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Home My WebLink AboutMIN OCT 17 2000 { , III V ,`]r LIB �S/ 11 11 �U/I 7 -✓ii�--01L��lJr�i�O!L 711 1. 1L � �/ Lulu L. Smith DAVID W. MOORE, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson, Mayor Pro Tern Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson October 17, 2000 Audwin Samuel Lane Nichols, City Attorney Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager Barbara Liming, City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on October 17, 2000, 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 * Consent Agenda Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. The Reverend Nan Kennedy, Chaplain at All Saints School and Associate Rector at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, gave the invocation. Mr. James Boykin, chairman of the Drug Free Beaumont Commission led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Samuel (arrived at 1:35 p.m.) and Patterson. Councilmember Ames was absent. Also, present were: Stephen J. Bonczek, City Manager; Lane Nicholas, City Attorney; and Barbara Liming, City Clerk. *Presentations and Recognitions One proclamation was issued: "Red Ribbon Week," October 22-28, 2000. Mayor Moore invited City Engineer J. P. Colbert and Development Services Manager Thomasine Womack to make an announcement about "Boss's Day." On behalf of the Public Works Department, they explained that under the leadership of Administrative Assistant Sheryl Kling, employees of their department nominated Director Tom Warner for the "Best Boss" award in a contest promoted by DJ Pam Pace and Radio Station KQXY, 94.1. Ms. Womack read excerpts of the letter that said, "He is always concerned about the safety and well-being of the citizens of Beaumont as well as his employees. Not a day goes by that someone does not have something special to say about Mr. Warner." He was described as being "concerned, caring, charismatic, tactful, fair-minded, and cooperative." She stated that all these adjectives sum up the feelings of the near 300 employees in their department. Ms. Womack also said that Mr. Warner has a good sense of humor and has to because he's an Aggie!! She asked the audience to join her and the approximately 30 employees in the auditorium in applauding Mr.Warneras winnerof the award and being the "Best Boss." Mayor Moore complimented the acknowledgment given to Mr. Warner by employees in his department as being a great sign of a good leader and department leader. He commented that the Public Works Department is one of the most respected departments within the City and integrally works with citizens. At the request of Mayor Moore, Mr. James Boykin explained a promotion by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company to gather cards to send to families of the victims of the U. S. S. Cole killed in a recent,tragic, terroristic attack in Yemen. They held a flag ceremony today with city and federal officials,the Pioneer Club of Southwestern Bell, and Navy personnel this morning to commemorate the deaths, and Mr. Boykin stated that the flags in front of their building will remain at half mast for the next 17 days. *Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items. Citizen comment was invited on the Consent and Regular agendas. Ms. Get Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, representing the National Alliance Public Employee Union, addressed Council in support of Item 2 increasing the top pay range of civilian employees, and stated that efforts to achieve a fair wage range stops employee turnover and training costs of new employees. Ms. Williams congratulated Public Works Director Tom Warner for being the recipient of the "Best Boss" award. *Consent Agenda * Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting held October 10, 2000 * Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made. A) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Purchase Water Contract between the City of Beaumont and the Meeker Municipal Water District in order for the City to provide potable water service to Meeker- Resolution No. 00-260 B) Authorize the acceptance of property in the Southerland's Addition for the Neighborhood Revitalization Project (Lots 11 and 12, and the south 18' of Lot 10, from Beaumont Motor Co., a Texas Corporation) - Resolution No. 00-261 C) Accept maintenance of the street, storm sewer, water and sanitary sewer improvements in the Pinehurst Garden Homes Subdivision (Street and Storm Sewer Improvements: existing Willow Creek Drive approximately 581 feet north to and including cul-de-sac and Water and Sanitary Sewer Improvements: Lots 1-9, Block 1,and Lots 1-8, Block 2)-Resolution No.00- 262 D) Authorize the acceptance of water and sanitary sewer line easements (20' wide Water and Sanitary Sewer Easement across three separate tracks of land out of the Samuel Stivers League, Abstract 51, along 1-10 then east down Brooks Road from Jefferson County) - Resolution No. 00-263 and a 20' wide Water and Sanitary Sewer Easement across five tracts of land out of the Samuel Stivers League, Abstract 51, along 1-10 then east down Brooks Road from Michael A. Phelan and Patrick Henry Phelan for the new Entertainment Complex)- Resolution No. 00-264 Minutes;October 17, 2000; Page 2 E) Approve assigning a lease agreement with Allright Beaumont Company for providing an automobile parking lot business and event service parking at various City facilities to Lee Parking, Inc. - Resolution No. 00-264 F) Approve an adjustment to compensation and retirement benefit contribution for the City Attorney for FY 2001 - Resolution No. 00-265 G) Approve an adjustment to compensation and retirement benefit contributions for City Clerk for FY 2001 - Resolution No. 00-266 H) Approve a resolution to allow Hibernia National Bank to release securities as collateral for City accounts (at a current market value of$1,006,180.29) - Resolution No. 00-267 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Samuel and Patterson Noes: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider approving a contract with the Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program(H-GAC)forthe purchase of an 800 MHZ Radio Communications Trunking System Councilmember Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 268 awarding a contract to the Houston-Galveston Area Council Cooperative Purchasing Program (H-GAC) for the purchase of 800 MHZ Radio Communications Trunking System in the amount of $2,258,674.55. Mayor Pro Tern Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None 2. Consider approving an amendment to Ordinance 00-77 to increase the top of the pay ranges of the classification/compensation system for civilian employees by eight percent Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Ordinance No. 00-90 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT TO INCREASE THE TOP OF THE PAY RANGES OF THE CLASSIFICATION/COMPENSATION PLAN FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES BY EIGHT(8)PERCENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Moore, Mayor Pro Tern Goodson, Councilmembers Smith, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None Minutes;October 17, 2000;Page 3 WORK SESSION Report from Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Gretta Bowman and Director of Development Mary Reeder presented a proposal to Council for funding a Re-Store Warehouse at Caldwell Avenue near Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Beaumont as shown in Exhibit "A." The purpose of establishing a Re-Store Warehouse is to provide construction materials and supplies at an affordable cost for rehabilitation and maintenance of structures. Ms. Bowman detailed the program and presented a video of a Re-Store Warehouse program in Austin. She requested consideration of funding in the amount of$68,000 from the City of Beaumont. Council discussion included the economic impact,exploration of funding outside the General Fund, this being a one-time funding request, a Re-Store Warehouse in Beaumont serving the a hub for Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, quality assurance of donated products, no purchase requirements,support and assistance received by the elderly and low income families, and a request for a comparison report of additional sales tax revenue. Review Land Use and Major Street/Highway Plan Sr. Planners Bill Dupree and Bart Baker presented the extended Land Use Plan and the Major Street and Highway Plan to the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) for Beaumont. The plans were adopted in March 2000, and with the extension of these plan elements to the ETJ,they identified the northern extension of the Mid-County Expressway and the extension of Highway 105 to the east, land use, non-urban and environmentally sensitive areas which might necessitate different development standards and/or special care in developing, and discussed neo-traditional neighborhoods, a new planning concept, as shown in Exhibit"B." COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Councilmember Smith congratulated Planning Manager Steve Richardson and staff for hosting an excellent annual Certified Local Government Conference for the Texas Historical Commission this past Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. She said the conference was a good showcase for Beaumont(a walking tour of downtown Beaumont, and of Gladys City and the McFaddin-Ward House). Councilmember Patterson announced that she and Mayor Moore attended groundbreaking ceremonies for the new postoffice site in South Beaumont on Friday, and that early voting begins October 21 and ends November 3, 2000. She said that Operation One Vote and the Baptist Minister's Union will sponsor a "Get Out to Vote Early Rally" on Saturday, October 28, at 2:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse steps. There will a host of rally speakers, and at the end of the rally, they plan to invite everyone present to vote en masse. Mayor Moore congratulated the YMBL for conducting another successful Southeast Texas State Fair. In spite of some inclement weather, records crowds were in attendance. Mayor Minutes;October 17, 2000;Page 4 Moore reminded everyone that the Red Ribbon Parade (drug abuse awareness) lineup will begin at 3:00 p.m. Saturday on Dowlen Road at Calder Baptist Church and end at Rogers Park, encouraged active participation,and congratulated Fairpoint Communications, a new business in Beaumont with a starting base of 24 employees. City Manager's Report - Water Utilities Division Employee Appreciation Luncheon, Southeast Texas Delegation Legislative Action Meeting, Photographic Red Light, Proposed Charlton Pollard Park, Red Ribbon Parade and Rally Mr. Bonczek reported that Mr. Gary Graham with Schaumburg and Polk will make a presentation next week regarding the water study for Region I that was commissioned by the Texas Water Development Board. Mr. Nick Carter, a local representative, will also be present. As a result of working with Washington Consultant Carolyn Chaney, Representative Nick Lampson's and Senator Kay Baily Hutchinson's offices and passage by Congress, Beaumont will receive$150,000 in Intelligence Transportation System funding to use for railroad closures or install, on a pilot basis, the AHS gate level directional horns to reduce train noise impact in residential areas. Public Works Engineering Division staff, assisted by railroad companies, and police and fire staff, is reviewing and analyzing 116 crossings and public safety impacts. A report will be submitted in the near future in a work session for Council direction. Additional information will be presented to Council regarding Photographic Red Light enforcement and legislation support. He said a Beaumont Sports Commission report update has been provided, that Councilmember Samuel has many exciting ideas and suggested refocusing on Beaumont with an Executive Committee comprised of parties with sport interests, a Councilmember, other public businesses, and Lamar University members. He spoke of conducting a survey with other cities and inventorying existing facilities. Mr. Bonczek announced there will be a dinosaur exhibit at the Energy Museum Saturday that will be especially good for children and a NASCAR exhibition by Exxon/Mobil at the Civic Center. The City Manager reported that he has selected Marie Dodson from Suffolk, Virginia as the Human Resources Director with assistance from a selection interview team. He expressed pleasure in bringing in someone with her qualities, credentials and experience to Beaumont, and said Ms. Dodson will be a great staff addition. Her starting date will be November 20 and will be introduced to Council upon her arrival. In response to Mayor Moore's inquiry, Mr. Bonczek reported that he has been in contact with Mike Mareno, and they are close to scheduling another meeting to finalize a student web page on the Internet and institute an information maintenance process. Councilmember Samuel commented that many positive ideas and feedback have been received from the community. Suggestions included attracting classic events that could expand to a Classic Football Weekend in conjunction with other organizations. He stated that he will be compiling a list of qualified persons to serve on the Commission that Council might use as appointment considerations in addition to any personal choices. Councilmember Smith reported that a Celebrate Family committee meeting was held today, and the committee asked her to thank the City for sponsorship for the fourth year. She said plans are coming together well for the November 18th event. Posters are available to be Minutes;October 17, 2000;Page 5 posted that Helena Lab has prepared. On Sunday after the Celebrate Family event, the Interfaith Choral Society and other smaller groups will perform from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. These are part of events devoted to families. Public Comment (Persons are limited to three (3) minutes) Mr. Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa, addressed Council to voice opinions about racial profiling, citizens in line at Municipal Court paying fines, complained about illegal parking at Ayers Custom Truck and Van Accessories on Interstate 10 and submitted a photograph for Council review. Sergeant Sonny Chambers of the Beaumont Police Department announced that the Cops `n Kids Picnic will be held Saturday at the Southeast Texas Regional Airport from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 3:17 p.m. Q—CISD-x David W. Moore, Mayor Barbara Liming, City Clerk Minutes;October 17, 2000;Page 6 GRANT REQUEST TO CITY OF BEAUMONT's GENERAL FUND FROM BEAUMONT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PURPOSE BUILDING A RE-STORE WAREHOUSE enclosures(4) Overview Survey Budget and Request Amount EXHIBIT "A" Overview Re-Store Warehouse • National Manufacturers of Home building supplies donate to Habitat for Humanity millions of dollars in inventory each year. Examples are: lumber plumbing fixtures windows electrical supplies tile/vinyl/carpet heating supplies paint doors • Local vendors, contractors, and individuals donate overstocked and/or used building materials to the Re-Store. • Habitat's construction costs will be lower enabling us to accelerate our building schedule. • Supplies not used by Habitat will be sold at the Re-Store for pennies on the$$,allowing especially, low income families to affordably maintain and repair their homes. • The Re-Store will contribute to Beaumont's economy by the creation of jobs and collection of sales tax and other business expenses. • The Re-Store will help improve our environment by diverting tons of unnecessary dumping into our landfill. Beaumont Habitat for Humanity has never been able to take advantage of this program because no warehouse has been available. Preliminary Re-Store Warehouse Budget Land Acquisition $ 10,000* Materials $100,000* Labor and Insurance $30,000*** Land Clearing and Site Preparation $ 14,000 Total Expenses $150,000 * Land Acquisition ** Building Supplies/Electrical *** Labor for licensed Vendors required by city code Amount on Hand from Beaumont Habitat for Humanity $22,000 Amount of Request from General Fund $68,000 Private Grants $60,000 N0 .. _.. MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE -rO ND 5/6-1R0,NOO (:OWNER Of LO' P NUMBER DELTA RADIUS ARC CHORD CHORD BEARING Xi C+ 13'39'54" 876.96 209.16 208.66 N 7711'59° E 3 - CALLM 671.95 ' 5Y)'•4" 567.28 149.71 1149.27 1S 77' '40" W •"1 n 547 26 1 1 m� m z LOT 9 SET 112- CAPPCD AON R00 LOT 17 11i N 07'29.49.. W 159.32• �— ANCHOR .-10UND 5/6' R RON ROD SCALE: 1 - 30' LOT 18 LO 10 g NOTE: THIS SURVEY WAS COMPLETED f� WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF A TITLE COMMITMENT, �l— 5/6POUND RON ROO -0T 19 B L 0 C K 2 4 i LOT 11 rFouNO 5/6- 0.8129 ACRES I WON ROD l.�--. � - o L0- 12 �Rb,.00 a 7 LOT 13 SET Ii2• CAPPED W WON Roo I 0 � Ir IRON R00 IRON R00 (A$SUKED BASS o< BEARING$) �N tom" (CALLLD 163.20 y ( SOUTH 158.65' G LOT 9 D L O C K 6 0 NORTH ADDITION VOL. 4, PC. 151, J.C.M.R DESf.RR'r.ON a SER,nCES NC WESTFD _LCCA-K-CORNERS ANU SHOW IMPROVEMENTS____ 'iURVL YCR's CERRIICARON DO"IREBY CEPIY" 10 ME UESI'J1 Nv K"OMFDGE AND BF11Er• 1-1 TNIS 15 AN ACCURATE PLAT OF A SLIR�EY MADE ON THE GROUND UNUER WY SUPERM'Sl01r.S.()—G 41 YPROVEWENTS AND ANY S;BU ENCROACHUENTS-AS Or_AUGu5T Z5_ZQD0 THE ABOVE --ACT DEP,G LocAIEU Al 2&WfI_AVEF1Uf. BEA� TEXAS 77703 AND UL'H6 ursouiao AS l0!S_li•1�12_AND I} IN BLOCK 2a_.OF MCFADUIN HLIOHIS_ _ - AS RECORDED IN vDLUN._{, PAGE_196 _Or 'NC MAP RECORDS Cr JEFFERS COUNTY. 'CYAs. IN ACCOROAWJ.A1M INL'LOUD iNSVMANCF RAZE YAP.TEDERAL EYLRGENCY YANACELAENT AGENCY.COUMLRHTY-PANEL NO 48!)45- CATEO!L4-14,4= -S PRCA•FRTV PLS-N ME 'ONE NOTED. LOCATION ON VAR DETERMINED BY SCALL. ACTUM OELO(LEVATRYI NOT DETERUnIED. Cw Ess RIOUFSTEO I.Tt7 A 911-- '1•.' nOES I,JT WARRANT NOR SUBSCR'DE TO THE ACCURACY OR SCALE OF SAID YAP. I.7C:) .'ONF (I k M r. .__.S. .E�'SL;`, iRhLf DATE PZEO'Tl 4EG�>:F ,I' ,7ROFr.dO- .:0 gL.a,.r.-IN :.•T1 S3J A WALTER J.KSIAZEK L'A`E r� F':TTZ & SHIPMAN $321 .� INC. •'9��E5610;�': / 3OOr N; C0-N.3u'LAIINGIRENCINEERA & G[ALUC.^IU'k\.E^QRS DSURVti'�OQ 7 <a^. _ ._ __ ;A091dt)-7;1d 1A\ (4J9,632-7303 %/• 1 SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL CHANGES TO: The Major Street & Highway Plan. Solutions to Continuity Problems with the Inter-Regional Road Network. 1). Problem: Lack of an alternate roadway to U.S. 69 (Eastex Frwy.) for traffic entering and leaving Beaumont on the north. Consider the following potential solutions: 1 a). The westward and northward continuation of the Mid-County Expressway Traffic Corridor via a new corridor tentatively called the Hardin-Jefferson Parkway. lb). The northward and southward extensions of Imes Road(Aggie Lane)to extend from FM-365 at IH-10(at Fannett)northward to FM-421 at Bonwell and possibly to U.S 69. 2). Problem: Lack of an alternate roadway to IH-10 for east - west traffic through Beaumont. Consider the following potential solutions: 2a). A new crossing of the Neches River-North of IH-10. The extension of State Hwy. 105 as a Major Arterial from Helbig east into Orange County. Its connection to FM 1132 in Orange County would provide access to an interchange on IH-10. 2b). A new crossing of the Neches River-Mid-County Area. The extension of FM 3514 eastward to cross the Neches River and ultimately connecting to some other road providing access to IH-10. 3). Problem: Gaps in linkages between the City's existing and planned major thoroughfares. Consider the following potential solutions: 3a). Have the classification of Park Street and Pennsylvania Avenue upgraded to a Major Arterial,extend Pennsylvania south of Washington,and Park south of Harriot to connect with Park near Alma. 3b). Extend University Drive north of East Lavaca Street to MLK Parkway as a Major Collector. EXHIBIT "B" 3c). Bob Street designation and extension as a Major Collector between Sarah and Cardinal Drive at Florida. 3d). Physically extending both the eastern and western ends of Campus Avenue and designation as a Major Collector. 4). Problem: Current Major Street and Highway Plan does not have provisions for the area between the City Limits and the city's Extra- territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Line. Consider the following potential solutions: 4a). Add Callahan Road in Hardin County as a Major Collector extending between Keith Road and FM 421. 4b). Add FM 421 in Hardin Countyy as a Major Arterial. 4c). Add Four Oaks Ranch Rd.(old Beaumont-Orange Rd.)in Orange County from FM 1131 south to proposed extension of S.H. 105 between Jefferson and Orange counties. 4d). Provide for the extension of Inwood Street in Bevil Oaks eastward as a Major Collector street that would connect with the extension of River Oaks Blvd. discussed in item#5f below. This extension is also listed as UNR-13. 4e). Add Keith Road in Hardin Countv as a Secondary Arterial Road from U.S. 69 west to the extension of Imes Road as discussed in item# 1 b. 4f). Provide for the extension of River Oaks Blvd.in Bevil Oaks eastward as a Major Collector street that would connect with Tram Road at the intersection of UNR-12B discussed in item#5k below. This proposed MC is also listed as UNR-14. 4g). Add Old Hwy.90 in Orange County as a Major Collector extending from IH-10 to Rose City city limits. 4h). Provide for the designation of Trahan Road as a Major Collector Street extending from Lawhon Road southward from Meeker Road Ext. South to connect with UNR -9B as discussed in item 4i)below. 4i). Provide for the extension of the Major Collector street identified as URN-9B to extend westward from the proposed Meeker Road Ext S. to Imes Road Ext. South. 4j). Provide for the designation of a Major Collector,identified as UNR-12A which would extend from Tram Road near the current City Limit line to the proposed Hardin-Jefferson Parkway at UNR-12B discussed in item#4k below. 4k). Provide for the designation of a Major Collector,identified as UNR-12B which would extend from the proposed Hardin-Jefferson Parkway at UNR-12A to a future intersection at Tram Road with the extension of River Oaks Blvd. from Bevil Oaks. 41). Add FM 1131 in Orange County as a Major Arterial. 5). Problem: Current Major Street and Highway Plan needs updating to eliminate unneeded elements and make needed corrections. Consider the following potential solutions: 5a). Delete Sabine Pass as a Major Collector between Blanchett and MLK Parkway. 5b). Delete Smith Road as a Major Arterial between IH-10 and Walden Road. Would be replaced by adoption of proposed Hardin-Jefferson Parkway. 5c). Delete Smith Road Extension North as a Major Arterial between Walden Road and College(U.S. 90). Would be replaced by adoption of proposed Hardin- Jefferson Parkway. 5d). Delete Gentry Road Extension South as a Major Arterial between College(U.S. 90)and Old Sour Lake Road. Would be replaced by adoption of proposed Hardin- Jefferson Parkway. 5e). Delete Gentry Road Extension South as a Major Arterial between Old Sour Lake Road and Dishman. Would be replaced by adoption of proposed Hardin- Jefferson Parkway. 5f). Change the align lent of UNR-2 at its eastern end to connect with IH-10 Service Road rather than Walden Road. 5g). Modify the description of UNR-11 to create two segments labeled as l la and l lb which are inside Beaumont's ETJ and identify a segment l lc outside the ETJ.. SOPCMSP4.WPD "Open Space Areas" - are areas where it is either undesirable or inappropriate for urban uses to occur, such as wetlands, swamps, marshes, and the banks of natural waterways and water bodies as well as areas with development limitations and hazardous environmental conditions, such as poor soil or sub-soil conditions, 100-year flood plains, and geological faults as well as areas having special characteristics that need protection from development, such as unique animal and plant habitats, ground water re-charge areas, nature preserves, or historical sites. Man-made features such as cemeteries, golf courses, medians of highways, canals, and natural resource extraction areas which provide visual open space due to the particular use of the property also are considered as open space areas. "Low Density Rural Areas" are areas where development at urban or suburban densities is either undesirable, inappropriate, or the provision of urban services and facilities are determined to be economically unjustifiable. Such areas should be restricted to low development densities and limited as to type of use based on the degree of environmental impact resulting from that use. The density of development should be limited in order to preserve the area's natural ecological systems, its wildlife habitats, and the rural setting. In general, these areas are intended for very low density uses, such as large tract residential uses, recreational camps, small farmsteads, and limited large scale agricultural uses, i.e. those which do not produce offsite nuisances or pollution. Commercial and light industrial uses should be limited to very low development densities provided their environmental impacts are minimal or can be made minimal. Resource extraction operations such as sand and gravel pits;should also have minimal environment impacts. "Contemporary Neighborhood Design Concept": Development of neighborhood growth units in general accordance with the contemporary model allows for a diversity of housing types and convenient access to parks, schools, and shopping centers while still protecting single-family residential areas from intrusions of incompatible land uses and vehicular traffic. The contemporary model provides, among other things, for the separation of land uses by placing low-density housing around a central core feature, composed of an elementary school and park, with commercial and higher density residential uses placed near the outer boundaries of the neighborhood which is set within a curvilinear and cul-de-sac street pattern, generally with oil-street parking and few or no sidewalks, and lots"without" rear access via an alley. "Neo-Traditional Neighborhood Design Concept": Development of neighborhood growth units in general accordance with the neo-traditional model would provide for a diversity of housing types with at least some mixing of land uses, generally on a main street commercial area fronting a community commons,but also under special conditions within residential areas. A rectilinear grid or modified grid street pattern is used along with alleys and sidewalks, as well as the extensive use of various lot sizes, setbacks, and internal and peripheral green spaces. The design may also include public transit facilities as a major element of the design. "Rural Settlements" are found in non-urbanized areas; generally, at a T-intersection or at the crossroads of two rural type roads which have a small store or church and a small number of residential dwelling of varying building and lot sizes. The settlements are surrounded by agricultural or forest uses. Rural settlements may also be found in the urban fringe of a city in which case agricultural pursuits may have declined or be declining and the physical layout and uses of land may be undergoing change due to development pressures resulting from a greater economic and social connection with the nearby city or town. The sense of place associated with a rural settlement in such a location is often much less than that generally characterized by a more rural location where visual focal points might still be found. Buildings and dwelling in the smaller settlements and in more remote locations will generally have on-site well water and waste water systems whereas a larger settlement, particularly if it is near a city is likely to have some form of public water system and possibly a public sewerage system. Development within or near rural settlements should occur in a manner that maintains the existing character of the settlement or, where adopted, , supports the provisions of an official plan for the area. These areas should be developed in a manner that fosters a sense of place rather than duplicating suburban sprawl. ADDITION TO SECTION 2290 - Special Issues and Areas of Concern: Objectives. ( Add as para. # 2294) To take special actions and develop special plans for those areas adjacent to the proposed Hardin- Jefferson Parkway which would promote the restriction of direct access to the parkway, minimize signage, and encourage development projects to not front on the parkway. ADDITION TO SECTION 2310 - General Planning and Land Use Policies. (Addition in bold type.) Land with environmental constraints, such as lands bordering or containing wetlands or waterways, are proposed to be limited to development at very low densities. The use of such land is to be limited only to the extent that such use does not degrade the natural environment to an unreasonable degree and if it does degrade the natural environment, the use of the land would require actions to migrate the negative impacts created by the development. This policy is particularly applicable to areas bordering the Big Thicket National Preserve. (Ref. as 2316) ADDITION TO SECTION 2390 - Special Issues and Areas of Concern: Objectives. (Add as para. 2394) It is the policy of this Plan that future development projects along the proposed Hardin-Jefferson Parkway not front on or have direct access to the parkway and that special efforts are to be made in establishing and maintaining this future north-south transportation corridor as a commercial free, natural appearing landscape composed of native vegetation and physical features such as canals and bayous to buffer all developed areas adjacent to the parkway. It is also the policy of this Plan that the objective of providing a north bound, access controlled transportation corridor for hurricane evacuation needs is considered to be paramount to all other objectives in building the future proposed Hardin-Jefferson Parkway. (List as para. 2395) CHANGES TO SECTION 2480 -Industrial Land Use Proposals. Paragraph 2482 currently reads as follows: "The area north of Walden Road to Washington Blvd. between IH-10 and the southward extension of Dowlen Road is proposed as an area for office park and warehousing/distribution facilities." This is in conflict with the map which shows the area as light industrial. Either the text or the map will need to be corrected. It is suggested that both be corrected to reflect the following new paragraph: "The area south of Washington Blvd. to the LNVA canal between IH-10 and the future southward extension of Dowlen Road is proposed as an area for light industrial uses and that the area south of the LNVA canal and west of IH-10 as far south as Brooks Rd. and then westward to a line following future extension of Dowlen Road Rd. and the southward continuation of a line following such an alignment to IH-10 is proposed as an area for office park and warehousing/distribution facilities." It is further suggested that the following sentence also be added to paragraph 2482: "Another area of office park and warehousing / distribution facilities is proposed north of the Municipal Airport between Keith Road and Gentry Road." A definition of what an"office park/warehousing/distribution center" is will need to be prepared. CHANGES TO SECTION 2490- Special Issues and Areas of Concern: Proposals. DELETE THE ITALICS PART. "The revision and re-adoption of this Development Strategies Plan and Diagram to carry its provisions to the full extent of the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City of Beaumont and to provide for development incentives to encourage the achievement of specific goals and objectives within this plan is proposed to be completed by the end of the summer of the year 2001. (Ref. as 2491) FURTHER CHANGES TO SECTION 2490 -DELETE THE ITALICS PART. The revision and re-adoption of the Major Street and Highway Plan to make it consistent with the summer of 2000 revision and re-adoption of this Development Strategies Plan and Diagram is proposed to be completed concurrently with that plan. (Ref. as 2492) Replace with the following: It is intended that the currently adopted future transportation corridor identified as the Mid-County Expressway be continued westward and northward from IH-10 to extend to U.S. 69 in Hardin County in order to serve an additional north bound hurricane evaluation route and that said corridor is to be developed as a commercial free, sign restricted, landscaped, limited access parkway. NEWDEMPD