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