1965 01 25 CC Minutes, Special3005
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY,COUNCIL OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS
January 25, 1965
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in special session on Mon-
day, January 25, 1965 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall
with the following members in attendance:
J. R. Barnes Councilman
Kenneth E. Badgett Councilman
Seaborn Cravey Councilman
M. E. Lively Councilman
C. L. Liggett, M. D. Mayor
Fritz Lanham City Manager
George Chandler City Attorney
Edna Oliver City Clerk
Absent: David C. Clark Councilman
J. C. Huron Councilman
The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered, afterwhich
Mayor Liggett introduced Mr. Theo Wilburn, general chairman of the Capital Improvements
Study Committee who gave a brief report on the activities of the Study Committees
since its inception in December, 1964. At the onset, the goup met with Mr. Jay Ash,
the representative of Bernard Johnson Engineers, who briefed them on the immediate needs
of the City of Baytown and also for a 5 -year projected period. Ike D. Hall was named as
Vice - Chairman to work with Mr. Wilburn in the selection of seven (7 citizens to chair
the various study groups within the framework. The various sub - committees studied in
detail the information provided by Bernard Johnson, Engineers and dae to the time allowed
the committee, it was necessary for them to rely on their estimation cost to a great
extent. After more than thirty (30) meetings, the sub - committees reported to a co-
ordinating committee needs for capital improvements of more than eight (8) million
dollars. The Finance sub - committee reported that this amount of bonds could be fin-
anced only with a substantial tax increase. With these financial figures in hand,
and being mindful of the need to submit a proposal for a Capital Improvement Program
In an amount that the committee felt would be acceptable to the voters of the City,
the Coordinating Committee reduced the figure to $5,730,000. The Committee feels that
this amount will finance the city's minimum needs for capital improvements for the next
five years. The Finance Sub - Committee reported to the general chairman and vice chair-
man that this amount of bonds can be financed with a tax increase of approximately M.
However, if the Council has budgeted funds or other means for financing these improve-
ments, the Committee would welcome its suggestiions. It is the recommendation of the
Captial Improvement Study Committee that the City Council call a bond election to pro
vide funds to finance these needed capital improvements; the suggested date was Sat-
urday, February 27, 1%5. The Committee also had additional recommendations such as,
(1): If improvements recommended in report be approved by the voters, work be done by
contract; (2) that property tax not be increased as a result of street paving only. Mr.
Wilburn expressed his appreciation to the Sub- Committee chairman and each member os the
various sub- committeees for the work done in the preparation of the recommended improve-
ments. Also, Mr. J. Ash, Bernard Johnson Engineers, Mr. Masterson, Underwood, Neuhaus,
& Company, fiscal agents, the Coordinating Committee, City Manager Lanham, Director of
Public Works, Jack Morton, J. B. LeFevre, Director of Finance and David C. Funderburk,
City Tax Assessor - Collector and Chief Accountant.
Ik_ Hall - Vice Chairman - Summary of the Recommendations
Mr. Ike Hall, Vice Chairman of the Study Committee, gave a summary on the recommende
improvements in the following order:
1. Streets
Designated Thoroughfares:
North Main (R.O.W.. Drainage. and Paving.)
2. Garth (Park to Decker. P.O.W.. Paving & Drainage:
Right North City Limits, rebuild circle:
3. David; - Main to Texas 146
3006
4. South fain - Alexander Drive to State 146.
(R.O.W., Paving & Drainage.)
5. Davis - Wark (State 146 to Kilgore (R.O.W.,
Paving & Drainage.) $ 683,000
Undesignated Streets 978.000
TOTAL $1,661,000
2. DRAINAGE
Channels and Storm Sewers $ 130,000
3. COMMUNITY CENTER
Building, Land & Site Improvement
Roadway Improvement $ 740,000
4. PUBLIC BUILDINGS
City Hall $300,000.00
Fire Station - North Main 55.000.00 $ 355,000
5. PARKS & RECREATION
Park Lands and Community Center Improvements $ 241,000
6. SANITARY SEWERS
Disposal Plant G Collector Lines $1,175,000
7. WATER FACILITIES
Well, Mains & Trunk Lines $ $1,178,000
8. AIRPORT
Land, Construction & Light R/W
Fire and Rescue Building - City's Participation $ 250.000
TOTAL, ALL ISSUES $5,730,000
After.some further discussion, Councilman Cravey moved to accept the reports
of Messrs. Wilburn and Hall as presented and extend the sincere thanks of the City
Council for all the work that has been done in compiling the data; furthermove that
the committees be assured that each item presented here will be covered in a bond
election on the recommended date. Councilman Badgett seconded the motion. The vote
follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Badgett, Cravey and Lively
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
Councilman Cravey then moved to set the date of the bond election for Saturday,
February 27, 1965. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes,
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
Badgett, Cravey and Lively
Fiscal Aaent's Report - Tom Masterson
Mr. Tom Masterson, representive of Underwood Neuhaus &
Company, fiscal agents
under contract with the City of Baytown gave a brief resume
of the work done by the
Finance Committee in its formative work for the projections
of Baytown's Income and
expenses for the next several years. The study involved a
look at the City's various
sources of revenue, current financial status, the operating
the present debt service and the projected new debt service
and capital outlay expenses,
for 1965 -66, 1966 -67 and
1967 -68 based on a projected 3 Y2 percent per annum interest
rate. The first year
will be increased by 6% increment and each year thereafter
by 7%. The projected
figures were based on the supposition that the entire proposed
$5,730,000 bond
program would be approved. In 1965 $2,000,000 of the bonds
would be sold, in 1966
$2,000,000 would be sold and the remaining $1,755,000 in the
year 1967. Baytown
3007
presently has an "A" rating on both its general obligation and water revenue bonds.
Miscellaneous
The.Committee will now set up speakers' bureau to assist.in the publication of
the proposed issues. Meetings will be held at various locations throughout the City
to familarize interested persons in the proposed improvements. A concerted promotional
effort will be instituted for the purpose of educating the general public on the need
of the many proposed improvements set forth and recommended by the Citizens Capital
Improvements Study Committee.
Adjournment
Councilman Lively moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Badgett seconded
the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
Edna Oliver. City Clerk