Beaumont City Council today voted unanimously to approve an application for, and acceptance of, funding for the Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force.
The total amount of funding for the task force for FY2013 is $1,151,945, with a total request of $645,252 from the state. Beaumont will provide $145,776 as a cash match in the form of personnel benefits, fuel, and maintenance for vehicles. Other agencies will each provide $50,257 in cash matches. An “in-kind” match of $310,660 will also be provided in the form of personnel salaries.
The task force consists of six personnel from Beaumont’s police department, and one each from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Port Arthur Police Department, and Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.
“Since the inception of the task force, motor vehicle thefts have decreased in Beaumont by 83.7 percent from 1,721 in 1992 to 280 in 2011,” Beaumont Police Chief James Singletary said.
The city council voted unanimously to deny a zoning change request for property at Delaware and North 10th Street to change the property from a Residential-Single Family Dwelling District to a Residential-Multiple Family Dwelling, Highest Density District.
Dr. Hervy Hiner, Jr., who requested the zoning change, sought the change in order to develop a medical office on six acres at the subject property. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend denial of the request.
The city council voted unanimously to deny a request for a specific use permit to allow a drinking place at 268 Pearl Street for a bar/lounge proposed at the property.
Staff recommended denial, noting parking issues in the area.
“A bar with live entertainment could draw large crowds that could not be accommodated by street parking only,” City Manager Kyle Hayes said. “Overflow parking could be a detriment to surrounding businesses. In addition, the noise levels typically generated by a bar that provides live entertainment could be concern for other nearby businesses and churches.”
According to Hayes, a similar request for the same property had been denied by both the planning commission and city council in 2008.
The city council voted unanimously to terminate a contract with Lene’ Nursey in Beaumont for mowing of city-owned and abandoned properties, and to award a new contract to Perfect Cut Lawn Care.
Lene’ Nursery gave notice of termination of the contract due to the company being in the process of financial restructuring, and could not continue to provide services to the city, according to Hayes.
The city council voted unanimously to authorize the settlement of the claim of Wellhimina Owusu in the amount of $9,300. The item was discussed during a previous executive session.
The city council voted unanimously to declare several structures at various properties within the city as dangerous structures and order their removal within 10 days.
A public hearing was held for each of the 52 structures considered prior to council's consideration. The council allowed a total of eight properties to enroll in a work program for rehabilitation.
The properties enrolled in the work program included:
- 1040 Evalon
- 1320 Fulton
- 610 East Gill
- 11430 Hillcrest
- 1785 North
- 3075 Park
- 2575 San Jacinto
- 2655 Washington
A property at 470 Jackson was pulled from consideration due to the owner seeking a historical home loan. The home on the property is more than 100 years old.
All other items were approved by unanimous vote. All members were present. Agenda