1989 02 02 CC Minutes, SpecialMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
February 2, 1989
l
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in
special session on Thursday, February 2, 1989, at 5:00 p.m. in
the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall with the following
attendance:
Fred T. Philips
Jimmy Johnson
Perry Simmons
Roy Fuller
Rolland Pruett
Emmett O. Hutto
Fritz Lanham
Randy Strong
Bobby Rountree
Lynda Kilgore
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Councilman
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
Assistant City Manager
Deputy City Clerk
The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. The
following business was conducted:
Consider Appointment to Council District No. 6
Mayor Hutto stated that the purpose of this meeting is to
consider the appointment to Council District No. 6. He asked
that those addressing council please confine their remarks to
this particular item on the agenda. Council has received resumes
from three individuals who have indicated an interest in this
position -- Cheryl Cole, Ambrose Rios, Jr., and Pete Alfaro. He
inquired if any council members had received other resumes.
Mayor Hutto recognized Vernon Shields who stated that he
does have a resume he would like to submit to council. Mr.
Shields presented his resume at this time.
Mayor Hutto announced that several people have signed the
roster to address council and that there is a three minute limit.
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Minutes of the Special Meeting - Feb. 2, 1989
Rocky Rodriguez, 601 West Cleveland, read a letter addressed
to council and signed by Rocky Rodriguez, Judy Hardy and Tony
Campos. The letter explained that a group of sixty --five minority
citizens had met on January 30, 1989, to discuss the vacancy
created by the resignation of Ron Embry. Mayor Hutto was invited
for the purpose of explaining the selection process.
The topics discussed at the meeting were the selection
process involved in filling the vacancy, and the affect the
appointment of a minority would have on the lawsuit against the
city on the issue of single member districts.
The letter contained the names and a brief summary of
remarks about single member districting by four citizens who were
interested in the vacant council position. The letter closed
stating that this group hopes that the decision in filling this
vacancy is based on sincere motivation to bring minorities into
the decision - making process of Baytown city government and not a
last ditch effort to affect the pending litigation.
Mayor Hutto explained that he talked to Mr. Tony Campos
about that meeting on two occasions and informed him that it
would be very inappropriate for the Mayor to attend that meeting
because of pending litigation.
Steve Fischer, 2001 Wright Blvd., addressed council to speak
on behalf of Cheryl Cole. He stated that she has been a friend
for six years, and he has also worked very closely with her. As a
member of his union, she has been involved in contract negotia-
tions and has the inherent ability to look at both sides fairly
and objectively and to meet middle- ground compromises very well.
She has a bachelor's degree in Political Science and would be an
asset to the council.
W.J. Reineke, 2000 Alabama, stated that he is a fifty year
resident of Baytown. He would like to speak for Mr. Pete Alfaro
whom he has known for twenty years. He added that Mr. Alfaro is
a fair person and a fine gentlemen. His skills in management and
judgement are very good, and he would like to recommend Pete
Alfaro for council position, District 6.
n
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Minutes of the Special Meeting - Feb. 21 1989
Gene Kinney, 5100 Parsley, addressed council and asked that
the council vacancy not be filled. He feels that the present
council is serving under mitigating circumstances, and he would
like for the citizens of Baytown to elect someone for that
vacancy.
Jim Entringer, 5103 Glen Haven, President of the Country
Club Civic Association, addressed council not on behalf of that
entire organization, but for some of its Board of Directors. He
stated that he has worked with Pete Alfaro, in many activities
over the years. He finds Mr. Alfaro to be an extremely
dedicated and capable individual. He stated that Mr. Alfaro had
very strong organizational and leadership skills and would make a
very good councilman.
Tony Campos, 1518 W. Humble, addressed council. He stated
that his remarks were directed to Mayor Hutto. He felt that
Mayor Hutto showed insensitivity in refusing to meet with the
minority citizens at the Monday night meeting.
Dan Conejo, 5519 East goad, addressed council to express his
support for Fete Alfaro. He stated that Mr. Alfaro would work
with the existing council and help make decisions for the entire
City of Baytown. He added that some of the minorities who are
here do not represent the entire Hispanic body of Baytown.
Mary Jane Samara, 1906 McFarland, addressed council to show
her support for Pete Alfaro. She has known him for years and has
been aware of his involvement in civic affairs. She felt Mr.
Alfaro would bring special qualities such as honesty and
integrity to council. He represents every segment of the Baytown
community, and his views reflect the views of the majority of
Baytonians.
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Minutes of the Special Meeting - Feb. 2, 1989
Vernon Shields, 3300 Rollingbrook, appeared to solicit the
appointment to the unexpired term of Ron Embry, Council District
6. Mr. Shields stated that he had served on many committees with
the city and has shown interest in all causes in Baytown. He
served on the Baytown Housing Authority Board for five years, one
year as chairman of that Board. He has been involved in youth
basketball with the YMCA and many other activities in the
community. His Master's Degree is in Public Administration. Mr.
Shields stated that he would like to be seriously considered for
the vacancy in District 6.
Lynne Foley, 204 Post Oak, addressed council to express her
support for Pete Alfaro. She has known him for many years and
feels that he possesses the leadership skills necessary for this
position. She stated that he is very people- oriented, thinks
before he speaks, and has demonstrated his skills in the various
activities in which he has been involved. Mrs. Foley stated that
Mr. Alfaro is proud of Baytown and will be a respected member of
council.
Woody Crawford, 906 Friars Lane, President of the Allenbrook
Civic Association, appeared to express his support and the
support of many of the civic association members for Mr. Ambrose
Rios. Mr. Crawford added that Mr. Rios had represented the
association well and had also been instrumental in the acqui-
sition of park property for Allenbrook Subdivision. He felt that
Mr. Rios would represent all of Baytown, and would be a good
choice for Council District 6.
Angie Rios, addressed council to express support for a
minority on council. She stated that one minority would not have
much of an impact on council, but would be a good thing for
minorities in our city. She felt an appointment of a minority to
council would show sensitivity on the part of council to the
minorities. She would like to see this change now so that her
children would feel that there was someone on council sensitive
to their needs as would all minorities.
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Minutes of the Special Meeting - Feb. 21 1989
Jean Shepherd, 7616 Bayway, appeared to express concern for
the seriousness of this appointment. She stated that council
would be making a decision for District 6 and for the City of
Baytown. She hoped that council would pay close attention to the
resumes submitted and how these candidates have served the com-
munity. She added that she did not support any candidate, but
does support single member districts.
Ray Robinson, 2004 Texama Street, addressed council to
encourage them to fill this council vacancy. He stated that he
had heard many times that justice delayed is justice denied. Mr.
Robinson felt it would be a mistake not to fill this position.
He encouraged council to try very hard to appoint the right man
for the job.
Pete Alf aro, 5020 Glen Haven, appeared before council to
express his interest in being named to fill the council vacancy
in District 6. He briefly discussed his resume naming many of
the community activities in which he has been involved. Mr.
Alf aro stated that he had been considering running for council
over the last two years, and his decision to ask to be considered
for this vacancy was not an overnight decision. He added that
one point that did bother him was that he would not be considered
as a serious candidate for this position but be considered a
token minority. Mr. Alf aro stated that even if this were the
case he would swallow his pride for the betterment of the commun-
ity and try to work for the best efforts of this community. He
wants to utilize his experience as a community leader to accom-
plish the goals and objectives that are developed by citizen
input.
He stated that the community needs to move forward in
economic development, representation on council, and more citizen
participation at all levels of city government. Mr. Alfaro
stated that if appointed, his goal would be to be the best city
councilman that Baytown has ever had. Sometimes when the makeup
of a group is changed, one person can be enough to start causing
a change. He stated that his intent is to be remembered not as a
token, but as a facilitator that was able to revitalize Baytown
city government and to make Baytown a better place for everyone.
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Minutes of the Special Meeting - Feb. 29 1989
Ambrose Rios, 906 Sunnybrook, appeared to express his desire
to seek the appointment to the council vacancy. He stated that
he was not sent to Baytown by Exxon, he was born here. He stated
his resume indicates that his experience is directly related to
the business of the city. He has been involved in many community
activities. Mr. Rios pledged that he would do his very best to
represent this city proudly. He felt that the other people vying
for this position are to be commended, but that he was the best
man for the job.
Cheryl A. Cole, 52 Park Briar Circle, addressed council to
be considered for the council vacancy. She stated she had heard
many good comments tonight. She discussed her involvement in
community affairs. Mrs. Cole stated she is a third generation
Baytonian and has yet to see representation on the Baytown City
Council. She stated she does not come just as a minority, but as
a concerned citizen and a member of District 6 who is concerned
about Baytown as a whole. She pledged sensitivity to everyone in
Baytown and for the betterment of the community. Ms. Cole stated
that there is a golden opportunity here in the replacement of a
very fine councilman, Ron Embry. She hoped that concern for
every citizen would be shown here tonight and urged council to
consider her for this position.
Mayor Hutto stated that there were four individuals
submitting resumes for the council vacancy and added that council
was not bound to appoint any of the four if they did not choose
to do so. He announced that this appointment would not be made
in executive session but at the council table. He expressed
appreciation for the people interested in serving.
Councilman Johnson asked for a few minutes to read through
the resumes.
After a brief break to read through resumes, Mayor Hutto
asked for comments from council.
Councilman Simmons stated that he felt that all four candi-
dates were fine people and friends of his. He has had a long
relationship with the Hispanic and Black races in this town since
living on this side of the creek for fifty years. He's been in
business here and has seen many of these people grow up, and has
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Minutes of the Special Meeting - Feb. 2, 1989
worked with these minorities. He knows he does not think as they
do, but has tried to serve them to the best of his ability. The
selection of one of these candidates will not be a reflection on
the other candidates and applauded their interest in city govern -
ment and wished them well.
Councilman Fuller added that he felt good about the qualifi-
cations of these people who were seeking this position. He felt
that the city could not go wrong with any one of the four
presented tonight. Baytown can be proud and look to the future
to have qualified people represent this segment of the society
that is here tonight.
Mayor Hutto stated he felt that all of the candidates are
community minded, and he has had the pleasure of appointing
probably all of them to different boards and committees through
the years.
Councilman Philips added that no one knew why Councilman
Embry chose to resign, but for whatever reason he did. In that
resignation, this situation here tonight was created. Citizens
coming forward and showing interest and concern about their
special interest is a good thing. He would like to believe that
tonight brings about a new era in Baytown where there would be a
lot of this type input and people coming to council meetings. We
need it and from that standpoint Mr. Embry created a good,
positive thing. He added he was pleased to see these candidates
being endorsed by their friends and neighbors. He felt that any
one of the four would do a good job. He is more familiar with
Mr. Alfaro having worked with him on numerous occasions, and
would rise to the support of him.
Councilman Pruett added that he was pleased to see people
from all districts here tonight to see this District 6 vacancy
filled. He added that he was glad to live in a country where
this vacancy could be filled with a vote and not by force. It
would be hard to go wrong with any one of the four. Councilman
Pruett moved to appoint Pete Alfaro to fill the District 6
council vacancy. Councilman Philips seconded the motion. The
vote follows:
Ayes: Council members Philips, Johnson, Simmons
Fuller and Pruett
Mayor Hutto
Bays: None
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Minutes of the Special Meeting - Feb. 2, 1989
Adjourn
There being no further business to be transacted, the
meeting was adjourned.
Approved By:
-/ Q-: - - ------ - - - - --
Eileen -P. Hall
City Clerk
3.3.3
0
-Lyn Kilgore
Deputy City Clerk