1966 04 13 CC Minutes4114
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
April 13. 1966
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Wednes-
day, April .13, 1966 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. Hum n
Councilman
Raymond T. Donnelly
Councilman
Patrick Ball
Councilman
Albert Fanestiel
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
the following business was transacted:
Resolution - Canvassing Election Returns
Members of the City Council canvassed the returns of the General Municipal Election
held April 5th by verifying the election totals of the eleven precincts as submitted
by the Election Judges. After the verification was completed, the City Manager
introduced and read a resolution declaring the results of the election; naming
Patrick Ball Councilman from District No. 1; A. M. Braswell, Councilman from District
No. 4; and Albert Fanestiel. Councilman from District No. 5. Councilman Huron moved
to adopt the resolution as read. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote
follows: '
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron a
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 103
A RESOLUTION CANVASSING,THE RETURNS OF THE REGULAR MUNICIPAL
ELECTION HELD WITHIN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN ON THE 5TH DAY OF
APRIL, 1966, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE (3) COUNCILMEN
FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS NOS. ONE (1). FOUR (4) AND FIVE
(5), DECLARING THE RESULTS OF SAID ELECTION; FINDING THAT
NOTICE OF SAID ELECTION WAS DULY AND PROPERLY HELD AND THE RE-
TURNS THEREOF MADE BY THE PROPER OFFICIALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.
Committee Reports - OutaoinQ Councilmen Barnes and Huron
Councilman Barnes gave a brief report on the joint City - School Committee which
is making a study of the proposed sc hool park plan and its objectives and activities.
It is hoped that detailed recommendations will be ready to present to both the
City Council and the School Board within a few weeks; the School attorney is investiga-
ing the legal aspects of the joint School -Park development and is contacing the
School attorney in Mesquite; the Committee has toured several possible School -Park
sites and it may want to recommend that it be permitted to interview park consultants
for technical assistance and detailed plans. The sign Committee will soon hold its
meeting; gave a brief report on the Corporation Court Committee's activities, and recommended
an apprasial be made of the Gray Enterprizes property for Garth Road extension.
4115
Minutes Baytown City Council
April 13, 1966
In concluding his reports, h.e offered his resignation from all committee assignments.
Mayor Cravey accepted his resignation from all Committees except the Parks Committee
and he agreed to serve in this capacity.
Councilman Huron reported on the activities of the Traffic Committee and recommended
raising the speed limit on the Tri- City Beach road, from the Normandy House Apartments
to the bascule bridge. from 40 mph to 50mpn. The Council accepted the recommendation
and the City Attorney was instructed to prepare an amendment to the.City's Traffic
Ordinance to provide for this change. He also recommended that a traffic light be
installed.at the North Main - Williams Street intersection. Councilman Braswell moved
to accept the recommendation of the Committee and authorized the installation of the
traffic light. Councilman Barnes seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Barnes. Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Huron and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Councilman. Huron recommended that the Mayor name one of the Council members to
the Baytown Health League. He too, resigned from all committee assignments, however,
the Mayor asked that he remain on the Traffic Committee and he consented.
Oath of Office - Councilmen
Corporation Court Judge Barney Ward administered the Oath of Office to
Patrick Ball, A. M. Braswell and Albert Fanestiel as Councilmen from Districts 1.
4 and 5, respectively for the two ensuing years. Congratulations were extended to
the new City Officials. Outgoing Councilmen Barnes and Huron expressed their apprecia-
tion to the City Council, City Finployees and citizens of Baytown for their cooperation
and goodwill extended them during their tenure of office. Mayor Cravey presented
each of them a gift as a token of appreciation for the many contributions made toward
the growth and progress of the community.
Public Hearing - Taxicab Fare Increase Reauest
Mayor Cravey opened the Public Hearing on the request of Messrs. Morris and Martin,
Owners and Operators of taxicabs within the City of Baytown, for a ten cents rate
increase for the first mile traveled. The request was made at the March 24th meeting
and a hearing was called for the April 13 meeting. City Manager Lanham submitted
a breakdown of his survey of the taxicab rates of Texas cities of comparable size and
it was evident that the fares in Baytown were lower than those of other-cities in
our population class. Mr. Morris mentioned some change in the ordinance relative to
a charge for waiting time but Mayor Cravey explained that since this hearing was called
specifically for the rate increase request, no other change could be acted upon until
a second hearing was publicly announced. It was suggested that a Committee be appointed
to study the ordinance for any other changes which should be made and a second Public
Hearing could be held. Since this would delay the effective date of the rate - increase,
Councilman Braswell moved to grant the ten cent rate increase at tics time; to consider
calling another Public Hearing at a later date for action on the other proposed changes.
Councilman Massey seconded the motion. The Public Hearing was declared closed. The
vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, {Massey, Braswell, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Messrs. Martin and Morris will meet with City Attorney Chandler and make other
proposed changes and the new draft will be presented for Council adoption at the
next meeting.
Hearina Improvement Alabama Street - Ordinance Closing Same
The benefit hearing for the improvement of Alabama Street was opened by Mayor Cravey.
A. J. Busch, Jr., gave a brief resume of the work.to be done in conjunction with the
proposed improvement. City Attorney Chandler called upon Bob Beverly, a local realtor,
who testified, in response to questions. that he had been a resident of Baytown for the
past twenty years, the past thirteen of which had been engaged in the real estate
business and was familiar with the selling and appraisal of property. It was his opinion
that all of the properties located on the street would be enhanced in value in amounts
4116 Mintues Baytown City Council
April 13, 1966
in excess of the cost of such improvements. Mayor Cravey then asked for questions
from the property owners attending the meeting. Messrs. Norman, Gill and Reineke were
heard afterwhich the hearing was ordered closed. The City Manager then introduced
and read an ordinance closing the hearing given to the real and true owners of pro-
perty abutting upon Alabama Street; fixing charges and liens against said properties
and providing for issuance of assignable assessment certificates and the manner of
collection. Councilman Ball moved to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilman Braswell
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 790
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
CLOSING THE HEARING GIVEN TO THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY
ABUTTING UPON ALABAMA STREET, FROM END TO END, TO -WIT: FROM THE NORTH
PROPERTY LINE OF MISSOURI STREET TO THE SOUTH PROPERTY LINE OF DURAIN
FERRY ROAD, IN THE CITY OF BAY'TOWN, TEXAS, AS TO SPECIAL BENEFITS TO ACCRUE
BY VIRTUE OF THE IMPROVE1 ENT THEREOF, AND AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY,
REGULARITY AND VALIDITY OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND CONTRACT IN CONNECTION
WITH SAID IMPROVEMENTS, AND THE ASSESSMENTS TO BE LEVIED COVERING THE
COST THEREOF; OVERRULING AND DENYING ALL PROTESTS AND OBJECTIONS OFFERED;
FINDING AND DETERMINING SPECIAL BENEFITS TO EACH PARCEL.OF PROPERTY AND
THE OWNERS THEREOF IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
AGAINST SAME; FINDING.THE REGULARITY OF ALL PROCEEDINGS AND THE PERFORMANCE
OF ALL PREREQUISITES TO FIXING THE ASSESSMENT LIENS AND THE PERSONAL
LIABILITY OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS; LEVYING ASSESSMENTS, FIXING CHARGES
AND LIENS AGAINST SAID PROPERTY ABUTTING SAID STREET AND THE TRUE OWNERS
THEREOF FOR PAYMENT OF PART OF THE COSTS OF THE IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING
FOR THE ISSUANCE OF ASSIGNABLE CERTIFICATES AND THE MANNER OF THEIR
COLLECTION; MD PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Hearina Improvement Oak Addition Streets - Ordinance Closing Hearing
The benefit hearing for the improvement of streets in Oak Addition was opened
by Mayor Cravey. A. J. Busch, Jr., engineer, gave a resume of the work to be done in
conjunction with the proposed improvements. City Attorney Chandler called upon Bob
Beverly, local realtor, who once again testified as to his experience and knowledge
of propoerties within the City of Baytown; his examination of the plans for the improve-
ment of these streets and it was his opinion that all of the properties located on
the streets to be improved would be enhanced in value in amounts in excess of the cost
of such improvements. Mayor Cravey then opened discussion from the floor and several
residents asked questions concerning payments, the drainage problems and other factors
incidental to the improvements. One questin was raised by a property owner whose
lot is on the corner of Carver and Oak Streets, relative to the cost, would his cost be
the same on both streets, $7.96 per front foot. Heretofore the policy on corner lots
has been the same rate per front foot on either street. Councilman Donnelly asked
the City Attorney if it would be possible to assess the property owner a lesser amount
on the side street, and he stated that any thing the Council agreed to, regarding the
enhancement and value, would be permissable. It may be that during the hearing,
the Council may want to make an adjustment in the rate, relative to side streets,
after the facts are presented and reasonably discussed. Mr. Stanley, with Gulf Bitu-
lithic Company the successful bidder for the improvement project, told the Council
that the general policy is to charge the regular rate on the shorter side,.because
most lots are deeper than their street frontage width. The Council agreed that in
this case, the side streets should be assessed at a lesser amount. Councilman Donnelly i
moved that at intersections, where improvements are being made on both streets, that
the assessed rate be charged for the front footage of a lot and 60% on the side street.
Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Willie Wilson, a resident of Daniel Street, asked the reason for the ommission of
Daniel Street from the improvement project. When told that it was because of the
railroad properties, Mayor Cravey assured him that if he would circulate the petitions
for the necessary signatures, the City would contact the railroad personnel and
4117
Minutes Baytown City Council
April 13, 1966
cooperate fully in the efforts to get this street improved also. After some further
discussion, the Mayor ordered the hearing closed. The City Manager then introduced
and read an ordinance closing the hearing given to the real and true owners of pro-
perty abutting upon the streets in Oak Addition, excepting Daniel Street; fixing
charges and liens against said properties and providing for issuance of assignable
assessments certificates and the manner of collection. Councilman Donnelly moved
to adopt the ordinance as read. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 791
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, CLOSING
THE HEARING GIVEN TO THE REAL AND TRUE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY ABUTTING
UPON OAK STREET FROM THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD
RIGHT -OF -WAY TO THE NORTH LINE OF RIGGS STREET; JOHNSTON STREET FROM THE
EAST LINE OF OAK STREET TO THE WEST LINE OF WILLOW STREET; STOWE STREET
FROM THE WEST LINE OF OAKLAWN ADDITION TO THE WEST LINE OF YUPON STREET;
BOOKERTEE STREET FROM THE WEST LINE OF OAKLAWN ADDITION TO THE WEST LINE
OF YUPON STREET; TURNER STREET FROM THE WEST LINE OF OAKWOOD ADDITION
TO THE WEST LINE OF YUPON STREET; CARVER STREET FROM THE WEST LINE OF
OAKWOOD ADDITION TO THE WEST LINE OF YUPON STREET; WILL.O'W STREET ON
THE NORTH LINE OF OAKWOOD ANNEX NO. 2 TO THE SOUTH LINE OF OAKWOOD ANNEX
NO. 2; YUPON STREET FROM THE SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD
RIGHT -OF -WAY TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE MISSOURI PACIFIC RAILROAD RIGHT -
OF -WAY, IN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AS TO SPECIAL BENEFITS TO ACCRUE
BY VIRTUE OF THE IMPROVEMENT THEREOF, AND AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY,
REGULARITY AND VALIDITY OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND CONTRACT IN CONNECTION WITH
SAID IMPROVEMENTS, AND THE ASSESSMENTS TO BE LEVIED COVERING THE COST
THEREOF; OVERRULING AND DENYING ALL PROTESTS AND OBJECTIONS OFFERED; FIND-
ING AND DETERMINING SPECIAL BENEFITS TO EACH PARCEL OF PROPERTY AND THE
OWNERS THEREOF IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGAINST
SAME; FINDING THE REGULARITY OF ALL PROCEEDINGS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF
ALL PREREQUISITES TO FIXING THE ASSESSMENT LIENS AND THE PERSONAL
LIABILITY OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS; LEVYING ASSESSMENTS FIXING CHARGES
AND LIENS AGAINST SAID PROPERTIES ABUTTING SAID STREET AND THE TRUE
OWNERS THEREOF FOR PAYMENT OF PART OF THE COSTS OF THE IMPROVEMENTS;
PROVIDING THE ISSUANCE OF ASSIGNABLE CERTIFICATES AND THE MANNER OF
THEIR COLLECTION; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Water Service - YMCA Building
Messrs. Beman, Jackson and Armsworth, representing the YMCA, appeared to discuss
their recent request for water service for their new building which will be located
west of the National Guard Armory. The estimated cost for providing this service
with a 2 -inch line is $1,551.02 and under a past policy, the City has borne the cost
on only the first one- hucgdred feet, the petitioner to bear the remaining cost. As in
this case, should the Council desire to install a larger line for future fire pro-
tective measures and domestic water service, would then bear the entire cost of
the difference in cost of the, line for the entire length. The proposed cooperative
effort was agreeable to the three representatives of the Y.M.C.A. Councilman
Braswell moved to authorize the installation of a 6 -inch water line; the city to
bear the total cost of the first 100 -feet of 6 -inch water main, the Y.M.C.A. to bear
the cost of a 2 -inch water line for the remaining distance b its property line with
the city paying the difference in cost for a six inch water main. Councilman Ball
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Petition - Improve Unnamed Street to Y.M.C.A. Site
A petition for the improvement of an unimproved street west from North Main Street
to the Y.M.C.A. property was presented to the Council with signatures of the abutting
property owners who promise to pay their prorate share of the constructkn costs.
Under the Comprehensive Plan this was to be a 39 -foot collector type street. Based
on the estimate of the city, the cost for paving the 1100 feet of street would be
4118 Minutes Baytown City Council
April 13, 1966
$22,779.00. After some discussion, Councilman Braswell moved to accept the petition
as presented and the project will be added to the North Main Street or the Garth Road
bid. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Feeding Prisoners - Contract
Councilman Fanestiel moved to award the annual contract for feeding of prisoners
placed in the city jail to Holly Inn Resturant. Councilman Donnelly seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Maya• Cravey
Nays: None
Abstained: Councilman Ball
Award Bid - Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Councilman Donnelly moved to award the annual contract for furnishing sodium
hexametaphosphate to Maintenance Engineering Company on the basis of the low bid
of $12.53 per CWT. Councilman Massey seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Hullum, Braswell, Massey, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Pay Contractor - Moving Baker Road Water Tower
Councilman Fanestiel moved to authorize the final payment to the contractor
for moving the Baker Road Water Tower to its new foundation. Councilman Hullum
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Report - Navigation Proiect - Goose Creek Stream
City Manager Lanham reported on the results of his contacts with property
owners whose property abutted the Goose Creek Stream beyond Highway 146 and could serve
as a spoil area, should the City of Baytown decide to act as local sponsors for the
deepening of Goose Creek Stream from the ship channel to Highway 146. In response
to his enquiry, the owners of some nearby property agreed to provide the land so
long as it is of no expense to them. At a recent meeting with representatives of
the Corps of Engineers, they indicated that levees would be needed in filling an
area and the estimated cost for building such levees would be $15,000. In this
case, should the Council decide to be the sponsor and use this land as a fill area,
the cost of the levees would be the responsibility of the City. The Council discussed
this problem from several angles, afterwhich, Mayor Cravey appointed Councilmen
Ball and Braswell to serve as a committee to work with the administration in nego-
tiations for a possible solution, without cost to the City.
Committee Reports
Councilman Donnelly gave a brief report on the conference he recently attended
in Dallas relative to beautifying Texas. It is hoped that a seminar can be held
at Lee College to acquaint interested people with the program and possibly get a
similar program instituted here.
Councilman Massey reported on the work of the Annexation Committee. Its plans
remain unchanged relative to continuing with finger annexation and possibly other
ordinances will be ready for its continuance at the next regular meeting. This
projection will be explained at a Chamber of-Commerce Dinner at 12 -noon, Friday.
Other matters relating to the election in Beach City, the calling of an election for
incorporation of Mont Belvieu, finger annexation and establishing an industrial district
4119
were discussed also, however, no change in course was proposed.
Councilman Braswell suggested that Mr. M. Caldwell be extended an invitation to
attend a meeting of the Council to discuss Pollution Control and relating matters
in the possible creation of a Water Pollution Control District.
Mayor Cravev will rearrange his Committee appointments, possibly at the next
regular meeting.
City Manager's Report
Mr. Lanham reported that the Street Leveling Contractor is presently working
on tee Drive in an effort to remove the fault line presently existing beyond the
Nazro Street intersection.
Work on the rerouting of a sanitary sewer line on East Pearce between Second
and Third is presently underway and it is hoped completion date will not be delayed,
however, it is possible if the unsettled weather continues.
Adjournment
Councilman Hullum moved for the meeting to adjourn. Councilman Ball seconded
the motion. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned.
Edna Oliver, City Clerk
1.
In
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