1967 01 26 CC Minutes4275
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
January 26, 1%7
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Thursday,
January 26, 1967 at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the
following members in attendance:
Patrick Ball
C. M. Massey
Don M. Hullum
Albert Fanestiel
Raymond T. Donnelly
A. M. Braswell
Fritz Lanham
George Chandler
Edna Oliver
Absent: Seaborn Cravey
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Mayor Pro Tem
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Mayor
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Braswell, the Invocation was offered,
afterwhich he called for the minutes of the regular meeting of January 12, 1%7. Council-
man Donnelly moved to approve the minutes, including corrected page No. 6. Councilman
Fanestiel seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
Hold Hearina - Annexation Ten -Foot Stria FM Road 1942 and Bohemian Hall Road
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell opened the public hearing upon the proposed annexation of
an additional ten foot strip along FM Road 1942 and along Bohemian Hall Road. He asked
for an expression from any in the audience who may have attended the meeting for the 7
purpose of offereing a protest or seeking information relative to the proposed annexation.
No one asked to be heard and the hearing was declared cb sed by Mayor Pro Tem Braswell.
Holding Hearing Delinquent and Grass Cutting Bills
Mayor Pro Tem Braswdl opened the public hearing upon the delinquent grass cutting
bills, City Manager Lanham submitted a revised list showing payments received within
the past two weeks. Mr. Rayond Martin offered protest on the bills levied against
John G. Martin and Martin Real Estate. In his opinion, the assessments were not quite
fair because the notice gave a person ten (10) days in which to have the grass cut,
if his is not punctual in his fullfillment of the order the Administration orders the
grass cut and the contractor re -mows acreage which has been previously cut by the
property owned by Martin Real Estate. Secondly, the notice of the 1966 charge of $28.50
against John G. Martin was mailed to 1401 North Main rather than 2100 Montana Street
address. The Council stressed the need of having these tiolations filed immediately
with the Administration so that credit may be given. Mr. Lanham informed the Council
that if a property owner notifies the Administration that he has placed an order for
the property in question to be mowed but it cannot be done within the 10 -day period,
which is based on a State Statute, his name is omitted from the list of property to
be mowed by the contractor hired by the City. Councilman Ball informed the Council
that Monroe Pryor, 1423 Burbank Street is listed as delinquent and he states that the
property which is charged agsinst him does not belong to himi but to the Missouri -
Pacific Railroad. The City Manager will discuss the three assessments mentioned
with the parties in question. Councilman Massey moved to approve the listing submitted
as valid with the exception of the three possible changes. Councilman Fanestiel
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Hullum, Massey, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
4276
Consider Sale of Bonds - Tom Masterson
Tom Masterson, the City's fiscal agent representative, met with the Council to
discuss the possible sale of the unsold bonds from the 1965 authorization in the
amount of $2,499,000.00. Mr. Masterson told the Council that the interest rates had
declined more on municipal bonds in the last 30 -day period than in any comparable period
In history - we are definitely in a period of declining interest rates - how long it will
continue and how for it will go is anybondy's guess, but by recent standards this is the
time to sell bonds. He did not bring an ordinance authorizing sale of the bonds but
proposed that the ordinance be adopted at the February 9th meeting authorizing the sale
of an agreed amount of bonds, the advertisement will be prepared and run in the Bond Buyer
on February 10th and the sale can be called for the February 23rd meeting of the Council.
Councilman Ball suggested setting the sale up in blocks rather than selling the total
amount now and after discussion, it was decided that by following Councilman Ball's
suggestion, the sale could be set out in two blocks. However, Councilman Bell felt
that three (3) blocks would be the most ideal from a theoretical standpoint. After
discussing many facets of the bond program, Mr. Masterson suggested looking at the needs
and selling only this amount in the first sale and holding the rest of the bonds until
a later date to sell at what is hoped to be a lower interest rate. It was the recommenda-
tion of the City Manager that bonds be sold as follows:
Streets $ 761,000.00
Drainage 130,000,00
Public Buildings 55,000.00
Water Facilities 450,000.00
Sanitary Sewer (Revenue Bonds) 425,000.00
Total Sale $1,821,000.00
In order to bring the proposed sale to a round figure water facilities bonds were
increased an additional $4,000.00 making the total sale of $1,825,000.00. Councilman
Donnelly moved to authorize the preparation of a bond sale ordinance in the amount of
$1,825,000.00; said ordinance to be presented for adoption at the February 9th
regular council meeting. Councilman Massey seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Massey, Hullum, Fonestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Pro Tom Braswell
Nays: Councilman Ball
Mr. Masterson assured the Council that should the interest rate continue its
decline, he will contact Mr. Lanham relative to holding a special meeting for the
sale of the remaining $624.000 water bonds.
Authorize Advertisement Bids - Streets - Sidewalks City Hall - Civic Center
Steve McWilliams and A. J. Busch submitted plans for the construction of the streets,
sidewalks and fifty (50) parking spaces at the City Hall -Civic Center site. The
sidewalks were prepared with an alternate using treated timber retaining walls rather
than concrete.walls. Since the estimate was above the funds available, it was suggested
that the West Main connection be el)mated at the time and provide more parking spaces
in the area. Mr. Busch suggested taking bids on the street facilities as shown. The
bid specification can be prepared in such a manner as to permit deletion of the West
Main connector street if the estimates are out of line, or an alternate bid without
curb and gutter can be requested in the specifications. It was suggested that bids
be asked on construction of parking areas at the at the time the street and sidewalk
bids were received hit Mr. Busch had not prepared a layout and estimates of cost. Council-
man Donnelly moved to authorize the engineer to advertise for bids on the driveways as
shown on the plat; bids to be broken into two (2) sections - the circular drive and
the West Main connector complete with curbs and gutter, with a deletion proviso on the
West Main connector street - acceptance at the option of the Council plus alternate
bids for the construction of the circular driveway complete with ccrb and gutter and
construction of the West Main connector street excluding curb and gutter with a
deletion provision - acceptance at the option of the council - bids to be received
March 1, 1 %7. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Rullum,.Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Pro Tom Braswell
Nays: None
4 277
Councilman Donnelly moved to authorize the engineer to advertise for bids on the
construction of the sidewalks, deleting the outer perimeter of sidewalks as originally
shown, with the concrete retaining wall - bids to be received March lst, 1%7. Council-
man Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Hullum, Massey, Fanestiel and Donnelly.
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
Authorize - Advertisement Bids City Hall and Community Center Furniture
The Council reviewed the summary of City Hall and Community Building furnishings
as compiled by the City Administration and the Parks and Recreation Board. Councilman
Donnelly moved to authorize the Administration to advertise for bids for furnishings
for the City Hall and Community Building as proposed in the two summations. Council-
man Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro.Tem Braswell
Nays: None
Ordinance - Callina Municipal Election - April 4. 1967
Councilman Donnelly moved to adopt an ordinance ordering the municipal election
to be held on April 4, 1967 for the purpose of electing three Councilmen from the
respective Districts Nos. 2, 3, and 6 and a Mayor from the City at large. Councilman
Fanestiel seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
The caption of the ordinance follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 852 3
AN ORDINANCE ORDERING THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE
4TH DAY OF APRIL, 1%7, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE (3)
COUNCILMEN FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS NOS. 2. 3 AND 6; AND
THE ELECTION OF A MAYOR FROM THE.CITY AT LARGE; PROVIDING FOR
ELECTION OFFICIALS, DESIGNATING THE PLACES AND MANNER OF HOLDING
SAID ELECTION; PRESCRIBING THE HOURS AND PROVIDING FOR THE POST-
ING AND PUBLICATION OF NOTICE.
Transfer Resolution
Councilman Donnelly moved to adopt a resolution transferring $29,305.25 from
Contingency Fund 101 to provide subsidy for ambulance service and pay balance due
on fire.truck recently purchased from the Mack Truck Company. Councilman Fanestiel
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey:. Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
The caption of the resolution follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 158
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER TWENTY
NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED FIVE DOLLARS AND TWENTY -FIVE
($29,305.25) CENTS FROM CONTINGENCY FUND 101 TO BUDGET
ACCOUNTS 202 -10 -5 AND 101 -7 -1A.
1
4278
Approve Chancre Order No. 3 - West Main Sewage Treatment Plant
Councilman Fanestiel moved to approve Change Order No. 3 - West Main Sewage Treat-
ment plant in the amount of $1.050. This Change Order will provide installation of
steady bearing supports to the pumps in the old section of the treatment plant to pro-
vide better operption conditions. Councilman Massey seconded the motion. the vote
follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
Report - Prelinary Plan Equipment and Development Park - Playground - Bowie School
Councilman Donnelly presented a drawing of the proposed development and equipment
for the park - playground area at Bowie Elementary School, a joint venture of the
City of Baytown and the School District. The plans were drawn by Mr. Ralph S. Ellifrit,
Planning Consultant, and provided a pre - school area, play ground equipment, walkways,
picnic area, volley ball court, practice field for little league ball, baseball field,
a general purpose field for football, soccer, etc., tennis - basketball courts looped
walkway and planting of low shrubs, flowering trees and trees of various kinds. His
estimate for the development of the park was approximately $42,175.00. Councilman Ball
expressed some concern, with reservation, over the combined estimated cost of the pro-
ject with only $27,000 provided in the 1%6 -67 budget for total park improvement.
After some discussion, Councilman Fanestiel moved to advertise for bids upon the pro-
posed development; bids to be broken down into two categories, (1) the physical
facilities; and (2) planting - each category to be itemized for clarification. Coun-
cilman Donnelly seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
Mr. Ellifrit will be contacted relative to his fee for preparation of specifications
for bids. Should the Council feel that his fee is excessive, the preparation of bid
specifications will be sought elsewhere. An investigation will be conducted on the
possibility of getting matching Federal Funds after the bids have been received.
Drainage Dips - Street Intersectims
Councilman Ball proposed that some remedial steps be taken to eliminate drainage
dips in many of the city streets. These dips impede the flow of traffic and have
proven to be very hazardous to motorists who are not familiar with the location and
depth of the dip. He mentioned those in the Morrell Park area. South Pruett at Dailey
Street and an offensive drainage problem.on Oklahoma Street. between Minnesota and
Wisconsin Streets, abutting the Baytown Rod and Reel Club property. Cost estimates for
eliminating the dips;on Morrell Street were prepared several months ago. Mr. Lanham
proposed to have the cost estimates brought up to date and ,ready for the Council's
perusal at the,next regular meeting.
Miscellaneous Items
Councilman Massev,asked for an investigation of the delay by the Houston Lighting
and Power Company on.the installation of the street lighting along Spur 201. Mr. Lanham
explained that,a legal problem has arisen between the Highway Department and the
Houston Lighting .& Power Company. He and the City Attorney have met with representatives
of the two ,parties; the Highway representative indicates the existing type of poles
are hazardous and has requested the installation of break -away poles - the Houston 16P
representative states that the Company has no poles of this type and cannot furnish
them at the price they are now charging the City for street lights. This is not the
.only area the HLCP Company is concerned with and they have ceased to install street
lights along the State Highway until the problem is worked out.
Councilman Massey suggested that plans proceed on the construction of lateral sewer
lines along Bayway Drive and Councilman Hullum asked that the Cedar Bayou laterals be
considered also.
9279
Dismantle - Welcome to Baytown Sion - Near Tunnel
Councilman Ball moved to dismantle the base of the Welcome to Baytown sign near
the entrance to the Baytown-LaPorte Tunnel as the location is an eyesore and hazardous
since being struck and almost demolished by a motor vehicle. Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
suggested an improved design but Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Nays: Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Committee Reports 7
Councilman Fanestiel gave a report on tie study made by the Committee for the re-
locating of the Radio Shop and concluded with the recommendation that it be moved to
the city -owned sheet metal building at Wooster. It is the opinion of the Committee that
this is an ideal location, the present location is entirely inadequate but this building
will be as ideal location and even though it is.somewhat remote, it can be used for
other activities which will be left up to the discretion of the City Manager. Mayor Pro
Tem Braswell suggested that some study be given to a more central location after the
construction of the City Hall and Community Center building is complete. The
Committee also recommended either contacting the Director of the YMCa and arranging
for space to conduct.the Physical Fitness program of the Baytown Police Department
of using space in the new Community Center building. This will release the former
Water Office No. 8 building, which is presently being used about 5 -days per month
for the P -F program, which can be leased. The funds derived from.the lease - rental
could be used to off -set the cost of the YMCA facilities. In conjunction with the
first recommendation to re- locate the Radio Shop, Neill Seeley, the electronics tech-
nician, asked permission to remain in his present location since the move will be of
a temporary nature. He pointed out the time involved in moving the equipment which
is of a major installation classification, and suggested the city purchase enough concrete
to make a few repairs to the wall to eliminate water seepage and permit him to stay
at the present location. Mr. Lanham suggested that the Veterans Service Center office
could be moved at a later date and this would provide a little-more room. The Council
reminded Mr. Seeley that it may be as long as five years before a permanent location
will be provided, but he still perferred his present location rather than moving.
Councilman Fanestiel moved to approve the alternate proposal of Mr. Seeley and authorized;
the purchase of the Yard of concrete and to lease the Wooster water office building. ' -
Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
Councilman Fanestiel gave a report,on the work of the Traffic Committee. Red blinkers
will be installed at the intersection of East Texas and West Pearce, West Sterling
at East Texas going west will strip lane - traffic turning right and traffic
count will-be made on East Texas to determine if another traffic light is needed and
at what intersection. The Chamber of Commerce pushing for improvement of Beyway Drive
Ramsey and Carmichael will attend regular meeting of Chamber of Commerce, March 3rd
to discuss plans on Decker to Thomas Circle, the interchange at the Tower is to be
modified because of U. S. Steel, have plans for another bridge on Interstate 10 -
Federal Government will participate in the cost up to 90% the money has been appropriated
and work will start within a year. The State will not participate in the cost of im-
proving Bayway Drive - this will be a County -City project. The Chamber of Commerce
favorsa bridge over the ship channel in the vicinity of the Baytown - LaPorte Tunnel.
Also, the completion of the north loop of Spur 201. Councilman Fanestiel concluded
his report with a motion that the City Attorney draw two resolutionsc first (1) a
resolution directed to members of Harris County State Legislature and the State Highway
Department to expedite construction of Spur 201 commonly referred to as the North loop;
and secondly, (2) to-support construction of a bridge across the Houston Ship Channel
in the vicinity of the Baytown - LaPorte Tunnel. Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
These resolutions will be presented at the next regular meeting, February 9, 1967.
4 280
As a temporary measure, a Patrolman will be stationed at the intersection of Garth
Road and Park Street from 44:30 p.m., to assist in alleviating the existing traffic
congestion during this peak traffic period.
City Manaaer's Report
In order to keep the City Council up to date on all annexation activities of
neighboring cities and towns, the City Manager was instructed to subscribe to the
daily or weekly publication of each surrounding city or town.
Mr. Lanham informed the Council that he had received a.request from property owners
on West Main whose property is being effected by the drainage of wash water from the
Humble Station at the Y intersection, for the construction of a valley type gutter to
pick up the water and channel to the nearest stormsewer outlet. The property owners
involved have agreed to vear their pro rata of the costs. The City Engineer quoted an
estimated cost of the proposed improvement as $2,800, exclusive of the drainage, should
the work be done by contract. However, should the City use its forces, the cost would
be approximately one -half exclusive of the drainage. Councilman Ball moved to authorize
the improvement to be made using city forces. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Fanestiel and .Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
The Administration was asked to prepare an estimate of cost on the improvement of
a similiar problem presently existing at the intersection of West Main & Thibodeaux
abutting an Enco Service Station.
Mr. Lanham informed the Council that an excerpt, of the minutes regarding the pro-
posed amendment to the Nazro Street extension to Sunset Drive had been mailed to the
Houston office of the M-P Railroad Company but he had not received an naswer as yet.
However, today he received a copy of a letter received by the Engineering personnel
of the M -P Railroad Company from the property owners living on Nazro Street in Harper
Addition, stating that this proposed construction is not necessary since the Parkway
Drive connection provides ingress and egress into the area. He is of the opinion that
no further action will be taken by the Railroad Company concerning the proposed con-
nection since the Council had accepted the Parkway Drive connection as second choice.
Mr. Lanham reminded the Council of the first breakfast meeting of the Texas Munici-
pal League which will be held on Monday, January 30th at 7 :30 a.m. in Austin. He
urged a token attendance of Council, if possible since proposed legislation will be
discussed at each breakfast meeting scheduled each two weeks during the legislative
session.
The Council approved the request of the Parks and Recreation Board to formulate
plans for the opening and dedication cermony of .the City Hall and Civic Center Building.
The Council approved the naming of Dan Mundinger and Steve McWilliams to the
Building Code Study Committee.
Ordinances amending the Traffic Code and the Building .Code will be presented for
approval at the next regular meeting of the Council.
The Joint City- School Election Committee will arrange a meeting to discuss the
possibility of holding a joint run -off election following the General School District
and City Elections which will be held on Saturday, April 2 and Tuesday, April 4,
should a run -off be necessary.
Adiournment
There being no further business, the motion was made aW seconded that the meeting
adjourn. The-ayes were unanimous and.the Mayor Pro Tem declared the meeting adjourned.
d1V.
Edna Oliver, City Clerk