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Home My WebLink AboutMIN JUN 18 2002 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L. Smith, Mayor Pro Tern EVELYN M. LORD, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson June 18,2002 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 June 18,2002,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 Pro Tern Lulu Smith called the meeting to order at 1:34 p.m. The Reverend Dwain Kitchens, Pastor of Cathedral in the Pines, gave the invocation. Mayor Pro Tern Smith led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos,Ames, Samuel, Patterson. (Mayor Lord was absent.) 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 One proclamation was issued:"National Home Ownership Month,"-June,2002, honoring American homeowners. Housing Coordinator Richard Chappell accepted the proclamation and recognized United States Housing and Urban Development Senior Community Planning and Development Representative, Elizabeth Herron, who was in attendance. Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items Mr. Ricky Short, no address given,addressed Council to request consideration in removing the commercial structure located at 439 Crockett Street from the condemnation order. Mr. Short shared his plans to purchase and rehabilitate the structure. Consent Agenda Mayor Pro Tern Smith verified Consent Agenda Item G,the Tobacco Pilot Project Community Law Enforcement Program$20,000 grant,will focus primarily on law enforcement of tobacco sales to minors. Approval of minutes - June 4, 2002 and June 10, 2002 Confirmation of committee appointments -Appointment: Jaqueline Kroft, Convention and Tourism Advisory Committee, for a term expiring June 17, 2004 - Resolution No. 02-126 A) Approve an agreement with the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood Association to assist with administrative and operating expenses(in the amount of$27,980)for the Charlton-Pollard Community Summer Program - Resolution No. 02-127 B) Approve the purchase of a truck crane(from International Trucks of Houston in the amount of $155,134.53) for use in the Water Utilities Division - Resolution No. 02-128 C) Approve the purchase of a stationary platform truck(from International Trucks of Houston in the amount of$81,092.47) for use in the Water Utilities Division - Resolution No. 02-129 D) Approve the purchase of a forklift(from ToyotaLift in the amount of$26,993)for use in the Water Utilities Division - Resolution No. 02-130 E) Approve a six-month contract for the purchase of liquid chlorine(from Altivia Corporation at the unit cost of$330.23 per ton) - Resolution No. 02-131 F) Approve participation in the Texas Cooperative Purchasing Network (sponsored by the Region IV Education Service Center) - Resolution No. 02-132 G) Authorize the City Managerto execute documents necessary forthe City of Beaumontto enter into a contract with the Center for Safe Communities and Schools (Southwest Texas State University)to participate in the Tobacco Pilot Project Community Law Enforcement Program ($20,000 grant for tobacco education and prevention) - Resolution No. 02-133 H) Approve a"no objection"resolution to enable the Texas Department of Transportation to quit claim its interests in two surplus material (borrow)source sites (from the Bar Pits Materials Easement out of the W.B. Dyches Survey, Abstract 17)to the fee owners of the property- Resolution No. 02-134 Council member Goodson moved to approve the Consent Agenda. CouncilmemberCokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving the purchase of 40 bus passenger shelters CouncilmemberAmes moved to approve Resolution No.02-135 awarding a contract with Duo-Gard Industries in the amount of$75,280 for the purchase of 40 bus passenger shelters. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None Councilmember Goodson requested a listing of bus passenger shelter installation sites. Minutes -June 18,2002 Page 2 2. Consider amending the 2002 Action Plan and the Replacement Housing line item from the 2001 Consolidated Grant Program to allocate funds to assist with renovations at McLean Park and Roberts Park Councilmember Samuel established the McLean Park resurfacing allocation of$12,500 will provide child safety at the playground area. Councilmember Patterson confirmed depletion of the Replacement Housing line item for this program year. Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No.02-136 allocating funds to assist with renovations at McLean Park and Roberts Park by amending the 2002 Action Plan ($50,000)and the Replacement Housing line item from the 2001 Consolidated Grant Program ($30,000). Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None 3. Consider amending Ordinance No.01-059 relating to the commercial structure located at439 Crockett Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No.02-035 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 4 OF ORDINANCE NO. 01-059 TO REMOVE THE STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 439 CROCKETT FROM SAID ORDINANCE AND ORDERING THE NEW OWNER OF THE STRUCTURE AT 439 CROCKETT TO ENTER INTO A WORK PROGRAM TO REHABILITATE SAID STRUCTURE;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY,AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY. Councilmember Ames Seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Ames, Samuel and Patterson Nays: None WORK SESSION Review Proposed Revisions relating to the City's Tow Truck/Towing Operations Beaumont Police Department Legal Advisor Dean Johnson, provided information regarding tow trucks, towing companies, and truck operators as shown in Exhibit "A." Mr. Johnson discussed researching non-consent contract towing in other cities and spoke of accolades received from other cities and police departments. Mr. Johnson articulated on several advantages of a non-consent contract towing system, including reduced costs forthe public motorist, mandated computerized record keeping, enhanced law enforcement interaction, improved towing response times, and reduced towing complaints. Police Traffic Officer Robert LeBlanc elaborated on wrecker delays at accident scenes and citizen complaints on wrecker fees. Minutes -June 18,2002 Page 3 Council discussion included wrecker company notification of proposed amendments, adequate tow truck coverage, improved response times, service roll overs, contract fees, benefits of a single storage location and inspections,joint ventures and partnerships, and law enforcement support of a towing contract. Council consensus was to proceed with requests for proposals and towing ordinance revisions. COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Goodson extended appreciation to the new owner of the Star Building and discussed opportunities for the CDBG demolition allocation. Councilmember Patterson announced the Pear Orchard Neighborhood Association will meet 7:00 p.m.,Wednesday, June 19, at Our Mother of Mercy Hall. She thanked Public Works Director Tom Warner for replacing a street marker at the intersection of Fannett and Tyrrell Park Road. Councilmember Patterson commended citizens, the Library Commission, Community Services Director Maurine Gray and library staff, N&T Construction, and Architect Rob Clark for their involvement in the grand opening of the new Theodore Johns Library. She also forwarded appreciation of the new library from the citizens of Ward IV. Councilmember Patterson requested a meeting to discuss Alice Keith wading pool lifeguards and identification procedures. She extended invitations to attend the Neighbor's in the Park event, Sunday, June 23, at Alice Keith Park. City Manager's Report-2002 BudgetSummit,800 MHz Radio Communication System,2002 Water and Wastewater Surveys, EMS Updates, Sales Tax Update and June Jamboree City Manager Bonczek commented on his summarization of the Budget Summit meeting and the Capital Improvement Program(CIP). The City Manager discussed elimination of the street userfee with the initiation of a storm water fee and transmittal of the administrative Budget Reconciliation Plan. Mr.Bonczek said staff will investigate various opportunities to reduce expenditures and raise revenues. He reported on the 800 MHz radio communication system performance,Texas Municipal League (TML) 2002 water and wastewater rate comparison, EMS collections and paramedic vacancies, and June sales tax receipts. City Manager Bonczek highlighted the South Park neighborhood June Jamboree and Saturday's Clean Your Yard Day. Mr. Bonczek discussed the City of Beaumont's participation in the All American City competition in Kansas City, Missouri. Mayor Pro Tern Smith spoke in favorof the rehabilitation of the Star Building and verified Mr.Short's July 1,2002 ownership of the structure. She suggested reducing expenditures and raising revenues before imposing any new fees or raising taxes. City Manager Bonczek requested Council direction for proposed reductions in public safety budgets and stated departments will be submitting revenue opportunities and reducing expenditures. He requested Council to be receptive to changes and new ideas. Councilmember Samuel appreciated the past opportunity to examine possible impacts from reductions and requested the same for this budget year. He also expressed appreciation for the vacancy position report. Councilmember Samuel requested reduction proposals from all departments. He discussed different scenarios bringing about public apprehension and requested Minutes -June 18,2002 Page 4 the news media understand that Council is investigating all possible alternatives to make sound budget decisions.Councilmember Samuel spoke of not impacting employee moral,staff reductions being the last resort, and departments being prudent in their staffing, purchasing,and maintaining costs. He acknowledged being cognizant of the fact that employees are doing more with less. Councilmember Ames agreed with Councilmember Samuel in requesting reductions from all departments. She spoke of informing the public that the budget information submitted by the City Manager are only proposals for Council consideration. Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes). Mr. Ricky Short, no address given, addressed Council to extend appreciation for consideration in approving the ordinance amendment. Mr. Randall Collins, 2490 Evalon, addressed Council concerning installation of a traffic sign at the intersection of Evalon and Ninth Streets. Mr.Collins discussed a significant change in the road bed elevation,the intersection currently having a two way stop sign on Evalon Street,and suggested a four way stop sign. He spoke of having two cars in his front yard, another car hitting a tree, and other safety concerns. Mr. Collins was instructed to discuss the matter with Public Works Director Tom Warner after the meeting. Mr. Leroy Lewis, III, 1855 North, addressed Council regarding offensive racial comments made to him by an individual. He proposed building a museum to showcase the area's heritage and talent. Mr. Lewis suggested business owners hire security guards,street improvements for23`d Street and Washington Boulevard, and citing speeding motorists. Mr. Charles Kevin Richard,5780 Falcon,addressed Council concerning his recent purchase of the rice dryer(655 San Jacinto Street)and requested Council consideration in removing the commercial structure from the demolition list. Mr. Richard discussed his plans to demolish and rehabilitate the structure and was advised to meet with the administrative staff after the meeting. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. Lulu mith, Mayor Pro Tern Lolita Ramos, Int&i City Clerk Minutes -June 18,2002 Page 5