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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 04 1993 REGULAR SESSION CITY COUNCIL - CITY OF BEAUMONT HELD MAY 4, 1993 - 1:30 P.M. BE IT REMEMBERED that the City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in regular session this the 4th day of May, 1993, with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Brian R. Alter Mayor Pro Tem Councilman At Large Andrew P. Cokinos Councilman At Large Lulu L. Smith Councilman, Ward I Guy N. Goodson Councilman, Ward II Audwin Samuel Councilman, Ward III David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- The Invocation was given by the Reverend Elijah Stensell, McCabe United Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Samuel. -000- Mayor Lord informed the audience that Council will deviate from the usual order of business today. The results of Saturday's election will be canvassed, the Oaths of Office administered, recess for a short reception to welcome new Councilmembers and then return to the Council Chambers to go forward with business items. -000- Ordinance No. 93-21 canvassing the returns of the General Election held on May 1, 1993, for the purpose of electing four (4) Ward Councilmambers was considered: ORDINANCE NO. 93-21 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE REGULAR CITY ELECTION HELD IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT ON THE 1ST DAY OF MAY, 1993 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING FOUR (4) WARD COUNCIL MEMBERS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. -91- May 4, 1993 Mr. Riley reported that the Canvass was for Wards I, II, III, and IV with a total of 11,418 votes cast. For Councilmember, Ward I: Ernest B. Hendrix, received 653 votes; Lulu L. Smith, 2, 193 votes; Councilmember, Ward II: Guy N. Goodson, 3, 317 votes; Councilmember, Ward III: Mark A. Acree, 82 votes; Jerry L. Whittington, Sr. , 544 votes; John K. Davis, 771 votes; and Councilmember, Ward IV: David W. Moore, 1, 609 votes; Get Williams, 286 votes. Mr. Riley said, "It is therefore ordained that the persons named are elected to the following offices for Councilmember, Ward I: Lulu L. Smith; for Councilmember, Ward II: Guy N. Goodson; for Councilmember, Ward III: John K. Davis; and for Councilmember, Ward IV: is David W. Moore. " Ordinance No. 93-21 was approved on a motion made by Councilman Samuel and seconded by Councilman Cokinos. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- MAYOR LORD "We are very honored to have with us today, Judge John Paul Davis, who is going to administer the Oath of Office to his son and to our other newly elected Councilmembers, and I would ask that you, Mr. Goodson, Dr. Smith and Mr. Moore go down there (in front of Council kiosk) , and that Mr. Davis, our newly-elected Councilmember, come forward and that the Oath of Office take place right down here in front of us. . . " JUDGE JOHN PAUL DAVIS Good Afternoon, Mayor Lord, Councilmembers and citizens who are assembled. The last time I stood before this Council, I was standing as an employee of the City in my capacity as Municipal Judge, and at that time I was leaving the City to assume the duties that I now hold at the County. Needless to say, at that time I had no idea that I would have such a privilege and such a pleasure today to swear in my son and other members of the Council I 've known and count among my personal friends and all as servants of our city and our region. So, it gives me great honor to give, administer the Oath to my good friend, Mr. Guy Goodson, my good friend, Mr. David Moore, and my good friend, Dr. Lulu Smith, and of course, I can think of no finer honor than to give the Oath to my son. I remember what Jesus said some years ago, well, not so much Jesus, but what God said, "This is my Son with whom I am well pleased. " Would you please raise your right hand, and when I say I, I want you to pronounce your name. . . (Judge Davis administered the Oath of Office. ) MAYOR LORD Now, at this time we will recess into the lobby for a reception, and then when we come back, the new Council will sit. -92- May 4, 1993 Council reconvened with the following present: HONORABLE: Evelyn M. Lord Mayor Brian R. Alter Mayor Pro Tem 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 David W. Moore Councilman, Ward IV Ray A. Riley City Manager Lane Nichols City Attorney Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -000- Mayor Lord We have several Proclamations to give today, but before we do that, I would like to, is Audwin with us? Audwin Samuel Yes, I am. Mayor Lord Oh, I 'm so glad, Audwin, because as we welcome our new Councilman Davis aboard, we also would like to thank you, Audwin, for all that you've done and the service that you've rendered the city. And, if you'll come forward, we have a nicer presentation to make to you at a later date, but it hasn't arrived, but if you'll come forward, I have a little something for you at this time. And, I know you' ll be delighted to have this, Audwin. It's your parking place! (the sign designating a reserved parking place for Ward III Councilman Samuel) . . . Councilman Samuel accepted the sign and made parting comments to each Councilmember. -000- Five Proclamations were issued: "Kaleidoscope Days, " May 7, 8, 9, 1993 ; "National Transportation Week, " May 16-22, 1993 ; "Better Hearing and Speech Month, " May, 1993 ; "Goodwill Industries Week, " May 2-8, 1993 ; and "National Tourism Week, " May 2-8, 1993 . -000- Citizen Comment was invited on the Consent Agenda and Regular Agenda -93- May 4, 1993 Items 1 through 4. 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 April 27, 1993; and Resolution No. 93-104 authorizing acceptance of a ten-foot (101 ) sanitary sewer easement out of the Charles Williams League at the southeast corner of the intersection of Major Drive and Morgan Street from AM Investment Company to serve the Douget Rice Milling Company's sanitary sewer service for a negotiated value of $500. 00. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Lord asked Mrs. Linda Scully to make an announcement. Mrs. Scully invited everyone, on behalf of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, to join with them in the patio area between City Hall and the Civic Center on Thursday, May 6th, to celebrate the National Day of Prayer. Mrs. Scully thanked the City for their support and cooperation in planning this program. She said the program begins at 11:30 a.m. with singing by a one hundred voice children's choir followed by a ceremony at Noon with our community joining with other communities throughout the nation to celebrate our national heritage. She also extended an invitation to participate in a picnic on the library lawn where there will be music, food by Luther's Bar-B-Q for those who do not bring a sack lunch and free soft drinks. -000- Resolution No. 93-105 authorizing an annual grounds maintenance and litter removal contract with Beaumont Products and Services, an "assigned sheltered workshop" designed to help create jobs for disabled persons, for Beaumont's Central Business District in the amount of $8,290. 00 per month for a total annual expenditure of $99,480. 00 to commence June 11 1993, was approved on a motion made by Mayor Pro Tem. Alter and seconded by Councilman Smith. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 93-106 authorizing acceptance of the bid of Lange Brothers, Inc. in the amount of $35,709. 00 for interior painting at the -94- May 4, 1993 Best Years Center located at 780 South Fourth Street was approved on a motion made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Moore. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 93-107 authorizing a one-year contract with Jefferson County Emergency Services District No. 1 (replacing the City of Bevil Oaks contract) in the amount of $4, 027.50 to provide emergency medical services was approved on a motion made by Councilman Cokinos and seconded by Councilman Goodson. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Resolution No. 93-108 authorizing purchase of a dry filter automatic paint spray booth from B.O.L.D. Equipment Company in the amount of $22, 150. 00 for use by the Building Services Division was approved on a motion made by Councilman Moore and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Alter. Question: Ayes: All Nayes: None -000- Mayor Lord announced that an Executive Session will be held in accordance with Section 2 (e) of the Texas Open Meetings Act to discuss contemplated and pending litigation: Pat Kellv and Coby McConnell vs City of Beaumont following the Regular Session of City Council. -000- Councilman Smith urged everyone to attend Kaleidoscope this weekend for three days of entertainment. She said Friday is "Kids Day, " the Hair Bash on Friday night with a contest for the highest pompadour and events and craft displays continuing on through Saturday and Sunday. Councilman Goodson added encouragement to attend Kaleidoscope and welcomed John Davis as a member of Council. Mayor Pro Tem Alter congratulated Councilman Davis for a successful election to City Council and Boys Haven for another successful Crawfish Festival last weekend and commented that he observed Councilman Goodson lending a hand with the cooking. Councilman Davis said he is very pleased and honored that the citizens of Ward III found him worthy to be selected as their representative and that he looks forward to working with everyone. Mayor Lord told Councilman Davis that Council reciprocates those feelings and are glad that he is part of the team. -95- May 4, 1993 Councilman Moore thanked "constituents of Ward IV for their vote of confidence. " He said that elections are like receiving a report card, a time when citizens can voice their appreciation or dissatisfaction. He said he was very happy to quote one of the television stations that said he got an "A" on his report card! Councilman Moore welcomed Councilman Davis on board City Council and said, " I think you'll find out that this will probably be one of the most challenging jobs you'll ever have in terms of public service, yet one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have in terms of fulfilling your gift of serving others in the community, and I 'm very excited about having you aboard. I 'm looking forward to the energy that you displayed during your campaign. . . We have a really good team, and we have a lot of different strengths, you. ° m just glad to have you aboard and look forward to working with Mayor Lord told Councilman Davis that she thinks he will "find there's day of cheers and there's days of tears" that goes with the job. -000- Mr. Bill Lytle, 1085 Sunmeadow, addressed Council to complain about the left turn only arrow at Major and Manion and not being allowed to turn left on a green light when deemed safe; disputed the need for the pedestrian control button at Major and Gladys and Major and Manion; suggested that the three-lane road at College and Dowlen going west be remarked to make the right-hand lane a right turn only lane; complained about street markings at Calder on 13th Street going north. Mr. William McCullough, Silsbee, owner of ten duplexes on Irby, Caston and Lavaca Streets addressed Council to complain about a recent block permit issued without consent of property owners and residents on Caston Street, and said he was also representing Mrs. Elizabeth Childs, a property owner not able to attend Council. He complained about the loud noise that interfered with students studying for finals, consumption of alcoholic beverages, access to homes blocked, foul language emitting from loud stereos and resulting property damage. Mr. McCullough suggested that property owners and residents should be considered before issuing block party permits, a review of guidelines and using a local park for these functions instead of residential streets. Mayor Lord asked that Council be supplied with the present guidelines used for issuing block party permits. Mr. Henry Dannenbaum, 1567 Wall, congratulated the new elects. Mrs. Blanca N. Ramirez, 682 East Lavaca, representing a property owner of 13 duplexes in the area where the block party occurred, Mrs.Jonell Malloy and Mr. Ernest Irwin who are unable to attend Council today said she would like to register a formal complaint against the permit that was granted for the block party and said it was in essence permitting a -96- May 4, 1993 legal disturbance of the peace. She said this atmosphere created a sense of fear and agreed that use of a park might be better for these activities. Councilman Moore said he had intended to wait until next week to discuss a situation, but feels the need to address a concern about the vulgarity and profanity in loud music that is being played in public areas where young children are present. He described a happening at Imagination Station where unbelievable vulgar music was loudly played. He emphasized it is not only the loudness of the music but the message and content of the words that is so offensive. He asked that our Legal Department research possible passage of an ordinance to protect citizens from this level of vulgarity. -000- There being no further business, the Regular Session of City Council was recessed to reconvene in Executive Session. -000- I, Rosemarie Chiappetta, City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, Texas, certify that the above is a true copy of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Session held May 4, 1993 . Rosemarie Chiappetta City Clerk -97- May 4, 1993