1953 03 12 CC Minutes■
MINUTES OF THE REGUTAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS
March 12, 1953
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on
Thursday, March 12, 1953 at 7:30 P. m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City
Pall with the following members in attendance:
J. A. Ward Mayor
R.
B.
Bergeron
Councilman
W.
E.
lawless
Councilman
R.
H.
Pruett
Councilman
W.
D.
Reeves
Councilman
H.
M.
Campbell
Councilman
C. D. Middleton City Manager
George Chandler City Attorney
Edna Oliver City Clerk
Absent: M. L. Campbell Councilman
, -el.
The Mayor called the meeting to order and the minutes of the regular meeting
of February 26th and the special meeting of March 3rd were read and approved,
whereupon, the following business was transacted:
Gas Hearing Date
The Council agreed to defer the Gas Rate Hearing until Tuesday, March 16, 1953.
It was decided to hire a Court Reporter to take notes on the detailed exhibits in
order that an authentic report may be preserved for future reference.
Water - Schillings Street - North
Mr. C. M. Albright asked the Council's decision on his request for water service
connection to service a home to be built in the undeveloped area north of Schillings;
Street. Mr. Albright had offered to lay his own water line if the city would allow
him the right to hook,onto the city's water main at Schillings Street, but, action
had been deferred until the return of the City Attorney from Naval Training. At
the time of the first request for water in this area, the Council was undecided on
the question of violation of the city's subdivision ordinance by the realtors,
Stewart and Bailey, however, upon the request of Mr. Albright for water service
to a proposed home on a lot facing an undeveloped street the Council felt that a
violation was being made. Councilman Reeves moved for the Council to go on record
as instructing the City Attorney to make the proper investigation on the sale of
property north of Schillings Street and to enter suit against Stewart and Bailey,
realtors, if it is found that they have violated the city's subdivision ordinance
in the sale thereof. Councilman H. M. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call
vote was as followes
Roll Call: Ayes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
of lawless
Pruett
e Reeves
" H. M. Campbell
Sewer Stoppage - lawndell Addition
A delegation of residents from the Iawndell Subdivision met with the Council
concerning the sewer line stoppage, drainage, curb and gutter, etc. Pictures were
presented by the Superintendent of Public Works showing the accumulation of rubbish,,
a barrel, large pieces of wood, clothing and other types of waste taken from the
lines when the city was forced to drain and clean out lines recently. A new pump
had been installed recently in the lift station of sufficient power to prevent
any stoppage when all accumulated waste has been cleaned from the lines. It was
also agreed to cut down the ditches and clean out excessive dirt from culverts.
A concerted effort will be made to clean out the sewer lines and the engineer and
Superintendent of Public Works will make an investigation of the lines and make
any recommendations deemed advantageous in eliminating the stoppage of lines.
1-9 Z
Berlin - Contract No. 7
Councilman Pruett moved to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with the
Massey Electric Company on the wiring of the Water Production plant and instruct
the engineer to issue a work order instructing the contractor to begin work on
the project. Councilman Lawless seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as
follows:
Roll Call: Ayess Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
It Lawless
" Pruett
" Reeves
" H. M. Campbell
Payment - Chicago Bridge and Iron Company
Councilman Bergeron moved to authorize the periodic estimate payment of
$10,791.00 to Chicago Bridge and Iron Company on Contract No. 2, 300 M. Gallon
Steel Surface Storage Tank after the City Manager has approved same. Councilman
H. M. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
of Lawless
'f Pruett
" Reeves
" H. M. Campbell
Contract No. 5 - Partial Payment
Councilman Reeves moved to authorize the payment of a periodic estimate for
partial payment of Contract No. 5, 100 M. Gallon Steel Elevated Storage tank to
the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company in the amount of $33,064920. This to be with
final approval by the City Manager. Councilman Lawless seconded the motion. The
roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayess Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
" Lawless
ff Pruett
ff Reeves
" H. M. Campbell
Layne Texas Company - Payment
Councilman Bergeron moved to authorize payment to Layne Texas Company, with
the City Manager's approval, of periodic estimate on Contract No. 19 drilling
1,000 GPM waterwell and installing pumping equipment in the amount of $2,573.05.
Councilman Pruett seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
"' Lawless
" Pruett
" Reeves
" H. H. Campbell
Southern Engine and Pump Company
Councilman Bergeron moved to authorize payment to Southern Engine and Pump
Company, with city manager's approvel, of periodic estimate on Contract No. 4.,
Furnishing only, vertical type pumps and stnadby engine in the amount of $5,411.70. _
Councilman Reeves seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayess Mayor Ward days: None
Councilman Bergeron
" Lawless
" Pruett
" Reeves
" H. M. Campbell
..5Z J
Southwestern Laboratories
Councilman Reeves moved to authorize payment of $15 „00 to Southwestern Laboratories
for cylinder testing. Councilman lawless seconded the motion. The roll call vote
was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
Pruett
n Lawless
” Reeves
" H. M. Campbell
Payment — Engineer's Services
Councilman Pruett moved to authorize payment of the engineer's estimate No. 5,
in accordance with engineering contract dated January 22, 1951, in the amount of
$1,243.73. Councilman Bergeron seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as
follows:
Roll Call: byes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
it Lawless
n Pruett
" Reeves
" H. M. Campbell
Committee Report — Fire Rate
Councilman Pruett reported on the Committee's consultation with George Hawley
of the State Fire Insurance Commission in Austin. Mr. Hawley commended the city
on the enforcement of regulations in the No. 1 fire zone, and said that the No. 2
zone would be helped if the requirements for offices on used car lots were strickly
enforced. He recommended that the city adopt the National Electrical Code as revised
in 1951; with an Electrical Inspector, license requirements for all operators within
the city and rigid inspection of all buildings, especially where an old house is
being re wired. It was recommended that metallic tubing be stricken from the
proposed Electrical Ordinance for the City of Baytown and require the use of rigid
conduit only. After some discussion it was proposed that the Committee, appointed
to prepare an Electrical Ordinance, make the recommended changes and present the
amended ordinance to the Council, at itts next regular meeting, for adoption.
Councilman Pruett presented a detailed report and estimate on the erection of
a new Fire Station on city property on Market Street. The complete estimate cost
was $26,112.85, if the volunteer firemen donated the labor, however, if the city
had to furnish the labor, builbrts risk insurance coverage, supervisor's fee and
engage services of an architect, an additional $7,000 would be required.
Report of Funds
The City Manager gave the Council a detailed financial report on all of the
city's funds, including surplus on hand, amounts committed out of each fund, major
improvements cost estimates and amounts to be projected in the 1953 -54 fiscal year.
He explained that if the sewage program is started immediately it will be necessary
to have the funds available before the contract is let, however, if the trunk line
sewer contract is delayed approximately $50,000 can be transferred and used in some
other major project but it must be accounted for in the 1953 -54 budget. Out of
the surplus shown in the Council Emergency and Contingent Funds a proposed fire
station will be built and funds for several other committments must be transferred
from the amount shown in the report. The Council discussed the feasibility of
rejecting the bids now held on the proposed sewage disposal plant and asking'for
new bids after the engineer had completed a revised set of plans. The engineer
agreed to have a set of revised plans for the Council's consideration at the next
regular meeting.
* Councilman Reeves excused from the meeting.
Resolution — Improve West Main
The City Manager introduced and read the following resolution:
x�/
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN APED ME
COUNTY OF HARRIS.
WHEREAS, the City of Baytown and the County of Harris are both anxious to
improve that portion of West Main Street between Bryan Street and Market Street
Road, said section of West Main being carried on the County Road Log as Road No.
2070 -1, and
WHEREAS, the City and County have reached an agreement as to the construction
and financing of such improvement, and
WHEREAS, the terms of which are set forth fully in the aforementioned contract
which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, said contract being dated March 12, 1953;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN:
THAT the Mayor and City Clerk of the City of Baytown are hereby authorized to
execute a contract between the City of Baytown and the County of Harris, said
contract being attached hereto and made a part hereof.
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
City Council of the City of Baytown on this the 12th day of March, A. D., 1953.
J. A. Nard
ayor
ATTEST:
41 Hina Oliver 4
tyC er
Councilman lawless moved to adopt the resolution as read. Councilman Bergeron
seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
to lawless
" Pruett
It H. M. Campbell
Transfer Ordinance - Improve West Main
The City Manager introduced and read an ordinance authorizing the transfer of
$10,000 from the traffic fund unappropriated surplus to cover the city's share of
improving West Main. Councilman H. M. Campbell moved to adopt the ordinance as
read. Councilman Pruett seconded the motion. - The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Awes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
" lawless
" Pruett
!� H. M. Campbell
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 178
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CIT° MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
TO TRANSFER TEN THOUSAND (!10,000) DOLLARS FROM THE TRAFFIC FUND
UNAPPROPRIATED SURPLUS TO CLASSIFICATION 301 -F -16, TO COVER THE
CITY'S SHARE OF IMPROVING WEST MAIN STREET BETWEEN BRYAN STREET
AND MARKET STREET ROAD; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE
THEREOF.
Ordinance - Transfer
The City Manager introduced and read an ordinance authorizing the transfer of
$4,265.00 from the Council Contingent fund to certain designated classifications
to provide the salary and car expense for a Health Nurse and the hiring of additional
paid firemen. Councilmen Bergeron moved to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilman
H. M. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Mayor Ward Nays: None
Councilman Bergeron
" Pruett
" H. M, Campbell
" lawless
The caption of the ordinance followst
ORDINANCE N0, 179
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN TO TRANSFER FOUR THOUSAND TWO HUNCHED AND SIXTY. -
FIVE ($4,265.00) DOIJARS FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENT FUND, WHICH
IS CLASSIFICATION 101, TO BE APPLIED AS FOLLOWS: TWO THOUSAND
ONE HUNDRED SIXTY -FIVE ($2,165) TO CLASSIFICATION 202 -A -3,
ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY ($1,650) DOLLARS TO CLASSIFICATION
501 -A -3, FOUR :'HUNDRED FIFTY ($450) DOLLARS TO CLASSIFICATION
501 -F -2.
Miscellaneous
The Council discussed the opening of Tenth street a 60t right -of -way that
was dedicated to the County in 1945. The Council had been approached on opening
the street. Superintendent of Public :Yorks Grantham was asked to prepare an
estimate on the cost of opening the street from James to Hunnicutt. This will
be presented at a later meeting.
The Mayor appointed City Manager Middleton, as a Committee of one, to prepare
a welcome letter to present to all veterans returning from overseas duty.
Adjournment
Councilman lawless moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Pruett seconded
the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
ATTEST:
O(
Edna Oliver, City Clerk
Vic. warn, mayor /