2011 07 14 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR WORK SESSION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
July 14, 2011
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in a Regular Work Session
on Thursday, July 14, 2011, at 4:30 P.M., in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City
Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance:
Brandon Capetillo
Robert Hoskins
David McCartney
Mercedes Renteria
Terry Sain
Scott Sheley
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Council Member
Stephen DonCarlos Mayor
Robert D. Leiper
City Manager
Kevin Troller
Assistant City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez
City Attorney
Jason Cozza
Deputy City Clerk
Keith Dougherty
Sergeant at Arms
Mayor DonCarlos convened the July 14, 2011, City Council Regular Work Session with
a quorum present at 4:30 P.M., all members were present with the exception of Council
Member Sheley who arrived at 4:36 P.M.
1. DISCUSSIONS
a. Discuss the Proposed Bylaws for Keep Baytown Beautiful, Inc. - Health and
EMS.
City Manager Leiper presented the agenda item and stated that the Baytown
Beautification Advisory Commission inquired about becoming a 501(c)(3) Not - For - Profit
Corporation.
The Chairperson for the Baytown Beautification Advisory Commission, Melissa
Sorenson presented the proposed commission bylaws and stated that they have been
based off of similar bylaws from the City of Abilene. Ms. Sorenson stated that the
corporation would keep the "Keep Baytown Beautiful" name and maintain a registered
office, an agent of Keep Baytown Beautiful.
Ms. Sorenson stated that clarity on the preference of three (3) year verses two (2) year
terms for members will be submitted to Council.
Mayor DonCarlos inquired if this would replace the Beautification Commission and what
would be the dues for members. City Manager Leiper stated that this would replace the
Beautification Commission. Ms. Sorenson stated that a fee for dues has yet to be decided
on.
City Manager Leiper stated that the Mayor with the approval of Council will appoint the
initial Board which will get it started, but upon the termination of that term, Keep
Baytown Beautiful would be stand alone. City Manager Leiper stated that Council can
allocate funds to the Keep Baytown Beautiful, but they do not have to fund it
if the organization is not going in the direction that Council wants it to go.
Mayor DonCarlos inquired if Council could give City funds to a 501(c)(3). City Attorney
Ignacio Ramirez stated that if the funds are for public purposes, the funds can be given.
City Manager Leiper stated that this would be considered a contract for services. Health
Director, Mike Lester stated that part of their contract requirement would be to
transition some of the programs that the City does, to them, with the funding being based
on their continuing to operate those programs.
Mayor DonCarlos asked about the advantage it gave the organization for being Keep
Baytown Beautiful, Inc. City Manager Leiper stated that they would be eligible for grants
and awards that will not go to governmental entities.
Council Member Capetillo inquired if the the corporation would come before Council for
approval on projects. City Manager Leiper stated that there will be some type of City
approval whether it is through Council or through staff.
Council Member Sain inquired if the membership will be expanded for others. Ms.
Sorenson stated that they would love to extend membership to more people. City
Manager Leiper stated that to his understanding, the Board would be selected from the
corporation's membership.
Council Member Capetillo inquired if they will be required to not inter - mingle funds and
to submit an annual report to Council. City Manager Leiper stated that in their bylaws
they will have to maintain a report to the City whether or not the City give funds to them.
Council Member Sheley stated that an Annual Art Audit will be required also.
City Manager Leiper stated that the final updates to the bylaws will be sent to Council
and will not be put back on the agenda unless instructed by Council to do so. Mayor
DonCarlos stated that he recommended moving forward with sending the updates to
Council.
b. Discuss Reorganizing Emergency Medical Services from Health Department
to the Fire Department - Administration.
City Manager Leiper stated that this item is for discussion only and requested direction
from Council on the path forward. City Manager Leiper stated that years back the City's
EMS was operated by a private provider who one day left without proper notice leaving
the City to make temporary changes. City Manager Leiper stated that during discussion
with the directors the question was asked of the fire department if they wanted to develop
and implement an EMS system. The fire director at that time had no interest in
developing or operating an EMS system. The health director at that time said that their
department could do it and it was done.
City Manager Leiper stated that there were discussions on having a fire based EMS. He
indicated that a fire based EMS is staffed and operated by certified fire fighters
and paramedics which he is a proponent of. He indicated that the challenge with fire
based EMS in the City of Baytown is that it is more expensive than what the City has
now. He also indicated that this is not a simple transition and needs to be discussed with
various options.
City Manager Leiper recommended to Council to meet with the fire department after
October 1" to give him time to assemble a team together to discuss options. He indicated
that by the end of the year he will have information available for Council.
C. Discuss Obtaining Council Approval for the Design of City Facilities -
Administration.
City Manager Leiper stated that he is comfortable with keeping council advised of
progress or changes.
d. Discuss Reactivating the Arts and Cultural Committee, as well as, the
possibility of renaming the Board to ACE in conjunction with the ACE District -
Administration.
City Manager Leiper presented the agenda item to discuss policies and procedures for
"reactivating" the Arts and Cultural Committee, nominations to that committee, as well
as, renaming the Board to ACE in conjunction with the ACE District. He indicated that
the committee has not met since the early 90's but there has been discussion about
reactivating the group.
City Manager Leiper presented a question to Council as to what official ties will this
committee have to the downtown district.
Scott Johnson stated that from what he can remember, the group was responsible for
assistance with the art show, were liaisons with the Baytown Little Theater, and had
a hard time coming up with reasons to meet.
Council Member Sheley stated that the committee could be a good catalyst for all areas
and promote Baytown as a whole as well as promote the arts in Baytown.
Mayor DonCarlos rcqucsted for : "oa ncil Mcmber Slieley to take the lead oil
gCttillg [VOI)OSCd duties an(] inembcrship Information From other cities and asked hilil to
bring this information back to Council.
2, APPOWFNIIENI'S
a. Baytown EAlties Commission - Oty (Aerk.
City Manager Leiper presented the agenda Item to discuss the opening position oil the
Baytown Ethics Commission due tta the resignation of" Pastor Jim Black. He indicated
that the Alliance Nvas notified of Pastor Black's resignation and will be submitting as
rcconlinendatioa for his replacement for Council's consideration in the near fuftffe.
COU1161 MCMIM' SlICICY inClUiNd if an alternate from the community Could be added to
the coninlission if' the Bay Area Ministerial Alliance did not have as nonfinec, City
Manager Leiper stated that the Alliance I'Liles are that the nienibers, are from the Bay Area
Ministerial Alliance.
3. ADJOURN
Witli there; being no further Imsiness to discuss, Mayor Don(-arlos adjourncd the Jul 14,
2011, City Council Regular Work Session at 5:20 P.M.
City of Baytown