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1956 02 09 CC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS February 9, 1956 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session on Thursday, February 9, 1956 at 7: o'clock p.m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the following members in attendance: P. H. Mears R. B. Bergeron s , H. M. Campbell M. L. Campbell Al Clayton Lacy Lusk R. H. Pruett C. D. Middleton George Chandler Edna Oliver Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Mayor City Manager City Attorney City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order and the minutes of the regular meet- ing of January 26th were introduced. Councilman Clayton moved.to dispense with the reading of the minutes and they be approved. Councilman Bergeron seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Means Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell' " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Release - Cedar Bayou Water District Water Main Mr. Ivy Smith, one of the original grantors of the 1,596' of 2 -inch waterline laid on the east side of Ferry Road, Cedar'Bagou, submitted a release to the Council properly executed with the exception of one party who had regused to sign. Since the release would give the City of Baytown complete control of the waterline, Councilman Bergeron moved to accept the document from Mr. Smith as presented; the Mayor be appointed as a Committee of one to meet and talk with Mr. Helm concerning the signing of the release. Councilman Lusk seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Insurance Committee - Report Councilman Lusk, as Chairman of the Insurance Committee appointed by the Mayor at the January 26th meeting, reported that the Committee had met with the City Manager and several members of the Insurance Exchange for a review of the insurance assessment made on city owned buildings and contents therein. After a careful study it was agreed by the committee that the assessment schedule was fair and equitable and it was the Committee 's recommendation that the schedule be adopted as final by the Council. Councilman Clayton moved to accept the recommendation of the Committee regarding the insurance on buildings and contents. Councilman Bergeron seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett fie Tenth Street - Development Mr. E. H. Rheaume again appeared before the Council concerning theopening of Tenth Street. Councilman M. L. Campbell, as Chairman of the 10th Street Committee, recommended that if the property owners will install curb and gutter on both sides of a thirty (�01) foot street at their expense and buy all_materials necessary to completely surface street that :the city use its machinery to dim all the machine work such as setting grades, emttfxg down, grading, hauling dirt and spreading of materials. This recommendation was discussed at length, afterwhich, Councilman Lusk moved to accept the reocmmendation of the Committee. Councilman M. L. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: ayes: Councilman Mears Nays:.None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett The Mayor asked the Committee to continue negotiations with the property owners in order for the city to receive 100% cooperation from them, if possible. Light Committee - Recommendations Councilman M. L. Campbell moved to accept the recommendation of the Street Lighting.Committee and two (2) 15,000 lumen mercury vapor street lights be installed at the following locations: 1 - Market Street - First Presbyterian.Chruch 2 - Kentucky Street - Front of St Joseph Catholic Church Councilman Lusk seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Ber'geron " H. M. Campbell It M. L. Campbell to Clayton it Lusk Mayor Pruett The Mayor referred the request of Paul U. Lee for a replacement of two (2) incadescent lamps for mercury vapor lamps near the funeral home. Mr. Lee agreed to pay the difference in electricity cost if such a change -over could-be made. Recommendation - Chanaina Precinct Lines - Committee Councilman M. L. Campbell reported that the Redistricting Committee had made a study of the precinct voting lines at a recent meeting and it was agreed that the condition as it existed at present was inequitable. The Committee did not feel that it would be wise to set a voting district for the city and another for the County and School but all groups working on a singular Committee may view it w1h an idea of revamping noting districts and precinct lines. In order for it to be*done correctly, he urged the Mayor to appoint a Committee to work in conjunction with-the County and School between now and October, 1956. counoilman Mears moved to accept the recommendation of theuommittee; the Mayor be instructed to appoint such a Committee. Councilman H. M. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll aall vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " M. L. Campbell " H. M. Campb ell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Redistricting - Ordinance - City The Redistricting Committee presented recommendations for three (3) changes in the present district boundaries of the City. The three (3) recommended changes would effect the boundaries of Districts 3,4 and 5 only., to -wit: No. 3 district extended to the north center line of East Texas Avenue; No. 4 District to lie east of Highway 146 and No. 5 District extended south to center line of East Texas Avenue. After some discussion the City Attorney was instructed to read an ordinance amending the boundaries. Councilman M. L. Campbell moved to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilman Lusk seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett The caption the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 311 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REDISTRICTING OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN AS PROVIDED BY SECTION 12, ARTICLE II OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. Contract - Gerald Fortney - Water District No, 30 The Council was presented a contract made by Water District No. 30 with Gerald Fortney,- attorney, with a statement that $500 had been paid at the time the contract was signed, however, $600 was yet outstanding on the $19100 contract. Mr. Fortney explained that he was tetained to represent the district in the annexation case and to handle any other legal mutters which may arise for a period of twelve months. He further explained that he had fulfilled his part of the contract, insofar as stipulated duties with the exception of the Water Board Election. The Council pressed Mr. Fortney to name a sum which he felt would be fair and equitable, however, Mr. Fortney declined and after some discussion Councilman Lusk moved to honor the contract made by the Water District and Gerald Fortney; Mr. Forthey be paid the remaining fee yet due less $100 for election instruments. Councilman M. L. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears . Nays: Counciman A. M. Campbell " Bergeron. " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Telephone Hearing - Date Councilman M. L. Campbell informed the council that he had been contacted by several Baytown residents relative to the recent statement of the Telephone Company to forego publication of a directory until November, 1956. he explained that no statement had been.made to the Council prior to such announcement through the press and he did not think it fair or -tight for the Telephone Company to make such a decision without first explaining why to the City Council. After some further discussion Councilman M. L. Campbell moved thAt the Mayor of the City of Baytown be instructed to express, by registered -mail, to the proper officials of the General Telephone Company of the Southwest this Oouncills disapproval of the company's decision to postpone until November, 1956, the publication of its next telephone directory. It is our opinion that this directory should be published in April, 1956, as is the custom heretofore, furthermore, I move that the Mayor be authorized and instructed to properly inform the company that this Council is directly opposed to this decision, and that he notify said company, accordingly to law, that a hearing will be held for the purpose of allowing said company an opportunity to show caus e why such telephone directory should not be published in April as was their policy in prior years. Souncilman H. M. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman gears Nays: None " Bergeron " M. L. Campbell " H. M. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett The Mayor dot the date of Thursday, February 23rd, 1956 as hearing date. The time to be 10:00 11clock a.m. - Place - Council Room of the Baytown City Hall. .t0 #1 Abandoned Oil Well - Smalley Zoase The City Manager.informed the Council that G. L. Reasor, Oil Developer, had recently abandoned the L. E. Smalley well, however, it was found that the well had been shot and casing not cut and well properly plugged as the ordinance re- quires. Mr. Smalley had asked that the company be allowed to produce pictures to show that the shooting had not injured the water sands and the well not be cemented to the top because he had plans of re- working the well at a'later date. Since the well had been abandoned by the Reasor Oil Company the Council ruled that the Company must abide by the ordinance and cement the well to the top in order to protect the water sands. Should Mr. Smalley wish to produce a well on his pro- perty it will be mecessary for him to pay the required $500 fee, furnish bond and insurance for such operations. Bids - Concrete Pipe The bids on the 60" concrete pipe - tongue and groove - were opened and hre tabulated as follows: Schaffer Brothers 2,400 lineal ft ® $17.50 P.L.F. $421000.00 .cash discount 2% White Supply Company 2,400 lineal ft ® $17.50 P.L.F. $42,000.00. 2% 15 days net 30 days General Concrete Co 2,400 lineal ft ® $17.50 P.L.F. $42,000.00 2% 15 days Houston Concrete Company 2,400 lineal ft ® $17.50 P.L.F. $42,000.00 Councilman M. L. Campbell moved to accept the bids of'the three (3) Baytown firms; the City Imager be instructed to purchase an equal number of concrete pipe from Schaffer Brother, White Supply Company and the General Concrete Pro- ducts Company. Councilman Mears seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. CampbeJ4 " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor'Pruett Appropriation Ordinance Th- City Manager introduced and read an ordinance appropriating $578.09 from the Council Contingent Fund to pay for dump body and assessories for truck chassis to be used in the street department. Councilman Bergeron moved to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilman Lusk.seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call:. Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron . " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett The caption of the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 312 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO APPROPRIATE FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY EIGHT DOLLARS AND NINE CENTS ($578.09) FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENT FUND TO CLASSIFICATION 301 Z -4. Increase Salary - Secretary -City Manager In order for.the City Manager to be able to hire a competent secretary, Councilman Mears moved to au- thorize the City Manager to employ a secretary at a salary range of $240 to $260 per month. Councilman M. L. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: '0� . Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " M. L. Campbell " H. M. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Resolution - Purchase Bulldozer The City Manager introduced and read the following resolution: A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO TRANSFER. SIX HUNDRED ($600) DOLLARS FROM CLASSIFICATION 301.D -89 MATERIAL TO CLASSIFI_ CATION 301 Z -49 MOTOR VEHICLE. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS: THAT the City Council of the City of Baytown hereby resolves that the City Manager of the City of'Baytown be authorized to'transfer Six Hundred ($600) Dollars from Budget Item 301 D -8, Material to Budget Item 301 Z -4, Motor Vehicle in order to purchase one (1) Oliver OC3 -42 Bulldozer for the Street Department. INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of a majority of the City Council of the City of Baytown on o this 9th day of February, A. D., 1956. /s/ R. H. Pruett ATTEST: Mayor, City of Baytwn /s/ Edna Oliver City Clerk Councilman Lusk moved to adopt the resolution as read. Councilman M. L. Campbell seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Ensineerina Fees - Hays Home Missouri Street The City Manager submitted an engineering statement of $265.00 on work authorized by the Council for investigating the reasons why sand shifted under the foundation of the F. K. Hayes home, 3213 Missouri after the city dug a sewer line ditch. Councilman H. M. Campbell moved to approve payment of the statement.and the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the appropriation of the necessary funds. Councilman Mears seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None of Bergeron to H. M. Campbell to M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett The caption of the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 313 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING.THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO APPROPRIATE TWO HUNDRED SIXTY -FIVE ($265.00) DOLLARS FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENT FUND TO CLASSIFICATION 101 F -4. Radio Equipment - Fire Department . The City Manager gave a report on the overall cost of Radio Equipment authorized by the Council for the Fire Department. The complete cost of the equipment was Of - $5,257.54, however, the city will be reimbursed one -half of the cost by the U. S. Government. The Council instructed the City Manager to procedd with negotiations for the purchase of the required equipment. Space Civil Defense Car - Director Councilman Lusk moved to provide free parking space for the official car of Baytown's Direcbbr of Civil Defense, Robert Feinberg. .He designated the first parking space below the LOADING ZONE on North Ashbel next to the House of Fashion. Councilman Bergeron seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " M. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Advertise Bids - Fire Station Site - Cedar Bayou Councilman M. L. Campbell moved to authorize the City Manager to advertise for bids on a Fire Station site at Cedar Bayou. Councilman Mears secnnded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " H. L. Campbell a Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Votina Machines - Elections Councilman H. M. Campbell moved to approve the use of voting machines at the March 24th and April 3rd elections. C &uncilman Clayton seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows: Roll Call: Ayes : Counilman Mears Nays: None " Bergeron " H. M. Campbell " H. L. Campbell " Clayton " Lusk Mayor Pruett Linoleum - Tax Office The Council authorized the Firector of Finance to solicit bids for new lino- leum for the tax office; he be further authorized to instructethe lowest-,.bidder to make the installation. Ad3ournment Councilman Lusk moved Lor the meeting to adjourn. Councilman _M. L. Campbell seconded the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the MapDr deOiared the meet- ing adjourned. A SST: d' �_ Edna Oliver, City Clerk R. H. Pruett, Mayor