The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutMIN AUGUST 20 1996 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD AUGUST 20, 1996 - 1 :30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 20th day of August, 1996, with the following present: HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor Andrew P. Cokinos Mayor Pro Tern Councilman-At Large Becky Ames 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 (Councilman Smith arrived after Roll Call before presentations.) -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Bruce Booher, Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rosemarie "Tu" Smith, Consulting City Clerk. -000- Mayor Moore announced that Councilman Goodson is out of town and recognized former Mayor Evelyn Lord's attendance at today's meeting. -000- (Councilman Smith arrived.) Mayor Moore recognized Dr. Jim Jordan, Professor of the Department of Geology and Physics, Earth and Space Resources Laboratory at Lamar University and students Mark Adams, Talina 251 August 20, 1996 Grimes and Karen Woods. Mark Adams, team leader for the group, briefly described Lamar University's G-team experiment aboard Nasa's KC-135 Microgravity aircraft. They won an opportunity to fly on the plane by submitting a proposal to the Texas Space Grant's Students Understanding of Reduced-gravity Flight (SURF) Academy competition. Mark said three other participating universities were the University of Houston, Rice University and Texas A & M. The KC-135 achieves microgravity by flying a series of parabolas, and in their experiment, the students reproduced effects of gravity by rotating a water-filled cylinder at a specific speed that produces an acceleration on the cylinder walls equal to that of gravity. Professor Jim Jordan complimented the Lamar students as the best on the planet and said they made Beaumont and Lamar University proud. Mayor Moore added compliments to the students and Dr. Jordan and said Lamar University is one of Beaumont's best assets. -000- Mr. Gene Landry, Chairman of the Drug Free Beaumont Commission, presented certificates of appreciation to Lieutenant Ray Beck and Officer James Martin for their work with the Y.A.L.E. (Youth Academy for Law Enforcement) Program. Mr. Landry said that 60 students participated in the program and acknowledged support from the Beaumont Police Association and from District Attorney Tom Maness. Officer Martin commented about the enthusiasm and positive attitudes displayed by everyone in giving of themselves and their time. Lieutenant Beck said that next year, they hope to add another class and recognized the efforts of Officer Martin as being the backbone of the program, said he looks forward to the future and that the youth of Beaumont are fortunate to have men like Officer Martin leading this program. Mayor Moore said this program began while Evelyn Lord was mayor, acknowledged that the Police Department has developed it even further and received good coverage by the media and said this is another alternative or option for summer activity for the youth. Councilman Smith thanked Lieutenant Beck for extending a recent invitation to visit the Gist State Jail to spend part of a day with the group, said she was impressed with everyone she encountered, complimented Lieutenant Beck and Officer Martin and said the Judge joined them for lunch. Councilman Smith encouraged visiting the Gist State Jail to witness the Criminal Justice System activities. -000- Citizens were invited to comment on the Consent Agenda and Regular Agenda 1 through 3. No one wished to address these topics. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: 252 August 20, 1996 Approval of the Minutes of the City Council meeting held August 6, 1996. Resolution No. 96-188 appointing Eileen Lewis to the Beaumont Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect for a term expiring September 21, 1996 and appointing Marie Easley as Chairman of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission for a term expiring August 19, 1997; Resolution No. 96-189 authorizing a Mutual Aid Fire Protection Agreement with Orange County Emergency Services District#1; Resolution No. 96-190 authorizing a six (6) month contract with Tri-Con, Inc. for furnishing lubricants for the Fleet Management Division for an estimated expenditure of$27,500; Resolution No. 96-191 authorizing acquisition of Tract 85, City Tax Plat F, David Brown League, 890 Devilleneuve from Arthur B. Redmon, Jesse T. Redmon, Barbara Redmon and Thomas 0.. Redmon for the appraised value of $2,525.00 for the Chariton Pollaird Neighborhood Revitalization Project; Resolution No. 96-192 authorizing acceptance of a ten (10) foot wide drainage easement out of Lot 1 and 7-12, Block 9, Lot 6 &7, Block 15 and Lot 6-12, Block 16 of the Blanchette 2nd Addition from the Beaumont Independent School District for the proposed Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School complex; Resolution No. 96-193 authorizing renewal of an annual software support agreement with A. L. Roark &Associates, Inc. in the amount of$41,616.90 for the system in use by the Police and Fire Departments; and Resolution No. 96-194 authorizing a contract with the Texas Department of Transportation to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Spur 93 (West Port Arthur Road) and U. S. 69 (Cardinal Drive) frontage roads. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 96-195 authorizing a three-year contract with Memorial Sisters of Charity to serve as third party administrator (TPA) for City employees medical/dental insurance plans, effective October 1, 1996 with an option to renew for one additional year (Medical Administration--$8.23; Dental Administration—$1.40;Utilization Review Large Case Management--$1.75; COBRA Administration--$.30; Claims 253 August 20, 1996 Repricing--Included; Projected Monthly Cost--$7,400; % of Current Monthly Base-78%) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 96-196 authorizing an annual contract with Browning-Ferris, Inc. to furnish containers and solid waste collection for twenty-seven (27) City facilities in the amount of $3,454.29 per month was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Patterson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 96-197 authorizing a contract with the Texas Department of Transportation to receive $296,946 in grant assistance from the State Public Transportation Fund (PTF) to help pay up to 50% of the City's share of FY 1997 operating expenses for the Beaumont Municipal Transit System was approved on a motion made by Councilman Patterson and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Mayor Moore suggested clean up and proper signage at the Central Transfer Facility near the Federal Building, questioned the possibility of increasing hours of bus service and an upcoming report. Public Works Director Tom Warner said a report of the entire Transit System will be submitted in September or October. -000- A Public Hearing on the the proposed FY 1997 Annual Operating Budget and the FY 1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program was opened. Mr. John Keye, representing the Beaumont Heritage Society, 2985 French Road, addressed Council to report that the John J. French House welcomed over 8,000 students and visitors in tours during 1996, thanked those who volunteer and financial contributors, such as the City of Beaumont. Mr. Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, complimented the City Council, City Manager and Staff for presenting an excellent budget without a property tax increase, asked that funding of a helicopter for Police Department use be included in the budget, if it is not included in another budget, because it is a very important safety issue for citizens and recommended continued efforts in the Capital Improvement Projects to conclude improvements on South 11 th Street and Concord Street as rapidly as possible within budget constraints. 254 August 20, 1996 There being no one else desiring to speak, the Public Hearing was closed. Councilman Davis commented that not asking for a tax increase is a good indicator of the condition of our financial stability and suggested that Beaumont Main Street, at the appropriate time, be given consideration for inclusion in the budget in some manner to recognize their efforts in the redevelopment of the Downtown area. The City Manager explained that all revenues are presently dedicated and that new programs for next year's budget should be presented for consideration in the near future. -000- Mayor Moore announced an Executive Session will be held in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Claim of Joseph Pete following the regular session of City Council. -000- Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos expressed appreciation to the City Manager for the water supply status report he requested, but said he would like to pursue the issue further and consider drilling another water well at Loeb. The City Manager explained the daily water needs for the City of Beaumont and discussed emergency measures. He said our main source of water is supplied by the Neches River, and we are not dependant on the reservoirs and confirmed that our water supply is sufficient and there is no immediate need to drill another well in Loeb. Councilman Patterson complimented the South Park Neighborhood Association for the new Welcome to South Park sign, reported that Mr. John Naumczik, husband of Ruth Naumczik, is critically ill and asked that they be remembered in our prayers, told Ward IV constituents that wading pools will reopen next summer and stated that she thinks every park, neighborhood or community, should have restroom facilities, either permanent or portable. Mayor Moore added compliments to Councilman Patterson and the South Park Neighborhood Association for their progress, especially the Welcome to South Park signage, said they took an eyesore and turned it into something beautiful and pointed out that John Naumczik was among those working on the sign. Also, Mayor Moore commented that the Night Out Against Crime was well planned and received at the McCabe-Roberts Avenue Christian Church and at the Police Sub- station and a special program was presented by the Stiles Correctional Facility members; added his thoughts about the faithful, volunteer support of John and Ruth Naumczik and encouraged prayer and visits to the family; voiced satisfaction that the same level of services will be provided in the budget without a tax increase; and introduced future plans for creation of Youth Workforce 2000 and thanked corporate citizens for employing youth this past summer, complimented Department Heads for helping to make their work experience meaningful and said the young people have proven to be an asset to the City. 255 August 20, 1996 The Reverend Samuel Leday, Route 5, Box 557, owner of a business at 1445 Lindbergh, said that his brother is critically ill and asked that he be included for prayer and sited a problem with receiving incorrect figures from a vendor in preparing a bid for automobile repairs for the Fleet Division and asked for consideration of a fair adjustment to his bill. Mr. Richard Graham, 8275 Westgate, addressed Council on behalf of Westgate Place Addition to request installation of a street light at the end of their street and that redesign of the street be considered to include a cul de sac instead of a dead end street. -000- There being no further business, the meeting was recessed to conduct an executive session. -000- 1, Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk for the City of Beaumont, Texas, certify that the above is a true copy of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held August 20, 1996. Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk 256 August 20, 1996