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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 13, 2009 REGULAR MEETINGREGULAR MEETING - ]anuary 13, 2009 I. INVOCATION, PLEDGE & ROLL CALL Councilmember Henderson gave the invocation followed with the pledge to the flag. The City Council of the City of Port Arthur met in Regular Session on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 5:56 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, with the following members present: Mayor Deloris "Bobbie" Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Jack Chatman, Jr'.; Councilmembers Elizabeth "Liz" Segler, Martin Flood, John Beard, Jr., Robert E. "Bob" Williamson and Thomas ]. "Tom" Henderson; City Manager Steve Fitzgibbons, Acting City Secretary Terri Hanks, City Attorney Mark T. Sokolow, and Sergeant At Arms Chief of Police Mark Blanton. Councilmember Morris Albright, III was absent from the Regular Meeting. Councilmember Dawana K. Wise was absent from the Regular Meeting. II. PROCLAMATIONS & MINUTES Proclamations °Students of the University of Idaho Day" - ]anuary 13, 2009 University of Idaho Counselor Steve Janowick appeared before the City Council to accept the proclamation honoring University of Idaho students for volunteering to assist Sabine Pass residents in hurricane disaster relief. The following University of Idaho students introduced themselves before the City Council: Mr. Garret Holbrook Ms. Karen Targen Mr. Hugh ]ones Ms. Katherine Gann Ms. Kati Trifley Ms. Amanda Bitterman Ms. Kayla Deman Mr. Samuel Spence Ms. Alexis Olson Mr. Taylor Thomas Mr. Victor Mazzo Minutes December 16, 2008 Special Council Meeting Upon the motion of Councilmember Beard, seconded by Councilmember Williamson and carried unanimously, the City Council approved the above-mentioned minutes. December 16, 2008 Regular Council Meeting Upon the motion of Councilmember Williamson, seconded by Councilmember Henderson and carried unanimously, the City Council approved the above-mentioned minutes. December 30, 2008 Special Council Meeting Upon the motion of Councilmember Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman and carried unanimously, the City Council approved the above-mentioned minutes. III. PETITIONS & COMMUNICATIONS A. Sneakers -None B. Presentations -None C. Corresuondence -None IV. PUBLIC HEARING - 7:00 PM - Nane V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS P. R. No. 15008 - A Resolution Approving A New Agreement Between The City Of Port Arthur And Mt. Tamalpais Investment Corp. The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Resolution. The motion was made by Councilmember V~Jilliamson to table Proposed Resolution No. 15008. The motion failed for a lack of a second. The City Attorney read the following agreement amendments into the record: The effective date of the beginning of the /ease shall be Ju/y 1, 2009. Section 1. Commence the remodeling of the building by July 1, 2009 with approximately 160 units. That at the time of the entry into the lease, on or before July 1, 2009, Mt. Tamalpais shall submit to the city for review and approval, financial commitments and assurances to have this construction project completed by December 1, 2011. Mt. Tamalpais shall submit written monthly status reports as to his progress. Mr, Fowler requested that the fo/%wing line be de%ted.~ Section 5. If other uses of Parcels 1 and 2 are requested, Mt. Tamalpais Investment Corp. shall request the permission from the city. (That sentence is being de%ted, f/owever, there is a section in the agreement that Parce/s 1 and 2 will only be used as parking facilities) Upon the motion of Councilmember Bearci, seconded by Councilmember Flood and carrier unanimously, Proposed Resolution No. 15008 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-001. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Terri Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Flood, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Resolution No. 09-001 reads as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 09-001 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A NEW AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AND MT. TAMALPAIS INVESTMENT CORP. City Council Minutes 2 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 VI. CONSENT AGENDA Upon the motion of Councilmember Hlenderson, seconded by Councilmember Williamson and carried unanimously, the following Consent Agenda items were adopted with the exception of Item D, and Proposed Resolution No.'s 15048 and 15049: A. Consideration And Approval Of Payment To Sungard HTE, Inc, In The Estimated Amount Of $13,600 For Custom Programming And Support Related To The Electronic Meter Replacement Project B. Consideration And Approval Of Payment To Waukesha- Pearce Industries, Inc. In The Amount Of $25,540.88 For Rental Equipment Used For The 2008 City Streets Program C. Consideration And Approval Of Payment To TNT Ready Mix In The Amount Of $7,820 For The Purchase Of Concrete Used For The 2009 City Streets Bond Issue Projects D. Consideration And Approval To Renew An Annual Contract With Petro%um Traders Corporation In The Estimated Amount Of $171,000 To Supply Diesel #2 Fuel For The City's Transit Center & Wastewater Treatment Plant On Hwy. 365 And Dyed Diesel For Off-Road Use For The Landfill Item D was held for individual discussion. E. Consideration And Approval Of Payment To Orange County Emergency Services District No. 2 In The Amount Of $128,096.25 F. Consideration And Approval Of Payment To Sungard HTE, Inc, In The Amount Of $83,427.60 For Annual Maintenance On AS/400 Application Software G. Consideration And Approval Of Payment To Vanguard Truck Center (Through BuyBoard) In The Amount Of $228,474 For The Purchase Of A Commercial Front-Load Garbage Truck Resolutions -Consent (1) P. R. No. 15046 - A Resolution Increasing The Previously Authorized Amount Payable To ]efferson County Drainage District No. 7 From $32,538.33 To A New Total Of $43,351.83 For The Development Of A Regional Storm Water Management Program. Funding Being Available In CIP 804, 303-1601-591.84-00 Proposed Resolution No. 15046 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-002. (2) P. R. No. 15047 - A Resolution Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Port Arthur To Sign An Interlocal Agreement Between The City Of Port Arthur, The City Of Groves, The City Of Nederland, The City Of Port Neches, ]efferson County, And ]efferson County Drainage District No. 7 For Implementation Of The Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II Storm Water Discharge Permit Proposed Resolution No. 15047 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-003. City Council Minutes 3 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 (3) P. R. No. 15048 - A Resolution Authorizing AGametime - U. S. Communities [Government] Co-Op Purchase Of A Playscape System In The Amount Of $27,974.65 Funded Primarily By A Grant From Premcor/Valero Funding: 303- 0000-367-1000 CIP815-$25,000; 301-1601-591.89-00 GO- 8P1-$2,974.65 Proposed Resolution No. 15048 was held for individual discussion. (4) P. R. No. 15049 - A Resolution Awarding The Bid For The Interior Repairs To The Department Club Due To Hurricane Ike To SKR Construction In An Amount Not To Exceed $22,626 Funding: IKEDE 121-2300-901.39.00 Proposed Resolution No. 15049 was held for individual discussion. (5) P. R. No. 15050 - A Resolution Authorizing The Extension Of The Contract Between The City Of Port Arthur And Tammy 7acobs, CPA For The Provision Of Accounting Services For The Finance Department Proposed Resolution No. 15050 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-004. VII. ITEMS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL ACTION -NON-CONSENT Consent Item D. Consideration And Approval To Renew An Annual Contract With Petro%um Traders Corporation In The Estimated Amount Of $171,000 To Supply Diesel #2 Fuel For The City's Transit Center & Wastewater Treatment Plant On Hwy. 365 And Dyed Diesel For Off-Road Use For The Landfill The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Item. The motion was made by Councilmember Beard and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman to adopt Consent Item D. Assistant City Manager/Operations John Coimeaux appeared before the City Council to address inquiries related to diesel regulations. Consent Item D was adopted. Resolutions -Consent (3) P. R. No. 15048 - A Resolution Authorizing AGametime - U. S. Communities [Government] Co-Op Purchase Of A Playscape System In The Amount Of $27,974.65 Funded Primarily By A Grant From Premcor/Valero Funding: 303- 0000-367-1000 CIP815-$25,000; 301-1601-591.89-00 GO- 8P1-$2,974.65 The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Resolution. The motion was made by Councilmember Beard and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman that Proposed Resolution No. 15048 be adopted. Community Activist Hilton Kelly appeared before the City Council, on behalf of Premcor and Valero petroleum refining corporations, to present a grant in the amount of $25,000 for park improvements. City Council Minutes 4 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 Assistant Human Resources Director and Interim Parks and Recreation Director Albert Thipgen appeared before the City Council to discuss proposed park improvements. Councilmember Beard recommended that security lighting be addressed in the park improvement plans. Proposed Resolution No. 15048 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-005. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Fload, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Resolution No. 09-005 reads <~s follows: RESOLUTION NO. 09-005 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A GAMETIME - U. S. COMMUNITIES [GOVERNMENT] CO-OP PURCHASE OF A PLAYSCAPE SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,974.65 FUNDED PRIMARILY BY A GRANT FROM PREMCOR/VALERO FUNDING: 303-0000-367-1000 CIP 815 - $25,000; 301-1601-591.89-00 GO-8P1- $2,974.65 (4) P. R. No. 15049 - A Resolution Awarding The Bid For The Interior Repairs To The Department Club Due To Hurricane Ike To SKR Construction In An Amount Not To Exceed $22,626 Funding: IKEDE 121-2300-901.39.00 The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Resolution. The motion was made by Councilmember Beard and seconded by Councilmember Henderson that Proposed Resolution No. 15049 be adopted. Assistant Human Resources Director and Interim Parks and Recreation Director Albert Thipgen appeared before the City Council to address inquiries related to acquiring roofing bids. Proposed Resolution No. 15049 was adopted) becoming Resolution No. 09-006. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Temp Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Flood, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Resolution No. 09-006 reads .as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 09-006 A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE BID FOR THE INTERIOR REPAIRS TO THE DEPARTMENT CLUB DUE TO HURRICANE IKE TO SKR CONSTRUCTION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,626 FUNDING: IKEDE 121-2300-901.39.00 A. Resolutions (1) P. R. No. 15017 - A Resolution Approving A Second Amendment To Economic Development Conditional Grant Agreement Between The City Of Port Arthur Section 4A City Council Minutes 5 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 Economic Development Corporation And Redwine Family Partners, Ltd. The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Resolution. Upon the motion of Councilmember Henderson, seconded by Councilmember Flood and carried unanimously, Proposed Resolution No. 15017 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-007. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Beard, Flood, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Resolution No. 09-007 reads as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 09-007 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A SECOND AMENDMENT TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONDITIONAL GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR SECTION 4A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND REDWINE FAMILY PARTNERS, LTD. (2) P. R. No. 15051 - A Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of A Contract For Professional Services (Non-Federal Form) Between The City Of Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation And Arceneaux & Gates Consulting Engineers, Inc., For Engineering, Surveying, Technical And Related Services For Design And Construction Of Roadways, Utilities And Drainage For The City Of Port Arthur Section 4A Economic Development Corporation Newly Acquired 7.269 Acres Site Off Hwy 73 The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Resolution. Upon the motion by Councilmember ~l/illiamson, seconded by Councilmember Henderson and carried unanimously, Proposed Resolution No. 15051 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-008. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Terri Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Flood, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Resolution No. 09-008 reads as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 09-008 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONALSERVICES (NON-FEDERAL FORM) BETWEEN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR SECTION 4A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ARCENEAUX & GATES CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC., FOR ENGINEERING, SURVEYING, TECHNICAL AND RELATED SERVICES FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADWAYS, UTILITIES AND DRAINAGE FOR THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR SECTION 4A City Council Minutes 6 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 ECONOMICDEVELOPMENTCORPORATION NEWLY ACQUIRED 7.269 ACRES SITE OFF HWY 73 (3) P. R. No. 15056 - A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Grant Agreement With The Texas Department Of Transportation For Fiscal Year 2009 Regarding Port Arthur Transit System Operating Fund Assistance The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Resolution. The motion was made by Councilmember Williamson and seconded by Councilmember Beard that Proposed Resolution No. 15056 be adopted. Assistant City Manager/Administration Rebecca Underhill appeared before the City Council to address inquiries related to thE~ proposed transit grant for supplemental funding. Proposed Resolution No. 15056 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-009. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Fload, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Resolution No. 09-009 reads as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 09-009 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009 REGARDING PORT ARTHUR TRANSIT SYSTEM OPERATING FUND ASSISTANCE (4) P. R. No. 15057 - A Resalution Authorizing The City Of Port Arthur To Publish A Request For Qualifications For A Design/Build Firm For The Renovation Of The Police Building And Central Fire Station The Mayor introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Resolution. Upon the motion of Councilmember Williarson, seconded by Councilmember Beard and carried unanimously, Proposed Resolution No. 15057 was adopted becoming Resolution No. 09-010. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tern Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Flood, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Resolution No. 09-010 reads as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 09-010 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR TO PUBLISH A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DESIGN/BUILD FIRM FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE POLICE BUILDING AND CENTRAL FIRE STATION City Council Minutes 7 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 B. Ordinances (2) P. O. 5960 - An Ordinance Amending Subsection (5) Of Section 66-3 (A) Of The Code Of Ordinances As It Pertains To Oil And Gas Leases And Providing For Publication The City Manager introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Ordinance. Upon the motion of Councilmember Hender>on, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman and carried unanimously, Proposed Ordinance No. 5960 was tabled. Proposed Ordinance No. 5960 was tabled. (1) P. O. No. 5959 - An Ordinance Amending The Zoning Ordinance Of The City Of Port Arthur; By Amending Zoning Sections 7-100, 22-101, And 26-100 And To Include Changes To The Schedule Of Uses Chart, Special Conditions By Use, And Definitions Violation Of This Ordinance Is Punishable As Provided In Section 1-13 In The City Code Of Ordinances As Amended By Fine Not Exceeding Two Thousand [$2,000.00] Dollars; And Providing For Publication In The Official Newspaper Of The City Of Port Arthur And Effective Immediately After The Publication Date. (Allowing Pet Grooming Shops With A Specific Use Permit) The City Manager introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Ordinance. Upon the motion of Councilmember Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman and carried unanimously, Proposed Ordinance No. 5959 was adopted becoming Ordinance No. 09-01. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Fload, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Ordinance No. 09-01 reads a<.~ follows: ORDINANCE NO. 09-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR; BY AMENDING ZONING SECTIONS 7-100, 22-101, AND 26-100 AND TO INCLUDE CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE OF USES CHART, SPECIAL CONDITIONS BY USE, AND DEFINITIONS VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE IS PUNISHABLE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 1-13 IN THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES AS AMENDED BY FINE NOT EXCEEDING TWO THOUSAND [$2,000.00] DOLLARS; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PUBLICATION DATE. (ALLOWING PET GROOMING SHOPS WITH A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT) City Council Minutes 8 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 (3) P. O. No. 5966 - An Ordinance By The City Of Port Arthur, Texas ("City") Approving The Rates Of Entergy Texas, Inc., Contained In The Statement Of Intent To Change Rates ("Statement Of Intent") Filed In The City On December 19, 2008; Approving An Early Effective Date Of The Rate Change; Finding That The Meeting Complies With The Open Meetings Act; Making Other Findings And Provisions Related To The Subject; And Declaring An Effective Date The City Manager introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Ordinance. Upon the motion of Councilmember Henderson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman and carried unanimously, Proposed Ordinance No. 5966 was adopted becoming Ordinance No. 09-02. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Flood, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Ordinance No. 09-02 reads as, follows: ORDINANCE NO. 09-02 AN ORDINANCE BY THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS ("CITY") APPROVING THE RATES OF ENTERGY TEXAS, INC., CONTAINED IN THE STATEMENT OF INTENT TO CHANGE RATES ("STATEMENT OF INTENT") FILED IN THE CITY ON DECEMBER 19, 2008; APPROVING AN EARLY EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE RATE CHANGE; FINDING THAT THE MEETING COMPLIES WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT; MAKING OTHER FINDINGS AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (4) P. O. No. 5968 - An Appropriation Ordinance Amending The Budget For The Fiscal Year Beginning October 1, 2008 And Ending September 30, 2009 As To Provide Additional Funding For The "One Block At A Time Program", Additional Police Officers, Drainage Crew, Fire Costs, And Related Equipment The City Manager introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Ordinance. The motion was made by Councilmember Henderson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman that Proposed Ordinance No. 5968 be adopted. Mayor Prince encouraged participation in thE~ "One Block at a Time" community cleanup program and spoke on community cleanup needs for all areas of the city. The City Manager addressed issues regarding equipment needs and financial constraints. He expounded on critical issues concerning the importance of the proposed budget amendment. Mr. Fitzgibbons discussed the needs of additional police officers, fire personnel, and trash collection and drainage crews; and the related equipment for the additional activities. Mayor Pro Tem Chatman recommended exploring local options to assist with recycling efforts. City Council Minutes 9 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 Mayor Pro Tem Chatman stated the followinu for the record: I talked with Mr. Robinson and Mr. Comeaux. This is very, very disturbing to me and I want to say it on record and on camera. I've heard for a long time, in this city, that we have city workers that don't do what they are suppose to do. But if you pay them, they will come and do it. I had seen it myself, Saturday, with my own eyes this weekend right across from my own house. And the city workers need to be aware of where we live as Councilmembers and office heads. Because they were right across from my house, Friday, picking up shingles, out of my neighbors trailer. And I didn't pay any attention to it. I went on about my own business. And then on Saturday morning, as I am getting out at 9:00 a.m. promptly, they were at the same location. And Amy trash pile still got the same trash on it. And they went to my neighbor's house twice. So we need to caution our city workers that we are watching what's going on and they need not be hired out for private service while they are on the clock. City Manager Steve Fitzgibbons addressed Mayor Pro Tem Chatman's concern and commented on violation of personnel policies. Chief of Police Mark Blanton appeared before the City Council to address police enforcement and announced that a recent prostitution sting netted six arrests. Proposed Ordinance No. 5968 was adopted becoming Ordinance No. 09-03. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Flood, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Ordinance No. 09-03 reads as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 09-03 AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2008 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE °ONE BLOCK AT A TIME PROGRAM", ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS, DRAINAGE CREW, FIRE COSTS, AND RELATED EQUIPMENT (5) P. O. No. 5969 - An Ordinance Amending Section 106-4 Of The Code Of Ordinances As It Pertains To Abandoned Property On State Highways, Right-Of-Ways Or Easements, Providing Penalties Not To Exceed $500 Per Day And Providing For Publication The City Manager introduced the above-mentioned Proposed Ordinance. The motion was made by Councilmember HE~nderson and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman that Proposed Ordinance No. 5969 be adopted. Chief of Police Mark Blanton appeared before the City Council to address the proposed ordinance amendment allowing authorizations to remove abandoned vehicles. City Council Minutes 10 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 Proposed Ordinance No. 5969 was adopted becoming Ordinance No. 09-04. Voting Yes: Mayor Prince; Mayor Pro Tem Chatman; Councilmembers Segler, Flood, Beard, Williamson and Henderson. Voting No: None. The caption of Ordinance No. 09-04 reads as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 09-04 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 106-4 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES AS IT PERTAINS TO ABANDONED PROPERTY ON STATE HIGHWAYS, RIGHT-OF-WAYS OR EASEMENTS, PROVIDING PENALTIES NOT TO EXCEED $500 PER DAY AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION Councilmember Flood left the Regular Council Meeting at 7:05 p.m. C. *Reports And Recommendations (1) September, 2008 Financial Report Assistant City Manager/Administration Rebecca Underhill appeared before the City Council to present the above-mentioned financial report. (2) Report As It Pertains To The Second Chance Act Of 2007, Grant Programs, And Other Programs To Assist Criminal Offenders Into Re-Entry Programs, Which Includes Increasing Local Hiring Opportunities City Attorney Mark Sokolow reported on opportunities for employment re-entry grant programs and would research other state and federal programs. (3) Report As To The Process Of Naming Of Streets Or Designating Streets Including 9t" Avenue City Manager Steve Fitzgibbons discussed criteria for designating and naming streets and would submit policy recommendations. (4) Report As To The Weed And Seed Program (Requested By Mayor Pro Tem Chatman) Chief of Police Mark Blanton appeared before the City Council to address issues concerning police enforcement and crime stings. The Police Chief reported that the Police Department is targeting areas near school zones. Mayor Pro Tem Chatman acknowledged rE~ceipt of the report from Weed and Seed Coordinator LaTonya Turner as shown in Exhibit ""A". Planning and Zoning Director Colleen Russell appeared before the City Council to conduct an overview of the Weed and Seed Program. Weed and Seed Steering Committee Memk~er Fabiola Small appeared before the City Council to discuss communications issues and the distribution process of the meeting minutes. KT Maintenance President Kenny Timms appeared before the City Council to encourage volunteerism and spoke in support of the Weed and Seed Program. City Council Minutes 11 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 VIII. REPORTS OF BOARDS & COMMITTEES -None IX. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS OR REQUESTED REPORTS Mavor Prince• 1. Mayor Prince encouraged participation in the Port Arthur Police Department's "The Biggest Loser" competition and noted the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise program. 2. The Mayor appointed Mayor Pro Temp Chatman, Councilmember Henderson and herself, to oversee a citizen complaint: program that would designate one person to manage citizen complaints and requests. 3. She reported that the municipal baseball parks next to Memorial High School are in dire need of repair. Mavor Pro Tem Chatman: 1. Mayor Pro Tem Chatman requested an agenda item for appointments to the Housing Finance Corporation and Beautification Commission. 2. The Mayor Pro Tem requested a proclamation recognizing the Pop Warner Football Team's success. Councilmember Beard: 1. Councilmember Beard requested a report on fire hydrants. 2. He requested an agenda item to discuss parking vehicles in yards, citations and code violation education. 3. The Councilmember requested a report on uncollected Municipal Court fines and outstanding warrants. 4. Councilmember Beard recommended that public service announcements be placed on the Government Channel t:o address housing needs and requested a workshop to discuss community development and enhancing housing opportunities. Councilmember Henderson: 1. Councilmember Henderson requested) a cost estimate to place an underground drainage system on Griffing Drive and he noted traffic safety concerns. 2. He reported a security light outage near the lift station in his neighborhood. Councilmember Williamson: 1. Councilmember Williamson requested a report on tax credit projects. 2. He requested an executive session item to discuss incentive agreements. 2. The Councilmember recommended the implementation of a new software program used to time speakers and rE~cord voting. 3. Councilmember Williamson requested a report on cleanup responsibilities of the Pleasure Island Marina. 4. He requested an investigation of the <~Ileged violation of city employees receiving additional monies for work. City Council Minutes 12 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 X. ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING Upon the motion by Mayor Pro Tem Chatman, seconded by Councilmember Segler, and carried unanimously, the City Council adjourned their meeting at 8:16 p.m. An audio-tape of this meeting is on file in the office of the City Secretary and is made a part of the official minutes of this meeting. MAYOR DELORIS ~~BOBBIE" PRINCE ATTEST: ACTING CITY SECRETARY TERRI HANKS END OF REGULAR MEETING HELD January 13, 2009. APPROVED: City Council Minutes 13 Regular Meeting -January 13, 2009 Page 1 of 3 Exhibit "A" Colleen Russell From: weedandseed~portarthur.net Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 12:22 PM To: rburton(dlportarthur.net; russelic@portartfiur.net; mark~portarthur.net Subject: iw: Weed Seed Info From: "weedandseed@portarthur.net" <weedandseed@portarthur.net> Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 12:18 PM To: paulb@portarthur.net Subject: Weed Seed Info Listed below is information to assist you during discussions on Port Arthur Weed and Seed programmatic activities. The City of Port Arthur received Official Recognition as a Weed and Seed site in March 2002. Port Arthur developed a 5-year crime reduction strategy to be implemented in the neighborhood bounded by the Kansas City Southern (KCS) railway tracks on the north, Woodworth Blvd. on the east, the Sabine- Neches Ship Canal on the south, and the KCS railway tracks on the west. A steering committee of twenty-five members was developed. The US Attorney of the Eastern District of Texas serves as leader of this committee. The committee is responsible not only for developing and revising the strategy, but also for overseeing the implementation of the strategy, and ensuring the sustainability of the strategy. In order to fulfill this role, the committee secured a'coordinator' to assist with implementation, and adopted eight (8) subcommittees (Seed Subcommittee, Weed Subcommittee, Evaluation Subcommittee, Public Relations Subcommittee, Staffing Subcommittee, Sustainability Subcommittee, Neighborhood Relations Subcommittee;, and Executive Subcommittee). Each of the subcommittees have a steering committee member who serves as chairperson of the subcommittee. Since receiving Official Recognition status, Port Arthur Weed and Seed has been awazded two grants from the US Department of justice, totaling $350,000. The City of Port Arthur serves as fiscal agent of these funds. The Steering Committee's responsibility is in approving the grant budget and overseeing the budget expenditures. The Coordinator's responsibility is in developing the grant application and budget, managing grant funds, and reporting expenditure progress to the steering committee. The purpose of the grant funds is to assist PA Weed and Seed in implementing it's 5-year strategy. After 5 yeazs, Weed and Seed sites are expected to be sustainable, and in position to continue operating without traditional'Weed and Seed' grant funds. Sites are encouraged to seek additional funding with the Department of Justice as well as other federal, private, and corporate sources. Port Arthur is in it's 7th year of completing its 5-year strategy. For the first three years the steering committee operated without a coordinator. Few strategry goals were met during that period. The City of Port Arthur agreed to pay the salary of a coordinator, so that the steering committee could succeed in implementing their strategy. 1/13/2009 Page 2 of 3 The steering committee assisted in the recruitment and hiring of a coordinator. In June 2005, the committee voted to accept LaTonya Turner as coordinator. The city hired LaTonya. Since June 2005, PA Weed and Seed has received grants totaling $350,000, increased its partnership base, met several of its goals and objectives and implemented several programs to benefit the community. PA Weed and Seed organizes seasonal as well as ongoing projects and programs. PA Weed and Seed's ongoing activities include: The Neighborhood Computer Training Center The Computer Training Center (CTC), located at Eastern Staz Missionary Baptist Church, opened in 2006, and services adults primarily from the Weed and Seed tazgeted neighborhood. Computer Training workshops cover the topics: Computer Fundamentals, Word Processing, Using the Internet, Power Point, and Developing a Website. In August 2008, a volunteer Project Organizer was recruited. This individual is responsible for recruiting and training workshop facilitators, scheduling workshops, and ensuring that the CTC is open and available for general use. In November, 2008 the CTC received an upgrade. New computers, printer, scanner, and softwaze were added. Funds from the Weed and Seed budget are used to purchase hazdwaze, softwaze, and supplies for the; CTC. The Tutoring Project This project connects elementary school students at De;Queen Elementary and Woodrow Wilson Technology Theme School with tutors. Students from Lamar State College-Port Arthur (Lamar) provide one-on-one and small group tutoring during in-school hours. Funds from the Weed and Seed budget aze used to pay the salary of tutors. Lamaz recruits and hires, and provides payment to the tutors. The City of Port Arthur, as fiscal agent, provides reimbursement to Lamaz, upon receipt of invoices. Port Arthur Weed and Seed's Upcoming Activities include: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Beginning in February 2009, Weed and Seed neighborhood residents will, once again, be able to receive free income tax preparation services. The PA Weed and Seed VITA program began operation during the 2008 tax season. More than 100 tax returns were prepared and electronically submitted. The program utilizes volunteer tax prepazers. All volunteer. s receive training through the Internal Revenue Service and prepare taxes at the VITA site (Progressive Missionary Baptist Church). During the 2009 tax season, PA Weed and Seed will introduce 'Mobile VITA'. This service will allow tax payers to have their returns prepared and processed at various locations throughout the community. Funds from the Weed and Seed grant were used to purchase computer hardware and softwaze, as well as supplies for the VITA program. Youth Sports Camp 1 /13/2009 Page 3 of 3 The Youth Sports Camp is scheduled to be held during Spring Break 2009. During Spring Break 2008, the camp was held for the first time. The camp will provide a week of fun and safe activities for youth while they are out of school and their cazegivers aze away at school and/or work. Participants will gain instruction in Basketball, Football, and Baseball. Funds from the Weed and Seed budget are used to pay camp facilitators, purchase camp equipment and supplies. General Education Development (GED) The GED Project will allow residents to prepare to take the GED exam at a convenient location within their own neighborhood. The PA Weed and Seed steering committee is in the process of selecting a partner to provide the GED facilitation/instruction. Funds from the Weed and Seed grant will be used to compensate aninstructor/facilitator. Port Arthur Weed and Seed's Delayed Activities: Safe Haven Weed and Seed sites are required to have an operating Safe Haven. The steering committee continues to struggle with the selection and operation of a viable Safe Haven. A Safe Haven is a physical location. within a Weed and Seed neighborhood that provides a multitude of services for neighborhood adult and youth. During a site visit in May 2008, US Department of Justice representative urged steering committee members to be cautious of spending awazded grant funds without meeting this important obligation. A recent Safe Haven agreement was secured with Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.. Funds from the Weed and Seed grant are earmarked to compensate after-school tutors, purchase recreational supplies, arts and craft supplies, office supplies, computer hardware and software. Boxing Academy Weed and Seed initiated partnership with a neighborhood Boxing Academy for the purpose of providing youth residents with membership opportunities. The Academy is undergoing physical repairs. Funds from the Weed and Seed grant will be used to provide one-yeaz Boxing Academy scholarships to up to fifty youth residents of the Weed and Seed targeted neighborhood. END 1 /13/2009 Port Arthur Weed and Seed Steerin~ Committee Meeting City Hall, 5 Floor Conference Room 444 4~ Street, Port Arthur Meeting Date: December 4, 2008 Meeting Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Timekeeper. TBA Note Taker: TBA Facilitator: TBA AGENDA Item Presenter -Time of to is Minutes 5 min Policing Issues Police Representative 5 min Meeting Time & Place for 2009 5 min Computer Training Center Proposal LaTonya Turner 10 min Officer Nomination (Secretary Position) 5 min Subcommittee Reports 10 min Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Beverly Hatcher i0 min Budget & Strategy Update LaTonya Turner 15 min One Block At A Time Project The Tutoring Project Junior Cowboys Request General Education Development {GED) Youth Sports Camp -Update Additional Business 5 min W & S Steering Committee Comments 5 min ~i~~ Adjourn Port Arthur Weed and Seed 444 4t° Street Port Arthur, TX 77640 Steering Committee :Meeting Minutes November 6, 2008 The Port Arthur Weed and Seed Steering Committee met for a regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2008. The meeting was held in the Sa' floor conference room of the City Hall building, 444 4~' Street, Port Arthur. Members Present Mayor Debris Prince (Co-Chairperson), Ronald Burton (City of Port Arthur), Fabiola Small (resident), Manerva Thornton (resident), Lillie Decuire (PA Drug Task Force), Duncan Woodford (U.S. Attorney's Office), Kathleen Fontenot (DeQueen Elementary School), Bradford Coleman (Jr. Bee's Football Team), Sue Byers (The Salvation Army), Melinda McNulty (KT Maintenance), Beverly Hatcher (GTMI3C). Others Present Kerry Klintworth, U. S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Texas Wilma Richard, Resident LaTonya Turner, Weed and Seed Coordinator Cindy Fertitta, Rape & Suicide Crisis Center Opening of Meeting Mayor Prince called the meeting to order at l :.53 p.m. Minutes The group adopted the minutes of October 2, 2008. Policing :Issues Fabiola reported that Officer Rockey Bridges is helping provide Weed and Seed residents with Thanksgiving food baskets. Steering Committee Membership Tisha Armstead was not present to speak. Cindy reported that Tisha is out of town. 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