1958 11 13 CC Minutes12,38
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR 14EETING OF
THE CITY 'COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
November 13, 1958
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Thurs-
day, November 13, 1958 at 7:00 o'clock P.M._in the Council Room of the Baytown City
Hall with the following members in attendance:
P.H. Mears
J. C. Garrison -
W. D. Holloway
Al Clayton
Lacy Lusk
*R. H. Pruett
James V., Iarrison
Edna Oliver
Absent: W. L. Ward
George Chandler
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Co- imcilman & Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor
City Manager
City Clerk
Councilman
City Attorney
The ."favor Pro Tem called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered
by Reverend Harris, First Presbyterian Church, after which, the City Clerk was
instructed to read the minutes of the pre�rious,- mestiage. Councilman Clayton
asked that the minutes of the special meeting of Octobgr 31st be corrected by
the inclusion of the following:
Report - Navor Pruett - Demand Meters
Mayor Pruett gave the Council an oral report on the results of a meeting
called by Mayor Philpot, of Galena Park,to discuss the use of demand meters
in Harris County by the Houston Lighting and Power Company. Representatives from
fourteen (14) cities were present, however.. Houston was not amoog the number.
Frank Austin, Vice - President of the Light Company, gave the same °songz:.arid dance"
report on the need for demand meters even though there was much opposition against
them. He inferred that, should the demand meters be removed, it is possible that
rates to non - demand uses_•will be increased. The Houston Lighting and Power Company
serves some 400,000 hgmes in Harris County, the majority being nori- demand users.
Mayor Pruett concluddd his report by saying he was sure the demand meter issue will
be presented for discussion at the next regular meeting of the Harris County Mayors
and Councilmen's Association.
Councilman Mears moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Councilman Garrison
seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: byes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Garrison
" Holloway
" Mears
Mayor Pro Tem Lusk
Open Bids - Roseland Park Pavilion
The bids on the construction of a recreation building at Roseland Park
were opened and tabulated as follows:
T. F. Odom
with fireplace
$23,057.00
without fireplace
$22,157.00
P. G. Bell & Co.
With fireplace
$23,000.00
without fireplace
$22,100.00
King Constr. Co.
with fireplace
$242650.00
without fireplace
$24,000.00
Maxwell Constr. Co.
with fireplace
$20.983.00
without fireplace
$19,471.00
T. E. Gilbert
with fireplace
$202657.00 _
without fireplace
$20,157.00
Councilman Clayton moved to accept the bids and enter the tabulation doff the
minutes as a matter of record, however, further action on the bids be tabled
until the next regiil..ar meeting; this will allow the City Engineer sufficient time
to study the bids, verify the tabulation, etc. Councilman Mears seconded the motion.
,The roll call vote was as follows:
1239
Roll Call; Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
Garrison
" Holloway
" Mears
Mayor Pro Tam Lusk
After a lapse of possibly thirty (30) minutes or more, City Engineer Busch
returned with the report that he had verified the bids as to each item and Maxwell
Construction Company was the low bidder, City Treasurer Harbor checed the 1958 -59
budget and reported that $19,000.00 has been appropriated in the current fiscal
year's budget for the construction of the recreation building. City Manager Harrison
made a recommendation that the fireplace, hearth and chimney be omitted from the
construction and the low bid of Maxwell Construction Company be accepted at this
meeting. Councilman Clayton moved to rescind the action of the Council regarding
the tabling of the bids until the next regular meeting. Councilman Mears seconded
the motion. The roll call vote was as follows'
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays-.None
" Garrison
" Holloway
" Mears
Mayor Pro Tam Lusk
*Mayor Pruett arrives at the meeting.
Councilman Clayton moved to accept the low bid of Maxwell Construction on
the construction of a recreation building at Roseland Park; the amount of the bid
accepted being Alternate No. 1.,$19,871.00. Councilmen Holloway seconded the motion.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Garrison
" Rollaway
" Mears
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Open end Tabulate Bids - Concrete Pipe
The bids for furnishing and delivering an unspecified amount of various sizes
of tongue and groove concrete pipe were opened and tabulated as follows:
Schaffer Brothers White Supply General Concrete A. Bargainer
15" $ 1.47 15" $ 1.61 15" v- 1.60 15" $ 1.45
18" 1.92 18" 2.10 18" 2.08 18" 1.88
24" 2.96 24" 3.23 24" 3.20 24" 2.94
30 4.35 3C" 4.75 30" 4.70 30" 4.3C
36" 5.70 36" 6.21 36" 6.15 36" 5.60
42" 7.37 42" 8.00 42" 7.95 42" 7.28
54" 13.C4 54" 14.20 54" 14.00 54" 12.90
6C" 15.74 60" 17.13 60" 17.00 60" 15.55
72" 22.48 72" 24.50 72" 24.20 72" 22.00
84" 26.99 84" 29.40 84" 29.00 84" 26.50
2% - 15days 2% - 15 days 2% - 15 days 2% - 10 days
30 days net 30 days net 30 days net 30 days net
Councilman Clayton moved to accept the hid of Bayway Supply Company for furn-
ishing and delivering of concrete pipe to be delivered to jobsite within the City
of Baytown during the period beginning December 1, 1958, and ending May 30, 1959.
Councilman Garrison seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Garrison
" Hollaway
" Mears
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
The City Manager, City Engineer and Director of Public Works will prepare an
estimate on the proposed projected construction prior to the termination of this
contract, and buy a sufficient quantity to provide a stock- pile for future projects.
1240
Hearing Williams Street - Ordinance Closing Same
The benefit hearing for the improvement of .Williams Street was opened by
Mayor Pruett, afterwhich, City Manager Harrison was called to preside at the
hearing. Mr. Steele McDonald was called, and stated, in response to questions, that he
had been a resident of Baytown}, Texas since 1924, during which time he had been
engaged in the real estate business for,the last twelve years, his connection there-
with being the selling and appraising of real estate. He stated that he was fami-
liar with property values in -Baytown and in particular with the properties, and
thevalues of such properties, abutting upon Williams street and after making a
study of the plans and specifications'on file with the City Engineer concerning the
improvements to be made to Williams,Strest, it was his opinion that such contem-
plated improvement will enhance the property values along said street and such
enhancement will exceed the cost to the adjacent property owners.
City Manager Harrison then called upon Bob Beverly, who testified., in response
to questions, that he had teen a resident of Baytown for the past thirteen years, the
past seven of which he had been engaged in the real estate business, his connection
therewith being the selling and appraising of real estate; that his business required
him to be familiar with real estate values in the City and that he was familiar with
the properties abutting upon Williams Street. It was his opinion that all properties
located thereon and involved in this permanent improvement program will be enhanced
in value in amounts exceeding the cost of such improvements as he had made a study
of the plans and specifications on file with the City Engineer.
Mayor Pruett then inquired as to whether there were parties present who desired
to be heard regarding the proposed improvements. Since no property owner appeared,
the benefit hearing was ordered closed. •The:City•Manager introduced and read-an
ordinance closing the hearing given the real and true owners of property- abutting
upon Williims Street; fixing charges and liens against said properties and providing
for issuance of assignable assessement certificates and the manner of collection.
Councilman Garrison seconded the motion. 'The roll call Vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
Garrison
Hollaway
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 512
AN CRDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
• CLOSING THE HEARING GIVEN TO THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS OF PROPERTY
• ABUTTING UPON-WILLIAMS STREET IN THE-CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS..-AS
TO EPECIAL BENEFITS TO-ACCRUE BY VIRTUE OF THE IMPROVEMENT THEREOF,
AND AS TO THE • ACCURACY., - SUFFIC IE14C Y, • REGULARITY AND VAL IDITY. CF THE
•
PROCEEDINGS AND CONTRACT IN CONNECTION WITH SAID IMPROVEMENTS, AND
• THE ASSESSMENTS TO BE LEVIED COVERING THE COST THEREOF: OVERRULING
• AND DENYING ALL PROTESTS AND OBJECTIONS OFFERED: FINDING AND.DETER:-
• LaNING SPECIALT- BENFITS TO EACH PARCEL OF PROPERTY AND THE OWNERS THERE-
• OF IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT OF 'THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGAINST. SAME; '
FINDING THE REGULARITY OF ALL PROCEEDINGS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL
PREREQUISITES TO FIXING -THE ASSESSMENT LIENS AND THE PERSONAL LIABILITY
OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS; LEVYING ASSESSMENTS, FIXING CHARGES AND LIENS
AGAINST SAID PROPERTIES ABUTTING SAID STREET AND THE TRUE .OWNERS
THEREOF FOR PAYMENT OF -KART OF THE* COSTS OF THE IMPROVEMENTS;
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE "OF ASSIGNABLE ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATES AND
THE MANNER OF THEIR COLLECTION; (AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE
HEREOF.
Open ancl Tabulate Bids - Inmrovement Hawthorne and Burbank Streets
The bids on the improvement of Hawthorne and Burbank Streets from Barrymore
Blvd. to Carnegie Street were opened and tabulated as follows:
Gulf Bithulithic Company
Russ Mitchell Company'
Brown & Root, Inc.
$262771.00
$28,651.50
$27,081.40
121,1.
City Engineer Busch took each bid and retired to another room to check the
unit price and verify the amount of each bid proposal, afterwhich, he reported the
figures correct in each bid presentation with Gulf Bithulithic Company low bidder.
Councilman Clayton moved to accept the bid of Gulf Bithulithic Company for the
improvement of Hawthorne and Burbank Streets from Barrymore Blvd. to Carnegie Street;
total amount of the bid proposal being $26,771.00. Councilman Mears seconded the
motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: Nora
Garrison
Hollaway
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Open and Tabulate Bids - Drilling Waterwell
The'bids on the drilling of a water well for the City of Baytown were opened
and tabulated as follows:
Texas Water Wells, Inc.'
Katy Drilling Company
Layne -Texas Company
$34,990.00
$3C,g00.CC
$36,400.00
In order to allow sufficient time for the City Engineer to check the bid
proposals against the Specifications set forth in the detailed general conditions,
Councilman Clayton moved to table further action on the waterwell bids until the
next regular scheduled meeting which will be November 25th. Councilman Mears
seconded the motion. The roll call vote was -as follows:
Roll Call; Ayes: Councilman Clayton
Garrison-
" Holloway
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Resolution - Appropriation
The City Manager introduced and read the _ollnwir_g resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOIdN TO
TRANSFER FOUR THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FORTY -SIX (4,246.00) J
DOLLARS FRa %1 THE C OUNb IL C OkINGENT FUND TO THE BUDGET
CLASSIFICATIONS 501 G -1 AND 601 Y -1.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS:
THAT the City Council. of Baytown, Texas hereby resolves that the City
Manager of the City of Baytown be'hereby authorized to transfer Four Thousand
Two Hundred Forty -Six ($4,246.00) Dollars from the Council Contingent Fund to
the following Classifications, to -wit:
Classification 501 G -1 $3,046.00 Additional Gratuity
Baytown-Health League
Classification 601-Y-1 $13200.00 House to be used Roseland
Park -this includes moving
Costs. -
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
City Council on this the 13th day of November, A. D.,,1955.
s/ R. H. Pruett
ATTEST• Mayor, City of Baytown
/s/ Edna Oliver
City Clerk
1242 r:
Councilman Lusk -moved to adopt the resolution as read, Councilman. Garrison
seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call; Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Garrison
HolI away
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Refund Permit Fees - Building ,Memorial_t; Baptist Church
Councilman Lusk moved to authorize the City Manager to - refund 0180.30•to the
Memorial Baptist Church for building permit fees which were paid during the fiscal
year 1957 -58. Councilman-Mears seconded the motion. The roll call vote was ad
follows:
Roll Call; Ayes:
Councilman Clayton
" Garrison
" Hollaway
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Nays:. None
.The Resolution providing Funds for the refund-follows:.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN.TO TRANSFER ONE HUNDRED
EIGHT DOLLARS AND THIRY 01.80.30) CENTS FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENT
FUND TO BUDGET CLASSIFICATION 101. G-8.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS:
THAT the City Council of the City of Baytown.. Texas hereby resolves that the
City Manager of the City of Baytown, Texas -be authorized to transfer One Hundred
Eighty Dollars and Thirty (0180,30) Centa from the Council Contingent Fund to �
the following classification, to -wit:
Classification 101 G-8 $180,30
To make refund to the Memorial Baptist Church for two (2) building permits
which were purchased in the fiscal year, 1957 -58.
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
City Council on this the 13th day of iiovember, A. D., 19589
• %sL R. H .Pruett
Mayor, City of Baytown
ATTEST:
/s/ Edna Oliver
City Clerk `
Underwrite_- Non - Sievers Assessment East James Street
Councilman Garrison -moved to approve the City of Baytown underwriting the
amount of $6,6C8.40'for eight (8) parcels -of land abutting East James Street on
whieh'Brown & Root has been unable to obtain satisfactory security of street
paving assessments. Councilman Lusk seconded the motion. The roll call vote
was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman: Glapton
"' Garrison
Holl away
. . " Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Nays: None
1243
The Council agreed to defer payment of $1,350.00 to Lowell Lammers, Architect,
for professional fees on the proposed Baytown Police Station, until after the bids
have been received and tabulated at the regular scheduled meeting of Tuesday,.
November 25th.
Preliminary Approval - Southwest Addition - Formerly Section 5 - Brittton Cravens
W. D. Broyles, Engineer, presented a revised Plat covering the water line
layout, and street improvement layout for the Southwest Addition to the City of
Baytown. This Subdivision, under the name of Britton - Cravens Subdivision Section
5, was previously granted preliminary approval by the Council on August 14, 1958.
This Plat altered the former Plat slightly by eliminating the service road along
Spur 201 and the lots along Goose Creek Stream. The Council proposed that some
revisions be made in the water line layout, with the City bearing the increase in
cost of materials only. The change over included the extension of the 6 inch water
main down Wyoming Street to its intersection with Missouri Street and the replace-
ment of the proposed 6 inch water line on New York street with a 2 inch water line
to complete the looping of the water system. After some discussion, Councilman
Mears moved to give preliminary approval to Southwest Addition, provided, the
6 inch water main is extended down Wyoming Street to its intersection with Missouri
and the 6 inch water line on New York is replaced by a 2 inch water line: the
City of�Baytown to bear the cost of any increase in materials only. Councilman
Lusk seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays; None
"
Garrison
" Hollaway
" Mears .
" Luek
Mayor Pruett
Comprehensive Street Lighting Proposal - H. F. Massey and CitZ�,e! er
H. F. Massey, District Manager of the Houston Natural Gas Corporation, presented
the Council with copies of a contract agreement, by and between Houston Natural
Gas Corporation and the City of Baytown for the installation, maintenance and
operation of a minimum of 100 gas street lights, together with the furnishing of
natural gas as fuel for such lights, for the purpose of lighting public streets,
avenues, alleys, roads, highways or other public places and grounds within the
corporate limits of Baytown. The agreement provided for the installation at
points selected or designated by the City within fifteen.working days after receipt
by Seller of approved installation orders issued by the City, however, the City
must agree to authorise and require the installation of 100 gas lights no later
than December 31, 1958. Commencing upon the effective date of the contract and
ending at midnight on December 31, 1963, the charge for each gas light installed;
prior to January 1, 1959, shall be Twenty Eight and 74/100 Dollars ($28.74) per
light per year, plus the proportionate part of any new tax or increased rate of
tax or governmental imposition or charge, Commencing January 1, 19649 and
ending at midnight on December 31, 1964, the charge of each gas light installed,
prior to January 1, 1959, shall be reduced to Eighteen Dollars ($18.00) per annum,
The gas lights installed during the term of this contract shall remain the property
of the Gas Corporation; provided, however, that on January 1, 1964 the City at its
option and at no additional cost to City, except for any maintenance, operation
and/or furnishing of fuel therefor, may take title to gas lights, however, during
the term of the contract the City will protect said gas lights from injury or
damage by employees, agents or contractors of the City in the performance of
repairs or construction of municipal facilities and will not permit lights to be
tampered with by such persons or forces without-the previous consent of the Gas
Company.. Prior to the presentation of the above instrument, Mr. Massey had pro-
posed to the City Manager that gas lights be installed by number and location as
follows:
Glen Arbor Subdivision 16 gas lights Roseland Oaks Subdivision 25 gas lights
Graywood Subdivision 14 gas lights Plumwood Addition 21 gas lights
Eva Maud Addition 31 gas lights
121,4
At this point the City Manager asked for permission to present his Street Lighting
proposal which, if the Council so desires, may be adopted as a foundation base for
the projected installation of street lights throughout the entire City within a
5 year period. He stated that it was his intent for all of the additional street
lights to be paid for out of the funds derived from the increased Franchise Tax
from the Houston Light and Power Company, since the payment has increased from
2% to 4% under the new Franchise recently adopted by the Council. He anticipated that
over the next 5 years the payments will increase sufficiently to carry each years
accumulated light bill, plus the addition of each year's proportionate share of
new street light installations. This yeark program is expected to cost $8,000.00,
which amount was included in the 1958 -59 budget. This will cover the installation
of the following:
490 electric lights 4*18.00 each $89820.00
40 mercury vapor lights 445..00 each $10800.00
Since two and a half months of this budget year are gone, the $8,000.00 should
cover the cost of lights remaining this year. He proposed that the City furnish
only the minimum in lights which is the $18.00 light. If any geographic area in
the City desires the (ae or better Electric lights then each area would have the
burden of stating their preference and paying to the City the additional cost of
the installation chosen for a five year period. It is assumed that the City will
be able to assume the payment of all lights desired with anticipated revenues
from the Light Company after the lapse of five years. He further recommended
that in all unplatted land, the subdivider be asked to state his desires as to
street lights, and if he desires lights of better quality than the $18.00 stand-
ard, he be required to pay the five year differential with the acceptance of
the plat by the Council. On subdivisions now partially developed, a standard
should be used in placing lights that will allow for the installation of a
light only when a block is 759 developed. -The Building Inspector should be
authorised to collect the difference, if a difference is required, when the build-
ing permit brings the development up to 75 %, and immediately authorise the install -,
ation of the light. This will allow for progressive installation of lights in
new areas.
The 490 lights, for residential areas, will not completely light the area
sufficiently, but will allow lights on all intersections and in the center of
long blocks. The 300 foot standard of measurement has been considered but will
not be completed until therseoond.year of the proposed program. The 40 mercury
vapor lights will be installed -at intersections recommended by the Chief of Police,
and to correct hazardous traffio.conditions but_no. White, Way lighting will be
considered until the second year and progress unto completion in the fift)2 year.
If this program is adopted, it will place the additional revenue from the light
bills of the Baytown residents .back to work for them in better street lighting.
Representatives from two (2) Subdivision Civic Associations were present, the
Graywood and Plumwood Additions, and in each instance wanted the $30.00 electric
street underground light. The Plumwood Association was in its infancy and.did not
have the funds for the additional.installation costs presently but was sure that
the sixty day clause will allow sufficient time-to present the style, location
and advance payment for the five year period. Zhe Qraywood Civic Association had
the funds available as of this maeting.and were ready to negotiate with the City,
should the propose plan be adopted by the.Council.. .The Council discussed the
proposal in conjunction with the.agreement presented by Mr. Massey. The proposal
to allow the residents of each subdivision to select their own street lights met
the approval of the Council, but, the 100 gas lights, designated in the five year
agreement as presented by Mr. Massey, bound the Council to the one figure for in-
stallation prior to January lot, 1958. The Council voiced its'objection to the
use of "490 electric lights" as set forth in the City Manager's proposal and it
was agreed to amend to read a conventional or standard type street light, either
gas or electric, afterwhich,.Mr. Massey informed the Council that he would make
recommendation to his company, that a flexible number be designated in an agree-
ment instrument rather than bind the City to one figure. He will report his
findings'at a later meeting. Councilman Lusk Moved to adopt the Comprehensive
Street Lighting Proposal as presented by the City Manager, with the amendment
of oonventional.or standard type street lights. Councilman Mears seconded the
motion. The roll call vote was as follows;
1245
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Garrison
" Holloway
" Mears
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Committee appointed - Study City's Liability Insurance Program
The Council agreed to table any action on the City's Liability Insurance
until the City Attorney has had sufficient time to study a brief, compiled
by Baker, Botts, Andrews and Shepard, Attorneys -at -Law, of Houston. The
brief outlined Municipal Corporations - their Governmental and Proprietary
Functions - setting forth its liability for damages resulting from the neg-
ligence of its employees in the performance of certain stipulated duties. A
Committee composed of City Attorney Chandler, City Manager Harrison and Mr. David
Arnett will make a study and prepare a report which will be presented to the
Council at some later date.
Bid Forms - Copies
The City Manager gave the Council copies of bid forms, which have been stand-
ardized, and will be used in the future for invitations for gasoline, tires and
tubes and petroleum lubricants bids. He suggested that the Council study the
proposals and present any recommended changes, if they so desire.
Street Names - Improvement Street Program
The Council submitted the names of Commerce, Harvey, Live Oak, Fayle, Seventh,
Gulf, Kentucky, Indiana, Texas Avenue -Busch Terrace, Utah, and one block of
Oklahoma Street to project on a map and work out plans for the permanent improve-
- ment of each in the proposed Maintenance Improvement Program.
Check - Merchants - Parking Meter Standards
In Order to present a neater appearance to all Baytonions and its visitors,
the City Manager asked permission to have the Parking Meter standards, now
standing in "Old" Baytown and "Pally ", removed and tte sidewalks smoothed with
a concrete filling. It was suggested that he check with the merchants in the
areas, and if they have no objections, the standards should be removed to
provide the neater effect.
Assist - Chamber of Commerce - Hanging Christmas Decorations
The Council gave unanimous approval for the City to assist in the hanging
of the Christmas Decorations; using the City's hydraulic truck and man -power
in any area of the City's business districts, if the merchants provide the
necessary decorations, etc.
Estimate - Prepare Drainage Decker Drive
The City Engineer was instructed to prepare an estimate on the costs of in-
stalling a storm sewer along Decker Drive from West Defeo to the Drainage ditch.
This estimate to be presented for Council discussion at the next regular meeting.
Protest Use Demand Meters - Resolution
Councilman Mears presented leaflets of a financial report from Fortune Magazine
setting forth the fifty largest utilities as ranked by assets. In 1956 the Houston
Lighting & Power Company was not listed amoung the fifty largest utilities,
in 1957 it was listed as number 46, but in 1958 it was listed as number one (1)
a total assets of $353,798 with a net income as per cent of invested capital of
13.4 %. He stated that it was his opinion that the Light Company has contended
that demand meters are not designed to increase revenue but the figures, as
presented, show the company to have the greatest per cent of net income, per
$1.00 invested, of any of the fifty (50) companies listed. Mayor Pruett in-
formed the Council that he was sure the use of demand meters by the Light Company
will be discussed at the next regular meeting of the Mayors and Councilmen's
Association and it is possible that the Houston Lighting & Power Company will
be asked for a rate hearing for the entire Harris County area. If the Associa-
1246
tion should ask for such a rate hearing and all cities participate it will
eliminate the confusion that now exists among the Association's membership,
and help to rid the Harris County area of demand meters in residential
areas. In conjunction with the discussion of increased revenue by the Light
Company, the following resolution was introduced and read:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS:
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, during a regular meeting of the City Council of
the City of Baytown, Texas that the Houston Lighting & Power Company of the
City of Baytown, Texas be required on all future billings where a demand meter
is installed to do the following:
1. Bill each customer who has a demand meter with two items
(a) Show the actual KWH hours consumed each month and the coat
to the customer for same
(b) Show on the same bill the demand meter reading above 7 KVA with
the coat listed on the billing for this item.
IT IS OUR REQUEST that this type of billing take effect immediately.
SWORN and SUBSCRIBED TO ON THIS 13th day of November, A. D., 1958.
P. H. Mears, Councilman
W. D. Holloway, Councilman
Lacy Lusk, Councilman
ATTEST:
/s/ Edna Oliver
City Clerk
James C. Garrison, Councilman
Al Clayton, Councilman
R. H. Pruett, Mayor
Councilman Lusk moved to adopt the Resolution as read, Councilman Clayton
seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Csll; Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
Garrison
" Holloway
Meare
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Councilman Clayton also asked that a letter be drafted to the Houston Light-
ing & Power Company demanding that all demand meters be removed from the resi-
dential area of Baytown and the rates be reduced from 13.4 to 8.49 and such
action of the Council be advertised in some Houston newspaper. Councilman
Lusk was selected and appointed as a committee of one to write the letter, and
a resolution will be drawn setting forth such action.
Adjournment
Councilman Clayton moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Lusk seconded
the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
ATTEST:
Edna Olivdr, City Clerk
. H. Pruitt, Mayor