2017 09 28 WS Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR WORK SESSION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in a Regular Work Session on Thursday,
September 28,2017, at 5:30 P.M., in the Hullum Conference Room of the Baytown City Hall,
2401 Market Street, Baytown,Texas with the following in attendance:
Laura Alvarado Council Member
Robert Hoskins Council Member
Charles Johnson Council Member
David McCartney Council Member
Chris Presley Council Member
Terry Sain Council Member
Stephen DonCarlos Mayor
Rick Davis City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez City Attorney
Leticia Brysch City Clerk
Mayor DonCarlos convened the September 28, 2017, City Council Regular Work Session with a
quorum present at 5:30 P.M., all members were present with the exception of Council Member
McCartney who arrived at 5:35 P.M. and Council Member Presley who arrived at 5:50 P.M.
1. DISCUSSIONS
a. Present an update regarding the City of Baytown recovery efforts for Hurricane
Harvey.
City Manager Davis presented the item and stated that staff would give the Council an update on
the City's Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.
Purchasing Manager, Drew Potts presented the Council with a map showing the areas most
impacted by Harvey, the areas where the debris removal work had taken place and the areas that
were pending debris removal. Mr. Potts stated that there were some small areas throughout the
City that had only one (1) or two (2) affected homes with some accumulated debris, but further
noted that for the most part all City streets had the first pass of debris pickup with some being on
their second pass. He stated that as of the day before this meeting date, an estimated 3,800 cubic
yards of debris had been collected, which is approximately 90% of the debris throughout the
City.
Staff estimates that there is still about 10% left that still needs to be picked-up, with some of
these areas being pretty isolated, while others have already received their first pass. Mr. Potts
City Council Regular Work Session Minutes
September 28,2017
Page 2 of 3
stated that the debris removal trucks were about to begin their second pass through the City and
stated that the contractors were now in smaller trucks that would be able to reach out about 20
feet, so residents are encouraged to ensure that their debris is lined up close to the curb for pick
up. He also noted that the debris contractors are committed to doing a much better job of picking
everything up off the curb, and thus leave the areas much cleaner than they did in their first pass
through the city.
Mr. Potts stated that 635 pieces of white waste; i.e., appliances had been picked up, along with
approximately 32,000 pounds of household hazardous waste, which is the Freon removed from
the appliances that per the debris contract must be removed and disposed of properly. Mr. Potts
stated that all white debris was being moved to Dickinson, and between Public Works and the
contractors 1,700 landfill trips had been logged so far. Additionally, he reminded the Council
that debris pickup process was only a few weeks along and he was cautiously confident that the
debris removal process would be completed by the end of the month.
Council Member Hoskins noted that there are a lot of homes that are starting their repairs and
contractor work, which has resulted in the piling of more debris on the curbs after the first debris
pickup. Mr. Potts further noted that the City would be conducting its final debris removal pass
beginning Monday, October 9th; therefore, Staff requested that homeowners have all of their
debris out by the curb for pickup.
Council Member Hoskins stated that he's concerned that homes that have contractors scheduling
their work out for weeks and months at a time would not have their debris picked up by the
contractor. He further stated that he sees a problem with closing out the debris contract when
residents are having problems scheduling contractors to do necessary work. Emergency
Management Coordinator, Marshall Hutton noted that it is the contractor's responsibility to
remove the resulting trash and debris from their work. Mr. Potts noted that the Green Center
would remain open with no fees, in order to assist homeowners and contractors with the removal
of such trash.
City Manager Davis stated that the main goal of the debris contractor is related to health and
safety and the removal of all of toxic waste from people's homes. He noted that it is not realistic
to keep the debris contractor around for this type of work, which could be accommodated in
house and further noted that Public Works would be able to handle the pickup of the debris
around the City, as the contractors will not stay for such a small amount of pickup.
Council Member Hoskins noted that the debris contractor's large equipment have caused a lot of
damage to curbs, streets and other infrastructure that the City will have to come back and repair.
City Manager Davis stated that staff is anticipating that there would be damage left over by
Harvey, which will need to assessed, in order to respond accordingly.
Mayor DonCarlos inquired if some of the damage to the City's infrastructure, such as streets and
curb would be reimbursable by FEMA. City Manager Davis noted that these types of damages
would be eligible for reimbursement from FEMA and that staff has already started such process,
in which FEMA has stated that the City is in a very positive position and far ahead of other
communities in the recovery process.
City Council Regular Work Session Minutes
September 28,2017
Page 3 of 3
Public Works Director, Frank Simoneaux noted that Public Works would begin its regular brush
removal schedule the upcoming week and would no longer be conducting debris removal
sweeps. Deputy City Manager Bottoms noted that Public Works had done a wonderful job in
picking up a lot of the debris and helping to clean-up the City. Council applauded the Public
Work's crews for their exceptional work and diligence in cleaning the areas of all debris and
trash throughout the city.
Finance Director, Wade Nickerson stated that staff applied for some advanced funding from
FEMA for debris and first responder; once approved, said funds would be received within 10
days. He stated that the City would receive 40% of whatever amount staff submits to FEMA. He
noted that this amount continues to change as staff continues the assessment of damages and
other recovery efforts. Additionally, he stated that he has been in contact with FEMA and once
the City is assigned a FEMA contract manager, there would be an initial assessment review
meeting to start moving forward in this process.
Public Affairs Coordinator, Patti Jett stated that United Way has assembled volunteers to assist
residents, the elderly, sick or anyone that needs assistance with moving their debris closer to the
curb. She stated that Tracy Dillard with the United Way is the contact person who would
coordinate help for citizens in need of assistance.
City Manager Davis thanked everyone that assisted during this disaster and noted that staff
would be coming up with a program to recognize these people, groups and businesses for such
help.
h. Discuss any or all of the agenda items on the City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
for September 28,2017,which is attached below.
Mayor DonCarlos noted that the agenda item on the agenda regarding the Waste Disposal
Agreement with the Cedar Bayou District was not ready; therefore, would need to be suspended
for a few meetings.
2. ADJOURN
With there being no further business to discuss, Mayor DonCarlos adjourned the September 28,
2017, City Council Regular Work Session at 5:58 P.M.
w,pEr•ypa7�
11211
4
..� M1 yn
Leticia Brysch, City Clerk
City of Baytown ,��' '° a•� ;