1961 08 10 CC Minutes1641
. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNECIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
August 10, 1961
. The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on
Thursday, August 10, 1961, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City
Hall with the following members in attendance:
Seaborn Cravey Councilman
C. A. Hansen Councilman
Velma J. Ansley Councilman
R. H. Hughes Councilman
James M. Bryan Councilman
Absent:
Al Clayton
J. B. Le Fevre
Edna Oliver
W. L. Ward
George Chandler
Mayor
City Manager
City Clerk
Councilman
City Attorney
The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered, after -
which, the City Clerk was instructed to read the minutes of the July 27th meeting.
The following corrections were made: Request water Service Line: "Councilman
Bryan then suggested that Mr. Hatchell! ; Curb and Gutter Assessment Policy:
"Councilman Ward moved that the City adopt the policy of reviewing the cases where
curbs and gutters are required for proper street improvement and forced assessments
must be instituted against the property because the owners have refused to Dartici-
pate in their pro rata share of the cost "; and Dumping Waster Oil: "investigate a
complaint made against Texas Petroleum Service. With these corrections., Council-
man Ansley moved to approve the minutes as amended. Councilman Hughes seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan
Mayor Clayton
Nays: None
Set Date 1961 -62 Budget Review
The Council will begin its preliminary review of the 1961 -62 proposed budget
Tuesday, August 15th. The study will be held each evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Council
Room of the City Hall with City Manager LeFevre conducting the review. No date was set
for completion of the study.
Montgomery - Restrict Parking - Highway 146 (Alexander Drive)
Police Chief Montgomery asked the Council to restrict parking on Highway
146 (Alexander Drive) from East Republic to Cedar Bayou Road in the interest of
safety. Heretofore parking has been permitted in right lanes on both sides of the
Highway and several accidents have occurred as the result of such parking. The
speed limit has been increased to 35 mph since the four lanes have been completed
and traffic has increased comparatively. . After some further discussion Council-
man Cravey moved to restrict parking on both sides of Highway 146 (Alexander Drive)
from East Republic to Cedar Bayou Road, such restrictions to become effective
immediately. Councilman Ansley seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan
Mayor Clayton
Nays: None
Signs will be posted on the Highway warning motorist to move into the right
lane to make a right turn. Heretofore, this has been impossible in some cases as
trucks and other motor vehicles were parked in the right lane of the highway. Slow
traffic will also be directed to take the right hand lane. Councilman Cravey also
commended Police Chief Montgomery on his decision to enforce the jay- walking section
of our traffic ordinance.
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Amendment - Traffic Ordinance - Permit Right Turn on Red
Councilman Hansen suggested that the present traffic code of Baytown be
amended to permit right turns on red at certain intersections. Since adopting
the present traffic ordinance, which was patterned after the State Code, right
turns on red have been prohibited and the Chief of Police has been instructed to
enforce the ordinance as written. Those who have talked with Councilman Hansen
seem to think that this has slowed down the movement of traffic, especially at
the more frequently used intersections,. The Council was divided in its opinion,
some thought it better to have the present traffic code without amendments as it
provides uniform regulations, safety and movement of traffic as required by the
State Code with maximum safety requirements. Others were of the opinion that
right turns on red should be permitted at certain intersections. After a lengthy
discussion, City Manager LeFevre was instructed to have,the City Attorney prepare
an ordinance amending the present traffic ordinance of Baytown to permit right
turns on red at certain designated intersections; the ictersections to be se-
lected by the City Manager and Chief of Police.
Audit Committee Report
Councilman Cravey, Chairman of the Audit Committee,, read a report setting
forth the work done by the committee and the corrections made on the four items
as recommended by T. E. Dossey, Jr., CPA of Houston, upon completion of the Semi -
Annual Audit Report. He concluded with a statement that the Committee will rec-
ommend hiring an auditor at a later date.
Municipal Economics Committee
Councilman Hansen, Chairman of the Municipal Economics Committee, stated
that he had named a committee to study the City's maintenance procedure and asked
Council approval of the sub - committee. Those named to the committee are as follows:
J. R. Barnes, J. J. Bridges, W. F. Miller, D. C. Seamans, M. L. Watts. Councilman
Hughes moved to approve the appointment of the sub - committee, as submitted, which
will assist in the study of City maintenance procedures. Councilman Ansley second-
ed the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan
Mayor Clayton
Nays: None
Mayor Clayton commended Councilman Hansen upon his selection as each member
named has had wide experience and much good can be derived from their combined
efforts and ideas.
Insurance Committee
Councilman Bryan reported that the Insurance Committee will complete its
study and have a recommendation for presentation at the next regular meeting of
the Council.
Re- Districting Committee
City Manager LeFevre reported that he had received additional printed mat-
erial from the Bureau of Census for study by the Re- Districting Committee. He was
unable to interpret some of the material so he is to contact Mr. Frank Goss, who
assisted in the last federal census, and they will review the forms and go into
Houston to-the district office, if necessary. .
Appropriation Ordinance
The City Manager introduced and read an ordinance appropriating $3,702.53
from the Unappropriated Surplus Water Fund to reimburse Waterworks Revenue Conting-
ency Fund for money borrowed to repair the water well on Seventh and East James.
Councilman Ansley moved to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilman Cravey seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen, Cravey, Ansley, Hansen, Hughes, Bryan
Mayor Clayton
Nays: None
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The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 630
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF.BAYTOWN
TO APPROPRIATE THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED TWO DOLLARS AND FIFTY -
THREE ($3,702.53) CENTS FROM THE UNAPPROPRIATED SURPLUS WATER FUND
TO BUDGET ACCOUNT NO. 1001 -4 -7.
Presentation - Maps and Estimate Cost - Thoroughfares System
The City Manager presented copies of a map and preliminary estimates of the
ultimate cost of completing the thoroughfare system adopted by the City Council
I' on July 27, 1961. These.maps and estimates were prepared by the City Engineer
prior to taking his vacation. Mr. LeFevre asked that he be given more time in
which to study the overall plan as he and Mr. Busch have not reveiwed the map
together. It is their intention to set up priority projects for Council approval.
Councilman Hansen suggested, also, that the Advisory Board be asked to proceed with
a study of thoroughfares within a five mile radius of the city limits. After
the study has been completed, a meeting will be arranged at which time the Council
will receive the recommendations of the Advisory Board. City Manager LeFevre also
reported that he had contacted Mr. Perrin White about the Pruett Street right -of-
way easement again. Mr. White has verbally agreed to the easement dedication;
Air. Busch has been requested to draw up the field notes and the owners will cooper-
ate with the City in executing a formal right -of -way easement instrument in order
for the City to proceed with its thoroughfare development program, as planned.
Comprehensive Planning Program
Mr. LeFevre reported that he has received a letter from Mr. Von Zuben,
regarding Comprehensive planning for Baytown. This letter contained a list of
planners which are recognized by the State Health Department. The selection of a
planner is the first step the Council will be required to take in the development
of a Comprehensive plan and several planners have talked with Mr. LeFevre since
Mr. Von Zuben's visit with the Council. He asked the Council's opinion on the
preferred procedure in the selection of a planning consultant. It was suggested
that the Council be given a list of the approved planners and a study will be
made, afterwhich, names will be selected and a special meeting will be held with
planners, Council and members of the Baytown Advisory Board. Mr. LeFevre informed
the Council that he has received literature which will aid the Council in its
selection of a consultant and invited them to come by his office and pick up the
copies for study. Mr. Tidmon, Secretary to the Advisory Board, suggested that
the Chairman, Mr, Karl Opryshek, be named as a representative of the Advisory
Board to attend the meetings after the Council has made a study of those firms
which are recognized by the State Health Department. The Council approved the
recommendation of the City Manager by agreeing to study the list of planners; later
a meeting will be held to discuss the qualifications and possibly a committee will
be appointed to review the fifteen or twenty applicants and select three or four
preferred firms. The Council will then make its selection from the committee's
recommended list. The meeting will be arranged after the budget review has been
completed.
Items of Unfinished Business
Item.l: Mr. LeFevre reported that he had been contacted by Mrs. Ashley
a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, whose property will be affected if
Green Street is opened. From the conversation, he is of the opinion that the
church thinks it will be given property, to the.north or west, in exchange for
that required in the street dedication instrument. Councilman Hughes, a member
of the original committee, was asked to elaborate on this question and stated
that he knew of no such.agreement, however, B. B. Williams, who owns property
abutting the church property, could have given a verbal offer of this type as
he was interested in having Green Street opened. Councilman Hughes and City
Manager LeFevre were appointed as a committee to continue negotiations for the
opening of Green Street.
Item 4: City Manager LeFevre reported that he has obtained the signatures
of Mr. and Mrs. Galloway and will proceed to negotiate with Mr. Troxell. After
he executes the dedication easement, the City will be ready to proceed with the
sanitary sewer installation project.
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Item 13: Mr. LeFevre reported that he will order a street light to be
installed at the point where Spur 201 intersects Highway 146 near the Baytown- ,
LaPorte Tunnel. It is his opinion that the light is needed, and if the Council
has no objections, he will proceed with the request. The Council gave its approval.-
Item 14: Mr. LeFevre and Fire Chief Lintelman have been compiling data
on the Fire Prevention and Engineer Bureau report and copies will be presented
of the study at the next regular meeting of the Council.
Markings -North Alexander Drive
Councilman Ansley asked the Chief of Police and City Manager to make a
study and recommendation for a pattern to use in turning into the esplanade on
Highway 146. It seems that cross traffic is undecided in making the turn and
a serious accident can occur if some type pattern is not set. Councilmen Bryan
and Cravey were appointed as a committee to work with Police Chief Montgomery
in the study of marking intersections on.Highway 146 so that motorist will know
how.to make left turns without jeopardizing themselves or approaching traffic.
Presently the Highway has no markings and each motorist is undecided; this tends
to create a problem which can result in a serious accident.
Marking - West Defee at Commerce
Mayor Clayton asked that the Police Chief have street.markings painted at
the intersection of North Commerce and West Defee to let motorists know that
two -way traffic is resumed as traffic proceeds east to North Main.
Industrial Attraction Committee - Resolution
Councilman Hughes moved to adopt the following resolution of the City
Council, to -wit:
"The Council endorses a proposed thorough investigation by the
Industrial Attraction Committee and the Baytown Chamber of Com-
merce of the-services which can be rendered by an Industrial
Licensed Consultant organization in helping the community to
attract new industry, and authorize the Industrial Attraction
Committee to develop with the Chamber a plan for securing com-
munity funds for payment of required fees. The Council is
prepared to support this effort financially together with
interested citizens, organizations and businesses of the com-
munity:
Councilman Hansen seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Cravey,.Ansley, Hansen, Hughes, Bryan
Mayor Clayton
Nays: None
Acquisition - Parks and Recreational Facilities - Baytown Advisory Board
Councilman Hansen mentioned the problem confronting the Council and.citizens
of Baytown in acquiring property to be used as park sites. It was his opinion
that some immediate action should be taken as property may now be acquired at a
relatively low price but if the Council waits, the town will grow and the property
will increase.in value. The primary area to be along Goose Creek.Stream. This
property can now be bought at a low acreage cost; should the city wait until
Goose Creek Stream is developed under the Industrial Waterways.project, a park
site would be almost cost prohibitive. He suggested presenting this problem to
the Baytown Advisory Board and asking their assistance and recommendations in
the study. He also suggested that they be asked to study the problems of thorough-
fare development within a five mile radius of the city limits. After some discus-
sion, Councilman Hansen moved to request the Baytown Advisory Board to make a study
and present recommendations on One, the development of thoroughfares within a five
mile radius of the city limits, and Two, acquisition and financing of future park
sites. Councilman Ansley seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ansley, Hansen, Hughes, Bryan
Mayor Clayton
Nays: None
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Thanks - Councilman Ansley - Improve Acoustics - Council Chamber
Councilman Ansley was commended for the work done in improving the acoustics
in the Council Chamber by removing an air - conditioning unit and moving the Council
table forward in order for the audience to hear the table discussion.
Adjournment
Councilman Ansley moved that the meeting be adjourned, Councilman Cravey
seconded the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting
adjourned.
ATTEST:
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Edna Oliver, City Clerk
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