Loading...
1977 03 10 CC Minutes6186 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN March 10, 1977 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in regular session, Thursday, March 10, 1977, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall. The following members were in attendance: Jody Lander Jack Kimmons Ted Kloesel Mary E. Wilbanks Emmett Hutto *Allen Cannon Tom Gentry Fritz Lanham Neel Richardson Eileen P. Hall Dan Savage Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilwoman Councilman Councilman Mayor City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Assistant City Manager Mayor Gentry called the meeting to order and the invoca- tion was offered by the Reverend Gordon Ramey, Pastor of the First Church of God. Approve Minutes Councilman Kloesel moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 24, 1977, and ratification of actions taken concerning each of the matters listed on the agenda of said meeting. Councilman Kimmons seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, and Hutto Mayor Gentry Nays: None Receive Petitions Mr. Lanham, City Manager, presented Council with a peti- tion which had been signed by 191 employees of the City. In this petition, three requests were made: 1. That a merit system be established in addition to general across the board increases and longevity increases; 2. That longevity pay be increased from $2.00 per month for each year of service to $4.00 per month for each year of service with a 25 -year service limit, which is what Civil Service employees are currently receiving; 3. That employees be paid for all accumulated sick time upon retirement. Presently, there is a 90- day limitation. *Allen Cannon present. The employees who signed the petition requested that the Admin- istration be directed to develop cost figures with regard to implementing these requested changes so that due consideration could be given in the 1977 -78 Budget. Councilman Kloesel moved to accept the petition; Council- man Hutto seconded the motion. 6187 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 Councilman Lander suggested that when the cost figures were developed, the Administration should check on what other cities are doing in this regard. Councilman Kloesel said in that event he would make a motion to direct the Administration to prepare the cost figures involved and to put that item on the next agenda. Mayor Gentry said that Council already had a motion and second before it. Council asked when the information would be needed for bud- get preparation, and Mr. Lanham responded that budget preparation would begin in July. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None Councilman Kloesel then moved to direct the Administration to prepare the cost figures regarding the petition and present these figures to Council within 60 days for review; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Kloesel, Wilbanks, and Hutto Nays: None Abstained: Council members Lander, Kimmons, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Councilman Kloesel requested that Item Nos. 12 $ 13 be moved up on the agenda after the city manager's report so that citizens present in the audience who were interested in these items would not be inconvenienced. Council had no objections. City Manager's Report Community Development Grant Projects - Bids will be re- ceived March 29 for Community Development Grant Projects, and the Administration will present a recommendation at the first meeting in April. 1977 Street Reconstruction Program - The Administration has not advertised for bids on this project, but will do so and will have a recommendation for the April 28 meeting. City Auction - The City auction is scheduled for Saturday, March 26. Sliplining Projects - The contract is 61% complete. The contractor is currently working on the 6 -inch line between Pearce and Gulf which should be completed next week. The contractor will then move to the McPhail - Walker Street area. East District Sewage Treatment Plant - This contract is 99% complete with minor items of work remaining such as the road and fencing. Modifications to the old unit have been completed, and the new section which has been in service since December 9 is functioning properly. Bob Smith Road Storm Sewer - The contractor is nearing com- pletion of the work near North Main Street. Of the 3,800 feet of pipe which was to be installed, 300 feet remains to be installed. Senior Citizens - The City of Baytown's application for funds to continue the Senior Citizens Transportation Program has been reviewed and approved by the Project Review Committee. The appli- cation now goes to the City Council of the City of Houston for final approval. The City of Houston receives all grant funds for sub - grants to other units of government. 6188 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 Airport Planning Funds - The City of Baytown's application for airport planning funds has been approved by the H -GAC Pro- jects Review Committee and is on the agenda for the H -GAC Execu- tive Committee for March 15. Slide Presentation - Mr. Lanham asked if Council would be interested in viewing a short slide presentation on the Area - wide Waste Treatment Management Plan in which the City of Bay- town and other cities in this area are participating. This is something in which the City must participate in order to be eligible for federal funds. The League of Women Voters have prepared a 15- minute slide presentation on this study. The Ad- ministration can get this slide presentation on April 14. The Council had no objection to viewing this slide presentation at 6:00 p.m. on April 14. Bond Sale - A bond sale is scheduled for April 14. Mr. Masterson, Financial Advisor, has suggested a trip to New York to meet with the rating firms in order to keep the present rating or even improve it. Mr. Lanham requested permission of Council for Mayor Gentry and himself to accompany Mr. Masterson to New York on March 29 and 30. Councilman Kimmons moved to authorize the trip; Councilman Wilbanks seconded the motion. Mayor Gentry said that Mr. Masterson has also requested that a representative from the School District accompany the City of Baytown representatives to New York because the school district will be selling bonds also. Councilman Kloesel felt that only one representative for the City of Baytown should accompany Mr. Masterson. The vote follows: ' Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Nays: Councilman Kloesel Abstained: Mayor Gentry Questions or Comments Regarding City Manager's Report Mayor Gentry asked what was the status on {Vest Texas Avenue at the Spur 201 connection. Mr. Lanham said that he had checked on this and that all of the surface was complete. The contractor is completing the installation of curbs so the Spur 201 connec- tion should be open within a few days. Mayor Gentry suggested that the Administration contact the highway department for a date as to when that section would be open. Councilman Hutto inquired if the Administration had received any update from the County regarding their timetable for comple- tion of the bridge over North Burnet and also the problem in Goose Creek Stream and Country Club. Mr. Powers, City Engineer, said that he did speak with County representatives about three weeks ago and they were still having legal problems with Exxon Pipeline Company. As far as the problem on Goose Creek Stream, this problem is prevalent on other streams, and Mr. Powers felt that probably the County would have a priority list for making adjustments. Prior to finalizing the street reconstruction plans, the County will be asked to build the bridge on North Burnet since at this time it appears that the ditch work will not be complete. 6189 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - .March 10, 1977 At the present time, there is a law suit pending before the Supreme Court to determine whether or not the County has to pay damages for requiring that the pipeline be lowered. Probably, the question will be resolved within 90 days. Councilman Kloesel informed the Administration of a sewer obstruction on Glen and Alexander near the railroad tracks. Councilman Kloesel asked if the City was involved in oil discharges. The City does remove air filters situated in the city to send to the State, but the City has no ordinance in this regard. Councilman Kloesel also stated that he felt the Council should be briefed on the airport study to make certain that the County and City could coordinate wherever possible in this study. Coun- cilwoman Wilbanks explained that when the subject of an airport study for the Baytown area came up at Project Review last month, there was no information concerning the County's study presented at that time. There are County Commissioners on this committee so they were fully aware of Baytown's intentions before they voted. The County's application will be considered at Project Review next month which will be a very good time to consider coordination of the two efforts. Mr. Lanham pointed out that the County had planned to present an application for an airport study in north, west, and east Harris County. Councilman Kloesel suggested that the City could go into a joint venture with the County as in the past on drainage. Mayor Gentry suggested that both Councilwoman Wilbanks and the Administration through the H -GAC check into the matter to determine what the possibilities are toward coordination and report back to Council. Closing of Durrain -Ferry Road Councilman Kloesel had requested that this item be placed on this agenda, and moved that Durrain -Ferry Road be closed for through traffic at its intersection with Spur 201. Councilman Hutto secon- ded the motion. Councilman Kloesel said that when the street was open, the traffic sped on this street and the residents on the street wanted it to be closed. Councilman Cannon explained that the Council's Traffic Com- mittee had not recommended that the street be opened, and that the street would be closed for approximately one year to through traffic. Councilman Lander asked Councilman Cannon for an explanation of the Traffic Committee's feelings on the matter. Councilman Cannon explained that the Committee had recommended that Durrain -Ferry Road remain closed until both of the 201 feeder roads were opened to traffic. Soon the feeded road on the west side will be opened to two -way traffic, and the Committee will not recommend that Durrain- Ferry Road be opened under those hazardous conditions. The traffic Committee has decided to wait until both feeder roads are open to traffic to make a recommendation. Councilman Kloesel said that since the street was closed tem- porarily for construction, this would be an ideal time to close the street permanently. The vote follows: Ayes: Councilman Kloesel Nays: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Wilbanks, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Abstained: Councilman Hutto 6190 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 Entex Request for Natural Gas Rate Increase and Entex Billing Policy Councilman Kloesel had asked that this item be placed on the agenda. He explained that he had received a number of calls in opposition to the request of Entex for natural gas rate increase and calls from individuals who had problems regarding Entex's billing procedures, that is, in having their meter read and dif- ficulty in resolving problems in that area. He said that he, too, was opposed to the Entex request for a natural gas rate increase and was especially opposed to any automatic adjustment. Council- man Kloesel said that there was one individual in the audience who had requested to appear, and he asked Council to recognize Mr. Martin. Mayor Gentry inquired if perhaps Mr. Martin might prefer to wait until the public hearing reconvened since anything he would have to say at that time would be part of the official record. Mayor Gentry went on to say that he certainly had no objection to Mr. Martin appearing at this time, but would request that he ap- pear when the public hearing was reconvened; Mr. Martin concurred it would be better to appear when the public hearing reconvened. Ordinance - First Reading Chaparral Village, Section Nos 4 & 5 At the last Council meeting, a public hearing was held on this annexation with no one appearing in opposition. In order to complete the annexation process, two readings are required. This ordinance will be the first reading. The Administration recom- mended approval of the ordinance on first reading. Councilman Kimmons moved for the adoption of the ordinance; Councilman Hutto seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 2183 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE EXTENSION OF CERTAIN BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AND THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN TERRITORY, WHICH SAID TERRITORY LIES ADJACENT TO AND AD- JOINS THE PRESENT BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS. Ordinance - Final Payment on Hunnicutt Storm Sewer Project In December, Council approved substantial completion pay- ment to the contractor on the Hunnicutt Storm Sewer Project, with- holding $1,000.00 to ensure final cleanup. The proper inspections have been made and approval of the work given by the Public Works and Engineering Departments of the City. The Administration rec- ommended acceptance of the work and authorization to pay the $1,000.00. Councilman Lander moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Kimmons seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None 6191 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 ORDINANCE NO. 2184 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE CON- STRUCTION OF EAST HUNNICUTT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT BY R. T. BISHOP CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FINDING THAT THE WORK HAS BEEN PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT; ACCEPTING THE CITY EN- GINEER'S CERTIFICATE OF FINAL ACCEPTANCE; AUTHO- RIZING THE FINAL PAYMENT TO THE SAID R. T. BISHOP CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFEC- TIVE DATE HEREOF. Ordinance - Awarding Contract No. 77 -10 for Cleaning and Tele- vising of Sanitary Sewer Lines Three bids were received for the cleaning and televising of sanitary sewer lines as follows: CMC Specialists, Inc. $ 5,508.56 Shur -Flo, Inc. $ 7,017.80 Channel Construction Co., Inc. $17,716.72 The estimate for this contract was $6,000.00. CMC Specialists, Inc. was low bidder in the amount of $5,508.56. This contract includes cleaning and televising at nine different locations in the city. The Administration recommended approval of the low bidder. Councilman Cannon moved for the adoption of the ordinance; Councilman Kimmons seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 2185 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, ACCEPTING THE BID OF C M C SPE- CIALISTS, INC. FOR THE CLEANING AND TELEVISING OF SANITARY SEWER LINES, CONTRACT NO. 77 -10, ON A UNIT PRICE BASIS, WITH THE COMPENSATION TO BE PAID TO BE BASED UPON THE ACTUAL LINEAR FEET CLEANED AND TELEVISED AND PROVIDING FOR THE EF- FECTIVE DATE HEREOF. Ordinance - Awarding Bid for the Purchase of a High Pressure Washer Six bids were received for the purchase of a high pressure washer as follows: BIDDER: TOTAL PRICE: MODEL: PARTS /SERVICE: WARRANTY: DELIVERY: STERN CHEMTECH $3,085.00 Hot Blitz 1500 Series Houston, TX One Year One Week - 10 Days ACTION CLEANING EQ. L T, A PRODUCTS $3,254.00* $3,295.00 Electro Magic 51000 Hot Blitz 1500 Series Houston, TX Houston, TX One Year One Year Pump/Mtr 90 Days Other Parts Immediately 10 -20 Days *Does not meet specs 6192 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 BIDDER: HOTSY OF TEXAS PURSWELL EQUIP. CO. LOWRY EQUIPMENT CO. TOTAL PRICE $3,488.00 $4,223.00 $4,685.00 MODEL: Kina 2000 H4M Citation 7500 Model L $ A Model 7110 E PARTS /SERVICE: Houston, TX Baytown, TX Houston, TX WARRANTY: One Year One Year One Year DELIVERY: 10 -14 Days 14 Days 21 Days The low bid was that of Stern Chemtech Corporation for the amount of $3,085.00. The Administration had estimated $3,020.00 and recommended approval of the low bidder. Councilman Lander moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Kimmons seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 2186 AN ORDINANCE OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, TECH CORPORATIO] PRESSURE WASHER THE CITY OF THE FIVE AND N01100 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ACCEPTING THE BID OF STERN CHEM- J FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE HIGH AND AUTHORIZING THE PAYMENT BY SUM OF THREE THOUSAND EIGHTY - ($3,085.00) DOLLARS. Ordinance - Amending Civil Service Rules to Reduce the Minimum Age Requirements for Firefighters This proposed amendment to the Civil Service Rules is a recommendation of the Civil Service Commission. Presently, the rules provide a minimum age requirement of 21 for both firemen and policemen and a maximum age of 35 (the oath must be taken prior to the 36 birthday). This amendment will lower the mini- mum age for firemen, prior to receiving the oath of office, to 19. The minimum age for policement will remain 21. Councilman Kloesel asked if this would affect volunteers. Fire Chief McBride explained that volunteers were not governed by Civil Service Rules. Each station has its own age require- ments regarding volunteers. A fireman is not eligible to take the examination to be a driver until he has been employed for a period of two years; therefore, there would be no one under 21 driving. Councilman Kloesel moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Cannon seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None ORDINANCE NO. 2187 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, APPROVING AMENDMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE RULES OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, BY THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION; AMENDING CHAPTER 7, SECTION 42 OF SAID RULES BY LOWERING THE AGE RE- QUIREMENT OF FIREMEN TO 19; REPEALING ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF. 6193 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 Central Little League - Construct a Parking Lot on Pelly Park When Council authorized the construction of Pelly Park, the Central Little League agreed to construct a 30 -35 car parking lot on privately owned property. However, this property is too low to permit the construction; therefore, the Little League has re- quested permission to construct this parking lot on city -owned property. The parking lot will be constructed in accordance with the specifications established by the Engineering Department. The parking lot will be constructed of stabilized limestone and will be oiled whenever necessary. The Administration recommended that permission be given the Central Little League to construct this parking lot in accordance with the requirements of the City. Councilman Kimmons moved to accept the recommendation of the Administration. Councilman Kloesel seconded the motion. Council was concerned that the surface would be oiled once and then the City would be left with this responsibility. Mr. Rountree, Director of Parks and Recreation, said that the Central Little League had agreed to oil the parking area whenever necessary. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None Beautification of Garth Road Between Park Street and Decker Drive Along the Esplanade The Beautify Baytown Association has received a $1,000.00 do- nation from the Independent Insurance Agents of Baytown for the beautification of the explanades on Garth Road between Park and Decker. The Beautify Baytown Association proposes to purchase fifteen planters and plant material for each of the planters. The City will provide the topsoil and construct and maintain the plant- ers which will be the same as those on Ward Road. The cost of the topsoil to the City would be approximately $150.00. The Adminis- tration recommended approval of the proposal. Councilman Kloesel expressed concern that vandals might destroy the plants and asked about replacement. Vandals did destroy the plants on Ward Road once, but new plants were donated. However, in the event of vandalism, the City would have to replace the plants. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None Beautification of Albert Thomas Plaza The Parks and Recreation Department has prepared a beautifi- cation plan for the Albert Thomas Plaza. The plan has been re- viewed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Beautify Baytown Association. Beautification will consist of the construction of triangular forms approximately 18" to 24" in height on the plaza medians and various types of plant material at an estimated cost of $3,740.00. This project will be financed with 1975 Bond Funds. The Administration recommended approval of the plan to beautify Albert Thomas Plaza. The plants which will be planted are of the low- growing creeping variety, and therefore, will not obstruct vision of motorists. 6194 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 Councilman Cannon moved to accept the recommendation of the Administration; Councilwoman Wilbanks seconded the motion. Council inquired if it would be possible to use Revenue Sharing Funds for this project. It would be possible, but Council did not designate this type project for Revenue Sharing Funds. There was an underrun on the Highway 146 Project of approximately $10,000.00. In response to a question from Council regarding the man- power being utilized for beautification-; Mr. Rountree explained that there were six men on the beautification crew. These men are responsible for mowing of right of way, as well as maintenance of beautification projects. At the present time 35% of this crew's time is utilized on beautification because they have been planting on Highway 146 and if Council grants approval they will be working on this project. During normal working periods, only 20% of the crew's time would be attributed to caring for the beds and the remainder would be attributed to mowing. Councilamn Kloesel said that he had received criticism re- garding employees in this crew who seemed to be idle. Mr. Rountree explained that the crew had been weeding beds and this was hand work which usually required that 3 -4 persons be grouped. This problem will be resolved since this work has been completed. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: Councilman Kloesel Appointments to the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Review Board Mr. Lanham explained that William E. Gandy, William J. Gidley, Jack Hartt, and the Reverend Peter Katt had been contacted con- cerning reappointment to the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Review Board and had agreed to continue to serve. He also pointed out that the Chairman of this Board is appointed by Council, and that Mr. Gandy has been serving in that capacity. Council inquired if Mr. Gandy would be willing to serve as chairman. The Administration had not asked the question when checking with Mr. Gandy concerning his willingness to serve. Therefore, Council could consider these reappointments without naming a chairman or consider the reappointments, naming Mr. Gandy as chairman contingent upon his agreeing to serve in this capacity. Councilman Kloesel moved that William E. Gandy, William J. Gidley, Jack Hartt, and the Reverend Peter Katt be reappointed to the Urban Rahabilitation Standards Review Board, and that Mr. Gandy be appointed chairman contingent upon his agreeing to serve in this capacity. Councilman Kimmons seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None Committee Reports None. Unfinished Business None. 6195 Minutes of the Regular Meeting - March 10, 1977 Recess, Reconvene, and Adjourn The Council recessed into executive session to discuss land acquisition. When the meeting reconvened, Mayor Gentry announced that no business had been transacted. There being no further business to be transacted, Councilman Kloesel moved to adjourn; Councilman Kimmons seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Council members Lander, Kimmons, Kloesel, Wilbanks, Hutto, and Cannon Mayor Gentry Nays: None P"// - P, xv/� � EILEEN P. HALL, City Clerk