HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN AUG 27 2013 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT
W.L. Pate, Jr., At-Large BECKY AMES, MAYOR Gethrel Wright, Mayor Pro Tern
Dr.Alan B. Coleman,Ward I CITY COUNCIL MEETING Michael D. Getz, Ward If
Audwin Samuel,Ward III August 27, 2013 Jamie Smith,Ward IV
Tyrone E. Cooper, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Tina Broussard, City Clerk
The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on August 27, 2013, 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 3-4/Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
Mayor Ames called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Pastor Gerald Bryant with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church gave the invocation. Mayor Pro Tern
Wright led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina Broussard, City Clerk.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Ames, Mayor Pro Tern Wright, Councilmembers Coleman,
Getz, Pate, Samuel and Smith. Also present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper,
City Attorney; Tina Broussard, City Clerk.
Proclamations, Presentations, Recognitions
"National Dog Day" - August 26, 2013 - Proclamation read by Councilmember Samuel;
accepted by Vince Adkinson and other guest
"National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month" —August, 2013 — Proclamation read by
Mayor Ames; accepted by Norma Sampson, Regina Rogers and others with the Julie
Rogers Gift of Life Program
Presentation — Councilmember Coleman presented Ryan Slott, Parks and Recreation
Director and Sherry Ulmer, Public Health Director with framed recognitions for their work on
the "Let's Move" Initiative
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 3-4/Consent Agenda.
None
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of minutes - August 20, 2013
Confirmation of committee appointments — Resolution 13 - 178
Minutes—August 27,2013
Paula Blazek would be reappointed to the Historic Landmark Commission. The current term
would expire July 23, 2015. (Councilmember W.L. Pate, Jr.)
A) Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary
to accept funding in the amount of $472,012 from The Texas Department of State
Health — Resolution 13 - 179
B) Services for use at the Beaumont Public Health Department — Resolution 13 - 180
C) Approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary,
Specifically a Grant Contract between the Office of the Attorney General and Beaumont
Police Department — Resolution 13 - 181
Approve a resolution authorizing the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau to apply
for grant funds from the Jefferson County Tourism Commission related to a cooperative
billboard advertising effort — Resolution 13 - 182
Councilmember Samuel made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember
Smith seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM WRIGHT, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,
GETZ, PATE, SAMUEL AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
GENERAL BUSINESS
1 . Consider an ordinance approving a specific use permit for additional school classrooms in
an R-S (Residential Single Family Dwelling) District at 8200 Hwy 105.
Southeast Educational Foundation, on behalf of Legacy Christian Academy, has applied
for a specific use permit.
The area is generally residential. The proposed addition of three modular classroom
buildings is an expansion of the existing use. The initial application was received and
approved in 1996. At that time, nine modular buildings were approved, and all have since
been installed. The proposed use is compatible with existing uses in the area.
Utilities and drainage in the area are adequate for the proposed use. Parking on the site is
sufficient for the proposed expansion and an additional turn around for fire apparatus is to
be provided on the north end of the existing access drive
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 19, 2013, the Planning Commission recommended
5:0 to approve a specific use permit for additional school classrooms in an R-S (Residential
Single Family Dwelling) District at 8200 Hwy 105.
Minutes—August 27,2013
Approval of ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tern Wright moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR ADDITIONAL SCHOOL CLASSROOMS IN AN R-S (RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT AT 8200 HIGHWAY 105 IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,
JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Coleman seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM WRIGHT, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,
GETZ, PATE, SAMUEL AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Ordinance 13 — 049
2. Consider an ordinance abandoning a section of right-of-way on Leon Street at the north
property line of 3755 Preston Street.
Mr. Jesse Davis has applied for the abandonment.
The subject right-of-way (ROW) abandonment is that portion of Leon Street located north
of 3755 Preston. The parcel to the north of the ROW is vacant. This portion of Leon Street
is unused. Mr. Davis states that he is requesting the abandonment so that he may
incorporate a portion or all of it with his property at 3755 Preston.
This item was sent to all interested parties. There are no utilities in the ROW and no plans
or need to put any in the ROW.
At a Joint Public Hearing held August 19, 2013, the Planning Commission recommended
approval 5:0 of the abandonment.
Approval of ordinance.
Councilmember Smith moved to ADOPTAN ORDINANCE ENTITLEDAN ORDINANCE VACATING AND
ABADONING A 35'x 143' UNIMPROVED STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED ON LEON STREET NORTH
OF 3755 PRESTON STREET, BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Pate
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM WRIGHT, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,
GETZ, PATE, SAMUEL AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Ordinance 13 - 050
Minutes—Aug usi 27,2013
3. Consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for and receive funds from
FEMA's Severe Repetitive Loss Grant Program.
In the past, the City has utilized grant funding to provide relief to victims of flooding by
offering to purchase their homes. Following Hurricane Ike, twelve (12) families benefited
from the buyout program and in 2010, six (6) families benefited from FE.MA's Severe
Repetitive Loss (SRL) buyout program. In this current round of SRL funding, we are
applying for grant funds in order to offer the owner of the apartment complex at 2505
Sweetgum a buyout opportunity. This property was selected as it is identified as a priority
property on the Severe Repetitive Loss list. As with any flood buyout program, participation
is strictly voluntary.
Funds for the program, including application, acquisition, relocation and demolition would
be available through this grant, with no required local match by the City.
The Administration recommends approval.
Councllmember Smith moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE
IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE FUNDING IN AN AMOUNT OF $975,000 IN
SEVERE REPETITIVE LOSS GRANT (SRL) FUNDING THROUGH THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO VICTIMS OF FLOODING BY OFFERING TO
PURCHASE THEIR HOMES. Mayor Pro Tern Wright seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM WRIGHT, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,
GETZ, PATE, SAMUEL AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 13 - 183
4. Consider a resolution approving a final change order and final payment to CF Jordan
Construction for the construction of the Event Centre and authorize the City Manager to
execute all documents related to the final settlement with CF Jordan Construction.
A contract in the amount of $8,126,000 was awarded to CF Jordan Construction of
Houston for the construction of the new Downtown Event Centre Complex in April 2010.
Previously approved Change Orders 1 through 12 increased the contract amount by
$196,340 and provided an additional 58 days for completion. The original scheduled
completion date was May 24, 2011 which was extended until August 22, 2011. The project
was not substantially complete until May 31, 2012 or 284 days after the approved
extension.
Change Order No. 13 is a credit in the amount of<$25,262.45>. The contract provided for
liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000 per day for a total of $284,000.
Administration is recommending settling with CF Jordan Construction for the final amount
of $598,968.82. The matter was discussed with Council in executive session on May 14,
2013.
Minutes—Augus:27,2013
Capital Program.
Approval of Resolution
COu ncllmember Samuel moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE
IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE CHANGE ORDER NO. 13 AND HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE A
FINAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $598,968.82 TO C.F. JORDAN CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C.
Councilmember Smith seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM WRIGHT, COUNCILMEMBERS COLEMAN,
GETZ, PATE, SAMUEL AND SMITH
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Resolution 13 - 184
WORK SESSION
Review and discuss the proposed FY 2014 Budget and the proposed 2014
Capital Program
Kyle Hayes, City Manager discussed the proposed FY 2014 Budget and the
proposed 2014 Capital Program. The objectives stated were to maintain the
excellent financial condition of the City, to continue to provide the same level of
services citywide, to invest more resources in city streets and to continue to upgrade
the water and sewer system. The proposed general fund budget is to increase the
existing tax rate to $0.69/per $100 valuation, wage increases for civilians of 2%,
contractual wage increases for Police of 2% and a contractual wage increase for
Fire of 1%. The City Manager also discussed the general fund revenues, property
value trends and the debt service fund. Water fund challenges were also discussed
Water and Sewer revenue is projected to be down $2.3 million or 5.3% in 2013,
payment in lieu of taxes decreased by $1.3 million in 2013 to compensate for the
reduction in revenue. The fund balance in 2013 will be unable to support a large
budget deficit, the proposed 6%water and sewer rate increase will be needed which
will be effective October 1, 2013. The Water Utilities fund was discussed which
included the revenues, expenditures, excess (deficit) revenues over appropriations,
the beginning and ending fund balance. Medical Claim expenditures were
discussed along with what was budgeted in and estimated in 2013; $12,650,000
budgeted and $14,100,000 estimated, $14,800,000 was budgeted in 2014. There
was a regional medical rate comparison that was done with current and proposed
for the City of Beaumont as well as comparison with Jefferson County, BISD and
PAISD. The City Manager also discussed the Proposed 2013 Capital Program that
included the public works projects, construction phases with their estimated cost,
general improvement projects with the construction and design phases.
Minutes—August 27,2013
PUBLIC HEARING
Receive comments on the proposed FY 2014 Budget and the proposed 2014
Capital Program
Public Hearing Open — 2:40 p.m.
Theresa Goodness 98519 th St. Beaumont TX
Spoke regarding the proposed 2014 Capital Project, thanked Councilmember Smith for
bringing up the Tyrrell Park Community Building, stated that she's the Chair of the
Jefferson County Historical Commission and that historical site has been a concern to their
membership for some time, stated that the building is structurally unsound, the commission
stands ready and willing to do anything they can to help the city get the word out to the
community that the site needs to be preserved, it is an important historical site, it was built
by the CCC in the Great Depression and was a German POW camp
Darlene Chodzinski 7025 Shanahan Beaumont TX
Stated that she is with the Beaumont Heritage Society and as many of Council knows they
have a huge concern regarding the Tyrrell Park Community Building, it is something that
has been one of their top projects for several years, stated that the bricks were handmade
and brought from High Island, concerned that the roof and the back of the building is gone
and opened to the element, if the bricks are damaged by water intrusion the bricks won't be
able to be replicated, urged Council to find a way to do something to stop the water from
entering the building, maybe a temporary roof of some sort, stated that the Heritage
Society is available to help in any way they can
Public Hearing Close — 2:44 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
Receive comments on the 2013 (FY 2014) Proposed Tax Rate
Public Hearing Open — 2:44 p.m.
None
Public Hearing Close — 2:44 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN - ANNOUNCED THE GIFT OF LIFE 5K RUN ON OCTOBER 5,
2013, CONGRATULATED BILL DARLING FOR BEING
APPOINTED AS A PORT OF BEAUMONT COMMISSIONER
COUNCILMEMBER GETZ- REMAINS SUPPORTIVE OF THE CAPITAL PROGRAM AND
REALIZES THE ITEMS IN THE PROGRAM ARE NECESSARY AND
IMPORTANT, STILL CONCERNED THAT OTHER THAN A
PORTION OF THE STREET REHAB NOT ANY OF THE CAPITAL
Minutes—August 27,2013
PROGRAM ITEMS ARE TARGETED FOR THE WEST END OR AT
LEAST WARD 2, ASKED COUNCIL TO BE MINDFUL AS THEY
MOVE FORWARD IN THE YEARS TO COME THAT THE WEST END
NEEDS TO FEEL THE LOVE TOO
MAYOR PRO TEM WRIGHT- WISHED HER AUNT, OLLIE GRAVES A HAPPY 92ND
BIRTHDAY,COMMENTED ON THE BOOK SIGNING OF JIM DENT
AND JERRY LEVIAS AT BARNES AND NOBLE, JIM LEVIAS IS
HER FIRST COUSIN
COUNCILMEMBER PATE - COMMENTED ON BILL DARLINGS APPOINTMENT TO THE
PORT OF BEAUMONT AS A COMMISSIONER, ANNOUNCED
LAMAR UNIVERSITY'S OPENING GAME, STATED THERE ARE
STILL TICKETS AVAILABLE, REMINDED EVERYONE TO DRIVE
SAFELY OVER THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND AND TO PLEASE
WEAR THEIR SEAT BELTS, MENTIONED A BOOK SIGNING ON
FRIDAY NIGHT AT BARNES AND NOBLE WITH JIM DENT AND
.TERRY LEVIAS THE NAME OF THE BOOK "THE KIDS GOT IT
RIGHT"
COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL - INVITED EVERYONE TO THE WARD III FEDERATION MEETING
AT THE STERLING PRUITT CENTER ON THURSDAY,AUGUST
29, 2013 AT 6:00 P.M., SEVERAL TOPICS WILL BE
DISCUSSED SUCH AS SANITATION,CRIME,STREET,GARBAGE
ETC.
COUNCILMEMBER SMITH - THANKED STAFF FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET
AND CAPITAL PROJECT, ALSO STATED THAT WEDNESDAY
WILL MARK THE 50T" ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON
WASHINGTON, IN SOME ASPECTS WE HAVE MADE
TREMENDOUS STRIDES AS A COUNTRY, IN SOME ASPECTS
WE HAVE NOT, HOPE THAT WE WILL ALWAYS CONTINUE TO
FIGHT FOR OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES OF ALL OUR CITIZENS THAT
RESIDES WITHIN THESE UNITED STATES
CITY ATTORNEY COOPER - NONE
CITY MANAGER HAYES - NONE
MAYOR AMES - COMMENTED ON THE FUND RAISER BY SOME OTHER PLACE,
AS WELL AS THE BOY SCOUTS WHO HAD THEIR ANNUAL
FUND RAISING BANQUET, THE GUEST SPEAKER WAS REX
TILLERSON, CEO OF EXXONMOBIL
Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes)
Mark Taylor 2990 Texas St. Beaumont TX
Spoke to Council regarding transparency in Government, freedom of information act, public
access concerning criminal matters and how to address questions, concerns and grievances
Minutes—August 27,2013
William Johnson 1045 Madison St. Beaumont TX
Commented on FEMA in regards to Item #3 on the Agenda, stated that he has not
received any help
Louis Vaughn 9615 Mapes Beaumont TX
Spoke to Council regarding the street rehabilitation, specifically Westmoreland and 6th St.
to Washington Blvd, these streets were done about a year ago, they are already
deteriorating, they were redone a second time and are deteriorating again,when the rehab
was first done it seemed like a good idea but at this point it's not working very well, the
other issue is the street in front of Ozen High School, asked that the City vehicles and other
large trucks be rerouted to another area due to the trucks tearing up the street, also
commented on the street lighting along Lindberg to Major Dr. there's no street lighting, it is
very dark in that area
There being no Executive Session, Council adjourned at 3:03 p.m.
AtAio available kon ��quest in the City Clerk's Office.
M 's�Mayor ea
Tina Broussard, City Cleir, 4 X
Minutes—August 27,2013