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1961 06 08 CC Minutes1611 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN June 8, 1961 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met :in regular session on Thursday, June 8, 1961 at 7:00 o'clock -p: in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the following members in attendance: _ Seaborn Cravey Councilman . W. L. Ward Councilman C. A. Hansen Councilman Velma J. Ansley Councilman R. H. Hughes Councilman James M. Bryan Councilman Al Clayton Mayor J. B. LeFevre City Manager Edna Oliver City Clerk Absent: George Chandler City Attorney _. The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered, afterwhich, the City Clerk was instructed to read the minutes of the May 25th and biay 31st meetings. _ After making two corrections, to -wit: May 25th. Street Problem - Glen - Arbor Subdivision "Connecting sections of State.Street to Schilling and State Street rr:' to North Main Street." and May 31st. Resolution - $3,000.00 Transfer, "The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ansley, Hughes Hansen Bryan - Nays: Councilman Cravey With these corrections, Councilman Ansley moved to dispense with the reading-of the minutes and they be approved. Councilman Hansep seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward. Ansley, Hansen Bryan and Hughes Mayor Clayton Nayst None Discussion on Unfinished Business (A) Opening Non - Dedicated Streets - Rights -of -way Councilman Hansen asked if the Committee appointed to study closing.sections of undeveloped streets lying off Schilling and North Main Streets, was ready•.to make a report. City Engineer Busch stated that he had learned, in his investigation, that when Dr. and bliss Annie Schilling sold the 290 -foot strip of land fronting Schilling Street they reserved two 50 x 200 strips of land as street rights -oaf -way. At one time, an attempt was made to give the strips to the City and /or County for street purposes but neither governmental-agency would accept them as they did not meet their respec- tive subdivision requirements. C. J. Bailey, Jr. later bought the 50 -foot strip, reserved for the opening of State Street extension, from the Schilling heirs and it now belongs to him. Other street rights -of -way, including Pruett Street, have been sold to the*developer,of Glen Arbor Subdivision and is legally his property. Recently the State Highway Department has had their attorneys make a title search of all dedi- cated rights -of -way and have found that there is no existing street rights -of -way for Pruett, Columbia or State Street from Schilling Street northward. It was also learned that bar. Roy Long has not been asked to participate in any paving costs for the extension of Pamela Street from Glen Arbor Subdivision to connect with North Main. The 50- foot.strip bought by Yr. Bailey has been opened to provide driveway facilities to the Nazarene Church and an apartment house owned by Mr. Bailey and cannot be legally closed by the City, however, it cannot be accepted as a street since it has not been developed to meet the specifications of the City's Subdivision Ordinance. It was also brought out that when Spur 201 is cut through the Schilling tract, State and Columbia Streets will dead -end but the City should try to insist on Pruett Street being kept open by securing a rightof -way dedication from the owner of the property. City Engi- neer Busch informed the Council that final closing papers for the right -of -way for Spur 201 are being.processed and as soon as completed, the property owners will be paid; this includes the present 50 -foot strip reserved for Pruett Street exten- sion into Glen Arbor Subdivision. Since the City Attorney is away on vacation, the City Manager and City Engineer agreed to meet with Yr. Perrin White, owner of Sol 1612 the strip, and try to get a dedication easement on the Pruett Street extension. On State Street,•Councilman Hughes insisted that the developer be asked to close that section running through pravate property from the Nazarene Church property north to Glen Arbor Subdivision as it was opened by the subdivider without per- mission or approval from the City. If he fails to comply with this request, Council- man Hughes stated that he, personally, will not vote to accept the final- plat of Glen Arbor when such request is made. City Engineer Busch :reminded the Council that after the subdivision is accepted.. the City will own the street right -of -way and a barricade can then be placed- across State Street by the City where the pavement of State Street abuts upon the sub - standard extension. (B) Tax Collection Procedure Mr. LeFevre reported that he and Mr. Redd, Tax Assessor- Collector had compiled listings of Tax Department procedure policies, however; it was their opinion that these policies should be set forth in a Resolution for adoption. A resolution will be drafted by the City Attorney upon his return from vacation and the Council will be sent copies so they may study the recommended procedures prior to prestentatiop at the Council meeting. (C) Review of piaster -Plan Map - City Personnel Councilman Hansen asked if the City Manager, City Engineer and Director of Public Works were ready to make a report on any recommendations they may have form- ed after reviewing the map submitted by the Advisory Board at the May 31st meeting. He stated that he would like to have the comments of the City personnel incorporated and adopt the plan which would give some status in future planning. City Manager LeFevre stated that he.understood the request but was not prepared to give a report within a week. He is working toward completion of certain recommendations; his goal is to give the Council such a report but he is not prepared to make such pre- sentation at this time. (D) Casey Heirs - Curb and Gutter Abutting Clayton Drive Mr. LeFevre reported that he had contacted Drouitt Casey, Administrator of the Casey Estate, relative to payment of curb and gutter abutting upon their property on Clayton Drive prior to the improvement of the street. Mr. Casey seem- J ed to favor the improvement, but this is an estate and he cannot speak for all concerned, however, he has agreed to go back and discuss such improvements with the heirs again. He had talked about such improvements with the group 2• -or 3 years ago, after being approached by Mayor Clayton who was then Councilman from District No. 5, and they were not receptive at that time. He will make a report back to Mr. LeFevre after he has completed the contacts. Preliminary Approval --Section 2 - Creekwood Mr. W. D..- Broyles submitted a drawing of Creekwood Subdivision, Section 2 and asked preliminary approval of the subdivision. This section abuts Glen Arbor Subdivision, Section 5 on the south, Creekwood Subdivision, Section 1 on the east, Garth Road on the west and Goose Creek Stream and Walker acreage on the north. Fire Chief Lintelman had asked that an, additional fire hydrant be installed at Inwood Drive and Garth Road, however, when it was learned that the proposed installations met the requirements of the Fire Insurance Commission, the developer declined to install the--additional fire hydrant.. Mayor Clayton stated that the developer had met the subdivision requirements and he hesitated to force him to install the additional bydrant; he would ask that it be done but would not force him. After receiving no other recommended changes, Councilman Hughes moved to grant prelimi- nary approval to Section 2, Creekwood Subdivision, as per plat drawings. Council- man Ward seconded the motion: The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Vard, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes and Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None Lo 1613 Discussion - Traffic Problem - Texas and James on Highway 146,e —, City Manager LeFevre reported on the traffic problem presently exising on 1W East Texas and Highway 146 and East James and Highway 146 when making a left hand turn, The State Highway Department had been approached for permission to install left hand turn lights during the original study prior to installation of the exist- ing lights, but would not grant approval because there is not sufficient street width at either intersection to provide a proper left hand turn lane. On East Texas there is sufficient width on the west but not on the east side and at East James there is sufficient width on the east side but not on the west. The Highway Depart - n1ent even preferred that all traffic be directed across and not be allowed to make a left turn at either intersection. t1r. LeFevre offered to make another study but reminded the Council that any plan that may be adopted would have to be in the 1961- 62 budget as the streets must be widened to provide proper channelization and there is no money in this fiscal year's budget to take care of the added expendiure, Mayor Clayton suggested that lines and arrows be drawn designating the manner in which the turn should be made as many do not know if they should turn in front or behind the approaching traffic. The City [tanager and Police Department will continue its study of the problem and any new solutions will be reported as the police department has received numerous calls and complaints on when and how to make proper turns on or off Highway 146. Appointment Zoning Committee Mayor Clayton appointed Councilmen Ansley and Bryan as a Committee to study zoning within the limits of the City of Baytown. Since the subject is so controver- sial, he suggested that the committee begin study with the fringe and industrial areas. Discussion - Oak Street Extension _ Abandon Driveway Requirements City Manager LeFevre reported that the City had been negotiating with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company to grant a right -of -way across its property in order for the City to open Oak Street to intersect with Gentry Drive and permission had been granted to the former administration under certain conditions. The first condition was that the City pay the cost of moving the spur track from its present location east beyond the Oak Street extension; and secondly, abandon a loading right - of -way used at the former spur track location, this to be incorporated in the lease instrument. These conditions were approved by the administration and the lease instrument has been received by Mr. LeFevre. In checking the area, he has found that the driveway to be abandoned, is now being used as a street, butA t is actually the rail- road right -of -way. The school has dedicated Gentry Drive from Oak Street to Lee Drive to the City but there is no street dedication from Gentry at Oak west to Carnegie Street. It was his opinion that if the City opens Oak Street and abandons this section of the right -of -way presently used for street purposes, it will create a greater traffic hazard than presently exists. This right -of -way was leased to the school district ten or twelve years ago for a driveway, and should it be closed for street purposes, it would require that any traffic going to the stadium would have to go around a complete block, Councilman Hughes stated that he doubted if the roadway could be closed to traffic as it must be closed one day each calendar year to make it legal, but suggested that the Council wait until the City Attorney re- turns and can check into the legal aspect before a decision is made, Councilman Ward also asked Mr. LeFevre to prepare a sketch of the actual and proposed routing so that the Council may acquaint itself with the areas involved. Resolutions The City Manager introduced and read the following resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER FIVE HUNDRED ($500,00) DOLLARS FRO51 THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND TO BUDGET CLASSIFICATION 501 6 -2. 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 be authorized to transfer Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars from the Council Contingency Fund to Budget Classification 501 6 -2 to pay for having grass out on vacant lots by commercial cutters as per 901 1614 Council approval, April 6, 1961. INTRODUCED, READ and PASSED by the affirmative vote of a majority of the City Council on this the 8th day of June, A.D., 1961. ATTEST: /s/ Edna Oliver Edna Oliver, City Clerk /s/ Al Clayton Al Clayton, Mayor Councilman Cravey moved to adopt the resolution as read. Councilman Hughes seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton' Nays: None' Option - Extend Lease - Concession Stand - Two Years Air. LeFevre informed the Council that W. J. Tadlock, present lessee of the Roseland Pool Concession Stand, has asked to be granted an option to extend his present lease contract an additional two years in order for him to be able to buy certain equipment needed to properly operate the stand. He has been renting the equipment from the former lessee, J. A. Carmena, and if granted the option will proceed to purchase the equipment. Councilman Bryan moved to approve the 2 -year, option to extend the contract on the Concession Stand as requested by the Lessee, W. J. Tadlock. Councilman Cravey seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Ansley, Hughes, Hansen, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None Ordinance - Annexing Sanitary Landfill Site Councilman Ward moved to adopt an ordinance annexing the 41.23 acre tract of land abutting Cedar Bayou Stream, purchased by the City of Baytown as a landfill garbage disposal site. Councilman Ansley seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ansley, Hansen, Ward, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None The caption of the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 621 -A AN ORDINANCE CONTAINING ORDINANCE NO. 621, INTRODUCED THE 26TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1961, AND BEING: "AN ORDINANCE ENLARGING AND EXTENDING THE BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ALL OF WHICH IS DESCRIBED HEREIN; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND PASSAGE OF THIS ORDINANCE IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN ARTICLE I, SECTION 9, OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN'; PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF SAID ORDI- NANCE NO. 621 WITH RESPECT TO THE TERRITORY TO BE ANNEXED AND FOR THE FINAL PASSAGE OF SAID ORDINANCE IN AMENDED FORM PURSUANT TO SECTION 9, ARTICLE I, OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN. Ordinance - Re- Annexing Property North of City Limits to Highway_ 73 Councilman Ansley moved to adopt an ordinance re- annexing all territory, under the first reading, included in Ordinance 621 with the exception of the 41.23 acre sanitary landfill disposal site. Councilman Ward seconded the motion. the vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None '0 t The caption of the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 627 AN ORDINANCE ENLARGING AND EXTENDING THE BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AND ANNEXING ADDITIONAL ADJACENT TERRI- TORY TO SAID CITY, ALL OF WHICH IS DESCRIBED HEREIN; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND PASSAGE.. OF THIS ORDINANCE IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN ARTICLE I, SECTION 9, OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN. Report - Meeting with-Library Board - City Manager City Manager LeFevre gave a report on the results of his last meeting with the �ibrary Advisory Board by first stating that no definite agreement was reached on the librarian applicant. Mr. Blasibk, and it was-decided to wait for the return on qualifications of other applicants before proceeding with applicant interviews. In reference to the proposed trade of School District property at the corner of Alarket Street and Lee Drive as a Public Library site, the Library Advisory Board agreed that the location is ideally suited and is superior from the standpoints of location and accessability to the present site, but concluded that it would cost more money to construct than the allotted $190,000.00 even if a trade could be arranged between the School District and the City of Baytown. Air. Lammers, the architect, had met with Mr. LeFevre and the Board and in the discussion he stated that due to the fall of the land, a retainer wall and a more expensive foundation .must be constructed of the size and including the facilities previously agreed upon. Even.if the size of the site necessary for the building could be reduced, it would require two or more acres to provide parking facilities due to the traffic situation. Councilman Hansen stated that he had previously arranged to meet with the School Board and submit a trade proposal, but he is now of the opinion that the City should not pursue acquiring this particular site from the School Board but can continue its study of other sites as the City is relatively short of money for construction of the library and all items have been budgeted to get the most out of the $350.000 pro- vided by the bond issue. This was his suggestion and the Council agreed. He will ask to be removed from the School Board agenda of June 12th by Council consent. Telephone - Civilian Defense Director The City Manager reported that Bob Feinberg, Civil Defense Director of Baytown has an opportunity to secure office,space in the new Post Office Building and will need a few -items of furniture and a telephone. He advised Air. Feinberg to continue negotiations for the office space and with the Council's approval the City will pay the telephone bill and will try to find a desk, one or two chairs and possibly a file-cabinet as office furniture. The Council saw no need of a telephone in the office, so the City Manager agreed to talk with Mr. Feinberg further. If a need is really established, Mr. LeFevre will bring his findings back to the Council for reconsideration. . Drainage Ditch for Eva Maude Subdivision and Adjacent Area The City Manager presented a proposal for the drainage of the Eva Maude Subdivision and adjacent areas with drawings prepared by the City Engineer and showing the contours and natural drainage pattern of the entire area. The drainage problem exists because of a lack of drainage structure. He asked permission to negotiate with the Harris County Flood Control District and see if the City cannot receive some help, such as securing rights -of -way and constructing the ditch as per sketch. The Council gave Mr. LeFevre permission to negotiate with the County on the drainage problem. The Mayor stated that he had met with Air. Ramsey and Councilman Hughes, to discuss the drainage problem and Mr. Ramsey.agreed to give all the assistance possi- ble. Mr. Ramsey preferred furnishing labor and equipment rather than buying the material as he has to sell the need of material purchase to the Commissioners Court. He also offered to furnish the,City with some riprap which he presently has on hand if the City should have need of such materials. The County is presently giving the City some assistance on the work being done on Market Street construction and were fixing to pour valley gutter type curb. The City stopped them as it is the opinion of the City Engineer, City Manager and Director of Public Works that the standard type curb and gutter is more acceptable. The City and County have now 1615 1616 reached an agreement: the County will furnish the materials and the City will furnish the man power to lay standard type curb. - City Manager - Two -Dar School - Austin The Council approved the City Manager attending a two -day City Managers' school conducted in Austin on Monday and Tuesday, June 12th and 13th. Traffic Problem - Barrymore Drive at West Main Councilman Cravey asked the Council to give some study to an existing traffic problem at the intersection of West Main and Barrymore Drive. The underbrush and firewall on the left of Barrymore Drive obstructs any view to the left and the curve in West Main adds to the problem of making a left turn off Barrymore Drive onto West Main Street. Director of Public Works Grantham reported that he had tried to negotiate with Mr. Troxell, owner of the property, two years ago for permission to cut the underbrush and pull back some of the firewalls but Mr. Troxell objected as it is sandy land and the removal of the underbrush or any type grading will start the land moving and he will lose all the top soil. He offered, however, to go back to Fir. Troxell with a proposal to lay riprap along the decline and it may be that he will be receptive to the request at this time. Traffic Problems The City Manager and Chief of Police were given permission to make a study of the Stop signs within the City and when possible, replace the existing Stop signs .with a Yield sign. The City Manager also instructed Police Lieutenant Turner to make a survey of the street signs and it may be that some may be taken out entirely rather than replacing with Yield. Mayor Clayton suggested that an actuated traffic light be installed on West Main at Bayliss to replace the present traffic light. Mr. Frost, City Electrical Supervisor, suggested that a sonic detector and amplifier be used rather than the magnetic type-detector and amplifier to avoid tearing up the street. His estimate cost was $735.00 but promised to have something definite at the next regular meeting. Study Site - Possible -Park Oak Addition Councilman Hughes asked members of the Council to study a site he proposed to develop into a park site for residents of Oak Addition if the City can obtain a lease from the Southern Pacific Raidtoad Company. Since he did not get the Item on the agenda he proposed that all Gook at the site and it will be discussed at the next meeting. The City Manager was also instructed to check. with Mr. Ramsey on the possi- bility of assisting the City in covering a flood control ditch running through prop- erty adjacent to the present Oak Addition Little League Park. and Carver School as the civic leaders proposed to use this area as a ball park site. Mr. Ramsey has promised the civic leaders help on this project in conjunction with the City. Councilman Bryan asked that ditches be cleaned out within Oak Addition area as water is standing in all sections of the addition, especially in ditches running east and west. Councilman Ansley suggested that junction boxes be installed in conjunction with the cleaning and the civic leaders have promised to assist the City in its efforts by-removing bridges if the City will use its equipment and man power to clean out ditches in the addition. Adjournment Councilman Ansley moved that the meeting be adjourned. Councilman Ward seconded the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. Al 'Clayton, Mayor ATTEST: / Edna Oliver, City Clerk 90[