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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN NOV 21 1995 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD NOVEMBER 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 November, 1995, with the following present: HONORABLE: David W. Moore Mayor Becky Ames Mayor Pro Tern Councilman-At Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman-At-Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II John K. Davis Councilman, Ward III Bobbie Patterson Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Smith City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend L. Charles Treadway, New Life Tabernacle Church. Pastor Treadway invited Council to a special dinner at his church on December 7, 1995 for a Christmas celebration and a time of burning the mortgage note on the church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Ray A. Riley. -000- Mayor Moore said there are several presentations to be made today and began by introducing Robert K. Reid, former Houston Rockets star, presented him with an honorary citizenship card and lapel pin and said Mr. Reid has been in Beaumont on behalf of the United Way Campaign at Mobil Oil. Mayor Moore invited Parks and Recreation Director Luke Jackson and Lamar Coach Grey Giovanine to join Mr. Reid, who will go to the Sterling Pruitt Activity Center this afternoon to be with the Ben Rogers/Lamar University/BISD "I Have A Dream" students to give a motivational talk and shoot baskets with them. Mr. Reid commented that this is his second visit to Beaumont, the first was for the United Way Campaign Kickoff, and expressed appreciation for the honor bestowed on 308 November 21, 1995 r him with the presentation of the citizenship card. -000- Mr. Ben Woodhead, representative of the Trust Department of Texas Commerce Bank, presented two checks from the R. C. Miller Memorial Trust. A check for approximately $141,000 was accepted to assist with the operating expenses of the R. C. Miller Library and one in the amount of$48,000 to assist with a special project or need. Mr. Woodhead reviewed the history of the R. C. Miller Memorial Trust and its partnership with the City. -000- On behalf of the Mayor's Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities, Chairman Don Kelly accepted the 1995 Texas Governor's Committee Employment Award for its scholarship program for students with disabilities. Mayor Moore said this was one of six awards presented across the State of Texas and represents a lot of work. Mr. Kelly said an anonymous donor contributed over $60,000 to the scholarship program, said they have helped about thirty (30) disabled people receive a college degree and have actually received national recognition for the program. Mayor Moore said Beaumont will host the national leadership meeting next June and hopes to communicate our understanding and awareness of this committee. -000- The City Manager announced that for the ninth time the City of Beaumont has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association. He said the GFOA has made this award for its comprehensive annual financial report, and said the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment is a significant achievement by government and its management. Mr. Riley thanked and acknowledged Finance Officer Beverly Hodges, Controller Paula LaBrie, Accountants Peggy Rhame and Ed Scott who participated in making this award possible. Mrs. Hodges accepted the award and said that in addition to the three professional staff members, there are a lot of others in the department that help to merit and attain the recognition. Mayor Moore commented about last week's commissioning of the USS Pelican, a mine-hunting ship, being an enjoyable and educational experience, publicly thanked the the Commission for their efforts, complimented the efforts of David Hearne and other City employees for warmth and hospitality extended and displayed the plaque presented to the City by Commander LCDR Kevin Holden. He said that the second home of the USS Pelican is Beaumont and will every two years will dock in Beaumont. Councilman Goodson acknowledged the help of David Hearne, Evelyn Lord, Steve Hale, the Port of Beaumont, the Convention and Visitors Bureau for a truly awe inspiring event and expressed appreciation for the Fire Department Band who filled in at the last 309 November 21, 1995 moment for the U. S. Navy Band and did a superlative job. -000- Citizen comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Main Agenda Items 2 through 8. No one wished to address these subjects. -000- The following Consent Agenda items were considered: Approval of the Minutes of the regular City Council session held November 7, 1995; Resolution No. 95-308 appointing James Payne to the Community Development Advisory Committee and the Reverend Elijaha Stansell and Mark Landis to the Beaumont Advisory Commission for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect for terms expiring November 20, 1997; Resolution No. 95-309 accepting Street and Storm Sewer Improvements: Jill Lane from existing Phyllis Lane approximately 252 feet west to proposed Alece Lane; Joyce Lane from existing Phyllis Lane approximately 300 feet west to and including the cul-de-sac on proposed Alece Lane, and Alece Lane from existing Tolivar Road approximately 1,057 feet south to and including the cul-de-sac on proposed Joyce Lane; and accepting Water and Sanitary Improvements on Lots 6-9, 15-28, and 27-51 in Pine Glen Second Addition, Phase Two contingent upon filing of the final plat, complete with filings of dedication of all right-of-way, and easements required on preliminary and final plats; Resolution No. 95-310 granting a ten (10) foot underground utility easement on City owned property at the West End Fire Station No. 4 out of Lots 1 and 2, Block 5 of the Calder Highlands Addition to Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for the West Lucas Drive Project; Resolution No. 95-311 accepting a ten foot wide Water Line Easement from Texas B. Southwestern Partners, L.P. out of their property described as Hezekiah Williams, Jr. Survey, Abstract 57, to serve the proposed Pine Club Apartments; and Resolution No. 95-312 authorizing an annual contract with Bo-Mac Contractors, Inc. for purchase of#8 tower rock for the Streets and Drainage Division in the amount of$13.70 per ton. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None 310 November 21, 1995 Ordinance No. 95-70 abandoning all dedicated streets and alleys north of Buford Street between Wallace and Greer with retention of a general utility easement in the Wallace Street right- of-way between Finis and the Neches River (Greer, Brevis, Leonard, Wallace, Toltec, and Finis Streets) at the request of the Port of Beaumont was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 95-70 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ABANDONING ALL DEDICATED STREETS AND ALLEYS NORTH OF BUFORD STREET BETWEEN WALLACE AND GREER STREETS IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Ordinance No. 95-70 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ames. Question: Ayes: Mayor Moore Nayes: None Mayor Pro Tem Ames Councilman Cokinos Councilman Smith Councilman Davis Councilman Patterson Abstained: Councilman Goodson -000- Resolution No. 95-313 granting a five foot wide permanent pipeline easement and a fifty-five foot wide temporary construction easement out of of Block 22, 26 and 27 of the Heflebower and Scott Subdivision to Centana Intrastate Pipeline Company (who will transport natural gas in a twelve inch pipeline from the Hardy Oil and Gas location south of Tram Road and east of U. S. Highway 69 to Centana's Port Arthur plant on FM Highway 365 east of West Port Arthur Road) for a total payment of$17,504.00 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Goodson and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 95-314 authorizing execution of a Pipeline License Agreement with Centana Intrastate Pipeline Company to allow installation of a six (6") inch pipeline to transport Y-Grade products from Centana's Port Arthur Plant to Mobil Oil tie-in near Spindletop and establishing pipeline and permit fees; 311 November 21, 1995 Resolution No. 95-315 authorizing execution of a Pipeline License Agreement with Centana Pipeline Company to install approximately one thousand seven hundred and forty-five (1,745') feet of twelve (12") inch pipeline for the purpose of transporting natural gas across twenty-four (24) street crossings and establishing pipeline and permit fees; Resolution No. 95-316 authorizing execution of a Pipeline License Agreement with Centana Pipeline Company for installation of approximately sixty (60')feet of twenty-four (24") inch pipeline for the purpose of transporting natural gas across Spindletop Avenue and establishing pipeline and permit fees; and Resolution No. 95-317 authorizing execution of a Pipeline License Agreement with Mobil Oil Corporation for installation of a ten (10") inch pipeline for the purpose of transporting hydrogen within the city limits and establishing pipeline and permit fees were approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 95-318 adopting new T-hangar rental rates at $160 for Class I, $105 for Class II, $95 for Class III, $85 for Class IV and $75 for Class V at the Beaumont Municipal Airport for a total of$63,600 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ames. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 95-319 authorizing transfer of City-owned Lots 6 through 13 and parts of Lot 5 and 14, Block 1, Flowers Addition; Lot 1, Block 8, Leonard Addition, Lot "A," Block 9, Leonard Addition; and Lot 6, Block 8, Leonard Addition to the Innovative Housing Development Corporation for construction of new homes in the Charlton-Pollard Neighborhood was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Ames and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 95-320 authorizing a contract in the amount of$1,449,636.66 with Allco, Inc. for Contract 5A-23rd Street Interceptor Rehabilitation (sewer improvements) was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None 312 November 21, 1995 Resolution No. 95-321 authorizing a one-year renewal contract to become effective November 1, 1995 and expire October 31, 1996 with Carolyn C. Chaney &Associates, Inc. to act as the City of Beaumont's Washington Assistant and provide legislative services on the federal level in the amount of$48,234.12 plus a maximum of$4,000 for reimbursable expenses was considered. Councilman Cokinos stated that he is against hiring a lobbyist in Washington, said the City cannot afford this expenditure, said City finances cannot afford employee pay increases, asked for detailed information of the activities of the lobbyist for the City of Beaumont and a detailed report of her achievements for the past fourteen (14) years, said with the Washington mood for a balanced budget in seven (7) years, the City will have difficulty obtaining monies because federal monies will be given as block grants to the state, and reiterated his belief that Beaumont can receive the same services from our congressmen. Resolution No. 95-321 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: Mayor Moore Nayes: Councilman Mayor Pro Tem Ames Cokinos Councilman Smith Councilman Goodson Councilman Davis Councilman Patterson -000- Resolution No. 95-322 authorizing a six (6) month contract with an option to renew for an additional six (6) months with Electrotex for personal computers at $2,020 each for an approximate total of $101,000 (plus add-on and replacement options) to be purchased and distributed by the Management Information System Division to various City departments was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Ames and seconded by Councilman Davis. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Councilman Smith extended holiday greetings to everyone and announced that some members of Council will be attending a meeting for the City next week and the next Council meeting will be December 5th. Councilman Goodson joined in wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday, thanked participants in the dedication of the USS Pelican, and congratulated Sister Boykin as honoree at the Kelly High School Centennial Homecoming. Councilman Cokinos added Thanksgiving greetings to everyone. 313 November 21, 1995 In addition to extending Thanksgiving greetings, Mayor Pro Tem Ames commented that she had never attended anything like the dedication of the USS Pelican and said it was a very moving experience and hopes that when the ship returns, the community will take advantage of visiting the ship while docked at the Port of Beaumont. Councilman Davis wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and thanked Richard Chappell, the City Manager and Texas Commerce Bank officials for the groundbreaking ceremonies for the housing in the Charlton Pollard neighborhood. In keeping with tradition, he said they met after the groundbreaking at Tilman's Barbeque and said there was much excitement and good feelings in the atmosphere. He said tremendous progress has been made with residents of the Chariton Pollard neighborhood and commended Council for their vision and support of this neighborhood. Councilman Patterson also wished everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Moore affirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony in the Charlton Pollard neighborhood was wonderful, said it capsules what Council has been working toward to provide equity and revitalization and that the numerous neighborhood meetings have begun to pay off. He said that one would have to have been at Dunbar Elementary School to witness the program they presented to understand the talent and achievements of these most outstanding students and staff. He complimented Mr. Keeling's address and charge to the community, Council and the business partners. Mayor Moore thanked Council for their faithfulness and support of the neighborhood association meetings. Also, Mayor Moore reported that the YMCA held an excellent ecumenical breakfast this morning with Rabbi Peter Hyman as speaker. He said the event was sponsored by Texas Commerce Bank and Community, hosted by General Cokinos and was well attended. Additional comments included Kelly High School's 100th year celebration, commissioning the USS Pelican, but added that Admirals Jenkins and Pearson really had a lot of positive comments about Beaumont, and that Lt. Commander Kevin Holder and his family really enjoyed being in our community. -000- Project Coordinator Toby Fore and team members Darell Rogers, Mark Standberry, Shannon Slocum, and Wade Worthy, students of Lamar University's Industrial Technology Department, presented their findings of a Photometric Index measuring the amount of litter in specific areas of Beaumont, including loading docks, parking lots, vacant lots, streets and rights-of-way. Mr. Fore said the study was conducted under the guidance of the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission and the Photometric Index is required for Beaumont to keep its certification with Keep America Beautiful, to authenticate annual reductions in litter and provide positive suggestion for further reduction in litter. The report included the method of data collection and processing, findings and recommendations and indicated that litter decreased 13% in 1995 from 1994, after the large increase of litter in 1994 to 150% of that in 1993. Mayor Moore told Mr. Fore that we need to focus on the positive news of their report and said that suggestions for controlling litter will be relayed 314 November 21, 1995 i to the Keep Beaumont Beautiful Commission. A second presentation featuring Litter Fingerprinting was made by Paul Clark and team member Wayne Petit of Lamar University's Industrial Technology Department. Mr. Clark said their report is similar to the first, but focused on a couple of different areas with objectives to determine how much litter accumulates on an arterial street in one week, identify the types of material being littered, the source or origination and identify the responsible party for the litter. Mr. Clark explained their process and reported that a significant finding was that paper and plastic were the major sources of litter and attributed that to the fact that food is primarily wrapped in paper or plastic. He said that another significant finding was that litter is in all areas of the city with intersections being the most littered. The committee suggested involving students in anti-litter projects, enforce litter ordinances and produce educational pamphlets for distribution. Mayor Moore thanked the students for the thorough presentations and suggestions. -000- Ms. Glenda McCray, addressed City Council on behalf of the Martin Luther Parkway Commission to plea for Council support and asked Mrs. Beverly Hatcher to distribute forms to Council and then address Council before making further comments. Mrs. Beverly Hatcher, a member of the Martin Luther Parkway Commission, addressed Council and said two handouts were presented to Council. She explained that the first handout is a letter written by members of the Commission. She spoke of a fundraising effort to raise funds for a bronze statue for the MLK Parkway, a scheduled Walk-A-Thon on January 15, and beautification of the Parkway. Mrs. Hatcher said the second handout is a letter dated June 30, 1994, spoke of a City Staff requirement of Minutes approving a mailout and faxed copy of intended endeavors, and said she is personally offended by this action and complained of inequality among commissions. Ms. McCray, again address Council as Chairman of the Martin Luther King Parkway Commission, asked for support in getting the draft of the letter presented typed on City of Beaumont letterhead, solicited support at their meetings and appointment of commissioners. Councilman Davis assured support of the Commission, asked that Ms. McCray and Mrs. Hatcher visit with Mr. Riley and Jamie Johnson after the meeting to discuss a workable mechanism, reassured Mrs. Hatcher that her work on the Commission is appreciated and said he is sure Staff will be able to assist in solving any problem. Mayor Moore added his appreciation for the Commission and confidence that any problems will be resolved. Mrs. Marty Craig, 195 North 7th, addressed Council to complain about the condition of her street. 315 November 21, 1995 She spoke of the various stages of construction and inconveniences that have been endured since early spring. Ms. Craig told Council she is to the point of anger, said she was without water for fourteen (14) hours last week and received a water bill for$324.94. She said this is about the tenth time the water has been turned off or on and her husband is unable to investigate a leak because the water line is too covered with mud and relayed an experience with their truck being stuck in the mud and an encounter with the City and again asked for Council assistance with the problems caused by the street construction. Mr. Jerry Doyle, 7th and Laurel, addressed Council to add complaints about outage of water and lights for extended periods of time, broken gas lines and questioned large projects and a need for daily on site supervision and planning. -000- There being no other business, the regular session of City Council was recessed to reconvene in workshop session. -000- 1, Rosemarie Smith, 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 November 21, 1995. Rosemarie Smith City Clerk 316 November 21, 1995