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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN APR 18 1995 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD APRIL 18, 1995 - 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 18th day of April, 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 Becky Ames Councilman-At-Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman,Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman,Ward H Absent: 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 James Jenkins. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Cokinos and Dan Wallach, reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise. -000- Four Proclamations were issued: "National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week," April 16-22, 1995; "Sexual Assault Awareness Month," April, 1995; "Forty-Seventh Neches River Festival Week," April 17-24, 1995; and recognizing the talents of Michael Matthews and cast members: Tony Award winner, Melba Moore, David Peaston, Ronnie Wilson, Kene Holiday, A. J. Johnson and Ji Tu Cumbuka in the gospel musical, "Momma I'm Sorry" to be performed at the Julie Rogers Theatre, April 18 and 19, 1995. -000- Mayor Moore said it is his privilege to make a presentation "to a family who has long been extremely 98 April 18, 1995 supportive of just so many wonderful activities here in the City of Beaumont. Last year we lost one of the giants in our community...Ben Rogers. Today, Regina Rogers is here with us, and I'd like for her to come forward. Our Convention and Visitor's Bureau has put together, what I think is a very beautiful display of photographs of the female amateur athletes of the world (Babe Zaharias Award) along with Ben and Julie, and we would like to present these to you today, Regina." Councilmembers Cokinos and Ames assisted Mayor Moore in displaying three framed photograph collages and gave Ms. Rogers opportunity to make any comments . REGINA ROGERS Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilmembers. It's a very, very meaningful moment for me and for my family. I'm sorry that my mother cannot be here today. She sends her love and best wishes to all of you. She's doing okay, but it's a hard time for our family, and she's not really going anywhere other than to rehabilitation therapy,which we're doing daily, and I'm very proud of her. She continues to inspire me, as my father always did. As you know, this Chambers was always a real homeplace for my father. I can remember as a little girl going into Council meetings with him, and he was always doing something and standing up there and fighting for some person who needed help, the underdog, I would call it. And, unfortunately, as a result of my being away from the community for many years, I have not even been to this new Chambers, so for me this is a special joy. I know that if my father were here, he would be very humbled and very delighted that you took the time from your busy schedule to do this in his memory. It means so much to us. I had the pleasure of participating in this event, the Babe Zaharias event, which you have pictures of, only as the result of the fact that I had moved back to Beaumont to help take care of my mother, and Bonnie Cokinos, a long-time family friend, had asked me to be the Honorary Chairperson. So, as a result of the fact that we're all in that picture together, that will have special meaning. I just want to say a couple of other words that I think are sort of appropriate at this time. As you know, this community meant the world to my dad. He always thanked God, I think, for the Divine intervention of having brought him and his brothers to Beaumont. The one thing that he continued to say to me and to our family from the time I was a little girl was that he was just so grateful, so grateful for everything that had been done for him in this community and for his family, and I don't think that he ever felt that he could repay the city for all those wonderful things. So, in his memory, and in behalf of my dear mother and our family, I say thank you to all of you, and, also, David, for the special comment that you made at a Council meeting not too long ago that pleased him so much that at the dinner table that night he proceeded to repeat to us that after his appearance that day, you told him that whenever there was an absence of a City Councilmember that he was always welcome to take that seat. And, I think that pleased him so much, and, of course, it pleased us. So,we thank you, and we love you, and on behalf of all of us, we're grateful, and anything that we can continue to do for the city, we will. MAYOR MOORS Before you come forward (to receive framed photographs), I'm sure that possibly every Councilmember 99 April 18, 1995 may care to share something with you. So, Dr. Smith, why don't I start with you? COUNCILMAN SMITH Well, I've known the Rogers family for a long time, and they're very special to me, and I, we all miss Ben so much, but we know you'll carry on his wonderful work. So, give my love to Julie and rest of the family. REGINA ROGERS Thank you. COUNCILMAN SMITH It's been wonderful having you home with your mother. REGINA ROGERS Thank you. COUNCILMAN GOODSON Thank you, Mayor. ...Before I got on Council, I served on the Historical Landmark Commission, one of my favorite times was the time I spent on it with our good friend Johnny Walker. When I asked him one time,with the recent republication of his book, is the person that he would pick that most emulated this whole area,to stand out as the person who was Beaumont, he said it would Ben Rogers, and I say that, that says it all for me. MAYOR MOORE Andy. COUNCILMAN COKINOS Thank you. Ben Rogers was a giant. The community will miss him very, very much. I remember Regina working for Judge Fisher. Ben used to come up to the Federal Building with her mother, and in fact, they go back further than that to the time that he slept in the car in front of the YMCA and lived at the YMCA, and that's when the YMCA had a dormitory. He was a great man. He will be missed and is missed. MAYOR MOORE 100 April 18, 1995 John. MAYOR PRO TEM DAVIS Well, as someone who grew up here in Beaumont as a young person who was always reading the newspaper and received the clippings of Mr. Rogers and would hear of all the good things that he did, and I remember the first day in which I saw him come to Council and on some of the more memorable times, I called my dad and I discussed it with him. I said, Dad, Mr. Rogers came by (Council meeting) and I discussed what was going on, and he said,you know what,Son, it's always folk that care about other folk that seem to come and talk with folk who have much less than them. And, that's how I remember him, and I've never had an opportunity to tell anyone in your family that I am very appreciative, and I'm sure everyone in Beaumont is very appreciative of what your father and your family has done. REGINA RO GERS Thank you. MAYOR MOORE Becky. COUNCILMAN AMES Regina,you know that your father will be missed. I would like to say though that his brothers are carrying on in his footsteps as far as calling Council and letting them know what we need to do to help people in the community because I have gotten a couple of calls so far, and they are definitely carrying out his thoughts, so you can feel more comfortable with that. And, also, Regina, I want to take this opportunity to say something about you. Thank you so much for...everything you do for our community here in Beaumont. Congratulations on your recent "Volunteer of the Year" award with CASA, and we really wish you the very best, and our hearts are with you, and thank you so much for everything that you and your family do. REGINA ROGERS Thank you. Thanks. MAYOR MOORE Well,let me say this. Now,we've all broken the rules. His number one rule was don't give him the praise, he don't want the public recognition because he didn't need it. So, we're going to give it to you. (Ms. 101 April 18, 1995 Rogers: Thank you.) Okay, and I simply would like to say I can still hear that whistle of his echoing through the halls. I remember that the last time we were together with Central High School for the "I Have A Dream" program. I remember the fun we had in the pavilion of Lamar University with the young people out there that afternoon, and I do remember the evening of the banquet and you all were sitting there up front,with your mother and all. But, you know, the time I remember most is when we were all over at the rehab hospital (Ms. Rogers: I was thinking about that today. I was thinking about it.) and that was the best time because, I mean, everybody just had a hoot of a time there. But, it was so reflective of his spirit. There was no place he wouldn't go and nothing he wouldn't do to benefit our community, and whereas,we all talk about missing him, you just look around in any direction you'll see the works of Ben Rogers and his family. We are very fortunate to have you in this community. We certainly want you to remain here in this community and we love your mother dearly, and we only expect bigger and better things--and, whatever we can do together, because behind everyone of these seats (pointing to Council seats) I guess he's sitting in Calvin's seat today. We'll always feel his presence with you. Thank you so much. Ms. Rogers greeted each Councilmember and accepted the framed photographs. -000- Mayor Moore announced that an executive session will be held following the workshop session in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code to discuss contemplated or pending litigation: Claims related to use of property,rights, or easements under franchise or fee arrangements and the Claim of Charlene Busceme. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 1 through 4. Mr. Dennis Hardy, Houston, Texas, representative of Acordia Texas Gulf Coast, addressed Council regarding Agenda Item No. 2 authorizing a contract for a Health Maintenance Organization plan to discuss his company's plan and benefits versus the other bidders. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held April 11, 1995; and Resolution No.95-112 appointing Anthony "Tony" Sacker to the Mayor's Coalition for a Drug Free Beaumont for a term expiring April 16, 1998; and Tony Albo to the Keep Beaumont Beautiful 102 April 18, 1995 Commission for a term expiring April 16, 1997. 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. 95-26 authorizing issuance and sale of$6,000,000 in Certificates of Obligation, Series 1995, maturing March 1, 1997 through March 1, 2014, was considered: Mr. Frank Ildebrando,the City's Financial Advisor, associated with the firm of Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, Inc. reported to Council that the successful bidder for the Certificates of Obligation received at the noon bid opening was First Southwest Company with a Net Interest Cost of$4,236,794.52 at an Effective Interest Rate of 5.568502%. Mr. Ildebrando said this is almost 1/2%less than predicted six weeks ago and relates to approximately$350,000 in interest cost savings, said the City's excellent credit rating helped secure a good bid and the structure of the bond sale was good. Councilman Cokinos questioned the total amount of the City's involvement in Certificates of Obligation and potential tax increase. Mayor Pro Tern Davis asked for the location of First Southwest Company, questioned underwriter strength in Certificates of Obligation and rating scale. ORDINANCE NO. 95-26 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $6,000,000 CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 1995; LEVYING TAXES TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT THEREOF; AND CONTAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO Ordinance No. 95-26 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None Mayor Pro Tern Davis suggested that the City Manager explain to the audience the purpose of issuance of these Certificates of Obligation. Mr. Riley said the current issuance will apply toward Capital Improvement Projects which will primarily include Liberty-Laurel Phase 2 and anticipate an addition$4,000,000 to be issued next year for the West Lucas Project. He said today's issuance is the first part of a$10,000,000 issue approved by Council about 103 April 18, 1995 two years ago. -000- Resolution No. 95-113 authorizing an 18-month contract, beginning July 1, 1995, with CIGNA HealthCare for an optional Health Maintenance Organization(HMO) medical benefit plan to be offered to City employees in addition to the current medical plan was considered. Discussion included further comparison of bids, separate prescription drug plan, Council's concern that optimum selection of providers and hospitals be offered, expected participation and flexibility and Mayor Pro Tem Davis asked if the rating information requested last week was available, said he is concerned about ratings because they indicate how claims are processed and show financial stability of a company and said it is important for him to get requested information to make intelligent decisions. Resolution No. 95-113 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Ames. Question: Ayes: Mayor Moore Nayes: None Councilman Cokinos Councilman Ames Councilman Smith Councilman Goodson Abstained: Mayor Pro Tem Davis -000- Resolution No.95-114 authorizing a 10-year lease agreement beginning August 1, 1995 through May 31, 2005, with the St. Anne Tri-Parish School and Joseph A. Galante, Resident Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese for the controlled use of Gilbert Park during the months of September through May (school months) and assume responsibility for maintenance of the park and park fixtures and equipment was approved on a motion made by and seconded by Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 95-115 authorizing an annual contract with Transit Mix Concrete and Materials Company for limestone to be used by the Streets and Drainage Division primarily for repair and maintenance of streets, in the amount of$10.00 per ton F.O.B. plantsite and $12.30 per ton for delivery to Zones 1, 2, 3 and 4, was approved on a motion made by and seconded by Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None 104 April 18, 1995 Ordinance No. 95-27 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: ORDINANCE NO. 95-27 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITION AND/OR REPAIR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY A public hearing was called to consider the twenty-one (21)below listed dilapidated structures found to be in violation of the City of Beaumont's Dangerous Structure Ordinance, Article III, Section 14-50: 3455 Bennett Road- Charles L. Dennis, owner(22 violations); 1380 Brockman- Randy Rodgers, owner (22 violations); 1476 Concord-Dickson Investment Co. c/o Wm. S. Dickson, owner (20 violations); 1850 Cottonwood - Mrs. E. J. Cesac, owner (22 violations); 846 Crockett - Bryan Investments, owner (24 violations); 1048 Fulton- Charles E. Sheffield--Trustee, owner(22 violations); 2676 Harrison- Shirley Peel, owner (20 violations); 2043 Irving - Lester Kirkman, Jr., owner (21 violations); 2315 Irving - Mildred E. Charles, owner (18 violations); 566-68 Langham and garage - Ross Watts, owner (25 violations); 670 McGovern-Minnie Ola Gibson, owner(21 violations); 2380 Monroe -Nancy Robbins, owner(21 violations); 2387 Sabine Pass Avenue-Lamar University Foundation c/o Jerry LeBlanc, owner (25 violations); 7675 San Bruno - Gregory R. Dyck, owner (21 violations); 1627 Ta ore - New Zion Temple, owner(23 violations); 766 Trinity-Marguerite Johnson, owner(21 violations); 2040 Tulane - Earnestine King, owner (23 violations); 2470 Tyler--front (17 violations) and 2470 Tyler--garage U artment(14 violations) - Joe S. Jones, ET UX, owner of both structures; 740 Van Buren-Eliza Bill, owner (21 violations); and 770 Wall - Gretchen Carter Dupree, owner (21 violations); 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 thirteen(13) 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: 1650 Avenue G, 870 Central Drive, 870 Central Drive (garage), 3305 Concord, 695 Delaware, 4715 105 April 18, 1995 Detroit, 3516 Edmonds, 3582 Goliad, 2440 Harriot, 3340 East Lucas, 1180 Magnolia garage aapartment), 2711 Magnolia and 1298 Roberts (,garagel. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, address Council to ask if any of buildings that appear on dilapidated structure lists could be remodeled and sold to the poor. Mayor Moore explained that before these structures are placed on the dilapidated structure, they are 50% deteriorated and deemed not to be cost effective for rehabilitation to meet Code requirements. Mrs. Ninette Teel, 895 Central Drive, and Mrs. Frances Lott, 890 Central Drive, addressed Council in support of demolition of the structure at 870 Central and submitted a petition with sixteen(16) signatures supporting their request. Mr. Dale Hallmark, representing the Oaks Historical District, asked if the house in the 2600 block of Harrison directly behind Dunkin Donuts was on the list for demolition. Staff confirmed that No. 7, 2676 Harrison, is on the list. Mr. Greg Nelson, owner of Dunkin Donuts on Eleventh Street, addressed Council to state that at 10:00 a.m. today he purchased the property at 2676 Harrison and requested additional time for rehabilitation. Mr. Nelson said he has hired an architect and engineer and reviewed renovation plans for the structure. Mr.Nelson was told that a work program must be initiated and developed with Staff, if the extension is granted. Mr. David Bradley, 615 North Fifth Street, addressed Council said the property at 2676 Harrison is an eyesore and expressed appreciation Mr. Nelson's efforts of the past five years and recent purchase of the property. Mr. Lester Kirkman, Jr., addressed Council in reference to 2043 Irving Street to request addition time to complete rehabilitation of the structure. Mr. Kirkman distributed pictures to Council and said he is in process of making repairs to the structure in his spare time, but needs additional time to complete the work. Mr. Kirkman was instructed to contact Staff and develop a work plan within a specific time frame, if the extension is approved. Mr. Tony Jones, 508 Garland, addressed Council to ask if an ordinance could be passed to minimize the time spent on dilapidated structures hearings and authorize a Court process. The City Attorney explained such a process would be easier for Council, but it is important that when property is taken, top City officials should have knowledge of that action and participate in the process. There being no one else desiring to speak, the public hearing was closed. Ordinance No. 95-27 was amended to remove the structures at 2676 Harrison and 2043 Irvine from the 106 April 18, 1995 raze section of the ordinance and ordering raze or repair within 30 days and approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Pro Tem Davis said that he and Mayor Moore attended a volunteer patrol program at Magnolia Garden Complex yesterday where residents were inducted to help reduce the level of crime in their complex. Councilman Goodson reported that he was absent from Council last week because he was in Dallas at the closing of the County's Housing Finance Corporation bond issue. He they were given a census population of Beaumont and there is going to be $18 million available for first-time home buyers, that $7 million of that amount will be designated for a twelve-month period to originate loans in target areas in Jefferson County, including areas in Ward III and IV in Beaumont, as well as areas of Port Arthur. He said that First Southwest Company is the financial advisor to the County Housing Finance Corporation, and they were instrumental in selling the bond issue. Mayor Pro Tem Davis told Councilman Goodson he read about his work with housing, said folk are excited about the opportunities and congratulated Councilman Goodson for his efforts. Councilman Goodson added that the County has a grant application for down payment assistance for first time home buyers outside the city limits of Beaumont and Port Arthur and are discussing with First Southwest Company the possibility of the County becoming involved in a rehab loan program outside the City and will probably call upon Rosie Jones of Port Arthur and Richard Chappell assistance since the County does not have a Housing Department staff. Councilman Smith commended the County and asked if a survey has been conducted of the homes that could be brought up to Code with a rehab program in place, and Councilman Goodson responded that they haven't, but plan to discuss the number of homes available for rehabilitation outside city limits with Representative Price and said there are homes in the low to moderate income bracket in the Cheek and Fannett area that would probably be a good fit for such a program. Councilman Smith reported that she attended the TACTIC Neighborhood Association meeting across from the Central Ninth Grade Campus and was appalled to learn about the problems incurred when the students leave school. She said they walk in gangs of 25 to 30 vandalizing property, they cross the street and prohibit anyone from coming in or out of the neighborhood, know they will not suffer consequences for their behavior, said the quality of life is pretty bad there for those neighbors for about two hours each day. She said it is a very real problem,the police have been there and are investigating the situation. Also, she reported to Public Works Director Tom Warner that contractor doing street rehabilitation there did 107 April 18, 1995 not satisfactorily finish the project that are creating problems on Horn and Acorn Streets. Mayor Moore shared that the Easter Sunrise Service on the grounds of Saint Elizabeth Hospital was a great event with several hundred present, great participation and diversity. He said that last week Nancy Gist from the Department of Justice was in Beaumont, that he had opportunity to escort her to various parts of the city including the Charlton-Pollard neighborhood and Dunbar Elementary School and said that on very short notice the principal, teachers and students were able to make a very good presentation. Also,he said they visited homesites, various programs of law enforcement and the Ninth Grade Campus at Central because of the proposed academy--zero tolerance school program. He said he received a call today that she was very impressed and that group is responsible for about $1 million in funding for this county. Mayor Moore welcomed Earnest Wilson the new Director of the Beaumont Housing Authority and expressed a desire that he will be available to attend a Council meeting to update their program, agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Davis about the security guards graduation at Magnolia Gardens Complex and explained that the button on his lapel promotes Mobirs Mile on Main Street effort to be held June 3rd. Councilman Smith said she intended to ask that Council try to consider a way to help change the attitude that exists at Central Ninth Grade campus when she reported the problem earlier, thanked Public Works Director Tom Warner and his staff for quick response to a sewer line problem on Hurley Drive and said the residents were surprised and pleased with the service. Mayor Moore thanked Staff for the preparation of the dilapidated structure materials and complimented the new format of presentation. -000- Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council to say he was impressed with Councilman Goodsods involvement in the County Housing Finance Corporation, spoke in support of televising Council meetings, suggested using Lamar students as technicians and asked Council to consider the proposal, spoke in opposition to the $15,000 grant to the South Park Neighborhood Association, said it is a small organization that thinks they have more power than they do and that use of the money could be spent for bus shelters instead of flowers and beautification; and expressed a desire that Council seriously consider a street use tax to reduce property tax. Mrs. Ruth Naumczik, 370 Giles, president of the South Park Neighborhood Association, in answer to queries raised said that (CDBG) grant funds were requested because South Park is the home of Lamar University, and the University area must not look run-down and dirty to visitors in our city. She said the Association has dedicated itself to improve the image of South Park and feels that Lamar will benefit from funds received from the grant. She said Phi Beta Sigma has adopted the median strip on University Drive. She said for three years the Association has worked with the Police Department to make the area safe for students and residents and now want to turn energy into landscaping to possibly aid enrollment at Lamar 108 April 18, 1995 and increase real estate value. Mr. Tony Jones, 508 Garland, addressed Council to state beautification is important, infrastructure needs such as bus shelters should be considered first. Mrs. Etta Lois Hope, president of the Roy Camponella Little League, addressed Council to ask for assistance with lights for the field. She said Gulf States Utilities has already installed the poles; they just need light for evening games. Mrs. Millie Norris, 4670 Maddox, stated that the South Park Neighborhood Association has accomplished a lot during the past three years,was not organized for power, but because citizens were fearful, because of Council support and the Community Oriented Policing program,they have a safer place to live and their efforts now are to beautify and clean up the area to encourage new residents. Mr. Eric Tolpo, 2690 West Lucas, addressed Council to question the park lease to St. Anne's and liability if someone should be injured on the grounds. The City Attorney said the License Agreement proves for $1 million insurance for the City and any decision of negligence would be decided by the Courts. Mr. Tolpo asked when the West Lucas project will begin, and Mr. Warner responded that plans are expected to be complete in mid-May and construction begin in July or August. Also, Mr. Tolpo asked Mayor Moore if he has received the report from Staff about personal use of City vehicle by employees, and the Mayor informed Mr. Tolpo he has received the report and will share the information during Council recess. Mr. Tolpo expressed appreciation to Mr. Nelson for accepting the challenge of rehabilitating the property on Harrison. Mr. E. E. Shackleford, 11175 Carpenter, distributed a copy of a letter to each Councilmember, said he previously addressed Council about appliances he believes were taken from his property by City employees, recited the circumstances and asked that the City replace the appliances of equal value or pay for the damages. Ms. Get Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, addressed Council to express appreciation for the progress at the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood Association, happy that a grant is being given to the South Park Neighborhood Association,wishes the Pear Orchard Neighborhood Association had applied for the grant. Ms. Williams said she is happy to see a balance of funding distributed to all parts of the city and said she thinks Council will consider bus shelters for the children. Mr. Bob Harris, 3960 Broadmoor, addressed Council regarding rental property at Angelina and Fifth Streets and explained a situation with receipt of complaints from the Clean Community Division about litter in the ditch. Mr. Harris claimed the litter is on right-of-way, a culvert should be installed and asked for assistance. Mayor Moore instructed Mr. Harris to meet with Public Works Director Tom Warner during Council recess for discussion and direction. 109 April 18, 1995 Mr. Dennis Hardy, Houston, Texas, a representative of Acordia said he would like to clarify that his company is not associated with American General, but Anthem Life Insurance Company of Dallas, said all three bidders for the HMO maintain the highest ratings from the rating Company and Council can be assured that a highly rated insurance company has been selected. Mr. Robert Lynn DeMary, 430 East Elgie, president of the Beaumont Federation of Neighborhood Associations said that in January he encouraged each neighborhood association to formulate their project according to HUD guidelines, attend workshops in February and submit applications. Out of five associations receiving applications, South Park was the only one to implement their own project, the others are supporting projects within their neighborhoods. Mr. Owen Devillier, 3880 St. Helena, on behalf of the HOW Center thanked Council for consideration of CDBG funding and reviewed the Center's success rate and program services. Mr. Allen Lee, 5095 Maddox, addressed Council again to restate his opinion that $15,000 is too much for landscaping, spoke about past volunteer clean-up projects, said the South Park Neighborhood Association should get volunteers and hold fund-raisers to buy flowers. In response to comments,Mayor Moore said "this City Council wanted to form a number of partnerships throughout this community, and one of the things we did was to get with neighborhood associations in an effort to do that, and we encouraged them to be creative and to bring forward any project that shows the evidence of that community coming together to work on their behalf. We have thirty-eight neighborhood associations now, and the one thing I can about them is that they are doing a number of different things. South Park has become somewhat of a pilot in the sense that it started early on and garnered a lot of respect for their activities. What we're doing as a Council is reviewing these activities across the board. I think one of the first projects we had the opportunity of funding, I think, was lighting, I believe, in the Old Town District, and we're going throughout, and we hope that every neighborhood association will bring forward a project that shows commitment of the citizens. Our philosophy on this Council is to empower the community. Bricks and mortar build cities, but it's people that keep it in place, and that is the reason why we viewed certain grants favorably, and I just want folks to understand it's not just plants or flowers. It's building a strength within that community where the citizens feel like they are important..." -000- There being no other business, the regular session of City Council was recessed to reconvene in workshop session. -000- 110 April 18, 1995 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 April 18, 1995. Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk 111 April 18, 1995