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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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