HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN SEP 20 1994 REGULAR SESSION
CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT
HELD SEPTEMBER 20, 1994 - 1:30 P.M.
BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas,
met in regular session this the 20th 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 III
Sterling Pruitt Asst. City Manager
Lane Nichols City Attorney
Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk
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The Invocation was given by City Attorney Lane Nichols.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Williams.
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Dr. Tom Nelson, Chairman of the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission, and
David Oliver, Staff Coordinator for the Clean Community Division and
Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission, recognized various groups and
individuals for their participation in keeping Beaumont clean and
beautiful.
First, two "Operation Clean Street" contracts were signed. Ms. Bunny
Schmaltz , National Honor Society Sponsor, accompanied by students
Michelle Earney, Stephanie Shoemaker, Rachel Smith and Holly Touchstone,
signed a contract for their group to keep Phelan Boulevard from Major
Drive to Keith Road free of litter and debris. Mayor Moore, Councilman
Ames (liaison for the Clean Community Commission) and Dr. Nelson signed
the contracts as representatives of the City and Commission. Next, Mrs.
Ruth Naumczik, President of the South Park Neighborhood Association,
joined Mayor Moore, Councilman Ames and Dr. Nelson in signing a contract
for members of the South Park Neighborhood Association to maintain and
keep the area known as the Lavaca Triangle clean and free of litter.
Mrs. Naumczik announced that the South Park Neighborhood Association
will meet Saturday, October 15 from 8:00 a.m. until Noon for initial
landscaping of the area and extended an invitation to Mayor Moore to
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join them.
Dr. Nelson called forward Mr. John Labrie, Director of Solid Waste, and
Mrs. Carol Williams, Coordinator for the Recycling Learning Center, to
recognize the national 111994 Excellence in Solid Waste Education Award"
presented to the Recycling Resource Center in Beaumont by the Solid
Waste Association of North America (SWANA) . Dr. Nelson said this was
one of two awards given nation-wide to a city in our population size and
complimented Carol Williams for development of the recycling program
that resulted in a 30% reduction of residential solid waste at our
landfill. Carol said she appreciated the support given her by the
community, Council and her supervisor, John Labrie, and looks "forward
to many successful number-one programs in the future. " Mr. Labrie added
that his department is very proud of the award and gives the credit for
receiving it to Carol Williams and her teaching ability.
Dr. Nelson explained that "Pride in Beaumont" awards are periodically
given by the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission to groups, individuals
or companies that have shown dedicated efforts in helping make Beaumont
a more attractive place to live. The first recipient was Valspar
Corporation, represented by Kathleen Dominic. Valspar Corporation has
supplied the paint for the Commission's projects for the past several
years. Dr. Nelson said the project started with painting one house,
more houses were added each year until this year twenty-four houses were
painted on one weekend, and Valspar has inspected these houses to
determine the kind and quantity of paint needed and then donated all the
paint. The goal for the next project is to paint 50 homes. Ms. Dominic
accepted the award, thanked David Oliver for his valuable assistance and
said her boss sent David a letter asking for the effort to be doubled
for next year! The next Pride in Beaumont award was given to M & D
Supply. Dr. Nelson said that M & D Supply has come through many times on
short notice and supplied unanticipated needs such as weedeaters, chain
saws, screen materials, nails, gloves or trash bags. He said Jeff Dyson
has always happily met the requests for supplies in a very liberal and
cooperative fashion. Mr. Marty Valdez accepted the award for Mr. Jeff
Dyson and pledged M & D's continued support.
Dr. Nelson announced that this fall instead of a city-wide cleanup
program, the focus will be specifically on the northend of Beaumont near
the Fair Grounds and said about 300 volunteers are expected to be
present on October 22 to help with this endeavor.
Mayor Moore, on behalf of Council and the citizens of Beaumont, thanked
Dr. Nelson and the Commission for their faithfulness and productive
efforts over the past years and suggested Neighborhood Association be
used as volunteer resources for the neighborhood cleanup projects.
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Mayor Moore announced that an executive session will be held following
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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 Emma Grogan, Bobbie Ransom vs. the City of Beaumont, and
Kristinia Mae Standifer vs. the City of Beaumont, et al.
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Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Main Agenda Items 2
through 8.
Mr. Danny Meehan, 6370 College, addressed Council regarding Agenda Item
No. 1 in support of a wrecker company permit. Mr. Meehan was advised
that opportunity to speak on that subject would be during the public
hearing. No one else wished to address Council.
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Councilman Cokinos asked that Consent Agenda Items C (a resolution
authorizing a sewer line treatment contract with Duke's Sales and
Service, Inc. ) and K (a resolution authorizing a lease agreement with
the Gospel of Jesus Christ Church for the Health Department's W.I.C.
satellite office space) be pulled and considered separately.
The following Consent Agenda items were considered:
Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held
September 13 , 1994;
Resolution No. 94-241 authorizing eminent domain proceedings to acquire
Parcel 111, being Lots 1, 2 , and 3 , Block 39, Jarrett Addition, for the
Liberty-Laurel III Project for the appraised value of $4,000.00 from
Christopher A. Maida; Sam J. Maida; Estate of Antoinette Liberto,
Deceased; Peter W. Maida; Sam A. Maida; and the Estate of Frank V.
Maida, Deceased;
Resolution No. 94-242 authorizing the sale of an 0. 2583-acre tract, a
portion of Lots 1 through 6, Block 37 of the Jarrett Addition, to
Patrick Henry Phelan and Michael Arthur Phelan, Trustees, for the amount
of $22,503 . 00;
Resolution No. 94-243 accepting a 20' water line easement described as
being out of Lots 11 through 16, Block 30 of the Jarrett Addition
donated by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word for relocation
of a water line at the northeast intersection of Fourteenth and Liberty
Streets required for the Liberty-Laurel III project;
Resolution No. 94-244 accepting donations of property: 0. 242 acre out
of Block 3 of the W. W. Chaison Addition from Mrs. Mary Eugenia Askew;
0.023 acre out of Block 3 of the W. W. Chaison Addition from Mrs. Fredy
Kate Landis; and 0.033 acre out of Lot 9, Block "A" of Grandberry's
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Subdivision of Block 12 and 3 of the W. W. Chaison Addition from Mr. and
Mrs. Harry J. Hansen, collectively known as the Lavaca Triangle;
Resolution No. 94-245 authorizing the addition of Beverly Hodges,
Finance Officer, as an authorized signatory on the Willis Rollinson,
Inc. workers' compensation account #0470044074 and on the Healthnet
dental claims account #0470044082 effective October 1, 1994;
Resolution No. 94-246 authorizing acquisition of Parcel 164-C: 0. 343
acre of land out of the H. Williams Survey, Abstract 56, 2200 North
Major Drive, a partial taking, for the appraised amount of $5,145.00
from Nichols Development Company for the FM 364 (Major Drive) Project
expansion from Dishman Road north to Highway 105;
Resolution No. 94-247 authorizing application and receipt of a
$30,000.00 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation Selective
Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) ;
Resolution No. 94-248 authorizing settlement of the claim Jacqueline
Hebert vs. The City of Beaumont in the amount of $4,500.00;
Resolution No. 94-249 authorizing settlement of the claim Eltoncia
Bradley vs. The City of Beaumont in the amount of $5,250.00;
Resolution No. 94-250 authorizing settlement of the claim Nelda Faye
Wiley vs. John Henry Reuben, et al in the amount of $10,000.00; and
Resolution No. 94-251 authorizing settlement of the claim Lola Taylor
vs. The City of Beaumont in the amount of $7,000.00.
The Consent Agenda (with Items C and K removed) was approved on a motion
made by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and seconded by Councilman Goodson.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Councilman Cokinos questioned why Consent Agenda Item C authorizing a
sewer treatment contract with Duke's Sales and Service, an out of state
company, was given preference over the low bidder. The Assistant City
Manager explained that the low bidder did not meet bid specifications.
The specifications required that the contractor must be licensed as a
pesticide application business with the State Pesticide Regulatory
Agency prior to the bid opening. Councilman Cokinos further questioned
the eligibility of the company to provide this service in Texas and why
the City couldn't perform that function or ask a company in Beaumont to
perform the service. Mayor Moore said Staff will review the background
information and answer any questions to Councilman Cokinos' satisfaction
before the end of meeting or defer action until a later date.
In addition, Councilman Cokinos questioned Consent Agenda Item K
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authorizing a lease agreement with The Gospel of Jesus Christ Church for
the Health Department's W.I.C. satellite office space at 2575 Wilson
relative to funding, staffing and necessity for services other than
those provided at the Washington Boulevard facility. Mr. Pruitt
explained that the W.I.C. Program is funded with State and Federal grant
monies and that these services have been decentralized to better serve
the community. Councilman Smith pointed out that no additional staff
will be needed because this is an existing program and the only reason
for a new contract is because the property has been sold and a contract
needs to be negotiated with the new owners. Also, she said that it is
difficult for some women needing W.I.C. services to get to the
Washington Boulevard location. Mayor Moore added that the intent of the
satellite office is to bring the service closer to the needy.
Councilman Cokinos questioned usage of a City-owned building instead of
leasing space. Councilman Smith said the W.I.C. Program is probably one
of the most successful federal programs, and that it serves pregnant
women and infant children through age five and provides a good healthy
start in life for the children. After further discussion of the
benefits and broader aspects of the program, Councilman Cokinos still
asked that both Agenda Items C and K be deferred for additional
information. Mr. Pruitt asked Councilman Cokinos for the specific
information he would like to receive. On Item K, Councilman Cokinos
said he would like to know: 1. ) if any additional employees will be
needed for the satellite program? 2 . ) is the facility on Washington
Boulevard sufficient to handle the W.I.C. program? 3 . ) does federal
grant monies cover all expenses? and 4. ) what services are provided? On
Item C, Councilman Cokinos ask for: 1. ) proof that Duke's Sales and
Service has a Texas license to practice pesticide control; and 2. )
consider the feasibility that if the low bid is not a qualified business
licensed as a pesticide application business, split the bid with
Specialized Maintenance Services and Clark Pest Control.
Mayor Moore asked if local companies had opportunity to bid. Counsel
responded that local companies were given opportunity to bid; none
responded; and if they were allowed to now participate, these bids would
have to be rejected and the bidding process reinstituted.
Council agreed to defer Consent Agenda Item C and K as requested by
Councilman Cokinos.
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Mayor Moore opened a public hearing to consider the application from
Frank Meehan for operation of a wrecker service within the city limits
of Beaumont.
Mr. Danny Meehan, 6370 College, brother Frank Meehan and employee of
Frankie's Wrecker Service, addressed Council in support of approving
their request for a wrecker permit. He submitted signatures of
customers who support their application and said that recently they
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learned a permit was necessary for them to tow in the city of Beaumont.
Mr. Meehan said his company's intent is not to take business from other
companies, but to provide service to the customers they already have in
a free enterprise atmosphere. Mr. Meehan distributed pictures to
Council of the equipment they plan to operate in Beaumont. Mr. Meehan
referred to a rotation list of wreckers companies and said there are two
wrecker services that have not filed for permits this year, said one
vacancy has been filled by Spanky's Wrecker Service and one vacancy
remains.
Mr. Chuck Guillory, 3147 Elinor Street, addressed Council in opposition
to Mr. Meehan's request for a wrecker permit. He said Frankie's Wrecker
Service is requesting an emergency wrecker permit to operate in
Beaumont, but only needs a city auto wrecker permit, "a blue tag
compared to a red tag which operates emergency wreckers. " Mr. Guillory
claimed that to tow in Beaumont, Mr. Meehan only needs a blue tag, but
that the emergency wrecker service is "overpopulated" with 81 emergency
wreckers serving a population of 117,000.
Councilman Goodson asked Mr. Guillory how the wrecker rotation list is
established and if any of the companies, to his knowledge, failed to
perform or meet their obligation under the rotation system. Mr.
Guillory said the blank spots on the rotation list represent situations
where a company dropped a vehicle, not companies dropping out. He said
there are no open slots to fill.
Councilman Cokinos said there are 21 permitted companies listed and
verified that each wrecker has to be permitted.
Mr. Guillory stated that he lives in the city limits and complained that
consideration should not be given to someone living in the county. He
said probable need and cause should be shown.
Councilman Goodson questioned Staff about the statement that "our
resolution must make a finding of public convenience and necessity" and
asked if there is any review process made by Staff on the performance of
the existing emergency wrecker service system in the city to determine
if there is a need that periodically might not be addressed. Mr. Pruitt
said the rotation list is for purposes of equally giving opportunity for
service only, and there is no extensive performance evaluation given the
wrecker companies. It is merely a way of providing wrecker service in
an emergency situation.
Councilman Williams verified explanation of the rotation list going from
one wrecker company to another until a wrecker is available and then
questioned how sufficiency of wreckers can be determined as required by
the City Code of Ordinances. Councilman Williams illustrated that using
the rotation list and ultimately securing the services of a wrecker
company only answers the process of satisfying the need, but asked if
this definitively answers the question of enough wreckers, or too many,
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for Beaumont, and said this is the question that needs to be answered.
He further stated that using the rotation list and eventually receiving
service would indicate adequate service is provided and under the
provisions in the Code no one else would ever be permitted.
Councilman Ames questioned the rotation list being the red sticker
emergency list, the open places on the list, why an application has been
sent to Council if there is sufficient service and if the applicant is
seeking a place on the emergency rotation list.
Mr. Pruitt explained that Staff is following guidelines set out by the
Code of Ordinances for application for a wrecker permit and is not
making a request and said it is Council's decision to act on that
application.
Councilman Goodson questioned the applicant about the service he will
provide to established customers and emergency services. Mr. Danny
Meeham replied that his company would accept a blue permit to continue
the service they are presently providing, but a red permit would open
opportunity for additional business.
Councilman Goodson further questioned Staff regarding Mr. Meehan's
ability to continue to conduct business without it going further, and
said these businesses are all in the city limits and Mr. Meehan needs to
have a blue permit. Councilman Goodson questioned the applicant about
the type of permit request.
Mr. Frank Meehan, owner of Frankie's Wrecker Service, explained that his
company has private property tow-aways, and the Police Department has
advised him that red permits are needed for this business. He stated
that primarily he is not interested in going to wrecks, but in the
continuation of his established business.
Council expressed further confusion about the application, stating they
thought this was for emergency police call-outs involving the issue of
public necessity.
City Attorney Lane Nichols said he is of the opinion that the rotation
list is also used for situations where vehicles need to be towed from a
driveway and for seized vehicles that need to be towed, not just for
service at the scene of accidents.
In an effort to understand what permits are necessary, Council continued
to ask Mr. Meehan about the type of service he is offering in Beaumont.
Mr. Meehan said he is doing private property tow-aways at hotels and
motels and that the Police Department advised him he is in violation of
the Code and needs a permit to continue this services and others and
needs a lot in the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Davis confirmed with Mr. Meehan that he did not have a
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blue permit.
Officer Joyce Billingsley (the officer in charge of the Police Property
Office) informed Council that this company has been conducting private
property tow-aways and her interpretation of the Code is that to tow
inside city limits, the vehicles must remain inside the city, and their
lot is in Fannett. She said to obtain a lot inside city limits, they
need a wrecker permit, said there are state regulations to meet as well
as city inspections when the lot is opened. Mayor Pro Tem Davis
verified that red permits are for emergencies and blue permits for tow-
away of vehicles. Officer Billingsley said she did not know anything
about blue permits.
Mayor Moore acknowledged Mr. Guillory and asked if he had additional
information. Mr. Guillory said the blue permit is called an auto
wrecker permit, not an emergency permit associated with the rotation
list. He said it is a permit allowing a company to operate within the
city limits. Mayor Pro Tem Davis asked Mr. Guillory how the blue permit
is obtained. Mr. Guillory said an application is completed and fee
payment made to the wrecker inspector and expressed objections to
approving Mr. Meehan's application.
Council contended that since there were so many unanswered questions
that perhaps deferral of action might be considered.
Mr. Tim Neff, owner of Smart's Wrecker Service, addressed Council in
opposition of granting another emergency wrecker permit. He said there
has been much comment on what constitutes an emergency permit and an
auto wrecker permit, and that Mr. Meehan is requesting a permit to allow
him to be placed on an already crowded rotation list. He further stated
his opinion of Mr. Meehan's request, reviewed the scope of wrecker
service and in response to Mayor Moore's inquiry, said Beaumont's
wrecker fees are in the normal (average) range.
Councilman Goodson stated that he feels uncomfortable about the public
need clause without an adequate report and Mayor Pro Tem Davis said he
would like complete information about red and blue permit requirements.
Mr. Gene Braquet, Bra-K Wrecker Service, addressed Council in opposition
to issuing a wrecker permit to Mr. Meehan because he is not a Beaumont
resident.
Councilman Williams asked Mr. Braquet if any Beaumont wrecker companies
operate in cities other than Beaumont. Mr. Braquet replied that they
could transport and tow in other cities, but he is not permitted to pick
up wrecks.
Ms. Sharon (last name not stated) , Bra-K Wrecker Service, added her
opposition to permitting another wrecker company.
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Mr. Frank Meehan, Frankie's Wrecker Service, again addressed Council to
restate that he is interested in continuing his present level of service
and is willing to receive whatever permit is required for that purpose.
There being no one else to address Council, the public hearing was
closed.
Mayor Moore summarized that Council has expressed a need for additional
information and explanation.
The resolution issuing a wrecker company permit to Frankie's Wrecker
Service was tabled for additional information on a motion made by
Councilman Williams and seconded by Councilman Cokinos.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 94-252 authorizing acquisition of Parcel 121: Lot 2,
Laurel Plaza (2870 Laurel Avenue) from Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Nichols, Sr.
for the appraised value of $95,000.00; Parcel 122: Lot 1, Laurel Plaza
(2840 Laurel Avenue) from the Louisiana Blood Center for the appraised
value of $83,000.00 and Parcel 124: 0.6359 acre out of the Noah Tevis
Survey (2850 Laurel Avenue) Beaumont Blood Center, Inc. for the
appraised value of $205,000.00 for the Liberty-Laurel III Project
improvements from Eleventh Street to Phelan Boulevard was approved on a
motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and seconded by Councilman Ames.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 94-253 authorizing fixed payment relocation assistance to
sixteen (16) tenants of Jarrett Manor, displaced due to improvements to
the Liberty-Laurel Corridor from Eleventh Street to Phelan Boulevard, in
a total amount not to exceed $84,000.00 was approved on a motion made by
Mayor Pro Tem Davis and seconded by Councilman Smith.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 94-254 authorizing a one-year contract with the Southeast
Texas Arts Council in the amount of $132,000.00 to be paid in twelve
equal installments for the utilization of revenue derived from the hotel-
motel room occupancy tax to promote the arts was approved on a motion
made by6 Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Goodson.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 94-255 authorizing a one-year contract with the Texas
Energy Museum in the amount of $96,000.00 to be paid quarterly in
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amounts of $24,000.00 each for utilization of revenue derived from the
hotel-motel room occupancy tax to promote tourism and historical
preservation was approved on a motion made by Councilman Ames and
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Davis.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 94-256 authorizing a one-year contract with the John J.
French Museum located at 2975 French Road in the amount of $25,000.00 to
be paid from hotel-motel room occupancy revenues for the historical
preservation and promotion of tourism was approved on a motion made by
Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Goodson.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 94-257 authorizing a one-year contract with the Chamber
of Commerce in the amount of $50,000.00 to be paid in two installments
from 1994 General Fund revenue for the promotion of new and existing
jobs, expanding existing businesses and attracting new employers was
approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Davis and seconded by
Councilman Smith.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
Mayor Pro Tem Davis requested a copy of the activities reports submitted
periodically by the Chamber of Commerce.
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Resolution No. 94-258 authorizing a one-year contract with Southeast
Texas, Inc. in the amount of $17 ,500.00 to be paid from General Fund
revenues for the development and implementation of plans for the
economic advancement of Beaumont and Southeast Texas was approved on a
motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Smith.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
Mayor Pro Tem Davis requested a copy of the activities reports submitted
periodically by SET, Inc.
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Mayor Pro Tem Davis extended invitations to attend a Neighborhood
Associations meeting tonight on Roberts Street at 6: 30 p.m. and the
Cable Street Neighborhood Association meeting at Fellowship (Baptist
Church) on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and commended David Oliver for his
assistance in developing a clean-up program for areas of Ward III with
volunteers.
Councilman Goodson said that Coburn Supply has announced their
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groundbreaking for a new warehouse and sales facility next Tuesday,
September 27th, at 11:30 a.m. on Bowie Street adjacent to the MLK
Parkway.
Councilman Cokinos commented that normally only routine items, not major
expenditures, are placed on the Consent Agenda, said today's Consent
Agenda defeats that purpose, and asked that the Manager's office to be
more selective in placement of items.
In response to Councilman Smith's query regarding maximum contract
amounts being place on the Consent Agenda, Mr. Nichols said there is no
limit, but is a Council determination.
Mr. Pruitt said he would relay this request to the City Manager.
Mayor Moore told citizens that whether an item is on the Consent or Main
Agenda, they are free to discuss any item.
Councilman Smith reported that she was in Washington, D.C. this past
weekend for a Human Development Committee meeting, and the National
League of Cities staff does not think there will be any health care bill
legislation passed this year. She said the Crime Bill has not really
been funded; it is supposed to be funded with cuts in the presidential
staff, governmental employees and existing programs. She said it
appears the CDBG and other funds will be cut, and there are no funds for
that bill. She said the Welfare Bill is probably going to be just as
bad, and the impact on cities is unknown because those people that
cannot be placed in private sector jobs will be brought into community
jobs, meaning municipal government, and there are questions about
funding and benefits. She said this is a real keg of worms without a lot
of clarification.
Mayor Moore invited Council attendance and made the public aware that
the National League of Cities Transportation and Communication Steering
Committee he chairs will meet in Beaumont Thursday through Saturday to
discuss transportation and communication issues to be placed on the
agenda for the annual meeting later this year in Minnesota. He asked
that we extend a warm welcome to them. Also, he announced that the
Council meeting for September 27th will be at 7:15 p.m. in the Council
Chambers to give opportunity for participation by the working force that
cannot usually attend Council meetings. Also, Mayor Moore congratulated
the Art Museum for their gala event held this past weekend with Haitian
dances and other demonstrations.
Councilman Williams said that he notes a dichotomy of views in the trend
of crime depending on who is giving the statistics, reviewed the
situation that occurred last week at Babe Digressions Zaharias Park with
a Galveston football player being shot and asked Councilman Smith if
there was any discussion of juvenile crime at her meeting last week.
Councilman Smith said there is a special sub-committee, but the committe
doesn't like that in the bill only 5% for prevention and the rest is
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for incarceration and Cops on the Beat programs. She said they feel
many first-time offenders should not be incarcerated, but that violent
criminals should be dealt with firmly. Councilman Smith said we are
dealing with a whole family problem, that there is a disintegration of
the family, that we need healthy families and they have carried this
message to the Hill without getting a lot of answers.
Mayor Moore said that last week's incident was most unfortunate and
addresses a sad time and a need for continuous involvement. He said he
visited with the administrators that came with the Ball High School
students to expresses regrets for the incident, and they acknowledged
they have the same issues happening in their city. Mayor Moore visited
the student's family, and he said that everyone involved with the school
was pleased with the concern and response by the citizens of Beaumont.
Councilman Smith said that the general feeling is that these offenses
are committed by juveniles from housing complexes and from poverty
levels, but she tried to point out to the committee that families are in
trouble in every economic level of our society. She said there is no
safety net in many of these families for the children, and we need to
look at violence with another view. She said we need to address mental
health in our society, and we will pay for the lack in some way.
Councilman Williams reported that the Houston City Council is on record
as going before the State Legislature to discuss issues of juvenile
crime and wonders if this Council might pursue that route or join with
other cities as the Legislature goes into session. Councilman Williams
questioned "how long can America afford to lose generation after
generation of youth?"
Mayor Moore said that year after year questions such as addressing
"juvenile situations, juvenile crime, changing the laws and sending it
on" have come up at the Resolutions Committee meetings, and that we can
send a resolution to TML, confer with the City Attorney regarding
procedure and bounds and/or appoint delegates to the legislative
session.
Councilman Smith said that for the first time they discussed teaching
values in school, and that apparently there are a lot of schools
throughout the country teaching values, and she maintains that should be
included in a Family Life Education Program from early childhood through
the twelfth grades. She said we need to make this a priority and really
address this subject.
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Mr. Roberto Flores, 2425 Buchanan, addressed Council to complain about
Beaumont Housing Authority's delay in filling out revolving loan forms
for Mr. and Mrs. Bernard who have completed the new business training
program sponsored by the Housing Authority and are attempting to
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establish a lawn service business. Mr. Flores reported the success of
another individual in establishing a janitorial service and requested
information about the City's bidding process and placement on a bidding
list for both lawn and janitorial services.
Mayor Moore explained that the City of Beaumont has no jurisdiction over
the Housing Authority and Mr. Pruitt told Mr. Flores that Kirby Richards
of Central Services would be happy to assist him with bid information
and procedures.
Mayor Moore and Mayor Pro Tem Davis requested notification of LULAC
meetings.
Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 2880 Grand, extended an invitation for Mayor Moore
to visit the Grand-Pine Housing Complex and said he is proud to reside
there.
Mr. Robert L. DeMary, 430 East Elgie, announced that a logo contest for
the Federation of Neighborhood Associations will be held Saturday at
Parkdale Mall and invited everyone to come out and cast their vote.
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There being no other business, the regular session of City Council was
recessed to reconvene in executive session.
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I, Barbara Liming, Deputy 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 20, 1994.
Barbara Liming
Deputy City Clerk
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