HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/14/2020 MINBEAU-MONT
T E X A S
M I N U T E S- CITY OF'BEAUMONT
W.L. Pate, Jr., At -Large BECKY AMES, MAYOR Randy Feldschau, At -Large
Taylor S. Neild, Ward I CITY COUNCIL MEETING Michael D. Getz, Ward II
Audwin Samuel, Ward III JANUARY 14, 2020 Robin Mouton, Mayor Pro Tem
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 in strict compliance with
the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551 on January 14, 2020, 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
Presentation and Recognition
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda item No. 1/Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
Mayor Ames called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Pastor Vernon Tubbs with -First Full Gospel Baptist Church gave the invocation. Mayor Ames led.
the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina Broussard, City Clerk.
Present at the meeting were Mayor Ames, Mayor Pro Tem Pate, Councilmembers Neild, Getz,
Feldschau, Samuel and Mouton. Also present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City
Attorney; Tina Broussard, City Clerk.
Proclamations, Presentation, Recognitions
None
Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1/Consent Agenda
None
CONSENT AGENDA
* Approval of minutes — December 17, 2019
Confirmation of board and commission member appointments — Resolution 20-001
Confirmation of committee appointments — Dayna Simmons would be appointed to the Convention
and Tourism Advisory Board. The term would commence January 14, 2020 and expire September
30, 2021. (Councilmember Randy Feldschau)
Minutes — January 14, 2020
A) Approve the renewal of an annual maintenance agreement with CentralSquare related to
software used by Police, Fire, and EMS — Resolution 20-002
B) Approve the purchase of upgraded firewall equipment for use city wide to improve cyber
security — Resolution 20-003
C) Approve a payment to Jefferson County related to a maintenance agreement with Motorola
to support the 800 MHz radio system — Resolution 20-004
D) Approve the purchase of Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus and the purchase of an Air
Pack testing machine for use by the Fire Department — Resolution 20-005
E) Approve a contract for interior repairs at a City building located at 5250 Washington
Boulevard — Resolution 20-006
F) Approve a contract for interior repairs at Fire Station No. 5 — Resolution 20-007
G) Approve a contract for interior repairs at Fire Station No. 10 — Resolution 20-008
H) Authorize the City Manager to renew an annual service agreement for potable water with
Lucite International, Inc. — Resolution 20-009
1) Authorize the acceptance of a 1410.93 square foot exclusive Drainage Easement located at
4305 Calder Avenue — Resolution 20-010
J) Authorize the settlement of the claim of Carlotta Nicklas — Resolution 20-011
K) Authorize the City Manager to designate Chris Boone, Director of Planning & Community
Development, as the Certifying Officer of HUD Environmental Reviews — Resolution 20-012
L) Authorize the settlement of the lawsuit styled David Franklin and Joshua Fontenot v.
Fernando Beltran and City of Beaumont; Cause No. B-201,696 — Resolution 20-013
Councilmember Samuel moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tem Pate
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM PATE, COUNCILMEMBERS NIELD, GETZ,
FELDSCHAU, SAMUEL AND MOUTON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Consider an ordinance authorizing the suspension of the effective date of the Texas Gas
Service proposed rate increase until May 6, 2020.
Minutes — January 14, 2020
On December 20, 2019, Texas Gas Service filed its Statement of Intent to increase rates
with the Gulf Coast Service Area, Central Texas Service Area, and the City of Beaumont.
The company is also requesting to consolidate the Gulf Coast and City of Beaumont Service
Areas with the much larger Central Texas Service Area resulting in a single Central Gulf
Service Area.
The increase requested is approximately $17 million in the combined CTSA, GCSA and
Beaumont Service Areas with the proposed effective date of February 6, 2020. The
proposed increase attributable to the Gulf Coast Service Area and Beaumont Service Area is
about $1.2 million combined. According to the company, the potential monthly customer
impact of the proposed rate change for Beaumont, excluding the cost of gas, is $3.08 for a
residential customer and $29.96 for a commercial customer. The City of Beaumont has one
residential customer and one commercial customer serviced by the Texas Gas Service.
The proposed ordinance authorizes the suspension of the effective date of the requested
increase to May 6, 2020. The suspension will allow time for the City to review the request
and make an informed recommendation to the Council as to what ultimate decision should
be made. The issue as to the consolidation of the Beaumont Service area with the Central
Texas Service Area will also be addressed. The ordinance also provides for authority to join
with other cities in the Texas Gas Service Areas to retain legal counsel and rate consultants,
participate in any judicial or administrative proceedings, and to seek reimbursement for rate
case expenses from the company.
All reasonable expenses associated with rate cases are reimbursable by the company.
Approval of the ordinance
Councilmember Neild moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY- OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING THE SUSPENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE FOR AN ADDITIONAL NINETY (90) DAYS
BEYOND THE EFFECTIVE DATE PROPOSED BY TEXAS GAS SERVICE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH ITS
STATEMENT FOR INTENT TO INCREASE RATES FOR ITS GULF COAST SERVICE AREA, CENTRAL TEXAS
SERVICE AREA, AND THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, FILED ON DECEMBER 20, 2019; AUTHORIZING THE
HIRING OF LAWYERS AND RATE EXPERTS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION TO THE FULL
EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW AT THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS; REQUIRING REIMBURSEMENT
OF MUNICIPAL RATE CASE EXPENSES; FINDING THAT THE MEETING COMPLIES WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS ACT; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND
DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilmember Getz seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR AMES, MAYOR PRO TEM PATE, COUNCILMEMBERS NEILD, GETZ,
FELDSCHAU, SAMUEL AND MOUTON
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Ordinance 20-001
Minutes—January 14, 2020
WORK SESSIONS
Review and discuss a request from the Beaumont Children's Museum
Amanda Yarbrough, Executive Director of the Beaumont Children's Museum discussed a request
from the museum. Ms. Yarbrough stated that the Children's Museum recently discussed taking
over the old Sear's Warehouse building at 125 Magnolia St., as the future site of a newer expanded
Children's Museum with the City of Beaumont and is grateful for the opportunity to review the
structure and complete a feasibility study. The museum has selected Long Architecture to evaluate
the warehouse to function as a new museum and additional city storage/usage. Long Architect will
also determine the cost required to renovate the building to meet code, have accessible (ADA) and
change the building occupancy requirements. Long Architecture is planning to complete the
analysis on the full renovations.
The cost of the comprehensive conditions survey and analysis by Long Architecture is $20,500.00.
The Beaumont Children's Museum would like to ask the City of Beaumont to assist with funding half
the costwhich would be $10,250.00. This comprehensive surveywill provide useful information not
only to the children's museum but also to the City of Beaumont for other possible types of use for
the future shared space. Following the study, there will be a better understanding of improvement
cost, life of the building and future maintenance cost to operate this building with occupants.
Council gave their approval with all Councilmembers in agreement to assist with half the funding
cost of $10,250.00 for the comprehensive survey and analysis by Long Architecture.
* Review and discuss the City's efforts related to litter removal
Kyle Hayes, City Manager reviewed and discussed the City's efforts related to littler removal. The
City Manager stated that the Highway Maintenance Division has one (1) supervisor, five (5) full time
equipment operators, five (5) full time laborers and six (6) temporary employees as needed. The
work days are Monday through Friday, the area of work is 1-10 and 69 throughout the city limits.
The cost in FY 2019 was $475,000.00 with TxDOT reimbursing the city on a quarterly basis with an
estimated cost of $180,000.00 annually.
The City Manager also discussed the Streets and Drainage Division, which has a five (5) person
volunteer crew that picks up litter and debris along 1-10 and 69 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
The 'costs for overtime in FY 2019 was $60,000.00.
There is also a Streets and Drainage Hot Shot Crew. This crew was approved by the City Council
in the FY 2020 budget. Equipment has been ordered and expected to be delivered in February,
there will also be two (2) full-time employees who will be hired. The estimated cost for FY 2020 for
this crew and equipment will be $155,000.00. The objective is to clean up problem areas within the
right of ways, throughout the City.
The Solid Waste Division has six (6) temporary employees who pick up litter and debris Monday
through Friday, they pick up along designated streets throughout the City. The FY 2019 cost was
$120,000.00.
There was also discussion regarding a contract with Work Quest. This will provide litter pick up on
specified arterial streets citywide, with an annual cost of $155,000.00, as well as litter removal and
trash pick up at bus stop locations, with an annual cost of $50,000.00. This will also Provide
grounds maintenance and litter pick up in the Central Business District at defined locations, with an
annual cost of $165,000.00.
Minutes—January 14, 2020
Mayor Ames read the announcement regarding Executive Session being held at the
conclusion of the General Business portion of the meeting.
COMMENTS
Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes)
Steve Hoffman
7045 Blarney St.
Beaumont TX
Made comments regarding the litter as well as Public Service Announcements, asked why
the overhead lighting always seems to be out when coming over Neches Bridge into
Beaumont, knows that it's a TxDOT issue but thought the City could speak with them
regarding this, also wanted to know if TxDOT decided to do lights on Pointe Parkway,
commented on the noise issue with Little Woodrow's, citizens that live behind them are really
having a problem, asked if Police Officers that have the sound meters could be called out to
monitor the noise to see if it's crossing the property line or not
Joe Gregory 1248 Avenue A Beaumont TX
Stated that he would like Councilmembers that are friends of his to write him a letter of
character regarding a citation that he received in the Avenues where he lives, stated that he
got stopped unnecessary and will be going to visit the judge
Marvin Biano 8152 South Dr. Beaumont TX
Stated that he's representing 11th Street bingo, addressed an issue with House Bill 914, the
intent of Bill 914 was to allow organizations that rely on charitable bingo for funding the
opportunity to keep a portion of the prize fees that are paid to the Cities and Counties in
which bingo games are conducted, stated that he has a copy of the letter that was sent to
the lottery commission by the bill sponsor Representative Senfronia Thompson outlining the
intent of the legislation, the letter states that the lottery commission will no longer collect and
distribute the funds, it's now the responsibility of the City of Beaumont to collect these prize
fees directly from the charities, the lottery commissions records indicate that the City of
Beaumont voted to continue receiving these funds, respectfully ask that the City reconsider
their vote and allow the charitable organizations to keep the funds for their charitable
purposes as House Bill 914 intended, stated that the lottery commission allows the City to
change their vote at any time without notifying them, if the City votes to no longer accept the
funds, the impact to the city's revenue would be extremely small about ($70;000.00 a year),
the funds can help the charities with operating expenses and allow more funds for charitable
purposes
Councilmembers/City Manager/City Attorney comments on various matters
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
COUNCILMEMBER NEILD - ANNOUNCED THE WINTER FLY IN AT MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., THERE WILL BE FOOD TRUCKS
AND OTHER VENDORS ALONG WITH A LOT OF AIR PLANES,
ENCOURAGED FAMILIES TO COME OUT BRING THE KIDS,
STATED THAT THE 2020 CENSUS IS STARTING TO HEAT UP,
ASKED THAT THE PLANNING AND ZONING DIRECTOR, CHRIS
Minutes — January 14, 2020
BOONE GIVE COUNCIL AN UPDATE AS TO WHAT THE CITY IS
DOING AND WHAT THE COUNCIL'S ROLE IS AND WHAT THEY
CAN DO TO PARTICIPATE
COUNCILMEMBER GETZ - STATED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVED A LETTER THIS
WEEK FROM THE COUNCIL OF GARDEN CLUB REGARDING THE
FERAL HOG SITUATION AS WELL AS THE PROPOSAL FOR A
FENCE AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS, ASKED THE CITY
MANAGER WHAT IS THE STATUS REGARDING THE FENCING,
STATED THAT HE THINKS THE FENCING WOULDN'T BE ENOUGH
AS IT WILL ONLY MOVE THE HOGS TO A DIFFERENT LOCATION IN
THE PARK, FEELS THAT THE CITY SHOULD HIRE TRAPPERS LIKE
OTHER COUNTIES AND OTHER ENTITIES ARE DOING,
COMMENTED ON GAME ROOMS, STATED THAT THERE ARE A
LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE GAME ROOMS, THE DISTRICT
ATTORNEY HAS GOTTEN THE COUNTY TO PASS A GAME ROOM
ORDINANCE WHICH IS MUCH TOUGHER THAN WHAT THE CITY
HAS IN PLACE, STATED WHAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO IS TO
REQUEST A WORKSESSION AND HAVE THE DISTRICTATTORNEY
OR SOMEONE FROM HIS STAFF COME IN AND EXPLAIN IN
CONTRAST THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND CITY
ORDINANCE AND TO FIND OUT IF THERE WOULD BE SUPPORT
FOR CHANGING THE CITY ORDINANCE TO TOUGHEN IT UP
COUNCILMEMBER FELDSCHAU - NONE
MAYOR PRO TEM PATE - COMMENTED ON THE NEW YEAR AND THAT THE VISION OF THE
COUNCIL WILL BE BETTER THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR,
THANKED THE PASTOR FOR THE OPENING PRAYER, ALSO
COMMENTED ON LAMAR UNIVERSITY AND THEIR HIGHLIGHTING
THE CITY OF BEAUMONT'S POLICE CHIEF JAMES SINGLETARY
AS AN OUTSTANDING ALUMNF
COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL - SECOND EVERYTHING COUNCILMEMBER PATE SAID
COUNCILMEMBER MOUTON - WISHED EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR, THANKED PASTOR
TUBES FOR THE BEAUTIFUL. OPENING PRAYER, ANNOUNCED
THE MLK PARADE, ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020
CITY ATTORNEY COOPER - NONE
CITY MANAGER HAYES - NONE
MAYOR AMES - COMMENTED ON THE REENACTMENT OF THE SPINDLETOP
GLADYS CITY LUCAS GUSHER, THEY CELEBRATED 119 YEARS
ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020, ALSO COMMENTED ON THE
RECEPTION/BANQUET FOR POLICE CHIEF JAMES SINGLETARY
FOR OUTSTANDING ALUMNI AS WELL AS THE NEW OFFICERS
THAT WERE SWORN IN, ANNOUNCED THE MLK PARADE ON
THIS SATURDAY, ENCOURAGED EVERYONE TO COME OUT,
Minutes — January 14, 2020
SPOKE ON MARDI GRAS AND ALL OF THE PARADES ETC., THAT
WILL TAKE PLACE DURING THE CELEBRATION ON FEBRUARY 20
THROUGH THE 23, 2020, ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE 2020
CENSUS, ENCOURAGED EVERYONE TO TAKE PART IN THE
CENSUS, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT EVERYONE IS COUNTED
Open session of meeting recessed at 2:58 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with
Section 551.071 of the Government Code:
James Mathews vs. City of Beaumont, Texas; Cause No. A-192,887
Brandy Springer, et al v. City of Beaumont and CH2M Hill Engineers, Inc.;
Cause No. B-198,469
Claim of ExxonMobil Oil Corporation v. City of Beaumont
no a9tion taken in Executive Session, Council adjourned.
r
- Tina Broussard, City Clerk
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Minutes — January 14, 2020