HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/17/1982MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 17, 1982
2:10 P.M.
PRESENT:
Mayor Luther Jones
** Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner
Council Members:
Jack K. Dumphy
Bob Gulley
Herbert L. Hawkins
Dr. Charles Kennedy
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.
The invocation was given by Reverend Dave Evans of
Seventh-Day Adventist Church, following which the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council
Member Cliff Zarsky.
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.
Council Member Bob Gulley introduced his parents who are
visiting in the City from out-of-state.
Mayor Jones noted the issuance of a proclamation designating
November 11, 1982 as "John Groom Day".
Mayor Jones then administered the oath to the following
newly appointed members to Boards and Committees: Mr. Morgan
Spear, Board of Adjustment; Mr. Freddy Martinez, Jr., Mechanical
Advisory Board; and Ms. Deirdre Norton, La Retama Library Board.
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Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 2
Mayor Jones announced bid openings on the following
engineering project:
Convention Center Area Drainage Improvements. This project
includes the extension of a storm relief line from Water
Street to Chaparral Street and along Chaparral to Brewster.
A small relief line would be extended to near the Convention
Center Building from Brewster and Chaparral to intercept
parking lot drainage and to separate the lower level sump
pump system from the parking lot drainage system.
Assistant City Manager James K. Lontos opened bids on this
project from the following firms: C & C Industrial Builders;
Claude Chapman Construction Company; Delta Utilities; Garzels
Corporation; Goldston Corporation; H & H Concrete Construction
Company; Heldenfels Brothers, Inc.; Isles Construction Company;
Maverick Construction Company; Mormac Construction Company; A.
Ortiz Paving & Construction; W. T. Young Construction Company;
and Vermillion Construction Company of Fulton, Texas.
* Council Member Herbert Hawkins arrived at the meeting at
2:21 p.m. during the foregoing bid opening.
** Mayor Pro Tem Betty Turner arrived at the meeting at 2:25
p.m. during the bid opening.
Mayor Jones expressed appreciation to the companies who had
submitted bids and stated that they would be tabled for 48 hours,
pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter and referred to
the Staff for tabulation and recommendation.
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Mayor Jones called for action of the Council from the
Workshop Session on the following item:
The City request that the artificats from the 1554 Spanish
ship wreck be displayed here and indicate that it is willing
to do whatever is necessary to adequately display the
artifacts.
A motion was made by Council Member Gulley that the fore-
going item be approved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner and
passed unanimously.
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Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 3
Mayor Jones called for actions of the Council by Motion on
the following items:
1. Proposals be received December 7, 1982 for a twelve months
agreement for Fire Alarm and Security System Maintenance for
the Delta 1000 central control equipment and all fire
protection devices at the Convention Center.
2. Twelve months supply agreements he approved for traffic sign
material as follows:
a. Vulcan Signs, Foley, Alabama:
800 Sign Blades
400 Sign Brackets
1875 Sign Blanks
Total:
Net, FOB Destination
b. Southwestern Pipe, Inc., Houston, Texas
1369 Traffic Sign Posts
- Total:
1% 10 Days, FOB Destination
c. Saf-T-Mark Supply Co., Tyler, Texas
6000 gal. Traffic Paint
5500 ea. Pavement Markers
25 gal. Adhesive
Net, FOB Destination
Total:
$ 2,832.50
1,916.00
9,813.75
$14,562.25
$19,537.11
1$30,252.60
6,064.50
997.50
$37,314.60
d. Potters Industries, Inc., Austin, Texasi
36000 Glass Spheres
Total: $ 8,484.12
Net, FOB Destination
e. 3-M Company, St. Paul, Minn. -
125 Rolls Reflective Sheeting $25,798.79
Misc. Processing Material 2,180.55
Total: $27,979.34
Net, FOB Destination
f. PBS, Inc., Hearne, Texas
2830 Pkg. Numbers & letters
Total: - 9,533.30
Net, FOB Destination
Grand Total: $117,410.72
Bids were received from 8 firms. Price comparison shows no
change from the previous contract.
3. The plans and specifications for the Concourse Renovation be
approved and bids be received on December '15, 1982. The
plans include the construction of double brick walls with
insulation and the installation of heating and air con-
ditioning units in the two concourses.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 4
4.*
5.*
6. A revocable easement be granted to Warrior Management
Company for the purpose of placing a 2-1/2" diameter
pipeline in a portion of Corn Products Road and Hopkins
Road. The pipeline would carry natural gas in the area and
would connect to the Huston Pipeline Company's 12" gas line
in Corn Products Road. A fee of $1,778.50 is recommended
for the easement grant.
7. The agreement between the City and Mr. Fernando Turegano,
contract sculptor of the Seabird Sculpture, (approved
October 7, 1981 by Ordinance No. 16587) be amended to extend
the contract period for no more than six months.
8. Sexton Oil & Minerals Corporation be granted a permit to
drill a well from a regular location near the geometric
center of Nueces Bay. The State Tract 723 Well No. 1 will
be drilled as a straight hole to a depth of 4,000 ft. No
exceptions to the Bay Drilling Ordinance are requested.
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9. Cities Service Company be granted a permit to drill a fourth
well in Mustang Island, State Park and the use"of earthen mud
pits be permitted. The State Park Tract 2 Wall No. 3 will
be located 3,400 ft. in a southwesterly direction from the
Fish Pass and 3,960 ft. in a westerly direction from Park
Road 53. The well will be drilled as a straight hole to a
depth of 10,000 ft. The Land Drilling Ordinance prohibits
drilling within 175 ft. of a public park and the use of
earthen mud pits. The drill site and use of earthen mud
pits meets with the approval of the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department. No other exceptions to the 'Land Drilling
Ordinance are requested.
A motion was made by Council Member Hawkins that the fore-
going items, with the exception of items 4 and 5, be approved;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner and passed unanimously.
Mayor Jones called for consideration of item 4'.
4. Approving a change order in the amount of $42,283.96 to the
contract with W. T. Young Construction Company for improve-
ments to the Broadway Wastewater Treatment Plant for removal
of a concrete structure discovered during excavation for the
new bar screens and raw sewage pump building. Funds are
available in the contingency appropriation.
Council Member Zarsky referred to the concrete mentioned and
inquired if it was submerged or covered.
Assistant City Manager Lontos explained that
the concrete
structure was covered; the Staff has been unable to identify it;
it could not be avoided by the construction company in working on
the improvements to the Broadway Wastewater Treatment Plant; and
* Removed from Consent Agenda for further discussio L
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 5
the Staff had been unable to find any plan or anything in the
files to indicate what the structure was. He explained that it
was a massive structure of concrete and would have to be removed
by the contractor before the improvements to the plant could be
completed.
Council Member Zarsky inquired if the Staff does not conduct
any examination of sites before plans and specifications are
prepared.
Mr. Lontos explained that usually, the project is awarded
with the understanding that the site will be "as is", but this is
a very unusual structure in that it was so large.
Council Member Hawkins suggested that possibly, it should be
bid as a separate item, but Mr. Lontos pointed out that this is a
$3.5 million contract that has been under construction for some
time; the contractor was already working in the area; the esti-
mate for removal was so high that the Staff felt that it would be
preferable to have this contractor do the work.
5. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Texas A & M University Research and Extension Center pro-
viding for the extension of approximately 4,600 linear feet
of 8 -inch diameter water line from the existing 48 -inch
diameter transmission main at Rand Morgan Road in the
Clarkwood Area westerly to the Extension Center. The A & M
Research Center will pay 100% of the cost of the 8 -inch line
outside the City limits, amounting to $35,769, while the
City will provide for.the water line costs inside the City
limits, or approximately $16,000. The City's Water Division
will construct the water line with the City's costs being
funded from the 1982-83 Water Division operating budget for
various fire protection line extensions.
Mayor Jones inquired if the approval of this item would
establish a precedent that would change the City's annexation
policies. He noted that an 8" line would have the capacity to
serve a number of people who have property along the line between
the City limits and the A & M Extension Center. Mayor Jones
expressed concern that if they are allowed to tie on they should
agree to annex.
Assistant City Manager Lontos assured the Mayor that the
property owners along the location of the water line would not be
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 6
able to tie on unless they did agree to annex. He explained
further that the A & M Extension Service requires better water
pressure and requested that they be served by the City. He also
pointed out that the Extension Center could not be annexed
because they are not contiguous to the City.
Mayor Jones urged that the City not make exceptions to the
annexation requirement when the water is provided residents
outside the City limits.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that item 4 and 5
be approved, seconded by Council Member Hawkins and passed
unanimously.
The Council then considered the ordinances on the Consent
Agenda.
There were no comments either from the Council or the
audience and the following were approved:
ORDINANCE NO. 17361:
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 16352 AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 16700
AUTHORIZING INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT AGREEMENT WITH SABER REFINING
COMPANY FOR INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT NO. 23-A AND 23-B TO DELETE PAGE
ONE OF EXHIBIT A DESCRIBING A 8.663 ACRE PORTION OF CORPUS
CHRISTI INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT NO. 23-B AND INCLUDING THIS SAME
8.663 ACRE TRACT WITHIN EXHIBIT A OF CORPUS CHRISTI INDUSTRIAL
DISTRICT NO. 23-A; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed
by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins,
and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Kennedy, absent at the time the vote
was taken.
ORDINANCE NO. 17362:
CLOSING AND ABANDONING THAT PORTION OF RESACA STREET FROM THE
EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF NORTH MESQUITE STREET TO THE WEST RIGHT-
OF-WAY OF NORTH CHAPARRAL STREET; REVERTING OWNERSHIP TO ADJACENT
PROPERTY OWNERS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed
by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins,
and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Kennedy, absent at the time the vote
was taken.
SECOND READING:
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 57, VEHICLES FOR HIRE,
ARTICLE II. TAXICABS, BY PROVIDING FOR GRANTING CERTIFICATES OF
CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY AND THE REGULATION OF TAXICAB OPER-
ATIONS, AND RELATED PROVISIONS THERETO; AND PROVIDING FOR
SEVERANCE AND PUBLICATION.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 7
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed
to its third reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner,
Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Kennedy,
absent at the time the vote was taken.
THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 17363:
AUTHORIZING A FIVE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE U. S. DEPARTMENT
OF THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR THE LEASE OF A SLIP AT THE
CITY MARINA WHICH PROVIDES FOR AN AUTOMATIC YEAR TO YEAR RENEWAL
SUBJECT TO 30 DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE OF TERMINATION BY EITHER PARTY.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins and
Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Kennedy, absent at the time the vote was
taken.
THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 17364:
AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE OSO LITTLE
MISSES KICKBALL FOR A PERIOD OF 5 YEARS FOR A TRACT OF LAND IN
SOUTH GUTH PARK.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, and
Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Kennedy, absent at the time the vote was
taken.
THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 17365:
AMENDING THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, AS AMENDED, BY ADOPTING
CERTAIN NEW PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 55 ENTITLED "UTILITIES" SO AS
TO ADOPT A POLICY ON WATER MAIN EXTENSION ASSESSMENTS DESIGNATED
AS SECTION 55-55 ESTABLISHING A METHOD OF COMPUTING A PER FOOT
ASSESSMENT RATE BASED ON (A) ESTIMATED COST OF'WATER MAIN EXTEN-
SIONS AND (B) ACTUAL BID COSTS OF WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS;
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins and
Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Kennedy, absent at the time the vote was
taken.
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The Council then considered the items on the Regular Agenda.
16. Authorizing Harbor Playhouse, Inc., to construct the west
wing addition to the Harbor Playhouse building.
A motion was made by Council Member Hawkins that item 16 be
approved, seconded by Council Member Gulley and passed unani-
mously.'
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Mayor Jones called for actions by ordinance on the following
items:
17. First Reading - Assignment of the agreement for Snoopy's
Pier be approved from John M. Parramore to Ernie C. Buttler
and Corliss W. Buttler, and a new agreement be approved with
Mr. and Mrs. Buttler. The new agreement would expire
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 8
September 1, 2000, provided that the operator constructs
improvements to the restaurant area in the first five years,
and additional improvements to the pier and parking lot
areas within the first ten years. The monthly rent of $324
would be renegotiable every two years, with the City having
the right to increase the rent up to 25% at the end of each
two year period. Snoopy's Pier is located on the Intra-
coastal Canal adjacent to the Kennedy Causeway.
18. Granting a special permit to Spohn Hospital for a proposed
parking garage subject to the approval of a site plan and
acceptance of other conditions as outlined during a
September 1, 1982, public hearing on the original zoning
application. A site plan has been prepared which provides
substantial compliance with the terms outlined in the
special permit motion.
Mayor Jones informed the audience that a site plan has been
submitted on the Spohn Hospital request which provides sub-
stantial compliance with the terms outlined in the motion by the
Council to approve a special permit.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner disqualified herself from discussing or
voting on this matter since she and her husband own property
immediately across the street from the entrance to the parking
lot and on the advice of her personal legal counsel and that of
the City attorney, she stated that she will disqualify herself.
Mrs. Turner then departed the Council Chamber.
Mayor Jones mentioned that the 20% rule is in effect and
inquired about the requirements for passage of this ordinance.
City Manager Ed Martin explained that passage of the ordi-
nance will require five affirmative votes of the Council. He
explained that the City Staff was instructed to provide a site
plan that would meet the requirements included in the motion to
approve the special permit on September 1, 1982. He then asked
Mr. Utter to explain further.
Assistant City Manager Utter provided background information
pertaining to the case which was heard by the City Council on
September 1st. He noted that as a result of that hearing, the
Council passed a motion to approve a special permit in lieu of
the requested "B-1" zoning with four specific stipulations as
follows: (1) agreement by the Board of Trustees of Spohn
lospital to not expand hospital uses south of Cole Street for a
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 3982
Page 9
period of not less than twenty-five years; (2) that lots 1, 2 and
24, currently owned by Spohn Hospital, be maintained as green
space or with well-maintained structures compatible with existing
zoning; (3) that the garage be no more than three levels or two
stories above grade; and (4) that a site plan be prepared for
Council approval after discussions with the City Staff with the
site plan to include the following items: (a) traffic pattern,
including no right turn on Second Street; (b) traffic flow; (c)
design (including lighting); (d) screening, etc.
Mr. Utter continued his explanation by informing the Council
that the Staff has met with representatives of Spohn Hospital and
representatives of the Del Mar Association. He expressed the
opinion that they have a good site plan and assured the Council
that the basic thrust of the Staff was that a site plan be
developed which would have as little adverse effect as possible
'on the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Utter then displayed a site
plan and described it, stating that the garage fronts on Third
Street; one entrance -way will be on Third Street; Spohn will
dedicate right-of-way on Third Street, with the provision for a
turning lane easterly at the intersection of Ayers and Third;
there will be extensive landscaping; direct entrances and exits
into and from the parking garage will minimize traffic through
the Del Mar neighborhood; visual barriers, such as louvers or
grates will be provided on the south side of the parking garage;
a wood screening fence along the south boundary of the property
will be installed; and the Staff recommends approval of this site
plan because they are of the opinion that these provisions will
ameliorate the impact of the parking garage on the Del Mar
neighborhood.
Mr. Utter explained that in addition to the site plan as
outlined, Spohn Hospital has requested changes in the motion to
add the following two provisions: (1) the Board of Trustees of
Spohn Hospital has requested that in regard to expansion of
hospital uses south of Cole Street, that the following phrase be
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 10
added, "that Spohn Hospital may acquire property within that area
for any use permitted by any future change in zoning which was
not initiated directly or indirectly by Spohn Hospital or any
entity acting for it"; and (2) Spohn Hospital has requested that
they be allowed to have parking on four levels rather than three
and that they be allowed to have three stories above grade rather
than two. He stated that the Staff has determined that one
additional level of parking would not significantly affect the
nature of the parking garage or the neighborhood.
In regard to the expansion south of Cole Street, Mr. Utter
stated that the ordinance will specifically state that the area
south of Cole Street between Ocean Drive and South Staples Street
within the W. Leslie Evans and the Del Mar Subdivisions will be
the area into which Spohn Hospital cannot expand except with
change of zoning as indicated above. He also stated that they
had agreed to the maintenance of lots 1, 2 and 24. Mr. Utter
concluded his remarks by stating that the Staff recommends
approval of the site plan and the other special conditions.
Mayor Jones inquired about the number of levels that could
be constructed under the existing zoning, and Mr. Larry Wenger,
Director of Planning, stated that a building of forty-five feet
could be constructed for apartment use.
*** Council Member Charles Kennedy arrived at the meeting at
2:59 p.m.
Council Member Dumphy noted that Mr. Utter had indicated in
his memorandum that the Staff had met with the Del Mar Asso-
ciation. He inquried about their opinion of this plan.
Mr. Utter stated that he hesitated to speak for the Del Mar
residents, but he was of the opinion that they were not satisfied
with the site plan and the revised conditions. He admitted that
they had requested that this be delayed until they had had an
opportunity to have their architects examine the site plan.
Mayor Jones invited those in favor of the application to
speak at this time.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 11
Mr. Hayden Head, Member of the Board of Trustees of Spohn
Hospital, stated that he has been authorized to speak for the
Board. He stated that the Board had recommended that the con-
ditions of the motion passed on September 1st be simply amended
as it pertained to the following restrictions: (1) if anyone
else brought about a change of zoning in the area south of Cole
Street, Spohn Hospital should be able to take advantage of any
change of zoning not inititated by Spohn Hospital; and (2) the
garage was always planned for four levels from the beginning of
the application procedures, and their board felt that the best
possible thing for the neighborhood was to allow Spohn Hospital
to build a fourth level in the future, since three levels will
already be located there. He assured the Council that Spohn
Hospital proposes to spend a large sum of money for landscaping;
Spohn Hospital has agreed to the traffic flow as shown on the
site plan; and they are of the opinion that they have substan-
tially complied with the spirit of Dr. Kennedy's motion.
Speaking in opposition to the request was Mr. Jack Cooper,
President of the Del Mar Neighborhood Association. Mr. Cooper
reviewed the events that occurred during the public hearing on
this case on September 1st, at which time, they had approximately
twenty-six speakers who expressed their concern about
encroachment of Spohn Hospital into their neighborhood.
expressed the opinion that the motion approved by the Council
the
He
was
a good compromise. Mr. Cooper stated that during their early
discussions with Spohn Hospital, they had been assured that the
parking garage would be three levels only, and also, Spohn had
assured them that they had no plans to purchase any more property
south of Cole Avenue. He noted that their application to the
Texas Department of Health Facilities was -for a two-level parking
garage; there has been no amendment to their application with the
State for the additional level; but they now propose to add the
height restrictions in this zoning to allow for much higher
structures. He stated that the residents of Del Mar are of the
r.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 12
opinion that a parking garage is just that and no amount of
landscaping will camouflage the structure. He displayed a
photograph of another parking garage in another area of the City
and stated that he did not think that it was the type of struc-
ture that should be located in a residential neighborhood. He
noted that the site plan allows for louvers or some type of
screening between the garage and the residential area but pointed
out that unless screening is installed all around the building,
it will be very unattractive. He stated, however, that their
Association's major concern is further encroachment into their
neighborhood. He pointed out that the amendment proposed by
Spohn in the wording pertaining to the expansion south of Cole
Avenue prevents policing of any change of zoning requests ini-
tiated by other parties in their neighborhood. He pointed out
that anyone could do this and then sell the property to Spohn
Hospital. He stated that the twenty-five year moratorium on
expansion south of Cole Avenue was very important to Del Mar
residents, and they are of the opinion that this additional
phrase is just an attempt to obtain a legal loophole. He
informed the Council that a resident on Third Street had already
been offered a large sum of money for the sale of his property.
He stated that the Del Mar Association is apprehensive that the
parking garage is really planned to be located in the center of
the Spohn Hospital Complex, which means that Spohn Hospital
already has plans to expand south of Cole Avenue.1
Mr. Cooper pointed out to the Council that Spohn Hospital
had not complied with the Council's original motion, yet the
Staff now states that they have substantially complied with the
motion. He urged that the site plan not be approved and that
Spohn Hospital be instructed to build their garage on the north
side of their complex.
Mr. Richard Stone, Attorney representing Mrs. Countiss, who
owns property in the Del Mar Addition, referred to the proposal
made by Spohn as it applies to the motion and the conditions set
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Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 13
out by the Council. He noted that Mr. Utter had stated that the
Del Mar group had met with the Staff on several occasions. Mr.
Stone clarified this by informing the Council that they had met
with Mr. Utter on two occasions after the site plan was filed on
November 11 which was just a week ago. He stated that they had
requested that Mr. Utter defer placing this on the agenda until
the Association had an opportunity to have a study of the site
plan made by their architects, but he refused to do so. He
stated that the Association has not had an opportunity to study
the proposed site plan, but they are of the opinion that there
are some legal ramifications. He referred to Spohn's request
that a four -level garage be approved which would ae three levels
above grade and commented on the fact that Mr. Head had stated
that there has been no secret that they wanted thrlee levels above
grade, but this is not what was presented to the City and was not
what was presented to the State of Texas in their application.
He produced their application to the State which specified a
two-story parking garage. He asked that the
City attorney
comment on this to the Council because this is a d 'rect violation
of the Platting Ordinance, in particular referring11to Article 30,
Sections 02.2 in which it states that any chang in the appli-
cation constitutes a new application and must be presented all
over again.
Mr. Stone continued by stating that the other' portion of the
site plan which they feel violates the existing otdinance is the
height of the proposed three levels. He pointed out that the
site plan was not signed by a professional engineer and he is of
the opinion that it is very difficult to ascert4in height from
the subject site plan. He pointed out that three stories above
ground would place the structure at thirty-two feet and
installing lights would increase the height of the structure to
at least forty-six feet, which is one foot above the allowance
for "A-1" and "AB" zoning; therefore, their proposal exceeds the
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Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 14
maximum height allowed. He also pointed out that the site plan
does not designate the setback requirements. He recalled that
Mr. Utter had stated that the front would be on Ayers Street and
the property must have a twenty foot setback, but there is no
setback on the site plan. He stated that if the front of the
structure is on Third Street, a ten -foot setback would be
required; but the property line setbacks are not even included on
this site plan.
He also referred to Mr. Utter's statement that the
additional level would have no effect on the neighborhood. He
disagreed with that, stating that if you already have a traffic
problem, an additional 268 parking spaces will certainly increase
that problem. Mr. Stone also pointed out that Mr. Utter's
recommendation is in direct conflict with the statement he made
at the hearing on September 1st, at which time, he agreed that
the aesthetics of a large concrete structure would certainly have
an effect on the area. He referred to Mr. Cooper's photograph of
a parking garage which he stated was very graphic and is very
definitely a massive concrete structure, and an additional level
would certainly have an adverse effect on the neighborhood. He
reiterated that Spohn had originally requested a two-level
structure, both in their application to the State for a
Certificate of Need and in their application to the City for
zoning. He reminded the Council that Spohn had not indicated to
anyone, including the Del Mar Association, that they really plan
three levels above grade for the garage. He confirmed this fact
by quoting from a letter addressed to Mr. Cooper dated June 28,
1982 in which they stated that the proposed parking garage would
be two stories maximum and would be placed parallel to Ayers
Street.
Mr. Stone urged that the site plan not be approved. He also
urged that if the amendment in the wording in regard to encroach-
ment is to be added to the motion, that that amendment also be
denied. He expressed the opinion that the request for an
additional .third level vastly changes their application and
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 15
violates the City Zoning Ordinance, noting that they should be
required to resubmit their application.
Mr. Stone referred to Dr. Kennedy's motion on September 1,
at which time he presented a compromise for two levels above
ground with certain provisions and he was of the opinion that the
Staff recommendation on the site plan and approval of the amen-
dment in regard to the expansion is certainly a long way from
that compromise. He again urged that the Council adhere to the
original motion to approve a special permit.
Mayor Jones inquired of Assistant City Attorney Bob Coffin
if it was his opinion that this amendment changes their applica-
tion and if they should be required to resubmit.
Mr. Coffin explained that the Legal Department treats this
section of the Zoning Ordinance as meaning that if the original
application is changed, the application must go back to the
Planning Commission. He expressed the opinion that their applica-
tion is still a change from "A-1" and "AB" to "B-1" and there has
been no change in that portion of their application. He stated
that he interprets the Council's motion to grant a special permit
to be in lieu of granting the zoning. He disagreed with Mr.
Stone that this is a legal question as far as changing Spohn's
application.
Council Member Dumphy expressed the opinion that if that
procedure is illegal, then the Council has been guilty of
approving a number of special permits and site plans which are
different from their original motions.
Mr. Coffin continued by stating that according to the site
plan, the height structure of the would not be in excess of the
maximum allowed. He also referred to the setback requirements
and stated that the requirements would depend upon which street
the garage fronts on.
The next speaker in opposition was Mrs. Georgia Nelson, a
resident of Del Mar Subdivision, who referred to one matter that
was never addressed by the Staff that was brought up during the
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 16
public hearing. She inquired if anything was going to be done
about storm drainage because she was of the opinion that the
construction of the garage would affect the drainage in the
neighborhood.
Mayor Jones inquired if adequate drainage is not required as
a part of the approval of a site plan before a building permit
could be issued.
Mr. Utter explained that virtually all of this is paved
parking lot now which drains well anyway, and the construction of
this garage would not increase the drainage problem.
Mrs. Marsha Acock, 434 Del Mar, informed the Council that
she had discussed this matter with the City Attorney, J. Bruce
Aycock, who brought up an interesting point concerning the
previous actions by Spohn Hospital. She recalled that Spohn
Hospital had originally planned to construct the parking garage
on the other side of the hospital on Elizabeth Street but they
wanted Elizabeth Street closed, and it was ascertained that,
according to a previous agreement between the City and the
developers of the Glasscock Landfill, that street could never be
closed. For this reason, Mrs. Acock expressed the opinion that
Spohn Hospital actually plans to have this parking garage as the
center of their complex and the residents of Del Mar are fearful
that their actual plans are for expansion to the south rather
than to the north.
Mr. John Neet, 449 Atlantic, stated that the residents of
Del Mar feel that they are going to have to have a parking garage
in their neighborhood whether they want it or not. He pointed
out that they have just been made aware of the site plan, and in
his opinion, as far as the screening and landscaping is con-
cerned, he was of the opinion that Spohn would actually plant
one -inch diameter trees which would not do much to screen the
unattractive structure. He pointed out that a six-foot screening
fence and a few small trees would certainly not disguise the fact
that this is a large concrete structure. He expressed the
opinion that the garage should be completely
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 198,2
Page 17
blocked from view if it is approved.
Mrs. Susan Holly Lowe, 421 Palmero, stated that she was
speaking for herself and for her husband and informed the Council
that they are very proud of their home and more importantly, they
are very proud of their neighborhood. She stated that she and
her husband agreed with the neighborhood objection to this
parking garage which would change the neighborhood in which they
live. She urged that the Council consider the Del Mar residents
and not allow Spohn Hospital to further infringe on their
neighborhood.
Mrs. Jean Sughrue, spoke in opposition to the zoning change
by stating that Mr. Utter had informed them during their
discussion on November 12 that their discussion would be limited
to the site plan that had been prepared. She stated that Mr.
Utter was very prejudiced in favor of Spohn Hospital when he
discussed the matter with the representatives of the Del Mar
Association. She informed the Council that she and others had
met with City Attorney Aycock on Tuesday and ascertained that
Spohn Hospital did not plan to construct the garage on the north
side of the hospital with a walkway because the 1City could not
close Elizabeth Street because of an agreerkent with the
developers of the Glasscock Landfill. She questioned why this
Council was bound by an agreement a previous Council had made
with a developer. She also informed the Council that Mr. Utter
had informed the Del Mar Association that it would be impossible
for the amendment to the provision pertaining to further
expansion south by Spohn Hospital to be policed.
Mayor Jones inquired of the Staff about the agreement with
the developer of the Glasscock Fill.
Mr. Utter stated that the agreement w8, with Scotch
Developers who were the original developers and it was in the
form of a written contract.
Mrs. Sughrue inquired if the original developers still
wanted Elizabeth Street to remain open and suggested that the
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 18
staff investigate that aspect.
Mr. Paul Duncan, 610 Del Mar Street, expressed concern that
a four-story garage would provide motorists an opportunity to see
into the backyard of the residences located there.
Council Member Kennedy expressed concern about the
encroachment into the Del Mar neighborhood by Spohn Hospital. He
stated that his motion on September 1st was designed to establish
a line beyond which Spohn Hospital should not be expanded. He
recalled that he also wanted screening to be provided and he was
concerned about the traffic flow. He stated that he understands
both sides of the issue because he lives in the Del Mar
Subdivision and he practices at Spohn Hospital. He stated that
he, personally, was of the opinion that the language in regard to
the expansion south of Cole does meet his concerns; the traffic
pattern is good; and the planned green area will provide
screening. He sugggested that the garage be no more than three
levels above grade but that construction of the top level be
delayed for five years and that the Board of Trustees of Spohn
Hospital at the time they decide to construct the fourth level,
give consideration to an elevated crosswalk across Ayers Street.
Council Member Gulley stated that he concurred with the
additional requested by Spohn in regard to the change of zoning
phrase pertaining to expansion south.
A motion was made by Council Member Gulley that the site
plan be approved according to the recommendation of the Staff and
that construction of the fourth level be delayed for five years;
seconded by Council Member Hawkins.
Mayor Jones expressed the opinion that the traffic'generated
would not be greatly increased and he did not think that the
garage would look any worse than the existing parking lot with
the chain link fence.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 19
Mr. Utter stated that he felt that the motion should address
the question about the height and setback requirements and
suggested that the motion indicate that they should meet with the
City Code requirements for B-1" zoning.
Council Member Gulley agreed to amend his motion to include
height and setback requirements in accordance with the City Code
and that Spohn Hospital give serious consideration to
constructing an elevated crosswalk across Ayers Street at the
time the third story is constructed. Council Member Hawkins
concurred with this amendment to the motion.
Council Member Zarsky questioned why Spohn Hospital should
have to wait for five years for the fourth level.
Sister Kathleen, Director of Spohn Hospital, pointed out
what the Council is approving is just what Spohn had requested
and that they just wanted the approval for a fourth level five
years from now. She did express concern, however, about Mr.
Utter's statement about setback and height requirements.
Discussion followed on the height of the building, and Mr.
Utter stated that under "B-1" zoning, thirty-five feet is allowed
for the three-story structure. He stated that the proposed
building would be thirty-three feet high and there is a question
as to whether or not the lights on top constitute a part of the
structure. He stated that the second question was in regard to
the setback dependent upon what is designated as the front of the
building. He expressed the opinion that the Staff could work
with the Spohn Hospital to work this out.
Mr. Stone addressed the Council again and pointed out that
the structure would be thirty-three feet high and the proposed
lighting would increase that to forty-five feet. He expressed
the opinion that the lighting is a part of the structure and the
present site plan cannot be adapted and still be in compliance
with "B-1" zoning and setback requirements.
Mr. Utter agreed that since the request was for "B-1"
zoning, the maximum height under that zoning should be adhered
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 20
to. He referred to the lighting and expressed the opinion that
this is a legal question as to whether the light installation is
a part of the structure.
Council Member Dumphy stated that if it is true that the
structure must be within the height limitation of the requested
zoning, the lighting problem should be addressed by Spohn
Hospital and should not concern this Council. He pointed out
that if the hospital cannot place lights on top of the building,
then they can work out some other type of lighting.
The motion to approve the site plan passed as follows:
Jones, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarksy voting, "Aye";
Turner, disqualifying herself.
City Secretary Read polled the Council for their votes on
the two ordinances and the following were passed:
FIRST READING:
AUTHORIZING A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ERNIE C. BUTTLER AND CORLISS
W. BUTTLER DBA SNOOPY'S PIER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
OF A BAIT STAND BUSINESS ON TRACT NO. 13 OF THE COASTAL PUBLIC
LANDS FOR TWENTY YEARS TO FURTHER PUBLIC RECREATION.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to
its second reading by the following vote: Jones, Dumphy, Gulley,
Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Turner, absent from
the Council Chamber at the time the vote was taken.
ORDINANCE NO. 17366:
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF SPOHN HOSPITAL
BY GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT ON LOTS 6 THROUGH 22, BLOCK
6, DEL MAR SUBDIVISION FOR A PARKING GARAGE; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed
by the following vote: Jones, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Turner, disqualified herself.
0*o*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0
Mayor Jones announced the public hearing on the following
matter:
The preliminary assessment roll for the improvement of Bali
Drive from Mediterranean Drive northerly to the Main Tropic
Isles Channel. The preliminary roll provides for assess-
ments of $25,018.55 for 30 items. The low bid on the
project was $102,739.25 by Heldenfels Brothers, Inc. This
is a 1977 Voluntary Paving Project.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 21
Assistant City Attorney Bob Coffin explained that the
purpose of the hearing is to present testimony to provide the
Council with the basis to approve the preliminary assessments and
to provide an opportunity for the property owners to address the
Council in regard to their assessments.
Mr. Coffin 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 employed by the City of Corpus Christi
for twenty-three years and that he has on file with the City his
qualifications.
Mr. Smith stated that he is familiar with the Bali Drive
area and then displayed a transparency showing the location of
the street that extends from Mediterranean Drive northerly to the
Main Tropic Isles Channel. Mr. Smith explained that this is a
1977 Voluntary Paving Program; the thirty property owners re-
quested that the City perform this work; and the plans and
specifications were prepared in the City Engineering Offices.
Mr. Smith described the project and stated that the improve-
ments to Bali Drive will be by excavation to a width and depth to
permit laying of a 28 -foot wide street within the existing
50 -foot right-of-way; the improvements will include 6 -inch curb
and gutter sections, 6 -inch thick compacted sub -grade, 8 -inch
thick flexible caliche base and 11/2" of hot -mix asphaltic pave-
ment. He stated that there will also be 4 -foot wide reinforced
concrete sidewalks 4" thick, and 4" thick reinforced concrete
driveway's as shown on the plans.
Mr. Smith informed the Council that bids were received
October 15, 1982 from eleven contractors and the low bidder was
Heldenfels Brothers with a bid of $102,739.25. He explained to
the Council that in accordance with the City's Assessment
Ordinance, the lower rate for assessments will apply on this
project since it is a 1977 Voluntary Paving Project. He stated
that the value of the assessment roll is $25,018.55 and the
City's portion of the project will be $77,720.70. He continued
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 22
by stating that payment of the assessments will not be due until
the project is completed and this may be paid either in cash or
within five years at an interest rate of 6;%. Mr. Smith
anticipated that the contractor will start on the project at the
end of December and it should be completed in approximately two
months. He informed the Council that there has been some delay
on this project because they have had to obtain drainage
easements from property owners.
Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience on Mr.
Smith's testimony.
Mr. John Lucas, 3331 Bali, inquired as to where the drainage
will be directed.
Mr. Smith pointed out the drainage easements on the trans-
parency which will allow drainage into Tropic Isles Channel.
Mr. Jack Glaeser, 3314 Bali, expressed concern about the
drainage which might cause the seawall acrosss the channel to be
damaged. He questioned the location of the drainage route,
explaining that the seawall in front of his property had been
damaged when a large drainageway had been established across the
channel from him.
Mr. Smith explained that they could have used a drainage
easement at any location on the street and the most desirable
location is the one at the end of the street where they plan the
drainage at this time. He explained to Mr. Glaeser that he did
not need to be concerned because the damage he referred to was
caused by the construction of a very large storm sewer which was
constructed whereas the one proposed for this project is a very
small storm sewer.
Mr. Coffin called as his next witness Mr. W. J. "Bill"
Holly.
Through questioning of the witness, Mr. Coffin ascertained
that he is a real estate broker and appraiser, that he is qua-
lified to serve in the capacity of appraiser for the City, and
that he has a copy of his qualifications on file with the City of
Corpus Christi.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 23
'Mr. Holly stated that he is very familiar with the area and
that he has examined each and every piece of property included in
the assessment roll. He informed the Council that even though
there are four irregular shaped lots, he is of the opinion that
the assessments should not be reduced on those lots.
There were no further comments from the audience.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the hearing
be closed, seconded by Council Member Hawkins and passed unani-
mously.
o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o
Mayor Jones called for petitions or information from the
audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda.
Mr. J. W. Gary, Attorney representing Tuloso-Midway Indepen-
dent School District, informed the Council that they had been
unable to have a plat filed for record. He stated that on April
27, 1982, the Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat
subject to one condition which mentioned the construction plan.
He stated that he had written a letter to City Engineer Smith
that the construction plans had been completed, but the City of
Corpus Christi has not filed a final' plat. He urged that the
plat be filed for record immediately or that the Staff provide a
written statement as to what engineering or legal requirement has
not been met. He expressed the opinion if there were conditions
that must be met before plat approval, they should have been
included in the minutes of the meeting.
City Manager Martin disagreed with Mr. Gary's comments and
informed the Council that he was of the opinion that the Staff
was trying to work with Mr. Gary and Tuloso-Midway Independent
School District. He informed the Council that the plat is a very
bad one because there are serious deficiencies in the construc-
tion plan. He stated that the Staff had asked them to go back to
the School Board for changes. He assured the Council that the
Staff has not delayed this but they feel that there are very
serious, obvious problems. He stated that he will provide a
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 24
report for the Council next week, but explained that the property
is being platted whereby all but a very small sliver of the
property is not platted; and the City requested that an access
road be constructed during the second phase of the development
which includes the football field. He explained that the way the
property is platted, they will be able to almost complete their
project without ever platting that sliver of the property and
there are no plans for a road. He also noted that the final plat
is different from the preliminary plat that was submitted.
Mr. Gary spoke again and stated that the final plat is
exactly like the one that was sent out. He expressed the opinion
that if the Staff had objections at the time the preliminary plat
was submitted, then those objections should have been listed in
the minutes.
Mr. Martin agreed with Mr. Gary on that point because he was
of the opinion that the Staff made a mistake in approving the
preliminary plat. He assured the Council that he would have a
report on this matter.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 5802 Everhart, expressed concern about a
future zoning case on the property on which a mobile home park is
located called, "Anchor Harbor". He pointed out that the resi-
dents of that mobile home park have no other place to go.
On another subject, Mr. Gordy commented! that the City
Council appoints Municipal Judges and he registered a complaint
in regard to the actions of Municipal Court Judges who cancel a
fine for people who are issued summons for not having insurance
if they obtained the insurance within ten days. He stated that
he was of the opinion that the judge should uphold the law and
not grant this privilege to citizens.
Mrs. Oscar Bocock, 1258 Devon, spoke in regard to law
enforcement and crime control. She urged that citizens be aware
of the crime problem and assist the police inIfighting crime.
Mrs. Bocock also inquired about the level for funding for the
library which was discussed at the Texas Municipal League
meeting.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 25
Mayor Jones assured Mrs. Bocock that the Council had
supported this funding.
Mr. George Rascoe, 201 Chamberlain, also referred to the
pending zoning matter for Anchor Harbor Mobile Home Park. He
stated that it was his understanding that one of the Council
Members had indicated that the problem was being resolved and he
requested details.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that she had spoken with the
owner and requested that the people in the mobile home park be
allowed more time to arrange to move. She stated that she also
understands that there are plans to establish additional mobile
home parks and the owners of them have indicated that they would
be glad to have the residents of Anchor Harbor lease premises
from them. Mrs. Turner stated that she has also found someone
who is willing to move the trailers.
Mr. Rascoe expressed concern about the manager of Anchor
Harbor Mobile Home Park who had encouraged him to purchase a new
trailer and offered him space to park it and he and his wife
moved into the trailer park just three weeks before the zoning
case was submitted. He stated that he felt that this was unfair
of the manager of the park and Mr. Nethery, who owns the mobile
home park, should be responsible for the actions of the manager.
He stated that he had consulted his attorney, who informed him
that his only recourse would be based on falsification on the
part of the manager.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner asked Council Member Gulley if the
usual procedure in mobile home parks was for a term lease, and
Mr. Gulley replied that in his mobile home park, only thirty -day
leases are involved. He expressed the opinion that this is
customary for mobile home parks in this City. Mr. Gulley also
expressed concern about the proposed mobile home parks and
suggested that the rent on the new parks should be ascertained
before the residents of Anchor Harbor are encouraged to move into
that park. He pointed out that there are no guarantees about the
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 17, 1982
Page 26
rent and stated that most mobile home park owners also have
certain restrictions in regard to their spaces.
On another matter, Council Member Hawkins referred to
advertisements for a cable television movie company and inquired
if this is a new franchise.
City Manager Martin explained that this is a pay movie
channel that is over the air through a scramble system on the
antenna. He stated that it is regulated by FCC but it is not
regulated by the City.
There being no further business to come before the Council,
on motion by Council Member Zarsky, seconded by Council Member
Gulley and passed unanimously, the Regular Council Meeting was
adjourned at 5:20 p.m., November 17, 1982.