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1972 05 23 CC Minutes, Special5233 1)l. MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE.CITY OF BAYTOWN May 23, 1972 The City Council of the City of Baytown met in special session on - Tuesday, May 23, 1972, at 6:30 p.m., in the Baytown City Hall !tLt4 the following members in attendance: ;��•� Jody Lander Councilman Tom Gentry Councilman Charles Pool Councilman Jim McWilliams Councilman C.O. Walker Councilman *Allen Cannon Councilman - C. Glen Walker Mayor Fritz Lanham City Manager Neel Richardson City Attorney Howard Northcutt. _ Administrative Assistant Absent: Edna Oliver City Clerk Mayor Walker called the meeting to order and the invocation was offered by Reverend W.J. Cowper of St. John's Methodist Church. Approve Minutes Mayor Walker called for consideration of the minutes of the regular meeting, of May 2. Councilman Walker moved to approved the minutes; Councilman Lander seconded the motion. Councilman Gentry made one correction: Page 7, paragraph 2, It has not been established who installed the ditch in the area of the proposed Massey Thompkins Road extension between Garth and North Main. The vote to approve the minutes as corrected was unanimous in favor. Mayor Walker called for consideration of the minutes of the emergency meeting of May 9. Councilman Lander moved to approve the minutes; Councilman Cannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor. Mayor Walker called for consideration of the minutes of the special meeting of May 17. Councilman Lander moved to approve the minutes; Councilman Gentry seconded the motion. Councilman Pool made a correction concerning the third alternate for perimeter roads in Brownwood: Council found the proposal to be interesting and should be pursued. The vote to approve the minutes as corrected was unanimous in favor. Mayor Walker called for consideration of the executive meeting minutes of February 1, April 61 and April 25. Councilman Lander moved to approve the three sets of minutes. Councilman Walker seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor. Oath of Office - City Manager Mayor Walker administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Fritz Lanham, City Manager of the City of Baytown. Congratulations were extended. Call Public Hearing - Annexation of Kings Bend, Section III Mr. Richardson explained a previous ordinance called a public hearing on annexation of Kings Bend Subdivision, Section III, for May 16. Council did not meet that date, so the proceedings must be started again. Mr. Richardson read the caption of the ordinance and asked Council to set the date of the hearing. Because Mr. Lanham has a commitment in Houston on the date of the next regular meeting June 6, he requested Council postpone the meeting until June 8, at which time this hearing could be held. Councilman Cannon moved to adopt the ordinance, calling a public hearing for June S. 1972. Councilman Walker seconded the motion. The vote and caption of the ordinance follows; Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Special Meeting, May 23, 1972 5234 ORDINANCE NO. 1225 AN ORDINANCE SETTING A DATE, TIME AND PLACE FOR FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY BY THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF SUCH PUBLIC HEARING AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF. Councilman McWilliams requested Mr. Lanham to elaborate on the City's philosophy of annexation the next time Council deals with one, in order to better inform and acquaint the public of the reasons for, and advantages and disadvantages to the City and the developer. Protest Lounge - Country Club Shopping Center - Craigmont A lounge is being established in the Country Club Shopping Center, and Council has been presented with a petition protesting this establishment because of its location across the street from McElroy Park. Mr. Richardson briefed Council on the legal requirements for obtaining an on- premise beer license in Baytown. An application shall be filed with the City Clerk, and will be posted 5 days and published in the newspaper at least once. During that time, anyone residing or doing business within 300' of the proposed establishment, may file written objections with the City Clerk. If as many as 5 persons file objections, a public hearing shall be held by the City Council to determine whether or not, in their opinion, the application should be approved or denied. Their decision shall be reduced to writing by the City Clerk and mailed to the County Judge and the Liquor Control Board. Mr. Richardson further explained that the people presenting the petition do not reside or do business within the 300' of the proposed lounge; therefore Council does not have jurisdiction in this matter, and cannot hold a public hearing. Mr. Dale Adams, representing residents of Craigmont and Ponderosa Subdivisions, felt the Council could take one of three alternativea: (1) Go against the wishes of the community and grant the license; (2) Table the matter; (3) Oppose the establishment of the lounge. Mr. Joe Hlanak, owner of the proposed lounge, stated he had fully complied with the alcoholic beverage laws of the City of Baytown, and felt Council has no authority to deny the on- premise license. Discussion followed concerning Council's jurisdiction in this matter, and Councilman Cannon moved to send a letter or resolution to the county judge in opposition to the issuance of a license based on the proposed lounge's location next to a park, and the safety of the children, as the City has no legal authority in this area. Councilman Pool seconded the motion. Discussion continued, afterwhich Councilman Cannon amended his motion, to -wit: to send a letter signed by the Mayor to the county judge; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. Mr. Richardson indicated this would not affect businesses now in existence. Councilman Cannon further amended his motion to include all future similar situations; Councilman Pool was in agreement with the amendment. The vote on the motion as amended follows: Ayes: Councilmen Gentry, Pool, McWilliams and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: Councilmen Lander, and Walker Councilman Lander moved to instruct the City Attorney to prepare an amendment to the present beer ordinance to include parks within the 300' requirement. Councilman Walker seconded the motion. The vote follows: ri Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon ti Mayor Walker Nays: None Police Building - Award Bid Mr. Fritz Lanham reviewed bids received for construction of the new police building. Low bid for general construction was made by Van Cleve Construction Company of Houston, $499,775.00. One bid was received for jail equipment from southern Equipment Company, San Antonio, for $64,000.00. In addition, fees amounting to approximately $40,000.00 will have to be paid, making a grand total of $593,775.00. The bond issue provided $500,000.00 for the project. -2- 5235 Special Meeting, May 23, 1972 Mr. Tom Masterson, Fiscal Agent, and an attorney of Vinson, Elkins & Searls advised Council that the City has the authority to issue certificates of obligation to finance the amount over $500,000. Southern Equipment Company will accept the certificate of obligation, based on a commitment by the City to provide a letter from a bank, indicating the bank will finance the certificates. In conclusion, Mr. Lanham recommended awarding the bid for general construction to Van Cleve Company, and awarding bid for jail equipment to Southern Equipment Company based on the City's commitment of providing certificates of obligation and take out letter from a bank. Councilman Gentry moved to accept the Administration's recommendation, and adopt two ordinances awarding the bids. Councilman McWilliams seconded the motion. Mr. Richardson read _ the captions of the two ordinances: 01, ORDINANCE NO. 1226 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF VAN CLEVE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MUNICIPAL FACILITY FOR BAYTOWN (POLICE BUILDING) JOB NO. 71-511, AS PART OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACTING OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF FOUR HUNDRED NINETY -NINE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY -FIVE AND N01100 ($499,775) DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT. ORDINANCE NO. 1227 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF SOUTHERN STEEL COMPANY OF SAN ANTONIO, CONDITIONED UPON SOUTHERN STEEL COMPANY OF SAN ANTONIO'S AGREEING TO ACCEPT AS PAYMENT UNDER THE CONTRACT, CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, SUBJECT TO A TAKE -OUT LETTER BY A BANK OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OR CASH, AT THE CITY'S OPTION, TO FURNISH .AND INSTALL•JAIL EQUIPMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MUNICIPAL FACILITY FOR BAYTOWN, TEXAS, (POLICE BUILDING), JOB NO. 71- 511,.AS PART OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACTING OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF SIXTY -FOUR THOUSAND AND N01100 ($64,000.00) DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT Mayor Walker called for a vote on the motion: Ayes: Councilman Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Mr. Lanham hopes to be able to present the necessary documents to begin processing of issuing the certificates of obligation at the next council meeting. The amount will probably be $100,000, which will provide funds for the jail and fees. The $10,000 for furnishings and $35,000 for radio equipment may be financed from next year's budget. Extension of Water Line Caldwell Street Mr. Bill Lucus appeared to make a request regarding a water line extension. In 1968 he checked with the Engineering Department, prior to his purchase of a lot on Caldwell Street, to determine whether water service was available. He stated that he was advised it was. He later discovered the person who had given him this information was looking at an old Water District map which was not an official map of the "as built" facility. On the basis of this misleading information, he requested the City extend the water to his lot without cost to him. Mr. Jack Morton, City Engineer, referred to a memorandum dated February 16, 1972 which stated that several tracts of land on Caldwell Street had been sold without being properly subdivided. As a result, there were no water mains to provide service. The City agreed to install a water line on Caldwell with the property owners participating in the cost of extension at a rate of $1.00 per front foot, plus the regular water tap fee of $75.00. This is the cost of a 2" water main; however, the city would install a 6" main and a fire hydrant. Mr. Morton stated that Mr. Lucus's cost would be $155.09, which is $80.09 more than the ordinary charge. In addition, Mr. Lucus's lot is separated by two 100 -foot undeveloped tracts. As per city policy, he will also pay for the extension through these lots ($200 total); if at such time the lots are developed, he will be refunded. Mr. Lucus stated he had no objection to paying for extension on his property, but because the information given him was an error, he does not feel obligated to pay the $200 extension cost to his property. * ** *(Councilman Cannon leaves meeting). * * ** Discussion followed concerning City policy, and whether this would set a precedent; afterwhich, Councilman Gentry moved to make an exception of $200.00 because of the mistake made at City Hall; money will be recovered from persons who develop the two lots in the future. Councilman Pool seconded the motion. -3- Special Meeting, May 23, 1972 5236 The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker Mayor Walker Nays: Councilman Lander Baytown Kennel Club Mrs. Arthur Miller, representing the Baytown Kennel Club appeared to make an offer to the citizens of Baytown, and several requests of Council. (1) The Club is offering a standing reward of $100.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone poisoning dogs within the city limits of Baytown. (2) The Club requests better enforcement of dog laws, which could be accomplished with additional humane officers. (3) The Club requests that owners of tagged dogs be notified when they are picked up, resulting in additional revenue for the city pound as many of the owners would claim the dogs. (4) The Club requests the hours of the pound be extended which would facilitate better care, and would give owners more time to pick up their dogs. (presently 12:00- 5:30 p.m.) (5) The Club is still holding fifty feet of five -foot cyclone fence donated to the city five months ago to be used at the new pound. To date, they have not been instructed as to where to deliver the fence. Mr. Lanham will study each request and make a report at the next council meeting. Library Advisory Board Upon request by the Library Advisory Board, Mr. Lanham recommended the appointment of Mrs. Kenneth W. "Carol" Bartz to the Board. Councilman Walker moved to approve the appointment as recommended. Councilman McWilliams seconded the motion. Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, and Walker Mayor Walker Nays: None Brownwood Perimeter Roads Mayor Walker opened discussion on the Brownwood perimeter roads. Mr. Richardson briefed Council on the legality of building perimeter road off shore. This would be legal, but the road must be a road to be used by all persons as it would be built with bond money; council's "question of intent" could be attacked in court. The road could be built to serve a dual purpose, but might be difficult to successfully defend. Councilman Pool moved to instruct the engineers to go out for bids on the perimeter roads as originally proposed, but in two ways: (1) raise roads to seven -foot elevation, natural drainage, fill dirt included in bid; (2) raise roads to five -foot elevation, natural drainage, fill dirt included in bid. Councilman Lander seconded the motion. Councilman McWilliams suggested building the perimeter roads as planned, without pumps, and allocating funds from the road fund in the bond program, which is subject to petition, to the Brownwood residents for the pumps. Mr. Fletcher Hickerson, Civil Defense Director, informed Council that three 40,000 gallon pumps, without motors, had been located for $9,000.00. Mr. Johnny Busch, consulting engineer, felt used pumps could be located if a concerted effort is made. They can also be installed at any point within the area surrounded by the perimeter roads, after construction is begun or finished. He indicated if he is instructed to receive bids on the perimeter roads, he will not pursue alternate III - the roadway shore, environmental impact statements must be obtained & could take from several months up to two years. There would be a substantial delay before contracts could actually be awarded. Mr. Busch stated that the perimeter roads should be a temporary solution for Borwnwood; a levee is the ultimate solution. At this point, Mayor Walker informed Council of a public meeting, to be held Wednesday night, May 24, at the county park on Nasa Road 1, sponsored by the Clear Creek Basin Authority. Interested Baytown residents have been invited to exchange knowledge and share in the discussion of the severity of the problem of subsidence and flooding in the bay area. Councilman Gentry moved to end discussion; Councilman McWilliams seconded the motion. -4- 5237 The vote follows: Special Meeting, May 23, 1972 Ayes: Councilmen Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker Mayor Walker Nays: Councilman Lander The vote on the original motion to go out for bids follows: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, and Walker Mayor Walker Nays: None Mr. Busch reminded Council the estimates for the roads do not include funds for moving utilities. Brownwood - Raise low places in streets Mr. Clyde Tacker, a Brownwood resident, inquired about the steps being followed to obtain a levee for this area. Mayor Walker briefed the procedure taken by Texas City, Pt. Arthur and Freeport, i.e., approaching the federal government for studies through the Corps of Engineers, authorization for flood protection projects, and each case was co- sponsored by local sources of the flood control district in the area. Mr. Jack Morton presented cost estimates of raising sections of Bayshore Drive, presently below three feet sea level, to four feet sea level until the perimeter roads are built. The two places are the intersection of Bayshore Drive and Schreck at the lower end of Brownwood Drive, and the intersection of Bayshore Drive and West Bayshore Drive continuing toward the end of Brownwood Drive. A total of 1700 feet will be raised; cost for materials including topping and using city forces for construction is $7,981.00. Construction time is 30 -45 days. Because the city forces presently have a heavy workload, Mr. Lanham suggested including the two intersections in Phase II of the street repaving program which will be ready for bids in approximately one month. Mr. Morton stated if the work is done by contract, the cost will be increased three or four times. Also, when the perimeter roads are raised, the topping used will be lost. This would, however, reduce some of the work and cost of the contractor in raising the perimeter roads. Mr. Busch's,.. specifications for the perimeter road project will have to be altered. The Administration will provide estimates of contracting the four -foot elevations, and whether it could be incorporated into the street repaving program, at the next meeting, June S. Mr. Busch explained these same intersections would be under construction again as perimeter roads in 50 -60 days; they will be used at four -foot elevation for approximately one month. (* *Councilman Cannon returns) He requested Council authorize him to go out for bids at the earliest possible date, with the City Manager's approval on the four -foot elevations; and also include in the bids the new proposed waterline approved in the bond issue. Councilman Gentry so moved; Councilman McWilliams seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, and Walker Mayor Walker Nays: None Abstained: Councilman Cannon Appointments - Board of Equalization Councilman Lander nominated Mr. Truett Smith to the Board of Equalization. Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Councilman Gentry nominated Mr. Ron Haddox to the Board: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None -5- Minutes, May 23, 1972 5238 Councilman McWilliams nominated Mr. Ted Kloesel to the Board: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Councilman Gentry moved to designated June 1 as the first meeting of the Board of Equalization, at which time they will select a chairman. Councilman Lander seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Water line extension policy Councilman Lander had previously been instructed to study the water line extension policy, and make a recommendation. He felt the sewer line ordinance was fair and equitable as each person pays his pro rata share of extension. Councilman Lander moved the Administration take under advisement the preparation of an ordinance covering extension of water lines that follows the same principles as set forth in the sewer line ordinance. Councilman Walker seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Resolution No. 388 -new City Manager to Sign all Documents Relating to PL 660 Grants City Attorney Neel Richardson introduced Resolution No. 388, designating our new City Manager, Fritz Lanham, as the official representative in signing all documents relating to the PL 660 Grants. Councilman Walker moved to adopt the resolution. Councilman Cannon seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Accept PL 660 Grant Mr. Lanham explained the City of Baytown has received approval for a grant under PL 660 in the amount of $1,235,570, which is 55% of the $2,246,500 estimated eligible project cost, for construction of wastewater sewage facilities. Councilman Walker moved to accept the Grant. Councilman Lander seconded the motion. This will make a total Federal -State participation of 80 %. Following general discussion with Mr. Ivan Langford of ,Engineering Company, who is directly responsible for handling sewer improvements, a vote on the motion was called: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Resolution No. 389 - Authorize Amendatory Contract with HUD City Attorney Neel Richardson explained the Council had previously approved a contract on 9.8 acres of the Racoon Drive Park property. At a later date, it approved an amended contract of 1.6 acres in addition to the original 9.8 acres. Through some mix up in HUD, the original 9.8 acres was dropped and only the 1.6 acres was considered. This Amendatory Contract will unite the 9.8 and 1.6 acres of the (' Racoon Drive Park property. Councilman Walker moved to adopt Resolution No. 389; Councilman Lander seconded the motion. The vote follows: f Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None -6- 5239 Minutes, May 23, 1972 Committee Reports Traffic Committee -- Councilman Cannon presented a petition requesting a traffic light be installed at the intersection of Oak Street and Carver Street. There is presently a four -way stop sign. The residents contend that the stop signs are not observed, and feel a traffic light would be more effective. Approximately 114 residents signed the petition. On behalf of the Traffic Committee, Councilman Cannon recommended installing a traffic light; however, as a councilman he did not feel this would solve the problem. He moved for Council to accept the petition; Councilman McWilliams seconded the motion: '7 Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor.Walker Nays: None Mayor Walker requested the Administration study this request and make a recommendation at the next council meeting. Petition -- Mayor Walker read a petition from residents of Cypress Street requesting the City take steps to relieve the drainage blockage and make certain improvements to the existing sanitary sewer in order to improve the flow into the collector lines; also improve the base of Cypress Street with some type of asphalt topping. Councilman McWilliams moved to accept the petition; Councilman Walker seconded the motion. Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Mayor Walker Nays: None Mayor Walker referred the petition to Unfinished Business Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon the Administration for a recommendation. Drainage - Holloway Subdivision Councilman Cannon requested the Administration to study the drainage problem in Holloway Subdivision. There has been some development by the Flood Control on the ditch going north of Massey Thompkins Road, and this might possibly solve the problem. Water Well Site Councilman Pool requested the Administration to give a report on the progress of securing a water well site. Surface Water Councilman Gentry moved to formally request proposals from the San Jacinto River Authority and the City of Houston for supplying surface water to Baytown - proposals to be in keeping with the details outlined in a previous work session relative to amount of water, time limits, and escalated needs. Councilman Walker seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Houston Light & Power - Street Lights Mr. Jack Kimmons, of Houston Light & Power Company appeared to explain the delay in installation of street lights in subdivisions. He stated the lights .7 are not installed until the streets are completed. If the developer does not apply for lights prior to completion of the streets, it would take two to three months for installation to begin on underground lights. -7- Minutes, May 23, 1972 5240 Mr. Kimmons has requested the status of the two lights on South Main Extension -- The order was received several days ago and processing has begun. He indicated they would be installed as soon as possible. Telephone Rate Increase Mr. Doug Rogers appeared relative his business phone increase of 37.3 %; and requested copies of the minutes'of council meetings at which Council recommended and approved the 10% increase in General Telephone's rates. North Main Street - Sewer Cave -In Mr. Lanham reported a sewer line cave in on North Main Street near Bob Smith Road. This is an 18" line. Telephone bids for repair were taken from two companies: T.V. PIPE INSPECTION COMPANY .. $5,403.50 to install 450 feet of 16" plastic liner, plus $12.00 per foot for all pipe over the first 50 feet. City forces must do necessary escavating. NAYLOR PIPE CLEANING COMPANY. $7,612.50 to install 435 feet of 16" plastic liner with city forces doing necessary escavating. Mr. Lanham requested authority to proceed on an emergency basis and award a contract to T.V. Pipe Inspection Company. Councilman Lander moved to adopt Ordinance No. 1228, awarding the contract as recommended by the Administration. Councilman Pool seconded. Ayes: Councilmen Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None The caption of the ordinance follows: ORDINANCE NO. 1228 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, DECLARING THAT AN EMERGENCY SITUATION EXISTS AUTHORIZING THE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH A T.V. PIPE INSPECTION COMPANY FOR THE REPAIR OF A SEWER LINE AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACTING OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED THREE AND 50/100 ($5,403.50) DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Report on trip to Washington Mayor Walker gave a brief summary of the trip to Washington made with Fritz Lanham and Travis Porter, and was encouraged with the reception given them. Baytown is presently following the'same procedure that was followed by Pt. Arthur, Texas City and Freeport in obtaining their levee, i.e., a need became obvious, political action was taken by necessary people in Washington to authorize the Corps of Engineers' study which justified remedial action, and flood protection projects were authorized and funded. The need for a levee for Baytown became obvious in 1962. The congressman helping the Baytown area at that time died while in office, so it was necessary to enlist the help of a new congressman who took office in 1967. The project was authorized in 1968, but not funded until 1971. Hopefully, the 1973 funding will be the requested $230,000.00. The national budget will be approved around July, and includes $50,000.00 to further the study which will lead to remedial action in this area. It has been expanded to include not only Scott, Crystal, and Burnett Bays, but the subsidence problem in our immediate area; because of the expanded nature, Mayor Walker feels Washington is aware of the needs here and the entire area. Normally, from the inception of an idea to completion of the project, 8 -10 years lapse. It is only when the emergency nature of the problem is perceived that the project progresses at a faster rate. -8- 5241 Minutes, May 23, 1972 Councilman Gentry moved to ask the Mayor to write a letter to Congressman Eckhardt and ask what procedure he intends to follow to-get this program funded in the substantial amount, and ask how the'City of Baytown, interested organizations and citizens can assist in getting the funding completed. Councilman McWilliams seconded the motion. The suggestion was made to write letters, also, to Representative Bob Casey and Congressman Jack Brooks who also have subsidence in their districts. Councilman Gentry declined to include this in his motion; he felt Congressman Eckhardt would indicate who needs to be contacted. Travis Porter informed Council that the Mayor gave excellent presentation at the Senate and House Committee'heaiings in Washington, and is confident in their effectiveness. A vote on the motion was called: Ayes: Councilman Lander, Gentry, Pool, McWilliams, Walker and Cannon Mayor Walker Nays: None Baker Road Councilman Gentry, referring to a letter written to Mayor Walker by Commissioner Jamie Bray in regard to the section of Baker Road between Decker and Garth Roads, requested negotiations for paving Baker begin as soon as possible. Highway 146 Mr. Lanham informed Council that the application for funds to resurface Highway 146 with a non -skid surface is on the agenda of the Highway Commission in June. City Manager's Report Mr. Lanham stated that the City Manager's Report would resume a place on council meeting agendas. Petitions Mayor Walker suggested including on future agendas, whenever possible, an item for receiving petitions. Adjourn Councilman Walker moved to adjourn the meeting; Councilman Cannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor. ATTEST Belinda Bingham, D4utylbity Clerk APPROWe' C.` Glen Walker, Mayor