HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APR 18 2000 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT
Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE,MAYOR Guy N.Goodson,Mayor Pro Tem
Andrew P.Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames
Bobbie J.Patterson April 18,2000 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 April 18,2000,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 1:32 p.m. The Reverend Sean Williams gave the invocation.
Mayor Moore led the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were:Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Smith,Cokinos,Ames,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-Two proclamations were issued:"German Shepherd Dog Club of America
National Futurity and Maturity Show Days,"April 21-23,2000 and "Energy Education Day,"April 22,2000.
*Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items.
*Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda.
No one wished to comment.
* Consent Agenda
* Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held April 11, 2000.
* Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments were made.
A) Approve an annual"Interlocal Contract for Public Safety Answering Point Maintenance, Equipment
Upgrade and Training" (with Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETPRC) for
providing 9-1-1 service) - Resolution No. 00-103
B) Approve accepting maintenance of the street, storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer improvements
in Gladys Business Park Subdivision, Section Two - Resolution No. 00-104
C) Authorize a Bridge Load Posting Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation(TXDOT)
for the installation of load posting signs on the Helbig Road Bridge- Resolution No. 00-105
D) Approve the purchase and installation of one (1) belt filter press for use in the Water Reclamation
Plant (with Textile Engineering in the amount of$111,430) - Resolution No. 00-106
E) Approve a contract for collection agency services (with State Municipal Services in the amount of
19%of collections per month) - Resolution No. 00-107
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Ames seconded the
motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore,Councilmembers Smith,Cokinos,Ames,Samuel,and Patterson
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. PUBLIC HEARING: Dilapidated Structures
Consider an ordinance declaring certain structures to be public nuisances and ordering their repair or
removal by the owners and authorizing the removal of certain other structures whose owners failed
to comply with condemnation orders.
(Councilmember Samuel arrived at 1:45 p.m.)
Ordinance Number 00-33 was introduced.
The twenty-one (21) below listed structures have been condemned by City Council and the owners
ordered to either raze or repair them within specified time frames. Reinspection of these structures
has revealed non-compliance with the Council's order. Authorization is requested from the City
Council to demolish these structures in accordance with the Dangerous Structure Ordinance:
2495 Angelina -Mekhael Georges Sawaya ET UX, owner; 3910 Avenue A(Commercial Church)-
Joe B. Wilson, owner; 2330 Avenue C - Osborne J. Johnson, owner; 1490 Bolivar- Walter W. and
Agnes R.Edward,owners;4115 Brandon-Joyce Gallier ESTATE c/o Colleen Hatcher,owner;2290
Cable(4-unit apartments)- Earl C. and Sharon Valentine, owners; 2755 Cable and Garage-Donald
Wayne Fones,owner;2005 Delaware-Louis Thomas,owner;560 E.Gill-John Jenkins,owner;2895
Goliad-John F. Guillory,owner; 701 Grant(2037-57-61-63 Irving)-Lester Kirkmon,Attn:Herman
Kirkmon, owner; 805 Grant (Commercial) - Amonia Wilson, Attn: Bessie Knighton, owner; 2021
Irving_(Commercial) - Sean Claud Griffin, owner; 3845 Lou & Rear Structure - Alice Seale, owner;
3865 Lou - Arthur Dural c/o Ozita White, owner; 2860 Park & Rear Gara e/g Sbed - Bertha Lemell
ESTATE, owner; 2108 Pope - Terry Samuel c/o TAC Investments, owner; 2573-75 Rusk - Gene
Thomas,owner;3925 Scranton-James C.Citizen ET UX,owner;2019 South-Virginia F. Coffinan,
owner; 3520 West- Ernest D. Green, owner.
The fifteen (15) below listed dilapidated structures are found to be in violation of the City of
Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance,Article III, Section 14-50: 1502 Calder(Commercial)-
Asad Bassa, owner; 2008 Delaware - Gene Barkley, owner; 3130 Elinor- Melvin R. Block, owner;
2250-52 He ele(Duplex)-Johnnie N.Smith,owner;970 Long-Edna Redman Pittman,owner; 1910
Nora- Quince Rellford, owner; 2060 011ie - Joe Simon, owner; 2055 Pope - Isaac James and Betty
Jo Barton, owners; 1035 Prince-John S. K. Miller,owner; 1035 Prince, (Rear Apartment)-John S.
Minutes;April 18,2000; Page 2
K.Miller,owner; 2410 Roberts,Cordelia Simmons ESTATE,owner;2166 Sarah-Melvin R.Block,
owner;4390 Steelton(Commercial)-Attorney Doug Cherry,owner; 1175 Stephenson-Merlin Jones,
owner;3090 Washington Boulevard-Larry and Patricia Jackson,owners;each with 25 violations and
staff recommendation is to raze within 10 days; and 3131 Elinor-Melvin R. Block,owner, and staff
recommendation to raze or repair within 30 days.
The public hearing opened at 1:48 p.m.
Mr. Herman Kirkmon,701 Grant Street,addressed Council to list repairs completed on the structure,
to request additional time,and to present an extended permit to complete renovations on this structure.
Field Supervisor Pam Loicano explained that Mr. Kirkmon was enrolled in a work program that
expired January 2,2000,and listed unsubstantial repairs that were made. Ms.Loicano stated that this
was the first work program established by Mr. Kirkmon and listed repairs remaining.
Councilmember Samuel commented about enhancement, spoke of fairness to all residents, and
recommended that Council grant Mr.Kirkmon an additional 90 days to make substantial renovations.
Mr. Harvey Coffman addressed Council to request additional time to complete renovations to the
structure at 2019 South Street.
Ms. Loicano gave a status report, and Mr. Coffman continued to outline completed repairs, and said
the structure will be for personal use.
Mayor Moore suggested Mr. Coffman be granted an additional 90 days to make substantial repairs.
Mr. Dale Mann addressed Council regarding the structure at 2008 Delaware Street to state that he
purchased the property on April 14,2000,and requested additional time to complete repairs,and Ms.
Loicano explained that Gene Barkley was the original owner.
Mayor Moore recommended granting Mr. Mann an additional 90 days.
Ms.Lena Boutte addressed Council to state that the structure at 1910 Nora previously belonged to her
parents, commented about receiving a work order in August, outlined completed work, spoke of
vandalism, and requested 90 days to complete additional repairs.
Ms.Loicano outlined completed and remaining repairs,said the repairs will be very costly,and spoke
of events that led to Ms. Boutte not adhering to the work program.
Councilmembers voiced concerns regarding the cost of the repairs.
Councilmember Patterson suggested granting Ms.Boutte an additional 90 days to complete substantial
work on this structure.
Ms. Ozita Narcisse-White, representing her uncle, Arthur Dural, addressed Council regarding the
structure at 3865 Lou Street,to speak about ownership of the house,deaths of previous owners,being
charged with repairs, and a daughter being the heir of the property.
Minutes;April 18,2000;Page 3
Ms. Loicano confirmed that no work program has been established for this property, said no permits
have been issued,pointed out that Ms.Narcisse-White is not the owner,and no legal documentation
of heirship has been presented.
In response to City Attorney Lane Nichols queries,Ms.Narcisse-White spoke of her cousin being the
heir,but stated she doesn't know about legal ownership documentation for the property,and said her
uncle died in Jefferson County.
Mayor Moore instructed Ms. Narcisse-White to have her cousin contact Ms. Loicano and said the
structure should be removed from the demolition list until contact is made with the legal owner.
Mr. Osborne Johnson addressed Council regarding the structure at 2330 Avenue C to request
additional time to complete repairs.
Ms. Loicano explained that the work program has expired, Mr. Johnson was unable to complete a
sufficient amount of work in the specified amount of time,and outlined work that has been done,and
Mr. Johnson continued to explain his plans to complete repairs and the work remaining.
Councilmember Samuel suggested that Mr. Johnson be granted an additional 90 days to complete
repairs on the structure.
Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council to comment about meeting with Mr. Johnson last
week, listed repairs he believes to be necessary for the structure at 2330 Avenue C, questioned
placement of houses on the dilapidated structure list, and spoke of wanting a program to help senior
citizens and low income citizens to repair their houses.
Mayor Moore commented about the number of unutilized City programs, and said most properties
now before Council have been given previous opportunities to make repairs in a timely manner.
Mr. Melvin R. Block addressed Council regarding structures at 3130 Elinor, 3131 Elinor, and 2166
Sarah,to state that he has been under a work program,spoke of extenuating circumstances preventing
him from completing repairs, outlined repairs that have been completed and work that remains to be
done on 3131 Elinor, and requested additional time to refurbish these properties.
Ms. Loicano outlined repairs that have been made to the property and those remaining.
Mr.Block continued to outline the repairs to be done to 3131 Elinor,and commented that the City had
to repair a totally collapsed water main that was causing sewer problems.
Mayor Moore suggested that Mr. Block be granted 90 days to begin a work program and perform
substantial work on all three structures.
Mr. John S. K. Miller addressed Council regarding structures at 1035 Prince Street, requested a 90-
day extension to complete renovations,stated that work has not been substantial due to health reasons
and his work schedule, commented about completed rehabilitation and vandalism.
Minutes;April 18,2000;Page 4
Ms. Loicano explained that the structure was on a work program in 1998 and that extensions have
been given, but communication had ceased, said the structure is deteriorating, but the property is
secure, and she has not seen any visible sign of repairs.
Mr.Miller again listed work that has been done to the rear apartment,and his rehabilitation intentions.
Mayor Moore asked Ms. Loicano to place these two properties on the same 90-day work program.
Mr.Earl Valentine addressed Council to state that because of a pending divorce settlement he has been
unable to complete repairs on the structure at 2290 Cable, he is not allowed to borrow money, and
requested additional time to complete repairs on the property.
Mayor Moore suggested Mr. Valentine be given an additional 60 days to advise Ms. Loicano about
the settlement of the legal deliberations.
Mr.John F.Guillory,stationed in Alaska in the military,addressed Council to request additional time
to repair the structure at 2895 Goliad because the property is in litigation.
Councilmember Patterson suggested an additional 90 days be granted to complete repairs.
Ms. Debra Broussard, representing Mr. Terry Samuel, owner of the structure at 2108 Pope Street,
addressed Council to request additional time for Mr. Samuel to complete repairs.
Ms. Loicano stated that the structure is presently secure, spoke of questionable activity when the
structure was not secured, and said a two-car garage has been constructed.
Ms.Broussard spoke of Mr. Samuel going through a divorce,recent frozen assets being released,his
desire to move forward with work on the structure,and stated that Mr. Samuel is not in attendance due
to a prior commitment in Washington.
Councilmember Samuel recommended that an additional 30 days be granted to begin substantial
repairs to the structure.
Ms. Loicano interjected that when repairs are made and structures are inhabited in a timely manner,
vandalism and illegal activities are deterred.
Mr. Larry Jackson addressed Council to request additional time to repair the roof of the structure at
3090 Washington Boulevard, agreed the roof is an eyesore, spoke of depleting financial reserves to
purchase the building, and his business income increasing in the Spring.
Ms.Loicano listed additional repairs that need to be made to the building,and stated that the condition
of the roof is causing the most danger.
Mayor Moore recommended granting an additional 90 days to make substantial renovations.
Ms. Edna Barfeld, representing Mr. Brewer, who is out of town, addressed Council regarding the
structure at 2495 Angelina.
Minutes;April 18,2000;Page 5
Discussion included Ms. Loicano explaining events and communications that have taken place with
Mr. Brewer since he last appeared before Council, and Ms. Barfeld stated that the closing for
purchase of the property from Mr. Sawaya will be at 4:00 p.m.today,and said the structure is secure.
Mayor Moore recommended granting an additional 30 days to submit proof of ownership and
establish a work program.
Mr. Donald Wayne Fones addressed Council to request additional time to renovate the structures at
2755 Cable, referred to the death of his parents and family problems.
Ms.Loicano stated that the property is secure,explained that Mr.Fones wants to demolish the garage
himself, has had medical and personal problems, and listed repairs that remain uncompleted.
Councilmember Samuel suggested that an additional 30 days be granted to address aesthetic
appearances,to demolish the garage and cut down overgrowth in the yard,and Mayor Moore directed
Mr. Fones to begin work within 30 days, enroll in a work program and complete remaining repairs.
Mr.Gene Thomas,addressed Council to receive their direction about what he should do regarding the
structure at 2573-75 Rusk Street.
Ms. Loicano explained that the structure has been tagged since January, 1998, a work program has
never been established,the structure does not remain secured due to vandalism,and Mr.Thomas does
not want to enroll in a work program because of pending litigation on the property.
Mr. Thomas continued to state that he owns the property, explained events that have occurred due to
filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy for his business, said Jefferson County does not want to issue a release
of lien, and he does not want to repair the property without legal title.
Ms. Lociano stated that the garage needs to be demolished,but the main structure can be salvaged.
Mayor Moore suggested that Mr. Thomas be granted an additional 30 days to allow City Attorney
Lane Nichols to speak with a County representative to ascertain the status of title to this structure,and
directed Mr. Thomas to contact the City Attorney within this time frame.
Mayor Moore reviewed Council recommendations to grant 90-day extensions to owners to rehabilitate
property at:2330 Avenue C;2895 Goliad;701 Grant; 2019 South;2008 Delaware;2166 Sarah; 1910
Nora; 1035 Prince and 1035 Prince(rear apartment);and 3090 Washington Blvd.;a 30-day extension
to owner to rehabilitate 3131 Elinor; to establish ownership of 2495 Angelina; for owners of 2755
Cable and garage owners to enroll in a work program;and for owner of 2108 Pope to begin substantial
repairs; a 60-day extension to rehabilitate property at 3130 Elinor; and for 2290 Cable owner to
advise the Clean Community Department of legal deliberation settlement; 3865 Lou removed from
list until contact made by legal owner; and 2573-75 Rusk removed from the list to allow the City
Attorney to provide property disposition within 30 days.
The public hearing closed at 3:24 p.m.
With the noted amendments, Councilmember Ames moved to approve Ordinance Number 00-33
ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING
Minutes;April 18,2000;Page 6
THEIR DEMOLITION,RENOVATION AND REMOVAL;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING
FOR A PENALTY. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Moore,Councilmembers Smith,Cokinos,Ames,Samuel,and Patterson
Noes: None
COMMENTS
* Councilmembers comment on various subjects
Councilmember Patterson announced that early voting will be held April 19 through May 2, urged
all citizens to vote, and announced that Operation One Vote and Zeta Phi Beta sorority will sponsor
a political forum for City and Beaumont Independent School District candidates tonight, and Dr.
Carroll Thomas will be the guest speaker to explain the BISD proposition.
Councilmember Samuel commended the Charlton Pollard Neighborhood Association and City staff
for moving ahead rapidly toward development of the Charlton Pollard neighborhood park, and
commented on other projects in the area.
Councilmember Smith informed parents of children, ages birth to18, about the Children's Health
Insurance Program (CHIP), listed places to apply, and explained the dynamics of this program.
Mayor Moore congratulated participants in the March of Dimes"Walkamerica"on Saturday, stated
that it was a very successful event, thanked all members of Council who attended the Mayors
Breakfast Roundtable last week,apologized for not being in attendance due to inclement weather, and
commented on the success of his trip to Austin.
* City Manager's Report - Strategic Action Plan 2000, Promotion of 2000 Census, Rescue Mission
Status and the Zenith Cleaners Building located at 2001 Neches verve
The City Manager reported that the various programs and projects of the Strategic Action Plan 2000
initiative will be tracked and a status report given to Council in July. Mr. Bonczek stated that
Jefferson County requested that the City further publicize Census 2000 to correct the historical
undercount of minority populations. Mr. Bonczek said the Planning Department has inspected the
Youth Rescue Mission for compliance. They reported that: the chain link fence was repaired,
shrubbery still needs attention,some grass has been laid,the fence is not finalized,they meet fire and
building codes, we are still awaiting rules and a list of the Board of Directors, a specific use permit
has not been issued, and the City will continue to work with them to ensure items are adhered to as
directed by Council. Starting next week, the City Manager said packets will be given out on
Thursday. The City Manager stated that Habitat for Humanity is interested in acquiring the property
at 2001 Neches for their Restore Program, explained dynamics of the program, said they are asking
for City participation of$60,000,commented on the program's benefit to the community, and stated
they are getting the property at a special sale as previously approved by Council.
Mayor Moore and Councilmember Smith complimented Habitat for Humanity for their contribution
to the community, and stated that the City needs to support this program.
Minutes;April 18,2000;Page 7
* Public Comment(Persons are limited to three (3) minutes)
Mr. Samuel L. Bean, 1045 Shakespear Drive, Judge Paul Brown, 4370 Cartwright, and Ms. Gracie
Middleton, 1585 Auburn Drive,all addressed Council in support of naming the new Southend Branch
Library after Judge Theodore Johns. Judge Brown also thanked Councilmember Smith for mentioning
the CHIP program and Ms. Middleton stated that she represented the Hebert High School Alumni
Association.
Mr. Leroy Lewis, 11I, 1201 Euclid Street, addressed Council to complain about debris being left
behind by builders on his street and about loud music in his neighborhood, showed pictures to
Council, and spoke of not receiving a return call from Ms. Antoinette Harding.
Mr. Richard Millburn, Director of SEIU Local 100, addressed Council to state his desire for a good
working relationship with employees of the School District and the City.
Mr. George Robinson, 3785 Perth Place, addressed Council regarding an ongoing traffic problem at
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.
Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, addressed Council to state that the College Corridor had
a successful neighborhood association meeting last night and to announce that LULAC Council 4594
will host a Cinco De Mayo Celebration on Sunday, May 7, as a scholarship fund raiser.
Mr. Dean Tucker, addressed Council to announce that he is presenting a musical slide presentation
at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council in favor of hiring additional firefighters and EMS
employees, urged members of "Residents for Change" to help him get elected, voiced support of
retired police officers receiving cost of living benefits,a street user fee tax for non-resident workers,
a people's agenda,building up the Southend of Beaumont,spoke about possible legal action and travel
reimbursements.
Mr. Lynn DeMary,430 East Elgie,referred to a Beaumont Enterprise article about Jefferson County
seeking support for a zone change regarding use and storage of toxic materials near residential areas
and urged Council to support establishment of a reasonable policy consistent and beneficial to citizens.
Mayor Moore reported that at his request,City staff performed an internal audit and he has reimbursed
monies in question.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m.
David Moore, Mayor
Barbara Liming, City Clerk
Minutes;April 18,2000;Page 8