Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUNE 24 1997 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAU FONT Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Becky Ames,Mayor Pro Tem Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Andrew P.Cokinos John K. Davis JUNE 24,1997 Bobbie J. Patterson Lane Nichols,City Attorney Ray A. Riley,City Manager Patrice Fogarty,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on June 24, 1997, 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 Pro Tem Ames called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. The Reverend Ronald Randolph, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, gave the invocation. Councilmember Cokinos led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson. Also, present were Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, Assistant City Attorney; Patrice Fogarty, City Clerk; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Pro Tem Ames announced that Mayor Moore is attending the 65th Annual United States Conference of Mayors in San Francisco where he was appointed to the Advisory Board of the United States Conference of Mayors. Also, the City of Beaumont received three awards for: Beaumont's Charlton-Pollard Revitalization Plan, the Microloan Program the City initiated for the Beaumont Housing Authority residents wanting to start a business, and for the Integrated Disbursement and Information System that has streamlined the City's reporting process. *Presentations and Recognition One Proclamation was issued: "Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Day," June 27, 1997. *Public Comment: Citizens were invited to comment on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 3 and 4. No one wished to address these topics. CONSENT AGENDA The following consent agenda items were considered: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held June 17, 1997; Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 97-144; A) Approve the purchase of filter controlling equipment to be used by the Water Utilities Department, Water Production Division (from Warren Electric in the amount of$27,767.65) - Resolution No. 97-145; B) Approve the waiver of penalty and interest on seven tax accounts in order to ratify actions of the Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office - Resolution No. 97-146; and C) Authorize the conveyance of a drainage easement to Drainage District No. 6 to allow for the construction of a new drainage ditch - Resolution No. 97-147. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a property management business in an RCR (Residential Conservation and Revitalization) District at 2205 Laurel Avenue; Councilmember Cokinos raised questions concerning the actual type of business to be conducted on the site, the applicant's desire for a zone change, spot zoning, applicant's promise of a loan, seven responses from residents in opposition, need for action today, and a suggestion to defer action until Mayor Moore is present. Other discussion included specific use permit subject to an 8' screening fence, a landscape strip, an additional parking space, clarification that opposition from residents is regarding zone change, not a specific use permit, the legal time restraints for action, rehabilitation of a neighborhood eyesore, federal funds that would be used through the Revolving Loan Fund, and the motivation for others to rehabilitate empty structures for use. Minutes;6124/97;Page 2 Councilmember Goodson moved to defer action until July 8 on this request. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION FAILED because of a tie vote. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Goodson, and Cokinos Noes: Councilmembers Smith, Davis, and Patterson Councilmember Davis moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 97-30 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BUSINESS IN AN EXISTING BUILDING IN AN RCR (RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION) DISTRICT AND AN RM-H (RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLING - HIGHEST DENSITY)DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2205 LAUREL AVENUE AT SIXTH STREET TO SOUTH STREET, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS With the stipulations that a minimum 3' wide landscape strip be installed along the west property line of Lot 2; an 8' high wood screening fence be installed along the west and south property lines of Lot 2, and that one (1) additional parking space be provided on Lot 2. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Davis, and Patterson Noes: Councilmember Cokinos 2. Consider a request for a specific use permit to allow a residential care facility in an existing house in an RCR (Residential Conservation and Revitalization District at 2390 Broadway; During discussion of the request to open a supervised residential care facility for up to 15 elderly and disabled persons, Council expressed concern that the four regular and one handicapped parking spaces on the rear of the lot and the space for two cars on the porte cochere would be sufficient for staff, residents and visitors. They discussed the neighbors concerns regarding parking, a desire not to add a lot of street parking and congestion in the area and a possibility of more parking spaces on the rear of the lot. Councilmember Davis moved to defer an ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY FOR 15 ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS IN AN EXISTING HOUSE IN AN RCR (RESIDENTIAL CONSERVATION AND REVITALIZATION) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2390 BROADWAY AT 8TH STREET,IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS, until July 8 to received additional information for the adequacy of parking spaces. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes;6/24197;Page 3 3. Consider approving a contract for the construction of a fourteen acre landfill cell; Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 97-148 approving a contract for the construction of a fourteen acre landfill cell. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider approving an engineering services contract for improvements to the Beaumont Fire Training Grounds; Councilmember Davis moved to approve Resolution No. 97-149 authorizing a contract with Canoma Construction Company for improvements to the Beaumont Fire Training Grounds. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 5. Consider 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. Ordinance No. 97-31 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITION AND/OR REPAIR;PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY was introduced: The twenty-six(26) below listed dilapidated structures are found to be in violation of the City of Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance, Article III, Section 14-50: 1180 Ashley - Billy Hadnot, owner; 1149-51 Bolivar-Mrs. Byron D. Murphy, owner; 995 Doucette - Hilda Marks, owner; 2177 Foch - Odell Stewart, owner; 2778 Goliad - Joseph L. Victorian, owner; 3050 Grand -Julie Smith, owner; 2115 Hemlock- Nolan & Rosie Williams Go Lee Williams Lewis, owner; 4060 Highland - A. L. Acord, owner; 2003 Irving - Jefferson County, owner; 390 Langham Road - Kenneth M. Rand, Jr., owner; 1720 Leiper - Rhoda Thompson, owner; 2475 McFaddin - Ruthie Guerrero c/o Bobby Knowles, owner; 2490 Monroe - Larry Brewer, owner; 990 Pear- Hilda Marks, owner; 1185 Powell - Marcleain Smith, owner; 3685 Preston - Elsie Mae Simmons, owner; 3855 Preston (shed & corral) - Orelia Goodman Estate c/o Rodney Malbrough; 1030. 1040. 1050. and 1060 Schwarner-Annie Boyd Attn: Addie Allen, owner of all four structures; 5300 Seale Road - B. R. Dale, owner; 3725 St. Helena - Thelma Nelson, owner; 1530 Victoria - Gary Daniel Golden, owner; 4045 Willie Mae - Clyde Minutes;6124197;Page 4 Johnson, Sr., owner; and 4115 Woodlawn - James F. Landrum, owner. All structures have 25 violations each. Staff recommendation is to raze each structure within 30 days. The seventeen (17) below listed structures have been condemned by City Council and the owners ordered to either raze or repair them within specified 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. 6765 Bigner Road; 3140 Cooke; 675 Dixie Drive; 385 Frederick; 2635 Hazel; 3965 Houston: 2043 Irving; 545 Jackson; 2365 Lela; 1325 Madison; 3960 Octavia; 2320 011ie; 5465 Phelps Road; 1157 Powell; 5280 Seale Road; 2970 Texas; and 2560 Washington Blvd. A public hearing was opened at 2:40 p.m. to consider the above listed structures: Mr. Larry Brewer addressed Council as the owner of the structure at 2490 Monroe to object to the constraints of the City's work program for rehabilitation of structures. Mr. Brewer claimed that he is working on the structure as funds are available, has made foundation repairs, installed a new roof and said he keeps the grass mowed and yard clean. He requested opportunity to continue repairs as funds are available and was reluctant to commit to working within specified time frames. Council concurred that the structure was basically sound and advised Mr. Brewer to board the windows for safety measures. Mr. Billy Hadnot, 1174 Ashley, addressed Council to request a work program to rehabilitate the structure at 1180 Ashley. Mr. Lester Kirkman addressed Council to request that the structure at 2043 Irving be removed from the condemnation list and reestablishment of another work program be allowed. Mr. Kirkman stated that he has reroofed and rewired the structure. Mrs. Hilda Marks addressed Council to request that utilization of prison inmate labor be used to demolish structures at 995 Doucette and 990 Pear because they are dilapidated, and she is on a fixed income and cannot afford to have them demolished. The City Manager confirmed that prison labor may be used to raze structures without cost to owners, if a waiver is signed by the owner. Mr. Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, on behalf of his neighborhood association thanked Council for action taken to demolish the structure at 4060 Highland Avenue. There being no one else to speak, the public hearing was closed at 3:12 p.m. Councilmember Goodson moved to amend Ordinance No. 97-31 by removing 1180 Ashley, 2490 Monroe and 2043 Irving from the raze section to raze or repair and 995 Doucette and 990 Pearl from condemnation to demolition. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;6/24/97;Page 5 Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None OTHER BUSINESS * Discuss the continuation of the SETCAST television programming. City Manager Ray Riley reviewed recent correspondence received from Jefferson County Commissioner Edward C. Moore and Chairperson for SETCAST regarding future telecasting of Commissioner's Court, City Council, and School Board meetings detailed in Exhibit "A." In order to continue telecasting of the meetings, the City's pro rata share of financial support for the program for the budget for the fall of 1997 and summer of 1998 would be $9,500.00. The budget includes costs for Lamar University scholarships, Lamar staff and benefits, videotapes, and equipment maintenance. Commissioner Moore requested a participation response from Council. Councilmembers voiced approval from them and their constituents for the program. Councilmember Smith made a motion for the City of Beaumont to continue participating in the SETCAST television programming at the proposed funding cost of$9,500.00. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Ames, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Cokinos, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None COMMENTS *Councilmembers comment on various matters: Councilmember Davis reported that Ms. Hazel Rubin received an award this past Friday for over 70 years of service as a teacher at Blessed Sacrament Church and Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Councilmember Davis said Ms. Rubin is a tremendous person and her life has made many beneficial contributions to our community. Councilmember Goodson announced that an economic development workshop is being sponsored by the Texas Department of Commerce and the Partnership of Southeast Texas and acknowledged that Mr. Brian Smith, affiliated with Partnership of Southeast Texas (formerly SET, Inc.), is in attendance at Council. Mayor Pro Tem Ames congratulated the Veterans of Foreign War volunteer efforts, the Retired and Senior Citizens Volunteer Program and all of the other volunteer in the City of Beaumont for the service and contributions made to our community. Mayor Pro Tem Ames Minutes;6/24/97;Page 6 reported that she enjoyed visiting Councilmember Davis' church last week during an all week revival conducted by the Brotherhood Ministers Alliance. Councilmember Smith announced visitors from Beppu, our Sister City, will arrive on July 4th and asked Community Services Director Maurine Gray to supplement details. Ms. Gray said the Sister City visitors will arrive on the afternoon of July 4 to participate in the City's 4th of July celebration. Then on Saturday, July 5, in front of City Hall, they will hold a Japanese Festa to inform citizens about their culture. A dinner will be held in their honor Saturday evening, and they will leave Beaumont on Sunday. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mrs. Paubla Ydrogo, on behalf of the Avenues Neighborhood Association, thanked Council, Entergy, and the Planning Commission for all their help, said they are working on a lot of neighborhood improvements, extended an invitation for Council to attend a dinner next Sunday at Christo Rey Catholic Church, 767 Avenue, in honor of their priest's 53 years of service to the church, announced that neighborhood association meetings are held the third Monday of each month at Christo Rey Catholic Church, and extended 4th of July greetings to everyone. Mr. Brian Smith, representing Partnership of Southeast Texas, extended an invitation for Council to attend the economic development workshop and luncheon to be held tomorrow at the Brown Center when Brenda Arnett from Orangefield will be recognized. Mr. Smith said the workshop will climax with the luncheon from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and that as a result of the workshop, they hope to develop a regional economic development plan that will encourage working together for better jobs and opportunity for our community. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Janell Johnson, et al v. City of Beaumont, et al. Executive Session canceled. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. M or Pro Te Becky Ames Patrice Fogarty, ` ity C1 6(k w AW ' Minutes;6/24/97;Page 7 Jefferson Coun., ED MOORE COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT NOA P.O. BOX 4025 BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77704 (409) 835-8443 FAX NO.(409) 784-5803 June 17, 1997 Mayor David Moore City of Beaumont P.O. Box 3827 Beaumont,TX 77704-3827 Dear Mayor Moore: Recently,I sent you a letter dated May 12, 1997 in reference to the continuation of the SETCAST television programming. The letter advised Commissioners' Court, City Council and School Board meetings could only be telecasted next year if each entity bore the expense of the telecast. Further I explained how the money would be used and what amount each entity would be responsible for. Presently,I have not received a response,and can only assume that your governmental body does not plan to participate. I am in no way trying to sell the program. If you do not wish to participate,that is certainly your choice. I will however,notify South East Texas Regional Planning Commission and Lamar University that no funding is forthcoming to continue past this year. 1 will in the near future, call a press conference advising the public of your decision. Sincerely, - war . Moo SETCAST Chairperson cc: Mr. Ray Riley, City Manager RECEIVED Mr. Don Kelly, SETRPC Dr. Larry King,Lamar University 14 0 411171. CITY OF BEAUMONT EXECUTIVE OFFICE EXHIBIT "A° Jefferson County ED MOORE COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRECINCT NO.4 P.O. BOX 4026 BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77704 (409) 835-8443 FAX NO. (409) 784-5803 May 12, 1997 Mayor David Moore City of Beaumont P.O. Box 3827 Beaumont, TX 77704-3827 Dear Mayor Moore: SETCAST has completed its second year of operation! By all measures, it has been most favorably received by tie cKizens of South East Texas. As you 2m aw3re, SETCAST has been funded in its first two years by private subscriptions—a fund-raising process in which I have had the privilege to Chair. It is now time to request those five participating local governments to now bear t�e Mnnual cost of SETCAST. All monies will be contracted with the Communications Department of Lamar University to do this work. Over and above the public service that SETCAST has provided, it has enabled the Communications Department of Lamar University to have its largest expansion in its history—a 16% growth in student enrollment. It has also created activities and interest within our two participating school districts in encouraging students to begin careers in the growing communications industry. I have attached for your information a proposed funding schedule for SETCAST for the coming year. Costs for each of our five participating entities are based upon a base cost and the number of meetings per year. As part of this funding schedule, there is a special budget as to the expenditure of these funds. I know that you are soon to begin your budget consideration for FYI 998. Your representative has been present at all of our board meetings and should be able to answer any questions, but if I am needed, I will come and speak to you and try to answer any questions you might have. I would appreciate hearing from you relating to this matter prior to Friday, May 30, 1997. 1 ask that this be done to assure the other participants of your interest and commitment-as costs are based on all five governments participating. Feel free to contact me at my office (835-8443). Thank you for your kind consideration in this matter. I personally appreciate your participation and encouragement during our first two years of SETCAST. I believe we have all contributed to better government here in South East Texas. Cordially, Ag��Alnl dward C. Moore f fa SETCAST Chairperson �� ECMIcp Attachment cc: Mr. Ray Riley, City Manager CITY OF f EAUMCN:T EXECUi-IVE OF.::CL• Proposed Funding Schedule for SETCAST Entity Base Costs of Factor for Total Cost the Project' Number of Per Entity"" Meetings Per w y 4 r" Jefferson County Commissioners Court $4,100.00 $5,400.00 $9,500.00 Beaumont City Council $4,100.00 $5,400.00 $9,500.00 Port Arthur City Council $4,100.00 $2,700.00 $6,800.00 Beaumont Independent School Dist. $4,100.00 $1,350.00 $5,450.00 Port Arthur Independent School Dist. $4,100.00 $1,350.00 $5,450.00 $36,700.00 Review of Proposal: This proposal is based on the participation of all five of the entities that were originally involved in SETCAST. If any of the originally entities decide to dropout of the project ,then the cost per ens ould increase. entities ' in the reject then the : - cost per entry could decrease. This proposa�'was deve ope as a wa to fairly M the cost of the project among the entities involved. *Base Cost—This figure represents an equal distribution of the basic operating cost for SETCAST. Including in this figure is the funding for items 2 to 5 on the Proposed SETCAST Budget for Fall 97-Summer 98. This includes funding for part of the salary for a Lamar University staff member, a portion of the benefits for the Lamar University staff member, videotapes, and M&O. The total cost for these base items is $20,500. This cost was equally distributed among the five entities. "Factor for Number of Meetings Per Year--This figure represents funding for scholarships for Lamar students involved in taping the meetings (item 1 on the proposed budget). Each entities' share of the cost is determined by multiplying the number of meetings each entity has per year by the factor of$112.50. This factor was arrived at by dividing the cost for the scholarships ($16,200) by the total number of meetings held by all five entities each year(144). ***Total Cost Per Entity--This figure represents the total share of the costs for each entity. It is arrived at by adding the base cost and factor for number of meetings per year for each entity. Proposed SETCAST Budget for Fall 97-Summer 98 ::.aTEMS. COST' 1. Scholarships for Lamar University students. $16,200 $900 per semester scholarship. 6 scholarships for F211 96 semester. 6 scholarships for Spring 97 semester. 6 scholarships for Summer 97 semester. 2. Lamar staff to oversee the SETCAST project. $15,000 3. Benefits for Lamar staff. $3,000 4. Sony S-VHS videotapes. $500 5. Equipment maintenance and operations. $2,000 Total 5-16.700 Review of budget items: • Scholarships for Lamar University students—will provide financial assistance for six Lamar University students each semester who will be involved in the SETCAST project . •.i::.«.. _ :f.- ..-c Ic',al.<`tit:'��f�:t+F...�+':=�.:ss:::t' iE r _ -..:+e°�.� — . • Lamar staff to oversee the SETCAST project—will provide part of the salary for a staff member of the Lamar University Department of Communication. Lamar University funds the additional portion of the staff member's salary. This staff member manages the operations of the SETCAST project • Benefits for Lamar staff—will provide part of the cost of benefits for the Lamar University staff member who manages the operations of the SETCAST project • Sony S-VHS videotapes—will be needed to replenish the supply of tapes needed for the SETCAST project • Equipment maintenance and operations—will be needed to keep the existing equipment in service.