2001 06 28 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
June 28, 2001
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in work session on June 28, 2001,
at 9:00 a.m. in the Main Hearing Room of the Dewitt C. Greer Building, 125 E. 11 `"
Street, Austin, Texas, with the following in attendance:
Ronnie Anderson Council Member
Calvin Mundinger Council Member
Don Murray Council Member
Pete C. Alfaro Mayor
Monte Mercer City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez, Sr. City Attorney
Gary W. Smith City Clerk
Absent were: Mercedes Renteria, III Council Member
Scott Sheley Council Member
Coleman Godwin Council Member
The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was
conducted:
Presentation to Texas Transportation Commission relating to the Spur 330 projects.
Mayor Alfaro thanked the Commissioners for the completion of the Highway 146
project, the Hartman Bridge project and the progress on the two current Spur 330
projects. The forty- member delegation from Baytown was recognized in support of
completion of the main lanes from Fairway to Interstate Highway 10. The Commission
has responded favorably to past requests, including the phased approach to Spur 330.
The community now asks for expedited funding and construction of the main lanes from
Fairway to I -10.
The main lanes are necessary for safety, as the traffic on the Spur has increased with
completion of the Hartman Bridge and Highway 146 and the expansion of the Port of
Houston. Mayor Alfaro reviewed the profile of the community and the transportation
links. The Spur and Highway 146 serve as hurricane evacuation routes. Large trucks,
often carrying hazardous cargo use the corridors to serve the petrochemical industry and
the Port of Houston.
Spur 330 is the primary western entrance to the City. The portion of the Spur without
main lanes intersects Baker Road, Bayway Drive and railroad tracks. Grade separation is
needed.
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Minutes of the Work Session —June 28, 2001
It is projected to cost $25,800,000 to complete the main lanes. Local funds will be
available to assist in the completion. The Baytown Municipal Development District can
dedicate $2,500,000 and $3,000,000 has been dedicated by the Houston - Galveston Area
Council.
Since the opening of the Hartman Bridge, there has been an increase in major accidents
along Spur 330, with most occurring at the Baker Road and Bayway Drive intersections.
The project is ready for construction. No additional right -of -way is required. No utilities
will be moved. Only funding is needed. More hazardous material is being transported
over the Spur. The risks of serious accidents and safety risks have increased and can be
addressed by completion of the main lanes. The mobilization costs can be avoided by
keeping the equipment on the job site.
The completion of the main lanes will provide for safer transportation, hurricane
evacuation, and will enhance economic development.
In 1959 City Council approved an agreement for the Spur 330 project. Much has been
done, but the project must be brought to completion.
State Representative Joe Crabb addressed the Commissioners and urged the Commission
to provide the funding to complete the project.
Chairman Johnson noted that the Spur 330 project is a critical project and will be
considered.
Adjourn.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:23 am
G W.S ith
City Clerk