1976 12 21 CC Minutesr
r
6109
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
December 21, 1976
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular
session, Tuesday, December 21, 1976, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council
Chamber of the Baytown City Hall. The following members were in
attendance:
Jody Lander
Ted Kloesel
Mary E. Wilbanks
Emmett Hutto
Allen Cannon
Tom Gentry
Fritz Lanham
Neel Richardson
Eileen P. Hall
Dan Savage
Absent: Jack Kimmons
Councilman
Councilman
Councilwoman
Councilman
Councilman
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Assistant City Manager
Councilman
Mayor Gentry called the meeting to order and the invocation
was offered by Councilman Allen Cannon.
Approve Minutes
Councilman Kloesel moved to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of December 9, 1976, and ratification of actions taken at
said meeting; Councilman Cannon seconded the motion. The vote
follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
City Manager's Report
The Administration has received a letter from Beverly Rockhold,
Coordinator of Health and Physical Education for the Goose Creek
Consolidated Independent School District, concerning the Texas Hunters
Safety Program that is taught in the school system. In the past, no
ammunition has been used in the course; however, in order for a
student to complete the course, he must be taught to fire some type
of weapon. The School District has contacted the Police Department
regarding the regulations of Baytown concerning the use of firearms
in the City limits. The Code of Ordinances provides that air rifles
may be used on school grounds or private property, with the owner's
permission, as long as the pellets do not cross the property lines.
This does not require Council action, but the School District did
want the Council to be aware of its plans to use air rifles as part
of the course.
At the last meeting, authorization was made to advertise for
bids for the reroofing of the Community Building. Council had
suggested that an alternate bid for a polyurethene roof be included
in the bid proposal. The Administration contacted seven roofing
contractors in the area and several owners of buildings in the area
that have this type roof. None of those contacted recommended the
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays:
None
Petitions
None.
City Manager's Report
The Administration has received a letter from Beverly Rockhold,
Coordinator of Health and Physical Education for the Goose Creek
Consolidated Independent School District, concerning the Texas Hunters
Safety Program that is taught in the school system. In the past, no
ammunition has been used in the course; however, in order for a
student to complete the course, he must be taught to fire some type
of weapon. The School District has contacted the Police Department
regarding the regulations of Baytown concerning the use of firearms
in the City limits. The Code of Ordinances provides that air rifles
may be used on school grounds or private property, with the owner's
permission, as long as the pellets do not cross the property lines.
This does not require Council action, but the School District did
want the Council to be aware of its plans to use air rifles as part
of the course.
At the last meeting, authorization was made to advertise for
bids for the reroofing of the Community Building. Council had
suggested that an alternate bid for a polyurethene roof be included
in the bid proposal. The Administration contacted seven roofing
contractors in the area and several owners of buildings in the area
that have this type roof. None of those contacted recommended the
6110
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
use of the polyurethene roof because of the type roof on the
Community Building; therefore, the Administration desires to
delete the alternate bid for a polyurethene roof. Council had
no objections to the deletion of said alternate from the
Invitation to Bid.
The Capital Improvement Projects are progressing very slowly
since there have been only two clear days since the last meeting
when the contractor could work.
East District Sewage Treatment Plant - The new treatment
unit was placed in service on December 9. The contractor has
started modifications to the old treatment unit and is continuing
the construction of the road and site grading.
Bob Smith Road Storm Sewer Project - All the work on the
west side of North Main is complete except for the building of
one inlet. The gas line that was scheduled to be moved shortly
after the last meeting has not been moved. Therefore, traffic
is still being routed around the east side of North Main at
Bob Smith. The contractor has installed an additional three
hundred seventy (3701) feet of seventy -two (72 ") inch pipe
along the south side of Bob Smith.
Councilman Cannon inquired when the Administration planned
to receive bids for the 1977 Street Improvement Program. The
Administration explained that at the present time the Engineering
Department was working on plans and specifications for the
Community Development Projects in order to meet the deadline
in six weeks which was set by the County. It will take approxi-
mately two months to prepare the plans for the 1977 Street
Improvement Program; therefore, the City should be ready to
receive bids for the Street Improvement Program in about 3h
months.
Councilman Kloesel requested that the Administration prepare
a cost estimate for the next meeting regarding the ditching equip-
ment ( gradall), personnel, and trucks needed to expand the ditch -
cleaning operation, as well as locate the funds to be used. He
also requested that an item be placed on the agenda for the next
meeting to consider the purchase of a gradall.
Councilman Kloesel also requested that the Administration
prepare a cost estimate for the repair of the alleys in East
Baytown. He suggested that the alleys be phased -in for repairs.
Ordinance - Increase Tax Exemption for Persons Sixty -Five or Older
Presently there is a $5,000 tax exemption for persons sixty -five
years of age or older. This ordinance would increase the exemption
by $2,000, thus making the exemption $7,000. The cost of the increase
would be approximately $24,000 per year.
Councilman Kloesel stated that, in his opinion, this increase
is needed for the senior citizens at this time so that the changes
can be reflected on the tax rolls as of January 1, 1977. The
change at this time would allow the tax department to include these
values in the notices sent to property owners. The tax payments
with the $7,000 exemption would not be effective until the 1977-
1978 budget year. In this way Council would have ample time to
include this reduction in revenue in the next budget. Councilman
Kloesel stated that from serving on the Board of Equalization, he
had found that the senior citizens' high taxes caused a hardship.
For these reasons, he felt that the present tax exemption for
senior citizens of $5,000 should be increased to $7,000.
6111
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
Mr. Lanham explained that the exemption had been increased
from $4,000 to $5,000 in September, 1976, and these changes were
reflected in the tax statements mailed in October, 1976. He
further stated that the original exemption was $3,000 and has
been increased to the present $5,000.
Mayor Gentry pointed out that this would exempt senior citizens
residing in Baytown who own homes with a value of $14,000 or less
from paying ad valorem taxes. In order to receive the exemption,
the senior citizen must apply at the tax department and the real
property involved must be a homestead.
Councilwoman Wilbanks asked if Council would be binding another
Council to this exemption for the next budget year if the additional
exemption were granted at this time. Mr. Lanham explained that
unless a future Council changed the exemption, it would be binding.
Mayor Gentry explained that he doubted a future Council would lower
the exemption, but that Councilwoman Wilbanks did have a good point
and each Council member should consider it.
Councilman Cannon explained that, in his opinion, the increase
in exemption should be discussed in the 1977 -1978 budget sessions
as was done when the exemption was increased from $4,000 to $5,000.
Councilman Kloesel stated that the exemption could be increased
at any time, but that this would be the most appropriate time in
order to notify the tax department.
Councilman Cannon asked if the City was aware of the amount
of the exemption for the school district and the state. Mr. Glen
Erwin, Tax Assessor - Collector, stated that to his knowledge the
exemption for the school district is $4,000. Mayor Gentry stated
that the school district had expressed a desire to increase the
exemption, but failed to act on it in time to include the exemption
in the current budget.
Councilman Kloesel stated that to his knowledge Pasadena is
the only city in the area that has increased its tax exemption to
$72000.
Councilman Hutto stated that the proposed ordinance was for
the benefit of persons sixty -five or older. In his opinion this
refers to retired persons and not to persons who are forced to
take a medical retirement at an earlier age. He further added
that he would like to see a provision added to include these
persons since the social security laws prevent those on medical
retirement from receiving any renumeration other than social
security. Mr. Richardson explained the the State Constitution
was amended several years ago to provide persons sixty -five or
older this type exemption; therefore, the medical exemption is
not possible.
Councilman Kloesel moved for adoption of the ordinance in-
creasing the tax exemption for persons sixty -five or older from
$5,000 to $7,000; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion.
Councilman Hutto requested that the Administration research
the matter of an exemption for persons who are forced to take a
medical retirement and who are not yet sixty -five years old.
Councilman Kloesel stated that Council could pass a resolution
requesting the State Legislature to consider providing for this
type exemption.
Councilwoman Wilbanks stated that she would have to abstain
from voting on this exemption not because she was opposed to the
increase, but because she was not certain that this was the appro-
priate time to pass such an ordinance. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Kloesel and Hutto
Mayor Gentry
Nays: Council members Lander and Cannon
Abstained: Councilwoman Wilbanks
6112
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
ORDINANCE NO. 2142
AN ORDINANCE OF;THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 2811, "TAXATION,"
BY REPEALING SUBSECTION 28h.l(b) AS PRESENTLY
CONSTITUTED AND SUBSTITUTING IN ITS PLACE THE
PROVISIONS OF A NEW SUBSECTION 28h.l(b); REPEAL-
ING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING
A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE
DATE HEREOF.
Ordinance - Installation of Traffic Signal at North Main Street
and Sterling Street
Sterling Street is a one -way street going west. This is a
recommendation of the Council Traffic Committee. The signal is
warranted, and the funds are available. Item No. 14 on the agenda
is for the plans and specifications for the signal equipment for
said intersection. This ordinance will authorize the installation
of that equipment.
Mr. Lanham explained that funds were available from
Fiscal Year 1974 and Fiscal Year 1975 which were set aside for
traffic signals; however, there may be a need for having a bond
sale during the first part of 1977.
Councilman Lander moved for adoption of the ordinance;
Councilman Hutto seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 2143
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION
OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON NORTH MAIN STREET AND
STERLING AVENUE; PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM PENALTY
OF TWO HUNDRED AND N01100 ($200.00) DOLLARS;
AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE
DATE HEREOF.
Ordinance - Riaht Turn on Highway 146 at Texas Avenue
This is a recommendation of the Council Traffic Committee.
The mandatory right turn requirements were established in 1971.
At that time, thirty (30 %) per cent of the southbound traffic
on Highway 146 made right turns onto Texas Avenue. That figure
has dropped to eighteen (18 %) per cent, primarily because of the
installation of the one -way streets - Defee and Sterling. As
was the case in 1971, approximately seventeen (17 %) per cent of
the northbound traffic on Highway 146 make right turns onto Texas
Avenue. The Council Traffic Committee recommended that this
ordinance be approved to eliminate the mandatory right turns at
said intersection. The Administration concurred.
Councilman Kloesel moved for approval of the ordinance;
Councilman Cannon seconded the motion.
Councilman Cannon stated that he hoped the news media would
emphasize the fact that the traffic counts no longer justify the
mandatory right turns since Defee and Sterling have been changed
to one -way streets. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
r
I
6113
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
ORDINANCE NO. 2144
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ELIMINATING THE MANDATORY RIGHT
TURN MOVEMENT FOR TRAFFIC ON SOUTH HIGHWAY 146
AT EAST TEXAS AVENUE; DIRECTING THE CHIEF OF
POLICE AND THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND TRAFFIC
TO REMOVE SIGNS DIRECTING MANDATORY RIGHT TURN
MOVEMENTS AT SAID INTERSECTION; AND PROVIDING FOR
THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Ordinance - No Turn for Northbound Traffic on Highway 146 at Lacy Drive
This is a recommendation of the Council Traffic Committee. The
ordinance eliminates the left turning movement of traffic for north-
bound vehicles on Highway 146 at Lacy Drive. The Administration
recommended approval of the ordinance.
Councilman Cannon moved for adoption of the ordinance; Councilman
Hutto seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Wilbanks, Hutto and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: Council members Kloesel
ORDINANCE NO. 2145
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, "MOTOR VEHICLES
AND TRAFFIC ", SECTION 18 -41.1, BY REPEALING SUBSECTION
(1)(e); PROHIBITING LEFT OR "U" TURN ON ALEXANDER
DRIVE AT LACY DRIVE (NORTHBOUND); PROVIDING FOR A
MAXIMUM PENALTY OF TWO HUNDRED ($200.00) DOLLARS;
PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Award Bid - Contract No. 76 -30 for Sandblasting and Painting of
Ground Storage Tank
This is the storage tank on Bayway Drive near Baker Road.
Five bids were received. The tabulation follows:
Texas Crane Consultants, Inc. $ 12,800
Coastal Tank Lining Company $ 13,895
T.E.C. Industries $ 15,900
Water Tank Service Company $ 21,590
Security Tank $ Tower Corp. $ 21,600
The low bid is that of Texas Crane Consultants in the amount of
$12,800. The Administration recommended awarding the bid to
Texas Crane Consultants, Inc. and added that the City has had no
prior experience with the performance of this company in response
to a question posed by Councilman Kloesel. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Wilbanks, Hutto and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Abstained: Councilman Kloesel
ORDINANCE NO. 2146
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF TEXAS CRANE
CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR THE SANDBLASTING AND PAINTING
OF A GROUND STORAGE WATER TANK LOCATED ON BAYWAY
DRIVE NEAR BAKER ROAD AND AUTHORIZING THE CONTRACTING
OF INDEBTEDNESS BY THE CITY FOR THE SUM OF TWELVE
THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND N01100 ($12,800:00) DOLLARS
WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT.
6114
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
Payment - Hunnicutt Street Storm Sewer Project
Since the work has been completed with the exception of some
clean -up work on Hunnicutt from Highway 146 to Danubina, ten (10 %)
per cent of the total contract amount is bein withheld. The
Administration recommended that a payment of 39,655.98 be made to
R. T. Bishop Construction Company retaining $1,000.00 for the work
not yet completed because there has been quite a lot of bad weather
when the contractor could not work. The $1,000.00 will cover the
expenses necessary to complete the project should the contractor
fail to do so.
Councilman Cannon moved for the adoption of the ordinance;
Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 2147
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, FINDING THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF
EAST HUNNICUTT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IS SUBSTAN-
TIALLY COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CERTIFICATE
OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION; AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT
TO R. T. BISHOP CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OF A SUM SUF-
FICIENT TO INCREASE TOTAL PAYMENT TO ONE HUNDRED
(100 %) PER CENT OF THE CONTRACT SUM, LESS RETAINAGES
SPECIFIED BY THE ENGINEER FOR ALL IMCOMPLETE WORK
AND UNSETTLED CLAIMS AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE
DATE HEREOF.
Ordinance - Agreement with Bay Area Heritage Society for the
Operation of a Museum
The Bay Area Heritage Society has leased the vacant Exxon Credit
Union Building for use as a public museum. Several years ago, upon
the request of the City's Museum Advisory Board, the Council set
aside $5,000.00 for a Baytown museum. The last bond election in-
cluded $200,000 for a museum to be located in the Civic Center
area. The proposition was defeated. It is the recommendation of
the Museum Advisory Board and the Bay Area Heritage Society that
the $5,000.00, plus the accumulated interest, be transmitted to
the Heritage Society for the operation of the museum. A contract
has been drafted between the City and the Bay Area Heritage Society
providing that the City will be purchasing museum services for the
year beginning January 1, 1977, and will pay the Society a lump sum
of $6,406.64, the amount on deposit for museum use. The Administra-
tion recommended approval of the contract.
Councilman Cannon moved for approval of the contract;
Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion.
Mayor Gentry inquired whether the contract included a provi-
sion for the lease of the cases and memorabilia now displayed in
the Civic Center. Mr. Lanham explained that the cases were donated {
to the City by the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Pilot Club, etc.
Since the City cannot give the cases to the museum, the Society
can lease these cases and move them to the vacant credit union
building.
Councilman Kloesel stated that, in his opinion, the museum was
a good cause; however, since a majority of the voters of Baytown did
not respond favorably to the proposition in the last bond election,
he could not support the motion. Councilman Hutto stated that when
the bond election was held there were several propositions to be
considered, and the voters just decided that the construction of
the museum did not hold as high a priority as some of the other
6115
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
propositions. Mayor Gentry stated that the museum issue in the
bond election involved substantially more than the $6,406.64 being
considered at this time; therefore, in his opinion, this contract
is a totally different issue because of the revenue involved.
Councilman Cannon explained that since he had been involved
with the Council this group had been quite persistent in their
efforts to establish a museum in Baytown. In his opinion the
Society had done an excellent job and that the $6,406.64 would
be well spent. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Wilbanks, Hutto and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: Councilman Kloesel
ORDINANCE NO. 2148
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
A CONTRACT WITH THE BAY AREA HERITAGE SOCIETY
WITH REGARD TO THE DEVELOPMENT, ORGANIZATION,
SUPERVISION, AND MANAGEMENT OF A MUSEUM AND
MUSEUM PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY
OF SIX THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIX AND 64/100
($6,406.64) DOLLARS WITH REGARD TO SUCH AGREEMENT;
AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Award Bid - Snecialized Library Shel
Seven companies were invited to bid.
one from Lundia of Houston was a "No Bid"
received from the other five companies.
mended that the bid be awarded to Gaylord
amount of $2,270.00 and that the purchase
Sharing Funds that have been allocated to
Two bids were received
No communication was
the Administration recom-
Brothers, Inc., in the
be financed with Revenue
the library.
Councilman Lander moved for approval of the ordinance;
Councilman Cannon seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
ORDINANCE NO. 2149
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF GAYLORD
BROTHERS, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF SPECIALIZED
LIBRARY SHELVING, SECTIONS I - VI OF CITY OF
BAYTOWN BID NO. 7612 -24; AND AUTHORIZING THE
PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF THE SUM OF TWO THOUSAND
TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY AND NO 1100 ($2,270.00)
DOLLARS PLUS FREIGHT.
- r Resolution No. 558 - Designate Council's Representative and Name
[■ an Alternate to Both the Houston - Galveston Area Council General
Body and the Executive Committee
The present representative is Councilwoman Wilbanks and the
alternate is Councilman Lander.
Councilman Kloesel moved to reappoint Councilwoman Wilbanks
as Council's representative to both the Houston - Galveston Area
6116
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
Council General Body and the Executive Committee and Councilman
Lander as the alternate; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion.
The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
RESOLUTION NO. 558
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, APPOINTING MARY ELIZABETH WILBANKS
AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO THE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
BODY OF THE HOUSTON - GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL FOR
THE YEAR 1977 AND JODY LANDER AS VOTING DELEGATE
SHOULD MARY ELIZABETH WILBANKS BECOME INELIGIBLE
OR RESIGN.
Geometric Design Changes - Traffic Circle near Baytown Junior
School and at Thomas Plaza
Bill Cornelius, Director of Planning and Traffic, explained
that recently a traffic count was conducted at the traffic circle
near Baytown Junior School. It was found that between 3200 and
3600 vehicles approach the circle from Wisconsin and that 4200
vehicles approach it from Bayway. The major concern was that
traffic coming from Nevada does not have to yield or stop to any
other oncoming traffic. This street carries less than 800
vehicles through the circle. The count did not include Market
Street since it has a direct flow onto Bayway Drive. At the
present time Wisconsin traffic must yield to all other traffic. -
As the Bayway traffic clears the circle, the Nevada traffic
enters. The present design also causes straight ahead traffic to
yield to turning traffic. In response to a question from Council,
Mr. Cornelius explained that the accidents which have occurred in
this location have involved vehicles either entering or leaving
the circle.
Councilman Kloesel stated that this was a dangerous intersection,
but he was concerned with changing its design. He further stated
that the change would cause traffic passing directly through the
intersection to be crossed at times by traffic from Nevada and
Market Street. In response to the comment, Mr. Cornelius explained
that because this area is in a school zone (20 mph) and most of
the traffic passes the area during those school zone hours, some
of the risk of accidents from the Nevada - Market Street traffic
should be eliminated. Councilman Kloesel stated that in his opinion
the circle served as a barrier to slow down traffic at this point,
and for that reason, no changes should be made. Councilman Cannon
explained that no permanent changes would be made -- only the
rearranging of the bumper strips and the installation of traffic
buttons. Mr. Cornelius explained that at the present time, there
would be no expense incurred because all the necessary materials
for the change were either already located at the intersection or
on -hand elsewhere in the City. He further explained that if the
design changes were approved, then the Council Traffic Committee
would consider the traffic signs needed for the intersection at
its next meeting.
Councilman Lander expressed concern over the fact that
traffic from Bayway can travel on through to Wisconsin or Market,
but Wisconsin traffic has no way of knowing which way the Bayway
traffic will go which causes early morning traffic to come to a
halt on Wisconsin.
6117
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
In response to questions from Council regarding the traffic
signs at this intersection, Mr. Cornelius explained that these
signs will be installed on a temporary basis under Section 15 -3
of the Code of Ordinances and be considered for permanent installa-
tion at the next meeting of the Council Traffic Committee.
The second design change involves Albert Thomas Plaza. This will
entail the narrowing of the side streets in front of Weingarten's
and the service station. Some difficulties have been experienced
in these areas with traffic not moving smoothly where the areas
come together. The Council Traffic Committee recommended the
narrowing of the outer lanes in these two locations to provide a
smoother flow of traffic.
Mayor Gentry questioned if it would be feasible to place a
yield sign where traffic on Texas Avenue merges with Decker Drive
traffic. Mr. Cornelius explained that the narrowing of that
street will alleviate some of the problem without the use of yield
signs. Presently, there are four lanes feeding into three lanes.
Now, there would be three lanes feeding into three, leaving two
lanes moving freely at all times with "merging traffic" signs to
show the direction in which traffic should merge.
Councilman Cannon moved to approve both geometric design
changes; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion.
Councilman Kloesel moved to amend the motion to delete the
design change for the traffic circle near Baytown Junior School;
but, after due consideration, withdrew the motion. The vote
follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Wilbanks, Hutto and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: Council member Kloesel
Authorize Plans and Specifications and Advertise for Bids - Signal
Equipment
The signal equipment is for the Sterling -North Main intersection.
The Administration plans to purchase the equipment to interconnect
the signal with those located at Defee and Texas Avenue. The Adminis-
tration requested permission to advertise for bids for this improvement.
Mr. Lanham explained that the estimated $13,000 for the equipment
would be financed with funds set aside for traffic signals from two
previous budget years. These funds total approximately $29,000 and
by using both city forces and contract forces, the City should be
able to complete the project within the funds available.
Councilman Kloesel moved to authorize the Administration to
advertise for bids for said equipment; Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded
the motion.. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Appointments - Electrical Board
The terms for two positions on the Electrical Board have expired.
They are Master Sign Electrician - William F. Miller, Jr., and Position
No. 5 - Council member Ted Kloesel. Both persons have been contacted
and indicated a willingness to serve again.
6118
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
Councilman Lander moved to reappoint both persons to the
Electrical Board; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion. The
vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Wilbanks, Hutto and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Abstained: Council member Kloesel
Committee Reports
Councilwoman Wilbanks stated that last Friday she attended
the Gulf Coast Regional Transportation Planning Committee Meeting.
At several meetings of this committee, reports have been received
from H -GAC and consulting firms in Houston concerning airport
facilities. The Federal Aviation Administration in Houston has
shown a specific interest in wanting to discuss airport facilities
in Baytown. Councilwoman Wilbanks explained that under the Airport
and Airway Development Act of 1970, there was a five -year extension
to get planning grants for airport studies and improvements. It
is now funded at a level of ninety (900) per cent federal participa-
tion and ten (10 %) per cent local participation. In the funding
years 1979 and 1980 the match will be increased to twenty (20 %)
per cent local participation. Councilwoman Wilbanks pointed out
that if Baytown were interested in such a study grant, then the
Council should direct the Administration to gather materials for
such an application now in order to meet certain deadlines for
the 1979 funding. In order to receive the 90 -10 funding, the
grant must be approved within the next nine months. The study
grant would include items such as the demand forecast, site
selection, environmental assessments, and development of an
airport plan. In regard to cost for the study, the grant for
Texas City, which is approximately the size of Baytown, had a_
local participartion of $5,000, with the federal match being
$45,000, for a total of a $50,000 program.
Councilman Kloesel stated that he strongly favored the idea
of applying for a grant to research the air transportation needs
of Baytown. He further added that he would like the Administration
to prepare the needed background information, including cost, so
that location participation can be figured. Mayor Gentry expressed
the opinion that when the information to complete the grant appli-
cation was collected, the City would be able to match with its
ten (100) per cent. Council had no objections to the Administration
gathering the necessary materials to complete such an application.
Recess
Mayor Gentry then recessed the open meeting into executive
session to discuss personnel matters and land acquisition.
Reconvene
Mayor Gentry explained that Council would at this time act
upon the City's conditional acceptance of an offer for the City
to purchase a site for a sanitary sewer plant facility. The
City would purchase approximately 6.5576 acres at $5,600 per
acre. The Administration recommended that this conditional
offer be made and financed with 1970 Bond Funds.
Councilman Hutto inquired if the sale would be consummated
after the hearing was held. Mayor Gentry explained that the City's
offer was contingent upon the receipt of the proper permits from
the governmental authorities and in order to acquire said permits,
the City must hold a hearing.
6119
Minutes of the Regular Meeting - December 21, 1976
Councilman Cannon moved for adoption of the ordinance;
Councilman Lander seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Wilbanks and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: Council members Kloesel and Hutto
Councilman Hutto stated that he opposed the motion because in
his opinion Mr. Leggett should donate the land to the City.
ORDINANCE NO. 2150
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING, CONTINGENT UPON
APPROVAL OF THE PROPER STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES,
THE PURCHASE OF A 6.5576 ACRE TRACT OF LAND AS
HEREIN DESCRIBED FROM DECKER DRIVE INVESTMENTS,
A PARTNERSHIP (MARVIN E. LEGGETT, GENERAL PARTNER),
OR THE TRUE OWNER THEREOF, ON A UNIT PRICE BASIS
FOR THE SUM OF FIFTY -SIX HUNDRED ($5,600) DOLLARS
PER ACRE; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF THE
PURCHASE PRICE THEREOF; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
Municipal Court Judge
Councilman Kloesel moved to reappoint Judge Steve Hebert for
a two -year term as Municipal Court Judge; Councilman Hutto seconded
the motion.
Mayor Gentry stated that because Councilman Kimmons was not
present for the session with Judge Hebert, he would not be able
to support the motion. He explained that Councilman Kimmons could
meet personally with the Judge or the City Manager in order to be
apprised of the information received in the meeting with Judge
Hebert.
Mr. Lanham pointed out that this appointment was usually made
the second meeting in January so it was not absolutely necessary
that it be made at this time. He further explained that it was
a two -year term and would be effective upon the expiration of
the present term.
Councilman Kloesel moved to table the motion; Councilman
Hutto seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
Adjourn
There being no further business to transact, Councilman
Cannon moved to adjourn the meeting; Councilman Hutto seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Lander, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto and
Cannon
Mayor Gentry
Nays: None
APPROVED:
Eileen P. Hall, City Clerk