HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUG 20 2024 MIN..'
T E X A S
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT
COUNCIL MEETING
Albert "A.J." Turner, At -Large ROY WEST, MAYOR Randy Feldschau, At -Large
Taylor Neild, Mayor Pro Tern CITY COUNCIL MEETING Michael Getz, Ward 11
Audwin Samuel, Ward III AUGUST 20, 2024 Chris Durio, Ward IV
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 August 20, 2024, at the
City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the
following:
761r WNR. J
Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call
Proclamations, Presentation and Recognition ---
Texas Division of Emergency Management — Small Business Association Disaster
Assistance
Presentation by Beaumont Main Street on their Ongoing Marketing Efforts to Attract
New Tenants and Businesses in Downtown Beaumont
Public Comment: Persons may speak on the Consent Agenda/Regular Agenda items 1-10.
(or any other topic).
Mayor West called the council meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Pastor Gerald L. Smith Sr., with Greater Love Zion Church of God in Christ gave the invocation.
Mayor West led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was made by Tina Broussard, City Clerk.
Present at the meeting were Mayor West, Mayor Pro Tern Neild, Councilmembers Durio, Getz,
Turner, Feldschau and Samuel. Also, present were Kenneth R, Williams, City Manager; Sharae
Reed, City Attorney; Tina Broussard, City Clerk.
Proclamations, Presentation and Recognition
None
Mayor West read the announcement regarding Executive Session being held after the
conclusion of Councilmember Comments.
Public Comment: Persons may speak on the Consent Agenda/Regular Agenda Items 1-10. (or
any other topic). (Public comments can be heard or seen at the City of Beaumont website at
beaumonttexas,gov)
Jason Marshburn 1070 Monterrey Dr. Beaumont TX
Minutes — August 20, 2024
Theresa Goodness 985 19th St. Beaumont TX
Jennifer Trenbreath 2020 Chevy Chase Beaumont TX
Kayla Hoffpauir 489 Pearl St. Beaumont TX
Wendell Wingate 1155 W. Virginia St. Beaumont TX
Tonene Carrierre 4240 Inez St. Beaumont TX
Wilmeretta Lowe 5952 Meadow View Beaumont TX
Charlie Crabbe 928 East Dr. Beaumont TX
Melissa Bradford No Address Given Beaumont TX
Addle Allen 9695 Gross 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. Council to consider approving the August 6, 2024, City Council meeting minutes.
B. Council to consider a resolution to approve change order #1 for resolution 24-015 for the
repair of the ladder on a 100-foot ladder truck, far the Fire Department — Resolution 24-195
C. Council to consider a resolution authorizing the settlement of the lawsuit styled Tamika
Williams v. City of Beaumont — Resolution 24-196
D. Council to consider a resolution to amend and approve the Public Transit Safety Plan for
employees of the BMT ZIP — Resolution 24-197
E. Council to consider a resolution to approve Jefferson, Orange and Hardin Regional
Transportation Study (JOHRTS) Transportation Planning Committee's intent to consider
expansion of the existing South East Texas Regional Planning Commission — Metropolitan
Planning Organization (SETRPC-MPO) boundary to include Jasper County-- Resolution 24-
198
Mayor Pro Tern Neild moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Durio
seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TIM NEILA, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Presentation of Proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Capital Improvement Program
Minutes — August 20, 2024
Council to consider a resolution receiving the proposed FY 2025 Budget and scheduling a
Public Hearing.
Pursuant to the Texas local Government Cade, the City shall file a proposed budget with the
municipal clerk before the governing body of the municipality makes its tax levy forthe fiscal
year, and pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, the governing body of a
municipality shall hold a public hearing on the budget.
The Administration recommends that a public hearing be held on September 17, 2024, at
1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, located at 801 Main Street. The City Clerk will publish the
notice of the public hearing.
Councilmember Feldschau moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE PROPOSED FY 2025
BUDGET HAS BEEN RECEIVED AND A PUBLIC HEARING IS HEREBY SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 17,
2024, AT 1:30 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 801 MAIN STREET, BEAUMONT,
TEXAS; AND THAT THE CITY CLERK IS TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF SAID PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO
THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, Councilmember Turner seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NE1LD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
RESOLUTION 24-199
2. Council to consider a resolution receiving the proposed FY 2025 Capital Program and
scheduling a Public Hearing.
The proposed 2025 Capital Program was prepared and presented to the Council during the
budget work session on May 14th. The City Charter, in Article VI, Section 19, requires the
City Manager to submit to the City Council a five-year capital program and hold a public
hearing on the five-year capital program.
The Administration recommends that a public hearing be held on September 17, 2024, at
1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, located at 801 Main Street. The City Clerk will publish the
notice of the public hearing.
Councilmember Feldschau moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE PROPOSED FY 2025
CAPITAL PROGRAM HAS BEEN RECEIVED AND A PUBLIC HEARING IS HEREBY SCHEDULED FOR
SEPTEMBER 17, 2024, AT 1:30 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 801 MAIN STREET,
BEAUMONT, TEXAS; AND THAT THE CITY CLERK IS TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF SAID PUBLIC HEARING
PURSUANT TO THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT. Councilmember Getz seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
Minutes — August 20, 2024
MOTION PASSED
RESOLUTION 24-200
3. Council to consider establishing and taking a record vote on the "proposed" 2024 tax rate
and schedule a public hearing.
Chapter 26 of the Property Tax Code requires taxing units to comply with truth -in -taxation
laws in adopting their tax rate and requires the governing body to hold a public hearing when
the proposed tax rate exceeds the lower of the no -new revenue or voter -approval tax rate.
Administration recommends Council establish a proposed tax rate required to support the
City Manager's proposed budget equal to the tax rate of $0.659663/$100 of valuation. In
accordance with Chapter 26 of the Property Tax Code, if the proposed rate exceeds the no -
new revenue rate of $0.640483/$100 or the voter -approval tax rate Of $0.659663/$100, the
City Council must take a record vote to place the proposal to adopt a rate not higher than the
proposed rate on the agenda of a future meeting. The no -new revenue tax rate is the rate
that would produce the same amount of taxes in FY 2025 as was produced in FY 2024 if it
was applied to the same properties taxed in both years. The proposed tax rate of
$0.659663/$100 exceeds the no -new revenue tax rate of $0.640483/$100 by
$0.019180/$100 or 2.99%. If the motion passes, a public hearing must be scheduled.
The Administration recommends that a public hearing be held on September 17, 2024, at
1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, located at 801 Main Street. The City Clerk will publish the
notice of the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tern Neild moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE FY 2025 TAX RATE IS
PROPOSED TO BE $0.659663/$l00 OF VALUATION AND THAT THE DATE OF SEPTEMBER'17, 2024, BE
SET AS THE DATE AT WHICH THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED
TAX RATE, HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 801 MAIN STREET, BEAUMONT, TEXAS
AT'1:30 P.M., AT WHICH TIME THE COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED TAX
RATE AND THE CITY CLERK IS TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF SAID PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO V.T.C.A.,
TAX CODE §26.06. Councilmember Getz seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
RECORD VOTE
MAYOR WEST — YES COUNCILMEMBER TURNER -YES
MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD -- YES COUNCILMEMBER FELDSCHAU -YES
COUNCILMEMBER DURIO -- YES COUNCILMEMBER SAMUEL - YES
COUNCILMEMBER GETZ—YES
MOTION PASSED
RESOLUTION 24-201
Minutes —August 20, 2024
4. Council to consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Change Order No. 1
to the contract with Texas Drainage, Inc., for the Citywide Ditching Program Phase 2A
Project.
On February 22, 2024, by Resolution No. 24-063, the City Council awarded a contract to
Texas Drainage, Inc., of Waller, in the amount of $1,072,944.96, for the Citywide Ditching
Program Phase 2A Project.
Proposed Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $82,923.68, is required to include the
following additional drainage work along Wescalder and Walden Roads: adjust ten (10)
driveway culverts and 6,857 linear feet of ditching. A total of fourteen (14) calendar days will
be added to the contract for the additional work. If approved, Change Order No. 1 will result
in a new contract amount of $1,155,868.64.
Funds will come from the Certificates of Obligation.
Approval of the resolution.
Councllmember Getz moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS
HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE CHANGE ORDER NO. 1, IN THE AMOUNT OF $82,923.68 FOR
ADDITIONAL WORK THEREBY INCREASING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT TO $1,155,868.64 FOR
THE CITYWIDE DITCHING PROGRAM PHASE 2A PROJECT, AND THAT AN ADDITIONAL FOURTEEN (14)
CALENDAR DAYS ARE ADDED TO COMPLETE THE WORK. Councilmember Feldschau seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
RESOLUTION 24-202
5. Council to consider an ordinance to amend Chapter 12, Section 12.12.001, 12.12.002,
12.12.003 and 12.12.004.
In an effort to comply with the State of Texas law (HB 1925) prohibiting camping on public
property as well as in an effort to address the growing public health concerns related to long-
term camping within the city limits, including camping within close proximity to homes,
schools, parks and places of commerce and worship, proposed is an amendment to Chapter
12 of the Code of Ordinances to address camping on public and private property. Through
the Mayor's Homeless Coalition, stakeholders have learned of the complexities and
challenges of housing those burdened by substance abuse and/or mental illness challenges,
those facing financial hardships as well as those individuals who simply choose to live in
camps within the city by choice.
The Coalition has also discussed Beaumont's particular challenges of being located in a
warmer climate, along a major highway and near a larger city with a significant homeless
population, resulting in a higher homeless population here. The Coalition has also discussed
Beaumont's challenge of not receiving direct homeless funding, similar to cities such as
Minutes — August 20, 2024
Waco, Amarillo, College Statin and Wichita Falls, rather Beaumont must compete with
hundreds of other counties in the "Balance of State" system for limited funding to assist our
homeless non-profit partners. Despite this, Beaumont has and continues to allocate millions
of federal dollars to local non -profits assisting the homeless within our community; entities
better equipped and able to address these complicated issues. However, despite having
available bed space at our local Salvation Army, Family Services and the nearby Dream
Center, more and more camps have appeared within Beaumont, some mere feet from
resident's homes within neighborhoods. Some of these camps have existed for a long period
of time and many seem to grow over time. These camps do not have fresh running water,
sewers and other sanitary services required of other residential properties and therefore
often result in considerable public health and safety issues.
The proposed ordinance would allow the City to comply with the State -mandated prohibition
of camping on public property and also prohibit camps on private property. The ordinance
would make property owners responsible for any camps that are set up on their property,
even those owners that do not live within the city. Owners could also comply by filing "No
Trespassing" affidavits with the Police Department to aid in enforcement. Furthermore,
campers would be given ample notice to comply and would be offered information, outlining
available resources to those affected by homelessness (Salvation Army, Family Services, the
Dream Center, etc.). City departments would then work to abate the public health issues on a
regular basis.
The city will also continue working to direct funding to our non-profit partners assisting the
homeless and the city will continue working to increase this funding in future years. Helping
to fund our non-profit partners offers these individuals the best chance of addressing their
issues and enabling them to find a more stable, safe and humane living condition. In addition,
this ordinance should help restore the rights of those citizens and their families living near
camps to occupy and enjoy their homes and property without the fear of the safety, hygiene
and other issues that are associated with such camps.
Funds will come from the General Fund.
Approval of the ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tern Neild moved to ADOPT AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
CHAPTER 12, SECTION 12.12.001, 12.12.003, 12.12.004 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
BEAUMONT, TEXAS, TO MAKE CHANGES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL;
AND PROVIDING A PENALTY. Councilmember Getz seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
ORDINANCE 24-042
6. Council to consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Change Order No. 4
to the contract with Callan Marine, Ltd., for the Riverfront Park Restoration Project.
Minutes — August 20, 2024
On January 24, 2023, by Resolution No. 23-030, the City Council awarded a contract to
Callan Marine, of Galveston, in the amount of $16,879,376.00, for the Riverfront Park
Restoration Project.
Previous Change Order Nos. 1-3 were in the amount of $159,745.46.
Proposed Change Order No. 4, in the amount of $174,742.00, is necessary to add or modify
contract items in order to ensure safety for the public or to adjust current contract bid items to
meet current site conditions. Construct an additional 94 linear feet of handrail around the
outfall structure to enhance safety; Install two (2) Tideflex valves in the 48" storm sewer
outfall pipes located within the outfall structure; Add 11 feet 6 inches of sheet pile return wall
on the south end to accommodate the pending construction of the Port of Beaumont`s sheet
pile wall; Remove and replace 16 feet of 48" RCP storm sewer; Cut concrete piles to the
specified grade; Adjust the quantity of dredge material based on the results of the post -
dredge survey. A total of twenty-eight (28) calendar days will be added to the contract forthe
additional work.
The contract includes a contingency allowance amount of $1,000,000.00. If approved,
Change Order No. 4 will be deducted from the contingency allowance resulting in no change
to the current contract amount of $17,039,121.46.
Certificates of Obligation in the amount of $581,729.86, Texas Division of Emergency
Management (TDEM) in the amount of $1,265,953.20, and Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $15,191,438.40.
Approval of the resolution.
Councllmember Samuel moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE
IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE CHANGE ORDER NO, 4, IN THE AMOUNT OF $174,742.00 FOR
ADDITIONAL WORK AND PAID FROM THE CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCE, THEREBY RESULTING IN NO
CHANGE TO THE CURRENT CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $17,039,121.46 FOR THE RIVERFRONT PARK
RESTORATION PROJECT. Mayor Pro Tern Neild seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
RESOLUTION 24-203
7. Council to consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to award a contract to Vortex
Companies for the Belvedere Drive and Clinton Street Storm Sewer Outfall Emergency
Repair Project,
On July 2, 2024, by Resolution No. 24-161, City Council awarded a contract to Vortex
Companies, of Houston, in the amount of 96,300.00 for the Belvedere Drive and Clinton
Street Storm Sewer Outfall Emergency Repair Project. The authorized work consisted of the
installation of a cured in place pipe (CIPP) liner within the existing storm sewer pipe for its
Minutes -- August 20, 2024
entire length and a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey for the length of the storm sewer
line to identify any potential cavities that were not visible from the surface.
As a result of the GPR survey, Vortex Companies submitted an updated proposal on August
1, 2024, in the amount of $69,815.00. This proposal is to inject a high -density urethane grout
into the voids identified by the GPR survey in order to stabilize the soils in this confined work
area. Vortex has successfully performed similar soil stabilization projects for the city
previously.
The proposal was obtained through the HGACBuy Cooperative.
If approved, the new contract amount would be $166,115.00.
Funds will come from the Certificates of Obligation.
Councilmember Getz moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS
HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT THE UPDATED TIME AND MATERIALS ESTIMATE FOR WORK BY
VORTEX COMPANIES, OF HOUSTON, TEXAS, IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,815.00 FOR THE ADDITIONAL
WORK, THEREBY INCREASING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT TO $166,115.00 FOR THE BELVEDERE
DRIVE AND CLINTON STREET STORM SEWER OUTFALL EMERGENCY REPAIR PROJECT,
Councilmember Durio seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
RESOLUTION 24-204
8. Council to consider a resolution authorizing cleaning and disinfection of four (4) elevated
storage tanks by Utility Services Co., Inc., of Perry, GA.
The City Owns and maintains six (6) elevated storage tanks citywide. The tanks are drained
and cleaned every 2-3 years to help maintain water quality. The scope of service includes an
inspection of safety, structural, and coating conditions of each tank.
The following four (4) elevated storage tanks are requested to be drained, cleaned, and
inspected:
Dishman Elevated Storage Tank
$33,570.00
Northwest Elevated Storage Tank
$34,019.00
Prison Elevated Storage Tank
$19,875.00
West Elevated Storage Tank
$30,539,00
TOTAL
$1181003.00
Total pricing, in the amount of $118,003,00, was obtained from Utility Services Co., Inc,, of
Perry, GA, through the BuyBoard contract. BuyBoard is a cooperative purchasing association
that complies with the State of Texas' procurement statutes.
Minutes — August 20, 2024
Funds will come from the Water Revenue Bands.
Approval of the resolution.
Councilmember Durlo moved to APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AND HE IS
HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH UTILITY SERVICES CO., INC., OF PERRY,
GEORGIA IN THE AMOUNT OF $118,003.00 FOR THE DRAINING, CLEANING AND INSPECTION OF THE
FOUR (4) ELEVATED STORAGE TANKS. Councilmember Getz seconded the motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO, GETZ,
TURNER, FELDSCHAU AND SAMUEL
NAYS: NONE
MOTION PASSED
RESOLUTION 24-205
PUBLIC HEARING
Council to conduct a public hearing to receive comments related to the property located at
328-338 Bowie Street & 486-498 Pearl Street.
Public Hearing Open: 4:22 p.m.
Brent Coon
Dean Tucker
Meghan Cobb
Public Hearing Close: 4:32 p.m.
7560 Shadow Creek Dr. Beaumont TX
2870 Laurel Beaumont TX
2398 Laurel Beaumont TX
Mayor Pro Tem Neild requested that the Public Hearing be reopened so that the property owner
could answer any questions that Council may have.
Public Hearing Reopened at 4:34 p.m.
Public Hearing Closed at 5:48 p.m.
Councilmember Turner left the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
9. Council to consider an ordinance to declare 328-338 Bowie & 486-498 Pearl Street, also
known as "The Gilbert Building," as Imminent Danger and order the owner to raze the said
structure within 5 days, staff is requesting City Council authorization to demolish said
structure without further notification to the property owner or City Council action.
The recommendation issued by Terry Shipman of Fittz & Shipman, Inc,, a licensed engineer
in the State of Texas, states, "The structure at 328-338 Bowie & 486-498 Pearl Street, also
known as "The Gilbert Building," was "tagged" as imminent danger on June 10, 2024. The
Minutes — August 20, 2024
structure has been damaged by fire. "The building should be demolished. If the exterior walls
are salvaged, a demolition plan should be prepared by a qualified professional to ensure the
safe removal of the debris. The exterior walls will need to be shored with the shoring plan
designed by a structural engineer registered in the State of Texas."
On June 18, 2024, City Council tabled this item for sixty (60) days with the following
conditions to be completed within five (5) business days;
1. Erect a 6' fence to barricade the perimeter of the building for public health and
safety purposes.
2. The property owner shall submit a work program with the Building Codes
Department.
Within the scope of the work program, the City Council requested the erection of a fence, a
full engineering study, project plan and timeline and to appear before the City Council on
August 20, 2024, to discuss the requested items. The property owner has erected the 6'
fence, signed the work program, and submitted a field survey report. The report does not
identify possible restoration but provides some information about the structural members'
condition via usage of a drone. The deadline to submit a plan of action to restore the Gilbert
Building is August 17, 2024, as outlined in the signed work program. As of August 12, 2024,
staff have not received a full engineering report nor a plan of action with a timeline to review.
Staff recommends demolition of the structure due to the imminent threat to life and public
safety.
Approval of the ordinance.
Councilmember Getz moved to ADOPT THE ALTERNATE ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE
DECLARING THE STRUCTURES LOCATED AT 328-338 BOWIE AN❑ 486-498 PEARL STREET, ALSO
KNOWN AS "THE GILBERT BUILDING," TO BE A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING ITS DEMOLITION AND
REMOVAL, AS A CLEAR AND PRESENT IMMINENT DANGER TO PUBLIC SAFETY; WITH THE THREE (3)
CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL;
PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Councilmember Neild seconded the
motion.
AYES: MAYOR WEST, MAYOR PRO TEM NEILD, COUNCILMEMBERS GETZ AND
FELDSCHAU
NAYS: COUNCILMEMBERS DURIO AND SAMUEL
NO VOTE: COUNCILMEMBER TURNER
MOTION PASSED
Councilmember Turner returned to the meeting at 5:53 p.m.
Council recessed for a five (5) minute break at 5:17 p.m.
Minutes — August 20, 2024
Council reconvened at 5:25 p.m.
Councilmember Samuel motioned to table the Work Session and Item #10 until September 3, 2024.
Mayor Pro Tern Neild seconded the motion.
All Councilmembers were in agreement.
WORK SESSION - TABLED
4. Council to discuss the Proposed Vacant Building Registry Ordinance
% Council to consider an ordinance to adopt Article 24.09 Vacant Building Registry into the City
of Beaumont`s Code of Ordinances — Item Tabled
The Planning and Community Development Department proposes an ordinance to add
necessary regulation to vacant structures within the Central Business District of Beaumont.
Vacant structures are often related to several public health and safety issues, which require
increased city resources to enforce, regulate, and mitigate to ensure the overall well-being of
the public, such as, blight mitigation, response to disasters, calls for service, etc. Additionally,
they can impede redevelopment, harbor criminal activity, promote trespassing, detract from
quality of life and so on. To breathe new life into the downtown area, staffed have researched
the possibility of an ordinance that would encourage property owners to make much -needed
repairs to their buildings. In doing so, the goal of the registry is to encourage the
establishment of new businesses and create vibrancy in the downtown area by encouraging
owners to take responsibility for their vacant properties. The intent is that the prospective
business owners will find suitable locations in which to establish or expand their business
and feel confident to invest in downtown Beaumont. Please see the proposed ordinance in
the packet for reference.
Approve the ordinance.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS (Councilmember comments can be heard orseen atthe City
of Beaumont website at beaumonttexas.gov)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Consider matters related to contemplated or pending litigation in accordance with Section
551.071 of the Government Code:
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas, Inc.
Waleed Bassa; 7705 Water Edge; eminent domain for the acquisition of land
for an exclusive water line easement at the intersection on the property
described as: 7.50 feet wide exclusive water line easement out of Lot 8A,
Section V: Sienna the Crescent on Walden Phase 1, situated in Charles William
League, Abstract No. 59 in the City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas.
Caleb Fenter v. City of Beaumont and Christopher S. Boone; Cause No. B-
210244
Minutes —August 20, 2024
Open Session2ofameetin �adjo
y
Roy West, Maior A
Tina Broussard, City Clerk
at 5:55 p.m.
Minutes — August 20, 2024