Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/31/1984 - SpecialMINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING JULY 31, 1984 9:00 A.M. Present: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner Council Members: David Berlanga, Sr. Welder Brown Leo Guerrero Joe McComb Frank Mendez *Mary Pat Slavik Absent: Dr. Charles W. Kennedy, Jr. City Manager Edward A. Martin City Attorney J. Bruce Aycock City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall. City Secretary Bill G. Read called the roll of required Charter Officers and stated that the necessary quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting. Mayor Jones stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Water Conservation Plan and that this issue requires the best efforts of the staff, citizens, and the City Council. He inquired of City Manager Martin as to the status of the water situation. City Manager Martin stated that the basic water supply of approximately 120,000 acre feet is contained in Lake Corpus Christi; there is a very small amount remaining in Choke Canyon; and there is approximately one year's supply of water left. He stated that the last week was very productive in that the weather has been overcast, which results in less evaporation; the wells in Campbellton have been shut down and maintenance work on the wells is being performed. The wells will be reopened after the high evaporation period has passed. He informed the Council that consideration is being given to opening additional wells in the Kingsville area and possible studies of wells in the Sinton area. He stated that 12 million gallons per day could be realized from all of the wells. He stated that discussions have been held with the Bureau of Reclamation about the possibility of importing water from Lake Texana to Corpus Christi, stating that this would require building a pipeline at a cost of $123 million. A less expensive alternative would be to find a high pressure gas line that could serve the area, which could have 550 lbs. per square inch, resulting in 10 million gallons per day. MICROFILMED es s_ _ial Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 2 *Council Member Mary Pat Slavik arrived at the meeting at 9:10 a.m. He stated that the Council needs to amend the ordinance regarding water conservation and actually begin mandatory limits. He stated that the City has been very successful in the current stage. He informed the Council that the industrial customers have made significant improvements and the City is trying to work with them on a one to one basis; some of the industrial customers are looking at the possibility of digging wells; and whether it rains or not the City needs to develop systems that will prevent water shortages. He stated that the City's water system is dependent on shallow lakes and those lakes depend on major rains. Mayor Jones inquired about the contract the City of Corpus Christi has with the South Texas Water Authority and City Manager Martin explained that in 1980 the City entered into a contract with the Authority which encompasses portions of Nueces and Kleberg County; the contract provides that the City would supply approximately 10 million gallons per day after the completion of the O.N. Stevens Plant, but not more than 3 million gallons per day before completion of the Plant. He further stated that the possibility of reversing the water line and bringing back water from the wells in Kingsville is being considered and this would result in an additional 5 million gallons per day. Mayor Pro Tem Betty Turner inquired as to how much rain the City actually needs and Mr. Martin stated that that would depend on how heavy the rains falls and when it falls. He stated that a 6 to 8 inch rain that would fall in the watershed quickly would be sufficient, emphasizing that the key is the amount of runoff. He further explained that the rain would be absorbed quickly into the ground; therefore a heavy, quick rain is needed. Mr. Doug Matthews, Director of Public Utilities, stated that one rainfall can increase the lake four to five feet. He stated that a 6 to 8 inch rain over the whole watershed would be sufficient and that in September of 1983 one rain added to the stored water volume in Lake Corpus Christi. Council Member Leo Guerrero inquired about water wells in the Flour Bluff area and Mr. Matthews responded that those wells are satisfactory for one family residences, but a water supply could not be developed from those wells. Council Member Mary Pat Slavik asked how many gallons of water were in the lake and Mr. Matthews stated that there are 325,000 gallons in a acre foot and the lake has approximately 120,000 acre feet at present. Mayor Jones stated that the City has a one year supply of water remaining if it does not rain within that time. Mayor Pro Tem Turner asked what the present consumption for the City was and Mr. Matthews stated that the total lake withdrawal is about 95 million gallons per day. City Manager Martin pointed out that if the City could use the wells, they would bring in 12 million gallons per day and if the pipeline is used, that :es Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 3 would bring in 10 million gallons per day, to four months to the one year period. Mayor Jones referred to desalinization be defined clearly. He inquired as to the period involved. which could add an additional three and stated that alternatives need to cost of desalinization and the time City Manager Martin stated that that would depend on the condition and the quantity of the water that could be brought in. He informed the Council that in Virginia Beach the cost for desalinization was $400 million and studies by Dupont reflected the same figures. He stated that desalinization would be a long-term, backup alternative; that engineering studies would have to be performed; and that in some areas the desaliniated water is of the same quality that is coming from the City's wells. Council Member Brown asked if the City would be required to implement another stage of the conservation plan if it does not rain, and City Manager Martin stated that if limits are placed on the consumption, another stage could possibly be implemented if it does not rain. Council Member Brown inquired about the pipeline from Lake Texana and City Manager Martin stated that such a pipeline would take years to complete and would cost approximately $20 million. Council Member Slavik inquired if there was going to be any further studies on the treatment of wastewater and Mr. Matthews stated that the City is trying to find industrial or other use so that it could be used in its current state. Council Member Mendez inquired if the City had been in contact with the governing body regarding Lake Texana and City Manager Martin stated that discussions had been held with the Bureau of Reclamation, and indicated that the amount of water to be received would be dependent on the capacity of the pipe- lines; Lake Texana has an ample supply of water, but this could not be a permanent arrangement. Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that the staff has done a good job and it is important that the Council move forward. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the Corpus Christi City Council immediately create a Water Advisory Commission responsible for aggressively studying all possible alternate sources of water, and their respective costs. The Commission should be non-political, and consist of qualified technical persons from industry and the business community. Following their study, the Commission shall report back to the City Council on the method(s) or system(s) they recommend for securing additional usable water, as well as on suggested financing procedures. The City Council shall review the recommendations with staff and take whatever action is feasible and necessary to insure this community of sufficient water for the future. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero. Council Member Guerrero reiterated that the commission not be political. .es ...dal Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 4 Council Member Berlanga stated that this commission should be composed of people from the industrial sector. Council Member Slavik inquired as to how often this commission would report to the Council and Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that reports should be made each month or twice per month. City Manager Martin stated that this is a good idea and appointments to the Water Advisory Commission would be on the agenda next week. Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that in Austin there had been talk regarding a chemical cover to avoid evaporation and indicated that this would be a long term solution. Mayor Jones called for the vote on Mrs. Turner's motion and it passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for consideration of the ordinances and stated that there were two separate ordinances. The first, to amend the code, and the second, to authorize mandatory limits. He asked that City Manager Martin explain the staff's recommendations. City Manager Martin stated that the first item is the code pertaining to water conservation. recommendations, definitions and adds conditions 1 and conditions could become effective as necessary. He enabling ordinance. the ordinance that amends It contains, changes, 2, so any portion of the stated that this is the Mayor Jones referred to paragraph nine of the proposed ordinance, regarding swimming pools and inquired if this would prevent refilling of the pools and if the water could be reused. City Manager Martin stated that the pools could not be refilled and stated that the different conditions of the ordinance would be done in stages. Mayor Jones inquired if the first ordinance was a plan implementation and City Manager Martin stated that the first apply year after year, and the second ordinance implements sections 2, 3, and 4. of action, not ordinance could Condition III, Mayor Jones then read the Declaration of Policy of the proposed first ordinance and then called for comments from the audience on the first ordinance. Mr. A. D. Lynn, 5021 Merganser, Pacesetter Pools, stated that swimming pools represent a source of good, useable water; i.e., fire protection and drinking water. He stated that he hoped the Council would allow citizens to use their allotments however they wanted. Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired if apartments would be categorized as commercial dwellings and City Manager Martin stated that the first ordinance does not designate who is commercial and who is residential. She then inquired :es SF—dal Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 5 if health facilities would be a separate category. Mr. Martin stated that if that was going to be a permanent category, it needed to be in the first ordinance and if any changes are made, the ordinance would have to be amended. Mrs. Turner inquired if the allocation would have restricted uses and Mr. Martin stated in the affirmative. Council Member Brown inquired if hospitals would have an aPlocated amount and Mr. Martin stated that they too would have an allotted amount and could be penalized if they exceed that allotment. Council Member Brown stated that hospitals should not be penalized if they have taken measures to conserve. Mayor Jones stated that Memorial Hospital has already cut back on their consumption and Council Member Brown reiterated that hospitals should not be penalized. Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired about larger families and Mr. Martin stated that that is addressed in the second ordinance; that any exceptions would have to be heard by the Water Allocation Committee; that if certain facilities are given a larger amount, it would be impossible to determine if they had taken all possible measures to conserve. Council Member Slavik inquired if the Building Code reflected water conservation and City Manager Martin stated that the Council had adopted amendments to the Plumbing Code to incorporate water conservation on July 10, 1984. Mrs. Slavik then inquired if this applied to construction in progress and Mr. Martin stated that it did not. Council Member Berlanga inquired if previous usage would be considered for commercial laundries and Mr. Martin stated that this is addressed in the second ordinance; it is designated as 75% of the average previous usage; and each customer will get a card stating what they will be allocated. Mayor Jones called for comments on the first ordinance. Mr. Craig Smally, 5728 Leopard, Envirocare, stated the he felt lawn watering should not be totally eliminated; small companies cannot afford to handle effluent; and he urged that citizens be allowed to use their allocation in whatever fashion they wanted. City Manager Martin stated that the allocation is without penalty; if citizens are allowed to use water and the only penalty is money, those who can afford it will do what they want. He further stated that the City is hoping not to collect any money, emphasizing that this is not an economic issue and certain uses need to be prohibited. Council Member Guerrero referred to increasing the pumps at the wastewater plants. He referred to his memo dated July 30, 1984 outlining the steps and cost to increase the number of pumps at the wastewater plants. tes iial Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 6 A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the pumps, as outlined in his memo, be installed and the staff report to the Council on this. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner. City Manager Martin stated that the staff would report to the Council in two weeks on the wastewater pumps. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Ken Freedly, 4221 Center, stated that watering lawns was wasteful; he quoted his water consumption since December; stated that apartments are using 18,000 gallons of water; and meters could be installed in apartments. Council Member Slavik inquired as to the cost of water meters and Mr. Matthews stated they would be approximately $20 each. City Manager Martin stated that apartments present a unique problem and installation of meters would be a matter between the landlord and the tenant. Mr. Willard Hammonds, 4418 Ocean Drive, stated that apartments should not be placed in the commercial classification, but in a classification of their own. Mr. Martin stated that the first ordinance states that the Council will set a limit for industrial, commercial, and residential and Mr. Hammonds reiterated that apartments need a separate classification. Mrs. Turner agreed with Mr. Hammonds' statements. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that Section 4, Part C, subsections 2 and 3 be eliminated and replaced with the wording, "A mandatory limit of normal water use by customers without use penalty, in amounts as determined by the City Council." The motion was seconded by Mary Pat Slavik and passed unanimously. City Secretary Read called for the vote on the ordinance, as amended, and it passed as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 18383 AMENDING CHAPTER 55, ARTICLE XII, ENTITLED WATER CONSERVATION, SECTIONS 55-150:153 (INCLUSIVE), CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, McComb and Slavik "aye"; Guerrero and Kennedy absent at the time the vote was taken. * * * * * * * * * * .es br _ial Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 7 Mayor Jones asked City Manager Martin to explain the second ordinance. Mr. Martin stated that the intent of this ordinance is to limit the amount of water a customer may use and if more than that amount is used, the customer would pay a penalty; residential customers would be limited to 6,000 gallons without penalty; the goal is to restrict water usage; and if a customer choses to pay a penalty, there would be point at which the water meter would be removed. He further stated that commercial and industrial customers will be restricted to 75% of their consumption for the same month last year; the penalty for those who use over 20,000 gallons would be that of a residential customer; 5% over that amount would cost one times the normal rate; 5% over that amount would cost three times more; and any amount over that would cost ten times more. Mr. Martin stated that the reason for the 6,000 gallon limit for residential customers is that this figure is one that a majority of people can live with and apartments would be included in the commercial category; i.e., 75% of last year's consumption for the same month. Mayor Jones inquired as to what other cities have done with the same problem and City Manager Martin stated that an analysis was done in Virginia Beach with the only difference being the amount allocated was by family size. He pointed out that it takes a prohibitive type of penalty to encourage people to stop using water and stated that in California use was restricted to 40 to 50 gallons per day per person and 6,000 gallons per month equals to those figures. Mayor Jones referred to Council Member McComb's memorandum outlining an allocation plan based on the number of persons in a family. Council Member McComb stated that his allocation plan would include apartments as residences. He stated that the allocations would be as follows: 1-2 persons, 6,000 gallons; 3-4 persons, 7,000 gallons; 5-6 persons, 8,000 gallons; 7-+ persons 9,000 gallons. He stated that a direct mailing to all customers would be made, requesting information on how many people live at that residence; the card would have a place to sign for verification, and in the event of false information, a fine of $10.00 per day from date of signature until false statement is discovered would be imposed. He stated that he felt most citizens would give an honest response, although randoms checks would be made. Mayor Jones inquired if this would be technically feasible and Mr. Martin stated that it would. Council Member Guerrero suggested that the Council go further and double the surcharge for usage over 10,000 gallons, stating that anything over 10,000 was definitely an abuse for those who have been allocated that amount. Council Member Mendez stated that this would bring usage to 547,945,00 gallons per month and inquired how this would affect the goals the City is trying to accomplish. Mr. Martin stated that this would be an additional 87 million gallons per month. :es _jai. Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 8 Council Member Mendez stated that there are numerous families with more than seven members and he felt that these families were being asked to sacrifice more than others. He suggested that families of 8 or more be allowed 10,000 gallons with no surcharge. Council Member Guerrero suggested that families of 7-8 be allowed 10,000 gallons; 9-10, 12,000 gallons; 11-12, 14,000 gallons. Council Member Mendez stated that this would make the matter equal, because in some instances larger families were being asked to cut back up to 50%. Council Member Brown indicated his concurrence with this idea. Council Member Berlanga agreed with Mr. Mendez' and Mr. Guerrero's statements. Mayor Pro Tem Turner agreed that allotment and surcharge should be based on family size and stated that the staff had done a report which shows how to limit a household to 6,000 gallons. Council Member Slavik stated that in California a city had been limited to 32 gallons per day per person and this City would be allocating 40 gallons per day per person. Mayor Jones asked what would be the time frame for implementation if this was brought to the Council next week with amendments on the size of the family and the surcharge. City Manager Martin stated that the staff has prepared four or five alternatives; in terms of the time issue, the ordinance would be effective after August 15, with meters being read the second time after August 15; the surcharge would not be on the bills until after September 15; and it needed to be adopted to be able to be online by September 15; if passage of the ordinance is delayed one week, the effective date would be August 22, 1984. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience on the second ordinance, stating that each person would be limited to three minutes. Mayor Pro Tem Turner urged that the Council be provided with solutions, not just problems. Mrs. Strickland, 4531 Kostoryz, stated that she owns a laundromat and feels that her type of business should not be restricted on the amount of water it can use. Mr. Bob Gulley, 4044 Magee Lane, urged that mobile homes be placed in a residential category. Mrs. Betty Brandesky, 4017 Cork, stated that she has put forth an effort to conserve water and she felt that 6,000 gallons per month was too much. Mr. Leroy McClintock, 780 Collingswood, stated that he owns Texas Uniform Rentals and his business has already reduced consumption by 50%. He stated that :es sr _,:ial Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 9 washaterias should be allocated 100% of their consumption because they will have an increase of residential customers who are trying to save their allocation. Mr. Lee Brandon, 3025 Quail Spring, stated that Dr. C.M.G. Buttery had stated at the Water Allocation and Review Committee meeting that the City needs to conserve water, but that laundry facilities support the public and serve a health need, and indicated that all city projects; i.e., landmass, new hotels, should be detained until the water crisis is over. Mrs. Henrietta Newbury, 606 Chase, stated that she has problems with her meter being read incorrectly or not read at all, and felt that if there was going to be a limit and a surcharge, the meters should be read correctly. Mr. A.C. Skinner, 309 Laurel, stated that hospitals, nursing homes, laundries and self-service laundries are all essential services and indicated that these services should not have water allocation, stating that their services would be in higher demand. Mr. Dave Torres, Qwik Wash Laundry, stated that he is in a "Catch 22" situation; he is being asked to cut back 75%, but at the same time his business will increase. Mrs. Johnnie Huminston of Lynn Haven Resthome stated that they have conserved water where they could; this facility is dealing with the sick and those not mentally alert; they have 98% occupancy year-round; and asked the Council to consider health facilities. Mr. Willard Hammonds spoke again and stated that the ordinance should provide a "sunset clause". He stated that landlords have very little control over how much water the tenants use and expressed the opinion that apartments should be allotted the residential amount of water. Council Member McComb stated that the staff would need the population breakdown of the apartments and Mr. Hammonds indicated that this could be made available if so requested. Mr. Jim Preis, 5930 Killarney, stated that he owns apartments in Corpus Christi; the best they can hope for is that the tenants will conserve water; and he stated that apartments should be classified as residential. Council Member Berlanga inquired about installing separate meters for apartments and Mr. Preis stated that this would represent a large amount of money and that it would not be feasible. Mr. Gene Ritter, 4110 Nicklaus, owner of Ritter Laundry, stated that it would be impossible for him to cut back 25% and still serve the public. Council Member Mendez stated that he felt citizens would still wash their clothes at home if they have the facilities; therefore, there would not be an influx of people at the laundries. .es Sr _,;ial Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 10 Mayor Jones stated that a policy needs to be adopted and feels that certain industries cannot be exempt. Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired if Dr. Buttery had supported this request. Mr. Martin stated that the Water Allocation and Review Committee was voting and recommending something that did not even exist; that hardships only exist when everything possible has been done to reduce; and stated that businesses will need to make some decisions. Council Member McComb stated that Red Carpet Carwash had made the decision to close on Sundays; they were willing to make that contribution towards water conservation; and the bottom line is how will businesses operate when there is no water at all. Mr. John Lehman, 3910 Lowman, stated that the Building Owners and Managers Association had met; there are different ways in which to conserve and one way is with a cooling tower for airconditioning; they have reduced consumption 25%; and stated the the Association supports the Council's efforts. Mr. John Campbell, 445 Sharon, stated that he is an apartment owner and urged that apartments be considered residential. Mr. Jim Powers, 4801 River View Trail, stated that he sympathizes with larger families and supports allocation by family size, but he does not agree with the surcharge. Mr. Farrell Smith, former Mayor, stated that he sympathized with the Council for the type of decision they have to make and felt that all users should be allocated 75% of last year's consumption. Council Member McComb stated that this is a program of conservation and that before any meter is disconnected there should be a hearing. Mayor Jones asked if the City Manager would make the decision to remove a meter and Mr. Martin replied in the affirmative. Mayor Jones stated that the ordinance should be based on family size and inquired of Mr. Martin about the time frame. A motion was made by Council Member McComb that the ordinance on mandatory limits be amended to adopt a residential allocation plan by family size based on the number of persons living in unit at the time of implementation. The motion was seconded by Council Member Frank Mendez. Council Member Berlanga inquired about the water supply if this recommendation is approved and Mayor Jones stated that this would increase consumption by 2.8 million gallons per day. Council Member McComb stated that his figures are based on Quintana Refinery remaining shut down and DuPont reducing consumption by 35%. ;es Sr_.:ial Council Meeting July 31, 1984 Page 11 Mayor Jones stated that the Council should adopt acceptance of an allocation formula based on family size and Council Member Mendez stated that the percentage of the surcharge should be the same for each allowable usage classification. Council Member Guerrero reminded the Council that any fines collected would be placed in a fund for water studies; the Council formed a committee; anything over 9,000 gallons is an abuse and should be fined. Council Member Brown stated that the major point is that larger families should be allocated a larger amount. Mayor Pro Tem Turner agreed with Council Member Mendez in that an incremental surcharge should be formulated. Council Member Berlanga inquired if the City could provide separate meters for residents that have two homes on one lot and Mr. Martin stated that this could be done for a charge. The motion made by Council Member McComb and seconded by Council Member Mendez to adopt the concept for an allocation formula based on family size passed unanimously. City Manager Martin stated that he would report to the Council with four different formulations for their review and an amended ordinance. He stated further that the mailout of the cards would get underway. Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired about the "sunset" provision and City Manager Martin stated that this would be included in the amended ordinance. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner and seconded by Council Member Guerrero to adjourn. City Manager Martin suggested that the Council devote the workshop meeting of August 7, 1984 to water conservation and the Council agreed. The motion to adjourn passed unanimously at 12:36 p.m., July 31, 1984. /tb