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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/25/1984 - NeighborhoodMINUTES CORPUS CHRISTI CITY COUNCIL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING ZAVALA SENIOR CENTER 422 MOHAWK JUNE 25, 1984 7:00 P.M. Present: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner Council Members: David Berlanga, Sr. Welder Brown Leo Guerrero Dr. Charles W. Kennedy, Jr. Joe McComb Frank Mendez Mary Pat Slavik City Manager Edward A. Martin City Attorney J. Bruce Aycock City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order at the Zavala Senior Center. 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. Mayor Jones then introduced City Manager Edward Martin and asked him to introduce the City staff members who were present at the meeting. Mr. Martin complied and indicated that a large number of city employees were present for the meeting. Mayor Jones referred to a letter from Reverend Lawrence White who was present in the audience, and recognized him. He then explained that the suggestion of the neighborhood meeting was initiated by Council Member Frank Mendez, and the other Council Members expressed interest in conducting this type of neighborhood meeting. All of the City Council Members then .introduced themselves and made appropriate opening remarks. Council Member Charles Kennedy arrived at the meeting at 7:10 p.m. Mayor Jones explained to the members of the audience that the City Council is an elected body that any individual may address on any Tuesday on which the Council meets. He explained the procedure for speaking during the Regular Council Meetings as a part of petitions from the public. He further stated that the Council met in the evening on the third Tuesday of each month to make in convenient for working people to attend. nutes pecial Council Meeting June 25, 1984 Page 2 Mr. Kelly Elizondo, Director of Community Development, gave a presentation on neighborhood improvements in the area of the Austin -Zavala neighborhoods. Mr. Elizondo explained the various improvements that are planned or have recently been completed in the neighborhood, including the Community Development Block Grant Projects that were funded in the CDBG programs for 1975 through 1983. He then located the proposed improvements on a map and noted that they are funded not only by CDBG funds, but also by bond programs. Mr. Elizondo also located on the map the houses that are participating in the home improvement loans in the area and noted that no one in this area has ever defaulted on their loan. He then requested that the City staff of the Neighborhood Improvement Division be notified if any of the citizens in the neighborhood see any problems with high weeds and unsanitary conditions that should be corrected. Mr. Elizondo then explained the plans for the new City Hall that will be constructed soon, which will be located on the site of the old Sears building. He also informed the neighborhood residents that the construction of the new central library will commence soon and mentioned the Multi -Cultural Center and other city improvements that will be started in the very near future. Mr. Elizondo then called for questions from the audience. An unidentified lady in the audience inquired of Mr. Elizondo if he was the Director of Community Development for the residential area, and Mr. Elizondo explained that his office participates with Community Development projects in all areas. The lady then asked a question about a distinct eyesore in her neighborhood. She stated that it is a regular bar in a residential area that keeps opening even after it has been closed because of shootings and other disturbances that occur there. Mayor Jones requested that she give one of the staff members the name and address of the bar and the City will follow up on it. Another unidentified lady expressed concern about neighborhood parks. She urged that these be improved so that their children can have a better way of life, because there are so few places for them to play except in the streets. Mr. Elizondo explained that at the time the City is planning their Community Development Block Grant Program, they meet with groups such as this one and try to accommodate as many requests as possible. He explained that during the past two years, CDBG funds have been provided in the amount of over $800,000 for park improvements. He stated that if she has a specific park that they would like for the City staff to review, they would be glad to do so. Council Member Berlanga then explained the City's program, which includes the Adopt -a -Park program, associated with the Park and Recreation Department. He stated that the purpose of the program is to encourage the formation of neighborhood groups who will help with the maintenance and upkeep of the park nutes .pecial Council Meeting June 25, 1984 Page 3 after it is improved. He stated that the Park and Recreation Department is glad to work with such neighborhood groups on this program. A Mr. Jiminez asked why the Multi -Cultural Center is going to be located in the Convention Center area. He also asked about the KUNO music festival that is planned for Greenwood Park. Mr. Victor Lara of KUNO explained that the music festival was the idea of Mr. Luiz Munoz. He stated that it will be at Greenwood Park on Saturday and Sunday; it is free; there will be many events associated with it; and it is a combination of musical programs and will feature many outstanding artists. He explained that the time is between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and the event is also sponsored by the City Park and Recreation Department. Another lady in the audience referred to the map and mentioned that Agnes Street has not been paved as long as she can remember. She expressed the opinion that other parts of the City are in much better condition than Agnes Street and she felt that improvements should be considered. Mr. Elizondo explained that anything the City can do with Community Development Block Grant Funds is accomplished but the funds must benefit low and moderate income areas. He stated that Agnes Street does not meet that test; the City could not afford improvements to that street because of the lack of money; and improvements would require a bond issue. Mayor Jones further explained that the City's construction requirements specify that the developer of subdivisions must install the streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters in any new subdivision, and the people who purchase houses in the subdivision actually pay for their own streets, sidewalks, etc. He noted that the CDBG funds are used to make these same improvements in the older portions of the City that qualify under the guidelines. He reminded the members of the audience that $10 million has been spent on street improvements in the Austin/Zavala area. Council Member Mendez referred to Agnes Street and stated that it has been improved from Port Avenue to the freeway and noted that that portion of Agnes is zoned for industrial use. He stated that this is a project that would be accomplished by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation and they do not have funds available at this time_ Mayor Jones informed the audience that the Alonso de Pineda statue was dedicated at the Agnes/Laredo Triangle on Sunday and he and other City officials felt very proud of the efforts of the Westside Business Association in cooperation with the City to make the statue by Dr. Sherman Coleman and his daughter become a reality. Council Member Guerrero indicated that he was unhappy about the answer to the question pertaining to bars in this neighborhood. He explained that the City is examining the possibility of changing the zoning in an effort to eliminate those bars. He also provided an explanation on the park program. .nutes .,pecial Council Meeting June 25, 1984 Page 4 A lady in the audience referred to Baldwin Boulevard and questioned the existence of the middle lane of Baldwin, the existence of parked vehicles on both sides of the street, and noted that since it does have a middle turn lane, it actually becomes a one -lane street. Mr. Tom Stewart, Director of Transportation, explained that at the time the street was painted, four lanes were established. He assured the audience that the staff is studying the problem and discussing possibilities of correcting it. An unidentified gentleman in the audience stated that he lives in the 800 block of Horne Road and when it rains heavily, the sewer lines back up into the houses. City Manager Martin explained that the City staff is of the opinion that the Horne Road sewer line is not flowing properly because it has been silting for years. He informed the gentleman that the City staff has just completed plans for a dragline operation to clean the lines and hopefully this will resolve the sewer problem. Mayor Jones asked Mr. Elizondo to explain the mandatory water conservation program. Mr. Elizondo complied and explained the program and the kinds of activities that will be allowed under the mandatory water conservation program. He stated that he hoped that everyone would pick up a pamphlet at the back of the room as they leave, which will further explain how water may be conserved. He informed the audience that an ordinance had been passed that will go into effect on July 1, 1984 to authorize the mandatory water conservation program. Mr. Elizondo also informed the audience that City staff members will be glad to take their complaints regarding City services at the end of the meeting at the rear of the room. Council Member Slavik informed the audience that South Texas and other cities are having problems with the water shortage. She briefly explained the water usage that would be allowed after July 1, 1984. City Manager Martin stated that a member of the Police Department was present to explain the Neighbors on Watch Program and urged that the residents of this area form neighborhood watch programs 'to prevent crime -that is prevalent in the area. Sgt. Larry Olivarez of the Community Relations Division of the Police Department addressed the members of the audience and stated that the aim of the Neighbors on Watch Program is to reduce crimes in neighborhoods. He stated that it is actually a simple organization and it involves neighbors getting together to help each other in a crime prevention program in their neighborhoods. He explained the history of the program and the large reduction in the number of burglaries where the NOW program has been established. Sgt. Olivarez then urged the members of the audience to sign up for the NOW program. He explained the use of the signs associated with the program and noted that there is a cost for installing the signs, but stated that the signs are not necessary to have an inutes ,pecial Council Meeting June 25, 1984 Page 5 effective watch program. He assured the members of the audience that he and his staff would be very glad to work with them to establish NOW Programs in their area. Council Member Berlanga then explained the program in Spanish. Sgt. Olivarez called for questions from the audience. A lady in the audience stated that she had been unable to obtain signs for her block even though they are involved in the NOW program, and Sgt. Olivarez stated that the NOW Program must have 50% participation by the neighbors before the large signs can be installed. Another lady in the audience explained that she resides in a neighborhood that includes businesses as well and she did not think they would participate in such a program. Sgt. Olivarez agreed that this makes it difficult, but he assured the lady that he would be glad to try to work with them and contact the business firms to invite their participation. A gentleman in the audience referred to a particular drug problem that exists in his immediate neighborhood, and Sgt. Olivarez, who seemed familiar with the problem, explained that they are working with him to eliminate this problem in the particular house in his block. A lady in the audience then stated that something needed to be done about the use of guns in their neighborhood, indicating that bullets had been shot into her home. Sgt. Olivarez stated that they do not encourage the use of guns in the NOW program for that reason, because too many people are not familiar with gun safety and the use of them and frequently innocent people can be injured when guns are used. Council Member Guerrero suggested that they complete the discussion on the NOW program. He stated that one problem in this neighborhood is the cost of the signs that are installed at the intersections, indicating that the $77 charge is too much for neighborhoods who have families in the lower incomes. A motion was then made by Council Member Guerrero that the City provide signs free of charge in neighborhoods consisting of low income families that qualify as poverty areas. The motion was seconded by Council Member Mendez. Council Member Mendez stated that he thought the motion was a good one, but the question the lady inquired about bullets going into her house would not be resolved by the installation of signs. He expressed the opinion that community members are going to have to get together, become involved and report any criminal activities in the neighborhood. Mayor Jones called for the vote on the motion to provide neighborhood watch signs free of charge in poverty areas and the motion passed unanimously. inutes .,pecial Council Meeting June 25, 1984 Page 6 • A gentleman in the audience felt that the City Council should go a little further. He stated that he was concerned because people who commit crimes are allowed to get out on bail and continue their criminal activities. He stated that he objected to this leniency by the courts. Mayor Jones stated that he felt Sgt. Olivarez had given them good advice about guns, etc. He explained that the City Council is not here to try to revise the court system, even though this may need to be done. He explained that the City Council does not have any control over the courts. Council Member Mendez interjected that at one of the meetings in this area, District Attorney Grant Jones had spoken. He agreed that the City Council cannot do anything to change the judicial system, but District Attorney Jones agreed that the court system is no prosecuting the criminals as they should. Another lady in the audience referred to a law that prohibited loud noises or disturbances after 10:00 p.m. and inquired why this longer. Sgt. Olivarez assured her that this suggested the people report such activities ask them to stop. The lady suggested that the fine be very quiet while the police are there, but increased. was not in effect any ordinance still is in effect and and the police will go out there and increased because the crowd becomes as soon as they leave Mayor Jones stated that the fine of $200 is set by state law. the noise is Sgt. Olivarez suggested that the person reporting the incident should give their name and tell them how many times the police have been called and how many times the disturbance continues after the police leave. Mr. Rudy Tamez, Assistant City Attorney and Chief Prosecutor of Municipal Court, addressed the audience and explained that a complaint must be filed. He stated that following that, a letter be sent referring to the City Ordinance and if no response is received, a citizen can file a criminal complaint. He assured them that following this, the case will be prosecuted. He explained that they needed to identify the day that the disturbance occurs and that the complaint be signed by several neighbors so that they can be witnesses in court cases. Sgt. Olivarez completed his presentation by urging that people sign up tonight for the NOW Program. Reverend Lawrence E. White expressed appreciation to the City Council for coming to the neighborhood and showing an interest. He expressed the opinion that if the neighborhood shows pride in their surroundings, the whole area will be improved. He noted that there are many bars in this neighborhood and Council Member Guerrero had mentioned changing a City Ordinance on zoning to eliminate the bars. He stated that they also have a large drug problem in the neighborhood as well. He referred to the lady who mentioned bullets going through her house and verified that this was true and stated that this was a nutes .,pecial Council Meeting June 25, 1984 Page 7 very real concern. He also related an incident about a 15 year old boy who is an alcoholic and at the time he questioned him as to his source of alcohol, the boy stated that he purchases the alcohol from the local grocery store. He stated that they need the City Council to help them eliminate such illegal practices. Mr. Noe Jiminez agreed that there are many problems in the neighborhood and then congratulated the City Council on the fine job that they are performing. Mr. Gilbert Cavazos mentioned Baldwin Boulevard and suggested that four lanes be established instead of five lanes, because in his opinion the street is too narrow for those five lanes. He pointed out that there are many businesses located on that street and customers parking on that street makes it almost a one lane street. Mr. Cavazos referred to another problem and expressed the opinion that two days of watering plants in conjunction with garbage pickup days might be a good way to establish the days that watering would be allowed. He stated that he felt this would make the law easier to enforce. Mr. Cavazos also registered a complaint that mattresses are placed at the curb, but they are not picked up. He suggested that if they are not going to be picked up, that the practice be discontinued. A Mrs. Flores, who lives on Vera Cruz, stated that their problem is that there is so much substandard housing, and the building code is not being enforced. She mentioned a very run-down house next door to her and mentioned that as conditions become worse, the number of rats and roaches are increased in. their neighborhood. She asked Council Member Mendez to come by and check this particular house. She also stated that there are many cars parked in yards and driveways that are inoperable. Mr. Elizondo explained that there are a number of things that the City can do, but there are some things they cannot do. He explained that in order to declare a house substandard, they have to determine if the construction is safe or not. He explained that the fact that the laock of screens on houses is really not something that Neighborhood Improvement can do anything about. He informed the Council that the neighborhood she was discussing is in Tract 16, and although his staff does whatever they can, he would like to have specific addresses so that investigations can be made, particularly about the junked cars. Council Member Berlanga informed the members of the audience that his telephone number is 883-5969 and he will be glad to assist them with any of their problems. Council Member Mendez expressed appreciation to all of the people who attended the meeting. He stated that he felt the meeting accomplished a great deal because it gives the community a sense of belonging. He also expressed appreciation that the entire Council attended the meeting. Council Member Mendez then referred to the numerous bars in the neighborhood and explained that other neighborhoods are joining together to protest the issuance of liquor licenses for such establishments in their neighborhood. He offered to work with all of the people to eliminate some of the bars. _nutes ,,pecial Council Meeting June 25, 1984 Page 8 There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Mendez, seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m., June 25, 1984.