Loading...
1963 04 10 CC Minutes, Special1887 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN April 10, 1963 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in special session on Wednesday, April 10, 1963 at 5:30 p.,�m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the following members in attendance: Seaborn Cravey Councilman C. A. Hansen Councilman •W. L. Ward Councilman Velma J. Ansley Councilman J. N. Bryan Councilman J. C. Huron Councilman Kenneth Badgett Councilman Al Clayton Mayor Lee Liggett, M.D. Mayor J. B. LeFevre City Manager George Chandler City Attorney Edna Oliver City Clerk Mayor Clayton called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered afterwhich, the City Clerk was instructed to read the minutes of the previous meeting. Councilman Ansley moved to dispense with reading of the minutes and they be approved in written form with the two following corrections. to -wit: Request for Playground Equipment at End of West Humble. "Mr. Cravey stated that -the land had been cleared, graded and worked by interested parties in order to provide a play- ground for a group of boys in the area." and Recommendation for Financing Purchase of Equipment from WFD." City Manager LeFevre gave his report and recommendation on financing the purchase of equipment from the Wooster Fire Department, such equip- ment to be the type that can be used by the Emergency Corps in its varied type emergency and mercy activities." Councilman Cravey seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey. Ansley, Ward, Hansen, Bryan and Huron Mayor Clayton Nays: None Ordinance - Merit Raise City Employees The Council discussed the draft of a proposed ordinance which provides for for merit pay increases for city employees. Section 3 of the proposed ordinance was changed to read "This committee shall consist of the City Manager, Mayor and the six elected councilmen." The City Manager introduced and read the caption of the ordinance. afterwhich. councilman Hansen moved to adopt the ordinance as corrected. Councilman Ansley seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley. Bryan and Huron Mayor Clayton Nays: None The caption of the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 675 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN PROVIDING FOR MERIT PAY INCREASES FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES; ESTABLISHING A MERIT RAISE FUND; CREATING A MERIT RAISE COMMITTEE; ENUMERATING CERTAIN STANDARDS THAT SHALL BE CONSIDERED IN GRANTING OR DENY- ING MERIT RAISES; PROVIDING A MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SALARIES FOR SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES; REPEALING ORMINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. 1868 Request - Reclassification Apartment Proiects - Electrical Ordinance Mayor Clayton appointed a committee composed of Councilman Bryan, City Manager LeFevre and Electrical Supervisor Leo Frost to study a possible revision of the city's electrical ordinance after hearing a suggested reclassification change from contractor, Zell Kuehn. Mr. Kuehn pointed out that the present classification of commercial buildings for apartment buildings places it in a cost bracket which prevents competitive biddings. He proposed that it be lowered to the Multiple Dwelling classification which will lower the cost per unit and permit competitive bidding. Estimates - Street Improvements Petition f City Manager LeFevre gave a report on the estimates prepared by the Eng- ineering department on Oak Street, Stimpson Street, Lincoln Street, Willow Street Yupon Street, Stowe Street, Turner Street, Johnston Street and West Hunnicutt and E. Defee. The preliminary estimate of the assessment on most of the streets was $4.65 per front foot; only one street. Stimpson, was classified as a class "B" street and the cost of the assessment was $5.35 per front foot. Since the estimates have been made, the property owners signing the petitions will be notified of the amount in order for them to proceed with obtaining 70% of pro- perty owner signatures for completion of the project. Bids - City Dog Pound Building The City Manager was instructed to advertise for bids on the construction of a new building to house dogs that are placed in the city pound. The dog pound will be relocated at the time of the erection of the new building. Resolution City Manager LeFevre introduced and read a resolution for the transfer of $11,990.00 from Council Contingency Fund to five classifications to -wit: 1001- 7-4, $1,500.00; 109 -1 -2, $4,140.00; 202 -104, $5,000.00 and 701 -9 -1, $1,350.00. Councilman Ansley moved to adopt the resolution as read. Councilman Huron seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley. Bryan and Huron Mayor Clayton Nays: None The caption of the resolution follows: RESOLUTION NO. 20 -4 -63 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER ELEVEN THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED NINETY ($11.990.00) DOLLARS FROM COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND TO BUDGET CLASSIFICATIONS 1- 1 -7 -4. 109 -1 -2, 202 -10 -4, AND 701 -9 -1. Open Bids - Bank Depository _ / 0 Bids calling for depository bids on the funds of the City of Baytown were opened and the proposals follow: Citizens National Bank C Trust Company (1) TIME DEPOSITS: (a) We will pay interest-at the rate of 4% per annum compounded quarterly on any Time Deposit having a maturity date one year or more after the date of deposit or payable upon written notice of one year or more. (b) We will pay interest at the rate of 3Y2 per annum compounded quarterly on any Time Deposit having a maturity date six months or more after the date of deposit or payable upon written notice of six months or more. 1889 (c) We will pay interest at the rate of 2.�% per annum compounded quarterly on any Time Deposit having a maturity date less than six months and not less than 90 days after the date of deposit or payable upon written notice of less that six months and not less than 90 days. (d) We will pay interest at the rate of 1% per annum compounded quarterly on any Time Deposit having a maturity date less than 90 days after the date of deposit or payable upon written notice of less than 90 days. (e) The City of Baytown has the privilege of depositing any sums in whatever manner or period of time, or with no period of time specified, and subject to whatever conditions that are most advantageous to the City of Baytown as are legally permitted. Should the governing regulations be amended or interpreted by an authoritative agent or agency of the Federal Government.to permit the payment of any in- creased rate or more beneficial method of deposit, we will pay the maximum amount that may be permitted under any condition. (f) It is the intention and purpose of this bid to pay to you the maximum allowed by Regulation "Q" of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in force on this date or as same may be increased hereafter, with the specific stipulation that any decrease in the maximum rate permitted will not lower future payment at the maximum rate as specified by this contract, but any increase in the maximum permitted rate shall be immediately granted to the City. j (g) Earned interest on each such deposit shall be payable in any manner you legally request, or if no specific request is made, interest shall be credited:to the respective account at the maturity of such deposit no matter how legally brought about. (2) DEMAND DEPOSITS: According to Regulation "Q" of the Board of Governors of "the Federal Service System, at this time. payment of interest is not permitted on daily balances of Demand Deposits. Should the regulation or law be amended to permit payment of interest on daily balances of demand deposits, we shall immediately begin to pay the maximum rate permitted. (3) BOND (4) SPECIAL CITY DEPOSITORY SERVICES: (5) OTHER BANKING SERVICES AND FACILITIES (6) NEW CITY HALL As we have often orally expressed, we think that the present City Hall is inadequate, unsightly, inefficient, and in an environment that does not lend itself favorably to newcomers, whether they be a new.plant, business, or individual. With that thought in mind, if it is at all legal, we would be favorably inclined to make the City a $500,000.00 direct mortgage loan on the l building and site payable at a ten year amortization basis on a 2% interest rate for the purchase of a more favorable site and the erection of a more presentable City Hall. Naturally.. this type of financing would have to be O.K.'d by both your attorneys and our own; but surely there is some legal manner in which it can be worked out. 1890 Peoples State Bank (1) INTEREST ON TIME DEPOSITS: (a) 9% per annum, compounded quarterly, on deposits having a maturity date twelve months or more after the date of deposit or payable upon written notice of twelve months or more. (b) 31�% per annum, compounded quarterly, on deposits having a maturity date less than twelve months and not less than six months after the date of deposit or payable upon written notice of less than twelve months and not less than six months. (c). 2!% per annum, compounded quarterly, on deposits having a maturity date less than six months and not less than 90 days after the date of deposit or payable on written notice of less than six months and not less than 90 days. (d) 1% per annum, compounded quarterly, on deposits having a maturity date less than 90 days after the date of deposit or payable upon written notice of less than 90 days. (e) It is the intent of this bank to pay to the City of Baytown the maximum amount of interest legally permitted under federal deposit Insurance Corporation regulations as to rate and method of calculation. The rates specified above are the minimum rates that will be paid to the City during the two year period of the contract being bid upon. Should permitted rates be increased, the City will automatically be granted this increased rate. (2) I NTEREST ON DAI LY• BALANCES: Existing regulations prohibit the payment of interest on daily demand deposits, however. if during the period covered by this bid, the rules and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation make it permissible for this bank to pay interest on daily balances of demand deposits, we will pay to the City the maximum rate permitted. (3) Bond (4) Miscellaneous After discussing the bids. Councilman Cravey stated that it was his opinion that depository bids should be alternated if the purpose and intent of the terms of bids received were identical; this was his interpretation of the two proposals just reviewed. Therefore, on this basis of reasoning, Councilman Cravey moved to award the Depository contract to Peoples State Bank for the two ensuing years. Councilman Ansley seconded the motion. The bids were again opened for discussion, particularly section 6 of the Citizens National Bank proposal to make the city a $500,000.00 direct mortgage loan on the building and site, payable at a ten year amortization basis on a 2% in- terest rate.' A recess was requested. afterwhich, Councilman Hansen moved to amend the first motion and continue the depository contract with Citizens National Bank C Trust Company for the two ensuing years and explore the possibility of financing new facilities at the 2% interest rate that has been offered in the Citizens National Bank depository proposal. Councilman Ward seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ward, Hansen. Bryan and Mayor Clayton Nays: Councilmen Cravey. Ansley, and Huron 1891 Pay Expenses - Safety Program Councilman Cravey Councilman Ansley moved to reimburse Councilman Cravey for expenses in- curred in attending a Safety Program Conference to be held in Mission, Texas; said meeting to be sponsored by the Department of Safety of the State of Texas. Councilman Huron seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ward, Hansen Bryan, Huron, Ansley and Cravey. Mayor Clayton Nays: None Resolution - Canvassing - April 2nd Election The returns of the April 2, General Municipal Election were canvassed by members of the City Council, afterwhich, the City Manager introduced and read a resolution canvassing the returns which was held for the purpose of electing a Mayor from the city at large, and three Councilmen from Districts No. 2, 3, and 6, respectively. Councilman Ward moved to adopt the resolution as read. Councilman Cravey seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Hansen, Ansley, Bryan and Huron Mayor Clayton Nays: None The caption of the Resolution follows: RESOLUTION N0. 21 -4 -63 A RESOLUTION CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD WITHIN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN ON THE 2ND DAY OF APRIL, 1963, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A MAYOR FROM THE CITY AT LARGE, AND THREE COUNCILMEN FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS NOS. 2, 3, AND 6, DECLARING THE RESULTS OF SAID ELECTION, FINDING THAT THE NOTICE OF SAID ELECTION WAS DULY AND PROPERLY HELD AND'THE RETURNS THEREOF MADE BY THE PROPER OFFICIALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. Oath of Office - Mayor and Councilman Corporation Court Judge Ward administered the Oath of Office to Lee Liggett, M. D. , as Mayor and Kenneth E. Badgett as Councilman from District No. 3 for the two ensuing years. Congratulations were extended to the new City Officials. Outgoing Mayor Clayton and Councilman Hansen expressed their appreciation to the Council, city employees and citizens of Baytown for the cooperation and good -will extended to them during their tenure of service on the Council, afterwhich gifts were presented to them as a token of appreciation. Report - Proposed Examination - City Emplovees, Councilman Huron reported that the Committee appointed to study the feasibility of requiring a Civil Service examination for City employees has completed its Study. It has been found that such expenses are impracticable as it would add an additional burden to the tax - payers and no great dif- ficulty presently exists in this branch of City financial operations. Councilman Cravey moved to accept the recommendation of the Committee and the extensive examination be excluded from the general provisions of hiring City personnel. Councilman Ansley seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward. Hansen, Ansley, Bryan, and Huron Mayor Clayton Nays: None 1892 Mayor Liggett - Commission to the City Council It's a privilege to sit at this table with you council members in a common cause. We have all dedicated ourselves to this privilege to serve our City. Many say we have a difficult task. It need not be difficult since we are all striving for the same thing. A better Baytown. If we can but agree on a common means to meet our objective it should be a pleasant undertaking. Our task has been made easier for the pledge of support which we.have heard so clearly, I feel we will avoid misunderstandings and be more effective in our actions, if we, as individuals, avoid being unduly influenced by pressure groups or indivi- duals who have complaints against someone or some action of our administration. Whatever business is discussed by the individual council members should be submitted in writing by the person voicing the suggestion or constructive crit- icism, whichever it might.be, and that written statement be presented to the entire council for consideration. If we will.but keep things above board and discuss them as a group we will find less fault amoung ourselves and will not then fall into factions and thereby retard whatever planning might be of ben- efit for our City. You will all agree we receive no less credit for our undertakings here if we accept suggestions from groups of interested citizens and present these matters to the Council. Certainly there is a place for honest differences in opinions but we should not permit these matters to divide us in our effectiveness. In the main, the City Council is a policy making group and the administration of the City should be left to the paid City Manager and the paid City employees. We must pursue a course of public information to keep everyone informed•as to how their complaints are being answered. Certainly any complaint which comes to a Council member should come in writing and if they ®are to discuss any particular matter with the Council, appropiate time should be made by our members to meet with these groups or in- dividuals. I am sure that you all agree that any citizen who expects to hold us accountable for his suggestion should think well enough of the,complaint or suggestion for improvement that he submit-it in writing for proper consideration. Why should you assume criticism or credit for his suggestion if he is not will- ing to submit his name? Personally, I will meet individuals or groups by appointment made in the City Hall on Tuesday or Saturday afternoons in the City Hall. If anyone can- not meet me at those times, if they will phone the City Hall, other arrange- ments will be made for them. It is understood that Council, members should not be expected to accept phone calls or interviews during hours which they are earning their livelihood. They also have private lives which should not be interferred so long as they do provide proper times in the City Hall for the discussion of City planning and City policy. I invite the other members of the Council to sit with me on Tuesday afternoon or Saturday afternoon for any appointments which are made and I likewise invite the individual Council members to make other times available as they would desire to meet with interested persons concerning City planning, if requested I will be there. Let me reiterate it should be common knowledge as to the administrative functions of our various government heads so that people with complaints of administrative nature could contact the appropriate administrative department. If any in- dividual with a problem which has not been satisfactorily met by the adminis- tration we will be glad to have a written record of these complaints so that we might discuss them for proper action. We should not interfere in the ad- ministrative function of the City employees unless they are not carrying out their jobs as stipulated in the City Charter. The City Manager should be held strictly accountable and keep us informed concerning the department of the various city officials and so long as their job is done properly, we should have no reason to interfere in his or their activities. Let me reiterate, I know the council and I are all in accord that we make ourselves available to every civic group to discuss problems and planning. It will be only through the coopera- tion of these groups that Baytown can progress and certainly this is primary responsibility. I will leave it entirely up to the Council as to whether they want to follow this protocal and if this be their desire, I feel surely that we will have a successful tenure. Again, it is a privilege for me to be. -able to join with you in this most important undertaking. 1893 Councilman Badgett Pledge Councilman Badgett also pledged his support.to the cooperative progress of effectively building a better Baytown for its citizens and expressed his thanks for the opportunity again afforded him by election to the office of Councilman from District No. 3. Ordinance - Ordering a Special Election - April 27th City Manager LeFevre introduced and read an ordinance ordering a special election to be held on the 27th day of April, 1963 for the purpose of elect- ing a Councilman from District No. 2. and District No. 6. Councilman Ansley moved to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilman,Huron seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Cravey, Ward, Ansley, Bryan, Badgett. and,Huron Mayor Liggett Nays: None The caption of the Ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 676 AN ORDINANCE ORDERING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE 27TH DAY OF APRIL, 1963, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A COUNCILMAN FROM DISTRICT NO. 2. AND A COUNCILMAN FROM DISTRICT NO. 6. PROVIDING FOR ELECTION OFFICERS. DESIGNATING THE PLACES AND MANNER OF HOLDING SAID ELECTION, PRESCRIBING THE HOURS AND PROVIDING FOR THE POST- ING AND PUBLICATION OF NOTICE. Adjournment Councilman Ansley moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Cravey seconded the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. Edna Oliver, City Clerk /na ATTEST: I