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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/18/2023 MINT 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 1[ Audwin Samuel, Ward Ill APRIL 18, 2023 Chris Durio, Mayor Pro Tem Tina Broussard, City Clerk Kenneth R. Williams, City Manager Sharae Reed, City Attorney 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 April 18, 2023, at the Lakeside Center Multipurpose Room, 150 Magnolia Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the following: OPENING Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Proclamations, Presentation and Recognition Presentation on Charter Review Public Comment: Persons may speak on the Consent Agenda/Agenda items 1-4 Mayor Mouton called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Pastor James Barker with Greater Zion Baptist Church gave the invocation. Mayor Mouton led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Present at the meeting were Mayor Mouton, Mayor Pro Tem Durio, Councilmembers Getz, Turner, Feldschau, Samuel and Neild. Also, present were Kenneth Williams, City Manager; Sharae Reed, City Attorney; Tina Broussard, City Clerk. Proclamation - "American Cancer Society Relay for Life Day" — April 2023 -- Proclamation read by Mayor Mouton, accepting Josh and Thomas Davis, Relay for Life Event Chairs and Mrs. Kathy Chesser, American Cancer Society Community Development Manager Proclamation - "75th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act" — April 2023 - Proclamation read by Mayor Pro Tem Durio, accepting Jes Prince, City of Beaumont Community Development Block Grant Housing Manager Proclamation - "National Crime Victims Week" -- April 23-29, 2023 - Proclamation read by Councilmember Getz, accepting Misty Carver, Jefferson County Director of Victim's Assistance Center Proclamation - "Biker's Against Child Abuse Hero's Weekend" -- April 28-30, 2023 - Proclamation read by Councilmember Samuel, accepting Ms. French, Beaumont Chapter President for BACA Minutes — April 18, 2023 Recognition - "Connect Realty, American Cancer Society -Connect the Community Event" - April 20, 2023 - Recognition read by Counciimember Neild, Accepting Mike Deluna, VP- Connect Realty SETX Public Comment: Persons may speak on the Consent Agenda/Agenda Items 1-4 Kenneth Earls 1265 Condon Spoke regarding Items B, D & H on the Consent Agenda Addie Allen 9695 Gross Spoke regarding Items B, D & H on the Consent Agenda Jennifer Trenbeath 2020 Chevy Chase Spoke regarding Item #4 on the Agenda Beaumont TX Beaumont TX Beaumont TX 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.) A. An Approval of the April 4, 2023, City Council Meeting Minutes B. Authorize the City Manager to award a contract to Greenscapes Six, LLC, of Baytown, for the Cattail Marsh Sidewalk Trail Project -- Resolution 23-094 C. Approval of the purchase of Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for use by the Fire Department - Resolution 23-095 D. Amend an Industrial District Agreement with Arkema - Resolution 23-096 E. Approval of the Chief Financial Officerto execute all documents necessary to acceptfunding from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in the amount of $150,053.00 awarded to the Beaumont Public Health Department - Resolution 23-097 F. Approval of the Chief Financial Officerto execute all documents necessary to acceptfunding from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in the amount of $48,622.00 awarded to the Beaumont Public Health Department - Resolution 23-098 G. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to apply for and receive funding in an amount up to $70,000 through the U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods Block Grant Program (PSN) - Resolution 23-099 H. Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreementwith Capital Edge of Washington D.C. to provide federal advocacy and advising consulting services - Resolution 23-100 Authorize the City Manager to apply for and receive grant funds from the Foundation for Southeast Texas, HEB, and Entergy, forthe Annual Summer Reading Program - Resolution 23-101 Minutes — April 18, 2023 Councilmember Getz moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Turner seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON, MAYOR PRO TEM DURIO, COUNCILMEMBERS GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU, SAMUEL AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED Consider awarding multiple contracts for the purchase of inventory materials to be used in the Water Utilities Department. The City maintains an annual contract for couplings, pipe fittings, valves, fire hydrants and other related materials for use by the Water Utilities Department. The materials are used in the repair and maintenance of existing water and sewer lines and installation of new service lines. Specifications required bidders to submit pricing for 177-line items with an estimated annual usage, separated into fifteen (15) specific sections. Bids were evaluated upon the lowest total price per section on an all or none basis and which provides the best value to the City. Only bidders providing pricing for every item within each section were considered and only items that met specifications and requirements were awarded. Pricing is to remain firm for the term of the one-year contract. Specifications also required all bids involving brass materials to be quoted with items that are certified NSF6 lead-free compliant and are of domestic (USA) manufacture. Bids were requested from ten vendors and three responses were received. The administration recommends award of sections 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11,12,13, and 15 to Core & Main of Beaumont at an estimated cost of $2,115,863.90, sections 10 and 14 to Coburn's of Beaumont at an estimated cost of $91,451.20, and section 8 to Rural Pipe & Supply of Jasper with an estimated cost of $36,695. The total estimated contract value of $2,244,010.10 represents a 16% increase on the current contract. Funds will come from the Water Utilities Fund. Approval of the resolution. Councilmember Getz moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY CORE AND MAIN OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, COBURN'S OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND RURAL PIPE & SUPPLY OF JASPER, TEXAS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,244,010.10 FOR THE PURCHASE OF INVENTORY MATERIALS FOR USE BY THE WATER UTILITIES DEPARTMENT BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT; AND THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH CORE AND MAIN OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND COBURN'S OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS AND RURAL PIPE & SUPPLY OF JASPER, TEXAS. Mayor Pro Tem Durio seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON, MAYOR PRO TEM DURIO, COUNCILMEMBERS GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU, SAMUEL AND NEILD NAYS: NONE Minutes-- April 18, 2023 MOTION PASSED RESOLUTION 23-102 2. Consider authorizing the City Manager to award a contract to Texas Drainage, Inc., of Waller, for the FY23 Citywide Ditching Program Phase 1 B. The FY23 Citywide Ditching Program Phase 1 B consists of the excavation and removal of excess material of approximately 148,107 linear feet of existing roadside ditches. The program also provides for the replacement of 213 driveway culverts. The work for this phase is to take place in the designated areas of Wards 1 and 4. On April 6, 2023, two (2) bids were received for furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment for the project. The Engineer's Estimate is $1,573,731,00. The bid totals are indicated in the table below: Contractor Location Base Bid Amount Texas Drainage, Inc. Waller, TX $1,389,945.66 BIDS Constructors LLC dba MK Vidor, TX $1,893,681.98 Constructors The Public Works Engineering staff recommends this project be awarded to the lowest bidder, Texas Drainage, Inc., in the amount of $1,389,945,66, A total of 200 calendar days are allocated for completion of the project. Funds will come from the Capital Program. Approval of the resolution. Councilmember Samuel moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BYTEXAS DRAINAGE, OF WALLER, TEXAS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,389,945.66 FOR THE FURNISHING OF ALL LABOR, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE FY23 CITYWIDE DITCHING PROGRAM PHASE 1B PROJECT BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, AND THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH TEXAS, DRAINAGE, OF WALLER, TEXAS. Councilmember Neild seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON, MAYOR PRO TEM DURIO, COUNCILMEMBERS GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU, SAMUEL AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED RESOLUTION 23-1 {}3 3. Consider authorizing the City Manager to award a contract to Viking Painting, LLC, of La Vista, NE, for the Southwest Elevated Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project. Minutes — April 18, 2023 The Southwest Elevated Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project will provide for the rehabilitation of the one (1) million -gallon elevated water storage tank located on Municipal Drive. On March 16, 2023, five (5) bids were received for furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and structural steel repairs for the project. The Engineer's Estimate for the contract is $1,384,000.00. The bid totals are indicated in the table below: Contractor Location Total Bid Amount Viking Painting, LLC La Vista, NE $1,348,440.00 Tanksco, Inc. Fort Worth, TX $1,355,816.00 Nova Painting, LLC Humble, TX $1,387,942.00 Tank Pro, Inc. Northport, AL $1,553,866.28 M. K. Painting, Inc. W andotte, MI $1,733,360.00 Based on a review of the bids and required documents received, Water Utilities staff agree with Schaumburg & Polk Inc., and recommend awarding the project to the lowest bidder, Viking Painting LLC, in the amount of $1,348,440.00. A total of 150 calendar days are allocated for substantial completion of the project. Funds will come from the Capital Program. Approval of the resolution. Councilmember Neild moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE BID SUBMITTED BY VIKING PAINTING, LLC, OF LA VISTA, NEBRASKA IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,348,440.00 FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE ONE (1) MILLION -GALLON ELEVATED WATER STORAGE TANK LOCATED ON MUNICIPAL DRIVE, AND THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH VIKING PAINTING, LLC, OF LA VISTA, NEBRASKA. Councilmember Turner seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON, MAYOR PRO TEM DURIO, COUNCILMEMBERS GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU, SAMUEL AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED RESOLUTION 23-104 4. Consider supporting an application fora State Historical Designation, forthe George O'Brien Millard statue located at 500 Main Street. The City of Beaumont, along with the Jefferson County Historical Commission are seeking support of an application for a State Historical designation marker to be placed with the George O'Brien Millard statue at 500 Main Street. The City owns the land on which the statue of Mr. Millard stands and leases the property to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. A marker would be placed aside the statue, providing a history of Mr. Millard and his importance to the growth of the City of Beaumont's education system. Originally unveiled in front of Millard Elementary school in 1912, the statue cast in bronze stood at seven (T) feet tall and was crafted by Pompeo Coppini just two (2) years after Minutes — April 18, 2023 Millard's death. In 1964 The Junior league of Beaumont had the statue moved to Pipkin Park for its proximity to the Millard family home after the closure of the school. In 1999, an art conservation group cleaned and made small repairs to the statue. In 2010 artist Ron Petitt, who completely restored the statue recommended relocating it from Pipkin Park to a more visible location. At a Public Hearing held on April 10, 2023, the Historic Landmark Commission recommended 8:0 to approve the request to support the application for a State Historical Designation. No funding is required. Approval of the resolution. Councilmember Getz moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE, AND HE IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO SUPPORT AN APPLICATION FOR A STATE HISTORICAL DESIGNATION, WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE HISTORY FOR THE GEORGE O'BRIEN MILLARD STATUE LOCATED AT 500 MAIN STREET, IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS. COuncilmember Turner seconded the motion. AYES: MAYOR MOUTON, MAYOR PRO TEM DURIO, COUNCILMEMBERS GETZ, TURNER, FELDSCHAU, SAMUEL AND NEILD NAYS: NONE MOTION PASSED RESOLUTION 23-105 COMMENTS Public Comments (Persons are limited to three minutes) Kenneth Earls 1265 Condon Beaumont TX Spoke to Council regarding livelihood and how it affects one of the most important cities in America and a county that has three petroleum plants, stated that the city should have five lobbyist in Washington D.C., the city should ask for what they want and Washington should give it to us, forty percent of all gas products come from this region from the Neches and Sabine Rivers, the city should demand that rivers be widened, they will do it for one reason, in the future China is threatening war, we need to get those ships and supertankers into the port to make sure petroleum and gas is headed towards that region, our Navy is going to need it, the President has told us that the United States is supportive of Taiwan, Hong Kong and all the other people that are supporting us, stated that our product needs to be there pronto, we need to be able to transport our military there because there is going to be that time when our grandchildren are going to have to fight that war and the city needs this river and those things done, spoke on term limits, believes that each of the Councilmembers should be elected for six years, not two years, we waste our money and time and Council should be on board for a twenty four seven, three hundred and sixty five days a year, they should be paid to commensurate the time that work, the things that are being discussed are a no brainer, the cities that are more popular move things adventurously and makes sure that the citizens receive what they need are those types of cities, he would like to see the charter proposal reflect that, made additional comments regarding Council's salary Minutes — April 18, 2023 Addie Allen 9695 Gross Beaumont TX Stated that she knows that the Mayor and the City Council can allow certain time limits for citizens to speak, certain people get it, certain people don't, doesn't know when this is going to stop, she's heard other people get time extended, it's happening every Council meeting, she has a pretty good track recording of being at the meeting, there's some disparities as to who speaks to finishing of their sentence or to finish their thought process, commented on the City Charter appointments, knows that it has to be people that are knowledgeable but there are people that have been in Beaumont a long time, she would like to think that when these people are appointed that Council would open it up for volunteers and then Council can peruse through and see who can and won't be willing to serve, knows that could happen, she would probably volunteer, commented on the voting problem, glad that Council is talking about the wording because the wording in the last election where they voted for Ordinances etc., there was not enough time given for citizens to understand what they were voting on, if Council is going to put something on the November ballot, there needs to be a town hall meeting and not thirty days prior to the election, that's unfair, also commented on standing water in the ditches, in the last ditching project in her area she asked what employees check on contractors, she has standing water all the time in front of her home, the follow-up is what she thinks is important, the water isn't flowing, they all pay taxes and standing water isn't good when they are bitten by mosquitoes, asked that the questions that are posed to Council today please be answered, she appreciates Council and thanked them for their service, she's sincere about her comments Ingrid Bell 4986 Plant Rd. Beaumont TX Spoke to Council regarding the area behind her home, doesn't think that having her property flooded because someone wants to buy her property and have her gone, that isn't going to happen, the first time the flooding occurred she went to the property owner who visited with them, was very excited when the property owner said he would take care of business, by the 14th or 15t" of April there was nothing done, the rain that occurred last weekend had her running from the front to the back of her property, she felt as if the water was going to come into her bedroom, asked Council what her rights are, is she being flooded because someone wants to buy her property or is she being flooded because there wasn't enough planning to design the drainage system before they started piling dirt behind her property, when the trees were first removed there was a problem with hogs they would come around to the front of her property and tear it up, now that the hogs and tress are gone there's now piles of dirt and they are being flooded, hopes that something can be done Mary Guillory 5005 Plant Rd. Beaumont TX Stated that on the 8th of this month for the first time ever her property was flooded, she has resided at this residence for over thirty plus years, she's been through many storms all of the water that came through was clear and it disappeared, she now has mud and water flowing through her property, she has a storage building in her backyard that's sitting underwater, there's water everywhere, called on the 5th, 1 Oth, an inspector came out from Engineering on the 10th who said it was nothing they could do, today an inspector came out again, she spoke with him and asked him if he was familiar with a swell and he responded yes, there was additional comments regarding the swell and a detention pond, stated it's unfair for their property to be destroyed, they have worked hard to take care of their property all these years, asking for help and need it ASAP, there's rain coming on Thursday and she doesn't Minutes-- April 18, 2023 know what's going to happen, they are all stressed and need for Council to come out and see what's being done Albert Harrison 1240 Ashley Beaumont TX Complained to Council regarding an issue in the 1100 block of Evalon, it's a vacant lot, his issue is the city cleaning out the ditches, in the process of the city cleaning out the ditches he saw the worker was operating a clean out machine, the worker did move forward with mopping out the area, stated that there was a pipe under the concrete, the worker pulled pipe out and plugged it, he had no problem with that, it cost the city more money to replace another pipe in that area, the worker could have just blown the pipe out and cleared the issue up, the city had to come back and put another pipe there and put additional concrete to make a complete walk way, his real complaint now is in the process of them doing that it has now made the water stagnant, the water is settling and not flowing anywhere, he was always told that the water is to flow to the east, the individual that was doing the digging told him the water now flows to the west, right now the water isn't flowing anywhere, the workers also need to complete the jab, stated that across from 1118 Evalon they didn't finish mopping out the ditch they left the grass Dylan Richardson 4575 N. Major Dr. Beaumont TX Discussed term limits, stated that it's his understanding that only one Councilmember has spoken in support of term limits and the question is why, why does the Council consider themselves to be above the standards that is held at the highest level of our Government in America, informed Council as to why there are term limits in this country, George Washington our first President who would have assuredly been elected to his third term decided that Presidents should only be serving a maximum of two year terms so as to not fall in the same tyranny that they faced in Great Britain, many Councilmembers are in their own unique way tyrants of change, it would appear that many of Council cherish the title, spot light and being surrounded by the crowds of sycophants that many of them are so much so that they are willing to grand stand numerous terms and even decades simply forthe optics, stated that he would like to plant a seed, a seed of a view different from this philosophy of a city official, if there isn't drastic change, one hundred years from now people will look back on and study how much of this Council lead the City of Beaumont to it's knees and to the edge of irrelevant through their inactions, he asked that each of them reach out to the firemen and the union in regards to solving the matters at hand, Council has been mislead in the past by many advocates on the other side, stated that many of the Council have poised as eager to solve the problem when the City Manager traded an unsanctioned organization intended to undermine the outcome of pending litigation, to those of you I say shame on you, stated that he will attend all future meetings and share his opinions on respective topics, in closing stated that he does feel as though his consistent attendance will not be shared by at least one of the Councilmembers who will be replaced by someone more qualified for the position Claudette Colbert 3902 Congress Beaumont TX Stated that she's been stressed out and terrorized and falsely accused of things that she hasn't done, someone has stated that she's been in jail, she's never been in jail, stated she's being abused with chemicals, radars, water is in her home every morning when she wakes up, can't plant any flowers or anything outside of her home because they get burned by the big light that is shining outside of her home, she's had cancer and a stroke twice from being Minutes — April 18, 2023 terrorized, someone is saying she's on drugs, she's been a Christian for over 50 years and has never hurt anyone, she has four kids that don't live in Beaumont but they are being harassed as well as her four grandchildren, as of right now she has a headache, her eyes burn at night because of chemicals, she goes from one bedroom to the next and it follows her, a sewage tank was put in her back yard and she smells sewer all the time Charlie Crabbe 920 East Drive Beaumont TX Commented on the homeless, stated that he would like to see the city try to get some type of housing like the small ones the city has discussed in the past, thinks the 60 ft shipping containers make nice buildings for an individual or maybe two individuals to live in, stated that he's been able to design one on the inside, thinks the city can build those if there's craftsman that would volunteer build in their spare time, also commented on charter changes, that's a big item, stated that if it's not broken just don't fix it, just ignore those charter items that don't affect anyone, also commented on ditching culverts, would like to see ditches made three quarters to an inch below the culvert so that they will not be any water left in the ditch, this is a problem around the city where they ditch below the culvert, doesn't know who maintains the ditch on Humble Rd., to Major Dr., water stands there for months after a rain, the gentleman that spoke earlier had a good idea about the Neches River Channel in regards to it being wider for the industrial area Thomas Hunter 6652 Lexington Dr. Beaumont TX Spoke to Council regarding the rampant abuse of handicap parking spots, people are parking with impunity and he doesn't see anyone getting tickets, stated that this is his first time in this building, he had to park at the end of the street because he couldn't park in a handicap spot up front and not sure if anyone was abusing those spots, stated that he sees little small sports cars, brand new cars, knows that those aren't driven by handicap citizens, when he sees these vehicles parked in the handicap spots he looks at the license plate or the plaque on the mirrors, most times he sees that they don't have either and are getting away with it, stated that he needs to be able to park in the handicap spot because it's hard for him to walk, commented on the City of Austin and what they do in regards to citizens that weren't supposed to be parked in a handicap spot there vehicles were towed Thefarro Richard 5275 Parkview Dr. Beaumont TX Stated she came for two reasons, she spoke of meeting several celebrities who told her to do great things, Alexis Morris is the first to make it to the WNBA, she only saw four Councilmembers at the celebration, Beaumont United won three State Championships she only saw four Councilmembers, stated that had it been a robbery, a drive by, a theft or a baby momma domestic violence, they would want to talk about it, asked as representation of everyone as a community as a whole there are obligations, understands that there are Councilmembers who have sick relatives, stated she understands all of that, but what are we saying to the young people if we don't celebrate them, if we don't affirm them, asked if Council knows how incredible after forty one years for Beaumont United to do a three peat at the same campus that became a part of integration, asked if they know howwonderful it is for a young lady to say "I'm going for the WNBA" and make it, Alexis Morris deserves a key to the city, no disrespect to Megan and what she's done, stated she doesn't agree with her lifestyle it's not her choice but Houston can think enough to give her a key to the city, stated she's confused, let every man search his own heart, Council wants to sit here at the table and she applauds them because what they do isn't easy, commented on the time limit for a Minutes — April 18, 2023 citizen to speak, if the highest leader gets a time limit then she feels that the Council should also, also stated that if a voters says they want Council to represent them because they are advocating for their needs of a Ward then who am I to take the vote away from them, every single Ward has a different need and if they feel that Council is performing their needs who are we to take their voice and say no because who knows what will come next, asked everyone to search their hearts, the kids need affirmation and Council could have done better Councilmembers/City Manager/City Attorney comments on various matters COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS COUNCILMEM13ER TURNER - ADDRESSED THE CITIZEN THAT CAME TO THE PODIUM EARLIER AND COMMENTED ON THE CITY LOBBYIST, THINKS THAT IT WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA TO HAVE THE LOBBYIST COME TO BEAUMONT AT LEASTONCE A YEARTO DO AN ANNUAL REPORT TO LET THE CITIZENS KNOW WHAT THE CITY IS ACTUALLY INVESTING IN AND GETTING A PROPER RETURN, WOULD LIKE TO SEE STAFF GO OUT TO PLANT RD., TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE TWO CITIZENS THAT SPOKE PREVIOUSLY, ALSO REGARDING HANDICAP SPOTS, KNOWS THIS IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUE AND NORMALLY WHEN SOMETHING IS BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION THEY ADDRESS IT, THERE ARE OFFICERS PRESENT AND HE'S SURE THEY WILL MAKE THE PROPER CONNECTIONS AND ADDRESS IT, STATED THAT ALTHOUGH THE CITY IS GRADING THE DITCHES HE STILL THINKS THAT IT'S A GREAT THING THAT THE CITY 13 MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION BUT BASED UPON THE CITIZENS CONCERNS, STAFF NEEDS TO GO BACK AND ADDRESS THE SITTING WATER, UNDERSTANDS THE THREE INCHES AND THE CULVERTS BUT, IF THE CITY IS SPENDING THE REVENUE HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GETTING THE BEST RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT, COMMENTED ON THE ALEXIS MORRIS CELEBRATION, THEYARE ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT THE PRECEDENCE WE ARE SETTING IN THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, HE WENT 13ACK AND DID SOME RESEARCH AND WHEN SPEAKING ABOUT SETTING A PRECEDENCE THE CITY IS ROUGHLY 100 PLUS YEARS OLD, HE HASN'T SEEN A FEMALE FROM BEAUMONT WIN A NATIONAL BASKETBALL NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP, IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT WINNING IT'S ABOUT THE PRIDE IN BEAUMONT, ABOUT WHAT LEXIS MORRIS ENDURED, WHAT SHE WENTTHROUGH AND HER LEGACY THAT SHE LEFT, SHE MAY NOT HAVE ALWAYS DONE EVERYTHING PERFECT, SHE FAILED BUT THE REALITY IS SHE IS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL YOUNG CHILDREN, PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES, YOU CAN FALL BUT YOU CAN ALSO RISE TO THE TOP AND BE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL, STATED THAT HE'S EXTREMELY PROUD OF ALEXIS AND PROUD OF THE CITY FOR STEPPING UP AND DOING SOMETHING FOR HER, IT'S UP TO THEM AS LEADERS TO SET PRECEDENCE AND THE STANDARDS, COUNCIL SHOULD SET THE BAR ON HOW IT WANTS TO MOVE THE COMMUNITY FORWARD, EVERYONE CAN SEE NOW THAT THINGS ARE BEING DONE DIFFERENTLY, THANKED EVERYONE Minutes — April 18, 2023 THAT CAME OUT AND SUPPORTED ALEXIS AND BEAUMONT UNITED, EVEN THE ONES THAT COULDN'T MAKE IT, LASTLY THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT WASN'T MENTIONED THAT'S A HUGE SUCCESS FOR BEAUMONT WHICH WAS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA, A GRANT FUNDING FROM THE FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, HEB, AND ENTERGY, FOR THE ANNUAL SUMMER READING PROGRAM FOR OUR YOUTH, THINKS THAT WE DON'T TALK ABOUT THE POSITIVES THINGS ENOUGH IN THE CITY COUNCILMEMBER NEILD - STATED TO THE CITY MANAGER THAT HE KNOWS THAT THEY CAN'T HAVE A CONVERSATION BACK AND FORTH REGARDING PLANT RD., THE SITUATION WAS BROUGHT UP IN PUBLIC COMMENTS, STATED THAT HE CAN SPEAK FROM A CONTRACTORS STAND POINT AND A DEVELOPER, THE CONTRACTOR HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY AREN'T PUSHING WATER ON OTHER PEOPLES PROPERTY AS DOES THE CITY WHEN THEY ARE DOING THE PLANNING PROCESS, HOPES THAT THE CITY CAN TAKE A DEEP LOOK INTO THIS QUICKLY BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT EVERYONE SITTING UP HERE WOULD BE MAD AS ALL GET OUT IF THAT WAS TAKING PLACE ON THEIR PROPERTIES, ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT WACO, TEXAS THIS PAST WEEK AND SPENT A LITTLE TIME AROUND THE RIVER DEVELOPMENT THAT WACO HAS JUST RECENTLY COMPLETED, HE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED THAT STAFF TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO WACO AND TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, THINKS THERE'S SOME REAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BEAUMONT TO MIMIC SOME OF THE THINGS WACO HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL - THANKED Ms. GUILLORY AND MS. BELL FOR COMING TO THE MEETING AND EXPRESSING THEIR CONCERNS, THEY HAVE ADDRESSED THEIR CONCERNS AND THEY WILL VISIT WITH THEM AFTER THE MEETING, MR. BARTKOWIAK AS WELL AS THE CITY MANAGER ARE AWARE OF WHAT'S GOING ON AT THEIR PROPERTY AND ARE ATTEMPTING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE TO SEE IF THERE CAN BE A QUICK RESOLUTION AND WORK ON WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE END COUNCILMEMBER FELDSCHAU - REMINDED EVERYONE THAT THE CITY ELECTION IS COMING UP, EARLY VOTING STARTS ON MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023, AND ENDS MAY 2, 2023, ELECTION DAY IS MAY 6, 2023, ALSO STATED THAT THIS TIME IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT, ON SUNDAY APRIL 30, 2023) FROM 12.00 P.M., TO 5:00 P.M., THE POLLS WILL BE OPEN, PLEASE MAKE A NOTE TO VOTE, REMEMBER OUT OF 71,000 REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE LAST CITY ELECTION BETWEEN 15 TO 18 PERCENT VOTED, SO PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT EACH CITIZEN CAST THEIR VOTE Minutes -- April 18, 2023 COUNCILMEMBER GETZ » STATED THAT FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023, WILL BE HIS WIFE'S BIRTHDAY, HER DOCTORS HAVE STATED THAT THIS WILL BE HER LAST BIRTHDAY THAT SHE WILL CELEBRATES, STATED THAT HE PRAYS THAT THEY ARE WRONG BUT KNOWS THAT EVERYTHING HAPPENS IN ACCORDANCE WITH GODS PLAN, IT'S NOT SURPRISING TO HIM THAT ALLISON FACES ILLNESS WITH INCREDIBLE STRENGTH, BRAVENESS, DIGNITY AND GRACE, WHEN PEOPLE CALL OR VISIT HER SHE ALWAYS ASK ABOUT THEM AND HOW THEY ARE DOING DEMONSTRATING A KINDNESS AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS THAT DEFINES WHO SHE 1S, ALMOST EVERYONE KNOWS THAT ALLISON GETZ 1S THE ELECTED TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR AND VOTER REGISTRAR FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY, SHE HAS THREE OFFICES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AND RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER SIXTY EMPLOYEES, ALLISON WAS FIRST ELECTED IN 2014 AND AS TAX ASSESSOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING PROPERTY TAXES FOR TWENTY EIGHT JURISDICTIONS, COLLECTING HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES, CONDUCTING DELINQUENT TAX SALES, ISSUING BEER AND WINE LICENSES, ISSUING PERMITS FOR COIN OPERATED MACHINES AND ISSUING TITLES AND REGISTRATION FOR MORE THAN 200,000 VEHICLES ANNUALLY, AS VOTER REGISTRAR, SHE LEADS AN OFFICE THAT HAS REGISTERED OVER 150,000 PEOPLE TO VOTE IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, MAINTAINS THE ACCURACY OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION ROLLS, APPOINTS INDIVIDUALS TO BECOME VOLUNTEER DEPUTY REGISTRARS AND ASSIST POLL WORKERS DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD AND ON ELECTION DAY, STATED THAT IF ALL THE ABOVE WAS NOT ENOUGH ALLISON SITS ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE JEFFERSON COUNTY APPRAISAL ❑ISTRICT AND WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE JCAD BOARD IN 201.9 AND 2020, WHEN COUNTY .JUDGE JEFF BRANNICK DECIDED TO CREATE THE POSITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY IN 201 % WHO DID HE ASK TO FULFILL THOSE DUTIES, ALLISON NATHAN GETZ, ALLISON TOOK SEVEN DIFFERENT CLASSES AND PASSED EACH EXAMINATION TO BECOME JEFFERSON COUNTY'S FIRST PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER ALLISON WAS THE COUNTY SPOKES PERSON FOR TROPICAL STORM IMELDA, THE TPC EXPLOSION, SUBSEQUENTLY SHE WAS THE SPOKE PERSON FOR HURRICANES LAURA, MARCO AND DELTA IN 2020, THE WINTER STORM DISASTER IN 2021 AND OF COURSE COVID, SOMEHOW WHILE PERFORMING ALL THE DUTIES THAT HE JUST READ SHE FOUND TIME TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE JEFFERSON COUNTY TAX OFFICE, SHE IMPLEMENTED A QUEUING SYSTEM FOR TWO OUT OF HER THREE OFFICES, SHE INSTALLED A CAMERA SYSTEM WITH SECURITY IN ALL OF HER OFFICES, SHE CREATED THE FIRST WEB SITE FOR THE TAX OFFICE, SHE REDESIGNED THE TAX STATEMENTS TO BE MORE LEGIBLE OR EASIER TO READ, SHE MADE IT POSSIBLE TO GET CAR AUTO REGISTRATIONS Minutes — April 18, 2023 RENEWED AT HEB AND KROGER SO CITIZENS WOULDN'T HAVE TO GO TO THE TAX OFFICE, SHE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO GET THEIR VEHICLE INSPECTIONS AND AUTO REGISTRATIONS DONE IN ONE LOCATION FOR PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES, SHE CREATED AN INTERESTED BUYER PROGRAM TO GET COUNTY OWNED PROPERTIES BACK ON THE TAX ROLL, SHE HAD ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING CONDUCTED IN ALL OF HER OFFICES AND OVER SAW THE EXPANSION AND ADDITION OF A DRIVE THRU WINDOW AT THE MID COUNTY TAX OFFICE, DURING HER TIME IN OFFICE ALLISON HAS CONTINUED HER PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND EARNED THE PROFESSIONAL COUNTY COLLECTOR CERTIFICATION, THE PROFESSIONAL TAX OFFICE CERTIFICATION, THE PROFESSIONAL COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR CERTIFICATION, WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE IT'S NOT A SURPRISE THAT IN OCTOBER 2021, SHE WAS NAMED THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR OF THE YEAR FOR THE WHOLE STATE OF TEXAS, SHE REACHED THE HIGHEST ECHELON THAT COULD BE ACHIEVED IN HER JOB, TWO MONTHS LATER SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN CANCER, STATED THAT LIFE CAN BE FILLED WITH CRUEL TWIST AND TURNS REGARDING THE SUDDEN TURN OF EVENTS BUT ALLISON WOULD SIMPLY SAY "IT IS WHAT IT IS", ALLISON 1S AT PEACE WITH HERSELF BECAUSE SHE KNOWS AND HE KNOWS WANTS THE WORLD TO KNOW THAT SHE HAS LIVED A LIFE DEVOTED TO MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, STATED THAT ALLISON HAS SERVED ON 15 LOCAL CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS IN HER LIFE, THEY INCLUDE THE FIRE MUSEUM OF TEXAS, THE BEAUMONT CHILDRENS MUSEUM, THE BEAUMONT HERITAGE SOCIETY, THE BEAUMONT BALLET THEATRE GUILD, THE ❑OWLENNWEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, THE, GALLERY GUILD FORTHE ART MUSEUM, GARTH HOUSE, GOLDEN TRIANGLE REPUBLICAN WOMEN, THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BAR AUXILIARY, SOUTHEAST TEXAS TENNIS ASSOCIATION, THE, SYMPHONY OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, THE SYMPHONY LEAGUE OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, TEMPLE EMANUEL AND YOUNG AUDIENCES, ALLISON HAS CHAIRED HUGE FUND RAISERS SUCH AS BENEFITING THE MUSIC AND ARTS AT LAMAR UNIVERSITY, THE CATTLE BARON'S BALL, ALL BENEFITTING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, IF ALLISON WASN'T THE PRESIDENT OF A LOCAL CIVIC ORGANIZATION SHE WAS PROBABLY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THOSE ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE ALL SAINTS PARENTS ASSOCIATIONS, ANAYAT HOUSE, CRIME STOPPERS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, FAMILY SERVICES OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, GIFT OF LIFE, KELLY HIGH SCHOOL, FRIENDS OF THE ARTS AT LAMAR UNIVERSITY, SOME OTHER PLACE, THE TEXAS SECTION OF THE U.S. TENNIS ASSOCIATION AND UNITED WAY, ALLISON IS A GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITYOF TEXAS, LEADERSHIP BEAUMONT AND THE CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY, SHE WAS A DEN LEADER AND A CUB MASTER, AND STILL SERVES ON THE ADVISORY BOARD OF THE THREE RIVER Minutes — April 18, 2023 COUNCIL, THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, BUT EVEN WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE HE STILL HASN'T MENTIONED ALLISON'S GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS, THOSE THAT SHE VALUES MOST ABOVE ALL ELSE, SHE HAS BEEN A DEVOTED DAUGHTER TO HER PARENTS JERRY AND IRIS AND AN INCREDIBLE SISTER TO HER BROTHER EARL, AN OUTSTANDING MOTHER TO HER CHILDREN LEE AND BUFF AND A DOTING GRANDMOTHER TO HER GRANDCHILDREN SADIE AND ALICE, STATED THAT TO HIM ALLISON HAS BEEN A LOVING WIFE, CONFIDANT AND BEST FRIEND, SO WHY HAS HE SPENT THE LAST SEVERAL MINUTES USING THE, BULLY PULPIT TO TALK ABOUT HIS WIFE, BECAUSE HE THINKS IT'S APPROPRIATE AND RIGHT TO HONOR PEOPLE WHILE THEY ARE LIVING AS MUCH MORE SO WHEN THEY ARE GONE, TELL THE PEOPLE, THAT YOU LOVE HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM TODAY BECAUSE TOMORROW MIGHT BE TOO LATE, STATED THAT TODAY HE HONORS HIS WIFE ALLISON, HE LOVES HER NOW AND FOREVER, WISHED HER A HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY AND PRAY FOR MANY MORE TO CELEBRATE WITH HER MAYOR PRO TEM DURIO - STATED TO COUNCILMEMBER GETZ THAT HE AND HIS FAMILY ARE STILL AND ALWAYS WILL BE IN EVERYONE'S PRAYERS, MORE PEOPLE LIKE ALLISON IS NEEDED, THANKED COUNCILMEMBER TURNER AND STAFF AND EVERYONE THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THE CELEBRATION FORALEXIS MORRISAND BEAUMONT UNITED HIGH SCHOOL, IT WAS VERY WELL ATTENDED, THANKED THE MAYOR FOR GIVING ALEXIS A KEY TO THE CITY, IN REGARDS TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, HE JUST MADE THREE YEARS AS A CANCER SURVIVOR, HE WILL BE ATTENDING THE WALK CITY ATTORNEY REED - NONE CITY MANAGER WILLIAMS - ANNOUNCED A JOINT JOB FAIR HOSTED BY THE CITY OF BEAUMONT AND THE BEAUMONT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ON MONDAY, MAY $, 2023, AT PAUL BROWN AUXILIARY GYM, STATED THAT 65 BISD SENIORS WILL BE IN PARTICIPATION, THEY WILL BE PRESENTED WITH ELIGIBLE JOBS FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AS WELL AS THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, THE JOBS WILL INCLUDE POSITIONS AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS, THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THOSE JOBS, ALSO ON MAY 13, 2023, THERE WILL BE A COMMUNITY WIDE/CITY WIDE CLEANUP HOSTED BY BISD AND THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, COMMENTED ON THE FINANCES, STAFF IS TRACKING EXPENDITURES VERSUS REVENUES AROUND AND AHEAD OF EXPENDITURES FOR THIS TIME OF THE YEAR, STATED THAT THE CITY IS DOING BETTER ON INVESTMENTS BECAUSE BELIEVE IT OR NOT WITH INTEREST RATES GOING UP THE CITY HAS GOTTEN OVER TWELVE HUNDRED DOLLARS MORE IN INTEREST REVENUES VERSUS LAST YEAR, THE CITY HAS RECEIVED ONE MILLION SIX Minutes — April 18, 2023 HUNDRED EIGHTY SEVEN DOLLARS VERSUS TWO HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN DOLLARS ON LAST YEAR, ALL OF THE FUNDS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, THE CITY HAS ACCRUED ABOUT 13.85% MORE IN REVENUE THAN WHAT WAS BUDGETED FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR ACM BOONE - NONE ACM ELLIS - NONE CITY ATTORNEY REED - STATED THAT ALLISON WAS AN ADVOCATE VOLUNTEER AND SPOKE FOR HER BEAUMONT LEADERSHIP CLASS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERING, WANTED TO THANK COUNCILMEMBER GETZ AS WELL AS ALLISON FOR BOTH SHARING HER TIME WITH THE COMMUNITY AND FOR ALL SHE DID IN HER CAPACITY ASJEFFERSON COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR BUT, ALSO FOR WHAT SHE DID IN HER PERSONAL TIME TO BETTER THE COMMUNITY PUB. WORKS DIR. BARTKOWIAK - NONE CITY CLERK BROUSSARD - STATED TO COUNCILMEM13ER GETZ THAT EVERYONE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ALLISON AND HIS FAMILY MAYOR MOUTON - STATED TO MS. BELL AND MS. GUILLORY THAT SPOKE DURING PUBLIC COMMENTS THAT SHE HAS SPOKEN TO BOTH OF THEM AND AFTER THE MEETING THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BART BARTKOWIAK, IT'S HER HOPE THAT THE CONVERSATION WILL LEAD TO A RESOLUTION TO THEIR PROBLEM, STATED TO MR. HUNTER THAT SPOKE EARLIER REGARDING THE HANDICAP PARKING, UNFORTUNATELY THERE ARE CITIZENS THAT DON'T RESPECT PEOPLE THAT REALLY NEED TO PARK IN THE HANDICAP PARKING SPOTS, THE POLICE OFFICERS DO WRITE TICKETS FOR CITIZENS THAT ILLEGALLY PARK IN HANDICAP PARKING SPOTS AND THEY ARE ALWAYS AT MUNICIPAL COURT FOR SUCH ACTS, THIS WILL BE ADDRESSED TO MAKE SURE OFFICERS CAN STEP UP AND BE A LITTLE MORE AGGRESSIVE, IN POLICING THOSE PARKING SPOTS, THE TICKETS RANGE FROM $250.00 TO $500.00, STATED THAT ON THIS PAST WEEKEND THERE WAS A LOT OF CELEBRATIONS, SHE DID A WELCOME FOR THE 50T" CELEBRATION AT LAMAR UNIVERSITY FOR THE KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY IN WHICH COUNCILMEM13ER TURNER IS A PART OF THAT FRATERNITY, CITY MANAGER KENNETH WILLIAMS WAS THE SPEAKER ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE 100 BLACK MEN OF BEAUMONT'S ANNUAL BANQUET, THE 75T" NECHES RIVER FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE THIS WEEKEND, ENCOURAGED EVERYONE TO GET OUT AND SUPPORT THE NECHES RIVER FESTIVAL, STATED THAT ON LAST WEEKEND SHE DID A WELCOME AND UNVEILING FOR KING 75T", STATED THAT THE CITY LOBBYIST CHRIS GIGLIO DOES PROVIDE THE Minutes — April 18, 2023 CITY WITH A MONTHLY REPORT AND VERY INVOLVED IN BEAUMONT, WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE REPORT MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC, ALSO THERE WAS A COMMENT MADE DURING PUBIC COMMENTS REGARDING CITIZENS SPEAKING AFTER THE THREE MINUTE TIMER HAS GONE OFF, STATED THAT SHE TRIES TO BE AS CONSISTENT AS SHE POSSIBLE CAN, IF YOU'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A SENTENCE SHE WOULD LIKE FOR THE CITIZENS THOUGHTS TO BE COMPLETED, SOMETIMES IT CAN'T BE STATED IN JUST A FEW SECONDS, MADE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS REGARDING THE TIMER, ANNOUNCED THAT THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE HANDED OUT GRANTS, BEAUMONT RECEIVED A MILLION DOLLAR GRANT THAT WILL GO TOWARDS SEWER AND DRAINAGE, JEFFERSON COUNTY RECEIVED ELEVEN MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE GLO AS WELL, ANNOUNCED THAT EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON APRIL 24, 2023, THROUGH MAY 2, 2023, ELECTION DAY WILL BE MAY 6, 2023, ENCOURAGED EVERYONE TO GET OUT AND VOTE, STATED TO COUNCILMEMBER GETZ THAT HE AND HIS FAMILY WILL CONTINUE TO BE LIFTED IN PRAYERAND HE DID A BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO HIS WIFE ALLISON, ASKED EVERYONE TO GO OUT AND SPREAD THE LOVE EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section 551.071 of the Government Cade: • The Claim of ,Joseph Guidry • The Claim of Kevin & Patricia Joseph • International Association of Firefighters Local 399 v. City of Beaumont, Kenneth R. Williams, in his official Capacity as City Manager, and ,Earl White, in his official Capacity as Fire Chief; Cause No. D-210950 • Toye Frazier v City of Beaumont; Cause No. E--206,919 Opprf sslon of meeting recessed at 4:00 p.m. Rob Mouton, Ma r a Tina Broussard, City Clerk Minutes — April 18, 2023