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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JAN 12 1988 Y REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD JANUARY 12, 1988 - 1 : 15 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session the the 12th day of January, 1988, 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 Mayor Pro-Tem Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Albert E. Haines City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invoc-tion was given by the Reverend John Sperling of- the Northwood Christian Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro-Tem Brumley. -000- MAYOR MEYERS: We nave, I think, a couple of really very pleasurable opportunities today to recognize some of our fellow citizens who have done things that are very meaningful to our community. One, I think, speaks to the element of our community that has to get our greatest attention and concern always, if we are to remain a vital and viable community, and that' s our young people. And, I 'm not going to say anymore at this time except I would like to ask Dr. Allen Coleman if he would come forward and take opportunity to share with you an effort on the part of our young people that I know everyone will recognize and appreciate. Allen. MR_ ALLEN COLEMAN: Early -his year the Tyrrell Historical Library Association was formed in an effort to revitalize animportant part of Downtown' s history and Beaumont ' s history. And, a group was formed, the "Students to Reform the Tyrrell. " Our two goals we established at that time were to increase public awareness of the need to restore the Tyrrell and to raise funds to restore the Library. I was asked to participate and head up the Youth Group, and we wanted to involve all ages of ages of school children so I divided up in two groups. We had the Elementary and -7- January 12, 1988 P Middle School and the High School groups. For our younger group, we had the "Tyrrell Restoration Day. " We distributed 18, 000 Tyrrell Library stickers to every child at public and private in the city with a letter to their parents explaining the need to restore the Tyrrell. And, on that day we raised $1,925 for the Library. Our High School involvement, it was the first time all High School' s had come together to work on one project, and we met numerous times and decided on -our name, our goals, and our efforts to achieve those goals. We were going to have a little competitions. The High Schools were to competed and collect; whoever collected the most money would win a free dance sponsored by a local radio station BB-95 and Market Basket food stores. The High School students collected, at various events, we collected at "Stars Over Beaumont, " all Sesquicentennial events and the parade. They collected in their schools and on the street corners. By calculating the appearances on TV and the Beaumont Enterprise, the "Students to Restore the Tyrrell appeared before almost a million people in Southeast Texas publicizing the need to restore the Tyrrell. At this time, I 'd like, we' ll have all the students, if they would come up here and stand, we have from, everybody come on up, we have Westbrook, Central, Christian, and Kelly. If you would all come forward. Our grand total for our collections was $3 ,537. 83 . I would like to especially recommend Allison Germer and her group from Kelly High School for collecting $910, winning the competition, and they' re gonna have their dance this weekend. Mayor, we'd like to present you with a check, if you would come forward. MAYOR MEYERS Let me take a moment before I come out and ask if each of you would kinda turn around and raise your hands so the audience will know who you are. I 'd like to introduce each one of you. You' re deserving of special recognition. From Kelly High School: Watson Potter, President of the Student Council, and Allison Germer, who Dr. Coleman just ,mentioned was the v nner; and from Christian Schools of Beaumont High: Jarrell McGinnis, Student Council Sponsor, . . .and Barry Jepson, Committee Chairman for the fund drive, Barry here? okay, I didn' t see your hand go up high enough, Barry; from Westbrook High School: Misty Lawless, the member of the Student Council and Vice-President of the Senior Class and Bobby Ortego, member of the Student Council and Committee Chairman for Student Problems. That's quite a responsibility! Do you have anybody who would accept Council problems. From Central High School: Harold Clifton, the Student Council Sponsor, is Harold here? yes, and Perry Gregory, President of the Student Council, and Angela Redding, Vice-President of the Student Council. By recognizing them, I would like to take opportunity and ask, I see her in the back, Yvonne Osborne, who is the President of this newly-formed organization for Restoration of the Tyrrell, to stand and be recognized and also take opportunity to recognize a member of the BISD Board, who I 'm sure should be proud of the activity of the students within the Beaumont School District, as well as the others, and I notice Mr. Johnny Ware in the back. Johnny, are you there? Would you stand and be recognized? Thank you. Would you let the students know at this point and time how much you appreciate what they' re doing for our city. (applause by audience) -8- January 12, 1988 (Mr. Coleman presented the check to Mayor Meyers. ) MAYOR MEYERS: On behalf of our City Council, the citizens of our community, I commend all of you really, for taking the time and energy and initiative. The Tyrrell now is a jewel in our community that, if you're in the Central Business District at night, you' ll be able to see visibly lit. We're wanting people to recognize what a treasure we have, and it's going to take an effort on the part of all of us to restore the Tyrrell, but I commend all of you because you have done a great deal to heighten the awareness of this jewel that we have within our city, and the comments I heard when we met initially reflected your appreciation for this old building as young people in the community. And, I think that' s commendable, and again, we thank you all so much. Where is Jerry May and Tommy May and the rest of that bunch? . Where' s the rest of the crew? I 'm gonna read the Proclamation, and then I 'm gonna let you tell them what it was really like. I 'd like to read this Proclamation, if I may, and I think then most of all of us have had opportunity on New Year's Day to see the banner that they carried proudly for our city. WHEREAS, everyone loves a parade; and, WHEREAS, the Beaumont Fire Department Band, organized in October of 1984, gained national recognition and made a significant contribution to the City of Beaumont as they trumpeted their way through the annual Cotton Bowl Parade on New Year' s Day; and WHEREAS, also known as the Firehouse Ten, the Fire Department Band has delighted audiences in over one hundred performances by order or by invitation, appearing at most city functions, local parades, charity events, Sesquicentennial events, nursing homcs, and area festivals; and WHEREAS, this unique, all firefighter band plays a wide selection of music including patriotic, country, cajun, classical, Dixieland, popular, New Orleans jazz, big band jazz, swing, polka, and marches; and, WHEREAS, the City of Beaumont is proud of their Fire Department Band and, as a gesture of admiration and appreciation, does hereby extend its congratulations for their first national appearance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Maurice Meyers, Mayor of the City of Beaumont, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, January 12, 1988, as "BEAUMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT BAND DAY" in Beaumont and applaud these outstanding firefighters who save lives and property while bringing credit and recognition to our City through their music. . . .On behalf of all of us and all of the millions of people who watched that Cotton Bowl Parade, I want to stand and let you guys know you did a great job. (applause by audience) -9- January 12, 1988 MAYOR MEYERS: For our citizens, as well as those in attendance last week, I really think that this is what government at all levels is about, and the attendance last week and this week, I think, verify the fact that we are speaking of a subject that deserves the interest obviously that' s been displayed, and I think that' s good. And, if we agree as we should, that' s it' s an important issue, then, I think, we also have to agree that there will always be differing views when we deal with important issues. And, I 'd like to ask that each of us today when given an opportunity, which everyone will, respect the views expressed by one another, and we can do that in a manner that offers us opportunity to speak and express our opinion and respect that of .the others. Anyone who wishes to speak and I ' ll outline that in a few moments will be given the opportunity. All we ask first when we go through that process is that You would please give us your name and address for the record. And, I ask also that when your Council in their discussion offers opinion that they would be given that same response as they ask questions and answers to the subject. Everyone here present, as last week, is concerned about their city, and I think that' s good. Everyone here bases their opinions appropriately on what they believe is right, and I think chat' s good, and that' s healthy. But, I think we have to remember, anytime there are differing views the end result will always work out that some views will be expressed and perhaps the subject may not end to everyone' s liking, and I think that' s part of government, but I think that' s also healthy. Debate is healthy, and I think that what we' re experiencing is a healthy debate about a very significant issue in our city. . . , and I would hope that everyone can respect the element of debate. Debate is healthy, divisiveness is destructive, and I think we have a clear definition between the two, but I am pleased that you would all see fit to attend again and have opportunity to express your thoughts and opinions. Differing from last week, for those of you who were present, last week we had the itrim for discussion as a Workshop item, and upon completion of the Workshop we offered opportunity. We have a Workshop today, but anybody who wants to make comment particularly on Item D-6 on your Agenda in just a few moments when I would speak to our Business Agenda, you would to take opportunity to speak at that time, not at the close. At the close of our Business Agenda, as always, anybody can speak on any subject, but I would think that since this is an item which is on our Business Agenda that if you want to speak after you certainly can, but your input and being meaningful, you would want to make that known prior to the Business Agenda. So, in just as few moments I ' ll ask for anybody who would care to make comment on any items on our Business Agenda, if they would please come forward and first give us your name and address and then make your comments, if you would. Mr. C. L. Sherman, 585 Belvedere, addressed Council in opposition to automated garbage collection, stating the City' s study on automation is incorrect and useless and challenged Council to place two propositions on the next election ballot: 1. for or against once-a-week automated service with no loss of jobs 2. for or against contract service twice- a-week in a small test area with no loss of jobs. -11- January 12, 1988 Mr. Steve Bodnar, 6320 Pansy, addressed Council stating he was neither pro or con for the automated garbage system, but requested Council take a long-range look at the effect on environment and economics, consider separating garbage by items for reuse, and use volunteer consultants to review a long-range plan. Mr. Bodnar volunteered to be -a member of the committee. Mr. Marcus Dougharty, 1130 North 20th, addressed Council stating he was not for or against the garbage system, but wanted to address general principles of overinvestment of fixed assets, surplus laborers in Beaumont, severe scarcity of capital, and a possible future without certain refineries or utility companies and suggested appointing a blue- ribbon committee of citizens to evaluate action from the normal operations of the City. Mr. Frank Kiefer, 3190 Willowood Drive, addressed Council in opposition to once-a-week garbage collection and requested Councilman Smith' s telephone number be made available. Mr. William B. White, 5765 Gladys, addressed Council stating he is in one of the automated garbage test areas, and it is one of the best systems provided in the past 28 years and requested an affirmative vote for the automated system. Mrs. Maree Calcote, 5615 Duff, addressed Council in support of the automated garbage system and stated she is in one of the test areas. Mr. Dan Kohlhoffer, 855 Howell, addressed Council stating he is in a test area for the automated garbage system and it is the best pickup system the City has ever had, but would like twice-a-week pickup explored and if once-a-week pickup is chosen, there be a corresponding decrease in fees and stated he is apposed to the $20,000 bonus that is being paid for early delivery of automated garbage trucks and requested Council vote affirmatively for city-wide automated garbage collection. Mrs. Wanda Neyland, 9510 Shepherd, addressed- Council in opposition to once-a-week garbage collection. Mr. John Keelan, 675 2avalla, addressed Council stated he is satisfied with the present garbage system and in support of twice-a-week pickup of garbage. Mr. Wayne Sherman, 325 Bradford Drive, addressed Council in opposition to automated garbage collection and quoted .information received from the Phoenix Republic regarding the automated system in the Phoenix/Scotsdale, Arizona area. Mr. Johnny Lisotta, 28 Avenue of the Oaks, addressed Council in opposition to the automated garbage collection system. Mr. E. J. Reeves, 725 Yount, addressed Council stating he is on the automated garbage collection system and once-a-week pickup is -12- January 12, 1988 satisfactory except in situations where he might miss getting his can to the curb when he is out of town. Mr. Reeves feels there is a lack of communication between the Council and citizens and would like a breakdown of costs for supervisory, labor, benefits, maintenance, amortization of equipment, etc. between the present and the new system. He also stated that before decisions of this magnitude are made, citizens should be informed with detailed information. Mr. Jesse Baker, 2950 W. Lucas, addressed Council with four ( 4) principle objections to the automated garbage collection system: 1. once-a-week pickup 2 . decrease of 15 employees 3 . unanticipated costs of trucks and containers, and 4. the long-term commitment of a change. Mr. Sam Boaze, 580 Evangeline Drive West, addressed Council stating he is neither pro or con regarding the automated garbage collection system because he does not have enough facts and expressed a desire for more information and voiced concerns regarding trash collections, economics, and possible privatization figures. Mr. Robert Flores, 2425 Buchanan, addressed Council admonishing them to vote on the automated garbage system issue on the basis of what is best for Beaumont not on outside, misguided pressures. He stated that Council was voted in office to represent the citizens ' best interest and to use the expert information they have available on this issue and spoke in support of outside professional counsel if warranted. Mr. Ed Orr, 3830 Evalon, addressed Council regarding sufficient attention given to the street and water sewer systems being overloaded by the heavy equipment needed for the automated garbage program. Mr. Orr said he is not against automation, but requested Council get all the answers before making a final decision to purchase this equipment and to consider the impact of the petition for twice-a-week garbage pickup that is currently being circulated. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 3305 Avenue A, addressed Council in reference to keeping workers employed and expressed a desire that Council make the right decision regarding automation. Mr. G. A. Bossley, 1175 Threadneedle, addressed Council in opposition to once-a-week garbage pickup and requested citizens be given the opportunity to vote on the system. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Session held January 5, 1988; and Resolution 88-3 appointing Mr. Larry Beaulieu to the Sister Cities Commission with a term expiring December 22, 1989. -13- January 12, 1988 The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Lee and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 88-5 abandoning the south 200 feet of Girolamo Street, subject to retention of a general utility easement on the 50-foot-wide strip of right-of-way (requested by Bruce A. Craig) was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 88-5 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING THE SOUTH 200 FEET OF THE GIROLAMO STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY. Ordinance No. 88-5 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -a0o- Ordinance No. 88-6 abandoning a 20-foot-wide drainage and sanitary sewer line easement across property in Tract 3 of South Parkdale Addition in connection with the relocation of an eight-inch sanitary sewer line in the easement in which the developers would pay all costs involved in the relocation (requested by Mark Whitely, consulting engineer the for property owners, C. W. Conn and others, in plans for commercial development on the tract) was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 88-6 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND ABANDONING A 20-FOOT WIDE SANITARY SEWER AND DRAINAGE EASEMENT THAT EXTENDS 874 FEET ALONG THE LENGTH OF TRACT 3 , SOUTH PARKDALE ADDITION, F. BIGNER SURVEY, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Ordinance No. 88-6 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Lee. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- After a discussion concerning the application filing deadline date, subrecipients, budget, administration, liability, services offered and an investigation into the submission of Social Security checks in return of assistance at the New Jerusalem Mission, Resolution 88-4 authorizing a matching funds grant application in the amount of $150,000 -14- January 12, 1988 with the Texas Department of Community Affairs to finance development of the former fire station building at 875 College Street for use as an emergency shelter for the homeless, to provide funds for rehabilitation of the property, to provide food; shelter, and other assistance on an emergency basis was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution 88-5 accepting the work performed for drainage improvements in the Minglewood Addition under the Comprehensive Drainage Program in a contract awarded to Speedway Service Company, Inc. who was removed from the job by the bonding company, Aztec General Agency, for non- performance, but the work completed by the bonding company at a final cost of $52, 251. 62 which includes $9,086 in liquidated damages for failure to complete the contract within the specified time and authorizing final payment in the amount of $3,811. 35 to the contractor and bonding company was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Lee. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution 88-6 awarding an annual contract t0 Sherwin-Williams Co. for paint for maintenance work at an estimated expenditure of $48, 130 ( 1, 500 gallons, Vinyl Acrylic Interior Latex at $7. 59/gallon, 700 gallons Alkyd Oil Base Enamel at $9. 19/gallon; 2, 500 gallons Exterior House and Trim at $9. 15/gallon, and 850 gallons Alkyd Metal Primer at $8.75/gallon) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Brumley and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -QvJ- The City Manager presented various aspects of automated garbage collection service regarding rate comparisons, service performance, service delivery comparisons, ten year savings analysis, and other city comparisons. Councilman Moore expressed his objection to the philosophy of rewarding vendors with a bonus for early delivery of products or equipment. Mayor Meyers concurred with Councilman Moore and stated Council should be advised of any deviation from normal bidding procedures. After a lengthy discussion with a question and answer period between Council and Staff, Councilman Cokinos made a motion to delay taking action on the purchase of garbage trucks until all questions are answered. The motion failed for lack of a second. Council requested an immediate report from Staff regarding employment tenure of temporary employees in the Sanitation Department. -15- January 12, 1988 While requested information being prepared by Staff, Council moved forward to other business. Councilman Samuel requested that Staff evaluate the rubbish and trash litter on Bennett Road and to request the Police Department to monitor and deal with that situation, asked Code Enforcement to investigate a complaint of Mrs. Lane regarding a dilapidated structure across from 5395 Nelkin Lane, reported a complaint received from Mable Carter of 2290 Washington Boulevard of alleged rudeness of an Animal Control Department employee and requested an evaluation of stray dogs in that area, and asked that an investigation of the street making a loud noise be undertaken. -000- In answers to questions and at the request of Mayor Meyers, City Manager Haines read Item 3 of the Special Condition Clause of the Bid Specifications required for purchase of automated side loading refuse collection vehicles: "A bonus incentive shall be offered for early delivery to the successful bidder, provided the stated delivery date is July 1 , 1988 or earlier. This shall include $5,000. 00 if delivered ten (10) working days ahead of stated delivery date, $10,000. 00 for twenty (20) working days, $15,000. 00 for thirty ( 30) working days, and $20, 000. 00 for forty ( 40) working days. The bonus will be added to the invoice price at the time of payment. " Mayor Meyers asked Legal Counsel if this clause could be non-binding if the bidder concurred. Mr. Nichols confirmed this would be a legitimate procedure if both parties agreed. Public Works Director Tom Warner apprised the Mayor this action is now is process. -000- The Regular Session of City Council was recessed to the Workshop Session (Establishment of an emergency - shelter for the homeless presented by Sherrell Cockrell) while waiting for the information regarding temporary employees dates of employment. The Workshop Session was concluded and recessed for a five minute break before reconvening the Regular Agenda. -000- The Regular Session of Council reconvened, and Mayor Meyers expressed his appreciation to Council, Staff, and citizens for their interest and input into the garbage collection program and reiterated his belief that debate and discussions are healthy for comr4:unities and the overriding issue of unity that should come about after debate and decisions are made. "Persisting beyond becomes then divisiveness and less productive unless things are done with malintent or unethical or illegal or suspected of such, . . . then in that case, nothing is too severe. " -000- -16- January 12 , 1988 Mr. Warner reported to Council that fourteen ( 14 ) of the temporary employees out of a total of fifteen ( 15) in the Sanitation Department have original hire dates between October, 1986, and November, 1987, with the last employee's being rechecked because of interrupted service, and that all employees were informed this was a temporary position at original hiring date. -000- Councilman Samuel made a motion, seconded by Councilman Lee, that temporary employees with more than 1,000 continuous hours in the Sanitation Department will have first opportunity for any vacancies within the City Sanitation Department. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mr. Haines introduced Resolution 88-7 authorizing purchase of eleven (11) trucks necessary for implementation of the automated garbage collection system from Lone Star Peterbuilt Truck Sales, Inc. , of Dallas in the amount of $1 ,073, 809 that will be mounted with Rapid Rail automated refuse collection system bodies manufactured by Government Innovators, Inc. , of Phoenix, Arizona. Councilman Smith, after expressing concerns regarding the number of collection pickups per wee;; and automation as a system, made a motion, seconded by Councilman Moore, that the two-time per week pickup program be implemented into the automated system. At the request of Mayor Meyers Mr. Haines reviewed the specifics of a twice-a-week pickup projected program. Question: Ayes: Councilman Nayes: Mayor Meyers Smith Councilman Councilman Cokinos Moore Councilman Lee Councilman Brumley Councilman Samuel Mayor Meyers opened the floor again for comments or questions on Agenda Item D-6 regarding purchase of automated garbage trucks. Councilman Moore restated his dissatisfaction is with the bid specifications offering a bonus for early delivery of the automated garbage trucks, not with the automated system. -17- January 12, 1988 Resolution 88-7 was approved on motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Lee. Question: Ayes: Mayor Meyers Nayes: Councilman Councilman Cokinos Lee Councilman Councilman Smith Brumley Councilman Councilman Moore Samuel After the motion and second for approval was made, Mayor Meyers stated he would encourage and direct an immediate phone call to the bid recipient for the automated trucks, and not to mandate, but to state Council ' s displeasure with the bonus element of the bid and find out if he would be willing to put in writing that that element of the bid is null and void. -000- Mr. C. L. Sherman, 585 Belvedere Drive, addressed Council to clarify his comment regarding recall of Council. If in fact, 500 of the citizens are against automation, Council should step down because they represent the majority of citizens and stated he is circulating a petition for twice-a-week garbage pickup and is assured it will be successful. Mr. Wayne Sherman, 325 Bradford, addressed Council to question if the motion previously defeating twice-a-week garbage pickup clarified under which program this applied. Mr. Sherman was informed by the City Clerk that the motion specified the automated system. Mr. Al Pollans, 4445 Tnymes Glen, addressed Council to express appreciation for the professional manner in which Council and the City Manager researched and dealt with the automated garbage pickup program- -000- There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. -000- I, Rosemarie Chiappetta, City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, Texas, certify that the above is a true copy of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held January 12, 1988. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -18- January, 1988 EXCERPT FROM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL SESSION HELD JANUARY 12, 1988 COUNCILMAN COKINOS: I have some questions. In my opinion, there's too many unknowns and too many questions that hadn't been answered and not enough answers; so, therefore, due to the public outcry against buying these automatic garbage trucks, I am compelled to offer a motion of purchasing these trucks and I feel that the comments coming from the citizens of Beaumont is justified and I share in their belief. I 'm also very concerned that if this program does go into effect that we'd be losing a lot of revenue, additional revenue and that . . . due to this automation coming from the subdivisions, homeowners associations and homeowners themselves. And, I am hard pressed to see how we can find the money when the Fire Department for almost three years have requested the City for a pumper in their equipment and I just . . . which they badly need and here we are coming up with all this money to buy garbage trucks when we could very easily give the Fire Department the needed equipment in order to fight fires for our homes. And, I 've listened, I sit here and listened to ya' ll and now I want ya' ll to listen to me. COUNCILMAN LEE: I 'm listening. COUNCILMAN COKINOS: Okay. And our streets are badly needed of repair, badly needed. You can go right down Liberty Street, Broadway and everything. They are badly in need of repair and here we are buying garbage trucks. Our drainage is in deplorable condition and here we are buying garbage trucks. And, our City employees have been waiting for raises over the months and years and I would feel that our City employees in every department should deserve a raise. And, so, therefore, Mayor, I want to make a motion that we delay taking action today because there' s too many unknowns, too many unknown questions that have not been answered as to employees. What' s going to happen to them? How much is this going to cost? So, therefore, I am prepared to make a motion that we delay taking action on the garbage trucks. MAYOR MEYERS: Okay, Councilman. Let me ask you this question so that it can be something that you would be - satisfied with. I want you to have opportunity but I think in the interest of letting all of Council ask their questions, which I think would also be important to your motion, let us proceed and as soon as we are done satisfying that, I ' ll come back to you directly to make that motion. Is that agreeable? COUNCILMAN COKINOS: Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. END OF EXCERPT. EXCERPT FROM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL SESSION HELD JANUARY 12, 1988 COUNCILMAN COKINOS: I have some questions. In my opinion, there's too many unknowns and too many questions that hadn't been answered and not enough answers; so, therefore, due to the public outcry against buying these automatic garbage trucks, I am compelled to offer a motion of purchasing these trucks and I feel that the comments coming from the citizens of Beaumont is justified and I share in their belief. I 'm also very concerned that if this program does go into effect that we'd be losing a lot of revenue, additional revenue and that . . . due to this automation coming from the subdivisions, homeowners associations and homeowners themselves. And, I am hard pressed to see how we can find the money when the Fire Department for almost three years have requested the City for a pumper in their equipment and I just . which they badly need and here we are coming up with all this money to buy garbage trucks when we could very easily give the Fire Department the needed equipment in order to fight fires for our homes. And, I 've listened, I sit here and listened to ya' ll and now I want ya' ll to listen to me. COUNCILMAN LEE: I 'm listening. COUNCILMAN COKINOS: Okay. And our streets are badly needed of repair, badly needed. You can go right down Liberty Street, Broadway and everything. They are badly in need of repair and here we are buying garbage trucks. Our drainage is in deplorable condition and here we are buying garbage trucks. And, our City employees have been waiting for raises over the months and years and I would feel that our City employees in every department should deserve a raise. And, so, therefore, Mayor, I want to make a motion that we delay taking action today because there' s too many unknowns, too many unknown questions that have not been answered as to employees. What' s going to happen to them? How much is this going to cost? So, therefore, I am prepared to make a motion that we delay taking action on the garbage trucks. MAYOR MEYERS: Okay, Councilman. Let me ask you this question so that it can be something that you would be satisfied with. I grant you to have opportunity but I think in the interest of letting all of Council ask their questions, which I think would also be important to your motion, let us proceed and as soon as we are done satisfying that, I ' ll come back to you directly to make that motion. Is that agreeable? COUNCILMAN COKINOS: Thank you, Mayor. Thank you. END OF EXCERPT.