1965 07 22 CC Minutes3082
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS
July 22, 1%5
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Thurs-
day, July 22, 1%5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the
following members in attendance:
Clem M. Massey Councilman
A. M. Braswell Councilman
Don M. Hullum Councilman
J. C. Huron Councilman & Mayor Pro Tem
Raymond T. Donnelly Councilman
* Seaborn Cravey Mayor
Fritz Lanham City Manager
George Chandler City Attorney
Edna Oliver City Clerk
Absent: Robert Barnes Councilman
Mayor Pro Tem Huron called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered, after -
which, he called for the minutes of the July 8th meeting. Councilman Donnelly moved
to dispense with reading of the minutes - they be approved as submitted in written form.
Councilman Hullum seconded the mothn. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey, Braswell, Hullum, Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Huron
Nays: None
Bids - Phase II. 1%5 Street Improvement Procram
The bids on Phase No. 2. of the 1965 Street Improvement Program were received
and the tabulation follows:
Holland & Little, Inc.
$152.014.86
90
working
days
Walter M. Mischer
158,434.70
120
working
days
Skrla, Inc.
138,777.37
75
working
days
Brown & Root, Inc.
141.933.75
100
working
days
Gulf Bitulithic Company
148,780.59
120
working
days
The base bid was made on new base materials of cement stabilized shell but
alternates were received on shell with sand admixture, crushed limestone and crushed
air - cooled blast furnace slag. It was the recommendation of the City Manager that the
low bid of Skrla. Inc., based upon the use of cement stabilized shell, be accepted and
the contract for Phase II of the Street Improvement Program be awarded the contractor.
The Council discussed several features of the bid pr6posa1 in relation to new base
materials, completion date for Gentry Drive construction, installation of curb and gutter
on south side of Gentry Drive. City Manager Lanham pointed out that curb and gutter
Installation on the south side of Gentry Drive was not included in the bid specifications
as he had not received a definite commitment from Southern - Pacific Railroad Company's
Management to participate in the cost of the street to the extent of paying for the
curb and gutter. The local Superintendent had recommended suchparticipation to manage-
ment but no reply has been rec6ived as yet. Should approval be received, the cottractor'
would have to be issued a change order including the additional curb and gutter at the
price quoted in the accepted bid. Councilman Donnelly suggested that this improvement
be included on the basis of the recommendation - should the Company refuse to partici-
pate. the City will bear the additional cost. Councilman Braswell moved to accept
the recommendation of the City Manager - the bid of Skrla, Inc. be accepted including
the issuance of a change -order for the installation of curb and gutter on the south
side of Gentry Drive. Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey, Hullum, Braswell and Donnelly.
Mayor Pro Tem Huron
Nays: None
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Councilman Massey commended the engineering staff for its excellent estimations
which provide competitive bidding from interested contractors. Councilman Donnelly
reminded the Council that, in order to include Burnet Drive in Phase II, portions of three
downtown streets, Ashbel, from Gaillard to Sterling; Sterling, Gulf to Defee; and, Jones,
Gulf to Sterling were omitted from the original Phase If proposed project bid. He re-
commended that the City Engineer be instructed to prepare estimates fro bids on these
street sections and again look at the budget for funds to get these projects included in
this fiscal year's improvement program. Councilman Braswell suggested that West Bay-
shore Drive should take precedent over these downtown streets as a portion of it is
completely inundated during the hurricane season. Councilman Massey was of the opinion
that.a section of Crow Road should be improved before West Bayshore Drive as it is covered
by rising water before West Bayshore. After some discussion, the Administration was
instructed to prepare cost estimates on the two items, the (3) three downtown streets
and West Bayshore Drive. These will be submitted to the Council for its perusal and
selection at the next regular meeting.
Petition - Opposing Connection Hemlock and Doris Streets
Harley Ponder, a resident of Ponderosa Subdivision, submitted a petition bearing
the signatures of forty -one property owners living in Ponderosa Subdivision, requesting
the City Council to disallow the connecting of Hemlock Street in Ponderosa Subdivision
with Doris Street in Craigmont Subdivision. Since this subject is to be discussed as
the first item under new business. Councilman Donnelly moved to accept the petition
as presented b y Mr. Ponder - discussion to be deferred until later. Councilman Massey
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey. Hullum, Braswell and Donnelly.
Nays: None
Mowing Report - City Manager
City Manager Lanham gave a report on his study of the weed - mowing program of the
City. It is apparent that the city's present weed - mowing ordinance needs revising, but
he did not propose to prepare amendments until the close of the present season as this
year's program has passed the half -way mark. Also, he proposed to consider separately
the cleaning of debris from lots as this should be done while the grass is in a dormant
stage prior to weed- mowing time. He concluded his report with a recommendation to continue
the program as it is presently operated - a new ordinance will be drafted at the close of
the weed mowing season. Councilman Donnelly moved to accept the recommendation ans urged
the administration to speed up the program as much as possible during the 54 -day summer
cycle. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Braswell, Massey. Hullum and Donnelly.
Mayor Pro Tem Huron
Nays: None
° Mayor Cravey arrives at meeting.
Proposal - .Abandon Dedicated Right- of�_Between Arbor Street and Baywav Drive
Councilman Huron suggested that the City abandon a 30 -foot right -of -way dedication
abutting upon North Street and lying between Arbor Street and Bayway Drive. This right -of-
way was dedicated to the County many years ago but a street was never cut through. neither
has it been kept clear of underbrush, trees, bushes and other debris. Since annexation,
the right -of -way has become the property of the city, hence the suggestion to abandon
the dedicated strip as it is not of sufficient width tb meet the requirements of the
City's subdivision ordinance for a street right -of -way. The Administration was instructed
to check with the County and find out the particulars of the dedication. A report will
be made at the conclusion of the investigation.
Compile Suggested Points for Study - Charter Commission
Councilman Braswell reported that he had made a study of the City's charter and
had selected four or five items which he would like to submit to a committee for study
and clarification. Mayor Cravey suggested that each council member prepare a written
3084
list of any point he may want to submit to a Charter Committee for study. These lists
will be kept by the City Manager and at a later date the council will review them
and decide if the points presented warrants the reactivation of the Charter Committee.
Committee-Reports
Councilman Donnelly reported on the activities of the Fire Arms Committee relative
to-the logical approach in compiling information.for study. Chief Mana has written the
National Rifle Association for relating data; the City Attorney, cities having such
an ordinance. After the material has been received and compiled, the Committee has plans
for a public hearing on the question before an ordinance is submitted for adoption. 7.1
The Telephone Committee has reviewed an ordinance, drafted by the General Telephone
Company, which contained terms of a proposal made to and accepted by the City Council
in lieu of a rate hearing. The Committee was not.satisfied with some parts of the ordi-
nance and Mr. E. 0. Cambern. Manager of the General Telephone in Baytown, was asked to get
more information on some of the miscellaneaous charges. This information will be reviewed
and, if agreeable, the ordinance may be ready for Council approval at the next regular
meeting date.
A meeting was held between City Officials and Representatives of the Missouri -
Pacific and Southern- Pacific Railroads relative to the abandonment of a portion of the
lines from the Wald - Mayflower warehouse site to Lee Heights Subdivision. The trend of
the meeting was favorable as the representatives exchanged maps and.agreed to make cost
studies. These negotiations will continue until a definite decision has been reached.
City Manager Lanham gave a report on the meeting between the City Hall -Civic Center
Committee and the architect, Lowell Lammers, held to review the topographic survey map
as prepared by A. J. Busch, Jr., consulting engineer, and presented to members of the
City Council at the last meeting. At the time of the presentation of the drawing, Mr.
Busch had recommended that a further study of the site be made in order -to determine the
location of the fault zone which crosses the property. The architect had contacted
McClelland Engineering Company, Soil and Foundation Consultants, relative to the cost of
such,a survey and they had quoted a price of between $1,400 and $1,500 to do the necessar
ground work. It was the recommendation of the Committee that some soil consultant be
hired to make this study as the architect cannot complete the preparation of preliminary
plans for the city hall and civic building until the location of the fault has been deter-
mined. Councilman Braswell showed his cppy of the topographic survey which he had colored
to denote the area flooded by Hurricane Carla and other areas with only a 17 -foot land
elevation, an estimated 8 to 10 acreas of the 29 -acre tract. He.felt that the Council
would be derelict in its duty if it did not appraise the citizens of this situation
even though they had approved the purchase of the 29 -acre tract in the bond issue. He
suggested that it be referred back to the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee and
have them take another look at it along with the architect as he will be somewhat handi-
capped in locating the buildings. It may be that the Committee will prefer to retain
the site or it may want to look at other sites. The Council expressed approval of Council-
man Braswell's suggestion and he was asked to meet with the Committee, along with Council-
man Barnes and other members of the Council who may be interested in hearing the discussion.
A meeting will be called at the earliest possible date. Councilman Donnelly then moved
to authorize the architect to negotiate a contract with McClelland Engineers, Inc., to
make the soil boring s and other tests for locating the fault that extends into the area.
Councilman Huron seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey, Braswell, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Discussion - Connectina Hemlock and Dorris Streets
At the last meeting of the Council, Mayor Cravey had asked the Council to consider
the need for a connecting road between Craigmont- Ponderosa Subdivisions to permit the
ingress and egress of the residents of Craigmont Subdivision to Baker Road intersection.
Earlier in the meeting, the Council had received and accepted a petition from residents
of Ponderosa Subdivision objecting to the connection between Hemlock and Dorris Streets.
0
M
Before hearing the spokesmen, representing the two subdivisions, Mayor Cravey again
stressed the need of a connector street to Baker Road, whether it be here or elsewhere.
On February 20, 1%4, the Planning Commission agreed that Hemlock and Dorris will be
connected and paved, and when completed the name will be changed to Hemlock. Represen-
tatives of Diamond Alkali Company had agreed to a modification of its supply line which
is presently installed in the 30 -foot strip which separates the two streets, if the City
will pay the costs involved according to the specifications of the Company. In the
preliminary plans of the subdivision layout, Juniplrr is shown as a connector street but
the Ponderosa Subdivision has been given final approval by sections and, thus far, the
development has not been extended to include Juniper Street. However, at this meeting,
the developer assured the Council that this connection will be made when the subdivision
development progresses to this extent. Mr. Ponder, speaking for residents of Ponderosa
Subdivision, stated that they recognized that their neighbors in Craigmont have a problem,
they do need an access to a thoroughfare other than Decker Drive but he, and others,
had purchased their homes in Ponderosa with the idea that no thoroughfare would be provid-
ed in this immediate.vicinity and nay change of the approved plat would be discrimination.
The spokesman for the Craigmont Subdivision stated that it was in the public's interest
to provide a connector road to the new shopping center and this location seemed the most
logical, however, he would not oppose an alternate. Too, the new high school would be
completed within the next few months, and this will increase the need for a connector
street. Messrs. McAlister and Butler, representatives of Diamond - Alkali Company, offered
to work with the city in any reasonable manner for the solution of the problem. After a
lenghty discussion, Mayor. Cravey proposed the appointment of a Committee, appointees to
be from the City, Diamond Alkali Company and the Subdivider, for the purpose of meeting
and negotiating the type and cost of protection for the supply line. Until an agreement
can be reached on the cost of the crossing, no decision will be made on the location.
Those named to the Committee were City Engineer Jack Morton, Councilmen Donnelly and
Massey, City - Attorney Chandler, the Subdivider and someone from Diamond Alkali Company.
The Committee was instructed to discuss the overall problem. Type of protection for
supply line; cost involved in joining the two streets; make crossing at Hemlock and
Dorris or cross at another place or abandon the project. It will present its findings
and recommendation at a later meeting.
Authorize Purchase-Generators - Reguest of Civil Defense
Fletcher Hickerson, Director of Baytown Civil. Defense, recommended the purchase
of two 30 KW generators to be used at the Gulf Coast Hospital for the purpose of provid-
ing emergency electrical power. Funds will be donated to the Baytown Civil Defense by
the hospital for the purchase of the equipment. This procedure is in accordance with
the Civil Defense policy. After some discussion, Councilman Huron moved to authorize
the purchase of the two generators. Councilman Braswell seconded the motion. The vote
follows: 1
Ayes: Councilmen Braswell,
Mayor Cravey
Nays: Councilman Massey
Voting Precincts
Hullum..Huron and Donnelly.
In reply to an inquiry from County Commissioner Ramsey relative to changes in
voting precinct lines, the City Council expressed complete satisfaction with the present
precinct lines and recommended no changes.
Approved - Action of Director of Civil Defense - Refinery Fire
Councilman Donnelly moved to approve the action of the Civil Defense Director
Fletcher Hickerson in declaring the existence of an emergency during the recent fire at
the Humble Refinery. This action was necessary in order to acquire foamite in the
quantity needed from Carswell Air. Force Base. Councilman Braswell seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey. Braswell, Hullum, Donnelly and Huron.
Mayor Cravey
Nays:: None
Request - Water Service Cedar Bayou - Crosby Road
City Manager Lanham informed the Council that he had received a request from
A. J. Box, living on Cedar Bayou - Crosby Road but outside the city limits, for permission
to extend a water line from the city's water main on Massey- Tompkins Road, 890 feet
to serve himself and (B) eight neighboring families. They will bear the entire cost
of the project and this type approval has been given before. They will install the
size pipe recommended by the city, get their own contractor, install line according to
the city's specifications, dedicate the line to the city upon completion of the installa-
tion, pay water top and meter deposit as each home is tied in to the line. It was the
recommendation of the City Manager that approval be granted for this project. Councilman
Donnelly moved to grant them permission to extend the water main as proposed with the
understanding that they are to pay water tap and meter deposit to complete the connection.
Councilman Braswell seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Maya Cravey
Nays: None
Patrol County Road - Airhart Drive to Bavway through Refinery Property
The Chief of Police was instructed to have Baytown Police regularly patrol the
strip of county road running through Humble Company's property, extending from Airhart
Drive to Bayway Drive. Time Commissioner's Court will be asked to issue special deputy
cards or badges to the Baytown Police Department permitting city patrol of a county road.
City Manaaer's Report
John C. Echols, President of the Citizen's National Bank G Trust Company, petitioned
the Council to consider two items when seeking the bids for a depository contract, such
contract to be awarded on or before September, 1965, First, uniform specifications, and
secondly, rotation to begin as of this year.
Councilman Braswell moved to adopt a resolution transferring $1,661.72 from the
Contingency Fund to pay for fence installed around the public works warehouse site.
Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey, Braswell, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 87
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER SIXTEEN HUNDRED SIXTY -
ONE ($1,661.72) DOLLARS AND SEVENTY -TWO CENTS FROM COUNCIL CON-
TINGENCY FUND TO BUDGET ACCOUNT 301- 10 -15.
The Council approved a statement relative to the city's tax reappraisal program
instituted in Novembrr, 1962.
Councilman Donnelly and City Attorney Chandler were appointed as a Committee to
review the Parliamentary Procedure formally adopted by the City Council in 1962.
Adjournment
Councilman Huron moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Donnelly seconded
the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
Edna Oliver, City Clerk