1974 04 10 CC Minutes5599
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
April 10, 1974
The City Council of the City of Baytown met in regular session, Wednesday,
April 10, 1974, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall.
The following members were in attendance:
Jody Lander
* Fred Bednarski,Jr.
* Charles Pool
Mary Wilbanks
Henry Dittman
* Allen Cannon
Tom Gentry
FritzlLanham
Jon Pfennig
Edna Oliver
Howard Northcutt
Absent: Neel Richardson
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman'
Councilman
Mayor
City Manager
Assistant City Attorney
City Clerk
Assistant City Manager,
City Attorney
Mayor Gentry called the meeting to order and the invocation was offered
by Reverend Tommy Loving, Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene.
Approve Minutes
Mayor Gentry called for consideration of the minutes of the meeting held
March 28, 1974. Councilman Cannon made the following correction in the City
Manager's Report, concerning Sterling & Defee Streets: "...consideration be given to
changing the four -way stops on Commerce at Sterling & Defee Streets, to two -way
stops."
Councilman Lander moved to approve the minutes as corrected; Councilman
Bednarski seconded the motion:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Petitions
Mr. Bill Darling, attorney for Baytown firemen & policemen, presented a
petition signed by qualified voters of the city, requesting an election be called
under Article 1269q, Vernon's Annotated Statutes, to increase the pay for
policemen & firemen as was discussed at the meeting of March 14. This law provides
for an election to be held within 90 days after formal presentation of the petition.
Councilman Cannon moved to accept the petition; Councilman Dittman seconded
the motion.
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman & Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
An ordinance will be presented at the next council meeting, calling the
election. Council will set a date for the election at that meeting.
City Manager's Report
An auction was held for city -owned equipment, and abandoned vehicles.
A total of $19,727.25 was received.
The chippers are still in operation. It takes approximately two weeks
to cover the town.
An inquiry has been made about the possibility of establishing a compost
pi1,e at one of thapublic parks. The Harris County Health Department has indicated
that a compost plant should be thoroughly controlled in order to prevent odor and
bleaching of the material to be composted. The Texas Water Quality Board has not yet
replied to the inquiry.
5600
April 10, 1974
There have been several meetings with the City Managers of Deer Park and LaMarque,
regarding making application for federal funds for the development of a personnel system.
There are several reasons for this. (1) a good personnel systems is necessary for an
organization, and (2) cities are subject to federal law regarding equal employment
opportunity. The federal government has a program, called the Intergovernmental
Personnel Act, in which funds are provided to state and local government for the development
of these systems. it is administered at the state level by the Department of Community
Affairs. The grant is 75 %; however, the local share may be "in kind." A personnel
system is for classification and pay plan, a recruitment & selection program, personnel
record keeping & policies, rules & regulations. If council approves this, the first
think to be pursued is a classification & pay plan. Council offered no objection
to pursuing this program.
Mr. Lanham referred to a petition presented several weeks ago, requesting the
investigation of properties owned by Mr. Donald Wheaton on Sixth Street and on North Main.
Mr. Lanham reported that the Chief of Police, the Fire Marshal, Health Inspector, Building
Inspector, and the Assistant City Attorney inspected the properties, and found that
no laws are being violated. Mr. Wheaton is in the process of erecting a fence around
his property on North Main. Regarding the condition of Sixth Street, this street is
scheduled for improvement. Citizens have complained of barking dogs at Mr. Wheaton's
place of business, and the police department is checking into this continually.
Mr. Wheaton does operate his business on Sixth Street in a manner that is an eyesore
and a nuisance to his neighbors. Mr. Lanham recommended that the wrecker ordinance be
amended to define "public inconvenience" more clearly; this may take into account the
type of neighborhood - residential or commercial, and may be applied to new permits as
well as renewals. A broader definition would include the amount ofparking available,
closeness to residences, storage facilities, and _number of wreckers.
Councilman Pool moved to draft an ordinance amending the definition of public
inconvenience, as recommended, for consideration of the Wrecker Committee during their
next meeting. Councilman Dittman seconded the motion:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
In the 1970 Bond election, the improvement of Texas Avenue, from Thomas Circle
to Spur 201, was approved under the assessment paving program. Mr. Lanham requested
permission to have the consulting engineers make a preliminary study to determine the
necessary width and the estimated cost to improver this street from Thomas Circle to
Airhart Drive. Councilman Bednarski moved to authorize the study; Councilwoman Wilbanks
seconded the motion:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Mr. Paul Bacon, attorney, has asked that the request for approval of the
creation of Water District #80 be reconsidered.
However, since the city attorney is preparing more information for council's
review on this matter, council concurred to wait until that information has been
compiled and reviewed by council.
Capital Improvement Projects --
Progress has been good on the public works building.
The Garth Road contractor has installed 2300 feet of storm sewer, and expects
to complete work north of Goose Creek in seven or eight days.
The subgrade on Tenth Street is complete, and curb & gutter work should begin
within a few days.
The waterline contractor moved his equipment into Glen Arbor today to begin
work.
Although two ordinances are listed on the agenda for final payment for
construction of the Sports Complex and swimming pool, the affidavit from the contractor
that all subcontractors have been paid has still not been received. No action will be
taken until this is received.
S6ul April 10, 1974
Canitary Sewer Improvements
Portions of the first four contracts are in service. This includes a
portion of the line in the vicinity of San Jacinto Hospital, the lift station on
Texas Avenue, and the gravity line and force main down to West Main. The West
Main Plant is 96% complete. The lift stations are 87% complete. Bayshore
Constructors, Contract #3, will be back on the job April 15. Contract 4 is 97%
complete. Contract 5 is 76% complete. Contract 6, on various parts of thecity, is
87% complete; The contractor for #7 has begun laying pipe on Baker Road, and
has installed 300 feet of pipe on East Road.
The EPA has indicated by telephone to the consulting engineers that the
infiltration /inflow analysis on the East District is satisfactory, however, some
minor suggestions for changes will be forthcoming. The study must be formally
acted upon by council, and then returned to the EPA in final form. After this, bids
may be received.
The administration was requested to have more caution lights placed on
Garth Road and Baker Road for the night drivers.
CouncilmanDittman requested the status of the abatement of the junked
autos on a lot on Mapleton Street. Mr. Lanham reported that a hearing will be
held on April 16 to declare a public nuisance. Mayor Gentry expressed
concern about the length of time this procedure requires. Mr. Pfennig explained
that state law sets forth the procedure for abatement of junked autos, and this
cannot be changed or shortened. Mayor Gentry suggested that the penalty for
violation be strictly enforced.
Canvass Election
Mayor'-Gentry directed the canvassing of the April 2 Municipal Election
to begin. This election for council representatives of districts #1, #4, and #5.
The canvass proved all tabulations to be in order. Councilwoman Wilbanks
moved to adopt Resolution 466, accepting the canvass; Councilman Dittman seconded
the motion:
RESOLUTION NO. 466
A RESOLUTION CANVASSING THE RETURNS OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD
WITHIN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN ON THE 2ND DAY OF APRIL, 1974, FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ELECTING THREE (3) COUNCILMEN FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS
NOS. ONE (1) FOUR (4), AND FIVE (5) TO SERVE REGULAR TWO YEAR TERMS;
FINDING THAT NOTICE OF SAID ELECTION WAS DULY AND PROPERLY GIVEN AND
THAT SAID ELECTION WAS PROPERLY HELD AND THE RETURNS THEREOF MADE
BY THE PROPER OFFICIALS: %INiACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE STATE OF
TEXAS.
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
* Oath of Office
I
Municipal Court Judge Steven Hebert administered theoath of office to
Charles Pool - Councilman District #1; Fred Bednarski,Jr. - Councilman
District #4, and Allen Cannon - Councilman District #5. Congratulations were
extended.
Hear Appeal of Electrical Board Decision
Mr. W. B. Hagan of League City, appeared to make council aware of a situation
involving the Electrical Board, and to request that council look into the matter and
take appropriate actions to prevent a similar occurrance in the future. Mr. Hagan
made application on March 8 to take the examination for Master Electrician which
was scheduled for March 29. On March 18, Mr. Hagan received a letter from the
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April 10, 1974 5602
Electrical Board Secretary, Lindsey Lawless, that the Board has disapproved the
application for examination. The following reasons were given:
1) No present business or association
2) Many of references have no addresses
3) The association with references, who could be contacted, was in a technical
or business field and not in a general - practical experience.
Mr. Hagan was advised that the board would reconsider the application if the
additional information was submitted. Mr. Hagan stated he made numerous efforts from
March 18 through March 28 to cantact Mr. Hudson, chairman of the Board, but with no
success. On March 27, Mr. Hagan submitted a letter of rebuttal and request for aid,
along with'the additional information required, to the City Manager, Mayor and Mr. Lawless.
Mr. Hagan explained that he was informed earlier this afternoon (April 10) that the
Electrical Board had reconsidered the application and he would be allowed to take the next
exam, in September. Mr. Hagan stated that having to wait until September will postpone
his potential employment with a contractor in this area for one year, and that he is
presently unemployed.
Mr. Pfennig explained that there is no relief council may offer Mr. Hagan in
this situation, as the Board is required to give only one exam every six months.
Councilman Pool, member of the Electrical Board, explained that the board has
to be satisfied as to the qualifications of an applicant before.he takes the examination.
Concerning Mr. Hagan'saapplication, there were numerous attempts to contact the references
listed on the application; however, no information as to his actual qualifications could
be acquired other than what Mr. Hagan had written on the application himself. The Board
met in regular session on April 9, and with the additional information that Mr. Lawless
had been able to secure, the Board determined that Mr. Hagan was qualified to take the
next exam, in September. Two exams are given each year, and since these tests cost time
and money, the Board did not choose to make an exception for Mr. Hagan.
Mr. Hagan then summarized his statements by saying that the mechanics of the
city's system did not permit to go before the Electrical Board because no one would take
any action without the chairman. A special meeting could have been called to reconsider
his application if the chairman had been available.
Mayor Gentry suggested the Electrical Board look at their procedure to see if
there is anything that should be streamlined or changed.
Proposed Ordinances Nos. 40328 -1 and -2, Final Payment for Swimming Pool and Baytown
Sports Complex
No action taken; contractor has not provided affidavit concerning sub- contractors.
Authorize Volunteer Fire Department - Station #6
Councilman Dittman moved to grant permission to form a Volunteer group for
fire station #6, to be operational at such time the station is completed; Councilman
Lander seconded the motion.
Councilman Cannon moved to amend the motion to restrict this group to twenty
men; Councilman Lander seconded the motion:
The vote on the amendment follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman & Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
The vote on the motion as amended follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman & Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Award Bid - Development of Jenkins /Holloway Park
Bids were received April 4 for the development of Jenkins /Holloway and
League of Women Voters Park.
3ehkins- Holloway League of Women Voters
FAIRMONT PAVING COMPANY: $ 110,761.70 $51,521.00
CHATHAM & HOLZAEPFEL: $ 129,862.90 $67,567.60
The low bid of Fairmont Company exceeds the available funds for Jenkins - Holloway
Park. The Parks Board has recommended that Items #6- backstop, #13 -north loop, and
5603 April 10, 1974
#14 -guard light pole, be deleted. This will reduce the bid to $84,888.70; available
funds total $85,600.00, which will leave a plus factor of $711.30.
Concerning the League of Women Voters Park, the Parks Board has recommended
that Item #9 - picnic shelter be deleted from the bid of Fairmont Company, reducing
this to $50,076.00. Available funds for this park total $47,000, which wi.11 leave
a deficit of $3,0.76.00. By applying the surplus from the Jenkins - Holloway Park
($711.30) to this bid, a total deficit will remain of $2,364.70. The Parks Board
has recommended -that the deficit be.pai d from the contingency in the park bond fund,
in which $3,119 remains. The Board has recommended that both bids be awarded to
Fairmont Paving.Company.
Councilman Lander moved to adopt proposed Ordinance No. 40410 -1, awarding
the bid on Jenkins- Holloway Park as recommended; Councilman Bednarski seconded the
motion.
ORDINANCE NO. 1573
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
ACCEPTING THE BID OF FAIRMONT PAVING COMPANY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF JENKINS- HOLLOWAY PARK, JOB NO. 72 -537, AND AUTHORIZING THE
CONTRACTING OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF EIGHTY -
FOUR THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED EIGHTY -EIGHT AND 70/100 ($84,888.70)
DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT.
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman & Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
A brief discussion followed on the amount of money spent each year to make
repairs to parks as a result of vandalism, and if the citizens, as parents, could
help prevent some of this damage. Mayor Gentry suggested the news media emphasize
that this is a problem for the taxpayers as well as the police, because it is taxpayers'
money that is spent to make the repairs.
Councilman Bednarski moved adoption of Ordinance No. 40410 -2, awarding the
bid for development of League of Women Voters Park as recommended; Councilman Lander
seconded the motion:
ORDINANCE NO. 1574
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
ACCEPTING THE BID OF FAIRMONT PAVING COMPANY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PARK AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACTING
OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF FIFTY THOUSAND SEVENTY -
SIX AND N01100 ($50,076.00) DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGFEEMENT.
Ayes: Council,4nembers Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Proposed Ordinance No. 40410 -3, Final Payment for N. C. Foote Park Swim Pool
The contractor has not completed cleanup - no action taken.
Award Contract - Concessions at Baytown sports Complex
Bids were received March 27 for the operation of concession stands at the
Baytown Sports Complex:
ALL FOODS CONCESSIONS
15% of gross will be paid to city
HOWARD CONCESSIONS
No Bid
Mr. Lanham recommended awarding the bid to All Foods Concessions. Councilman
Lander moved to adopt the ordinance awarding the bid; Councilman Dittman seconded the
motion. The Contract will provide that all price increases must be approved by the
City Council, and that the City may audit the books of this company at any time.
April 10, 1974
ORDINANCE NO. 1575
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO EXECUTE AND THE
CITY CLERK TO ATTEST TO A CONTRACT WITH ALL FOODS CONCESSIONS COMPANY, INC.,
FOR THE CONCESSION AT THE BAYTOWN SPORTS COMPLEX AND PROVIDING FOR THE
EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman 6 Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Authorize Contract with Harris County - Bookmobile
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Proposed Ordinance No. 40410 -5 will authorize an agreement between Harris County
and the City of Baytown for expanded bookmobile service to additional centers within the
City, and to citizens in unincorporated parts of Harris County.
Harris County has agreed to pay a lump sum of $12,744 to provide no less than
twenty -five additional hours of service per week to neighborhoods 5 nursing homes.
Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the
motion:
ORDINANCE 'NO. 1576
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK OF THE CITY
OF BAYTOWN TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST.: TO A CONTRACT WITH HARRIS
COUNTY WITH REGARD TO PROVIDING EXPANDED BOOKMOBILE PROGRAMS WITHIN
BAYTOWN AND IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS IN THE COUNTY AND PROVIDING
FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman 5 Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None -
Replace Waterline on Garth Road
In 1962, a 10 -inch waterline was Installed under the shoulder of Garth Road.
It is now necessary to relocate this line, from Goose Creek to Baker Road, or it will
be under the subgrade of the improved Garth Road. The estimated cost for materials,
and increasing this to a 12 -inch line, is $30,732. Mr. Lanham recommended that city
forces be used to relocate the line, and that 1965 Water Bond funds be used to pay for
the project. Approximately $34,524 is left in this fund. Councilmanpool moved to
accept the recommendation; Councilman Lander seconded the motion.
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Extend Water Service - Outside City Limits
Mr. R. L. Nelson, 5604 East Road, has requested city water service. Mr. Nelson
resides outside the city limits. Mr. Lanham recommended approval of the request.
Mr. Nelson will pay for the extension, and will pay one B one -half times the regular
water rate charged Baytown citizens. Councilman Bednarski moved to approve the request;
Councilman Lander seconded the motion:
Ayes:.. Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman s Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Appointments - Planning Commission
Four vacancies exist on the PlanningCOmmission. Mayor Gentry suggested that he
and Mr. Lanham .'contact the people whose terms have expired, and make a determination as
to their willingness and availability to attend the meetings. Council concurred with the
suggestion.
Museum Advisory Board - Appointments
These appointments will be considered at the next council meeting.
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April 10, 1974
Authorize Change Order - Contract #7
On February 19, 1974, council awarded the bid for sanitary sewer improvements,
Contract #7, to Whitelak Inc., in the amount of $1,330,048. Because .this•is
65% over the estimate for this project, Mr. Lanham made the following recommendation
for deletions in the contract:
1) Use of Sorrels Const Co as sub - contractor on the Sterling High School lift station
Bid Item #1 - a reduction of $25,000.00.
2) Harris County has released jurisdiction on certain streets in.the newly annexed �q
area, thus allowing the use of cast iron pipe in angered hole in lieu of tunnel J
construction. A reduction of $30,580.00. i
3) Deletion of 4,044 lineal feet of sanitary sewer line from Baker Road, east end of
Ross Sterling, east to North Main, & south along North Main to Massey Tompkins.
A reduction of $85,610.
The total of these deletions is $141,190, and Whitelak has agreed to this.
Councilman Pool moved to accept the recommendation; Councilman.Bednarski seconded
the motion:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman & Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Proposed Ordinance No. 40410 -6, Prohibiting Electrically Charged Fences
During the past several months., the Inspections Department has become aware
of several pieces of property where the fences are electrically charged. Mr. Frost,
chief inspector, reported one-,situation in a residential area, in which the fence
had malfunctioned, and was registering more than 400 volts. This is an.extremely
high amount of voltage, and could possibly have caused injury to someone coming in
contact with the fence.
Other cities have ordinances prohibiting these fences, and Mr. Lanham
recommended adopting Ordinance No. 40410 -6 before this type fencing becomes common
in Baytown. The electrical fences present a hazard to anyone coming in contact with
them, and especially to children. _
Mr. Gus Bradley appeared to ask council to reconsider before passing the
ordinance. He explained that he has an acre fenced with electrically charged wiring,
and that the purpose is to keep his horse within his property. Mr. Bradley suggested
that the City adopt regulations or controls for these fences, and that they be
monitored periodically, instead of prohibited. .
CouncilmanCannon requested Mr. Lanham to determine whether or not there is
any feasible manner in which the city could keep these fences under control.
Councilman Dittman moved to table action on the ordinance; Councilman Cannon
seconded the motion.
Ayes: Council members Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Dittman and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: Councilman Lander
Citizens were urged to give their opinions to council on the proposed ordinance.
Unfinished Business
Authorize Agreement with Missouri Pacific Railroad
Proposed Ordinance No. 40410 -7 will authorize an agreement with Missouri
Pacific Railroad Company for the crossing of their existing rightof way with a
sewer line on Decker Drive. This is necessary for Contract #7, Sewer Improvements.
Councilman Lander moved to adopt the ordinance; seconded by Councilman
Bednarski. _
ORDINANCE NO. 1577
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO ENTER INTO A LICENSE_'
AGREEMENT WITH MISSOURI PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY FOR THE CROSSING OF THEIRn
EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY TITH A TEN (10 ") INCH SEWER LINE, AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED AND NO 1100
($100.00) DOLLARS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Ayed: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool; Wilbanks, Dittman & Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None _-
April 10, 1974
5606
Contract for Wrecker Service
Several meetings ago, bids were considered for wrecker service on abandoned
vehicles and disabled city vehicles. The law bid was that of Den Wheation:
$7.50 for abandoned vehicles
$12.50 for disabled city vehicles
No action was taken on that bid. Councilman Cannon requested this be considered
again because the people who investigated the allegations on the petition regarding
Mr. Wheaton found that he was not violating any city ordinances.
The contract, if awarded to Mr. Wheaton, would be for a period of one year.
However, if Mr. Wheaton were not able to renew his wrecker permits in December, the
contract would automatically become void. Councilman Cannon moved to award the contract
to Don's Automotive; Councilman Dittman seconded the motion. In further discussion,
the point was made that the contract stipulates that all vehicles will be hauled to
designated city -owned property. The caption of the ordinance awarding the bid follows.
ORDINANCE NO. 1578
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING
THE BID OF DON'S AUTOMOTIVE FOR THE TOW -AWAY SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TO HAUL ABANDONED VEHICLES AND DISABLED CITY VEHICLES, AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AND THE CITY MANAGER TO.EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR A TERM
OF ONE YEAR WITH DON'S AUTOMOTIVE FOR SAID SERVICE AND PROVIDING FOR THE
EFFECTIVE DAUEWEREOF.
The vote was then called:
Ayes. Council members.;Lander, Bednarski, Dittman and Cannon
Nays: Council members Pool, and Wilbanks
Mayor Gentry
Mayor Gentry declared the motion passed.
Adjourn
With no further business to transact, the meeting was declared adjourned.
ATTEST:
1
EDNA OLIVER, City Clerk
I
APPROVED: /s/ Tom Gentry
TOM GENTRY, Mayor
5607
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WORK SESSION WITH VOLUNTEER FIREMEN APRIL 10, 1974
Mayor Gentry asked Mr. Donnelly if he had any more comments about the new station
other than what was aaid at the council meeting of March 14, 1974.
Mr. Donnelly replied that he was questioning only the volunteers' position in this
matter.
Mayor Gentry explained that the bid received was 35 -40% over the money available for
the building as proposed. The- building consists of a kitchen, bathroom facilities, Awn
and one large bedroom. The beds can be folded up during the day and this can be
used for meetings.- The. only way to add living or meeting space is to'cut out somethln,
like a kitchen or garage.
Mr. Donnelly explained that the volunteers want room space for 15 -20 men to meet in,
a meeting table and chairs, file cabinet, bulletin board, and display'cabinet for
trophies and awards.
Discussion followed on facilities at other stations At Station #2, there is a meeting
room for volunteers. At Station #4, the volunteers meet in the living quarters of
the firemen. The firemen either stay during the meeting, or leave . Mr. Donnelly
stated that there is no problem at any station between professional or volunteer firemen
during the volunteers' meetings.-
Mayor Gentry stated that the council needs to decide if there will be a separate
volunteer group for station #6, or i fthere should be a consolidation of districts.
Mr. Donnelly-explained that*new volunteers will be recruited for station #6, and that
some of the volunteers that presently live in that area, will probably become volunteers
for Station #6. Only two paid firemen will be at Station #6 at a time, and they will
have to operate the firetrucks; for this reason, the volunteers will be needed to back
up these men.
Chief Bailey explained that Statior_ #4 would probably respond to a call in this area, to
back up - Station #6. The firemen at the scene can call for additional.help if needed.
In discussing host many volunteers would be needed for Station #6, Mr. Donrellu explained
that the bylaws provide a maximum of 30. The average number is _
20 per station. The approximate cost for equipping a volunteer is $220.00.
Mr. Donnelly was asked if the volunteers would be willing to construct the station
themselves. He - replied that asking them to build the station could not
be justified. 1 7
Mayor Gentry asked if volunteers for Station #6 could meet as the Station #4 volunteers
meet - in the living quarters.
Mr. Lcnnelly explained that his main concern is to have.-volunteers at Station #6, and
that they could meet as they do at Station #4.
Mayor Gentry explained that the time to determine to have additional volunteers would
be at budget time. The building as proposed would have adequate space to have vol,:
meetings, similar to Station #4. The volunteers living in Station #6 district cool
become volunteers for -that district; however, this can be determined at budget time
Mr. Donnelly was asked if it was necessary to have the meetings at the stations the
volunteers' represent. Mr. Donnelly explained it is necessary because the volunteer=
also have drills on the firetrucks. He stated that the room as proposed for
Station #6 will be acceptable.
Mayor Gentry stated that most councilmen do want volunteers at Station #6; however,
the number and method is what council will have to decide.