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2000 10 16 CC Minutes, SpecialMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN October 16, 2000 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in special session on October 16, 2000, at 6:30 p.m., in the Auditorium of the Community Center, 2407 Market Street, with the following in attendance: Absent were: Victor Almendarez Council Member Don Murray Council Member Coleman Godwin Council Member Pete C. Alfaro Mayor Monte Mercer City Manager Danny Jackson Assistant City Attorney Gary W. Smith City Clerk Scott Sheley Council Member Calvin Mundinger Council Member Ronnie Anderson Council Member The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was conducted: Consider Approval of the Minutes of the October 12, 2000, Regular Council Meeting Council Member Almendarez moved approval of the minutes. The motion was seconded by Council Member Murray. The motion carried. 20001016 -2 Minutes of Special Session — October 16, 2000 Hearing on appeal of the decision of the Urban Standards Rehabilitation Board to demolish the structure at 1000 W. Murrill (Lot 2, Block 13, Pruett Estates, Section 2). Mayor Alfaro opened the hearing and asked the City Manager to brief the Council on the circumstances concerning the property. The City Manager announced that Ms. Kay Arwood, appellant and owner of the property had entered into an agreement with the City that would provide for the repair and restoration of the structure on or before December 16, 2000. Ms. Arwood stated that she did not desire to offer any testimony. The hearing was closed. Consider affirming, reversing, or modifying the decision of the Urban Standards Rehabilitation Board concerning the structure at 1000 W. Murrill (Lot 2, Block 13, Pruett Estates, Section 2) Council Member Murray moved modification of the decision of the Urban Standards Rehabilitation Board to accept the agreement entered by Ms. Arwood for the rehabilitation of the property. The motion was seconded by Council Member Godwin. Ayes: Council Members Almendarez, Murray and Godwin and Mayor Alfaro. Nays: None. The motion carried. Baytown 2020 Public Hearing Mayor Alfaro opened the public hearing on the proposed Baytown 2020 Comprehensive Plan. He introduced Lisa Urban, Co -Chair of the Steering Committee, and the other members of the Steering Committee present. Lisa Urban then reviewed the proposed plan. The plan has been two years in development, through town meetings and interviews with leaders of the community. The plan will be reviewed and presented to Council for consideration on November 1. A review of the existing comprehensive plan, RUDAT and other studies lead to the formation of the Steering Committee to update the existing plan. The proposed plan will provide 20001016 -3 Minutes of Special Session — October 16, 2000 a guide for decisions of community leaders in the future. The plan is to be regularly reviewed and updated as goals are met. The Baytown 2020 Plan is designed to be community first, to provide for balanced development, to manage quality development, to provide for progressive leadership, and to develop Baytown to be a true hometown. The priorities of the Plan are: 1. Infrastructure 2. Beautification /Image 3. Code Enforcement 4. Transportation 5. Compatibility in neighborhoods 6. Regional storm water detention 7. Traffic synchronization 8. Air/Water Quality 9. Parks improvements 10. Future growth areas. The chapters and purposes were reviewed: Land Use Review Zoning. Encourage infill Plan for annexation. Appearance Improve aesthetic appearance Reduce litter Transportation Meet minimum standards for all streets Provide alternate modes of transportation Signal synchronization Parks and Recreation Maintain a blend of well- maintained parks Focus on water resources Provide connections between parks 20001016-4 Minutes of Special Session — October 16, 2000 Housing Protect low- density neighborhoods Provide a variety of housing options Provide minimum standards for all neighborhoods Utility Infrastructure Regional storm water detention Protect against 100 -year storm Public Input David Dauphin spoke to commend the committee for its hard work and encourage adoption of the Plan. Requested development of Cedar Bayou as a recreational water resource. Suggested a "Welcome to Baytown" sign on Hwy. 146 just south of 1 -10. James Haarmeyer expressed that the Plan would stifle the growth of small businesses and make properties totally useless. Stated that the eight -foot strip taken for veggies and the additional six -foot strip proposed in the plan fails to provide for grandfathering and causes significant harm to businesses. Council does not read the plan. The $5,000 expense for landscaping will result in more empty buildings. The City does not own the empty lots the plan wants to have collected and given to developers. If the strong -arm tactics are continued, as were used with the start of the implementation of this Plan, there will be no support from businesses for the bond issue. Gloria Bashrum waived her request to speak. John Darland requested a more fully equipped and developed Seniors Center. There is a need for a Senior Citizens Activity Building, providing for exercise. Perhaps there is a need for more than one facility. J. S. DiPietro declined to speak. R. E. Christensen spoke to request strict enforcement of standards to protect the value of homes in neighborhoods. In particular, he complains of activities at Rollingwood and Decker Drive. Luther Haddock spoke to the need for public transportation in Baytown. He requested the formation of a committee to develop a system as is being developed across the Channel. He understands that the SIP will require public transportation. IM 20001016 -5 Minutes of Special Session — October 16, 2000 Mayor Alfaro addressed the audience and reported that Council is scheduled to consider acceptance of the Plan on November 9. The Council will act as the community desires. The action items will be addressed after further evaluation. A plan is necessary to go into the future. Thanks were expressed to the members of the Steering Committee for their hard work. Stan Reed then spoke protesting policies being adopted by 15 or 16 people controlling everyone. A committee of five old ladies banned billboards. The system is turning into a dictatorship. No one in business is involved in the committees. They would know better than to propose such things. Mayor Alfaro replied that he was for a limited government. The Public Hearing was closed. Adjourn As there was no further business to be transacted, the meeting was adjourned. It h - V4111 G4 W. Smit , City Clerk