HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUNE 24 2003 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT
Lulu L. Smith EVELYN M. LORD, MAYOR Nancy Beaulieu
Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames, Mayor Pro Tern
Bobbie J. Patterson June 24, 2003 Audwin Samuel
Lane Nichols, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Susan Henderson, City Clerk
The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on June 24, 2003, 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 Evelyn Lord called the meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. Reverend Lisa Callaway, Pastor of
McCabe Roberts Avenue United Methodist Church said the invocation. Councilmember Nancy
Beaulieu led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Susan Henderson, City Clerk.
Present at the meeting was Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Ames, Councilmembers Smith,
Beaulieu, Cokinos, Samuel and Patterson. Also present was Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Lane
Nichols, City Attorney; Susan Henderson, City Clerk; and Tina Broussard, Administrative
Assistant, I.
Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions
• Mayor Lord read a Proclamation recognizing June 22, 2003 through June 28, 2003
as U. M. ARMY (United Methodist Action Reachout Ministry by Youth)week. Over
100 young adults and adult advisors are in this organization. They travel to various
cities to paint, perform yard work, construct porches and ramps, but mainly to
witness and spread the gospel to those they help. Accepting the Proclamation was
Kelley McIntosh and Cynthia Comeaux, Program Director. R. J. Smith was present
to take pictures.
• City Manager Kyle Hayes informed City Council and the public of awards won by
five (5) employees of the City's Solid Waste Division of the Clean Community
Department. These employees participated in a Statewide Truck and Landfill
Equipment Rodeo in Vinton, Louisiana on June 14, 2003. The annual rodeo is
sponsored by the Lonestar Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North
America. The rodeo is a truck driving and heavy equipment competition on an
obstacle course designed to test the skills of the competitors. Over 90 participants
representing 16 Texas cities competed in eight (8) events. The City of Beaumont
employees returned with five trophies in the categories listed below:
Dwayne Matthews: 1s' Place Front Loader Competition
Randy Stanley: 2nd Place Landfill Compactor Competition
Kenneth Lewis: 2nd Place Bulldozer Competition
Carl Guillory: 2nd Place Rear Loader Truck Competition
Bobbie Cotton: 3rd Place Landfill Compactor Competition
• Police Officers Tim Keen and Greg Pratt presented Mayor Evelyn Lord and the City
of Beaumont with an award distributed by the Department of Defense by the
National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for the support
given as a Patriotic Employer of supporting Armed Forces.
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled General Business Agenda Items 3-6 or
on the Consent Agenda.
Christina Delgaldio 444 Main Street Beaumont, TX
Crockett Street Development, Ltd.
Ms. Delgaldio addressed Council on General Business Item No. 4. She thanked Council
for consideration given to the proposed license agreement between the Development
company and the City of Beaumont. Ms. Delgaldio did ask Council to consider changing
the 10% charge proposed to be assessed by the City when the street is closed off to
sponsor profit-making events. She felt Council's decision was based on hearing that
Crockett Street Development, Ltd. had previously charged $10.00 per person for the two
"for profit" events it held this past year. She explained that they had in fact charged $6.00
for the New Year's event and $4.00 for the Mardi Grass event.
Ms. Delgaldio asked Councilmembers to consider the associated costs to sponsor such
events. She also reminded Council that Crockett Street Development, Ltd. maintains the
brick the City installed, cleans Crockett Street and the surrounding parking lots and pays
for the electricity from the light poles the City installed. She asked Council to charge the
Development company $500.00 as it does any other group or entity that request a street
closure to sponsor a profit-making event.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of minutes - Minutes of June 17, 2003
Confirmation of committee appointments - RESOLUTION 03-129
Jerry Bordelon would be reappointed to the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission. The
current term would expire June 23, 2005. (Councilmember Becky Ames)
A) Approve a Receipt and Release Agreement associated with the final payment under
the settlement of the Estate of David E. Dickinson - RESOLUTION 03-130
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 2
B) Approve the purchase of three (3) check valves for use by the Water Utilities
Division - RESOLUTION 03-131
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Ames
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILM EMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,
COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider approving a request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family
Dwelling-Highest Density)to LI (Light Industrial) District for the property at 2055 Hemlock.
The property owner,Joseph Durousseau,Jr. is seeking the zone change to open a welding
shop. At a Regular Meeting held June 16, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 6:1 to
approve the request. Administration recommended approval of the zone request.
Councilmember Smith moved to approve ORDINANCE 03-045 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 30 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT,TEXAS,AND IN PARTICULAR
THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONING DISTRICTS,AS INDICATED UPON THE ZONING MAP OF BEAUMONT,
TEXAS,BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF PROPERTY PRESENTLY ZONED RM-H(RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE
FAMILY DWELLING-HIGHEST DENSITY)DISTRICT TO LI(LIGHT INDUSTRIAL)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 2055 HEMLOCK, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Samuel
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD,MAYOR PRO TEM AMES,COUNCILMEMB ERS SMITH,BEAULIEU,
COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
2. Consider approving a request for a specific use permit to allow the construction of fraternity
and sorority houses in an RCR(Residential Conservation and Revitalization)District in the
1000 blocks of Iowa and Georgia.
Lamar University is proposing to lease land to various fraternity and sorority organizations
so that these groups can build residential facilities. The proposed plans call for ten
different houses and related parking. At a Regular Meeting held June 16, 2003, the
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 3
Planning Commission voted 7:0 to approve the specific use permit request allowing the
construction of the proposed facilities. Administration also recommended approval.
Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve ORDINANCE 03-046ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
ISSUING A SPECIFIC Use PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF FRATERNITY AND SORORITY
HOUSES IN A RCR(RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION)DISTRICT LOCATED IN THE
1000 BLOCKS OF IOWA AND GEORGIA, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS.
Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD,MAYOR PRO TEM AMES,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,COKINOS,
AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
3. Consider approving a request to abandon portions of Grove Street, Holly Street, Doucette
Avenue, Madison Avenue, Fulton Avenue and numerous alleys.
Fittz & Shipman, Inc., is requesting the abandonment of the alleys listed above. The
closures of these alleys is being requested to facilitate ExxonMobil's development of an
electrical substation and a cogeneration plant to more efficiently operate the refinery. At
a Regular Meeting held June 16, 2003, the Planning Commission voted 6:0 to approve the
abandonment of the various alleys, subject to retaining a 26'wide utility easement or move
the line at ExxonMobil's expense. On June 17, 2003, City Staff received confirmation from
Entergy that an agreement to move the lines had been worked out between ExxonMobil
and Entergy. Administration recommended approval.
Councilmember Beaulieu moved to approve ORDINANCE 03-047 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
ABANDONING THE W ALLEY IN BLOCK 3 OF NORTH ADDITION LOCATED BETWEEN TEXAS AND
GRAND AVENUE AND IH-10 AND CATALPA AVENUE IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON
COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD,MAYOR PRO TEM AMES,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,BEAULIEU,
COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
4. Consider approving a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a license
agreement with Crockett Street Development, Ltd.
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 4
The license agreement would provide Crockett Street Development exclusive use of the
Crockett Street right-of-way from Main to Pearl. They could also limit vehicular and
pedestrian traffic to this section of Crockett Street. In return for this exclusive license, the
Development company agrees to pay the City a fee of ten (10) percent of the gross
receipts for admission if an event is "for profit." No fee would be charged for "non profit"
events. The Development company will provide maintenance of the infrastructure on
Crockett Street from Main to Pearl. Additionally, an indemnification clause and the
requirements for insurance with the City named as a name insured is included in the
license agreement. Administration recommended approval.
Councilmember Patterson moved to approve RESOLUTION 03-132 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH CROCKETT STREET DEVELOPMENT, LTD.
Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD,MAYOR PRO TEM AMES,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH,BEAULIEU,
COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
5. Consider approving a bid for the purchasing and installation of two (2) IBM iSeries 9406-
810 mainframe computer systems.
Administration recommended the award of a bid for the purchase and installation of two
(2) IBM iSeries 9406-810 mainframe computer systems to Sirius Computer Solutions of
San Antonio, Texas. The computers will replace the systems in City Hall and the Police
Station.
Councilmember Beaulieu moved to approve RESOLUTION 03-133 AUTHORIZING THE
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF TWO(2) IBM ISERIES 810 MAINFRAME COMPUTERS,A THREE
(3) YEAR SOFTWARE SUPPORT AGREEMENT AND A FIVE (5) YEAR HARDWARE MANUFACTURING
AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF$257,265.00 FROM SIRIUS COMPUTER SOLUTIONS. Mayor Pro
Tern Ames seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD,MAYOR PRO TEM AMES,COUNCILMEMBERS SMITH, BEAULIEU,
COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
6. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement for the presentation of a
Broadway Theatrical Series.
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 5
Mayor Pro Tern Ames moved to approve RESOLUTION 03-134 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH JAM THEATRICALS,LTD.TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY
FOR A THREE-SHOW BROADWAY THEATRICAL SERIES AT THE JULIE ROGERS THEATRE.
Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYORLORD,MAYOR PRO TEM AMES,COU NCILM EMBERS SMITH,BEAULIEU,
COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
PUBLIC HEARING: MAYOR LORD ANNOUNCED A PUBLIC HEARING OPEN AT 2:20 P.M. TO
RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNING DILAPIDATED
STRUCTURES.
CITY MANAGER KYLE HAYES READ THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
COUNCIL AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING. THE ORDINANCE READ AS FOLLOWS:
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC
NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR RENOVATION OR DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL;PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDNG FOR A PENALTY.
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS WERE THEN INVITED TO ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL.
Osborne Johnson, owner of 2330 Avenue C Beaumont, TX
Mr. Johnson asked Council to allow him more time so that his family and friends could help
him complete the repairs. It was the third time this structure has been brought before
Council. Pam Loiacano, of Clean Community,told Council the roof had been replaced but
was still leaking. She also noted that electric work and plumbing work had been performed
but not by licensed electricians or plumbers. Councilmember Samuel stated he had
spoken to surrounding neighbors who did not mind granting Mr. Johnson additional time
to complete the necessary repairs.
Ed Walker, owner of 570 E. Simmons Beaumont, TX
Mr.Walker stated he has purchased various properties for the purpose of rehabilitating the
properties over the past 21 years. He admitted he had practically rebuilt the structure, but
stopped to work on other properties. Councilmember Samuel informed Council that he had
spoken with four (4) neighbors around the structure, as well as looked over the property.
Councilmember Samuel stated he felt to allow Mr. Walker more time would benefit the
revitalization and rehabilitation efforts of this community.
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 6
Breastfield & Pauline Dearman, owners of 3050 Grand Beaumont, TX
Mr. Dearman admitted to Council that he had been on a work program since 1997, but had
not completed all necessary repairs on the structure because of a disabling condition. This
was the fourth time the structure has been before Council. He also admitted he had
performed the electrical and plumbing work needed, not knowing he had to have the work
performed by licensed electricians and plumbers. Pam Loiacano, from Clean Community,
also reminded Mr. Dearman that he must obtain permits for any work to be done. Mayor
Lord asked him if he lived in the structure. Mr. Dearman responded he did sometimes.
Mayor Lord also asked Mr. Dearman about the delinquent taxes that are due at more than
$13,000 dollars. Mr. Dearman stated he has entered into a tax agreement to pay off the
taxes. Councilmember Samuel stated he had also visited with neighbors surrounding this
structure. He stated the neighbors wanted the debris and junk vehicles removed from the
property, as well as they wanted to seethe structure up to code. Councilmember Samuel
asked Mr. Dearman if he could financially afford to make all necessary repairs in
accordance with City Codes. Mr. Dearman stated he would have to allot monies from the
disability monies he receives monthly. Councilmember Samuel asked Mr. Dearman if he
understood that if he put monies on repairing the structure and did not make significant
progress in the time Council may allot, that the structure would automatically be
demolished. Mr. Dearman said he was willing to make an effort to make the repairs
knowing the structure could be demolished.
Nelda Muirhead, owner of 5230 Roberts Road Beaumont, TX
Mrs. Muirhead stated she purchased this property in June 2001. She stated that more
than 200 bags of garbage and other debris loads were taken from outside and inside the
structure. Mrs. Muirhead said she had never enrolled in a work program. She stated her
son was prepared to do the work necessary to the structure. She stated she did not know
or understand the procedures for obtaining permits and bonds. She was requesting six to
eight months to make the necessary repairs. Her intention is to tear off the back side of
the structure which is newer than the rest of the house and use that material to make the
structural repairs needed in and outside the house.
Mrs. Loiacano, of Clean Community, noted that the file maintained on this structure had
notations showing the procedures for obtaining permits and bonds had been explained to
either Mrs. Muirhead or her son. Mrs. Loiacano also noted that the foundation to the
structure is completely gone. She also stated water and electricity was removed because
of the hazardous condition the structure was in.
Joe Jarmon, owner of 3160 Gulf Beaumont, TX
Mr. Jarmon stated he purchased this property three years ago. He told Council the delay
experienced in completing the renovations had been due to funding the project. He stated
he has secured a contractor within the past two weeks and work had begun to rehabilitate
the structure. However, he was informed by Pam Loiacano, of Clean Community, that the
work had to stop until a contractor's bond was filed and permits received. Pam Loiacano,
of Clean Community, told Council this was the first time Mr. Jarmon had come before
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 7
Council, but that he had been enrolled in a work program and had also received an
extension. Councilmember Beaulieu confirmed that a contractor had been hired to
complete the project. Mr. Jarmon told Councilmember Beaulieu the contractor was
working on the structure in the afternoons and on the weekends and for this reason he was
requesting 120 days from Council to complete all necessary renovations.
Mayor Lord reiterated to Mr. Jarmon and to all property owners that if significant progress
was not made on renovations within a time period allotted by City Council, that the
structures would automatically be demolished. She wanted the general public to
understand as well the changes made in the new Ordinance passed by Council that
prohibits an owner to reappear before Council for additional time to be granted in contrast
to procedures in place in previous years before a dilapidated structure is razed.
Councilmember Samuel confirmed with Mr.Jarmon that he understood a licensed plumber
and electrician must be hired to perform the respective work necessary in each category.
Zohren Shahrodi, owner of 4010 Magnolia Beaumont, TX
Mr. Shahrodi states that this structure was damaged by fire and he had experienced
a delay in the insurance settlement. Mr. Sharodi states that he received correspondence
from Pam Loiacano, of Clean Community, informing him to appear before City Council to
ask for an extension of 90 to 120 days to work on the structure. Mr. Shahrodi thanked the
Beaumont Fire Department for extinguishing the fire within a seven (7) minute time frame
and for containing damage to basically two (2) rooms.
Councilmember Samuel expressed his intention to have substandard structures
demolished on Magnolia Street. Councilmember Samuel also stressed his strong
commitment to rehabilitating and revitalizing efforts along Magnolia and its surrounding
communities. He wanted Mr. Shahrodi to understand that if substantial work was not made
on the structure within a time period allotted by Council, the structure would be razed. Mr.
Shahrodi assured Councilmember Samuel and Council that he was committed to the
revitalization efforts of Magnolia and its neighborhoods.
James Stewart, owner of 4204 Bessemer Beaumont TX
Mr. Stewart told Council he purchased this property last year at a Jefferson County Tax
Auction and immediately began renovations. Those efforts included exterminating termites
from the structure, placing a new roof on the structure, removing eight lowboys of trash
from the yard and spending $11,000 on improvements to the structure. Mr. Stewart told
Council that while renovating the house, the newly installed front and back doors were
stolen. He stated he became frustrated at this point, stopped repairing the dwelling and
after deciding to sell the property, the `For Sale' sign was stolen. Within a few months of
this episode, the newly installed windows were stolen. He told Council this was his first
time before Council to address them about this structure. He told Council he purchased
and renovated a dilapidated structure in the same neighborhood three years ago and has
had a renter dwell in this house for the past few years.
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 8
Mr. Stewart asked Council to grant him six months to decide to complete renovation efforts
or sale the property. Mayor Pro Tern Ames confirmed with Pam Loiacano, of Clean
Community, that Mr. Stewart had enrolled in a work program. Mayor Lord again stressed
to Mr. Stewart that should Council grant any additional time,significant work progress must
be made on the structure. Councilmember Patterson told Mr. Stewart Council does not
normally allot more than 120 days to an owner to work on these structures. She suggested
if granted such time, he should enroll in a work program within ten (10) days and then
decide on a course of action within thirty (30) days. She explained by doing so, he would
still have sufficient time remaining to begin and make significant progress on the additional
renovations. Councilmember Beaulieu and Pam Loiacano with Clean Community agreed
with this suggestion. Mr. Stewart voiced his disagreement with this suggestion continuing
to request a six-month extension. Mayor Lord noted that Council had never given a six-
month extension and normal procedures would be enforced should an extension be
granted.
Mayor Lord announced the Public Hearing on Dilapidated Structures closed at 3:25
p.m.
GENERAL BUSINESS continued
7. Consider approval of an ordinance declaring certain dilapidated 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 Samuels moved to approve ORDINANCE 03-048, ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR RENOVATION OR
DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; BUT
REMOVING THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS FROM A RAZE ORDER TO A RAZE AND REPAIR ORDER OF
120 DAYS,DIRECTING THE OWNER(S)TO ENTER INTO AWORK PROGRAM FORTHE REPAIRAND/OR
DEMOLITION OF SUCH PROPERTY WITHIN 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE ORDINANCE AND THAT
SIGNIFICANT WORK BE PERFORMED ON THE STRUCTURE WITHIN THE 120 DAYS ORTHE STRUCTURE
WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE RAZED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE TO THE PROPERTY OWNER:
No. 1, 2330 AVENUE C; No. 3, 3050 GRAND; No. 4, 570 E. SIMMONS; No. 5, 4204
BESSEMER; NO. 11, 3160 GULF; AND No. 16, 4010 MAGNOLIA.
Mayor Pro Tern Ames seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD,MAYOR PRO TEM AMES,COUNCILMEMBER SMITH,BEAULIEU,
COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 9
Councilmember Patterson moved to approve ORDINANCE 03-048, ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THE RENOVATION OR
DEMOLITION AND REMOVAL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITYAND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY, BUT
REMOVING THE FOLLOWING LOCATION FROM A RAZE ORDER TO A RAZE OR REPAIR ORDER OF 120
DAYS, DIRECTING THE OWNER(S) TO ENTER INTO A WORK PROGRAM FOR THE REPAIR AND/OR
DEMOLITION OF SUCH PROPERTY WITHIN 10 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE AND THAT
SIGNIFICANT WORK BE PERFORMED ON THE STRUCTURE WITHIN THE 120 DAYS OR THE STRUCTURE
WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE RAZED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE TO THE PROPERTY OWNER:
No. 22, 5230 ROBERTS ROAD
Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR LORD, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILMEMBER SMITH,
BEAULIEU, COKINOS, SAMUEL AND PATTERSON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED.
Councilmembers comment on various matters
Councilmember Smith - None
Councilmember Beaulieu - None
Councilmember Cokinos told the City Manager he had received a telephone call from a
person who leases a hanger at the Beaumont Municipal Airport. The person was
concerned about the gates of the hangers being left open. The lessee's concern was due
to rumored terrorist attacks to our City's refineries during the July 4 weekend. City Manger
Kyle Hayes assured Councilmember Cokinos he would review this issue with Kirby
Richard, Central Services Director for the City of Beaumont.
Mayor Pro Tern Ames - None
Councilmember Samuel - None
Councilmember Patterson - None
City Manager Kyle Hayes announced the asbestos abatement removal on the Amtrak
Station would be completed within a few weeks and demolition of the station would
immediately follow.
City Attorney Lane Nichols - None
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 10
Mayor Evelyn Lord noted the general public would be happy about the project underway
to demolish the old Amtrak Station. The Amtrack Station had become an eyesore for the
City. She explained that work has begun to find a new Amtrak spot that will be a secure,
clean and welcoming location for passengers who will arrive in Beaumont or depart from
the City.
Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes)
Pastor M. L. Johnson 2250 W. Virginia #80 Beaumont, TX
Pastor Johnson addressed Council about constructing a pedestrian walkway along
Magnolia Street around the Magnolia Garden Apartments, as well as adding traffic lights
at Magnolia and Hale Street. He stated the community's and his concern was raised
when a fourteen year old child was killed on Magnolia Street two weeks ago.
Zohreh Shahrodi 1225 Wilchester Circle Beaumont, TX
Mr. Shahrodi commended the work performed and help given by Pam Loiacano, of Clean
Community.
Audio tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's Office.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.
Mayor Evelyn rd
Susan Henderson, City Clerk
Minutes-June 24,2003
Page 11