1965 06 24 CC Minutes3070
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
June 24, 1965
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Thurs-
day, June 24, 1964 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the
following members in attendance:
Robert Barnes Councilman
Clem M. Massey Councilman
Don M. Hullum Councilman
J. C. Huron Councilman
Raymond T. Donnelly Councilman
Seaborn Cravey
Mayor
Fritz Lanham
City Manager
George Chandler
City Attorney
Edna Oliver
City Clerk
Absent: A. M. Braswell
Councilman
The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered, afterwhich,
the Mayor called for the minutes of the special meeting of June 7th and the regular
meeting of June 10th. Councilman Massey moved to dispense with reading of the meinutes;
two corrections be made, namely: Special Meeting, June 7th: Report - Telephone Company:
Third paragraph,... the City could be placed in an unfavorable position in trying to
justify a rate decrease at this time. . Regular Meeting, June 10th: Phase No. 2 - Street
Improvement Program - delete the word "North" from the description of Burnet Drive
as shown in three places and,to read: . . . cost estimate for the improvement of Burnet
Drive . . . . . to add Burnet Drive from Bayway to South Burnet. . . . . . with
Burnet Drive being listed as a separate project. . . . . With these corrections, the
minutes to be approved as submitted. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The vote
follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Pruchase Garbage Truck Body - Heil Loader
Councilman Barnes moved to accept the recommendation of the City Manager and the
low bid of Lowe Equipment Company on the twenty cubic yard Heil packer type garbage
collection body, be approved; total price, $4,820.00. Councilman Donnelly seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
City - School Elections - Councilman Donnelly Appointed to Committee
Councilman Donnelly introduced discussion relating to the new enabling act recently
passed by the Texas Legislature for the Houston School District. At a recent meeting
of the Mayors' & Councilmen's Association, Councilman Donnelly discussed this act with
Representatives John R. Harrison and learned that it pertained to Houston and the Houston
Independent School District only. Based on the present Statute, it is impossible to hold
joint municipal and school elections. According to City Attorney Chandler, the only
way the present situation can be corrected is for the Texas Legislature to amend the City
Charter. In the opinion of the City Attorney and School Board Attorney, Bruce Ramsey,
it would be easier and less expensive to amend the State law than to amend the City
Charter, the only objectionable feature being we would have to wait two years for the
Legislature to reconvene. City Attorney Chandler suggested that a Committee be appointed
to meet with the two attorneys and study the two routes, amend the State Statute or
amend the City Charter. Councilman Donnelly was named to the Committee for the City.
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Committee Reports
Councilman Huron reported that all members of the Council have been placed on
the mailin g list of the Human Relations Advisory Committee and each will receive
reports regularly on the work of the committee. Also, the Committee has expressed a
desire to meet periodically with the Council to orally review the aims and progress
of the various projects of the Committee.
A report on the recent activities of the Council's Traffic Committee and Citizens
Advisory Traffic Committee was submitted by Councilman Huron; theese listed as follows:
(a) Will review speed limits set by City Council
(b) Eliminated three (3) parking spaces at intersection of South
Pruett and West Main, south side, to permit left turns without obstruction
(c) Recommended to the Council the installation of a traffic control light at the
intersection of Second and East Texas Avenue for the reason of an increase
of twenty -five (25%) percent in accidents over the previous year because
of poor visibility. Councilman Barnes moved to accept the recomendation
of the Committee and authorized the installation of an activated traffic light at
the intersection at a cost of approximately $2200. Councilman Massey seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen. Barnes. Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
(d) Painting double stripes at several intersections to alert drivers of Stop
signs in area.
(e) Police Department listed 113 violations of Ordinance No. 132 which regulates
the the minimum overhead clearance of trees, shrubs, vines and similar plants
overhaning any street or sidewalk - these violations were found to be on
city easements. It was suggested that Councilman Huron and City Attorney
Chandler meet with a member of the Citizens Traffic Advisory Council to
for a combination of ieeas for.the promotion of public relations to persuade citizens
to voluntarily remove such violations from their premises. If this approach proves
unsuccessful, enforcement otherwise will become a necessity.
(f) Should an ordinance be drafted regulating the installation of banners,
signs, christmas decorations, in the downtown area? The administration was asked to
study the problem and submit a recommended workable solution for council's perusal.
(g) Recommended including funds in the 1965 -66 fiscal budget for the purchase
of a new street striping machine.
(H) Long Range - discussed the installation of a traffic light on North Main
at Harold Lane; possible elimination of permanent parking on West Texas Avenue in the
downtown area.
Mayor Cravey proposed the appointment of a Citizens Clean -up Advisiory Committee
to assist the administration in the promotion of cleaning up Baytown. Since the last
meeting. Councilman Barnes reported that he had received many favorable comments on
the proposal to spend more money, if necessary, in cleaning ditches. painting poles,
and replacing rusty street signs throughout the City. In his opinion, now is the
time to embark upon a concerted Clean -up program in Baytown. Each council member
was asked to submit the name of a person, at the next meeting, who will be willing to
serve on a Citizens Clean -up Committee; the commitle to act in an advisory capacity
to the City Council and /or members of a Beautification Committee.
Hearinc - Application Off- Premise Beer License - South Pruett
The Mayor opened discussion on the first item of new business on the agenda -
hearing on application for off - premise beer license on South Pruett. On May 27th,
a legal notice was published in the Baytown Sun relative to the application and
17 straightway a letter was received from H. E. Zimmerman, pastor of Baptist Temple,
protesting the issuance of such license. His protest was based on the fact that
the church was directly across from the 1101 South Pruett street address, the church
owns the property facing Pruett Street, and plans are being processed for the erection
of an entire new church at the corner of Pruett and Graham Streets. Mr. Leo Frost,
Supervisor of Inspections, checked the area to see if it was in violation of the
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city's ordinance No. 719, Section 9, which prohibits the sale of beer in all cases
where the place of business is within three hundred (300') feet of any church, school,
etc. and his measurements were two hundred ninety -seven (297') feet; Mr. Daniel, the
applicant, was notified of the findings. The matter was then taken to the Liquor
Control Board, the City Attorney gave clarification on the measurement requirements
and the place of business was found to be over the three hundred (300') foot exception.
It was the opinion of the City Attorney that the application should be approved since
it is over the three hundred (300') feet, the parties may then argue their respective
positions before the County Judge. After a lengthy discussion, the Administration was
instructed to notify the County Judge and Liquor Control Board of the error made in
the measurements - the location is outside the three hundred (300') foot radius;
Nevertheless, four of the councilmen, Barnes, Hullum, Massey and Huron, asked to be
placed on record as individually opposing the issuance of the license due to its
close proximity to an established church of long standing and its proposed plans to
erect a new sancturary which will be nearer the South Pruett Address.
Accept - Semi - Annual Audit Report
At the last meeting of the Council.copies of the semi- annual audit of the City
of Baytown were delivered to each councilman and Mr. Cecil Bobbitt, CPA, was asked to
appear at this meeting to answer any questions the council may have to present relative
to the report. He was.advised that no questions were forthcoming. Councilman Donnelly
moved to accept the semi - annual audit report of the City of Baytown as compiled and
submitted by Mr. Cecil Bobbitt, local CPa. Councilman Huron seconded the motion. The
vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey.
Nays: None
Request - Lawrence Insurance Company - Wooden deck - Fire Zone No. 2
Councilman Barnes moved to approve the request of Mr. Joe W. Lawrence to construct
a wooden deck on wood joists on an extension to the Lawrence Insurance Agency located
at 2823 Market Street as the addition is of the same type construction as the existing
building. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Ordinance - Civil Defense Shelter Managers
Councilman Donnelly moved to adopt an ordinance describing the functions, duties
and powers of Shelter Managers in the event of a national emergency or local emergency
as provided in the City's Civil Defense Ordinance. Councilman Huron seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
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Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnellly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 750
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, DESCRIBING THE FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND POWERS OF
SHELTER MANAGERS DURING NATIONAL EMERGENCIES AND LOCAL Ebf-
ERGENCIES, AS PROVIDED IN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN'S CIVIL
DEFENSE ORDINANCE NO. 228; REPEALING ORDINANCES INCON-
SISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE AND
PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
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Resolution - Federal Government Incinerator Plans No. 7 Water District - Relieve Liability
Councilman Barnes moved to adopt a resolutio n relieving the City of Baytown of the
obligation of repayment of a loan granted to Harris County Water Control and Improvement
District No. 7 by the Federal Government for the purpose of preparing plans for an in-
cinerator to serve the area; said grant in the amount of $3,400.00. Councilman Huron
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 80 -A
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, PROVIDING
THAT NEITHER IT NOR HARRIS COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT 47 HAS USED ANY OF THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS PREPARED AS
THE RESULT OF A $3,400.00 GRANT FROM THE HOUSING AND HOME FINANCE
AGENCY, AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK
TO EXECUTE THIS RESOLUTION AND THE CITY MANAGER TO FORWARD A CERTI-
FIED COPY OF SAME TO THE PROPER AUTHORITY.
Committee - Study Ordinance for Control of Discharoina Firarms in City Limits
Mayor Cravey appointed a committee composed of Councilman Barnes, Councilman
Donnelly, City Attorney Chandler and a member of the Bayshore Rifly and Pistol Club
to study the draft of an ordinance which proposes to regulate the discharge of fire-
arms within the City limits. The Council was of the opinion that there is some
need of control in this area, however, it was felt that some exceptions should be
provided; the present draft makes no provision or excg1ion.
Amendment - Electrical Ordinance - Adopted
Councilman Barnes moved to adopt an ordinance which amends the original Electrical
Ordinance No. 743, Section 11, to permit trucks and /or vehicles primarily used by
Master Electricians and Master Sign Electricians to use a temporary, detachable sign
in the performance of their work, provided such sign shall be displayed at all times
while such vehicle is actually being used in the performance of their work. Councilman
Massey seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Huron and Donnelly.
Nays: Councilman Hullum
Mayor Cravey
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 751
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE, "AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING REGULATORY
MEASURES PERTAINING TO ELECTRICAL WORK IN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, CREATING
AN ELECTRICAL BOARD; PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MEMBERS;
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES TO MASTER ELECTRICIANS, MASTER
SIGNS ELECTRICIANS, JOURNEYMEN ELECTRICIANS AND ALL CLASSES OF ELECTRICAL
APPRENTICES; PROVIDING FOR FEES, BONDS, THE KEEPING OF RECORDS, REVOCA-
TION OF LICENSES; PROVIDING FOR AN APPEAL FROM ACTIONS OF THE ELECTRICAL
BOARD; CREATING OFFICE OF CITY ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR AND PROVIDING FOR
DUTIES OF.SAID OFFICER; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR ELEC-
TRICAL WORK AND THE INSPECTION THEREOF; FIXING INSPECTION FEES; PRO-
MULGATING RULES AND REGULATIONS TO GOVERN AND TO BE OBSERVED INALL
ELECTRICAL MIRING, CON STRWCTION, INSTALLATION, REPAIRS, ALTERATIONS,
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRICAL WIRING, APPARATUS AND FIXTURES;
PROVIDING A PENALTY OF NOT MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) DOLLARS FOR
VIOLATIONS AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF," BEING ORDINANCE
NO. 743, PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, ON THE 11th DAY
OF MARCH, 1965, BY AMENDING SECTION 11, SUBSECTION (4) THEREOF.
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Approve - Final Payment Bayshore Constructors - Water Line Baker Road
Councilman Huron moved to approve final payment to Bayshore Constructors for
installation of waterline on Baker Road; amount of the bid, $11.105.94. Coumcilman
Barnes seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes. Hullum, Massey, Huron and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Approve Payment Skrla Incorporated - Phase I - 1%5 Street Improvement Program
Councilman Donnelly moved to approve payment of $122,844.04 to Skrla, Inc. for
improvements to certain portions of the city streets included in Phase I of the 1965
Street Improvement Program. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey. Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Transfer Resolution - Various Approved
Councilman Barnes moved to adopt a resolution transferring $11,885.00 from the
Contingency Fund, General, to pay for grass cutting and waste collection equipment.
Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum. Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 81
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTORN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER ELEVEN THOUSAND, EIGHT
HUNDRED EIGHTY -FIVE ($11,885.00) DOLLARS FROM THE CONTINGENCY
FUND TO ACCOUNTS 501 -6 -2, 402 -104 AND 201 -54.
Councilman Donnelly moved to adopt a resolution transferring $31,282.00 from
the City Manager's Budget Account No. 102 -1 -6, salary adjustments, to various
budget accounts within the General Fund. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The
roll call vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes. Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 82
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOIWN, TEXAS
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER THIRTY -ONE THOUSAND, TWO
HUNDRED EIGHTY -TWO ($31.282.00) DOLLARS FROM CITY MANAGER'S BUD-
GET ACCOUNT NO. 102 -1 -6, SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, TO VARIOUS BUDGET
ACCOUNTS.
Councilman Huron moved to adopt a resolution transferring $9,432.00 from the
Water Fund Contingency Budget Account 1005, for salary adjustments to the various
salary accounts covered in the Water Fund. Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes. Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
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The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 83
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF-THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER NINE THOUSAND, FOUR
HUNDRED THIRTY -TWO ($9,432.00) DOLLARS FROM THE WATER FUND CON-
TINGENCY, BUDGET ACCOUNT 1005, SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, TO THE VARIOUS
SALARY ACCOUNTS.
Miscellaneous
The City Manager was instructed .to have the contractor or use city forces to
clean up some asphaltic materials which has been spilled or dumped on the east end
of Colby Street between Dwinnell and Narcille.
The City Attorney was instructed to brief the law and submit a procedure schedule
on the manner in which liens can be filed against property where the owners fail to
pay the assessment levied for grass cutting after repeated notices and letters have
been mailed notifying them of the requirements of the ordinance and the assessment fee.
The City Manager was instructed to increase the grass cutting assessment charges
to include administrative costs incurred in the detailed processing procedure. He
will make a study of the costs incurred and final decision on the percentage increase
will be made by the Council after the report has been recieved.
Resolution - Expenses City Attorney Attend Convention, Fort Worth, Texas
Councilman Barnes moved to adopt a resolution transferring $275.00 from the
General Fund Contingency to pay the City Attorney's registration fee and travel expenses
to a City Attorney's Convention in Fort Worth. Councilman Donnelly seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 84
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY -FIVE
($275.00) DOLLARS FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND TO BUDGET
ACCOUNT NO. 106 -6 -6.
City Manager's Report
After visiting with members of the State Health Deparlment in Austin, Mr. Lanham
reported that funds will be available for the city's application for assistance under
Public Law 660. It was decided to delay making this application until Turner & Collie
completes its detailed study as the amount of work to be done with the Bond program
funds is based upon assistance under the public law.
Mayor Cravey asked members of the Council to be prepared to submit the name of
an interested citizen who would be willing to work on a Citizens Advisory Committee
to study builing codes and minimum standard housing ordinances as recommended by
Bernard Johnson Engineers, Inc. City Planners, in their preliminary report to the
City Counc it under The Program for Community Improvement.
City Manager Lanham was asked to contact members of the Baytown Chamber of Commerce
and solicit their support by naming a committee from their membership to study the
development of the General Business District as set forth in the Planners' report.
If necessary, members of the Council will meet with them for a general discussion
and review of the report.
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City Manaaer's Report — Continued
Copies of the proposed Baytown Police Code were passed out to each councilmember
and he was asked to study the code and be ready for some type formal action upon the
Instrument at the next meeting of the council. This code of Conduct is made in the
interest of promoting the goal of attaining true professimal status for the Police
officers of the City of Baytown and to raise the esteem and trust of the citizenship
in its Police Officers.
City Manager Lanham will be away on vacation the week of June 27th.
Civil Defense Director J. F. Nickerson invited the Council to attend a Hurricane
Conference which is to be held at Antleton, 7:30 p.m., July 19th.
Adiournment
Councilman Barnes moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Donnelly seconded
the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
6L)
Edna Oliver, City Clerk
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