HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-12-03 PC MinutesMINUTES I
REGULAR MEETING AND
JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL
May 12,2003
City Council Chambers
A Regular Meeting and Joint Public Hearings ofthe Planning Commission and City Council
,were held on May 12, 2003 with the following members present:
Commission members present:
Chairman Laurie Leister
Vice -Chairman Greg Dykeman
Commissioner Carlos Hernandez
Commissioner Dale Hallmark
Commissioner Glenn,Bodwin
Commissioner Marty Craig
Commissioner Walter Kyles
Commissioner Lynda Kay Makin
Commission members absent: Commissioner Dohn LaBiche
Councilmembers present: Mayor Evelyn Lord
Mayor Pro -Tern Lulu Smith
Councilman -at -Large Andrew Cokinos
Councilmember-at-Large Becky Ames
Councilperson Nancy Beaulieu
Councilman Audwin Samuel
Councilmember Bobbie Patterson
Also present: Stephen Richardson, Planning Manager; Tyrone Cooper, First Assistant
City Attorney; Jill Cole, Recording Secretary; Adina Abshire, Planner;
Tom Warner, Public Works Director; Don Burrell, Building Official; Jack
Maddox, Fire Marshall; Police Officer Tony Barker; Sandra Girard, Health
Department; Kyle Hayes, City Manager
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Commissioner Bodwin made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting and
Joint Public Hearings held April 21, 2003. Commissioner Craig seconded the motion.
Motion to approve carried 7:0.
Planning Commission
May 12,2003
REGULAR MEETING
1) File 649-OB: Request to abandon a 140' portion of 14'h Street from the north right-
of-way line of Pecos Street 140' north to the existing south line of the existing alley.
Applicant: Mark Whiteley& Associates, Inc. for Sam C. Parigi, Jr. and Entergy, Inc.
Mr. Richardson stated that the requested abandonment of a 60'x 140' portion of 14'
Street is between Pecos and the alley in Block 29, Van Wormer 2" Addition.
The right-of-way is unimproved. The properties on either side of this request are
owned by Sam Parigi and Entergy.
This request was sent to all interested parties and no objections were received.
Mr. Richardson recommended approval of the request.
Commissioner Craig made a motion to approve the abandonment of a 60'x 140'
portion of 14' Street from the north right-of-way line of Pecos Street 140' north to
the existing south line of the existing alley as requested in File 649-OB.
Commissioner Hernandez seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0.
2) File 650-OB: Request to amend Article 11, Section 3 and Article 111, Section 3, Rules
and Regulations, Planning Commission.
Applicant: City of Beaumont Planning Division
In April, the Planning Commission and City Council approved amending the Code
of Ordinances to allow for the addition of three alternate members to the Planning
Commission. The Rules and Regulations of the Planning Commission also need to
be amended to designate a quorum as 5 regular and or alternate members.
In addition, the Rules and Regulations need to be amended to designate the
Planning Manager or his designee as Secretary of the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Mr. Richardson recommended approval of the request.
Chairman Leister asked if the alternate members Nvill be required to attend the
meetings.
Mr. Cooper said that the full complement of the board will remain at 9 members -
regular or alternates.
Mr. Richardson added that although the alternates are not required to attend, they
are certainly welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Planning Commission
May 12,2003
Commissioner Hallmark made a motion to approve a request to amend Article II,
Section 3 and Article III, Section 3, Rules and Regulations, Planning Commission
as requested in File 650-OB. Commissioner Bodwin seconded the motion. Motion
to approve carried 7:0.
3) Preliminary Plat - Fairfield Subdivision, Phase 1: Consider the Preliminary Plat of
Fairfield Subdivision, Phase 1, Lots 1-20, Block I and Lots 1-22, Block 2 out of the
H. Williams Survey, Abs. No. 56.
Applicant: Carroll & Blackman, Inc.
Phase I of Fairfield consists of 42 single family residential lots off of Major Drive.
This plat was sent to all interested parties.
Mr. Richardson recommended approval subject to the following conditions:
1) On both the preliminary plat and the drainage plan, put the note stating,
"All lots shall be graded to drain to streets. Lots shall not drain onto
adjacent lots before and after structures are built." (Engineering)
2) The name Fairfield Avenue must be changed. There is already another
street named Fairfield. (Planning)
Chairman Leister asked for the applicant's comments.
Joe Pattic with Carroll & Blackman, Inc., the applicant stated that the two
conditions have already been addressed.
Commissioner Craig made a motion to approve the Preliminary Plat of Fairfield
Subdivision, Phase 1, Lots 1-20, Block I and Lots 1-22, Block 2 out of the H.
Williams Survey, Abs. No. 56, subject to: 1) On both the preliminary plat and the
drainage plan, put the note stating, "All lots shall be graded to drain to streets. Lots
shall not drain onto adjacent lots before and after structures are built."
(Engineering) and 2) The name Fairfield Avenue must be changed. There is already
another street named Fairfield. (Planning). Commissioner Kyles seconded the
motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0.
4) Preliminary Plat - Pine Glen Subdivision, Fourth Addition, Phase Two: Consider
the Preliminary Plat of Pine Glen Subdivision, Fourth Addition, Phase Two, Lots
1-17, Block 2, Lots 1-17, Block 3, Lots 8-12, Block 4 out of the D. Easley League,
Ab. No. 20.
Applicant: Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.
Phase Two of Pine Glen Subdivision, Fourth Addition consists of 39 single family
residential lots south of Tolivar Road.
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Planning Commission
May 12. 2003
This plat was sent to all interested parties. DD#6 is requiring that the easements
that DD#6 ditch 1004-C is being extended in be widened to 75 feet. Construction
plans for this channel will need DD#6 approval.
Mr. Richardson recommended approval of the plat subject to DD#6's requirements
and the following conditions:
1. Add a note to read "All lots shall be graded to drain to streets. Lots shall
not drain onto adjacent lots before and after structures are built."
(Engineering)
2. Relocate the street lights as follows:
- near the northeast corner of Lot 1, Block 3
- between Lots 3 and 4, Block 2
- between Lots 6 and 7, Block 2
- between Lots 10 and 11, Block 3
- between Lots 14 and 15, Block 2
- between Lots 9 and 10, Block 4 (Traffic Manager)
Chairman Leister asked for the applicant's comments.
Troy Whitehead with Schaumburg and Polk, Inc. addressed the Commission and
stated that they are aware of the DD#6 requirements and will be addressed.
Commissioner Bodwin made a motion to approve the Preliminary Plat of Pine Glen
Subdivision, Fourth Addition, Phase Two subject to DD#6's requirements and the
following conditions:
1. Add a note to read "All lots shall be graded to drain to streets. Lots shall
not drain onto adjacent lots before and after structures are built."
(Engineering)
2. Relocate the street lights as follows:
- near the northeast corner of Lot 1, Block 3
- between Lots 3 and 4, Block 2
- between Lots 6 and 7, Block 2
- between Lots 10 and 11, Block 3
- between Lots 14 and 15, Block 2
- between Lots 9 and 10, Block 4 (Traffic Manager)
Commissioner Hallmark seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0.
JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Lord called the Joint Public Hearings of May 12, 2003 to order and explained the
purpose of the joint hearing process and then turned the meeting over to. Chairman Leister.
She explained the policies and procedures for the hearing process.
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Planning Commission
May 12,2003
File 166 1 -P: Request for a specific use permit to allow the expansion of an existing
transitional treatment center (halfway house) for offenders.
Location: 2495 Gulf Street
Applicant: Thomas Sibley for Correctional Systems, Inc.
Tom Sibley, the applicant, is requesting an expansion of the Correctional Systems,
Inc. facility at 2495 Gulf. CSI has acquired the former church property at 2435 Gulf
located adjacent to the existing facility.
The company states that it would like to modify that structure or build a new one
for use as new administrative offices and a dining hall. It would then convert its
present administrative building into office space for case managers, counselors and
a conference room. The existing dining hall building would then be converted into
a series of rooms available to tenants for group therapy, education, church services
and bible study.
Mr. Richardson recommended approval of the request subject to providing 33
parking spaces as required by the Traffic Manager.
26 notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. One response in favor
and none in opposition were received. Mr. Richardson said that a petition was
submitted to him before the meeting containing 181 names in opposition to the
request.
Chairman Leister opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's
comments.
Tom Sibley, the applicant, addressed the Commission. Mr. Sibley reminded the
Commission that CSI came before the Commission and Council I I months ago for
this same type of application, except at that time they had purchased the church but
they wanted to convert it to an administrative office and dining hall and then
increase the dormitory space for the residents. CSI has since made other plans and
submitted an amended request stating that they are not going to increase the
capacity, but want to convert the church building into an administrative building
and dining hall and then the existing administrative building and dining hall will be
converted into rooms for counseling and bible study. In response to Commissioner
Craig, Mr. Sibley confirmed once again that the number of residents will not be
increased.
Chairman Leister asked for comments in favor or in opposition.
Roma Roberts, 2063 Cable, addressed the Commission in favor of the request.
W. Preston Shaw, 4630 Corley, addressed the Commission in opposition to the
request.
Hubert McCray, 3825 Acorn Circuit, spoke in opposition to the request.
Planning Commission
May 12,2003
Tim Chargois, 1750 E. Lucas, spoke in opposition to the request. Mr. Chargois is
Lucas Elementary School Principal.
Paula Moore, 3015 S. Willowood Lane, spoke in opposition to the request.
Mary Alice Lee, 2345 Brickyard, spoke in opposition to the request. Ms. Lee is
President of the Brickyard Neighborhood Association.
Willie Ford, Jr., 165 E. Plum Street, spoke in favor of the request.
Rebuttal by Ted Blanchard, Facility Director of CSI.
Rebuttal by Mr. Sibley. Mr. Sibley stated that CSI is licensed for 180 beds and will
not increase that number.
The public hearing was closed.
Comments from the Council and Commission followed.
Commissioner Craig made a motion to approve a specific use permit to allow the
expansion of an existing transitional treatment center (halfway house) for offenders
at 2495 Gulf Street as requested in File 1661-P, subject to providing 33 parking
spaces as required by the Traffic Manager. Commissioner Hernandez seconded the
motion. Motion to approve carried 6:2 (Dykeman, Bodwin).
2) File 1667-Z/P: Request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family
Dwelling -Highest Density) and GC -MD (General Commercial -Multiple Family
Dwelling) to LI (Light Industrial) District and a specific use permit to allow a farm
equipment and machinery manufacturing facility.
Location: Approximately between Irving and St. Anthony and between McGovern
and Schwamer
Applicant: Modem, Inc.
Mr. Richardson stated that the subject property was located in the Charlton -Pollard
neighborhood.
Modem has been located on Irving and Tilson for approximately 42 years. The
company manufactures tractor powered implements and other metal products. The
plant on Irving extends west to Tilson and St. Anthony and from Schwamer to
McGovern and contains just over three acres of land.
The plant is currently a non -conforming use. For the use to be conforming, the
property must be industrially zoned. Rezoning the property to LI could constitute
spot zoning. The issues outlined in the staff report must be considered by the
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Planning Commission
May 12, 2003
Planning Commission and City Council before a determination of spot zoning can
be made.
The City recognizes that Modem is a good corporate citizen and is a valuable
income source for the neighborhood. However, the Planning Commission and City
Council must consider what impact an expansion will have on the surrounding area
and if the zone change complies with the long-range goals for the neighborhood.
Mr. Richardson recommended denial of the request and pointed out that if this
rezoning and specific use permit are denied then the properties zoned RM-H and the
GC -MD property at the comer of Schwamer and In-ing must be in compliance with
those districts.
Sixty-nine notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. No responses
in favor or in opposition were received.
Councilman Samuel asked Mr. Richardson to clarify spot zoning.
Chairman Leister opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's
comments.
Lloyd Koelmen of Modem, Inc., the applicant, addressed the Commission and
answered questions regarding truck routes, number of employees, tanks, etc.
Roderick Bluiett of Modem, Inc., the applicant, addressed the Commission. He said
that he and Mr. Tubbs of Modem both went to the last meeting of the Charlton -
Pollard Neighborhood Association.
Chairman Leister asked for comments in favor or in opposition,
Jim Chavis, addressed the Commission in opposition to the request on beha If of his
parents who live at 810 Devilleneuve. Mr. Cbavis submitted a petition in
opposition to the request with 53 names listed.
John Gerard, 1030 Doucette, addressed the Commission in opposition to the
request. Mr. Gerard owns property at 1800 Irving.
Archie Gamble, 2388 St. Anthony, addressed the Commission in opposition to the
request. Mr. Gamble submitted phot6s of Modem's property to the Commission.
John DeJean, 585 Schwamer, addressed the Commission in opposition to the
request.
Reverend McKinley Jackson of Starlight Baptist Church at 1090 Buford spoke in
opposition.
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Planning Commission
May 12,2003
Oren Tubbs, General Manager of Modem, Inc., addressed some points of concern
expressed by neighbors.
Mrs. Cagle, 1820 Turon, addressed the Commission in opposition to the request.
David Chavis addressed the Commission in opposition to the request. He was
present on behalf of his parents who live at 810 Devilleneuve.
Chairman Leister closed the public hearing.
Rebuttal by Roderick Bluiett of Modem, Inc.
Councilman Samuel stated that he attended a Charlton -Pollard Neighborhood
Association meeting last month in which a quorum was not met, so no business was
acted on. However, representatives from Modem were there and they attempted to
address the concerns that had been presented. It was his understanding that there
would be another meeting. Modem did state that their doors were open to anyone
that had questions. He commented on the spot zoning issue.
Discussion followed between the Commission, Council and staff.
Commissioner Kyles made a motion to approve a zone change from RM-H and GC -
MD to LI District and a specific use permit to allow a farm equipment and
machinery manufacturing facility at property located approximately between Irving
and St. Anthony and between McGovern and Schwamer as requested in File 1667-
Z/P. Commissioner Hernandez seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried
6:2 (Hallmark, Bodwin).
3) File 1668-Z: Request for a zone change from A-R (Agricultural -Residential) to RS
(Residential Single Family Dwelling) and GC-MD-2 (General Commercial -Multiple
Family Dwelling-2) District.
Location: North of the Delaware Extension, south of DD#6 Detention Pond "A",
west of Barrington Heights Addition, and east and north of Westchase Village
Addition.
Applicant: Carroll and Blackman, Inc. for Don Shaver, Roger Meek and Richard
Guseman
(Vice -Chairman Dykeman abstained from File 1668-Z.)
Don Shaver, Roger Meek and Richard Guseman, the applicants are requesting zone
changes for 185.7 acres of land north of the Delaware Extension and from west of
Barrington Heights Subdivision to Major Drive. 154.39 acres are proposed to be
rezoned to RS and 31.37 acres are proposed as GC-MD-2.
Planning Commission
May 12, 2003
The applicants justify their request for 31+ acres of GC-MD-2 by stating that the
configuration of the proposed 80 acre DD#6 detention pond south of the Delaware
Extension will make the depth of the frontage along the south side of that street not
conducive for residential development. They suggest that the south side of
Delaware will more than likely develop as commercial, thereby justifying
commercial on the north side.
Staff is concerned about the proliferation of commercial development along this
section ofDelaware. The Comprehensive Plan designates major commercial nodes
at the intersections of major streets. There is an activity node proposed at Delaware
and Dowlen and then one at Major and Delaware. Staff feels that there are other
options for the south side of Delaware, thereby negating the justification for the
north side.
Staff recommends approval of the RS and the 8.69 acre tract south of Barrington
Heights and the tract south of the proposed school site to be rezoned to GC-MD-2.
However, staff recommends that the remainder of the proposed GC-MD-2 be
rezoned to RS.
19 notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. One response in favor
and none in opposition were received.
Chairman Leister opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's
comments.
Richard Guseman addressed the Commission.
Chairman Leister asked for comments in favor or in opposition.
Sam Parigi, 445 N. 14'h Street, addressed the Commission.
Chairman Leister closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kyles made a motion to approve a zone change from A-R to RS and
GC-MD-2 District for the property located north of the Delaware Extension, south
of DD#6 Detention Pond "A", west of Barrington Heights Addition, and east and
north of Westchase Village Addition as requested in File 1668-Z. Commissioner
Hallmark seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 6:1(Leister):l
(Dykeman).
4) File 1669-Z: Request for a zone change from RCR (Residential Conservation and
Revitalization) to GC -MD (General Commercial -Multiple Family Dwelling)
District or a more restrictive district.
Location: 2705 Concord
Applicant: Mike's Enterprises
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Planing Commission
May 12,2003
Mike Aref, the property owner, is requesting this zone change so that he can use the
property at 2705 Concord for commercial uses.
The subject property is the site of a vacant convenience store. Staff has done a
preliminary zoning study of the Concord Road area in anticipation of the
improvements being made to Concord Road. This study calls for those properties
with frontage along Concord in this area to be rezoned to GC -MD.
Mr. Richardson recommended approval of the request.
16 notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. One notice in favor and
none in opposition were returned.
Chairman Leister opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's
comments.
The applicant was not present, but had been in attendance earlier.
Chairman Leister asked for comments in favor or in opposition. No comments were
made. The public hearing was closed.
(Commissioner Bodwin left the meeting.)
Commissioner Kyles made a motion to approve a zone change from RCR to GC -
MD District for the property at 2705 Concord as requested in File 1669-Z.
Commissioner Craig seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0.
5) File 1670-Z. Request for a zone change from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family
Dwelling -Highest Density) to GC -MD (General Commercial -Multiple Family
Dwelling) District or a more restrictive district.
Location: 2900 block (even) of San Jacinto Street
Applicant; George E. Parsons
George Parsons, the applicant, is requesting this zone change for properties located
in the 2900 block of San Jacinto.
The property has been commercial for many years. There are 4 metal buildings
fronting on S. 40' and there are 6 metal buildings sited on the east side of the block
abutting San Jacinto.
The reason for this request is the result of trying to get a building permit for 2930
San Jacinto. This request was denied because records showed that the building had
been vacant for a year or more. Since the property is zoned RM-H, once the
property's legal non -conforming use status is no longer valid, the property's use
must revert back to one permitted in the RM•H district.
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Planning Commission
May 12,2003
Mr. Richardson recommended approval of the request.
Twenty-one notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. No responses
in favor or in opposition were received.
Chairman Leister opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's
comments.
(Commissioner Bodwin returned to the meeting.)
George Parsons, the applicant and owner of Plastic Fabricating and Machining,
addressed the Commission.
Chairman Leister asked for comments in favor or in opposition. No comments were
made. The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Hallmark made a motion to approve a zone change from RM-H to
GC -MD District for the property in the 2900 block (even) of San Jacinto Street as
requested in File 1670-Z. Commissioner Hernandez seconded the motion. Motion
to approve carried 8:0.
6) File 167 1 -P: Request for a specific use permit for an apartment complex in a GC-
MD-2 (General Commercial -Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District.
Location: East of Major Drive, north of Eagle's Landing Apartments
Applicant: Ted Caffarel
(Commissioner Hallmark left the meeting.)
Delta Road Developers is requesting a specific use permit for the front 3.71 acres
of a 9.86 acre tract of land on the east side of N. Major Drive. This property is
located immediately north of Eagle's Landing Apartments.
144 market rate units are proposed within 18 two-story buildings. Most of the units
will have 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.
Mr. Richardson recommended approval of the request.
Two notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. No responses in favor
or in opposition were received.
Chairman Leister opened the public hearing and asked for the applicant's
comments.
Ed Long with Arccneaux and Gates, Consulting Engineers, addressed the
Commission.
Planning Commission
May 12, 2003
Chairman Leister asked for comments in favor or in opposition.
(Commissioner Hallmark returned to the meeting.)
Mr. Jacob with Leyendecker Management addressed the Commission. Leyendeckcr
owns Eagle's Landing and Kingsgate Apartments.
Worth Moffett, a partner of La -Tex Investors, addressed the Commission.
Chuck Heidelberg, one of the applicants, addressed the Commission
Chairman Leister closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Hernandez made a motion to approve a specific use permit for an
apartment complex in a GC-MD-2 District located east of Major Drive and north
of Eagle's Landing Apartments as requested in File 1671-P. Commissioner Craig
seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 8:0,
7) File 1497-P: Consider the revocation of a specific use permit to allow a residential
care facility (Youth Rescue Mission) in an RM-H (Residential Multiple Family
Dwelling -Highest Density) District.
Location: 1930 Franklin Street
Applicant: City of Beaumont
(Commissioner Makin abstained from File 1497-P.)
In March, 2000, the City Council approved a specific use permit for the Youth
Rescue Mission to operate a residential care facility at 1930 Franklin, This specific
use permit was approved subject to 8 conditions.
Section 30-26 (h) of the Zoning Ordinance allows revocation or modification of a
specific use permit, after notice and hearing, for either of the following reasons:
1. The specific use permit was obtained or extended by fraud or deception; or
2. That one or more of the conditions imposed by the permit has not been met
or has been violated.
Mr. Richardson stated that on February 17, 2003, the City Manager asked him to
take a p olice o fficer and investigate t he Y outh R escue M ission. T his w as i n
response to numerous complaints that Councilman Samuel had been receiving. He
and Officer Barker found three unmarried men living at the facility. When asked
who was the supervisor, they were told there was not one on site.
On April, 10, 2003, Mr. Richardson met Officers Barker and Tolley at the Youth
Rescue Mission to again check for possible violations. An inspection of client
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Planning Commission
May 12,2003
records for April 8-10 showed that 8 single men, with no children, were living at the
facility. During this visit, Entergy and the Fire Marshall's office were called. The
facility was cited for numerous building and fire code violations.
In addition, for the year 2002 and through May 4, 2003, there have been 50 police
calls to 1930 Franklin.
Fourteen notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet. No responses in
favor or in opposition were received.
Mr. Richardson introduced the following individuals who spoke on behalf of the
City: Beaumont Police Officer Barker; Rachel Hebert, Fletcher Elementary
Principal; Don Burrell, Building Official; Jack Maddox, Fire Marshall; Sandra
Girard, Health Department.
Officer Tony Barker of the Beaumont Police Department addressed the
Commission. He has been covering the area where the Mission is located for five
years. The Police Department answers numerous calls there and in a 12 month
period, approximately 43 calls were documented. A copy of the call report was
enclosed with the staff report. He asked the Commission and Council for their help
with the Mission.
Rachel Hebert, Fletcher Elementary Principal, addressed the Commission. Fletcher
Elementary School is located across the street from the Mission. She voiced her
concerns about the safety and welfare of the school children and asked the
Commission and Council for help.
Don Burrell, Building Official, addressed the Commission. He stated that Entergy
disconnected the electricity at the Mission due to non-payment and before they will
reconnect, they require City approval for codes. The City inspected on April 22 and
found various electrical and building code violations. Mrs. Davis was contacted
and informed of the violations and last week, she received approval and the
electricity was restored. They still do not have the City's permission to be in the
building because the Fire Department has not given their approval.
Chief Jack Maddox, Fire Marshal for the City, addressed the Commission. He said
he had been working with the Mission since September, 1995. Mrs. Davis didn't
have permission to operate the facility at that point, but was preparing to operate.
At that time, he found some serious electrical problems, plumbing problems and a
number of people living in the house. It was decided that the people that were
already there would be allowed to stay on the first floor and they would have to
close off the second floor. Several meetings were held with Mrs. Davis over the
period of time and beginning in January, 1996, inspections were made so that she
could receive her certificate of occupancy for that location. Those inspections were
not final or approved until May and at that time, she did receive her certificate of
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Planning Commission
May 12, 2003
occupancy, Since that time, occasional inspections are made and if any length of
time has gone by, it seems that there are some serious violations that have to be
dealt with. Given a period of time, Mrs. Davis will bring those violations up, but
the City's interest is life safety. Many times the means of egress has been found
locked. She has been advised personally that the doors cannot be locked. However,
every time the City goes out there, it seems that someone else has locked them.
During the April 10, 2003 inspection conducted by Mr. Richardson and the Police
Department, an investigator from the Fire Department was called out. Once again,
the exit door was locked and Mrs. Davis was cited for that violation. Also
discovered was what is called a straight tap on the electric meter. Entergy had
pulled the meter and someone intentionally rewired the meter so they could bypass
it and get their electricity to operate the home. Entergy was called and the wires
were cut. The next day, Mrs. Davis was informed that due to the fact that there was
no electricity, no one could occupy the Mission. The fire alarm system was
inoperable because of lack of electricity. The exit lights and emergency lights
would not work and in addition, several other violations were found, Mrs. Davis
was informed that until these deficiencies were corrected, until the electricity was
turned back on and the fire alarm system which had some damage done to it was
repaired and inspected, that she could not occupy that location. That night at 10
p.m., Mr. Maddox went to the Mission and there were still several people there,
however, it appeared that they were preparing to leave, so he took no action. The
next night, Mr. Maddox again went back at 10 p.m., and several adults and a small
child were there. There was a mattress on the floor in t he d ining room area,
everyone was downstairs and using flashlights to see. Mrs. Davis was advised that
no one was supposed to be in the Mission and she said they were leaving that night.
Charges were filed on Mrs. Davis the next morning for having people in the
residence. She was able to turn the electricity back on last week and she has been
informed that no one can be in the house until everything is inspected and she gets
her reinspection for her certificate of occupancy.
Sandra Girard, Chief Sanitarian with the Health Department, addressed the
Commission. She stated that she has been inspecting the Mission since 1995.
Within the last year, the permit to operate the kitchen has been suspended twice
because there was no water and they were not able to wash dishes or use the toilets.
The City's regulations require hot and cold running water to wash dishes and use
the toilet. These complaints did not originate from the neighbors, but from the
residents themselves. Mrs. Davis was advised not to use the kitchen at all, but the
residents remained there.
Chairman Leister opened the public hearing,
Delores Davis, Director of the Youth Rescue Mission, addressed the Commission.
Mrs. Davis said she had spoken with Officer Barker and told him to let her know
if there were any problems with the residents, but he has never come into the
Mission, nor has he addressed any complaints with her at any time. She added that
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Planning Commission
May 12,2003
she did report any and all cases of child abuse. Mrs. Davis introduced some of the
residents that were present at the meeting. In reference to the single men that were
reported to be at the Mission, she stated that they are a youth facility and persons
under 25 are considered youth because the State recognizes persons under 25 as
youth, Mrs. Davis answered questions from the Commission about funding sources,
the Mission's Board of Directors and reported violations.
Chairman Leister asked for comments in favor or in opposition.
Roberto Flores, 2425 Buchanan, addressed the Commission in opposition to the
request. Mr. Flores is the President of The Avenues Neighborhood Association.
Dean Tucker, 2570 Laurel, addressed the Commission in favor of the request.
Allen Lee addressed the Commission and asked them to table the request.
Darrell Simpson, resident of the Mission, addressed the Commission in favor. He
said he takes care of some of the maintenance.
Eric Jones, night supervisor at the Mission, addressed the Commission in favor.
Tina Toussaint Jones, resident of the Mission, addressed the Commission in favor.
Robert Preston, 1190 Iowa, addressed the Commission and asked for action to be
tabled,
Delores Davis did state that there is a 9 p.m. curfew. None of the residents can
leave the facility and the lights have to be off. Personal reading lights are allowed.
Matthew Davis, Co -Director of the Youth Rescue Mission, addressed the
Commission. He stated that all the violations have been corrected. In answer to
Commissioner Bodwin, Mr. Davis said that there are currently 22 residents at the
Mission.
Ella Flores, 2425 Buchanan, addressed the Commission and said that the neighbors
have never threatened the residents of the Mission as they have claimed.
Chairman Leister closed the public hearing.
Discussion and comments by City Council and Planning Commission followed.
Commissioner Hallmark made a motion to approve the revocation of a specific use
permit to allow a residential care facility (Youth Rescue Mission) at 1930 Franklin
Street as requested in File 1497-P by the City of Beaumont. Commissioner
Hernandez seconded the motion.
15
Planning Commission
May 12,2003
Discussion between Commission members and at Commissioner Kyle's suggestion,
Commissioner Hallmark amended his motion to state that pending revocation of a
specific use permit to allow a residential care facility (Youth Rescue Mission) at
1930 Franklin Street as requested in File 1497-P by the City of Beaumont and that
there be the option of re -application within 12 months provided that all standard
requirements are met prior to re -application and with a waiver of the re -application
fee. Commissioner Hernandez seconded the amendment to the motion. The motion
to approve the revocation carried 7:0:1 (Makin).
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED
AT 7:28 P. M.
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