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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 13 1994 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 - 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 13th day of September, 1994, with the following present: HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor John K. Davis Mayor Pro Tem Councilman, Ward III Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Becky Ames Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II Calvin Williams Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Ralph Martin, Woodland Baptist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Moore. -000- A Proclamation was issued recognizing September 23, 1994, as the 1165th Anniversary for the Seeing-Eye Dog. " -000- Mayor Moore announced an executive session will be held following the regular session of City Council in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: the Claim of Phyllis Fobbs, Nelda Faye Wiley vs John Henry Ruben and the City of Beaumont, and Lola Taylor vs. the City of Beaumont. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 1 through 7. No one wished to address these subjects. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: -206- September 13, 1994 Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held September 6, 1994; Resolution No. 94-229 appointing Scott Parker to the Airport Advisory Committee for a term expiring November 9, 1994; appointing Audry Thompson for a term expiring September 12, 1996 and reappointing Mary Ellen "Elena" Guerrero for a term expiring August 10, 1996 to the Beaumont Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect; appointing Elbert DuBose to the Community Development Advisory Committee for a term expiring September 12, 1996; Hester Bell to the Library Commission for a term expiring November 9, 1994; the Reverend Beauregard Brown to the Rehabilitation Board of Adjustments and Appeals for a term expiring September 12 , 1996; and the Reverend Amos Landry to the Transit Advisory Committee for a term expiring September 12, 1996; reappointing Nell Phillips to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for a term expiring August 19, 1996; and Dr. Kendall Blanchard to the Sister City Commission for a term expiring August 10, 1996; Resolution No. 94-230 authorizing a one-year contract with the Police Activities League (P.A.L. ) in the amount of $25,000.00 as part of the 1994 Community Development Block Grant program for operating cost assistance required for a program designed to bridge the gap between Beaumont's troubled youths and the Police in a positive way; Resolution No. 94-231 authorizing a one-year contract with Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $25,000.00 as part of the 1994 Community Development Block Grant program to provide funding assistance for operating costs required to construct up to four homes in the Charlton Pollard Neighborhood; Resolution No. 94-232 designating Beverly Hodges, Finance Officer, as the City's representative for TexPool, a public funds investment pool with oversight by the Texas State Treasurer; Resolution No. 94-233 adding Beverly Hodges, Finance Officer, and deleting Sara Culbreth as an authorized signatory for any institution the City Council has already designated or may designate as a depository for City of Beaumont banking, investments, and facsimile purposes; as the authorized signatory on the Memorial Healthnet Employee Benefits Account No. 0470035007 at First Interstate Bank of Texas, N.A. ; and as an authorized signatory to request electronic fund (wire) transfers of any and all City funds on deposit with First Interstate Bank of Texas, N.A. , effective September 13, 1994; Resolution No. 94-234 authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 (DD6) for construction of a bridge on Savannah Trace, providing access between Regina and Delaware, at an estimated cost of $90,000.00 (City's share, $45,000) ; and Resolution No. 94-235 authorizing an annual software support agreement -207- September 13 , 1994 and payment of an invoice in the amount of $23 , 310.00 to A. L. Roark & Associates, Inc. for the Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management system in use by the Police Department. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 94-40 adopting a budget for the fiscal period beginning October 1, 1994 and ending September 30, 1995, with appropriations out of the General Fund in the amount of $56,937,900; the Debt Service Fund in the amount of $9,460,000; the Water Utilities Fund in the amount of $17, 322,500; the Solid Waste Management Fund in the amount of $6, 301,800; the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund in the amount of $1,223 ,000; the Street Maintenance Fund in the amount of $1,525,000; the Municipal Transit Fund in the amount of $2,646,000; the Other Special Revenue Fund in the amount of $4 ,925,900; the Capital Reserve Fund in the amount of $3 ,299,800; the Fleet Management Fund in the amount of $2,824,300; the Employee Benefits Fund in the amount of $9,992,000; and the General Liability Fund in the amount of $4,260,000; and authorizing the City Manager to transfer budget funds from one line item to another provided the transaction is not an interfund transfer was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 94-40 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE REFERRED TO AS THE "ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE" ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL PERIOD BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1994 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 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. Councilman Cokinos questioned the effectiveness of Carolyn Chaney, the City of Beaumont's Washington Assistant, and the advisability of renewing the contract with her company, the National Center for Municipal Development, for her services at $50,000.00 per year. The City Manager, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Councilmembers Smith and Goodson responded positively about several instances when needed information was readily furnished and cited the Major Drive project as a specific example of Mrs. Chaney alerting Council of funds available for only a short period of time, thereby making that project a reality. Ordinance No. 94-40 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson -208- September 13, 1994 Resolution No. 94-236 approving a request from the Southeast Texas Community Development Corporation (SETCDC) to amend the HOME Grant contract between them and the City of Beaumont to reallocate another $25,000.00 to increase the budget for capacity building, personal services and operating expenses to $50,000.00 to provide funding to hire an Executive Director for SETCDC's CHDO Division was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 94-237 accepting the Homeless Shelter Task Force Report and authorizing a one-year contract with the Salvation Army, Inc. for a total amount of $98,000.00 ($33 ,000 in McKinney Shelter Grant funds for operating support and a one time $65,000 grant in CDBG funds for salaries and wages) for Emergency Shelter Services was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None The Mayor and Council expressed appreciation to the Task Force and Councilmembers Cokinos and Ames for their work in preparation of the report and recommendations submitted to them regarding shelter provision for the homeless. -000- Resolution No. 94-238 authorizing Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $217, 321.85 to the contract with Affolter Contracting, Inc. for remediation and drainage improvements for the Beaumont Fire Training Center because numerous instances of unsuitable subgrade were encountered which increased the amount of excavation, backfill and cement stabilized sand material was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 94-239 authorizing the City of Beaumont to participate in the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program for the purchase of police vehicles (31 police pursuit vehicles, 3 Suburbans, 10 sedans, 5 vans, 1 crew-cab truck and 18 light duty trucks) budgeted in 1995 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -210- September 13, 1994 and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 94-41 approving the property tax assessment roll prepared by the Jefferson County Appraisal District for the 1994 tax year certifying $3 , 251,615,933 .00 as the net taxable assessed value of all property within the City, providing for the levying, assessing and collection of ad valorem taxes and establishing the tax rate at $0.615 per $100.00 assessed valuation with $0. 35 apportioned to the General Fund and $0. 265 to the Debt Service Fund was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 94-41 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING 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 1994; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Ordinance No. 94-41 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Ordinance No. 94-42 amending Chapter 21, Section 21-75 of the Code of Ordinances to establish grades, positions and classifications in the Police Department: Grade I (police officers) - 166; Grade II (police sergeants and detectives) - 69; Grade III (police lieutenants) - 12; Grade IV (police captains) - 6; reflecting the addition of three Grade I patrol officer positions, the deletion of two Grade III police lieutenant positions the one Grade IV police captain position was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 94-42 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21 SECTION 21- 75(1) , (3) , AND (4) TO AMEND THE POSITIONS IN GRADE ONE, THREE AND FOUR OF THE BEAUMONT POLICE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Ordinance No. 94-42 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -209- September 13, 1994 EXCERPT Mayor Moore Item 8, please. City Manager Riley Item 8, we're asking for a public hearing to be conducted relative to our grant application for the Federal Transit Administration for the operating and project funds for Municipal Transit System. Each year we will make an application for a grant from the Federal Government, and in this case, we're asking for $900,000 for operating expenses and $240,800 for capital improvements in the Beaumont Municipal Transit System. Council is aware that, that the funds that are made available, that after all of the revenues that are applied from the operation of the System, then the deficit is shared 50% by the Federal Government, or UMTA, or the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Beaumont. So, in this case, all of the funds that we're asking for, in affect offset what would have been expenses that would have to be paid for the City, by the City of Beaumont. This year, I believe, that we have allocated over $650,000 is our share for the operation of the system. So, it's absolutely essential and imperative that we receive these funds in order to be able to continue to operate the system. In order to submit the application, we do have to conduct a public hearing to have citizen comments concerning the advisability of participating in this program. Mayor Moore At this time I'd like to open the public hearing in regards to Federal Transit Administration Grant. If any citizen in the audience would like to come forward and make comments on it, please do so at this time. We would just ask for your name and address for the record. First Speaker My name is Tony Jones, and I live at 508 Garland. I was wondering if this grant application would be, I know it's gonna be used for the operations on the bus, but I'd like to find out what the capital improvements are, i.e. , new buses or fixing the existing buses for the 189 model buses to retrofit them with wheel chair lifts. And, also, I'd like to find out whether or not it would be feasible to see that our operating hours would be going past 6:00 p.m. during the Fair and the Christmas holidays. Mayor Moore Tony, I can tell you one part that, that we're already looking at in regards to extended hours during a couple different times of the year, -211- September 13 , 1994 so that is under review at this particular time. Mr. Manager, can you address the capital side of that? Mr. Riley Capital improvements include the purchase of four paratransit vans to replace the four that are currently in service. One of them is a 1983 model, and then there are three 189 models which have in excess of 200,000 miles on them. They also--the other project is the purchase of a radio base station, and it replaces the original 18-year-old piece of equipment currently in service. That's a total cost of $240,000, and 80% of it would be funded by the FTA. The City would have to fund the other $60,000. Mr. Jones I'd also like to find out whether or not our new paratransit vans, I believe, if I'm not mistaken, they're 25--26 to 27 feet long. You know and, usually when I ride paratransit, they have one or two people in them, you know. Our City buses are 35 feet long, you know, and, I, personally believe that we don't need a paratransit van that's 26 foot long. I mean, it's like a--it's like them driving a land yacht down the road like a motor home. And, I have been--it has happened when they come in my driveway that they nearly go into the ditch every time because that thing is so big. Now I understand they they carry more than that. You know at different parts of the day, I can understand one or two, but normally throughout the day they have one or two people at a time, and would it be feasible to have a little bit smaller van with a wheel chair ramp? Mr. Riley We'll ask the Transit Advisory Mr. Jones I know, well, in facts I know that that's true, because I've submitted to Transit and to Mr. Warner's office. Dallas are Rapid Transit has a-- has such things going on, and they have it upstairs. I have given that to the City. Mayor Moore Respond, so he can hear you. Mr. Riley We'll make that kind of consideration. We'll take it under advisement. -212- September 13, 1994 Mr. Jones Thank you. Mayor Moore Thank you, Mr. Jones. Any else who'd like to have public comment on the- -Item No. 8? If not, at this time we'll close the hearing. END OF EXCERPT Resolution No. 94-240 authorizing application and acceptance of a grant in the amount of $900,000 for operating expenses and $240,800 for capital improvements for the Beaumont Municipal Transit System from October 1, 1994 through September 30, 1995 (FY 1995) with the Federal Transit Administration was considered. Council discussion included possible extension of hours, expanded routes, better service for low income ridership areas, smaller buses for convenience, additional transit promotional days, and extended hours during the Fair and Christmas holidays. Resolution No. 94-240 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Williams reiterated congratulations to Councilmembers Cokinos and Ames and the Task Force for completing the arduous task of compiling a report regarding shelter accommodations for the homeless. Mayor Pro Tem Davis thanked Public Works Director Tom Warner for his department's response to problems in Ward III. He said he has received at least four telephone calls of appreciation for services delivered by the City. Councilman Ames said the ceremonies and events surrounding the partial opening of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway were very well planned and that Beverly Hatcher did a great job. Councilman Goodson commented that he and Mayor Pro Tem Davis especially enjoyed riding on Fire Engine #2 in the parade last Saturday and said that everyone had a great time and thanked the City Manager and Staff for their efforts in budget preparation. Councilman Smith concurred that the first MLK opening ceremonies, parade and festivities were well planned and enjoyable and said she is looking forward to the final grand opening from College Street to Interstate 10 and complete the north to south route across the city. -213- September 13, 1994 Mayor Moore thanked Staff for the time and effort expended on the budget, especially presenting one without a tax increase, said he received a letter from L. G. Properties and asked Public Works Director Tom Warner to respond on behalf of the City. Mayor Moore added his thanks for the MLK Parkway events, said he is thankful to have been a member of Council from the naming to opening of the first phase of the project and thanked former mayor Evelyn Lord, the MLK Commission and members of Council for their attendance and said the rain experienced did not dampen the spirit of the event. He commented that in excess of 4,000 kids attended the Cops and Kids picnic and that in the first 45 minutes 3 ,700 tee-shirts were passed out, and that it also was a great event. Mayor Moore said it is refreshing to see things happening in our community with construction starts up over 40% from last year, said that Lamar University's Baseball Banquet was a sellout with great participation, that the Business Show in session at the Civic Center until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. is outstanding, commented that he experienced excellent meetings last week the the HUD Director, thanked Staff for the hours spent with HUD explaining the needs of our community and recognized and thanked Roy Steinhagen for doing a good job with the Salvation Army. -000- Mr. Archie Land, 435 Langham Road, addressed Council to question if the Task Force Committee recommendation to form a Homeless Commission for technical assistance to Council is under consideration. Mayor Moore told Mr. Land that such a commission will be formed and members appointed by Council. Ms. Linmarie Garsee, 1725 Park, thanked Council for installation of a traffic light on Pennsylvania, but said there is still a speeding problem on Park Street including buses. Mr. Tony Jones, 508 Garland, addressed Council to state there has been noticeable improvement in the transit system and asked consideration be given to extending a Saturday ridership curfew for children because of the noise and rowdiness created by their lack of self-discipline, carrying knives and making threats and kicking his seeing-eye dog. Mayor Moore said Council might be able to positively address the Saturday ridership problem, but is not sure a ridership curfew can be mandated with the use of federal monies. Mr. Roy Steinhagen, 4445 Thomas Lane, on behalf of the Salvation Army and as the Advisory Board Chairman, thanked Councilmembers Cokinos and Ames for their work with the Task Force and City Council for their trust in the Salvation Army and said they will do a good job in providing shelter services for the homeless. -214- September 13 , 1994 There being no other business, the regular session of City Council was recessed to reconvene in 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 13 , 1994. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -215- September 13, 1994 EXCERPT PUBLIC HEARING SEPTEMBER 13, 1994 GRANT APPLICATION FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION OPERATING AND PROGRAM PROJECTS FOR BEAUMONT MUNICIPAL TRANSIT SYSTEM THOSE PRESENT: David W. Moore Mayor John K. Davis Mayor Pro Tem Councilman, Ward III Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Becky Ames Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II Calvin Williams Councilman Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- Mayor Moore Item 8, please. City Manager Riley Item 8, we're asking for a public hearing to be conducted relative to our grant application for the Federal Transit Administration for the operating and project funds for Municipal Transit System. Each year. we will make an application for a grant from the Federal Government, and in this case, we're asking for $900,000 for operating expenses and $240,800 for capital improvements in the Beaumont Municipal Transit System. Council is aware that, that the funds that are made available, that after all of the revenues that are applied from the operation of the System, then the deficit is shared 50% by the Federal Government, or UMTA, or the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Beaumont. So, in this case, all of the funds that we're asking for, in affect, offset what would have been expenses that would have to be paid for the City, by the City of Beaumont. This year, I believe, that we have allocated over $650,000 is our share for the operation of the System. So, it's absolutely essential and imperative that we receive these funds in order to be able to continue to operate the system. In order to submit the application, we do have to conduct a public hearing to have citizen comments concerning the advisability of participating in this program. EXCERPT, PAGE 2 Mayor Moore At this time I'd like to open the public hearing in regards to Federal Transit Administration Grant. If any citizen in the audience would like to come forward and make comments on it, please do so at this time. We would just ask for your name and address for the record. First Streaker My name is Tony Jones, and I live at 508 Garland. I was wondering if this grant application would be, I know it's gonna be used for the operations on the bus, but I'd like to find out what the capital improvements are, i.e. , new buses or fixing the existing buses for the 189 model buses to retrofit them with wheel chair lifts. And, also, I'd like to find out whether or not it would be feasible to see that our operating hours would be going past 6:00 p.m. during the Fair and during the Christmas holidays. Mayor Moore Tony, I can tell you one part that, that we're already looking at it in regards to extended hours during a couple different times of the year, so that is under review at this particular time. Mr. Manager, can you address the capital side of that? Mr. Riley Capital improvements include the purchase of four (4) paratransit vans to replace the four that are currently in service. One of them is a 1983 model, and then there are three 189 models which have in excess of 200,000 miles on them. They also, the other project is the purchase of a radio base station, and it replaces the original 18-year-old piece of equipment currently in service. That's a total cost of $240,000, and 800 of it would be funded by the FTA. The City would have to fund the other $60,000. Mr. Jones I'd also like to find out whether or not our new paratransit vans, I believe, if I'm not mistaken, they're 25, 26 to 27 feet long. You know and, usually when I ride paratransit, they have one or two people in them, you know. Our City buses are 35 feet long, you know, and, I, personally believe that we don't need a paratransit van that's 26 foot long. I mean, it's like a, it's like them driving a land yacht down the road like a motor home. And, I have been, it has happened when they come in my driveway that they nearly go into the ditch every time because that thing is so big. Now I understand that they carry more than that. You know at different parts of the day, I can understand one or two, but normally throughout the day they have one or two people at a time, and would it be feasible to have a little bit smaller van with a wheel chair ramp? EXCERPT, PAGE 3 Mr. Riley We'll ask the Transit Advisory Mr. Jones I know, well, in facts I know that that's true, because I've submitted to Transit and to Mr. Warner's office. Dallas area Rapid Transit has a, has such things going on, and they have it upstairs. I have given that to the City. Mayor Moore Respond, so he can hear you. Mr. Riley We'll make that kind of consideration. We'll take it under advisement. Mr. Jones Thank you. Mayor Moore Thank you, Mr. Jones. Anyone else who'd like to have public comment on the, Item No. 8? If not, at this time we'll close the hearing.