Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 12 2002 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 February 12,2002 Audwin Samuel Lane Nichols, City Attorney Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager Lolita Ramos, Interim City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont,Texas, met in a regular session on February 12,2002, atthe City Hall Council Chambers,801 Main Street,Beaumont,Texas,at 1:30 p.m.to considerthe 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 1:36 p.m. The Reverend Bruce Booher, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church gave the invocation. Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos,Ames, Samuel, and Patterson. Also present were Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Lolita Ramos, Interim City Clerk; and Terri Hanks, City Clerk Administrative Assistant. Presentations and Recognitions Dr. Armand Weinburg, faculty member of Baylor College of Medicine introduced Dr. Alla Lyubimova from Sakhalin in Korsakov,Russia,an island North of Japan,who is hereto learn how local government and community health organizations interact with the oil and gas industry. Baylor College of Medicine NIS Project Manager, Ms. Sara Rozin, accompanied and served as translator for Dr. Alla Lyubimova. Dr.Alla Lyubimova presented Council a letterfrom the Mayorof Korseca and an oil painting from a local artist of hercountry,and spoke of exploring the operations of health care systems in Beaumont and gaining useful information. Dr.Lyubimova extended an invitation from the Mayor of Korseca to visit their city for the Korseca Day Celebration to return the hospitality, and commented that in addition to her health care responsibilities, she is also a city councilmember. Mayor Moore extended appreciation,spoke of the commonalities between the two countries, and asked Dr. Lyubimova to relay appreciation to the Mayor for his letter of invitation. He commented a focus of Council is to expand international development in terms of culture, economic development,and education. Mayor Moore presented a pictorial book of the City for the Mayor of Korseca,wished Dr.Lyubimova a pleasant stay,and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to develop a relationship with her country. Two proclamations were issued: "Taste of the Triangle Day," February 12, 2002; and "LULAC (League of the United Latin American Citizens) Week," February 12-18, 2002. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items. Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa Street,addressed Council regarding Agenda Items 1 and 2, the enforcement of the election sign ordinance, and the integrity of the Clean Community program. Ms.Judy Byrd,(address not given)addressed Council to acknowledge Mr. Benny Medoza as a member of the LULAC Council 4594. Consent Agenda Approval of minutes - February 5, 2002 Confirmation of committee appointments -Appointments:Gladys Allen,Board of Adjustment (Zoning), for a term expiring February 11, 2004 - Resolution No. 02-030 A) Approve the payment of an invoice(in the amount of$34,544)foran annual software support agreement for a Motorola Mobile Data Communication System (MDC)- Resolution No. 02-031 B) Approve a bid forthe purchase and installation of two(2)raw sewage pumps(in the amount of$109,640 to Placo, Inc.)for use in the Water Reclamation Plan-Resolution No.02-032 C) Approve authorization for City participation in a State of Texas contract for the purchase of books,publications and audio visual materials(for an annual estimated cost of$200,000 with Blackwell's Book Services, Baker and Taylor, Perma Boun and Major Scientific Books) - Resolution No. 02-033 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a contract for collection agency services Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 02-034 awarding a one year contract,with an option to renew annually fora period of two additional years,to Management Minutes February 12,2002 Page 2 Koncepts, Inc. in the amount of 21% of collections received per month. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider amending the 2000 Consolidated Grant Program by reprogramming$99,700 from the Replacement Housing line item to Clearance&Demolition forthe demolition of additional unsafe residential and commercial structures Councilmember Patterson questioned the usage of the reprogrammed funds and emphasized the long list of citizens who could benefit from the minor repair program. She spoke of concerns for health and safety issues of the elderly and disabled persons and for replacement housing during transition. Rather than holding people on the waiting list, Councilmember Patterson suggested expediting minor repairs in a shorter time, and opposed demolishing the commercial structure because of the many people in need of assistance. Economic Development Director Kyle Hayes responded the funds are part of the minor repair program which is a new program,and explained that home repairs exceeding the$15,000 maximum amount per house cannot be rehabilitated underthe minor repair program,and it then becomes more feasible to replace the home. He reported Clean Community Director John Labrie estimates demolition of the rice dryer at Fourth and San Jacinto would be $200,000, there are also over 500 structures tagged for demolition, and spoke of the rice dryer complaints, reported fires, and the need to secure additional funds to demolish commercial buildings. Housing Coordinator Richard Chappell explained the minor repair program,and reported a waiting list of 200 families with limited resources available to assist all of the houses that need rehabilitation. Mr. Chappell mentioned the waiting list was re-prioritized some years ago to address the needs of the elderly and handicapped,and discussed the success and difficulties of extending the useful lives of homes, and the challenge of finding a sufficient supply of rehabilitation contractors. Council discussed in length issues and concerns of demolishing commercial structures,and the minor home repairs for the elderly and handicapped citizens. Council expressed their compassion to assist the elderly and handicapped and the importance of the minor home repair program. However, with the limited amount of funding, consensus was in favor of demolishing the rice dryer because of life, health and safety issues. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No.02-035. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, and Samuel Noes: Councilmember Patterson Minutes February 12,2002 Page 3 3. Consider conducting a public hearing/workshop to review and receive comments on the 2002 Action Plan of the Consolidated Grant Program and consider a request to approve the preliminary budget,schedule and application deadline for 2002 Action Plan as it relates to the City's Five-Year Consolidated Grant Program Underthe direction of Economic Director Kyle Hayes,Grants Administrator Assistant Janett Blunt and Housing Coordinator Richard Chappell conducted a presentation of the 2002 Action Plan of the Consolidated Block Grant Program. Councilmembers viewed a video compiled by the Housing and Urban Development(HUD) highlighting 25 years of activities throughout the country deserving special recognition. Mr. Chappell commented the City of Beaumont received recognition forthe Elmo Willard Library, the Sterling R.Pruitt Center and the Affordable Housing Revitalization of the Charlton Pollard Neighborhood. (Mayor Pro Tern Goodson left Council Chambers during the video presentation at 2:37 p.m. and returned at 2:39 p.m.) Grants AdministratorAssistant Janett Blunt gave a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)the 2002 proposed budget in the amount of$3,596,000 and the proposed Consolidated Grant Program 2002 Action Plan and Schedule as shown in Exhibit"A". Ms. Blunt stated participation of citizens is crucial to the development of an acceptable plan,which upon Council approval,will be submitted to HUD for their final review and approval. The public hearing opened at 2:55 p.m. Ms. Carolyn Howard, Beaumont Main Street Executive Director, addressed Council concerning new construction in the downtown area,and the dramatic growth in the last ten years with a myriad of activities. Ms. Howard commented theircurrent budget is not meeting their needs, and spoke of a letter transmitted to Council describing activities designating them as a national main street community and their approach to revitalization. She discussed involvement with property improvement,promotional qualities,and downtown design issues, and requested consideration to increase the CDBG allotment from$35,000 to$50,000. Ms. Howard commented on marketing the downtown area and expressed appreciation for the public/private partnership. The public hearing closed at 2:58 p.m. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Resolution No.02-036. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None COMMENTS Minutes February 12,2002 Page 4 Councilmembers comment on various matters With the first meeting held last night, Councilmember Samuel commended the North Beaumont Community Organization, a neighborhood development organization, and expressed appreciation to Councilmember Smith for her attendance. He stated Bigner Road is in the process of being maintained, patch work will be done until the completion of the Neches River saltwater barrier project;and after completion,the contractorwill resurfacethe road. Councilmember Samuel requested consideration in assisting the efforts and exploring opportunities with the school district in creating additional educational opportunities of development in the North Beaumont area. He requested an investigation and report concerning the surface of Santa Fe Street. Councilmember Samuel stated his pleasure of the aggressive efforts by individuals addressing community concerns and for their empowerment to bring about immediate change. Councilmember Patterson announced the Pear Orchard Neighborhood Association will meet Tuesday, February 19, 7:00 p.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Church hall. Councilmember Cokinos congratulated the Y.W.C.A. and Mrs. Dora Nesbitt for their successful efforts to raise funds. City Manager's Report-2002 Strategic Action Plan Draft; Parks and Recreation Funding; Health Insurance Savings; Central Park Tennis Courts; March Madness-Neighborhood Clean-up; Crockett Street Entertainment Complex; Water Utilities Projects City Manager Bonczek discussed receiving Federal funding for McLean and Roberts Parks with construction beginning in June, reported consultants McGriff, Seibels & Williams facilitated costs savings with the City's health plans, spoke of the March Madness neighborhood comprehensive cleanup efforts,and stated Council has received a draft of the 2002 Strategic Action Plan for comments Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa, addressed Council regarding the Keep Texas Beautiful program, Council participation in the Keep Beaumont Beautiful campaign, and keeping election signs out of right-of-ways. Ms. Alice Ramsey, 3440 Goliad Street, addressed Council regarding consideration for a neighborhood park from the sale of a portion of Central Park and extended invitations to the Pear Orchard Neighborhood Association next Tuesday at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Mr.Leroy Lewis 111, 1855 North Street,addressed Council in support of demolishing the rice dryer, and extended appreciation to Police Officer Billy Blankenship for his participation in the Teen Crime Stoppers Program at Ozen High School,Library Director Maurine Grey and Ms.Lynn Huckaby fortheir assistance atthe Best Year's Center,and forthe Theodore Johns Library. Mr. Lewis spoke in support of the minor repair program, free downtown parking, raising fines for loud music, user fees, more jobs, ditches and sidewalks near schools, helping keep homeless people off the streets, and an end to domestic violence. Minutes February 12,2002 Page 5 Ms.Judy Byrd, 1044 Green Meadow,addressed Council for consideration in naming a street after Caesar Chavez, spoke of there being no identification in Beaumont for Hispanic children,and how Caesar Chavez made life betterforthe United Farm Workers and died for the cause. Ms.Byrd stated his daughter and his followers are carrying on his work and she will approach the school system to have a school named after him. Mayor Moore announced a guest from the New York City Fire Department, who is a Fire Fighter and a memberof the ground zero team,will be visiting the City in the nexttwo weeks to partake in a number of American pride and patriotism celebration events. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:19 p.m. David W. Moore, Mayor Lolital Ramos, Intedim City Clerk Minutes February 12,2002 Page 6 2002 HUD CONSOLIDA'T'ED GRANT PROGRAM 2002 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT(CDBG) Proposed HOUSING Budget Minor Repair $ 385,000 Funds will he used to repair approximately 25 homes at$15,000 per house. Acquisition 100,000 Funds will be used to purchase approximately 20 lots at 55,000 per lot. Interim Assistance 145,000 Funds will be used for site preparation,including infrastructure. CLEARANCE AND DEMOLITION 442,600 Clearance and Demolition Activities Funds will he used to demolish approximately 150 unsafe residential structures and specified commercial structures. Funds will also he used for project delivery costs. Downtown Clearance 55,000 Funds will he used for downton clearance/cleanup ol'dehris and maintenance. PUBLIC FACILITY&IMPROVEMENT Section 108 530,000 Hotel Beaumont(Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Crockett Street(Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Jefferson Theater(Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Theodore R.Johns,Jr.Libray(Section 108 payment)-new construction L I,Melton YMCA(Section 108 payment)-rehabilitation Project delivery costs 2,000 PUBLIC SERVICES Public Services Organizations 100,000 Funds will he used for administrative and operating costs for various public services organizations. Habitat For Humanity-Administration 60,000 Funds will he used for administrative costs for organization building homes in the Community Development Strategy Area. CBDO Activities 92,600 Funds will be used for the housing and economic development activities of Community-Based Development Organizations. Activities include home-buyer counseling,project delivery and salaries for CBDOs. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUILD,Inc. 50,000 Funds will be used to assist with the administration of the Main Street Downtown Development Program. ADMINISTRATION 424,800 Funds will be used for personnel and operating expenses necessary for compliance with the planning, execution,and regulatory requirements of the HUD Consolidated Grant Program. TOTAL CDBG 2,387.000 PROGRAM INCOME Small Business Loan Fund 170,000 Historic Preservation Loan Fund 20,000 Clearance and Demolition 10,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED PROGRAM INCOME 200.000 HOME 833,400 Funds will be used to assist a non-profit housing development organization with the development of approximately 30 new single family homes. Funds will also be used to assist low/moderate income families with the closing costs,mortgage buy downs,and down payments needed to purchase homes. HOME Administration 92,600 Funds will he used for personnel and operating expenses necessary for compliance with the planning, execution,and regulatory requirements of the HUD HOME Program. TOTAL HOME 926,000 EMERGENCY SHELTFR GRANT(ESG) 83,000 Funds will he used to provide shelter and essential services for the homeless population. TOTAL ESG 83,000 TOTAL 2002 PROPOSED BUDGET $ 3,596,0011_ EXHIBIT"A" PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR ADOPTING THE 2002 HUD CONSOLIDATED GRANT PROGRAM Tuesday, November 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDAC meeting to discuss 2002 Action Plan Thursday, December 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDAC workshop on the 2002 Action Plan Tuesday, January 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDAC workshop/public hearing on the 2002 Action Plan Thursday, February 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Hearing/Workshop- Council Chambers. Citizens, Neighborhood Associations, and Non- Profit Organizations - 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council workshop on the 2002 HUD Consolidated Program; discuss proposed budget, citizen participation and application deadline Thursday, February 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Hearing/Workshop - Council Chambers. Citizens, Neighborhood Associations, and Non- Profit Organizations- 6 p.m. Sunday, February 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . Publish a summary of the proposed Consolidated Plan for a 30 day comment period. Forward document to HUD for review and comments Friday, March 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applications for the 2002 Public Service Grants are due by 5:00 p.m. to the City of Beaumont, Room 310 Thursday, March 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDAC reviews 2002 Public Service Grant Applications. Council Chambers - 4 p.m. Thursday, March 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CDAC submits its recommendations for the 2002 HUD Public Service Grant Program, Council Chambers-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council workshop on the 2002 HUD Consolidated Grant Program budget Tuesday, March 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Council issues a resolution adopting the 2002 HUD Consolidated Grant Program Friday, March 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forward Final Consolidated Plan to HUD for final review and approval EXHIBIT "A"