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1974 11 14 CC Minutes4 MINUTES OF THE'°AECULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN November 14, 1974 The City Council of the City of Baytown met in regular session, Thursday, November 14, 1974, at 6:30 P. M. in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall. The following members attended: Jody Lander Councilman Fred Bednarski,Jr. Councilman Mary E. Wilbanks Councilwoman Henry Dittman Councilman TomWalmsley Councilman Tom Gentry Mayor Fritz Lanham City Manager Neel Richardson City Attorney Belinda Bingham Deputy City Clerk Howard NOrthcutt Assistant City Manager Absent: Charles Pool Councilman Edna Oliver City Clerk Mayor Gentry called themeeting to order and the invocation was offered by Reverend Woodrow Pringle, Pastor of South Main Church of Christ. Approve Minutes II GY Councilman Dittman moved approval of the minutes of the meeting held October 24, and ratification of actions taken at that meeting; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman andWalmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None City Manager's Report City workers are in the process of installing left -turn arrows at the intersection of Highway 146 and Ward Road. Notice has been received from the Corps of Engineers regarding plans for main- tenance dredging of Cedar Bayou, from the ship channel to the U. S. Steel docks, about 5.7 miles. Although this does not require council's approval, the Corps has requested to know if there is any objection. Council concurred to offer no objection. Notice was also received from the federal government (Coast Guard) asking if there is any objection to a time extension to commence construction of the bridge across Cedar Bayou at Spur 55. Council offered no objection. Mr. Lanham attended a demonstration of a hydraulic loader, yesterday, and requested authorization to advertise for bids for this in lieu of the two chippers included in the budget. The overtime pay required for the heavy trash pickups four . times per year could be eliminated, and the equipment would pay for itself within a year. The estimated cost c1 this loader is $10,000; it can be placed on a track that we already have, and can be used in picking up brush as well as heavy items. The chippers presently in service would still be used as long as they are operational, however. This bids received several weeks ago for two new chippers were approximately $13,000, so initially about $3,000 would be saved. Mr. Lanham recommended that those bids be rejected, and authorization be given to advertise for the hydraulic loader. Councilman Dittman moved to accept the recommendation; Councilman Lander seconded the motion: Ayes: Councilmembers Lander, Bednarski, Dittman, Wilbanks and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None 5725 November 14, 1974 Council recently approved the request of the employees to observe their "floating holiday" this year on the day after Thanksgiving. However, Mrs. Wilhite has requested that the library personnel observe this on Christmas Eve instead, because the demand for library use by college students is greater during the Thanksgiving holidays than at Christmas. Council offered no objection. Mr. Lanham presented the suggested organization for the Capital Improvements Study Committee. The structure is similar to those committees organized in the past for determining bond issuest Chairman: Ken McNulty Vice Chairman: Troy Peterson Area Drainage Sub - Committee (Storm sewers & ditches) Chairman: Andy Braswell Vice Chairman: Quin McWhirter Streets Sub - Committee (Incl. related drainage) Chairman: Reggie Brewer Vice Chairman: Smokey Wood Public Safety Sub - Committee (Traffic Control Equip.) Chairman: Beas Barolak Vice Chairman: Bob Feinberg Public Buildings Sub - Committee Chairman: Joe Barsalou Vice Chairman: Sarah Epperly Parks Sub - Committee Chairman: Bob Hart Vice Chairman: E. F. Green Water Facilities Sub - Committee Chairman: Pat Mann Vice Chairman: Bob Oracheff Sanitary Sewers Sub - Committee Chairman: Al Chappell Vice Chairman: Carmen Martinez Finance Sub - Committee Chairman: Alvin Miles Vice Chairman: Truett Smith The chairmen and vice chairmen of the sub - committees will be the Capital Improvements Steering Committee. Also, the chairmen and vice - chairmen of the various sub - committees will be permitted to the choose the members of their particular committee. Councilman Bednarski moved that the Study Committee as presented be approved, and authorized to begin work immediately on the various projects that should be included in a bond issue, and to present a final report to Council by February 15, 1975; Councilman Lander seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Sanitary Sewer Improvements: Contract 111 (West Main Plant) a punch list was made and final inspection of the facilities is scheduled for November 27. Contract 112 (Lift Stations) A punch list has been prepared and final inspec- tion should be within the next few days. Contract 117 (Dent Addition & area) a punch list has been prepared- contractor is ready for final inspection and testing next week. Contract 113 (Bayshore contract)- Crews are presently working to finish this contract. Contract 115 - Stephens'Contract - workers are still cleaning the 36" gravity line, as recent rains have delayed this procedure; this should be completed within 1 -1iF weeks. The contractor has also begun excavation for the 18" gravity sewer from Gulf Coast Hospital parking lot over to the Spur 201 lift station. Garth Road - 4,050' of pavement has been poured Glen Arbor Waterlines have all been installed and tested. Only 40 service connections remain to be made. November 14, 1974 5726 Little progress has been made at the League of Women Voters and Jenkins - Hollaway Parks because limestone is not available at this time for base work. Most of the work on Pelly Park has beaicompleted; the Little League volunteers will be doing carpentry work within the next few days. Councilwoman Wilbanks expressed concern about the way the new dog ordinance is being administered because of the number of phone calls she has been receiving and requested the administration look into this. Mayor Gentry presented the proposed membership on the Baytown American Revolution Bicentennial Commission: Chair Person: Mrs. Douglas Relyea Vice Chair Person: Mrs. Jesse Kirkpatrick 1. Horizon '76 Co -chair Persons: Mr. Richard T. Moravek Mrs. James (Libby) Weisinger 2. Heritage '76 " " Mr. W. C. Jackson Mrs. Pete (Jean ) Shepherd 3. Festival U.S.A. " " Mrs. Audrey Maeser Mrs. Phillis Dignam Secretary: Mrs. Luther (Alma) Haddicks General Members Mr. Sam Bramlett Mr. Deacon Jones Dr. James J. Lewis Mrs. Gene Branscome Mr. Carl W. Brandon Mrs. Bonnie Martin Father Robert J. Brooks Mrs. Valree Motley Mr. James W. Butler Mr. Clyde Messiah Mr. Tony Campos Mrs. Wanda Orton Mr. Terry Dopson Mrs. Rick Peebles Mrs. Daniel Elkins Rev. W. E. Thiele Mr. Larry Hale Mr. Glen Walker Mr. Ernest Hauser Mr. Lawrence Weiler Mrs. Mary E. Wilbanks Councilman Dittman moved to affirm the appointments; Councilman Walmsley seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Glenmeadow Addition - Abandoned Houses Mr. Kenneth C. Simon, representing residents of Glenmeadow Addition, appeared concerning abandoned houses in that addition. Mr. Simon explained that Mr. C.J. Bailey began construction. on the homes about two years ago, however, has not completed them. Mr. Simon stated that the houses harbor rats and criminals, and the weeds hide the fire hydrants. Mr. Simon urged council to prepare an ordinance that will prevent this type of thing from happening again; there is presently no penalty for not completing something for which a building permit has been issued. A petition was presented concerning these homes which are health and safety hazards, asking that they either be completed or removed as soon as possible. Councilman Dittman moved to accept the petition; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Mr. Neel Richardson reviewed the steps that have been taken to get the houses completed. In June of this year, numerous complaints were received that weeds in the yards were high and debris was piled in the yards & construction on the houses had ceased. The Chief Building :Inspector notified Mr. Bailey that the lots would have to be kept free from weeds and building materials that could become a fire hazard. It was also the opinion of the Inspector that the houses, unfit for human use, were a violation of the Urban 5727 November 14, 1974 Rehabilitation Standards Ordinance, and a Notice of Inten to Demolish was given to the company holding the construction money lien. This Zompany then assured the City that construction would be reamed immediately. The lots were cleared & mowed; however, progress on construction has not been noticeable. Mr. Richardson was of the opinion that the City may enforce the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Ordinance, and require the premises to be kept clean. The City may also enforce deed restrictions. Following a lengthy discussion with residents of the area, the Administration was requested to ask Mr. Bailey to submit a timetable for completion of the homes. Consideration will also be given to a procedure, by ordinance or issuance of a building permit, that would prevent this type situation from occurring again. Storm Sewer Extension - Gulf Street from South Main to Commerce To prevent some of the flooding in the South Main Street area, the storm sewer on South Main needs to be connected to the storm sewer on Gulf Street. The estimate for this project is $5300 ($2900 materials & $2400 city labor & equipment) and will be paid with Revenue Sharing Funds. This cost includes permit fees to bore under the railroad. Councilman Lander moved to proceed with the project; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Amend Wrecker Ordinance Proposed Ordinance No. 41114 -1 will amend the wrecker ordinance by increasing the towing charge from $17.50 to $27.50, reduce the present fee charged for transferring a permit from one truck to another to $5.00; and increasing the storage charge from $2.00 per day to $3.00 per day. These changes have been recommended by the Wrecker Committee. Councilman Lander moved adoption of the ordinance; Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion: A lengthy discussion followed concerning the rates in other cities and the 57% increase being requested. However, it was pointed out that this is only the second time in 14 years that the wrecker owners have requested an increase. Mr. Ted Kloesel complained that he was improperly charged for a wrecker tow, and suggested that council clarify to the police department and wrecker owners that citizens can move their own car from the scene of an accident if it is not an obstruction of traffic. In order to give council an opportunity to study and consider the ordinance more carefully, Councilman Dittman moved to table action until the next council meeting; Councilman - Walmsley seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Nays: Councilmen Lander and Bednarski, Mayor Gentry Because a motion to table requires a majority vote to pass, Mr. Richardson ruled the motion was defeated. Mr. Manuel Pease, wrecker owner, stated that the purpose of the increase in rates is for the protection of the citizens of Baytown, i.e., better service, better equipment. A wrecker costs between $8- 9,000, and after paying for operating costs, depreciation, and insurance, this is a very expensive operation. Mr. Pease explained the increase will put Baytown in line with other cities in this area. Mayor Gentry then called for the vote on the motion to adopt the ordinance: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None 5728 November 14, 1974 ORDINANCE NO. 1709 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, "AUTO WRECKERS AND TOWING VEHICLES," SECTION 6 -14, THEREOF, SO AS TO REPEAL THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH SECTION AS PRESENTLY CONSTITUTED AND TO SUBSTITUTE IN ITSPLACE NEW PROVISIONS, AND SUBSECTIONS 6 -6(d), 6 -18(A) (1), AND 6- 18(A)(5) THEREOF, SO AS TO _REPEAL THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH SUBSECTIONS AS PRESENTLY CONSTITUTED AND TO SUBSTITUTE IN THIER PLACE NEW PROVISIONS; REPEALING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Consider List of Streets for Phase I of the 1975 Street Improvement Program Revenue Sharing Funds in the amount of $330,000 have been appropriated for street improvement, from the entitlement period July 1, 1974 through June 30, 1975. About $100,000 has been earmarked for Park Street, $50,000 for downtown improvements, leaving about $185,000 that has not been earmarked. Mr. Lanham presented a list of streets to be improved with the remaining funds: Virginia (Louisiana to N. Jersey) Wilburn (N. Main to Park St) East Road (Lynchburg Cedar Bayou to South Road) Azalea (N. Burnett to Pin Oak) Gresham (Garth Road to Pruett) Petterson (Bayway to Meador Lane) N. Whiting (Lobit to Texas Avenue) E. Cleveland (S. Main to Glen) Mr. Lanham recommended authorization to prepare plans and specifications to be presented during the first meeting in December. Councilman Dittman moved to accept the recommendation; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion: Ayes: Councilmembers Lander, Bednarski, Dittman, Wilbanks,and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Consider Advertising for Bids - Materials for Downtown Improvement Project Mr. Terry Dopson presented plans for the Parks & Recreation Department's portion of the Downtown Improvement Project. There will be 65 planter boxes, nine of which will be constructed with railroad ties, and the remaining being built with brick. In the middle of each block there will be two shelters on either side of the street, The estimate for this portion of the project is $19,985.00, based on Parks forces installing shelters, planting, preparing all details of the project, supervision, and purchase of materials. The downtown merchants will donate funds to cover this cost. Those items for which formal bids must be taken are brick, planter boxes and shelters. The administration recommended approving advertising for bids. CouncilmanLander moved to accept the recommendation; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion: Ayes: Councilmembers Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Bids - Fencing for Pelly Park Only one bid was received for the fencing of Pelly Park, from Bayou Fence Co. in the amount of $10,380. This is $3,180 above the last bid that was received for this project. Since there are not funds available to cover this cost, Mr. Lanham recommended that this bid be rejected also, and that the fencing be accomplished by purchasing the material, paying for some labor, and using city forces and volunteers from the Little League Association for some of the labor.. Councilman Dittman moved to accept the recommendation; Councilman Lander seconded: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski,Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None Councilman Bednarski then moved authorization to advertise for fencing -material only; CouncilmanLander seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilb anks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None J /L7 November 14, 1;;74 1 Bid for Public Works Building - Demolish Only bid was received for demolition of the old Public Works building. However, the offer was for the City to pay the contractor $500, so Mr. Lanham recommended that the bid be rejected, and readvertised. Council offered no objection. Bids - Uniforms for Police Department Two bids were received for the purchase of uniforms for the police department: EDELMAN'S: $7,772.69 FACTORY SALES: $10,153.45 Mr. Lanham recommended awarding the low bid of Edelman's. Councilman Walmsley moved to accept the recommendation; Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 171,9 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF EDELMAN'S FOR THE PURCHASE OF ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF POLICE UNIFORMS ON A UAIT PRICE BASIS, WITH THE COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO BE BASED UPON THE ACTUAL QUANTITIES SUPPLIED ANDPROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Bids - Firearms for Police Department Bids were received for the purchase of shotguns. for the_ police department: Quantity: 25 _Sporting Goods, Inc: $2,312.50 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF SPORTING GOODS, INC., FOR THE PURHCASE OF RIOT CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE PAYME Oshman Sporting Goods: $2,375.00 Will's Pawn Shop: $2,199:25 -did not meet specs Reynolds Co.: No Bid Mr. Lanham recommended awarding the low bid that met specifications of Sporting Goods, Inc. Councilman Bednarski moved to accept the recommendation; Councilman Dittman seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Mayor Gentry Nays: None Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley NT BY THE CITY OF THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWELVE AND 50 /100 ($2,312.50) DOLLARS. Enter into Agreement with Traffic Engineers, Inc. The City of Baytown recently applied for, and received, a grant from the _ Governor's Office of Traffic Safety. This grant will be used for a traffic engineering study. The study is necessary because of a federal law that requires cities to meet certain standards regarding traffic signs and pavement markings by certain dates. Traffic Engineers, Inc. proposal is to conduct a study with the purpose being to develop workable solutions to existing and potential traffic and pedestrian problems. With the adoption of the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, state and local communities have set a target date of 1977 to implement the pavement marking requirements, -signs, and 1980 for signals. In discussing the proposed study, the question concerning bicycle trails was raised. Although this will not include bicycles, school safety is included. The cost of the study is $13,800. The city's share will­be $10380. Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt the ordinance entering into an agreement with Traffic Engineers, Inc., for the.-study; Councilman Dittman seconded the motion: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None 5730 I November 14, 1974 ORDINANCE NO. % 71A AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST TO A CONTRACT WITH TRAFFIC ENGINEERS, INC., TO CONDUCT A TRAFFIC STUDY OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Committee Reports Councilman Dittman gave a brief report on his trip to St. Louis authorized at the last council meeting. Union Electric Company of St. Louis is working with the City of St. Louis in solid waste disposal. The solid waste is separated, some is sold, and the remainder is shredded and used as fuel for the electric company; this is an example of close cooperation between the city and the industrial capacity'.surrounding the city. Mr. Dittman felt that with the number of surrounding communities and industries in this area, this could be a future possibility for the City of Baytown. The City of Hanes, Iowa is also working to begin a solid waste disposal program with industry there. They are also doing away with the landfill operation as much as possible ; chipping machines are being used, and large composts are being built. Mr. Dittman indicated the City of Baytown should look at this possibility again. Mr. Dittman also attended a demonstration of the Deer Park waste water treatment facilities. This is a new system , and the water being discharged into the ship channel was drinkable. Adjourn With no further business to transact, Councilman Bednarski moved to adjourn; motion seconded by Councilman Dittman: Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Wilbanks, Dittman and Walmsley Mayor Gentry Nays: None