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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MARCH 26 1996 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD MARCH 26, 1996 - 1 :30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 26th day of March, 1996, with the following present: HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor 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 11 John K. Davis Councilman, Ward III Bobbie Patterson Councilman, Ward IV Maurine Gray Acting City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Myron D. Barnes, Sr., Starlight Missionary Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Cokinos and Parks and Recreation Director Luke Jackson. -000- Mayor Moore announced that an executive session will be held in accordance with Section 555.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Allen Lee et al v. Rosemarie Smith and the City of Beaumont following the regular session of City Council. -000- Four Proclamations were issued: "Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April, 1996; "Doctor's Day," March 30, 1996; "Inhalant Awareness and Prevention Week," March 25-29, 1996; and "Walk America Day," March 30, 1996. —100— March 26, 1996 Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 1 and 2. No one wished to address these items. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the City Council meeting held March 19, 1996; Resolution No. 96-71 accepting Street and Storm Sewer Improvements: Park West Drive from existing Park West Drive approximately 88 feet east to and including the cul-de-sac; and Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvements: Lots 5-9, Block 1, in Park West Subdivision, Phase II, contingent on filing of final plat complete with proper filings of dedications of all rights-of-way and easements required on preliminary and final plats. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 96-73 authorizing a contract with Allco, Inc. in the amount of$2,947,124.24 for construction of the South Park Drainage Project - Phase I that includes $451,000 of water system improvements that were not a part of the original construction estimate was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Patterson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 96-72 authorizing Change Order No. 1 (lowering an existing 16" waterline and provide temporary water service to replace pavement on Calder Avenue) in the amount of $45,672.20 to the contract with Norman Highway Constructors, Inc., increasing the contract amount to $8,246,490.18, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- A public hearing was called to consider the twenty-eight (28) below listed dilapidated structures to be in violation of the City of Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance, Article III, Section 14- 50: 3560 Avenue B - John S. Trahan et al, owner (19 violations); 1545 Avenue G - Jefferson —101— March 26, 1996 County Sheriff Deed 1-4-94, owner (18 violations); 2558 Bolivar - Percy Borbin, owner (17violations); 976 Bonham and 978 Bonham - Bryan Investments, owner (24 violations each structure); 3145 Brenham - Miller Redeaux, owner (22 violations); 1755 Brooklyn - John Baugh Estate, owner (20 violations); 2795 W. Cedar - Lela Humphrey, owner (25 violations); 4040 Cleveland - Rodger Petit, owner (19 violations); 8727 College (Commercial) - Bessie Van Hook, owner(21 violations); 1948 Delaware - Lucille Willett c/o Green Acres Nursing Home, owner (21 violations); 1775 Euclid - Curley Mays, owner (21 violations); 2790 S. Fourth - Lucille Angelo, owner(25 violations); 6520 Frint -Archie M. Fegia, Jr., owner (16 violations); 1380 Gray -Arthur Campbell c/o Herman Fontenot, owner (25 violations); 2627 Hazel Francil Eleanor Marsignia, owner (19 violations); 2790 Hebert - Melvin N. Block, owner (25 violations); 2260 Irving - Rose Como, owner(25 violations); 2435 Laurel -Sharon A. Englade, owner(18 violations); 735 Lincoln - Sean Claud Griffin, owner(25 violations); 2748 East Lucas (Garage Apartment) (15 violations) and 2750 East Lucas (rear) (19 violations) - Bernice H. Mott, owner of both structures; 3340 Magnolia - Don A. Villery, owner (21 violations); 2110 Nora - Joicey Joseph, owner (21 violations); 1520 Pennsylvania (Front) - Frank Johnson, owner(21 violations); 3375 Rivers Road - Nolton Broussard d/o Daisy Brooks, owner(21 violations); 7550 Tram Road - Leona Kimble c/o Irene Kimble, owner (21 violations); and 1666 Washington Boulevard (Garage Apartment) -John and Frankie DeYoung, owners (19 violations); Staff recommendation to raze all structures within 30 days. The thirty-four (34) structures listed below have been condemned by City Council and the owners ordered to either raze and repair them within specific time frames. Reinspection of these structures have 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 and charge the property owners with the cost of demolition. 2385 Avenue A, 2855 Avenue A, 1012 Avenue B, 6755 Bigner Road, 3170 Cooke, 3174 Cooke, 2360 Delaware, 2360 Delaware (Garage), 4170 Ector (Front), 3910 Ethel, 4447 Galveston, 1265 Gill, 1772 Irving, 1312 Isla, 1320-22 Isla, 644 Jackson, 805 Jefferson Alley, 815 Jefferson Alley, 845 Jefferson Alley, 849 Jefferson, 2865 M. L. King S. Parkway, 720 Lee, 1705 Leiper, 1715 Leiper, 775 Lincoln, 1540 Madison, 2912 Magnolia (Garage), 3955 Magnolia, 2325 Park, 2330 Pear, 1170-72 Powell, 3249 Shannon and 709 Stanton. Mr. Melvin N. Block, owner of the property at 2790 Hebert, asked for additional time to rehabilitate the structure, said he would do as much work as possible and hire contractors for electrical repairs. Mr. Frank Johnson, 2690 Amarillo, owner of the structure at 1520 Pennsylvania requested additional time to rehabilitate the property. There being no one else to address Council, the public hearing was closed. Councilman Cokinos spoke in favor of granting the additional time requested for rehabilitation of the structures at 2790 Hebert and 1520 Pennsylvania and Councilman Goodson verified that since —102— March 26, 1996 both structures were on the raze section of the ordinance, that they would be moved to the raze and repair order giving time to initiate a work program before the next dilapidated structure hearing, thereby eliminating the necessity of being brought back to Council if the work program is satisfactory. Councilman Davis complimented Staff for reducing the number of dangerous and unsafe structures and places for illegal drug use and transactions to occur. Councilman Smith said there needs to be a specific time for completion of repairs. She said these kind of structures are unsightly, attract unsavory elements to neighborhoods, are attractive for drug use and transients and detracts from other homes and buildings in the area. Mayor Moore reminded Mr. Block and Mr. Johnson to make appointments with Mr. Lawrence Baker to establish a work program. Mayor Pro Tem Ames told Staff she is glad that the structures at 1705 and 1715 Leiper located behind Charlton Pollard Nursery are on the demolition order and there has been a concern for the children. Councilman Smith inquired about the status of the building at 2550 Hazel and was informed by Mr. Baker that demolition and cleanup has already been completed, and the contractor is bringing in fill dirt to level the surface. ORDINANCE NO. 96-19 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITION AND/OR REPAIR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Ordinance No. 96-19 was amended and approved to remove the structures at 2790 Hebert and 1520 Pennsylvania from Section 1 to Section 3 ordering either demolition, repair or initiation of a work program repair with thirty (30) days of the effective date of the ordinance on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Patterson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- In a presentation made by Public Works Director Tom Warner, he said that in 1991, Congress passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, known as ISTEA, establishing a new vision for the transportation system by broadening the focus on more than roadways. He said it included other surface transportation options that contribute to the livelihood of our community, the quality of our environment and the aesthetics of our roadways. Mr. Warner explained that the "enhancement program provides funding for broad-range of transportation activities" that include bicycle/pedestrian facilities, scenic and landscape programs, historic preservation and water pollution control. He said that the project presented today for consideration is called the Neches River Hike and Bike Trail that links Riverfront Park with Collier's Ferry Park for an approximate distance of 4.8 miles that is described in the attached memo from Mr. Warner to the City Manager. He said this will provide "an opportunity to view one of the most environmental and ecologically -103- March 26, 1996 diverse natural areas in the state. It also provides for recreational and educational opportunities that have not been available to us before, locally. We, typically, would have to go to the Big Thicket or an area similar to that to see some of the things that are here in this also. It also provides a boost to tourism." He said this project is being proposed for application for enhancement monies out of the ISTEA grant. Mr. Warner explained the project would run from Riverfront Park to Collier's Ferry, basically, follow the river north of Riverfront Park to near Magazine Street, travel down Pine Street to Interstate 10, parallel the freeway, go underneath, cross Brakes Bayou on the north side of the freeway, access Marina Drive to the existing fresh water canal to a distance north, then easterly into an area where back in the early 1900's was extensive amount of cypress logging and a lot of remnants remain. Mr. Warner said the project is estimated to cost about $3.3 million, 80%would be funded through the ISTEA Enhancement Program and the City would be responsible for 20% or about $665,000. He told Council that he would like to bring back a resolution next week authorizing Council endorsement of the project and application to TX-Dot. Council complimented Staff for their vision and capitalizing on the area's natural beauty. Other comments included probability of receiving the funding, design scope and the time frame for application, receipt of funds and construction time, if Beaumont is accepted as a recipient. Council expressed favorable comments regarding the project, utilizing the river and the track record of Mr. Warner and his staff in preparing acceptable applications. -000- Councilman Smith said that at Lefler Park where Rose Lane deadends into the park was supposed to be closed and told Parks and Recreation Director Luke Jackson that she has received complaints from residents that part of the barricade has been removed and cars are getting through and asked him inspect that entrance. Councilman Goodson mentioned that Jack Binks, a representative of the Amelia Neighborhood Association, is present and reminded Staff that they have a project for a park and acknowledged the value of their assistance and the importance of parks to neighborhoods and expressed hope that a park area in the Charlton-Pollard area will be located closer to the residential development being undertaken. Councilman Davis addressed Carroll Street Park plans, reported that the first Minority Business Enterprise Conference went well, thanked Councilman Smith and Mayor Moore for their participation, said the purpose was to educate the public and said a report from Kyle Hayes indicated the percentage of MBE participation is up to 18% for the first part of this year. Councilman Patterson requested additional lights in Tyrrell Park and said that low spots in the park need additional fill to alleviate standing water. Mr. Warner explained that drainage efforts would be the best course of action because more dirt creates other problems, and Mr. Jackson said that park lighting is being addressed park by park since several may need additional lights. —104— March 26, 1996 Mayor Moore asked Mr. Jackson to give an update of Tyrrell Park and he explained that the two- way streets have been reconsidered and the streets coming into Tyrrell Park from the west side and from the north side going south have been returned to one-way streets, no-parking signs have been posted, bollards and cables have been erected to prevent parking on the grass and said there is an ordinance prohibiting glass containers. Mayor Moore said he had opportunity to address 36 honor students of the region this past Sunday and at that meeting Councilman Patterson was honored by her sorority Zeta Phi Beta, Beaumont Chapter, as"Woman of the Year." Also, he spoke of attending a luncheon on diabetes awareness and its defeat, said there is a coalition that united today to contribute $25,000 for education and awareness of diabetes in our area. He said that it was noted that Jefferson County is the highest incident case for diabetes in the state, that it is controllable and that too many individuals are unaware they have diabetes. -000- Mr. Allen Burch, 4610 Barton Lane, stated he had difficulty hearing Council comments and requested they speak into their microphones, spoke in opposition to a proposed bicycle trail on Edson because of traffic, complimented the paving of Edson, but said it is not built for truck traffic, spoke in opposition to no street parking on Edson, said the wrong message was sent to the youth that were arrested on Fourth Street when the Mayor intervened because of parents' complaints, spoke of guilt and and police attitude and abandoned property. Mr. Tony Sacker, 4635 Elmherst, addressed Council regarding use of City vehicles by off duty employees and read from a City memo regarding policy and procedure of their use and eligibility and spoke in support of reelection of the Mayor and At-Large Councilmembers. Mr. Buddy Hebert, 295 North Parkway Drive, thanked Tom Warner, Luke Jackson and Lewis Hiltpold for the work accomplished in the parks, said Tyrrell Park is beautiful and that over 200 trash barrels have been placed there and supported Council speaking directly into their microphones and suggested that perhaps lapel microphones should be purchased. Mayor Moore told Mr. Hebert that major construction of the Chambers is scheduled and the speaker system will be addressed. Mr. Amos Smith, 2575 Franklin, addressed Council, as owner of Professional Business Services, to request use of the Municipal Court facility for an Entrepreneur's Workshop on April 23rd from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. because of the historical significance of Municipal Court in relationship to the theme of his workshop. Mr. Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, announced that the week of May 13 will be proclaimed National Police Week by the Beaumont Federation of Neighborhood Associations in appreciation of the Police Department and encourages citizens to express individual appreciation. —105— March 26, 1996 Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council to discuss Mr. Tyrus Germaine Williams' incarceration in the Jefferson County jail, said his 6th and 8th amendment rights are being violated, suggested institution of a street user fee for persons in other cities working in Beaumont at a rate of .25 cents per day and use the monies for improvements, spoke of restrooms in all parks, extended bus service, bus shelters, summer youth employment, activity facilities for young people in public housing and using senior citizens as volunteers for services. Ms. Patricia Pugh, 1317 Maple, addressed Council to express appreciation for them, said she was going to become involved in a Northend neighborhood association, questioned intervention of sex offenders returning to neighborhoods after release from jail, asked about hook up to city line instead of individual line, said she needs a job and voiced her love for Beaumont and commitment to pray for Council and the city. The Reverend Myron Barnes, pastor of Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, complimented Council efforts and conduct of the meeting, expressed appreciation for Council visibility in the community and for their support of the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood revitalization support. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was recessed to reconvene in Executive Session. -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 March 26, 1996. Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk —106— March 26, 1996 INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS DATE: March 21, 1996 TO: Ray A. Riley, City Manager FROM: Tom Warner, Public Works Director w SUBJECT: ISTEA Endorsement COMMENT The City of Beaumont is requesting ISTEA funds for the construction of a hike and bike trail that would connect Riverfront Park with Collier's Ferry Park. This hike and bike trail, to be known as the Neches River Hike and Bike Trail, will start at the north end of Riverfront Park. It will run along Pine Street, cross under I-10 East and then meander through the wetlands and connect with Collier's Ferry Park. The estimated dollar amount of the hike and bike trail is $3,324,000. This amount includes 10,500 feet of paved trail, 14,600 feet of boardwalk, a bridge across Brakes Bayou and various amenities. The local share or match of allowable costs must be provided by the City. The trail will have a positive impact on the City's recreational needs and its tourism industry. The trail will provide an excellent opportunity for local citizens and tourists alike to experience the natural beauty of the Neches River area while also providing for a connection between two of the City's finest parks. An overview of the proposed project will be provided to City Council during the March 26, 1996 Council meeting. "ATTACHMENT"