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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 11 1990 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS HELD SEPTEMBER 11, 1990, 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 11th day of September, 1990, with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Andrew P. Cokinos Mayor Pro Tem Councilman At Large Brian R. Alter Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III Absent: 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 Douglas McBride, Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos. -000- Two Proclamations was issued: "Minority Enterprise Development Week, " September 9-15, 1990; and "D.A.R.E. Day, " September 13, 1990. Chief of Police George Schuldt, Sergeant Don Geen, Officer Billy Blankenship, and Officer Everett (Butch) Pachall accepted the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Proclamation on behalf of the Police Department. Chief Schuldt said, " . . .the D.A.R.E. program in the city of Beaumont has been an example to cities throughout the nation. Several years ago now, we came to the Council. We didn't have any grants. We didn't have any help. We didn't have anything. But, we had looked at the D.A.R.E. program in the Police Department and we came over to the Council, and we said we would like to offer this in the schools and utilize personnel from within the department to teach the D.A.R.E. program. The Council backed us. The Council has continued to back us, and all of you here, I know, have been participating in the D.A.R.E. graduation programs and all of the things in the school. I think the cooperation between BISD, the Beaumont Police Department and the City, with the tremendous support that we've received from the Council, has made this an extremely -228- September 11, 1990 successful program. I think that the one thing that I can say about the program, I think it's pretty well agreed in law enforcement, is this is definitely our investment in the future of our Country. Again, thank you as the Council and thank everyone in the city of Beaumont for the support that we've received in the D.A.R.E. program. " Other recipients of duplicate D.A.R.E. Day Proclamations were: Dr. Milton Allardyce for South Park Middle School, Mr. Clifford Hardeman for Odom Middle School, Mr. Loyd Davis for Marshall Middle School, Mr. Levoris Roy for Bowie Middle School, Ms. May Carol Russell, Drug Coordinator for the Beaumont Independent School District, Ms. Alma Harris for Crockett Middle School, Dr. Lorraine Carswell for Austin Middle School. Also in attendance was Dr. Jerry Mallett, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Administration. Mayor Lord expressed appreciation to participants of the D.A.R.E. program. Councilman Samuel said, "At this time I'd just like to thank the Officers. It's one thing to have a job to do, but when you go out, and if you've never been to any of the graduations, when you can see the expressions on the kids ' face and the way that they know each one of the Officers, that's what really makes you appreciate the program. And, I want to say thanks to all of the agents of the District (Beaumont Independent School District) because without your help, you know, we couldn't do it. So, we appreciate it. " -000- Ms. Sheila Stewart, Director of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, and Linda Miranda Gaudio, Public Relations Director for the Art Museum, presented a complimentary packet to Council members. Ms. Stewart invited Council and the public to attend the Annual Membership Meeting of the Art Museum on Tuesday, September 18, at 6: 30 p.m. Mr. Stephen Weil, attorney and deputy director for the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Instition, in Washington, D.C. , will be the guest speaker addressing museums and their relationship to the community. Ms. Stewart said in the packet there is an invitation for the children's exhibition opening September 22nd and for artists Beverly Hallam and Dixie Friend Gay's exhibitions opening this week. She announced that at the annual meeting, reports will be given regarding financial status, exhibitions, and attendance at the Art Museum. Mayor Lord said that it speaks well of our museum to have a man of Mr. Weil 's status and association with the Smithsonian Institution at the meeting as keynote speaker. -000- Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos announced and congratulated Mayor Lord for her recent appointment to the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee for the United States Conference of Mayors. -229- September 11, 1990 Mayor Lord announced that an Executive Session will be conducted in Accordance with Section 2 (e) of the Open Meetings Act of the State of Texas to discuss pending or contemplated litigation and Section 2 (g) to consider appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee immediately following the Regular Session of City Council. -000- Public comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agenda items. No one wished to address these subjects. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Session of City Council conducted September 4, 1990; Resolution No. 90-191 authorizing Texas Commerce Bank to release $200, 000. 00 held as securities at the Federal Reserve Bank - Dallas/Houston Branch; Resolution No. 90-192 appointing Kevin Fuller as an Alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a term expiring September 30, 1992 and confirming the appointments of Bruce Brosnahan, Allen Shynett, Homer Baxter, Clint Hall, Pam Miller and Karen Spivey to the Beaumont Mayor's Committee for the Employment of Disabled Persons; and Resolution No. 90-193 accepting the street and storm sewer improvements (Littlewood Drive from the existing pavement to Littlewood Drive 623 feet west to a temporary cul-de-sac) and water and sanitary sewer improvements (Lots 1 through 5, Block 3 and Lots 58 through 63, Block 2) in Bellechase Addition--Section III. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 90-53 establishing a records management program as step two (step one completed February 27, 1990) in compliance with the Local Government Records Act by providing definitions, a policy, establishing a records management committee, developing a plan, defining duties and responsibilities for the RMO (Records Management Officer) and department heads, designating departmental records liaison officers and defining duties and responsibilities, developing and implementing records control schedules, providing for destruction of unscheduled records, providing for a records center and establishing standards for use of micrographics and electronic storage of records was considered: -230- September 11, 1990 ORDINANCE NO. 90-53 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A RECORDS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Ordinance No. 90-53 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-194 authorizing the purchase of 20 police pursuit vehicles and 15 assorted automobiles, trucks and vans from the State Purchasing and General Services Contract with proposed new budgets appropriations totaling $240, 000 for the police pursuit vehicles and $200,200 for the other 15 vehicles was considered: Councilman Goodson commented, "I just want to clarify one thing that I had asked the City Attorney about. . .since some of the people in the audience don't know that this is out of our 1990-91 fleet budget. We have not adopted a budget, but as the City Attorney tells me, we are making this action today so that these orders can be placed, but there will actually be a subsequent resolution after the budget has been approved, at which time these things will be finally authorized for purchase out of our budget which will be coming up for approval next week. " After discussion concerning warranties, service and total savings, Resolution No. 90-194 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-195 awarding a six-month contract to Tri-Con, Inc. for furnishing engine oil at $2.59 per gallon, Dextron II transmission fluid at $.89 per quart, Type F transmission fluid at $.89 per quart and hydraulic oil at $2 . 04 per gallon to be used by the City's Fleet Management Center for use in City vehicle and heavy equipment was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-196 authorizing the purchase of two 50 horse power John Deere Model Number 2355 tractors for maintenance use of area parks by the Parks Department from Eastex Farm and Home of Beaumont in the amount of $29, 196. 00 ($14,598. 00 each) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -231- September 11, 1990 Ordinance No. 90-54 repealing Sections 29-36 and 29-37 of the Code of Ordinances establishing the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Commission and outlining its duties since the Commission has successfully accomplished the mission for which it was established and can now function on an advisory basis as needed without formal appointment was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 90-54 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTION 29-36 AND 29-37 OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT CODE OF ORDINANCES ESTABLISHING AND DESCRIBING THE DUTIES OF THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY. Ordinance No. 90-54 was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 90-197 authorizing notification to the Economic Development Administration of the City's voluntary termination of a grant agreement for the Spindletop Regional Development Project before the October 1 deadline, due to the inability of interesting a developer to committing the private funding necessary for the project despite incentives offered in the form of the $2,367, 000 E.D.A. grant and potential of a $1, 048, 000 Section 108 Loan, was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Smith said she received a complimentary letter from Mr. Tommy Polk who resides at the corner of Calder Avenue and Thomas Road. Mr. Polk expressed appreciation of the new signing for the traffic at that location and for the assistance of Public Works Director Tom Warner and Traffic Engineer Jim Cline in solving the problem. Councilman Samuel asked City Manager Riley to investigate regulations in other cities comparable to Beaumont's size regarding the density and actual number of public housing units that can be located in one geographic area or radius. Councilman Goodson related that he enjoyed judging the Beauty Contest at the Ethnic Heritage Festival, all the festivities and sampling the wonderful culinary delights of this past weekend. Councilman Alter reported a good "Sunday in the Park" even though it was -232- September 11, 1990 much abbreviated due to rain. There were about 300 people who enjoyed the event planned by TCI Cablevision, Radio Station B-95, Family Services, and Target Department Store. Councilman Alter thanked all the volunteers who have served on various advisory commissions, especially those on the E.M.S. Mayor Pro Tem Cokinos expressed appreciation for Council hosting a luncheon for the Nederland Council in an effort to become better acquainted with them and the aspects of their community as part of the Moccasin Exchange program. Mayor Lord shared two uplifting letters received recently. The first was from Tara Nakamura, Mayor of Beppu City: "Dear Mayor Lord; Now that we are back in Beppu and have had an opportunity to reflect on our trip, I realize the magnitude and importance of the friendship between our two cities. I am so thankful and honored to have had the opportunity to meet and talk with you. In our delegation, we kept on repeating a phrase, 'taihen shinsetsu, I which means very friendly. Indeed, your hospitality as well as the entire city staff and citizens were extremely amiable. We will always remember how you accompanied us to the various sites and explained their special meaning. I personally, am rejoicing over the key that you presented me. In addition, our delegation was flattered by the honorary citizenships Beaumont bestowed upon us. Please tell the other members of the welcoming delegation how honored we are to have met them and to have received such a Texas size welcome. I would have directly corresponded with them; however, I do not have all their addresses. Thank you again, Texas definitely deserves the motto the 'Friendly State. ' Sincerely, /s/ Taro Nakamura" MAYOR LORD: Now this other one, in spite of its salutation, I really enjoyed very much. "Mr. Mayor, I think you and the good people of Beaumont are to be commended on your patriotism and hospitality to the deploying units from Ft. Bliss, TX and from other locations. Enclosed is an article from the weekly Ft. Bliss, TX newspaper (The Monitor) lauding that effort. -233- September 11, 1990 You can take great pride in each other and in your community. If I ever have the occasion to travel to that part of the state, rest assured I will go out of my way to visit your great city. It does my heart well to hear of such public support and I thank you personally for it. Had I and my comrades-in-arms had such support in Vietnam, things would be much different and better today. Sincerely, James C. Stewart SFC E-7 U. S. Army, Retired" MAYOR LORD: And he sent me a copy of the paper from Fort Bliss in which it has been underlined about the various things, and they call Beaumont "traveling across the plains of Texas they reached their destination, a town blessed with trees, water and open-armed patriotic people. . .Beaumont. Awaiting their arrival were soldiers, etc. who overnight seemingly became the sons and daughters of southern hospitality. All the coffee and soda they could drink, various restaurants offering free meals to their uniformed customers and the smiles of young children and proud adults hurried their long, hot and humid day into an unquestionable home away from home experience. " And it goes on with many more things talking about the morale and how well taken care of they were here: the Red Cross giving various gifts to support them, public handing out American flags and the hospitality lifted the soldiers ' spirits, and it does indeed go about again saying how well, "The people here are really nice and concerned. They're handing out yellow ribbons for the soldiers. Each day, after problems were solved and work was finished, soldiers took time out to rest, relax and enjoy the community. " So I think this really, in spite of being "Mr. " Mayor, I really feel very proud of this, and I hope this gentleman from E1 Paso does really drop in and maybe he'll have a surprise or two, but that really did make me feel good, and you, indeed, are to be commended because you all shared in it. And, everyday I hear more and more people who are feeling this way. -000- Mrs. Delia Harrington, 815 Willow Street, addressed Council to complain and BFI and/or REM Waste Control not picking up trash often enough at Ewing and Calder and Oakland and Calder. She said the receptacles are overflowing and allowing trash to litter the area and asked for Council assistance. -234- September 11, 1990 Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall Street, addressed Council on various subjects, said he enjoyed hearing the letter from the Serviceman and discussed the activities at the Port of Beaumont. -000- There being no other business, the meeting was recessed before continuing with the 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 11, 1990. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -235- September 11, 1990