HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/27/2006I HEREBY CERTIFY tha`. the foregoinL, is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular
Vteetin22, of the Corpus Ch.-isti Citv Council of June 27. 2006, which were approved by the City
Council on .lull 11. 201 )6.
\ l NESSETH '.V1 HAND AND SEAL, on this the 1 l ``' day of July, 2006.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
PRESENT
Mayor Henry Garrett
Mayor Pro Tem John Marez
Council Members.
Brent Chesney
Melody Cooper
Jerry Garcia
Bill Kelly
Rex Kinnison
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Meeting
June 27, 2006 — 10:00 a.m.
City Staff:
City Manager George K. Noe
City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Garrett called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor John Elford of St. John's United Methodist
Church and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member
Kinnison.
Mayor Garrett called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of June
6, 2006 and June 13. 2006. A motion was made. seconded, and passed to approve the
minutes as presented.
Mayor Garrett deviated from the agenda and referred to Item 33, a presentation on plans
for the 4"" of July - Big Bang Celebration. Assistant to the Mayor Diana Z. Garza briefly
described the major events scheduled for the celebration. First, she said at 7:00 a.m., the
Corpus Christi Roadrunners would hold their "4 for the 4th" four -mile run. At 10:00 a.m., an
independence Day Patriotic Ceremony would be held. She introduced Mr. Juan Saenz,
chairman of the Mayor's Oommittee on Veterans Affairs, who invited the Council to attend the
ceremony at Sherrill Park
Ms. Garza introduced Ms. Vick; Lewis with the Buccaneer Commission, who described
the plans for the parade and fireworks, Ms. Lewis reported that the Buccaraders would stage
the parade at the Memorial Coliseum north parking at 6:00 p.m. The route would proceed north
onto southbound Shoreline to Coopers Alley to the water side of Shoreline to Palo Alto, and
then disperse. She said anyone who was still interested in participating should submit their form
to the Buc Commission by this Friday
Ms. Lewis also spoke on behalf of Ms. Shelley Parks with H -E -B regarding the Big Bang
Fireworks ceremony, which H -E -B has sponsored for 20 years. She said this year's fireworks
would be shot over the U S.S. Lexington rather than from a barge in the marina. She thanked
the Harbormaster, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S.S. Lexington, the Port of Corpus Christi, and
the Fire Marshall for making this possible. The ceremony would begin at 9:30 p.m. and would
he simulcast by Hot Z-95.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 2
Ms. Garza introduced Ms. Pat Eldridge, vice-president of the Bayfest Board of Directors,
to discuss the vendors for the event. Ms. Eldridge, accompanied by the Bayfest mascot
"Beeker", stated that they would be selling turkey legs and soft drinks courtesy of H -E -B.
in conclusion, Ms Garza thanked Ms. Sandra Alvarez and AT&T for sponsoring the
event t -shirts. She also thanked the Buc Commission, the CVB, the RTA, and the City of
Corpus Christi's Traffic Engineering, Police, Parks and Recreation, Marina, Solid Waste and
Streets Fire (EMS) and Pie Public Information Office departments for their assistance.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
Corpus Christi Digital Community Development Corporation
Bud Harris (Reappointed)
Henry Garrett (Reappointed)
Louis Garza (Reappointed)
Roland Mower (Reappointed)
John D. Fernandez (Appointed)
Sylvia Whitmore (Appointed)
Port of Corpus Christi Authority
Ruben Bonilla (Reappointed)
Mayor Garrett called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3 - 19). City
Secretary Chapa announced that Mr. Noyola would be abstaining from the vote and discussion
on Items 14 and 18. There were no comments from the public. Council members requested
that Items 10, 11. 12, and 14 be pulled for individual consideration. A motion was made,
seconded, and passed to approve Items 3 through 19, constituting the consent agenda, except
for Items 10, 11, 12, anc 14, which were pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
3. MOTION NO. 2006-178
Motion approving a service agreement with OneSource Facility Services, Inc., of Corpus
Christi, Texas for custodial service for the Frost Building in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0130-06 based on best value for an estimated annual expenditure of
S75,540 of which $12,590 is budgeted for FY2005-2006. The term of the contract will be
for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods,
subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds
have been budgeted by Building Maintenance in FY2005-2006 and requested for
�Y2006-2007.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes — Regular Councr Meeting
June 27, 2006 — Page 3
MOTION NO. 2006-179
Motion approving the purchase of twenty-six (26) light bars and sirens from Fleet Safety
Equipment, of Houston, Texas in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0157-06 based
or low total bid for a total amount of $57,720. The equipment is to be used by the Police
Department on marked police patrol sedans. Funds are available in the Police Law
Enforcement Trust Fund and the Police Department Justice Assistance Grant.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney Cooper. Garcia. Kelly Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
5. MOTION NO. 2006-180
Motion approving a supply agreement with B&G Chemicals & Equipment Co., Inc., of
Houston, Texas for mosquito insecticide for a total estimated semi-annual expenditure of
$49,893.80 of which $16,631.26 is for FY 2005-2006. The term of the supply agreement
will be for six months with an option to extend for up to five additional six-month periods,
subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The
'nsecticide will be used by the Vector Control Division of the Health Department. Funds
nave been budgeted by Storm Water in FY 2005-2006 and requested for FY 2006-2007.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney Cooper Garda, Kelly Kinnison Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
MOTION NO. 2006-181
Motion approving a supply agreement with Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., of Corpus Christi,
Texas for Reformulated Gasoline and Low Emission Diesel fuel in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. Bi -0163-06 based on low bid for an estimated expenditure of
$1 322,201.73 of which $220,366.95 is budgeted for FY 2005-2006. The term of the
supply agreement is for six months, with an option to extend for up to five additional six-
month periods subject tc the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his
designee. Funds have been budgeted by Maintenance Services in FY 2005-2006 and
will be requested for FY 2006-2007.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Cooper. Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
MOTION NO. 2006-182
Motion approving a supply agreement with IDEXX Distribution, Inc., of Westbrook, Maine
for the laboratory testing reagent `Colilert" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0160-
06 based on only bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $37,317, of which,
$6,219.50 is budgeted for FY 2005-2006. The term of the supply agreement shall be for
twelve months with an option tc extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods,
subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds
nave been budgeted by the Health and Water Departments in FY 2005-2006 and
requested for FY 2006-2007.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Cooper. Garcia. Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola. and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes — Regular Counci Meeting
June 27, 2006 — Page 4
8.a. MOTION NO. 2006-183
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$99,326 from the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) for funding
eligible from the Department of Homeland Security.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney Cooper. Garcia, Kelly Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026832
Ordinance appropriating $99,326 from the Governor's Division of Emergency
Management in 'he No. 1061 Police Grant Fund to purchase law enforcement
equipment for the Police Department.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett.. Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez,
Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"
9.a. RESOLUTION NO. 026833
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Gift Agreement
with the Friends of Corpus Christi Public Libraries which provides the City with $55,000
for improvements to the Parkdale Branch Library.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison. Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026834
Ordinance appropriating $257,352.70 into the Library Capital Improvement Program
Fund No. 3210 for improvements to the Parkdale Branch Library from the following
sources: $187,458.57 from the William T. Neyland Estate; $55,000 from the Friends of
Corpus Christi Public Libraries: and $14,894.13 from unappropriated interest earnings
from the Library Capital Improvement Program Fund No. 3210 for Parkdale Library
improvements; amending FY 2005-2006 Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No.
026188 to increase appropriations by $257.352.70.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett. Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez,
Noyola, and Scott. voting "Aye"
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 5
13. MOTION NO. 2006-187
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to purchase Alvarion WiMAX
equipment in the amount of $94,076.79 from Science Applications International
Corporation (SAIC),of San Diego, California. SAIC is an approved Catalog Information
System Vendor w,th the Texas Building and Procurement Commission (TBPC). This
purchase will allow for the WiFi network backhaul where fiber optic cable is not available
ye!
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
15. MOTION NO. 2006-189
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Deferment Agreement with Southside
Ventures. L.P (Developer), in the amount of $248,019.09 for public improvements
ncluding construction of water, wastewater, paving, and drainage improvements for
Foxwood Estates Phase I located south of Saratoga Boulevard and west of Everhart
Road, in accordance with the Platting Ordinance Section V -Required Improvements,
Subsection A.3.(b. contingent upon receipt of letter of credit compliant with City
requirements by June 30, 2006.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney Cooper, Garcia, Kelly Kinnison. Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
16. MOTION NO. 2006-190
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Deferment Agreement with Southside
Ventures, L.P. (Developer), in the amount of $305,119.38 for public improvements
including construction of water, wastewater, paving, and drainage improvements for
Foxwood Estates Phase III, located south of Saratoga Boulevard and west of Everhart
Road, in accordance with the Platting Ordinance Section V -Required Improvements,
Subsection A.3.(b
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper. Garcia, Kelly Kinnison. Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
17.a. MOTION NO. 2006-191
Motion approving the Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Construction and
Reimbursement Agreement submitted by the London Independent School District, owner
and developer of Lot 1, London School Tracts, located on FM 43 approximately 8,000 -
linear feet west of the intersection of SH 286 and FM 43 for the installation of 8,394 -
linear feet of 16 -inch C-905 PVC water arterial transmission main.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper. Garcia. Kelly, Kinnison. Marez, Noyola. and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 6
17.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026835
Ordinance appropriating $903,019.06 from the Arterial Transmission and Grid Main
Trust Fund No. 209010-4030 to pay the London Independent School District
reimbursement request for the Installation of 8,394 -linear feet of 16 -inch C-905 PVC
water arterial transmission main to develop Lot 1, London School Tracts.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez,
Noyola. and Scott. voting "Aye"
18. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Tong -term lease agreement,
five (5) years, with San Antonio MTA, L.P. d/b/a Verizon Wireless to construct, maintain,
and operate a sixty -foot ;"60') high monopole type tower for use in connection with
providing communications services at the Corpus Christi International Airport in
consideration of an annual rental fee and extended automatic rental terms being three
3) successive periods of five (5) years each.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney. Cooper Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye";
Noyola abstained.
19. ORDINANCE NO. 026836
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55 regarding
collection for unauthorized utility usage. (First Reading 06/13/06)
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the
following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper. Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and
Scott, voting "Aye'
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 10 regarding a contract for LIDAR and
Bathymetric Survey in the Nueces Delta for the U.S. Army Corps Nueces River Basin Feasibility
Study. Mr. Scott asked if this contract would assist the city with its release program. Assistant
City Manager Ron Massey stated that the city would be paying part of the cost for this study,
noting that it counted toward the city's contribution for the Nueces Basin Feasibility Study. He
said the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program was also contributing toward the study
costs. The study would allow Dr Montagna with UTMSI to conduct a bathymetric survey and
develop a computer model of the estuary. He said the study hoped to show that when the city
activated the Rincon Channel, the path of the freshwater could be diverted to cover a larger
area of the estuary, in effect using less water more effectively.
Mr Scott asked how many years of data the city needed before they could ask the State
for assistance with their release program. Mr. Massey replied that at least two or three years of
data would probably be necessary. Mr Scott expressed frustration that there always seemed to
be additional requests for data. City Manager Noe replied that this project was distinguished
from other projects because the city was working in conjunction with the Corps as part of a
larger project. Consequently, he said the city could gain more potential partners through this
initiative, assisting the city in funding the monitoring expense and building project support. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes — Regular Councl Meeting
June 27. 2006 — Page 7
10. MOTION NO. 2006-184
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into an agreement with the
Coastal Bend Bay and Estuary Program to perform a LIDAR and Bathymetric Survey in
the Nueces Delta, the work to be used as in-kind services for the City's involvement in
the U S Army Corps Nueces River Basin Feasibility Study and authorizing payment of
3120,733.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 11 regarding the Marina Development Project
Phase ill. Mr. Marez asked how many boats the city expected to attract through its upcoming
special events, such as Bayfest, Buccaneer Days, and the U.S. Open Windsurfing Regatta.
Parks and Recreation Director Sally Gavlik replied that many boaters were expected to attend
the events, and also added that Marina Superintendent Peter Davidson currently had a waiting
list of boaters anxious to lease the new slips as soon as they were available. She said she
would provide Mr. Marez with an estimated number of boaters for the special events as well the
number of boaters on the waiting 'ist for new slips. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
`heir votes as follows.
11. MOTION NO. 2006-185
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 2 to a
construction contract with CCC Group, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas in the amount of
$316,134 for the Corpus Christi Marina Development Project Phase III (Floating Docks
E, F, G and H) for Additive Alternates No. 4 and 5.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney Cooper. Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 12 regarding a contract for the Cefe F.
Valenzuela Landfill Site Development Project. In reply to Mr. Marez's question, Assistant
Director of Engineering Services Kevin Stowers stated that the city would be mounting antennas
on the KEDT tower as well as a 110 -foot pole tower at the airport. He said the wireless
communications tower was necessary to permit electronic and date communication with the city.
in addition, he said the tower would provide electronic communication and data redundancy for
Cefe Valenzuela Landfill and the airport. He said the additional scale software will interface
billing data from the scales to the City financial system. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
12. MOTION NO. 2006-186
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 8 for
the construction of an additional lift station, a wireless communications tower, and scale
software for financial interface with the City's software system in the amount of $280,353
with Longhorn Excavation. Inc of Richmond, Texas for the Cefe F. Valenzuela Landfill
Site Development Project.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper. Garcia, Kelly Kinnison. Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 27 2006 — Page 8
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 14 regarding a contract with the Corpus Christi
Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for airport business development services.
in response to Mr Garcia's question, Director of Aviation Dave Hamrick replied that the city
contracted with the EDC to provide non -aviation business development in December 2004. He
reported that the partnership had been extremely successful; next month, he anticipated
bringing the Council a lease agreement that could positively impact airport revenues by
$365,000 a year He said the lease agreement was a long-term agreement with a Fortune 500
Company for developing -he business center at the airport entrance. In addition, he said staff
would be issuing an RFP `or an airport hotel.
Mr Garcia asked or an update on the airport industrial park. Mr. Hamrick replied that
that Fortune 500 Company was interested in developing the entire 54 acres in the airport
industrial park, including a smorgasbord of development such as warehousing and distribution
centers He praised the EDC for their efforts in cementing the deal. City Secretary Chapa
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
14. MOTION NO. 2006-188
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the
Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (CCREDC) in the amount
of $50,000 for Airport Business Development Services, effective July 1, 2006.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison. Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Noyola
abstained.
Mayor Garrett referred to Items 20 and 21, and a motion was made, seconded, and
passed to open the public hearings on the following street right-of-way closures:
20.a. Public hearing to consider abandoning and vacating a parcel of unimproved street right-
of-way containing 2,456 -square feet out of the Plat of Brighton Village Unit 4
Subdivision, Nueces County, Texas, and located on Stone Henge Street east of Sterling
Drive, in connection with the Realignment of Stone Henge Street.
21.a_ Public hearing to consider abandoning and vacating a parcel of unimproved street right-
of-way containing 822 -square feet out of the Plat of Brighton Village Unit 4 Subdivision,
Nueces County, Texas, and located on Stone Henge Street at Derby Drive, in
connection with the Realignment of Stone Henge Street.
City Engineer Angel Escobar explained that Stone Henge Street, located in Brighton
Village Unit 4, was realigned to match up with Boardwalk Avenue, located in the new Boardwalk
Unit 2 Subdivision, As a result, he said that excess street right-of-way developed along the
south side of two properties located between Sterling Drive and Derby Drive. He reported that
the affected property owners had requested that the City convey this excess land to them. He
said city staff recommended conveying the two parcels in exchange for the property owner's
perpetual care and maintenance of the said properties. He noted that the entire area conveyed
will be retained as a Utility Easement to accommodate existing facilities.
No one spoke against the proposed street right-of-way closures. Mr. Kinnison made a
motion to close the public hearings. seconded by Mr Scott; and passed. City Secretary Chapa
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 9
oolled the Council for they votes as follows:
20.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Abandoning and vacating a parcel of unimproved street right-of-way containing 2,456 -
square feet out of the Plat of Brighton Village Unit 4 Subdivision, Nueces County, Texas,
and located on Stone Henge Street east of Sterling Drive, in connection with the
Realignment of Stone Henge Street.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper. Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott,
voting "Aye"
20.c. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Declaring as surplus property a parcel of land containing 2,456 -square feet out of the
Plat of Brighton Village Unit 4 Subdivision, Nueces County, Texas, and located on Stone
Henge Street east of Sterling Drive, in connection with the Realignment of Stone Henge
Street
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper. Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott,
voting "Aye"
20.d. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Approving the corveyance of a parcel of surplus property containing 2,456 -square feet
remaining from the Realignment of Stone Henge Street, to the adjacent property owners,
Jesse and Celina Buentello, in exchange for their perpetual maintenance of the property,
and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a quitclaim deed for the
property
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper. Garcia. Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott,
voting "Aye"
21.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Abandoning and vacating a parcel of unimproved street right-of-way containing 822 -
square feet out of the Plat of Brighton Village Unit 4 Subdivision, Nueces County, Texas,
and located on Stone Henge Street at Derby Drive, in connection with the Realignment
of Stone Henge Street
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper Garcia. Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott,
voting "Aye"
Minutes - Regular Counc Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 10
21.c. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Declaring as surplus property a parcel of land containing 822 -square feet out of the Plat
of Brighton Village Unit 4 Subdivision, Nueces County, Texas, and located on Stone
Henge Street at Derby Drive, in connection with the Realignment of Stone Henge Street.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott,
voting "Aye"
21.d. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Approving the conveyance of a parcel of surplus property containing 822 -square feet
remaining from the Realignment of Stone Henge Street, to the adjacent property owner,
Eduardo Perez, n exchange for his perpetual maintenance of the property, and
authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a quitclaim deed for the
property
The foregoing ordnance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney; Cooper Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott,
voting "Aye"
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 22, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to
open the public hearing on the following street right-of-way closure:
22.a Public hearing to ;onsider abandoning and vacating a 22,692 -square foot portion of an
unsurfaced, 40 -foot wide dedicated public right-of-way (Yorktown Boulevard Extension),
out of Lots 9 and 24, Section 52, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, east
of Laguna Shores Road, between the Laguna Shores Road right-of-way and the Laguna
Madre
Acting Director of Development Services Michael Gunning stated that staff and the
developer were requesting the abandonment and vacation of a portion of Yorktown Boulevard
that would connect with Laguna Shores Road. He said the abandonment of the right-of-way
would facilitate the Laguna Shores Resort and Marina development.
Mr Gunning added that a portion of the right-of-way was located in an existing drainage
way. He said the property owner had agreed to expand the drainage easement to 104 feet
wide. in addition, he said the owner would be required to allow public pedestrian access to the
Laguna Madre waterway on the south side of the plat.
No one spoke in opposition to the street right-of-way closure. Mr. Scott made a motion
to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Chesney, and passed. City Secretary Chapa
polled the Council for thei- votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Councii Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 11
22.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Abandoning and vacating a 22,692 -square foot portion of an unsurfaced, 40 -foot wide
dedicated public right-of-way (Yorktown Boulevard Extension), out of Lots 9 and 24,
Section 52, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located east of Laguna
Shores Road, between the Laguna Shores Road right-of-way and the Laguna Madre;
subject to owner's compliance with the specified conditions.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott,
voting "Aye"
Mayor Garrett referred to item 23, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to
open the public hearing on the following proposed Platting Ordinance amendment:
23.a. Public hearing to ::onsider amending the Section III. H. 5 of the Platting Ordinance to
provide that completion of water and/or wastewater improvements shall comply with the
more stringent development standards required by the City of Corpus Christi or the entity
providing water and/or wastewater service prior to endorsement of the plat by the
Development Services Engineer; providing a severability clause; providing a repealer
'clause: and providing for an effective date
Acting Director of Development Services Michael Gunning explained that the Planning
Commission was recommending the proposed Platting Ordinance amendment to appease
outside suppliers providing water and wastewater services within the city's ETJ, particularly the
Nueces County Water Improvement Districts Nos. 3 and 4 on the island. Basically, he
explained that the amendment would comply with the more stringent development standards of
an entity providing water and wastewater (i.e. improvement district) if other than the City before
the final plat was endorsed. Mr. Gunning stated that the city required that 75 percent of the
infrastructure needed to be installed before the plat was recorded. By contrast, he said Nueces
County Water Improvement District Nos 3 and 4 (Mustang Island and Port Aransas) required
100 percent completion of the infrastructure. Mr. Gunning stated that therefore, staff was
recommending the amendment to reflect the water improvement districts' more stringent
requirements
No one spoke in opposition to the proposed Platting Ordinance amendment. Mr. Kelly
made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Cooper, and passed.
in response to Mr Garcia's question, Mr. Gunning replied that the city had entered into
Interlocal Agreements with both Nueces and Kleberg Counties to administer the city's platting
regulations in its ETu. He said the agreements contained requirements similar to today's
proposed amendments; however these agreements did not cover the Nueces County Water
improvement Districts service areas. He said potential projects in these service areas would be
iodated on Mustang Island within the city limits. City Manager Noe added that as the city grew,
the provision would apply to any outside (non -city) providers of water and wastewater services
n new growth areas.
Mr Scott asked why the city set a 75 percent standard for infrastructure development.
Mr. Gunning replied that the rule had been in place since 1973 to ensure that a developer had
essentially completed the necessary infrastructure serving a potential subdivision before the plat
was recorded. He said the development community considered the 75 percent level a fair
benchmark Mr Scott agreed that the 75 percent rule seemed to be a good concept. Mr. Noe
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 12
agreed. but said the water districts asked the city to initiate this change because they wanted to
see a 100 percent level on their projects. City Manager Noe added that the area in question
was only a small portion of the city limits.
Mr Scott stated that he did not understand why the city was making it harder for
developers to build in Corpus Christi. Mr. Gunning replied that he supported the recommended
change because he did not feel the amendment would significantly impact the developers. He
said the majority of the plats approved at 75 percent included 100 percent of the necessary
water and sewer improvements. He noted that Ms. Mary Moss with the Nueces County Water
Improvement District No. 4 and ar engineer had raised the issue with staff.
City Manager Noe suggested that if the Council had concerns about the proposed
amendment, they could table the item today and invite the representatives from the water
districts to discuss their .concerns. Mr Garcia and Mr. Scott spoke in support of Mr. Noe's
suggestion
Mr Kelly asked how many water districts had more stringent requirements. Mr. Gunning
replied that the proposed amendment would affect any water improvement districts or other
services providers wherever they may occur. At this time, Mr. Gunning said there were three
existing entities he was aware of, out not all three had more stringent requirements.
Mayor Garrett suggested that the Council pass the ordinance on first reading, and then
ask the water district representatives to discuss their concerns during the second reading,
scheduled for the second Council meeting in July. The Council concurred with the Mayor's
suggestion. City Manager Noe stated that he would schedule the second reading when the
water district representatives could attend. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows
23. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Section III. H. 5 of the Platting Ordinance to provide that completion of
water and/or wastewater improvements shall comply with the more stringent
development standards required by the City of Corpus Christi or the entity providing
water and/or wastewater service prior to endorsement of the plat by the Development
Services Engineer; providing a severability clause; providing a repealer clause; and
providing for an effective date
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, and Noyola, voting
"Aye": Scott voting "No'
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 24, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to
open the public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0506-04, HEB Grocery Company, LP: A change of zoning from a "R-1B/SP"
One -family Dwelling District with Special Permit to a "B-4" General Business District on
Alameda Estates, Block 2 Lots 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F and a portion of Lot 3, located 167 feet
east of Delano Lane and Robert Drive intersection.
Minutes - Regular Counc Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 13
City Secretary Chapa stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended the
denial of the "B-4" General Business District and in lieu thereof, approval of a revised Special
Permit for a parking lot and the drive-thru pharmacy subject to a site plan and five (5)
conditions
No one spoke n opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Kinnison made a motion to close
the public hearing. seconded by Mr Scott, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as 'ollows
24. ORDINANCE NO. 026837
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by HEB Grocery Company, LP, by
changing the zoning map in reference to Alameda Estates, Block 2, Lots 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F
and a portion of Lot 3, (currently zoned "R-1B/SP" One -family Dwelling District with a
Special Permit) by granting a Special Permit for 91 parking spaces and a drive-through
pharmacy, subject to a site plar: and five (5) conditions; amending the Comprehensive
Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan; providing a
penalty
An emergency was declared. and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez,
Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 25, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to
open the public hearing on the following zoning case
Case No. 0506-06, Louis R. and Lucy Nell Evans: A change of zoning from a "R -1B"
One -family Dwelling District to an "1-2" Light Industrial District, being a 3.271 acre tract
out of Lot 1, Block 1, Brezina Farm Tracts located at the southwest intersection of
Bratton Road and Brezina Road and west of Weber Road (W.O.W.).
City Secretary Chapa stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended the
approval of the "1-2" Light Industrial District.
No one spoke in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Kelly made a motion to close the
public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kinnison, and passed.
Mr Noyola asked what the developer's plans were for the property. Acting Assistant
Director of Development Services Faryce Goode -Macon replied that the developer was
undecided at this time, but was considering warehousing, manufacturing, or other industrial
uses. City Secretary Chaoa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes — Regular Councl Meeting
June 27, 2006 — Page 14
25. ORDINANCE NO. 026838
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Louis and Lucy Evans, by
changing the zoning map in reference to Brezina Farm Tracts, being a 3.271 acre tract
out of Lot 1 Block 1 from -R-1B" One -family Dwelling District to "1-2" Light Industrial
District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the
existing Comprehensive Plan; providing a penalty.
An emergency was declared. and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett. Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez,
Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 26, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to
open the public hearing on the following zoning case
Case No. 0506-07, DHS Enterprises: A change of zoning from a "B-4" General
Business District to an "1-2" Light Industrial District at River Square Unit 1, Lot 2, Block 3,
located along the northeast intersection of Interstate 37 access road and Turtle Creek
Boulevard.
No one spoke In opposition to the zoning change. Ms. Cooper made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr Kelly, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as Tollows:
26. ORDINANCE NO. 026839
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by DHS Enterprises, by changing the
zoning map in reference to River Square Unit 1, Lot 2, Block 3, (currently zoned "B-4"
General Business District) by granting a Special Permit, subject to a site plan and ten
10) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from
the existing Comprehensive Plan; providing a penalty.
An emergency was declared. and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett. Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez,
Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 27, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to
open the public hearing on the following zoning case
Case No. 0506-05, Mariano Fernandez: A change of zoning from a "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District at Koolside Addition south
20 -foot of Lot 24 and north 30 -foot of Lot 25 Block 1, located 500 feet north of McArdle
Road and east side of Dorothy Drive.
City Secretary Chapa stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended the
denial of the "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. He noted that the ordinance presented for
Councii consideration reflected the applicant's request.
Acting Assistant Director of Development Services Faryce Goode -Macon reported that
the applicant, Mr. Mariano Fernandez. was requesting the zoning change to provide 11
additional parking spaces for the adjoining Taqueria Acapulco Restaurant. She said the
restaurant was located near the intersection of Airline and McArdle Roads; the owner proposed
Minutes - Regular Counc i Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 15
expanding the parking lot along Dorothy Street, a residential area. She said there were
currently three houses to the south of the proposed parking lot on Dorothy Street. Ms. Macon
stated that the developer proposed to place the parking lot in a mid -block range, which
constituted an intrusion cf commercial use into the neighborhood. Ms. Macon stated that the
subject property contained a single-family residence
in conclusion. Ms. Macon stated that the future land use for the area supported
residential uses: thus. staff recommended denial of the "B-1" district and retention of the "R -1B"
district
Mayor Garrett called for public comment. Mr. Jack Colmenero, representing Mr.
Fernandez. displayed a diagram showing the proposed parking lot. He said the applicant
proposed to landscape the first 30 feet along Dorothy Drive. A standard screening fence was
proposed to separate the landscape area from the parking area. She said the fence would also
be placed along the side setbacks. At the property line, he said they proposed erecting a
wrought iron fence. He said Mr. Fernandez planned to close the area at 10:00 a.m. to prevent
any vehicles from parking in the lot. and the lot would be well lit.
Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, spoke in support of the proposed parking lot. He said
ne patronized the restaurant. and often had to park across Airline Road and then cross the busy
street, which was dangerous.
Mr Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing. seconded by Mr. Scott, and
passed.
Mr. Noyola stated that at first, ne understood that the proposed parking lot would have
an exit on Dorothy Street, which was not the case. Therefore, he spoke in support of the
proposed parking lot. He expressed concern, however, that the notices had only been sent to
property owners in the notification area. Ms. Macon stated that approximately half of the
properties in the notification area were rental properties, but renters did not have a say in the
zoning issues per ordinance.
Mr. Gunning described the history of the commercial development at the McArdle and
Airline Roads intersection He said staff wanted to consider a long-term plan for this area to
create viable, neighborhood commercial uses on Airline Road that could meet performance
standards on Dorothy Street. He said staff wished to minimize the impact of commercial uses
on the Dorothy Street neighborhoods by retaining lots that would be compatible with the homes
across the street. He said the residences on Dorothy Street were marginal at best, and the
neighborhood needed help.
Mr. Scott recalled a number of zoning cases throughout the last five or six years that the
Council had denied to protect the neighborhoods behind Airline Road. Mr. Scott stated that
approving this request would seT a bad precedent. Mr. Scott also noted that the Planning
Commission had denied the zoning change. Mr. Gunning replied affirmatively, stating that a
majority of the Council plus one would be required to pass the ordinance.
Mr Marez stated that the parking for this restaurant was problematic. He acknowledged
that Mr. Colmenero and Mr. Fernandez had made a number of concessions to the
neighborhood to address their concerns. He expressed concern about individuals parking
across Airline Road and then crossing the street to the restaurant. Mr. Marez asked if the
applicant had considered acquiring a property south of the restaurant, toward Catfish Charlie's.
Mr. Coimenero replied that Mr Fernandez was attempting to acquire the first home on the south
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 16
side Mr, Marez stated that he hated to stifle a growing business, but he found the proposed
solution difficult to accept.
Mr Garcia stated that if the Council were to approve the zoning change, then could they
require that the lot be closed earlier than 10:00 p.m. and that the property owner maintain the
green space. Mr. Gunning replied that a Special Permit could add these types of conditions, but
he said staff was not recommending a Special Permit. He said staff had received and rejected
other requests from businesses on McArdle Road wishing to expand onto Dorothy Street. He
said that allowing an exception would set a bad precedent, opening the door to encroachment
ssues on Weber Everhart and other roads.
Mr. Kelly asked if the city had increased its enforcement efforts on Special Permits since he
served on the Planning Commission in the 1990s. Mr. Gunning replied affirmatively, saying that
the Code Enforcement inspectors in the Neighborhood Services department were able to
pursue zoning violations. He said staff was in the process of validating all the Special Permits
that had been approved and determine whether they were still active. He said staff found it
difficult to track Special permits, relying primarily on reports from residents to find violations. Mr.
Kelly stated that even when residents notified the city about violations, the city did not have the
teeth to enforce Special Permits.
Mr. Kelly stated that if the city approved this request, it would destroy that block of
Dorothy Street. Subsequently, it would be difficult to justify not allowing encroachment from
McArdle Road if the Council allowed it from Airline Road in this case. He spoke against the
zoning change because it could destroy the entire neighborhood.
Mr. Noyola stated that he had spoken in support of the zoning change, but after hearing
the discussion. he felt it was not right to divide the neighborhood. He spoke against allowing
businesses to encroach upon residential neighborhoods, such as in the recent Christus Spohn
zoning case. He said he was opposed to the zoning change.
Mr. Kinnison made a motion to close the public hearing. seconded by Mr. Scott, and
passed City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
27. FAILED
upon application by Mariano Fernandez, by changing
feet of Lot 25 Block 1, from "R 1B" One family Dwelling District to "B 1" Neighborhood
ma
the existing Comprehensive Plan; providing a penalty.
The foregoing ordinance failed with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez. Noyola, and Scott. voting "No".
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 28, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to
open the public hearing or the following zoning case:
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 27 2006 — Page 17
Case No. 0506-08, MG Building Materials: A change of zoning from a "R-1 B" One -
family Dwelling District, "T -1A" Travel Trailer Park District (T -1A), "T -1B" Manufactured
Home Park District, and a "B-4" General Business District to an "I-2" Light Industrial
District in Joslin Tract, Block A, Lots 7 and 8, and 0.941 acres out of Lot 3, Section 28,
Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located 2,120 feet from the northwest
ntersection of Ennis Joslin Road and South Padre Island Drive.
City Secretary Chapa stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended
denial of the "1-2" Light industrial District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit
subject to a site plan and six (6) conditions.
City Secretary Chapa alsc said that the ordinance needed to be amended to include
language specifying that a "B-4" General Business District with a Special Permit was being
recommended. Mr Garcia made a motion to amend the ordinance as noted by Mr. Chapa,
seconded by Mr. Scott. and passed
No one spoke in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Garcia made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr Scott. and passed.
Acting Assistant Director of Development Services Faryce Goode -Macon noted that the
Special Permit needed to he amended to correct the hours of operation, which should read from
7.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mr. Scott made a motion to amend the ordinance as recommended by
staff, seconded by Mr. Kirnison, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes on the ordinance as amended as follows:
28. ORDINANCE NO. 026840
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by MG Building Materials, Ltd., by
changing the zoning map in reference to Joslin Tract, Block A, Lots 7 and 8, and 0.941
acres out of Lot 3, Section 28, Flour Bluff and Encina) Farm and Garden Tracts, from "R-
IB One -family Dwelling District, "T -1A (T-1)" Travel Trailer Park District, "T-1 b"
Manufactured Home Park District, and "B-4" General Business District to "B-4" General
Business District and granting a Special Permit for outside storage, subject to a Site
Plan and six conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any
deviations from the existing Comprehensive plan; providing a penalty.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved as
amended with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison,
Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 29 regarding the Enforcing Underage Drinking
Laws (EUDL) grant Acting Police Chief K.A. Bung stated that Police Commander Garcia,
Commander Alvarado. and Ms. Pat Eldridge joined forces to create a coalition of community
partners to fight underage drinking, including five school districts, Texas A&M University -
Corpus Christi, and sever other agencies. He said Corpus Christi was one of four cities in
Texas to receive a grant award.
Chief Bung introduced Ms. Eldridge, who provided more information. Ms. Eldridge
recognized a number of itepresentatives from the coalition group who were in the audience.
She described the role each coalition member played in the effort.
Minutes - Regular Councr Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 18
Mayor Garrett asked for more information on the '`Party Buster" hotline that was being
established through the Crime Stoppers agency. Ms. Eldridge replied that Commander
Alvarado, who managed the Campus Crime Stoppers, planned to post notices in high schools
with the hotline number so students could tip the police on illicit parties.
Mr Garcia asked if the city's alcohol and drug problems were concentrated in a certain
part of town. Chief Bung answered negatively, saying that the problems were citywide. He said
the Police department could not address the problems through enforcement alone; rather, he
said the community needed to become involved as well.
Mayor Garrett called for public comment. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, spoke in favor
the grant, and emphasized the importance of community involvement. City Secretary Chapa
oolled the Council for their votes as follows:
29.a. MOTION NO. 2006-192
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept an Enforcing Underage
Drinking Laws (EUDL) grant in the amount of $35,702 from the State of Texas, Texas
Alcoholic Beverage Commission for the funding of overtime to enforce underage drinking
aws, to prevent youth access to and illegal use of alcohol, and provide for an
educational program with a City cash match of $20,599, and in-kind contribution of $746,
for a total project cost of $57,047
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly Kinnison. Marez. Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
29.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026841
Ordinance appropriating $35,702 from the State of Texas, Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission in the No. 1061 State and Federal Grant Fund for funding to enforce and
prevent underage drinking.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett. Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez,
Noyola, and Scott. voting "Aye".
29.c. RESOLUTION NO 026842
Resolution author:zing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Agreement with the Corpus Christi Independent School District in the amount of $6,000
for EUDL grant activities.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper. Garcia, Kelly Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 19
29.d. RESOLUTION NO 026842
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Agreement with the Flour Bluff Independent School District in the amount of $2,000 for
the EUDL grant activities.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
29.e. RESOLUTION NO 026844
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Agreement with the Calallen Independent School District in the amount of $2,000 for
EUDL grant activities.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
29.f. RESOLUTION NO 026845
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Agreement with the Tuloso-Midway Independent School District in the amount of $2,000
for EUDL grant activities.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
29.g. RESOLUTION NO. 026846
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Agreement with the West Oso Independent School District in the amount of $2,000 for
EUDL grant activities.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
29.h. RESOLUTION NO 026847
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Agreement with Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi in the amount of $5,000 for EUDL
grant activities.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 20
29.i. RESOLUTION NO 026848
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Agreement with the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the amount of $9,256 for
EUDL grant activities.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 30 approving the FY 2006-2007 Crime Control
and Prevention District budget. There were no comments from the Council or the public. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
30. RESOLUTION NO 026849
Resolution approving the FY 2006-2007 Budget for the Corpus Christi Crime Control and
Prevention District
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 31 regarding the sale of city surplus
properties. City Engineer Angel Escobar reported that staff was requesting that the Council
declare eighteen city properties as surplus properties so they could be sold. He said the city
had acquired the majority of the tracts for street projects, and the remnant tracts were irregularly
sized and shaped. He referred to a list of the properties in the agenda book.
Mr Escobar stated that staff offered the larger tracts that were suitable for development
to Neighborhood Services before offering them for sale. Of the original nineteen properties, he
said Neighborhood Services elected to use one property in their in -fill lot program, leaving
eighteen properties. In addition, ne said nine of the eighteen tracts (Items 1 - 10) would be
conveyed to the adjacent property owners in exchange for their perpetual maintenance and
care. He said the property at 3705 Topeka would be sold by sealed bid to the public. Finally,
he said the remaining eight properties (Items 11 - 18) that were suitable for development would
Pe sold by sealed bid as well.
Mr Kelly asked why Neighborhood Services found only one lot that was eligible for the
:n -fill lot program. He pointed out that one of the lots on Topeka Street seemed appropriate for
the program since it already had a residence on it. Director of Neighborhood Services Yvonne
Haag replied that a neighbor on Topeka Street was interested in purchasing the home. She
said city inspectors iookec± at all the properties on the list, but found only one property that was
suitable
Mr Noyola stated that he and his wife had purchased property on the corner of
Washington and Soledad, which was near 2723 Osage, one of the lots being recommended for
sale. He asked City Attorney Fischer whether he should abstain from voting on the item. City
Attorney Fischer replied 'hat Mr. Noyola should abstain if he felt his vote could lead to his
economic benefit.
There were no comments from the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Counci Meeting
June 27 2006 - Page 21
31.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Declaring eighteen City -owned properties (listed in Exhibit C) as surplus property, which
nciude one developed residential property located at 3705 Topeka Street and
seventeen vacant tracts of land nine of which are irregular in shape and not suitable for
ouilding.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett. Chesney, Cooper Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye";
Noyola abstained.
31.b FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the sale of eighteen surplus properties (listed in Exhibit C) consisting of one
residential property located at 3705 Topeka Street, and eight developable tracts which
will be sold individually to the public by sealed bid, and nine irregularly-shaped
properties which will be sold to the adjacent landowners in exchange for their perpetual
maintenance and care of the property; and authorizing the City Manager or his designee
to execute the necessary deeds for all eighteen surplus properties to be sold and
conveyed.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney. Cooper Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye";
Noyola abstained.
Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess to present proclamations.
Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Johnny French, 4417 Carlton,
spoke against the city's beach grooming on Packery Channel, allegedly without a U.S. Corps of
Engineers permit. He said he had notified the Corps of Engineers and they were conducting an
investigation.
Mr Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, spoke regarding the city's lack of enforcement of the State
Highway Beautification Act and city sign ordinances. In particular, he pointed out problems on
Weber, South Padre Island Drive, and Kostoryz Roads. Mr. Noyola asked Mr. Noe to look into
the matter. Mr. Noe replied that staff would research Mr. Gordy's claims and report to the
Council He added that staff would also schedule an update on the electronic bulletin board
controversy.
The following individuals spoke in support of allocating $25,000 in hotel/motel occupancy
tax (HOT) funds to the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica: Mr. Carlos Fernandez, 7517 Annemasse;
Ms. Dora Garcia, 625 Gregory: and Mr. Richard Alegria, 1617 N. Chaparral.
Mr Scott stated that he was in favor of allocating HOT tax funds to the Convention and
Visitors Bureau. He stated, however, that if the city had extra revenues from ad valorem taxes,
then the Council could consider giving the additional revenue to the Arts and Cultural
Commission for disbursement to the arts community City Manager Noe replied that the Council
Minutes — Regular Counci Meeting
June 27 2006 — Page 22
made a commitment to reduce the property tax rate for any increase in values; thus, staff did not
expect to see an increase in property tax revenues.
Mr Marez spoke in support of funding the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica.
Mr Tom Schmid, 319 Long Point, thanked the Council and the City Manager for
promoting tourism In the community He spoke in support of increasing funding for tourism
marketing
Mr Kevin Latone, 900 N. Shoreline, spoke in support of increasing CVB funding for
tourism marketing. He also asked that the Council remove the Columbus Fleet debt from the
CVB budget, and that they consider allocating the 35 percent increase in April HOT tax
revenues to the CVB budget for marketing efforts.
Mr Rod Miller, executive director of the Art Center of Corpus Christi, asked the Council
to consider increasing their current HOT tax funding allocation from $15,000 to $60,000.
Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess.
x x x x x. x.: x
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 32, the second reading ordinance changing
the name of Winnebago Street to Uptown Avenue between Carancahua and Upper Broadway
Streets. City Engineer Angel Escobar reported that staff stood by its initial recommendation to
approve the street name change request because it met the requirements in the ordinance.
Mayor Garrett called for public comment. The following individuals spoke against the
street name change request because of the street's historical value: Bunny Arnim Tinker, 1010
Furman Avenue, Joel Murnphord; and Danny Noyola Jr., 4132 Kevin. Mr. Mumphord and Mr.
Noyola suggested a compromise by changing the name to "Uptown Winnebago" Street.
Mr Kelly spoke in favor of the street name change request because Winnebago Street
proper was so far removed from the section being proposed for a name change. He also
questioned whether retaining the name on this section of the street actually preserved the city's
historical heritage.
The following individuals spoke in support of the street name change request: James
Chrobinski and Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames.
Mr Noyola stated that the portion of Winnebago Street in question was historically
significant. He felt it would be confusing if the name was changed to Uptown Avenue. Mr.
Noyola spoke in favor of naming the street "Uptown Winnebago" Street as a compromise
measure.
Ms. Cooper spoke in favor of the street name change request. Since the street was
already divided, she did not see a problem with renaming the portion in question. She stated
that the city desperately needed development in this area of the city. While she enjoyed
studying history. she said she did not see the historical significance of the current name. She
also said she did not like the name Uptown Winnebago Street because it was too long.
Minutes — Regular Counci Meeting
June 27. 2006 — Page 23
Mr Kelly said he disagreed with Mr. Noyola's reasons for rejecting the request, but he
could understand Mr. Chesney's rationale for opposing the name change as stated last week.
However, Mr. Kelly said he was prepared to make a motion to amend the ordinance to change
the name to Uptown Winnebago Street
City Secretary Chapa replied that he was uncertain whether the Council had the
authority to amend the name change He pointed out that the applicant had filed a formal
request and paid an application fee requesting a specific name. City Attorney Fischer
concurred with Mr Chapa, saying that the Council had to have the applicant's concurrence
before they could propose changing his request.
Mayor Garrett asKed Mr. Mark Adame, representing the applicant Joe Adame, to
comment on the compromise measure to rename the street Uptown Winnebago Street. Mr.
Adame spoke against the name Uptown Winnebago because it was too long. He said they
preferred the name Uptown Avenue.
City Attorney Fischer pointed out that the property owners on that section of Winnebago
would also have to concur with the Uptown Winnebago Street name. Mr. Adame stated that his
firm owned all the property in that area.
Mr Marez asked for clarification on the street name change process. Specifically, he
questioned if an individual could apply to change the name of only one block of a particular
street. City Secretary Chapa replied that the Council recently adopted an ordinance clarified the
street renaming process outlined ;n the Council policies. He said anyone who owned property
or lived on a street block that they wished to rename could apply for a street name change. He
said they would have to bay the $500 application fee. If the application qualified under the
guidelines he said staff processed the application and then presented it to the Council for
consideration. He said the Council decided whether the application met the extenuating
circumstances outlined in the ordinance
A discussion ensued whether the application met the extenuating circumstances outlined
n the ordinance. City Engineer Escobar replied that the Traffic Engineering division
recommended approval of the street name change request because Winnebago Street was
already divided. He said f four or five people living in a mid -block of a mile -long street applied
for a street name change however, then staff would deny this application because it did not
meet the extenuating circumstances in the ordinance.
Mr Scott apologized to Mr Mumphord about a misunderstanding they had regarding the
street name change process. He said the point he was trying to make was that if he wanted to
change the 300 block of Bermuda Street to Scott Avenue, for example, he could apply but it did
not guarantee that his application would be approved. In this case, he said staff recommended
approval of the street name change request. He said he liked the current street name change
process Finally he spoke in favor of the street name change request.
Mr Chesney stated that he still did not feel a compelling case had been made to change
the street name. He was interested in finding a compromise in which the developer could
propose a name preserving the history of the street and the area. He felt changing the name to
Uptown Avenue would be confusing. He said he felt street name changes were appropriate
when they honored the city's history or a businesses or individuals that made a significant
contribution to the community. He was against changing the street name because it might help
a particular development such as in this case.
Minutes — Regular Counci Meeting
June 27 2006 — Page 24
Mr Mark Adame replied that he would be willing to consider another street name, but
was opposed to the Uptown Winnebago name. Mr. Chesney replied that he would be willing to
table this ;tem until the next Council meeting so Mr. Adame could speak to the community. If
the Adames could not come to an agreement with the community, then he said the Council
could vote on the item at the next meeting. If, however, Mr. Adame wanted the Council to vote
on the matter now, then Mr Chesney would withdraw the offer.
Mr Adame statec that his company was taking a tremendous risk by investing the
proposed development. He said hurdles like this street name change took away their
entrepreneurial spirit, but he was willing to try to find a compromise.
Mayor Garrett asked for a motion to table the item until the next Council meeting (July
11). Mr. Noyola made the made as stated by the Mayor, seconded by Mr. Garcia, and passed.
Mayor Garrett offered to meet with Mr. Adame and community members in his conference room
to see if they could reach a compromise He said the proposed development would truly benefit
the community, and he dic not want to break their spirit.
Mr David Noyola stated that he did not agree with the Council's decision to try to
compromise on the name change. He said the citizens were requesting that the street name
remain Winnebago Street, and it appeared that the Council was bowing to the developer's
wishes instead. He asked the Council not to compromise and to deny the request.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 34, a presentation on the Summer Connections program
and other dropout prevention program by Dr. Ridge Hammonds. Dr. Hammonds explained that
Summer Connections was an employment enhancement program targeting at -risk students
from Oak Park and Evans Elementary Schools by providing hands-on learning about career and
vocational opportunities. He said the program's goal was to introduce students to a wide variety
of career opportunities included allied health, art, music, geology, kinesiology, dental, law
enforcement, and process technology, Now in its seventh year, he said the program was funded
primarily through a grant `rom Flint Hills Resources, and through partnerships with CCISD, Del
Mar College, Texas A&M Jniversity-Corpus Christi, and other community organizations.
Dr Hammonds stated that the Summer Connections program was one of the many
dropout prevention programs in the community. He said many area agencies had the common
goal of increasing graduation rates by keeping kids in school longer so they could find a
meaningful job.
Dr. Hammonds stated that on October 22, he was asked to make a presentation at the
International Dropout Prevention Conference in San Antonio, TX. He said he planned to
present a "map" of all the city's dropout prevention efforts to better organize the efforts, reduce
repetition. and increase cooperation. He said the City Council may have the unique ability to
call the various "players" together. With cooperation from CCISD. Del Mar, Texas A&M, and the
Caller Times, he said the Council could lead an effort by schools, private and public agencies.
in conclusion, Dr. Hammonds invited the Council to attend a "graduation" ceremony this
Thursday night for the 60 at -risk students completing the program this summer.
Mr Marez spoke in support of the Summer Connections program, saying he would like
to see the program expanded to provide year-round services. He said he would like the city to
become a formal program partner by providing resources to help with the expansion. He
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
June 27 2006 — Page 25
discussed the importance of mentonng and shadowing programs in keeping at -risk youth in
school_ Mr. Garcia suggested that the Council could appoint Mr. Marez as the Council
representative leading the effort.
City Manager Noe stated that two years ago, a citywide effort led by the Citizens for
Excellence group created a blueprint for addressing dropout rates. He suggested that the city
could re-examine the goals raised by the group. Dr. Hammonds replied that while the Citizens
for Excellence plan was a good effort, he felt the Summer Connections program and the
community needed to go beyond the talking point stage and into action. He advocated the
creation of a clearinghouse of services that citizens could contact for help in dropout prevention.
Mr Noyola asked if the Summer Connections program was a citywide program. Dr.
Hammonds answered negatively, saying that because of funding constraints, the program was
imited to two CCISD campuses, Evans and Oak Park Elementary Schools. To expand the
program, he said they needed funding partners with the same commitment and vision, like Flint
Hills
Mr. Noyola spoke n support of expanding the program to other school districts, possibly
through school funding. Dr. Hammonds replied that the program costs were $30,000 a year
plus $20,000 in in -like kind funding to operate at the two elementary schools.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 35, a presentation of the 3`d Quarter FY 2005-2006
Budget/Performance report. Assistant Budget Director Eddie Houlihan reported that with 82.75
percent of General Fund budgeted revenues received, the city was on track to meet the
projections in the proposed budget. He noted that the revenue projection was $775,598, or
one-half percent, higher than the budgeted amount. Regarding sales tax revenues, Mr.
Houlihan stated the revenues were budgeted at a four percent increase over the prior year, but
the city was currently seeing an eight percent increase over FY 2005 through the first nine
months. Regarding Solid Waste Services revenues, Mr. Houlihan stated that revenues were
anticipated to fall slightly below the budgeted amounts due to decreased tonnage. He noted
that Municipal Court revenues remained strong, and franchise fee revenues were on track with
projections and the budget.
Regarding General Fund expenditures, he said 71.63 percent of the budget had been
expended by 75 percent of the year completed. He stated there were no major variances at this
time. Mr Houlihan reviewed charts depicting the year-to-date (YTD) General Fund revenues
and expenditures.
Mr Houlihan discussed the status of the Enterprise Funds. He highlighted the
performance of a number of departments, including Water, Gas, Wastewater, Airport, Golf, and
Marina. Regarding the Water fund, he said they experienced an increase in revenues due to
dry weather conditions. Regarding the Gas fund. he said revenues were slightly below budget
due to warm weather. He said expenditures were at 71.3 percent of budget and were expected
to come in under budget to help compensate for the revenue shortfall. Regarding the
wastewater fund, he said revenues and expenditures were on track with budget. Regarding the
Airport fund, he said revenues were decreased due to a reduction in oil and gas leases.
Regarding the Golf fund, he said revenues were expected to come in slightly higher than budget
and expenditures should come it line with budgeted amounts. Finally, regarding the Marina
budget. he said there was decrease in revenues due mainly to the loss of a major lessee and
the reduction in the number of shrimp boats docked at the marina. He said expenditures were
Minutes — Regular Counci Meeting
June 27. 2006 — Page 26
slightly less than budgeted to compensate for the revenue shortfall. Mr. Houlihan then
displayed a number of charts depicting the Enterprise Funds YTD revenues and expenditures.
Mr Houlihan discussed the status of the Internal Service funds, which primarily served
internal customers and charged a fee for services. Regarding the Stores Fund, he said
revenues were in line witn projections but slightly less than budgeted. He said expenditures
were slightly less than budgeted due to lower than expected sales. Regarding the Maintenance
Services fund, he said revenues were consistent with budgeted amounts. He said expenditures
were under budget due to capital outlay purchases that were not finalized until the fourth
quarter Regarding MIS, he said revenues were consistent with the budget, but expenditures
were lower than budgeted due to the deferment of certain expenses. Regarding Engineering
fund revenues and expenditures, he said they were consistent with budgeted amounts. Finally,
ne said Risk Management expenditures were lower than budgeted for health insurance, general
liability, and workers' compensation. Mr. Houlihan then displayed a number of charts depicting
the internal Service Funds YTD revenues and expenditures.
Mr Houlihan discussed the status of the Special Revenue funds. Regarding the Hotel
Occupancy Tax fund, he said revenues were budgeted about 6.5 percent above FY 2005
estimates, approximately eine percent above budget. Regarding the Reinvestment Zone No. 2
Fund, he said the fund saw a revenue increase driven by favorable appraised values in the
Packery Channel area Regarding the Visitors' Facility fund, he said revenues and expenditures
were under budget mainly because contractor revenues and expenditures were not booked until
the year end audits were :omplete. He said revenues were expected to come in $500,000 over
budget. and expenditures were expected to come in $150,000 over budget. Finally, regarding
the Crime Control District fund. he said revenues increased because sales tax revenues came
n at 7 percent rather than 4 percent as budgeted. Mr. Houlihan then displayed a number of
charts depicting the Special Revenue Funds YTD revenues and expenditures.
Council members asked questions about the use of Hotel Occupancy Tax funds. City
Manager Noe suggested that these questions could be better addressed during the next
presentation, an overview of the proposed FY 2006-07 budgets for Special Revenue, Internal
Service. and Debt Service funds.
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 36, an overview of the proposed FY 2006-07 budgets for
Special Revenue, Internal Service, and Debt Service funds. Assistant City Manager Oscar
Martinez discussed the Internal Service fund, comprised of the Stores, Maintenance Services,
Municipal Information Services, Engineering Services, and Risk Management funds. He noted
that Internal Services fund saw an increase of eight FTEs primarily due to employees being
transferred into the Customer Call Center
Regarding the Stores Func, Mr. Martinez said warehouse services comprised 87 percent
of the fund's activity, but also included printing, postage, and copy sales. He said the fund
balance for expenditures had been drawn down slightly ($50,000) in FY 2006 and 2007.
Regarding the Maintenance Services fund, Mr. Martinez stated that revenues were
derived from allocations, fuel sales, and transfer of funds from other departments for capital
outlay purchases. With regard to expenditures, he said that $250,000 was set aside in Reserve
appropriations to address fluctuating fuel costs; $100,000 was set aside to begin an equipment
replacement program: and $100,000 was set aside to begin a building maintenance program.
Minutes — Regular Councli Meeting
June 27. 2006 — Page 27
Regarding the Municipal Information Systems fund, Mr. Martinez stated that major
revenues included a moderate increase in the General Fund due to a new Police Computer
Aided Dispatch System. In addition, he noted increases in the allocations for Water and
Wastewater due to the full implementation of the Customer Call Center. Finally, he pointed out
that an increase in on-line transactions had caused an increase in the E -Government budget.
Mr Kinnison asked if the city charged a fee for on-line transactions. Director of E -
Government Services Susan Cable replied that the Council had directed staff not to pass the
charge onto the customer for utility bill payments, only for traffic tickets. She said staff could
bring forward an item to bass on the charge to customers if the Council wished. Mr. Noyola
spoke against passing or the charges to customers because the city had already increased
Jtility rates
Mr Kinnison asked about the increase in the visitors facility fund. MIS Director Ogilvie
Gericke explained that the city supported SMG with data and connectivity services in the past.
Over time he said MIS has been able to estimate the amount of services more accurately; the
first year, he said MIS hac to make a rough estimate on the costs
Mr Kinnison asked about Si million increase in water and wastewater fund budgets. Mr.
Gericke replied that one of the major costs was the MAXIMO program implementation. City
Manager Noe offered to provide Mr. Kinnison with more detailed information on the funds.
Regarding Municipal Information Systems expenditures, Mr. Martinez stated that the
fund saw increased personnel costs due to the addition of seven FTEs funded from the MIS
fund. He said approximately $2.5 million of the total appropriation was programmed to support
the Corpus Christi Digital Community Development Corporation's WiFi initiative, city fiber
network, and other wireless applications. Finally, he said due to an estimated Unreserved Fund
Balance of $584,747 at the end of FY 2006, FY 2007 expenditures were budgeted $404,649
greater than revenues
Regarding the Engineering Services fund's major revenues, Mr. Martinez reported that
allocations to other funds were reduced for FY 2007 due to an estimated Fund Balance of
$962,930 for FY 2006. Regarding expenditures, he said the Engineering fund typically has
numerous vacancies during the year and uses the vacancy savings to fund temporary services
when needed. Mr. Garcia suggested that if the Engineering department had a savings, they
could use the savings to provide extra benefits to attract more engineers. Mr. Martinez stated
that the Engineering department was faced with a challenge to attract and retain qualified
engineers because of compensation issues. Mr. Garcia stated that the city needed to focus on
ways to attract qualifies employees in all categories, especially Legal, Engineering, and
Development Services. Mr. Martinez replied staff was well aware of the problem and was trying
to address it.
Regarding the Combined Risk Management Fund's major revenues, Mr. Martinez
replied that health revenues reflected no increase in premiums for the Citicare and Police plans,
but Fire premiums nad been increased by 10 percent. He said the actuarial -based increase
proposed for FY 2007 was offset by the Risk Management fund's strong Unreserved Fund
Balance. Regarding expenditures, he noted that the majority of the operating expenses are
actuarially determined. He also stated that approximately $5.3 million of the $8.6 million
increase reflected from FY 2006 estimates to FY 2007 budget projections was attributable to the
city's estimated costs incurred for group health insurance, workers' compensation, and other
self insurance claims being less than the amounts projected by our actuary analysts. In
Minutes - Regular Councn Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 28
addition, he stated that the cost of insurance policy premiums was increasing by approximately
$500,000 due to increases in weather-related coverage.
Mr. Martinez discussed the Special Revenues funds, comprised of the Visitors Facility,
Crime Control, LEPC, and Development Services funds. Regarding major revenues, he
displayed a chart of the percentage of revenues obtained through taxes, fees/permits,
convention center/arena, other, and transfer from other fund revenue sources. He said the
revenues listed were inclusive of all the Special Revenue funds as follows: Hotel Occupancy
Tax (HOT), Reinvestment Zone No. 2; Seawall Improvement Fund; Arena Facility Fund;
Business and Job Development fund; Development Services; Visitors Facility; LEPC fund; and
Crime Control Distract fund.
Mr Martinez discussed the Special Revenue fund's expenditures. He said Crime
Control District revenues were strong due to robust increases in sales tax, and continued to
support 50 police officers He said HOT tax revenue was scaled back from the current year to
compensate for the impact of the bowlers convention. He said the CVB contract was currently
being negotiated and would be presented to the Council on July 11. He said the CVB budget in
FY 2007 was $2.641 million, and $90.130 increase over FY 2006. He said the Business and
Job Development fund continued the same level of service for large and small businesses and
affordable housing He said Development Services included full funding for all FTEs; over
$40,000 set aside for training; and $100,000 in Reserve Appropriations. Finally, he said
$81,904 was set aside for maintenance needs at the Convention Center facilities.
Mr Scott stated that he was in favor of increasing the marketing budget for the CVB. He
proposed using HOT tax .)r sales tax revenues that came in above estimates and apply them to
the CVB budgetin addition, he proposed using a portion of the funding for the arts community,
through the Arts and Cultural Community
City Manager Noe replied that staff could provide the Council with estimates on what
additional resources the city could have available in the HOT tax fund as a result of higher than
budgeted revenues. He said if the Council wished to allocate the extra revenues to the CVB for
a one-time expenditure cr for the arts, staff could work on that. However, he was hesitant to
commit to funding additional arts program through the General operating budget because there
were so many competing needs. He also noted that staff did not account for the fact that as the
city lowered the effective property tax rate, the amount the city received was Tess. Mr. Noe also
pointed out that the Nueces County Tax Appraisal District had not finalized the numbers
regarding the property tax freeze. He suggested that staff could provide a more solid number in
September. Mr. Scott preferred to make a decision before the end of the budget process, not in
September
Mr Scott asked about the possibility of moving the Columbus Fleet debt to the debt
service fund. City Manager Noe reminded the Council that staff had suggested doing this about
four years ago, but the Council had opposed it. Mr. Scott asked staff to provide information on
the history of Columbus Fleet debt :n their packets. He said he was in favor of moving the
Columbus Fleet debt to the debt service fund.
Mr. Kinnison stated that he did not mind giving the CVB more marketing money, but he
wanted them to have a definite program. He pointed out that staff was actually presenting a
budget with a $150,000 deficit, and was spending surplus money just to break even. He said
the HOT tax estimate may be overly optimistic, based on historical values.
Minutes - Regular Counc i Meeting
June 27, 2006 - Page 29
Mr. Kinnison noted that the Convention Center budget increased by $250,000, and he
asked staff to provide Information on the increase. He said this fund needed to be considered in
the long term if the city wanted to attract any future conferences.
Regarding the Coiumbus Fleet debt, Mr. Kinnison stated that he had researched the
topic and recalled that in 1999. the community was promised that it would not have to pay for
the debt. He said like it or not, the Council made this commitment. He said there were nine
more years left on the debt, with a payment of $280,000 a year.
Mr Chesney stated that he found it difficult to keep a commitment made by the Council
n 1999. unless the city had entered into a contractual agreement to that effect. If the Council
made a political commitment, however. he did not feel obligated to keep that promise. He felt
the impact on the citizers would be lessened through the debt service fund because it was
intended to pay long -terry debt. He asked City Manager Noe to provide the Council with their
options
Mr Kelly stated that the Council had an obligation to keep its promise regarding the
Columbus Fleet, if it was made, in order to maintain their integrity
Mr Martinez discussed the Debt Service Fund, which was used to pay principal and
interest for long-term debt Regarding revenues, he said a complete Capital Improvement Plan
based or the financial capacity of the Debt Service funds would be presented to the City
Council in August 2006. He also said that FY 2005 "Other Revenues" category reflected the
sale of $60 million for Bond 2004 approved projects. Regarding expenditures, he referred to a
chart depicting expenditures by fund.
?n conclusion, Mr. Martinez covered the budget calendar as follows: July 11 - public
hearing. July 18 - first reading ordinance; and July 25 - second reading ordinance and
adoption.
Mr. Kinnison asked for a booklet including budgets from organizations the city was
funding. Mr. Martinez replied that staff was compiling the booklet and would submit it soon.
in response to Mr Garcia's question, Mr. Martinez stated that the Capital Improvement
Project Budget would be submitted in August. He said it would provide all projects in the queue
for the next one, three. and seven years
Mayor Garrett called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Noe recognized the
Wastewater department for receiving awards from the National Association of Clean Water
Agencies for their plants. Wastewater Superintendent Foster Crowell said he was proud of the
wastewater staff. He also announced that Corpus Christi was one of thirteen cities involved in
the Water is Life pilot program sponsored by the association.
City Manager Noe stated that the city issued a press release announcing that it was
negotiating with Earthlink as our first alliance partner in the Wi-Fi network.
Mayor Garrett asked for an update on the public safety facilities. He also asked staff to
consider installing a rail at Sherrill Park to assist veterans in operating the flagpole.
Minutes - Regular Counc, Meeting
June 27. 2006 - Page 30
Mayor Garrett called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Noyola asked for an update
on the Sunnybrook Manshiem drainage project. City Engineer Angel Escobar stated that
project would be bid in August, with award scheduled in the first meeting in September. He said
construction should begin in September or October. He said the project would take
approximately 14 months to complete.
Mr Noyola asked now the West Oso tennis court improvements were funded. Director
of Parks and Recreation Sally Gavlik replied that the city funded the improvements through two
separate CDBG grants. Assistant Director of Engineering Services Kevin Stowers added that
the city had $105,000 to spend through those grants. He said the main purpose of the project
was to resurface the courts, extending their life span by approximately six to eight years.
Mr Noyola asked for a status report on the selection of Fire and Police Chiefs. City
Manager Noe replied that he expected to announce one selection this week and one next week.
He expected the Council to consider at the first selection on July 11.
Mr Scott stated that an Island constituent was complaining about ongoing problems with
mosquitoes related to wastewater issues. He asked Assistant City Manager Ron Massey to
ook into tt. He also reported that TxDOT was holding a series of public hearings in numerous
Texas cities, but they listed Calallen as a city instead of Corpus Christi. He asked staff to
contact TxDOT about errcr
Mr Marez reported a concern about a city -owned lot on the 4700 block of Arlene Street
that was not being maintained He asked Mr. Noe to look into it.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned
the Council meeting at 3:45 p.rn. on June 27, 2006.
*