1976 01 22 CC Minutes.11 A
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
January 22, 1976
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session,
Thursday, January 22, 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
Tom Gentry
Fritz Lanham
Neel Richardson
Jo Ann Bryant
Dan Savage
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman
Councilman
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
Deputy City Clerk
Assistant City Manager
Mayor Gentry called the meeting to order and the invocation was offered
by Councilman Tom Walmsley.
Approve Minutes
Councilman Bednarski moved approval of the minutes of the regular meeting
held January 8, 1976, and ratification of actions taken at said meeting;
,Councilman Pool 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
Houston Ship Channel - Maintenance Improvements - Notification has been
received from the Corps of Engineers concerning two proposed maintenance im-
provements along the Houston Ship Channel. One improvement would include the
easing of the bend in the channel opposite Baytown; the other improvement is
to be located at the turning point of Brady Island.
Radio Equipment - At budget time the Administration discussed with
Council the plans of the Houston - Galveston Area Council to take bids for
radio maintenance for all communities in this area that purchase police
radios through HGAC. Bids have been taken and the cost to Baytown based on
those bids would be $19,644.00, which is approximately $7,500.00 more than
estimated in the budget. Mr. Lanham suggested that if the City could purchase
some additional testing equipment and hire a part -time radio technician as
needed, the City could do the same job at a considerable savings. This equip-
ment would cost about $6,000.00. Since the agreement with HGAC would only
cover that equipment bought through the HGAC and not that used by Public Works,
Inspection, and other city departments, the Administration recommended that
the City not participate in the agreement at this time. Council had no
objections to the Administration's recommendation.
Sliplining - At the last meeting Council authorized the advertising for
bids for the repairing and sliplining of sewer lines in two parts of the City.
Since that time two other sewer lines have collapsed. One of these lines is
between Harold Lane and Pamela. The line was televised and about 1055' of
.Ili
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
that line should be sliplined; the line along the railroad tracks near Mabry
Road also collapsed and will require about 700' of sliplining. In addition
to the sliplining between Harold and Pamela, there are approximately twenty -
four (24) taps to be made by hand since they are located in backyards (fenced
areas). The Administration requested that an addendum to the present bid
specifications be send out in order to add these additional lines and to
extend the time for the receipt of bids from January 26 to February 2.
The total estimated cost for these projects is $50,000.00.
Councilman Pool moved to advertise for bids for sliplining these lines;
Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Street Improvements Financed by Revenue Sharing and Budgeted Funds -
Elm Street has not yet been surfaced. The work is progressing satisfactorily
on Decker Drive; the new concrete section and curb and gutter on the south
side of Decker has been completed. Brown & Root is now working on the north
side of Decker.
Sanitary Sewer System Improvements under the 1970 Bond Program - The
West Main sliplining work is complete with the exception of minor cleanup.
In the east district where the plant is being expanded, half the foundation
slab for the treatment plant has been poured. The contractor expects to finish
the sludge drying beds by February 1.
In the west district the work on the systematic sewer system evaluation
survey is in the first phase which includes a physical inspection of the man-
holes and smoke testing of the lines. 50% of the manholes have been inspected;
40% of the lines have been smoke tested. Engineers expect to complete this
phase of the project in two weeks. The second phase includes quantifying the
leaks that are found within Phase 1. This could be completed by the middle
of February. After this the City must get the approval of the Texas Water
Quality Board and the EPA for the next phase, preparation of plans.
Robin Road Storm Sewer Improvement - The Robin Road storm sewer work is
underway. The contractor has removed the old pipe in preparation for laying
the new pipe.
Rollingbrook Bridge Improvement - The Rollingbrook Bridge project is
complete with the exception of some minor cleanup and some welding. This
should be completed within a week. The contractor will then move back to the
West Texas Avenue bridge.
West Texas Avenue Improvement - The fill and underground contractor on
West Texas Avenue has completed his work with the exception of water and sewer
lines that must be constructed across Goose Creek.
Water Line on Bayway Drive - The contractor is underway on the Bayway
Drive water line; 1450' of pipe is in the ground.
Mr. Fletcher Hicherson has set up a series of defensive driving courses
for city employees who drive city vehicles.
Houston Natural Gas Company
Richard DeSalme, Bayport District Manager for HNG Corporation, Howard
Bell, Vice President and General Manager of the Gulf Coast Districts, and
Mark Hayes, Rate and Research Department, appeared to answer any questions
concerning HNG's rate increases. Mr. Howard Bell gave the following summary
of the manner in which the gate rate operates. The legislature gave the
Railroad Commission jurisdiction over pipeline suppliers. After hearings
are held, the Texas Railroad Commission sets the rate that the pipeline
supplier can charge distribution companies at the city gate. After these
hearings, the Railroad Commission must make approval or disapproval of these
-„ J
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
rates before any changes can be made. In HNG's case beginning back in August,
1969 a new gate rate was established for Houston Pipeline Company, a subsidiary
supplier for Houston Natural Gas. The gate rate was set at 33.7Q per mcl. In
1971 the rate was changed to 38.31 per mcl. An order Gas Utility Docket No.
483 in 1972 also established the 38.31 per mcl and provided for a cost of gas
adjustment to be made semi - annually in the gate rate based upon increases in
Houston Pipeline Company's weighted average cost of gas. This is taking into
account the lower priced gas and the higher priced gas that the pipeline company
must pay for and weighting that based upon what percent of the total it is so
that there is a true weighted average cost. HNG allowed for semi - annual adjust-
ments and also provided for any increases in the weighted average cost of gas
that Houston Pipeline Company might have. Houston Pipeline Company was allowed
to pass on to the distribution company 65% of those increases. This was done
until Gas Utility Docket No. 592 when a purchase cost of gas adjustment was
approved that provided for monthly pass throughs of the increases in the
weighted average cost of gas. Houston Pipeline Company passes on 65% of the
increases in the weighted average cost of gas. HNG in turn passes on penny for
penny, with no increase in profits, the same additional cost to consumers of
this community and all the communities served by HNG. Federal Power Commission
rules state that interstate pipeline companies can not pay more than 52t per
mcl at the wellhead; whereas, instrastate commerce is not controlled. The
current rate at the city gate is $1.52 per mcl.
Jim Kubik - Amendment to Southern Standard Building Code
Mr. Jim Kubik appeared before Council to request an amendment to the
Southern Standard Building Code which would allow him to build within three
feet of the property line rather than the five feet required. The Code
specifically states that a carport or garage, if attached cannot be closer
than five feet to the side property line. This provision allows ten feet
between adjacent residences. After much discussion, Council concurred that
it would not be feasible to amend the code to allow all persons to build
within three feet of the property line.
Page- Dittman Motors - Temporary Deletion from Fire Zone
Robert Kerr, General Manager of Page - Dittman, Inc., appeared before
Council concerning a new building on their property. When the permit was
first obtained, the plans showed the building approximately 30', more or
less, from its present site. The original intent was to move this building
back after completion of Phase 1 of construction which included moving the
fence back to display more cars. It was then discovered that moving this
building to the intended site would be detrimental to the operation of this
business by losing a lot of display area. The problem with leaving the
building where it is is that it extends into part of the fire zone which runs
100' deep parallel to Alexander Drive and it is of type 6 construction which
does not meet the fire zone standards. The building was constructed in such
a manner that it could be used on the car lot of a new location; therefore,
the owners are requesting a temporary amendment to the fire zone. If Council
desires to grant this request, this location must be removed from the fire
zone. There are no guidelines as to what percentage of a community must be
included within a fire zone. When field inspections are made, the amount of
credit to be given is determined at that time. The key rate for the City of
Baytown is now $.05 which means Baytown is 46% deficient, but this rate could
be as much as $.10; therefore, it is not possible to determine if this deletion
would affect the key rate. Deleting this property from the fire zone would not
have the overall effect as amending the Southern Standard Building Code; there-
fore, Council can change this ordinance to delete this particular piece of
property. Mayor Gentry suggested that an ordinance be prepared for the next
meeting and in the meantime those who have not seen this property can do so.
In this way Council will know which way to rule on this issue.
6010
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
Calling the Municipal Election - Saturday, April 3, 1976
The municipal election to be held on Saturday, April 3, 1976, is for
the purpose of electing three councilmen from Districts No. 1, 4, and 5.
Councilman Hutto moved to adopt the ordinance calling the municipal election
for April 3; Councilman Lander seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1934
AN ORDINANCE ORDERING THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD
ON THE 3RD DAY OF APRIL, 1976, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
ELECTING THREE (3) COUNCILMEN FROM THE RESPECTIVE
DISTRICTS NOS. ONE (1), FOUR (4) AND FIVE (5); PROVIDING
FOR ELECTION OFFICERS; DESIGNATING THE PLACES AND MANNER
OF HOLDING SAID ELECTION; PRESCRIBING THE HOURS; PROVIDING
FOR A CANVASSING BOARD FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS; AND PROVIDING
FOR THE POSTING AND PUBLICATION OF NOTICE.
North Gaillard Street - Time Limit Parking Restrictions
This ordinance concerns the one -block area of North Gaillard Street
between Defee and Sterling limiting parking on the west side of Gaillard
to two hours and on the east side or post office to 15 minutes. The
Traffic Committee has studied this situation and recommends approval;
Mr. Lanham concurred.
Councilwoman Wilbanks moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Walmsley
seconded the motion.
The Mayor asked Councilman Pool, Chairman of the Traffic Committee, if
the Traffic Committee had considered making both sides of this one -block of
North Gaillard Street a 15- minute parking time limit. Since this had not
been considered, Councilman Lander moved to table this item until the next
meeting; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Restricting Right Turns on "Red" from Garth Road onto Park Street
This is consistent with the policy that has been used in restricting
right turns on red in other places. The policy is that if a driver must
look across four or more lanes of traffic, the right turns can be restricted.
The Traffic Committee recommended approval of this ordinance; Mr. Lanham
concurred.
Councilman Bednarski 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
ORDINANCE NO. 1935
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COU14CIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, RESTRICTING THE TURNING MOVEMENT OF RIGHT ON RED
AT CERTAIN DESIGNATED INTERSECTIONS IN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
PROVIDING A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF, AND PROVIDING
FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
r
r
r
6011
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
Change Stop Signs at Certain Intersections
The Traffic Committee has studied the two intersections of Oak and Nazro
and Ward and Kilgore. However, they have since decided to reconsider or delay
action on the Ward - Kilgore intersection. Presently, the traffic on Oak Street,
a collector street, is required to stop at Nazro Street which is a dead -end
street. The Traffic Committee suggested that this stop sign be changed from
Oak Street to Nazro Street; the Administration concurred in this recommendation.
Councilman Walmsley moved to accept the recommendation of the Administration
thus deleting the Ward - Kilgore intersection from the ordinance; Councilman Hutto
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1936
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL OF STOP SIGNS AT CERTAIN
INTERSECTIONS AND THE POSTING OF STOP SIGNS AT CERTAIN
INTERSECTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER
18, "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," SECTION 18 -117, THROUGH
STREETS; REPEALING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CON-
TAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM PENALTY
OF TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) DOLLARS FOR EACH VIOLATION; AND
PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Award Bid - Group Insurance for City Employees
Two bids were received on January 20, 1976, for group insurance for
city employees.
Present Policy - Base Plan Plus
Massachusetts Mutual
Employee Only
Employee & Child(ren)
Employee & Spouse
Employee & Family
Alternative I - Base Plan Plus
$ 18.78
30.67
46.90
58.82
Massachusetts Mutual
Blue Cross
$ 21.25
42.10
53.82
70.42
Blue Cross
Employee
Only
$ 18.88
$ 22.32
Employee
& Child(ren)
31.04
44.54
Employee
& Spouse
37.55*
56.24
Employee
& Family
59.71
73.82
*This rate should be $47.55.
Alternative II - Comprehensive Major Medical
Employee Only
Employee & Child(ren)
Employee & Spouse
Employee & Family
Massachusetts Mutual
$ 17.91
28.54
43.20
53.83
Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Massachusetts Mutual
Blue Cross
$ 17.00
41.73
53.50
63.29
Blue Cross
Term Life per $1,000 $ .60 $ .56
AD & D per $1,000 .10 .08
6012
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
A committee of four persons, Dan Savage, Jon Pfennig, J. B. LeFevre, and
Bryan James, was composed to evaluate these bids on group insurance and make
a recommendation. In order to avoid the 45% increase made by American National,
our present carrier, it was necessary to go out for bids for new employee
insurance. The first time bids were taken, the Administration recommended to
reject all bids and go out for bids again. This time bids were received from
two companies, Massachusetts Mutual and Blue Cross. It is recommended that
the bid of Massachusetts Mutual be accepted. It is felt that their policy
would give the best coverage to city employees. This will indicate approximately
an 18% increase in rates to the City over our present policy. That is probably
the best possible rate increase the City could hope to get at the present time.
Bids were taken on three different alternatives. There was a possibility
of a comprehensive major medical plan. Blue Cross and Massachusetts Mutual
both submitted attractive bids under the comprehensive major medical program.
These bids were attractive because they represented a relatively small increase
in cost to the City for employee insurance. The Blue Cross bid represented a
rather unattractive set of rates that the employees would pay for dependent
coverage. Therefore, it was felt that Blue Cross' bid could not be accepted.
This would be an increase to the City of approximately 18% over American
National's old rates, which is $11,000 over the budgeted amount.
The employees' increase will be approximately 20% depending on what type
of coverage the employee carries. Now, twenty -four employees have Employee and
Children coverage, sixty have Employee and Spouse, and 130 have Employee and
Family.
The cost for this increase to the City will be available from the contingency
fund. These rates are firm for 15 months through April 31, 1977. Massachusetts
Mutual will pick up all claims effective February 1 under the extension of
benefits. Mr. Lanham recommended approval of Massachusetts Mutual as the new
insurance carrier for the City.
Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt said ordinance; Councilman Lander
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1937
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
ACCEPTING THE BID OF MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL FOR A GROUP INSURANCE
POLICY PROVIDING FOR LIFE INSURANCE, MAJOR MEDICAL BENEFITS,
AND BASIC MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR THE CITY OF BAYTOWN EMPLOYEES;
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE
AND ATTEST TO A CONTRACT WITH MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL, AND
DIRECTING PAYMENTS OF PREMIUMS PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF SAID
CONTRACT AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Boring for Water Lines - Rosewood and Idlewood Drives
The City is in the process of replacing the water lines on three streets
in Graywood, namely Lindenwood, Rosewood and Idlewood. Since the line on
Lindenwood is a 2" line, city forces were able to do all the necessary boring.
However, the lines on Rosewood and Idlewood are 6" lines and require larger
equipment than is owned by the City. 1
Several bids were received for the estimated quantities (about 420').
Scott's Boring Service $ 1,575.00
Osborn Road Boring $ 1,680.00
Pennington Road Boring $ 1,890.00
Road Crossing Contractors Co. $ 2,100.00
r
6013
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
Boring and Tunneling Co. $ 2,310.00
Coastal Road Boring $ 2,310.00
San Jacinto Boring $ 2,520.00
Southwestern Road Boring Co. $ 2,520.00
The low bid was that of Scott's Boring Service with a unit price of
$3.75 per foot for a total of $1,575.00. Mr. Lanham recommended approval
on the basis of low bid.
Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Hutto
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1938
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
ACCEPTING THE BID OF SCOTT'S BORING SERVICE FOR THE BORING OF
WATERLINES ON ROSEWOOD AND IDLEWOOD DRIVES, AND AUTHORIZING
THE CONTRACTING OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF ONE
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED SEVENTY -FIVE ($1,575.00) DOLLARS WITH
REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT.
Bicentennial Park - Change Order to Payton Construction Company
This contract was awarded at the last meeting at a larger amount with
the intention to issue a change order at this meeting reducing the contract
to $116,032.00 which is within the money allowed. The change in this
contract include the deletion of the following: 1500' of walkway, 2 flagpoles,
and 2 water fountains; and the addition of the art work and the carving of
the mural. Mr. Lanham recommended approval of this ordinance.
Councilman Bednarski moved to adopt said change order; Councilman Lander
seconded. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto, and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1939
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING A CHANGE ORDER TO THE CONTRACT WITH PAYTON CONSTRUC-
TION COMPANY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF BICENTENNIAL PARK, AND
PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Amend Section 34 -31 of the Industrial Waste Ordinance
When this ordinance was passed, it provided for the charge being
calculated at the time the permit was issued. The City has no users at
the present time who are classified as industrial users. The EPA, in
reviewing the ordinance, has asked that definite amounts be included in
the ordinance. An ordinance has been prepared to include those amounts
which can be recalculated at some other time. The charges included in
the ordinance are BOD surcharge factor, $.083 per pound, and suspended
solids surcharge factor, $.057 per pound. This method of caluclating is
consistent with other cities. Mr. Lanham recommended approval of this
amendment to the ordinance so that it might be submitted to the EPA for
approval.
6014
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
Councilman Lander moved to adopt said amendment to the industrial waste
ordinance; Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1940
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, BY THE AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 34, "WASTE DISPOSAL,"
ARTICLE II, INDUSTRIAL WASTE ORDINANCE, SECTION 34 -31, SCHEDULE
OF CHARGES, BY SPECIFYING UNIT COSTS OF TREATMENT CHARGEABLE
TO B.O.D. AND SUSPENDED SOLIDS.
Authorize Payment of Permit Fee to the Harris - Galveston Coastal Subsidence
District
This ordinance would authorize payment of $27,753.00 based on the estimated
ground water withdrawal for next year. Permits are based on an estimated with-
drawal of 2,312,675,000 gallons. This is approximately 20 million gallons more
than last year. If there is a dry summer, this.figure could be more. The
Administration recommended approval.
Councilman Pool moved to authorize such payment; Councilman Bednarski
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 1941
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO
THE HARRIS - GALVESTON COASTAL SUBSIDENCE DISTRICT OF ITS
ESTIMATED ANNUAL GROUND WATER WITHDRAWAL FEE.
Resolution No. 526 - Transfer of $27,753 for Payment of Permit Fee to the
Harris - Galveston Coastal Subsidence District
This resolution authorizes the transfer of $27,753.00 from Account No.
1001 -12 -0100, Contingencies Water Fund to Account No. 1001 -06 -0400, Special
Services Water fund, for payment of the permit fee to the Harris - Galveston
Coastal Subsidence District. Mr. Lanham recommended approval.
Councilman Lander moved
seconded. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
to adopt the resolution; Councilwoman Wilbanks
Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
RESOLUTION NO. 526
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TRANSFER TWENTY -SEVEN THOUSAND
SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY -THREE AND NO /100 ($27,753.00) DOLLARS FROM
WATER FUND ACCOUNT NO. 1001 -12 -0100, CONTINGENCIES, TO WATER
FUND, ACCOUNT NO. 1001 -06 -0400, SPECIAL SERVICES.
6015
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
Resolution No. 527 - Authorize an Interlocal Agreement with Harris County for
Community Development Funds
Several meetings ago permission was granted to the Administration to
indicate to Harris County that we were interested in being considered with
the County for community development funds. Baytown applied for funds last
year. There were 48 or 50 cities in our Houston - Galveston Area that applied
for these funds. There was about $900,000.00 available and six cities out
of 48 or 50 were successful in getting these funds. The Administration feels
that if funds were pursued in the same way this year the results would be
the same; however, the City's chances would be greater if we joined with
Harris County because the county is an entitlement entity. Last year the
County got approximately $4.00 per capita for the population in the County.
If the County should get that much this year and if they contributed to
Baytown our pro rata share, the City should get approximately $3.00 to $4.00
per capita.. Mr. Lanham recommended authorization to enter into this agreement
with the County.
Councilman Lander moved to accept Resolution No. 527; Councilman Bednarski
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
RESOLUTION NO. 527
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AUTHORIZING AND ENTERING INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AND HARRIS COUNTY FOR COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT FUNDS.
Preliminary Engineering Report - Market Street Bridge Improvements
Mr. Jim Hutchison of Busch- Hutchison and Associates, Inc., appeared to
review the preliminary report on the Market Street Bridge Improvement
referring to a map contained in the packet. Two soil borings were made to
determine if the same condition existed as on the West Texas Avenue Project.
This means we have a very weak sub - strata about 11' thick several feet below
the surface. Based on these soil borings, we could build a fill type construc-
tion to protect the weak sub - strata from rotational failure while building a
step -type fill. The laboratory tests indicate that with this type of
construction, about 12 " -16" of consolidation might be expected over a
period of 25 years. The figures are based on the best technology available
at the time. This type of soil and these conditions lead to the possibility
of two types of construction: (1) Berm or fill type and (2) the trestle.
The trestle would be similar to a causeway. A little fill would be used
with it but mostly would be built on piles. In the embankment or fill -type
construction, we would have a two -step berm, a cross section of which is
illustrated in the drawing. On the east side of the bridge near the cemetary,
if a fill type of construction is done there will be an encroachment on
cemetary property; however, this could be cut short with some sheet piling.
Beyond that, toward the creek the fill would extend out into some of the
property - most of which is submerged. On the other side of the road we
would be encroaching on the high school's parking lot. We could stop the
fill short there by a retaining wall or sheet piling of some kind. On
the west side of the creek there would be no problem since most of the area
is low -lying and would probably need no retaining walls. Because of filling
on submerged land, we could get into the problem of ownership - what kind
of right of way or easement it might require. As of this time as far as
we know there is no precedent as to who owns that land. This could present
some problem.
6016
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
In the trestle construction the amount of fill would be much less to
the point that we wouldn't have to worry about causing a failure in the
sub - strata. The trestle would start-about where the high school parking
lot exit is now and extend to the other side of Goose Creek. There would
be about 600' of trestle and 120' of bridge in this type construction.
The paving on the filled areas would be 7" reinforced concrete. On top
of the trestle or the bridge or both there will be 4" topping. The road-
way is proposed to be 41' back -to -back curb up to the bridge. At the
bridge, it would be widened to 49' back -to -back of curb so that a pedestrian
walkway could be added on one side at this point. The fill type construction
would interfere with the natural drainage, so if fill were used there would
have to be some type of storm sewers added which would probably lead to curb
and gutter construction.
The costs for the embankment type construction are (1) $250,000 for the
fill work and (2) $50,000 for storm drainage work; whereas, the cost for the
trestle including the same work as for the embankment with the exception of
the storm drainage work would be $530,000. If we do the fill construction
all the way through, we will block the Lee High School parking lot, but to
let them have access, we would build a ramp out into the parking lot. This
would cost about $6,800.00. On trestle construction the ramp would cost
approximately $21,000.00. Up to this point it has been easy to see that the
embankment construction is less expensive, but now we must consider the 12 "-
16" consolidation that may occur in this type construction. This consolidation
would be most severe nearest the bridge and gradually decrease farther away
from the bridge. The sinking would probably occur very rapidly at first and
then slow down in later years. Chances are there would have to be a bi- annual
maintenance project to overlay the concrete with asphalt at a cost of about
$2500 per operation. This would repair the bump in front of the bridge on
both sides - probably worse on the school side. This could amount to
approximately $25,000 over the lifetime of the sinking and would be done
one side at a time in order to keep traffic moving. No subsidence or
consolidation problem is anticipated with the trestle. The total estimated
cost of the trestle is $868,000 and the total cost of the embankment,
including the bi- annual maintenance projects, is $715,400. The money
allotted for this project is $715,400.00. Mr. Hutchison recommended the
embankment type construction; Mr. Lanham concurred. Councilman Walmsley
felt that due to inflation the trestle method would be preferable.
Councilman Pool moved to authorize the engineers to make detailed
plans and specifications for the embankment type of construction; Councilman
Bednarski seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks and Hutto
Mayor Gentry
Nays: Councilman Walmsley
Authorize Engineering Study - Lakewood Sewage Treatment Plant
Mr. Lanham referred to a letter dated January 13 from the Water Quality
Board advising the City that there will be an enforcement hearing on February
12 where the Board will consider information and evidence regarding our
noncompliance with two of our permits for sewage treatment plants, these
being the East District Plant and the Lakewood Plant. The work done by the
contractor on the East District Plant should satisfy the Water Quality Board.
The contractor is expected to finish construction on the extra drying beds
by February 1. The contractor is in process of building an expansion to
that plant which will increase its capacity from 1,000,000 gallons per day
to 3,000,000 gallons per day which will help take care of the overloading
problem. However, this is not the case at the Lakewood plant. We have
painted the facility, cut the weeds and repaired the equipment. The parts
for the equipment were on order at the time the inspection was made; however,
we do not have the wheels in motion to take care of the extreme overloading
problem for that plant. In preparation for the hearing, the Administration
would like to retain Langford Engineers to make an engineering study of interim
improvements that we might make in the Lakewood plant during this 2 -4 year
period before the ultimate decision can be made. Since the City has been
6017
Minutes of the Regular Session - January 22, 1976
working on this problem over two years, there is no way to determine when
the City may obtain EPA and Water Quality Board approval of a grant to
proceed with enlarging or relocating this plant. We feel we need to make
a study of this kind for interim improvements to take to the hearing with us.
This brief study would show interim improvements that could be done. The
cost for this study would be approximately $1,500.00.
Councilman Lander moved to authorize the engineering study as recommended
by the Administration; Councilman Pool seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Consider Approval of High -Rise Project for the Elderly and Handicapped
At the December 11 meeting Council amended the Fire Prevention and
Protection ordinance to permit the Planning Commission to review and
recommend approval of all federally funded housing projects which do not
meet the normal density and on -site parking requirements. The Planning
Commission has studied the 100 -unit high rise apartment plan project by
Mr. Lowell Lammers and recommend approval. The ordinance provides for
not more than 20 units per acre and this will have almost 55 units per
acre. Before the ordinance was amended a project of this size would be
required to have 225 parking spaces; whereas, this plan calls for 62 spaces.
Some spaces are 9' wide and some are 12'. The 12' spaces are for the
handicapped only. According to HUD only 34 spaces are necessary for this
number of apartments. The rule is that 34% of the number of units is
necessary for parking spaces. Mr. Lanham concurred with the Planning
Commission's recommendation.
Councilwoman Wilbanks moved to accept the recommendations of the
Planning Commission and the Administration; Councilman Bednarski seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Bednarski, Pool, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Walmsley
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Committee Reports
None
Adjourn
There being no further business to transact, Councilman Bednarski moved
to adjourn; Councilman Walmsley seconded. The vote was unanimous to adjourn.
Eileen P. Hall
City Clerk
By . QP alXj &444Zt_
Jo nn Bryant, Deputy Ci Clerk