1965 10 28 CC Minutes4030
MINUTES.OF THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
October 28, 1965
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Thursday,
October 28, 1965 at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the
following members in attendance:
Robert
Barnes
Councilman
C. M.
Massey .
Councilman
Don M.
Hullum
Councilman
A. M.
Braswell
Councilman
J. C.
Huron
Councilman
Raymond
T. Donnelly
Councilman
Seaborn Cravey Mayor
Fritz Lanham City Manager
George Chandler City Attorney
Edna Oliver City Clerk
The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered, afterwhich he
called for the minutes of the regular meeting of October 11th. Councilman Donnelly
moved to dispense with reading of the minutes - they be approved with the following
corrections, to -wit: Estimate - Easement Improvement - Christian Church - Councilman
Donnelly moved to deny the request for City's participation in the cost of the proposed
easement improvement. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The vote follows:
All ayes - Plans Community Center and City Hall: Second vote: The vote was taken and
the results follow:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Refrained from Voting: Councilman Braswell
Councilman Barnes seconded the motion for approval of the minutes. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Consider Truck Bids
The tabulation of bids
received on the purchase of ten
one /half ton pickup trucks
follows:
Thad Felton
Lumus Baytown Dodoe
Kemp & Tony's
Eq. Co.
Item No. 1 - F100 Ford (2)
Item No. 1 - D100 (2)
Item No. 1
- D1000 (2)
Less trade in allowance
Less trade in allowance
Less trade
in
Net Bid - $ 2,829.10
Net bid - $ 2,867.90
Net bid -
$ 3,170.08
Item No. 2 - F100 (3)
Item No. 2 - D100 (3)
Item No. 2
- D1000 (3)
Less trade in
Less trade in
Less trade
in
Net bid - 4,631.63
Net Bid - 5,174.05
Net bid -
5,168.70
Less additional (605.70)
disc. straight sale4,568.35
Item No. 3 F100 (4)
Item No. 3 - D100 (4)
Item No. 3
- D1000 (4)
Less trade -ins
Less trade -ins
Less trade -ins
Net Bid 6,113.64
Net Bid - 6,009.80
Net Bid -
6,728.20
Item No. 4 - (1)
Item No. 4 - (1)
Item No. 4.-
(1)
w/ trade -in 1,685.31
w/ trade -in 1,634.75
w/ trade -in
1,846.44
F100
D100
D1000
Total Net Bid $15,259.88
Total Net Bid $15,080.80
Total Net Bid $16,913.42
10 Units - 25 days
10 Units - 30 to 60 days
10 Units -
Approx. 30 da
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After discussing the bid specifications, invitations for bids, etc., Councilman
Braswell moved to accept the low bid of Lumus Baytown Dodge for the ten (10) pickups
at a bid price of $15,080.80. Councilman Massey seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Discuss Street Improvements
Jack Morton, Director of Public Works, submitted a map which indicated streets
which he proposed to have leveled by a mudjacking process. The Council had included
$5,000 in the 1965 -66 fiscal year's budget for the leveling and Mr. Morton covered
streets which he felt were in the greatest need of repair - these to be done by a
contractor. After learning the technique, the equipment can be purchased and city
employees be used in the leveling projects, if the Council should approve such a purchase.
The Administration was instructed to advertise for bids on a per cubic yard, in place,
basis.
Once again, the Council discussed the extension of Tenth Street to provide ingress
and egress to the new Housing Authority Building now under construction. At the last
meeting, Mr. Lanham was asked to check the terms of the original agreement. The only
reference found relative to the street extension, indicated the extension would be
made on a cost - participation basis. Mr. Taylor, Executive Director of the Housing
Authority, indicated their payment would cover only that portion of the street which
abutted the Housing Authority's property. The total estimated cost for the street ex-
tension with curb, gutter, and cement stabilized shell base with asphaltic wearing
surface was $3,144; the.Housing Authority's pro rata share, $461. Since the extension
would only be used to service the Housing Authority, it was suggested that the City'
use its own forces and lay a 6 -inch shell base with 2- course pentration topping for
a estimated $800. It was further suggested that the Administration contact Mr. Skrla
and see if he will extend his present contract to include the laying of the base and
topping materials, excluding any curb and gutter. After some further discussion,
Councilman Huron moved to approve the extension of.Tenth Street to provide ingress and
egress to the Housing Authority Building; said extension to be made without curb and
gutter. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Texas State Guard - City Assistance Securing Equipment - Texas Surplus Warehouse
Mr. Tallent, representing the Baytown Security Unit of the Texas State Guard, appeared
to solicit the assistance of the Ciy Council in securing equipment used by the Baytown
Unit from the Texas Surplus Warehouse. The Unit will furnish its own funds, no money
is to be furnished by the City, but it will be necessary to secure the approval of the
Mayor and Council for equipment, such as, a heavy rescue unit, cots. tents, etc.,
to be purchased in the name of the City of Baytown, throught the avenue of Civil
Defense. The Council directed Mr. Tallent to meet with City Manager Lanham and Civil
Defense Director, Fletcher Hickerson. The group can then work out the mom feasible
approach in making the purchase.
Sale of $300.00 Bonds - Bid - Ordinance
Only one bid was received in connection with the city's notice of sale on
$300,000 City of Baytown General Obligation Bonds - this bid was submitted by the
Citizens National Bank G Trust Company, John C. Echols, President. His proposal
stated, his firm will pay par, plus accrued interest to date of delivery and cash
premium of $75.00 for the bonds, bearing interest at .05 %. City Manager Lanham then
introduced and read an ordinance which authorized the sale of the bonds and appropriated
the sum for various projects. Councilman Huron moved to adopt the ordinance as read.
Councilman Braswell seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
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The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 760
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $300,000 GENERAL
OBLIGATION BOND, ISSUE OF 1965; PRESCRIBING THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS THEREOF; APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $300,000 OUT OF
THE PROCEEDS OF SALE OF SUCH BOND FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS; LEVY-
ING TAXES FOR THE PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST THEREON;
AWARDING THE SALE THEREOF; CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING
TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL TAKE
EFFECT UPON AND AFTER ITS ADOPTION.
Extension - Land Option Civic Center Site
Councilman Barnes moved to authorize the City Manager to secure a 90 -day extension,
at no cost to the City, on the option to purchase the 29 -acre Civic Center Site.
Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Huron and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: Councilmen Braswell and Hullum.
Report - Meetina Reaardina Flood Control Ditch - Burnet School
City Manager Lanham reported on the results of a recent meeting of County, School
and City Officials at the Burnet School site where pollution has been a source of
concern in the last few months. The Flood Control Engineer, Mr. Langford, has made
a study of the site and in his opinion the installation of drain pipe in the
ditch would not improve the drainage and he could not recommend such improvement to the
Commissioners Court. Without his recommendation, the Commissioner Court would do nothing.
He did suggest the installation of a box -type drainage canal, with a removable top
which would permit the cleaning of the.storm sewer. Estimated cost for such structure
was between $36,000 and $54,000. Mr. Dean King, a member of Wooster Chamber of Commerce
who has expended much time and effort in the elimination of pollution, reported that
he had held a more recent conference with Mr. Langford and Mr. Langford agreed to recom-
mend to the Commissioners; Court, the installation of an 8' x 6" drainage canal with a
removable top and V. V. Ramsey, County Commissioner, had agreed to support any recommenda-
tion of the County Engineer. This was a much smaller canal than was first recommended.
This committee will continue its negotiations and get a firm estimate of cost before
presenting to the School - Council Committee for its presentation to the City Council
and School Board.
Consider Plans - City Hall
The Council reviewed the preliminary plans for the interior of the new City Hall,
especially the Council area which was projected to seat 246 spectators confortably.
The plans also provided a conference room, Mayor's office. City Manager's office,
Reception Secretary, City Clerk, Reception Secretary, City Attorney, Library room and
Secretary. The bbby separates this area from the Water, Tax, Health, Engineering,
Accounting, Director of Finance, Purchasing Agent and Billing departments. In the
review it was suggested that the lobby area be decreased in size; the major portion
of the general plans were approved. These plans will be submitted to the Building
Committee for its perusal and then be brought back to the City for final approval thus
clearing the way for bids to be sought on both the Civic Building and the City Hall.
Recommendation - Clean Up Committee - Approved
At the September 23rd meeting, the Council had received a recommendation from Fred
Wichelp, Chairman of the Clean- up.Committee of the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, to
accelerate the program. First, to clean up debris on vacant lots, and Second, to use
weed killer or concrete area of street corners to eliminate tall grass. It was the
recommendation of City Manager Lanham that the city go ahead at this time with clearing
away the debris, and use grass killer at street corners rather than the asphaltic
materials which would make the project more expensive. Before the debris is removed,
the property owner will be notified in the same manner as is presently used in mowing
of lots. If the owner does not have the debris removed, the City will remove same
and place a lien against the property. In instances of items of value, the Administration
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the property owner will be notified in the same manner as is presently used in mowing
of lots. If the owner does not have the debris removed, the City will remove same
and place a lien against the property. In instances of items of value, the Administration
was instructed to be very careful about removing such items; to. be sure that the owner
has been properly notified far in advance of the removal. Councilman Barnes moved to
accept the recommendation of the Committee and expressed thanks for the fine work the
Committee is doing. Councilman Huron seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The City Manager was instructed to contact the Superintendent of the State Highway
Work Crew in this area and solicit his cooperation in keeping the espenade on Highway
146 clean of grass and other debris. Also, the Patrolmen are to be instructed to
watch for people littering the streets and highway and file on them for such littering.
Estimate for Lowering Siphon on San Jacinto River
At the September 9th meeting, A. J. Busch, Jr., local engineer, submitted a proposal
for the Council to assist in the cost of lowering a siphon on a canal owned by the
San Jacinto River Authority. In submitting the proposal, Mr. Busch stated that if the
siphon is lowed it would eliminate the need of a portion of a drainage ditch which
is proposed by the City under the Comprehensive Plan. He was asked to prepare cost
estimates on the project and bring back to the Council. At this meeting, he submitted
an estimated cost of $5,000 for lowering the siphon. The installation of storm sewers
in this area were proposed and included in the.bond issue approved by the voters in
Alarch, 1965, but the sale of these bonds were not included in the first year's plans,
neither did the Council include funds for such a project in the 1965 -66 budget. Should
the Council approve the partidipation proposal, it would be necessary to transfer funds
from the Contingency Fund. The Council discussed the many ramifications of the pro-
posed drainage, its relationship to the City and to the Developer, the benefits to both
parties, developing private property, plans for the proposed apartment project and
subdivision development, needs for immediate drainage in developed areas of the city,
future extension of water and sewer facilites to the developer's property line, matter
of timing on the drainage of the area, and other relating factors. However, the Council
declined to participate in the cost. Drainage for the area is included in the bond
issue and the project will be done when the bonds are sold and funds are made available.
Committee Reports
Copies of a proposed Gun Ordinance will be mailed to each council member for study.
The ordinance will be discussed at the next regular meeting.
Councilman Braswell suggested that the Council consider the annexation of a strip
on either side of Goose Creek Stream and Cedar Bayou Stream in order for the City to
have some control of the pollution problems now annoying the citizens of Baytown.
City Attorney,Chandler suggested that the area around the new High School on Baker
Road be included in any annexation ordinance as well as North Main Street because it
will be necessary to levy paving assessments on properties abutting North Main when the
proposed widening and improvements are made. Councilmen Braswell and Huron were in-
structed to do whatever investigation is necessary to determine if annexantion of the
streams would help in the control. If it is found that such annexation would aid, the
Council will instruct the City Engineer to prepare field notes and the City Attorney
to prepare an ordinance for completion of the annexation. Too, it was suggested that
letters be written to the State Representatives and members of the Pollution Committee
regarding the proposed Pollution Law, stating the Council's objections to the draft in
its present form. A hearing is to be held in Austin on December 1st and 2nd and it
was further suggested that the Council go in mass to the December 1st hearing.
Mayor Cravey was named to represent the City of Baytown on a Committee which is
being appointed to act as a liaison between the newly appointed Pollution Committee
and the public.
The Council will meet with Turner C Collie, Engineers, on Wednesday, November 3rd
at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Room of the City Hall to discuss the water and sewer
mains covered in this year's proposed improvements from the sale of bond funds.
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Committee Reports - Continued
Councilman Huron gave a brief report on the proposals and recent work being done
by the Traffic Committee.
Councilman Donnelly reported that work will continue on the proposal to hold joint
City - School Elections after the Committee receives a report from Houston on the results
of its joint election which will be held November 8th.
Councilman Barnes gave a report on the contributions made thus far by employees
of the City to the United Fund. Some of the departments have not completed their
solicitation but thus far, the contributions amounted to $2,084.00. The City Managers'
Deparment and the Sewer Department employees were given special recognization for having
contributed an equivalent of one day's pay for each employee.
City Manager's Report
Mr. Lanham reported receiving a call from R. H. Pruett, a member of the Port Commission,
informing him that the Corp of Engineers has approved the deeping of Goose Creek Stream
up to Highway 146, estimated cost of the improvement is $209,000.00. The Corp must get
Congressional appropriation but they forsee no problem in getting the funds. The stream
will be deepened to between.12 and 15'. The study made by the Corps included the stream
from Highway 146 to Market Street but work was not approved for the first project.
Unless there is a real need,. the City Council will forgo the second regular meeting
in November since it falls on Thanksgiving Day. Should necessity demand it, a special
meeting will be called at some other date.
The Council expressed regret over the Baytown Police Association's complaint to the
City Manager that members of the Police Auxiliary are doing work that regular patrolmen
would be paid for if done while off -duty. In their opinion, the volunteer groups within
the City of Baytown are rendering valuable service to the citizens of Baytown, and even
though this complaint did not represent the unanimous feeling of the Police Department,
the Council saw the need of systematic training on principles of leadership and maintain-
ing good community relationship.
R E C E S S
Authorized Settlement Law Suit - Water Tower Construction - Former WD 458
Councilman Barnes moved to authorize the City Attorney to settle the law suit relating
to the construction of an elevated water tank for Water District No. 58, now City of
Baytown on the following terms, to -wit: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company will forfeit their
rights to $10,458.00 retainage held by the City of Baytown; the Wyatt C. Hedrick Estate
will pay $35,000 to the City of Baytown as full settlement; the City will execute an
instrument releasing both Wyatt C. Hedrick Estate and Chicago Bridge and Iron Company of
any and.all liability arising out of or in any way annected with the contract. The City
will then have the tank repaired and pay the remaining cost for the repair. The estimated
cost of repair and miscellaneous expenditures, such as preparation of plans and specifi-
cations, soil testes, etc., will total $57,478.01, less the combined payment of the
Hedrick Estate and CB&ICo will leave a balance of $12,020.91 as the city's portion of the
cost of the repair. Councilman Braswell seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes. Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Adiournment
Councilman Huron moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Hullum seconded the
motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned. 7
Edna Oliver, City Clerk