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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/27/2021 MIN BEAUM © NT T E X A S MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT COUNCIL MEETING Albert"A.J."Turner Jr., At-Large ROBIN MOUTON, MAYOR Randy Feldschau, At-Large Taylor Neild,Ward I CITY COUNCIL MEETING Michael Getz,Ward II Audwin Samuel, Mayor Pro Tem July 27, 2021 Chris Durio, Ward IV Tyrone 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 July 27, 2021, atthe 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 items 14-16 Mayor Mouton called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Ruby Nelson with First United Methodist Church gave the invocation. Eagle Scout Sam Morshane led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Present atthe meeting were Mayor Mouton, Mayor Pro Tern Samuel, Councilmembers Durio, Getz, Turner, Feldschau and Neild. Also, present were Kyle Hayes, City Manager; Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney, Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Proclamations, Presentation, Recognitions "Pioneering Women Day" — August 5, 2021 — Proclamation read by Mayor Mouton; accepted by Moline Guillory, President and others Pioneering Women 2021 Honorees Sade' Chick, Stephanie Davis, Debbie Bando, Gabriela Properzi, Belinda George, Susan Gonzalez, Kim Phelan Mayor Mouton read the announcement regarding Executive Session being held at the conclusion of the General Business portion of the meeting. Minutes—July 27,2021 Public Comment: Persons may speak on items 14-16 Gregory Rice 1130 Monterrey Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item #9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase of 555 Main Street Preston Frank 7895 Boyt Road Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item #9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, in favor of purchasing 555 Main Street Ketih Blackwood 7740 Weaver Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item#9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase of 555 Main Street Steve Hoffman 7045 Blarney St. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item #9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase of 555 Main Street Brian Nepveux 6955 Shanahan Dr. Beaumont TX Thanked Councilmember Getz for appointing him to the Economic Development Advisory Board Steve Kuritz 215 E. Florida Ave. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item #9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, in favor of purchasing 555 Main Street Brenda Beadle 11135 Cole Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item #3 on the consent agenda; approve a management agreement with the Beaumont Council of Garden Club for the Beaumont Botanical Gardens located at 5520 Babe Zaharias Drive Mike Cacioppo 710 Monterrey Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item#9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase of 555 Main Street Minutes—July 27,2021 Christopher Matthews 3875 N. Major Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item#9 on the agenda, Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, in favor of purchasing 555 Main Street Dayna Rothenberger 3890 E. Lynwood Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item#9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase of 555 Main Street Eric Bender 2770 1 H 10 E. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item#9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase of 555 Main Street David Aldridge 6920 Blarney Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Items#9 and#15 on the agenda, Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase 555 Main Street, Hollie Peterson 825 Norwood Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item #15 on the agenda; review and discuss water and sewer rates Alto Watson 2605 Gladys Beaumont TX Spoke regarding Item #9 on the agenda; Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase 555 Main Street, opposed the purchase of 555 Main Street CONSENT AGENDA (Items placed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine in nature and are considered non-controversial. The Consent Agenda can be acted upon in one motion. A consensus of the Council is required to remove any item for discussion and separate action.) Brian Nepveux would be appointed to the Community Development Advisory Committee. The term would commence July 27, 2021 and expire September 30, 2021. (Councilmember Mike Getz) — Resolution 21-174 1. Approval of the July 20, 2021, City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approve a contract for painting and related services in various cityfacilities—Resolution 21- 175 3. Approve a Management Agreement with the Beaumont Council of Garden Club for the Beaumont Botanical Gardens located at 5520 Babe Zaharias Drive - Resolution 21-176 Minutes—July 27 2021 4. Authorize the City Manager to execute Change Order No. 2, to the contract with Viking Painting, LLC forthe West Elevated Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project-Resolution 21-177 5. Authorize the City Manager to execute documents to receive supplemental funding through the Department of Homeland Security Grant Program - Resolution 21-178 6. Authorize the execution of a new Mutual Aid Agreement with the local governmental entities within the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission region - Resolution 21-179 7. Amend Resolution 21-162 to include the authorization of a one-time payment to the two Assistant Police Chiefs and the Assistant Fire Chief in an amount equal to 2% of their base wages— Resolution 21-162A 8. Approve a payment to Jefferson County related to the 800 MHz radio system - Resolution 21-180 Councilmember Neild moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor Pro Tern Samuel seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL,COUNCILMEMBERSDURIO,GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED REGULAR AGENDA 9. Consider authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to acquire the building and property located at 555 Main Street. The City of Beaumont lost property, in certain areas, along the shoreline of Riverfront Park during and as a result of Hurricane Harvey. The property located at 555 Main Street is approximately 3.68 acres in size and includes the formerATT Building that has been vacant for a number of years. The property is located west of the Neches River and is surrounded by City-owned parking lots and streets, specifically the Civic Center Parking Lot; Main Street; Tevis Street and Cypress Street. The additional acreage will allow for possible expansion of Riverfont Park; public spaces such as sidewalks; hike and bike trails and other amenities for citizens and visitors. Once acquired,the City Council would be in control of the building and property and would decide the priorities and next steps. The City would acquire the property for $2,785,000 plus associated fees including various closing cost fees and title company expenses. All of the above expenditures will be paid for with available cash in the General Fund's Fund Balance. The Fund Balance has approximately$50 Million, which is 36% of expenditures in the General Fund. The Financial Policies, adopted by the City Council as a part of the FY 2021 Budget, state the General Fund ending fund balance not to be less than 20% of that fund's annual operating expenditures. Approval of the resolution. Minutes—July 27,2021 Mayor Pro Tern Samuel moved to ADOPT RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO ACQUIRE THE BUILDING AND PROPERTY LOCATED AT 555 MAIN STREET. Councllmember Nelld seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON, MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND NEILD NAYS: COUNCILMEMBER GETZ MOTION PASSED RESOLUTION 21-181 10. Consider a request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a sports bar in a GC-MD (General Commercial — Multiple-Family Dwelling) District located at 2455 S. 1111 Street. William Griffin is applying for a Specific Use Permit to allow a sports bar in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple-Family Dwelling) District. The facility will be located in an existing strip center on 11th Street. The address of the property is 2455 S. 11th Street. Hours of operation will be Wednesday -Monday 6 p.m.-2 a.m. and closed on Tuesday. Security will be provided at night. This location pre-dates the landscaping ordinance, so no privacy fence exists between the strip center and the residential properties to the east. An eight (8) foot tall privacy fence will need to be installed and maintained for the full width of the property. At a Joint Public Hearing held on July 19, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended 7:1 to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a sports bar in a GC-MD (General Commercial-Multiple-Family Dwelling) District with the following conditions: 1. Install and maintain an eight (8) foot tall wood or masonry privacy fence for the width of the property. 2. Construction plans must meet all requirements by Water Utilities for water and sanitary sewer services, including any requirements of the City's pre-treatment and/or F.O.G. program. Approval of the ordinance with the following conditions: COuncllmember Turner moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A SPORTS BAR IN A GC-MD (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2455 S. 11T" STREET, WITH THE CONDITIONS, IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councllmember Durlo seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON,MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL,COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO,GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Ordinance 21-043 Minutes—July 27,2021 11. Consider a request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a drive-thru Daiquiri shack or bar in a GC-MD (General Commercial — Multiple-Family Dwelling) District located at 5305 College Street. Chrystal Carter, has requested a Specific Use Permit to allow a drive-thru daiquiri shack or bar at 5305 College Street. This is an operational snow cone stand that is adding alcohol to their menu. All sales will be drive-thruonly, and hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday noon-10 p.m., Friday & Saturday noon-midnight and Sunday 1 p.m.-10 p.m. At a Joint Public Hearing held on July 19, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended 8:0 to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a drive-thru Daiquiri shack or bar in a GC-MD (General Commercial — Multiple-Family Dwelling) District. Approval of the ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Samuel moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A DRIVE-THRU DAIQUIRI SHACK OR BAR IN A GC-D (GENERAL COMMERCIAL-MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5305 COLLEGE STREET IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS. Councllmember Durlo seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON,MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL,COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO,GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Ordinance 21-044 12. Consider a request for a Specific Use Permit to allow for a beauty/spa salon in a GC-MD-2 (General Commercial—Multiple-Family Dwelling—2) District located within the 6500 block of Delaware Street. Hani Tohme is requesting a Specific Use Permitto allow a beauty salon/spa on the north side of Delaware just west of Valmont Drive. This space would be rented to hairstylists, nail technicians and massage therapists along with other related professionals. Sola Salon Studios is a chain with 550 locations. Each professional has their own suite to decorate and operate to their own standards and needs. Landscaping requirements for new developments include perimeter landscaping with screening for parking areas and islands throughout the parking area with required trees. At a Joint Public Hearing held on July 19, 2021,the Planning Commission recommended 8:0 to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allowfor a beauty/spa salon in a GC-MD- 2 (General Commercial—Multiple-Family Dwelling —2) District with the following conditions: 1. Construct a 6' wide landscaping strip for the perimeter of the parking lot to meet City requirements along Delaware Street. 2. Install three (3) landscaped islands to meet City requirements. Minutes—July 27,2021 3. Constructions plans must meet all requirements by Water Utilities for water and sanitary sewer improvements, including any requirements of the City's backflow, pre- treatment and/or F.O.G. program. Approval of the ordinance with the following conditions: 1. Construct a 6' wide landscaping strip for the perimeter of the parking lot to meet City requirements along Delaware Street. 2. Install three (3) landscaped islands to meet City requirements. 3. Constructions plans must meet all requirements by Water Utilities for water and sanitary sewer improvements, including any requirements of the City's backflow, pre- treatment and/or F.O.G. program. Councilmember Turner moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT TO ALLOW A BEAUTY/SPA SALON IN A GC-MD-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2) DISTRICT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE 6500 BLOCK OF DELAWARE STREET,WITH THE CONDITIONS,IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEEFERSON COUNTY,TEXAS. Councilmember Durio seconded the motion. AYES: MAYORMOUTON,MAYOR PROTEM SAMUEL,COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO,GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Ordinance 21-045 13. Consider a request fora Revised Specific Use Permit to allow condominiums in a GC-MD-2 (General Commercial—Multiple-Family Dwelling—2) District located at 4515 N. Major Drive. Phuc Nhat Le is requesting an Amended Specific Use Permitto allow condominiums at4515 N. Major Drive. In September of 2020, Dr. Le requested a development consisting of seventeen (17) condominiums and approximately 23,080 square feet of retail space. In December of 2019, a request for retail and storage was approved. Now, the retail space has been eliminated and seventy (70) condominium units are proposed. The number and location of driveways is subject to approval of TXDOT. Any substantial changes to the site plan resulting from driveway approval may necessitate additional review of the plan via the Specific Use Permit process. At a Joint Public Hearing held on July 19, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended 8:0 to approve the request for a Revised Specific Use Permit to allow condominiums in a GC- MD-2 (General Commercial — Multiple-Family Dwelling —2) District. Approval of the ordinance. Councilmember Getz moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ISSUING AN AMENDED SPECIFIC USE PERMITTO ALLOW CONDOMINIUMS IN A GC-MD-2(GENERAL COMMERCIAL- MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING-2) DISTRICT LOCATED AT 4515 N. MAJOR DRIVE IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT,JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS. Councilmember Feldschau seconded the motion. Minutes-July 27,2021 AYES: MAYOR MOUTON,MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL,COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO,GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Ordinance 21-046 14. Consider amending Section 20.03.003 of the Code of Ordinances that would change the speed limits on College Street (U.S. Hwy 90). The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) performed a traffic survey on College Street (U.S. Hwy 90) from Dowlen Road to 23r" Street on January 27, 2021. The study indicated an excessive number ofcrashes compared to similar roadways in Texas.A detailed crash analysis provided by TxDOT can be found in Exhibit 3. It is anticipated that lowering the speed limit will reduce the number and severity of crashes. Administration and TxDOT propose the speed zone boundaries and speed limit for these sections of College Street (U.S. Hwy 90) be amended under the schedule Chapter 20 Section 20.03.003 to read as follows: Sneed In Miles Street Limits of Zone Direction of Per Hour Travel Max. Min. College (a) From a point 90 feet east of the East and 35 Street centerline of the Santa Fe Railroad West (U.S. Hwy tracks to a point 30 feel west of the 90) centerline of Hillebrandt Bayou. (b) From a point 30 feet west of the East and 45 centerline of Hillebrandt Bayou to the West centerline of Dowlen Road. (c) From the centerline of Dowlen Road East and 50 to a point 60 feet east of Wescalder. West (d) From a point 60 feet east of the East and 55 centerline of Wescalder to the west West city limits. Approval for amending Title I Chapter 20 Section 20.03.003 of the Code of Ordinances. Councilmember Nelld moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 20, ARTICLE 20.03, SECTION 20.03.003 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS BY CHANGING AND AMENDING SPEED LIMITS AND SPEED ZONE BOUNDARIES TO THE SCHEDULE FOR COLLEGE STREET (U.S. HWY 90); PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY. Councilmember Turner seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON,MAYOR PROTEM SAMUEL,COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO,GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND NEILD NAYS: NONE Minutes—July 27,2021 MOTION PASSED Ordinance 21-047 DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Review and discuss water and sewer rates Kyle Hayes City Manager reviewed and discussed the water and sewer rates. The City Manager discussed the proposed rate increase of 5% to the water and sewer which would generate an estimated $2.35 million in additional revenue for the water fund. There was, also discussion of the history of water and sewer and the water fund balance increases. FY 2008 8% FY 2013 5% FY 2009 7% FY 2014 6% FY 2010 7% FY 2015 5% FY 2011 6% FY 2017 3% FY 2012 6% FY 2020 5% sinm mi==x=a ry xo9 ry znxoB.d,11 I"d Bms rvwe uwo=.. 16a55524 evxPw I1zess6s 129o,ow Revevues 47390,167 5nAW117 536f0,'/W 14pcnJlmB OM511N) I 1097 (5097s2WI IS?:C2,9W) Cmrn(��aJ �yW68gT "Al 2311,.) 1,un) W F^d 13 r=�a o=1=n== s e792w s 14 931 $ 066 a 9stlL166 /o arGrycnaAmca 171 39%. 3P/. D"n 18% S5�dmn.on emmmvvasc= 2. Review and discuss garbage collection rates Kyle Hayes, City Manager reviewed and discussed garbage collection rates. The City Manager discussed the proposed $1 increase to the garbage rate which would increase garbage from$19.75 to $20.75. The last increase was done in FY 2020. The increase will generate an estimated $400,000 in additional revenue for the solid waste fund. There was, also discussion of the history of garbage rate and solid waste fund balance increases. There was also a rate comparison to other cities that was discussed. Minutes—July 27,2021 Garbage Percentage Rate Increase FY 2008 $ 14.50 3.6% FY 2013 $ 15.00 3.4% FY 2014 $ 16.00 6.7% FY 2016 $ 17.00 6.3% FY 2018 $ 18.25 7.4% FY 2020 $ 19.75 8.2% FY 2022 (Proposed) $ 20.75 5.0% P-P. . P-p.tl J YY2022 fY 201P FY3019 PY=0 PY2021 Butlgnt 13 gi utg IL,uB,1— 5,039,115 4R3271S 3893895 293e,632 2113,261 Revenues 12014,023 12/90311 13,755142 I3,a24,. 12,645,uw BgcnTlwo '11,=I,1141 f 1312%3.) (14]10.405) 04,109169) 129]0500) fvicess(Dc�d) 209261 938919 (955261) 16353691 32550 Lnd, fvnL Belancc $ 4,932914 $ 3.3,311 $ 2938632 $ 2253263 E 1927263 %ol6rp. tl4urts Ltl'v 31/ .1 16°% 15°0 COMMENTS * Public Comment (Persons are limited to 3 minutes) Steve Hoffman 7045 Blarney Beaumont TX Spoke to Council regarding the USS Texas, thinks that it's a big item for the city, it can be made a part of history, sounds like people want to make it happen, asked that Council talk about it and get behind it, stated that the city could tie the USS Texas and the river front into one, it will be a jewel in Beaumont's history Mage McMillian 3395 Highland Beaumont TX Stated that he pays child support and has been trying to get in touch with the Attorney Generals Office to go back to court to speak with a judge to get a job so he can go back to work, the Police Department has ruined his background and because of that he can't get a job, asked where does he need to go to find a job that will pay his child support so that he can get his life back and be with his kids Rodney Dencklau 4105 Chaison Ave Beaumont TX Spoke to Council regarding the hydraulic chair at Alice Keith Pool that still hasn't been repaired, the chair has been broken for two years, the lifeguard has requested that it be repaired, and it still hasn't been done, asked that whoever needs to have it repaired to please do so before the pool closes Minutes—July 27,2021 Thefarro Richard 5275 Parkview Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke to Council regarding the homeless that she has helped with tents, sleeping bags and chairs, stated that she comes to Council every week, but this will be her last meeting, she's tired and has gotten five trespassing warrants for giving someone a sleeping bag, also made comments regarding writing a grant Christopher Matthews 3875 N. Major Dr. Beaumont TX Stated that he listened to the discussion item about the water and sewer, asked Council a few questions regarding that issue, also knows that the City of Groves had a grant some years ago to replace all of their sewer lines, the lines in Groves had the clay and old iron lines that had a lot of breakage, was wondering if Beaumont is having those same issues, if so could those lines be replaced and if any funds could be allocated towards that project, commented on water wells also Dayna Rothenberger 3890 E. Lynwood Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke regarding the purchase of property at 555 Main St., stated that Council voted to add more sewage and water responsibility to what the city already has with building new apartments on Major Dr., commented on empty parking lots that had beautiful buildings that are no longer there, asked that people can use the restroom and that they are unlock as well as a place to get something to drink, asked that these things be thought of when moving forward Eric Bender 2770 1 H 10 E. Beaumont TX Stated that he understands that emails don't count, if someone wants to voice their opinion about something that city council wants to do, emails don't count, only letter mail and if there's a letter in the mail it has to have your information, so for people that are concerned about things, it's his understanding that emails aren't considered as a vote or an opinion by Councilmembers and city leaders, it's hard to swallow an increase in two departments when the city has excess money in their slush fund, knows that the Council has good intentions for the riverfront, what he saw at the town hall meeting doesn't seem like there's a plan, it makes no sense to him that Council would do that Hollie Petersen 825 Norwood Beaumont TX Stated to the City Manager that the comments that he made about protocol and what happens with the city when people have sewage issues wasn't her experience or the experience of her neighbors who were having problems at the same time that she was, stated that she did call 311 multiple times, there are many wonderful people that work at the Water Department, stated that she had a sweet gentlemen that gave her their cell phone numbers and came out on Father's Day to help them, the problem waswith the city's line and no one would hear that, plumbers or anyone until she spent thousands of dollars to prove that it could not be problem on her line, she also stated to the City Manager that she takes exception when he says that there's a social media problem, stated that she didn't post what was going on with her family, she went through the proper channel, also made additional comments regarding social media, stated that citizens do what works, social media does and the city isn't working right now Minutes—July 27,2021 Steve Kuritz 215 East Florida Beaumont TX Stated that all the land that Nancy Tevis donated to be a park was all of the land on the bluff, all of the city buildings are built on the land that was donated to be a park, stated that he would like to see a park in this area so that development could proceed from the park, stated that he was against the USS Texas coming to Beaumont, since then he has changed his mind, thinks that there's room for both projects, asked that all Council envision what thatwill look Councilmembers/City Manager/City Attorney comment on various matters COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS COUNCILMEMBER DURIO- THANKED EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING THE MEETING AND FOR THEIR COMMENTS AND INPUT, IT'S HIS HOPE THAT CITIZENS WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE INPUT AS THEY MOVE FORWARD WITH THE RIVERFRONT PROJECT,ANNOUNCED THAT HARVEST FOR LOST SOULS CHURCH,3395 HIGHLAND,WILL BE GIVING AWAY FREE MEALS FOR THE YOUTH (IT'S A GRAB AND GO) ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021, FROM 4:00 P.M.TO 6:00 P.M., THERE WILL ALSO BE FREE COVID TESTING COUNCILMEMBER GETZ - CONGRATULATED THE CITY MANAGER, STATED THAT HE FINALLY CAUGHT HIS GREAT WHITE WHALE,STATED THAT THE PURCHASE AND DEMOLITION OF THE AT&T BUILDING THAT EVERYONE ELSE EXCLUDING HIM VOTED ON TODAY SHOWS ARROGANT DISREGARD FOR THE PROCESS, IT SEEMS THAT THEY CAN DO ONE THING HERE AND NOT DO IT ELSEWHERE, STATED THAT HE POINTED THAT OUT IN PREVIOUS COMMENTS IN WHICH HE WAS INTERRUPTED,MADE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ABOUT WHAT THE CITY COULD DO WITH $5 MILLION DOLLARS THAT COULD BE USED FOR THE HOMELESS, STATED THAT HE WILL GET BEHIND THE PROJECT AND HOPE FOR THE BEST, DOES THINK THAT DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT, THINKS THAT RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT IS IMPORTANT ALSO, THE LIKELIHOOD OF A DEVELOPER COMING TO BUILD A RESTAURANT ON THE BACK PARKING LOT OF THE CIVIC CENTER IS REMOTE,STATED THAT HE WILL OFFER NOW DURING HIS COMMENTS AN ALTERNATIVE THAT HE THINKS THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO SEE AS TRULY BEING ABLE TO GET OUT IN FRONT AS RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT, SHOWED POSTERS OF DEVELOPMENT AS THEY HAVE IN NAPLES, FLORIDA WITH FOOD TRUCKS ETC., STATED THIS PROJECT COULD COME IN AT LESS THAN A MILLION DOLLARS, STATED THAT IF COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER HE WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR A SECOND TO HAVE A WORKSHOP Minutes—July 2],2021 COUNCILMEMBER TURNER- STATED THAT THERE WAS A"KNOW YOUR WORTH" BRUNCH HELD ON SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021, THERE WAS OVER FORTY YOUNG LADIES BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13 AND 18, STATED THAT HE'S AN ADVOCATE OF WHAT IS CURRENTLY BEING DONE IN LEADERSHIP TO HAVE IMPACT ON OUR YOUTH,STATED THAT IT'S HIS UNDERSTANDING THAT THE ENTIRE COUNCIL WILL HAVE INPUT ON WHAT THE COUNCIL WILL DO REGARDING THE RIVERFRONT PROJECT, THINKS IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF COUNCIL TO CHIME IN AND HAVE THE IDEAS THAT THEY WANT TO PRESENT FOR THE RIVERFRONT,ANNOUNCED A FREE BASKETBALL CAMP SPONSORED BY PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER NIGEL PEARSON WHO PLAYS OVERSEAS,THE CAMP WILL BE SATURDAY,JULY 21,2021,IF ANY YOUTH IS INTERESTED, HE ASKED THAT THEY REACH OUT TO HIM, STATED THAT EMAILS DO WORK AND HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY A LOT OF CITIZENS AND HAS GOTTEN A LOT DONE THROUGH THAT PROCESS, THANKED EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING THE MEETING COUNCILMEMBER FELDSCHAU - STATED THAT THE AT&T BUILDING HAS BEEN AN EMOTIONALLY CHARGED ISSUE, THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF DISCUSSION AND THERE'S DIFFERENT IDEAS THAT HAVE BEEN PRESENTED, CONVINCED THAT AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING THERE SEEMED TO BE MORE PEOPLE SPEAKING FOR THAN AGAINST,THERE WERE OTHERS THAT SPOKE THROUGH EMAILS THAT HE SAT DOWN AND PERSONALLY RESPONDED TO SIXTY EMAILS, STATED THAT HE DOES TRY AND ANSWERS ALL THE EMAILS THAT HE GETS AND RETURN ALL CALLS THAT HE RECEIVES,KNOWS THAT AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING THE ONE THING THAT HE TOOK AWAY FROM THE MEETING IS THAT THERE IS A GOOD PORTION OF BEAUMONT THAT IS ASKING FOR HOPE, LEADERSHIP THAT IS WILLING TO TAKE RISKS AND BE BOLD AND TRY TO MOVE THE CITY FORWARD, IT WAS A BOLD MOVE WHEN MAYOR AMES AND THE PAST COUNCIL MOVED FORWARD WITH BUILDING THE EVENT CENTRE, STATED THAT BEAUMONT'S POPULATION IS DECLINING,EITHER THE COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD AND TAKE BOLD STEPS TO DO SO OR THE POPULATION WILL CONTINUE TO DECLINE,IT'S NOT EITHER OR DO WE DO THE AT&T BUILDING OR WATER, SEWER OR INFRASTRUCTURE,THE COUNCIL CAN DO BOTH,THANKED ALL OF THE CITIZENS THAT CAME OUT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST, THE COUNCIL HAS ONE AGENDA AND THAT'S TO MAKE BEAUMONT BETTER MAYOR PRO TEM SAMUEL- NONE COUNCILMEM13ER NEILD- NONE CITY ATTORNEY COOPER - NONE CITY MANAGER HAYES - NONE Minutes—July 27,2021 MAYOR MOUTON - STATED THAT NO ONE HAS HEARD MORE ABOUT THE AT&T PROJECT THAN SHE HAS, SHE STATED THAT SHE WORKED IN THAT BUILDING FOR THIRTY-TWO YEARS AND AFTER RETIRING FOR ELEVEN YEARS, IN HER NEXT CAREER HERE AT THE CITY SHE'S STILL DEALING WITH THE AT&T BUILDING, EXCITED TO SEE THE PROCESS THAT W ENT FORWARD TODAY WITH A SIX TO ONE VOTE, SHE WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE A UNANIMOUS VOTE WITH ALL 7, BUT EVEN WHEN IT'S NOT, EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR VOTE AND THEIR OPINION, THINKS THAT FOR SIX COUNCILMEMBERS TO MOVE FORWARD TO SEE A CHANGE AND MAKE A BOLD MOVE FOR THE CITY IS SHOWING A DIRECTION IN UNIFYING OUR CITY, IN REGARDS TO THE TOWN HALL MEETING THE COUNCIL HALTED THE VOTE TO HAVE A TOWN HALL MEETING AND HAVE SOME TRANSPARENCY,WHICH IS WHAT THE CITIZENS REQUESTED, EVERYONE THAT WANTED TO SPEAK GOT THE OPPORTUNITY, THE MAJORITY OF THE CITIZENS THAT SPOKE WERE IN FAVOR OF THE PROJECT, AT THIS POINT A VOTE WAS TAKEN, THE VOTE WAS SIX TO ONE AND THE COUNCIL WILL MOVE FORWARD,WHAT THE COUNCIL IS DOING IS FOR THE CITIZENS OF BEAUMONT, FEELS THAT MOST OF THE CITIZENS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE PROJECT, THANKED EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING THE MEETING Open session of meeting recessed at 4:34 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Code: Claim of L&L General Contractors Claim of Enterprise Rent-A-Car to t Claim 9fChristopher Shaw Ro i Mouton, ➢Kgayor IU1� C�1�ah cC Sh14. Tina Broussard, City Clerk Minutes—July 27,2021