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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN JUL 30 2002 M I N U T E S - CITY OF BEAUMONT Lulu L.Smith, Mayor Pro Tom EVELYN M. LORD, MAYOR Guy N. Goodson Andrew P. Cokinos CITY COUNCIL MEETING Becky Ames Bobbie J. Patterson July 30,2002 Audwin Samuel Lane Nichols, City Attorney Kyle Hayes, City Manager Susan Henderson,City Clerk The City Council of the City of Beaumont, Texas, met in a regular session on July 30, 2002, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas, at 1:30 p.m. to consider the following: OPENING * Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call * Presentations and Recognition * Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items * Consent Agenda Mayor Evelyn Lord called the meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. The Reverend Herbert McClony, Pastor of New Birth Assembly of God Church, gave the invocation. Councilmember Audwin Samuel led the pledge of allegiance. Present at the meeting were: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos,and Samuel. (Councilmember Ames was absent and Councilmember Patterson arrived at 1:36 p.m.) Also, present were Kyle Hayes, Interim City Manager; Lane Nichols, City Attorney; Lolita Ramos, Interim City Clerk; and Terri Hanks, City Clerk Administrative Assistant. Mayor Lord announced Councilmember Patterson would be arriving late and Councilmember Ames would be absent due to a business meeting. The Mayor recognized Wesley United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troupe 69 members, Mr. Matt Hitt, Mr.Trey Little, Mr. Logan Smithy, and Counselor David Hitt, in the audience observing local government. * Presentations and Recognitions - No formal presentations or recognitions were made. * Public Comment: Persons may speak on scheduled agenda items 1-7 - No one wished to address the scheduled agenda items. * Consent Agenda * Approval of minutes - Minutes of July 23, 2002. * Confirmation of committee appointments - No appointments made. A) Approve a resolution deleting Stephen J. Bonczek as authorized signatory on all City accounts and deleting such authority to request electronic fund (wire)or ACH transfers of any and all City funds on deposit at Hibernia National Bank- Resolution No. 02-164 B) Authorize the granting of a License to Encroach to 11th Street Properties/C. W. Conn into the City's 60' Sawyer Street Right of Way (for a distance of 85.20 feet - located at 195 North Eleventh Street and is described as being Plat C6, Tract 62, of the Noah Tevis Survey, Abstract 52- Resolution No. 02-165 C) Authorize the acceptance of a 10'wide Water Line Easement across the Cathedral in the Pines Christian Center property on State Highway 105, Daniel Easley Survey,Abstract No. 20 - Resolution No. 02-166 D) Authorize the acceptance of a 1.108 acre tract of land conveyed to the City of Beaumont by the Beaumont Independent School District (being out of the A. Houston Survey, Abstract 33 and located on the West Brook High School campus)for street right of way as part of the Phelan Boulevard Extension Project - Resolution No. 02-167 E) Authorize the settlement (in the amount of$75,000)of the lawsuit of Deborah Edwards v. City of Beaumont, et al - Resolution No. 02-168 Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, and Samuel Nays: None GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Consider accepting the resignation of Stephen J. Bonczek as City Manager of the City of Beaumont and approving severance compensation Mayor Pro Tem Smith moved to approve an Resolution No. 02-169. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, and Samuel Nays: None (Councilmember Patterson arrived at 1:36 p.m. after the approval of Agenda Item 1.) At the request of Mr. Stephen J. Bonczek, Mayor Lord read his letter of resignation as shown in Exhibit "A." 2. Consider the appointment of the City Manager City Attorney Lane Nichols read the agenda item. Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution 02-170 naming Kyle Hayes as City Manager. Councilmember Samuel seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None Minutes -July 30,2002 Page 2 City Manager Kyle Hayes extended appreciation to Council for their confidence in him and expressed respect for Council in their excellent working relationship. Mr. Hayes looked forward to working with the City Attorney, the City Clerk, and Department Directors. He acknowledged Human Resources Director Marie Dodson, and City Manager Staff Karen Lewis, Angie Thomas, and Barbara Otto for their valuable assistance. The City Manager expressed appreciation to citizens and friends for words of encouragement and support. Mr. Hayes recognized former City Manager Ray Riley, former Fire Chief and current President of the Board of Commissioners for the Port or Beaumont C. A. "Pete" Shelton, and former City Manager Stephen Bonczek, who have been responsible in providing city government and management opportunities. 3. Consider the appointment of the City Clerk Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-171 naming Susan Henderson as City Clerk. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None Councilmember Goodson acknowledged newly appointed City Manager Kyle Hayes and City Clerk Susan Henderson, and commended Interim City Clerk Lolita Ramos for her service. Councilmember Patterson extended congratulations to newly appointed City Manager Kyle Hayes and to newly appointed City Clerk Susan Henderson. Councilmember Patterson acknowledged City Clerk Susan Henderson as the first African-American Beaumont City Clerk and expressed pride in being a part of the selection process. Councilmember Samuel related pleasure with the appointment of City Manager Kyle Hayes and City Clerk Susan Henderson. He discussed opportunities and expressed confidence with the newly appointed staff. Councilmember Cokinos recited congratulations to the City Manager and City Clerk. Ms. Lolita Ramos administered the oath of office to City Clerk Susan Henderson. Mayor Lord acknowledged City Clerk Susan Henderson's family, father and mother, Harvey and Maudry Plummer, aunt Dorothy West, sisters, Jerry Bell and Denise Gothia, niece Kaylin Bell, and numerous friends. Mayor Lord extended sincere congratulations to newly appointed City Manager Kyle Hayes and City Clerk Susan Henderson. City Clerk Susan Henderson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation to Council for their confidence. Ms. Henderson related her enthusiasm and excitement for the appointment of City Clerk. She acknowledged many of her family and friends in the audience. Minutes -July 30,2002 Page 3 4. Consider extending the Development and Lease Agreement with the Beaumont Community Players to allow more time for the completion of fund raising Councilmember Cokinos moved to approve Resolution No. 02-172 extending the current Development and Lease Agreement for one year. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tem Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None 5. Consider approval of a mutual aid agreement between the City of Beaumont and the City of Port Arthur Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-173. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None 6. Consider approval of a mutual aid agreement between the City of Beaumont and the City of Groves Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-174. Councilmember Goodson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None 7. Consider approval of the purchase of 38 bus passenger shelters Councilmember Samuel requested shelter information concerning identified areas and recommendations. City Manager Hayes reported the information was incomplete at this time and requested Council recommendations. Mayor Pro Tern Smith moved to approve Resolution No. 02-175 authorizing a contract with Handi-Hut, Inc. in the amount of $64,610. Councilmember Patterson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Nays: None Minutes -July 30,2002 Page 4 8. PUBLIC HEARING: Dilapidated Structures Consider an ordinance declaring certain dilapidated structures to be dangerous structures and ordering their removal by the owners and authorizing a raze or repair order on certain other structures Ordinance No. 02-056 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE FINDING CERTAIN STRUCTURES TO BE PUBLIC NUISANCES AND ORDERING THEIR DEMOLITION AND/OR REPAIR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY was introduced. Authorization is requested from City Council to declare the twenty-seven (27) below listed structures to be dangerous structures and order the owners to raze such structures with ten (10)days. If the owner fails to comply within ten (10)days, staff requests City Council's authorization to allow the City to demolish these structures without further notification to the property owner or City Council action: 2350 Beatrice -Autry Moore ESTATE c/o Lottie Frazier(c/o Helen Parker), owner; 2320 Cable - Esther Pitre - Anna L. Hughes, Georgia Bradley c/o Hattie Collins, owner; 5840 Cole Road-Johnnie Ray Asta, owner; 1835 Corley(Commercial) - Daisy I. Beaman c/o Lloyd Beaman, owner; 2642 Cox-Zelma Coleman c/o Nora N. Bullock, owner; 440 East Delaware-Carrie Keyes ESTATE, owner;2005 Fillmore-Helen Fenell c/o Diana Jones, owner; 1635 Gilbert - Genoveva R. Ruiz, Attn: Jose Ruiz, owner; 2560 Grand - Tom H. & Le Thuy Nguyen, owners; 1545 Harriot - S. Bracken c/o Mary Stallings, owner; 2970 Hebert - Dianna Dugar Wickware, owner; 3630 Highland (Commercial) - Syed M. Mohiuddin & Mehboob R. Jiwani, owners; 4195 Ironton - John Mazzola, Jr. owner; 1650 Ives(Multi-Dwelling)-Tyler Kent Milton,owner; 1055 Long(Garage)-Helen Bledsoe c/o Mary Tolbert,owner; 1108 McFaddin-Leon Carter ESTATE,owner;5679 Mel Sha Lane- Jerry Jurline Sunkle, owner; 3990 Ogden - Larry Brewer, owner; 3990 Ogden (Garage Apartment) - Larry Brewer, owner; 3380 Roland Road - Fannie Raymond Bell, owner; 1498 Sabine Pass (Commercial) - Frankie D. Jackson, owner; 1245 Sherman -Thelma Davis Chatman, owner; 1415 Sherman - Reginald Nichols, owner; 1812-14 Tilson - Amwest Financial Inc., owner; 3440 West Lane - Sherman & Sherman, owner; and 3365 Westmoreland Blvd. -John Redeaux, owner; 3375 Westmoreland-Stafford &Annie M. Jones, owners. Authorization is requested from City Council to declare the seven (7) below listed structures to be dangerous structures and order the owners to raze such structures within a specified time. Owner must immediately enroll in a work program following Council's specified order of time for compliance. 823 Alma (Multi-Dwelling in rear of 3348 Kenneth) - Vernon D. Castille, owner; 8230 Broussard (Front Structure) - Cindy Luquette, owner; 1177 Caldwell - Dwight Edwin Corbin, owner; 4436 '/2 Highland (Commercial) -Wallace and Shirley Bernard, owners; 2025 Ives - Robin Jean McGriff, owner; 4565 Pershing (Apartments) - Felix Broussard, owner; and 3840 Travis - Dale Edward Bond, owner. The public hearing opened at 1:58 p.m. Minutes -July 30,2002 Page 5 Mr. Larry Wells, owner of Larry Wells Property Investments, 320 Adams, addressed Council concerning the structures at 3990 Ogden Street.As the new owner of the property, Mr. Wells requested permission to obtain a work permit and an extension of time to complete the repairs to the dilapidated structures. Mr. Wells was commended for past rehabilitation work. Mr. Wallace Bernard, 2750 San Antonio, addressed Council concerning the structure at 4436 Y2 Highland. Mr. Bernard explained a portion of the building was burned and requested 120 days to rehabilitate the structure. Ms. Mary Tolbert, 1055 Long, addressed Council concerning the garage at the rear of her home. Ms. Tolbert explained she has been very sick and living on a fixed income, and a neighbor's tree had fallen on her garage. Ms. Gethrel Williams, 4495 Fortune Lane, addressed Council concerning Ms. Tolbert's property, and questioned legal and financial responsibility of the neighbor. City Attorney Lane Nichols responded it would be a private legal dispute between Ms. Tolbert and her neighbor. Mr. Keith Clubb, 11760 Loop Road, addressed Council concerning the front structure at 8230 Broussard Road. Mr. Clubb stated being the new owner of the property and the exterior of the structure is approximately 90% complete. Mr. Clubb was instructed to immediately enroll in a work agreement and obtain work permits Mr. Vernon Castille, (no address given) addressed Council concerning the garage apartment at 823 Alma. Mr. Castille explained the newly replaced windows did not meet standard building codes and has ceased working on the property. A recommendation for an extension of 120 days was given to resolve the egress issue. Mr. Felix Broussard, (no address given) addressed Council concerning the apartment structure at 4565 Pershing. He requested an extension of 120 days to complete the repairs,conveyed assurance of compliance and addressed vagrant and security concerns. Ms. Liz Rodriquez, 4580 Pershing, addressed Council concerning security and weeds at the structure at 4565 Pershing. As a concerned neighbor, Ms. Rodriquez voiced apprehension regarding the lack of work activities and accessibility. There being no one else desiring to speak, the public hearing was closed at 2:35 p.m. Mayor Lord recapitulated the recommendation from Council to remove the structures at 1055 Long (Garage),3990 Ogden, 3990 Ogden (Garage Apartment), 823 Alma(Multi- Dwelling in rear of 3348 Kenneth), 8230 Broussard (Front Structure), 4436 '/2 Highland (Commercial), and 4565 Pershing (Apartments) from the raze order and place it on a raze or repair order with a 120-day extension to develop a work program. Councilmember Goodson moved to approve Ordinance No.02-056 with the above stated amendment. Councilmember Cokinos seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. Minutes -July 30,2002 Page 6 Ayes: Mayor Lord, Mayor Pro Tern Smith, Councilmembers Goodson, Cokinos, Samuel, and Patterson Noes: None WORK SESSION FY 2003 Budget - The work session was not conducted. COMMENTS Councilmembers comment on various matters Mayor Pro Tern Smith congratulated and expressed appreciation to newly appointed City Manager Kyle Hayes. She voiced concerns with continually granting additional time to rehabilitate dilapidated structures and the effects to the neighborhood. Mayor Pro Tern Smith expressed being too lenient in the granting of time extensions and suggested examining the economic feasibility of rehabilitation. Demolition Field Supervisor Pam Loiacano explained the percentage of rehabilitation has decreased and demolition has increased within the last year. She disclosed problems with rehabilitation costs becoming a burden, and the difficulties of hiring licensed contractors to perform electrical and plumbing work. Councilmember Goodson suggested a progress report of bus shelter rehabilitation in a listing similar to the street rehabilitation program and voiced concerns with rider accommodations in inclement weather. He concurred with Mayor Pro Tern Smith regarding the financial burden of dilapidated structures, disclosed the need for low-to-moderate income housing, and suggested offering a training or preparing guidelines for citizens conducting dilapidated structure rehabilitation. Councilmember Goodson extended appreciation to American Fastpitch Association (AFA) Director Tommy Voss for softball tournament organization at the Municipal Complex. Councilmember Cokinos extended appreciation to Regina Rogers for his invitation to attend "Ben's Kids Camp Brightstar," a program sponsored by Lamar University, Entergy, and the Y.M.B.L. Councilmember Samuel described another great weekend for the Chariton-Pollard Alumni which celebrated the reunion of the Class of`72. He concurred with Councilmember Goodson regarding bus shelter updates. Councilmember Samuel requested addressing weed abatement and placing the matter as a priority. He spoke of being compassionate in addressing requests of time extensions for dilapidated structure repairs and is comfortable with the program as it exists. Councilmember Samuel requested an investigation of rail road repairs at Neches between Milam and College Street. Councilmember Patterson congratulated Mr. Kyle Hayes and Ms. Susan Henderson for their appointments. She extended appreciation to citizens and Councilmember Samuel for attending the L.L. Melton Y.M.C.A. renovation groundbreaking ceremony, voiced pleasure with the construction moving forward, and requested community membership support. Minutes -July 30,2002 Page 7 Mayor Lord extended appreciation for citizen attendance, welcomed newly appointed staff, and expressed gratitude to Ms. Lolita Ramos for performing in the capacity of interim city clerk. Public Comment ( Persons are limited to three (3) minutes ) Ms. Gethrel Williams, representative of the National Alliance of Public Employees (NAPE), addressed Council concerning city union workers' approval of the appointment of City Manager Kyle Hayes. On behalf of the alliance, she extended congratulations to City Clerk Susan Henderson. Ms.Williams solicited legal assistance to perform pro bono services to assist the lady with the damaged garage and extended invitations to visit NAPE's office at 2005 Broadway. Mr. David Antilly, 2405 Harrison, addressed Council as a Spindletop MHMR employment specialist to express concerns regarding employment opportunities and transportation needs of citizens with developmental disabilities. Mrs. Maudry Plummer, 4315 Bob, addressed Council to bestow pride for her daughter, newly appointed City Clerk Susan Henderson, and spoke of opportunities for youth in the City. As a patron of the transit system, expressed pleasure with the new bus shelters. Mr. Leroy Lewis III, (no address given), addressed Council to propose enacting a recovery fee to assist with the budget deficit, congratulated the City Manager and City Clerk, and addressed concerns for the homeless, wider school frontage roads, and other community matters. Ms. Georgine Guillory, 3690 South Eleventh Street, addressed Council to congratulate City Manager Kyle Hayes and City Clerk Susan Henderson for their appointments. Ms.Guillory voiced concerns regarding the traffic congestion and inconvenience of traveling to Park Dell Mall, questioned the loss of revenues and taxes, and suggested development of shopping malls near the new Jefferson County Entertainment Complex. EXECUTIVE SESSION Consider matters related to employment, evaluation and duties of a public officer or employee in accordance with Section 551.074 of the Government Code: City Manager and City Clerk There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m. Evelyn M. Lord, Mayor lv!4- "-, Susan Henderson, City Clerk Minutes -July 30,2002 Page 8 July 24, 2002 Mayor/Councilmembers: After discussion with Mayor and Council,I have decided that it is in the best interest of the City and myself to present my resignation as City Manager for the City of Beaumont effective July 23, 2002. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity over the past three years to serve the Mayor/Council and community of Beaumont. Public service is my profession, my calling, my passion. There has been substantial progress achieved over the past three years in a difficult financial environment that did not require an increase in property taxes or major new fees. Through reorganizations, a reduction of staffing levels and increased productivity of the excellent work force of the City,not only the quality of services but the level of services have been enhanced. The City government is operating more effectively through the contributions of the current high performance management team of department directors. They are very professional, talented and experienced individuals who have dedicated their lives to public service and to the improvement of the Beaumont community. The City Employees of the City have risen to the challenge of doing more with less and have worked hard everyday to do the best job possible for the community. There has been progress in downtown revitalization, park improvements, working with the county on the entertainment complex, diversifying the tax base with West Teleserve and retention of Conns, increased affordable housing, and visual improvement of the City through code enforcement and demolition along with the ultimate remaining challenge of maintaining financial stability. Beaumont is a vibrant City with citizen and business leaders that care very deeply about its future success. I have enjoyed working with everyone who is involved in the City of Beaumont and look forward to continued progress and achievement for this important City of Southeast Texas. Sincerely, Stephen J. Bonczek EXHIBIT "A"