HomeMy WebLinkAbout022502R CC Min
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2002
MUNICIPAL BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS
3800 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD
7:30 P.M.
The City Council convened in Regular Session in the Municipal Building Council
Chambers on February 25, 2002, with the following members present: Mayor Lewis
presiding, Council Members May, Farley, Griffin and Jackson. The City Manager, City
Secretary, City Attorney, Public Works Director and Fire Chief were also present.
The notice for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Texas Government Code,
nd
Chapter 551, on the 22 of February 2002 at 12:30 p.m.
Citizen Comments.
Mayor Lewis invited citizens who wished to address the City Council to come forward as
their names were called.
Kerry Bloom, 2631 Amherst, commented that she read a column in the Houston
Chronicle concerning the Police Chief. She stated that the newspaper was trying to
convict the Police Chief. She stated that crime was down in the City and that she
supported the Police Chief.
Sally McCandless, 3712 Rice, commented that the Police Chief has been through the
process of being reprimanded for his actions and wanted to know why some people were
still continuing with trying to prosecute him.
Jimmy Bryant, 4101 Albans, commented that he supported the City Manager?s decision
regarding the Police Chief and that the situation should be put to rest.
Leo Sacchi, 3768 Rice, commented that the City Staff has handled the situation with the
Police Chief.
Maria Dahlberg, 3749 Sunset, commented that the City Manager handled the situation
with the Police Chief and that the inaction of the City Council speaks for itself.
Diane Duncan, 3611 Sunset, commented that she was appalled to have Chief Begley as
the Police Chief and that he was a disgrace to the City.
Theresa Attwell, 3417 Georgetown, commented that the Police Chief accessed 56 porn
sites and 159 other web sites. She stated that the City Manager should have accepted the
Chief?s resignation because he was not doing his job.
City Council Regular Session, February 25, 2002
Jane Brennan-Martin, 2623 Robinhood, stated that she wanted the immediate termination
of the Police Chief because the City needed someone that could be respected and
honored.
Susanne Wilkinson, 4210 Oberlin, commented that the Police Chief should resign
because he violated City policy. She stated that the City Council could be held legally
responsible.
Gene de Laveaga, 3317 Robinhood, commented that he supported the Police Chief. He
stated that the Chief made a mistake and the City Manager handled the situation. He
commented that others should practice forgiveness.
Stan McCandless, 3712 Rice, commented that it was unfortunate that the situation with
the Police Chief became a subject of public domain. He stated that he supported the City
Manager?s decision.
Allison Thompson, 4208 Oberlin, commented that the use of internet porn is in the
society. She stated that perhaps the City Manager handled the situation appropriately but
that the lack of an official statement from the elected officials was troubling.
Bob Whitman, 4103 Milton, commented that the entire City was run poorly because the
City Manager did not accept the Chief?s resignation and now he gets to take the
mandatory time off whenever he wants. He stated that all the employees were very lacks
in their jobs.
Stacey Speier, 3719 Albans, commented that the City Manager did a good job in
disciplining the Police Chief and that she still trusted the elected officials.
C. M. Newman, Police Sergeant for City of West University Place, supported the Police
Chief and commented that the Police Chief faced his accusers with dignity and that his
entire career should be considered.
Sarah Salinas, Dispatcher for City of West University Place, spoke in support of the
Police Chief. She stated that he was doing a good job.
Bernalda White, Records Clerk for City of West University Place, commented that the
Police Chief was a strong and caring person. She stated that she believes in forgiveness.
Laura Reynolds, Dispatcher for City of West University Place, commented that she had
not lost respect for the Police Chief and that she was grateful for the City Manager?s
decision.
Jim Brady, Dispatcher for City of West University Place, spoke in support of the Police
Chief and that he was grateful for the City Manager?s decision.
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City Council Regular Session, February 25, 2002
Kristin Palmer, 4225 Oberlin, spoke in support of the Police Chief. She commented that
he was only human and that everyone makes mistakes.
Susan Williams, 4227 Southwestern, commented that she supported the City Manager?s
decision.
Roger Martin, 6532 Mercer, submitted a letter to the City Council supporting the Police
Chief.
City Manager Sherman Yehl commented on the incident and the decision involving the
Police Chief.
Mayor Lewis asked if any Council Members would like to comment.
Council Member Farley commented that he endorsed the City Manager?s decision. He
stated that he had lunch with the Police Chief and that he was visibly humble and
contrite.
Council Member Griffin commented that she had talked with many of the Police officers
and regardless of how they felt about the incident they were of the same opinion that
Kevin Begley was a good Chief and was impartial and fair.
Fee schedule.
Matters related to Ordinance No. 1706.
Mayor Lewis read the caption of Ordinance No. 1706 as follows:
An ordinance establishing and reestablishing fees and charges for activities, goods and
services provided by the City; containing a provision to authorize the City Manager to
establish fees and charges in certain circumstances; and containing findings and
provisions relating to the subject
Copies of Ordinance No. 1706, in the form proposed for adoption, were available in the
Council Chambers.
Fire Chief Terry Stevenson stated that on January 28, City Council approved an
agreement with Health Claims Plus to provide billing and collection services to the City
for EMS related charges. The Fee Schedule is being amended to include fees for
ambulance transport and supplies used for treatment. Supply fees are based on the cost
for materials. Transport fees are based on the ordinary and customary charges allowed by
Medicare for our area. The FY2002 Budget projected $75,000 revenue based on these
fees.
A motion was made by Council Member Griffin, seconded by Council Member May, to
adopt Ordinance No. 1706 on the first reading.
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City Council Regular Session, February 25, 2002
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result:
Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis, Council Members May, Farley, Griffin and
Jackson
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
City Council minutes.
Matters related to the minutes of the Special Session conducted on February 7, 2002 and
Regular and Special Sessions conducted on February 11, 2002.
A motion was made by Council Member May, seconded by Council Member Farley, to
approve the minutes as presented.
A vote was taken on the motion with the following result:
Voting Aye: Mayor Lewis, Council Members May, Farley, Griffin and
Jackson
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Adjournment.
With no further business to come before the City Council at this time, a motion was made
by Council Member Griffin, seconded by Council Member May, to adjourn. The Regular
Session adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
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