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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/22/1982 - SpecialMINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING September 22, 1982 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner Council Members: Herbert Hawkins Dr. Charles W. Kennedy ABSENT: Council Members: Jack K. Dumphy Bob Gulley Cliff Zarsky City Manager Edward Martin Ass't. City Attorney Bob Coffin City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall and stated that the purpose of the special meeting was to conduct public hearings on assessments associated with the Spohn Hospital Area Street Improvement Project and the closing of Lawnview Street from Booty Street to Ayers Street. City Secretary Bill G. Read called the roll of required Charter Officers and verified that the necessary quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting. Assistant City Manager James K. Lontos stated that this hearing is required by State Law to present evidence and testimony to enable the City Council to make a decision in regard to the adoption of the assessment roll. Mayor Jones explained the source of the funds for this project, noting that it will be financed through bonds, property owners' assessments, and Community Development Block Grant funds. Assistant City Attorney Bob Coffin conducted the formal portion of the hearing and called as his first witness Mr. Gerald .Smith, P.E., City Engineer. Through questioning of the witness, Mr. Coffin ascertained that Mr. Smith has been in the Engineering Department of the City of Corpus Christi for MICROFJLMED SEP 1.91984 Minut Special Council Meeting September 22, 1982 Page 2 approximately 221 years and verified that a copy of Mr. Smith's qualifications in resume form is on file in the Office of the City Secreary. and stated that the Mr. Smith then explained the scope of the project following streets are included in the project: uth a et, 1. Furman tree, from dSStreet taouth promles SSouth treet tSto oles Street to uSantae Fe Staples 2. Street, 3. Booty Street, from South Staples Street to Ayers Street, 4. Third Street, from Ayers Street to Morgan Avenue, 5. Fifth Street, from Booty Street to Craig Street, and 6. Sixth and Seventh Streets, from Ayers Street to Hancock Street; Mr. Smith informed the Council that the streets will be constructed by excavation to a width and depth to permit the laying of a standard curb and gutter section, 6" compacted subgrade, 8" compacted caliche base, and 11" or 2" type "D" Hot Asphaltic pavement. He explained that the streets will be 28', 31.5', 35', 36', 38' or 40' wide within the existing right-of-way; there will be 4' or 5' wide reinforced concrete sidewalks 4" thick and 6" thick reinforced concrete driveways. He located these streets on a transparency. Mr. Smith then explained the proposed closing of one block of Lawnview Street from Booty to Ayers Streets, stating that the reason for 'this proposed street closing was to eliminate this extension of Lawnview Street into the intersection of Booty and 6th Street. Mr. Smith also informed the Council that replaced; some of the streets will have utilities of the concrete streets will be improved rather old streets will be removed and removed and replaced; but some than completely replaced. t 4, 1982 and Mr. Smith stated bids were received on this project on Augus the project with their total bid days APCCO was the low bidder on $1 ,400,087.10. He explained that the contract calls for 180 working should be completed in approximately nine months after contract stated that the total of the preliminary assessments City's portion of the project is $959,081.65. Mr. Smith explained the assessment rates at the commercial rate business zoning. He stated that there are no for a few churches. He explained that the will vary from $12.49 per linear the width of the street; being award. is $441,005.45 and and stated property will be fully assessed property is zoned for "AB" or residential assessments except assessment rate for curb, gutter foot to $19.50 per linear foot, depending upon and He the that most of the since nearly all of the and pavement tes _ial Council Meeting September 22, 1982 Page 3 sidewalks will be assessed at $1 per square foot and driveways will be assessed at $3.29 per square foot. Mr. Smith stated that the payment of the assessments will not be due until after completion of the project and that payments may be made over a five year period at an interest rate of 6i% or in cases of extreme hardship, the period of the time may be extended to ten years. Mr. Smith referred to existing pavement and stated that credits would not be given in most cases since most of the existing improvements are over thirty years old. He stated, however, that those that are constructed with concrete will receive credit. Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired about head -in parking. Mr. Smith pointed out the areas affected and explained that head -in parking will not be included on the street improvements. Mr. Lontos explained to the members of the audience whose property contained single-family dwellings that it would be possible to request change of zoning to "R -1B" on their property in order to reduce the amount of the assessments. He stated that the Staff will assist those who wish to do this. Assistant City Attorney Coffin called as his next witness Mr. William J. Holly, Real Estate Broker and Appraiser. Through questioning of the witness, Mr. Coffin determined that Mr. Holly is a real estate appraiser and broker, that he has been in that business for approximately 27 years, and that he has served as appraiser on a number of municipal jobs. Mr. Coffin 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 Spohn Hospital Area Street Improvement projects and that he has examined each and every parcel of land. He explained that he had found four pieces of property that might be considered odd -shaped, and mostly triangular properties on which he recommended the following reductions: Item No. 99, J. D. Doyle, suggested reduction, $852.15; Item No. 255, Chapel of Spiritual Light, suggested reduction, $218.53; Item No. 256, James I. Tyree, M.D., suggested reduction, $303.38; and Item No. 257, William and Tony Bonilla, suggested reduction, $339.35. Mr. Holly testified that, with the exception of those four pieces of property, all of the other property, in his opinion, will be enhanced at least in Special Council Meeting 'ptember 22, 1982 ge 4 the amount of the assessment, including the areas that now have head -in parking. Mayor Jones, noting the large number of people in the audience,,, called for a show of hands of those who are opposed to the project and a large majority indicated their opposition. Mayor Jones then called for comments from the audience on these preliminary assessments. Mrs. Jan Jack, representing South Texas Planned Parenth000d, stated that they had purchased their facility in 1976 and have since spent over $30,000 improving the property. She stated that they now have asphalt driveways, curbs and gutters but the City plan3 to move the curb but declined to give credit for their curb. She also stated that the plans call for the elimination of some of their driveways which would cut off their ingress and egress. She stated that the reason for this was that the Staff felt that the driveways were too close to the intersection. Mrs. Jack summarized by stating that they wanted credit for their existing curbs and that their driveways not be eliminated. Mayor Pro Tem Turner suggested that the Staff meet with representatives of this organization to work out these problems. Speaking in opposition to the project because the planned sidewalks will be too close to their houses were Mrs. Betty Stinson, 910 Booty Street, Mrs. Argentina Hernandez, 923 Booty, and Mrs. Carmen Cortez, 922 Booty. They also stated that they could not afford to pay the assessments. Mrs. Alvin A. Machalac, 1609 Sixth Street, expressed opposition to the installation of the sidewalk which will be too close to her house and also stated that she opposed the closing of Lawnview Street. She stated that she would not object too much to a curb/sidewalk combination. Council Member Kennedy inquired about the effect that exluding the sidwalks on Booty Street would have on the project. The Staff indicated they would study this suggestion. Mr. George Aboud, who owns property on Sixth Street, expressed opposition to the closing of Lawnview Street because he was of the opinion it would increase traffic on Sixth Street. He stated that his house is the only one on this portion of the street and the remainder is a parking lot. Mr. Aboud also stated that he was opposed to the sidewalk installation because there "mutes lcial Council Meeting Jtember 22, 1982 rage 5 is at this time existing curb, gutter and sidewalks on this street. Mrs. George W. Jordan, Jr., who owns property on Buford Street, stated that there is an existing sidewalk for which no credit will be given and her place of business which is the CompuCenter will lose head -in parking after the streets are improved. Mrs. Sam Hornish, 915 Furman Street, stated that she is in favor of the proposed improvements but inquired as to why no new water lines are being installed as a part of the project. Mr. Smith indicated that he would investigate that aspect of the project. Mrs. Catalina Martinez, 1309 Sixth Street, expressed opposition to the percentage of the assessments, indicating that she felt that the property owners were paying too Targe a portion of the total project. Mr. Jose L. Guerra, 1223 Sixth Street, stated that he already has curbs, gutters and sidewalk and he objected to installation. Mr. Smith pointed out to Mr. Guerra that he was not being charged for the curb, gutter and pavement. Mr. Walter Wenger stated that he was in favor of the street improvement project. -- Also speaking in favor of the improvements was Mr. Bruce Garvin Whitman, who owns property on Sixth Street. Mrs. Belie M. Esquivel, 1330 Seventh Street, stated that she is opposed to paying the assessment rate for commercial property since her property now has a single-family dwelling on it. She informed the Staff that she would like to reduce the zoning on her property to "R -1B". Mrs. Esquivel was told to discuss this with the Staff in regard to the procedure for downzoning property in this area. Mr. Carlos Guerguin, who owns property on Third Street, objected to the plan to eliminate head -in parking. He expresssed the opinion that this would decrease the value of his property rather than increase it. Mr. Bill Demestihas, who owns property at 823 Furman Street, informed the Council that this is the old Singer Home, and according to the contract with the City, it is restricted to single-family dwelling. He questioned the zoning that exists on the property. Mr. Smith informed Mr. Demestihas that he would investigate this. Mr. Clifford Lee, who owns a floral shop in the area, objected to the elimination of head -in parking in front of his place of business. He stated tes ial Council Meeting .._,.,cember 22, 1982 Page 6 that he will lose five parking spaces, and even though he will have parallel parking in front of his shop, he was apprehensive that someone could park there all day and his customers would have no place to park. Mr. Tom Stewart, Director of Traffic Division, stated that the parking spaces in front of Mr. Lee's business could be marked for one hour or 30 minute parking zones and there is a police patrol in ,the area to enforce such limitations. Mrs. Mary McCorkle, representing the owners of several pieces of property in the area, expressed opposition to the plan to. construct 6" thick driveways, which is required in commercial property. She stated that they would prefer to have residential type driveways. Mr. Smith explained to Mrs. McCorkle that the difference in cost would only be about $40 and that he would meet with the owners to resolve this problem. Mr. James H. Throop, who owns property on Seventh Street, objected to the planned width of that street which will be 38'. He expressed the opinion that this is too wide for this area and will generate a great deal of traffic. Mr. 5. J. Becker, 1201 Seventh Street, objected tearing out the existing sidewalks and driveways unless credit is given for them. Dr. T. M. Bailey, 1001 Santa Fe, objected to the elimination of head -in parking in front of his office building but indicated that he will talk to the City Staff about this problem. Also objecting to the percentage of the assessments was Mr. Arturo P. Martinez, 1309 Sixth Street. Speaking in favor of the project was Mrs. Jane H. Mays, who owns property on Fifth and Seventh Streets and who indicated that she was satisfied with her assessments. Speaking in opposition to the entire project was Mr. Cecil C. Jenkins, 1119 Sixth Street. He specifically objected to the fact that no credit will be given for existing curbs and also objected to his assessment as commercial zoning since he has a residence located there. Mr. Jenkins was referred to the City Staff to consider the possibility of requesting a lower zoning for his property. Mr. Paul N. Jordan, who owns two pieces of property on Sixth Street, stated that he had already paid for curbing for these pieces of property. He requested that credit be given for the curbs that exist in front of his property Council.Meeting ,.,ber 22, 1982 Faye ! and I4': was informed that the Staff will work with him to determine if it has bee"" I,•iid for. r•15o speaking in opposition to the entire project was Mr. Bob Keeling, who expr,•.',ed the opinion that there is no need for these street improvements in this ,,ea and suggested that the money be spent in some other area. He expr, =ed the opinion that the value of the property will not be enhanced by improvements; taxes are already too high; and their property should not these be z!o,ed commercial. r, r's. Dorthalee Rittgers, 1517 Sixth Street, expressed approval of the but stated that she is opposed to the closing of Lawnview. She alleged proje' I that I••:r sidewalk is good and that she should be given credit for it. ,r. James I. Tyree, 1209 Santa Fe, informed the Staff that he would like to r?ioin his head -in parking. It was pointed out to Dr. Tyree that 60% of this head- II' parking exists in the right-of-way and only 40$ is actually on his propel i'/. Oil one else spoke in regard to the preliminary assessments. p. motion was made by Council Member Kennedy that the hearing be closed, secor' i`d by Council Member Hawkins, and passed unanimously. i.ity Secretary Read pointed out to the Council that the closing of - Lawn new Street was a separate public hearing, and Mayor Jones inquired if anyo''•= wanted to speak in regard to the street closing who had not already done eu• Ors. George Aboud expressed opposition to the closing because she was of the r,i,inion that the street is needed. 1hr. Smith explained that the Staff has requested this street closing beca'',e they are of the opinion that it is in the public interest to close it so the /,,,blit will not have to maintain it and because of the odd -angle that it inter _•• is with Sixth Street and Booty Street, pointing out that because the street is open, a five -point intersection is in existence. ti“ one else spoke in regard to the street closing. �• motion was made by Council Member Kennedy that the hearing be closed, sece','ied by Council Member Hawkins and passed unanimously. ;istant City Manager Lontos informed the Council that he and his Staff mewl.... L. will discuss all of the objections presented during the public hearing and Je a recommendation on the agenda within two weeks. rtes ial Council Meeting cember 22, 1982. Page 8 There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Kennedy, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner and passed unanimously, the Special Council Meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m., September 22, 1982.