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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 17 1991 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD SEPTEMBER 17, 1991 - 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 17th day of September, 1991, with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Lulu L. Smith Mayor Pro Tem Councilman, Ward I Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Brian R. Alter Councilman At Large 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 a former mayor, Jimmy Cokinos. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Attorney Lane Nichols. -000- One Proclamation was issued: "Constitution Week, " September 17-23, 1991. -000- Mayor Lord presented an Honorary Citizenship Card to Mr. Kaoru Nakao from Beppu City, Japan, Beaumont's Sister City. Mr. Nakao will be attending English classes at Lamar University for three months and then observing the operation of the City of Beaumont for one year in various City departments. Mr. Nakao works in Beppu's Tourist Division. Mr. Nakao expressed appreciation for the kind and warm welcome he has received and said that perhaps this relationship will build a bridge from Beppu City to Beaumont. Mayor Lord thanked Maurine Gray, Community Facilities Director, for arranging Mr. Nakao's welcome and courses at Lamar. -000- -225- September 17, 1991 Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 2 through 9. Mr. Charles Cowles, 1215 Longfellow, an Emergency Medical Services employee addressed Council and asked that there be no cuts in employees' vacation and personal leave. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held September 10, 1991; Resolution No. 91-225 appointing Charles Viguet and Arthur Charles to the Commission for Employment of Disabled Person for indefinite terms; appointing Bill Faucett to the Library Commission for a term expiring October 31, 1993 ; reappointing David Hornack as Chairman of the Convention and Tourism Advisory Committee for a term expiring September 30, 1993 ; and reappointing Camille Threadgill to the Clean Community Commission for a term expiring September 30, 1993 ; Resolution No. 91-226 authorizing an annual contract with Callaway Chemical Co. for furnishing liquid polymer for the water treatment process at $.83 per pound for a cost of $2 .42 per million gallons of water treated; Resolution No. 91-227 accepting Street and Storm Sewer Improvements: Windsor Parkway from the existing pavement approximately 414 feet west to end with a temporary turnaround and Type III barricade and Manchester Court from Windsor Parkway approximately 218 feet south to and including the cul-de-sac and Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvements: Lots 9 through 11, Block 1 and Lots 8 through 12, Block 2 in Windsor Park -- Section Two for permanent maintenance, contingent upon filing of final plat and dedication of all rights-of-way and easements required on the preliminary and final plats and installation of street lights; Resolution No. 91-228 authorizing an annual contract for grounds maintenance of the right-of-way along Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway (Sulphur Drive to Washington Boulevard) to Alamo Lawn Service in the amount of $30, 000. 00; Resolution No. 91-229 accepting the donation of 7.844 acres of land out of the James Rowe Survey, Abstract 45, in the vicinity of the City Landfill and the artificial wetlands treatment area, from Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 for widening of Hillebrandt Bayou and to establish and acquire right-of-way for the existing Ditch #107; and -226- September 17, 1991 Resolution No. 91-230 authorizing filing an application for a $13, 000. 00 TRASER Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P. ) grant (to fund construction of a project to reduce accidents by development of an automated traffic records system) from the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation. A motion by Councilman Alter and second by Councilman Moore to accept the Consent Agenda were withdrawn after indication for further citizen comment on Agenda items was realized. -000- Again, citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 2 through 9. Mr. Fred Gosling, 60 Langham Road, addressed Council to agree that a tax increase is in order, but complained that because of increased property appraisals, he felt the increase should be less than the proposed $. 05. -000- The Consent Agenda was approved on Councilman Alter's reentry of the motion and Councilman Moore's second. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- A Public Hearing was called to consider amendments to the proposed FY 1992 budget as follows: $285,000 for expenditures in the Police Department related to wages and benefits for the addition of eight police officers and one clerk to the Patrol Division; $80,000 for expenditures in the Fire Department related to wages and benefits for additional hours on call-back basis for fire personnel assigned to suppression duties; $115,000 for lump sum payment to all regular full time civilian employees including appointed officials equivalent to three percent of their annual base salaries effective October 1, 1991; a request from the Southeast Texas Arts Council for funding in the amount of $135, 000 instead of the proposed $105, 000; a request from the Beaumont Heritage Society for funding in the amount of $20, 000 instead of $10, 000; and a request from the Art Museum of Southeast Texas for funding in the amount of $180, 000 instead of the proposed $165, 000. Staff recommended all requested increases with the exception of the $30, 000 to the Southeast Texas Arts Council and recommended that a $15, 000 increase be granted to bring the amount to last year' s funding level. Mayor Lord announced that comments would be allowed regarding Emergency Medical Services, even though it is not an amendment item, because it is a budget item and because of the high level of public interest. -227- September 17, 1991 Mr. Jerry Wright, 6020 Pinkstaff, addressed Council in support of additional Emergency Medical Service units and staff and a tax increase to fund the additions, if necessary. Mrs. Elizabeth Owen, 2099 Dowlen, again addressed Council in support of additional Emergency Medical Service units. Ms. Hellena Postrk, 7980 Willow Creek Drive, Vice-President of Southeast Texas Arts Council, addressed Council to urge allocation for as much of their additional request as possible. Ms. Millie Hartel, addressed Council in support of funding the arts and displayed a poster depicting a logo for arts related curriculum. Mr. Greg Busceme, 2110 Victoria, addressed Council in support of the Southeast Texas Arts Council request for additional funds and summarized some of the advantages of the art community. Ms. Becky Stedman, Director of the Beaumont Heritage Society, thanked Council for consideration of an additional $10, 000 funding request and spoke in support of the Southeast Texas Arts Council request. Mr. Charles Cowles, 1215 Longfellow, addressed Council in support of proper equipment for the Emergency Medical Services and said the number one cause of death for individuals over twenty-five years of age is cardiac related illnesses and trauma for those under twenty-five. There being no other comments, the Public Hearing was closed. -000- Ordinance No. 91-71, referred to as the Annual Appropriation Ordinance, for the fiscal period beginning October 1, 1991 and ending September 30, 1992, authorizing adoption of the FY 92 City budget and approval of six amendments was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 91-71 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE REFERRED TO AS THE "ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE; ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE ENSUING FISCAL PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1991 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1992 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; APPORTIONING THE FUNDS OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. -228- September 17, 1991 Six (6) amendments: (1) $285, 000 to the Police Department for expenditures related to wages and benefits for the addition of eight police office and one clerk to the Patrol Division; (2) $80, 000 to the Fire Department for expenditures related to wages and benefits for additional hours on call-back basis for fire personnel assigned to suppression duties; (3) $115, 000 for lump sum payment to all regular full time civilian employees including appointed officials equivalent to three percent of their annual base salaries effective October 1; (4) $15, 000 increase in appropriation for the Art Museum of Southeast Texas from the proposed $165, 000 to $180, 000; (5) $10, 000 increase in appropriation to the Beaumont Heritage Society from the proposed $10,000 to $20, 000; and (6) $15, 000 increase in appropriation to the Southeast Texas Arts Council from the proposed $105, 000 to $120, 000; to the proposed budget for FY 92 with Staff recommendations providing an increase appropriation out of the General Fund from the proposed $50,275, 000 to $50,770, 000 and an increase appropriation out of the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund from the proposed $1, 125,000 to $1, 150, 000 were approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Ordinance No. 91-71, including amendments, ($50, 770, 000 appropriated out of the General Fund: $8, 349, 000 appropriated out of the Debt Service Fund for paying accrued interests on bonds and redeeming same as they mature; appropriating $16, 086, 000 out of the Water Utilities Fund; appropriating $7,837, 000 out of the Solid Waste Management Fund; appropriating $1, 150, 000 out of the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund; appropriating $1, 139,400 out of the Special Revenue Funds; appropriating $2,400, 000 out of the Street Maintenance Fund; appropriating $1,806, 000 out of the Municipal Transit Fund for operating expenses; appropriating $368, 000 out of the Fire Training Grounds Fund; appropriating $11,421, 000 out of the Insurance Fund; appropriating $2,900, 000 out of the Capital Reserve Fund; and appropriating $2 , 558, 000 out of the Fleet Maintenance Fund) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -229- September 17, 1991 Ordinance No. 91-72 approving the tax assessment rolls as certified to the City of Beaumont by the Jefferson County Appraisal District and establishing the tax rate at $. 59 per $100 assessed valuation of taxable property for the tax year 1991 was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 91-72 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE TAX ROLL FOR THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; ESTABLISHING A TAX RATE; PROVIDING FOR LEVYING, ASSESSING AND COLLECTING OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE TAX YEAR 1991; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Councilman Cokinos expressed concern for the EMS and said he feels Council should go on record with a statement declaring funds will be provided in the coming year for the Emergency Medical Services. Staff advised Council that it is not appropriate to take legal and binding action without proper posting and advertising, but to convey a sense of the Council is appropriate. Council expressed great concern about the Emergency Medical Services, said that it will be a high priority item this year; all information will be gathered and all options considered and the best way to proceed will be determined. Councilman Goodson clarified that the City of Beaumont does not set the property values and that part of the increase in tax bills will be related to values established by the Jefferson County Appraisal District, not within the control of Council. Ordinance No. 91-72 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Samuel. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-231 adopting a five-year Capital Program for Fiscal Year 1992 through Fiscal Year 1996 (total projects for 1992, $16, 645, 800--$11,400, 000 for drainage improvements, $3, 000, 000 for street improvements and $2,245,800 for general improvements) was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Smith and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 91-73 amending Section 21-6 of the Code of Ordinances effecting changes in employees' vacation and personal leave was considered: -230- September 17, 1991 ORDINANCE NO. 91-73 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21, SECTION 21-6 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT DEALING WITH EMPLOYEES ' VACATION AND PERSONAL LEAVE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Ordinance No. 91-73 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-232 authorizing compensation to all regular full-time civilian employees, including Council-appointed officials, a lump sum payment equivalent to three (3) percent of their annual base pay, effective October 1, authorizing a maximum of a three (3) percent step increase as employees become eligible, and increase salaries of officials appointed by City Council by three (3) percent effective October 1, 1991, was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-233 authorizing an annual contract with the Henry Homberg Golf Course of Beaumont (by Ronnie Flieder who operates and maintains the golf course which he is leasing from the City) in the amount of $109,200. 00 for grounds and facility maintenance at Tyrrell Park was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Smith and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-234 authorizing annual contracts for furnishing water treatment chemicals at an estimated total cost of $137, 354 . 50 to: DXI/DX Distributors for copper sulfate at $.5665/lb; Coastal Products & Chemical for aluminum sulfate at $97. 50/ton; Harcross Chemicals, Inc. for fluosilic acid at $130. 00/ton and aqua ammonia at $320. 00/ton; and Jones Chemical for liquid chlorine at $291.50/ton was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-235 authorizing a Change Order to the contract with W. B. Construction Co. in the amount of $1,015. 00 to cover the revised scope of work (delete paving because of extreme deterioration and -231- September 17, 1991 include additional drainage improvements) on the Drainage Improvement Project for East Caldwood was approved on a motion made by Councilman Alter and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 91-236 authorizing a contract with E. R. Dupuis Concrete Company, Inc. for construction of the Crockett Street Parking Plaza (Base bid for construction of the parking facilities--$87, 612 .20; Alternate No. 1, landscaping--$22,600.00; and Alternate No. 2, lighting-- $15, 000. 00) for a total of $125,212 .20 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Councilman Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Moore thanked City Staff, members of the Police Department, owner of the Highland Street Pharmacy and citizens for their attendance and participation last week at the meeting in the South Park area. Councilman Moore said a neighborhood watch group was formulated to restore order in the community and invited Council to a follow-up meeting scheduled for October 9 at 7 : 00 p.m. at the Alice Keith Community Center. In addition, Councilman Moore stated that everyone is concerned with the role of the EMS for both private carriers and public, the need is understood, and pointed out that some of the City EMS personnel work extra for private carriers. Councilman Moore addressed the fact that assessing taxes affect some more than others and creates a a real hardship for those families "just holding on. " Councilman Moore asked that all work together to develop a solid system that is in the best interest of all citizens. Councilman Samuel said he is happy to sit on City Council with such a diverse group of people and especially with Councilman Moore. He said he valued having taken an Oath of Office to do that which is in the good of all people and said decisions have to be made on an entire picture and that he takes his job seriously. Councilman Samuel said he is concerned about EMS and will make the commitment to work to better that Department. Councilman Alter affirmed agreement with previous Council comments and said that a number of the City fire units have medical equipment and that Council is looking to consider the best use of additional funds for the EMS--better staffing the firefighting units, adding one or two units, proper placement, and factors other than statistics of current response time and number of calls. Councilman Alter thanked Staff for their hard work in preparing the budget in a tough budget year. Councilman Cokinos commented that words are cheap, people's life is very sacred and with commencement of the 911 program, calls will increase, -232- September 17, 1991 and he feels Council should make a commitment to fund another EMS unit this fiscal year. Councilman Goodson thanked Staff for preparation of the budget and those who presented a proposal for funding and alerting the City to issues. He thanked the advisory boards and those in the public and private sector for their input and said Council has a difficult job making a decision regarding funding with limited revenue strength. He said Council will continue to work on the EMS issue, as well as other issues. Councilman Goodson thanked Councilman Moore for his comments and said, "We all know now why someone could have as big a fan as David has who wrote the editorial on Monday. " (A reference to a letter in the Readers Write column of the Beaumont Enterprise extolling Councilman Moore for his example of unbiased leadership to African-American young people. ) Mayor Pro Tem Smith thanked Mr. Riley and Staff for walking Council through a difficult budget with more needs than money and said that Council has tried to come up with the best solutions. She expressed appreciation for citizen input, but said Council has to view issues in many ways. Mayor Pro Tem Smith acknowledged the EMS needs and said rhetoric has to put aside and facts considered. She said the entire situation must be assessed and a judgment made that will last and not be just a quick-fix. Aspects such as manpower, units, response time, size of the city, resources and the private sector must be considered. Cooperation of the private sector and a coming together of everyone is needed to solve the problem. She said Council is concerned about the EMS and the City of Beaumont and will come up with a plan Council feels will be a long-term solution. Councilman Cokinos added that he feels possibly the EMS requests could have been funded out of the $3, 000,000 surplus experienced this fiscal year, acknowledged that some say the balance should go into a contingency, but said a contingency is already built into the budget. Mayor Lord said statements have been made beautifully by several members of Council, said she is proud to be a member of this team and included the City Attorney on the team for rendering the advice Council relies upon, the City Manager who leads, and Staff who serve Council well. She said she was a member of the Council who initiated EMS and has never lost interest in it and all of Council remains concerned. -000- Mr. Billy G. Turner, 1575 Auburn Drive, addressed Council to complain about certain sections of the City Code of Ordinances regarding dogs, saying that there is no appeals process or bonding requirement and cited a recent incident involving his miniature Schnauzer and a neighbor. Mr. Charles Cowles, 1215 Longfellow, addressed Council to report that the Fire Department has two debibrillators and five in boxes for use as -233- September 17, 1991 soon as training time is available by EMS staff, discussed EMS salary, secondary employment and possible funding methods of EMS equipment and staff. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall, addressed Council in support of Council members and announced he will soon be an 18-year resident of Beaumont. Ms. Josie Reeves, 1215 Longfellow, a Registered Nurse at a local hospital, addressed Council in favor of the care given to patients transported to the Emergency Room by the EMS versus private carriers. -000- Councilman Moore said his comments about paramedics working for private carriers was to illustrate the limitation of other activities occurring within that department, such as training. Councilman Moore reviewed the reason and procedures for EMS salary reductions, said every possibility of the EMS issue needs to be looked at in a lot of different ways to make the system work better. He said the input has been appreciated and Council will work towards a solution. Mayor Lord said "it is extremely difficult to sit on all these items and make judgment calls, when. . .all the facts are not in front of you. " She said Council is probably as well versed as possible, short of being in the position. Mayor Lord thanked everyone for sharing their concerns and assured them Council welcomes the comments and does listen. -000- There being no other business, the Regular Session of City Council was adjourned to reconvene in Workshop 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 17, 1991. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -234- September 17, 1991