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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 12 1989 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 1989 - 1: 15 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 12th day of September, 1989, with the following present: HONORABLE: Maurice Meyers Mayor Bob Lee, Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Councilman At Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Michael Brumley Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Harry Mitchell, Saint Peter' s Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Meyers. -000- Mayor Meyers announced an Executive Session will be conducted in accordance with Section 2(g) of the Texas Open Meetings Act to discuss appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee and discussion of an item concerning pending or contemplated litigation allowed under Section 2(e) of the Open Meetings Act following the scheduled Work Session. -000- Mayor Meyers said that the week of September 18th has been designated as National Education Week by the United States Conference of Mayors, and during that week, September 20th will be declared Education Day in Beaumont. Those involved in public and private education will be highlighted appropriately at that time. Also, the Mayor' s Committee for the Employment of the Disabled will announce scholarship activities being provided to students. In conjunction with the subject of schools, Mayor Meyers called attention to the nationally televised program aired last night entitled, "Truth About Teachers, " which recognized and featured Coach Phillip Sweat, a teacher at Dunbar Elementary School, who he said -243- September 12, 1989 "beyond the accomplishments he was recognized for, as an individual, . . .brought tremendous pride and recognition to all within our city. " Coach Sweat and Ms. Edna Joseph, Principal of Dunbar Elementary, were invited to address Council and the audience. (Coach Sweat received applause and a standing ovation. ) MAYOR MEYERS• Coach, it would be an understatement to say that we were just so proud of you, and proud that you would have been recognized for the work that you do. I know, as you describe it, it' s something that' s part of your business, and it' s natural to you. But, we are, I think, appropriately taking opportunity to say, that' s not the case. You are exceptional, and because of that, you've been recognized, not only here, where for years your kids knew that they'd better do what you tell them, but across America. Last night people had a chance to hear about you, and in turn hear about Beaumont, Texas. The microphone is yours, but we' re awfully proud of you. COACH SWEAT: I imagine you know why I work in the gymnasium--because very few words-- we do more acting! I am without words. Mayor Maury Meyers, I appreciate this. I accept it on behalf of Dunbar Elementary School, our principal, Ms. Joseph, the faculty who works so well--diligently-- with me, and the wonderful students that we have. This not only for Dunbar Elementary, I would like for the documentary, "The Truth About Teachers, " to really be understood as an offering of all teachers, not only Phillip Sweat, but all of the teachers of the entire nation. Thank you very much. MS. EDNA JOSEPH- I can' t say very much more about Coach Sweat than what was already said in the documentary, but we are very proud to have him, and our little students look upon him as a father figure, and it means just so much, and as you saw the little loving care that he gives them, and he just works with the students as well as the staff. And we're very pleased to have him. And, we' re also pleased to have our Superintendent with us, Dr. Austin and Ms. Jolene Ortego. . . MAYOR MEYERS• Yes, Dr. Austin, I didn' t see you. Won' t you come forward? Please. . .This is Dr. Joe Austin, as everyone now I think recognizes, the superintendent of our schools, and I 'm sure you share our pride as well. DR. JOE AUSTIN• Mayor and Councilmen, it' s a real pleasure for us to come and say hello -244- September 12, 1989 to you and to say thank you for recognizing one of our finest. I think Coach Sweat is an exemplary teacher. He' s one of many we have in our school system. We appreciate your support and the help you give us in providing education for youngsters, and we' re just happy that some of ours get the recognition that we think they deserve, and thank you for recognizing them as well. In addition, Mayor Meyers recognized Ms. Jolene Ortego, Public Relations Director for the Beaumont Independent School District. Each Councilmember added congratulations to Coach Sweat and expressed gratitude for his performance as a teacher and the honor brought not only to his profession, but to Beaumont. -000- One Proclamation was issued: "Minority Enterprise Development Week, " September 10-16, 1989. -000- Mayor Meyers introduced Mr. Jim McNicholas, a former mayor for the City of Beaumont in attendance at this Council session. -000- A progress report of "Main Street on the Neches" was given by Councilman Lee and Community Services Director John Gorman. The festivities will begin Friday, September 15, at 5: 00 p.m. and conclude Sunday evening, September 17th. A combination of four main events structure the activities: the Ethnic Heritage Festival, Main Street Alive, the Formula I Boat Races, and a Musical Festival. The project is initiated by the City of Beaumont, but tremendous support has been received from the business community and other governmental agencies. Each Councilmember has accepted an area of responsibility and adding support to the success of this weekend endeavor for the enjoyment of the citizens of Beaumont. -000- Mayor Meyers recognized and introduced Mrs. Laura Lee, wife of Councilman Bob Lee. -000- Due to the large crowd in attendance, Mayor Meyers explained the procedure for addressing Council. Three opportunities will be made available at this meeting: 1. Before the agenda items are brought before Council, public comment is invited on the Consent and Main Agenda items; 2. During the public hearing regarding the budget, public comment is invited on this single item; and 3 . At the conclusion of the Regular Session, public comment is invited on any subject. -245- September 12, 1989 Public comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agenda. No one wished to address these items. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held September 5, 1989; Resolution No. 89-181 authorizing purchase of a front loader tractor for the Parks Department in the amount of $22,735 . 00 from Oil City Tractors; and Resolution No. 89-182 authorizing purchase of four portable flow monitors for the Water Utilities Department in the amount of $20, 150. 00 from Marsh-McBirney, Inc. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- A Public Hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 1990 budget and the proposed five-year Capital Program for Fiscal Year 1990 through Fiscal Year 1994 was opened for public comment: Mr. Brian Carpenter, P. 0. Box 8415, Lumberton, expressed concerns abut budgetary staffing levels of police personnel and safety of police officers. Mr. Roberto Flores, 2425 Buchanan, father of Police Officer Roberto Flores, Jr. , expressed his concerns about the one-man police units and safety of the officers. Mr. Bryan D. Beck, Jr. , 5825 Longwood, father of Police Lieutenant Ray Beck, addressed Council in support of the Police Department budget requests. Mr. Tobe Duhon, 2545 Amarillo, addressed the safety of citizens and a need for additional police personnel and stated his opinion that one- man patrol units are insufficient. Mr. Elijah Moye, 4125 South Fourth Street, spoke in support of the Police Department, urged employment of more police officers, expressed concern about response time, complimented Lieutenant Henderson and other officers who helped rid his neighborhood of a crack house, asked consideration of more money to the budget to insure retention of trained officers. Mrs. Pat Henderson, 970 Saxe, addressed concerns in support of the Police Department budget requests to keep police officers in Beaumont. -246- September 12, 1989 Mrs. Brenda Richmond, 5720 Brett, wife of Officer Roger Richmond, requested budget appropriations for increased salaries for police officers and better equipment. Ms. Wilma Jo Pugh, 2819 Pine Street, and Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall Street, spoke in support of the Police Department. Lieutenant Mike Siebe, 1990 Briarcliff, President of the Beaumont Police Officer' s Association, said the major concern of the BPOA is inadequate manpower which limits services to the public, but the shortage branches off into other areas of concern. Lieutenant Siebe asked Council to increase manpower "making it possible. . .to. . .maintain seasoned officers by making our Police Department competitive in wages and benefits. " Officer Butch Pachall, an Executive Board Member of the Beaumont Police Officer' s Association, expressed his concern regarding four issues: citizen safety, officer safety, officer pay, and decreasing the police budget in drug-related activities. Ms. Princess Hopson, Manager of the Plymouth Village Apartments, addressed Council to express appreciation in support of the Police Department and of their budgetary requests and pledged willingness to work with the Police Department. Sergeant Pat Gurski, Vice President of the Beaumont Police Officer' s Association, spoke regarding concern for police safety in one-man patrol units, asked for money to provide more officers on the street and for retention of police officers. Mrs. Barbara Hulsey, 3155 North Willowood, wife of slain Police Officer Paul D. Hulsey, Jr. , addressed Council to ask for sufficient money in the Police Department budget to increase manpower and money for salaries that will insure trained officers remaining in Beaumont. Ms. Suna Landrum, 2435 South Street, addressed Council in support of the Police Department and asked that the budget be examined and that priorities be realigned. Sergeant Mike Earney, 3972 Bristol, as an officer working with personnel, recruitment, and hiring of police officers addressed Council to request reinstatement of program funds and increase salaries to insure retention of officers. Ms. Debra Carr, Executive Director for ASCME Local 385, addressed Council in support of placing the Police Department budget as a priority in budget planning. Lieutenant Ray Beck played the dispatcher' s tape requesting backup the night Officer Hulsey was killed to illustrate the need for additional manpower in the Police Department. -247- September 12, 1989 Mr. Curtis Clark, 555 Eldridge, addressed Council as a representative of Local 423 in Port Arthur and in support of the Police Department and their request for additional manpower. Ms. Katie Jordan, 2227 Victoria, as a Senior Citizen said she would be happy to pay more taxes or whatever it takes to maintain good salaries for the Police and Fire Departments. Mr. Chuck Martinez, 588 Anchor, the liaison from Lamar University to City Council, spoke in support of funding drug programs for the Police Department. Officer Collin Burmaster, a midnight police officer, addressed concerns for officer safety and adequate pay to retain experienced police officers. Ms. Maggie Weir, 5735 Gladys, a Lamar University student, expressed her concerns for adequate police protection and safety of citizens and endorsement of a tax increase for those provisions. Officer Lisa Jardine, 3669 Briarcreek, stated she and her husband are both police officers and asked for more personnel to insure safety of officers. Mr. Willie Yarborough, 850 Harriott, addressed Council in support higher wages for police personnel. Mayor Meyers thanked everyone for their participation and comments and stated the pride Council has for the Police Department and the service they provide for the citizens. There being no one else desiring to speak, the Public Hearing was closed. -000- Resolution No. 89-183 authorizing an annual purchase contract of vehicles by the State Purchasing and General Services Commission for twenty-four ( 24) patrol units ( $288,000 in budget appropriation) , sixteen ( 16) detective units ( $176,000 in budget appropriation) and twenty ( 20) automobiles and light duty trucks and vans ( $261,000 in budget appropriation) through participation in the Commission' s annual contracts for these items was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Brumley suggested that since Council passed Resolution No. 88-146 on July 12, 1988 opposing the application of Browning Ferris Industries for a Type I municipal landfill to the Texas Department of Health at a proposed site approximately 1/2 mile south of the city limits on LaBelle Road near Tyrrell Park, perhaps Council should -248- September 12, 1989 authorize Mayor Meyers to represent Council at the scheduled public hearing next Tuesday regarding this matter and to restate the City of Beaumont' s opposition to this application. Council concurred with Councilman Brumley, and Mayor Meyers consented to be Council' s representation. Councilman Lee invited everyone to attend "Sunday in the Park" and the many activities planned for "Main Street on the Neches. " Councilman Cokinos announced that the last "Concert on the Move" for the season at Riverfront Park was a great success, the music provided by the Westbrook and Central High School Bands was excellent, and was well attended. Councilman Moore complimented Councilman Brumley and City Staff for the success of the "Concert on the Move, " said it was a great evening, Councilman Cokinos did a good job as emcee, and parents were extremely happy to enjoy the participation of their children. Councilman Samuel added his compliments to Councilman Brumley and "Concerts on the Move" program and expressed anticipation for "Main Street on the Neches" festivities. Councilman Smith informed parents that there will be a lot of free activity for the children on Main Street ( "Main Street Alive" ) including games and exhibits. -000- Mr. Brian Carpenter, P. O. Box 8415, Lumberton, Texas, addressed Council to express his great desire to be a Beaumont Police Officer. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall Street, addressed Council to compliment "Concerts on the Move, " Councilman Cokinosas emcee, and the high school bands that presented the music at the last event. Ms. Wilma Jo Pugh, 2819 Pine Street, addressed Council to complain of the uncleanliness of the interior of the buses early in the morning. -000- There being no further business and no items to discuss in a Workshop Session, the meeting was recessed before continuing with Executive Session. -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 September 12, 1989. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -249- September 12, 1989