HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APR 30 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 April 30, 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 April 30, 2002, 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 1:35 p.m. The Reverend Reggie Lloyd, Pastor of
Praise Christian Center, gave the invocation. Blanchette Elementary Student, Amber Owens,
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
Blanchette Elementary School students were recognized fortheir participation in a reading
program challenge. The reading winners who read over 735 books, were treated to pizza
and a limousine ride, and toured the new Theodore Johns Library. Council extended
appreciation to Blanchette Elementary School Principal Doris Gill, and Librarians Sandra
Thomas and Lisa Chambers, and Community Services Director Maurine Gray for their
support.
Three proclamations were issued: "YMBL Rodeo Week"-April 29—May 4,2002;"Nurses
Week" - May 6-12, 2002; and "Mental Health Month" - May 2002.
Young Men's Business League Rodeo Chairman Butch Rhymes, last year's Rodeo
Chairman Donnie Warner,and YMBL Representative Chris Colletti, passed outYMBL ball
caps and extended appreciation for support. Mr. Rhymes announced the festivities begin
tomorrow morning with the annual Harold Engstrom Memorial Kids Day Rodeo for
handicapped children, and the rodeo week begins Thursday with an official rodeo kickoff.
Texas Nurse's Association of District 12 Representative, Denise Boutte, extended
invitations to attend a nurses banquet, 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 6, at Lamar University
John Gray Library, and discussed the nursing profession and shortages.
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items
Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Mattox, addressed Council to suggest soil testing at the Charlton
Pollard Community Park location and spoke in opposition of the expenditure of bricks at
the Crockett Street Entertainment District.
Consent Agenda
Approval of minutes - April 23, 2002
Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made.
A) Authorize the City Manager to apply for (an application in the amount of$739,394) and
execute all necessary documents to accept, receive and disburse grant funds, and to
execute inter-local agreements related to the operation of the Southeast Texas Auto Theft
Task Force for FY 2003 - Resolution No. 02-094
B) Authorize the acceptance (conveyed from Mickey Phelan B Land L.P.) of a 10' wide line
easement (0.2658 acre rectangular shaped parcel out of the S. Stivers League, Abstract
51) along Brooks Road as part of the Willow Bend Drive extension project - Resolution
No. 02-095
C) Approve granting certain insurance and pay benefits to City of Beaumont employees who
are members of the National Guard or military reserves for an additional period of 180
calendar days - Resolution No. 02-096
D) Authorize the acceptance(conveyed from Marsha A. Normand, P.C. and Susan J. Oliver)
of 20' wide storm sewer easement (1319.8 square foot (0.0303 acre) tract of land out of
City Plat B, Track 35, Noah Tevis Survey, Abstract 52 [Neches and Blanchette] and a 15'
wide sanitary sewer easement(1237.00 square feet(0.0284 acre)tract of land out of City
Plat B, Tract 35, Noah Tevis Survey, Abstract 52 [Neches and Blanchette] - Resolution
No. 02-097
E) Approve the purchase of a forklift (from Southline Equipment Company for$34,975) for
use in the Water Reclamation Division - Resolution No. 02-098
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. 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
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider amending Section 21-75 of the Code of Ordinances related to authorized
positions in the Police Department
Minutes April 30,2002 Page 2
Councilmember Smith moved to approve Ordinance No. 02-031 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING SECTION 21-75 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO AMEND THE GRADE I AND GRADE
III POSITIONS IN THE BEAUMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND
PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. 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 approving a contract for the construction of Charlton Pollard Community Park
Councilmember Samuel proudly moved to approve Resolution No. 02-099 awarding a
bid to Daniels Building and Construction, Inc. for the construction of the Charlton Pollard
Community Park in the amount of $542,966.57, including Alternates No.'s 1 and 3.
Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
3. Consider accepting the work related to the interlocking concrete pavers for the Crockett
Street Urban Entertainment District, approving Change Order No. 3 to the contract and
authorizing final payment to the contractor
Executive Assistant to the City Manager and Economic Development Director Kyle Hayes
explained Tax Increment Finance Funds (TIF). Mr. Hayes stated in 1982 a district was
formed downtown from College Street to Main Street to Crockett Street, the assessed
value of the businesses in the area was in essence frozen, and the difference in the taxes
was used for downtown reinvestment. He commented the$400,000 in TIF funds provided
for brick pavement of the sidewalks and the streets, landscaping, and lighting.
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 02-100 authorizing Change
Order No. 3 in the amount of($8,321.74)decreasing the contract amount to$626,401.45,
and final payment of$98,468.51 to Civil Constructors. Councilmember Cokinos seconded
the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
4. Consider approving a contract for fire, flood and extended coverage insurance for City
owned buildings
Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 02-101 awarding a one year
insurance policy for fire, flood, and extended coverage to Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML-IRP) at an annual premium of$358,009 providing an
Minutes April 30,2002 Page 3
all risk peril policy for the City's total building value of$103,069,932 with an effective date
of May 1, 2002. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith,
Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson
Noes: None
COMMENTS
Councilmembers comment on various matters
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson recognized Texas Municipal League-Risk Pool Representative
Mr. Roger Johnson in the audience and extended appreciation for providing insurance
coverage. He applauded City employees currently serving the Country during the
terrorism crisis. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson extended appreciation to the Beaumont
Fire/Rescue Staff for providing information concerning the apparatus replacement
program and the report confirmed overall equal disbursement of firefighting apparatus.
Mayor Pro Tern Goodson discussed political signage, enforcement issues of the sign
ordinance, urged Council to review the sign ordinance, and commended the City Clerk's
Office for providing election sign information. He spoke of a fair ordinance, one that
allows the political process to be exercised, and one that is reasonable to the candidates.
Councilmember Smith extended appreciation to the City Manager for securing funds to
assist the men and women who are currently serving our Country, and spoke of the
employee's family needs and the possibilities of a lengthy war.
Councilmember Ames extended appreciation to the City employees serving in the National
Guard and other military services, and expressed proudness in being able to extend
employee benefits. She congratulated Blanchette Elementary School children for reading
735 books and encouraged Summer reading. Councilmember Ames announced the
Boy's Haven will hold a crawfish festival this weekend at Fair Park.
Councilmember Samuel requested staff attention to property at 2375 Corley Street
creating problems related to overgrowth. He commended the College Street Corridor
Neighborhood Association for a resolve requesting Council to select the Parks and
Recreation Committee's recommendation concerning Fletcher Street Park,applauded the
group for representing a broad spectrum of the community, and relayed the group
requested a status report of covered bus stops. Councilmember Samuel discussed an
abandoned right-of-way on Ewing Street, concerns with enforcement of the weed
ordinance, and requested Staff to correspond with the affected property owners. He
suggested a workshop to discuss municipal elections, branch locations, and extending
hours for early voting, and requested consideration in exploring one election every two
years for Council positions.
Councilmember Patterson extended a reminder that early voting ends today,
acknowledged the long early voting line at City Hall today,and stated the General Election
is Saturday, May 4 at various polling locations. She announced the Tyrrell Park
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Neighborhood Association will meet 7:00 p.m. next Tuesday,at the Beaumont Community
Players building, and the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs are presenting their 17"
Annual Gardens Tour, May 4 and 5. Councilmember Patterson extended congratulations
to the students at Blanchette Elementary School for reading 735 books and encouraged
reading. She reminded candidates to pick up their signs after the election.
Mayor Moore extended congratulations to the Convention and Visitors Bureau and others
responsible for bringing the Harley Davidson riders to Beaumont, and commented on the
motor bike procession on M.L. King Parkway and it being a good weekend for tourism.
The Mayor extended appreciation to City employees who are serving in the military and
to City employees who are performing extra duties. Mayor Moore acknowledged receipt
of the Beaumont Fire/Rescue's fire apparatus distribution.
City Manager's Report - Sanitary Sewer Collection System; Central Business District
Parking; Fire Prevention Recognition; South Park Clean Up
City Manager Bonczek reported the parking meter conversion and revised schedule of
parking citation fines will be effective May 1, 2002. Mr. Bonczek reported Beaumont Fire
Prevention was recognized at the annual Texas Fire Chiefs Association for their program
to eliminate unsecured vacant buildings, and reducing fire hazards and crime, and he
extended congratulations to Fire Chief Micky Bertrand and Fire Marshall Jack Maddox.
The City Manager mentioned coordinating the Charlton Pollard project with the Junior
League Family Resource Center and announced his daughterwill graduate next week as
a Texas registered nurse.
Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes).
Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Mattox, addressed Council to discuss a petition drive, early voters
signing the petitions, and 180 days to circulate the petitions for term limits, ethics
commission and age change for adult entertainers. Mr. Lee spoke of the City being
ethically divided in the current municipal election, public corruption issues, and Mayor
David Moore being the first African American Mayor of Beaumont.
Mr. Henry Gemhauser, Entergy Corporation representative, addressed Council to
announce Mr. William Lee has accepted another position with Entergy and Mr. Sam
Bethea has accepted the position of Beaumont customer service manager. Mr.
Gernhauser extended to invitations to attend a town hall meeting entitled"Power Up 2000"
hosted by Mr. Joe Domino to be held Noon, next Monday, at the Edison Plaza Cafeteria.
The Reverend Reggie Lloyd, Pastor of Praise Christian, addressed Council to announce
in 1952, by joint resolution, President Harry Truman set in law a National Day of Prayer,
and extended invitations to attend a prayer emphasis at Noon, Thursday, at City Hall .
Ms. Gethrel Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, addressed Council to extend appreciation to
Mayor David Moore for being the first black Mayor, for doing a good job, for
representation, and commended him for his achievements and accomplishments.
Minutes April 30,2002 Page 5
Mr. Marcus Harris, 7460 Pebble Beach Drive, addressed Council to commend the City
Manager and Mayor Pro Tern Goodson for discussing a problem with a neglected house
in his neighborhood, and suggested the political signage ordinance having greater
restrictions for neighborhoods.
Ms. Tony Prados, 1090 Avenue H, addressed Council as president of the College Street
Corridor Neighborhood Association, spoke of representation from residents only, and
requested park equipment for Fletcher Park. For the record, Ms. Prados requested the
new park be located in an area near the Old Spanish Trail, near College Street, Orange
Street, and M. L. King Parkway.
Mayor Moore spoke of taking pride in the community, helping to build levels of confidence
and togetherness, making a difference in the lives of people, making progress through
teamwork, goals of the City, and investing in our children's future.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section
551.071 of the Government Code:
Vaughn Stephen Ayres, Jr. v. City of Beaumont, et al
Consider matters related to employment, evaluation and duties of a public officer or
employee in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code:
City Clerk
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:46 p.m.
/ o
David W. Moore, Mayor
Lolita Ramos, Interim lerk
Minutes April 30,2002 Page 6