HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN FEB 21 1995 REGULAR SESSION
CITY COUNCIL- CITY OF BEAUMONT
HELD FEBRUARY 21, 1995 - 1:30 P.M.
BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this
the 21 st day of February, 1995, with the following present:
HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor
John K. Davis Mayor Pro Tem
Councilman,Ward III
Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman-At-Large
Lulu L. Smith Councilman,Ward I
Guy N. Goodson Councilman,Ward H
Calvin Williams Councilman,Ward IV
Absent: Becky Ames Councilman At Large
Ray A. Riley City Manager
Lane Nichols City Attorney
Barbara Liming Deputy City Clerk
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The Invocation was given by the Reverend Ralph Martin, Woodland Baptist Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Davis.
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00 Proclamation was issued: "Engineer's Week," February 19-25, 1995.
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Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 1 through 4. No one wished
to address the subjects.
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The following Consent Agenda items were considered:
Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held February 14, 1995;
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Resolution No. 95-56 appointing Veron Dunn to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for a
term expiring October 3, 1996; Clifton Guillory to the Rehabilitation Board of Adjustments and Appeals;
L.L. "Dude" Willis to the Electrical Board of Review; the Reverend Clarence Williams to the Martin
Luther King,Jr. Parkway Commission; and Bill Matthews to the Airport Advisory Committee for terms
expiring February 20, 1997; reappointing Marie Easley, for a term expiring January 11, 1997, and Beverly
Hatcher, for a term expiring January 4, 1997, to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Commission;
Resolution No. 95-57 authorizing acquisition of a thirty foot(30') drainage easement along the north line
of Lot 25, Block 7 of the Caldwood Acres Addition from Dudley Eugene Harris for the appraised value of
$12,654 to alleviate a flood problem in the Caldwood Acres Addition;
Resolution No. 95-58 authorizing execution of a License to Encroach with Jimmy D. and Peggy J.
Zachary, 7060 Shanahan, for a swimming pool which is encroaching 3.0 feet for a distance of 20.0 feet, a
pool deck encroaching 7.2 feet for a distance of 32.0 feet, and a metal storage building on skids encroaching
3.5 feet for a distance of 12.0 feet into the same ten(10)foot utility easement on Lot 13, Block 35 of Dowlen
West Addition, Unit=, for a one-time fee of$500.00;
Resolution No.95-59 authorizing execution of a Pipeline License Agreement with Hardy Oil & Gas USA,
Inc. for installation of approximately two hundred forty(240) feet of eight (8)inch and six(6) inch pipeline
for transporting natural gas and natural gas liquid across Sherwood Drive; and
Resolution No. 95-60 authorizing purchase of twenty-five (25) portable radios at $690 each, fifteen (15)
mobile radios at$892 each, and five (5) mobile radios with specified optional equipment at $1,040 each from
Neches Communications for use by the Police Department and the Auto Theft Task Force.
The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Mayor Pro
Tern Davis.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Mayor Moore welcomed Councilman Smith back to Council after her absence last week and extended
condolences for the recent loss of her sister.
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Resolution No. 95-61 authorizing annual contracts for water service materials for use by the Water
Distribution Division for a projected total annual expenditure of$172,337.00 with Coburn Supply, $11,104;
Golden Triangle Pipe, $120,497; International Supply $17,320; Municipal Pipe, $17,610; Rohan Co.,
$3,156; and SPI Municipal Supply, $2,650 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and
seconded by Councilman Smith.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 95-62 authorizing a contract with H. H. Sanders & Sons in the amount of$65,596.00 for
replacement of the built-up roofing system for the Beaumont Municipal Transit Facility was approved
on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Resolution No. 95-63 authorizing an annual contract with Patriot Security, Inc. for guard services and
events staff for the Convention Facilities Department at an estimated total annual expenditure of$71,130.00
at$7.25 per hour for Guard Service Supervisor, $6.90 per hour for Ticket Taker Supervisor, $6.50 per hour
for Ticket Takers, $6.90 per hour for Usher Supervisor, $6.50 per hour for Ushers, and $6.50 per hour for
Door Guards,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. 95-64 authorizing an historic tax abatement, equating to a proposed estimated annual
abatement of$219 per year for ten years, for the home located at 2355 Harrison in the Oaks Historic District
on Lots 8 and 9, Block 18 of the Averill Addition, at the request of Rusty Chimeno and Dean Terrebonne with
a 5:4 vote recommendation from the Historic Landmark Commission was considered:
Councilman Williams raised questions concerning frequency of such tax abatements, occupancy of this house
and the rationale of such tax abatements, combination of Historic Landmark Commission and Council approval
and explanation of the 5:4 vote of the Commission.
The City Manager explained that abatements of this type are uncommon and more often considered for
commercial structures and said the purpose of the abatement is allowed for older homes with historic
significance in declining neighborhoods to make restoration improvements that are costly. He said
improvements are encouraged to benefit and rehabilitate the neighborhood, the abatement is only on the
improvements, does not reduce the tax base and encourages improvements that benefit the neighborhood, and
the area has to have historic designation.
Other comments included verification by Councilman Goodson that this structure received HC designation in
1994 that recognized the property's importance to Beaumont's history, and Councilman Smith supported the
significance of the home and the character it lends to the neighborhood, said it was the home designed by
Dough Steinman's father and is an important building. She said the tax incentive encourages renovation of
these homes that are then put back on the tax rolls and remain for a longer period of time, said if these
incentives are not encouraged, the homes will be lost both historically and in housing stock. Councilman
Williams questioned the number of historical districts in Beaumont and the equity of abatements and Council
discussed other homes that are on the Historical Register. Mayor Pro Tem Davis said he has no problem with
the designation of the property, but is concerned about the 5:4 vote of the Historic Landmark Commission
without an explanation of the negative votes. Councilman Cokinos commented about repairs made to the
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home and the opportunity available for anyone to apply for historical designation and abatement.
After further discussion, Resolution No.95-64 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and
seconded by Councilman Goodson.
Question: Ayes: Mayor Moore Nayes: Councilman
Councilman Cokinos Williams
Councilman Smith
Councilman Goodson
Abstained: Mayor Pro Tem Davis
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A public hearing was called to consider the twenty-five (25) below listed dilapidated structures found to be
in violation of the City of Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance, Article III, Section 14-50: 2424 Texas
-John E. Griffin, owner(22 violations); 2283 Grand(rear)-Waynel Milburn, owner (25 violations); 1205 Gill
-Felix McIntyre, owner(23 violations); 4080 Detroit -Atlantic Mortgage& Investment, Attn: Sam Brady,
owner (21 violations); 3305 Concord - Marvin Turner c/o Joseph W. Turner, owner (17 violations); 2550
Hazel - Victoria Cosby c/o James Deebs, owner (22 violations); 2125 Evalon - Terry Samuel c/o TJC
Investments, owner (21 violations); 1725 Brooklyn - John Baugh Estate c/o John Mycoff, owner (24
violations); 2898 Avenue F-John Henry Goolsby, owner(20 violations); 1080 Avenue H - Gene Rigby, owner
(22 violations);2445-47 Rockwell - Sarah Davis c/o Donnie Davis, owner(23 violations); 3954 St. Helena-
Lester Wright, owner(20 violations); 2143 Albany-Melvin Souton, Sr. Et Ux, owner(16 violations); 3545
Youngstown - Lois L. Ruzic, owner (24 violations); 2475 McFaddin (garage.) - Ruthie Guerro c/o Bobby
Knowles, owner (9 violations); 2545 Potts - Betty Meredith, owner (23 violations); 3550 Preston - Adam
Coward, owner(22 violations); 1535 Butlin-Jefferson County, owner (23 violations); 4475 Treadway(shed
in rear)- Charles H. Edwards, owner (12 violations); 1905 Angelina commercial) - T. F. Jeffcoat, Jr., owner
(16 violations); 1175 S. 4th Street(commercial,)- Vernon C. Traxler, III CB/A Octus Enterprises, owner (22
violations); 3650 Magnolia (nursery--16 violations), 3650 Ma ng olia(church--24 violations,), 3650 Magnolia
(recreation building--16 violations), and 3650 Magnolia (residence--16 violations,) -House of God c/o James
C. Elliott, owner of all four structures; Staff recommendation to raze all structures within 30 days.
The above listed parcels of property have been inspected, are vacant and have been found to be in violation
of Article III, Section 14-50 of the Code of Ordinances. Notices have been sent to owners by Certified Mail
and published in the Beaumont Enterprise.
The twenty-two (22) structures listed below have been condemned by City Council and the owners ordered
to either raze or repair them within specified time frames. Reinspection of these structures have revealed non-
compliance with the Council's order. Authorization is requested from the City Council to demolish these
structures in accordance with the Dangerous Structure Ordinance and charge the property owners with the
cost of demolition:
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899 Arabell a, 6540 Bigner Road, 1370 Bolivar, 535 Brockman, 815 Caldwell, 1465 Crockett, 1190 Delaware,
3093 Dorothy, 2026 Earl, 1672 Fannin, 1072 Forrest, 2070 Glasshouse (garage), 2460 Harriot, 1079 Isla,
1945 Ives, 1955 Ives, 705 Jackson, 2535 North(age apt.), 2027 Laurel, 3341 Rivers, 2223 Rusk and 1188
Victoria Cts.
Mr. Reuben Smith, representing the House of God Church, addressed Council and stated that correspondence
regarding the structures at 3650 Magnolia has been delayed because of a Bishop's death and a change of
address. Mr. Smith said the church would like to ask for an extension of time to rehabilitate the structures
identified as the residence and nursery and asked if the City would demolish the church and recreation building
for them.. Council explained to Mr. Smith that the City does not price bids for demolition, individual owners
secure their own bids and follow through with demolition, and if the City began the bid process for demolition
of the structures, a lien would be put upon the property. Mr. Smith was instructed to meet with Mr. Richard
Chappell to consider a work program for the structures they desire to rehabilitate.
Mr. Felix McIntyre, owner of 1205 Gill, addressed Council to state that this structure was his family home and
he desires to rehabilitate the structure, but needs additional time. Council reminded Mr. McIntyre that it might
be cost prohibitive to restore the building, insured him that Council is concerned about the safety and security
of the area in which the structure is located, and told him to meet with Mr. Chappell's staff to develop a definite
work program.
Mr. Donnie Davis, 5323 Trainway, addressed Council to request an extension of time to rehabilitate the
structures at 2445-47 Rockwell. Mr. Davis said he has made some of the needed repairs, but ran out of funds
for the rehabilitation. Mr. Davis was also instructed to meet with Mr. Chappell's staff for development of a
work program.
Mr. Waynel Milburn, owner of the rear structure at 2283 Grand, addressed Council to request additional time
for rehabilitation of the property. Mr. Milburn said he is trying to save both units. Mr. Milburn was reminded
of the many violations of the structure, asked to consider the cost involved in repairing the building versus the
worth of the structure,told that a strict time frame would have to be scheduled and was instructed to meet with
Mr. Chappell's staff to develop a work program.
Council reiterated their desire to free residential areas of unlawful activities aided by empty, dilapidated
structures, expressed the high cost of rehabilitation of some of the structures and asked that owners evaluate
the appraisal value against sentimental value of their property be considered objectively in making their choice
and stated that time frames for rehabilitation of structures would not be in held in perpetuity.
Ordinance No. 95-13 declaring certain dilapidated structures to be public nuisances and ordering their
removal by the owners and authorizing the removal of certain other structures whose owners failed to comply
with condemnation orders was considered:
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ORDINANCE NO. 95-13
ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN
STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND
ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITON AND/OR REPAIR;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR
A PENALTY.
Ordinance No. 95-13 was amended to remove the structures at 2283 Grand (rear), 1205 Gill, 2445-47
Rockwell, 3650 Magnolia(nursery)and 3650 Magnolia(residence) from raze within 30 days to raze or repair
and approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Cokinos.
Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None
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Mr. Robert Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, addressed Council to announce that on the Heart of the City
Neighborhood Association will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m.;the Northend Neighborhood Association will meet
February 22nd at 7:15 p.m. at the Borden Chapel Baptist Church, 3495 Roland Road; the Cable Neighborhood
Association and the newly formed Brickyard Neighborhood Association will meet at 2445 Douglas, St. Lukes
Baptist Church; the Citizens on Patrol (COP) group has finished class work and will have a graduation
ceremony at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Police Station; said the CDBG grant forums will be held
Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center; and thanked Council for their support of
the neighborhood associations.
Mr. Owens Davillier, 3880 St. Helena, addressed Council to give an update. Mr. Davillier said he is the
Executive Director of the House Summit, Inc., an extended recovery center on Cable Street, thanked Arlana
LeBlanc for directing him to agencies for direction and assistance, Mayor Pro Tem Davis for moving forward
in cleaning up the neighborhood, Councilman Cokinos for his support and said his group has the best
outstanding recovery rate with two out three that remain as productive citizens. Mr. Davillier thanked all of
Council for their support and listed various groups that are assisting him.
Mr. Forrest F. "Ted" Posey, 3695 Edmonds, addressed Council to speak about the importance of registering
to vote and the qualifications needed to be elected as a Ward Councilman.
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Councilman Goodson said he was privileged to attend a very good meeting in Austin with TNRCC. He said
it was the first time he sat at a state agency meeting, and it was very illuminating to hear them state they were
going to try to simplify the problems incurred with a number of the state agencies.
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There being no other business, the regular session of City Council was recessed to reconvene in workshop
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 February 21, 1995.
Barbara Liming
Deputy City Clerk
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