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1967 06 08 CC Minutesr 4362 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN June 8, 1967 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas met in regular session on.Thurs- day, June 8, 1967 at 6:30 p,m., in the Council Room of the Baytown City Hall with the following members in attendance: Patrick Ball Glen Walker Don M. Hullum A. M. Braswell Albert Fanestiel Lamar Kelley ° Seaborn Cravey Fritz Lanham Richard Park Edna Oliver Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman G Mayor Pro Tem Councilman Councilman Mayor City Manager Assn't City Attorney City Clerk The Mayor called the meeting to order, the Invocation was offered, afterwhich he called for the minutes of the special meetings of May 16, 19 and 23 and the regular minutes of May 25. Two minor corrections were made to the minutes of the May 25 meeting. Councilman Praswell moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayor Cravey Nays: None Bids - File Cabinets City Hall and Community Center r Four bids were received on the advertisement for file cabinets to be used at days the City Hall and Community Center. The tabulation follows: Texas Office Supply Company (net 10th) Delivery 45 days $3,818.23 Wilson Stationery G Printing Co. 30 days 3,877.37 Wilson Stationery G Printing Co (Alternate) 30 days 4,223.00 (2% cash - 10 days) Mathernes' (net) 45 days 4,363.42 Shaw - Walker Company (net 30 days) 60 -90 days 6,036.33 It was the recommendation of the City Manager that the low base bid of Wilson Stationery $ Printing Company be accepted - $3,877.37 less 2% discount. Councilman Ball moved to accept the base bid of Wilson Stationery G Printing Company. Councilman Walker seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel aid Kelley Mayor Cravey Nays: None Approved Purchase 'Iwo -Way Sweeper Councilman Walker moved to approve the purchase of a two -way sweeper for use in the street department by city forces when working on major street projects. Councilman Dail seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayor Cravey Nays: None 9363 Bids - Sale of House - 1600 North Fifth The following bids were received on the house for sale at 1600 North Fifth Street: The ,1laranatha Baptist Mission $901.50 C. G. Erwin 650.00 A. R. Russell, Jr. 750.00 John R. Fox 305.00 Councilman Braswell moved to accept the high bid of the Maranatha Baptist Mission. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Kelley. Mgor Cravey Nays: None Report - Parks and Recreation Board - Plans for Civic Center Openina Several months ago the Parks and Recreation Board was invited by the City Council to plan some events for the opening of the Civic Center. At this meeting Mrs. Sutphin and Mr. Foote, members of the Board, gave a brief report on the plans scheduled for the entire week -end Pith planned activities for the week following to attract as many interested groups as possible. They suggested the official opening begin on a Saturday and continue on through Sunday afternoon concluding with open house from 1:30 to 5 p.m. in both the City Hall and Civic Center buildings. In conjunction with open house art shows and flower shows will be sponsored with exhibits, musical productions, mall programs, and other activities which will be of infest to both young and older persons attending the two -day function. The concluded the report with a request for a small emergency fund to take care of minor expenses incurred in the opening of the Center. Councilman Braswell moved to approve the allocation of $150.00 out of the Community Center office supplies budget; should additional funds be needed, the Council will consider increasing the allocation. Councilman Hullum seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayor Cravey Nays: None The Council approved the suggestion of the Board to consider inviting city ad- ministrators and interested persons (including news media) to a special preview of the City Hall and Community Center. Recommendations of Parks G Recreation Board Reservation procedures were compiled by Kenneth N. Persenaire, Director of Parks and Recreation, and were approved and recommended by the Parks G Recreation Board before presentation to the City Council for its perusal and approval. The procedures were listed in eleven separate items and covered local, out of town, Sunday and annual reservations. Councilman Kelley moved to accept the reservation procedures as re- commended. Councilman Fanestiel seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilman Ball, Walker, Hullum, Braswell, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayor Cravey Nays: None Mr. Persenaire continued with his presentation to cover the recommendation of the Board to provide one special fund for the community center which would receive all profits from the venfing machines, donations, special class fees, etc., out of which special fees for instructors, umpires, special equipment will be paid. A second account was recommended for the Teen - Center which would handle the funds raised by the teenagers from car washes, dances, etc. The funds would be used to pay for functions for teenagers only. The Director and Board would have to approve any money expended from the funds and the City's auditor would examine the books at stipulated intervals. Councilman Ball expressed his approval of the idea of a special fund for the Parks and Recreation Board and Director of Parks & Recreation but questioned the need for two accounts since any funds raised by theteenagers will be a predetermined need and cost. Anything in the absence of this would be a business and the Teen Center is not a business. He coirluded with a motion to authorize one special account with internal Minutes Baytown City Council 9364 June 8. 1967 accounting in the Parks & Recreation department to show the funds coming from the Teen Center and funds coming from other sources. Councilman Kelley seconded the motion. In the discussion following the motion and second, Councilman Braswell stated that he saw no objectional features to the two accounts. Mayor Cravey called for the vote and the tabulation follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Fanestiel and Kelley - Mayor Cravey Nays: Councilman Braswell Mr. Persenaire concluded his presentation with a recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Board for approval to offer a salary of $500 per month for the position of Center Supervisor rather than the $450 formerly proposed and included in the current budget. According to the present plans, the Center will be open approximately 80 hours per week and the Director and Board feel that there should be man on duty at the Center at all times when it is open. When the budget' was being prepared it was thought that the position of Center Supervisor could be filled by employing a woman; now the Board prefers a man. The increase in salary was recommended in order to attract a qualified person. Councilman Fanestiel moved to accept the recommendation of the Director; and Board to increase the starting salary of the Center Supervisor from the budgeted figure of $950 to the proposed $500 per month salary. Councilman Kelley seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Fanestiel and Braswell and Kelley Mayor Cravey Nays: None C. M. Tibbits - Request Park Trailors Residential Lot - Harding Street The Council received a request from C. M. Tibbits who owns a residential lot on Harding Street for permission to park two house trailers on the lot. The City's ordinance regulating the parking of trailer houses will permit one trailer on a lot so long as it is connected to the city sewer system and has a supply of water, but for two or more the area becomes an automobile tourist court and there must be sufficient spacing, a 20 -foot driveway and an office building where records are kept. Mr. Tibbit stated that he would have the required spacing but no driveway or office building. The Mayor pointed out that the Council did not have the authority to grant a request in direct violation of a city ordinance - an amendment would have to be adopted by the Council before this request could be favorably considered. He appointed a Committee composed of Councilmen Kelley and Walker, Gerald Landry and the City Attorney to study the provisions of the ordinance with a possibility of recommending amendments, Deferred Acceptance Oak Addition Proiect - Drainage Problem The Council deferred action upon the acceptance of the Oak Addition Street Improve- ment project to permit the Engineer to check one location where the drainage is not satisfactory. Mayor Cravey excused from meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Braswell presides, Discussion - Training Program - Police and Fire Personnel Councilman Walker submitted a proposal for the establishment of a regular training program for Police and Fire personnel rather than the hit and miss procedure presently followed by the departments. He proposed that the program be of such a range as to further educate the personnel of the departments who have many years of service as well as the new employees of each department - this training to be done systematically with a regular training location designated for this purpose. He suggested the former Water District No. 8 Water Office for the Police Department personnel; the Fire Department personnel presently have a location which can be used for the purpose. He concluded his remarks with a strong appeal for the Council to urge both departments to set up a systematic training program and instituted as an annual affair. Furthermore, for the Council to authorize the use of the building on Bayway Drive as a location for police training. The Council agreed that such a program was needed and the planning will be pursued. 4365 Minutes Baytown City Council June 8, 1967 Proposal - Discontinue Use of Sirens - Call Firemen Councilman Walker submitted a proposal for the discontinuance of sounding sirens to call paid and volunteer firement to fires since each person is now furnished a radio monitor for this purpose and can be contacted more readily by radio in case of a fire or an emergency. In his opinion the use of sirens alerted fire truck chasers and was a hazard rather than helpful. This had been discussed previously, but it was mentioned that sometimes the volunteer firement are not in hearing distance of the monitor radios and it was thought best to continue sounding the whistles. Councilman Walker stated that he had heard some comments from those who live near the location of the whistles objecting to the sounding and concluded with amotion to dispense with use of the sirens for one month, on a trial basis, and see if this depreciably affects our fire - fighting effectiveness. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Waller, Hullum, Fanestiel and Kelley Nays: Mayor Pro Tem Braswell Approval - Improvement of Four Streets - 1966 -67 Budget Several weeks ago City Manager Lanham submitted a list of four streets together with the cost estimates, for improvement from budgeted funds. The streets listed were Stimson, Morrell, Ashby and Schreck. All streets will be reworked by a contractor, additional materials added if necessary and the streets resurfaced. However, no action was taken on the streets at the time of presentation pending the receipt of bids for the parking area for the Civic Center. Bids have now been received and approved for the Civic Center and it is estimated that $31,000 will be needed from the budgeted fund leaving a balance of $134,000 for capital improvements. The total estimate on the four streets is $138,600 and it was his recommendation that he be authorized to g6 out for bids. Mr. Kay, General Manager.of,United Carbon Company, has indicated that he will recommend participating in the costs of repairing Ashby Street at the same ratio as was done on the repairs of North Street. Air. Lanham was instructed to approach General Telephone Company with a proposal for participating in the costs of repairing Stimson from South Main westerly beyond their warehouse gates. Councilman Walker moved to authorize the City Manager to advertise for bids on the improvement of the four streets. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayr Pro Tem Braswell Nays: None Councilman Kelley expressed his regrets at the delay imposed on the improvements of both Commerce and North Main Streets. He urged the Administration to do everything possible to keep North Main Street passable during the interim and to see that there are no further delays imposed on the proposed construction. Acceptance Street - Housing Authority Units City Manager Lanham reviewed the request of, the Housing Authority for acceptance of streets in the public housing areas, namely: De Zavala, Archia and Olive. The Housing Authority has agreed to the 50 -foot street dedication which is required to meet the specifications of the city's subdividionoddinance. The streets are improved in accordance with the City's requirements and presently are in good condition. Accord- ing to a caperation agreement between the City and the Housing Authority executed in 1956, the City will accept the dedication of all interior streets. . . and adjacent sidewalks within the area of such projects . • . after the Housing Authority, at its own expense, has completed the grading and improvement in accordance with the specifications acceptable to the municipality. The local Board is interested in the acceptance of the streets because of the policing and removal of abandoned cars. - He concluded his presentation with the recommendation that the streets be accepted. Councilman Fanestiel moved to accept the streets. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayor Pro Tem Braswell Nays: None 1366 Committee Reports At the last meeting Councilman Walker was appointed as a Committee of one by Mayor Cravey to confer with representatives of the Mental Health and Retardation Advisory Committee relative to the request to establish a Center in Baytown using the upper floor of the present City Hall, the availability of federal funds and a suggested base for rental fees. Some time was spent in the study and the joint suggestion of the two Committees was that the Mental Health & Retardation Center lease the upper floor for $1.00 a year and assume the maintenance and upkeep of it and a proportionate share of the utilities -- in view of the fact that federal funds are available on a declining basis. After four years no federal funds will be available for the Center - it will have to depend upon local and state funds for operation of the Center. This Center will not only serve as a focal point for the eastern section of Harris County but adjoining couties as well. Funds for the continuance of this service are not included in the Community Chest drive but must depend upon local donations with professional services being donated by interested trained donors. Rev. Bomhoff gave a brief resume of the work of the Cents and the place of service it could render to the Community. However, the Council was reluctant to make any monetary commitments at this time since the Council will be faced with essential budgetary increases in its 1967 -68 budget review which is scheduled for the near future. Councilman Walker pointed out that the Mental Health and Retardation subcommittee needs a definite answer from the Council on the rental fee in order to establish proof of housing for application of federal funds before July 1st. In his opinion the very least the Council could do at this time without ex- pending funds would be to set the rent and moved that the City set the rental fee on the upper floor of City Hall at $1.00 per year for the Mental Health & Retardation Center with the understanding that the Center will assume their proportionate share of mainte- nance and utilities costs. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Hullum, Walker and Fanestiel Mayor Pro Tem Braswell Nays: Councilman Kelley Councilman Fanestiel, reporting for the Ambulance Committee, stated that seventeen contacts have been made with industry and contractors out of a listing of twenty -five concerning participation by contract with the City of Baytown for municipal ambulance service and the response has been most favorable. The Committee has plans to complete its contacts within the month and a complete report will be forthcoming. Councilman Hullum, reporting on the work of the Benefits Committee, stated that he and Councilman Ball have completed their study of the pay raise proposed by Police and Fire Department personnel and fringe benefits of all city employees. The Committee was prepared to submit its recommendations, towit: 1. A progressive pay scale for Police and Fire Personnel beginning 1st year, at 6 months, 2nd year, 3rd year and 9th year and including in the Fire Department such personnel as Captain and First and Second class pump operators: Polka Department - Lieutenants, Sergeants, First and Second Class patrolment with the assistant chief at a stationary scale and the assistant chief and fire marshal at a stationary scale. 2. The Committee has studied the fringe benefits and in all were among the top percentage with the exception of the retirement program. The lowest maximum earning rate used by any city was $3,600 which is the base currently used by Baytown. The Committee recommended that the maximum earning rate be increased from $3,600 to $6,000 for all city employees. A problem mentioned by the Committee but outside its scope of purpose was the lack of leadership and management development within the Police Department evident during the study. The Committee felt that the department had capable people within its confines but no significant attempt is being made to develop the available potentials. They recom- mended a Committee be appointed to work with the City Manager and investiage the whole City manpower situation to see where and how manpower efficiency and development can be improved. Some questions were forthcoming from the Council and the Committee made an attempt to answer each question noting that the proposed increases were budget items which have been prepared in advance of the annual budget review. Members of the Police and Fire Fighters Associations were present and had no cnmments since they had not seen the figures proposed by the Committee prior to the presentation. Councilman Kelley moved to authorize the City Manager to present these recommendations to the two organiza- tions through the Chiefs of each department for their consideration. Councilman Fanestiel 4367 seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Hullum, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayor Pro Tem Braswell Nays: None The Chiefs will report their findings to the Administration at the conclusion of the meetings. Approval Closing Fire Station No. 1 Councilman Walker moved to close Fire Station No. 1 located at Nazro and Morris Streets. Councilman Ball seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Ball, Walker, Fanestiel and Kelley Mayor Pro Tem Braswell Nays: . Councilman Hullum City Manager's Report Mr. Lanham reported that benefit hearings on Commerce and North Main Streets are scheduled for June 22nd and July 13th respectively. Plans for the remainder of the sanitary sewer projects included in the bond program but contracts still pending, will be ready for presentation to the Council at the June 22nd meeting. The City Manager was also instructed to confer with the consulting engineers relative to a change order in the contract on the East District Interceptor and Trunk lines, approved at the May 25th meeting. The change order will provide for the use of vitrified clay pipe to install lines E and E -1 in plan drawings, rather thanthe approved concrete pipe. This will also have to be checked with the State Health Department for approval. Bids on the Decker Drive signalization will be received .about July 15th. The City Administration will schehle a tour of all Capital Improvement Projects t '" for the City Council and members of the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee. i Adiournment There being no further order of business, the motion was made and seconded that the meeting adjourn. The ayes were unanimous and the Mayor Pro Tem declared the meeting adjourned. Edna Oliver, City Clerk