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2001 09 10 CC Minutes, SpecialMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN September 10, 2001 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in special session on September 10, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. DeZavala Elementary School, 305 Tri- Cities Beach Road, Baytown, Texas with the following in attendance: Mercedes Renteria, III Ronnie Anderson Don Murray Coleman Godwin Pete C. Alfaro Monte Mercer Bob Leiper Gary W. Smith Absent was: Calvin Mundinger Scott Sheley Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Mayor City Manager Assistant City Manager City Clerk Council Member Council Member Attend Congressman Nick Lampson's press conference opposing the proposed TSP Development Limited of Kingwood proposed landfill. Dr. Barbara Sultis, Superintendent, Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, welcomed Congressman Lampson. Congressman Lampson addressed the public and stated that the press conference was being held at an elementary school to represent the need to oppose the landfill in order to preserve the future. Congressman Lampson then introduced J. J. Slater from Congressman Bentson's office, Mayor Alfaro, Council Members Murray, Renteria, Anderson, and Godwin, Charles Beckwith from Commissioner Fonteno's office, Ruben DeHoyos from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Citizens for a Better Baytown and representatives of Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District. Congressman Lampson encouraged granting of party status to the City, Goose Creek C. I. S. D., and Citizens for a Better Baytown. Robin Stoerner, Principal of DeZavala Elementary was thanked for her cooperation in holding the press conference. Congressman Lampson related that he had tried to raise questions about the landfill, but his questions have not been adequately answered. He encouraged all present to oppose the landfill and join in the fight. He has opposed the landfill for three years. The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission should hold hearings to receive the concerns of the citizens and to answer questions. There are potential adverse affects on the community and TNRCC must provide complete satisfaction that the concerns have been addressed and the community protected. Page 2 of 2 Minutes of the Special Session — September 10, 2001 In response to questions and comments from the audience, Congressman Lampson reported that he is reviewing activity that can be taken at the federal level and has worked with EPA concerning the landfill, but there is no formal role for EPA at this time. As a federal official, he doubts he can have a direct impact at the state level, but he will work in support of the local efforts and help in the process. He will be in touch with TNRCC and will keep EPA aware of the application process. He encouraged those opposing the landfill to work through politics to get the TNRCC directors to come to town to answer questions about the landfill. The EPA is not allowed to participate in the permit process. He encouraged reports of wetlands violations be made to appropriate federal authorities. He will contact his counterparts from the Carolinas to make them aware of the investors from their districts supporting the landfill in Chambers County. He reported contacts and efforts from Zeb Zbranek in opposition to the landfill. He will contact Mike Jackson and Governor Perry. He encouraged those in attendance to stay involved and to be heard, for that is the best means of shaping public policy and the heart of politics. Tracy Cuellar spoke in opposition to the landfill. She is seeking party status and information concerning the landfill. She is concerned about health impacts for her children. Mayor Alfaro thanked Congressman Lampson for his interest. He urged greater involvement to diminish the chances of the permits being approved. No one in the community wants the landfill. He assured the audience that Bernsen, Bosse, Whitmire and Gallegos all oppose the landfill. He is scheduled to meet with Governor Perry and will raise the issue in that meeting. He is proud of the work that has been done. He is glad the City is seeking party status. The community must work together. Rick Peebles, General Counsel for Goose Creek C. I. S. D., thanked Congressman Lampson for his support. The School District passed a resolution and voted to seek party status. Environmental counsel has been hired. The District will work to defeat the permits and keep TSP out of the community. Robin Stoerner, Principal DeZavala Elementary, related that her school is located in close proximity to the landfill. The truck traffic carrying the toxic wastes will pass within 200 yards of the campus. Up to 144 trucks are expected each day if the landfill is opened. Two major intersections are not signalized. Adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. J'a 6#-W-.- Sinith, City Clerk