1959 01 22 CC Minutes1271
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,TEXAS
January 22, 1959
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session
on Thursday, January 222 1959, 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
Councilman
W.
L. Ward
Councilman
J.
C. Garrison
Councilman
Al
Clayton
Councilman
Lacy Lusk
Councilman
R. H. Pruett Mayor
James W. Harrison City Manager
George Chandler City Attorney
Edna Oliver City Clerk
Absent: W. D. Hollaway Councilman
The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered by
Reverend Haygood, Pastor of St. John's Methodist Church, afterwhich, the
Mayor instructed the City Clerk to read the minutes of the regular meeting
of January 8th. Councilman Mears moved to dispense with the reading of the
minutes; Councilman Ward asked that the following correction be made to the
minutes, namely:
"Discussion - Accumulated Sick Time Pay - The Council discussed the
possible adoption of these fringe benefits for all City employees, but Mr.
Harrison stated that the City could not afford it ". With this correction,
Councilman Mears moved for the minutes to be approved. Councilman Ward
seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:.
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nuys: None
" Ward
Garrison
" Mears
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Present Award Certificates - Civilian Defense Members - E. L. Parker
Mayor Pruett presented Certificates
(30) members of the Baytown Civil Defense
continuous period of five (5) years or no
loyal support and unselfish service rends
of the Police Department, was congratula
course in Finger Printing. A certificate
of Award to approximately thirty
Organization who had served for a
re. He commended them for their
red the community. E. L. Parker,
ted for his recent completion of a
was presented to him, also.
Prior to the opening of all bids, City Manager Harrison proposed to
acknowledge receipt of each bid by opening and posting the duplicate, but
table any action of tabulation until the next regular meeting of the Council.
This proposal was presented due to the fact that each bid proposal was com-
posed of numerous items and the comparison of bids will be time consuming.
He proposed to prepare a complete tabulation of each bid and furnish each
interested person with a copy of same. After some discussion, Councilman
Clayton moved to accept the recommendation of the City Manager; the bids
be opened, duplicate copies of each bid be posted, but any further action
on the bids be tabled until the next regular meeting of the Council. This
will allow sufficient time for the completion of the tabulation and a study
1272
be made by t18 Council. Councilman Years seconded the motion. The roll call
vote was as follows:
Roll Call: ayes:. Councilman Clayton Nays: None
to Ward
It Garrison
Mears
Lusk,
Mayor'Pruett
Bids - Water Materials
Bids on the year's requirement of material for the'Water Department
were acknowledged and opened from the following supply douses, to -wit:
Rohan Company Incorporated
Lone Star Steel Company
Utility Supply Company
Bids - Gasoline and Oil
Viking Supply Company
Municipal Pipe & Fabricating Co.
Rockwell'Manufacturing Co.
Due to a discrepancy in the specifications for Gasoline and Lubricants,
Coun6iman Ward moved to return the bids submitted by King- Enderli Oil Company,
Humble Oil & Refining Company and Wallace Gray Oil Company and the City Manager
be instructed to prepare new specifications and readvertise for bids.
Councilman Garrison seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
if Ward
It Garrison
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Bids - Tires
Bids on the ar's requirement of tires were acknowledged and opened,
ye re q
the firms submitting a bid were as follows:
Fuller Incorporated of Baytown B. F. Goodrich Company
Discussion - Water Well North Main
The Mayor opened discussion on the water well recently drilled off North
Main by stating that it produced both salty and hard water. No one was to
be criticized for the results as it couldcnlSr be termed as an act of God.
The drilling contractor had performed his services according to the outlined
plans and specifications, the City Engineer and Director of Public Works had
carefully checked each phase of the development, but the results were very
disappointing. The Council discussed the possibility of cutting the ca ity
of the well to 750 gallons per minute, with an expected life of five (57
years at an additional cost of $9,000.000 but this may proveLto be a gamble
as the wager my still not be usable. Secondly, the water could be blended
with the present water system, but the cost to properly loop the system Uill
be excessive. Thirdly, the Council can authorize the moving of the well to
the City's property off Park Street at an additional cost of 0162000.00 for
the drilling. City Engineer Busch also stated that if the Council so desired
and authorized same, a portion of the materials may be salvaged from the Norht
Main well. after some discussion, the Council agreed to cap the North Main
well and leave it in its present condition and authorize the re- drilling of
the well at the Park Street site, with the same contractor, Katy Drilling
Company. It was also agreed that a drill stem test will be run at the new
location to test the type water before preceeding with the drilling expendi-
ture. Councilman Clayton moved to extend the present contract with Katy Drill-
ing Company to include the capping of the water well on North Main Street and
authorising the re- drilling of a new water well at the Park Street site, should
the drill stem test prove the water strata to be good. Councilman Mears second-
ed the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
1273
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
Ward
Garrison
Mears
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
The City Manager, City Engineer, Director of Public Works were directed
to consult with the Humble water experts in the study of the results of the
drill test.
Award Contract - Elevated and Ground Storage Tanks
The City Manager reported that a study had been made of the ground stor-
age and elevated storage tank bids, as received at the last regular meeting, and
Pittsburg- DesMoines Steel Company was found to be the low bidder,.'Councilman Ward
moved to accept the bid and award a contract for the construction of one (1)
500,000 gallon ground and two (2) 500,000 gallon elevated storage tanks at a
total cost of 011.47,880.00. Councilman Lusk seconded the motion. The roll call
vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Ward
Garrison
Mears
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Request - Telephone Comp - Install One -Cent Meters
The Council aknowledged the request of the General -Telephone Company
for a change in the time schedule of parking meters located in front of the
present location, from the present schedule of hours with nickels, to minutes
with pennies. No action was taken however; the Council agreed to make a
study of the request before taking any action.
Resolution - State Highway 146 - White Way Lighting
In order to assist the City in its effort to provide proper street lights
for Baytown and to enhance that portion of Highway 146 now under construction
within the City limits, the following resolution was introduced and read:
A UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, REQUESTING THE TEXAS STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION
TO FURNISH MERCURY VAPOR WHITE -WAY LIGHTS ALONG STATE HIGHWAY
146, LEADING FROM THE BAYTOWN TUNNEL TO CEDAR BAYOU STREAM;
AND REQUESTING THAT THE TEXAS STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION FURN-
ISH ALL ASSISTANCE POSSIBLE TOWARD THE PREPARATION OF ENGIN-
EERING AND INSTALLATION OF A PROPER LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM
ALONG SAID PORTION OF HIGHWAY 146; AND STATING THE CITY'S
WILLINGNESS TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND POLI-
CIES OF THE STATE CzHIGHWAY COMMISSION WHICH ARE IN EFFECT AT
THE TIME SUCH UNDERTAKINGS ARE COMMENCED AND AMENDMENTS HERE -
AFTER ADOPTED THEREBY.
WHEREAS, the Texas Highway Department and the City of Baytown have
initiated a program of certain improvemants to State Highway No. 146 within
and adjacent to said City; and
WHEREAS, such improvements consist of the construction of a six -
land Highway throught the City of Baytown in order to satisfactorily and
adequately serve the rapidly increasing traffic volume desiring access
to existing highway facilities; and
WHEREAS, there is an immediate necessity for the installation of
proper lighting fixtures and traffic control devices within and adjacent to'
the said City of Baytown; and
1271+
WHEREAS, an analysis of the requested work indicates such installation
will materially add to traffic safety; and
WHEREAS, the City of Baytown is financially unable, at this time, to
install such system:
NOW , THEREFORE, BE IT UNANIMOUSLY RESCLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN:
Section 1: That the Texas gtate Highway Commission is hereby kespect-
fully requested by the City Council of the City of Baytown to furnish all
assistance possible toweard the installation of a Mercury Vapor White -Way
Lighting System along Highway No. 146, leading from the Baytown Tunnel to
Cedar Bayou Stream, and officially designate such project as a State High-
way Project.
''Section 2: That the State Highway Commiession is hereby respect-
fully requested by the City Council of the City of Baytown to furnish all
assistance possible toward the preparation of engineering and installation
of a proper lighting control system on said highway.
Section 3: That the City of Baytown shall abide in this undertaking
according to the rules and regulations and policies of the State Highway
Commission which are in effect at the time such project is commended: and
amendments hereafter adopted thereby.
Section 4: That the Mayor and City Clerk of the City of Baytown are
hereby authorized and directed to furnish certified copies of this resolu-
tion to the proper authorities and interested parties, and particularly
two copies to Mr. W. E. Carmichael, District Engineer, District No. 12,
State Highway Department.
INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED unanimously by the affirmative vote of
the City Council on this the 22nd day of January, 1959.
ATTEST:
/s/ Edna Oliver
City, - Clerk
Z R. H. Pruett
Mayor, City of Baytown
Councilman Ward moved to adopt the resolution as read. Councilman
Clayton seconded the motion. The roll ball vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Ward
Garrison
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Permanent Repair - Alley East Baytown Subdivision
The City Engineer submitted an estimate of $2,183.68 for the permanent
repair of 3CO' of an alley lying between carolina and New Jersey Streets.
The Council had discussed the repair of the alley on several occasions but
no definite decision had been made relative to its improvement. After some
further discussion, Councilman Ward moved to instruct the City Manager and
Director of Public Works to proceed with the permanent repair of the 300' of
alley at a cost of $2,183.68. Councilman Mears seconded the motion. The
roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Ward Nays: Councilman Clayton
Fars " Garrison
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
1275
Install Storm Sewer - Decker Drive
In order to facilitate the drainage and prevent future repair to
Decker Drive in front of San Jacinto Yamorial Hospital, Councilman Clayton
moved to authorize the expenditiurre of approximately 410000.00 for the in-
stallation of storm sewer along Decker Drive while the street is being
widened,by the Counety and property owners. The line will extend from West
Sterling to a drain ditch below West Lobit. Councilman Mears seconded the
motion. The roll call v6tie was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
" Ward
Garrison
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Councilman Ward proposed that the City use a perdiem crew for the in-
stallation to prevent any slowing down on projects now under construction'
by the City's forces. The City Manager requested that formal permission
be granted and record same in the minutes. Councilman Ward moved to grant
permission b the City Manager to use a per diem crew if it is needed; the
City Manager be granted permission to make a business deal and carry the
crew on the City's payroll, under the supervision of the City Engineer and
Director of Public Works. Councilman Mears seconded the motion. The roll
call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: Nona
n Ward
u Garrison
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Ordinance - Calling Regular Municipal Election
Councilman Ward moved to adopt an ordinance ordering a Municipal Elec-
tion to be held on the 7th day of April, 1959, for the purpose of electing
three (3) Councilmen and a Mayor. Councilman Garrison seconded the motion.
The roll call v6tie was, as follows:"
Roll Call: -Ayes: Councilman Clayton Nays: None
Ward
" Garrison
Mears
Lusk
Mayor Pruett
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 520
AN ORDINANCE ORDERING THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE
7TH DAY OF APRIL, 1959, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE (3)
COUNCILMEN FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS NOS. 2, 3, AND 6, AND
THE ELECTION OF A MAYOR FROM THE CITY AT LARGE; PROVIDING FOR
ELECTION OFFICERS, DESIGNATING THE PLACES AND MANNER OF HOLDING
SAID ELECTION, PRESCRIBING THE HOURS AND PROVIDING FOR THE POST-
ING AND BUBLICATION OF NOTICE.
Report - City Attorney - Utility Commission Creation
The City Attorney gave the City Council a report on the work which
had been done toward acquainting the Legislators, Mayors, City Council
members, City Attorneys, Newspaper Officials, and any other political body
with the need of a State Utility Commission. He reported that he and
Councilman Mears were to be in Austin the week of January 25th in the interest
1276
of such a bill. Such a move will of necessity incur expenses and the Council
assured Yx. Chandler that the City will bear the expense of such a project.
Letter - T. B. Trotter Company
Mayor Pruett asked Mr. LeFevre, City Controller, to read a letter which
he had received from Mr. Houlihan of the T. B. Trotter Company, C.P.A.
of Houston, relative to the re- pFinting of the City's audit report. The
Council had ordered a reprint of the audit since the copy received dj.d not
meet the requirements of the New York bonding companies who rated our bonds.
After the presentation of the letter, Councilman Clayton moved to approve
and authorize the payment of the T. B. Trotter Company statement of 81,125.00.
Councilman Lusk seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:
Roll Call: Ayes: Councilmen Clayton Nays: None
" Ward
" Garrison
" Meara
" Lusk
Mayor Pruett
Miscellaneoua
The City Manager reported that he had received four (4) more Property
owner signatures whose property abuts North or South Main favoring the
permanent improvement. This leaves only eight (8) more signatures to soli-
cit in order to have the required 7(:%. The Mayor asked that provision be
made for those who do not wish to sign lien assessments, to present the CSY
Clerk with a cashier's check in full payment of the lien and no indebtedness
will be recorded against the property.
City Manager Harrison reported that the Civic Association of every new
subdivision, with the exception of Britton - Cravens, is working toward the
installation of the better street lighting. He expects to have several ex-
ecuted petitions within a short time, therefore, an extension has been made
to the 60 day requirement as set forth in the Resolution adopted November 25,
1958.
The Council gave approval to the publication of an annual report of
the City's activities for the filcal year of 1957 -58. The City Manager
was instructed to proceed with.the draft of the publication for final re-
view and approval by the Council prior to its publication.
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.
R. H. Pruett, Mayor
ATTEST.
�J
Edna Cliver, City Clerk
1