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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Crime Control And Prevention District - 09/09/1997 IMO *10 MINUTES FOR THE CRIME CONTROL DISTRICT MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 1997 - 10:00 A.M. ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Laurie Cook Fernando Morales Cefe Valenzuela Sandra Lanier-Lerma Rose Vela Marta Huerta Isaac Valencia OTHERS PRESENT: Police Chief P. Alvarez, Jr. Pat Eldridge Mary Ann Robinson, City Manager's Office Capt. Wayne Tisdale Jimmy Bray, City Attorney Lt. Gonzalo Tamez Blakely Fernandez Chairperson Laurie Cook called the meeting to order. The first order of business review the minutes for the August 11, August 13, August 21, and August 26 meetings. Ms. Cook asked if any Board member had any corrections to the August 11 minutes. Ms. Cook said paragraph 2 on page 4 should state "She does not believe that Ms. Adkins understood what the Board is trying to accomplish." Cefe Valenzuela moved that the August 11 minutes be approved with that correction, Rose Vela seconded, and the motion carried. Ms. Cook proceeded to the August 13 minutes. Ms. Vela made the motion to approve the August 13 minutes, Mr. Valenzuela seconded, and the motion carried. The August 21st minutes were considered by the Board. Ms. Vela moved the approval of the August 21 minutes, Fernando Morales seconded, and the motion carried. The August 26 joint Council/Crime Control District minutes were reviewed by the Board. These minutes were tabled to be further reviewed, then approved at the next meeting. Ms. Cook told the Board that they should have received a copy of the election order. She said the Crime Control Board proposition comes straight from the statute stating the creation of the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District dedicated to crime reduction programs and the adoption of a proposed sales and use tax at a rate of one-eighth of one percent. She stated the remainder of the order refers to election places, date, and early voting places. She asked if each Board member has had the opportunity to review the order. Mr. Valenzuela had a question on the polling places. He said the order states that there are polling places in Robstown, Bishop, and Port Aransas, and he was under the impression voting would take place only in the City of Corpus Christi. Jimmy Bray told him the election is being jointly conducted with the County because the County is having a constitutional amendment election therefore it is possible for someone within the city to cast a ballot on these propositions during early voting. Mr. Morales said on page 10 the total expenses for year one is $2,961,327, the money generated from taxes is projected to be $3,782,229, which is about a 28% increase over the projected amount. Ms. cook explained the building of a reserve was discussed and at the end of the five-year period there is a three-month reserve which was approved in the budget. Mr. Morales said he thinks the surplus is a bit excessive. He asked if there was a way to be more specific in trying to sell it to the public. Mr. Bray said that the public will see what is put out in the campaign and will have the opportunity to see the order because it will be published in the legal notices of the newspaper but it 1 SCANNED is not a campaign document. The order is basically meeting statutory requirements. Ms. Vela asked whether wording such as "surpluses will be used for additional officers and services in subsequent years to be addressed specifically by the permanent board", could be added. Marta Huerta asked whether the public would have access to the order. Mr. Bray said the order will be published in the legal notices. He said that he thinks the Board will have to answer questions the public may have on the surpluses during their campaigning because it is difficult to answer these types of questions in a legal notice. Ms. Cook agreed with Mr. Bray by saying that it is the responsibility of the Board to address this item in presentations and comments to the media. Isaac Valencia said that was an issue dealt with in Fort Worth in that it was part of the education process. Mr. Valenzuela said he agrees with what Ms. Vela suggested in adding a statement about the permanent board. After further discussion of the order calling for the election, it was agreed that the word "surplus" be changed to "reserves". It should state "Reserves from the first two years will be used for additional police officers and services in subsequent years to be determined by the permanent board of the Crime Control and Prevention District. " Ms. Cook asked for a motion to approve the amendment and order. Ms. Vela moved the amendment be approved, Mr. Morales seconded, and the motion passed. A motion was made by Dr. Lerma to approve the order as amended, Mr. Valenzuela seconded, and the motion passed. Ms. Huerta said she would like to submit a proposal to the Council that the Crime Control District proposition be placed first on the ballot. Mr. Bray said it is going to be placed first. Ms. Cook said she asked Mr. Bray if anyone from the Hoard should be present at the Council meeting this afternoon. She asked for a volunteer. Mr. Valencia said he plans to be present at the meeting. 411, Ms. Cook said Mr. Valencia had a question on an item and requested the Board go into executive session to discuss it. Mr. Bray asked the basis of the executive session. Ms. Cook told him it has to do with the tapes of the minutes of previous Crime Control District meetings. She said Board members received a letter from Mr. Valencia expressing concern that the tapes were erased. Mr. Bray said the Board is covered under the Open Meetings Act which limits reasons for closed sessions. He said the Board does not have a posting for this particular item and he has reservations as to whether it fits within exceptions of the Open Meetings Act. He said he believes in terms of keeping minutes in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, it requires the keeping of minutes and not necessarily the keeping of the recordings. Chief Alvarez said the recording secretary was not told to keep the tapes. The minutes were recorded, transcribed, and mailed to all Board members. He said he respects Mr. Valencia's concern of the erased tapes. The Board decided to discuss the tapes at another meeting and the recording secretary was instructed to retain the tapes for this and future meetings. Linda Lewis, the recording secretary, apologized to the Board for the mixup. Ms. Cook moved onto the update on the status of the campaign. She introduced Blakely Fernandez who will be working on the Crime District and Community Progress Partnership campaigns. She has asked Ms. Fernandez and Mr. Valencia to update the Board on the campaign. (1110 2 4 411110 Mr. Valencia said he is waiting for the pre-coded information that comes along 4111/ with the poll. He said that is the last component that is necessary before a complete picture is accomplished. The campaign committee is headquartered presently at the CCPOA building. The polling data received in reference to the Crime Control District has a two to one favorable margin. It has a very positive response from the public. He stated that there are high percentile marks in the upper 60's to 70's as far as responses being returned as to whether the Crime Control District will accomplish the goals set out. Ms. Cook asked Ms. Fernandez to tell the Board about the campaign strategies. Ms. Fernandez said there is a committee developed called Citizens for a Better City which is a campaign to cover both CPP and the Crime Control District. She urged Board members to contact her with any ideas or suggestions. She said there are fundraising events being conducted at present. Ms. Cook said the way it is organized is that each "grassroots" organization that has a project through the CPP has someone that will be working with them trying to get them to do publicity within their own constituency and memberships. She stated it will be the same way with the Crime Control District. She said Ms. Fernandez would like Board members to serve as representatives on the speakers bureau for the Crime Control District. She said the idea is that the Board will not have to setup its own speaking engagements or do publicity because Ms. Fernandez will be doing it for the Board. Ms. Cook told the Board that their role will be to get out the vote and sell the Crime District plan. Ms. Eldridge asked Ms. Fernandez about media publications. Ms. Fernandez said what is being circulated at present is the two-year budget with the goals of the overall five-year budget. She stated there will be yard signs, buttons, and t-shirts. Capt. Tisdale asked if any information will be circulated explaining the linking issues between the CPP project and Crime Control District. Ms. Fernandez said she would send each Board member a summary of the Community Progress Partnership program. Ms. Cook explained to the Board the term "stakeholders". She said the Crime Control District Board is considered a "stakeholder". Ms. Fernandez said there will be a stakeholders meeting on September 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the CCPOA building. Ms. Cook said she had Ms. Fernandez check into the possibility of using staff to speak on behalf of the Crime Control District. Ms. Fernandez said it would be alright as long as staff is giving information. Mr. Valencia said the Charter allows staff to speak for informational purposes only. Ms. Cook said she would work with Ms. Fernandez to develop an outline sheet of information for Board members to use during their presentations to organizations. The Board scheduled their next meeting for 12 noon on September 17 at the CCPOA building at 3122 Leopard. With no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. (10 3 SEP-08-1997 1335 CITY SECRETARY 5128803113 P.01 • • Post-a'brand fax trarro.�ittal memo 7671 I.ape. Regular Council Meeting. Minutes 11. L1f1(f t -`PFI ((J Q (TSJca[ August 26, 1997�r Page3 ya / x� c3(.o r Fnr 870 —ROJO7 Fs" Mayor Neal referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda,and the following appointments were made: ' d . • . . .1 • . _ • 1rr , :. , 1 R11111.1 .1. - Ed Schumacher ' Grace Gonzales �"'9�"' e Mr. Phil Plant,President of the U.S.S.Lexington Museum on the Bay Association,reported to the Council that the Lexington last month completed its fiscal year,which he said was a success both in terms of attendance and revenues. He said the museum will celebrate its fifth year of operation next month. The ship now has five tour routes and has reduced its debt to $2.6 million with$1.7 million in the bank. Mr. Plant described some of the association's plans to improve the museum and the surrounding area on North Beach,including a visitor's center. t Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Plant said the Lexington has 46 people S/ working full-time and about 130 volunteers. He added that the ship is in good condition. Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3,joint public hearing of the City Council and the Temporary Board of the proposed Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District regarding the proposed two-year Crime Control Plan and the two-year Budget Plan for the proposed Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention Control District. Ms. Laurie Cook,Chairperson,called to order the meeting of the Temporary Board of the proposed Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District. Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on behalf of the City Council,and called for comments from the audience. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, asked how the Sheriffs Office would be involved in the crime control district. Ms. Cook replied that all of the law enforcement agencies located within the proposed district's boundaries were notified of the temporary board's meetings,and Nueces County Sheriff Larry Olivarez did attend a meeting and submitted specific requests. Ms. Cook then introduced the members of the temporary board who were present at the Council meeting: Rose Vela,Isaac Valencia,Fernando Morales,and Dr. Joseph Lopez(an alternate member for Dr. Sandra Lanier-Lerma). I illiir i SCANNED SEP-08-1997 13:36 CITY SECRETARY 5128803113 P.02 Q Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 26, I 997 Page 4 Mt Tony Heldenfels said he was not opposed to the proposed crime control district,but he was concerned about the proposed sales tax increase,saying that the city did not adequately collect fines that are owed. In reply to Mr.Heldenfels'comments,City Manager Hennings said the Council and city staff have been aggressive in the last year to improve the Municipal Court system. He said they are in the process of implementing new computer systems,which will improve the court's fine collection capability. In addition,they have initiated some cooperative arrangements with the county and the state to also improve fine collections. Mr. Hennings pointed out that a collection rate of about 65% is probably not achievable in this poor community, but there is a program of alternative service available. Ms. Amanda Stukenberg, 3502 Aransas Street, discussed the Truancy Reduction Impact Program (TRIP), which is housed at the YMCA. She said it is a collaborative effort of many agencies that deal with youth which donate staff, liability insurance and a facility to house the program, which falls under the umbrella agency of the Coastal Bend Alliance for Youth. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said he did not think the community would support an effort such as this which increases taxes until the Council allows citizens to participate in major decisions, such as the Lake Texana pipeline and the Garwood water. Ms. Paige Dinn, Chairperson of the Corpus Christi Commission on Children and Youth, echoed Ms. Stukenberg's comments about the effectiveness of the TRIP Center, which has been in operation since 1993. She asked the Council to consider the center's successful collaboration of agencies as it considers the formation of programs for the crime control district,including a 24-hour juvenile curfew and truancy assessment center. Ms. Penny Grochow,Assistant Chief with the Delinquency Prevention Unit at the Humes County Juvenile Justice Center,explained that that unit donates the services of one staff person to the TRIP Center. She said they would be willing to offer their expertise in establishing programs to deal with that issue. Mr. Valencia made a motion, seconded by Dr. Lopez, to close the public hearing of the Temporary Board of the proposed Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District;the motion passed unanimously by the members of the board who were present and voting. Council Member Garcia made a motion,seconded by Council Member Capelo,to close the public hearing of the City Council; the motion passed unanimously(McNichols absent). Mr.Valencia made the following motion,seconded by Ms.Vela: motion approving a two- year Crime Control Plan and two-year Budget Plan for the Proposed Corpus Christi Crime Control SEP-08-1997 13:36 CITY SECRETARY 5128803113 P.03 • Minutes Regular Council Meeting L August 26, 1997 Page 5 and Prevention District; and that said two-year Crime Control Plan and two-year Budget Plan is hereby submitted to the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas. The members of the Temporary Board who were present approved the motion unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. RFSOL11TiON NO 071041 Resolution approving a two-year Crime Control Plan and two-year Budget Plan for the Proposed Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo,Cooper,Garcia,Gonzales, B. Longoria,J. Longoria,Martin,and Neal voting"Aye";McNichols absent. Several members of the Council thanked the Temporary Board members for their work on the proposed crime control district. Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 5, Community Progress Partnership. Mr.Al Jones,CPP Chairman,referred to an updated listing of the CPP recommendations that Mr.Hennings distributed as discussion on the issue began. He explained that the proposal involves a three-eighths of a cent increase in the sales tax for a period not to exceed 20 years.The package of proposed projects totals $128.78 million, of which $105.45 million will be repaid out of the proceeds of the sales tax increase,and that money would be matched with$23.33 million in private funds,and potentially another$30 million in state funds for the elevation of the JFK Causeway. Mr.Jones said this proposal differs from last week's with regard to the baseball facility. He said the original proposal was to build a baseball facility that would initially accommodate youth and collegiate awns,with the possibility of increasing the capacity of the facility if a"AA"professional baseball team were to relocate to Corpus Christi. He said the proposal was changed to increase the funding for the facility to S9 million. He said that due to the current state law regarding this sales tax election,the CPP Committee believes the baseball facility would need to be owned by a state- supported university,Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.He said they do not intend to locate the baseball facility on the TAMU-CC campus but rather on city-owned land elsewhere in the city: He said they recommend that TAMU-CC own the facility and then contract with the city to maintain and operate it. In addition, the committee recommended that the ownership of the facility revert to the city after the bonds have been retired. Mr. Jones stated that other Council recommendations that were incorporated into the CPP fin' TOTAL P.03