1967 03 09 CC Minutes4298
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BAYTOWN
March 9, 1967
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on Thurs-
day, March 9, 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
A. M. Braswell.
Albert Fanestiel
Raymond T. Donnelly
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
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 Mayor called.for the minutes of the regular meeting of February 23 and the
special meetings of February 20 and February 23. The February 20 minutes were
corrected to show the meeting to be held at the Holly Inn rather than Rebel Inn.
With this correction, Councilman Braswell moved to approve the minutes as corrected.
Councilman Fanestiel seconded the motion. The Vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Bids - Furniture City Hall and Community Center
• Bids on Section I - Furniture(All or None basis) are tabulated as follows:
Total Section I $10.722.55 $11.199.08 $16.111.00
a Includes change to thirteen (13) single pedestal base lounge type tables instead
of eight (8) 4 leg tables and five (5) single pedestal base tables.
Councilman Fanestiel moved to accept the low bid of Matherne's on Section I, in-
cluding the change from the 8 -4 -leg lounge type tables to 13 pedestal base lounge
type tables; to tal bid Section I - $10,722.55. Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
(All- Steel)
(Steel -Case)
(All- Metal)
Description
Matherne's
Texas Office
Caraills
Desks - Miscellaneous
$ 7,896.10
$ 8,287.86
$11,881.80
Bookcases:
590.75
554.70
810.00
Credenzas:
587.70
587.66
628.80
Tables: Office Type
667.00
594.15
798.00
Tables: Lounge Type
981.00
1.174.71
1.992.50
Total Section I $10.722.55 $11.199.08 $16.111.00
a Includes change to thirteen (13) single pedestal base lounge type tables instead
of eight (8) 4 leg tables and five (5) single pedestal base tables.
Councilman Fanestiel moved to accept the low bid of Matherne's on Section I, in-
cluding the change from the 8 -4 -leg lounge type tables to 13 pedestal base lounge
type tables; to tal bid Section I - $10,722.55. Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Bids - Section II - Furniture (Any One Division or All Divisions) .
Description (All- Steel) (Steel -Case) (Art - Metal)
(Shaw -W)
Matherne's Texas Office S.
Caraills
Shaw - Walker
Office Type
including Secretarial
7 704.50. 8 879.35
$12.361.95
$12.413.65
Councilman Donnelly
moved to accept the low bid of Matherne's on the
All -Steel
office type chairs in the amount of $7,704.50. Councilman
Fanestiel seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
4299
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Division 2 of Section II - Assembly Type Chairs - Racks - Folding Chairs
Matherne's Texas Off. Sup. Caraills Shaw - Walkex American S. American Desk
$9,411.00 $17.863.40 $16,171.00 $18,274.00 $10,737.40 $16,099.20
Since there was such a wide variance in the bid quotation, each bidder was asked to
provide a sample and the Parks G Recreation Board has been .requested to look at each
sample and make a recommendation for purchase. All of .the samples had not been delivered
by Tuesday, the last meeting date of the Board, and Mr. Lanham suggested the Council
delay its decision until the Board has had time to look at the samples. The Council
agreed to defer purchase until the Board has had an.opportunity to make its recommendation.
Division 8 of Section II - Theatre Chairs and Ash Trays
150 Chairs - approximately
50 Ash trays - approximately
American Seating Co.
$4,879.50
150.00
$5,029.50
American Desk Co.
$3,786.00
87.50
$3,873.50
Samples of each type chair was available for the Council to review. It was pointed
out that the theatre chair of the American Desk Company is the type installed in the
Ross Sterling High School auditorium. After some discussion. Councilman Donnelly moved
to accept the low bid of American Desk Company in the amount of $3,873.50. Councilman
Fanestiel seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Section III - (All or None Basis) Sofas, Club Chairs and Benches
Matherne's $2,168.40
Texas Office Supply- $2,271.36
The Council deferred action upon the purchase of these items until the Parks
Recreation Board has had an opportunity to look at the samples.
Section IV - (All or None Basis) Kitchen Equipment.
Gas Oven. Gerbers Inst. Sales Gardner Hotel S. Kitchen Equip.
Range, Refrigerator,
Sink G Tables $4.831.93 $4,887.80 $5,226.00
Councilmen Donnelly moved to accept the low bid of Gerbers Institutional Sales
for the Kitchen equipment. Councilman Braswell seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Matherne's
Waste Baskets: $ 282.75
.80
Amer. Desk Gerbers Gardner H.S.
$241.10 $254.04 $275.78
Councilman Braswell moved to accept the low bid of Texas Office Supply Company
for the waste baskets. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Matherne's Texas Of. Sup. Shaw -Wlk. Amer. Desk Gerbers
Folding Tables: $1,222.50 $ 924.27 $965.30 x`$951.90 $876.66
Councilman Donnelly moved to accept the low bid of Texas Office Supply on the
folding tables. Councilman Massey seconded the motion. The vote follows:
(*Bid on 2 items only - three included in bid invitation.)
4 300
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Bids on remaining equipment for furnishing the City Hall and Community Building
will be received at a later date.
Petition - Millard - Knowlton Subdivision
Mr. R. B. Millard, owner of lot No. 6 in the Mollie Knowlton Subdivision, added
7 his name to the list of property owners requesting the City to provide sanitary sewer
service on property owner participation basis.
Review Plans East District Interceptor and Trunk Sewer Lines
Mr. Ivan Langford of Turner, Collie, 6 Braden, Inc., Consulting Engineers, sub-
mitted plans for the construstion of the East District Interceptor and trunk lines, i-
dentified as Job No. 151 -5 Contract No. 4. under the sanitary sewer bond improvement program.
The plans designated the use of concrete pipe; Councilman Braswell suggested the use of
vitrified clay pipe, even though the initial cost may be higher, due to some recent costly
experiences with concrete pipe. Also, some of the sewage may be septic by time it reaches
plant. He also mentioned the two siphones, the depth shown, the use of concrete pipe and
the resulting septic conditions which will result. Mr. Langford stated that the plans
were drawn in compliance with the request of the Flood Control District's personnel for
a designated footage clearance between depth of ditch and the sewer line. As far as he
knows there is no design set for Pond Gully - sure an agreement could be made which would
permit the city to raise the footage clearance at this time - should the Flood Control
District set a design later for drainage of the area, the City would then lower the sewer
line to the depth required. Mr. Langford offered to take this proposal to the Flood
Control District if the City Council was agreeable to enter into such an agreement.
Councilman Braswell suggested that any negotiations include the Ward Road ditch siphon
also. Councilman Massey moved to adopt a resolution of agreement to lower the sanitary
sewer siphons. Ferry Road and Ward Road, included in Contract No. 4 at the City's expense
when and if the siphons conflict with proposed channel improvements by the Flood Control
District of Harris County. Councilmen Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey. Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
After some further discussion, Councilman Braswell moved to authorize the
engineers to go out for bids on the East District Interceptor and trunk sewer lines,
after he has met with the Harris County Flood Control District representatives regarding
the siphons; to ask for alternate bids on the Ferry -Ward Road trunk sewers of clay and
concrete pipe, lines E G E -1 in plan drawings. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Councilman Donnelly moved to authorize the engineer to advertise for bids- on
the above mentioned construction on March 20th - to be received on April 24th. Council-
man Braswell seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Approve Plans - Grade Separation - Missouri- Pacific at Highway 146
Plans have been received by the Administration from a Consulting Engineer who
is employed by the State Highway Department in the preparation of plans for the Missouri -
Pacific RR grade separation at State Highway 146 none of which is on city property but
the City Council must grant approval. The grade separation will be constructed in
accordance with State Highway standards with provisions for future widening of the
Highway. After some disucssion, Councilman Donnelly moved to grant approval to the
plans and authorized the Mayor to execute the instrument. Councilman Fanestiel seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
4301
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly .
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Nazro Street Extension - Mopac Company
Mayor Cravey informed the Council that Air. Austin of Missouri Pacific RR Company
has requested the Council to reconsider its request for the extension of Nazro Street
to connect with Sunset Drive as proposed at the September 8th meeting; again, December 22,
1966. The Company officials favor the Parkway Drive crossing which was sepond choice
of the Council. The Council was unanimous in its fort choice of the Nazro Street ex-
tension and City Manager Lanham was instructed to notify Mr. Austin of this decision,
with the understanding that the Railroad Company bear the entire cost of acquiring the
right of way and the construction of a 29 -foot improved street to complete the connection.
Discuss Use of Plastic Pipe - Water and Gas Service Lines
Councilman Braswell pointed out that he had received some requests to use plastic
pipe underground service lines for water and gas from the meter location to the building.
Since the Council was not familiar with the rules of the Gas Company, Mr. Lanham was
instructed to refer this request for gas service lines to.the Gas Company personnel for
their comments. The National Electrical Code also has certain specifications which are
a part of the City's Electrical Code - .plastic pipe may not meet the specifications and
will violate the ordinance. After some discussion the Council agreed to defer action
upon the proposal until members of the Building Committee and Electrical Board have
had an opportunity to study the request relative to the water and the Gas Company
personnel have submitted their comments.
Proposed Adoption Ordinance - Use of Steel- tipped Arrows in City
Councilman Braswell reviewed some of the complaints he had received recently
on the indiscriminate use of steel- tipped arrows within the city and urged the
adoption of an ordinance which would prohibit or control such practice. Mr. Ratley
and Karl Opryshek, DDS, representatives of sportsmen's organizations, werd present and
offered to assist in the draft of such an ordinance. Mayor Cravey appointed a Committee
composed of fir. Ratley, Dr. Opryshek, Braswell and City Attorney Chandler to study the 7
ordinance for the.purpose of compiling reasonable control on the use of steel- Lipped !
arrows in the City. Councilman Braswell was asked to serve as Chairman of the Committee.
Consider Plans - Traffic Sionals - Decker and Garth, Memorial Drive, Lobit
Plans for the signalization of the intersections of Garth and Decker, Decker
and Memorial Drive and Decker and Lobit were presented to the Council. Leo Frost
reviewed the proposed installations, type poles desired by Council in front of
San Jacinto Hospital. Presently the spece.fronting the hospital is open with metal
standards; the proposed design for traffic signalization has two poles in front of
the hospital - the Traffic Committee recommends setting one large pole in front of hospital
run the cable diagonal and hang the same amount of signal lights as shown on the design
with fewer poles - the estimated cost for materials - $4,595.00 - steel pole $375.00, each.
If painted wooden poles are used the cost will be less. After some discussim, the
Council referred the proposal to the Traffic Committee for further study and a recom-
mendation. The Traffic Committee will invite the engineer of Crouse -Hinds Products and
the City Manager to sit in on all sessions and include any recommendations offered which
are deemed feasible for better signalization performance.
Requests - Sanitary Sewer Service Lines - Water Lines - Policy
At the February 9 meeting the Council had received a request for sanitary.sewer
service lines on Donovan. Shortly thereafter a similar request was received for water
service lins and an re recently a second request - this from Mr. Allen Field for sanitary
sewer service to his property. A Committee was appointed to study the proposals and
draft a policy for usage by the City in requests of this type. Councilman Braswell was
appointed Chairman of the Committee and at this meeting submitted solutions for the three
requests now pending. A definite policy will be submitted at a later date.
First: The extension of a saver on Donovan Street. The Committee recommended
that the City install this sewer from a point on Cedar Bayou Road in the manner recom-
mended by the City engineers with the property owners on Donovan Street paying $1.32
9302
per foot, per lot ($2.69 per linear foot, total ) with a pro rata fee set up for future
tie -ins to the line.
Secondly: the installation of a water line on Middleton Street east of Bayway Drive.
That a six -inch water line be extended eastward from a point on Bayway Drive, along an
easement to be acquired by the City, with a fire plug on Middleton Street. Mr. Gray, at
the corner of Middleton and Decker Drive, would be required to pay the prorate connection
charge based on the frontage of his lot.
Thirdly: extension of sewer service to the Field property east of Bayway Drive -
The City is scheduled to install a sewer from a point west of Bayway Drive to a manhole
east of Bayway Drive thence northerly along Bayway Drive to Decker Drive. The Committee
recommended that Mr. Field, be required to install the line from the manhole on the east
side of Bayway Drive to his property at his expense. A pro rata charge would be set up
for future tie -ins to this line which would be refunded to Mr. Field; however, it appears
very doubtful that any future tie -ins will be requested due to the layout of the streets
and lots at this particular area.
Mr. Braswell stated that these recommendations are somewhat in line with a basic
premise which appears most equitable for a long -range policy for extension of water and
sewer lines; however, there are many problems and implications of this matter that must
be settled before a definite policy can be established. These recommendations, however,
will be somewhat in line with the overall basic policy that may be finally evolved. After
some discusion, it was agreed a vote would be taken on each recommendation rather than
a package. Councilman Braswell moved to accept the recommendation of the Committee on
the installation of the sewer line on Donovan. Councilman Fanestiel seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Councilman Massey moved to accept the recommendation of the Committee on the water
line - Bayway Drive and Middleton Rd. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote
follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell and Fanestiel
Maya Cravey
Nays: Councilman Donnelly
The Council deferred action on the request of A. J. Busch for his client, Allen
Field. This request will be resolved when Mr. Busch comes before the Council again.
Payment will be received from property owners on Donovan Street and from Mr. Gray on
Decker Drive after the line is installed prior to making the tie -in to service line.
Councilman Fanestiel moved to authorize the City Manager to go out for bids on the
installation of the sewer line on Donovan Street. Councilman Hullum seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Committee - Hospitalization Premium Increase - City Increase Participation Costs
C ouncilman Hullum, reporting for the committee appointed to study the various
benefits of the city employees, stated that he and Councilman Ball had met with the
City Manager and two representatives of Blue Cross -Blue Shield Company who has the hos-
pitalization contract for city employees and their dependents. The main concern at this
meeting was the necessity for increase in hospitalization premiums effective as of the
new contract year, April 1st. The increase over last year on one employee, $1.33; two,
$3.31; family, $3.56 and sponsored dependent, $0.82. The Committee recommended that
the City absorb the increase in premium rates, from April 1 through September 31, in the
amount of approximately $9,500. During the budget sessions, the Council can then review
all benefits of the city employees and work any increase that may be made at that time
into a package deal. This will increase the City's participation in the insurance pro-
gram - on the employee only - from $9.50 to $8.00. Councilman Ball emphasized that the
increase now.absorbed by the City, for the next 6- months, is not a commitment to.continue
covering this amount but to make the City's fiscal year and the hospitalization contract
year coincide - the Council may choose to ask for bids. Councilman Fanestiel moved to
accept the recommendation of the Committee. Councilman Donnelly seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
4 303
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Donnelly
Mayor Cravey
Nays: None
Ambulance.Service - Increase Subsidy
Councilman Braswell, reporting for the Ambulance Committee, reviewed the existing
problems of providing adequate ambulance service for the citiznes of Baytown. On or
about January 1, 1967, the City entered into a contract with Belfort Ambulance Company
for this type service after the two funeral homes in Baytown notified the City Council
they were discontinuing this type service on Januay 1, 1967. .When the City entered into
a contract with the Belfort Company,.it agreed to a $3,800 -a -month subsidy - Mr. Camp
the owner, was asked to contact industires in Baytown for standby services which would
be deducted from the subsidy furnished by the City. In earlier meetings with the Ambu-
lance Committee, Mr. Camp had told them that the citizens of Baytown were not using his
services and he was losing money; the Committee suggested the use of one less car.
Recently some unfavorable and tragic complaints had been registered by Baytonians who
were unable to get an ambulance during a time of great need - this resulted in the re-
storation of the third car. Now Mr. Camp has told the Committee he cannot stay in
business more than two weeks if the subsidy is not raised. Neither has he negotiated
a standy service contract with industry other than the Humble Oil & Refining Company.
Based on the past collection record of the Belfort Ambulance Company, Councilman Braswell
stated that it appeared that the subsidy would have to be increased from $3,800 a month
to $6,000 a month. A meeting had been held recently with hospital administrators and
the Welfare League administrator in an effort to enlist their cooperation in directing
calls to Belfort rather than Simpson Funeral Home in La Porte; this being done in the
past due to the lower rates of the Funeral Home. Councilman Braswell mentioned other
points such as franchising the Ambulance Service, charging a license for ambulances
operating within the city limits of Baytown but not located herd n and the possible
lowering of ambulance service fee if the City is to assume this amount.of subsidy. Also,
representatives of industry have agreed to ameet with City officials for a general dis-
cussion of the standby services in realtion to industry and the City. Councilman Donnelly
stated hospitals were reluctmt to include ambulance services with hospital bills as they
do not want to become an agent of collection for the ambulance company. They will, how-
ever, include the statement with the hospital bill with a notation that the money is to
be paid direct to the ambulance company if the statement if received prior to the time 7
the hospital bill is forwarded to a company for processing. The hospital administrators
also suggested that it may be profitable for the Committee to meet with members of the
East.Harris County Medical Association - this will have to be delayed until next month.
The Administrators offered to work out a transfer schedule for patients, if agreeible
with.doctors. It was agreed that the Council could hold Mr. Camp to his contract but
he could not continue to operate on the number of calls he is receiving per day -
since the Council is faced with the problem of providing ambulance service for the
citizens of Baytown, the subsidy must be increased or the City of Baytown go into.the
business of furnishing ambulance service to the citizens of Baytown. Councilman Braswell
suggested an increase in the subsidy in the amount of $6,000, let him keep anything he
may negotiate with industry for standby services for the next two months, in turn the
Council demand improved ambulance service. ( °(Iouncilman Fanestiel leaves the meeting)
Many relating factors were discussed such as standby services for industry, manner of
collection, insurance requirements, basis of financing equipment, etc. Mayor Cravey
suggested that the Council may want to take a look at the possibility of the City operat-
ing the ambulance service rather than continue the practice of increasing the subsidy.
Councilman Ball suggested that rather than keep the ambulance service on a contract basis
that it be placed on a franchise basis. Later Councilman Donnelly moved that for the next
two months the City pay Belfort $6,000 a month and permit them to keep any additional
sums of contracts that they work out with industry until we have had an opportunity to
talk to industry with them. Councilman Ball stated that he,found it difficult to agree
to a monthly subsidy with an estimate based on a month (January) which.includes capital
outlay. He suggested using off -duty policemen which would possibly give some advantages
in capital outlay that Mr. Camp does not have. Mayor Cravey referred to an article
recently published in the Readers Digest about Louisville, Kentucky operating ambulance
service through the police department. Judging from the article it has been highly
successful - people have gotten much better police.service and much better ambulance
service. This could be a basis for future study by the Ambulance Committee. Councilman
Braswell seconded the motion made by Councilman Donnelly. At this point, James Stipe,
a spectator in the audience, offered some criticism to the increase in subsidy from
9309
ad valorem taxes - he objected to any subsidy to private enterprise and suggested the
City place ambulance service under the police department, Councilman Ball asked that
an immediate study be made of the ambulance service being placed under the police and/
or fire departments as a separate operation. Councilman Donnelly stated that he was
not adverse to making a study of the proposal. After some further comments, Mayor
Cravey called for the vote for the motion made by Councilman Donnelly. The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Donnelly, Hullum and Braswell
Nays: Councilmen Ball and Massey
Mayor Cravey
The motion did not pass because of a tie and it was suggested the vote be taken
on a one -month basis. Councilman Braswell mentioned the expense that i �eing incurred
by Mr. Camp presently in placing radios in his vehicles, one month may /9g sufficient.
Councilman Donnelly suggested the possibility of adding twenty -five cents (25d) to each
water customer's bill to help defray the expense of the ambulance service - this would
include those who are not property owners and some charity patients. Councilman Ball
was of the opinion that this would be more palatable to people - or if the ambulance
service is subsidized through one method and the rates reduced. Councilman Donnelly
asked the City Manager and City Attorney to make a study of the twenty -five cents (25(;)
proposal to add to water billing - determine the legality of transfer from the Water Fund
to General Fund .to subsidize ambulance service. Councilman Donnelly moved to pay the
$6.000 subsidy for the month of March in order to give the Committee time to study the
problem further. Councilman Braswell seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes:. Councilmen Ball, Hullum, Braswell, Massey and Donnelly
Maya Cravey
Nays: None
*Mayor Cravey excused from meeting - Mayor Pro Tem Braswell presides.
Approve - Additional Electrical and Telephone Outlets - City Hall Buildina
Councilman Donnelly moved to approve the installation of additional electrical
and telephone outlets in the City Hall building. Councilman Massey seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Massey, Hullum and Donnelly
Mayor Pro Tem Braswell
Nays: None
The City Manager, Architect and Furniture Suppliers will work together on the
coordination of the color scheme of rooms and furnishings for both the City Hall and
Community Building.
Defer Action - Goose Creek Navigation Project
The Council deferred action on the Goose Creek navigation project, until the
next regular meeting. The City Manager was instructed to notify the property owners,
furnishing the property for fill purposes, to clarify, their letter of agreement
which was written on February 22, 1967.
City Manager's Report
The Parks and Recreation Board will review the five (5) entries in thelandscaping
contest, make the selection and present their recommendation to the Council for winner
awards.
Bids on the revision of the North Main storm sewers will be received on March 22.
Adiournment
There hdng no further business, the motion was made and seconded that the meeting
adjourn. The eyes were unanimous and the Mayor Pro Tem declared the meeting adjourned.
Edna Oliver, City Clerk