HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/25/1984I, LUTHER JONES, Mayor of the City
of Corpus Christi, Texas
certify that the foregoing minutes, same
being for the period of
September 4, 1984
thru
September 25, 1984,
inclusive and having been previously approved by Council action,
are by me hereby approved as itemized.
September 04, 1984 - Regular Council Meeting
September 11, 1984 - Regular Council Meeting
September 18, 1984 - Special Council Meeting
September 25, 1984 - Regular Council Meeting
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 25, 1984
2:00 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 in the Council Chamber of
City Hall.
The invocation was given by Council Member welder Brown in the absence of
the invited minister, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of
the United States was led by Council Member Leo Guerrero.
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 called for consideration of the minutes of the previous
meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Mendez that the minutes of the Regular
Council Meeting of September 18, 1984 be approved as presented; seconded by
Council Member David Berlanga; and passed unanimously.
Mayor Jones introduced Mrs. Tiney Browning, former Mayor and Council Member
of Aransas Pass, Texas, who was present in the audience and accompanied by her
daughter who is a student at Del Mar College and was attending the meeting in
connection with her government class.
Mayor Jones announced a presentation in recognition of Mr. Juan Orta for
his valor and courage in saving the life of Robert Salcedo, Jr. from a burning
house on September 17, 1984.
Mayor Jones stated that Council Member Guerrero was instrumental in having
this award made to Mr. Orta. Mayor Jones briefly explained the act of valor
performed by Mr. Orta in saving the life of Robert Salcedo from a burning
building and his courage in attempting the rescue of another child, from the
same house, regardless of the danger to himself. He then presented a plaque
MICPnFILMEr
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Page 2
expressing appreciation to Mr. Orta for his valor.
Mr. Orta responded by expressing appreciation to the City Council and
everyone else who has supported him for his actions.
Mayor Jones recognized Dr. Hector Garcia and other members of the G. I.
Forum who were present in the audience.
Mayor Jones then administered the oath to Mrs. Eleanor Goldston, a new
appointee to the Water Allocation and Review Committee.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones announced a presentation by the Ad Hoc Water Advisory
Commission and expressed appreciation to the Commission for the time they are
expending to assist the City in the water shortage.
Mr. Hayden Head, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Water Advisory Commission,
addressed the Council and stated that he wanted to bring them up to date on the
recommendations made by that Commission. 1. A contract was let for the study
of desalinization and the consultant will have the report completed by October
29, 1984. 2. A contract has been entered into by the City Manager on behalf of
the City of Corpus Christi with the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority which
entitles the City of Corpus Christi to purchase 15 million gallons of water a
day. This is a short term measure and an application has been submitted to the
State for this purchase. Transportation of the water is somewhat of a problem,
but the City staff is studying the possibility of using existing pipelines and
negotiations will begin on that aspect as soon as possible for the use of them.
3. The River Authority is preparing an application for a permanent permit for
water from Lake Texana but the Commission feels that the application for
temporary sale should be completed immediately and that measures be taken for a
permanent purchase of water from that source. 4. One week ago a contract was
entered into with Chemron Corporation to prepare a report on the feasibility of
the use of a biodegradable chemical to be applied to the surface of Lake Corpus
Christi to halt evaporation of water in the lake. This will be a pioneer
effort. 5. The City has entered into a contract with the Edwards Underground
Water Authority in connection with cloud seeding, even though this is not an
untested process, the Commission cannot say that they have a lot of hope for
success, but their intention is to try everything. 6. The Commission feels
that wells offer the best possibility for relief until it rains and they are of
the opinion that enough wells could be dug to provide long-term relief from
water shortages.
He stated that they hoped to have 15 to 20 million gallons in the Lake from
wells within 60 to 90 days and these will be primarily from the Campbellton
Wells and other wells will be dug on the City property at Lake Corpus Christi.
Contractual negotiations are being considered for purchase of water from
existing wells owned by private owners; one contract has been signed; this has
proven to be successful; and there is water available from wells in other
places. There is the possibility of drilling enough wells to get the City off
the short -fall of available water and the City would own those wells in the
future if they are ever needed again. Mr. Head summarized by stating that they
feel that this is a temporary shortage of water and Corpus Christi will survive.
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He then introduced the other members of the Commission who were present in the
audience, Judge Allen Wood and Mr. Charles Jacobs.
Mayor Jones inquired about the distance the water has to travel from the
Campbellton Wells, and Judge Wood replied 28 to 30 miles down the Atascosa
River.
Council Member McComb referred to the report due on October 29 on
desalinization and inquired if that was well water or water from another source,
and Mr. Head replied that it is well water, sea water, and effluent.
Council Member Mendez noted that the study will include the treatment of
effluent and since industries are the primary users of water, he inquired if the
plants could use the effluent water for their cooling towers and suggested that
the Commission work with the industry leaders in this connection.
Mr. Head stated that he has discussed this with the Board of Trade and he
is of the opinion that the industries will be very cooperative.
Mayor Jones stated that he has an interview scheduled with a reporter from
Philadelphia and he would like this information to let everyone in the United
States know that the City is taking measures to relieve the shortage of water.
Mr. Head questioned the reason Corpus Christi has been pointed out as a
City that has no water and never has had enough water because this is not true
and there are many other cities in the United States that have water shortages.
He stated that he would be glad to talk to any reporter to show that the
situation in Corpus Christi has been greatly exaggerated.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones announced the bid opening on the following
1. Maintenance Services Building - This project provides
transporting and reerecting of a 4,000 square foot
building to be erected at the City Service Center.
engineering project:
for the dismantling,
pre-engineered steel
Assistant City Manager James K. Lontos stated that this project has been
divided into two basic bids, one for building erection and the other for general
construction which includes a base bid and alternate number one which provides
for the finishing of the interior of the building. Mr. Lontos then opened bids
from the following firms: A-1 General Contractors, who submitted bids on both
phases; Black Brothers Construction Co., bids on both phases; Dickson Builders,
Inc., who submitted a bid on the building erection only; Hunt Construction Co.,
both portions; J. D. Construction Co., both portions; Dale Pittman, Construction
Assistance Service, who submitted bids on the general construction only; Zeller
Electric Company, Inc., who submitted bids on both portions; and Mendez Construc-
tion Company, who submitted bids on both portions.
He stated that all of the bidders had submitted the required bid security
bond and that Mendez Construction Company had submitted two bid security checks,
which is totally acceptable.
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Mr. Lontos informed the Council that the Mendez Construction Company
proposal was improperly completed because they did not enter in their unit
prices in words but they have put the total amount of the items, but they have
not shown the price where the figure should go. He stated that at the bottom of
the City's proposal form, there is a statement that all lines should be filled
in and the statement also indicates that the price in words governs in case of
discrepancies.
Mr. Lontos reiterated that the City decided to divide the entire project
into two contracts so that the work could be performed by two different
companies.
Council Member Slavik pointed out the discrepancy between the engineer's
estimate and the actual bid prices.
Mr. Lontos stated that he realized there is some difference but he did not
know why yet. He explained that this is something that the City staff attempts
to identify if unit prices are included in proposals. He explained that there
are basically three items in the contract and if a company bids low on one and
high on another, contracts will be awarded to two different companies.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner questioned the method of awarding the contract, and
Mr. Lontos explained that they can award two different contracts and the
alternate will be awarded to the contractor who receives the award on the
general construction according to the base bid.
City Manager Martin stated that alternate no. 1 is an unbudgeted item that
was included in this project if the bids were low enough and funds were
available. He stated that at this point, it is not known if there is enough to
award the alternate.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that she did not want the Council to have to
encounter a problem with a contractor appearing before them to say that they
were low on the base or on the alternate, and Mr. Martin assured her that the
contract will be awarded to the contractor who is low on the base and the
alternate added together if funds are available for this.
Mr. Lontos stated that the specifications indicate that two contracts will
be awarded -- one for building erection and one on the general construction.
Council Member McComb expressed the opinion that the instructions were not
very clear because the alternate is new material and the reason that the
alternate is so expensive is because the building is just to be moved; whereas
the alternate includes new items of construction.
Mr. Lontos explained that the base bid includes site work only, not the
building improvements.
Council Member Mendez stated that he also questioned the method on this
contract, noting that the general construction is site work; the contract could
be awarded to the low bidder on the base bid; and if funds are not available for
the alternate, it would not be included. He gave as an example Hunt
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Construction Co. which bid $11,392.00 on the base bid but their alternate is
$24,439.00 for a total of $35,831.00. He noted that the alternate was much
greater than the base bid submitted by this contractor and implied that this
might not be fair for someone to bid a small amount on the base bid and a much
larger amount for the alternate which probably will be awarded to the contractor
who is low on the base bid.
City Manager Martin reiterated that the bid is set up for two separate
contracts only, not three.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner reiterated that she felt that there was some confusion
on this bid.
City Manager Martin explained that this is not an unusual procedure; the
City does do this on most of their contracts in that they include alternates in
the event there is enough money available.
Council Member Mendez concurred, stating that it would not be feasible for
the contract to be awarded to the company who submitted a base bid of $11,392
and then award the alternate to the bidder who bid $12,000.
City Manager Martin agreed, stating that the contract was to be awarded in
two parts, one for building erection and one for general construction.
Mayor Jones expressed appreciation to the bidders 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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for Action of the Council from the Workshop Session on
the following item:
1. Accepting the recommendation submitted by the Municipal Arts Commission on
the City Hall design.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the foregoing item be
approved, seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Council Member Guerrero stated that he would like to consider a complaint
that he had received in regard to the installation of a traffic signal at the
intersection of Kostoryz and Sokol Drive. He stated that he had submitted this
to the City on April 26, 1984 and he understood that the signalization would be
implemented within the next 12 months. He explained that the residents in the
area have again brought this to his attention recently because of a near
disaster at that intersection. He stated that he had checked this with the
staff and was informed that the traffic signal would not be installed for an
additional eight months or more.
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A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the staff improve the
signalization program that has already been approved and that the traffic signal
light at the intersection of Sokol and Kostoryz be installed within the next 30
days. The motion was seconded by Council Member Berlanga.
Mayor Jones inquired as to whether or not this is on the agenda today, and
Council Member Guerrero stated that it is not on the agenda.
Mayor Jones suggested that this be considered at another time, and Council
Member Kennedy suggested that a staff report be made on this signal light.
A motion was made by Council Member McComb that this matter be tabled until
later in the meeting under item "o", the City Manager's Report, in order to
allow the staff time to prepare a report. Council Member Mendez seconded the
motion.
Council Member Guerrero stated that if the Council prefers to discuss this
under the item "0" category, he had no objection. The vote on the motion was
not taken, but the Council indicated their concurrence with the suggestion to
discuss it at that time.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for consideration of the consent motions
following items:
1.
Bids be received October 17, 1984, for eleven siren/lightbars to be
Police patrol cars. These units are included in the 1984-85 Budget.
Estimated expenditure is $11,000.
on the
used on
2. Approving a twelve months supply agreement, with option to extend for an
additional twelve months, at the same terms and conditions, subject to the
approval of the supplier and the City Manager,
and galvanized service fittings, for Gas
following companies:
Mars Utility
San Antonio, Tx
Brass Service Fittings
(Lot 1) Brass Curb & Angle
Meter Stops (Lots 3, 4)
$74,935.10
the
Ernie Bradley
Houston, Tx
Brass Curb Meter
Stop (Lot 2)
$19,409.00
or his designee, for brass
and Water Division to the
Corpus Christi Pipe & Supply
Corpus Christi, Texas
Galvanized & Black Service
Fittings (Lot 5)
$11,451.40
GRAND TOTAL: $105,795.50
Eight bid invitations were issued, five bids were received.
3. Approving a twelve month supply agreement, with option to extend for an
additional twelve months, at the same terms and conditions, subject to the
approval of the supplier and the City Manager, or his designee, for
uniforms for Police and Airport Security personnel to Irving's Uniforms,
based on low bid meeting specifications for an estimated total of
$50,036.20.
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4. Approval to renew the City's Comprehensive Self -Insurance Program for claim
management, excess insurance, brokers fees, data processing expense with
Arthur J. Gallagher & Company for the second year of a three-year program.
5. Approval of award of contract services for well drilling and testing.
City Manager Martin referred to item 5 and stated that the staff is asking
for authorization because the City may end up using all three bidders, because
the major object is not to have well diggers standing in line one at a time, but
to keep as many working as possible. He continued by stating that initially the
City will start with two of them but the staff will come back to the Council
from time to time to utilize these bids to award additional ones. He explained
that what the staff is really doing is accepting the bids and authorizing
contracts for well drilling services; the first contract will be offered to the
low bidder if he can accept it with the error he made; and then move up the line
to the second and third bidders if necessary. He noted that when you look at
the overall picture of all of the equipment, a decent well is going to cost
approximately $250,000 with all of the related appurtenances and initially, the
City will start within two weeks to bring rigs on the scene and drill two wells
at Lake Corpus Christi.
Council Member Berlanga referred to item 4 and inquired if that was for
liability insurance, and City Manager Martin explained that it is the entire
package of insurance liability, including fire and excessive property damage,
airport insurance, etc., but not health insurance. He explained that this is
the excess liability coverage that the City carries.
6. Authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a one-year
agreement with Nueces County providing for maintenance services on the
public beach at Padre Island; services include provisions for trash
receptacles, trash pickup, beach cleaning, and beach maintenance on a
year-round basis; and provisions during September 1, 1984 through September
15, 1984 and May 17, 1985 through August 31, 1985, inclusive, for
lifeguards, lifeguard stations, and portable restrooms. This agreement
shall be for an amount not to exceed $35,000.
7. Authorizing the transfer of $25,000 out of the 1984-85 Tourist and
Convention Development Fund (T&CDF) to the Permanent Art Trust Fund. There
is currently $50,000 available in the T&CDF for support of the Arts. The
Permanent Art Trust Fund provides a vehicle for providing public and
encouraging private funding for the acquisition of permanent works of art
to be located in public buildings and public places in the City.
8. Authorizing a contract with Karnes Electric Co -Operative, Inc. for
$50,126.43 for installation of power supply for pump equipment at the
Campbellton Wells. Funds have previously been approved by Ordinance No.
18462 dated September 11, 1984.
9. The Five Points Area Fire Station be accepted and final payment of $27,023
be made to Ewing Construction Co., Inc. The total cost of this 1982 bond
project is $265,787. The station has been staffed and has been operational
for approximately a month.
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10. The Retta Drive Sanitary Sewer Extension project be accepted providing for
the following actions.
The contractor be charged liquidated damages for 96 days at the rate
of $55 per day for a total of $5,280.
b. Remaining funds of $12,128.87 be authorized to the contractor, DeBer,
Inc.
Total cost of this work is $47,999.90, which provided for the installation
of approximately 1,400 linear feet of sanitary sewer in Retta Drive between
Montreal and Glenoak Drive.
Council Member Slavik stated that it is very unfortunate that the project
listed in item 10 was delayed for so long. She inquired if this contractor has
ever done any other work for the City, and Mr. Lontos explained that they did
perform one other project for the City which was surface work which involved
rebuilding dikes after a hurricane.
Mayor Jones referred to item 6 and questioned the amount of $35,000. He
inquired as to which portion of that is for the lifeguards and Mr. Utter stated
that he did not have those figures, but he would provide them. City Manager
Martin stated that this is only for two lifeguards and Mayor Jones requested
that the information on this be placed in the Council's folders Friday.
11. Approving plans and specifications for Minor Improvements to the Broadway
Wastewater Treatment Plant and authorizing the receipt of bids on October
16, 1984. These improvements include the replacement of the sludge suction
line in two clarifiers, the replacement of approximately 1000 feet of
perimeter security fence, and the installation of an effluent meter to meet
Department of Water Resources requirements.
12. Change Order No. 4 to the contract with Black Brothers Construction, Inc.
at the new City Warehouse be approved in the amount of $19,582 providing
for the paving of a 1,934 square yard outside storage area, electrical and
plumbing work for two water fountains, floor underlayment work, additional
window and air conditioning ducts in the office spaces, and 70 linear feet
of additional fence at the outside storage area.
13. Change Order No. 2 for $13,910.62 for General Aviation Site Improvements at
the Airport be approved. This change order provides for the extension of
the service road to Highway 44. The service road is being constructed
along the west side of the Airport property to serve future hangar lease
areas. The additional extension of approximately 200 feet and connection
to Highway 44 will help relieve traffic problems in front of the Terminal
Building and improve circulation along the west end of the Airport
property. Federal grant assistance for 90% of the cost of this additional
work is available.
14. The Middlecoff, Jackson, and Turtle Cove Parks Site Development project be
accepted and final payment of $26,356.37 be authorized to E. J. Netek
Construction Co. It is further recommended that the contractor be granted
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a 52 day time extension because of additional work added by change order
and delays in the delivery of various materials for the project. The total
cost of this 1982 Neighborhood Park Bond project, which is partially funded
by a matching grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is
$220,457.39.
15. Confirming the appointment of Mrs. James R. Dinn as the Lay Representative
to the South Texas Library System Organization Meeting and Advisory
Council, as recommended by the Chairman of the La Retama Library Board.
The term will be for three years.
16. Setting a public hearing for October 2, 1984 to consider Central Power and
Light Company's proposed amendment to its existing tariff schedule to
provide a new rate for high pressure sodium vapor street lighting of 5,800
lumen. This hearing will be held pursuant to the City's original
jurisdiction over electric rates. The tariff was requested by the City.
17. A public hearing be scheduled for October 9, 1984, on the closure request
of the south one half of Glenoak Drive from Roscher Road westerly to the
Cayo Del Oso and approximately 225 feet of the west half of Roscher Road
south of Glenoak Drive. The request is made concurrently with the platting
of Bishop Estates Unit 2 abutting these roadways and neither of the
roadways are improved.
Council Member Mendez referred to item 14 and inquired about the type of
improvements made in Jackson Park.
Mr. Utter explained that an irrigation system and landscaping were
installed and a module play unit was included in the improvements. He agreed
that there were more improvements in Turtle Cove and Middlecoff Parks.
Council Member Slavik referred to item 11 and inquired as to the date that
these improvements were to be completed and when they were started.
Mr. Lontos explained that the original contract should be completed within
one month; the first phase started in 1979 and the second phase in 1982; and it
is almost completed at this time.
Council Member Slavik inquired as to why the City did not have an effluent
meter installed at this plant before, and Mr. Lontos stated that they had never
had one there nor did they have them in other plants.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner referred to items 12 through 14, all of which involve
change orders. She stated that she is very discouraged with the proliferation
of change orders because the City goes out for competitive bids on projects and
some of the change orders that occur later are substantial items. She inquired
as to why these were not included in the original specifications.
Mr. Lontos explained that it is a question of funding on the original bid
and the City staff does not know how much money will be available.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner referred in particular to item 12 and inquired as to
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how airconditioning ducts could have been omitted from the specifications for
the office spaces.
Mr. Gerald Smith, P.E., City Engineer, explained that this was a mistake on
the Engineering Department's part, because they did specify an airconditioner
but the ducts were omitted from the specifications. He stated however, that 90%
of the cost in the change order was for the paving outside.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner suggested that if the City staff cannot do enough
preliminary planning to include everything in the original specifications, she
felt that addendums should be added to the original specifications rather than
so many change orders.
Mayor Jones departed the Council Chambers at 3:14 p.m. and requested Mayor
Pro Tem Turner to preside in his temporary absence.
Council Member Berlanga referred again to item 11 and inquired if any of
those items would increase the capacity of the Broadway Wastewater Treatment
Plant, and Mr. Lontos replied that they would not. He stated that the plant can
treat as much as 10 million gallons and the flow has been as much as 8 million
gallons, but the with the water shortage, it is much less than that now.
Council Member Mendez referred to the change order in item 13 and expressed
the opinion that this is such a large change order that it should have been
included in the original bid.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner called for comments from the audience on the consent
motions, items 1 through 17.
Mr. Michael Berry stated that he would like to request that item 10 be
removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately because he had
comments in regard to this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner agreed with this request and called for a motion to
approve the other items.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that Consent Motions, items 1
through 17, with the exception of item 10, be approved; seconded by Council
Member Mendez; and passed unanimously.
Mr. Michael Berry, President of DeBer, Inc., informed the Council that his
company was not notified until the day before that item 10 was on the agenda
today. He stated that they are not in agreement with this recommendation and he
would like to request that it be delayed for one week in order for them to
prepare a statement in regard to this.
A motion was made by Council Member Mendez that item 10 be tabled for one
week, seconded by Council Member McComb and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones returned to the Council Chambers and called for consideration
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of the Consent Ordinances, items 18 through 24.
Mayor Jones referred to ordinance 19, authorizing a contract for Triarch
Corporation for the Greenwood Senior Citizens Parking Lot Expansion, and asked
for further explanation of this recommendation.
City Manager Martin explained that this is a situation in which the bid was
incomplete; a sheet in the proposal was not included; the engineering staff did
not know what the unit prices were on four of the nine bid items; and even
though the total price was there, the City staff felt that the Ortiz proposal
should be disqualified.
Council Member Kennedy inquired if this is not the same company that had
trouble before, and City Manager Martin assured him that that was an entirely
different situation.
Council Member Slavik referred to the requirement for a bid bond and asked
if the City could not request a bid bond from the Triarch Corporation which was
the second low bidder.
City Manager Martin explained that the bid bond is just to assure that the
person will sign a contract, but once the contractor actually signs the
contract, the bid bond is of no consequence, therefore the City recommends bid
award to the Triarch Corporation.
Council Member Mendez referred to Ordinance 19, pertaining to the Greenwood
Senior Citizens Parking Lot Expansion, and stated that while he concurs with the
recommendation that the City staff has made, in the specifications for bids,
the Ortiz company has already made one mistake. He stated that he would like to
have a copy of the entire specifications for the bidding process so that he can
examine them to be sure that the instructions are clear. He stated that he felt
sure that they were, but evidently the Ortiz Company has a problem with the
instructions.
City Manager Martin explained that this proposal was just a case of a
simple omission of a page and when you look at the total of a project, you
cannot award it without the line items because the City has to know what the
unit prices will be.
Mayor Jones agreed that the City Council Members should have copies of the
bid specifications.
There were no comments from the audience on the ordinances; City Secretary
Read polled the Council for their votes; and the following ordinances were
passed:
18. ORDINANCE NO. 18480
ANNEXING A 3.18 ACRE TRACT OUT OF LOT 22, SECTION 5, FLOUR BLUFF AND ENCINAL
FARM AND GARDEN TRACTS, OWNED BY INTEREST DIVERSIFICATION GROUP, INC., AND
PLATTED AS POLO ESTATES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
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The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb,
Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
19. ORDINANCE NO. 18481
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH TRIARCH CORPORATION FOR THE
GREENWOOD SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER PARKING LOT EXPANSION PROJECT; APPROPRIATING
$27,500; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb,
Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
20. ORDINANCE NO. 18482
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
PARCEL 1 IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURDUE ROAD STREET IMPROVEMENTS, PHASE II
PROJECT; APPROPRIATING $6,250; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb,
Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
21. FIRST READING
CLOSING AND ABANDONING APPROXIMATELY 13 MILES OF UNOPENED, UNIMPROVED, DEDICATED
STREET RIGHTS-OF-WAY IN THE ARTEMUS ROBERTS SUBDIVISION IN THE ANNAVILLE PORTION
OF THE CITY.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second
reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero,
Kennedy, McComb, Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
22. SECOND READING
CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE 25 FOOT WIDE ROAD EASEMENT WITHIN LOT 7, BLOCK 1,
CARROLL PLACE UNIT 7; PROVIDING FOR THE REPLAT OF SAID PROPERTY.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third
reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero,
Kennedy, McComb, Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
23. SECOND READING
AMENDING CHAPTER 49 "STREETS AND SIDEWALKS" OF THE CITY CODE TO REQUIRE MONTHLY
GROSS RECEIPTS REPORTS AND STREET RENTALS OF 4%.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third
reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero,
Kennedy, McComb, Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
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<egular Council Meeting
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Page 13
24. SECOND READING
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH GLENN LANMON AND DR. JAMES LIVELY
FOR THE LEASE OF A PARCEL OF LAND AT THE CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
FOR A TWENTY YEAR PERIOD.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third
reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero,
Kennedy, McComb, Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
Mayor Jones called for consideration of Action by Motion from the Regular
Agenda on the following item:
25. Authorizing the payment of $25,000 as the City's share of consultant and
other related costs for the preparation of the proposal for the homeporting
of the Surface Action Battle Group.
Mayor Jones reviewed the events leading up to the meeting between several
entities and stated that the plans are to submit a proposal to have Corpus
Christi named as the homeporting of the Surface Action Battle Group. He
explained that it was necessary to hire consultants to assist with this proposal
which would mean so much to the City and the entire area in the future.
City Manager Martin stated that four entities are involved, the City; the
Port of Corpus Christi; Nueces County; and the Chamber of Commerce, and all of
them will contribute a similar amount. He stated that the City's payment will
be from the General Fund Reserve appropriation. Mr. Martin further stated that
the consultant who was employed has experience and the Council may be asked for
support and assistance.
Council Member Kennedy stated that this is probably one of the outstanding,
long-term, major economic possibilities for the entire City and area, but again,
this City has the disadvantage of their geographical location. He expressed the
opinion that the City does have a great many attributes such as ample housing
and the location of the Naval Air Station in this City that might be an
attraction for designation of homeporting for Corpus Christi. He stated that he
felt that the City should call on all of the elected state officials from this
area as well as the federal officials for their assistance.
Mayor Jones agreed, stating that he felt that this City has many attributes
and mentioned others such as an outstanding hospital at the Naval Air Station
that is only partially utilized.
Council Member Slavik inquired as to why the City did not approach the
Council of Governments for funding or some of the surrounding cities and
counties, since they will benefit as well.
City Manager Martin explained that COG does not have any money except that
which is given by cities in their area. He explained that the City did not want
to waste time trying to raise money because it is urgent that the application be
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September 25, 1984
Page 14
prepared and sent in since there is so much competition for designation of
homeporting. He stated that some of the cities that are also bidding for this
homeporting are Brownsville, Galveston/Houston, Beaumont, Pennsacola, Mobile/New
Orleans, and Pascadula, Mississippi.
There were no comments from the audience on this item.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that item 25 be approved,
seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for consideration of the ordinance from the Regular
Agenda, listed as number 26 and pertaining to the Wastewater Master Plan
Project.
City Manager Martin explained that this has been a long process; the
committee recommended this company and the details have been worked out now. He
stated that the contract has a number of elements and the first 90 days of the
project will deal with quick improvements to increase efficiency at the Oso
Plant and to address the odor problem at the Oso. He stated that following
this, the engineers will go into more technical studies and examine all of the
alternatives the City Council discussed some time ago. He referred to the
second portion of the ordinance which authorizes the staff to receive proposals
from mapping companies for planimetric maps showing one -foot contours for the
area south of the Oso Creek, a portion of which is within the boundary of the
Wastewater Study. He explained that the City staff feels that it is imperative
to have this on a one -foot contour basis to be available when the City is
working with developers in that area. He stated that it may be as much as
$120,000 to $150,000 and the City staff recommends approval of both of these
items.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner questioned some items in the contract with Brown &
Caldwell -Freese & Nichols, Inc. and inquired if it is typical to hire a
consulting firm on a salaried basis.
City Manager Martin explained that this contract is based on the basic
services that the staff has stated in the proposal and there may be other
services that the City wishes to assign, and if that occurs, they will be on
salaries with equipment, office, etc.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired if the City would provide that office space
and Mr. Lantos explained that if they can work from a City Hall office space
that is vacant, that space will be provided them, but the City does not intend
to provide space in another location.
City Manager Martin stated that this is not unusual because it is the
normal procedure.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner continued by stating that this is an extremely
important project and she felt that it is imperative that they do it properly.
She suggested that the City Council should authorize the staff to go back to the
consulting firm to obtain prices for those extra services mentioned in the
contract.
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Page 15
Mr. Lontos explained that the City first asked for proposals, which they
submitted, and in the proposal they submitted they stated how they intend to
perform each task in this particular contract. He stated that they made that
proposal a part of the contract because it states each task that they will
perform in detail, and if they make recommendations for corrections of some
situations, this can be presented to the City Council for approval of
corrections to resolve things such as the odor at the Oso.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner continued to express concern that the extra services
are not listed in the contract, such as plans for correction of the odor problem
at the Oso Plant, and she felt that they should be included, as well as the
price.
Council Member Kennedy urged that the staff make the consultants aware that
this City Council is very concerned about the odor problem at the Oso and that
it is a very important part of the contract.
Mr. Lontos explained that he felt that the staff would be in a better
position to recommend improvements after the consultants have identified the
odors, the cause of the odors, and make recommendations as to how the odors can
be corrected. He stated that at that time a price for this can be obtained,
because he felt that it would be very difficult for them to provide a price
before they make a preliminary survey.
Council Member McComb referred to another concern, stating that there is a
study being conducted on the advice of the Ad Hoc Commission and one of the
things they are examining is reclaiming the effluent for use for industrial
plants. He suggested that coordination be established between the two firms
making those studies, and City Manager Martin explained that the other studies
will be completed on October 29, 1984 and will be available for Brown &
Caldwell -Freese & Nichols to examine.
Further discussion followed as to exactly what the scope of this project
was to include and Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that she felt that the committee
had some questions about this contract.
Council Member Guerrero summarized by stating that he understood that the
first thing this engineering firm was to do was to either recommend limiting the
growth of the Oso Plant or recommend the construction of another plant. He
stated that he felt that the odor should be addressed also, but that was the
intent of the original request of the City Council.
The Council indicated their concurrence with that identification of the
scope.
City Secretary Read polled the Council for their vote and the following
ordinance was passed:
26. ORDINANCE NO. 18483
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH BROWN & CALDWELL-FREESE & NICHOLS,
INC. FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN FOR THE OSO AND A PORTION
OF THE WESTSIDE SERVICE AREA, AS WELL AS AN AREA SOUTH OF OSO CREEK;
APPROPRIATING $260,000; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
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Page 16
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Turner, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb,
Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye".
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones announced the public hearing on the following annexation:
27. ANNEXATION - 488.11 acre tract of land comprising portions of Lots 20-23,
26-32, all of Lots 24 and 25, Section 10, portions of Lots 1, 4-7, 16-20,
all of Lots 2, 3, 8 through 15, fractional Section 9, a portion of Lot 1,
fractional Section 8, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts,
generally located between Yorktown Boulevard and the Oso Creek and South
Staples Street and Cimarron Boulevard.
Mr. Larry Wenger, Director of Planning, displayed a transparency showing
the location of the area to be annexed. Mr. Wenger explained that the
subdivision contains a golf course of 263 acres; there will be 490 lots in the
subdivision; and the name of the subdivision is King's Crossing Unit 1, to be
developed by Corpus Christi Land Venture Associates, one of whom is Mr. Henry
Tucker. He displayed a large map showing the area as well.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired if the Oso Park blends well with this plan,
and Mr. Wenger replied that it does. He pointed out the wetlands on which
structures of any kind cannot be built and pointed out the area to be developed
as a golf course. He located the park dedication which will be made to serve
the north portion and stated that a second park dedication will be made and it
too will not include any of the wetlands, noting that this park dedication will
have to be changed so that there will be no wetlands in the dedication.
Deputy City Manager Ernest Briones inquired if the land had been surveyed
by the General Land Office, and Mr. Wenger replied in the affirmative and stated
that the final plat is somewhat different from that shown on the large map.
No one spoke in opposition to this annexation.
A motion was made by Council Member McComb that the hearing be closed,
seconded by Council Member Kennedy and passed unanimously by those present and
voting.
City Secretary Read polled the Council for their votes on the first reading
of the ordinance authorizing the contract and it passed as follows:
27. FIRST READING
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND CORPUS CHRISTI LAND VENTURE ASSOCIATES FOR THE
ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 488.11 ACRES OF LAND BEING A PORTION OUT OF LOTS 20
THRU 23, 26 THRU 32 AND ALL OF LOTS 24 AND 25, SECTION 10, PORTIONS OUT OF LOTS
1, 4 THRU 7, 16 THRU 20, ALL OF LOTS 2, 3, 8 THRU 15, FRACTIONAL SECTION 9, A
PORTION OF LOT 1, FRACTIONAL SECTION 8, AND LOTS 25 THRU 32, SECTION 6, FLOUR
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Regular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 17
BLUFF AND ENCINAL FARM AND GARDEN
KING'S CROSSING UNIT I; FINDING
EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF
CONTIGUOUS, AND ADJACENT THERETO;
The foregoing ordinance was read
reading by the following vote:
McComb, Mendez, and Slavik voting
taken.
TRACTS, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING PLATTED AS
ALL OF SAID LAND TO LIE ENTIRELY WITHIN THE
THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, ADJOINING,
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
for the first time and passed to its second
Jones, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy,
"aye"; Turner absent at the time the vote was
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
28. Application No. 884-9 Country Meadows Limited: For a change of zoning from
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District and "I-2" Light Industrial District to
"T -1B" Mobile Home Park District, being 2.95± acres out of the Thomas
Gallagher 400 acre Survey No. 402, Abstract No. 988, Nueces County Texas,
located on the east side of Clarkwood South Road, approximately 200' north
of the intersection of County Road 36.
Assistant City Manager Tom Utter stated that this is associated with the
following application and they had to be treated as two separate applications
because this one is inside the city limits and the following one is outside the
city limits.
29. Application No. 884-9T Country Meadows Limited: Text Amendment to the
Zoning Ordinance to amend Article 31, Newly Annexed Territory, by amending
Section 31-5 by adding thereto one new subsection to be numbered 31-5.73
setting forth a classification of "T -1B" Mobile Home Park District on a
described tract of land when annexed to the City of Corpus Christi, Texas,
being 4.49± acres out of the Thomas Gallagher 400 acre Survey No. 402,
Abstract No. 988, located approximately 600 feet east of Clarkwood South
Road and 250 feet north of the intersection of County Road 36.
Mr. Utter informed the Council that in response to the five letters sent on
the first application, two in favor and none in opposition had been returned.
He stated that in response to the three notices of the public hearing mailed in
connection with Application No. 884-9T, none in favor were returned and one in
opposition was returned. He stated that both the Planning Commission and
Planning Staff recommend approval of both applications.
Mr. Wenger located the area on the zoning and land use map, described the
land use in the surrounding area, and showed slides of the vicinity, noting that
the applicant plans to enlarge his mobile home park in both requests and this is
appropriate zoning for this area.
No one spoke in opposition to either of the requests.
A motion was made by Council Member Kennedy that the public
Application No. 884-9 be closed, seconded by Council Member Mendez
unanimously.
hearing on
and passed
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Regular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 18
A motion was made by Council Member Kennedy that the public hearing on
Application No. 884-9T be closed, seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed
unanimously.
City Secretary Read polled the Council for their vote on Ordinance 28 and
the following was passed:
28. ORDINANCE NO. 18484
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF COUNTRY MEADOWS LIMITED BY
CHANGING THE ZONING MAP IN REFERENCE TO A PORTION OUT OF THOMAS GALLAGHER 400
ACRE SURVEY NO. 402, ABSTRACT NO. 988, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM "R -1B"
ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT AND "I-2" LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO "T -1B"
MOBILE HOME PARK DISTRICT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb, and Mendez
voting "aye"; Turner and Slavik absent at the time the vote was taken.
City Secretary Read then polled the Council for their vote on the ordinance
effecting the zoning change for Application No. 884-9T and the following
ordinance was passed:
29. ORDINANCE NO. 18485
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE BY AMENDING ARTICLE 31, NEWLY ANNEXED TERRITORY,
BY ADDING TO SECTION 31-5 SUBSECTION 31-5.73, SETTING FORTH ZONING
CLASSIFICATION OF SAID AREA OF LAND DESCRIBED AS A PORTION OUT OF THOMAS
GALLAGHER 400 ACRE SURVEY NO. 402, ABSTRACT NO. 988, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb, Mendez, and
Slavik voting "aye"; Turner absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
30. Application No. 884-11 Nueces News Agency, Inc.: For a change of zoning
from "B-4" General Business District to "I-2" Light Industrial District
being a 1.842± acre area out of Lot 1, Block 1, St. Clair Industrial Park,
located on the west side of N. Padre Island Drive, approximately 500' north
of Bear Lane.
Mr. Utter informed the Council that in response the notice of the public
hearing, one in favor and none in opposition had been returned and that both the
Planning Commission and Planning staff recommend approval.
Mr. Wenger located the area on the zoning and land use map, described the
land use in the surrounding area, and showed slides of the vicinity. He stated
that the applicant plans the construction of an office and warehouse complex.
No one spoke in opposition to this request.
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Regular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 19
A motion was made by Council Member McComb that the hearing be closed,
seconded by Council Member Kennedy and passed unanimously.
Mayor Jones interjected an inquiry about the requirement for the removal of
the signs notifying residents in the area that a certain piece of property is to
be considered for rezoning.
Mr. Wenger explained that the ordinance requires that the signs be erected
15 days prior to the hearing before the Planning Commission and remain in place
until final action has been taken by the City Council. He stated that following
this, it is the property owners' responsibility to remove the signs.
City Secretary Read polled the Council for their vote on the ordinance
effecting the zoning change and it passed as follows:
30. ORDINANCE NO. 18486
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF NUECES NEWS AGENCY, INC. BY
CHANGING THE ZONING MAP IN REFERENCE TO A PORTION OUT OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1, ST.
CLAIR INDUSTRIAL PARK, FROM "B-4" GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT TO "I-2" LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb, Mendez, and
Slavik voting "aye"; Turner absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
31. Application No. 884-14 Mantex Enterprises: For a change of zoning from
"B-1" Neighborhood Business District to "B-4" General Business District on
Lot A, South Staples Center, located on the northeast corner of S. Staples
Street and Everhart Road.
Assistant City Manager Utter informed the Council that there was no
response to the eight notices of the public hearing and that both the Planning
Commission and Planning staff recommend approval.
Mr. Wenger located the area on the zoning and land use map, described the
land use in the surrounding area, and showed slides of the vicinity.
No one spoke in opposition to this zoning application.
A motion was made by Council Member McComb that the hearing be closed,
seconded by Council Member Brown and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Read polled the Council for their vote effecting the zoning
change and it passed as follows:
31. ORDINANCE NO. 18487
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF MANTEX ENTERPRISES, BY
CHANGING THE ZONING MAP IN REFERENCE TO LOT A, SOUTH STAPLES CENTER, FROM "B-1"
'.notes
..egular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 20
NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT TO "B-4" GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT; AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Jones, Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, Kennedy, McComb, Mendez, and
Slavik voting "aye"; Turner absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
32. Application No. 884-8 Mr. Nathan Friedman: For a change of zoning from
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District on
Lot 17, Block 14, Lawndale Subdivision, located on the northwest corner of
S. Staples and Blevins Street.
Mr. Utter informed the Council that in response to the 16 notices of the
public hearing, 13 were returned in favor and none in opposition. He stated
that both the Planning Commission and Planning Staff recommend denial of this
request because it represents an intrusion into an established residential area.
Mr. Wenger located the area on the zoning and land use map, described the
land use in the surrounding area, showed slides of the vicinity, and stated that
the owner plans the establishment of a professional office building at this
location. He stated that the Staff is in opposition to the request because this
is an established, residential area and in their opinion, a domino effect for
similar requests from the block along Staples Street if this application is
approved.
Council Member Brown inquired if it is not unusual for the Planning
Commission and Planning Staff to recommend denial when there is no opposition
from the residents of the area.
Mayor Jones invited the applicant or his representative to speak at this
time.
Mr. Nathan Friedman, 28 Lakeshore Drive, owner of the subject property,
stated that the house on the property was constructed in 1941; it is zoned
"R -1B"; and he wants to develop the property, which is rather run-down, for
professional office use. He stated that four years ago he had purchased the
property directly across the street; it was zoned "AB"; and is now the office of
Mr. Alan Doty, Realtor. He reminded the City Council Members that none of the
property owners are opposed to this zoning change and he feels that "AB" zoning
would be the best and highest use.
Council Member Kennedy inquired as to what percentage of houses are
owner -occupied as opposed to rental houses. He stated that he sees no efforts
being made to improve that area.
Mr. Friedman stated that the rent houses in that area do not earn enough
money for the owners to make the necessary repairs. He pointed out that the
single family dwellings are only on the west side of the street and they face
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degular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 21
the side streets. He stated that two people,
accountant, are interested in offices on this
and
are
are
Mr. Wenger referred to the question asked
stated that he had checked the responses
14 who actually live in those residences,
rental units.
an attorney and a certified public
tract of land.
by Council Member Kennedy earlier
and out of the 16 notices, there
or in other words, two of the 16
Council Member Guerrero inquired of Mr. Wenger if he has had an opportunity
to look at the site plan. He expressed the opinion that this would improve a
blighted area and he would vote in favor of the change in zoning.
Mayor Jones stated that he did not think the zoning
because he felt that this is typical block -busting and the
and Planning Staff made a thorough study and recommended
eliminate the possibility of a domino effect.
should be approved
Planning Commission
denial in order to
Speaking in favor of the application was Mr. Alan Doty who stated that he
owns and operates the real estate company on the corner across the street and
has been there for four years. He expressed the opinion that this is a good
location for professional offices and referred to the median device in the
center of the street, stating that it has worked very nicely to his advantage
because automobiles entering his property have protection from the traffic on
the rest of the street and this same situation would exist on the property under
consideration. He stated that he felt that this is a reasonable request and it
provides more ingress and egress and parking than most tracts of land. He, too,
referred to the fact that all of the property owners had expressed approval of
this change of zoning on two occasions. He expressed the opinion that this is
an opportunity to improve this area and it actually involves an evolution of a
city. He referred to the staff's concerns about the domino effect and expressed
the opinion that this has already occurred on this street.
No one
else spoke in regard to this zoning application.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the hearing be closed,
seconded by Council Member Berlanga and passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the requested zoning of
"AB" be granted for Application No. 884-8. The motion was seconded by Council
Member Berlanga and passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga, Brown,
Guerrero, Kennedy, and Mendez voting "aye"; Jones, McComb, and Slavik voting
"no."
Mr. Wenger stated that the ordinance effecting the zoning change will be on
the agenda next week.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for the City Manager's Report and other items.
City Manager Martin stated that he had nothing to report at this time and
suggested they discuss the matter previously presented by Council Member
Guerrero.
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regular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 22
Council Member Guerrero stated that on April 26, 1984, he had submitted a
concern of a citizen from the Kostoryz/Sokol area in regard to the crossing at
that particular intersection. He stated that there is a lot of traffic moving
that way from other intersections; an elementary school is located there; the
traffic department determined that the need qualified the intersection for
signalization; and there was a problem with implementation in that it was
estimated that it could not be installed for one year. He explained that there
was a near accident at that intersection very recently and that at that time he
was told that it would still be approximately 8 months before the signal could
be installed. He stated that he felt that it should be installed within the
next 30 days.
Mayor Jones stated that he would like to see all of the needed traffic
lights installed within 30 days, but he felt that it was wrong to dictate to the
staff that a particular corner should have priority over others in the schedule
because this would not be fair to other areas.
Council Member Guerrero referred to his motion which he made earlier in the
meeting that a traffic signal light be installed at the intersection of Kostoryz
and Sokol within 30 days and the motion was seconded by Council Member Berlanga.
Council Member Brown suggested that since traffic has increased in that
area, perhaps that corner is more dangerous than others now.
City Manager Martin explained that in 1982 the City Council authorized a
bond sale which included signalization to be implemented in four years and most
of those intersections were already approved for traffic signals. He stated
that it is just a matter of scheduling them and they are scheduled on the
highest priority basis. He stated that this is one of the intersections in the
bond program; they just completed the one at Holly and Kostoryz; but it is
impossible for the City to install signal lights within 30 days because they
have to be ordered and this usually requires about six months for delivery. He
assured the Council that all of the intersections in the program have been
justified for traffic signals.
Council Member Guerrero stated that the Mayor is correct in his statement,
but the Council Members are responsible to the citizens as these occasions arise
and they know the need when it is there. He expressed the opinion that the
traffic light should be installed as soon as possible.
Council Member Kennedy inquired if the priorities are firmly established or
if they can be upgraded to meet a certain need.
City Manager Martin stated that they are updated and gave as an example the
area in Tuloso-Midway which became a high priority when a school was constructed
there. He stated that the City changed their priority at that time to install a
light there.
Council Member Kennedy then inquired if the Traffic Advisory Board becomes
involved in the recommendation for signalization.
Minutes
.tegular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 23
Mr. David Seiler, Director of Traffic Engineering, stated that they do not
become involved because the need is based on traffic reports. He stated that
they must first see if the intersection meets the minimum warrants as
established. Mr. Seiler continued by stating that his staff is preparing
specifications for the light at this time and if they go out for bids, the
equipment will probably be received in approximately four months, and once the
equipment arrives, it will probably be for one of the five or six intersections
with the top priorities.
City Manager Martin noted that there is one alternative in that it is
possible to use some of the old signal equipment for a temporary solution and
that equipment could be removed when the new equipment arrives.
Council Member Berlanga inquired if the traffic count warrants a traffic
light or if accidents are considered and Mr. Seiler replied that it is based on
the accidents that could be correctable by the installation of a signal light.
He stated that this particular location does not have the high accident
potential that could be corrected by the installation of a traffic light that
you see in other intersections.
Council Member Guerrero pointed out that the accident experience has
increased at this location and he feels that if an old signal light can be
located, it should be refurbished for installation.
Mr. Seiler pointed out that there is a 15 mile per hour school zone at this
location with crossing guards.
Council Member McComb confirmed this, stating that he drives by this
intersection every day and there is a crossing guard and also a motorcycle
police officer on duty there. He suggested that a four-way stop sign be
installed until the signal lights arrive according to the usual bidding
procedure which might provide a temporary solution.
Mayor Jones pointed out that if the City responded to every request for
stop signs and traffic lights, there would be one on every corner.
Council Member McComb stated that there are other intersections that are
higher priority and he felt that the Council should continue with the program as
has been established.
Council Member Guerrero stated that he would like to amend his motion to
locate an old signal light, rewire it, and install it at the Sokol/Kostoryz
intersection until the new signal equipment has been received and that this
signal light be installed within the next 30 to 45 days. The amended motion was
seconded by Council Member Berlanga.
Mayor Jones expressed the opinion that this is the wrong action because the
Council is making a major traffic decision here and suggesting that this light
be installed over some other intersection that might have a greater need. He
expressed the opinion that Council Member Guerrero wanted this done because some
constituent wrote him a letter to request this.
Council Member Guerrero stated that he is responsible for his constituents.
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_regular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 24
Council Member Slavik inquired about the cost of the temporary signal
light, and Mr. Seiler stated that it would be about $10,000.
City Manager Martin stated that the staff agrees that the signalization is
needed at this intersection; specifications are being prepared at this time; and
the staff anticipates that it will be accomplished before next May.
Mayor Jones called for the vote on the motion to install the temporary
equipment until the new equipment arrives and the following vote was taken:
Berlanga, Brown, Guerrero, and Mendez voting "aye"; Jones, Turner, McComb, and
Slavik voting "no"; Kennedy absent at the time the vote was taken.
vote.
Council Member Mendez stated that the motion failed to pass by a majority
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for petitions or information from the audience on
matters not scheduled on the agenda.
Mrs. Marie Spear, editor and publisher of the Island Sun and the Flour
Bluff Sun, stated that she was present in regard to an Island Museum to house
the Spanish artifacts. She stated that they felt that these artifacts should be
located near Padre Island because that is where they belong. She expressed the
opinion that many people would visit a museum to see the artifacts because that
is where so many visitors go on their way to Padre Island to the beaches. She
stated that she is a member of the Tourist Task Force for Corpus Christi '90 and
they are considering the need for an arena and a new exposition hall because
people are realizing that this City has a great asset in tourism and that the
beaches are quite an asset to that industry. She reviewed the events connected
with the Spanish artifacts and provided history of the events leading up to the
removal of the artifacts to the City of Corpus Christi. She stated that there
are enough artifacts available for two museums. She then referred to a sketch
of the plans that have been prepared for the museum which had been presented to
Mayor Jones and asked that he provide the Council Members with copies of those
plans. She stated that they would like to have a tourist information center
located in the same building and provided figures on the increase in visitors to
Padre Island.
Mr. Bill Lukins, Superintendent of Padre Island National Seashore, stated
that he is a member of the committee referred to by Mrs. Spear. He stated that
they had prepared a feasibility study on a museum and the report was very
favorable that it should be located on the National Seashore. He explained that
bills had been introduced in the legislature but they did not pass and stated
that it is probably not possible to build a museum on the National Seashore
because it is in a flood plain. He stated that the Flour Bluff location would
take special legislation because it is outside the National Seashore, but they
are attempting to help this committee by supporting their efforts.
Council Member Kennedy inquired if a site had been selected, and Mr. Lukin
stated that he did not think a definite site had been established.
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City Manager Martin noted that Mr. Lukin had indicated that if land were
available, there might be federal funds available, and Mr. Lukin explained that
they would have to apply for such funding and it would help if the National
Seashore owned appropriate land for the museum.
Also speaking in favor of this museum was Mrs. Jenny Rawalt who stated she
is speaking on behalf of Mr. Ray Rawalt who had quite a collection of artifacts
and he wanted them to be located on the island or in Flour Bluff. She assured
the Council that they are not requesting money from the City, but only their
support because they feel that it will be a self-sustaining museum.
Mr. Ken Clayborn, Superintendent of schools for the Flour Bluff ISD, stated
that they are interested in this museum because it would improve their area and
would be an asset to the school system. He also expressed the opinion that the
artifacts would be appropriate near the water area. He stated that a resolution
from the City Council approving such a museum would enable them to apply for
grants for funding.
Mr. Bill Harrison, State Representative for District 36, stated that he was
representing the people of Flour Bluff and he, too, endorses this concept. He
stated that this is a difficult project because it seems to be in competition
with Corpus Christi Museum, but he felt that it is appropriate for the Flour
Bluff area and it would enhance tourism for the entire City. He suggested that
there might be a possibility of establishing this through some private funding,
but they need some indication from the City Council that they do endorse the
museum location in Flour Bluff so that grant applications can be submitted. He
summarized by asking for passage of a resolution indicating the Council's
support.
Council Member Kennedy stated that this is the first time that he has heard
of the possibility of private funding for the museum and stated that he would
support this concept and recommend allowing a certain amount of time for
investigation and that the Museum Advisory Board be informed of this so that
they can consider it.
Mr. Harrison stated that he did not know much about the possibility of
partial private funding but the City, through the Museum Advisory Board and the
Corpus Christi Museum, has not been able to do anything and he felt that the
State might inform them that if the City does not do anything to house the
artifacts properly, they will have to be returned.
Council Member Kennedy inquired about the estimated time period that they
felt would be necessary, and Mrs. Spear stated that she felt that six months
would be a good time period.
Council Member Kennedy suggested that possibly they could ask for a report
in 90 days.
Mr. Harrison stated that hopefully he will be back in Austin in the
Legislature and possibly by March of 1985 he might be able to come up with some
ideas.
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Regular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 26
Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that she is very much interested in this
project because Flour Bluff is the roadway to Padre Island and would be
appropriate for the artifacts. She stated that the question before them is how
does the Council feel about having the museum located there, where the site will
be, and how the funds will be raised.
State Representative Harrison stated that the State is considering becoming
involved in the tourism industry and this might be a possibility for funding.
Council Member McComb stated that he did not recall the contents of the
agreement between the City and the State in regard to the artifacts, and City
Manager Martin stated that the commitment is that the City will house them,
curate them and display them in an appropriate fashion and that they be secure.
He stated that the location of such a museum is of no concern to the State.
Council Member McComb stated that although he is not an attorney, the fact
that the City has been charged with doing this might preclude the private
venture type of funding, but he felt that there is a need to know the exact
location before fund raising begins.
Mayor Jones noted that $1,299,000 was the estimate for the construction of
the building.
Council Member McComb stated that if the Council passes the resolution
supporting, he felt that they needed more specifics.
Mr. Harrison stated that he did not think private/public funding could be
ruled out because it would be a government building and they are certainly not
trying to compete with the Corpus Christi Museum. He reiterated that they just
need the Council's endorsement.
Mayor Jones suggested that this should be an agenda item for discussion,
and Council Member McComb stated that he would like to suggest that this be an
agenda item and that the Flour Bluff group be requested to provide a sample
resolution to be worked out with City Manager Martin to be presented to the
Museum Advisory Board before the Council considers it.
A motion was made by Council Member Slavik that this be an agenda item on
November 1, 1984, seconded by Council Member McComb and passed by the following
vote: Jones, Berlanga, Brown, Kennedy, Mendez, and Slavik voting "aye"; Turner,
Guerrero, and McComb absent at the time the vote was taken.
Others speaking in favor of the Flour Bluff location were the following:
Mr. Glen Johnson, President of the Flour Bluff ISD Board and Mrs. Donna Shirley,
3636 Flour Bluff Drive, representing the Flour Bluff Civic League. She referred
to the motion just adopted and suggested that the Council not wait until
November 1, 1984. She stated that they already have plans for security and
display of the artifacts.
Mayor Jones pointed out that they cannot approve this today and suggested
that the group present the Council with a proposed resolution and the Council
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Regular Council Meeting
September 25, 1984
Page 27
can consider passage. Mrs. Shirley stated that she can have this ready next
Tuesday.
Speaking in regard to another matter was Mr. Marty Berry, representing Bay,
Inc. He stated that he was speaking in regard to a purchasing item bid
invitation for street construction materials. He stated that the specifications
had indicated that the source would be Uvalde White Mines, which is the only
source for the type of material to be purchased for the Street Division. He
explained that the previous year, they were not opposed to a limited
specification for the rock because there was another source, called the Azrock
Company, but since last year, Uvalde White Mines has purchased that company and
they are now the only source of the specified material. He stated that the
Street Superintendent, Mr. Mitchell, informed him that White Mines is the only
material that would be satisfactory, but Mr. Berry contends that he uses another
blend and has successfully sold his product to many other cities and counties.
He explained to the Council that this is not a small item but is a large item
costing approximately $1 million. He questioned why the City of Corpus Christi
is allowed to use specifications that eliminate all competitive bidders and
stated that his company, Bay, Inc., are a local supplier and employ local
people. He referred to the specifications for the Street Division materials and
noted that they totally eliminate competition.
Mayor Jones stated that he would like to have something in writing in
regard to this matter, and Mr. Berry presented variances for the Council to
examine.
Mayor Jones requested the City Manager to provide the Council with a report
on this subject.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired about the date that the City goes out for
bids for this product, and Mr. Lontos stated that they will go out for bids on
October 10, 1984.
Mr. Berry inquired as to what he can expect from the City Manager's report
in regard to the product to be bid, and Mayor Jones assured him that he would be
informed of the City Manager's reply.
Council Member Mendez stated that they will discuss this before bids are
received.
Mr. Scott Johnson, 782 Ashland, referred to the water shortage problem and
the allocation requirements for each residence. He noted that those who exceed
their limitation will be penalized and suggested that those who are well below
their allocation be rewarded with a discount on their utility bill.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner stated that that was a terrific idea but it would be
difficult to devise a system to do this.
There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by
Council Member Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner and passed unanimously,
the Regular Council Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m., September 25, 1984.
DZ/tb