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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APRIL 15 1997 M JI N U T IE S pCITY OF B EAUMONT Lulu L.smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Andrew P.Cokinos,Mayor Pro Tem Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames John K. Davis APRIL 15, 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 April 15, 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 Moore called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m and commented about this being the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers and Tiger Woods winning the 1997 Masters Golf Tournament last Sunday. The Reverend John Helbig, Ridgewood Church of Christ, gave the invocation. Officer Billy Blankenship led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, Davis, and Patterson. Also, present were Ray A. Riley, City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Patrice Fogarty, City Clerk; and Barbara Liming, Deputy City Clerk. Two proclamations were issued: "National Credit Education Week," April 20-26, 1997; and "Walk America Day," April 19, 1997, in recognition of the efforts of the March of Dimes to reduce infant mortality. * Citizens were invited to comment on the consent and main agenda items. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council on behalf of the Concerned Citizens and Taxpayers of America to state that he has been misquoted as being against the revitalization of the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood. Mr. Lee said his complaint is against pollution in the area and he advocates a buy out from Mobil Oil from their property to Irving Street. Also, Mr. Lee quite forcefully spoke against the L. L. Melton Y receiving funds from CDBG monies, said the tennis courts are broken down, the pool is polluted and very vocally claimed that the mayor has a conflict of interest in serving on the Melton Center Board and voting on allocations to the organization. CONSENT AGENDA The following consent agenda items were considered: Approval of the minutes of the April 8, 1997 meeting; Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 97-76 A) Authorize the settlement of a lawsuit (L. E. Johnson v. City of Beaumont) - Resolution No. 97-77 B) Approve a contract for the removal and disposal of asbestos containing material from the building located at 720 Orleans - Resolution No. 97-78 C) Authorize the acquisition of property for the FM 364/Major Drive Project - Resolution No. 97-79 Councilmember Davis moved to approve the consent agenda. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a contract for the construction of a fourteen acre landfill cell. - Deferred one week at the City Manager's request to gather additional information. 2. Consider approving a contract for the construction of the M. L. King, Jr. Subdivision as part of the revitalization of the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood. Councilmember Ames moved to approve Resolution No. 97-80 awarding a contract to Treyco Contractors, Inc. In the amount of $87,738 for development of the M. L. King, Jr. Subdivision located at the southeast corner of Sabine Pass and Flowers Street. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes;4/15/97;Page 2 3. Consider awarding contracts for janitorial services for five facilities in the Municipal Complex. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 97-81 authorizing two-year contracts with Sandra's Enterprises, Inc. to provide janitorial services for City Hall, the Police Department and Riverfront Park restrooms in the amount of$73,847.18 and with ServAll Services, Inc. in the amount of $14,892.60 for the Beaumont Public Library and the Tyrrell Historical Library for a total of $88,739.78. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider authorizing a one year lease agreement with Lamar University's Center for Industrial Fire and Hazardous Materials Training for use of the equipment and facilities at the City of Beaumont Fire/Rescue Training Center. Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 97-82 authorizing a lease agreement with Lamar University from September 1, 1997 through August 31, 1998 for use of the Fire Training Center at $20,000 per month and a service agreement for the Firefighters Training School authorizing them to receive 17% of the gross receipts. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 5. Consider authorizing the purchase of a surety bond to replace the debt service reserve fund for the Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 1992. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 97-83 authorizing purchase of a surety bond from AMBAC Indemnity Corporation for estimated total costs of$65,000 for the bond and other related fees. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes;4/15/97;Page 3 6. Consider authorizing the Police Department to apply for and accept a grant from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority titled Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force. Councilmember Smith moved to adopt Resolution No. 97-84 authorizing application for a grant in which the City of Beaumont's share is $325,905. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None OTHER BUSINESS * Discuss 1997 HUD Consolidated Grant Program, Public Service allocation City Manager Riley recapitulated that Council reviewed the preliminary budget and all of the public service requests in past workshops, and the consensus of Council that various sections for which allocations had already been received would be maintained, but that today Public Service budget allocations in the amount of $100,000 would be addressed. Also, Mr. Riley said that Council asked for an analysis of each application to determine the amounts requested for salaries, materials and supplies, and equipment of infrastructure. Tabulations of Council's request was submitted as outlined in an attached Exhibit with Finance Officer Beverly Hodges and Grant Administrator Johnny Beatty available to answer questions. Mayor Moore confirmed that at the last meeting, Council consensus was to review the $100,000 allocation for Public Service in regards to salary requests, repairs or renovation Councilmember Davis referred to the memo from Kenneth Southerland addressing Minor Rehabilitation Projects, said the CDAC made a recommendation pertaining to six houses at $30,000, stated that he could not support that amount of money because it would imbalance the budget, however, he said he thinks the intent of the CDAC was good. In the category of rehab's budget of $250,000, Councilmember Davis proposed to cut the number of houses to rehab from 50 to 25 and increase the funding from $5,000 to $10,000 each and remain within the budgeted amount. Therefore, with an increase in funding, more can be accomplished as addressed in Mr. Southerland's memo. Further discussion referred bringing structures to compliance with City codes, definition of emergency repairs, and primarily directing money to the elderly. The City Manager confirmed that the guidelines could be amended to increase the Minutes;4/15/97;Page 4 amount to $10,000 and the number of structures to 25, and if Council wishes, include provision for reference to the elderly or disabled. Speaking to the CDAC Public Service allocation recommendations, Councilmember Davis stated that his vote will be based on two criteria: salaries and repeat funding. Requests that include salaries and repeat requests funded last year will not be ones that he will support, and said he would like to see SETLIFE included in the Public Service budget. Councilmember Ames concurred with Councilmember Davis to fund SETLIFE, noted that Item 1 on the CDAC recommendation list was totally for salaries, #2 was a lot of salaries and said that she proposes to delete funding to Item 1, the Evelyn M. Lord Teen Court; adjust Item 2, Midnight Basketball League, to $18, 500; Item 3, Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, $32,000; Item 4, Southeast Texas Community Health Clinic, remain at $20,000; Item 5, Southeast Texas Food Bank, remain at $7,000; Item 6, South Park Neighborhood Association adjust to $4,000 (delete $3,000 for copier replacement) and delete Item 7, Triangle Interfaith Program (TIP), because $50,000 was given to them last year for seed money to start their program and add an allocation of$3,500 for SETLIFE, for a total of$85,000. Council concurred with Councilmember Ames and Davis' recommendations with the remaining $15,000 to be shifted to the small business revolving loan account, and Mayor Moore instructed the City Manager to proceed in that direction. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Davis invited anyone who has not already visited Collier's Ferry to do so. He said it is a marvelous park and worth the drive to see how tax dollars are being spent. Councilmember Ames said another positive happening this past weekend was to witness the pride that showed in the faces of the firemen in the new hook and ladder truck recently purchased and to know that in responding to the protection needs of the city, they have the best equipment available. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mrs. Get Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, thanked Council, especially Councilmember Davis for her appointment to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, said she has visited Collier's Ferry in an official capacity and it is very nice, said she participated in a Sunday in the Park activity and was amazed at the gentle structure of the program. Mrs. Williams said she would like to see more structured programs Minutes;4/15/97;Page 5 for the children and would like to see an area in Ward IV developed as the Sterling Pruitt Center has in Ward III. The Reverend Harlan Merriam, 2125 Rikisha, addressed Council on behalf of the Triangle Interfaith Program to ask for reconsideration of funding, to express his desire for continued partnership of the City with the religious and business communities and the schools in working with children, voiced concern about control gangs and their activity, and spoke of application of the grant monies previously received from the City to provide after school programs. Mr. Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, commended Council for their decisions concerning C D B G grants and suggested that a published list of the requests and programs to be funded would be beneficial to citizens. Mr. Benny Mendoza, 5655 South Kenneth, reported that the Avenues Neighborhood Association is working, displayed fliers printed in Spanish, English and Vietnamese that will be distributed in the neighborhood, thanked David Redmon, Jim Cline and Mr. Webb for street improvements and the addition of street lights and extended an invitation for Council to attend the next Association meeting on April 21st. Councilmember Davis complimented the efforts of the Avenues Neighborhood Association and encouraged them to continue their good work. Mrs. Paubla Ydrogo, 1590 Gilbert, echoed Mr. Mendoza's comments and said they still have problems with crime, such as the arson case on Avenue A last week, drainage and flooded ditches. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council on behalf of the Concerned Citizens and Taxpayers of America. Mr. Lee questioned why Council is ducking Public Facilities and Improvements, claimed that a candidate forum planned for the May 3rd election in which he, Mr. Flores and Mr. DeMary would serve as moderators cannot go forward because the mayor refuses to sign the proper papers and again complained about the L. L. Melton YMCA given consideration for CDBG funding, said funding should go to other organizations such as Triangle Interfaith. After making disparaging remarks about Councilmember Ames' countenance, Mr. Lee was told by Mayor Moore that improper conduct and assaults on councilmembers will not be allowed and instructed Officer Billy Blankenship to eject Mr. Lee, if he continued such behavior. Once again, Mr. Lee claimed that dollars are wasted on the L. L. Melton YMCA, said money should go to other Public Service organizations, said the pool at the Melton Y is polluted and he plans to immediately file a complaint with the Health Department. Ms. Nancy Como, 2239 8th Street, Port Neches, an employee of SETLIFE, thanked Council for consideration with CDBG funding, said that the grant last year allowed them to print and mail brochures in an educational outreach to inform people with disabilities of their services in Jefferson, Orange and Hardin Counties. Minutes;4/15197;Page 6 Ms. Sandra Thomas, 2035 Potts, addressed Council as a single, fixed-income parent and volunteer at Blanchette Elementary School to say she believes some programs for children merit being funded over and over because of the impact they have on the lives of children and said they cannot operate without outside funding. She further addressed a need for additional playground equipment because there are only two swings at Liberia Park, reiterated her beliefs for after school program funding and said she stands for children. Mr. Tommy Wiltz, 2915 Edmonds, addressed Council to speak about not having uniforms for sports teams sponsored by the L. L. Melton Y, children moving into the Pear Orchard neighborhood needing educational, athletic and social opportunities. Mr. Wiltz expressed concern about children receiving an education and avoiding entrance into one of the correctional facilities on U. S. 69. Mr. Roberto Flores, 2425 Buchanan, quoted Elaine Goodman's statement about commitment to after school programs, said that most juvenile crime is not committed late at night, but between 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., spoke on behalf of the Triangle Interfaith program, said that perhaps a mind set needs to be changed regarding repeat funding of certain programs and that no one stands taller than when bending to help a child. Mayor Moore said that he intentionally waited to comment until now. He said that he began today's meeting by speaking about Jackie Robinson and Tiger Woods, not just because they represent the minority community, but because they were focused on a dream and made it happen. They created realities because they were focused. Mayor Moore explained to the audience that they may have difficulty embracing the vision of the future with this Council because they probably will never see the funds that are pending. He said that last year $50,000 was committed to the Triangle Interfaith Project with full knowledge that this was seed money for a one-time pilot program that would allow the group to go into the community to approach all concerned parents, well-wishers, and business owners to solicit support. He said that government supported programs only continue to carry the burden, never make progress or empower what people are intended to do on an on-going basis. He spoke about previous partnerships with B I S D and after school programs, said research has revealed that some after school programs are financed differently than what is being requested and reaffirmed that the City of Beaumont has kept its commitment and now is the time for all concerned parents to step forward. Also, Mayor Moore said a lot of comments have been made about the Melton Y and encouraged everyone to take time to visit the Y and see how they may personally change or help create a structure or facility for community use. Mayor Moore addressed the accusation that he has a conflict of interest with the Melton Y by stating that last year Council did not allocate CDBG funds to the Melton Y, the Council has not voted to give money to the Y, but is committed to consider making that area somewhat equitable to the north end of Beaumont and then move that type of innovation throughout all the city for all children. He said the Sterling Pruitt Center Minutes;4/15/97;Page 7 is a wonderful addition to our community, that Council is going to work to make the south end Salvation Army facility and the L. L. Melton YMCA better, but can only do so with the cooperation of the public sector. He said there is a lot of work to be done, spoke of public trust and doing what is best for all children in every sector of the community. Mayor Moore asked the public to join with Council by contributing ideas and volunteer services, stated that there is not enough money available for every program and asked that next week when the Council vote is taken, citizens come and leave with the spirit that what is being done is for the betterment of Beaumont. EXECUTIVE SESSION *Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Danise Wallace-Bill et al v. City of Beaumont - Not considered There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m. CL-c-�0A10 �b� Mayor David W. Moore r Patrice Fogarty, y Cler Minutes;4/15/97;Page 8 CDAC RECOMMENDED PUBLIC SERVICE ALLOCATION CDAC Operating Repairs and Public Service Agency Recom." Salaries Supplies&Equip. Renovations Other Uveraging of Funds 1 I'.vclyn M.1 ord Teen Court 14,240.00 14,240.00 N/A N/A N/A The program's licensed professional counselor's annual salary is$28,480. The S 14,240 requested represents half of the counselor's annual salary. The Counselor will donate 501*of his time to the program. 2 Midnight Basketball League 20,000.00 32,770.00 18,256.00 N/A N/A The director's personal funds($14,000)was used to get the program up and running over a two year period. Approximately$32,000 of volunteer time was donated to the program by the director,six coaches,two referees,an off duty sheriff and a Beaumont Police Officer. 3 Salvation Army Boys&Girls Club 40,000.00 26,000.00 17,300.00 12,500.00 4,200.00 The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club need$25,000 of CDBG funds in order to (transportation) receive a$25,000 match from the Boys and Girls Club of America. The Salvation Army will add an additional$7,000 to the Teen Center project. The total dollars will amount to$57,500. 4 Southeast Texas Community Health Clinic 20,000.00 N/A N/A N/A 20,000.00 Local physicians donate their time to work at the clinic. The clinic also receives public (malpractice ins.) donations,and a nominal fee of$10.00 from low income patients. H H 5 Southeast Texas Food Bank 7,000.00 N/A 4,000.00 3,000.00 N/A The program receives donations from the public. Transit Mix will donate the material (}:1 a. $3,000 for warehouse floor to renovate the floor and the contractors will donate their time. H b. $4,000 for seeds and fertilizer X W 6 South Park Neighborhood Association 7,000.00 N/A 7,000.00 N/A N/A In order to generate interest in the housing stock and new construction in the South Park a. $4,000 for buyer certification program area,the program is designed as a marketing program. The South Park Neighborhood b. $3,000 for the replacement of copier Association provides funds through donations from its members,volunteer hours and fundraisers. 7 Triangle Interfaith Program(TIP) 75,000.00 75,000.00 NIA N/A N/A The after school program sponsored by BISD will donate approximately$5,000 of volunteer time,approximately$22,500 of priority grant monies from the schools and approximately$6,000 for building maintenance and utility costs. The total dollar amount is$33,500. The Triangle Interfaith Organization prepared the application in con'unction with BISD. • When the amount of funding was appropriated,the CDAC did not specify any particular designation to salaries or any other line item. CITY OF BEAUMONT INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Beverly Hodges, Finance Officer FROM: Kenneth Southerland, Housing Program Specialist SUBJECT: Minor Rehabilitation Projects (Formally Emergency Rehabilitation) April 11, 1996 COMMENTS: The information detailed below illustrates the past and current minor rehabilitation projects that have been completed with a breakdown as to how many projects were completed and at what cost. All program years have been closed except our current one, which is still active. # of Projects Year Completed Total Cost 1992 6 31,458.30 1993 2 10,000.00 1994 17 78,367.00 1995 26 120,630.00 1996 23 114,873.00 1 997 18 90,000.00 In Progress 4 20,000.00 Most of the rehabs were roof repairs or replacement. There were various items replaced on these homes as each home has different needs. The items replaced on these homes are considered emergency items. A detailed list of these items with cost estimates are attached. The cost estimates are based on a house of 1,000 square feet (sq. ft.). All prices include parts, labor and a one (1) year warranty guarantee from the contractor. All fisted ite._ are considered to be health and safety items. The priorities of a house are dictated by the condition of the house. For example, if a house has a leaking roof and needs complete electrical, normally the roof would be replaced first. We could have ten (10) houses that need work. The attached fist could be the proper order in which the items are needed at the first house and the next nine (9) could be completely different. An inspection on each home determines specifications for work to be done based on the safety and health of the home owner. We also take into consideration, the request of the home owner. Often, the requests are the same. When there occurs a difference between the home owner request and City recommendation, the welfare of the home owner is the determining factor. The differing needs and sizes dictate the amount of repairs and cost. Due to the age and condition of the house, it is often necessary to replace the electrical and the plumbing at the same time. These two items cannot be completed for $5,000.00 unless the house is extremely small The attachment shows, for example, these two items cost $6,000.00 for a 1,000 square foot house. We currently do as many repairs to a home as $5,000.00 will allow. If this amount were increased, items such as the electrical and plumbing could be rehabilitated when needed. The current priority for qualified projects is simply a first-come, first-serve basis. To qualify a home owner must provide a deed to the house as proof of ownership; tax certificate showing no outstanding taxes; total income within low-to-moderate range; and proof of fire insurance up to the amount of rehab. There has been a steady increase in building materials for several years now. Normally the cost of materials go slightly down during the winter and increase during the summer. More recently, the prices of materials have not decreased. Periodically prices are checked at local lumber yards to keep up with rising costs. There has been approximately a 67% increase in the cost of building materials during the last five (5) years. We expect higher prices within the next few weeks. Specifications for each job are reviewed before they go out for bid, as well as follow up with the home owner. This contact with the homeowner is to explain what and why we are proposing these specifications and answer any other questions that may arise. MINOR REHAB The following items are recommended for minor repairs. All items cannot be repaired on each house, but are prioritized as to home owner needs. The following items have cost estimates based on a 1,000 sq. ft. house. A house with more or less square footage will vary in cost accordingly. ELECTRICAL(Complete) $3,000.00 (*Note at bottom of page) PLUMBING(Complete) $3,000.00 (*Note at bottom of page) HVAC (Heating) $1,970.00 HVAC(Cooling) $1,450.00 (Proof of health requirement needed) ROOF (w/Decking) $2,557.50 ROOF (wo/Decking) $1,650.00 WINDOWS (ea.) $ 110.00 EXTERIOR DOOR ASSY. w/Storm Door $ 675.00 (Includes all locks and hardware) FOUNDATION LEVEL(Complete) $3,630.00 (Pier and beam only) EXTERIOR SIDING(Repair Complete) $ 451.00 (Large variance from house to house) EXTERIOR SIDING (Paint Complete) $ 727.00 PORCH(Replace w/Wood)(6' x 6') $ 440.00 (Includes painting) PORCH STEPS (Concrete)w/Handrails $ 220.00 WHEELCHAIR RAMP (Complete) $1,500.00 BATHROOM(Complete 5.3'x Tx 8) $1,395.00 (Includes vanity w/top) KITCHEN (Complete 11.7'x 14' x 8D $3,550.00 (Includes wall &base cabinets) * Note: Some homes are constructed in a manner to require the removal of sheetrock in order to rewire and replumb the home. When this is the case, the cost for those services increases and therefore,the above referenced prices would be adjusted accordingly. INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM CITY OF BEAUMONT, TX TO: Mayor and Coucilmembers FROM: Kyle Hayes, Assistant to the City Manager SUBJECT: Clearance and Demolition DATE: April 9, 1997 As you are aware, the City has acquired from the Beaumont Independent School District the Giles School Property, Dowling Middle School Property, Edwards Elementary School Property, and the former BISD Administration Building. In the preliminary budget of the 1997 HUD Consolidated Grant Program, $200,000 is appropriated towards abating the asbestos in the four buildings and demolishing three of them. Nearly a year ago, Safety, Inc. of Nederland completed an asbestos audit report of the sites. Below is a status report relating to the projected costs at this time. Our first priority would be to abate and demolish the former Giles School which is bound by Elgie Street, Chaison Avenue, Church Street, and Avenue A in the south end. The estimated cost for asbestos abatement is$91,000. Bids will be opened for this contract on Monday, April 14. Based on the square footage, we anticipate the cost of demolishing this structure to be approximately$70,000. The Edwards Elementary School Property located in the north end is surrounded by Galveston Avenue, Filmore Street, Wilson Street and Buffalo Avenue. The projected cost for asbestos abatement is $135,000 and another$40,000 to demolish the structure. The cost to abate the asbestos at the former Dick Dowling School located at 1400 North Street is projected to cost $90,000. The cost of demolition would be approximately $70,000. The projected cost to abate the asbestos in the former BISD Administration Building located at 308 Neches is $45,000. We anticipate using this building for storage or another adaptive use. If Council approves the preliminary budget, we will move forward with the asbestos abatement and demolition of the former.Giles School. After completion of the Giles School, we will be in a better position to project our future costs before beginning work on the Edwards property. In the 1997 preliminary HUD Consolidated Grant Program(CDBG), $100,000 is appropriated for the removal of residential structures. According to the Finance Department's financial records, the following amounts were expended for the demolition of dangerous structures in previous grant years. Grant Year Residential Commercial Total 1993 $168,500 $90,845 $259,345 1994 $150,000 $91,074 $241,074 1995 $145,072 $ 6,025 $151,097 1996 $ 53,721 --------- $ 53,721 The demolition program is currently operating on funds allocated from the 1996 grant year. A total of$80,000 was programmed for clearance and demolition of residential structures last year. Approximately 47 residential structures have been removed at a cost of$53,721. This equates to an average cost per structure of$1,143. Approximately$26,279 of the 1996 allocation is currently available. Of this, $6,810 is encumbered for the removal of six structures, leaving a remaining balance of$19,469. We have an inventory of approximately 500 residential structures which need to be demolished.