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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MARCH 18 1997 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMON ' Lulu L.Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Andrew P.Cokinos,Mayor Pro Tem Guy N.Goodson CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames John K.Davis MARCH 18, 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 March 18, 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. The Reverend Donald Frank, Sr., Cathedral of Faith Associate Pastor, gave the invocation. Boy Scouts from Troop 85 working on their Citizenship in the Community Badge, John Wells, Clay Thomason, Peyton Pemberton and Will Goodson, led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, 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. Three proclamations were issued: "Mental Retardation Week," March 17-21, 1997; "Inhalant Prevention and Awareness Week," March 17-21, 1997; and "Absolutely Incredible Kid Day," March 20, 1997. Plant Manager Tom Moeller presented a check in the amount of$357,000 from Mobil Oil to be used to stock the new Elmo Willard Library and provide additional books for the other libraries. Mr. Moeller recalled Mobil's association with the city since 1903, when Mobil Oil was Magnolia Oil Refinery. He referenced that 50% of their employees live in Beaumont, over 300 are Lamar University graduates and his keen interest in education, especially through the library system. Mr. Moeller credited City Manager Ray Riley with the idea of using Mobil's contribution to stock the Elmo Willard Library and add to the books at other libraries. With the assistance of Community Services Director Maurine Gray and Kathleen G. Jackson, public information officer for Mobil, books were presented to Councilmembers, the City Manager and City Attorney. Mayor Moore received a Dr. Suess book entitled, "Horton Hears a Hoo"; Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos (because of his interest in the oil industry)-.'Let's Go to an Oil Rig"; Councilmember Ames (administrator for a retirement center) —"Grandpa's Face"; Councilmember Smith (a physician) -- a "Science Fair Book on the Human Body'; Councilmember Goodson (an attorney) -- "United States Supreme Court"; Councilmember Davis (a leader in promotion of minority rights) -- "Great African Americans in Civil Rights"; Councilmember Patterson (who won her council seat by one vote) -- "I'm the Best;" City Manager Riley -- "The City We Live In"; and City Attorney Lane Nichols (for one concerned with fairness and objectivity) -- "Davy Crockett." Mayor Moore and Councilmembers Cokinos, Ames, Smith, Goodson, Davis and Patterson individually expressed appreciation to Mobil Oil and their personnel for their great corporate efforts in the community, not only with this very significant monetary gift, but for their personal community involvement. They complimented the City Manager for his very wise suggestion to use Mobil's gift to the City of Beaumont for the libraries. Citizens were invited to comment on the consent and main agenda items. No one wished to address these items. CONSENT AGENDA The following consent agenda items were considered: Approval of the minutes of the March 4, 1997 meeting; Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution No. 97-47 A) Approval of purchases 1)Authorize the purchase of stacking chairs for use at the City's Harvest Club from Sysco Food Service in the amount of$29,676.20 - Resolution No. 97-48 2)Authorize the purchase of a hydraulic fusion machine for use in the Water Utilities Department, Sewer Maintenance Division from Secor in the amount of$22,584.32 - Resolution No. 97-49 3) Authorize the purchase of an uninterruptible power source to protect the City's AS/400 computer system from Wesco Distribution in the amount of$20,053.00 - Resolution No. 97-50 4) Authorize the purchase of toilet compartments for the Fair Park Coliseum restrooms from Gulf Coast Specialties, Inc. In the amount of$15,411.60 - Resolution No. 97-51 B) Approval of lease and interlocal agreements 1) Authorize the execution of a lease agreement with the Young Men's Business League (YMBL) that will commence April 1, 1997 and end March 31, 2002 - Resolution No. 97-52 Minutes;3/18/97;Page 2 2)Authorize the execution of a one year interlocal agreement with Jefferson County relating to the establishment of a joint airborne law enforcement unit - Resolution No. 97-53 C) Approval of property acquisitions 1)Authorize the acquisition of property for the FM 364/Major Drive Project, Parcel 63 (0.213 acre out of the Charles Williams Survey, Abstract No. 59) from Texas Conference Association of Seventh Day Adventist for$12,095- Resolution No. 97- 54 2) Authorize acceptance of property for the Charlton Pollard Neighborhood Revitalization Project, 720 Powell Street (47 feet by 52 feet, Tract 122, City Plat F in the David Brown Survey) from Antionette Maybou - Resolution No. 97-55 D) Authorize the settlement of a claim - The claim of Marissa Faytaren settled in the amount of$6,250 - Resolution No. 97-56 E) Authorize the release of weed liens -Accept $500 on behalf of Magnolia Cemetery for release of weed liens on property described as the East Fifty-four feet of Lot One in Block Eleven of the North Addition (790 Elm) - Resolution No. 97-57 Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos moved to approve the consent agenda. Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider adopting an amendatory ordinance naming Amelia Elementary the Polling place for Precinct 86. Ordinance No. 97-15 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 97-7 WHICH CALLED THE GENERAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT FOR THE 3RD DAY OF MAY, 1997,BY PROVIDING A MAXIMUM OF FIVE(5)CLERKS AT EACH ELECTION PRECINCT AND PROVIDING THAT PRECINCT 86 WILL VOTE WITH PRECINCT 27 AT AMELIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Councilmember Ames moved to adopt Ordinance No. 97-15. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;3/18/97;Page 3 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider authorizing the execution of a financing agreement for the purchase of a fire truck. Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 97-58 authorizing a five-year financing agreement with Capital City Leasing, Inc. In the amount of 100 basis points below the yield of the 6 3/8% Coupon Treasury Note maturing March, 2001. Councilmember Ames seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 3. Consider approving Change Order Number One and authorizing final payment to the contractor for the Major Drive Utility Improvements Contract. Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos moved to adopt Resolution No. 97-59 authorizing Change Order No. 1 in the amount of$58,636.94 to reflect quantities used for additional water and sewer mains and final payment in the amount of $75,905.02 to Brystar Contracting, Inc. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 4. Consider authorizing the purchase of software modules for use in the Public Works Department and Finance Department. Councilmember Ames moved to adopt Resolution No. 97-60 authorizing purchase of three software modules from HTE, Inc. In the amount of $79,000, which includes 17 days of on-site training. Councilmember Davis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes;3/18/97;Page 4 5. Consider authorizing the purchase of an ambulance for use in the Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS). Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos moved to adopt Resolution No. 97-61 authorizing purchase of a 1997 Ford chassis equipped with a Frazer Type I generator powered ambulance body from Frazer, Inc. in the amount of $77,900. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 6. Consider authorizing the execution of a lease agreement with Allright Beaumont Company for parking services at City facilities. Council questions and discussion included the percentage of gross receipts for parking received by the City, cost effectiveness of contracting the service versus using City employees, parking lot sites, instructing Allright employees not to charge citizens utilizing other city facilities that the contracted event and vehicles being towed off lots. Councilmember Goodson moved to adopt Resolution No. 97-62 authorizing a two-year lease with Allright Beaumont Company beginning April 1, 1997 and expiring March 31, 1999. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Smith, Goodson, Ames, Davis, and Patterson Noes: None 7. Consider authorizing the acquisition of real property for the Jane's Gully Project at Major Drive. Councilmember Cokinos moved to adopt Resolution No. 97-63 authorizing purchase of a 2.758 acre tract located 168 feet north of Washington Boulevard on the west side of South Major Drive from V. J. O'Shell, DDS, MSD, Inc. Pension Plan and Trust for $40,000 with the City using the front 300 feet for relocation of Fire Station No. 6 and conveying the remainder to Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 for compensation of$25,000 to use as a spoil area. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes;3/18/97;Page 5 Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos, Councilmembers Ames, Smith, Goodson, Davis and Patterson. Noes: None Mayor Moore thanked Mr. Richard LeBlanc of DD6, Commissioner Ed Moore, Councilmember Bobbie Patterson, TX DOT, and City Staff for the meeting held to discuss potential solving methods available for drainage problems. He expressed a desire that from this meeting a spirit of collaboration will develop to save taxpayers' dollars. COMMENTS * Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos reported a great performance by pianist Dino at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Councilmember Ames reiterated thanks to Mobil Oil for their generous contribution for purchase of books for our library system. Councilmember Goodson explained to the audience that items placed on the Consent Agenda traditionally are routine and not controversial, but pointed out that today one of the purchases was for an uninterruptible power source to protect the City's AS/400 computer system, a concern that drew attention during the recent ice storm. Councilmember Goodson thanked the City Manager for making responses to a gentleman that sent correspondence to each councilmember and explained that the four Scouts present today are part of the troop that recently had sixteen boys receive their Eagle Scout designation. Councilmember Smith expressed appreciation for the collaboration with DD6, said we are participating with B I S D for projects, and with less dollars from federal funds, we should strive to collaboratively work together to stretch resources to provide programs and services to the community. Also, Councilmember Smith said she attended Lamar University's Grand Ball, sensed a great spirit, not felt for a while, and said a lot of money was raised for the Art Department. Councilmember Davis thanked Public Works Director Tom Warner for the quick response to the problem on Tolivar Road, spoke of the cleanliness of Magnolia Street from downtown to Lucas Drive and extended compliments to City Staff, the use street sweepers and the commitment of the residents in doing their part to keep their neighborhood streets clean. Also, Councilmember Davis thanked Council and City Staff for prioritizing Concord Road for improvements. Minutes;3/18/97;Page 6 Councilmember Patterson added compliments to Mr. Richard LeBlanc and DD6 board members and staff in their cooperative efforts with the City in attacking the problem of drainage and reported a good meeting. Mayor Moore congratulated young people in the community. He said this past weekend the YMCA, United Way and concerned parents took three teams of 8 to 15 year old boys and girls to Austin to an annual meet. He announced that two of the three teams brought back championships, said they handled themselves well and represented Beaumont well. The three teams under the YMCA umbrella were the Pistons, Lakers, and the Magics. Their coaches are Kenny Pickens, Norman Bellard and former councilmember Audwin Samuel. * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Mr. Ernest Shackleford, 11755 Carpenter Road, distributed information to Council, addressed Council to complain about Municipal Court procedures, the consequences of action and asked that they make Municipal Court a court of record and assist with his problem. Mr. Mark Buckley, 9060 Landis, reviewed portions of a letter he distributed to Council complaining about actions of a Solid Waste Department employee and asked Council to investigate his problem. Mr. Chuck Guillory, 3147 Elinor, addressed Council to extend an invitation for them to attend an appreciation reception for the outstanding job done by school crossing guards at the Appomattox Club, 2710 Harriot, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Mr. Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, thanked Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos for officiating at his neighborhood association's "Citizens on Patrol" meeting and installation service and reported, on behalf of his neighbor, a problem contacting the telephone company regarding repair service. Mr. DeMary said the toll-free number repair service number has been out of order for about a week, and there is no other number listed to call, and asked for Council for assistance. Councilmember Goodson told Mr. DeMary he could contact Mr. Don McFarland, manager of Southwestern Bell, at 839-6000 for aid in securing the service needed. Mrs. Paubla Ydrogo, 1590 Gilbert, representing the Avenues Neighborhood Association, spoke of their meeting last night and extended an invitation to Council to attend the next meeting on the third Monday of April, complained about trash in the neighborhood and asked for guidance to a solution for the problem. Mrs. Ydrogo was directed to speak with Mr. Warner. Minutes;3118/97;Page 7 EXECUTIVE SESSION *Executive Session in accordance with Section 551-.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Municipal Administrative Services v. City of Beaumont Lonnie Lewis v. City of Beaumont Chris Porter Sr. et ai v. City of Beaumont et al There being no further business, the meeting recessed at 3:48 p.m. to reconvene in executive session. Mayor David W. Moore Patrice Fogarty, Ci Clerk Minutes;3(18/97;Page 8