Contract with Arch Chemicals, Inc. of which
industrial payments are estimated at$11,728,700 in FY 2002. Councilmember Patterson
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED
Minutes October 16,2001 Page 4
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,Ames, Samuel,and
Patterson
Noes: None
COMMENTS
Councilmembers comment on various matters
Councilmember Cokinos expressed surprise at the approval of Agenda Item 4.
Councilmember Samuel commented that Agenda Item 4 was discussed during the budget
process, spoke of receiving numerous calls concerning cats, the inability to enforce the
ordinance on cats, and requested the issue be reviewed by staff and the Animal Health
Advisory Committee. Also, he requested a status report of the construction site at Lucas
Drive and Helbig Road at the railroad tracks. He advised staff that there are no longer
construction warning signs or lights, and said there is a potential for vehicle damage with
the existing situation. Councilmember Samuel reported receiving several complaints.
Mayor Moore commented that today the community paid final tribute to Mr. William Taft,
a great community leader, and said he will be greatly missed by those lives he has
touched. He reported that a tornado touched down in South Beaumont this past weekend
impacting homes and businesses and requested that the Code Enforcement Division
assist in every way possible. Mayor Moore clarified that Agenda Item 4 was discussed at
great length in the budget process. He said the level of fire protection is not diminished,
and Item 4 deals with personnel staffing changes. He explained that the proposal was
made as the only option in a very tight budget to allow a fire station on the south side of
Beaumont to remain open.
City Manager Report - Navigation District Election, Partnership In Governance 2002,
Tourism Impact and Patriotic Celebration
City Manager Bonczek spoke of the significance of the Jefferson County Navigation
November election to include Port Arthur representation and commented on the work the
Navigation District performs in maintaining the Sabine-Neches Waterways and the
importance of deepening and widening the channel. Mr. Bonczek stated that information
on the Partnership in Governance will be forthcoming, spoke of four months of positive
returns on sales tax, reported a directive has been given to staff to closely monitor
expenditures, and that hotel occupancy tax receipts were down 6% in September
compared to last year.
Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes).
Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5556 South Kenneth, addressed Council to express appreciation to
Councilmembers Cokinos and Samuel for their attendance at the College Street Corridor
Neighborhood Meeting and for the information received from Councilmember Samuel.
Minutes October 16,2001 Page 5
Mr. Sam Parigi (no address given)addressed Council to express appreciation for passage
of Item No. 3 and to staff for preparation of the changes to the animal ordinance.
Mayor Moore added that earlier this week Highway 90 (College Street) was officially
designated as the Old Spanish Trail and spoke of a celebration breakfast with Senator
Bernsen and members of the neighborhood.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section
551.071 of the Government Code:
Negotiations with Beaumont Firefighters; Local 399
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:23 p.m.
David W. Moore, Mayor
Barbara Liming, City Clerk
Minutes October 16,2001 Page 6