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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 13 1996 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD FEBRUARY 13, 1996 - 1 :30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 13th day of February, 1996, with the following present: HONORABLE: Becky Ames Mayor Pro Tern Councilman-At-Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman-At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II John K. Davis Councilman, Ward III Bobbie Patterson Councilman, Ward IV Absent: David W. Moore Mayor Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by Father Richard Elwood, Saint Mark's Episcopal Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Cokinos and Fire Chief Bertrand. -000- One Proclamation was issued: "School Board Recognition Month," February, 1996. -000- A presentation was made by the City Manager. Mr. Riley: Mayor and Council...I want to introduce to you the newest official part of our management team, and that is the Fire Chief, Michel G. Bertrand. I appointed Michel effective Monday morning. 56 February 13, 1996 Yesterday he became Fire Chief, and I can tell you very seldom does the City Manager ever have an opportunity to appoint the person that is any more dedicated, more experienced and has been more excited about taking a leadership role and rising from the ranks of the department. Michel Bertrand is a twenty year veteran of this department and has given twenty years of dedicated service and is committed to an excellent future as our Fire Chief, and with that I would like to introduce him formally to the Mayor and to the Council. Chief Bertrand was welcomed by Mayor Pro Tem Ames and he shook hands with Council. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 2 through 4. No one wished to address these subjects. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the City Council meetings held February 6, 1996. Resolution No. 96-42 reappointing Ranny Voight and Susan Maradian to the Beaumont Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and Dolly Johnson to the Reinvestment Zone No. 1 Board of Directors for terms expiring January 31, 1998; appointing Michael Ramsey to the Airport Advisory Committee, Ken Dollinger to the Drug Free Beaumont Commission, and Thomas J. Stribling to the Board of Adjustment (Building) for terms expiring February 12, 1998; and reappointing Norman Bellard to the Civil Service Commission for a term expiring January 30, 1998. Resolution No. 96-43 awarding contracts for road oil for the repair and maintenance of streets to Koch Materials (SS-1 at $.65/gal., RS-2 at $.65 gal., AES-300 at $.70/gal., AE-P at $.78/gal.) and to Dixie Materials (RC-250 at $.80/gal.) for an estimated expenditure of $34,810 for both contracts; Resolution No. 96-44 authorizing the opening of an account with Prudential Securities of Houston as a broker/dealer for investment purposes; Resolution No. 96-45 authorizing the City Manager to execute deeds to Texas Commerce Bank in accordance with the contract with Texas Commerce to build three (3) houses in the Charlton- Pollard Neighborhood; and Resolution No. 96-46 confirming Michel G. Bertrand as Fire Chief for the City of Beaumont. 57 February 13, 1996 The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Councilman Davis asked the City Manager to explain the selection process for the Fire Chief and why the City Council confirms that appointment. Mr. Rile v: According to the Charter, the City Manager as Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for the appointment of all department heads. Falling into that category would be the Police Chief, Fire Chief and all other department heads. However, under the Civil Service statute, which is 143.013, provides that, that of the two appointments to what that part that the Civil Service statutes apply, which is just the Police Department and the Fire Department, that those persons who are appointed by the Chief Executive do require confirmation of the Governing Body in order for them to preserve their rights and privileges that they have in the statues. In this particular case, or in any case wherein a Chief is appointed from the department, he has the opportunity in the event that that appointment were removed. In effect, terminated as a Fire Chief or as a Police Chief, he will retain the right to the rank that he was, had before being promoted, and he would be able to return to the department at that rank. In the case of Chief Bertrand, he was a captain in the department, and if he were, if his appointment were removed as Fire Chief, he would have the opportunity to return to the department as a captain. The statute does that, and in order to preserve those rights, we do ask for that confirmation as we have for the other, as for the Police Chief which was appointed three years ago. -000- An ordinance abandoning the 30' x 400' existing right-of-way along the south side of Dishman Road as recorded in the Jefferson County Deed Records, Volume 1995, Page 456, subject to the dedication of a new 12'x752' strip of right-of-way along the south side of Dishman Road extending west from Major Drive (need for all of the original abandonment is in question by the Nichols Development Company) was introduced. The Public Works Department and the Planning Division recommend retaining the 30'x400' dedication already obtained because exact studies for Dishman and Delaware beyond Major Street have not been completed and recommend denial. The Planning Commission also recommends denial of the ordinance. The ordinance was denied on a motion made by Councilman Patterson and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None 58 February 13, 1996 Resolution No. 96-47 authorizing acquisition of Parcel 43: 0.773 of an acre out of Lots 1 and 2, Block 7, Wescalder Fig Acres Addition for the appraised value of $138,300 plus $128,000 for diminution in value to the remaining property for a total compensation of$266,300 to owner, P. H. Phelan, Trustee for the FM364/Major Drive Project was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Patterson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 96-48 accepting the bid of Allied Elevator in the amount of $57,540.29 for refurbishing and upgrading passenger and freight elevators within City facilities (City Hall, Civic Center,Beaumont Public Library,Tyrrell Historical Library,Julie Rogers Theatre and the Police/Municipal Court building) to bring the equipment into compliance with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 96-49 authorizing a contract with Beaumont Product and Services, Inc. (BPS), a private not-for-profit state certified workshop, for furnishing litter removal services on 69.75 miles of arterial street rights-of-way for payment to BPS at $11.00 per crew member per hour actually worked for an anticipated annual maximum cost of$110,000 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mr. Riley introduced a presentation and report of the HUD Consolidated Grant Program by stating "the Department of Housing and Urban Development consolidated what previously had been three different programs," the Community Development Block Grant Program, the HOME Housing Program and the Emergency Shelter Program. Mr. Riley said that rather than conducting three different public hearings, working with three different budgets and a lack of coordination between the three because of timing throughout the year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development combined all three and called it the Consolidated Grant Program. He said that for 1996, we received total funding for one program instead of three. Mr. Riley asked Community Development Director Richard Chappell to present a progress report and anticipated budget information. First, Mr. Chappell reviewed the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood Revitalization indicating acquisition of 50 lots with a total of 75 by mid 1996. He said 15 sites will be prepared for 59 February 13, 1996 construction by March and another 15 by April, construction of 10 homes to begin in March with 30 homes under construction during the summer of 1996. He said that the demand for homes by potential home buyers is increasing, additional qualified buyers are being identified and that home buyers for each of the 30 homes will be identified prior to completion of construction. The status report also included information of the Beaumont Housing Authority's involvement in locating up to 50 units in the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood as replacement of the Neches Park Homes, construction of the Northend Library, both commercial and residential clearance demolition of dilapidated structures (specifically, the former St. Therese Hospital, church at 3650 Magnolia), Housing Programs that include assisting eligible families with financing and HUD Grant Subrecipient Activities. Mr. Chappell answered questions regarding contractors, bankers, construction dates and details and subrecipient applications. He said that public hearings will be held February 28th and 29th, CDAC meetings, Council workshops and Council action in March. Secondly, Mr. Chappell reviewed the proposed 1996 CDBG Budget: Housing--Acquisition, $200,000; Emergency Rehabilitation, $300,000; Habitat for Humanity, $50,000; Clearance and Demolition--Residential, $100,000; Public Facilities and Improvements--Sterling R. Pruitt Activity Center, $485,000; Northend Library, $420,000; Public Service Agencies, $100,000; Build/Main Street, $25,000; Economic Development--Small Business Loans, $100,000; Administration, $400,000; Special Loan Funds--Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, $150,000; Historic Preservation Loan Fund, $20,000; for a total 1996 budget of $2,350,000 with $2,150,000 in revenues from the 1996 CDBG allocation and $200,000 from estimated program income. Council complimented Staff for the presentation and expressed agreement with the allocations. -000- Councilman Patterson thanked the City Manager and Staff for working out the contract with Beaumont Products and Services for litter removal on arterial streets. Councilman Davis also expressed appreciation for the contract with BPS, said that with all items presented today hopes citizens can realize that needs of the whole community are being addressed and said that he and Mayor Moore spent three hours last Saturday at Plymouth Village in response to recent concerns expressed to Council by Mr. Johnson. He said they spoke with management, visited residents throughout the Complex, reported they were unable to speak with Mr. Johnson because he was not home and said they will return to Plymouth Village for another visit. Councilman Davis added compliments to fellow Councilmembers for their leadership and concern. Councilman Goodson thanked Maurine Gray, Beverly Hodges, Tu Smith and other committee members for successfully planning the Service Awards Banquet held last Thursday evening. He said that the City is losing a number of very fine, long-term employees and wishes them well in their future pursuits. He commented that their loss will be felt, but he was happy to see a number of five and ten year employees at the Banquet that indicate there are others coming up behind them. 60 February 13, 1996 Also, Councilman Goodson thanked Public Works Director Tom Warner and Traffic Engineer Jim Cline for assistance with a safety program at Sallie Curtis Elementary School, commented about other involvement with BISD and said he wants to make certain that our streets in areas around schools are as safe as possible for students. Also, he thanked BISD Trustee John Williams for attending Council today in spite of his busy schedule. Councilman Smith added her thanks to those involved in planning the Service Awards Banquet, said this was the best yet and that it is sad to see long-term employees leave, congratulated the new Fire Chief and said she is looking forward to working with him. Mayor Pro Tern Ames said the Service Awards Banquet was lovely and grand and made all the employees feel special, told Mr. Chappell she was especially happy with the CDBG budget with monies allocated for"sticks and boards" rather than operation funding and said she thinks this kind of budgeting reveals a progressive outlook. -000- Mr. Charles Johnson, 5080 Helbig Road, (Plymouth Village) told Council he realizes there are limits to the assistance they can give and thanked them for their concern. Mr. Johnson distributed pictures of Plymouth Village for Council to review and commented about the living conditions. Also, Mr. Johnson distributed a copy of a letter from a young woman attempting to get an apartment at Plymouth Village. Mr. Johnson read the letter that told of her plight with a sick child and need for housing. Mr. Johnson asked that someone on Council consider interceding on her behalf. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, again addressed Council with general complaints about the Civilian Review Board petition and other matters, voiced accusations of"travesty and malfeasance," and promised national media attention at next week's Council meeting. Mrs. Marie Hubbard, 1990 Nora, addressed Council regarding February being Black History Month and enumerated the number of local Black citizens that have shared their accomplishments and pioneer efforts in the community that include the first Black mayor--David Moore; first Black Councilwoman--Bobbie Patterson; first Black Councilman--Calvin Williams; the Reverend M. T. Banks who inspired others to run for political offices; Dr. Carroll Thomas--the first Black School Superintendent; Ed Moore—the first Black County Commissioner; Joseph Simpson--the first Black Constable; Paul Brown--School Board Member; Judge John Paul Davis; the Black three: (W. M.) McCarty, Daniel and Brown; Attorney Elmo Willard; the Reverend Joseph Guidry; the Reverend A. L. Price; T. T. Pollard Professor Chariton and Mr. Blanchette--land donors; Ozan Hebert; L. L. Melton; Carter Williams; and Leantha J. Redd. Mrs. Hubbard complimented Council and admonished them to keep their hand in God's hand and said that whatever they do for God is going to last and with God, they will be a winner. 61 February 13, 1996 Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa, spoke of emotion entering the issue of a Police Department Civilian Review Board and complained about response to his grievances. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. -000- 1, Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, Texas, certify that the above is a true copy of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held February 13, 1996. Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk 62 February 13, 1996