1976 01 08 CC MinutesM11
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
January 8, 1976
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session,
Thursday, January 8, 1976, at 6:30 P. M. in the Council Chamber of the
Baytown City Hall. The following members were in attendance.
Jody Lander
Fred Bednarski
Charles Pool
Mary E. Wilbanks
Emmett 0. Hutto
Tom Walmsley
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman
Councilman
Tom Gentry Mayor
Fritz Lanham City Manager
Neel Richardson City Attorney
Eileen P. Hall City Clerk
Dan Savage Assistant City Manager
Mayor Gentry called the meeting to order and the invocation was offered
by the Reverend Billy Joe Tate, Pastor of Central Baptist Church.
Approve Minutes
Councilwoman Wilbanks moved approval of the minutes of the regular
meeting held December 11, 1975, and the special meeting held December 23,
1975, and ratification of actions taken at said meetings; Councilman Hutto
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Petitions
None presented.
City Manager's Report
During the 5Z hour period between 11:30 and 5:00, January 8, 1976, 79
calls were received in the Public Works Department from persons requesting
that their water be turned off due to water leaks which necessitated the use
of five trucks other than the usual two.
Building Permits - In 1975, approximately $15,700,000 in construction
permits were issued; $2,000,000 more than 1974. Of this amount, $7,800,000
represented permits for 256 single family residences, making 1975 the most
productive year for single family residences since 1967 when 269 permits
were issued.
Drainage - Mr. Lanham asked Ivan Lanford, III, the Director of Public
Works, to report on the status of the drainage projects. Mr. Langford called
Council's attention to a colored map indicating the following:
Orange - Projects on scheduled list.
Green - Projects completed.
Black - Projects in progress at this time.
The first project on the priority list was the Cedar Bayou Road -Nolan
area which has been completed.
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Minutes of the Regular Session - January 8, 1976
The second project on the list which is now in progress is the elimina-
tion of the ponding of water on Lee Drive on the outside lane going north
toward the railroad tracks and in the vicinity of Stimpson and Daley Streets.
We are alleviating this problem by installing piping and putting in inlets
as well as a new 30" culvert underneath the railroad tracks.
The third item is Wooster Terrace. John A has been completed and the
drainage crew has begun work on Wooster Street. Also, within this same
project is Shreck Avenue which is a long street with only two inlets in
the middle of the street. The eighteen (18 ") inch pipe drains back to
Bayway. The drainage crew cut a ditch on the east side of Bayway up to
the outfall; however, no culvert was reset due to the possibility that
this may not solve the problem.
The fourth item on the list was railroad ditches. Between Massey
Tompkins and Bob Smith both sides of the ditches have been cleaned, but
no grades have been set to try to get the water to run in any particular
direction. Most of the water is draining back to Massey Tompkins and
the remainder falls back to Bob Smith. Due to the flatness of this area,
it is very difficult to gain any outfall. Work has begun on Bob Smith and
Cedar Bayou. Thus far, the crew has cleaned the East side of Cedar Bayou
up to Mabry Road.
Mr. Langford explained that the original estimate of 2; years to
complete the forty projects listed was optimistic because out of the
four months since work began, only 44% of the time was spent on the
projects. Of the remaining time; 24% was downtime for repairs to equip-
ment; 12% on unscheduled projects; 7% setting culvert; and 13% on
miscellaneous projects.
Federal Grant - Youth Conservation Program - The Department of
Community Affairs may have some funds available that can be used for
summer employment of young people between the ages of 15 and 18 to work
in parks or other types of work classified as conservation, such as
errosion work along ditches and creeks, clearing trees, shrubs, underbrush,
etc. The Administration would like to make application for a grant of
Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) which would employ approximately twenty -
four (24) young people for an eight -week period. The grant is funded on
an 80 -20% basis and the City's 20% can be people already in the City's
employ. Council had no objection to the Administration making application
for said grant.
East District Sewage Treatment Plant Expansion - Sludge drying beds
will be completed in January and the contractor will begin pouring concrete
for the treatment plant expansion next wekk.
West Main Sewer Line Project - The cleaning and televising has been
completed. The work on two of the lines has been completed; 260 feet
remains to be completed on one of the other lines and 1300 feet on another.
Twenty -seven days remain on the contract and it should be completed on
schedule.
Rollingbrook Bridge - The only work remaining to be done is some of
the guardrails and curbing.
West Texas Avenue - Dirt hauling, fill and storm sewers have been
completed; the bridge is about 80% complete.
Mr. L. V. Bailey, Fire Chief, has notified the Administration that
he will retire effective March 16, 1976, after 30 years of service.
Mrs. Louise Burke, City Health Nurse, who has been in the employ of
the City since 1957, has also given notice of plans to retire.
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Minutes of the Regular Session - January 8, 1976
Houston Natural Gas Corporation - Flow Through Increases
Since Council has been receiving numerous calls regarding the recent
flow- through increase of Houston Natural Gas Corporation, the Administration
was asked to contact representatives of the company and request a complete
rendering of rate or flow - through increases granted by the Railroad Commission
from January 1, 1975 through the first part of January, 1976. Also, Council
requested that representatives of the company be asked to appear at a future
meeting to answer questions concerning these increases.
Drainage on Nolan Road
Mr. Kent Rogan, 2309 Nolan Road, appeared to seek drainage relief. He
explained that the residents of this area are in dire need of ditch and
drainage relief. He pointed out that recently the ditch along Cedar Bayou
Road had been cleared, but this provided no relief to the area north because
this area does not drain to the Cedar Bayou ditches. He explained that
after a heavy rain the water collects on the back of his property and forms
a lake of approximately one -half acre and from four to six inches deep which
harbors mosquitos and water moccasins. The only relief at the present time
is the ditch through Mr. Mayfield's property which drains to the railroad.
Mr. James Mayfield, 703 Mabry Road, appeared requesting:
1. That a culvert be installed under the Southern Pacific
Railroad tracks at the west end of Mabry Road to replace
the existing culvert which is too high to aid drainage.
2. That Railroad ditches be cleared. This is currently being
done; however, now the water drains toward Cedar Bayou Road
rather than Massey Tompkins.
3. Better ditches on Nolan Road north of Cedar Bayou from the
Southern Pacific Railroad to Highway 146. The only ditch
in this area at the present time runs from the 800 block of
Mabry west on the north side of Mabry Road.
4. Fire plugs in this area.
Mr. Langford spoke to Mr. Mayfield's requests. As far as installing
another culvert under the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks at the west end
of Mabry Road, this would only cause the water to discharge into the 201
right of way, that is if it would move at all since this entire area is flat.
Concerning the railroad ditches, the portion that drains to Massey Tompkins
is only that portion north of Bob Smith Road toward Massey Tompkins. Sections
of the right of way on Mabry Road are only 30 feet wide which leaves little
room for ditch work; therefore, additional right of way would have to be
obtained. Mabry Road was on the 1974 drainage priority schedule somewhere
around Number 30, however only 11 items were covered. On the revised schedule,
Mabry Road and the surrounding areas would include Nolan Road, Mabry Road,
Fanestiel and Cedar Bayou Road.
Mayor Gentry asked what temporary relief might be provided. The cutting
of swallow ditches might relieve the situation, but could cause a problem
elsewhere; therefore, Mr. Lanham requested that the Administration be allowed
to complete its study of the drainage problems in this area and come back
to Council with a recommendation. In the meanwhile, the work on the railroad
ditches would continue which would give some relief. ,
Award Bid - Construction of Bicentennial Park
Three bids were received Tuesday, December 30, 1975, for the construction
of the Bicentennial Park.
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Minutes of the Regular Session - January 8, 1976
Payton Construction Company $ 154,632.00
Holzaepfel Construction Company $ 158,805.15
Star Concrete Construction, Inc. $ 182,604.50
Three deductible items were provided (one bridge, 4,000 cubic yards of
fill dirt, and 200 linear feet of walks) which amounted to $33,785.00. By
deleting two flagpoles, two water fountains and another 1500 feet of walkway,
another $19,408.00 can be deleted. In the original plans, the contractor
was to furnish and set a granite block with art work and carvings for this
block to be furnished by another party. The engineers have selected the
other party and recommend an addition to the contract of $4,293.00. Thus,
the basic contract would run $116,032; engineering costs consisting of
fees, surveying, etc. are about 10% of the contract for a total of approx-
imately $11,603.00, bringing the contract amount to $127,635.00. The
Parks and Recreation Department now has bond funds and donations in the
amount of $129,650, leaving $2,015 for extras. All major features of the
park have been maintained and the items deleted can be constructed in later
years. The Parks and Recreation Board and the Bicentennial Finance Committee
have approved this plan.
Councilman Lander moved that the low bid be accepted with the changes
recommended by Mr. Hutchison; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. However,
Mr. Lanham pointed out that the proposed ordinance accepts the bid of Payton
Construction Company for the amount of $130,847, the total amount of the
contract less the deductible alternates. Since the contract must be awarded
this way, the Administration recommended the approval of Proposed Ordinance
No. 60108 -1 with the understanding that a change order would be presented
for Council approval at the next meeting deleting items that the Consulting
Engineer specified and adding the one item recommended.
Councilman Lander amended the motion to adopt Proposed Ordinance No.
60108 -1 as presented; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1932
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS ACCEPTING THE BID OF PAYTON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BAYTOWN BICENTENNIAL PARK AND
AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACTING OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY
FOR THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED
FORTY -SEVEN AND NO /100 ($130,847.00) DOLLARS WITH REGARD
TO SUCH AGREEMENT.
Final Payment - Cleaning and Painting of Elevated Water Tank on Bayway Drive
Near Baker Road
The cleaning and painting of the elevated water tank on Bayway Drive near
Baker Road has been completed satisfactorily and the Administration recommended
final payment be approved.
Councilman Walmsley moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Pool
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
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Minutes of the Regular Session - January 8, 1976
ORDINANCE NO. 1933
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE CLEANING AND PAINTING
OF THE 500,000 GALLON ELEVATED WATER TANK LOCATED ON
BAYWAY DRIVE NEAR BAKER ROAD BY VIRGINIA ERECTION
CORPORATION FINDING THAT THE WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT; ACCEPTING THE
ENGINEERS' CERTIFICATE OF FINAL ACCEPTANCE; AUTHORIZING
THE FINAL PAYMENT TO THE SAID VIRGINIA ERECTION CORPORATION
AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Plans, Specifications and Advertising of Bids - Sterling Municipal Library
Expansion
The total estimated cost of the project is $1,095,000 and the architects
recommended receiving bids for the project on February 10. The Administration
reviewed the plans thoroughly and recommended approval and council reviewed
the preliminary plans in an earlier meeting, with no substantial changes
being submitted.
Councilwoman Wilbanks moved that the plans and specifications be approved
and that the architects be authorized to receive bids February 10; Councilman
Bednarski seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Plans, Specifications and Advertising for Bids - Redesign of Traffic Circle _
The plans have been reviewed in detail by the Administration, along
with Busch, Hutchison and Associates. There have been no changes in the
preliminary plans and the Administration recommended authorization to advertise
for bids. The cost estimates have changed somewhat due to the fact that
instead of using 7 inch concrete 8 inch concrete will be used to conform
with what the highway department is using; also there will be additional
concrete work which will bring the estimate from $150,000 to approximately
$170,000. Revenue Sharing Funds are available and will be used to fund this
project.
Councilman Pool moved to accept the plans and specifications and
authorize the advertising of bids for the redesign of the traffic circle;
Councilman Bednarski seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Plans, Specifications and Advertising for Bids - Sliplining on Cedar Bayou
Road and Decker Drive
Council at its last meet
lines on Cedar Bayou Road and
indication that the lines are
therefore, the Administration
for bids. The estimated cost
1975 Bond Funds.
ing authorized the televising of the sewer
Decker Drive. In both cases, there is an
deteriorated and need to be sliplined;
requested Council approval to advertise
is $64,500.00, which could be paid from
Councilman Lander moved to authorize the administration to advertise
for bids for the sliplining projects on Cedar Bayou Road and Decker Drive;
Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
IR
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 8, 1976
Preliminary Engineering Report - Kilgore Road and Roseland Oaks Drainage
The 1975 -80 City of Baytown Capital Improvements Program authorized
$200,000 for drainage improvements to Kilgore and a total of $95,000 for
the McKinney Street and Edgewood Projects. Mr. Jim Hutchison, Consulting
Engineer, reviewed the background of the problems found. There is a very
heavy runoff on Mockingbird Lane and in the area of Morning Drive. The
existing storm sewers in this area are too small. There are two large
acreage tracts which are undeveloped at the present time, but possible
development was taken into account in the engineers' design. The outfall
ditch between Cedar Bayou Road and Bayou Avenue is adequate in size but
is very congested with weeds and other debris. Part of the project would
be to clean this out.
The drainage collected in this area would be taken to this point where
it would be put into the open ditch and carried on to Cedar Bayou. The
engineers propose that the first 100 feet of this outfall ditch be filled
with pipe and covered. The ditch on the south side of Cedar Bayou will
not be filled and more study is needed around Elvinta and Pecan to make
sure that the storm sewers are even needed here. It may be that improvement
of the ditches would take care of the problem.
The cost estimate for this project is $188,158.50 with engineering
costs of $12,278.00 for a total of approximately $200,500.00 for the
Kilgore Road area.
The other area being studied in Roseland is the drainage ditch between
Edgewood Drive and Roseland Drive which lies in a 25 feet wide drainage
easement, making it almost impossible for city equipment to maintain the
ditch. A storm sewer pipe would alleviate the problem. The cost estimate
for this project is approximately $30,000. Mr. Lanham recommended that
Council authorize the Consulting Engineers to proceed with detailed plans
and specifications on these projects.
Councilman Bednarski recommended approval; Councilman Hutto seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Appointments to Mobile Home Review Board
Council had requested that the Administration contact Mr. Robert J.
Foreman and Mr. Francis Regan to request that they serve as new members
on the Mobile Home Review Board. Both these gentlemen have indicated a
willingness to do so. Council had expressed the desire to reappoint Messrs.
Charley 0. Walker, A. M. Thomas, and Moody Barker.
Councilman Hutto moved to reappoint Messrs. Walker, Thomas and Barker,
and to appoint Messrs. Robert J. Foreman and Francis Regan to the Mobile
Home Review Board; Councilman Lander seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Committee Reports
None
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Minutes of the Regular Session - January 8, 1976
There being no further business to transact, Councilman Bednarski moved
to adjourn; Councilman Walmsley seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous
to adjourn.
Eileen P. Hall, City Clerk
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