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1961 12 14 CC Minutes1688 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF'THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN December 14, 1961 The City Council of'the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session on Thursday, December 14, 1961 at 7 :00 o'clock p.m. 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 Roy H. Hughes Councilman James M. Bryan Councilman Al Clayton Mayor J. B. LeFevre City Manager George Chandler City Attorney Edna Oliver City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered by Council- man Bryan, afterwhich, the City Clerk was instructed to read the minutes of the November 30th meeting. Councilman Ward moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and the following correction be made: Policy - Street Improvements '10) That the City Council shall not order a secondary or undesignated street to be im- proved under a paving assessment program unless and until 51% of the property owners abutting such street shall petition Council for such improvement, however, the City Council will designate certain streets as thoroughfares in the bond issue; these will be paved by order of the City Council without a petition of signatures of abutting property owners." With this correction, Councilman Ansley moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Councilman Hughes seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None V. V. Ramsey - Drainage and Jail Discussion County Commissioner V. V. Ramsey met with the Council and discussed plans for drainage of Richardson Addition and adjoining flooded areas. He assured the Council that money will be available in March, 1962 for the drainage project and hoped to have a survey made in the near future. The flood control engineers will be instructed to carry the drainage ditch to Cedar Bayou Stream; this will alleviate flooding conditions which presently exist within the area after heavy rains. In discussing the remodeling of the County jail, Mr. Ramsey stated that he felt County Engineers' estimate of $87,000.00 was excessive since the jail would not be enlarg- ed. He and the Council discussed a possible revision of the plans and need for a County and a City jail in Baytown and immediate attention to the plumbing facili- ties of the present building. Mr. Ramsey concluded the discussion by promising immediate attention to the repair d the plumbing in the present jail. He will have a County Engineer make an inspection of the plumbing needs early in the week of December 17th and repairs will be forthcoming immediately but any committment on permanent remodeling of the present jail building will be deferred until March, 1962. Mr. Ramsey will then know just how much money will be available for the drainage and jail remodeling projects and will make a report to the Council at that time. Approved Installation - Traffic Light- South Main and Gulf City Manager LeFevre reported that the Chief of Police had requested the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of South Main and Gulf after a traffic count was made showing the request was justifiable due to heavy congestion at peak periods of the day. It was the recommendation of the City Manager that the request be granted. The Council discussed the type traffic light, fixed time or VT.7'6 1689 actuated, and when it was learned that there was a difference in cost of approxi- mately $300.00, Councilman Bryan moved to accept the recommendation of the City Manager and approve the installation of a traffic light, on a fixed time basis, at the intersection of South Main and Gulf. Councilman Cravey seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, House, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None Open Bids - Pickup Trucks, Garbage Trucks and Passenger Cars The bids on Pickup Trucks, Garbage Trucks and Passenger Cars were opened and tabulated as follows: Thad Felton RZT, Item 91 Four (4) Pickup Trucks @ $1,698.92 ea. Total $6,795.68 Less Four (4) Trade -Ins 250.00 $6,545.68 Item 92 Two (2) Garbage Chassis @$3,235.25 ea. Total $6,470.50 Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 100.00 $6,370.50 Item =3 Two (2) new model Fordor Sedans @ $2,116.50 ea. Total $4,237,00 Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 175.00 $4,062.00 Grand Total Bid Three (3) Items (20 days deliver) $16.978.18 Buck Turner Item =1 Four (4) Pickup Trucks @ $1,752.30 ea. Total $7,009,20 Less Four (4) Trade -Ins 320.00 $6,689.20 Item =2 Two (2) Garbage Chassis @ $3,408.58 ea. Total $6,017.16 Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 150.00 $6,667,16 Item =3 Two (2) new model Fordor Sedans @ $2,139.15 ea. Total $4,278.30 Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 275.00 $4,003.30 Grand Total Bid Three (3) Items (21 days deliver) $17,359,66 Less Addition Discount Purchase All Three 200.00 $17,159.66 Frenta Motor Company Item 92 Two (2) Garbage Chassis @ $3,642.75 ea. Total $7,285.50 Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 500.00. $6,785.50 Item =3 Two (2) Plymouth -Fleet V -8 Sedans @ $2,185.84 ea. Total $4,371,68 • Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 400,00 $3,971.68 Alternate: Item =3 Two (2) Plymouth Savoy V -8 Sedans @ $2,250,93 as Total $4,501,86 Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 400.00 $4,101.86 • Grand Total Items 42 and =3 (No.l) $10,757,16 Grand Total Items art and =3 (No. 2) _$10,887.36 RZT, 1690 Ernie Dittman Motors Item 91 Four (4) Pickup Trucks @ $2,141.45 ea. Total $8,565.80 Less Four (4) Trade -Ins 1.579.04 $6,986.76 Item 93 Two (2) Sedans @ $2,700.45 ea Total $5,400.90 Less Two (2)-Trade -Ins 931.92 $4,468.98 Grand Total Items 91 and Q (60 days delivery) $11,455.74 Higginbotham Motors Item #3 Two (2) new Fordor Sedans $2,142.23 Total $4.284.46 Less Two (2)'Trade =Ins 175.00 $4,109.46 Grand Total Item 93 only $4,109.46 (14 days delivery)' Kemp C Tony Item 81 Four (4) Pickup Trucks @ $1,813.70 ea. Total $7,254.80 Less Four (4) Trade -Ins 300.00 $6,954.80 r Item 82 Two (2) Garbage Trucks @ $3,467.24 ea. Total $6,934.48 Less Two (2) Trade -Ins 300.00 $6,634.48 Grand Total Items U1 and 82 (30 days delivery) $13,589.28 The Council discussed the bids. Councilman Hughes even making a motion to accept the bid of Buck Turner Chevrolet Company which died for want of a second. The Council agreed to defer further action upon the bids until the City Manager and Director of Public Works have made a study of the trucks and cars. A recom- mendation for purchase will be submitted by the City Manager at a special meet- ing of the Council which is called for Monday, December 18th at 5:00 p.m. Recommendation - City Engineer and City Manager - Thoroughfares Permanent Improvement The City Manager submitted a written recommendation for the permanent improve- ment-of eight (8) thoroughfares, taken from the twenty or more approved at the July 13, 1961 meeting; these are listed in order of urgency. 1. James Street from Alexander Drive to Lobit Street; Lobit Street from James to Decker Drive; Total estimated cost (including right -of -way) $ 263,000 2. Commerce Street from Gulf to Forrest; Total estimated cost $ 200.000 3. Lynchburg Road and Harbor Drive; Total estimated cost $ 129,000 4. Fayle Street from Commerce to Narcille; Total estimated cost $ 218,000 5. Pruett Street from West Main Street to Sterling;. Total estimated cost $ 234.000 6. Gulf Street from Whiting to Highway 146; Total estimated cost $'16,000 14ZT7 7. North Pruett Street from Homan to Lloyd Lane: Total estimated cost $ 98,000 8. Briarwood Drive from present western terminus to South Main Street; Total estimated cost. $ 19,000 Total estimated cost of Eight (8) projects $1,323,000 Less estimated property owner cost 479.400 Total estimated cost to the City of Baytown 843,600 No established policy as to the amount, if any, to be assessed against railroad rights -of -way; property owner portion may vary due to credits that may be given for curb and gutter, difficulties in collecting some of the assess- ments and other factors. The Council discussed drainage, storm sewer requirements, purchase of needed rights -of -way. secondary streets, railroad participation in improvement costs and other relating factors pertinent to the overall street improvement program. As a result of the discussion, the City Manager was instructed to invite Ernest L. Brown, Jr., City of Baytown fiscal agent, to meet with the Council at its Janu- ary 11th meeting and assist the Council in its plans for a $2 or $23L� million bond issue. Mr. Brown will tell the Council if it will be necessary to increase the City's present tax rate to finance further street improvement bond issues plus the annual requirements to retire City's present outstanding bonded indebtedness. City Manager - Contact Property Owner Narcille Street Right -lf -Way Extension It was reported that a building permit had been obtained from the City's building permit clerk for construction of a home on the Narcille Street right -of -way extension. The City Manager was instructed to check into the rumor and if it is found to be true, enter into negotiation with the owner for the City to purchase the right -of -way easement. He will make a report to the Council before compldtion of rights -of -way for the "Master Plan of Proposed Thoroughfates" adopted by the Council, July 13, 1961. No Adtion - Suggestion Include Park Site Acquisition - Proposed Bond Issue The Council took no definite action on the suggestion of Councilman Hansen td include the acquisition of parks and playgrounds in the next bond issue. Assistance - Airport Facilities - Federal Government Mr. Maurice Taylor, operator of an airport on Barkaloo Road, asked the Council for some assistance, if possible, in obtaining Federal funds for the improvement of an airport for Baytown. He reported that it was his understanding that $60,000 has been designated for this improvement in Baytown by the Federal Government but application for such funds must be made by the City Council. Mayor Clayton ap- pointed a committee composed of Councilman Hughes, City Manager LeFevre and City Attorney Chandler to work with Mr. Taylor and study the ramifications of making application for federal funds for improvement of airport facilities. A report will be made on the findings at a later meeting. Ordinance -*Paving West Main Street - Alexander Drive to Lee Drive Councilman Ansley moved to adopt an ordinance determining that certain steps have been taken in relation to the permanent improvement of West Main Street from Alexander Drive to Lee Drive; making appropriation of funds for payment of the City' share of the improvements and ordering and setting the time and place for a hearing to be held and given to all owning properties.abutting said street. Councilman Ward seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward. Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None The caption of the ordinance follows: 1691 9Z:F 1692 ORDINANCE NO. 639 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, DETER- MINING THAT CERTAIN STEPS HAVE HERETOFORE BEEN TAKEN IN RELATION TO THE MATTER OF PERMANENTLY IMPROVING WEST MAIN STREET, TO -WIT: WEST MAIN STREET VORMERLY KNOWN AS GOOSE CREEK -PELLY ROAD) FRO+YITHE WEST RIGHT -OF -WAY LINE OF MCKINNEY STREET (7TH STREET), ALSO BEING THE EAST LINE OF BLOCK SEVEN (7) OF JONES ADDITION TO THE CITY OF PELLY (NOW BAYTOWN), TO A POINT SIXTY - FIVE (65') FEET WESTERLY FROM THE WEST LINE OF ALLMAN STREET (6TH STREET) IN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, WITHIN THE LIMITS HEREIN REFERRED TO, AND RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING SUCH ACTION; SETTING OUT A COPY ff THE ENGINEER'S ESTIMATES OF THE COSTS OF SUCH PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS; MAKING APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR PAYMENT OF THE SHARE OF THE COST OF SUCH IMPROVEMENTS TO BE BORNE BY THE CITY OF BAYTOWN; ORDERING THAT A HEARING BE HELD AND GIVEN TO ALL OWNING OR CLAIMING PROPERTIES ABUTTING UPON SAID STREET TO BE IM- PROVED AND AS TO OTHER RELATED MATTERS; SETTING AND FIXING THE TIME AND PLACE OF SUCH HEARING AND DIRECTING THAT NOTICE THEREOF BE GIVEN; RESCIND- ING ANY OTHER ORDINANCES OR PROCEEDINGS OF SAID CITY IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. Ordinance - Creating Zoning Commission Councilman Bryan moved to adopt an ordinance creating the Baytown Zoning Commission; prescribing the number, duties, qualifications and terms of office and prescribing powers and duties of the Commission. Councilman Ward seconded the motion the vote follows:. Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None The caption of the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 640 AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE BAYTOWN ZONING COMMISSION; PRESCRIBING THE NUMBER, DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ITS MEMBERS AND THEIR TERM OF OFFICE; PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF ITS MEMBERS AND-THE METHOD OF FILLING VACANCIES; MAKING DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICIALS AVAILABLE TO SUCH COMMISSION; PRESCRIBING POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE ZONING COMMISSION; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF RULES, REGULATIONS AND BYLAWS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HERETO; PROVIDING A SAV- INGS'CLAUSE AND THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. Adreement - Harris County - Lieu of Agreement Executed December 29, 1960 Councilman Ward moved to authorize and irs truct the Mayor to execute an agreement between Harris County Flood Control District and the City of Baytown for contribution to the storm sewer construction in what is known as "Plumwood Ditch:. Said contribution to be in the amount of $3,750.00 and said agreement will supersede an agreement executed on December 29, 1960 and January 25, 1961 in which Flood Control District agreed to contribute the sum of $7,500.00 to the City of Baytown upon completion of drainage ditch referred to as Flood Control Ditch Q'104- 00 -00. Councilman Hughes seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None Advertise Bids - Year's Supply Concrete Pipe The City Manager was instructed to perpare specifications and advertise for bids on concrete pipe used by the City; contract to be awarded on annual basis as other material contracts are awarded. City Sewer Levy Formula Councilman Ward. spokesman for the committee appointed to study a method Mp of equalizing the $1.00 sewer charge levied by the City Council as of the 1961- 62 fiscal year, submitted the following recommendation; 1. On water bills where number of gallons used is 8,000 or less, a flat rate of $1,00 per month with provision that no residence be cahrged more than $1.00, 2. Then in graduations of 9000 gallons, 8,000 to 12.,000 an additional $0.25 be charged with a maximum charge of $5,00 per month. 3. Apartment houses charged $1.00 per month, per unit, for all occu- pied units. Councilman Ward concluded his report with the statement that he and other Councilmembers had received a letter from Ernest L. Brown, the City;s fiscal agent asking that the water and sewer charge be combined under a single charge; it was the recommendation of the committee, however, that the sewer and water charge be maintained as separate charge items,. Councilman Hughes moved to adopt the recommendation of the committee as presented. Councilman Cravey seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley, Hpghes,$ryan Mayor Clayton Nays: None Condemnation Proceedings - Open Oak Street to Intersect Gentry Drive Councilman Hansen moved to instruct City Attorney Chandler to proceed with condemnation of Southern Pacific Railroad property to effectuate the opening of Oak Street to intersect Gentry Drive near the Robert E. Lee High School Staduim, Councilman Hughes seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ward, Hansep,Ansley, Hughes, Bryan Mayor Clayton _ Nays: None Abstained: Counciman Cravey Miscellaneous The City Attorney was asked to brief the law and be prepared to give the Council a report on legal procedure for assessment of railroad property under a street improvement program. The City Manager and City Engineer were instructed to prepare a cost esti- mate on the extension of Oak Street to intersect Market Street as included in the Master Street Plan proposed by the Baytown Advisory Board. The City Engineer and City Manager were instructed to prepare estimates, for permanent maintenance improvement of North Pruett, from West Texas to Homan; Fourth Street, Seventh Street, West Defee Street, Huggins and possibly some of the streets in Plumwood Addition. The Council will review the esti- mates and make its decision on the order of improvements, The City Manager was instructed to prepare a cost estimate for asphaltic topping of streets in Roseland Oaks. This estimated figure is being requested by members of the Civic Association, who propose to bear the entire cost of such improvement if it is found to be within reason. The City Manager was instructed to obtain a cost estimate on installing an additional mechanical traffic control device on Alexander Drive to facili- tate safer turning from the cross streets into Alexander Drive. Adiournment Councilman Ward moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Ansley seconded the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned, ATTEST: Al Clayton, G yor Edna Oliver, City Clerk 1693 vzi