HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN MAY 24 2005 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT
Lulu L. Smith,Ward I GUY N. GOODSON, MAYOR Nancy Beaulieu,Ward II
Andrew P. Cokinos,At-Large CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames, Mayor Pro Tern
Bobbie J. Patterson,Ward III May 24,2005 Audwin Samuel,Ward IV
Tyrone E. Cooper, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk
The City Council of the City of Beaumont,Texas, met in a regular session on May 24,2005, at the
City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the
following:
OPENING
Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call
Presentations and Recognition
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1- 5/Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
Mayor Goodson called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Councilmember Samuel gave the invocation. Councilmember Beaulieu led the Pledge of
Allegiance. Roll call was made by Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Goodson, Mayor Pro Tern Ames, Councilmembers Beaulieu,
Cokinos, Patterson and Samuel. Absent: Councilmember Smith.Also present were Kyle Hayes,
City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney; Rose Ann Jones, City Clerk.
Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions
None
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1- 5/Consent Agenda.
Tracy Richardson 1804 31st Street Nederland TX 77627
Item#5: Opposed to renaming of Fletcher Mini Park; representative forthe Jefferson County
Historical Commission;feels that Council should not consider renaming streets, monuments,
parks, buildings or anything that is named after an individual or a family because those
families or individuals did things at some point in time to deserve the recognition and it should
not be taken away from them
Hallie Atwood 1935 Milam Street Beaumont TX
Item #5: Opposed to renaming of Fletcher Mini Park; President of College Street Corridor
Neighborhood Association;feels that some other place should be considered to honor Mr.
Chavez
Minutes-May 24,2005
Benny Mendoza Sr. 5655 South Kenneth St. Beaumont TX 77705
Item#5: Opposed to renaming of Fletcher Mini Park;feels that it is not right to change the
park name as it honors the Fletcher family
Mike McGreevy 9270 Shepherd Beaumont TX 77707
Item#5: Opposed to renaming of FletcherMini Park;feelsthatthe Fletcher family deserves
the honor of the park being named after the family
Roberto Flores Sr. 2425 Buchanan Beaumont TX
Item#5: In favorof renaming Fletcher Mini Park;Avenues Neighborhood Association;feels
that the citizens did not support the park when it needed repairs and this neighborhood
association has supported the park and its upkeep and has earned the right to ask for this
request
Ella Doris Flores 2425 Buchanan Beaumont TX
Item#5: In favorof renaming Fletcher Mini Park;Avenues Neighborhood Association;would
like Council to consider renaming the park
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of minutes - Minutes of May 17, 2005
Confirmation of committee appointments - Resolution 05-126
Anthony J. Gibson would be appointed to the Historic Landmark Commission. The term would
commence May 24, 2005 and expire May 23, 2007. (Mayor Pro Tern Becky Ames)
Anthony J. Gibson would be appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee. The
term would commence May 24, 2005 and expire May 23, 2007. (Mayor Pro Tern Becky Ames)
A) Approve a contract for the purchase of lubricants - Resolution 05-127
B) Authorize a grant application to provide a development plan forfuture improvements at the
Beaumont Municipal Airport - Resolution 05-128
C) Approve an amendment to Resolution Numbers 05-110 and 05-117 to correct the type of
deed stated - Resolution 05-129
Mayor Pro Tern Ames moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Beaulieu
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILMEMBERS
BEAULIEU, COKINOS, PATTERSON AND SAMUEL
Page 2 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider approving the issuance and sale of$20 million City of Beaumont, Texas,
Certificates of Obligation, Series 2005;levying taxes to provide for payment thereof;
and containing other matters related thereto - Ordinance 05-044
Administration recommended approval of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of
$20 million City of Beaumont,Texas Certificates of Obligation, Series 2005; levying
taxes to provide for payment thereof; and containing other matters related thereto.
Results of the competitive bid process were read by the City's Financial Advisor,
Frank Ildebrando of RBC Dain Rauscher. A recommendation was made to award the
certificates to the underwriter offering the lowest overall interest cost to the City.
The certificates will mature March 1,2007 through March 1,2025 with interest payable
semiannually in March and September beginning March 1,2006. JP Morgan Chase
Bank, N.A. will serve as paying agent/registrar.
Delivery and receipt of proceeds by the City is scheduled for June 23, 2005.
Proceeds will be used to provide funds for various street, drainage and general
improvements.
All debt shall be incurred in the Debt Service Fund which is supported by property
taxes. The current debt service property tax rate of$.0282733 is expected to be
sufficient to meet debt service requirements on the certificates.
Councilmember Samuel moved to ADOPT ORDINANCE 05-044 AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUANCE AND SALE OF $20,000,000 CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, CERTIFICATES OF
OBLIGATION, SERIES 2005; LEVYING TAXES TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT THEREOF; AND
CONTAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded
the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILMEMBERS
BEAULIEU, COKINOS, PATTERSON AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
2. Consider approving the issuance of$15 million City of Beaumont,Texas,Waterworks
and Sewer System Revenue Bonds,Series 2005;and containing other matters related
thereto - Ordinance 05-045
Page 3 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005
Administration recommended approval of an ordinance authorizing the issuance of
$15 million Cityof Beaumont,Texas,Waterworks and SewerSystem Revenue Bonds,
Series 2005; and containing other matters related thereto.
Results of the competitive bid process were read by the City's Financial Advisor,
Frank Ildebrando of RBC Dain Rauscher. A recommendation was made to award the
bonds to the underwriter offering the lowest overall interest cost to the City.
The revenue bonds will mature September 1,2007 through September 1,2028 with
interest payable semiannually in March and September beginning March 1,2006. JP
Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. will serve as paying agent/registrar.
Delivery and receipt of proceeds by the City is scheduled for June 23, 2005.
Proceeds will be used to provide funds for the expansion, repair, renovation and
related improvements to the waterworks and sewer system.
All debt shall be incurred in the Water Fund which is supported by revenues of the
waterworks and sewer system. Water and Sewer rates approved through June 2007
are sufficient to meet debt service requirements on the Revenue Bonds.
Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to ADOPT ORDINANCE 05-045 AUTHORIZING
THE ISSUANCE OF $15 MILLION CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, WATERWORKS AND SEWER
SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2005; AND CONTAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATED
THERETO. Mayor Pro Tern Ames seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILMEMBERS
BEAULIEU, COKINOS, PATTERSON AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
3. Consider authorizing the City Manager to increase the Water Treatment Plant 14
Million Gallons Per Day(MGD)Expansion and Miscellaneous Improvements Project
amount for "extra work" - Resolution 05-130
Administration recommended approval of increasing the Water Treatment Plant 14
MGD Expansion and Miscellaneous Improvements Project amount by$249,396.54 to
slope pulsator slabs to the drains, install a concrete plug for the 36-inch drain pipe
located at the south clearwell, stabilize fill material and 27-inch pipe under 72-inch
pipe, investigate leak south of the clearwell and fill sink hole in access road, provide
additional hatches and lifting hooks along the filter gallery roof, provide and install
compressed air piping and related appurtenances from the existing chemical building
to the chemical storage area, apply a NSF rated coating on all wet surfaces at the
pulsators and rapid mix basin, provide and install five 30-inch insert magnetic flow
meters at the pulsators instead of five 30-inch flanged magnetic flow meters, add
Page 4 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005
galvanized steel access ladder at fluoride storage area, provide and install Altivia
chlorine dioxide generators and control revisions,provide additional circuit breakers,
conduits, and wire for pipe heat trace, install Marsh-McBirney insert magnetic flow
meter instead of polysonicflow meterat CF-V2,extend pulsator basin sample piping
to the existing filter gallery, reroute existing 4-inch sanitary sewer force main to the
existing manhole on Pine Street, and repair items on the final punch list of 5 MG
Clearwell Project.
The proposed additions and modifications to the original contract documents and
design are due to unforseen conditions prior to commencing construction. The
changes will improve the future operation and increase the efficiency of the Water
Treatment Plant, and will help the City meet required state and federal regulations.
Funds for the project are available in the Capital Improvement Funds.
Councilmember Beaulieu made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-130
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO INCREASE THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT 14
MILLION GALLONS PER DAY (MGD) EXPANSION AND MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT FOR "EXTRA WORK" CHANGE ORDER NO. 3 INCREASING THE CONTRACT
AMOUNT BY 249,396.54 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT OF$12,684,784.15. Mayor
Pro Tern Ames seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILMEMBERS
BEAULIEU, COKINOS, PATTERSON AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
4. Consider approving a six(6) month contract to various vendors for the purchase of
water treatment chemicals - Resolution 05-131
Administration recommended award of a six(6)month contract to various vendors as
reflected below for purchasing water treatment chemicals atthe unit costs stated below
with an estimated total contract expenditure of$118,375.
Bids were requested for an annual contract for water treatment chemicals for use by
the Public Works Department,Water Utilities Division. The chemicals included in this
bid are liquid chlorine,sodium hydroxide and phosphate. The chemicals are used to
disinfect and purify the water supply.
The contract provides forvarious vendors to furnish watertreatment chemicals at the
following fixed unit prices:
Page 5 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005
Vendor Chemical Estimated Quantity Current Price
DXI Industries, Inc. Liquid Chlorine 70 tons $610 /ton
Houston, Texas
FSTI Sodium 150 tons $368.50 /ton
Manor, Texas Hydroxide
Calciquest Phosphate 15 tons $1,360 /ton
Belmont, North
Carolina
Funds are available for this expenditure in the Water Utilities Division's operating
budget.
Councilmember Cokinos made a motion to APPROVE RESOLUTION 05-131 AWARDING
A SIX(6)MONTH CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS FOR
USE BY THE WATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT TO VARIOUS VENDORS WITH AN ESTIMATED
TOTALCONTRACT EXPENDITURE OF$118,375. Councilmember Beaulieu seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILMEMBERS
BEAULIEU, COKINOS, PATTERSON AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
5. Consider approving a request to change the name of Fletcher Mini Park to Cesar E.
Chavez Park.
At the request of Councilmember Audwin Samuel, Council was asked to consider
changing the name of Fletcher Mini Park to Cesar E. Chavez Park.
Fletcher Mini Park is located at the northwest corner of Avenue C and Milam Street
intersection. The"pocket park"encompasses approximately.20 acres and contains
a creative play area, a concrete performance platform, sidewalks, seating area with
benches and a drinking fountain. Approximately$62,000 was spent last year updating
the park's facilities.
A search of the City Clerk's records reveals no specific dedication of the park. The
property was purchased in 1980 from M.A. Widner for $4,500. Two lots were
purchased to construct what was then referred to as a"vest pocket"park. Community
Development Block Grant funds were used to construct the creative playground and
other facilities at the site.
It is not exactly clear as to how the park came to be named Fletcher Mini Park. Many
believe that it is named after the Fletcher Neighborhood,as the area was then called,
Page 6 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005
orafter EmmettA.Fletcher Elementary School(named afterthe son of W.A.Fletcher
and mayorof Beaumont from 1906 through 1918 and again from 1930 through 1934).
Mr. W. A. Fletcher was a prominent lumberman, Civil War soldier and author that
moved to Beaumont in 1859.
Following the direction of the Committee, notice was posted in the Beaumont
Enterprise. An overwhelming response was received in support of retaining the
Fletcherfamily name forthe park,copies of which have previously been forwarded to
Council. No letter of support was received from a neighborhood association
concerning this matter.
On February 14,2005,the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee met and voted
unanimously to recommend that no affirmative action betaken toward changing the
name of Fletcher Mini Park to Cesar E. Chavez Park.
Councilmembers Samuel, Ames, Beaulieu and Patterson voiced their views of this
subject with the conclusion that a proper memorial should be dedicated in honor of
Cesar E. Chavez but not necessarily that of Fletcher Mini Park.
Councilmember Samuel made a motion to DENY APPROVING THE NAME CHANGE OF
FLETCHER MINI PARK LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE AVENUE C AND MILAM
STREET INTERSECTION TO CESAR E.CHAVEZ PARK. Mayor Pro Tern Ames seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR GOODSON, MAYOR PRO TEM AMES, COUNCILMEMBERS
BEAULIEU, COKINOS, PATTERSON AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Mayor Goodson stated that he had received a letterfrom the outgoing Mayor of San Antonio
to continue efforts to move forward and enhance visibility and notoriety of the Spanish Trail
throughout much of the central and eastern parts of Texas;would like the Council members
and staff to move forward to continue to preserve our history and make an appropriate
statement
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
COUNCILMEMBER BEAULIEU - NONE
COUNCILMEMBER COKINOS - NONE
MAYOR PRO TEM AMES - NONE
COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL - NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PATTERSON - NONE
Page 7 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005
CITY ATTORNEY COOPER- NONE
CITY MANAGER HAYES - NONE
MAYOR GOODSON - APPRECIATES EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED LAST WEEK'S
MEETING FOR THE SWEARING IN OF THE COUNCILMEMBERS;
APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITYAND STAFF
AND THE FIRST WEEK OF GETTING UP-TO-DATE ON
PROJECTS; LOOKS FORWARD TO MAKING PROGRESS ON
THESE PROJECTS
Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes)
Roberto Flores Sr. 2425 Buchanan Beaumont TX
Disappointed that Fletcher Mini Park was not renamed but not surprised;hopes that another
suitable place will be found to honor Cesar E. Chavez;contends that the Avenue Association
is very active and will remain so
Benny Mendoza Sr. 5655 S. Kenneth Street Beaumont TX
In favor of looking for another avenue for recognition for Cesar E. Chavez
Ella Doris Flores 2425 Buchanan Beaumont TX
Disappointed in the decision not to rename Fletcher Mini Park
Virginia Mendoza 5655 S. Kenneth Beaumont TX
Expressed gratitude to Council;College Street Corridor Neighborhood Association will work
hand-in-hand with Council
Tracy Richardson 1804 31st Street Nederland TX 77627
Representative from Beaumont Historical Landmark Commission; would like to help the
Avenue Neighborhood Association find a suitable recognition for Cesar E. Chavez
Donald L. LaFleur Sr. 1338 Cartwright Street Beaumont TX
Stated that it has been one year since his brother has been injured and wants to know what
is going to be done; requested that the Mayor clean up the racism in the Police department
Hallie Atwood 1935 Milan Street Beaumont TX
Asked that Mr. Flores and the Avenues Neighborhood Association get together with the
College Street Corridor Neighborhood Association so that they could work together to find a
suitable monument in recognition of Mr. Chavez
Page 8 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005
Open session of meeting recessed at 2:25 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
None
There being no Executive Session, Council adjourned.
Audio tapes are available upon request in the City Clerk's Office.
® ' +es
Guy N. Goodson, Mayor
Rose Ann Jones, TRIAC
City Clerk
Page 9 of 9 Minutes-May 24,2005