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Good morning. Good morning. We are going to, uh, begin our meeting. It's

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9:30 am good morning, and welcome to

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our city council meeting, our regularly scheduled meeting on tuesday,

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november 4th, 2025 at 9:30 am

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you may join our meeting by telephonic and or by video conference

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by calling in to 8 7 7 8 5 3 5 2 4 7,

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or 8 8 8 7 8 8 0 0 9 9.

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you may enter the meeting id of 8 5 8 9 3 0 5 6 8 2 6

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and enter the passcode, 9 0 1 9 0 2.

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you, you are also welcome, and we want to make sure that we're in compliance with american

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disabilities act. We want to make sure we're accommodating you. You can

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do that by calling in 24 hours in advance to our city secretary's

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office at 4 0 9 9 8 3 8 1 1 5.

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at this time, we're going to have, first of all, I'm gonna ask that we

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all would mute our cell, uh, cell phones or any devices, mobile devices that

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we may have at this time, and then we're going to have our invocation,

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our pledge, and our roll call. I am going to ask a

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council member, frank, to lead us in prayer.

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good morning, let us bow all wise in eternal god, our

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father, how grateful we are for yet again, giving us a wonderful and beautiful day

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in the city of port arthur. How grateful we are, god, that you've awakened us

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and allowed us to come into this meeting where we can make, uh, decisions

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based upon your wise counsel and your gracious kindness and mercy.

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we pray blessings today upon all who are here and upon our city

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and upon our nation as well. Blessing keep us is our prayer and the

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powerful and precious name of jesus we pray. Amen. Amen.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america

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and to the republic from which it stands, one nation under

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god, indivisible, with liberty and justice. All

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city secretary, would you establish a quorum, please? Yes, ma'am.

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mayor moses. Here, mayor proti

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ett. Here. Council member lewis.

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council member hamilton, ever field council

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member beckham. Here. Council member ken law here.

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council member frank, present. You have a court mayor.

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awesome. Thank you so much, city secretary. This time, item two.

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we have no proclamations this morning. We're gonna move to item

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three, petitions and communications speakers. We have no

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speakers at this time. We have, um, presenters,

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uh, presentations, and we'd like for, uh, aranon

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baysmore of the us army corps of engineers to come forth

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and present what you have in your presentation. Thank

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you for being here this morning. Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

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good morning, mayor moses, uh, distinguished members of the port arthur city council.

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my name is arne basmore and I am the sabine to project manager for

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the sabbe bay to galveston port arthur project. With

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me today are other members from the united states army corps engineers. Uh, ms.

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tony addison, a mega projects division chief, mr. Charles wheeler,

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mega, um, projects, division s two g project. Galveston,

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sabine to galveston, um, project manager.

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and we also have, um, whitney today as well. Mr. Bobby petty, our

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outreach specialist. We also have with us our non-federal sponsor,

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uh, jefferson county drainage district, and mr. Um, allen sims,

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the general manager

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today. Um, we'll be discussing a port arthur project and we'll follow the agenda as

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such. Um, we have a public house announcement that we'll go over

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a project overview, the project funding, the, um, the key

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features, the schedule overview, and the construction overview for the port arthur project.

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we like to take this time to announce the public opening, which, uh, public open

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house, which has been scheduled for thursday, november 20th from

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6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the st. Joseph's catholic church.

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um, the point of discussion will be the port arthur and the

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vicinity contract, pav oh four. We

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invite all to attend. That can,

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just a quick clarification. That is the project. You have to come up alan.

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sorry, excuse me. Honor, just quick clarification. For those of you who,

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uh, don't understand, port arthur, pa v oh four is a contract from, uh,

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rose hill acres to lakeview pump station. The end of proctor street north.

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the end of proctor street.

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thank you, allen. Okay.

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the sabine, the sabine passed. The galveston project is part, is

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we abbreviated as s two g is part of the upper texas coast, uh,

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regional approach. This bean, the

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bean that gotton bay project is comprised of two elements, the port arthur element

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and the orange element. In addition to

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the, uh, those two projects, the sa the te upper texas regional approach

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is comprised of eight additional projects

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shown in orange. In the upper right corner is the orange project, which will be a new protected levee

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system shown in blue. You have the port arthur project and highlighted

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enc circle. In red is the port arthur project that's followed by the sabina

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natures waterway,

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the jefferson county ecosystem restoration.

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the mcfadden sought by you do

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dune stabilization, the coast, the

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texas coastal project, which is the largest project authorized with the corps

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engineers to date at $34 billion. And then you also

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have the houston ship channel as well as the, the texas

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city hurricane protection system.

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the focus for today's presentation will be the port arthur project.

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excuse me. Allow me to, uh, reiterate as well. The overall

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objective for the upper texas coast is to reduce the risk of human life,

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of storm surge, reduce economic damages to,

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uh, residents and businesses structure, enhance

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the energy security by reducing the storm surge and providing protection

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around the petrochemical facilities and reduce the, uh,

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adverse physical impacts of waterways for commercial and, and, and our recreational

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use to collectively these projects on the upper texas

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regional approach provide that, uh, protection.

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the focus for today, the focus for today's discussion will be the port arthur project.

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the port arthur project is in existing, uh, levee system that was built

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from the mid 1960s to the early 1980s by

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the core of engineers. It has since been turned over to our now federal sponsor, dd seven,

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who operates and maintains it, uh, who's been operated and maintaining it ever since.

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our goal is to improve the resiliency of this system by

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providing a greater level of protection in what this system currently does.

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the focus of the polar arthur project, the key elements of that

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system are 14.3 miles of earth and levee raises

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of 14.3 miles of, of earth and levee improvements

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of which 10 will be 10 miles of earth and levee raises, and 4.3

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miles of new earth and levee construction. This project will also

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include 6.2 miles of concrete flood wall improvements.

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ie they will be likely replacing existing ie uh, eye walls with t

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walls, finding protection at the 11 existing

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pump stations in port arthur insulation of 20

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new road and railroad closure gates along the levee

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system. Insulation of erosion controls at the levee flood

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sides, as well as construction of a new pump

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station in a roll gully, uh, location.

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the port arthur project is comprised of three 11 contracts, 11 port

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arthur, and vicinity contracts. The focus of this presentation will be the discussion

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of three of those pav oh one, which is completed, pav

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oh three a, which is currently underway, and pav oh four, which

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was recently awarded

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to accomplish the delivery of the port arthur project. We've partnered with, uh, jefferson

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county drainage district seven, our non-federal sponsor partner. The project was

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appropriated appropriated in the bipartisan act of 20 20 20 18,

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excuse me, and it was fully funded. It was fully funded for $3.9 billion

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of which 863 million will have gone and been allocated

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to port arthur. Since 2018. We are seeing significant

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cost increases and we are working to obtain documentation and

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obtain an approval for additional, uh, costs.

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the army corps of engineers and and jefferson county journalist

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district seven have signed a project partnership agreement where

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you say army corps engineers fund 65% of the project costs

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with d dd seven on now federal sponsor funding the remaining 35%.

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the key features of this project include earth and levees

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and concrete flood walls.

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the scope of the earth and levees will be raising the existing earth and earth and levees

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provided metal protection, and then installing, um, new earth levees progress,

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installing new earth and levees at segments as well to provide that protection

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required. Here you'll see to the left is the existing

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eye wall, and to the right you see what's going to be replacing it. The t wall.

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we found out through lessons learned from prior weather events such

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as hurricane katrina, that over time the storm surge from

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storm events will allow for, uh, uh, will allow for

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over tapping and a rolling of, uh, eyebrow foundations. As

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such, the t wall concrete wall provides a better design

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with a more robust foundation as well as additional battery piles to provide

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for additional structural stability. That's the sense. What's the concrete replace?

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the concrete fo replacement will be

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another key feature of this project will be the fronting protection that will

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be installed in front of all the, um, existing pump stations.

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the fronting protection helps, helps mitigate storm surge impacts on the pump

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station itself.

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also with the pull arthur project installation of road

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railroad and roadway closure, gates were being stored walls and roadways

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intersect the levee system providing more, uh, protection

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from storm surge throughout the port arthur area.

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here is the project timeline for the port arthur project in 2017. The feasibility

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study for this project was completed

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2018. We received, uh, srg received the authorization and funding from

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congress for this project, which allowed us to award the first contract in

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2019 for a construction start in 2020.

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we anticipate final design being completed 2032, and we

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are also anticipating the project itself to be overall completed in 2036.

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the first contract in the port arthur project is pavo one.

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this project was completed. This project was awarded march 30th, 2020

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and was completed july 28th, 2022. The

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scope of this project, excuse me, for $25 million

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contract value, the scope of this project is a deep, deep soil mix to earth

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and levy raised.

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the next project, which is currently in construction, is contract pav oh three

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a. This contract was awarded september 8th, 2023

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for a contract value of $97 million. We anticipate the

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estimate duration for the contract to be 5.5 years.

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key elements for this project are foundation supports, concrete

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flood walls, front end protection, as well as, uh, erosion controls

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on on flood side of levees, which

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contract three will focus on three contract. Three a will focus on three zones,

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zone five alligator pump station improvements, zone six

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lakeside pump station improvements, and zone seven port acres pump

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station improvements.

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key elements for this contract include roughly in

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addition to the pumps, the the front end protection at the pump station's mentioned.

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in these three zones, we'll have concrete roughly 1200

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manual feet of concrete flood wall improvements, insulation

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of the t walls, taking out insulation of t walls, replacing the existing

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eyewall 320 miles of earth and levee raises,

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as well as insulation of the sheet pile, color walls and batter piles required for the

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installation of foundation for the concrete flood walls.

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the next series of photos will show the construction progression in the various zones,

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zones five, six, and seven. Basically, the work,

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the work is going concurrent and it's fairly similar in process where you have the

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installation of the batter piles, sheet pile cutoff walls in preparation

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for the concrete flat work for the foundations. The t wall foundations

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seen here is a picture of the alligator pump stations. You have

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the t wall work that is in progress and probably, uh, what's uh,

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critical is the, uh, foundation system, the battered piles, which are angle piles to

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provide a structural stability for the concrete t wall itself.

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zone six is the lakeside pump station site improvement work, which is fairly similar

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to what's going on at the alligator pump station.

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sheep, all cutoff walls and piles.

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zone seven is the lakeside pump station and site improve, uh, pump station improvement

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works as well. Similar scope foundation installation for

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t walls and front end protections.

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the last of the three con, the last of the three contracts discussed in the port arthur project is

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pv oh four.

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the pre oh four contract was recently awarded april of this year

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for a contract value of $404 million with an estimated

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contract, uh, completion, estimated contract duration

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of 4.5 years. The project is currently at

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30 35% design stage and it is a design built contract,

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excuse me. Currently, field surveys and geotechnical

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investigations are underway for this project. We

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anticipate construction start for contract four to be

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late summer of 2026.

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major elements for the pa oh four contract include

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roughly 11,000 limit feet of new concrete flood wall shown

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in red. This will be where we are replacing the existing eyewall

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with the more robust t wall foundation t wall of flood wall

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foundation, concrete flood wall system. We'll also have roughly

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about 2200 lineal feet of earth and levee raise raises shown

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in green. And similar to what's going on in

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contract three a, we'll have fronting protection installed at the existing three pump stations.

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lakeview stadium road in delmar.

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of note construction activities will likely take place on the flood side on,

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uh, on this contract. So we understand that there'll be, um, critical care

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taken to preserving on what's out, what's out there, and providing the proper measures taking

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place, tfp, temporary flood protection and so forth.

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additional information can be found for not just the sg

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port arthur project, but also the orange project, the two elements

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that form this being the galveston bay projects by accessing

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these qr codes. And we'll take you into the storyboard and you can have,

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uh, additional information as to understanding of project history as well as any other announcements

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with this. Uh, this concludes the presentation, and I would like to, uh, leave

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time to open up the floor for any questions. Uh, city council mayor,

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thank you so much. Um, let's see if I have any questions.

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council members, I don't

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have any lights, but thank you for your presentation. Yes, ma'am. Um,

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last time I saw this, it was about 2019, or I mean 2020.

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and so you really progressed. Um, well in the project.

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I was just thinking, alan, the, he said 2036 up. My, my, I heard, I know

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the mic. You guys heard me in the mic. I was like, ooh, how old am I gonna be in 2036? That's

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been a common question. , everybody has kind of is, uh, like, you know, awakening.

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but thank you so much. Um, I have city manager has his light on

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mayor in terms of disseminating information, especially to the

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residents in the proctor street area for the public, um,

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hearing to be held. Um, if alan, you could share that

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information with us so that we could post it on our website as well. You

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know, we would be happy to do that. Mayor, yes. The, uh, yes we would, the public hearing

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or the public open house will be november 20th at, uh, the church. We were

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talking the catholic church down in proctor. I will, uh, we are planning to

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have that published in the newspaper. We'll put it on our website. We'll send it to you for your website.

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we'll also go out the week before and hang door hangers on all the doors in the neighborhood,

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uh, to make sure everybody knows. Uh, normally we've held our public meetings

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like this, like at bob bowers, right down here at the, uh, carl parker center. But

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we chose to do this one as close as we could. That was the largest venue we could find

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in the middle of that neighborhood. So that's where we went to, uh, talked with

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the, uh, catholic church in, uh, past and

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father mcright, I thinks the guy that's down there now, uh, I

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remember him when he was in winnie when I used to live there, uh, but went and met with him and uh,

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they were gonna give us the big hall they have there so we can get everybody. And like I said, I

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wanted to do something centralized for everybody to make it easier for people in that neighborhood.

264
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uh, it goes from rose hill to lakeview. I know there's

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gonna be a lot of concerns right now. The intended plan is we do not purchase

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any property from any private landowners. We'll build on what we have currently

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or out towards the navigation channel. There'll be some who will move about

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five feet out and towards navigation or so. It's not gonna be a whole lot. We're

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trying to do our best to do minimal impacts. I guarantee you there will be

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some. Okay. There's no way we can build this project without some traffic

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and some issues in there. And that's the reason we want ahead and go ahead and get this started right

272
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now. You're not gonna see a whole lot of impacts in that area for the next six months to

273
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nine months. I'd probably gonna do another open house

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and probably sometime mid-summer, late summer. Depends on when they start

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construction. When you start seeing trucks running on the streets, that's when we're gonna try to have another open house.

276
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probably. I'm gonna try to plan, set it to where, as you

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guys know, we did it the week before. They're not going. Nobody's gonna notice.

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we do it a month after they start seeing trucks and everybody's gonna show up to complaint and that's when we

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want to have it. Okay. Um, just be honest with you guys, we're going to try to keep everybody

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informed, you guys as well as the general public, uh, trying to be good

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neighbors. Thank you. If there's anything y'all need, if you just let us know. I have a couple of

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lights. I have council member doucette.

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00:23:01,785 --> 00:23:05,525
yes. Allen. Yes, sir. The lakeside. I didn't have no

284
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questions about the presentation, but since you talk about the having meetings

285
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yes, sir. The lakeside project. You know, I stay on

286
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cambridge. Yes. All the trucks not only go up

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there, but they be parked right there in front of my house. I can't even get out

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without being careful 'cause they all lined up there. But that's not a problem because it's,

289
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it worked. Our contractors are parked near your house. No, I said in the, the street

290
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in front my home. Cambridge. Okay. Our contractors

291
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are parked over there? No, the people that are carrying the material. Alan. Oh,

292
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okay. Yes, sir. Yes. Okay. I'm sorry. People who are carrying that's 18 wheelers. Yes, sir. Like five

293
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or six of 'em along the road. And I don't have a problem with it,

294
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you know, the progress of them, the pounding. So

295
00:23:52,965 --> 00:23:56,925
basically it is, when is that project is going

296
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to be completed and how far we going with that? And if you're

297
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doing it, we're about a year, year and a half into a five year project

298
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there. Just in the, just for the lakeside pump

299
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station? Well, it's all three of 'em together. Uh, and I, they're

300
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probably 25% complete. They're about, so they're probably got another three years would be my guess

301
00:24:18,385 --> 00:24:22,325
on the lakeside. Oh, okay. Because that's what I was saying. When you

302
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start talking about a central location, st. Joseph.

303
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but then again, we doing that one out there, and when I tell you I could

304
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walk out, I could stand in my front yard and that's, that's no more than about three

305
00:24:34,845 --> 00:24:38,565
or 400. Yes, sir. Um, yards from my house. I,

306
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and I hear it. And they don't work at night, so that's not a problem. It's

307
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only during hours of operation, but it should be a good idea on

308
00:24:47,955 --> 00:24:51,805
knowing that thing going in. So really that's a long time. Tell you what, ,

309
00:24:52,985 --> 00:24:56,845
that's a mistake on my part. I'll take, I'll own that completely. My thoughts were those

310
00:24:57,165 --> 00:25:01,125
three projects were so far isolated. I didn't think they were going

311
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to impact the neighborhoods that much. I'll tell you what. We'll, we'll try to schedule something.

312
00:25:05,785 --> 00:25:09,605
it probably, it'll probably take us about two or three months to put something together. Mm-hmm. Maybe we do something

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there in the pa in the, what's it called? Palomar lakeside. Right. You know we have have community

314
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center there. Yes sir. But everything that comes in to go back there

315
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at counts down cambridge. Yes, sir. And for three years it's

316
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gonna be and 18 wheel carrying some heavy stuff.

317
00:25:26,665 --> 00:25:30,485
so that kind of, let me check on that also, because that was,

318
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they were supposed to be coming in and out of jade through the county

319
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yard. No, no, no. You're talking, you're talking, uh, the, the roll

320
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ga road air gully. You talking about all 365? No, I'm talking where

321
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the, uh, parks and wildlife office is and the county barn, the road that comes up

322
00:25:47,565 --> 00:25:51,405
on the left, they were supposed to be using that for access. They weren't to, to go to the lakeside.

323
00:25:52,115 --> 00:25:55,765
yeah. So, you know, between uh, parks and wildlife, there's a road right. That

324
00:25:56,245 --> 00:26:00,045
actually goes up, like where people go over, like they're gonna go to the, uh, boat launch at parks and

325
00:26:00,285 --> 00:26:04,205
wildlife. Right. They're supposed to be going up there and going down that I weren't supposed to be going to cambridge.

326
00:26:04,325 --> 00:26:08,325
what you talking about? Cambridge 18 willis care and all that stuff. Yeah. They were not supposed to be going through cambridge. Lemme

327
00:26:08,645 --> 00:26:12,565
tell you. They've been, they've been coming down cambridge. Okay, let me check on

328
00:26:12,725 --> 00:26:16,385
that. They've been coming down cambridge. That is not what I understood. The

329
00:26:16,815 --> 00:26:20,715
whole time. They be parked five or six 18 willers. Okay.

330
00:26:21,005 --> 00:26:24,805
this is news to me. Thank you very much. Deep, you know.

331
00:26:25,755 --> 00:26:29,245
okay. Thank you allen. And you guys know where I am. You're welcome to call me anytime. Alright.

332
00:26:30,145 --> 00:26:34,005
I'm available. Council member lewis. Yeah. I appreciate

333
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y'all's presentation. Uh, and also

334
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I'm glad that you're going to start holding meetings on the west side. The district one. That's all my,

335
00:26:42,825 --> 00:26:46,685
my area. I got from sabine pass stadium to state some paul stadium

336
00:26:47,075 --> 00:26:50,845
road from 19th street to 19th street to inter coastal con.

337
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I gotta have the city. Okay. Now, west side is very important. They're gonna

338
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be very concerned. And if you, and I'm glad you're gonna be putting out flyers

339
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and what have they. You got the community room over there where you can meet with 'em and explain to 'em

340
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ahead of time. You know, I would like for you to schedule something,

341
00:27:07,705 --> 00:27:11,705
uh, as soon as possible to get them softened up to and

342
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acceptable to as to what, you know, just so much that they can, uh,

343
00:27:15,945 --> 00:27:18,705
get out of this presentation, you know? Right. So

344
00:27:20,065 --> 00:27:23,525
let me know when you're going to do it. And uh, right now we're scheduled for november 20th.

345
00:27:24,445 --> 00:27:28,225
november the 20th. Yes, sir. For the community room on west side. Uh,

346
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that was st. Joseph. That's at st. Joseph's church. St. Joseph catholic church. It's catholic church. St. James.

347
00:27:34,625 --> 00:27:38,605
st. James. I'm sorry, my mistake. Are you on proctor? The one

348
00:27:38,765 --> 00:27:42,715
proctor? It's st. Joseph. It's st. Joseph's live, right next proctor

349
00:27:43,205 --> 00:27:47,205
st. Joseph. But I'm talking about west of houston avenue. Okay. That's community room

350
00:27:47,445 --> 00:27:51,405
over there. And I'd appreciate if y'all schedule something there. Okay. So keep on the west

351
00:27:51,645 --> 00:27:55,285
side to be up to. We're probably about two years out from starting construction in that area.

352
00:27:55,795 --> 00:27:59,405
yeah. So, uh, I was gonna wait till we got closer to construction,

353
00:28:00,065 --> 00:28:04,005
but if you think we need to do something sooner, we can do that. Yeah, we'll, I appreciate you do

354
00:28:04,125 --> 00:28:08,125
something sooner, okay? Okay. Yeah. I mean, around building

355
00:28:08,165 --> 00:28:12,025
around your schedule. Okay. And you're two years out, so yeah. Yeah. We're about two years out for

356
00:28:12,245 --> 00:28:16,245
being over in that area, doing construction. So I understand we can, we'll do something.

357
00:28:16,785 --> 00:28:20,665
do something. I appreciate it. Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you. Thank you all so much. We

358
00:28:20,885 --> 00:28:24,405
really appreciate the update. Thank you so very much, mayor. Council members. Appreciate y'all.

359
00:28:24,995 --> 00:28:28,765
okay. This time we have, uh, city manager staff reports.

360
00:28:29,105 --> 00:28:32,985
we have none. Employee recognition, we have none correspondence.

361
00:28:34,585 --> 00:28:37,525
we have none. We're gonna move to petitions and communications.

362
00:28:38,785 --> 00:28:42,565
um, f discussions number one, we'll have a discussion

363
00:28:43,045 --> 00:28:46,655
and take possible action regarding conduct of a forensic audit.

364
00:28:47,105 --> 00:28:50,645
and this is requested by mayor pro tem ett. Yes. Thank you, mayor.

365
00:28:51,785 --> 00:28:55,685
uh, I put out information. I've been talking about the forensic

366
00:28:55,895 --> 00:28:59,745
audit. Uh, some people have taken it as, uh, we

367
00:28:59,965 --> 00:29:02,825
don't need one because we had one almost a decade ago

368
00:29:03,985 --> 00:29:07,475
and stuff. And indu in calling for this. I also

369
00:29:08,045 --> 00:29:11,925
referred to, uh, codes and ordinances that we haven't been following

370
00:29:12,425 --> 00:29:16,425
it most of the time. I've talked about those at previous council meeting. In

371
00:29:16,645 --> 00:29:20,475
fact, I talked about 'em, I read 'em verbatim when

372
00:29:20,785 --> 00:29:24,515
the topic actually came before council and council take

373
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action. So, about four months ago, I talked with council and I let

374
00:29:28,885 --> 00:29:32,615
council know that, uh, these ordinance and codes

375
00:29:32,965 --> 00:29:36,625
and stuff, you know, we are the ones that's here to ensure that they, uh,

376
00:29:37,145 --> 00:29:41,045
are upheld. We take an oath for that. You know, we all

377
00:29:41,245 --> 00:29:44,765
different council members, and I don't take anything personal. We all think different.

378
00:29:46,205 --> 00:29:48,885
I have a, I'm by the book.

379
00:29:50,565 --> 00:29:53,925
I leave my opinion outside the dough, my thoughts outside the dough.

380
00:29:55,005 --> 00:29:58,565
I read what is written. And when we do not follow what's written,

381
00:29:59,745 --> 00:30:03,125
we have issues. If we recognize 'em, we can fix them.

382
00:30:03,785 --> 00:30:07,625
my theory is always, first of all, we need to police ourselves. And we don't need nobody to

383
00:30:07,845 --> 00:30:11,565
police us. But after two years, I've come to the conclusion that we

384
00:30:11,925 --> 00:30:15,805
actually need someone to come in, take a look at it and tell us

385
00:30:16,475 --> 00:30:20,385
what we are doing that we shouldn't be doing, and

386
00:30:21,305 --> 00:30:24,805
how we can do it better. Forensic audit, some people always

387
00:30:25,555 --> 00:30:29,175
talk about, uh, criminal, well forensic audit

388
00:30:29,745 --> 00:30:33,215
is one that you order. When you feel it is something, is wrongdoing.

389
00:30:34,735 --> 00:30:38,445
wrongdoing mean you're not doing what's right. It doesn't mean it's

390
00:30:38,885 --> 00:30:42,845
criminal. It can result into that. But the fact of the matter

391
00:30:43,065 --> 00:30:46,125
is, we need to do things as written.

392
00:30:47,945 --> 00:30:51,885
and after two years, us policing ourselves, I

393
00:30:52,005 --> 00:30:55,885
just don't feel, uh, is going that way because

394
00:30:57,095 --> 00:31:00,045
there are some issues that we should have resolved and we should have addressed.

395
00:31:01,145 --> 00:31:04,875
but instead, we, uh, don't do it. You know, it's

396
00:31:05,165 --> 00:31:09,085
like, okay, we gonna continue to operate in

397
00:31:09,245 --> 00:31:13,205
the way we operate and we can't continue to operate the way we operate. 'cause look at

398
00:31:13,365 --> 00:31:16,985
the city and some of the things that, uh, I feel we have now

399
00:31:17,405 --> 00:31:21,285
followed is a result of that. I'm not gonna discuss those. I've talked enough

400
00:31:21,605 --> 00:31:25,345
about 'em, but it's on the, uh, agenda here to let

401
00:31:25,665 --> 00:31:29,325
people understand what it's about. And whenever

402
00:31:30,845 --> 00:31:34,785
I say I would like to see one, I put

403
00:31:35,445 --> 00:31:39,085
examples. I write down the code, the ordinance,

404
00:31:39,725 --> 00:31:43,645
I feel that we are not following. Then I give example what we

405
00:31:43,805 --> 00:31:47,565
doing. And I let citizens decide. I don't try to tell

406
00:31:48,245 --> 00:31:52,205
citizens we need it. We don't need it. I think

407
00:31:52,365 --> 00:31:56,225
that we got more intelligent citizens than we have non-intelligent, so

408
00:31:57,285 --> 00:32:00,725
citizens decide. But we need to make sure that everything's transparent

409
00:32:02,385 --> 00:32:06,335
and that we're doing things right. And if we're doing things right, we'll

410
00:32:06,685 --> 00:32:09,765
spend money properly and we'll be transparent.

411
00:32:11,105 --> 00:32:14,965
and those are two things right now. There's a big issue with citizens.

412
00:32:16,525 --> 00:32:20,085
forensic audit will say, you're doing this wrong.

413
00:32:21,435 --> 00:32:24,725
this is what we recommend you do in order to fix this.

414
00:32:26,635 --> 00:32:30,405
it's better to fix it than to let it continue the way it is.

415
00:32:31,745 --> 00:32:35,625
and it also has the opportunity for someone to take a look at our

416
00:32:35,855 --> 00:32:39,845
books where we don't get to look at it . We get to see what they're

417
00:32:40,045 --> 00:32:43,965
giving. And, uh, when I say forensic audit and stuff, I want to

418
00:32:44,085 --> 00:32:47,925
make sure I throw this in at the end. Our finance director,

419
00:32:48,425 --> 00:32:51,225
uh, got here, I guess about a year now,

420
00:32:52,585 --> 00:32:54,965
but I've been working and talking with her. She is

421
00:32:57,045 --> 00:33:01,035
standing. She has really done

422
00:33:01,345 --> 00:33:05,225
things that are amazing. You know, our,

423
00:33:06,265 --> 00:33:10,245
uh, audits, annual audits, we are like two years behind. She came in

424
00:33:10,445 --> 00:33:14,325
in one year, she done those two plus hers. That's the kind of thing we

425
00:33:14,525 --> 00:33:17,245
need done, but we need to go back

426
00:33:19,105 --> 00:33:22,845
and fix this not following ordinance and local government

427
00:33:23,415 --> 00:33:27,285
codes. So after, if anybody else got any comments, I'll even comment.

428
00:33:27,585 --> 00:33:28,685
if not, I wanna make a motion.

429
00:33:31,725 --> 00:33:35,055
I have several lights. Uh, council member, frank.

430
00:33:36,545 --> 00:33:40,265
yes. Um, I've heard, um,

431
00:33:41,125 --> 00:33:44,875
I don't stand to talk or, um, have

432
00:33:45,165 --> 00:33:49,025
my light on to talk, uh, um, against, uh,

433
00:33:49,745 --> 00:33:53,405
an audit, um, a forensic audit. I'm simply,

434
00:33:54,225 --> 00:33:58,165
uh, raising, uh, some concerns about, um, how do

435
00:33:58,325 --> 00:34:01,465
we arrive at the issue of,

436
00:34:02,385 --> 00:34:06,345
uh, a forensic audit. I don't know. I don't know in any

437
00:34:06,925 --> 00:34:10,385
specificity exactly what, um,

438
00:34:10,935 --> 00:34:14,785
those concerns are that have driven us to

439
00:34:15,005 --> 00:34:18,155
this pointed place where we have,

440
00:34:19,025 --> 00:34:22,905
um, that type of concern, uh, from council or

441
00:34:23,195 --> 00:34:26,605
from our citizens. I have not heard, uh, from

442
00:34:27,485 --> 00:34:31,225
citizens. I am an at large, uh, councilman. I don't represent any

443
00:34:31,765 --> 00:34:35,745
districts, but I've not heard any council. I've not heard any

444
00:34:36,365 --> 00:34:40,325
citizens come to me, uh, and raise any concerns, uh, with

445
00:34:40,605 --> 00:34:44,315
me about the, uh, financial, uh, discharge

446
00:34:44,925 --> 00:34:47,885
of our duties here on council that would warrant,

447
00:34:49,025 --> 00:34:52,965
um, uh, a forensic audit. Um, councilman doucette

448
00:34:53,465 --> 00:34:57,395
has made the comment, um, used the word wrongdoings,

449
00:34:58,625 --> 00:35:02,285
um, uh, and has said that, uh, he is not

450
00:35:03,165 --> 00:35:07,145
specifically referring to malfeasance. That is the misappropriation of

451
00:35:07,485 --> 00:35:10,855
funds or embezzlement or any of those types of situations.

452
00:35:12,065 --> 00:35:15,875
our internal controls are audited, um, with

453
00:35:16,185 --> 00:35:19,665
our audit. And we have received, uh, great audits,

454
00:35:20,585 --> 00:35:24,275
uh, here, uh, to four. Um, they've

455
00:35:24,765 --> 00:35:28,625
looked at our internal controls. They've looked at the way in

456
00:35:28,845 --> 00:35:32,685
which we carry out our budgets, the way in which, uh, we pay our

457
00:35:32,975 --> 00:35:36,725
debts. Uh, we have a, a credit rating of a plus

458
00:35:37,035 --> 00:35:40,485
plus. Um, our finances are in order.

459
00:35:41,305 --> 00:35:45,105
uh, we've looked at situations and circumstances, uh, and

460
00:35:45,445 --> 00:35:48,765
I don't know exactly, again, as I said, with specificity,

461
00:35:49,755 --> 00:35:53,165
what is warranting, um, uh, the concern

462
00:35:53,775 --> 00:35:57,725
about a financial audit. Uh, one of the things that I do

463
00:35:57,885 --> 00:36:01,865
have a concern about is, is that the payment of the, uh,

464
00:36:02,185 --> 00:36:05,565
of this audit, we're talking about an expenditure of about,

465
00:36:06,545 --> 00:36:08,965
oh, anywhere from 200 to $400,000.

466
00:36:10,745 --> 00:36:14,645
we just concluded. If you're talking about a, a forensic

467
00:36:15,015 --> 00:36:16,865
audit, we're talking about $200,000

468
00:36:19,475 --> 00:36:23,125
plus. So we've not, we've not budgeted

469
00:36:23,705 --> 00:36:27,545
for that. So we're talking about making an amendment. And so,

470
00:36:28,185 --> 00:36:32,085
as the councilman's talking about making a motion, how are we

471
00:36:32,325 --> 00:36:36,165
going to fund this forensic audit if we've

472
00:36:36,445 --> 00:36:40,445
not budgeted for this forensic audit? And the councilman is always

473
00:36:40,725 --> 00:36:44,625
talking about budget, budget. We've just come out of our budget hearing. Uh,

474
00:36:44,845 --> 00:36:48,825
we've, we've, we've talked about expenditures. We went through the budget, and we all

475
00:36:49,045 --> 00:36:52,395
raised our concerns. So how are we going to fund

476
00:36:53,555 --> 00:36:57,505
this, uh, forensic audit? One of the things that we do is

477
00:36:57,985 --> 00:37:01,805
he, you know, we can say, well, we can, we've

478
00:37:02,125 --> 00:37:05,685
got money in the fund balance and all of those things when we amend the budget,

479
00:37:06,505 --> 00:37:09,885
uh, for something of an emergency, if you will.

480
00:37:10,665 --> 00:37:14,005
um, one of the things, it is about public health and safety.

481
00:37:15,385 --> 00:37:18,885
uh, and so, uh, this is not about public health and safety.

482
00:37:19,905 --> 00:37:23,045
uh, this is about, um, uh, a concern,

483
00:37:24,185 --> 00:37:27,785
uh, that the council or the councilman has, uh,

484
00:37:28,335 --> 00:37:31,965
concerning our internal controls, I believe, or whether or not,

485
00:37:32,605 --> 00:37:36,245
I don't know exactly. Again, I don't know what is covered

486
00:37:36,745 --> 00:37:39,985
by this word, wrong doings. Um,

487
00:37:41,045 --> 00:37:44,805
I, I did some research and I looked and found that when we talk about

488
00:37:45,125 --> 00:37:49,005
a forensic audit, there's some things that you look at, some things that

489
00:37:49,345 --> 00:37:53,085
you, uh, understand. You talk about, uh, a response

490
00:37:53,385 --> 00:37:57,165
to su suspected fraud, or you talk about resolving

491
00:37:57,765 --> 00:38:01,615
disputes. Uh, you talk about, uh, all of those types

492
00:38:01,965 --> 00:38:05,075
of things that can happen, uh, as we address

493
00:38:06,075 --> 00:38:09,865
some conflict or, or whatever. I think that we

494
00:38:10,145 --> 00:38:14,085
can try to talk about those things and try to address those concerns

495
00:38:14,915 --> 00:38:18,405
without making that type of expenditure at this particular time.

496
00:38:19,225 --> 00:38:22,785
if we want to have a, uh, if we want to have an, uh,

497
00:38:23,245 --> 00:38:26,685
a forensic audit, let's put it on the agenda for next year

498
00:38:27,555 --> 00:38:31,445
when we can budget for it. Uh, and that way we don't have

499
00:38:31,565 --> 00:38:35,505
to make that kind of a withdrawal. But I don't believe, and

500
00:38:35,795 --> 00:38:39,405
I'll, I'll yield to our attorney and to all of those who are in council,

501
00:38:40,065 --> 00:38:44,055
but I don't think that we are able to vote on this on today,

502
00:38:45,065 --> 00:38:49,065
um, uh, because of that fact, uh, that we don't have a method of

503
00:38:49,515 --> 00:38:53,405
funding it. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Council member frank, council

504
00:38:53,765 --> 00:38:57,765
member ken law. Thank you, mayor. Um, I'm, I'm kinda

505
00:38:57,925 --> 00:39:01,925
like in the gray area as well. Uh, if we are talking about, uh, and the councilman made

506
00:39:02,205 --> 00:39:06,095
some, uh, comments. Uh, councilman deuce made comments about, uh, fraud

507
00:39:06,505 --> 00:39:10,415
and abuse and also wrongful, uh, doing

508
00:39:11,445 --> 00:39:15,325
policing ourselves. Uh, you know, as council members, it's our job

509
00:39:15,545 --> 00:39:18,935
to ensure that we protect the citizens at all costs, especially

510
00:39:19,605 --> 00:39:23,505
with the financial aspect of it. Our financial director, uh, in

511
00:39:23,725 --> 00:39:27,635
the last year completed three audits that would kind

512
00:39:27,925 --> 00:39:31,785
of give us some better directions on our finances and how we,

513
00:39:32,545 --> 00:39:35,685
uh, we pay our bills and how we accept, uh, payments.

514
00:39:36,905 --> 00:39:40,565
so, um, I thought about this when he brought it up last meeting, two meetings

515
00:39:40,985 --> 00:39:44,925
ago, and, uh, made reference to policing

516
00:39:45,125 --> 00:39:49,085
ourselves. So I have no directions understanding of where he's going with, uh,

517
00:39:49,355 --> 00:39:53,165
with this, um, what department, uh, if we are talking about

518
00:39:53,405 --> 00:39:57,365
financial, uh, uh, abuse, of course that every

519
00:39:57,645 --> 00:40:01,505
council member that's up here would have some concerns about that. We don't want that to happen in

520
00:40:01,725 --> 00:40:05,145
our city. But, you know, without having, uh, uh,

521
00:40:05,965 --> 00:40:09,825
a clarity on what direction, uh, what department, uh,

522
00:40:10,175 --> 00:40:13,685
who's doing it, how much are they doing? I mean, he may have some information

523
00:40:14,245 --> 00:40:18,045
I may not be aware of that I'm surely, uh, is, uh, wanting

524
00:40:18,385 --> 00:40:22,195
to understand his point of view, but just to do that. And I've

525
00:40:22,485 --> 00:40:26,385
been, uh, privy to be on a forensic audit before, and

526
00:40:26,635 --> 00:40:30,565
it's, it's very tedious and it's very expensive. And they look at all

527
00:40:30,765 --> 00:40:34,385
the departments, all your financials, all your expenditures. Uh,

528
00:40:34,875 --> 00:40:38,845
they even look at, uh, the policy procedures that you have in place to sustain that.

529
00:40:39,705 --> 00:40:43,685
so it's, it is a stretch for me without having,

530
00:40:44,385 --> 00:40:48,285
uh, detail of where he wants to go or where the forensic audit wants to

531
00:40:48,405 --> 00:40:52,405
go, uh, in my opinion. But, you know,

532
00:40:52,625 --> 00:40:56,265
not having clarity on what department who's doing it, surely

533
00:40:56,685 --> 00:41:00,465
it's not council. Uh, I mean, but at the same time, the

534
00:41:00,805 --> 00:41:04,285
finances coming from, uh, city manager and the financial

535
00:41:05,125 --> 00:41:08,605
director and how we do our business. You know, I, I need more clarity

536
00:41:09,345 --> 00:41:13,325
on how, where, when, and how much. So before I can get on

537
00:41:13,485 --> 00:41:17,425
board with this, because, you know, at the end of the day, you know, if, if

538
00:41:17,645 --> 00:41:21,085
we have zero findings, the taxpayers coughed up anywhere between

539
00:41:22,065 --> 00:41:25,865
200, $400,000 and is that fair to the tax citizens? No,

540
00:41:26,085 --> 00:41:29,995
that's not. But if you have some evidence, uh, councilman do said to sustain

541
00:41:30,485 --> 00:41:34,405
that, I would be more than willing to under the, to, you know,

542
00:41:35,035 --> 00:41:39,035
have an open eye, open ear to find out exactly, uh, what

543
00:41:39,325 --> 00:41:42,965
are those things are. But just to, you know, this just came outta the blue within

544
00:41:43,385 --> 00:41:47,385
the last month or so about having a forensic audit. So if

545
00:41:47,605 --> 00:41:51,285
you have more detail, I mean, please share what your cohorts and let me know personally,

546
00:41:52,345 --> 00:41:56,145
uh, some of the things that, because just to vote for that and have that on

547
00:41:56,385 --> 00:41:59,885
the agenda, uh, that's kind of a stretch for me. Thank you, mayor.

548
00:42:00,905 --> 00:42:04,805
uh, thank you. Um, councilman mcken, law council member doucette?

549
00:42:05,745 --> 00:42:09,505
yes. Okay. Uh, in reference to the

550
00:42:09,965 --> 00:42:13,905
comments made by councilman frank and councilman king, and

551
00:42:14,125 --> 00:42:18,045
both of them were good comments. I agree with some of what you both

552
00:42:18,315 --> 00:42:21,685
said in reference to funding for councilman

553
00:42:22,635 --> 00:42:25,405
frank's, uh, answer to his concerns.

554
00:42:26,745 --> 00:42:30,415
uh, if we were to decide we needed a forensic audit

555
00:42:30,835 --> 00:42:34,265
that would come under municipal purposes, which is

556
00:42:34,985 --> 00:42:38,645
one of the things allowed for amendment of a budget,

557
00:42:39,315 --> 00:42:43,015
okay? A lot of what I've said and what I'm saying count

558
00:42:43,425 --> 00:42:47,365
in now in respond to councilman kinlaw. I've been saying it for the

559
00:42:47,485 --> 00:42:51,285
last two years. I've been saying we are violating the streets

560
00:42:51,525 --> 00:42:54,235
program. I've been saying we're violating,

561
00:42:55,545 --> 00:42:59,045
uh, section two dash 31, which we do often,

562
00:42:59,585 --> 00:43:03,585
and which we put items on the agenda, and we do not have it funded

563
00:43:04,425 --> 00:43:08,265
in the budget, and

564
00:43:08,485 --> 00:43:12,485
we don't have an amendment at the meeting. I just threw out a

565
00:43:12,605 --> 00:43:16,285
few of those things and some posting I had on social media to answer citizens'

566
00:43:16,845 --> 00:43:20,705
questions. And I can sit here and

567
00:43:20,925 --> 00:43:24,565
start going through a whole, out a whole lot of specifics,

568
00:43:25,665 --> 00:43:29,565
but every specific I will name, if you go back

569
00:43:29,805 --> 00:43:32,445
to that council meeting, I read a ordinance

570
00:43:34,385 --> 00:43:38,325
or a local government code that says why we

571
00:43:38,485 --> 00:43:42,015
should not do it. And when I finished, the council voted

572
00:43:43,465 --> 00:43:46,625
anyway to approve it, and

573
00:43:47,605 --> 00:43:51,595
I talked about this, about four months with council, without this

574
00:43:52,495 --> 00:43:56,485
being just thrown out there. Today, when you do a

575
00:43:56,725 --> 00:44:00,275
forensic audit, you do not do all departments

576
00:44:01,185 --> 00:44:04,895
if you do not have to. A forensic audit

577
00:44:05,945 --> 00:44:09,045
is a audit that you have specific

578
00:44:10,195 --> 00:44:13,365
what they want to look at, where the area

579
00:44:14,555 --> 00:44:17,945
that you feel there's wrongdoings are there are issues.

580
00:44:19,825 --> 00:44:23,645
the cost of a forensic audit is determined

581
00:44:24,905 --> 00:44:28,385
by your scope, is

582
00:44:28,945 --> 00:44:32,885
how much you want them to look at, because they will determine

583
00:44:34,025 --> 00:44:37,525
how many people they will need, how long it will take them.

584
00:44:38,675 --> 00:44:42,605
that is where the cost of a forensic audit comes from. So really, you can't

585
00:44:42,845 --> 00:44:46,305
determine a cost until we de determine the scope. Uh,

586
00:44:48,025 --> 00:44:51,965
as far as citizens, not saying I'm to this

587
00:44:52,165 --> 00:44:55,845
point, because I hear citizens ask where the money is going.

588
00:44:57,215 --> 00:45:00,855
I hear citizens says, look at the streets, why we don't have this.

589
00:45:01,715 --> 00:45:05,655
and I look at what we are doing, and I've been doing this for two

590
00:45:05,815 --> 00:45:09,805
years and for two years when I said,

591
00:45:11,525 --> 00:45:15,055
it's nothing done. And like I said, it's not person. I'm not gonna question counsel.

592
00:45:17,115 --> 00:45:21,055
if counsel doesn't want to either consider what is said.

593
00:45:23,215 --> 00:45:26,635
I understand that. But the fact of the matter is,

594
00:45:28,075 --> 00:45:31,975
we have to at some point understand why we in these seats, we took

595
00:45:32,215 --> 00:45:35,095
a oath to be in these seats. And if it's something written,

596
00:45:36,425 --> 00:45:39,735
let's talk about what's written. Everybody say, I don't see anything.

597
00:45:41,125 --> 00:45:43,615
I've been reading it. I've been saying it for two years.

598
00:45:45,985 --> 00:45:49,845
if you don't want to listen or you don't, or you think is my way,

599
00:45:50,785 --> 00:45:54,735
go and check. If you read the code and

600
00:45:54,955 --> 00:45:58,945
you read the ordinance, be specific. There's

601
00:45:59,435 --> 00:46:02,075
so many things we doing, we could still do those things,

602
00:46:04,135 --> 00:46:07,975
but there's a certain way we need to do 'em. And

603
00:46:08,265 --> 00:46:12,025
it's written, we don't do it because we have

604
00:46:12,405 --> 00:46:16,055
votes. That's, that's the point I'm making. So,

605
00:46:17,535 --> 00:46:20,915
and no one can deny that I did not talk about this

606
00:46:21,825 --> 00:46:25,355
with counsel are my concerns about these ordinance

607
00:46:26,215 --> 00:46:29,295
and these codes of violations. This is not nothing new.

608
00:46:31,415 --> 00:46:34,275
and for two years, I've, I've worked with the council,

609
00:46:36,565 --> 00:46:40,515
I've learned to work with people, but

610
00:46:41,115 --> 00:46:45,055
for the two years I've heard doucette won't do it his way. Mm-hmm

611
00:46:45,495 --> 00:46:49,095
. Doucette knows everything. Doucette, but doucette

612
00:46:49,535 --> 00:46:53,455
reading in black and white. So it is not that it

613
00:46:53,655 --> 00:46:56,855
is me, I read it in black and white. If you don't

614
00:46:59,145 --> 00:47:03,115
understand what's read, didn't ask somebody who can explain to you, because I'm

615
00:47:03,335 --> 00:47:06,775
not going to do that because I'm reading citizens read the same thing.

616
00:47:07,555 --> 00:47:11,295
so, you know, I'm not here

617
00:47:14,035 --> 00:47:17,455
to fight and work against this council,

618
00:47:19,155 --> 00:47:22,825
but let's look in the mirror and understand

619
00:47:24,805 --> 00:47:28,355
what citizens want. We have an approval rating

620
00:47:29,915 --> 00:47:33,795
from the people we paid to do this plan that said,

621
00:47:35,605 --> 00:47:39,205
citizens got approval rating. That's 6% for this council of confidence.

622
00:47:39,945 --> 00:47:43,925
and the citizens are saying, what are you doing with our money? You putting it in your

623
00:47:44,045 --> 00:47:48,005
pocket, you putting the money on this and it, and it

624
00:47:48,165 --> 00:47:51,745
shouldn't go on that. If citizens are saying this and we are truly for

625
00:47:52,325 --> 00:47:55,905
citizens, then where

626
00:47:56,355 --> 00:47:58,535
do we get them to get the trust and confidence?

627
00:48:00,405 --> 00:48:02,385
we talking about $200,000, $300,000

628
00:48:04,535 --> 00:48:08,345
this council, and this is the last thing I'm gonna say, because

629
00:48:08,625 --> 00:48:12,465
this could go on all day. And I, and, and I've done this for two years, I'm not doing it,

630
00:48:12,645 --> 00:48:16,255
but this is the last thing I want to say. Someone's

631
00:48:16,865 --> 00:48:20,225
talking about $200,000. This council

632
00:48:22,465 --> 00:48:25,575
approved $395,000

633
00:48:30,465 --> 00:48:34,145
for a design and a study of an

634
00:48:34,635 --> 00:48:37,025
extension of a street,

635
00:48:39,995 --> 00:48:43,785
whereby the same council we

636
00:48:44,005 --> 00:48:46,135
setting up here disapprove

637
00:48:48,115 --> 00:48:51,225
that project. We disapproved it,

638
00:48:52,835 --> 00:48:55,165
it's in the records for $395,000

639
00:48:57,905 --> 00:49:01,505
and came right back and approved it. So we got

640
00:49:02,145 --> 00:49:04,905
the same resolution in the book,

641
00:49:06,765 --> 00:49:09,385
one approved and one disapproved.

642
00:49:11,265 --> 00:49:15,165
so that's an example of what we need to fix. And we could have fixed that

643
00:49:15,425 --> 00:49:19,275
by following the procedures. And the procedure says if we disapproved

644
00:49:19,965 --> 00:49:23,955
something, I don't care if it's five years later, we need to bring it back

645
00:49:24,115 --> 00:49:28,075
for reconsideration because we need to take the one, we disapproved off the records

646
00:49:29,055 --> 00:49:32,995
and now approve one. So you one example, I

647
00:49:33,115 --> 00:49:37,115
could be here all day. Don't, don't, don't go there with me. I've been doing that for two years.

648
00:49:38,225 --> 00:49:42,015
tell me why you think we should have now. Well, and y'all stated that and

649
00:49:42,235 --> 00:49:45,015
I respect it. Okay. Okay. So

650
00:49:46,415 --> 00:49:50,315
that's the way it is. Council members, let's be mindful

651
00:49:50,895 --> 00:49:54,735
we have two times to speak on a topic. You will have 10 minutes each time. 2, 2, 2

652
00:49:55,955 --> 00:49:59,725
minutes. I'm sorry. Two minutes to speak on each time you speak. So right

653
00:50:00,075 --> 00:50:03,975
now, I have lights that are tiffany, you have, uh, council member merrifield, you

654
00:50:04,215 --> 00:50:08,155
may speak now. Council member kinlaw, you'll be able to

655
00:50:08,275 --> 00:50:12,235
speak next and council member frank. But you guys will have two minutes to do that. Okay? Thank you.

656
00:50:12,535 --> 00:50:15,795
and no hope you've spoken twice. You cannot speak again. Thank you.

657
00:50:17,685 --> 00:50:21,155
thank you, mayor. Um, mr. Doucette,

658
00:50:22,075 --> 00:50:25,875
I recognize that you have over these last two years repeatedly

659
00:50:26,585 --> 00:50:30,205
mentioned things that you did not, um, agree with.

660
00:50:31,385 --> 00:50:35,085
and over those last two years, this information now is,

661
00:50:35,565 --> 00:50:39,165
I wanted to acknowledge that mr. Du said, but now this information is for the citizens.

662
00:50:40,215 --> 00:50:44,165
often when not just often. I can't say every time

663
00:50:44,605 --> 00:50:48,165
'cause there is no such thing as the absolute. But most of the time

664
00:50:49,705 --> 00:50:53,295
a letter has been provided either from the texas municipal

665
00:50:53,905 --> 00:50:57,295
league, from the attorney general or from our city

666
00:50:57,945 --> 00:51:01,935
attorney, confirming what action we took

667
00:51:03,005 --> 00:51:06,885
was legal and the times that it

668
00:51:07,485 --> 00:51:11,055
was out of place, then those are the times that we had to make corrections.

669
00:51:12,325 --> 00:51:15,895
but there have never been a time that we just

670
00:51:16,425 --> 00:51:20,215
purposefully, purposefully went

671
00:51:20,605 --> 00:51:24,435
out of line according to the definition of a forensic audit.

672
00:51:25,885 --> 00:51:29,755
and so if there are specific times in a specific scope,

673
00:51:30,385 --> 00:51:34,295
I would ask, has a specific scope been

674
00:51:35,625 --> 00:51:39,285
proposed that is asking us

675
00:51:40,085 --> 00:51:43,505
to use a specialized in investigative

676
00:51:44,475 --> 00:51:48,305
techniques, investigative techniques to uncover fraud, embezzlement,

677
00:51:49,105 --> 00:51:52,125
corruption, or other financial irregular irregularities

678
00:51:53,455 --> 00:51:57,345
that our officer has, not our financial

679
00:51:57,745 --> 00:51:59,785
officer hasn't already helped us to correct.

680
00:52:02,485 --> 00:52:06,185
so I just wanna be clear that we have taken

681
00:52:07,445 --> 00:52:11,225
the opportunities to make sure that we are in order

682
00:52:11,735 --> 00:52:13,935
from our legal authorities.

683
00:52:17,055 --> 00:52:20,805
councilman mckinley? Thank you, mayor. Uh, uh, I asked a

684
00:52:21,085 --> 00:52:24,745
question, uh, for my colleague, uh, councilman doucette. Um, um,

685
00:52:25,395 --> 00:52:29,165
what are some of those allegations? He mentioned items on the agenda,

686
00:52:29,585 --> 00:52:32,845
not funded. He also mentioned streets. I was here when we started the street program,

687
00:52:33,865 --> 00:52:37,485
uh, a couple years ago. And, um, I was on a

688
00:52:37,885 --> 00:52:41,805
district three. And at the time that, uh, we did that, uh, we wanted

689
00:52:42,185 --> 00:52:45,765
to kind of take the politics out of the play.

690
00:52:46,505 --> 00:52:50,245
so we got a x-ray machine, went through the city, spent about $90,000

691
00:52:51,385 --> 00:52:54,465
on there, and, and they gave us the,

692
00:52:55,745 --> 00:52:59,245
the report that, um, how streets,

693
00:53:00,145 --> 00:53:04,065
uh, the capacity streets level of, uh, damage to those streets and

694
00:53:04,285 --> 00:53:07,805
council members at the time, the four district council members supposed to take that data

695
00:53:08,665 --> 00:53:12,645
and work with, uh, the city manager and the staff and come up with the solution and how we were gonna attack

696
00:53:13,005 --> 00:53:16,525
those streets. And then we started that because of the percentage of damaged,

697
00:53:17,505 --> 00:53:21,125
uh, streets as well as, uh, the capacity of the district. And councilman

698
00:53:21,865 --> 00:53:25,765
ett at the time, along with councilman, uh, district one, were the

699
00:53:25,885 --> 00:53:29,485
two largest areas that, uh, got the largest monies by percentages.

700
00:53:30,905 --> 00:53:34,905
now since then, councilman ett and district one, uh,

701
00:53:35,745 --> 00:53:39,675
uh, percentages of completion of streets have

702
00:53:40,235 --> 00:53:44,185
increased. Now he's, that district, district four is

703
00:53:44,405 --> 00:53:48,405
at the bottom. So I'm not understanding when we talk

704
00:53:48,645 --> 00:53:52,055
about, you know, fraud, abuse,

705
00:53:52,665 --> 00:53:56,625
taking money outta street program. At no time since I've been on

706
00:53:56,845 --> 00:54:00,445
this council, we've stopped working on streets

707
00:54:01,385 --> 00:54:05,285
in the history of port arthur. We've, this council, or the

708
00:54:05,845 --> 00:54:09,275
previous council has put more money into streets, into history.

709
00:54:11,465 --> 00:54:15,345
so I'm not understanding the question of if, you

710
00:54:15,565 --> 00:54:19,045
know, if fraud or abuse or negligence is happening

711
00:54:19,835 --> 00:54:22,605
because we continuously work on streets.

712
00:54:23,985 --> 00:54:27,925
and that's what we're supposed to do as council members, is to work on more than one thing.

713
00:54:28,085 --> 00:54:31,985
we could do more than one thing. However, he, you know, my councilman, my

714
00:54:32,205 --> 00:54:35,125
colleague, I respect his opinion, but I totally disagree with him.

715
00:54:36,385 --> 00:54:40,235
you know, he had more streets done in the last five,

716
00:54:40,665 --> 00:54:44,325
six years than any other district. So how has it been

717
00:54:44,855 --> 00:54:48,765
abuse? So my question, you know, now I'm at a, at

718
00:54:48,925 --> 00:54:52,845
large, so I look out, uh, for the entire city. Everyone has damaged

719
00:54:53,165 --> 00:54:57,005
streets. Everyone up here gets the phone calls about they need they street

720
00:54:57,245 --> 00:55:01,045
repair. So we have to come up with some type of

721
00:55:01,515 --> 00:55:05,145
auto merit, but at no time, don't be mis

722
00:55:06,315 --> 00:55:10,265
misguided that these streets programs are

723
00:55:10,565 --> 00:55:14,365
continuously. The one thing that we have an issue with is finding contractors

724
00:55:15,185 --> 00:55:18,995
to come and do these streets. Because again, it's

725
00:55:19,285 --> 00:55:23,205
hard for contractors because they got many jobs to come in port arthur and to work

726
00:55:23,365 --> 00:55:27,285
on the streets. But when we get these contractors here at city manager, we need to hold 'em down.

727
00:55:28,395 --> 00:55:32,375
we have, we need to make sure that we hold them down and continue doing the projects that port arthur

728
00:55:32,635 --> 00:55:36,295
has. So, you know, those two things that I asked, I asked it bluntly.

729
00:55:36,855 --> 00:55:40,855
I mean, what is your directions? What's clarification on the things that you're saying

730
00:55:41,095 --> 00:55:44,975
that this city is, uh, actually doing that would cause

731
00:55:45,235 --> 00:55:49,095
for a forensic audit? I need more clarity in just those things

732
00:55:49,295 --> 00:55:53,295
because streets program, that's at the will of the council to make those

733
00:55:53,655 --> 00:55:57,575
determination, just like we started it in the beginning. So if it's something more

734
00:55:57,775 --> 00:56:01,655
than just those two and those things that you said when I asked the question, you said street program.

735
00:56:02,635 --> 00:56:06,335
and then you also stated that items on the agendas on the agenda

736
00:56:07,035 --> 00:56:11,015
not funded. So if it's something more than that, and instead of the definition

737
00:56:11,495 --> 00:56:15,135
of a forensic audit, I'd be, you got my ears and my eyes open.

738
00:56:15,825 --> 00:56:19,265
thank you, mayor. Alright, thank you councilman. Uh, can, uh, councilman lewis?

739
00:56:20,635 --> 00:56:23,885
yes. Finance director. Got a minute.

740
00:56:29,045 --> 00:56:32,975
thank you, lynn. Good morning,

741
00:56:33,225 --> 00:56:37,215
mayor. Council members, what is our good morning? What is our

742
00:56:37,415 --> 00:56:41,125
total budget for this year? The total budget is, is over $400 million.

743
00:56:43,405 --> 00:56:47,255
okay, thank you. When I first

744
00:56:47,415 --> 00:56:49,875
came to council, we had a budget of $100 million.

745
00:56:51,995 --> 00:56:55,735
now we have a budget of $400 million. And every

746
00:56:56,005 --> 00:56:59,975
city manager I've been to conferences and everything, they always say I talk with a

747
00:57:00,185 --> 00:57:03,945
spend time with different city manager. They, you know what they say, watch

748
00:57:04,315 --> 00:57:08,235
the money. Watch your money, find out

749
00:57:08,455 --> 00:57:12,405
where your money is going. Watch your money. $400 million

750
00:57:13,955 --> 00:57:17,375
and y'all nitpicking about a brown bag sandwich or, or oh,

751
00:57:18,715 --> 00:57:21,455
200 some thousand dollars and you got a $400 million,

752
00:57:22,735 --> 00:57:26,095
you got a $400 million budget. It's taxpayer's money. A 400

753
00:57:27,075 --> 00:57:30,955
tax bill's money of $400 million. That's not good money. Tax

754
00:57:31,175 --> 00:57:35,135
bill's money. Yeah, they want it. They've been talking to me.

755
00:57:35,295 --> 00:57:39,055
I don't know where you all been, but they'll, they'll accuse of, we get accused

756
00:57:39,585 --> 00:57:43,175
every day, every time I talk with I I go to the grocery store. What?

757
00:57:44,235 --> 00:57:45,385
and, and, and about violations.

758
00:57:48,485 --> 00:57:52,455
mouthfeel, if you violate a bond, covenant is malfeasance.

759
00:57:53,565 --> 00:57:57,525
look it up. He talking you, you violate those. That

760
00:57:58,095 --> 00:58:02,075
is malfeasance. We

761
00:58:02,485 --> 00:58:06,215
have to be mindful of the money that we'll spend

762
00:58:06,725 --> 00:58:10,515
$400 million and you are talking about not spending 200

763
00:58:11,285 --> 00:58:15,235
thou, uh, less than $300,000 to find out where the money is going. We

764
00:58:15,455 --> 00:58:18,935
are we doing around, we got a baseline, we have a baseline, we have a baseline.

765
00:58:20,115 --> 00:58:23,715
the previous, the previous, uh,

766
00:58:24,215 --> 00:58:27,975
forensic audit. Let's compare. That's a reference,

767
00:58:28,955 --> 00:58:32,495
that's a baseline. Let's find out how, how have we improved?

768
00:58:33,845 --> 00:58:36,135
what have we doing? What are we doing? What are we doing better?

769
00:58:39,595 --> 00:58:43,255
and we gonna have some more discussions on this. And I don't have a problem with budgeting the money,

770
00:58:43,915 --> 00:58:47,895
uh, for, for a forensic audit. I have no problem with that. But we need to

771
00:58:48,055 --> 00:58:51,995
take a look. We need to look and see where our money is

772
00:58:52,215 --> 00:58:55,645
going. And I've heard, and I've witnessed plenty of malfeasance,

773
00:58:58,765 --> 00:59:02,415
council member frank one who I follow

774
00:59:02,795 --> 00:59:06,515
and serve, said that there's a tendency we have to,

775
00:59:07,235 --> 00:59:10,585
uh, gag at a maggot and swallow a camel.

776
00:59:12,035 --> 00:59:15,775
um, simply said, I've seen this council

777
00:59:16,185 --> 00:59:19,575
argue over whether or not we ought to have a $15 lunch

778
00:59:21,665 --> 00:59:25,515
as a council. And so now we going. And so now wait,

779
00:59:25,805 --> 00:59:29,625
hold up, hold up, hold up. Wait, we are not gonna sleep at time. Lemme do it. Lemme do what I do.

780
00:59:29,845 --> 00:59:33,535
hold up, hold up. We're going argue. We argue over a $15 lunch right

781
00:59:33,885 --> 00:59:37,865
now, council member frank is speaking and we else, we, we,

782
00:59:38,085 --> 00:59:42,015
we have, we have argued over a fif whether we ought to have a $15 lunch.

783
00:59:43,145 --> 00:59:46,605
and we acquiesce to those wishes of councilmen who feel as though

784
00:59:47,225 --> 00:59:51,145
we should not have a $15 lunch. But then we come right back and

785
00:59:51,365 --> 00:59:55,345
say, it's okay to have $200,000 spent anyway,

786
00:59:55,865 --> 00:59:59,405
you know, $200,000 spent. And it's no big deal.

787
01:00:00,285 --> 01:00:04,215
I, I understand, I understand how important public trust

788
01:00:05,225 --> 01:00:09,035
is and as a, a public official, but when we get down

789
01:00:09,385 --> 01:00:13,155
to the point where, where these discussions are being held

790
01:00:13,515 --> 01:00:17,425
over ideology, where the, and and

791
01:00:17,645 --> 01:00:21,505
we are talking about whether or not, um, we see

792
01:00:21,725 --> 01:00:25,605
something a different way. And that's what we're really, that's what

793
01:00:25,765 --> 01:00:29,245
brought this about. What brought this about was whether or not

794
01:00:30,225 --> 01:00:34,105
we violated the bond covenant when we had

795
01:00:34,725 --> 01:00:38,435
the project on, um, on woodworth boulevard.

796
01:00:39,455 --> 01:00:43,165
let's just be, let's put it out there. Let's just talk about it and say it.

797
01:00:44,025 --> 01:00:47,625
we had our bond attorney come, we had people

798
01:00:48,155 --> 01:00:51,905
come, we got an opinion from the, uh, da,

799
01:00:52,785 --> 01:00:56,565
we got an opinion from texas municipal lead over whether

800
01:00:56,905 --> 01:01:00,525
or not we had done anything wrong as a council

801
01:01:01,305 --> 01:01:05,145
by utilizing those funds. We checked, we

802
01:01:05,365 --> 01:01:09,345
looked, we asked, we got, um, we got,

803
01:01:10,105 --> 01:01:13,965
uh, all of the things necessary to see whether or not

804
01:01:14,465 --> 01:01:17,715
we had violated. And whether or not there was malfeasance

805
01:01:18,745 --> 01:01:21,885
and there was not, but dogmatically,

806
01:01:23,665 --> 01:01:27,605
it won't be let go. That's where we are. That's why we

807
01:01:27,765 --> 01:01:31,665
are here. Because you won't let it go

808
01:01:32,475 --> 01:01:36,085
because you, because four individuals on the council

809
01:01:37,135 --> 01:01:40,675
voted and allowed it to happen and transpire because they

810
01:01:41,365 --> 01:01:45,145
believed that we could walk and chew gum at the same time. And the project is

811
01:01:45,405 --> 01:01:49,285
a beautiful project on the gateway to downtown port arthur.

812
01:01:49,995 --> 01:01:53,725
it's not finished yet. It's not completed, but it looks beautiful. And,

813
01:01:54,185 --> 01:01:57,975
and individuals on council dared to believe that port arthur ought

814
01:01:58,325 --> 01:02:02,025
to have something nice, a gateway to downtown. Okay? That's

815
01:02:02,445 --> 01:02:05,685
why we are here. That's what happened. That's what transpired.

816
01:02:06,985 --> 01:02:10,545
let it go. Let it go.

817
01:02:11,295 --> 01:02:15,255
thank, thank, let it go. Thank you council member frank. Council member lewis.

818
01:02:15,905 --> 01:02:19,665
and the,

819
01:02:20,025 --> 01:02:23,725
the bond covenant is in place. And I talked, and I, I called

820
01:02:24,505 --> 01:02:28,245
the bond, uh, agent from the city

821
01:02:28,765 --> 01:02:32,365
attorney's, the previous city attorney's office with the staff sitting in there

822
01:02:33,385 --> 01:02:34,365
and he called it a violation.

823
01:02:37,745 --> 01:02:41,365
oh wait, he, he said, councilman, I know where you're going with this.

824
01:02:42,285 --> 01:02:46,125
I know where you're going with this, but I'm willing to hold my

825
01:02:46,325 --> 01:02:50,305
nose. That's council member. No, no, no.

826
01:02:50,525 --> 01:02:54,285
that's, I'm I I I'm, I'm in the meeting. I called you and the city

827
01:02:54,925 --> 01:02:58,805
attorney was there. You was not there. I will get, I will determine you was not there. Who gets

828
01:02:58,965 --> 01:03:02,945
what time to talk now? We said two minutes. I've let everybody go over that and

829
01:03:03,165 --> 01:03:07,065
I'll let I talking. I'll determine that. Okay. Thank you. No,

830
01:03:07,305 --> 01:03:11,105
sir. You've already spoken. I got a motion to make if everybody spoken,

831
01:03:11,545 --> 01:03:15,545
if he's still speaking and you got people in the audience that's asking to speak as well, but

832
01:03:15,835 --> 01:03:19,745
anytime, so I'll call it up the meeting anytime and I'll say again, what I need to do. It can

833
01:03:19,965 --> 01:03:22,845
finish anytime. That bond issue was strictly for infrastructure,

834
01:03:25,025 --> 01:03:28,725
not $7 million for landscaping a boulevard. It was for

835
01:03:29,145 --> 01:03:33,125
you can, you can fix a, a water and sewer lines if it's,

836
01:03:33,445 --> 01:03:37,145
if it's a problem. That was not the issue. They went down there and

837
01:03:37,455 --> 01:03:40,965
moved $14 million to move $14 million.

838
01:03:41,705 --> 01:03:45,565
and then, and people complaining about what are y'all, I can leave my house

839
01:03:45,745 --> 01:03:49,205
and go in any direction and blow a tire, but y'all

840
01:03:49,765 --> 01:03:53,745
spending, I didn't have a problem with land doing what? But

841
01:03:53,965 --> 01:03:57,965
you had to budget for that, uh, the next time around. Okay. You don't just take it

842
01:03:58,125 --> 01:04:01,985
out of a $50 million budget. You don't just do

843
01:04:02,205 --> 01:04:05,565
that. It is malfeasance. When you're violated an ordinance,

844
01:04:06,265 --> 01:04:10,035
it is, look it up and also look

845
01:04:10,345 --> 01:04:14,045
up the definition of male feas and violating the city ordinance.

846
01:04:14,775 --> 01:04:17,405
it'll tell you. And all in addition to that.

847
01:04:18,835 --> 01:04:22,645
okay. Other. Thank you, mr. Thank you councilman lewis. Appreciate it. I have some people from

848
01:04:22,885 --> 01:04:26,845
the audience that would like to speak. You'll have a, um, three minutes to speak.

849
01:04:27,635 --> 01:04:31,605
sure. Thank you holland. Okay. Hello counsel. My name's holland hoffer. I live at

850
01:04:31,765 --> 01:04:35,005
37 10. Dr. Martin luther king highway out on pleasure, highland.

851
01:04:35,865 --> 01:04:39,525
um, to me, I detect fear in this room right now. It's like we're discussing

852
01:04:39,965 --> 01:04:43,485
a forensic audit and everyone is shape-shifting, uh, trying to get away.

853
01:04:43,995 --> 01:04:47,665
doesn't wanna discuss it, is doing everything to avoid it. Um,

854
01:04:48,275 --> 01:04:52,125
council member, frank, you said that citizens aren't concerned and it's just,

855
01:04:52,505 --> 01:04:56,445
um, council member doucette that was really interested in this. I know that you're

856
01:04:56,685 --> 01:05:00,565
online and there are hundreds of citizens right now

857
01:05:00,725 --> 01:05:04,085
making comments about this. This has been the hot topic for the last several months.

858
01:05:05,265 --> 01:05:08,775
it was not even started by council member disette. It was brought up by several other

859
01:05:09,785 --> 01:05:13,645
people and it, it, the ball got rolling and people have tons of

860
01:05:14,045 --> 01:05:17,925
questions about all sorts of things going on. So to say that the city is not interested

861
01:05:18,285 --> 01:05:22,035
in this is really a false statement because okay,

862
01:05:22,345 --> 01:05:26,055
I'm sorry. I'm sorry to say that citizens are not fully interested. Those

863
01:05:26,595 --> 01:05:30,245
that is who is driving this issue right now? Um, there's hundreds of 'em.

864
01:05:31,505 --> 01:05:35,245
you know, we waste, I'm not sorry, we don't waste. We spend a lot of money

865
01:05:35,625 --> 01:05:39,505
on what I would consider frivol frivolous projects around the city. Um, I'm

866
01:05:39,725 --> 01:05:42,125
gonna refer back to the sign on port arthur. It was $264,000.

867
01:05:44,635 --> 01:05:48,525
this audit will cost around the same amount. And we're looking at

868
01:05:48,725 --> 01:05:52,235
taking a look at hundreds of millions of dollars that hopefully

869
01:05:52,845 --> 01:05:56,825
nothing happened to. But if someone's misappropriated, it's gonna certainly pay

870
01:05:57,045 --> 01:06:00,845
for that audit really quickly. Um, councilor hamilton,

871
01:06:01,325 --> 01:06:05,195
I understand that the last time there was a forensic audit, nothing was done. That

872
01:06:05,505 --> 01:06:09,445
is not to say that this time nothing will be done. Um, there's a lot of

873
01:06:09,565 --> 01:06:13,465
people pushing for it now. There's a lot of effort behind it. And for

874
01:06:13,685 --> 01:06:17,285
the cost it takes to do one, I think it would really benefit the city. And moving forward,

875
01:06:17,725 --> 01:06:21,625
I think the citizens I speak on behalf of, a lot of them that are probably not here right now. Some, some are.

876
01:06:22,385 --> 01:06:25,195
um, we'd like to do this. So thank you very much. Okay.

877
01:06:26,625 --> 01:06:30,005
um, I think I saw another hand, gloria's.

878
01:06:31,635 --> 01:06:35,285
okay, we have three minutes. Good morning,

879
01:06:36,175 --> 01:06:39,845
mayor and consul. Gloria sanchez, 6 6 2 5 jade avenue.

880
01:06:41,585 --> 01:06:44,965
uh, I have been watching meetings for over 18 years,

881
01:06:46,105 --> 01:06:49,845
all the time. I have been watching cons. I in the budget

882
01:06:50,335 --> 01:06:54,285
every time that they want to. Last year we amend

883
01:06:54,605 --> 01:06:58,515
the budget to do, um, bonus for the employees. They

884
01:06:58,865 --> 01:07:02,565
wasn't on the on, I'm sorry,

885
01:07:03,225 --> 01:07:06,985
it wasn't on, on budget.

886
01:07:08,545 --> 01:07:10,925
and we did it because you want to do it.

887
01:07:12,785 --> 01:07:16,785
you concerned about 200, $400, but I see you

888
01:07:17,145 --> 01:07:20,955
asking for $32 million week. We gonna spend over

889
01:07:21,245 --> 01:07:24,525
30 million on interest. It's lost money,

890
01:07:25,335 --> 01:07:29,225
money that we paying for. And it's just interesting. We

891
01:07:29,445 --> 01:07:32,895
have to pay on the loan. But now you're concerned about

892
01:07:33,465 --> 01:07:37,355
200 or $400. I think every single one of you need

893
01:07:37,645 --> 01:07:41,485
to be concerned and be sure that whatever the 2017

894
01:07:43,265 --> 01:07:47,145
for nz audit recommendations are followed and fix it.

895
01:07:47,795 --> 01:07:51,285
that we no have any more longer employees be sending like a vendors,

896
01:07:52,665 --> 01:07:56,145
the council are doing the things right. That every recommendation,

897
01:07:57,045 --> 01:08:00,845
because it was a recommendation. I was here when the forensic

898
01:08:01,095 --> 01:08:05,065
audit was, uh, reporting to council and

899
01:08:05,285 --> 01:08:09,095
they was very clear and said, we are nobody to do accusation.

900
01:08:10,425 --> 01:08:13,775
but you must follow the red flags.

901
01:08:15,345 --> 01:08:19,285
the explanation, the cons gave it to me was the employees who did this

902
01:08:19,485 --> 01:08:23,345
to the city are no longer here. Some of these employees are

903
01:08:23,565 --> 01:08:27,165
back, are back. And just to be sure

904
01:08:27,595 --> 01:08:30,665
that everything that happened 10 years ago is not happening now,

905
01:08:31,845 --> 01:08:34,325
I think it's worth to spend this money on it.

906
01:08:36,105 --> 01:08:39,965
and just to be sure that you have been no violated anything and you are doing

907
01:08:40,225 --> 01:08:43,645
the things right. I think it's worth to spend this kind of money.

908
01:08:44,865 --> 01:08:48,805
and like I said, you amend the budget three, four times, five times a

909
01:08:48,925 --> 01:08:52,845
year. And now this is the excuse. It's not

910
01:08:52,965 --> 01:08:55,625
on the budget. Really?

911
01:08:58,595 --> 01:09:00,885
give me something better than that, please. Thank you,

912
01:09:02,665 --> 01:09:02,945
ms. Joanne.

913
01:09:08,665 --> 01:09:12,585
ms. Jones. Joanne jones. I speak as

914
01:09:12,885 --> 01:09:16,805
a citizen, a port arthur. You all have some

915
01:09:17,045 --> 01:09:20,845
parents. I understand that, but I can't go along with

916
01:09:21,125 --> 01:09:24,765
it. Even in a team of four, when you all were voting,

917
01:09:25,805 --> 01:09:29,285
I just don't think it was right when you all were carrying on business.

918
01:09:29,895 --> 01:09:33,565
y'all had a team of four that was done and it wasn't legal.

919
01:09:34,665 --> 01:09:38,605
and it, you know, that you all the way you

920
01:09:38,765 --> 01:09:42,685
voted took to get what you all wanted. And here we, 75 million

921
01:09:43,745 --> 01:09:47,385
is missing, uh, unappropriate. And here we asked for two

922
01:09:48,225 --> 01:09:51,845
the citizens of port arthur, our own personal money.

923
01:09:52,505 --> 01:09:55,685
and you do not give us credit to use it,

924
01:09:56,625 --> 01:10:00,485
but you use it when you wanna use it, when it to benefit you, you're

925
01:10:00,845 --> 01:10:04,105
not supposed to be. I mean, it's not about you all being benefited. It's about us.

926
01:10:04,945 --> 01:10:07,285
and all we ask for is this little,

927
01:10:09,785 --> 01:10:13,585
few dollars, you know, compared to what we have and work to

928
01:10:13,805 --> 01:10:17,625
put it there and build our, uh, city. And you says, no,

929
01:10:18,195 --> 01:10:22,045
give us some credit, give us some lean, you know, that we have since enough

930
01:10:22,365 --> 01:10:26,075
too common sense, if not books says,

931
01:10:26,385 --> 01:10:29,805
you know, that we are able to use our money the way we see fit. Sometimes

932
01:10:30,955 --> 01:10:34,805
just sometime the traveling last year was, was real

933
01:10:35,085 --> 01:10:39,005
outta order. You know, some of the council members took advantage of a lot

934
01:10:39,125 --> 01:10:43,005
of traveling. And that's, it's, it's

935
01:10:43,485 --> 01:10:47,365
just time. Give us some benefit. Give us some benefit. It's not gonna hurt

936
01:10:47,605 --> 01:10:50,925
you. If it hurt anybody, it's gonna hurt us. Thank you.

937
01:10:52,575 --> 01:10:56,545
thank you. Council member josette, you call in for, we need to call for them and

938
01:10:56,765 --> 01:11:00,505
it, oh, I'm sorry. You'll

939
01:11:00,925 --> 01:11:04,925
come up. I'm sorry. And I should have had everybody state their name and address and I apologize. I missed that.

940
01:11:05,355 --> 01:11:09,175
okay. Mm-hmm. Hello, everyone. Linda baker. I live at

941
01:11:09,375 --> 01:11:13,365
27 10 evergreen drive. Um, I would like to say

942
01:11:13,545 --> 01:11:17,485
on behalf of the citizens who are concerned and would agree to having a

943
01:11:17,765 --> 01:11:20,925
forensic audit, having been a former forensic auditor for the government,

944
01:11:21,785 --> 01:11:25,605
um, I think there's a lot of questions that need to be answered. I also believe that,

945
01:11:26,025 --> 01:11:29,885
um, having been an investor in a company called lift tech

946
01:11:30,395 --> 01:11:34,365
that some of you may be aware of, we were awarded before I moved here

947
01:11:34,565 --> 01:11:37,715
from central texas. We were actually awarded to be able to repay proctor.

948
01:11:38,745 --> 01:11:42,605
and then whenever they got approved by texdot to be able to utilize the formula

949
01:11:42,875 --> 01:11:45,685
that they came up with, they were told that the city didn't have the money.

950
01:11:46,885 --> 01:11:50,845
I just would like to know what happened. That's all. I would also like

951
01:11:51,085 --> 01:11:54,435
to know with many other questions that I have. Um, just

952
01:11:55,135 --> 01:11:59,125
maybe what, maybe there's no malfeasance. Maybe it's just the way in which the financials are written.

953
01:11:59,495 --> 01:12:02,925
maybe there's just not enough granular deri, uh, description

954
01:12:04,065 --> 01:12:07,605
for where the money has gone. But I say that we do this audit,

955
01:12:08,585 --> 01:12:12,445
and if nothing's going on, then fantastic. Thank you for your time.

956
01:12:14,455 --> 01:12:18,005
thank you. Council member hamilton. Ever feel. Thank you, mayor.

957
01:12:18,665 --> 01:12:21,585
is there an opportunity for, um,

958
01:12:23,575 --> 01:12:27,135
ms. Ms? Oh my god, ms. Lynn,

959
01:12:28,215 --> 01:12:32,195
our finance director to this would be a

960
01:12:32,435 --> 01:12:36,195
question to city manager, actually host a workshop on the audits that have already

961
01:12:36,475 --> 01:12:40,355
been done. Our audit is public information. It's readily

962
01:12:40,715 --> 01:12:44,635
available on this city website. So I understand that people have questions

963
01:12:44,815 --> 01:12:48,675
and they deserve to be answered, but a forensic audit is not the

964
01:12:48,835 --> 01:12:52,715
only way that these questions can be answered. So is there an opportunity

965
01:12:53,185 --> 01:12:56,815
that, and we, we had public hearings. Mayor added public

966
01:12:57,235 --> 01:13:00,785
hearings during our budget, and they were very

967
01:13:01,425 --> 01:13:05,345
extensive. We had some that were in the morning, some

968
01:13:05,635 --> 01:13:09,095
were that were in the evening for the public to be able to come and ask

969
01:13:09,715 --> 01:13:13,435
questions before we even approved our annual budget. So we have the opportunity

970
01:13:14,615 --> 01:13:18,615
to ask these questions, but maybe the, the

971
01:13:18,985 --> 01:13:22,785
methods that we previously used were not as effective that, that

972
01:13:23,275 --> 01:13:26,875
needs to be for citizens to know that they can actually ask those questions.

973
01:13:29,505 --> 01:13:32,635
okay. Uh, city manager, you had your light all. Yeah. Mayor. Mayor and council.

974
01:13:33,775 --> 01:13:37,715
um, with reference to council women's ever

975
01:13:37,915 --> 01:13:41,775
filled question, we do have all the audits posted on

976
01:13:42,095 --> 01:13:45,995
our website. All the current audits being posted on the website.

977
01:13:46,935 --> 01:13:50,825
um, I have asked staff to prepare a chronological

978
01:13:52,695 --> 01:13:56,555
report of the past forensic audits. Um, I do have it with

979
01:13:56,755 --> 01:14:00,715
me. Um, I'm prepared to post this on the website after

980
01:14:01,055 --> 01:14:04,675
it has been vetted by the city attorney to make sure that the information

981
01:14:05,195 --> 01:14:09,115
that we have compiled is very much accurate and it goes

982
01:14:09,315 --> 01:14:13,245
back as far as 2005. Oh, okay.

983
01:14:13,665 --> 01:14:17,325
you know, so with all the audits and all the resolutions and all the outcomes

984
01:14:17,825 --> 01:14:20,505
and all the discussions and all the dates, um,

985
01:14:22,555 --> 01:14:26,425
very detailed and I'll be very much prepared to put it on the website, um,

986
01:14:27,065 --> 01:14:30,945
for the edification of the public as well, um, with one

987
01:14:31,165 --> 01:14:35,085
of the, I think one of the learner gentlemen made the, the, the comment

988
01:14:35,565 --> 01:14:39,405
that we have used city money for signs. The money

989
01:14:39,635 --> 01:14:43,045
came from hot tax and council voted on several occasions,

990
01:14:44,495 --> 01:14:47,535
hotel tax of proving the hot tax for the city signs

991
01:14:48,505 --> 01:14:51,885
all over the city, mayor. So this money was appropriately,

992
01:14:53,985 --> 01:14:57,855
it was the it, this money was appropriately spent

993
01:14:58,795 --> 01:15:02,175
according to state and, um, state law and city ordinances,

994
01:15:03,305 --> 01:15:07,285
all the ordinances, all the signs who finance

995
01:15:08,075 --> 01:15:11,765
from hog tax. All the city of port arthur alpha signs.

996
01:15:12,795 --> 01:15:15,255
yeah. All the city of port arthur signs

997
01:15:18,915 --> 01:15:22,545
that was donated. That was money that was donated, um,

998
01:15:23,355 --> 01:15:27,325
from a company money. Okay. Wait, we're gonna have order

999
01:15:27,625 --> 01:15:31,525
in here. Okay. So we're not gonna speak from the audience, ma'am, right now, you've

1000
01:15:31,765 --> 01:15:35,525
already spoken. City manager is speaking, and so, um, city manager

1001
01:15:35,805 --> 01:15:39,745
will move forward with yes, I will move forward website. No one else is

1002
01:15:39,995 --> 01:15:43,245
allowed to speak. I'll promise you I will have you removed.

1003
01:15:45,445 --> 01:15:49,445
I will. So may, I will have the information vetted and posted on the website.

1004
01:15:49,735 --> 01:15:53,645
thank you. I appreciate that. At this time, we're gonna entertain the motion

1005
01:15:54,145 --> 01:15:55,395
and we'll take a roll call vote.

1006
01:16:01,405 --> 01:16:05,135
I make a motion that we'll prove

1007
01:16:08,465 --> 01:16:12,155
the conduct of a forensic audit.

1008
01:16:14,845 --> 01:16:18,025
second, there's been a motion and a second.

1009
01:16:19,045 --> 01:16:22,985
any discussions? I think they've all taken place. We're gonna do a

1010
01:16:23,105 --> 01:16:25,305
roll call vote at this time. City secretary

1011
01:16:27,655 --> 01:16:29,805
council member beckham. Yes.

1012
01:16:31,795 --> 01:16:35,635
mayor pro. Tim ett. Yes. Council member frank?

1013
01:16:36,645 --> 01:16:40,345
yes. Council member hamilton. Ever field?

1014
01:16:42,205 --> 01:16:45,685
no. Council member. Ken long? Yes.

1015
01:16:48,855 --> 01:16:52,265
council member lewis? Yes. Mayor moses.

1016
01:16:53,485 --> 01:16:56,475
no. Motion passes, mayor.

1017
01:16:57,755 --> 01:17:01,255
thank you. Thank you. Okay.

1018
01:17:02,005 --> 01:17:05,965
put it on facebook. Put it on. At this time, we're going to move to

1019
01:17:06,185 --> 01:17:10,125
public hearings. We have none at the number

1020
01:17:10,395 --> 01:17:14,085
item number five, reports of, uh, uh, items of community interest.

1021
01:17:14,515 --> 01:17:18,445
limited to a total of two minutes per council member. If there's

1022
01:17:19,045 --> 01:17:22,805
anything council members you'd like to announce at this time, you may do so.

1023
01:17:23,145 --> 01:17:26,905
uh, put on your lights. I have council member beckham. Yes. Thank you, mayor. Uh,

1024
01:17:27,365 --> 01:17:30,405
I would like to announce that on thursday, november 13th,

1025
01:17:31,595 --> 01:17:35,295
from nine to 12 at the port arthur public library, uh, there

1026
01:17:35,645 --> 01:17:39,355
will be a workshop for citizens who need

1027
01:17:39,715 --> 01:17:43,225
help in applying for the discount for the,

1028
01:17:44,465 --> 01:17:48,365
uh, water bill. And I'm pulling up the flyer right now so that I can give specific information.

1029
01:17:50,025 --> 01:17:53,815
um, water, utilities, and the library will host a senior water

1030
01:17:54,525 --> 01:17:58,485
discount workshop. This has been posted online. Uh, it's on my council member

1031
01:17:58,795 --> 01:18:02,625
page on social media, and it's also been posted by, uh, the library and

1032
01:18:02,845 --> 01:18:06,845
also by the city. Uh, again, it will be at the port arthur public library. That's at

1033
01:18:06,965 --> 01:18:10,825
46 15 ninth avenue. That's in district three. That's my

1034
01:18:11,245 --> 01:18:14,405
district. Um, thursday, november 13th from 9:00 am to 12.

1035
01:18:15,545 --> 01:18:19,525
uh, citizens who are 65 years of age or older that reside within the port

1036
01:18:19,805 --> 01:18:23,745
arthur city limits and a single family residence, uh,

1037
01:18:23,995 --> 01:18:27,845
that holds the water service account in their own name and have a current

1038
01:18:28,085 --> 01:18:32,085
homestead exemption or a lease agreement for the property also in your name.

1039
01:18:32,305 --> 01:18:35,845
so you've gotta bring those things with you, uh, to show that you do qualify

1040
01:18:36,545 --> 01:18:39,725
for this discount. There will be a presentation by the water department,

1041
01:18:40,865 --> 01:18:44,845
uh, question and answer period and application help. Uh, and I will be

1042
01:18:44,965 --> 01:18:48,965
there to assist also. So, uh, this is posted on social media. If you see it, please

1043
01:18:49,205 --> 01:18:52,995
share it and share this information with your friends and family members that, uh, qualify

1044
01:18:53,665 --> 01:18:56,325
for that senior citizen discount on the water bill. Thank you, mayor.

1045
01:18:57,755 --> 01:19:00,525
council member, uh, everfi. Thank you, ma'am.

1046
01:19:02,985 --> 01:19:06,315
the city of port arthur has a youth advisory council,

1047
01:19:07,005 --> 01:19:10,765
a city of port arthur youth advisory council, and one of the annual

1048
01:19:11,325 --> 01:19:15,145
projects that yak youth advisory council will host is

1049
01:19:15,915 --> 01:19:19,785
providing supplies such as toiletries, um,

1050
01:19:20,375 --> 01:19:24,335
socks, white towels, large towels, and small

1051
01:19:24,715 --> 01:19:28,325
hand towels to port city's rescue mission to support

1052
01:19:28,725 --> 01:19:32,345
the homeless in our community and surrounding areas. You'll

1053
01:19:32,765 --> 01:19:36,205
see boxes in city buildings throughout the community

1054
01:19:36,945 --> 01:19:40,695
and at some of these schools in order to place those items

1055
01:19:41,435 --> 01:19:44,845
into these boxes. And the port arthur youth advisory council

1056
01:19:45,795 --> 01:19:49,345
will deliver them, um, about a week before

1057
01:19:50,165 --> 01:19:54,165
christmas. So, again, this will be the, um, the first time that we're

1058
01:19:54,405 --> 01:19:58,405
doing this project, but it will be an annual project. And port city's rescue mission

1059
01:19:58,985 --> 01:20:01,405
is very grateful. Um, as you know,

1060
01:20:03,485 --> 01:20:07,465
homeless will be with us all the days of our life. And so I'm

1061
01:20:07,685 --> 01:20:11,405
just asking for anyone that may want to offer, um, those donations.

1062
01:20:12,105 --> 01:20:15,725
please feel free to add the items in the box. Thank you very much.

1063
01:20:17,185 --> 01:20:20,785
all right, we're going to move now to, um,

1064
01:20:21,475 --> 01:20:25,185
item six, unfinished business. We have none. Um,

1065
01:20:25,655 --> 01:20:29,435
we're going to move to item seven, our consent agenda. Council

1066
01:20:29,925 --> 01:20:33,925
members, if you have some items that you'd like to withhold, please put your light on and

1067
01:20:34,155 --> 01:20:37,665
I'll acknowledge you so that we can hold those items. Council member everfi.

1068
01:20:38,815 --> 01:20:41,045
sorry, mayor. Council member doucette?

1069
01:20:43,265 --> 01:20:47,035
yes. Mayor. Item number three on page

1070
01:20:47,355 --> 01:20:50,475
four. Okay,

1071
01:20:52,745 --> 01:20:56,035
that's council member frank. Um, item number four

1072
01:20:57,105 --> 01:20:59,355
on page four.

1073
01:21:03,395 --> 01:21:06,675
council member doucette. Yes. Mayor, I, I need to correct that.

1074
01:21:07,425 --> 01:21:10,565
I'm sorry. It's item number five on page four.

1075
01:21:12,475 --> 01:21:16,165
okay. So not item three, right? Not three. It's five.

1076
01:21:16,555 --> 01:21:20,185
okay. Alright.

1077
01:21:20,855 --> 01:21:23,275
can I get a motion for approval for the consent agenda?

1078
01:21:25,935 --> 01:21:28,515
second. It's been moved. And second, any discussions?

1079
01:21:30,905 --> 01:21:34,885
oh, I'm sorry. Let me start over. Um, I

1080
01:21:35,005 --> 01:21:38,635
want to move that we approve the consent agenda with the exceptions of item

1081
01:21:39,035 --> 01:21:42,845
four and item five on page four. And I'd like to

1082
01:21:43,065 --> 01:21:46,645
get a motion for approval for the consent agenda with those items being withheld,

1083
01:21:48,155 --> 01:21:52,085
it's been moved and properly. Second. Any discussions? All in

1084
01:21:52,285 --> 01:21:55,305
favor say aye. Aye. Any nos?

1085
01:21:56,305 --> 01:21:59,405
the ayes have it. The consent agenda passes with the exception

1086
01:22:00,385 --> 01:22:03,485
of item number four and number five on page four.

1087
01:22:04,865 --> 01:22:07,995
we will now, um, go to number four on page four,

1088
01:22:10,625 --> 01:22:14,125
pr number 2, 4 5 7 4. A resolution approving

1089
01:22:14,765 --> 01:22:17,965
a technical assistance agreement between the port arthur economic development

1090
01:22:18,835 --> 01:22:22,285
corporation and the national council, uh, for community development

1091
01:22:22,845 --> 01:22:26,845
incorporated, dba, uh, grow america for the

1092
01:22:27,045 --> 01:22:30,965
period of one year upon pr pa edcs, execution of

1093
01:22:31,085 --> 01:22:33,285
the agreement in an amount not to exceed $75,000

1094
01:22:35,135 --> 01:22:38,545
funds available in edc. Account number 1 2 0

1095
01:22:39,795 --> 01:22:43,155
dash 8 6 2 5 dash 5 4 2 0 0 0

1096
01:22:48,405 --> 01:22:52,145
professional services. Can I get a motion for approval? So moved. Second.

1097
01:22:52,835 --> 01:22:56,805
it's been moved and properly. Second. Moved by council member frank and

1098
01:22:57,005 --> 01:23:00,665
second by council member lewis, any

1099
01:23:01,125 --> 01:23:04,445
questions? Yes. Okay. Council member, frank. Thank you. Mayor.

1100
01:23:05,365 --> 01:23:09,365
propositions are, are on our minds. The edc is on our minds right

1101
01:23:09,565 --> 01:23:13,485
now because we have a proposition that is, that has been on the ballot and is

1102
01:23:13,685 --> 01:23:17,505
on the ballot right now. Uh, because we are asking as a council for

1103
01:23:17,725 --> 01:23:21,555
the authority, uh, to do projects, uh, here in our city

1104
01:23:21,955 --> 01:23:25,485
with a hybrid a and b, uh, edc.

1105
01:23:26,345 --> 01:23:30,025
and so, uh, I want to be sure that individuals are,

1106
01:23:30,665 --> 01:23:34,625
uh, taking an opportunity to have their voices heard, uh,

1107
01:23:34,985 --> 01:23:38,965
on that proposition, if you have not already done so. Uh, so that we can help

1108
01:23:39,225 --> 01:23:43,005
our city grow. We believe that it will help. But I want

1109
01:23:43,245 --> 01:23:46,955
to ask a question concerning this because we have allowed

1110
01:23:47,545 --> 01:23:51,225
you can come please. Uh, you, because we did

1111
01:23:51,555 --> 01:23:55,285
approve this, because economic development is always on the forefront

1112
01:23:55,685 --> 01:23:59,485
of our minds here in the city, uh, as we're watching projects,

1113
01:24:00,225 --> 01:24:04,195
uh, come about. So I wanted to know exactly what,

1114
01:24:04,785 --> 01:24:08,585
um, what has been going on with this company? What is,

1115
01:24:09,225 --> 01:24:13,065
uh, what has been approved, what has been put in place? How

1116
01:24:13,285 --> 01:24:17,285
is it progressing, and why do you believe that is

1117
01:24:17,515 --> 01:24:21,485
necessary that we continue this contract? You know, what has been

1118
01:24:21,645 --> 01:24:25,085
the fruit of our efforts with this contract? Yes, councilman?

1119
01:24:25,785 --> 01:24:29,445
so, uh, grow america, formerly known as the national development

1120
01:24:29,885 --> 01:24:33,685
council, has been our technical advisor for, uh, more than

1121
01:24:33,905 --> 01:24:37,645
10 years, I'd say annually. We come to you all to renew their contract,

1122
01:24:38,375 --> 01:24:42,235
their technical services, um, include professional services such

1123
01:24:42,585 --> 01:24:46,465
as, um, financial review and analysis of

1124
01:24:46,785 --> 01:24:50,765
our projects, as well as incentive agreements or incentive recipients

1125
01:24:51,185 --> 01:24:54,885
and applicants. They do all of that, those number running for us

1126
01:24:55,225 --> 01:24:58,965
so that we can make good decisions on the projects that we invest in.

1127
01:24:59,625 --> 01:25:03,485
um, uh, also they manage our grow port arthur fund, which is

1128
01:25:03,645 --> 01:25:07,565
an sba backed small business loan for, um, small businesses

1129
01:25:07,845 --> 01:25:11,305
in port arthur. So they are the, the, uh,

1130
01:25:12,065 --> 01:25:15,885
entity that matches that fund and manages it for us

1131
01:25:16,115 --> 01:25:20,085
amongst other technical advisory advising that they do for us. How many

1132
01:25:20,205 --> 01:25:23,765
small businesses are, have been loaned money, say in the last

1133
01:25:24,515 --> 01:25:28,465
year or, um, in the last year? In, in,

1134
01:25:28,685 --> 01:25:32,325
in our city, we have not had any loans processed through groveport

1135
01:25:32,845 --> 01:25:36,805
arthur fund. Um, in the last year, we do have one current applicant that

1136
01:25:36,965 --> 01:25:40,845
is going through, uh, the application phase right now. How many have

1137
01:25:41,085 --> 01:25:44,845
we seen over the, over, over the last five years, would you say?

1138
01:25:46,045 --> 01:25:49,885
I believe we have two open loans. Two open loans

1139
01:25:50,125 --> 01:25:53,605
over five years. Yes. So you believe that this,

1140
01:25:54,545 --> 01:25:58,365
so you believe that this con I'm sorry. So you believe

1141
01:25:58,645 --> 01:26:02,205
that this contract should continue and then we we're getting banged for the buck,

1142
01:26:03,145 --> 01:26:06,825
um, out of this? Yes, sir. Because not only, um,

1143
01:26:07,265 --> 01:26:11,065
do they manage that grove port arthur fund for us, they provide technical advising for

1144
01:26:11,285 --> 01:26:15,165
us that, uh, we can't do in-house. So they, they are

1145
01:26:15,405 --> 01:26:19,195
a, a very necessary resource for us. Okay. Alright.

1146
01:26:20,095 --> 01:26:24,025
thank you so much. I have, uh, council member ettes light on.

1147
01:26:24,945 --> 01:26:28,125
yes. A couple of things. Comments. First one being

1148
01:26:29,545 --> 01:26:33,485
we don't have a hybrid. The state of texas does not have hybrid

1149
01:26:34,595 --> 01:26:38,285
edcs. All edcs is gonna be a a or b,

1150
01:26:39,065 --> 01:26:43,045
no hybrid. The second thing, ndc,

1151
01:26:44,595 --> 01:26:45,565
I've served on e-e-d-c-n-d-c

1152
01:26:50,145 --> 01:26:54,045
due the financials for them. If you apply for incentives

1153
01:26:54,785 --> 01:26:58,345
for the edc, you apply for,

1154
01:26:58,905 --> 01:27:02,305
uh, assistance. You have to submit

1155
01:27:03,475 --> 01:27:06,125
your financials to the edc, who in turns

1156
01:27:08,115 --> 01:27:12,045
pass it on to ndc. Ndc goes through it

1157
01:27:12,205 --> 01:27:16,105
like banks do. Can't they let ddc know, hey,

1158
01:27:16,785 --> 01:27:19,565
that's a risk. That's not a risk.

1159
01:27:20,995 --> 01:27:24,225
that is why the a dc has so far

1160
01:27:25,835 --> 01:27:28,785
been able to use money that was not wasted

1161
01:27:29,955 --> 01:27:33,725
because they do not listen to what somebody say they have

1162
01:27:34,785 --> 01:27:38,645
or what they bring to 'em. They actually send it to them and they

1163
01:27:38,805 --> 01:27:42,725
do the same thing when they run a financial check. So it's been protected in the edc

1164
01:27:43,225 --> 01:27:47,085
for years. And if you go back and look at that track record, you're not gonna find

1165
01:27:47,285 --> 01:27:51,085
that they, uh, invested or they gave money to any clients

1166
01:27:52,215 --> 01:27:55,995
where it was a waste or it was funded. You know, I think in the 11 years I've

1167
01:27:57,365 --> 01:28:01,115
been involved in understanding edc and everything, I think, uh,

1168
01:28:01,845 --> 01:28:05,735
there's only one project that I know folded under the whole thing.

1169
01:28:06,195 --> 01:28:09,535
but when they ran the financials, it was good, but it folded. But

1170
01:28:10,735 --> 01:28:13,935
whenever you do something of that magnitude, you are protecting

1171
01:28:14,775 --> 01:28:18,535
citizens tax dollars. And it has nothing to do with anybody

1172
01:28:18,965 --> 01:28:21,815
work there. So even if you talk to people, work there

1173
01:28:23,075 --> 01:28:26,975
and they like you, and now it still goes to n-d-c-n-d-c is gonna look at it,

1174
01:28:27,135 --> 01:28:29,565
they're gonna say, risk,

1175
01:28:31,445 --> 01:28:35,335
high risk, no risk, or we think it's the good deal.

1176
01:28:36,435 --> 01:28:40,295
now did I explain that exactly what happens over there? ?

1177
01:28:40,995 --> 01:28:44,655
yes. I thought that. Thank you. Okay, thank you. That's what I just wanted to add.

1178
01:28:46,885 --> 01:28:50,375
okay. Council member lewis. Yes. Appreciate your

1179
01:28:51,165 --> 01:28:54,975
look. Ed's the economic development corporation

1180
01:28:55,565 --> 01:28:59,115
when it was in place, put in place in

1181
01:28:59,575 --> 01:29:03,385
1996. Up until now, have there ever been any

1182
01:29:03,625 --> 01:29:05,605
grants for small businesses?

1183
01:29:09,505 --> 01:29:12,665
we provide incentives rather than grants. Um, and

1184
01:29:14,095 --> 01:29:17,925
small business, it'll depend on, on how you, uh, classify small

1185
01:29:18,485 --> 01:29:22,245
business. Some of the businesses that we do, we have provided incentives for which

1186
01:29:22,565 --> 01:29:26,245
are industrial business can be classified as a small business. Oh, I'm saying have,

1187
01:29:26,595 --> 01:29:29,945
have small, have have the edc board ever done any

1188
01:29:30,675 --> 01:29:34,125
give they give away, they give away tons of money

1189
01:29:34,695 --> 01:29:36,595
since 1996 okay.

1190
01:29:38,705 --> 01:29:41,525
for infrastructure and whatever, helping, helping, uh, other businesses.

1191
01:29:43,225 --> 01:29:47,005
but when it come down to now, I've sent 'em to the edc and hoping that board

1192
01:29:47,325 --> 01:29:51,165
members would do something, put it on the ballot, and he, councilman

1193
01:29:51,645 --> 01:29:54,805
deuce said, said he served twice down there, never done nothing. Small business

1194
01:29:55,825 --> 01:29:59,325
grants. Once they had the, the a corporation set up,

1195
01:29:59,865 --> 01:30:03,795
you never had to voted in place. They never had to go back. They just give

1196
01:30:04,085 --> 01:30:07,925
away money. Give away money. Yes. You know, you qualifi the backgrounds and everything,

1197
01:30:08,425 --> 01:30:12,365
but they have never took the time to help a

1198
01:30:12,485 --> 01:30:16,345
small business with a grant to put a roof on, on the house, on,

1199
01:30:16,625 --> 01:30:20,215
on, on their business. All of those small

1200
01:30:20,805 --> 01:30:24,725
businesses I have sent to economic development corporation, they wanted to give 'em

1201
01:30:24,845 --> 01:30:28,485
a loan. Small businesses do not need a loan.

1202
01:30:30,475 --> 01:30:34,005
they need grants. Something that they don't have to pay back. All the other businesses,

1203
01:30:34,525 --> 01:30:38,165
1996 have been getting grants, never pay 'em back.

1204
01:30:39,195 --> 01:30:42,975
but when it come down to small businesses, oh, well, they gotta pay the background check.

1205
01:30:43,255 --> 01:30:46,695
and all this suppose a small grove, for example, small businesses

1206
01:30:47,405 --> 01:30:51,395
that was reimbursed for putting a roof on the, on the building or

1207
01:30:51,615 --> 01:30:55,575
for an adding extension. Okay. You know, I mean,

1208
01:30:55,695 --> 01:30:59,575
they, they, the city, it is on the front page of port arthur news. They helped

1209
01:30:59,945 --> 01:31:03,855
their small businesses, but port arthur has not. Now we got an opportunity

1210
01:31:04,175 --> 01:31:08,105
to do something with the hybrid. And there is a hybrid program. The regulation talks

1211
01:31:08,455 --> 01:31:12,455
about the hybrid 2023. It was the hybrid program

1212
01:31:12,915 --> 01:31:16,635
passed. You could read the regulations. Okay. Uh,

1213
01:31:17,955 --> 01:31:21,695
we need to continue to help small men. I'm urging everybody, when you go to oppose

1214
01:31:22,065 --> 01:31:25,655
today, be sure to vote for the proposition eight.

1215
01:31:26,155 --> 01:31:29,955
you can't do that council, lord, you can't do that. You,

1216
01:31:30,275 --> 01:31:34,105
you know. Okay. Okay. Y'all, we already know. Let's

1217
01:31:34,455 --> 01:31:37,715
stop this. Okay. We know, sir.

1218
01:31:38,755 --> 01:31:42,695
sir, you cannot do that in here. We cannot endorse as public officials

1219
01:31:43,475 --> 01:31:47,455
of a proposition. No, we cannot. Okay. I'm done with that city manager.

1220
01:31:48,005 --> 01:31:51,935
yeah. Mayor crystal, I hope I

1221
01:31:52,055 --> 01:31:55,845
did not miss it. Um, you explained that grow

1222
01:31:56,135 --> 01:31:59,925
america was formally the ndc. You did, did you?

1223
01:32:00,385 --> 01:32:04,285
yes, sir. They're formerly national development council. Yeah. And, and technically they still are

1224
01:32:04,445 --> 01:32:08,125
the national right development council, but they're doing business now as grow america. Yes. Yeah.

1225
01:32:08,585 --> 01:32:12,195
and the other thing that in response to, um, councilman frank's

1226
01:32:12,885 --> 01:32:16,755
question, one of the most significant projects that they have undertaken in the last five

1227
01:32:17,045 --> 01:32:20,845
years with the edc is the renaissance apartments. Mm-hmm. Correct.

1228
01:32:21,545 --> 01:32:25,525
yes. So, and that was a significant achievement both for the ed

1229
01:32:25,645 --> 01:32:29,285
c and for the city. Mm-hmm . You. Absolutely. So that's 30 odd million dollars

1230
01:32:30,025 --> 01:32:33,805
at the time when we did it. Mm-hmm. Okay. So it has been a significant

1231
01:32:34,205 --> 01:32:37,965
achievement. Yeah. Yes. Alright. All. Are we done?

1232
01:32:40,205 --> 01:32:44,185
I have no more councilman you said? Yes. Yes. I just wanted to add that, uh,

1233
01:32:45,105 --> 01:32:48,325
the reason you can't do grants and stuff for small b, it's a type

1234
01:32:49,125 --> 01:32:52,195
a corporation. Type a corporation,

1235
01:32:53,345 --> 01:32:56,725
all it. What we want to do and who we want to help

1236
01:32:58,185 --> 01:33:02,075
is a type a corporation. There's things they can do. There's

1237
01:33:02,565 --> 01:33:06,505
a way to do it. It's all written in the regulations. The

1238
01:33:06,725 --> 01:33:10,705
local government codes. The local government code has two

1239
01:33:12,575 --> 01:33:16,525
government code that identified types of corporations

1240
01:33:17,225 --> 01:33:21,205
in the state of texas. 5 0 4. 5 0 3. Anything

1241
01:33:21,365 --> 01:33:25,025
else you read is not written and

1242
01:33:25,525 --> 01:33:28,765
approved by the legislature. 5 0 4 and not 5 0 5

1243
01:33:29,545 --> 01:33:33,505
was approved by the texas legislature. And if there's any amendments or changes to

1244
01:33:33,725 --> 01:33:37,665
them, that's who will do it. And that's what I'm talking about. We need to follow is

1245
01:33:37,885 --> 01:33:40,135
written. Okay. Uh, council member frank,

1246
01:33:42,005 --> 01:33:45,805
I just wanted to add in my second time of going around, councilman deuce

1247
01:33:46,125 --> 01:33:50,125
is correct, but five years ago I came

1248
01:33:50,245 --> 01:33:53,925
on this council and I began to ask questions. I'd gone to the edc,

1249
01:33:55,105 --> 01:33:59,025
sat down with the director at that particular time and talked to them about the

1250
01:33:59,245 --> 01:34:02,165
conversion from a type a to a type bedc.

1251
01:34:03,645 --> 01:34:07,385
needling has a type b, uh, ed, c. Most of the,

1252
01:34:07,835 --> 01:34:11,055
most of the cities with our demographics and in our state

1253
01:34:12,035 --> 01:34:15,905
have a type b, ed, c, which affords them the opportunity to

1254
01:34:16,125 --> 01:34:20,005
do type a and type b projects without going to the voters

1255
01:34:20,895 --> 01:34:24,725
every time that they do it. And so there was a,

1256
01:34:25,745 --> 01:34:29,235
um, there was, um, there was no will,

1257
01:34:30,575 --> 01:34:34,325
there was no desire, uh, to change from a type a,

1258
01:34:34,885 --> 01:34:38,725
edc to go to a type bedc that would help businesses

1259
01:34:39,195 --> 01:34:42,925
because there was a concern, um, because of a type

1260
01:34:43,405 --> 01:34:47,305
bedc that council members could sit on the, on

1261
01:34:47,525 --> 01:34:51,365
the council or whatever. We weren't trying to take over the edc

1262
01:34:52,185 --> 01:34:55,455
at that particular time. And that was, um, the whole,

1263
01:34:56,265 --> 01:35:00,055
um, that was the whole, uh, scare

1264
01:35:00,805 --> 01:35:04,765
tactic to us moving to a type bedc at that particular

1265
01:35:05,205 --> 01:35:08,885
time that, that the council wanted to take over, uh, the edc.

1266
01:35:09,325 --> 01:35:13,165
that was not it. We were simply trying to do what councilman lewis was saying

1267
01:35:13,825 --> 01:35:17,705
to help small businesses to help, um, the engine,

1268
01:35:18,585 --> 01:35:22,505
uh, drive small businesses in our community so that we could do

1269
01:35:23,045 --> 01:35:26,995
downtown. And we have a tour zone and all of those things to help our city,

1270
01:35:27,665 --> 01:35:31,485
uh, as well, uh, to be revitalized. But we need projects,

1271
01:35:32,705 --> 01:35:36,575
um, like the waterpark. We need projects that bring

1272
01:35:37,045 --> 01:35:40,005
a quality of life in our city. And that's what that proposition

1273
01:35:41,065 --> 01:35:45,045
is all about. On the council today, city attorney's asking to speak

1274
01:35:45,595 --> 01:35:49,125
city attorney, if we could redirect back to the agenda item. I think we're getting off scope.

1275
01:35:50,065 --> 01:35:53,945
yes. We okay. We we're gonna be back on task. Okay. So

1276
01:35:54,425 --> 01:35:58,045
at this point, we're going to, uh, move for our vote

1277
01:35:58,745 --> 01:36:02,525
on the, uh, item that's here, which is approving a technical assistance agreement

1278
01:36:03,395 --> 01:36:07,225
between the city of port arthur economic development corporation and national council of,

1279
01:36:07,985 --> 01:36:11,665
uh, community development, known before as, um,

1280
01:36:12,085 --> 01:36:15,605
ndc, but now doing business as grow america for the period of one year.

1281
01:36:16,265 --> 01:36:19,065
can I, um, all in favor say aye. Aye.

1282
01:36:20,665 --> 01:36:24,475
the ayes have it. Let me make sure we have no anyone against this

1283
01:36:25,225 --> 01:36:28,765
nos. Any nos? No. So the ayes have it. The resolution passes.

1284
01:36:29,495 --> 01:36:33,405
we're gonna go to pr number 2 4 5 8 1 a

1285
01:36:33,765 --> 01:36:37,765
resolution authorizing the contract extension for the 25th

1286
01:36:38,165 --> 01:36:41,685
street bridge repair project with wool pert incorporated

1287
01:36:42,505 --> 01:36:46,195
of houston, texas. There is no funding intact for the contract extension.

1288
01:36:47,025 --> 01:36:50,885
can I get a motion for approval? Motion for approval? Second. It's been motioned.

1289
01:36:51,285 --> 01:36:55,085
and second motioned, uh, by council member lewis, and second by council member

1290
01:36:55,335 --> 01:36:59,145
frank. Um, any questions? Council member ett? Yes.

1291
01:36:59,365 --> 01:37:03,285
thank you, mayor. When looking at the background information

1292
01:37:04,625 --> 01:37:08,005
for, for this particular item, it's something that caught my attention.

1293
01:37:09,505 --> 01:37:13,425
it said that the delay was

1294
01:37:13,665 --> 01:37:16,525
be from deliberating, you know,

1295
01:37:18,025 --> 01:37:21,945
and, and I've always, that's something that, that I keep talking about is

1296
01:37:22,985 --> 01:37:26,735
we do not moves. There

1297
01:37:27,085 --> 01:37:31,055
are sometimes things can happen that will cause a delay

1298
01:37:31,635 --> 01:37:35,355
that is unforeseen and you can't help. So, my question here,

1299
01:37:36,355 --> 01:37:40,145
what was this delay that stopped us

1300
01:37:40,555 --> 01:37:44,315
from moving when we first took action? Action. What

1301
01:37:44,605 --> 01:37:48,265
was the delay there? There were several. The delay was,

1302
01:37:49,705 --> 01:37:53,485
the delay was, there was a discussion where the city

1303
01:37:53,725 --> 01:37:57,565
manager was seeking information from motiva at the time

1304
01:37:57,835 --> 01:38:01,665
that was interested in 25th street. And, um, whether we

1305
01:38:01,885 --> 01:38:05,485
were going to undertake the investment of repairing the bridge

1306
01:38:06,145 --> 01:38:09,965
at that time. And, um, the monies at that time was not in

1307
01:38:10,165 --> 01:38:14,125
the budget for us to repair the street. For the bri yes. Excuse me.

1308
01:38:14,245 --> 01:38:18,205
for the bri yes. No money in the budget for the bridge. That's right. That's right. There was no

1309
01:38:18,365 --> 01:38:22,185
money. It's only this year that we have placed the money and counselor approved the

1310
01:38:22,405 --> 01:38:25,125
repairs of both 25th street and ninth avenue.

1311
01:38:27,905 --> 01:38:31,765
in, in spite of that, we are going to get the report, which is a good thing,

1312
01:38:32,135 --> 01:38:35,645
which is the delay is a good thing because the, the reports

1313
01:38:36,195 --> 01:38:40,125
will indicate to us whether, as I've, in my discussion

1314
01:38:40,915 --> 01:38:44,275
with my city engineer, the current city engineer, whether

1315
01:38:44,985 --> 01:38:48,965
it would be much more valuable to undertake the repairs or to just replace the bridge.

1316
01:38:49,545 --> 01:38:53,525
we will get an idea, a much more solid idea of that when we do, when

1317
01:38:53,805 --> 01:38:57,425
we continue with this. Well that's good. 'cause basically what we're saying is really,

1318
01:38:58,665 --> 01:39:02,215
we really wasn't moving into talking about

1319
01:39:02,985 --> 01:39:06,805
design and replacement at the time. It just came to

1320
01:39:07,005 --> 01:39:10,525
us and everything. Yes. But then

1321
01:39:11,075 --> 01:39:15,045
instead of talking about bridge, we went into looking at it. If we going to give up the bridge,

1322
01:39:16,185 --> 01:39:20,065
uh, if we gonna give up the street, so then that's what yes. Yes. So you went from here to

1323
01:39:20,285 --> 01:39:24,285
here. That's right. And then now we decided to come back here. Yes. And then now, you know, one of

1324
01:39:24,405 --> 01:39:28,365
the things that I took into consideration and in my discussion with the public

1325
01:39:28,605 --> 01:39:32,525
works department at the time was if we were to do anything, I would've rather

1326
01:39:33,435 --> 01:39:37,325
attempted the bridge on ninth avenue because we have the two high schools

1327
01:39:37,705 --> 01:39:41,635
out there. Yeah. You know, and then close it during the summer season when

1328
01:39:41,925 --> 01:39:45,705
it, you know, it is been less traverse, you know, that sort of thing. That's,

1329
01:39:46,465 --> 01:39:50,205
that's good. I just needed to know because we, we, we say it in the background,

1330
01:39:50,665 --> 01:39:54,465
it was deliberation, but it wasn't no explanation of why

1331
01:39:55,665 --> 01:39:59,365
we deliberating. So thank you city man. That's a good, I'll accept that one.

1332
01:39:59,825 --> 01:40:03,465
that's a good one. Mm-hmm . All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.

1333
01:40:04,465 --> 01:40:08,405
any nos? The eyes have it. The resolution passes. We're gonna move

1334
01:40:08,745 --> 01:40:12,615
on to page number five. Well, um, item eight

1335
01:40:12,965 --> 01:40:15,275
items require an individual action, non-consent.

1336
01:40:17,845 --> 01:40:20,185
a number one, a p pr number 2 4 5 1 9.

1337
01:40:22,085 --> 01:40:26,005
a resolution of appointing a member or members to the construction board

1338
01:40:26,285 --> 01:40:29,905
of adjustments and appeals. Can I get a motion for approval? So moved. Second.

1339
01:40:30,715 --> 01:40:34,475
it's been moved by council member kinlaw and second by council member. Ever

1340
01:40:34,835 --> 01:40:38,835
feel, uh, any questions? All in

1341
01:40:39,055 --> 01:40:42,925
favor say aye. Aye. Any nose?

1342
01:40:43,715 --> 01:40:45,435
the eyes have it. The resolution passes

1343
01:40:48,555 --> 01:40:51,975
pr number 2 4 5 4 7 a resolution

1344
01:40:52,735 --> 01:40:56,705
authorizing the approval of the quarterly payments of solid waste permit fees for

1345
01:40:56,925 --> 01:41:00,365
the landfill to the texas commission on environmental quality tceq

1346
01:41:01,075 --> 01:41:03,645
with a projected budgetary impact amount of $148,000.

1347
01:41:05,635 --> 01:41:07,405
funding is available in account number 4 0 3 5 0 3 2 0 5 4 7.

1348
01:41:16,745 --> 01:41:20,365
can I get a motion for approval? Motion approval. Second. It's been motion

1349
01:41:20,865 --> 01:41:23,685
for approval by council member lewis and second by council member doucette.

1350
01:41:25,545 --> 01:41:29,265
any questions? All in favor say aye. Aye.

1351
01:41:30,025 --> 01:41:34,025
any nos? The ayes have it. The resolution passes pr

1352
01:41:34,265 --> 01:41:38,065
number 2 4 5 6 0 a resolution, appointing and or

1353
01:41:38,525 --> 01:41:42,485
reappointing members to the zoning board of adjustment pursuant to appendix a

1354
01:41:42,905 --> 01:41:46,495
zoning section 5.04 of the city of port arthur code of ordinances.

1355
01:41:47,505 --> 01:41:51,445
can I get a motion for approval? There has been a motion

1356
01:41:51,585 --> 01:41:54,525
by council member lewis, second by council member doucette, any questions?

1357
01:41:57,065 --> 01:42:00,925
all in favor say I. Wait, wait. , I wanna make sure I'm not missing

1358
01:42:01,125 --> 01:42:04,245
something here. And this is, this is number three. Councilman

1359
01:42:05,235 --> 01:42:09,155
beckham, you can speak. Yes, it's number three. Okay. I have a

1360
01:42:09,275 --> 01:42:13,255
name. Okay. Lemme make sure I'm

1361
01:42:13,475 --> 01:42:16,635
on the right one. Zoning, board of adjustments.

1362
01:42:17,695 --> 01:42:19,015
zoning. Board of adjustments? Yes.

1363
01:42:22,235 --> 01:42:24,535
I would like to appoint for district three. Holland hoffer.

1364
01:42:28,825 --> 01:42:32,395
okay. Council members. Any other appointments to this board

1365
01:42:32,855 --> 01:42:36,855
or do you already have the names? Um, let me ask, have we given our

1366
01:42:37,075 --> 01:42:39,875
city secretary the names by, by pam? By way of

1367
01:42:43,615 --> 01:42:47,375
how many on that board? There are some names on in the resolution. That's

1368
01:42:47,795 --> 01:42:51,735
my understanding. Yes. I wasn't given the

1369
01:42:51,955 --> 01:42:55,705
names to call out. Okay. Um, assistant city

1370
01:42:55,995 --> 01:42:58,275
manager. You take the podium for me please.

1371
01:43:02,145 --> 01:43:05,995
good morning, mayor and council. Um, at one of the previous council members,

1372
01:43:06,965 --> 01:43:10,865
mayor, you appointed kareem, nelson and councilwoman ever

1373
01:43:11,155 --> 01:43:15,055
feel appointed, um, or reappointed? Chris lopez mm-hmm . Um,

1374
01:43:15,275 --> 01:43:19,255
but I am still needing an appointment from the remainder of council for

1375
01:43:19,475 --> 01:43:23,245
the zoning board. And so member beckham just made hers, which

1376
01:43:23,595 --> 01:43:27,345
is holly hoffer howard. Yes, ma'am. Okay. So all other council members need

1377
01:43:27,655 --> 01:43:31,595
to appoint someone, their terms expired or can you? They are expired.

1378
01:43:31,995 --> 01:43:35,955
they're expired. Okay. How many do I have? Question. Okay, I have lights.

1379
01:43:36,625 --> 01:43:40,615
council members, seven members. How many is on that board? Seven members an

1380
01:43:40,835 --> 01:43:44,815
appointment from each, um, council seat. What's district one's appointment? Has

1381
01:43:45,035 --> 01:43:48,795
it expired? It has all, um, appointments have expired. Okay. What's the name?

1382
01:43:49,565 --> 01:43:49,915
let's see.

1383
01:44:05,125 --> 01:44:08,375
previous appointment was langston adams. Who? Langston adams.

1384
01:44:09,245 --> 01:44:12,855
langston adams. Yes sir. I'll check with him. Okay, mayor.

1385
01:44:14,075 --> 01:44:17,765
okay. Council member doucette? Yes. I I need clarification, mayor.

1386
01:44:18,465 --> 01:44:21,395
yes, sir. On, on these boards. Okay.

1387
01:44:22,815 --> 01:44:26,605
which one are we talking about? We're talking about the zoning board of adjustments.

1388
01:44:27,785 --> 01:44:30,925
that's number three. Yes sir. Okay. The zoning adjustment,

1389
01:44:32,065 --> 01:44:34,785
the board of adjustment in the fields, right? Yes sir.

1390
01:44:36,425 --> 01:44:39,765
is that one that we each have an appointee

1391
01:44:40,825 --> 01:44:44,785
or is that one where we had the yes sir. The planning and zoning commission is

1392
01:44:45,005 --> 01:44:49,005
the only five member board that we oversee. Um, but the

1393
01:44:49,205 --> 01:44:53,165
zoning board and construction board have seven members. Um, that each

1394
01:44:53,405 --> 01:44:57,395
council gets an appointment to that board, those boards. Okay. Then

1395
01:44:57,705 --> 01:45:01,325
my next question is, uh, you have no names

1396
01:45:02,145 --> 01:45:06,045
in that. Can't we, can't we

1397
01:45:06,305 --> 01:45:09,965
get to a point whereby the city secretary

1398
01:45:11,615 --> 01:45:15,545
keeps record, but whoever is in charge of

1399
01:45:15,765 --> 01:45:19,455
these boards, right? Yes sir. We have a, a staff

1400
01:45:20,385 --> 01:45:24,005
yes sir. That oversees all our boards. Okay. Yes sir.

1401
01:45:25,105 --> 01:45:29,065
the staff that oversees all our boards. If council appoints

1402
01:45:29,785 --> 01:45:32,945
a member and that member doesn't attend meetings or that member's,

1403
01:45:34,045 --> 01:45:36,975
uh, counter

1404
01:45:38,785 --> 01:45:42,655
obstructive of something, you know, why don't that

1405
01:45:42,945 --> 01:45:46,585
person that's oversee this mm-hmm .

1406
01:45:47,415 --> 01:45:51,385
give them information to the city secretary. The city secretary, work with the council

1407
01:45:51,665 --> 01:45:55,145
member. Mm-hmm . Okay. If we need to replace somebody,

1408
01:45:56,695 --> 01:46:00,685
whoever oversee the board, notify the city secretary. Mm-hmm

1409
01:46:01,265 --> 01:46:05,125
. And the city secretary by secretary notify us

1410
01:46:05,945 --> 01:46:09,855
individually mm-hmm . To seem like we keep talking these name,

1411
01:46:10,195 --> 01:46:14,085
these names and stuff. Because once we give the

1412
01:46:14,305 --> 01:46:18,085
name to the city secretary, then when we get these things on

1413
01:46:18,625 --> 01:46:22,455
resolutions, we won't be asking for names. 'cause I noticed when

1414
01:46:22,745 --> 01:46:26,345
we did it that way before, whenever we had this on the item

1415
01:46:27,445 --> 01:46:31,265
on the agenda mm-hmm . She would say, well, the mayor read

1416
01:46:31,505 --> 01:46:35,425
the thing, then the city secretary would say, we'd like to

1417
01:46:36,055 --> 01:46:39,525
include this name. Yes sir. Instead of asking

1418
01:46:40,325 --> 01:46:44,145
and going through this, who got names and all this, why don't we go back to doing that? That way

1419
01:46:44,365 --> 01:46:48,265
it was pretty, there's definitely not an issue with that. Um, I do wanna note

1420
01:46:48,505 --> 01:46:52,405
that communication was sent to council prior to today's meeting. So the information

1421
01:46:52,885 --> 01:46:56,885
could be provided to the city secretary. I, I received the information,

1422
01:46:57,845 --> 01:47:01,685
I received the information in the agenda when I read the background.

1423
01:47:02,665 --> 01:47:06,425
yes, there were emails as well. I read all this thing. What I'm saying is

1424
01:47:07,995 --> 01:47:11,585
sometimes we doing this and it's one mm-hmm

1425
01:47:12,045 --> 01:47:15,945
. So that's why I said before it was simple. You

1426
01:47:16,165 --> 01:47:20,165
know, we got notified individually that either

1427
01:47:21,085 --> 01:47:23,885
somebody will point not attending meetings and needs to be removed.

1428
01:47:25,265 --> 01:47:28,965
and that she asked us. Yes, sir. So then we provided that information

1429
01:47:29,485 --> 01:47:32,765
back to her. Yes, sir. Then when it came to the resolution,

1430
01:47:33,795 --> 01:47:37,285
instead of asking for names, we read the resolution.

1431
01:47:38,525 --> 01:47:42,385
the mayor said, okay, do we have a name? See the secretary say yes, so and

1432
01:47:42,545 --> 01:47:46,405
so, yes sir, we won't. And said, will the name, who's in it now?

1433
01:47:47,125 --> 01:47:51,085
that's all I'm saying, why can't we go back to doing it that way? It was pretty simple. Not

1434
01:47:51,305 --> 01:47:55,125
a problem. Let me, I'm sorry. Um, you

1435
01:47:55,345 --> 01:47:58,745
said these terms expired, these are all, all of our person's

1436
01:47:59,595 --> 01:48:02,815
terms expired? That is correct. Okay. Nope. Okay.

1437
01:48:03,735 --> 01:48:07,585
okay. You see, mayor, but that's what I'm talking about. Yeah. Because we should never be in this

1438
01:48:07,745 --> 01:48:10,605
point in our old system. Because what would've happened was,

1439
01:48:12,905 --> 01:48:16,225
I think that, go ahead counsel. What just said, let me go ahead.

1440
01:48:18,445 --> 01:48:21,335
we would have known that

1441
01:48:22,855 --> 01:48:26,705
they expired and I've never seen an incident where all of

1442
01:48:26,865 --> 01:48:30,265
them expired the same time. That never,

1443
01:48:31,065 --> 01:48:34,905
I ain't never seen this pro promote, I mean, put anybody on the board all at one time.

1444
01:48:35,165 --> 01:48:39,145
so yes sir. Evidently, and when I looked at the years that they expired right.

1445
01:48:39,845 --> 01:48:43,805
it was way back there right. In the background. So,

1446
01:48:44,685 --> 01:48:48,545
so, so we really behind on that one. Yes. And that's why we at where

1447
01:48:48,865 --> 01:48:52,025
we are. And that's the kinda I ask, you know, if the person in charge

1448
01:48:53,405 --> 01:48:56,605
of overseeing these board and committee that we appoint people to

1449
01:48:58,055 --> 01:49:01,705
will just get on it more and make sure that we as council

1450
01:49:02,065 --> 01:49:05,955
members are aware of somebody who's

1451
01:49:06,305 --> 01:49:09,865
coming up for an expiration or someone who's not attending the meetings

1452
01:49:10,845 --> 01:49:14,705
and they should be replaced. Because I, for one, once I appoint

1453
01:49:15,185 --> 01:49:19,105
somebody, I don't communicate with 'em. 'cause they have to work with that board of commissioner or

1454
01:49:19,385 --> 01:49:23,325
whatever it is. And that's, I'll appoint them to work with them, not me. Yes, sir.

1455
01:49:23,885 --> 01:49:26,705
but if they're not attending or they're not contributing,

1456
01:49:28,015 --> 01:49:31,865
then if the sec secretary says, councilman de said you got

1457
01:49:32,065 --> 01:49:35,265
this person, I call 'em up, say, hey, came a to vi

1458
01:49:36,345 --> 01:49:40,305
put somebody else. Yes sir. Okay. But I think we can, I

1459
01:49:40,425 --> 01:49:44,225
mean, that's the way it used to be. So we stayed on top of it rather

1460
01:49:44,545 --> 01:49:48,295
than falling behind. Yes sir. Mayor, thank

1461
01:49:48,645 --> 01:49:52,525
you. Um, thank you. I appreciate that. But I think the city secretary

1462
01:49:52,825 --> 01:49:56,725
should be tracking all of our appointments. Thank you for being here

1463
01:49:56,965 --> 01:50:00,895
as assistant city manager. Yes. That is not your job. Right.

1464
01:50:01,245 --> 01:50:05,205
but we appreciate you. But I do believe that all of our appointees, 'cause I have

1465
01:50:05,365 --> 01:50:09,165
lights, but I'm gonna speak yes ma'am. Um, should, um, should be

1466
01:50:09,565 --> 01:50:13,565
followed through and given us updates when a, an available time. That's the duty of the

1467
01:50:13,685 --> 01:50:17,645
city secretary. And I think that, um, we've made new appointments, we need

1468
01:50:17,765 --> 01:50:21,685
updated sheets, um, from council on all of our boards as to who needs

1469
01:50:21,965 --> 01:50:25,885
to be appointed because there are meetings that are trying to take place

1470
01:50:26,145 --> 01:50:29,445
in different, uh, for instance, in the construction board of adjustments and appeals

1471
01:50:30,435 --> 01:50:34,325
that my person wasn't really showing up and so I had to appoint someone

1472
01:50:34,645 --> 01:50:38,545
else. But I, I asked for a list of who all I needed to appoint for

1473
01:50:38,765 --> 01:50:42,165
the year and I got that. Now that needs to be updated so that the council

1474
01:50:42,865 --> 01:50:46,805
as a whole in its entirety will know what positions need to be

1475
01:50:46,925 --> 01:50:50,845
updated and who they need to reappoint and what's expiring. And I think

1476
01:50:51,005 --> 01:50:54,965
that's contingent upon our, the office in which we, um, and that's the

1477
01:50:55,085 --> 01:50:58,955
city secretary? Yes, ma'am. When you got an update, we, that

1478
01:50:59,245 --> 01:51:03,245
was sent out to all the council, the update that I gave you. So you emailed it

1479
01:51:03,405 --> 01:51:07,375
to everybody mm-hmm . Yes. I, okay. Alright. Thank you. Appreciate that. Council member lewis?

1480
01:51:08,665 --> 01:51:11,765
yes. On your list, do you have we, we have a,

1481
01:51:12,965 --> 01:51:16,745
a rule over the years, we just allows

1482
01:51:18,405 --> 01:51:21,705
citizens to serve on individual boards, not multiple boards.

1483
01:51:22,585 --> 01:51:23,525
is there, is there any duplications?

1484
01:51:26,735 --> 01:51:29,925
would like this kind of spread? Spread, spread? I wouldn't have that information.

1485
01:51:31,125 --> 01:51:35,025
I can only speak for the boards and commissions in which we oversee. Right? Yes. Uh,

1486
01:51:37,395 --> 01:51:40,975
have the state law have anything changed far as, uh, adjustment

1487
01:51:41,645 --> 01:51:45,485
boards in appeal? Um, that board still have

1488
01:51:45,685 --> 01:51:49,505
the authority to overrule the council. Right. Um, well, items that go

1489
01:51:49,725 --> 01:51:53,305
to the zoning board of adjustments because they're quasi judicial or

1490
01:51:54,005 --> 01:51:57,965
challenged in district court, it's not an item that comes to counsel for approval

1491
01:51:58,185 --> 01:52:01,925
or denial. So they have the final

1492
01:52:02,405 --> 01:52:05,885
decision. Yeah. Right. That's, that's the point. They have, they have the final

1493
01:52:06,525 --> 01:52:10,525
decision because I have sent, uh, people that wanted to have

1494
01:52:10,685 --> 01:52:14,605
some, uh, health, health conditions want to move, uh, the parents

1495
01:52:15,025 --> 01:52:18,725
in on their property temporarily until, and, uh,

1496
01:52:19,595 --> 01:52:23,445
they, they had the authority to hoo it. That is correct. But there is specific

1497
01:52:24,005 --> 01:52:27,925
criteria that they must follow that they must follow that's in accordance with state

1498
01:52:28,225 --> 01:52:32,125
law. But we provide them with that criteria. Good. Councilor mcken law,

1499
01:52:32,825 --> 01:52:36,805
uh, pam? Yes, sir. Did you also, maybe I missed this. Are you saying that you're not

1500
01:52:36,885 --> 01:52:40,625
getting a quorum for the board? Because if my appointee, uh, um,

1501
01:52:41,385 --> 01:52:45,205
mr. Abt, I mean is your, this is just a matter where the,

1502
01:52:45,425 --> 01:52:49,395
um, terms for the board had expired. We actually have not met. Okay.

1503
01:52:49,835 --> 01:52:53,805
alright. Um, in quite some time. Again, there's specific criteria when you bring an

1504
01:52:53,925 --> 01:52:57,685
item to the zoning board of adjustments. Yes ma'am. So there have not been a need. Yes, ma'am.

1505
01:52:57,945 --> 01:53:01,605
um, but to make sure that we were up in current, and it was based on the

1506
01:53:02,115 --> 01:53:05,815
mayor's inquiry, we discovered that the board had their

1507
01:53:06,165 --> 01:53:10,085
terms had expired. So we are just cleaning everything up. Cleaning it up. Yeah. Hey, well

1508
01:53:10,425 --> 01:53:14,265
if you don't mind, uh, pam, uh, sherry, uh, anthony albert? Uh,

1509
01:53:14,665 --> 01:53:18,645
yes, but he was, uh, I had him, that was when I was in district three. So now we're

1510
01:53:18,845 --> 01:53:22,845
gonna have to move him to, uh, uh, position at large five. Absolutely. Thank you so

1511
01:53:22,965 --> 01:53:26,905
much. Mm-hmm . Council member frank? Yes. I wanna submit

1512
01:53:27,385 --> 01:53:30,365
the name of alice washington to the list.

1513
01:53:33,875 --> 01:53:37,625
okay. Council member gisette? Yes.

1514
01:53:38,025 --> 01:53:41,965
uh, uh, I'm gonna go back and look at this list

1515
01:53:42,585 --> 01:53:46,525
and anybody that, uh, I do not have a name. Yes sir. I

1516
01:53:46,645 --> 01:53:50,505
will submit it to the se secretary yes sir. This week and

1517
01:53:50,725 --> 01:53:54,545
I'll get that done. Sure. Anybody that I have serving on any

1518
01:53:54,865 --> 01:53:58,505
boards or commission that I've appointed? Yes, sir. If

1519
01:53:58,965 --> 01:54:02,595
that term come up for reappointment

1520
01:54:03,905 --> 01:54:07,765
or another appointment, I don't ever remove

1521
01:54:08,165 --> 01:54:12,045
anybody. So if it's district four yes, sir. And you see that

1522
01:54:12,205 --> 01:54:15,525
the term is about to expire? Yes sir. Whoever oversees it

1523
01:54:16,795 --> 01:54:20,085
need to just let the person go and see the city secretary

1524
01:54:20,985 --> 01:54:24,905
so that she can understand they're gonna be in it. I don't, I don't change. Yes,

1525
01:54:25,125 --> 01:54:29,085
sir. Okay. And we'll coordinate with the city secretary's office. Right. I, I got

1526
01:54:29,285 --> 01:54:33,165
pretty understanding of where it's going now. I think I can get her the names and do

1527
01:54:33,325 --> 01:54:37,185
that. Yes, sir. Alright. Thank you pam. All in favor say aye. Aye.

1528
01:54:37,545 --> 01:54:41,495
aye. Any nos? The ayes have it. The resolution passes. We're

1529
01:54:41,845 --> 01:54:45,725
gonna move to page number six. Number four, a resolution appointing and

1530
01:54:46,045 --> 01:54:49,805
reappointing members for the historical landmark commission. Can I get a motion for approval?

1531
01:54:50,105 --> 01:54:53,605
so moved. So's been moved by councilman mcken law, second by council member

1532
01:54:54,245 --> 01:54:58,205
beckham. Um, any discussions? Do we have na do we need

1533
01:54:58,325 --> 01:55:02,115
names here maam? I do have names for those. You have names for those? Okay.

1534
01:55:02,425 --> 01:55:06,365
yes. Awesome. All in favor say aye. Wait, wait, wait, wait. I have a, I have

1535
01:55:06,485 --> 01:55:10,155
a question. Um, so my appointee

1536
01:55:10,765 --> 01:55:14,765
term out in august of 2025, sherry, um, do you have

1537
01:55:14,885 --> 01:55:18,845
her name as reappointed for district three? Pat holmes? Yes. Yes. All right. Thank you. I

1538
01:55:18,965 --> 01:55:22,725
have the mayor zulema escobido. Mm-hmm for council member beckham

1539
01:55:23,065 --> 01:55:26,875
pat holmes for council member hamilton ever field and twin freeman.

1540
01:55:28,865 --> 01:55:32,765
that's the names that we were given in honor. Okay. All in

1541
01:55:32,925 --> 01:55:36,865
favor say aye. Aye. I didn't get all in favor, say aye.

1542
01:55:37,545 --> 01:55:41,265
aye. Can I, can I get y'all's? Aye. Yes ma'am. Aye.

1543
01:55:44,105 --> 01:55:46,805
and he knows the ayes have it. The resolution passes

1544
01:55:48,905 --> 01:55:52,885
pr number 2, 4, 5, 6 3 resolution authorized in the city

1545
01:55:53,235 --> 01:55:57,005
manager to contract with scs engineers

1546
01:55:57,385 --> 01:56:01,145
of houston, texas for groundwater, landfill gas and

1547
01:56:01,545 --> 01:56:05,125
air quality monitoring at the landfill from november, 2025 to august, 2026

1548
01:56:06,785 --> 01:56:10,585
for $171,500. Funds are available in

1549
01:56:10,805 --> 01:56:14,675
public works department. Landfill division, professional services. Account number 4 0 3

1550
01:56:15,715 --> 01:56:19,075
dash five zero dash 3 2 0 dash 5 4 0 0 0.

1551
01:56:23,665 --> 01:56:27,605
no, that's 2 0 0 0 0 0. Can I get a motion for approval?

1552
01:56:27,865 --> 01:56:31,485
so moved. Mary. It's been, uh, moved and second moved by councilman

1553
01:56:32,005 --> 01:56:35,285
kinlaw and second by councilwoman. Ever feel, uh, any discussions?

1554
01:56:36,665 --> 01:56:40,565
all in favor say aye. Aye. The ayes have

1555
01:56:40,805 --> 01:56:43,985
it. The resolution passes pr number 2, 4 5, 6 4

1556
01:56:46,165 --> 01:56:49,835
resolution granting consent to the assignment of the industrial district agreement

1557
01:56:50,805 --> 01:56:53,805
ida between the city of port arthur and basf corporation

1558
01:56:55,185 --> 01:56:59,085
2018 to 2027 approved by resolution number

1559
01:56:59,985 --> 01:57:02,725
one seven dash 3 51 to basf agricultural

1560
01:57:04,035 --> 01:57:08,025
solutions u-s-l-l-c. Can I get a motion for approval? So

1561
01:57:08,245 --> 01:57:11,785
moved. Second. It's been moved. My council member doucette and

1562
01:57:12,495 --> 01:57:15,845
mayor pro tem ett. And second by council member beckham.

1563
01:57:17,065 --> 01:57:20,345
any questions? All in favor? Yes. Say aye.

1564
01:57:21,355 --> 01:57:25,025
okay. Oh, council member lewis, you have your light on? Yes. Sorry. Uh,

1565
01:57:25,955 --> 01:57:29,725
city manager. Uh, this basf,

1566
01:57:30,625 --> 01:57:33,965
how the employment, those kind of things.

1567
01:57:35,235 --> 01:57:38,225
what, what standing are they? Are they supporting our

1568
01:57:39,435 --> 01:57:43,425
port alto residents? Are

1569
01:57:43,645 --> 01:57:47,485
they in compliance or outta compliance or what? I would have city manager. I would've

1570
01:57:47,685 --> 01:57:51,235
to check the reports. They're still submitting reports, um, to us. They're

1571
01:57:51,725 --> 01:57:55,165
still support submitting the reports based on the requirements?

1572
01:57:56,065 --> 01:57:59,505
yes, they still do. I'll have to check with huey, our compliance guy.

1573
01:58:00,145 --> 01:58:03,475
um, I could provide you with an update on that. Okay. Where is huey?

1574
01:58:04,225 --> 01:58:08,035
our compliance office? Huh? Wait, I was hoping he'd be here when I saw that. Okay.

1575
01:58:09,025 --> 01:58:13,005
did city manager, are you done? No, I'm done.

1576
01:58:13,415 --> 01:58:17,395
could you get hug? Could we skip this and get hug up here? Okay.

1577
01:58:17,715 --> 01:58:21,145
wait, I got a comment. Hold on. I have council member ett. Yes.

1578
01:58:22,035 --> 01:58:25,485
this, this is a consent to just

1579
01:58:26,365 --> 01:58:30,205
reassign it because it's going under another name. This contract

1580
01:58:30,445 --> 01:58:33,755
is not okay. This contract is not being altered

1581
01:58:35,345 --> 01:58:38,895
and is not up to agreement right now. It just, I understand being

1582
01:58:39,525 --> 01:58:43,285
reassigned. I understand that. Okay, so I'm, but I want to find out if they in compliance

1583
01:58:43,825 --> 01:58:47,805
it well we could do that later on since it's not right. That's what I said. Yeah. I wanna find out if

1584
01:58:47,845 --> 01:58:51,715
they're in compliance. See the manager. That's what I said. Provide you with the information. Yeah,

1585
01:58:52,005 --> 01:58:55,925
that's what I said. Said he said he could provide you with the information later. That's what he said.

1586
01:58:56,155 --> 01:58:59,795
okay. Alright. Okay.

1587
01:59:00,265 --> 01:59:03,705
all in favor say aye. Aye. Any nos?

1588
01:59:04,305 --> 01:59:08,265
the ayes have it. The resolution passes. P number seven, pr

1589
01:59:08,485 --> 01:59:12,285
number 2 4 5 8 4 resolution authorizing the purchase

1590
01:59:12,665 --> 01:59:16,125
of 12 portable radios and 10 mobile radios with accessories

1591
01:59:17,145 --> 01:59:20,475
for the fire department for motorola, solutions of houston, texas through

1592
01:59:21,165 --> 01:59:24,645
hgac contract 1 7 7 2 4 dash hgac

1593
01:59:26,025 --> 01:59:29,605
tx ra oh five dash 21 and the amount of 142,845.

1594
01:59:32,255 --> 01:59:36,185
$845,000 and 24 cents. Funding is

1595
01:59:36,565 --> 01:59:38,665
available in equipment account number 6 2 5 1 9 4 7

1596
01:59:41,635 --> 01:59:44,115
dash 8 5 22 dash 0 0 0.

1597
01:59:47,545 --> 01:59:49,685
so moved. Ms. Been moved. And second.

1598
01:59:51,785 --> 01:59:55,265
any questions? All in favor say aye. Aye.

1599
01:59:56,465 --> 01:59:59,505
any nos? The a's have it. The resolution passes

1600
02:00:00,665 --> 02:00:04,085
pr number 2 4 5 85 a resolution authorizing

1601
02:00:04,945 --> 02:00:08,485
the port arthur fire department to purchase 11 self-contained breathing

1602
02:00:09,035 --> 02:00:12,365
apparatus, scba from casco industries

1603
02:00:13,345 --> 02:00:16,645
of laporte, texas under by board contract number

1604
02:00:17,465 --> 02:00:21,465
6 9 8 dash two three with a projected capital budgetary impact

1605
02:00:21,885 --> 02:00:25,845
of $106,095. Funding is available

1606
02:00:26,105 --> 02:00:29,445
in account number 6 2 6 dash nine dash 0 4 7

1607
02:00:30,715 --> 02:00:34,255
dash 8 5 2 2 dash 3 0 0.

1608
02:00:36,185 --> 02:00:40,085
can I get a motion for approval? It's

1609
02:00:40,375 --> 02:00:44,215
been moved by council member lewis and second by council member woman councilman. Ever

1610
02:00:44,415 --> 02:00:48,135
feel any discussions? All in favor

1611
02:00:48,475 --> 02:00:51,955
say aye. A aye. Any nos?

1612
02:00:52,755 --> 02:00:56,755
the ayes have it. The resolution passes number nine, pr

1613
02:00:57,075 --> 02:01:00,775
number 2 4 5 8 9 a resolution amending resolution number

1614
02:01:01,875 --> 02:01:05,655
two four dash 4 55 and the response to the office of the

1615
02:01:05,975 --> 02:01:09,735
governor's request for additional language affirming the city of port arthur's

1616
02:01:10,175 --> 02:01:13,295
obligations under its acceptance of the fiscal year 2025

1617
02:01:14,365 --> 02:01:17,895
body-worn camera grant from the office of the governor public safety

1618
02:01:18,495 --> 02:01:19,855
division in the amount of $132,381

1619
02:01:22,555 --> 02:01:24,735
and 60 cents. Can I get a motion for approval?

1620
02:01:27,045 --> 02:01:30,955
it's been moved by council member beckham and council member beckham and

1621
02:01:31,175 --> 02:01:35,015
second by councilwoman. Ever feel any questions? All in favor

1622
02:01:35,435 --> 02:01:39,325
say aye. Aye. Any nos? The ayes have

1623
02:01:39,525 --> 02:01:43,275
it. The resolution passes pr, I'm sorry. Number page

1624
02:01:43,565 --> 02:01:45,965
seven. Pr number two. 4 5 9 7.

1625
02:01:47,885 --> 02:01:51,885
a resolution. A resolution casting votes for the board of directors for

1626
02:01:52,005 --> 02:01:54,565
the jefferson central appraisal district for the 20 26 29

1627
02:01:56,635 --> 02:02:00,395
term. Can I get a motion for approval? It's moved second. It's

1628
02:02:00,685 --> 02:02:02,805
been moved in second. Any discussions

1629
02:02:05,345 --> 02:02:09,005
at this time? We have to say, I think state where we're casting our votes

1630
02:02:09,385 --> 02:02:13,265
and we have, um, our, uh, own council member, donald frank,

1631
02:02:14,655 --> 02:02:18,565
who's on the ballot. So I'd like to know, I'm making sure that we are very

1632
02:02:18,805 --> 02:02:22,765
clear that those votes will be cast, uh, uh, uh, the

1633
02:02:22,925 --> 02:02:26,925
council's in agreement to cast those votes for our council member. Or do we have five

1634
02:02:27,165 --> 02:02:29,185
names on the ballot? So,

1635
02:02:31,235 --> 02:02:34,945
okay. Just wanna make sure I have to have to put it out there. So

1636
02:02:35,465 --> 02:02:39,465
we are voting, um, our votes. Mm-hmm. It's already a motion in here. It's in here. His

1637
02:02:39,685 --> 02:02:43,385
name has been selected. Donald frank. Um, as

1638
02:02:43,785 --> 02:02:47,605
our, um, our votes will go, all of our votes will

1639
02:02:47,845 --> 02:02:51,725
go toward council member frank for this jefferson county appraisal district.

1640
02:02:52,465 --> 02:02:56,345
all in favor say aye. A any nos? The

1641
02:02:56,635 --> 02:03:00,225
ayes have it and the resolution passes. Pr number

1642
02:03:00,745 --> 02:03:04,405
2 4 6 0 1 a resolution authorizing the city manager

1643
02:03:04,825 --> 02:03:08,715
to purchase one. Alan allon, a dv 500

1644
02:03:09,595 --> 02:03:12,725
compactor from al john by c and c manufacturing

1645
02:03:13,745 --> 02:03:17,625
of ottaway, iowa to compact and spread waste in

1646
02:03:17,845 --> 02:03:21,555
the landfill. In compliance with the state regulations through the houston galveston

1647
02:03:22,165 --> 02:03:25,525
area council, hgac cooperative purchasing program.

1648
02:03:26,645 --> 02:03:30,605
contract number pw 10 dash 25 with a projected amount

1649
02:03:30,985 --> 02:03:34,605
of $950,000 funds are available in the capital improvement

1650
02:03:35,205 --> 02:03:39,035
program. Account account number 4 0 3 dash 5 0 3 2 8 5 2 3

1651
02:03:43,915 --> 02:03:47,805
dash 0 0 0 dash zero zero. Can I get

1652
02:03:47,925 --> 02:03:51,485
a motion for approval? It's motion for approval. It's been moved. And second

1653
02:03:52,055 --> 02:03:55,575
moved by council member frank and second by council member lewis.

1654
02:03:56,705 --> 02:04:00,345
any discussions? All in favor say aye. Aye.

1655
02:04:00,825 --> 02:04:03,825
any nos? The ayes have it. The resolution passes

1656
02:04:05,745 --> 02:04:09,645
pr number 2 4 6 0 3. A resolution authorizing

1657
02:04:09,965 --> 02:04:13,885
city manager to enter into a contract between the city of port arthur

1658
02:04:14,225 --> 02:04:18,105
and freeze and nichols incorporated for the review, analysis and revision of

1659
02:04:18,325 --> 02:04:22,285
chapter 98. Subdivision of the city of port arthur code of

1660
02:04:22,445 --> 02:04:25,465
ordinances, and an amount not to exceed $164,800

1661
02:04:28,155 --> 02:04:31,805
funding available in planning professional services. Account

1662
02:04:32,205 --> 02:04:36,075
number 0 0 1 dash one three dash 0 3 1 dash

1663
02:04:36,435 --> 02:04:39,675
5 4 2 0 dash zero zero dash 0 0 0.

1664
02:04:41,225 --> 02:04:44,805
can we get a motion for approval? It's so moved. Second. It got motion

1665
02:04:45,265 --> 02:04:49,145
and a second. Any questions? Yes. Council member de

1666
02:04:49,365 --> 02:04:51,845
said, yes. City manager.

1667
02:04:53,675 --> 02:04:56,465
most of our code and ordinance here in the city are

1668
02:04:58,785 --> 02:05:02,725
direct in compliance with state ordinance and stuff.

1669
02:05:04,265 --> 02:05:08,005
and then we get into our uniqueness here in the city. Being a home rule,

1670
02:05:09,505 --> 02:05:10,965
we have here $164,800

1671
02:05:13,985 --> 02:05:17,425
for somebody to come in one review

1672
02:05:18,555 --> 02:05:22,405
this chapter two analysis

1673
02:05:23,745 --> 02:05:27,535
and three revision of the chapter. We've

1674
02:05:27,885 --> 02:05:30,805
been getting, we've been getting these contracts for people to come in and do that.

1675
02:05:33,395 --> 02:05:36,475
most of our codes and stuff we have to conform

1676
02:05:37,715 --> 02:05:39,165
with the state of texas.

1677
02:05:43,705 --> 02:05:47,585
do we have, we looked at chapter 98 and

1678
02:05:47,985 --> 02:05:51,785
we cannot look at it and

1679
02:05:52,105 --> 02:05:55,745
see what we need to revise for

1680
02:05:56,745 --> 02:06:00,085
our city. I mean, let's look at the chapter.

1681
02:06:01,435 --> 02:06:05,325
take a look at what we have in place. If it's not sufficient,

1682
02:06:07,145 --> 02:06:10,605
should we know what we need to do to make it effective

1683
02:06:11,305 --> 02:06:14,725
in our city instead of paying somebody $165,000?

1684
02:06:21,255 --> 02:06:24,845
I just need to know why we gotta pay

1685
02:06:25,265 --> 02:06:28,885
somebody for this. I mean, what does this this entail that we can't do this? Yes.

1686
02:06:33,615 --> 02:06:37,595
is he through, uh, council member? I'm sorry. City manager.

1687
02:06:38,055 --> 02:06:41,935
go ahead. Yeah. Um, council member, the

1688
02:06:42,265 --> 02:06:45,865
subdivision regulation is a very, chapter

1689
02:06:46,485 --> 02:06:50,355
60 is a very technical document

1690
02:06:51,185 --> 02:06:54,975
that has and, and, and I'm, I'm not questioning the

1691
02:06:55,195 --> 02:06:59,135
ability of our city attorney here or any member of the,

1692
02:06:59,375 --> 02:07:02,625
um, the, the legal department, but it's a highly technical

1693
02:07:03,755 --> 02:07:07,515
document that needs input from both engineering

1694
02:07:08,615 --> 02:07:12,475
and planning professionals in order to put the document together.

1695
02:07:13,295 --> 02:07:17,015
the subdivision re regulation is also an

1696
02:07:17,335 --> 02:07:21,185
arm of the comprehensive plan. Um, freezer nichols

1697
02:07:21,675 --> 02:07:25,595
years ago provided us, um, um, after some 25

1698
02:07:26,035 --> 02:07:29,515
years with the new comprehensive plan for the city of po arthur

1699
02:07:30,215 --> 02:07:33,985
detect the, the subdivision regulation has to read

1700
02:07:34,735 --> 02:07:38,645
arm in arm with the comprehensive plan. And so part of the

1701
02:07:38,805 --> 02:07:42,245
subdivision regulation are highly designed sketches,

1702
02:07:43,455 --> 02:07:47,285
which I'm sure the city attorney's officer, no member of staff has the ability

1703
02:07:47,905 --> 02:07:51,675
to produce as well. The ab the, the, the technical expertise

1704
02:07:52,545 --> 02:07:56,085
is just not in-house. What a hundred percent of cities

1705
02:07:56,675 --> 02:08:00,345
that I've ever worked with as a planner has always worked

1706
02:08:01,595 --> 02:08:05,205
with agencies that provide that professional

1707
02:08:06,365 --> 02:08:09,315
services to them to make sure that it's

1708
02:08:10,405 --> 02:08:14,275
accurate at all times. Because you provide that information

1709
02:08:15,345 --> 02:08:18,515
to developers who come here and that information

1710
02:08:19,385 --> 02:08:22,945
has to be very much accurate and

1711
02:08:23,395 --> 02:08:27,265
concise both in its presentation and in and

1712
02:08:27,585 --> 02:08:31,035
in its design. So we wanna make sure that the information

1713
02:08:32,305 --> 02:08:36,005
we provide to our developers is very accurately done

1714
02:08:36,545 --> 02:08:40,505
and very professionally done as well. That is why we

1715
02:08:40,725 --> 02:08:44,495
have had the assistant to the manager and the planning staff

1716
02:08:45,345 --> 02:08:48,765
to go out there and to see which organization

1717
02:08:49,865 --> 02:08:53,445
or which vendor can provide us with the best tailored

1718
02:08:54,355 --> 02:08:58,095
technical assistance that would work in compliance

1719
02:08:59,155 --> 02:09:02,715
with our comprehensive plan and other development

1720
02:09:04,065 --> 02:09:07,645
and other development policy documents

1721
02:09:08,115 --> 02:09:11,945
that we have in place. That is why we are going out, um, um, for, um,

1722
02:09:12,285 --> 02:09:16,125
a request for proposal and we have awarded a, the, the con we have worked with

1723
02:09:16,325 --> 02:09:20,285
fries nichols and awarded that to them. In a nutshell. In a nutshell, well,

1724
02:09:20,565 --> 02:09:24,445
you know, that's, that's, that's my concern too because seems, seems like every time I turn

1725
02:09:24,645 --> 02:09:28,475
around we, during consulting contract for review and it's

1726
02:09:28,765 --> 02:09:32,725
freezer, nichols or somebody else. And that's why you say technical, technical,

1727
02:09:33,395 --> 02:09:35,605
technical. You keep saying to, I understand,

1728
02:09:37,885 --> 02:09:39,635
I understand it should be done.

1729
02:09:42,425 --> 02:09:45,345
but when you start saying, our

1730
02:09:47,445 --> 02:09:51,015
engineer or our attorney ain't

1731
02:09:53,235 --> 02:09:56,525
knowledgeable or not, that's why

1732
02:09:57,595 --> 02:10:01,485
they have others places we could go to find out and ask

1733
02:10:01,965 --> 02:10:05,085
questions to help us to do it. Right. You know,

1734
02:10:06,035 --> 02:10:08,555
somewhere down the line, they got other type

1735
02:10:10,385 --> 02:10:14,125
of subdivision plans in other

1736
02:10:14,445 --> 02:10:18,405
cities, a lot of times they competent enough to get with

1737
02:10:18,645 --> 02:10:22,425
other cities and look at their plan and see if their plan fit, our plan to fit

1738
02:10:22,755 --> 02:10:25,795
into our ma uh, master plan

1739
02:10:26,855 --> 02:10:30,855
or our plan. So they may not

1740
02:10:31,075 --> 02:10:33,745
know, but you could reach out

1741
02:10:35,785 --> 02:10:39,575
to cities who have one that probably could fit into yours.

1742
02:10:42,975 --> 02:10:46,805
these contracts is my big

1743
02:10:47,205 --> 02:10:51,085
question. Why aren't we doing it? And not that,

1744
02:10:51,425 --> 02:10:55,345
but I think our staff will get knowledgeable and

1745
02:10:55,565 --> 02:10:59,525
more knowledgeable, uh, uh, trying to go out with this. But at some point in

1746
02:10:59,685 --> 02:11:03,565
time, just like you keep saying technical, technical, technical,

1747
02:11:04,165 --> 02:11:07,165
when I look at this, I look at what I want, 165,000

1748
02:11:08,505 --> 02:11:12,085
it says to review. I don't need them to review.

1749
02:11:13,265 --> 02:11:17,195
our staff may not be technical, but they sure could look at it, analyze,

1750
02:11:20,475 --> 02:11:21,565
they could see what we have

1751
02:11:25,265 --> 02:11:28,955
revise. So really they're

1752
02:11:29,445 --> 02:11:33,185
not getting it, they're not starting it for us. They just going to revise it.

1753
02:11:33,955 --> 02:11:37,645
well, we could go out and seek information from other cities

1754
02:11:38,065 --> 02:11:41,325
and stuff before we just give $165,000

1755
02:11:42,865 --> 02:11:46,845
and stuff. And, and, and, and, and you hit the nail

1756
02:11:47,005 --> 02:11:50,845
on the head when you said you have turned to them for I I have seen

1757
02:11:51,165 --> 02:11:54,635
a number of contracts. I've seen us have them to redo

1758
02:11:56,125 --> 02:11:59,325
a code, a code of ordinance. And when I looked at what was changed,

1759
02:12:00,955 --> 02:12:03,145
very few things were changed. It just rewrote what we had.

1760
02:12:05,715 --> 02:12:09,565
okay. Thank you though, manager. I got it. Yeah. Let, let me also share with you

1761
02:12:09,785 --> 02:12:13,685
the, um, councilman, when I was director of development service, I did a diagnostic

1762
02:12:14,765 --> 02:12:18,765
analysis of the subdivision regulations. They could, this could have been much

1763
02:12:18,925 --> 02:12:22,905
more expensive, but I did it in house, remember? Remember that pam?

1764
02:12:23,505 --> 02:12:27,285
and that was the basis for doing this right now, which is much, which came

1765
02:12:27,525 --> 02:12:31,465
out much cheaper. So we, we gave them that document that they could work as

1766
02:12:31,725 --> 02:12:35,205
a template from, you know, because the, the subdivision

1767
02:12:35,775 --> 02:12:39,305
regulation haven't been re-reviewed in what, 30 years? Longer

1768
02:12:40,025 --> 02:12:44,005
or longer than that. In what? In 30. In 30 years. And then

1769
02:12:44,265 --> 02:12:48,075
in order to assist us to continue over the last few years. Well, well

1770
02:12:48,365 --> 02:12:52,065
it had to be reviewed 'cause you said you reviewed it and you worked on it, so yeah. So

1771
02:12:52,505 --> 02:12:56,165
you need to gimme that time from when you looked at it. Okay. Yes. , you know,

1772
02:12:56,585 --> 02:12:58,685
uh, and everything. Yeah. Council member lewis,

1773
02:13:01,225 --> 02:13:03,915
pam, what'll be the turnaround time on getting this done?

1774
02:13:05,705 --> 02:13:09,195
the, um, consultant, um, has estimated

1775
02:13:09,885 --> 02:13:13,625
a timeframe of 12 months. Um, however, due to the

1776
02:13:14,125 --> 02:13:17,765
upcoming holidays with thanksgiving, christmas, um, we have, I believe,

1777
02:13:18,185 --> 02:13:21,965
as part of the contract, extended it to insure. So what you, so what you are saying,

1778
02:13:22,745 --> 02:13:26,245
if it was done in house, it would, along with your regular

1779
02:13:26,755 --> 02:13:30,565
work. Oh, it would take much longer. Huh? It would take much longer. That's absolutely.

1780
02:13:30,945 --> 02:13:34,915
so, so now you're shortening this span of time by getting

1781
02:13:35,405 --> 02:13:39,325
the consultants in here. That is correct. That turnaround time so

1782
02:13:39,525 --> 02:13:43,425
we can get this plan implemented. Council member frank, turnaround time is important to me. Oh,

1783
02:13:43,785 --> 02:13:47,555
yes. I'm oh, you wanna call for question? Okay,

1784
02:13:47,955 --> 02:13:51,865
well, we're gonna call for question. Ready to vote. Alright. At this time we

1785
02:13:52,085 --> 02:13:55,825
have, um, we're gonna move on. All in favor say

1786
02:13:56,145 --> 02:13:59,965
aye. Aye. Any nos? The ayes have that the

1787
02:14:00,245 --> 02:14:03,925
resolution passes. We're gonna move to item number, um, 13 pr number

1788
02:14:04,265 --> 02:14:08,005
2 4 6 1 5 a resolution appointed and are reappointed

1789
02:14:08,645 --> 02:14:12,205
a member of members or members to the port arthur youth advisory council.

1790
02:14:13,345 --> 02:14:15,525
yak requested by council member hamilton ever field.

1791
02:14:17,815 --> 02:14:21,625
thank you mayor. I am adding, can

1792
02:14:21,845 --> 02:14:25,665
I get a motion for approval? Motion? Second. I had a motion and a second. Any

1793
02:14:25,885 --> 02:14:29,805
discussions? I'm sorry guys. Thank you. You can have a floor

1794
02:14:32,145 --> 02:14:34,985
it. I already feel like it's a long day. Yeah, yeah. Um,

1795
02:14:36,625 --> 02:14:40,595
for, I need to replace an appointment. Okay.

1796
02:14:40,885 --> 02:14:44,035
uh, city secretary, I will email you that information.

1797
02:14:45,625 --> 02:14:48,955
um, but for the record, it would be replacing

1798
02:14:49,945 --> 02:14:53,565
ms. Estella torres. She has, uh, not participated,

1799
02:14:54,345 --> 02:14:57,665
so I'm replacing her with kaylyn gardner jr.

1800
02:15:01,225 --> 02:15:04,505
and I'm also asking for, um, mr. Lewis,

1801
02:15:05,585 --> 02:15:09,435
for your appointment, can we please get updated contact information

1802
02:15:10,705 --> 02:15:13,685
for them so we can reach out to reach out to them again to

1803
02:15:15,195 --> 02:15:18,205
okay, we, okay. We need their, their contact information.

1804
02:15:19,585 --> 02:15:23,475
um, for councilwoman beckham, may we please have

1805
02:15:23,785 --> 02:15:27,525
the information for, um, cut birth asher cut birth.

1806
02:15:28,475 --> 02:15:32,205
that the what information? Phone numbers

1807
02:15:33,545 --> 02:15:37,525
for actually for all three phone numbers. For all three. But I was under the

1808
02:15:37,725 --> 02:15:41,565
impression that you had provided it before, but they didn't, um, they hadn't responded.

1809
02:15:43,035 --> 02:15:46,915
so if they are interested, we want to continue to, to reach out

1810
02:15:47,555 --> 02:15:50,355
to them. And

1811
02:15:51,875 --> 02:15:52,315
for, um,

1812
02:15:58,575 --> 02:16:02,455
kinlaw, I did reach out to mickey about kennedy and she did say that

1813
02:16:02,695 --> 02:16:05,635
she still wanted to participate. Okay. Um,

1814
02:16:07,005 --> 02:16:10,595
that was it. Thank y'all. I will keep you updated on the, the

1815
02:16:11,215 --> 02:16:15,115
activity of the appointments. Okay. Uh, council member lewis, have your light on. Yes,

1816
02:16:15,475 --> 02:16:19,435
I'm trying to get the chief's attention, but anyway, I think my appointee's, uh,

1817
02:16:20,165 --> 02:16:23,915
term have expired trainer and, uh, mrs. Jones. And

1818
02:16:24,175 --> 02:16:27,815
I need to go ahead with train for the police. Where, where on for the police?

1819
02:16:28,675 --> 02:16:31,715
oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, we're on the youth advisory council.

1820
02:16:32,725 --> 02:16:32,725
,

1821
02:16:37,505 --> 02:16:40,545
all in favor say aye. A any nos?

1822
02:16:41,745 --> 02:16:44,945
the ayes have it. The resolution passes. Pr number 2 4 6 1 6

1823
02:16:47,685 --> 02:16:51,485
a resolution appointing and a reappointing a member or members to the port arthur

1824
02:16:52,345 --> 02:16:56,185
police chief advisory committee. This, um, can I get a motion for

1825
02:16:56,525 --> 02:17:00,465
approval? So moved. Motion for, okay. Second has been moved. And second. Any

1826
02:17:00,685 --> 02:17:04,365
discussions? This was requested by mayor moses. I wanted to reappoint

1827
02:17:05,025 --> 02:17:08,655
my two people. Persons for, um, their terms

1828
02:17:09,235 --> 02:17:12,705
will expire november 28th. So you have, uh, mrs. Sparks,

1829
02:17:13,715 --> 02:17:17,625
mary sparks, and mr. Alfred cuomo jr. Okay. Um,

1830
02:17:17,965 --> 02:17:21,095
I don't know. Council members, do you have any other names? Council member lewis?

1831
02:17:23,145 --> 02:17:26,555
yes, I want, I got two appointments. I think they both have expired,

1832
02:17:27,705 --> 02:17:31,565
uh, trainer and mrs. Jones, but I got the hold up on ms. Jones.

1833
02:17:31,945 --> 02:17:35,845
she hasn't given me a, given me a, an answer yet because she was kind

1834
02:17:36,045 --> 02:17:40,045
of hedging. She done disappeared when I need her. But go ahead with

1835
02:17:40,245 --> 02:17:41,115
trainer for now. Okay.

1836
02:17:44,355 --> 02:17:48,285
okay. Um, council member ken law. Thank you mayor. Uh, she, you have my

1837
02:17:48,445 --> 02:17:52,415
names right? Uh, there's those gonna be reappointments adams in. Uh, yes sir. Thank

1838
02:17:52,765 --> 02:17:55,825
you. Council member doucette? Yes,

1839
02:17:56,785 --> 02:18:00,605
I'm, I'm ms. Same reappointment. My two individuals also. Sherry. Thank you mayor.

1840
02:18:01,715 --> 02:18:05,715
okay, thank you. Okay. Alright.

1841
02:18:07,785 --> 02:18:11,745
all in favor say aye. A aye. Any nos? The

1842
02:18:11,995 --> 02:18:15,105
ayes have it. The resolution passes pr number 2 4 6 1 7

1843
02:18:17,005 --> 02:18:20,885
a resolution casting votes for the board of directors for the orange county appraisal

1844
02:18:21,725 --> 02:18:25,725
district for the 20 26 20 29 term. Can I get a

1845
02:18:25,845 --> 02:18:29,405
motion for approval? Second, it's been moved. And second,

1846
02:18:30,385 --> 02:18:34,385
um, any discussions in the discussions? I think, uh, uh, council member ever had

1847
02:18:34,605 --> 02:18:38,485
presented a name to us a couple of months ago in september. And is

1848
02:18:38,845 --> 02:18:42,545
that marqueta? Legette? Yes, ma'am. Okay. And so, uh, we,

1849
02:18:43,105 --> 02:18:47,025
at this point, we can all vote with the name that she's given us

1850
02:18:47,245 --> 02:18:50,985
as we did with council member, uh, frank, and move from there.

1851
02:18:51,765 --> 02:18:55,765
so, all in favor of giving all of our votes toward marqueta ladette for

1852
02:18:55,985 --> 02:18:59,365
the orange county appraisal district. We're gonna say aye aye. Aye.

1853
02:19:00,245 --> 02:19:04,005
any nos the ayes have at the resolution passes, we're gonna go

1854
02:19:04,285 --> 02:19:08,105
to number 16, a resolution,

1855
02:19:09,045 --> 02:19:12,945
uh, pr number 2 4 6 2 0 a resolution authorizing

1856
02:19:13,265 --> 02:19:17,185
city manager to negotiate and execute a contract, uh, contracts

1857
02:19:17,935 --> 02:19:21,465
with the most qualified emergency medical service ems provider

1858
02:19:22,125 --> 02:19:25,705
or providers identified through the city's request for qualifications

1859
02:19:27,085 --> 02:19:30,885
rfq process to ensure continued provision of emergency medical

1860
02:19:31,265 --> 02:19:35,205
and ambulance services upon expiration of the current agreement on november 30th, 2025.

1861
02:19:36,545 --> 02:19:40,205
can I get a motion for approval? So moved. Second. It's been moved. And second.

1862
02:19:41,025 --> 02:19:44,945
um, any discussion? Yes, ma'am. Council member, ken law. Mayor, I, I'm

1863
02:19:45,165 --> 02:19:49,125
gonna ask my cohorts, uh, can we hold this until we go to executive and then bring it back up

1864
02:19:49,325 --> 02:19:53,265
after, uh, a little brief discussion. Is that okay? Are we, are

1865
02:19:53,485 --> 02:19:57,345
we good with that? Okay, thank you. Okay, thank you. We're gonna, um, hold this. Do

1866
02:19:57,565 --> 02:20:01,145
I need a motion to hold? No, no. Okay, we're good. We're gonna hold this until after executive

1867
02:20:01,705 --> 02:20:05,425
session and then we will come back with, um, after executive

1868
02:20:06,025 --> 02:20:09,825
session. Just to clarify, mayor, council member kimmel, are you asking for that

1869
02:20:10,285 --> 02:20:14,125
in executive session to seek legal advice? Yes, ma'am. Alright, mayor, so

1870
02:20:14,345 --> 02:20:17,785
when we go into executive session, if you can list that under 5 5 1 0.0 7 1 5 5 1

1871
02:20:19,785 --> 02:20:23,785
0.071. Yes ma'am. Yes ma'am. Let me make sure

1872
02:20:24,335 --> 02:20:28,185
that I don't forget that. Okay. It's already, we have

1873
02:20:28,345 --> 02:20:31,285
something there already. Okay, perfect. Um,

1874
02:20:34,485 --> 02:20:37,225
moving to number 17, pr number 2 4 6 2 1

1875
02:20:39,105 --> 02:20:43,025
a resolution, appointing and or reappointed a member or members

1876
02:20:43,365 --> 02:20:47,205
to the citizens pipeline advisory committee. We

1877
02:20:47,425 --> 02:20:51,345
get a motion for approval. So move second. It's moved in second. This is requested

1878
02:20:51,825 --> 02:20:55,685
by council member hamilton. Ever feel, um, at this time we have a motion and

1879
02:20:55,945 --> 02:20:59,745
a second. Any discussion? The names or the names have

1880
02:21:00,025 --> 02:21:04,025
already been submitted? Yes, ma'am. Okay. Names are submitted. All in favor

1881
02:21:04,325 --> 02:21:07,985
say aye. Aye. Any nos? The ayes haven't.

1882
02:21:08,485 --> 02:21:11,065
the resolution passes. I'm gonna move to ordinance.

1883
02:21:12,565 --> 02:21:12,785
I'm sorry.

1884
02:21:17,365 --> 02:21:20,505
yes, council, it's going. It is going be downstairs. Mayor pro tim,

1885
02:21:21,575 --> 02:21:25,265
it's going downstairs. What number? 16. We'll be going downstairs,

1886
02:21:25,775 --> 02:21:29,455
okay? Mm-hmm . But we gonna go to ordinances. Okay. Ordinance

1887
02:21:30,335 --> 02:21:34,205
non-consent number one, po number 7 3 7 1. An

1888
02:21:34,425 --> 02:21:38,185
ordinance amending appendix. A zoning of the code of ordinances

1889
02:21:39,565 --> 02:21:43,025
of the city of port arthur, texas by granting a zoning map amendment

1890
02:21:43,605 --> 02:21:47,315
for approximately 0.4181 acre of land consisting

1891
02:21:47,985 --> 02:21:51,785
of lot 15 dash 20 block 23 rosemont

1892
02:21:52,345 --> 02:21:55,585
edition, jefferson county, texas from plan development

1893
02:21:56,505 --> 02:21:59,775
district 30, pd 30 to medium density residential

1894
02:22:00,745 --> 02:22:04,585
district mdr to allow residential development. Violation of

1895
02:22:04,785 --> 02:22:08,705
any provision of this ordinance shall be guilt of a misdemeanor and shall be punished

1896
02:22:09,045 --> 02:22:12,765
by a five, not exceeding $2,000 as

1897
02:22:13,265 --> 02:22:17,125
provided in chapter one. Section one through one 13 of

1898
02:22:17,345 --> 02:22:21,265
the code of ordinances in each day, which violations permitted to exist shall constitute

1899
02:22:22,105 --> 02:22:25,805
a separate and distinct offense and providing for publication in the

1900
02:22:26,205 --> 02:22:29,685
official newspaper of the city of port arthur and effective immediately after publication

1901
02:22:30,435 --> 02:22:34,355
date z two five dash oh four dash code

1902
02:22:34,645 --> 02:22:38,605
properties. Llc. Can I get a motion for approval? So moved, mayor, it's been moved.

1903
02:22:38,865 --> 02:22:42,545
and second. Any discussions? All in favor say aye.

1904
02:22:43,185 --> 02:22:46,905
aye. Any nos I need? All in favor say aye. Aye.

1905
02:22:47,865 --> 02:22:51,805
any nos? The ayes have it. The ordinance passes at this

1906
02:22:51,925 --> 02:22:55,805
time, we're going to go into a closed executive session. We will

1907
02:22:56,145 --> 02:22:59,795
see the follow. Um, listen, have the following thing items. Section 5 5 1 0 7 1.

1908
02:23:02,135 --> 02:23:05,965
brian johnson versus city of port arthur john do and calvin matthews.

1909
02:23:06,685 --> 02:23:10,185
matthews in the individual capacity, civil action number one,

1910
02:23:11,465 --> 02:23:15,445
uh, dash two five dash cv dash 0 0 4 2 1 in the

1911
02:23:15,625 --> 02:23:19,125
us district court of eastern district of of texas beaumont division.

1912
02:23:20,265 --> 02:23:24,185
um, section 5 5 1 0 7 1. Litigation, bon bon,

1913
02:23:24,585 --> 02:23:28,005
uh, bonita brown versus city of port arthur. Calls number 8 2 1 1 1 4 9

1914
02:23:29,925 --> 02:23:33,445
and 58. District court of jefferson county, texas. And number 3, 5 5 1 0 7 1.

1915
02:23:35,405 --> 02:23:39,365
legal advice provisions authorizing deliberations and closed meeting

1916
02:23:39,645 --> 02:23:43,435
requested by mayor moses. I'm gonna get a motion to go into

1917
02:23:43,995 --> 02:23:47,835
executive session if you would also call under section five five one

1918
02:23:48,605 --> 02:23:52,565
0.071 pr number 2 4 6 2 0. I will, I will. Thank you.

1919
02:23:52,645 --> 02:23:56,505
thank you mayor. I also, we will, um, get legal advice on pr

1920
02:23:56,725 --> 02:24:00,565
number 2 4 6 2 0 a resolution authorizing the city manager

1921
02:24:00,905 --> 02:24:04,845
to negotiate and execute a contract or contracts with the most qualified emergency

1922
02:24:05,365 --> 02:24:09,165
medical service ems providers identified through the city's request

1923
02:24:09,505 --> 02:24:13,315
for qualifications rfq process to ensure continued

1924
02:24:13,925 --> 02:24:17,845
provision of emergency medical and ambulance services upon expiration of the current

1925
02:24:18,085 --> 02:24:21,785
agreement on november 30th, 2025. I'm gonna ask for a motion for

1926
02:24:22,165 --> 02:24:25,985
approval to go into executive session. Move second. Can I get a second? Any

1927
02:24:26,205 --> 02:24:29,925
discussions? Is, is there anything that we're gonna have an executive

1928
02:24:30,285 --> 02:24:34,005
session that you would not want to be held in executive session?

1929
02:24:35,435 --> 02:24:39,065
okay. All of us are in agreement. I would like to have a vote. How

1930
02:24:39,625 --> 02:24:43,345
all in favor say aye? Aye. The ayes have it. And

1931
02:24:43,865 --> 02:24:47,845
any nos. Okay, we're gonna move now to go into our closed

1932
02:24:48,085 --> 02:24:52,005
session at 11:55 am thank you.

1933
02:24:56,475 --> 02:25:00,325
okay, so the secretary, would you establish a quorum please? Recording in

1934
02:25:00,765 --> 02:25:03,715
progress. I'm sorry. Mayor moses? Here.

1935
02:25:05,815 --> 02:25:09,805
mayor pro. Tem ett. Here. Council member

1936
02:25:10,095 --> 02:25:13,885
lewis. Here. Council member hamilton. Ever

1937
02:25:14,165 --> 02:25:17,645
field present. Council member

1938
02:25:18,205 --> 02:25:22,085
beckham. Here. Council member kinlaw. Here. Council member

1939
02:25:22,375 --> 02:25:26,055
frank on his way? Yeah. Quo. Mayor. Great,

1940
02:25:26,455 --> 02:25:30,445
thank you. This time we are going to, uh, we're back in regular

1941
02:25:30,765 --> 02:25:34,685
session and it is 1:39 pm I

1942
02:25:34,805 --> 02:25:38,355
will, sorry, sorry. Okay,

1943
02:25:38,865 --> 02:25:42,845
so we'll just close out the executive session first and then go back into open

1944
02:25:43,045 --> 02:25:46,765
session. Uh, I can't close out. We have an item coming out of executive

1945
02:25:47,245 --> 02:25:51,085
session. You're correct. Mayor I stand correct. I cannot close it out. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you.

1946
02:25:52,905 --> 02:25:56,145
at this time we have an item coming out of executive session that we need to, um,

1947
02:25:57,045 --> 02:25:59,785
consider. It's gonna, we're gonna go back to pr number 2 4 6 2 0

1948
02:26:01,965 --> 02:26:05,865
a resolution authorizing a city manager to negotiate and execute a contract or

1949
02:26:06,405 --> 02:26:10,325
contracts with the most qualified emergency medical services ems providers

1950
02:26:11,325 --> 02:26:15,185
identified through the city's request for qualifications rfq process to

1951
02:26:15,425 --> 02:26:19,405
ensure continued provision of emergency medical and ambulance services

1952
02:26:19,635 --> 02:26:22,325
upon expiration of the current agreement on november 30th, 2025.

1953
02:26:23,825 --> 02:26:27,545
can I get a motion for approval? So moved. So moved. It's been moved. And

1954
02:26:28,145 --> 02:26:31,605
second by council member, uh, ever feel any discussion

1955
02:26:34,225 --> 02:26:37,765
at this time? We're going, oh, council member hamilton? Mm-hmm . I do,

1956
02:26:38,265 --> 02:26:41,805
um, my question, well not question, but comments

1957
02:26:42,695 --> 02:26:46,445
about this, um, this proposed resolution

1958
02:26:47,505 --> 02:26:50,965
is to our deputy chief, he was looking up some information

1959
02:26:51,945 --> 02:26:54,405
for me regarding the council of governments.

1960
02:27:10,865 --> 02:27:11,185
is it on

1961
02:27:15,575 --> 02:27:19,385
ready? Okay. Yes, ma'am. Okay. So my, my

1962
02:27:19,715 --> 02:27:23,625
cons, my question and a concern is for,

1963
02:27:24,465 --> 02:27:27,525
um, any of the providers, it doesn't,

1964
02:27:28,665 --> 02:27:32,665
um, I don't have a dog in the fight as to which one, but in one

1965
02:27:33,025 --> 02:27:36,545
of, in some of the information we've been provided is that, um,

1966
02:27:38,155 --> 02:27:41,965
that the, in our ordinance is that

1967
02:27:42,585 --> 02:27:46,545
the provider we choose is required to be, um, to

1968
02:27:46,765 --> 02:27:50,625
have the dispatch center in the city of, I mean, I'm sorry, the

1969
02:27:51,165 --> 02:27:54,565
council of governments, the cog. So I want to confirm

1970
02:27:55,555 --> 02:27:59,515
that if all of the providers that were that submitted,

1971
02:28:00,265 --> 02:28:04,185
um, proposals are all of them in the

1972
02:28:04,545 --> 02:28:08,345
cog. So if you're saying located in the cog yes, ma'am. Uh,

1973
02:28:08,565 --> 02:28:12,525
for having a district, lemme be clear. Dispatch dispatch center within the call. Okay,

1974
02:28:12,685 --> 02:28:16,125
hold on. Which is a part of our ordinance. Uh, yes ma'am, it is.

1975
02:28:17,865 --> 02:28:20,825
um, that is part of our ordinance. Um, currently we, um,

1976
02:28:22,145 --> 02:28:26,145
two of the providers do have dispatch centers in all call. And, um, far

1977
02:28:26,365 --> 02:28:30,075
as I'm aware of only one does not. Okay. And the one that

1978
02:28:30,395 --> 02:28:34,225
does not, why do they not? And

1979
02:28:34,445 --> 02:28:38,285
will they, uh, that would be a question for them. Um, I don't mind

1980
02:28:38,765 --> 02:28:42,625
reaching out to them asking 'em that question, but that would be more of a question for them on why they don't have one.

1981
02:28:43,505 --> 02:28:47,285
um, and if they're able to do that or come up to that standard, uh, that would also

1982
02:28:47,525 --> 02:28:51,415
be a question for them as well. Okay. So, um, again,

1983
02:28:51,905 --> 02:28:55,745
as, as I mentioned before to um, to my

1984
02:28:56,075 --> 02:28:59,965
cohorts that in, for whatever

1985
02:29:00,205 --> 02:29:03,985
company that we choose as a provider, we need to

1986
02:29:04,355 --> 02:29:08,205
hold our providers accountable for following our

1987
02:29:08,405 --> 02:29:12,185
ordinances. Or if we want some things to change and some things have to change, but

1988
02:29:12,545 --> 02:29:16,445
we shouldn't be changing our ordinances to meet the need of a certain

1989
02:29:16,925 --> 02:29:20,825
provider, our providers should be meeting the qualifications that we

1990
02:29:21,145 --> 02:29:24,655
set in place for, for our ordinances. So again,

1991
02:29:25,795 --> 02:29:29,685
city manager, how will we hold, what will we need to do

1992
02:29:30,225 --> 02:29:34,005
to make sure that, again, majority rules. So whichever

1993
02:29:35,625 --> 02:29:39,505
my cohorts choose, um, for or

1994
02:29:39,945 --> 02:29:43,805
we choose for a provider, how in the world are

1995
02:29:43,965 --> 02:29:47,805
we gonna choose a provider who already is not meeting the standards

1996
02:29:48,085 --> 02:29:51,785
of the ordinances, the laws that we set in place? Um, uh,

1997
02:29:52,475 --> 02:29:56,325
city manager, uh, you, she's asking that question. City manager, but I do have

1998
02:29:56,485 --> 02:29:59,825
a couple of lights. Um, but she's, I speak to

1999
02:30:00,955 --> 02:30:04,165
speaker before I ask. Okay. Council member ette.

2000
02:30:05,865 --> 02:30:09,845
yes. Not we had got that any requirements we

2001
02:30:10,045 --> 02:30:13,795
have is the responsibility of the fire

2002
02:30:14,085 --> 02:30:17,705
department, whether that's the fire chief or the deputy,

2003
02:30:18,155 --> 02:30:21,815
whoever given that responsibility to, uh, check

2004
02:30:22,165 --> 02:30:25,285
compliance of our ordinance with any ems

2005
02:30:26,475 --> 02:30:30,465
that have contracted for us. That's how we mantra

2006
02:30:31,025 --> 02:30:34,885
it. That's how we get to ensure that it's being

2007
02:30:35,085 --> 02:30:38,835
done. So if someone find out it is not done,

2008
02:30:39,435 --> 02:30:42,905
then it should be brought to the attention of whoever is

2009
02:30:43,475 --> 02:30:46,765
responsible and that person there will ensure that the people come in line.

2010
02:30:47,505 --> 02:30:51,445
that's what anything that we do. So that's how we

2011
02:30:51,645 --> 02:30:55,525
assure everything by having them to come to us and tell

2012
02:30:55,685 --> 02:30:59,375
us when somebody's not in compliance. Councilman

2013
02:31:00,055 --> 02:31:04,045
mcken law. Yeah. Thank you mayor. And, uh, you know, my thing is just, uh, you know,

2014
02:31:04,265 --> 02:31:08,105
um, that may be a situation, but I look at response time and

2015
02:31:08,325 --> 02:31:12,245
look at exactly what, uh, what was being offered to us in the previous,

2016
02:31:12,625 --> 02:31:16,305
uh, uh, company. And

2017
02:31:16,745 --> 02:31:20,565
now we at this decision. So, uh, I'll wait to make my

2018
02:31:20,765 --> 02:31:24,685
motion or read my motion after all the, uh, council members of gi

2019
02:31:25,045 --> 02:31:28,885
see we got lights over there, mayor. So, uh, I, I just read the motion

2020
02:31:29,135 --> 02:31:32,515
after, uh, yeah, we, we, we, yeah, we got the motion on the table. Yeah.

2021
02:31:33,195 --> 02:31:36,265
okay. So we're good. Council member lewis? Yes.

2022
02:31:37,945 --> 02:31:41,685
are you, you the going to be the compliance officer or are you going to have someone else

2023
02:31:42,545 --> 02:31:46,425
to monitor compliance? Um, I would be monitoring, but, um, how

2024
02:31:46,645 --> 02:31:50,405
the city ordinance set up is just the fire chief. Okay. The fire chief is ultimately responsible

2025
02:31:50,805 --> 02:31:54,725
for that, uh, action. But I will be against, uh, at the direction

2026
02:31:55,005 --> 02:31:58,385
of the city manager. So when someone is out, when, when the company is outta compliance, you,

2027
02:31:59,065 --> 02:32:03,025
you're not gonna wait until they come in and come comply. You're gonna notify us right away that you are notify

2028
02:32:03,795 --> 02:32:07,665
them that they outta compliance. We don't want to wait and

2029
02:32:07,885 --> 02:32:11,165
see if they're gonna comply. We need to know. I need to know.

2030
02:32:12,685 --> 02:32:16,595
I I'll bring that to council's attention. Yes. Bring it to council. Okay. City

2031
02:32:16,885 --> 02:32:18,345
manager. Yeah. So, um,

2032
02:32:21,365 --> 02:32:25,365
my advice is that we follow the ordinance. Absolutely. If the ordinance clearly states that the,

2033
02:32:25,685 --> 02:32:29,535
uh, the fire chief is the one that provides the direction, he's

2034
02:32:29,825 --> 02:32:33,745
the compliance officer. Okay. And if we tend to defer from that or move

2035
02:32:33,945 --> 02:32:37,825
away from that, then we need to amend the ordinance mm-hmm . So that we don't get into trouble. You know,

2036
02:32:38,315 --> 02:32:41,825
let's, yeah, let's just stick with the ordinance. That's the safest thing to do.

2037
02:32:43,785 --> 02:32:47,685
absolutely. Alright. Um, we are ready to go to a vote. Um,

2038
02:32:48,485 --> 02:32:52,225
the recommendation from the, uh, council is to

2039
02:32:52,655 --> 02:32:55,705
move to go with one ambulance service. Um, city ambulance

2040
02:32:56,725 --> 02:33:00,585
at this time, we're gonna, uh, get a motion. Uh, need a vote. All in favor

2041
02:33:01,445 --> 02:33:04,965
say aye. Aye. Any nos? No

2042
02:33:06,285 --> 02:33:10,015
one? No. Let the record state we have one. No, the ayes

2043
02:33:10,465 --> 02:33:13,585
have it. The resolution passes for city ambulance.

2044
02:33:18,765 --> 02:33:22,745
oh, the ayes have it. You didn't vote, you didn't vote

2045
02:33:22,905 --> 02:33:25,705
on the vendor. You voted on whether or not it was gonna be one provider.

2046
02:33:26,935 --> 02:33:30,805
it's, well that's what you said. One provider. I read the ordinance that stated one

2047
02:33:31,225 --> 02:33:34,745
provider. Okay. But in the motion language, did you say city ambulance?

2048
02:33:35,805 --> 02:33:38,305
yes, I did. I'm sorry, I didn't hear that.

2049
02:33:40,535 --> 02:33:43,925
wait a minute, what am I missing? It's saying one

2050
02:33:44,545 --> 02:33:47,805
provider. Provider. That provider to be city or

2051
02:33:48,585 --> 02:33:52,525
I mean city ambulance. That was and we, they all voted. I had one. No. Am

2052
02:33:52,745 --> 02:33:56,465
I correct the record speak? I let the record speak. We have one. No. Yes ma'am. You did say city ambulance

2053
02:33:57,245 --> 02:34:01,185
and I said city ambulance one. No. Yes. Okay, now we're gonna move because

2054
02:34:01,485 --> 02:34:05,065
the, um, our council member frank, asked us to bring up something for

2055
02:34:05,545 --> 02:34:09,365
reconsideration and that is the motion to have a forensic audit. Am I right? No.

2056
02:34:09,585 --> 02:34:13,245
not doing that. Okay. Alright. We are going to move at,

2057
02:34:13,925 --> 02:34:17,365
uh, 1 48 to close this meeting. All in favor

2058
02:34:17,985 --> 02:34:21,775
say aye. Aye. Did I do that right? I need a motion, y'all.

2059
02:34:22,265 --> 02:34:26,245
I'm tired. I'm tired. I'm sorry. I apologize. I'll a motion. I need a mo.

2060
02:34:27,005 --> 02:34:30,905
I make a motion. A motion and a second. Any discussions? I make a motion that we adjourn the meeting at

2061
02:34:31,125 --> 02:34:34,885
1 47. Second. Any discussions? All in

2062
02:34:35,245 --> 02:34:39,185
favor say aye. Aye. Any nos? The ayes have it. Our meeting is

2063
02:34:39,405 --> 02:34:42,465
adjourned at 1:48 pm have a great day.