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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 29 1987 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD SEPTEMBER 29, 1987 - 7:00 P.M. BEAUMONT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 3395 HARRISON STREET BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 29th day of September, 1987, with the following present: HONORABLE: Maurice Meyers Mayor Bob Lee, Jr. Councilman At Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Mike Brumley Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Albert E. Hai-Lies City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney 'Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend David Cross, Chaplain at Baptist Hospital. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Albert E. Haines. -000- Mayor Meyers expressed gratitude to Dr. Lulu L. Smith, Councilman Ward I, as hostess and the Beaumont Independent School District for use of their facilities for tonight's Regular Session/Town Meeting and welcomed all citizens in attendance. -000- Mr. Al Pollans, Chairman of the Beaumont Sesquicentennial Commission, distributed printed copies of the Calendar of Events for Celebration Week for Beaumont's Sesquicentennial and announced the Opening Ceremonies would be Saturday, October 3rd at 9:30 am. at an area between the Julie Rogers Theater and the Library and would be hosted by Councilman Bob Lee, Jr. and Councilman Mike Brumley. Later that day at 9:00 p.m. there will be a Celebration Dance at the Civic Center. Sunday, October 4th, will be Religious Heritage Day; there will be a 500-voice Interdenominational Choir with Dr. Browning Ware, former pastor at Calder Baptist Church, as guest speaker at a non- denominational religious service to be conducted at the Montagne Center at 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 5th, the opening performance of the historical spectacular "Bectmodt One-Five Oh!" will be at Vincent-Beck Stadium, Lamar University at 8:00 p.m. Mr. Pollans encouraged everyone to become involved in Beaumont's Birthday Celebration. -000- -342- September 29, 1987 Mayor Meyers invited public comment on Agenda Items A through D and explained that the concept of the Town Meetings is to give opportunity to citizens to attend Council meetings at least once each quarter that ordinarily cannot do so. No citizens wished to address Council. -000- The following Consent Agenda Items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held September 22, 1987; Resolution 87-203 authorizing M-Bank - Beaumont to pledge $500,000 as securities with First Republic Bank of Dallas effective September 29, 1987, Texas Commerce Bank - Beaumont to pledge $8,475,000 as securities with Texas Commerce Bank - Houston effective September 29, 1987, and Texas Commerce - Beaumont to release securities in the amount of $10,320,000; Resolution 87-204 appointing Evelyn Pickrea to the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee with a term expiring September 3, 1989; Resolution 87-205 reinstating a lease agreement with the Department of the Army for leasing the property located at 3040 College Street for a period of 53 years ending on April 2, 2040; and, Resolution 87-206 authorizing purchase of 3,160 assorted brass water pipe fittings from Municipal Pipe and Fabricating Company in the total amount of $18,134.80. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution 87-207 authorizing execution of a cross services agreement with the General Service Administration to provide funding in the amount of $30,465 for the Orleans Triangle Improvement Project under construction between Orleans and Willow Streets and a contract with BUILD, Inc. for coordination of the improvements required in the agreement with the General Services Administration was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Resolution 87-208 awarding three contracts, totaling $18,736.61, for demolition and removal of 12 condemned, dangerous structures to Trax Enterprises (Group A: 1081 Avenue B, 865 Euclid (garage), and 1057 Willow for $3,322.80), and Speady's Sales (Group B: 1701 Ashley, 1377 Liberty, 1377 Liberty (rear), 1179 North, and 1193 North for $10,251.36, and Group C: 2605-07 Coast, 2113 Renaud, 2121-23-25-27 Renaud, and 2405 Primrose for $5, 162.45) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000-- -343- September 29, 1987 Resolution 87-209 authorizing an annual contract for regular gasoline at $0.7084 tankwagon load ($0.0143 above O.P.I.S. posted average) and $0.7004 for transport load ($0.0063 above O.P.I.S. posted average), regular unleaded gasoline at $0.6984 tank wagon load ($0.0143 above O.P. I.S. posted average) and $0.6904 transport load ($0.0063 above O.P.I.S. posted average), and diesel fuel at $0.6762 for tankwagon load ($0.0143 abovd O.P. I.S. posted average) and $0.6682 for transport load ($0.0063 above O.P. I.S. Posted average) from Tri Con, Inc. , who furnishes Mobil products, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Lee. Question: Ayes: All y Nayes: None -000- Resolution 87-210 authorizing investment depository agreements with Allied Bank, Beaumont Bank, First City National Bank - Beaumont, First Republic Bank, M-Bank - Beaumont, Parkdale State Bank, Plaza National Bank, and Texas Commerce Bank - Beaumont for the period October 1, 1937 until. September 30, 1989 (other banks wishing to qualify during the two-year period may do so at any tune, subject to Council approval, by the same contractural procedure) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Brumley acknowledged the presence of Don Streety and Pam Shelander and, as a point of information, explained that the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission were not put on the Town Meeting agenda, but would be placed on Council's agenda for the October 6th meeting and commended Al Pollans for his work with the Sesquicentennial celebration and encouraged everyone to attend the activities of the Opening Ceremonies for the City's 150th birthday. Councilman Lee announced that after the Opening Ceremonies there would be the Tour de Beaumont, a bike ride beginning at City Hall (tee-shirt and barbecue optional at $10) and power boat races at Riverfront Park sponsored by Hodge Boats. He invited everyone to "Sunday in the Park" which will also feature a boat race and congratulated the Fire Department for winning the tug-of-war competition with the Police Department at last week's "Sunday in the Park" and stated it was a very enjoyable event. Councilman Cokinos stated that he had received calls concerning the Sanitation Department and requested the City Manager to prepare Requests for Proposals for privatization of residential sanitation services so Council could look at the feasibility of such services and the checks and balances of the system. Councilman Brumley commented that he also has had communication with citizens, particularly those participating in the pilot program for automated pickup, and they are most anxious for the plan to take place, and they are excited about a good program for the City. Councilman Smith thanked everyone for attending the Town Meeting and expressed appreciation to the Beaumont Independent School District for the use of their building and wanted to echo Councilman Lee's comment on "Sunday in the Park" and she, too, enjoyed the tug-of-war. Several friendly, joking comments were made by Council and Staff members to the Chiefs regarding the event. Mayor Meyers announced that the City of Beaumont is really going to be honored next week by having the world-wide once-a-year Goodyear Corporation Board Members Meeting in Beaumont. They will arrive Monday and conduct the Board Meeting on Tuesday and encouraged everyone having contact with them to let them know we're glad they're here. -344- September 29, 1987 There being no further business to be considered in the regular session, Mayor Meyers opened the Town Meeting. City Manager Al Haines introduced Department Heads: Director of Libraries, Maurine Gray; Fire Department, Chief C. A. "Pete" Shelton; Police Department, Chief George Schuldt; Water Utilities, S. A. Webb; Public Works, Tom Warner; Health Department, Dr. Avilla Arcala; Director of Finance, Betty Dunkerley; Community Development, Sherrell Cockrell; and City Clerk, Rosemarie Chiappetta. Mr. Matt Pate, 1005 Greenmeadow, addressed Council regarding disturbing the peace, specifically trains blowing whistles during the night. Mr. Pate quoted Section 22-2 of the Code of Ordinances as stating it is unlawful to blow the railroad whistle or siren between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6 :00 a.m. except when there is imminent danger. He stated he has given the Trainmaster of Southern Pacific a copy of the Code of Ordinances; he is aware of the regulation, but states he will continue blowing the train whistles as a safety measure. Mr. Pate requested the City Attorney to stop the whistles from being blown. Mayor Meyers requested City Attorney Lane Nichols look into the matter. Mr. Baal Massey, 6225 Beau View, as Secretary of the Sabine Chapter of the IBEI again addressed Council requesting support of the Chief Electrical Inspector's attendance at the International Association of Electrical Inspectors Convention, stated dissatisfaction with only $10 in the Contingency Fund, and encouraged following Charter, and if the Charter is wrong, change it. Mr. Bit~ Warchol, 1155 IH 10 South, addressed Council in objection to a study in progress for the possible development of a hotel on the North parking lot of the Civic Center and in support of Requests for Proposals for privatization of residential sanitation collection. Mr. Robert Tan r, 5390 Linda Lane; Ms. Mary Barrett, 5120 Wildwood; Mr. Bob Howard, 5125 Linda Lane; Mrs. Jack Irwin, 5140 Ada Lane; Ms. Pats Penns, 5180 Wildwood; and Dr. Wesley Washburn, 7195 Ellen Lane, addressed Council concerning drainage and flooding problems in the Woodland Acres and Woodland Estates area, inquired about flood plan implementations, hiring of a firm to conduct an overall comprehensive drainage plan, and working with Drainage District No'. 6 to alleviate their problems. Mr. Bob Howard suggested City officials meet with residents of that area to give them an opportunity to make the City aware of the specific problems and to work with the City. Mr. Howard volunteered to notify residents of the meeting time and place when a date has been set. Mrs. Irwin, suggested that Mr. Ronnie Platt or a representative from DO 6 be preset for the meeting. Mr. Tom Warner, Public Works Director, reviewed the proposed FY '88 Drainage Improvements which included Woodlands Ditch with allocation of approximately $400,000 and an additional $103,000 for participation with Drainage District No. 6 to alleviate the bottleneck at the LNVA Canal where the majority of the problems for that area occur. Mr. Warner will contact DD 6 and arrange a neighborhood meeting with Woodland Acres and Woodland Estate residents. Mr, Tote/ Sacker, 4635 Elmherst, addressed Council regarding the poor construction and maintenance responsibility of Frint Road from LaBelle back toward Tyrrell Park recently repaved by Jefferson County (Jefferson County performs construction and City maintains street) and complained about the number of old refrigerators, etc. being dumped on Tyrrell Park Road and remaining there- for a long period of time. -345- September 29, 1937 Ms. Stella Tryer, 2299 Liberty, addressed Council regarding on-street parking of employees of a nearby business interfering with garbage pickup and suggested drainage problems in Old Town could be helped by cleaning out the catch basins more thoroughly. The Town Meeting was interrupted by Mr. Miles Harden, a representative of the Sesquicentennial Commission, who presented Council with a singing invitation to attend the Sesquicentennial Ball on Saturday night. -000- There being no further business, Mayor Meyers thanked everyone for their attendance and adjourned the meeting. -000- I, Rosemarie Chaippetta, City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, certify that the above is a true copy of the Minutes of the Regular City Council session and Town Meeting held September 29, 1987. Rosemarie Chiappetta, City Clerk September 29, 1937 -346- September 29, 1987 RIC WARCHOG COMMENTS AT TOWN MEETING, SEPTEMBER 29, 1987 Conversation in the pas amongst this Council and previc. Councils, the City Manager and previous City Managers, regarding public/private communications, working together. Just a little over a year ago, hotel industry and the City of Beaumont came to you, Mayor, and presented by myself and another party through the local Association requesting you look at the City taking back the Convention & Visitor's Bureau into its hands. This was a very good public/private working relationship and has been. More recently though, we have taken away what we have garnered the past year. I'm not here representing myself or my own hotel, but as a request from numerous hoteliers that called me and said on behalf of the Association., go dcwn and see what the hell's happening. Currently we have a hotel industry that is the second or tourism industry that is second largest employer in Beaumont. We have had some hotels come on line that are some of the largest employes in the City of Beaumont. We currently have just under 600 hotel rooms that are not even in use in the City of Beaumont. We removed 150 rooms from use and found an alternate use for them. We have an industry that is still suffering by millions of dollar a year. I, myself, publicly make comment that I lost $290,000 on a small hotel on the IntersPte. Multiply that by the Hiltons and the Holidays. ThinK along with that, it is know'?there has been some hotel development even by myself tried in downtown Beaumont. And, it comes as a shock to myself, as well as other hoteliers that our City is now spending money to study the hotel industry in Beaumont 'for the development of another hotel in Beaumont. I'm not here to throw stones because of some of my past weeks rivals up here, I'm somewhat, probably gonna be know as, you know, the bad guy or something. That's not it. I'm here to get some answers. A company was hired from the City Manager's office to study the hotel industry of Beaumont for the development of a hotel downtown. That must be the same company I paid thousands, I think 32 to be exact, a few years ago to study that same thing. I think it's fairly well known that I looked at downtown for development of hotels, and still would. I haven't even received a phone call asking me what I thought about. As a matter of fact, as Chairman of the Convention Bureau, of which I just expired my year's term, I was asked by a City employee what I thought about the expenditure coming from the Convention & Visitor's Bureau budget. I simply stated, that I didn't think it was certainly for me to answer to, but I would give my opinion. I felt the hotel industry would be in an uproar if the taxes collected by them from their customers at the rate of 13% now 11% were used to study their industry for development of another one when they're suffering so drastically. It would ruin wha,- we have built in the last amongst the hotel industry. That was the end of my conversation until a gentleman arrived in my office, as well as other hotels along Interstate 10 in their offices, to ask what we fait about the industry now and in the future because they were undergoing a study on behalf of the City Manager's office development of a hotel on the North lot of the Civic Center parking lot. With 532 rooms currently out there that are unused, closed properties, 150 rooms, we just removed from the market because of bankruptcy and millions of dollars being lost in the industry, I cannot see where the City would find the dollars to study without even contacting that industry. I'd just like to know why. Mr. Haines commented. . . ) Well, again, Mr. City Manager, as you stated the phone numbers, yours and mine both are truly available, and yes, my office is open also. And, as I started my conversation out, the public sector/private sector communication as you said mine and yov)rs; I wasn't just here for me and you. I'm here for the Industry in Beaumont, the big ones and the small ones that are suffering because that is not because of lack of communication how it came across to the Industry. Keep in mind a gentleman walks into the office like he does a study for you, for me, or for anybody else that hires him to do one, and says I'm here to study for the future development of a hotel, and then if you ask him, he will respond by, if you ask him who is it for, he will say the City Manager's office, and, where's the development planned, North lot of the Civic Center. Probably because of the recent association of the North lot of the Civic Center and the City Manager's office, it probably looked even worse, and maybe the communication level could have solved the problem before it got blown up, but as of today, we have an immense amount of irate hoteliers out there that are concerned, concerned about spending dollars. I think you probably could have accomplished this through the communication effort without spending the $5,000 since everybody's hotel is listed in the phone book. That's all for that item. PAGE 2, RIC WARCHOL COMME' AT TOWN MEETING, SEPTEMBER 29, 987 Again, the only thing I can urge is the public/private sector communication at least. And I relate back to articles in the Beaumont Enterprise while back that said it was as corporations, private sectors saw public sector in Beaumont, hopefully another study doge today would change it, but at that time, the attitude of local City government had 25% minus factor. As a private businessman, this is important to me because my businesses strive off of other businesses coming into this area. The greatest asset we had at that time only added 28% positive (factor??) You must remember these things. Regarding Councilman Cokinos' action. . . .