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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUN 11 1991 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD JUNE 11, 1991 - 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 June, 1991, with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Brian Alter Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Mayor Pro Tem. Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson 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 Mr. Winston Hamby, Youth Minister, Ridgewood Church of Christ. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Joseph Ramey, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 85, visiting City Council as part of a requirement for earning a merit badge. -000- Two Proclamations were issued: A Proclamation recognizing the "Beaumont Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta," (This Proclamation accepted by Shirlene Cook, president of the Beaumont Alumni Chapter, for the sorority's dedication in rendering public service in numerous ways, especially by initiating the "Delta Presents" program which encourages young black men to seek higher education and promotes the importance of the black male's role in the family. ) and "Philippine-American Friendship Day," June 12, 1991, (This Proclamation honoring seven Filipino-American physician reservists--Lt. Col. Polvorosa, M.D. , Major Fred Arcala, M.D. , Major Oliver Balagot, M.D. , Major Armando J. Espiritu, M.D. , Major Mariano S. Nasser, M.D. , Major Victorico Singzon, M.D. , and Major Frankie Siy, M.D.--from Southeast Texas serving with the 4005th Hospital Augmentation Unit of the 87th Brigade of the United States. Army in Operation Desert Storm was accepted by Major Victorico Singzon, M.D. ) -000- -138- June 11, 1991 Mrs. Janet Todd, chairman of the Clean Community Commission, and Dr. Tom Nelson, chairman of "Spring Sweep, " presented monetary and "Pride in Beaumont" awards to particular participants in the "Spring Sweep" clean- up campaign on April 25, 1991. Student Body President Tu Ma accepted for Central High School a $500. 00 landscaping certificate from Mr. Larry Hamlin of Al Cook Nursery for the highest percentage of high school participation and $500. 00 cash from First City Bank and employees of Orgain, Bell and Tucker for the highest number of high school participants. The Panhellenic Council won the competition among Lamar University organizations, and Michelle Jordan accepted a $200. 00 check for the group, funded in part by Texas Commerce Bank. "Pride in Beaumont" awards were presented to: Mr. Ron Goodman of the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood Association for the civic group with the largest number participating; Ms. Gayle Cunningham of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for the highest percentage of church congregation participation; Mr. Larry Beaulieu for television station KFDM-Channel 6 and Mr. Jack Piper for radio station KLVI for outstanding media support in promotion of "Spring Sweep;" Mr. Rocky Chase, owner and manager of Hoffbrau Steaks, for consistent and outstanding support and participation in the past and this year for preparing the bar-be-que served at the celebration honoring the volunteers after the "Clean Sweep" activities; Mr. Sam Bethea, chairman of Keep Texas Beautiful for Hardin County, for his interest in projects over the past five years and for lending leadership support and proving to be a "Special Buddy; and to Administrative Assistant for the City of Beaumont, Mrs. Rande Ross, a new "Pride in Beaumont Most Valuable Player" award was created for going above and beyond the call of duty in staff support. A trophy was accepted by Community Affairs Advisor Jeanne Mitchell for Mobil Oil and Mobil Chemical Corporation for the business exhibiting the most outstanding support for improving the business climate. Mrs. Todd acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Nelson for enlisting 762 volunteers in "Spring Sweep, " a 300% increase over previous years, and thanked him for chairing the committee. Mayor Lord expressed appreciation from Council for all the efforts of the Clean Community Commission, the competent leadership of the "Spring Sweep" committee, and for the report of good staff support. -000- Mr. Andy Chica, Public Affairs Officer for the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation, presented 70% Plus Honor Roll Awards to the City of Beaumont and the City of Beaumont Police Department for efforts in fostering the usage of safety belts. Mr. Chica explained that " . . .the Department of Transportation started this Honor Roll in -139- June 11, 1991 support of President Bush's goal of achieving a national average of 70% safety belt usage" by 1992. The awards "are co-sponsored by the Highway Department and D.O.T. and are awarded to companies, organizations, high schools, with an environment or 100 people or more, that are willing to achieve 70% or higher safety belt usage. " Mr. Chica said a random sample taken in Beaumont of 2 ,492 motorists showed 1,865 were wearing seat belts, a 74.8% usage, which exceeds the 70% and qualified Beaumont for the award. Mr. Chica reported that from 1983 through 1989, D.O.T. estimates that 20, 000 lives were saved by usage of seat belts. Mayor Lord and Lieutenant J. R. Smith accepted the 70% Plus Honor Roll Awards for the City of Beaumont and the City of Beaumont Police Department. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agendas. 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 June 4, 1991; Resolution No. 91-132 appointing Lory M. Warton to the Historical Landmark Commission for a term expiring October 31, 1991; Scarlett Duplechain and Van Daniels to the Community Development Advisory Commission for terms expiring May 31, 1993 ; Charles Glass to the Board of Directors for Reinvestment Zone No. 1 for a term expiring December 31, 1992 ; Rick Canady to the Sister City Commission for a term expiring December 31, 1992 ; and Earl Frost to the Electrical Board of Review for a term expiring April 30, 1994; Resolution No. 91-133 accepting a $500. 00 settlement offer for release of grass cutting liens totaling $1, 156.27 against Lot 129, Block 11, Crary Addition, from Aerie 116 of the Fraternal order of Eagles who has agreed to purchase the vacant lot located next to its hall at 1312 Franklin, from a non-resident owner; Resolution No. 91-134 authorizing a License to Encroach with Beaumont Realty, Inc. , onto City right-of-way on Broadway Street at the southeast corner of Magnolia at Broadway adjacent to Lots 5-6, Block 18, Calder Addition, six (611) inches north of the south right-of-way line of Broadway for a distance of 100 feet to construct a building facade on the former Sears store building being remodeled for use as a federal building for a one-time license fee of $500. 00 and subject to a thirty day cancellation notice; and -140- June 11, 1991 Resolution No. 91-135 authorizing execution of an Earnest Money Contract for the purpose of implementing sale of Lots 1-26, Black 38 of the Averill Addition, generally referred to as the Wilson Art Museum property on Ninth Street, resulting in half interest of the property reverting back to the Protestant-Episcopal Church Council and half interest to other J. Cooke Wilson heirs with the cessation of the property being used for the art museum. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 91-52 amending Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances to repeal the Minimum Housing Code and adopt the 1991 Standard Housing Code, which is designed to set the minimum standards of livability for residential structures related principally to the use, occupancy and maintenance of existing buildings, update minimum standard housing regulations currently in effect and be compatible with all existing building, electrical, mechanical, fire and plumbing codes, and to fill some gaps in existing regulations, was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 91-52 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO REPEAL THE MINIMUM HOUSING CODE AND ENACT THE 1991 EDITION OF THE STANDARD HOUSING CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Ordinance No. 91-52 was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Smith and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 91-53 amending Section 14-50 of the Code of Ordinances to establish criteria for determining whether dangerous structures are suitable for rehabilitation by applying a nationally accepted standard known as "the 25-50 percent rule" and amending Section 14-52 of the Code of Ordinances to establish a 120-day deadline for completion of repairs dating from the initiation of a work program to bring the structure into compliance with the standard housing code was considered: -141- June 11, 1991 ORDINANCE NO. 91-53 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO AMEND THE REGULATIONS CONCERNING DANGEROUS STRUCTURES TO PROVIDE CRITERIA DEFINING STRUCTURES THAT ARE SUBSTANDARD SUITABLE FOR REHABILITATION AND OTHER REGULATIONS RELATING TO DANGEROUS STRUCTURES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Ordinance No. 91-53 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-136 authorizing renewal of an annual contract with Beaumont Products and Services, Inc. , a sheltered workshop, for bi- weekly litter pickup on arterial streets at an estimated annual cost of $132 ,437. 00, based on $78.38 bi-weekly cost per mile for street widths greater than 30 feet with no median, $74.89 bi-weekly cost per mile for street widths less than 30 feet with no median, $87. 67 bi-weekly cost per mile for streets with a median greater than 20 feet, and $82.23 bi- weekly cost per mile for streets with a median less than 20 feet was considered. Councilman Alter asked that Helbig Road be studied for inclusion in this program because of the heavy amount of litter there. Mr. Riley said the request would be investigated and considered, but explained that an alternative might be the answer, since this program is based on curb and gutter and streets related to drainage. He said Helbig Road might apply since there are large build-ups of trash and debris that have to be removed periodically, and there may be other major streets that would fall into this category and deserve review. Councilman Moore asked that the Avenue A extension going to Cardinal Drive also be considered in regard to drainage. Resolution No. 91-136 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-137 authorizing a three-year contract to Lone Star -142- June 11, 1991 Auctioneers, Inc. of Fort Worth for furnishing auctioneering services for surplus property auctions for a fee of 5.98% of all sales revenue generated by the City's fleet and equipment auction, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-138 authorizing a contract with Ace Clark Construction Company for Weathering Heights Park improvements which include construction of drives and parking facilities on a base bid of $24,431. 00 and an add-on alternate bid of $18,876. 00 for construction of a nature trail for a total contract cost of $43 , 307 . 00 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Pro Tem Smith reported that for the second time this season, "Sunday in the Park" was rained out, but the next "Sunday in the Park" is scheduled for July 7th with an exciting program planned, and Councilman Alter will be reading to the children. Councilman Goodson explained that members of Boy Scout Troop No. 85 are in City Council today as part of earning a citizenship in the community badge, that it has been his privilege to serve as their Merit Badge Counselor and thanked them for attending City Council. Councilman Alter said it was his pleasure this past weekend to represent the Mayor and Council in welcoming about 400 American veterans at the Amvet Convention held at the Hilton Hotel. Councilman Moore reported a most successful task force meeting was held with members of the community--Mayor Pro Tem Smith, educators, law enforcement personnel, and youth groups--in regards to addressing youth activities for the summer months. Councilman Moore said a follow-up meeting will be held June 26, and said he has several ideas to share with Council that evolved from the meeting that the committee would like to put in place . Mayor Lord acknowledged to Councilman Moore that she has heard very exciting reports about the meeting, and that the support received for the program thus far is wonderful. Councilman Samuel stated that he thinks it is important to recognize that a lot of support has been received from the citizens in regard to the youth summer program, but in particular, there has been a lot of support from ministers in the community. He reported meeting with Police Chief Schuldt, some Community Relations Officers, and about six pastors who are in the process of working in their own immediate -143- June 11, 1991 community. He commended the ministers for their efforts and expressed his opinion that to successfully combat the drug problem, citizens will have to work together, hand-in-hand. Mayor Lord thanked Councilman Alter and Mayor Pro Tem Smith for filling in while she was out of the city, announced an effort sponsored by Life Force Operation Spay called "Hot Dog Alert, " designed to remind everyone not to leave pets in automobiles without air and water, and added her own warning to be aware that children should not be left in an automobile in this weather because heat stroke can kill in minutes. She gave an update of July 4th Parade plans. It will be Beaumont's biggest parade, over 30 floats and seven cities will be represented with Orange, Groves, Port Neches, Port Arthur, Nederland and Vidor joining Beaumont. City Council, their spouses, and service men in the employ of the City and their wives will be on the City of Beaumont's float. -000- Mr. Bill Hawthorne, 490 Todd, addressed Council to request that consideration be given to improving the shoulders of Keith Road when the scheduled resurfacing occurs in order to provide a suitable place for people to walk and to improve the general appearance to visitors arriving in Beaumont at the Municipal Airport. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall, addressed Council in support of the planned parade and activities on July 4th. -000- Councilman Samuel announced there will be a Juneteenth celebration at Riverfront Park, Saturday, June 15, with a parade beginning at 10: 00 a.m. and festivities continuing throughout the day. Mayor Lord announced there will not be a regular City Council meeting held next Tuesday, June 18, 1991. -000- There being no further business, the Regular Session of City Council was adjourned to reconvene in Workshop Session at 2 :45 p.m. -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 June 11, 1991. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -144- June 11, 1991