Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/24/1982 - SpecialMINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 24, 1982 MENGER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2209 S. ALAMEDA PRESENT: Mayor Luther Jones *Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner Council Members Herbert L. Hawkins, Jr. * Dr. Charles W. Kennedy, Jr. Cliff Zarskv ABSENT: Council Member Jack K. Dumphy Council Member Bob Gulley City Manager Edward Martin Asst. City Attny. Bob Coffin City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Menger Elementary School and stated that the purpose of the meeting was to conduct a public hearing on assessments in connection with the Southern Street Reconstruction Project from Ocean Drive to South Alameda, as required by State law. Mayor Jones introduced Mr. James K. Lontos, P.E., Assistant City Manager, who explained that testimony would be presented by Mr. Gerald Smith, Acting Director of Engineering and Physical Development, who would explain the project, and that Mr. W. J. Holly would testify as to the enhancement to the property that would result from the improvements. Mr.. Lantos then turned the meeting over to Assistant City Attorney Bob Coffin to conduct the formal portion of the hearing. *Mayor Pro Tem Betty Turner and Council Member Charles W. Kennedy arrived at the meeting at 7.14 p.m. Assistant City Attorney Coffin called as his first witness, Mr. Gerald Smith, P. E., Acting Director of the Engineering and Physical Development Department. Through questioning of the witness, 'Mr. Coffin ascertained that Mr. Smith has been the Chief Engineer for the City of Corpus Christi for approximately 22 years. Mr. Coffin verified that a copy of Mr. Smith's qualifications in resume form is on file in the Office of the City Secretary. MICROFILMED TEP 191984 Utes .cial Council Meeting March 24, 1982 Page 2 Mr. Smith testified that he is thoroughly familiar with the project and displayed a transparency which showed the location of Southern Street. He explained that the street will be constructed by excavation to a width and depth to permit the laying of a standard 6" curb and gutter section, 6" compacted subgrade, 8" compacted caliche base and 11" hot mix asphaltic concrete pavement. Mr. Smith stated that the street will be 28' in width within the existing 50' right-of-way and that there will be 4' wide reinforced concrete sidewalks 4" thick and 6" reinforced concrete driveways as shown on the plans or where requested by property owners. Mr. Smith explained that the assessment roll contained 77 items, all of which include property that is zoned "R-lB", and the assessment rates, as set forth in the ordinance, are $4.75 per linear foot for 6" curb, gutter and pavement; $.75 per square foot for sidewalks; and $3.46 per square foot for driveways. He stated that approximately 15% of the existing sidewalks are still in satisfactory condition and will remain 1 in place. Mr. Smith further explained that there is no plan to remove any trees. Mr. Smith informed the Council that the low bid on this project was submitted by King Construction Company in the amount of $270,374.20; the preliminary assessments total $51,666.11; and the City's portion of the cost of the project is $218,708.09. Mr. Smith informed the property owners that work on this project will begin 3 to 4 weeks after the contract is awarded, which he anticipates will be next week. Mr. Smith further explained that the assessments will not be due 1 until the project is concluded; they may be paid for in cash; or they may be paid over a 5 -year period at an interest rate of 64%, or in case of hardship, this period may be extended to 10 years. The question was asked as to why the street was being narrowed from 30' to 28', and Mr. Smith explained that 28' is the standard width for residential streets; there are many large' trees close to the curb which would have to be removed to {prevent the roots from lifting the curb; and that narrowing the street to 28' would resolve this problem. Another member of the audience inquired if the location of the sidewalk would be changed, and Mr. Smith replied that them would be no approci at' l e change. nutes aial Council Meeting .•,arch 24, 1982 Page 3 There was another question as to whether the grass between the sidewalk and the curb would be harmed, and Mr. Smith explained that some of those areas would have to be graded which might damage the grass in some instances. Mr. Smith further explained that the plans include the construction of additional catch basins at Santa Fe, Lawnview, and two other locations. He also stated that drainage would be substantially improved on the street as a result of the construction and the lowering of the street. Assistant City Attorney Coffin called as his next witness, Mr. W. J. Holly, the appraiser employed by the City. Through questioning of this witness, Mr. Coffin ascertained that Mr. Holly is a Real Estate Appraiser and Broker registered in the State of Texas; that he has been in the business for approximately 27 years; and that he has served as appraiser on a number of municipal jobs. He stated that a copy of Mr. Holly's resume, including all of his qualifications, is on file in the office of the City Secretary. Mr. Holly testified that he is thoroughly familiar with all of the property included in the assessment roLl and stated that after examining all of the property, he found no odd -shaped or irregular-shaped lots that would warrant a reduction in the assessment for any piece of property. Mr. Holly stated that it was his professional opinion that all of the properties being assessed in this street improvement project will be enhanced in value at least in the amount of the improvements. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience on the lassessments. Mr. John Warren, 418 Southern, inquired if the contractor or, the project could be employed to extend driveways to the rear of the properties, and Mr. Smith replied that any agreement between the property owners and the contractor would have nothing to do with the City. The contractor, who was in the audience, indicated that he would be glad to work with individual property owners on their driveways. Mr. Lontos then introduced members of the Engineering staff who will be available to ,assist any property owners who had questions on the project. lutes acial Council Meeting March 24, 1982 Page 4 Mayor Jones invited Council Members to make any remarks they desired. Council Member Zarsky referred to a different type of fire hydrant on one of the streets in this area and inquired about it. Mr. Lontos informed Mr. Zarsky that he would investigate and provide a report. City Manager Ed Martin commended the property owners of Southern Street who had been instrumental in bringing this project forward and pointed out how such improvements keep Corpus Christi a vibrant City. Mayor Jones introduced Mr. R. T. Bailey, Vice President of King Construction Company, who expressed his appreciation for being awarded the contract on the project and stated that he would available during construction to work with the property owners and assured them that he would perform the best job possible. He also stated that he would write a letter to all of the property owners informing them as to the date construction will commence and providing them with a telephone number where personnel of his company may be reached. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Zarsky, seconded by Council Member Kennedy and passed unanimously, the Special Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m., March 24, 1982.