2002 03 28 CC Minutes, SpecialMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
March 28, 2002
5:30 p.m.
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in special session on March 28, 2002, at 5:30 p.m. in
the Council Chamber of the Baytown City Hall with the following in attendance:
Ronnie Anderson
Council Member
Coleman Godwin
Council Member
Calvin Mundinger
Council Member
Don Murray
Council Member
Mercedes Renteria III
Council Member
Scott Sheley
Council Member
Pete C. Alfaro Mayor
Monte Mercer City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez, Sr. City Attorney
Gary W. Smith City Clerk
The meeting was opened with a quorum present and Council Member Sheley led the pledge of allegiance
and offered the invocation after which the following business was conducted:
Consider approval of minutes of the work session and regidar meeting held on March 14, 2002.
Council Member Murray moved approval of the minutes of the work session and regular meeting held on
March 14, 2002. Council Member Mundinger seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley.
Mayor Alfaro.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
Citizen Communications:
Winston Gardner requested a property tax exemption for the Cedar Bayou Masonic Lodge, the Goose Creek
Masonic Lodge, and the Baytown Masonic Lodge. In 2001, the State Legislature passed HB 1689, which
allows local taxing jurisdictions to give property tax relief to qualified charitable organizations. In
accordance with this provision, the Masonic Lodges are requesting exemption from City taxes on all or part
of its current assessed property value.
Mayor Alfaro asked Administration to respond to Mr. Gardner's request.
James A. Davis was unable to appear, but did provide a written statement for City Council regarding his
vision for the City.
Page 2of8
Minutes of the Special Session - March 28, 2002
Conduct the first public hearing on the proposed annexation of a 1384 -acre tract east of Garth Road
and north of Interstate Highway 10 and the Jack -In- The -Boa restaurant property, within the extra-
territorial jurisdiction of the City of Baytown in the George Ellis League, A -21.
The public hearing was called to order at 5:37 p.m.
Texas Local Government Code, Section 43.063 requires the City Council to conduct two public hearings at
which persons interested in the annexation are given the opportunity to be heard. This is the first of the
public hearings. Notice of the public hearing was published in the Baytown Sun on March 13, 2002, at least
ten days prior to today's date.
Mohamed Momin has requested that the property be annexed into the City as a prerequisite to receiving City
services. Mr. Momin intends to develop the property as a convenience store. The service plan for the
annexation was provided. The annexation ordinance may be considered when 20 days have elapsed after the
public hearing. The final reading may be held 30 days after the ordinance is passed on its first reading and
published.
No one appeared to speak on the proposed annexation of a 1.384 -acre tract east of Garth Road and north of
Interstate Highway 10 and the Jack -In -The -Box restaurant property, within the extra - territorial jurisdiction of
the City of Baytown in the George Ellis League, A -21.
The public hearing was closed at 5:38 p.m.
Conduct the second public hearing on the proposed annexation of a 1384-acre tract east of Garth
Road and north of Interstate Highway 10 and the Jack -In- The -Box restaurant property, within the
extra - territorial jurisdiction of the City of Baytown in the George Ellis League, A-21.
The public hearing was called to order at 5:38 p.m.
Texas Local Government Code, Section 43.063 requires the City Council to conduct two public hearings at
which persons interested in the annexation are given the opportunity to be heard. This is the first of the
public hearings. Notice of the public hearing was published in the Baytown Sun on March 13, 2002, at least
ten days prior to today's date.
Mohamed Momin has requested that the property be annexed into the City as a prerequisite to receiving City
services. Mr. Momin intends to develop the property as a convenience store. The service plan for the
annexation was provided. The annexation ordinance may be considered when 20 days have elapsed after the
public hearing. The final reading may be held 30 days after the ordinance is passed on its fast reading and
published.
No one appeared to speak on the proposed annexation of a 1384 -acre tract east of Garth Road and north of
Interstate Highway 10 and the Jack-In-The-Box restaurant property, within the extra-territorial jurisdiction of
the City of Baytown in the George Ellis League, A -21.
The public hearing was closed at 5:40 p.m.
Consider Proposed Ordinance No. 020328 -1, repealing the existing Building, Electrical, Fire,
Mechanical and Plumbing Codes and amendments thereof and adopting the 2000 edition of the
International Building Code (IBC) International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International
Fire Code (IFC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) International Mechanical Code (IMC),
International Plumbing Code (IPC) International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC); and the 2002
edition of the National Electrical Code.
Page 3 of 8
Minutes of the Special Session - March 28, 2002
The International Codes will provide uniformity of regulation from city to city. The proposed ordinance
provides Iimited amendments to the International Codes related to administration, fees, and appeals to
maintain our present procedures.
Council Member Anderson moved adoption of the proposed ordinance. Council Member Mundinger
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley.
Mayor Alfaro.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 9337
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS AMENDING
CHAPTER 18 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE II "BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS," DIVISION 3 "BUILDING CODE," SECTION 18 -91 "ADOPTED"
AND SECTION 18 -92 "AMENDMENTS "; CHAPTER 18 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING
REGULATIONS," ARTICLE II "BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS," DIVISION 4
"BUILDINGS AND DEVELOPMENT PERMITS," SECTION 18 -129 "DEMOLITION," SUBSECTION
(A); CHAPTER 18 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE III "ELECTRICAL
CODE," DIVISION 4 "PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS," SECTION 18 -268 "CONDEMNATION OF
PROPERTY"; CHAPTER 18 `BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE III,
"ELECTRICAL CODE," DIVISION 6 "STANDARDS," SECTION 18431 "COMPLIANCE WITH
ARTICLE, ELECTRICAL CODE AND UTILITY COMPANY SPECIFICATIONS "; CHAPTER 18
"BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE IV "PLUMBING CODE," SECTION 18-
461 "ADOPTED" AND SECTION 18462 "AMENDMENTS "; CHAPTER 18 "BUILDINGS AND
BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE V "MECHANICAL CODE," DIVISION 3 "STANDARDS,"
SECTION 18 -556 "CODE ADOPTED" AND SECTION 18 -557 "AMENDMENTS" OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS; REPEALING CHAPTER 18, "BUILDINGS
AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," ARTICLE II, `BUILDING CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS,"
DIVISION 3 "BUILDING CODE," SECTION 18 -93 "CONCRETE SLABS," OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; RENUMBERING CHAPTER 18 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING
REGULATIONS," ARTICLE VI "MINIMUM PROPERTY STANDARDS," ARTICLE VII "HOUSE
MOVING," ARTICLE VIII "HOUSE LEVELING; ARTICLE IX "FENCING," ARTICLE X
"SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS; AND ARTICLE XI "LANDSCAPING" OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER 18 "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING
REGULATIONS," TO ADD THE NEW ARTICLES TO BE NUMBERED AND ENTITLED ARTICLE VI
"INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE," ARTICLE VII "INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE," AND ARTICLE VIII "INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION
CODE" TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER 18,
"BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE NUMBERED AND ENTITLED ARTICLE IX "MINIMUM
PROPERTY STANDARDS"; AND AMENDING CHAPTER 39 "FIRE PREVENTION AND
PROTECTION," ARTICLE III "FIRE PREVENTION STANDARDS," AND SECTION 38-61 "CODE
ADOPTED, AND" SECTION 38 -67 "LIMITS FOR STORAGE OF CERTAIN COMBUSTIBLES" OF
THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS; PRESCRIBING A MAXIMUM
PENALTY OF FIVE HUNDRED AND NO /100 DOLLARS ($500.00); PROVIDING A REPEALING
CLAUSE; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND
EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
Page 4of8
Minutes of the Special Session - March 28, 2002
Consider Proposed Ordinance No. 020328 -2, awarding the 2001 Municipal Street Rehabilitation
(Poll Program.
The proposed ordinance awards the 2001 Municipal Street Rehabilitation Program to D & W Contractors,
Inc. and quality assurance testing to a qualified geotechnical company. Five potential bidders attended the
mandatory pre -bid meeting and we received three bids. D & W Contractors, Inc. was the apparent lowest
responsible bidder with a base bid of $635,964.40 and an alternate bid of $345,218.25, for a total of
$981,182.65. The base -bid scope of work consists of rehabilitating seven local streets, including Chandler,
Mayhaw, Northwood, Oakmont, Woodcrest, Lindberg, and Deanne. The type of rehabilitation ranges from
hot mix asphaltic concrete overlays to complete reinforced concrete replacement. There will also be minor
inlet work, curb and gutter replacement, and sidewalk replacement. Approximately 1,010 linear feet of new
6 -inch diameter PVC water line will be installed on Deanne, Oakmont, and Woodcrest Streets. Work also
includes installation of wheelchair ramps at the intersections that require ADA compliance. The West Texas
Avenue asphalt overlay project is the alternate bid item and does not fit within the budget.
Quality assurance testing is estimated to be 7% of the construction cost, or approximately $44,500 for the
base bid, and $68,700 for both the base and alternate bid. The construction cost of the base bid amounts to
$680,464.40. Engineering consulting fees in the amount of $108,221 have been deducted from the total
project - funding amount of $1,097,836, resulting in the construction budget of $989,615. Awarding the base
bid and estimated testing in the amount of $680,464.40 is recommended. This project is funded by Capital
Improvement Project Funds. Construction duration is estimated to be 180 calendar days.
Council Member Murray moved adoption of the proposed ordinance. Council Member Godwin seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley.
Mayor Alfaro.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 9338
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO
EXECUTE AND ATTEST TO AN AGREEMENT WITH D & W CONTRACTORS, INC., FOR THE 2001
MUNICIPAL STREET REHABILITATION PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN IN THE SUM OF SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED EIGHTY -
THREE AND NO /100 DOLLARS ($680,483.00); MAKING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED
THERETO; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
Page of
Minutes of the Special Session - March 28, 2002
Consider Proposed Ordinance No. 020328 -3, awarding the purchase of vehicles for the Harris County
Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force.
The proposed ordinance awards the purchase of thirty -eight vehicles for the Harris County Organized Crime
and Narcotics Task Force through Houston - Galveston Area Council in the amount of $622,077.86.
Fourteen vehicles will be purchased from Philpott Motors, Inc., for $228,508, exclusive of the H -GAC fee.
Twenty -four vehicles will be purchased from Clear Lake Dodge for $387,207, exclusive of H -GAC fee. The
total H -GAC fee is $6,362.86.
Council Member Renteria moved adoption of the proposed ordinance. Council Member Anderson seconded
the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley.
Mayor Alfaro.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 9339
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE
PAYMENT OF SIX HUNDRED TWENTY- -TWO THOUSAND SEVENTY -SEVEN AND 86/100
DOLLARS ($622,077.86) TO HOUSTON - GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL FOR THE PURCHASE OF
THIRTY -EIGHT (38) ASSORTED VEHICLES FOR HARRIS COUNTY ORGANIZED CRIME AND
NARCOTICS TASK FORCE; MAKING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO; AND
PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
Consider Proposed Resolution No. 020328 -1, authorizing the City Manager to apply for a 2002 Federal
Emergency Management Agency Fire Act Grant, setting aside local matching funds, and authorizing
the City Manager to take all further actions necessary in relation to the grant.
The amount of the grant is $37,120.69 and the 30% match is $11,136.21. The deadline for the grant
application is March 31, 2002.
Council Member Anderson moved adoption of the proposed resolution. Council Member Mundinger
seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley.
Mayor Alfaro.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
Page 6of8
Minutes of the Special Session - March 28, 2002
RESOLUTION NO. 1537
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO MAKE APPLICATION TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR THE 2002 FIRE ACT GRANT; DESIGNATING AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE; AUTHORIZING THE REPRESENTATIVE TO ACCEPT OR AFFIRM ANY
GRANT AWARD THAT MAY RESULT THEREFROM; AUTHORIZING MATCHING FUNDS
TOTALING ELEVEN THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED THIRTY -SIX AND 21/100 DOLLARS
($11,136.21); AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
Consent Agenda
a) Proposed Resolution No. 020328 -2, authorizes the City Manager to make application for the
Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant Program. The City of Baytown received these
grant funds in 1999 and established a juvenile program. The City was awarded this grant a
second time in 2000 has again been invited to apply for grant funds to aid in the reduction of
juvenile crime. The City is eligible for $29,490 with a 10% cash match of $3,277, making the
total project budget $32,767. These funds enable the court to continue alternative sentencing
for juveniles in the Municipal Court. A Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition has already
been appointed. These funds would allow the court to enhance the existing program which is
divided into a classroom session for the juvenile and a parent or guardian and a community
service session that requires the juveniles to dress in orange- colored vests and pick up trash,
paint over graffiti, clean vacant lots, etc. All activities are closely supervised. The program
has been tremendously successful and these funds would allow the Court to expand the
existing program. Funding is available in the Municipal Court annual budget. This resolution
will renew our present program.
b) Proposed Ordinance No. 020328 -4 awards the first renewal of the annual Plastic Garbage
Bag contract to Bemis Company, Inc., in the amount of $77,544. Bemis has submitted a
written request to renew the current contract for a reduction in price per roll, from $3.99 to
$3.59 per roll. Quantities remain the same. This year's price per roll is a 10% decrease
compared to last year's price. A market survey shows the price of resin is down and Bemis,
according to the contract terms and conditions, is offering the decreased price. A market
survey indicates that the price per roll quoted by Houston - Galveston Area Council is $3.73
per roll, inclusive of the HGAC fee.
c) Proposed Ordinance No. 020328 -5, awards purchase of a T -1 Internet Phone Line for Houston
High Intensity Drug Traffic Area (HIDTA) to Sprint Communications Company in the
amount of $33,624. Sprint will provide monthly service for thirty -six months. This T -I
Internet Phone Line will meet the requirement for a mandated law enforcement sharing
network. This will be funded with HIDTA funds.
Sprint Communications Company is a QISV vendor. A local government that participates in the
cooperative purchasing program established under sections 271.082 and 271.083 of the Local
Government Code satisfies otherwise applicable competitive bidding requirements when it
makes a purchase through the catalogue purchasing procedure established by article 6701b,
section 3.081, V.T.C.S. The purpose of the QISV (Qualified Information Systems Vendors)
Catalogue Purchasing Program is to allow for qualified entities (state agencies and political
subdivisions) to purchase automated information systems products and/or services in an efficient,
cost effective, and competitive procurement method.
d) Proposed Ordinance No. 020328 -6, authorizes an interlocal agreement with the Goose Creek
Page 7 of 8
Minutes of the Special Session - March 28, 2002
Consolidated School District (GCCISD) for Joint Recreational Facilities agreements for the
development of the Travis School Park and the Carver School Park.
During the 2001 bond program, two projects with the school district were considered: a new
park facility at the new Carver Elementary School Site (former Horace Mann Junior School
site) and the Travis School Park site. Travis Park has been a City school park site for many
years.
The Carver School Park will be similar to the Ashbel Smith School Park that was constructed
in 1999. The City of Baytown will provide the GCCISD $50,000 for the construction of a
playground that will be available to residents after school hours. The playground will be
designed and installed by the GCCISD. The City Council will approve the park layout and
design before it is constructed. Annual maintenance of the Carver School Park will be
handled solely by the GCCISD.
The City of Baytown will purchase and install $50,000 of play equipment and park amenities
at Travis Park. The City of Baytown will design the project with input from the Lakewood
Civic Association and obtain GCCISD approval. Final approval will be reserved for City
Council. Annual maintenance of the Travis School Park will be handled solely by the
GCCISD. As with the Carver School Park, the park will be available to residents after regular
school hours. The Goose Creek Consolidated School District approved the agreement on
March 7, 2002.
Council Member Mundinger moved adoption of the consent agenda, items a through d. Council Member
Godwin seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley.
Mayor Alfaro.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 1538
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN TO APPLY FOR A GRANT WITH THE STATE
OF TEXAS, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, CRIMINAL JUSTICE DMSION, FOR THE JUVENILE
ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM; AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO APPOINT A JUVENILE CRIME ENFORCEMENT COALITION; AND PROVIDING
FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
ORDINANCE NO. 9340
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, RENEWING THE
CONTRACT OF BEMIS COMPANY, INC., FOR THE ANNUAL PLASTIC GARBAGE BAGS
CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, THE SUM OF
"^ SEVENTY -SEVEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FORTY -FOUR AND NO /100 DOLLARS
($77,544.00); MAKING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
ORDINANCE NO. 9341
Page 8 of 8
Minutes of the Special Session - March 28, 2002
P" AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE
PAYMENT OF THIRTY -THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED TWENTY -FOUR AND NO /100
DOLLARS ($33,624.00) TO SPRINT COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF
DATA COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES; MAKING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO;
AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
ORDINANCE NO. 9342
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS WITH GOOSE CREEK CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
DISTRICT FOR THE JOINT USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTIES FOR BOTH SCHOOL AND
PARK PURPOSES; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE CITY OF BAYTOWN IN THE AMOUNT OF
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO 1100 DOLLARS ($100,000.00); MAKING OTHER
PROVISIONS RELATED THERETO; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
City Manager's Report.
City Manager Mercer informed council that the Brownwood Homecoming and Grand Opening will be held
on May 17, 2002 at the Baytown Nature Center.
Mayor Alfaro invited the media to attend.
Mr. Mercer reminded council that the annual Trash Off will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2002, at 10:00 a.m.
Adjourn.
Council Member Mundinger moved that the meeting adjourn. Council Member Anderson seconded the
motion. The vote follows:
Ayes: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria, and Sheley.
Mayor Alfaro.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:54 p.m.
U
Ga W. mith
City Clerk
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN
March 28, 2002
The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in work session on March 28, 2002,
at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Baytown City Hall, 2401 Market Street, Baytown,
Texas, with the following in attendance:
Ronnie Anderson
Council Member
Coleman Godwin
Council Member
Calvin Mundinger
Council Member
Don Murray
Council Member
Mercedes Renteria III
Council Member
Scott Sheley
Council Member
Pete C. Alfaro Mayor
Monte Mercer
City Manager
Ignacio Ramirez
City Attorney
Gary W. Smith
City Clerk
The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was
conducted:
Discuss the International Building Codes and their application to existing buildings.
Kevin Byal, Chief Building Official, reported that the International Building Codes (IBC)
will provide methods for property owners to improve their properties in compliance with
the codes and to provide protection for health, safety and welfare. IBC is more flexible
than the existing codes. The present codes rely on the building official to make
determinations related to the applications of the current codes. IBC does not require
compliance to most recent code; rather, it requires compliance with the code in effect at the
time of construction. Under the current code, if the height is changed, then the entire
structure must comply with the current code. IBC allows the existing structure to continue
in compliance with the prior code. If the use or occupancy of the building changes, the
existing building is allowed to comply with the prior code, while any new portion must
comply with the new code. The IBC provides an alternate means to comply with the
codes, with greater clarity and less subjectivity than under the current codes.
In response to an inquiry from Council Member Sheley, City Manager Monte Mercer
responded that any new addition would be required to comply with the most recent code,
but any existing structure will only be required to comply with the code in effect when the
building was constructed. Issues related to health, safety and welfare will be determined
on a case -by -case basis and new construction may not adversely impact health, safety and
welfare issues related to the existing building.
Page 2 of 4
Minutes of the Work Session —March 28, 2002
Discuss Fire Department four - person staffing.
City Manager Monte Mercer outlined the three issues involved in the four - person staffing
discussion for the work session.
1. timeline to hire fifteen firefighters.
2. transition costs.
3. recurring expense and budget impact.
The City is working under a federal court order controlling the hiring of fire fighters. State
civil service law significantly impacts the time it takes to hire a fire fighter. Fire fighters
may not be engaged in suppression activities until they are state certified. Under these
constraints, the City is normally able to hire four to six fire fighters from each test. It may
take up to one year to get a new hire on the job and working.
After a non - certified employee is hired, it can take 5 %2 months to provide all the necessary
training before the employee can begin to fight fires (15 weeks in the fire academy and 6
weeks of EMT training).
The average annual recurring costs once all the positions are filled, is $670,000. The
transitional costs maybe higher.
Option 1. Without overtime, four - person staffing would be fully implemented only
after an additional fifteen firefighters are hired.
Option 2. Charter method, overtime will be used to implement four - person staffing
on and after October 1, 2002.
Option 3. Immediate four- person staffing would require the immediate use of
overtime. This would have a significant impact to the budget, estimated to be
$560,000.
Staff has assumed that it takes 60 days after a test to hire the new firefighters. A non -
certified employee hired in July would be able to act as a firefighter in January. Similarly,
a non - certified employee hired in August or November would be able to act as a firefighter
in the following May. The assumption is that five persons will be hired after each test. Of
the persons hired, two will be certified and three will not be. The federal court order
requires the City to hire from two lists until one of the lists is exhausted.
Under option 1, the fiscal impact will be $55,500 in the current year and $610,500 in the
next year. Option 2 would require overtime and the hire of new employees. This would
result in paying for the same position two times. The transition costs would be $346,115
for fiscal year 2003. The recurring costs would be the same as under option 1. The total
costs would be $1,012,115.
When full staffing is achieved with 15 additional personnel, the additional cost will be
$100,000; including the sick and injury leave time. Holiday and vacation accrual caps may
f" have to be adjusted.
Page 3 of 4
Minutes of the Work Session —March 28, 2002
The Civil Service Commission reduced the entry requirement of certification or college
hours to high school graduation to assist in hiring new firefighters. Three vacancies are
expected by May. Fire prevention personnel could be reassigned to suppression to offset
some of the overtime necessary for implementation.
Civil Service Director, Alison Smith, responded to Council Member Anderson's question
concerning test dates and reported that test dates are set, based on advertising and
recruitment and on the expiration of existing eligibility lists.
Mr. Mercer reported that 78% of the cities with a paid fire department and with
populations between 50,000 and 100,000 are taking a wait -and -see approach to four- person
staffing.
Council Member Murray analyzed the issue based on the three components of costs. He
concluded that the issue is the timing and overtime costs.
Council Member Sheley insisted that a funding source must be found prior to a decision to
implement four - person staffing. Mayor Alfaro spoke in opposition to a tax increase.
Mr. Mercer commended Gary Jackson, Assistant City Manager, and Alison Smith, Human
Resources Director /Civil Service Director, for gathering the information related to the
issue.
Discuss proposed amendments to Urban Rehabilitation Standards ordinance.
Bob Leiper, Assistant City Manager, reported that the Urban Rehabilitation Standards
address substandard structures and buildings needing securing from unauthorized entry.
Conflicts were found and the ordinances needed flexibility and better guidance and
description of when repairs are needed. Flexibility will allow the accommodation when
requiring that the building be secured from unauthorized entry. Under the present
ordinance, if one window is broken, then all openings must be secured. Improved
standards will provide a means to determine when a building should be demolished. The
International Building Codes will eliminate many of the problems, but a few will remain.
The goal is to provide better standards for practical and economic rehabilitation of
structures and the protection of neighborhoods. This will provide better guidance to staff
and the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Review Board.
Receive and discuss the updated City of Baytown Development Guide.
The Development Guide began in 1998 and has had three revisions. The Guide will have
the right checklists for different customers. The variance process is clarified and all
necessary applications are included in the book. The Guide provides a roadmap for the
developer to help him get his lots ready for sale.
Page 4 of 4
Minutes of the Work Session —March 28, 2002
OW Adjourn.
Council Member Mundinger moved that the meeting be adjourned. Council Member
Murray seconded the motion. The vote follows:
Aye: Council Members Anderson, Godwin, Mundinger, Murray, Renteria and
Sheley
Mayor Alfaro
Nay: None.
The motion carved and the meeting adjourned at 5:19 p.m.
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City Clerk
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