1965 02 26 CC Minutes3016
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
February 26, 1965
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Friday,
February 26, 1965 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with.the
following members in attendance:
J. Robert Barnes
Councilman
David C. Clark
Councilman
Kenneth E. Badgett
Councilman
Seaborn Cravey
Councilman
M. E. Lively
Councilman
°# J. C. Huron
Councilman and
Mayor Pro Tem
C. L. Liggett Mayor
Fritz Lanham City Manager
George Chandler City Attorney
Edna Oliver City Clerk
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Liggett, the Invocation was offered
afterwhich the Mayor called for the minutes of the February 11th meeting. Councilman
Badgett moved to dispense with reading of the minutes; they be approved as submitted
in written form. Councilman Lively seconded the motion. The vote follows.
Ayes: Councilmen Clark, Badgett, Cravey, Lively, Huron and Barnes.
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
Continuation - Discussion Request of E. J. Krizak - Use Four -Foot Utility Easement
At the February 11th meeting, the City Council discussed and voted to abandon
a four -foot strip of a ten -foot utility easement the entire length of the block of
the Southwest Addition in which E. J. Krizak has permission from the several utility
companies to construct a garage four -feet upon the easement area abutting his property;
this abandonment to become effective at this meeting provided the City Administration
does not receive a letter of protest from the Utility Companies. Mayor Liggett
introduced a letter from W. H. Storey, Right of Way Department, Houston Lighting �
Power Company which stated in part that it was not intended by the Houston Lighting
and Power Company to indicate any intention to authorize abandonment of any portions
of the 10 -foot utility easement area and advised the Council that the Company is
opposed to the proposed abandonment by the Council. Councilman Cravey stated he was
confused by the letter as in paragraph 2 - HL & P agrees to authorize an abandonment
of the 4 -feet abutting upon Mr. Krizak's property provided Mr. Krizak will supply
them with a release of liability and indemnity agreements and in paragraph 3 it states
"We do not authorize abandonment..." If they are in agreement to the abandonment,
he moved to abandon.four -feet the entire length of the block contingent upon any
type agreement Mr. Krizak may reach with HL&P Company. Councilman Badgett seconded
the motion. The question was discussed further, Mayor Liggett called for the motion
and the vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Cravey and Badgett
Nays: Councilmen Barnes, Clark, Lively and Huron
Mayor Liggett
Committee Reports
The Council discussed the recommendation of Corporation Court Judge Ward for
expediting the payment of parking violation tickets as proposed in his recent memoran-
dum. Councilman Barnes moved to adopt this proposal for three (3) months'; if there has
been a significant increase in parking violations (approximately 10%) at the end of the
3 -month period the administration will revert to our present system of collection and
the Corporation Court Judge be instructed to hold the time clock until the 3 -month
probationary period has lapsed. Councilman Lively seconded the motion. The vote
follows:
3017
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes. Clark, Badgett, Cravey, Lively and Huron
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
Councilman Clark gave a brief resume of the meeting he and Councilman J. C.
Huron attended in Austin Thursday evening on the proposed redistricting of Harris
County. Recent court rulings provide at Iast two more U. S. Congressmen for
Harris County when it is redistricted. The Council objects to any redistricting
plan that would separate any part of East Harris County and the decision was made
to send a delegation from Baytown for the purpose of opposing any - marked separation.
Bob Eckhardt, representative of Harris County, reviewed his plan for redistricting
the county which plan is in a pie shape arrangement . He•chose the ship channel as
being a border of the plan, this would omit La Porte from the East Harris County
grouping. The other plan, presented by Floyd, H. B. 967, divides.Harris County in three
horizontal strips and the Baytown delegation chose to declare its opposition to the
horizontal dividing of Harris County by objecting to Baytown being the eastern tip of
a strip that extended all across the county. Their objections were based upon the fact
that the bay area has common interest and problems which can be best served by one
congressman. The second point in the objection was H. B. 967 proposed the northern
boundary to be Highway 73 and Baytown's delegates pointed out that Baytown was ex-
pected to grow and the only direction it could•grow would be in the northern direction
and it should be included in one congressional district rather than be divided.
There are three bills, the one proposed by Rep. Bod Eckhardt, the one by Floyd and
the third by a representative of the Dallas -Ft. Worth area who proposes much the
same as Floyd with the exception of including Dallas -Ft Worth in one congressional
district. These bills have been referred to a sub - committee within the Congressional
and Legislative Districts Committee. Some action will be taken on the bill before
August 1st and Councilman Huron suggested that the council adopt a resolution and
direct it to the attention of the Committee urging the adoption of the ire shape
proposal of Rep. Bod Eckhardt opposing the horizontal proposal and uring that East
Harris County and the Bay area be placed in one congressional district. Councilman
Lively moved to adopt a resolution urging the Harris County delegation to the Texas
Legislature to oppose House Bill No. 67 and support a bill similar to the one proposed
by Rep. Bob Eckhardt and copies of the resolution be routed to each member of the
Harris County Delegation to the Texas Legislature. Councilman Badgett seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Clark, Badgett, Cravey, Lively and Huron
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
Councilmen Clark and Huron were appointed to work with City Attorney Chandler
in drafting the contents of the resolution.
The caption of the Resolution follows:
A UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF.THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
URGING THE HARRIS COUNTY DELEGATION TO THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO
OPPOSE HOUSE BILL NO. 67 AND REQUESTING THE.DELEGATION TO SUPPORT
A BILL SIMILAR TO HOUSE BILL NO. 42; BOTH BILLS PERTAINING TO
CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING;SETTING FORTH COUNCIL'S REASONS THERE-
FOR, AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO MAIL CERTIFIED COPIES OF
THIS RESOLUTION TO MEMBERS OF SAID DELEGATION.
Wrecker Ordinance - Adoption
City Manager Lanham introduced and read the caption of an ordinance requiring
a license for the business of operating auto wreckers. Councilman Cravey, Chairman
of the Committee appointed to study the ordinance, pointed out the major changes
such as requiring license for owner and driver, only one wrecker to make an accident
call must wait until notified to proceed by dispatcher, wrecker to have regular inspec-
tions, wrecker must be kept within the city limits, etc. Councilman Cravey moved to
adopt the ordinance as presented. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The vote.
follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes,
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
3018
Clark, Badgett, Cravey, Lively and Huron
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 741
AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING A LICENSE FOR THE BUSINESS OF OPERATING
AUTO WRECKERS; PROVIDING A LICENSE FEE; REGULATING THE OPERATION
OF AUTO WRECKERS; PROVIDING THAT, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY
THE LEGAL TITLE HOLDER OF A VEHICLE OR HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTA-
TIVE, NO WRECKER DRIVER SHALL REMOVE ANY WRECKED OR DISABLED
VEHICLE OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN; REQUIRING
LIABILITY INSURANCE, CERTAIN EQUIPMENT AND STANDARDS OF OPERATION;
REPEALING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) DOLLARS
AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
Pay G. G. Ross, Contractors - Storm Sewer Robin Road
Councilman Badgett moved to instruct the City Manager to pay G. G. Ross,
Contractors, final payment for construction of storm sewer on Robin Road near
Travis Elementary School. Councilman Huron seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Clark, Cravey, Badgett, Lively and Huron
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
Houston - Harris County Transportation Study - Texas Hiahway Department
Councilman Lively moved to authorize the execution of the Houston - Harris County
Transportation Study agreement as to its responsibility and pledges its cooperation
and support of the study. Councilman Badgett seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Clark, Badgett, Cravey, Lively and Huron
Mayor Liggett
Nays: None
°# Mayor Liggett excused from meeting - Mayor Pro Tem Huron presides.
Resolution - Transfer Funds
Councilman Badgett moved to adopt a transfer resolutim providing funds for
payment of storing equipment used as evidence in County court. The equipment is
presently stored with Wald - dayflower Company of Baytown. They will be notified that
the City will pay storage through March, 1965 and then it will be necessary for
the to collect storage from the State of Texas. Councilman Clark seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Clark, Badgett, and Lively
Mayor Pro Tem Huron
Nays: Councilman Cravey
The caption of the Resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 68
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNC IL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER THREE HUNDRED FIFTEEN
($315.00) DOLLARS FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND TO BUDGET
ACCOUNT 201 -6 -12.
3019
Structure - Roseland Park
Councilman Badgett moved to instruct the City Manager to get bids for the
construction of a structure at Roseland Park for outdoor cooking. Bids to be
advertised for receipt at the next regular meeting of the council. Councilman
Barnes seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Cravey, Clark, Badgett and Lively
Mayor Pro Tem Huron
Nays: None
Final Payment Skrla Inc. - Approved
Councilman Badgett moved to approve final payment to Skrla, Inc., for Phase 2
of the 1964 Street Improvement Projects. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The
vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Badgett, Cravey, Clark and Lively
Mayor Pro Tem Huron
Nays: None
Resolution - Callina Telephone Rate Hearina No Later Than May 24th, 1965
Councilman Barnes gave a brief report upon a meeting held with Clinton Owsley,
utilities rate expert for the City of Houston and City Manager Lanham. It was his
opinion that calling a rate hearing was the appropriate and profitable to do at this
time. The telephone company has been rather reluctant to make firm commitments,
published statement of running cost studies and other studies but does not set forth
the time required to complete such studies. Mr. Barnes was of the opinion that this
factor is being used to delay progress as has been used in the past. If the city
will have to be delayed for two or three years on the proposed improvements which
the council wants and expects, then the telephone rates of Baytown should be rolled
back to a reasonable point, If the expected improvements were made in record time,
the cost of a rate hearing would not be justified as it will cost $3,500.00 as fee
to Mr. Owsley to represent the City of Baytown in the rate hearing plus some other
costs to conduct the hearing through to the close. He gave a run down on telephone
rates and the City of Baytown pays the highest rate of any of the fifty largest cities
in the State of Texas. After some discussion, Councilman Badgett moved to adopt a
resolution calling a hearing for the 24th day of May, 1965 and that such hearing is
to afford said utility an opportunity to show cause why its services should not be
increased and its rates for such services be decreased. Councilman Lively seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Clark, Cravey, Badgett and Lively
Mayor Pro Tem Huron
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 69
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN GIVING
THE GENRAL TELEPHONE COMPANY OF THE SOUTHWEST OFFICIAL NOTICE,
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XI, SECTION 125, OF THE CHARTER OF SUCH CITY OF
A HEARING TO BE HELD BY AND BETWEEN SAID COUNCIL AND UTILITY FOR THE
PURPOSE OF UPGRADING THE SERVICES OF SUCH UTILITY AND DETERMINING
WHETHER OR NOT THE PRESENT TELEPHONE RATES SHOULD BE ADJUSTED; DIRECTING
THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OF THE CITY TO MAKE PROPER PREPARATIONS FOR
SUCH HEARING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMMEDIATELY FURNISH AN
EXECUTED COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE UTILITY'S LOCAL MANAGER AND THE
COMPANY'S PRESIDENT IN SAN ANGELA, TEXAS.
3020
City Manager's Report
The Council approved the plans of the State Highway Department for the im-
provement of Spur 330 from Bayway Drive by the north service road which extends
over to Interstate 10. City Manager Lanham reported that plans have been completed
and bids are expected to be received for the work in May, 1965.
City Manager Lanham reported that bids have been received on the moving of the
Baker Road Water tower and the construction of the new foundation and he gave
members of the council copies of the tabulation. These bids are.being reviewed
by Turner C Colley, Consulting Engineers. After their recommendation has been re-
ceived, the City will then meet with representatives of Chicago Bridge & Iron and
Wyatt Hedricks, Engineers for final disposition of the bid quotations.
City Manager Lanham reported that King Community Television Company has asked
to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting to discuss the possibility of getting
authority to install a community antenna system in Baytown.
Mr. Lanham reviewed plans for the revision of Spur 201 subject to the elimination
of the Missouri- Pacific tracks from the Kilgore property which the city has option
to purchase should the Bond issue for the Civic Center be approved at the March 6th
election. Such a change would neccessitate an agreement between the Missouri- Pacific
and Southern- Pacific for use of a consolidated track and it is hoped that such an
agreement can be reached.
Adjournment
Councilman Lively moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Clark seconded
the motion. The ayes were unanimous and Mayor Pro Tem Huron declared the meeting
adjourned.
Edna Oliver, City Clerk