HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APRIL 16 1996 REGULAR SESSION
CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT
CIVIC CENTER
HELD APRIL 16, 1996 - 1 :30 P.M.
BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session
this the 16th day of April, 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
John K. Davis Councilman, Ward III
Bobbie Patterson Councilman, Ward IV
Absent: Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II
Ray A. Riley City Manager
Lane Nichols City Attorney
Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk
-000-
The Invocation was given by Pastor Gloria Harder, Church of Alpha and Omega.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jefferson County Deputy Chief Ken Duhon.
-000-
Mayor Moore announced that an executive session will be held in accordance with Section
551.074 of the Government Code to consider the appointment of a public officer, specifically: City
Clerk, following the regular session of City Council.
-000-
Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agendas.
Mr. Tony Sacker, 4635 Elmherst, addressed Council in opposition to Agenda Item No. 1 authorizing
123 April 16, 1996
funding to Schlesinger Geriatric Center for security lighting, saying that for-profit institutions have
other means of raising funds and tax dollars should not be used.
Mayor Moore temporarily ceased citizen comments to present proclamations.
-000-
Four Proclamations were issued: "National Volunteer Week," April 21-27-, 1996; "Beta Sigma
Phi Founder's Day," April 18, 1996; "Tip-A-Cop Week," April 22-27, 1996 (a joint effort of The
Red Lobster Restaurant and the Beaumont Police Department to raise funds for the Special
Olympics for handicapped individuals); and "Child Abuse Prevention Month," April, 1996.
-000-
Opportunity for citizen comment continued.
Mr. Bill Childs, 855 Ascot, addressed Council on behalf of the Youth Rescue Mission to express
appreciation for past funding, explained status of the building on Franklin Avenue that is under
rehabilitation, reviewed community support for the mission that includes Ms. Regina Rogers and
Mr. Joe Bob Kinsel who recently paid off the mission mortgage and Mr. Childs requested that
Council reconsider funding this year from the 1996 HUD Consolidated Grant to include the Youth
Rescue Mission. Mr. Childs said his request is for children of the community, reviewed needs of
homeless teens in the area who could not be helped by any other agency, emphasized that funding
for repairs is made this year, they will not need to make a similar request next year and reviewed
adherence to previous Building Code violations and expected occupancy permit receipt.
Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, began his remarks by saying that Council bends to pressure and
waivers in allocating public service funds, criticized awarding $10,000 of the request by Sunlight
Properties and supported funding the Youth Rescue Mission. Mrs. Delores Davis of the Youth
Rescue Mission approached the microphone to express appreciation to Mr. Lee for the Youth
Rescue Mission, advocated not fighting as a means for funding approval, said she does not need
to fight for funds because God will provide for their need and thanked Mayor Moore and
Councilman Davis specifically for their concern and past support. Mr. Lee continued to express
opinions about funding priorities, told Council to not play politics with HUD money and spoke of
Henry's Place and the Youth Rescue Mission as worthy groups.
Mr. James Allen Levine, 295 Briggs, commented that his ideas of a Civilian Review Board are
dissimilar to Mr. Lee's. Mayor Moore told Mr. Levine that comments at this time should be limited
to items on the Consent and Main Agendas and invited him to comment on any topic of choice after
business items have been addressed.
Mr. Harvey Steinhagen, representing the Foundation Board Members of the A. W. Schlesinger
124 April 16, 1996
Foundation and Mr. George Gardner, representing the Board of Trustees, the operating entity of
the A. W. Schlesinger Foundation, addressed Council in support of Agenda Item No. 3 endorsing
the Schlesinger Foundation Board of Directors and Board of Trustees Texas Department of
Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) grant application for construction of a garden area on the
grounds of the Schlesinger Geriatric Center and spoke of general needs for the Center.
Ms. Jerrie Hudson, 1760 Terrell, addressed Council in support of a Civilian Review Board, told of
an automobile accident on Sunday, claimed abusive attitudes by the driver of the second
automobile and investigating Police Officer, said a ticket was not issued at the scene of the
accident and recounted other details of this accident and another, said she received assistance
from Mr. Allen Lee in getting a citation issued after the accident.
Mrs. Marie Hubbard, 1990 Nora, addressed Council in support of funding the Youth Rescue
Mission and said she is speaking on behalf of the children.
Mr. Raymond Chaisson, 130 Lamar Street, addressed Council in appreciation for helping to
revitalize the Charlton Pollard area, said 95% of the citizens favor the revitalization and hopes
negative statements will fall on deaf ears.
Mr. Roland Lee Davis, 535 McGovern, spoke in favor of the Charlton Pollard Neighborhood
Revitalization Project, expressed appreciation to City Staff for assistance in remodeling his
mother's house and spoke of various problems with contractors. Councilman Davis asked Mr.
Davis to speak with him after Council.
The Reverend Eddie Ford, Jr., 1610 Trinidad, spoke in support of funding the Youth Rescue
Mission, spoke of his experiences in working with the youth at New Life Tabernacle and his belief
that cycles of violence must be stopped and challenged everyone to help the youth before they end
up in prison or on a morgue table.
Mrs. Delores Davis and the Reverend Matthew Davis from the Youth Rescue Mission addressed
Council in appreciation for the City of Beaumont's financial help, support and direction and to
express their dedication to serving the homeless youth in the community and their commitment to
God. Mrs. Davis introduced Suzanne, a supporter of the Mission, Brant Freedom, Frank
Contrerras and Querond Chaisson. Mrs. Davis explained Frank's specific problems when he was
removed from his family at age 16 with no agency available to provide him housing, but said now
he has a job and able to support himself. Mrs. Davis introduced Querond Chaisson and he related
the changes in his life after being directed to Mrs. Davis and Youth Rescue Mission. He said that
attending church caused him to find God, his life is becoming stable, he feels loved and expressed
hope for his future. In answer to queries by Councilman Davis, Mrs. Davis reported that Saint
Michael's Episcopal Church has pledged support to the Mission each month and an invitation has
been sent to area churches soliciting monthly support and said they do not expect to make the
same request for funding next year, but since they will be the only emergency shelter assisting
125 April 16, 1996
children, they will apply for Emergency Shelter funding next year.
Mr. Charles Johnson, 5080 Helbig, addressed Council to complain of an incident with Police
Officers on March 18 and in support of a Civilian Review Board. Mayor Moore advised Mr.
Johnson that subjects are confined to the Consent and Main Agendas now and invited him to speak
later in the meeting.
The Reverend Myron Barnes, 1090 Buford, addressed Council to express his concern for the
homeless, thanked Council for revitalization of the Charlton Pollard area, thanked Texas
Commerce for their strong commitment in providing financing for the homes that will soon be
constructed, encouraged Council to make their decision concerning allocating funding to the Youth
Rescue Mission, not for one person's credit or political vantage, but because this is a community
effort and to look beyond any one individual and consider the children and please the requests of
the public.
-000-
The following Consent Agenda items were considered:
Approval of the Minutes of the City Council meeting held April 9, 1996;
Resolution No. 96-86 appointing Scott Parker as Chairman and Michael Ramsey as Vice-
Chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee for terms expiring April 15, 1997;
Resolution No. 96-87 authorizing a License to Encroach with Dr. and Mrs. Arden C. Quintin
for a concrete pool deck that is encroaching 3.45 feet for a distance of 55.85 feet into an eight (8)
foot utility easement located on their property at 4825 Ashland Lane, being Lot 35, Block 2,
Bellechase Second Addition for a one-time fee of$500.00;
Resolution No. 96-88 authorizing settlement of the claim of Liz Perez in the amount of
$4,700.00;
Resolution No. 96-89 authorizing purchase of a water filtration system for the Magnolia Park
Swimming Pool in the amount of$21,750.00 from Stark Aquatic Systems, Inc.; and
Resolution No. 96-90 accepting the $37,173.00 bid submitted by AAA Siding and Windows for
installation of vinyl siding, aluminum gutters and aluminum insulated windows at the two-story
Health Administration Building located at 950 Washington Boulevard.
The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded
126 April 16, 1996
by Councilman Smith.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
-000-
Resolution No. 96-91 authorizing application and acceptance of 1996 HUD Consolidated Grant
Funds in accordance with the final statement of objectives with $875,000 budgeted for Housing;
$240,000 for Rehabilitation; $80,000 for Clearing & Demolition; $1,085,000 for Public Facilities;
$105,000 for Public Services (Anayat House--$13,000; Charlton-Pollard Nursery School--$15,250;
Coach Alex Durley Foundation-49,000; Evelyn M. Lord Teen Court--$6,000; Police Activities
League--$9,000; Programs for Human Services--$9,000; The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club--
$10,000; Schlesinger Geriatric Center--$8,000; SETLIFE, Inc.--$4,000; Sunlight Properties--
$13,000; The Watts Home, Inc.--$5,000; Women and Children's Shelter--$3,750) $265,000 for
Economic Development; $75,000 for Emergency Shelter; and $375,000 for Administration; for
a total budget of$3,100,000 was considered.
Mayor Moore commented that "we" is the descriptive word, and it is said that it takes a whole
village to raise a child, and that if we each contributed just $1.00, a lot of problems would be fixed,
and after discussion, he presented an option that would not increase the allocation for Public
Services, but would add funding for the Youth Rescue Mission as requested by various community
members today. He proposed reducing the allocations to Anayat House by $3,000; Charlton-
Pollard Nursery School by $1,000; Coach Alex Durley Foundation by $1,000; Programs for
Human Services by$1,000; The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club by $1,000; SETLIFE, Inc.
by $1,000; and Sunlight Properties by $3,000; for a total of $11,000; and reallocate the
$105,000 budgeted amount to: Anayat House--$10,000; Charlton-Pollard Nursery School--
$14,250; Coach Alex Durley Foundation--$8,000; Evelyn M. Lord Teen Court--$6,000; Police
Activities League--$9,000; Programs for Human Services--$8,000; The Salvation Army Boys
and Girls Club--$9,000; Schlesinger Geriatric Center--$8,000; SETLIFE, Inc.43,000; Sunlight
Properties--$10,000; The Watts Home, Inc.--$5,000; Women and Children's Shelter--$3,750;
The Youth Rescue Mission--$11,000.
Resolution No. 96-91 authorizing application and acceptance of 1996 HUD Consolidated Grant
Funds reflecting changes in the Public Services allocations as presented by Mayor Moore was
approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith.
Question: Ayes: Mayor Moore Nayes: None
Mayor Pro Tem Ames
Councilman Cokinos
Councilman Smith
Councilman Davis
Abstained: Councilman Patterson
127 April 16, 1996
(Councilman Patterson serves on the Youth Rescue Mission Board of Directors.)
Resolution No. 96-92 authorizing a contract in the amount of $1,075,648 with Bo-Mac
Construction, Inc. for construction of the Collier's Ferry Recreational Area that includes a boat
launch , parking spaces for eighty (80) vehicles and trailers, picnic areas, thirty-six (36) parking
spaces for the park area, a playground, restrooms and two (2) shore pavilions and Alternate I that
furnishes pre-engineered metal buildings in lieu of wood structures and Alternate 2 that provides
signage throughout the park and ramp area with funding from a $200,000 grant from the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Department, a $500,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife and $375,648 from
the City's General Improvement Fund was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos
and seconded by Councilman Davis.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
Councilman Davis expressed excitement about progress in the Collier's Ferry Recreational Area
project and stated that as the project develops, lighting and safety concerns that have been
recently expressed by citizens should be considered.
-000-
Resolution No. 96-93 endorsing the Schlesinger Foundation Board of Directors and Board
of Trustees Texas Department of Transportation - Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act (ISTEA) grant application in the amount of $1,116,000 for construction of the
"Eldercare Gardens" on the grounds of the Schlesinger Geriatric Center, with a local match of 20%,
$223,000 that will be provided by Schlesingers, was approved on a motion made by Councilman
Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Davis.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
-000-
Mayor Pro-Tem Ames said important issues have been worked through with the whole community
working together to achieve a common goal and thanked citizens for their attendance.
Councilman Davis thanked Council colleagues for their outing at Tyrrell Park on Sunday with the
City Manager and Parks and Recreation Director in review of park activities and in an effort to set
ground rules for use with the young people and to assure young people and the Police Department
that Tyrrell Park is a place for everyone to enjoy. He said the young adults and Police Officers
received them well. Also, Councilman Davis reported receiving letters from Mrs. Rabalais, 4690
Ridgewood Avenue, Mrs. Maywald, 4670 Ridgewood, and Mr. and Mrs. Lee, 4615 Ridgewood,
regarding his past requests for Staff to investigate the condition of their street. He reported the
letters were not very complimentary and requested that Staff reinvestigate Plant Road and submit
a memo of their findings to him.
128 April 16, 1996
Councilman Smith reported that she also received letters from the residents on Ridgewood and has
spoken with two of them and plans to telephone the third. She said she explained the street
rehabilitation process and how decisions are made in determining which streets are to be repaired.
She explained that developers did not do a good job in street construction, and the City has
inherited some problems and volunteered to join them in a meeting with the Staff in the Public
Works Department.
Councilman Patterson joined Councilman Davis in thanking the young people for their conduct at
Tyrrell Park Sunday afternoon, thanked Councilmembers and the Police Department for their role
in the tour and said cooperation and commitment throughout the community will provide a place
for young people to go for recreation, and she felt good about their meeting.
Mayor Moore thanked Council for the time spent Sunday visiting Tyrrell Park, one of Beaumont's
best assets and complimented the conduct and reception by the young adults . He said there was
very good dialogue that emphasized public safety with their assistance. Also, Mayor Moore
congratulated Texas Commerce Bank and their Commitment 2000, a pledge of$151,000,000 over
the next five years for affordable housing, community development and rehabilitation of homes
within the spirit of entrepreneurship, and expressed a desire that other institutions might follow their
leadership. Mayor Moore congratulated King Neches XLVIII Floyd McSpadden, said the weekend
for the Neches River Festival was wonderful and the activities great. He said that Saturday began
at 7:00 a.m. with a successful Spring Sweep with participation of Neighborhood Associations, youth
groups, individuals, Boy Scout groups and other organizations. Mayor Moore congratulated Delta
Sigma Theta for their annual all-day event designed for young men with various speakers such as
Councilman Davis and former Councilman Audwin Samuel, and said that on Sunday, he had the
pleasure of attending the one-hundredth birthday celebration of Mrs. Essie Levias Samuel Nobles,
a very spirited lady, at the College Street Nursing Home.
-000-
Mrs. Delia Harrington, 815 Willow, addressed Council to pledge her support for them, said we do
not need a Civilian Review Board, complained that workers did not show up for Spring Sweep in
her designated area of work, asked that flags be erected the Delia Harrington Welcome to
Beaumont Park, complained about dilapidated houses on Hazel and Grand, prostitutes and
gamblers, trash and old tires on Hazel and Grand that breed unhealthy conditions.
Mr. Jerry Reed, 5320 Roberts Road, an employee at the Henry Homberg Golf Course for about 11
years, expressed appreciation to Council for visiting Tyrrell Park on Sunday, but said it was not a
true picture of the usual crowd. He said rowdy crowds impose themselves on others, drunk and
disorderly conduct is exhibited, said there are gatherings of people too close to the golf course,
patrons at the golf course and unaccompanied women are harassed , and relayed incidents of
abusive action toward a woman and running an RV trailer off the road. Mr. Reed claimed it
appears Police Officers are instructed not to issue citations or bother the Sunday afternoon crowd
129 April 16, 1996
where there is an open use of drugs, excessive noise, reckless driving, lewd behavior, destruction
of park property, use of profanity, claimed residents are locked in their neighborhood on Sunday
afternoon by parked cars and cited other complaints. Mr. Reed asked that other alternative ideas
submitted by the Parks and Recreation Commission be considered to help deter the situation, and
asked that the Police be allowed to do their job.
Mayor Moore explained that Council is looking at alternative ideas and are taking a comprehensive
look at the problem. He said "it's one thing to just restrict, restrain and ban, and it's another thing
to try to figure out a way to make it work for everybody." He said his belief is that we have to have
some yes alternatives for everything we say no to. He said Council is not stopping people from
doing their jobs and part of the message they shared last Sunday was that those attending the park
must abide by the law and pay attention to the rules and explained that Council is trying to change
the situation and not create another problem.
Ms. Gethrel Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, addressed Council to question if and when the position
of Assistant City Manager vacated by the death of Mr. Sterling Pruitt in May, 1995 will be filled and
by what criteria. Mayor Moore explained that the City Manager is responsible for that hiring and
encouraged her to speak with him. Ms. Williams interjected that if and when that position is
addressed, she would like it "to be replaced with a minority. Minority, meaning race, not
necessarily gender."
Mr. Tony Sacker, 4635 Elmherst, addressed Council to express his opinion about not-for-profit or
for-profit business maintaining a contingency fund to meet needs, again spoke in opposition to
purchase of security cameras for Schlesinger Geriatric Center, reviewed his experience with
nursing homes and possibility of Board appointment.
Mr. Cleveland Nisby, 4520 Corley, addressed Council to express discontent with not filling the
position of the recent Assistant City Manager and a mid-management level opening in the Building
Codes Division that was held by a minority, claimed lack of minority representation in city
management levels, claimed Council representation should speak on behalf of minorities and not
citizens on a one-to-one basis with Mr. Riley and asked that filling the position be reconsidered.
Councilman Davis confirmed that the subject has been discussed with the City Manager, but said
discussion from the African American community will help the process or other communities
desiring to participate in the process. Councilman Davis reported that saving tax dollars entered
into the decision to not fill the positions, or to wait for a period, and if a lack of African American
representation is a problem, that issue should be discussed, and Mr. Nisby said he did not think
"anybody from the "Afro-American community that's here today that would agree to saving any tax
dollars and eliminating a minority position at mid-management level." He said other areas of
operation could be cut.
Mayor Moore stated that Council understands what has been asked, said that Council tries to
130 April 16, 1996
preserve a level of not micro-managing situations, said when personal issues are discussed, an
executive session is held, "because it is not fair to that employee who may have served, or is going
to serve in that capacity, to discuss it in an open forum like this." Mayor Moore added that saving
tax dollars is an important responsibility of Council, explained that by Charter direction, Council
hires the City Manager, who in turn has a responsibility of hiring those beneath him. He pointed
out that Mr. Luke Jackson is the Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. John LaBrie is the Solid Waste
Director and Mrs. Glendy Lundy is the Human Resources Director, and even though they are not
in Council each session, they hold very responsible positions, said the best qualified individuals
are supposed to be put into employment positions, said Council asks the City Manager to be
sensitive to our diverse community and asked that an issue not become divisive and tear down our
city.
Mrs. Beverly Hatcher, 890 Chatwood, addressed Council as President of the Golden Triangle
Minority Business Council at 1205 Franklin Avenue, to discuss disappointment in not being aware
of an MBE Conference on March 6th prior to reading about it in a Beaumont Enterprise article, said
she attended because of her position, said none of the Staff presenting the program were Black
and she felt "something from a sensitivity standpoint is missing." Mrs. Hatcher applauded the
success of the MBE Conference conducted on March 6 by the City and asked that the City
partnership with the Minority Business Council to let them know about jobs from a procurement
standpoint.
Mrs. Delores Davis and the Reverend Matthew Davis, 1930 Franklin Avenue, thanked Council for
reconsidering the need of the Youth Rescue Mission and allocating funds for them, thanked Mayor
Moore for his statement that it take a whole village to raise a child and read a note she received
with a $25.00 check that said, "Delores, here is my$1.00 and 24 others. My Best, Carolyn Howard,
from the Beaumont Main Street." Mrs. Davis openly apologized to Mr. Lee for interrupting his
earlier dialogue, said she wants his support, but does not want him to feel anger because God
fights for her, and said she is not too proud to beg for the youth she sees in need.
Ms. Ermaline Thomas, 2235 Lela, addressed Council to voice her opinion that a Civilian Review
Board is needed to allow people to feel a part of the process and to know there is recourse, said
she does not always agree with the messenger, but supports the message. She said Internal
Affairs is in place, but not functioning adequately, does not have enough diversity and said perhaps
the system should be looked at. Also, Ms. Thomas complained about those living outside, but
working in Beaumont, using the streets and not paying a street user fee.
Mr. Charles Johnson, 5080 Helbig Road, Apartment 40, addressed Council about a March 18
complaint against a Police Officer, said he has not received any response since visiting Internal
Affairs, explained the appointment and hearing process, spoke about Police Officers misuse of City
vehicles, asked for reassignment of Officers to Plymouth Village, claimed that if he expresses
objections at Plymouth Village, phone numbers have been distributed and instructions are to call
Council.
131 April 16, 1996
Councilman Davis questioned date of the filing with Internal Affairs and explained that he and
Mayor Moore gave their telephone numbers at the last Association meeting to anyone who might
want to speak with them.
Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, reminded everyone to vote in the upcoming election, especially if they
signed the Civilian Review Board petition, said the television cameras have improved Council
meetings, questioned Council intervention at Tyrrell Park and not Rogers Park, claimed gathering
of African American youth is considered a threat and problem and encouraged them to bring cam
corders to Tyrrell Park, spoke of need for extended bus service from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to
promote business and attract tourism, shared his views regarding Charlton-Pollard revitalization,
said Irving Street needs to be widened and all parks need public restrooms, stated the Civilian
Review Board issue is in Federal Court and brings fear in the hearts of Council and " they sit there
with a dumb ear, a closed ear," claimed lack of support by ministers for a Civilian Review Board,
with the exception of the Reverend Laday, spoke of the Reverend Barnes church being across from
a wood pile, claimed Mobil Oil's responsibility to clean up the situation, said he is the only one that
stands for people and not for special interest groups, complained about allocation to Sunlight
Properties
The Reverend Samuel Laday, (Route 6, Box 557), addressed Council to state his heart has been
moved by the people with the Youth Rescue Mission, said Internal Affairs at the Police Department
is not effective, spoke in support of a Civilian Review Board, cited that grand juries and other juries
made up of citizens review cases and make convictions regularly and said citizens are told they
"don't have the intellect to deal with such things a Review Board," and said, "it simply takes
common sense." He reviewed televised scenes of excessive force in other states and declared that
abuse takes place in Beaumont.
Mr. Bill Childs, 855 Ascot, thanked Council for their wise and compassionate decision to help the
Youth Rescue Mission and spoke of the difference that will be made in the lives of children.
Mrs. Glenda Dent addressed Council in support of a Civilian Review Board and reviewed the
incident of her disabled son ticketed for a no-car seat ticket for children and a moving violation
while parked in his driveway.
Mrs. Jerrie Hudson, 1760 Terrell, apologized for speaking out of turn earlier and emphasized that
Mr. Allen Lee did respond to her previous expressed concern.
Mayor Moore responded "the comment is often made about playing politics when you come here
in this forum. We set this up so we can actually hear from citizens, citizens at large, so that we can
work to better our community and to not make issues pawns we move around on the chess board.
The comment was made, why didn't we go to Rogers Park? Well, if you know, if you pay attention
and stay in tune, most of us were at Rogers Park three weeks before because there was an activity
there. I didn't just start going to Tyrrell Park. I grew up going to Tyrrell Park. That's the reason
132 April 16, 1996
I'm sensitive to the issues that go on out there, and members of this Council have spent hours out
there, going out there to visit. What we're trying to do is make sure they we curtail something bad
that could happen, and it's a shame that people would take that, twist it and try to turn it into
something negative, when this group spent their time trying to be positive about it to find out what
we can do better, rather than letting something happen and then reacting to it in a knee-jerk
fashion. It's not a perfect science, but we really do believe in what we do and we try real hard to
serve everybody." Mayor Moore reminded those voicing the possibility of a special assessment
tax to those working in Beaumont and living outside the city that a sales tax is assessed in an effort
to keep property taxes lower, and that people all over the area come to Beaumont to make
purchases and that the City receives revenue from these sales. Mayor Moore said the Internal
Affairs system has been reviewed, said that bus transportation has to be financed, must be uniform
for ridership and there must be enough ridership to warrant additional or extended bus
transportation.
-000-
Mayor Moore read an announcement handed to him, "The Court has considered the Plaintiffs'
Motion for Preliminary Injunction and the response thereto. Having considered the Motion and
based on the reasoning set forth in the Memorandum Opinion entered on this date, the Court finds
that the Motion is, in all things, Denied. It is therefore ORDERED that the Motion is Denied."
Dated the 16th day of April, 1996 and signed by Howell Cobb, United States District Judge. "And
that is in the lawsuit of Allan Lee, Martha Clark, and Glenda Dent, Plaintiffs, vs. Rosemarie Smith,
City Clerk of Beaumont, Texas, in her Official Capacity, and the City of Beaumont, Texas."
-000-
There being no further business, the meeting was recessed to reconvene in executive session in
the Third Floor Conference Room at City Hall.
-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 April 16, 1996.
Barbara Liming
Deputy City Clerk
133 April 16, 1996