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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 05/26/1999 s N t• PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 26, 1999 Commissioners Present: Bert Quintanilla,Chairman•• Ron Guzman,Vice Chairman William J.Kelly Danny Noyola Sylvia Perez Elizabeth Chu Richter' Richard Sema Brooke Sween-McGloin David Underbrink Staff Present: Michael N.Gunning,AICP,Acting Director of Planning Lucinda P.Beal,Recording Secretary Robert Payne,Senior Planner Harry J.Power,City Planner Miguel S. Saldafia,AICP,City Planner Jay Reining,Assistant City Attorney Leo Farias,P.E.,Special Services Engineer David R.Garcia,City Manager Joe B.Monte;Director of Management and Budget * Arrived at 5:37 p.m. •• Arrived at 7:08 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairman Guzman called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. NON PUBLIC REARING AGENDA ITEMS PRESENTATIONS-Discussion of Planning Process(continued from May 20,1999 Planning Commission Retreat) Mr. Gunning summarized the retreat held on May 20, 1999. At the retreat, the Commission discussed redevelopment incentives for economically depressed areas. Commissioner Noyola believed that the Empowerment Zone application could be a starting point to identify programs,policies,and information for eligible census tracts in the area. Mr. Gunning stated that he would provide copies of the application for the Commission's review. Mr. Gunning stated the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) would address concerns regarding the northwest area as expressed by Commissioner Noyola. Mr. Gunning stated that infrastructure is key to future development, and he asked the Engineering Department to provide an infrastructure update for the northwest and west side areas. The Commission discussed attraction of light industry to employ the population living in close proximity to the service area. Commissioner Noyola stated that his concern has been that the City needed to invest in the infrastructure and roads necessary to develop businesses and residences in the Northwest area. The trends indicate that the Northwest and West side areas were decreasing in numbers. Commissioner Noyola continued that the survival of these areas was important and stated that the Northwest and West side areas should receive the same revitalization as the downtown area. Commissioner Noyola expressed concern with the Commission being allowed one week to review the CIP for approval and believed that the Commission would be able to provide adequate feedback if given ample time to review the CIP. Commissioner Noyola commended Staff for their efforts with the development of the West Oso Independent School District; however, he believed that prioritization of projects needs to be reviewed. Due to SCANNED Planning Commissron Minutes May 26, 1999 ifs Page 3 development of new schools in the Wezt Oso District, traffic has increased on Cliff Maus Road. Commissioner Noyola stated that improvements are not prioritized for Cliff Maus Road until after 2004 and asked that the Cliff Maus Road project be listed as a higher priority. Mr. Gunning stated that department heads could address concerns expressed by Commissioner Noyola during the CCP portion of the agenda. Vice Chairman Guzman reiterated concerns expressed by Commissioner Noyola regarding receiving the CIP information without having ample opportunity to review the CIP information for discussions. Vice Chairman Guzman stated that the Commission is pursuing preserving areas of the community; however, maintenance of the areas is not addressed. He suggested that the Commission be part of the planning process due to the fact that the Commission is part of the approval pn,cess. Commissioner Underbrink concurred with Commissioner Noyola's concerns. COMMITTEE REPORTS-Plat Ordinance Review Committee Commissioner Brooke Sween-McGloin stated a meeting is scheduled for June 2, 1999. Commissioner Sween-McGloin stated that due to the City's financial situation, the Committee would be prioritizing projects to be addressed. The Committee will not have further meetings. Zoning Ordinance Review Committee Vice Chairman Guzman stated the scheduled meeting was cancelled. A meeting is scheduled for June 14, 1999. EXCUSED ABSENCES None. FUTURE SCHEDULED MEETINGS Include the Zoning Ordinance Review Committee meeting on June 14, 1999 at 4:00 p.m. OTHER MATTERS City Council Action May 18, 1999 399-2 Saloma F.1.DePaula-Mr.Gunning stated the request was for"B-1"Neighborhood Business from"R-IB" - One-family Dwelling District for a retail gift shop. As recommended by the Commission, Council approved an"AB"Professional Office District with a Special Permit. 399-4 South-Vest, Inc. —Mr. Gunning stated the request was for "B-4" General Business District from"12-1B" One-family Dwelling District for an office. As recommended by the Commission, Council approved an "AB"Professional Office District. 399-5 Grover Kenneth Pagans—Mr.Gunning stated the request was for"1-2"Light Industrial District from"A-1" Apartment House District for boat repair and outside storage. As recommended by the Commission, Council approved a"B-3"Business District with a Special Permit. May 25, 1999 499-1 Tierra Development Enterprises, L.L.C. — Mr. Gunning stated the request was for "1-2" Light Industrial District from"B-3"Business District for amusement park. As recommended by the Commission, Council approved the zoning request for"1-2"District. V Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 4 Zoning Cases Scheduled for Future City Council Action June 8, 1999 499-2 CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Corporation-Parking Area "AB to"B-4"-Commission Recommendation: "B-1" Northeast corner of Booty and Fifth Streets C499-4 Corpus Christi Landmark Commission-Restoration of Home "A-2"to"A-2/HC-III"-Commission Recommendation:Approval South side of Mestina Street and east of the Crosstown Expressway 499-6 George Mostaghase-Single-family Subdivision "A-1A"and"B-1"to"R-1B"-Commission Recommendation: Approval South side of Lipes Boulevard and east of Cimmarron Boulevard Other Matters Commissioner Underbrink asked Staff to provide information that lists income earned by the Department from zoning,platting,etc.and the costs involved for providing services to the community. Commissioner Underbrink stated that the Area Development Plans need to be updated every five years along with the Zoning and Platting Ordinances. He believed the Commission needed help from Staff to accomplish the task and expressed concern regarding not being able to accomplish the task. Mr. Gunning stated that, in the future,a consultant could review the ordinances. Mr.Gunning planned to develop a unified plan to review the entire city,not just geographic areas of the city. Commissioner Underbrink stated that the comprehensive plan needed to include transportation,drainage,park,etc. Commissioner Perez stated she preferred to prioritize and pursue the Gardendale study and hold the public hearings as soon as possible and asked that the Gardendale Study be placed on the next Planning Commission agenda. ?1BLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS PLATS Continued Plats a. 039927-P10 Sano Place(Preliminary-36 01 Acres) Located south of Holly Road and west of Martin Street Mr.Power stated that Staff recommends approval as submitted. Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Commissioner Sween-McGloin expressed concern that the subdivision is too dense for the amount of units. In response to Commissioner Underbrink question regarding the drainage easement, Mr. Farias stated that the drainage easement would be addressed when Unit 2 is developed. Commissioner Sween-McGloin asked Mr. Power to explain the exits of the subdivision and expressed concern regarding egress from the subdivision and traffic. Mr.Power explained that the streets merge to a • Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 5 single connection onto Greenwood Drive. In response to Commissioner Sween-McGloin's question regarding review of points of egress and density,Mr. Power answered that there is not a standard. Commissioner Richter asked if the developer would consider adding a point of exit from the subdivision onto Holly Road and another onto Martin Street. Victor Medina,applicant's engineer, stated the reasoning for the egress onto Holly Road,Martin Street, and Jacala Street is to prevent through traffic and continued that an additional egress could be considered in the future as the subdivision develops. Commissioner Sween-McGloin referenced Lamar Park area and stated that offset lots could prevent through traffic. Mr.Power stated that the Plat Ordinance requires a minimum 125 feet centerline distance. Commissioner Underbrink stated that Martin Street is midway between Ayers Street and Greenwood Drive and would need a traffic signal in the future; therefore, he did not believe another access point would be necessary. In response to Commissioner Serna's question regarding whether or not the plat met Staff's recommendation, Mr. Gunning answered in the affirmative. Commissioner Sema asked Mr. Medina whether he would consider placing another point of egress. Mr.Medina answered that another egress could be considered in future development. Commissioner Perez stated that the Commission needed to be "developer friendly" and stated she was in favor of Staff's recommendation. Commissioner Kelly asked Mr. Medina to consider an egress point on Lot 8. Mr. Medina responded by stating that he would not consider an egress point on Lot 8; however, he would consider an egress point between Lots 10 and 11 in future development. Mr. Gunning stated that the developer submitted an approvable plat; therefore, Staff could not deny or conditionally approve the plat. Mr. Gunning recommended that the Commission approve the plat, and Staff would work with Mr.Medina and Traffic Engineering on future egress points. Motion by Perez, seconded by Noyola, to accept Staff's recommendation. Motion passed with Kelly, Noyola, Perez, Sema, Underbrink, and Guzman voting"Aye", Richter and Sween-McGloin voting"Nay", and Quintanilla being absent. b. 039928-P11 Sano Place Unit 1(Final—8.619 Acres) Located south of Holly Road and west of Martin Street Mr.Power stated Staff recommends approval as submitted. Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Perez, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. c. 039932-P13 Schumate Acres Lot I &2(Preliminary—75 79 Acres) Located southeast of the present terminus of King Trail both south of South Staples Street(FM 2444) t Q Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 6 d. 039933-P14 Schumate Acres Lot 1 (Final—5.00 Acres) Located southeast of the present terminus of King Trail both south of South Staples Street(FM 2444) Mr. Power stated that the applicant's engineer has requested a continuance for two weeks on 039933-P13 039932-P 14 . Staff recommends continuance. John Sendejar, 5426 King Acres, stated residents in the area previously expressed their concerns and will follow the process of the plat. Mr. Gunning stated that Staff requested the applicant to provide the Legal Department the title transfer documents for the City Attorney's review to determine whether or not the property is in fee-simple. Staff also requested a revised preliminary. Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Perez, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. e. 059938-NP23 Ctteenwood Terrace Unit 3.Lot 5(Final—2.226 Acres) Located north of South Padre Island Drive(S.H.358)between Greenwood Drive and Columbia Parkway Mr. Power stated the owner's engineer requested a continuance for two weeks. Staff recommends continuance. Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public bearing was closed. Motion by Perez, seconded by Kelly, to approve Staff's recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. New Plats • a. 059941-NP26 Calallen Townsite.Block 5 Lots IA&2A(Amending)(Final Reolat—0 421 Acres) Located east of Calallen Drive and north of West Buckhomn Street Mr.Power stated Staff recommends approval as submitted. Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Perez, seconded by Sema, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. b. 059943-NP27 Guth Parkside Annex.Block I.Lot 3(Final—1.496 Acres) Located west of Rand Morgan between I.H.37 and Morrow Drive Mr.Power stated Staff recommends approval as submitted. • Planting Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 7 Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Kelly, seconded by Sween-McGloin, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. c. 059944-NP28 Lexington Place.Block S.Lot 3(Amending)(Final—0317 Acres) Located west of Kostoryz Road and north of Green Street Mr.Power stated Staff recommends approval as submitted. Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. No one appeared in favor or opposition. Public hearing was closed. Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Sema, to approve Staff's recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. ZONING CASES New Zoning Cases Ricardo Gonzalez: 599-3 REQUEST: "R-1B"One-Family Dwelling to"AB"Professional Office District in Gardendale,Block 7, Lots 3A and 3B and located on the south side of Cain Drive,approximately 230 feet east of Everhart Road Mr. Saldana stated the applicant was requesting a change of zoning to develop a small office complex on the property which is currently vacant land. The subject property is located between a fast-food restaurant on the west and a single-family residence on the east. Adjacent to the south, the property is developed with a medical clinic front on Holly Road. In September 1996, the property to the north was zoned "AB" Professional Office District and remains vacant. Mr. Saidana presented an illustration of slides of the subject property and surrounding areas. Mr.Saldaea stated that the property is within the Southside Area Development Plan which recommends the area develop with low-density residential uses. However, the property is consistent with the current development trend to transition lots abutting commercial properties fronting Everhart Road to lower intensity nonresidential uses. Mr. Saidana read the pros and cons from the Zoning Report(copy on file). There were nineteen (19) notices mailed to property owners within a 200-foot radius of which three (3) were returned in favor and one(1)in opposition.Staff recommends approval. Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. Victor Medina,2460 Crickett Hollow,representing the applicant,appeared in favor of the zoning request Vice Chairman Guzman closed the public hearing. Motion by Sema, seconded by Perez, to approve Staffs recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 8 Sin If Choi: 599-4 REQUEST: "AB" Professional Office District to "B-4" General Business District on Gray Village Unit 2, Block 2, Lot 8 and located on the west side of Everhart Road, approximately 130 feet north of Mt. Vernon Drive Mr. Saldarla stated the applicant requested a change of zoning to allow for expansion of the existing building to two stories for the martial arts studio. Currently the property is zoned"AB"Professional Office District with a Special Permit for a martial arts academy and a restaurant. The current use of the property is a child care center,acupuncture center,and Tae Kwan Do studio. Mr. Saldafa stated the ground floor of the structure would continue to be used by the existing childcare center and the martial arts studio would be moved to the second floor. A childcare center is permitted in an"AB" Professional Office District. The Special Permit approved in July 1988,limits the martial arts studio to 4,400 square feet on the first floor. A martial arts studio is permitted in a"B-1"Neighborhood Business District. Mr. Saldafa presented a slide illustration of the subject property and surrounding areas. The subject property fronts Everhart Road and has no direct access to a local residential street. The Southeast Area Development Plan recommends the area to develop with neighborhood commercial due to its residential adjacency. Mr. Saldaifa stated that the areas north and south of the subject property are zoned "AB" Professional Office District, the area east of the subject property is zoned "B-1" Neighborhood Business District, while the area west of the subject property is zoned`R-1B"One-family Dwelling District. Mr.Saidada read the pros and cons from the Zoning Report(copy on fde). There were nineteen (19) notices mailed to property owners within a 200-foot radius of which three (3) were returned in favor and none in opposition. Staff recommends denial of the"B-4"General Business District,and in lieu thereof,approval of a"B-1"Neighborhood Business District. Vice Chairman Guzman opened the public hearing. Martha Respondik,4737 Mt Vernon,appeared in favor of Staff's recommendation. Motion by Sween-McGloin, seconded by Kelly, to approve Staff's recommendation. Motion passed unanimously with Quintanilla being absent. • Quintanilla arrived at 7:08 p.m. FY1999-2000 CAPITAL BUDGET AND 2000-2004 DRAFT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING GUIDE—Submitted for Planning Commission's Review and Recommendation to City Council Mr. Gunning stated several departments have projects included in the Capital Budget and Capital Improvements Program(CIP)and referenced the Consistency Determination prepared by the Planning Staff which verifies that the projects are consistent with adopted plans and policies identified through the planning process. David R.Garcia,City Manager,stated that the Staff involved in preparing the CIP will present projects that will be addressed within the next fiscal year. Mr. Garcia stated that the reason for reviewing the capital planning process and capital implementation program is to bring both items into alignment with the annual budgeting process. In past procedures, the CIP was not involved in the detailed financial and budgeting part of the annual budget process due to the requirements of the CIP and the budgeting process not being identical. Therefore,there has been a divergence of projects and anchoring of the projects into the financial planning process,which resulted in financial difficulties during implementation. There are two primary funding sources for CIF'projects;one being the on-going .i Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 9 operating budgets of the departments and utilities, and the other is interim financing reserved for major capital projects. Mr. Garcia stated that Council directed Staff to review a municipal bond issue,which would be funded on a separate basis. Chairman Quintanilla asked Mr. Garcia to provide, in the future,the Commission with the CIP information sooner than one week prior to the Commission hearing. Commissioner Noyola expressed concern regarding not being provided ample time to review the information contained in the CCP packet. Commission Noyola stated the concerns were mentioned to Joe Montez, Director of Budget and Management, at the May 17i° Planning Commission retreat. The item for discussion at the retreat was the Westside ADP and economically depressed areas and ways to improve infrastructure needs such as streets, water, etc. Commissioner Noyola stressed that infrastructure was necessary for economic and residential development in the area. In previous years,population trends were showing growth toward the island,southside and northwest. Understanding the importance of population trends and the need for investment for all future growth, Commissioner Noyola stated that it was very concerning and somewhat disappointing that the future growth was illustrating this trend. As a result,there is dwindling population on west and nortbside,which he believes has been forgotten. Commissioner Noyola continued that money has been spent on downtown revitalization,and would like to revitalize the north and west sides and reiterated that infrastructure needs have been previously discussed. Bonnie Allis, Director of Aviation, stated the five-year program is totaling$36 million which includes the replacement of the passenger terminal complex and related projects. Improvements would be paid for solely by Airport generated funds: federal airport improvement grants, passenger facility charges, and operating revenue. Ms.Allis presented the Commission with a slide presentation. Phase One will last approximately eight (8) to ten (10) years before additions will be needed. Ultimately, twenty (20) large aircraft parking positions will be built The current infrastructure could be utilized. Ms. Allis stated chstomer conveniences would be improved with the new plan. Routine items such as drainage issues will be continued,as funds are available. In response to Chairman Quintanilla's question regarding grant funding from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA), Ms. AIIin stated the grant money would be dedicated to the Capital Improvement Program. The control tower is a FAA project that will be funded by the FAA. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, addressed the seawall issue. `Angel Escobar, Acting Director of Engineering Services, stated the seawall protection project starts at the Holiday Inn Emerald Beach and extends into the Port of Corpus Christi. Mr. Escobar described the construction of the seawall and stated that in numerous cases, there were voids under the steps and the wooden piles had disintegrated to half the original width. Two options were submitted to the Corps of Engineers for review,and the Corps decided that Option Two was more feasible. Option Two allows for the replacement of the sidewalk and installation of metal sheetpiling behind and in front of the seawall. Seawall reconstruction would require a municipal bond issue. In response to a question regarding pedestrian amenities, Mr. Garcia answered that there are lighting, footing on the seawall,and other amenities that are listed in the budget. Mr.Escobar informed the Commission that the consultants have devised a two-fold plan. First,to remove the entire concrete and replace it at the same grade; second, the cost of placing a new structure over the existing, which would ensure protection at all times. Calculation would include the existing system and weight in design of the anchor support system. Regarding a contingency plan to find the seawall project, Mr. Garcia stated that there was not a contingency plan in place. Staff has been trying to convince residents of the need to repair the seawall. After reviewing the wave force analysis,which was not available to the original constructors in 1940's, it was recognized that the concrete steps were overbuilt. The original seawall was not designed to withstand a 100-year storm as originally built in the 1940's. As a result of the deterioration of the structural members that are 50% of their original size, the probability of the collapse, which is the structural failure of the steps of the seawall that would allow water to infiltrate into the downtown area, is high. However,the project could be completed in phases if the initial financing program failed. Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 10 In response to Commissioner Sema's question regarding review of the jetties, Mr. Escobar stated that the consultants reviewed raising the walk jetties to provide storm protection and decided it would not be feasible to the community. Herb Canales, Janet F. Hart Public Library, gave a brief history of the library's establishment by stating that City Council adopted a library long-range plan in 1992, which included the area of Flour Bluff and the Island. One stipulation was that Staff consider building a facility to operate jointly with the school district. The City received a gift of $8.1 million, which is the largest gift a public library has received in Texas history. After discussions with the Superintendent of Flour Bluff Independent School District, Staff, and attorneys, an agreement was reached and presented and adopted by the Flour Bluff ISD and City Council. Construction will begin in June 1999. In regards to the bay trail funding being derived from the Texas Department of Transportation(TXDOT) and time limitations for implementation,Mr. Escobar answered that due to the extension of the project,$425,000 is needed and would be accumulated through bonds. Texas Department of Transportation would fund eighty percent, and the City would fund twenty percent. Hal Peterson,Convention Center,stated that due to larger conventions expansion is necessary. The Greater Business Alliance had a study commissioned and a market analysis,which stated that the Convention Center needed to be expanded. CCP Bond election did not pass; therefore, in the Fall of 1998, the Hotel/Motel Association and City Council asked the legislature for a two (2) cent increase, which passed. To implement the collection of the increase,the City Council needs to pass an ordinance authorizing the collection of the two cents,which would fund $16 million for the expansion and renovations beginning June 1999. Mr. Peterson continued that other entities in the area are considering expansion: the Art Museum of South Texas, the Museum of Science and History,and the Port of Corpus Christi. The City Manager asked all entities considering expansion to review each other's plans due to the fact that traffic will be a major concern after expansion. In response to a question by Chairman Quintanilla, regarding transportation that could accommodate tourists, Mr. Garcia answered that Staff is working with the downtown partnership, which reviews trolleys as part of the downtown area. Mr. Garcia continued that the Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium are interested in a ferry that could shuttle people across the bay. The City envisions a hotel to become part of the convention center. An arena will be part of a bond issue. If the bond passes, it would be feasible to build the arena in conjunction with the convention center to accommodate the amount of space available for conventions, which would compound the areas. There will be approximately $16 million, which would not be enough funds to implement the project. Commissioner Richter suggested shared parking. In response to Commissioner Noyola's statement regarding an arena being built in another section of the city, Mr. Gunning stated that the 1991 consultant report which studied the feasibility of marina community stated that an arena would work best in the downtown area in conjunction with the convention/tourist facilities. Mr.Gunning continued that the size of the arena would be approximately 3 to 5 acres in land area with a seating capacity of 12,000 to 15,000 to accommodate of 3,500 spaces. Circulation and parking is a critical element Mr. Garcia stated that the City would like to achieve a similar facility to the former San Antonio Convention Center. Mr. Garcia believed that the San Antonio arena and the convention center were able to attract substantially more uses than they would being separate by allowing uses for large assemblies and the ability to travel between the two facilities. Commissioner Sween-McGloin asked whether the Planning Commission would be able to participate in the planning process and felt that the Commission should be allowed to review and be involved in the planning process. Mr. Gunning answered that the plan, when completed, will be presented to the Planning Commission for a public hearing in the forth of an amendment to the South Central Area Development Plan. Commissioner Underbrink stated that the City's asset is the waterfront. Commissioner Underbrink believed that instead of developing beyond the Harbor Bridge and U.S. Highway 181, development should be implemented along the bayfront and asked Staff to consider purchasing land to develop the bayfront area. v its Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 11 Nina Sisley, Director of Public Health, gave a brief history of the Animal Control Facility. Ms. Sisley stated that replacement of the facilities is proposed at an approximate cost of$2.1 million. Ms. Sisley continued that the facilities are inadequate under current operation needs. The facilities are overcrowded, unsafe, and beyond repair. Ms. Sisley listed problems with the current facilities: location, which is near refineries; heating of kennels; water pressure; drainage; foundation; insects; isolation; lack of American Disabilities Act(ADA)standards;uneven walkways;lack of office space,which serves ten(10)employees. Mr. Garcia stated that funding would be acquired through a bond election or could be financed by the City and reiterated Ms. Sisley's comments regarding the facility being inadequate under current operation. Ms. Sisley stated that the current location is not feasible and stated that the new Animal Control facility would need to be centrally located. Ms. Sisley gave a brief history of the Vector Control facility. According to a master plan for the City of Coprus Christi Municipal Service Center, which was updated in June 1988, the Vector Control Facility was to be relocated to the Service Center on Ayers which would cost approximately $530,000. Ms. Sisley described the inadequacies of the current facility: metal building,not ADA compliant, lack of structural soundness, located in a county building, uneven flooring, flooding, lack of adequate heating and cooling systems, storage of pesticides within workspaces,lack of security. Andy Leal,Director of Solid Waste, stated that funding would be for the J. C. Elliot Landfill and the Sefe Valenzuela landfill and gave a brief history of the landfill. The proposed Capital Program, which totals $20,910,000, includes funds to continue the process of transitioning from the Elliot site to the new site. Mr. Leal itemized costs: purchase of the property, $5.2 million; engineering, $500,000; construction,$10.3 million for the new landfill site; closure of the Elliot site, $4.5 million. The new site will serve the community for approximately 86 years. Mr. Leal continued that the funding for the project is proposed from Certificates of Obligation. In response to Commissioner Richter's question regarding use of the Elliot landfill when closed, Mr. Leal stated the City has plans to develop the adjoining property into a golf course and the landfill becoming a park. The land could be used although the City is responsible for a 30-year postclosure care. Postclosure includes maintenance of cover material,monitor groundwater,and monitor methane concentration. Mr.Leal stated Staff was reviewing a transition plan, which would address additional costs to move from the current landfill to the new landfill. Staff is also considering transfer stations or rerouting. Chairman Quintanilla asked how Staff decides the prioritization of street projects. Mr. Escobar stated that the priority of the program is the 1986 Bond Program street work;secondly,streets that have been identified to have joint use funds must meet the programming that TXDOT set to be able to leverage the funds to complete a project; and the capacity and volume of traffic. Mr. Garcia stated that Mr. Seiler, Traffic Engineer, prioritized the need to move the most number of people safely in an increasingly congested environment and to provide access and safety. Commissioner Noyola stated that a new elementary school has been built in the West Oso Independent School District; therefore,more traffic will be generated on Cliff Maus Road. Commissioner Noyola believed that the Cliff Maus Road project met the criteria set by Staff regarding necessity for improvements. Commissioner Underbrink asked Staff to provide the Commission with information gathered that enabled Staff to prioritize projects. Mr.Escobar stated that the Metropolitan Planning Organization developed,with assistance of TXDOT and Port of Corpus Christi, a mythology that will be used to develop prioritization for state projects. Staff plans to implement a formal mythology that can be utilized for evaluating large transportation thoroughfares and residential areas. Valerie Gray, Superintendent of Stormwater, stated the Stonnwater Department is responsible for maintaining a drainage system which includes two(2) downtown pump stations, 23 stormdrain flat gates, five(5) storm surge protection levies, approxiamtely 100 miles of major drainage ditch, approximately 800 miles of minor drainage ditch, approximately 1,000 miles of underground drainage pipe, 13,000 stormdrain inlets, approximately 2,000 miles of curb and gutter,and 56 bridges across the city. System maintenance is performed by a maintenance operational staff;however, for major improvements the system maintenance is included in the stormwater drainage plan. Ms. Gray stated there were categories for each of the 39 projects contained in the CIP: curb and gutter replacement,bridge rehab or replacement,drainage master planning development or updating,open channel ditch V Planing Commission Minutes Mcy 26, 1999 Page 12 improvement, underground pipe system capacity upgrading and flapgate and levy gate rehabilitation. For FY1999-2000, $17,260,000 are proposed for projects. Several projects have historically experienced extensive flooding due to heavy rains and are citywide locations for improvements. Ms. Gray continued that the major drainage enhancements are possible through the CIP. Commissioner Underbrink asked for process for finding projects. Mr. Garcia stated that the Commercial Paper program is predicated on the long-term ability to repay the debt which is based on the rates. The program estimates the amount of debt that each utility could carry based on their current rate structure. The debt is divided between the interim finance program,Commercial Paper program,and the long-term financing,which is the revenue bonds. The City uses the Commercial Paper program to pay the contractors and architects as the project is completed. The Paper program is"rolled"into long-term financing which are programmed into the debt model and are based on the ability of the ratepayers to sustain a long-term debt based on the rate model. Ed Garafa,Water Superintendent, stated that as part of the 1997 Master Plan the transmission of capacity of the 0.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant was inadequate during peak demand period to the south side of the city. In previous Cffs, funding was identified for the design and land acquisition of additional right of way. The current CIP plan is comprised of a distribution system project. Mr.Garafia gave a brief overview of projects, from previous CIP funding, that have been completed and projects that are currently in progress. Mr. Garaiia stated that the City needs an additional ten (10) million gallon clearwell that would allow water treatment more efficiently. New Disinfectant By-Product Rules and the new Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rules are addressing issues that pertain to filtration;therefore,the Water Department is needing to study the filtration system. Foster Crowell, Wastewater Superintendent, gave a brief description of the wastewater drainage system. Mr. Crowell presented a slide presentation with photographs of corroded pipelines, manholes being rehabilitated, slipliner project, microwave communication system, and sanitation sewer. Mr. Crowell stated that there is a Wastewater facilities implementation plan,which is how the projects have been developed and studied and designed to operate the wastewater system. The abandonment of the Broadway Treatment Plant would allow the City to rehabilitate the lift station and build another lift station and a forcemain to the Greenwood Plan. Due to the growth in the south side, there is a plan to divert approximately two million gallons from the Oso service area to the Greenwood plant. Vice Chairman Guzman stated that after receiving the CIP packet,there was concern regarding the ability of the Commission to reach a decision due to the fact that the Commission was not provided ample opportunity to review the packet. Vice Chairman Guzman continued that the presentation was informative and commended Staff for their efforts. Commissioner Underbrink concurred. In response to Commissioner Underbrink's question regarding financing methods, Mr. Garcia answered that there are three basic sources: general fund, which is property taxes; combined utilities, revenue from wastewater, stormwater, and water; elected bond issue, associated with property tax increases. With regard to the mechanics of fmancing, there is a Commercial Paper Program, which is an interim fmancing. At present there is approximately $50 million authorized by the City to be used on a revolving basis as construction of projects is implemented. Permanent financing is accomplished by issuing revenue bonds. Certificates of Obligation are a form general obligation debt and have the same guarantee as revenue bonds but do not require an election. Motion by Perez, seconded by Guzman, to approve Staffs recommendation of the draft with adjustments of the Capital Improvement Planning Guide and inclusion of the Cliff Maus Road expansion project be reviewed to be listed as a higher priority. Motion passed unanimously with Guzman, Kelly, and Underbrink abstaining from specific projects which produce a conflict. .. a Planning Commission Minutes May 26, 1999 Page 13 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Perez,seconded by Guzman,to adjourn. ' PI� icbaelGunning,N.Gunning, wt,AICP VIAucv�da Pc. 2 Beal Acting Director of Planning Cov+ Recording Secretary