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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/19/1990CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 19, 1990 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Betty Turner Mayor Pro Tem Joe MCComb * Council Members: Leo Guerrero * Cezar Galindo Tom Hunt Edward Martin Clif Moss Mary Rhodes Frank Schwing City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Betty Turner called the mooting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Mary Rhodes. City Secretary Armando Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorumm of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular and Workshop Council Meetings of June 12, 1990, and there being no additions or corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * Council Member Guerrero and Mayor Pro Tem McComb entered the Council Chamber at 2:10 p.m. Representatives of a Community Investment Task Force composed of Mayor Emeritus Luther Jones, John Bell - an Attorney, Wayne Boling - Director of Economic Development, Corpus Christi Area Economic Development Corporation, Rob Farley - President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dr. Wallis Davis - interim President of Corpus Christi State University, Dr. Hector Garcia - a founder of the American GI Forum, and Gary Bushell - President of the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development Corporation, gave a special presentation in regard to the levy of a one-half cent sales tax for economic development which will assist in attracting a Continental Airlines maintenance facility to Corpus Christi. MICROFILMED A nutea Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 2 Highlights of the group's presentation were discussed as follows: the Continental Airlines Proposal; the economic development City sales tax; analysis of Senate Bill 971; legal structure outline of the Corpus Christi Community Investment Foundation; and funding priorities of the Community Investment Foundation in regard to industrial development, community facilities and education enhancement. Also discussed was the Continental Maintenance Facility, a proposed International Trade Center and b hibit Hall and a projected Applied Research Center (A&M/CCSU). A series of specific questions were posed by several Council Members and members of the Task Force responded to the questions. Council Member Hunt expressed concern about the use of the sales tax for the reopening of Rackety Channel, and after a brief discussion on this topic, Mr. John Bell indicated that it probably would not be legal to use the sales tax revenues on Packery Channel becausn the State statute prohibits using the money for transportation or infrastructure projects. Mayor Pro Tem McComb suggested that the ballot put before the voters should specify that the funds would not be used for Rackety Channel. A varied discussion followed and after particular concerns were expressed by Council Members, it was the consensus of the Council to have a referendum election in August on the proposal to raise the sales tax one-half cent. Mayor Pro Tem McComb made a motion to instruct staff to create an ordinance to be placed on next week's agenda calling for an August 11 election on the proposal to raise the sales tax one-half cent. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously. Discussion ensued in regard to placing on the agenda the issue of the utility rate cap, which is the subject of a petition recently presented to the Council. Council Member Martin advised that he has two other issues which he would like placed on the ballot if there is going to be a charter election. He suggested that the Council notify staff of other issues they want put on the ballot so that the amendments can be placed on next week's agenda. He suggested that a portion of next week's Council Meeting be spent designing the ballot on a number of issues to be put before the voters. Mayor Turner stated that she will meet with the Charter Revision Commission to review any other additional changes in the City Charter which they deem would be appropriate to be put on the ballot. Following the discussion, Council Member Martin moved that the Council accept the petition in regard to the issue of the utility rate cap and place the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 3 issue on the ballot for the August 11 election. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hunt and passed unanimously. Council Member Martin then proposed to put on next week's agenda a charter amendment with the exact same language as a utility cap with a proviso at the end "excepting debt service." City Secretary Chapa posed numerous questions regarding the Council's desired direction in regard to the election pertaining to branch absentee polling places, the utilization of paper ballots, the combining of precincts, and the exact wording of the ordinance in regard to the issues to be placed on the ballot. Discussion ensued and Council Member Martin made a motion to have branch polling places. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McComb and passed unanimously by those present and voting; Schwing and Hunt absent at the time the vote was taken. Council Member Martin suggested that the City secretary provide the Council with a list of the various issues including his recommendations in regard to the election. Mayor Turner declared a five-minute recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting and called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 4, and Council Members requested that Items 2 and 3 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience on the other items. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 1. M90-148 Motion approving award for one track -mounted excavator for $23,882, and one trailer to transport the excavator for $2,357 to Prime Equipment Company, Corpus Christi, Texas; and one hydraulic broom attachment for $16,505 to Holt Company of Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0263-90 based on low bids, low bid meeting specifications, and only bid. All items are budgeted in the Capital Outlay. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 4. RESOLIJI'ION NO. 20934 A inutes Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 4 SUSPENDING THE OPERATION OF PROPOSED RATE SCHEDULES FILED BY CENTRAL POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY FORA PERIOD OF NINETY (90) DAYS BEYOND THE DATE ON WHICH SUCH saimULFS WOULD OTHEWISE GO INTO EFFECT, AND AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN RATE CASE PROCEEDINGS The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Items 5 thru 7 on the agenda, and a Council Member requested that Item 5 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience on the items. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 6. ORDINANCE NO. 20935 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN INTERIM AIRLINE USE AND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DELTA AIRLINES, INC. FOR USE OF FACILITIES AT CORPUS CHRIS'Tl INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 7. FIRST READING AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AIRLINE USE AND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DELTA AIRLINE'S, INC. FOR USE OF FACILITIES AT CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." NOTE: Council Member Guerrero was absent from the Council Chambers when the vote on Items 1, 4, 6 and 7 was taken. He then returned and declared that he would like his vote recorded "Aye" for Items 1, 4, 6 and 7. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Relative to Item 2, chair riser system for the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center, Ms. Phyllis Allen, 202 Wilshire, President of Las Donas de la Corte, expressed support of the purchase of the chair riser system. In response to questions raised by Council Member Martin, Assistant City Manager Hennings stated that there is $181,000 in the current capital outlay Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 5 budget approved for this item, and the remaining $11,000 will be transferred from the reserve appropriations in the Convention and Tourist Development Fund. Mt. Martin suggested that for purchases of theca types, if the money is budgeted, that the support material specify the exact fund to be used for the purchase. Disn'ssion followed and in answer to a question from Council Member Martin, Harold Peterson, Director of Convention Facilities, stated that the company which will furnish the system is a reputable company. He indicated that he and his staff have assembled two pieces of the system and feel confident it will work satisfactorily. Mr. Peterson elaborated on the chair riser system and responded to various questions posed by Council Members. Relative to Item 3, Up River Road Utilities, stage II, Mr. Raymond Wimberly, General Manager of the Corpus Christi Pipe and Supply Co., presented copies of letters to the Council in regard to the lice of clay pipe in the City's underground sanitary sewer system. He indicated that the letters were addressed to City staff and he has not yet received a response. Mr. Wimberly alleged that the clay pipe system is costing the City $1.5 million a year to maintain. He questioned why the City uses this clay pipe system and requested a response to his letters. Mayor Turner requested that answers be provided to Mr. Wimberly's questions. Council Member Galindo inquired why the contract is in excess of what was budgeted, and Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, explained that the figure was only an estimate. He stated that there was a substantial increase in concrete prices; staff analyzed the bid; and they felt that it was a fair and reasonable bid Council Member Guerrero expresccd the opinion that PVC pipe would be the preferable choice and consideration for lisp of PVC pipe should be seriously examined. Mr. Crull advised that the City's specifications stipulate that PVC pipe, SIR 2626, is allowed in sizes 4" thru 15" and in depth ranges up to 16 feet which encompasses about 85 percent of a large part of the overall sewer system of the City. He stated that for this particular project, staff believed that the appropriate choice would be the clay pipe Mayor Pro Tem McComb inquired about sliplining material, and Mr. Crull responded that sliplining material is made either of high density polyurethane or a reinforced plastic mortar pipe and is somewhat similar to PVC. In answer to a question from Mayor Pro Tem McComb on Item 5, Cargo Dock One Open Pavilion, City Manager Garza responded that the City will be in control of scheduling this facility. He indicated that staff is formulating a plan in Minuteq Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 6 which the scheduling of the entire area will all be under one centralized scheduling control. Mr. Greg Brubeck, representing the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, stated that the general public will have access to the open pavilion between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m in the summer unless it is closed for a special event. He displayed an artist's rendering of the area and stated that the open pavilion deck is the only parcel being leased; the pavilion dock is not part of the 1PacP; and will be controlled by the Harbor Master of the Port. Mayor Pro Tem McComb commented in regard to the issue of recycling in that particular area, and City Manager Garza stated that staff will look into that matter, noting that it is difficult to keep facilities clean where there are gatherings of large groups. Mayor Turner referred to the water garden area and stated that the Council should establish a policy of how they expect the water garden area to be used. She implied that she did not think the water garden area was meant to be a festival area. City Manager Garza concurred with Mayor Turner and stated that a recommendation in regard to the use of the water garden is forthcoming. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their vote and the following motions were paased: 2. M90-149 Motion approving the purchase of chair ritnr system for the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center from Wenger Corporation for the amount of $192,797 based on low bid in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0338-90. The item was budgeted in the 1989-90 Capital Outlay. The foregoing motion pasood by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin ahgPnt at the time the vote was taken. 3. M90-150 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $134,549.25 to Bay, Inc., to construct a trunk sanitary sewer on Up River Road in the vicinity of the Union Pacific Railroad and 0.N. Stevens Water Plant. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent at the time the vote was taken. 5. M90-151 Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 7 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, authorizing the Director of Convention Facilities to book and to execute lease agreements for the rental of the facility called Cargo Dock One Open Pavilion. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent at the time the vote was taken. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza con¢nented in regard to his memo to the Council about the Ultimate Yacht Race and several unresolved issues in connection with last year's race. A short discussion followed, and in answer to a question from a Council Member, Mr. Garza responded that he does not have the final figure of what the the Ultimate Yacht Race Group saes the City, but it is approximately $6,800. Council Member Hunt stated that the $6,800 could be used to pay for meals for the senior citizens who are on the waiting list to be fed. Mayor Turner called for Council reports. Council Member Rhodes spoke in regard to the issue of cleaning up the City. She made a motion directing the staff to provide the Council with a procedure for developing an ordinance regarding the banning of plastic bags. The motion was seconded by Council Member Galindo and passed unanimously. Mayor Turner requested that the sanitation director provide a report about the difference between plastic bags as opposed to paper bags. She stated that she would like to know what city has had this ban; whether it has made a difference; and what ordinance the cities propoccd. Council Member Hunt asked about the report in regard to absenteeism on the boards and committees, and City Secretary Chapa advised that the Council received a report on this matter about a week ago. He staters that he will meet with Mayor Turner to explore different policies; and he will provide the Council with some ideas on interpretations of the various policies. Discussion followed and Mr. Chapa stated that this absentee policy applies to 38 City boards and committees; it does not address those boards and committees appointed by others and which have some quasi-judicial authority, such as the RTA. Council Member Hunt meted in regard to the traffic warrants which were purged from the records, and City Manager Garza advised that the action taken was under his direction in 1987. He stated that when Judge Hunter was in charge Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 8 of the operation, the department used to purge monthly; and he elaborated on the process. Council Member Martin commented about recycling and the cleanup of the City. Mr. Martin then spoke about beach cleanup in regard to North Padre Island Beach. He suggested that a committee be appointed to discuss this issue, including the funding for the cleanup. Mr. Martin referred to his request to the City Secretary's office to draft a Council travel policy in regard to spouse travel consistent with the state law. He pointed out that on the sheet listing the Council action requests, his request was incorrectly worded. Council Member Galindo remarked that he would like to see comparison figures between the contract OmniVision has with the building on which their antenna system is located and the City's antenna system contract. Council Member Martin pointed out that the wireless cable TV will be going from line of site to an antenna on a roof, not into the basement of a hospital or inside a house. Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. James Cook, 13765 Fagles Nest, Padre Island, addressed the issue of the 1/2 cent sales tax increaa. Mr. Ronald McGee, Claride Street, Flour Bluff, asked if the $380,000 which was taken out of the Water Fund to purchase the Long Shoremen's Building had been put back into the General Fund, and City Manager Garza replied that it had not. Mr. McGee commented in regard to questions and comments made at last week's workshop meeting and alleged that the public is being misled in regard to this transfer of funds. He referred to the charter provision which specifies that a transfer of funds is illegal. He suggested that if the Council is not in favor of putting the money back into the General Fund, they should resign their positions. City Manager Garza explained that the money is being paid back and the first installment of a five-year pay back was put into the budget. Council Member Martin provided an explanation to Mr. Melee about the transfer of funds in which a previous Council had boon advised by the City Manager arra City Attorney that the transfer was legal. He further explained that City Manager Garza felt that the money should be repaid in the spirit of the law, and he elahnrated on the payment procedure. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 19, 1990 Page 9 Council Member Hunt spoke in regard to this transfer of funds and expressed the opinion that it was illegal. He stated that for this reason, he will request an amendment to the charter in regard to a Council -appointed attorney. Ms. Tracy fcsidy, 349 University, a representative of the Hinman Family Committee, talked about a petition which is being circulated in regard to "the right to life" issue. She requested that this issue be placed on next week's agenda for consideration to be placed on the ballot in August. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, c [rented in regard to a report about the Corpus Christi Public Library System. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Turner adjourned the Council Meeting at 5:05 p.m. on June 19, 1990. * * * * * * * * * * * * * I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct of the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of June approved by the City Council on June 26, 1990,. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the Betty Turtler Mayor age c Armanco Chapa City Secretary copy of the Minutes 19, 1990 which were day of August, 1990.