HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APRIL 08 1997 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUM®NT
Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Andrew P.Cokinos,Mayor Pro Tern
Guy N. Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames
John K. Davis APRIL 8, 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 8, 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 Cokinos called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. The Reverend Bob Arnold,
Northwood Christ Church, gave the invocation. Mr. Andre' Cokinos, nephew of Mayor Pro Tem
Cokinos, led the pledge of allegiance.
Present at the meeting were: Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Goodson, 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.
Six proclamations were issued: "Public Health Week," April 7-13, 1997; "Parkinson's Disease Day,"
April 11, 1997; "Child Abuse Prevention Month," April, 1977; "Alcohol Awareness Month," April,
1997; "Boys and Girls Club Week," April 6-12, 1997; and a proclamation commemorating the "49th
Neches River Festival."
Citizens were invited to comment on the consent and main agendas. No one wished to address
these topics.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following consent agenda items were considered:
* Approval of the minutes of a special meeting (public hearing) held March 24, 1997, and the
regular meeting held April 1, 1997;
Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made
A) Approve a contract for structural support work for the new air conditioning units at the
Civic Center - Resolution No. 97-74
Councilmember Goodson moved to approve the consent agenda.
Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Goodson,
Ames, Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider amending Section 26-24 of the Code of Ordinances relating to school
zones (Blanchette Street, east and west, from a point 100 feet east of the centerline
of 6th Street to a point 50 feet west of the centerline of Condon Street).
Councilmember Patterson moved to adopt Ordinance No. 97-21
ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 26-24 OF THE CODE O
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO AMEND SCHEDULE A IN SCHOOL
ZONES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND
PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Goodson,
Ames, Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
2. Consider approving a contract for the construction of site improvements at the Julie
Rogers Theater.
Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Resolution No. 97-75
authorizing a contract with Treyco Contractors, Inc. in the amount of
$208,472.48 for construction of site improvements at the Julie Rogers
Theater that include sidewalks, storm sewer drain system, grading roof
drain system, electric conduit and a parking lot. Councilmember Ames
seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Goodson,
Ames, Davis, and Patterson
Noes: None
Minutes;4/8/97;Page 2
OTHER BUSINESS
* Discuss 1997 HUD Consolidated Grant Program, Annual Budget
City Manager Riley updated Council on the CDBG program by stating that it is a
grant administered by the City from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. He said that in past years there were three components of the grant
that have been consolidated and are now three budgets are considered
simultaneously, instead of at three separate times during the year. The largest
component to the Consolidated Grant Program is Community Development Block
Grant. This year the City will receive about $2,288,000 from the federal government
for distribution through this program. In addition, there will be Program Income of
about $170,000 to be reprogrammed and the HOME Program, related to
construction of homes, financial support for first-time home buyers, and site
improvements, that will be about $726,000. He said the third component is the
Emergency Shelter Grant for$60,000. The total for consideration in this preliminary
budget is $3,244,000. Mr. Riley said that Council began the process in a February
workshop that reviewed how funds were actually spent in 1996 and then established
a preliminary budget: under CDBG, $440,000 for Housing; $300,000 for Clearance
and Demolition; $835,000 for Public Facility & Improvement; $100,000 for Public
Service (programs outside those of the City of Beaumont); $238,000 for Economic
Development; $375,000 for administration of the program; $170,000 from Program
Income reallocated to the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund and the Historic
Preservation Loan Fund; $726,000 for HOME Funds; and $60,000 for the Emergency
Shelter Grant. Since that initial workshop, Mr. Riley said several public workshops
were conducted during February, the Community Development Advisory Committee
has met several times and have submitted their recommended amendments. Last
week Council was presented with all the information that has been conducted during
the first part of the year, and Mr. Riley said it is now appropriate for Council to
consider individual categories, formally adopt them in a future meeting and then
submit them to the Department of Urban Housing and Development in order to
commence the budget approximately by mid June. In reply to questions raised last
week, Mr. Riley asked Finance Officer Beverly Hodges to explain the financial and
operational reports and required audits for proper administration of these funds and
the cash flow procedure.
To give a true picture of fund monitoring, Mrs. Hodges reported that the City operates
on a reimbursement basis from HUD. No funds are drawn until the money is spent.
The same procedure is observed for subrecipients. Until invoices are received for
money actually spent, no processing is made. Actual receipts must be submitted and
requests thoroughly and properly prepared. She said the City does an audit of the
records in addition to internal monitoring at the time of payment request. Since the
City funds the request and then is reimbursed by HUD, all precaution is taken to
insure reimbursement. Basically, relative to cash flow, the City is actually floating
payments for a period of time out of the concentration account. In monthly reports
received by Council, Mrs. Hodges pointed out that the funds indicate a negative
Minutes;4/8/97;Page 3
balance. She explained that those are the ones in the concentration account,
particularly the general fund, carry until reimbursements are received. All grants are
on a reimbursement basis; no funds are given in advance.
Councilmember Goodson questioned if any significant problem has arisen with our
single audit in recent years. Mrs. Hodges explained that the federal audit is
somewhat different than a regular audit. She said the materiality threshold
significant enough to report is zero. If one penny is out of place, not necessarily
disallowed, but not proven, a report is made. She said there have been minor
comments in the past, but nothing of a significant nature. On reports, the auditors
will usually state that comments are not material, but because it's federal money any
irregularity must be noted and reported. The City Manager expanded that the City
has always been reimbursed and explained the conditions under which monies may
be expended within proper categories.
Further explanation revealed that the City has been audited by the Fort Worth HUD
office periodically, our monitoring methods reviewed and the opinion is that
Beaumont has an excellent draw down rate. Council complimented the Finance
Officer and Staff.
Mr. Riley reported to Council that the Regional Office of the Department of Housing
and Development in Fort Worth notified the City of Beaumont that the Charlton
Pollard project has been nominated by them for special recognition for exemplary
results through our redevelopment program.
Council reviewed the 1997 Consolidated Grant Program preliminary budget, the
Community Development Advisory Committee Recommended Amendments to the
1997 HUD Consolidated Grant Program, the 1997 Public Service Funding
Recommendations and an expanded summary description of the CDAC
recommended Public Service Allocations as shown in the Exhibit.
Councilmember Davis made a statement to fellow councilmembers regarding
conflicts of interest being a poor choice to lobby. He said the law says that if one is
with a non-profit organization, one may participate in the process. Councilmember
Davis said he is not a Board of Director member for the L. L. Melton YMCA. He said
that at the request of Councilmember Patterson, Mayor Moore and Norman Bellard,
he provided some leadership during a period last year and fully supports the YMCA.
He firmly stated that he has not violated any law, and the information stated earlier
is incorrect. He reviewed some of the operation of the L. L. Melton YMCA and it's
contribution to the community.
Council discussion included: receipt of Public Service grant applications in the
amount of $2.8 million with only the ability to fund $100,000 to very worthwhile
projects, intensive rehabilitation at $30,000 versus new construction for $25,000,
specifying rehab to selected structures, consideration of minor rehabs at $5,000 each
or 25 at $10,000, new construction of the Sterling Pruitt Center, the Elmo Willard
Minutes;4/8/97;Page 4
Library and Collier's Ferry that provide enhancement opportunities for youth, salaries
and administration expenses, clearance and demolition funds, public service
allocations, consideration of reviewing a past report and plan showing need for
$200,000 for demolition and clearance of the four school sites, advantages of
removing dilapidates structures, educating community of CDBG procedures and
governmental regulations, possibly review funding of the Melton Center and the claim
that it is accessibe only for privileged, support of BUILD, Inc.'s assistance in
revitalizing the downtown area, the role of a CHDO, discussed economic
development and job creation by the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund and the
Historic Preservation Loan Fund, the addition of the Liberty-Laurel Corridor and the
M. L. King, Jr. Parkway, a desire to attract businesses to locate on the Parkway, the
importance of the Charlton-Pollard revitalization and the catalyst it has become, a
desire that this program represent the most needy of the community, evaluation of
repeat funding of agencies and many requests that remain unassisted because of
budget restraints, and a request that Staff bring back this item in workshop for
consideration when a full Council is available to discuss the public service budget,
housing rehab and clearance and demolition budgets, salaries and other particulars.
COMMENTS
* Councilmembers comment on various matters
Councilmember Ames congratulated the Feed the Hungry Food Fest held yesterday
at the Green Beanery. Members of Council, the Police and Fire Chiefs and other
dignitaries of the community served as waiters. Proceeds will be used to feed the
hungry through local agencies.
Councilmember Goodson recounted that the 1997 Spring Sweep sponsored by Keep
Beaumont Beautiful was held last Saturday, said that Mayor Moore and
Councilmember Smith served as moderators for the "Making the District Stakeholder
Friendly Program" held for the B I S D District Staff Development Day at Westbrook
Senior High School in an effort to enhance the rapport between parents, students
and school officials. He reported that Councilmember Smith said they divided into
8 to 10 discussion groups and the participants left with a very positive and uplifting
feeling. Also, Councilmember Goodson announced that tonight Jefferson County
has scheduled an informational meeting at the John Gray Institute at Lamar
University with the Texas Department of Commerce to discuss Enterprise Zones.
* Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes)
Mr. Clarence R. Francois, principal at French Elementary School, 1900 Pope Street,
addressed Council to express appreciation for the City of Beaumont's sponsorship
of an extended day program for students. Mr. Francois reviewed the program, said
Minutes;4/8/97;Page 5
it was very successful, compared the cost of housing prison inmates to operation of
this educational program, and solicited future funding of this program.
Mrs. Carolyn Brown, 5820 Tyrrell Park Road, addressed Council as a parent,
volunteer of Blanchette Elementary School's pilot after school program and
representative for the Triangle Interfaith Project. She thanked the CDAC for
recommending funding of the recreation enrichment portion of after school programs
and three of Triangle Interfaith's eight alliance schools. She explained the program
and spoke of the efficiency of the schools and requested that the recommendation
be amended to include all eight schools.
Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council on behalf of the Concerned Citizens
and Taxpayers of America to voice support of the after school program, said he has
signed a contract with the Beaumont Housing Authority to become a youth director
and that program will be a model and claimed that certain Councilmembers have a
conflict of interest in voting on CDBG allocations because they serve on the Board
of Directors for the L. L. Melton YMCA. He reviewed past and present requests from
the Melton Y, complained about the amount of funding, the services provided and
fees to use the facility. He further addressed Council conflict of interest and
accountability of CDBG funding.
Mr. Tony Sacker, 4695 Elmherst, addressed Council to compliment Public Works
Director Tom Warner for installation of a left turn arrow at the intersection of
Delaware and Dowlen Road and to complain of advertising signs posted illegally on
telephone posts on Dowlen Road and to review the penalties for the offense as
published in the Code of Ordinances.
Mr. Woodrow Reece, 1635 Roberts, addressed Council in support of community
activities for teens on weekends and during the summer. He suggested that Council
utilize City facilities such as Fair Park and the Civic Center for activities so that
young people will not feel intimidated by officials as they do at Tyrrell Park. He
further discussed his views about adults providing activities in which the youth could
vent their frustrations.
Mr. Buddy Hebert, 295 North Parkway Drive, addressed Council in support of funding
requests of the South Park Neighborhood Association, specifically for the Police Sub-
Station, and explained that the Sub-Station is primarily volunteer operated.
Mr. Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, addressed Council in support of Clearance and
Demolition funding, said it is important to the economic survival of Beaumont, cited
structures in the South Park area that need to be removed because they are
detrimental to community safety and the appearance of the neighborhood, and
distributed copies of the Citizens on Patrol Summary Report for police calls
dispatched during March, 1997, throughout the city.
Minutes;4/8/97;Page 6
Mrs. Dee Lukeman, 170 South Parkway Drive, director of the Salvation Army Boys
and Girls Club, addressed Council to agree with a previous speaker that teens are
important and a crucial part of the workshop proposal that Council will consider. Mrs.
Lukeman explained that matching funds from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America
will be available, if the City approves their request for support of the teen centers.
She said two centers will be opened this year to provide opportunities for teens from
14 to 18 years of age in the evenings and weekends. Also, 20 teens will work in the
club building teen leaders and asked for Council support of their request.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
*Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to
discuss contemplated or pending litigation:
Janell Johnson v. City of Beaumont
Danise Wallace-Bill et al v. City of Beaumont
L. E. Johnson v. City of Beaumont
Claim of Jackie Scott-Bodah
There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:40 p.m. to reconvene in executive
session.
U<
Mayor Pro Tem Andrew P. Cokinos
Patrice Fogarty, i Cler
Minutes;4/8/97;Page 7
City of Beaumont
801 Main City of Beh mont P.O. ox 827Robm 320 Fax:(409)8808-30712 89
Beaumont.TX 77704
M�7Mrandum
To: Ray A. Riley, City Manager
From: Beverly P.Hodges, Finance Off cerR---)
Date: Friday,April 04, 1997
Subject: 1997 HUD Consolidated Grant
The following attachments have been prepared to provide the City Council with
a concise overview of the 1997 preliminary budget and subsequent recommendations of
the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC). We have presented an
expanded summary description of the Public Service Allocations that were
recommended by the CDAC. _
The order of the attachments are as follows:
❖ 1997 HUD Consolidated Grant Program preliminary budget(with 1996 actual
comparisons)
❖ Letter from the CDAC Vice Chair, Daniel Clark
❖ CDAC recommended amendments
❖ The revised 1997 Public Service Funding Recommendations (lists only those
recommended)
❖ An expanded summary description of the CDAC recommended Public
Service Allocations
Cheryl Chambers will accompany me to the workshop as Johnny Beatty will be
out of the office that day. We will be prepared to assist or answer questions as inquiries
are made and will have on hand the complete proposals as a resource.
"EXHIBIT"
1997
HUE 'ONSOLIDATED GRANT PR; j'RAM
PRELIMINARY BUDGET
CDBG 1996 1997
HOUSING Actual Prelim.
Housing Rehab (50 minor rehab @ $5,000) $ 240,000 $ 250,000
Site Acquisition & Development 160,000 150,000
Habitat For Humanity -Administration 40,000 40,000
CLEARANCE AND DEMOLITION
Residential (100 houses) 80,000 100,000
Four School Sites - 200,000
PUBLIC FACILITY & IMPROVEMENT
Pruitt Center (Final Payment) 485,000 485,000
Charlton-Pollard Park - Property Acquisition - 150,000
Melton YMCA Gymnasium 136,000 200,000
Elmo R. Wiiliard Branch Library 600,000 -
PUBLIC SERVICE 120,000 100,000
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Small Business Revolving Loan Fund 75,000 144,000
Historic Preservation Loan Fund - 20,000
BUILD, Inc. 20,000 24,000
Charlton-Pollard Economic Development - 50,000
ADMINISTRATION 375,000 375,000
TOTAL CDBG 2,331,000 2,288,000
PROGRAM INCOME
Small Business Revolving Loan Fund 150,000 150,000
Historic Preservation Loan Fund 20,000 20,000
TOTAL PROGRAM INCOME 170,000 170,000
HOME 743,000 726,000
ESG (Emergency Shelter Grant)
Salvation Army Homeless Assistance 60,000 60,000
TOTAL 1997 PRELIMINARY BUDGET $ 32304,000 $ 3,244,000
TO: The Honorable David Moore, Mayor
The City of Beaumont
FROM: Daniel Clark, Vice Chair
CDBG Advisory Committee
DATE: March 19, 1997
SUBJECT: CDAC Advisory Committee Budget Recommendations
After much examination and deliberation regarding the proposed CDBG budget for 1997, the
Advisory Committee makes its recommendation for your approval. A copy is attached.
The Advisory Committee, in conjunction with the CDBG staff, held two (2) public hearings. The
first meeting had a record attendance. Input from the public was received and questions
answered.
The committee held four workshops on the budget which totaled approximately seven hours. Our
committee's requests and needs were professionally fulfilled by Mr. Johnny Beatty and
Mrs. Cheryl Chambers.
Our recommendation represents full participation by members present. We respectfully request
your approval.
Respectfully yours.
immunity Development Advisor ;ommittee
Recommended Amendments to the
1997 HUD Consolidated Grant Program
• Housing - Increase rehab to $430,000 by adding $180,000 for conventional intensive
rehab in the Charlton-Pollard area. (6 units @ $30,000)
• Public Service - Increase to $191,000 by adding $91,000 for selected service
organizations. Summaries of recommended applications for funding are attached.
• Clearance and Demolition - Reduce from $300,000 to $100,000 by deleting $200,000
proposed for four school sites.
• Public Facility and Improvement - Reduce funding for Melton YMCA Gymnasium by
$21,000 from $200,000 to $179,000.
• Economic Development - Delete S50,000 funding for Charlton-Pollard economic
development.
1997 PUBLIC SERVICE
CO' `UNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISOF COMMITTEE
FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Amount CDAC
Requested Recom.
1. Evelyn M. Lord Teen Court 14,240.00 14,240.00
2. Midnight Basketball League 51,026.00 20,000.00
3. The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs 60,000.00 40,000.00
4. Southeast Texas Community Health Clinic 40,000.00 20,000.00
5. Southeast Texas Food Bank 7,000.00 7,000.0o
6. South Park Neighborhood Association 7,000.00 7,000.00
7. Triangle Interfaith Project 250,000.00 75,000.00
TOTAL $ 429,266.00 $ 183,240.00
1997 PUB",, SERVICE GRANT APPLICATION-
1. Evelyn M. Lord Teen Court
Funds will be used for a licensed Professional Counselor who will work with
teen offenders in order to promote responsible behavior. The $14,240
represents half of the counselor's annual salary. The Board recommended
(by a majority vote) to fund the program at the requested level of funding. $ 14,240.00
2. Midnight Basketball League
Funds will be used for salaries and operational expenses for an athletic
program that also provides educational and employment training for youth
from low to moderate income families. The Board decided to fund the
program at $20,000 in hopes that funding could be obtained elsewhere. 20,000.00
3. The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs
Funds will be used for operational costs and salaries for a new teen center.
Funds will also be used for the renovations of the Boys & Girls Club at
1415 Pennsylvania. Initially the Board recommended funding at $60,000.
However, in order to satisfy the $191,000 line item voted on by the Board,
the previous recommendation (by a majority vote ) was reduced by $20,000. 40,000.00
4. Southeast Texas Community Health Clinic
Funds will be used to assist in paying malpractice insurance for part-time
physicians who treat indigent patients who have no access to primary care.
The Board initially recommended $40,000. After a brief discussion and in
order to satisfy the $191,000 public service line item voted on by the Board,
the previous recommendation (by a majority vote) was reduced by $20,000. 20,000.00
5. Southeast Texas Food Bank
Funds will be used for the repair of the warehouse floor and the purchase of
seeds and fertilizers to grow fresh produce. The Board recommended
(by a majority vote) to fund the program at the requested level of funding. 7,000.00
6. South Park Neighborhood Association
Funds will be used for the rental or purchase of laminated equipment, installation
of a dedicated phone line and answering machine, copying and office supplies,
and advertising in an effort to persuade low to moderate income families to
purchase homes in the South Park Neighborhood. A second request to
replace the copier in the South Park Police Sub-Station because of the
extensive repair bills was also submitted. The Board recommended (by a
majority vote) to fund the two programs at the requested level of funding. 7,000.00
7. Triangle Interfaith Project
Funds will be used for an after school educational and recreational
program in eight schools located in the CDBG strategy area. The
Board recommended (by a majority vote) to fund three out of the eight
school sites requested in the application. The school sites are
Blanchette, French, and Dunbar. 75,000.00
TOTAL $ 183,240.00