HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/12/1964CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 12, 1964
2:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Mayor James L. Barnard
Commissioners:
Jim Young
Jack R. Blackmon
J. R. de Leon
M. P. Maldonado
W. J. Roberts
W. H. Wallace, Jr.
Church.
City Manager Herbert W. Whitney
City Attorney I. M. Singer
City Secretary T. Ray Kring
Mayor James L. Barnard called the meeting to order.
The Invocation was given by the Reverend Don Richey, of Travis Baptist
City Secretary T. Ray Kring called the roll of those in attendance.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Maldonado and passed that the minutes of
the special meeting of February 4, 1964, at 7:30 p.m., and of the regular meeting
of February 5, 1964, at 2:00 p.m., be approved as furnished to the Council.
Mayor Barnard welcomed the following representatives of the Senior High
Methodist Youth Fellowship, and their sponsor, Mrs. Mary Denman, as special guests
of the Council: Kathy Newton, Hardy Zirkel, Bruce Upshaw, Mitzie Lauderback,
Polly Plaza, Charles Harrison, Randy Baker, and Ken Bennight. Mayor Barnard read
and presented a letter of commendation to the group of young people who spent last
Saturday at the Coastal Bend Habilitation Center at Cuddihy Field cleaning the
campus and dormitories, and urged that other young people of our City continue such
worthwhile activities.
Mayor Barnard welcomed representatives of our Sister City Committee, and
Mrs. Joseph Wiegand made the presentation of transmittal letters from Mayor Nagano
and the citizens of Yokosuka, Japan, and of a large seashell collection, collected
by the Yokosuka City Museum and some students as a return gift to the Corpus Christi
Seashell Club and the citizens of Corpus Christi. A few of the shells from this
fabulous collection were displayed and admired.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by de Leon and passed that the City Council
receive the seashell collection from our Sister City Yokosuka, Japan, and Mayor
Nagano, and that the collection be kept in tact forever in perpetuity in the care
of the Corpus Christi Museum and Mr. Aalbert Heine, the Curator thereof.
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 2
Mayor Barnard commented that Mr. Allan Ludden, formerly of this City, has
said he will come here to put on a program in the Auditorium, and the whole City can
play "PASSWORD" one time.
Mayor Barnard read and presented the following proclamations: PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WEEK in Corpus Christi, March 2 through 8, 1964, accepted by Mr. James Summers,
Administrator of Mary Carroll High School, who in turn issued a special invitation
to visit Carroll High School during that week; BROTHERHOOD WEEK in Corpus Christi,
February 16-23, 1964, accepted by James Hoban; and NATIONAL ENGINEER'S WEEK, February
16-22, 1964, accepted by J. S. Naismith, Sr.
Mayor Barnard announced the Council accepted with regret the recent resig-
nation of Rabbi Sidney Wolf from the La Retama Library Board, due to the pressure
of business, and called for nominations to fill his unexpired term.
Commissioner de Leon nominated Dr. Vernon Elmore of the First Baptist Church,
to the La Retama Library Board to fill the unexpiredterm of Rabbi Wolf, and the
nomination was seconded by Commissioner Maldonado.
There being no further nominations and no objections to the nomination,
Mayor Barnard declared that Dr. Vernon Elmore was unanimously appointed to the
La Retama Library Board to fill the unexpired term of Rabbi Sidney Wolf.
Mayor Barnard called for the opening of bids.
Bids were opened and read on the construction of Garden Club site improve-
ments, and Janssen Drive sidewalk repairs from the following Fowco Construction
Co.; Womack & Manning Co.; and King Construction Company.
The foregoing bids were tabled for 48 hours as required by the City Charter,
and referred to the City Manager for tabulation and recommendation.
Bids were opened and read on 3 items of Mowing Equipment from the following:
Garden Equipment Sales; Goldthwaite's; Gravely Tractor Division of Studebaker;
International Harvester Sales & Service; and Watson Distribution Co., Inc.
The foregoing bids were tabled for 48 hours as required by the City Charter,
and referred to the City Manager for tabulation and recommendation.
Mayor Barnard announced the pending item of the Appeal from the Decision of
the Building Standards Commission regarding Lot 1, Block 20, Beach Portion, on which
public hearing was held February 5, 1964.
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 3
Motion by Blackmon, seconded by de Leon and passed that the property
known as the wood frame portion of the old Town House Hotel fronting upon Mesquite
Street to a depth of approximately 75', and also known as the old section of the Town
House Hotel property which is located on Lot 1, Block 20, Beach Portion of the City
of Corpus Christi, be hereby determined to be substandard; that the aforesaid por-
tion of the old Town House Hotel is more than 50% deteriorated and that the said old
portion of the building cannot be reasonably renovated without entailing repairs so
extensive as to constitute a substantial reconstruction of the property; that the
old portion of the Town House Hotel building is a hazard to the health, safety,
morals and general welfare of the public, and as such constitute a public nuisance,
and that the decision of the Building Standards Commission be upheld that the old
portion of the building be demolished and removed in 60 days and that the remaining
portion of the structure be enclosed and supported in such a way as not to jeopardize
the structural integrity and safety of the remaining portion of the building; that
in the event the decision of the Building Standards Commission and of the City
Council in regard to this structure is not complied with in the time allowed, that
the City Attorney be authorized and directed to file an action in the appropriate
Court of the State to secure compliance with the decision of the Building Standards
Commission and of the decision of this Council.
Mayor Barnard announced the public hearing on the application of Flato
Brothers, Inc. for the closing of an alley in Water Block 3 of the Beach Portion of
the City, extending from Lawrence Street to Williams Street.
City Manager Whitney presented a sketch of the block in question, explained
that the applicants have plans for a multi -story motor hotel to occupy this block,
pointed out the existence of a 4" gas line running the full length of the easement
that will have to be re-routed around the outer perimeter of this block, and an
8" sanitary sewer line extending approximately 50' into the easement from Lawrence
Street; and stated that City Staff sees no objection to the requested closing
provided that the owner pays the coat of relocating the utilities and that satisfac-
tory arrangements are made by the applicant with respect to any private utilities
involved.
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 4
A. L. Lacey, Local Manager of Central Power & Light Company, explained
that the company has 9 underground ducts in this area, but has no objection to
the closing provided satisfactory arrangements are made for the relocating and
abandoning of these facilities.
Ian Naismith, a pimmee, representing the applicants, stated that there is
also an overhead telephone company line involved, and that satisfactory arrange-
ments will be made concerning all the utility lines and facilities involved in the
proposed closing, and would prefer a year's time to remove all of the utilities.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Maldonado and passed that the hearing be
closed.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Maldonado and passed that the request for
the closing of the alley in Water Block 3 of the Beach Portion, extending from
Lawrence Street to Williams Street, be granted with the stipulation that the present
owner assume full responsibility and expense for the relocation of the utilities
involved, including satisfactory arrangements being made with respect to any pri-
vate utilities involved, and further subject to reversion to the City in the
event construction is not commenced within 12 months' time.
Mayor Barnard announced the public hearing on the request of the Corpus
Christi Independent School District for the closing of that portion of Chippewa
Street from the westerly boundary of Francesca Street to the easterly boundary of
Eleanor Street, bounded on the north by De Zavala School site, and on the south by
Ella Barnes School site; also that portion of Elesa Street from the southerly boun-
dary of Chippewa Street south which is bounded on all sides by School property; and
that portion of Eleanor Street extending south of Chippewa Street bounded on 3
sides by property owned by the School District.
City Manager Whitney presented a map of the area, pointed out the portions
of the streets to be closed, and explained the manner in which the recent street
improvements in the area had anticipated this request from the School District, the
proposed exchange of right-of-way to provide better circulation of traffic, and
certain details of abandonment that will have to be worked out with the School
District before final action is taken.
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 5
Jack Slaybaugh, representing the School District, had nothing to add to
Mr. Whitney's presentation, and stated that he felt there would be no conflict
in the details to be worked out.
No one else appeared to be heard.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Young and passed that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Young, seconded by de Leon and passed that the application be
taken under advisement, in view of the details still to be agreed upon.
Mayor Barnard announced the public hearing on the application of John D.
Mew for a change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District and "B-1" Neigh-
borhood Business District to "I-2" Light Industrial District on a 15 -acre portion,
being all of the northwest k of the southeast k of Lot 2, Byron Willis Subdivision,
being also a portion of Lot 2, Section 1, Bohemian Colony Lands.
Tom Lake, Zoning Coordinator, located the property on the map; pointed out
the zoning and land use of the area; explained that 15 notices had been mailed out,
3 written returns received in favor of the request, and 2 against, and that only
the applicant had appeared at the Commission's hearing; and that the recommenda-
tion of the Zoning & Planning Commission was that the request be denied on the basis
that the possible uses permitted in the proposed zoning would adversely affect
potential residential property adjacent on the south and would be out of character
with the adjacent uses along Lexington Boulevard.
Charles Beauchamp, representing the applicant, described the condition .of
the property which has been excavated for caliche material mostly in a series of
trenches, some of which have since been partially filled; explained that there are
very few uses to which the property can be put, and certainly not residences, and
that the application had been made in order to expand the permitted uses for the
property in the hope that it can be developed with the Lexington frontage property
already zoned and not included inthis application.
Jack Davis felt it was oniy logical to zone the property for the proposed
use for it.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by de Leon and passed that the hearing be closed.
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 6
Motion by Blackmon, seconded by Maldonado and passed that the application
be taken under advisement.
Mayor Barnard announced the public hearing on the application of Will E.
Fry for a change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General
Business District on all of Lot "E", Saxet Community Center.
Tom Lake located the property on the map; pointed out the zoning and land
use of the area; stated that 10 notices had been sent out, 3 returns received in
favor of the request, and none against, and 2 telephone calls in favor since the
Commission's hearing; and that the recommendation of the Zoning & Planning Commission
was that the application be approved.
W. E. Fry, applicant, explained his plan to move out the existing house and
use the area for parking in connection with the remodeling of his stores in order
to balance the parking according to the use of his stores.
Motion by Wallace, seconded by Maldonado and passed that the hearing be
closed.
Motion by Maldonado, seconded by Young and passed that the recommendation
of the Zoning & Planning Commission be concurred in, and the zoning on all of Lot
"E", Saxet Community Center, as described in the application, be changed from "R -1B"
to "B-4" General Business District.
Mayor Barnard called for the City Manager's Reports.
Motion by Wallace, seconded by Young and passed that the City Manager's
Reports be accepted with the exception of Item "j" regarding application for a
drilling site at International Airport which was temporarily deferred, and the
recommendations and requests be approved and granted as presented, as follows:
a. That the application of Humble Oil & Refining Company for a Permit
to Drill a well in the R. G. Chapman Lease in the Flour Bluff area, be approved
subject to the exceptions as outlined in their application;
b. That the award of bid for an estimated 12 -months' supply of Traffic
Marking Paint be made to the low bidder, the Glidden Company, for 2,000 gals. of
white and 1,500 gals. of yellow Traffic Marking Paint, for a total of $6,710.00;
(Bid Tabulation #7)
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 7
c. That the award of bid for Heavy Equipment be made to the low bidder
as follows: To Jess McNeel Machinery Co., Item 1, for 2 Motor Graders, 100 HP.
Galion 104, at $18,876 each, less $10,754 trade-in, for a total of $26,998; to
International Harvester Co., Item 2, 2 - 50 HP Tractors with backhoe and front end
loader, for $10,905.56, Item 3, 1 - 64 HP Tractor with backhoe and front end loader,
for $5,72C.60, Item 4, 1 - 50 HP Tractor, for $2,591.78, and Item 5, 1 - 50 HP
Tractor, for $2,613.46, for a total of $21,831.40; to The Roy Klossner Co., Item 6,
1 Heavy Duty Double Drum Sheepsfoot Tamping Roller, for $1,625.00; to Jess McNeel
Machinery Co., Item 7, 2 - 13 -Wheel Pneumatic Rollers, for $3,074.00, Item 9, 1 -3/4 -yd.
Front End Loader, for $3,300.00, and Item 10, 1 - Tow Type Cement Spreader, for
$3,528.33, for a total of $9,902.33; and to Girard Machinery & Supply Co., Item 8,1 -
200 GPM Oil Fired Steam Cleaner, for $1,673.19, and Item 11, 1 - Tow Type Asphalt
Spreader, for $5,325.00, for a total of $6,998.19; for a grand total award of
$75,153.92; (Bid Tabulation #8)
d. That the date of February 26, 1964, during the regular meeting, be
set for public hearing on the application of Calallen Independent School District
for the closing of Sixth Street, between Avenues "A" and "B" of the original town -
site;
e. That the property owned by the Jewish Community Council containing
approximately 6,000 sq.ft. of land on the northwest side of Everhart Road, be
purchased at a price of $12,000.00 in connection with the Lift Station Site for the
Staples Street and Santa Fe Street Relief Lines, on the basis of being the most
suitable tract offered for the purpose;
f. That the plans and specifications for the construction of the Oso
Sewage Treatment Plant, Unit III, improvements be approved; and that authority to
advertise for bids to be received on March 11, 1964, be granted;
g. That the employment of Harold Carr and H. P. Stone to make a joint
appraisal of land to be acquired for the proposed Science Park, be approved, on the
basis of the usual fee of $100.00 per day, for a maximum of 37 days for the corn-
' pletion ofthis work;
h. That the request of Coastal Bend Sports Car Club, Inc. for permission
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 8
to use one of the five downtown municipal parking lots for the staging of gymkhanas
held monthly on the first Sunday of each month, from 1;00 to 4;00 pm., be granted,
subject to proper indemnification of the City against liability and damage result-
ing from the operation, designation of the exact area to be used, and satisfactory
assurance that the proposed use will not damage the lot;
i. That the plans as approved by the Park Board for construction of the
proposed concession house on the Peoples Street T -Head under the agreement with Ed
Kiely, be approved;
j. Consideration of this item regarding the application of Southern Coast
Corporation for a drilling site at International Airport, temporarily deferred as
stated in the motion.
Sheridan C. Lewis, president of Southern Coast Corporation, requested that
action on the company's application for a drilling site at International Airport,
be deferred for one week because some of the former land owners who sold this land
to the City wish to be heard in the matter. He explained that his company has a
one -sixteenth working interest in the proposed well, and not a one -sixteenth over-
riding royalty as referred to by the City Manager's letter to him setting forth the
proposed conditions recommended by the Airport Advisory Board, stated that he would
like this point clarified, and that he would like time to study the Board's re-
commendation of requirements. He further commented that he was willing to accept
the other requirements of the Board, and might be willing to accept the.one-
sixteenth royalty condition if it could be made effective after his company has
received a return which amounts to one -sixteenth of the cost of expenses for the
drilling of the well.
City Manager Whitney commented that since all of his conversation in the
matter has been along the line of an over-riding interest, rather than a working
interest, that it would be necessary to clear this point up.
Mayor Barnard requested that Mr. Lewis submit in writing a counter -proposal
along these lines to the one recommended by the Airport Advisory Board for the
Council's consideration, which Mr. Lewis agreed to do.
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Blackmon and passed that action on this item
of the City Manager's Reports be deferred for at least one week.
City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 9
RESOLUTION NO. 7144
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ON THE OCCASION OF THE DEATH OF HONORABLE A'o C. MC CAUGHAN, FORMER MAYOR, EXPRESSING
GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION ON THE PART OF THE CITY FOR HIS DEVOTED AND CONSCIENTIOUS
SERVICE TO THE CITY.
The Charter rule was suspended by the following vote: Mayor Barnard, Com-
missioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present and
voting "Aye".
The foregoing resolution was passed by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
ORDINANCE NO. 7145
CLOSING THAT PORTION OF FIRST STREET BETWEEN ABERDEEN AVENUE AND THE SOUTH LINE OF
SEASIDE CAMP MEETING GROUNDS, IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended by the following vote: Mayor Barnard, Com-
missioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present and
voting "Aye".
The foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
ORDINANCE NO. 7146
APPROPRIATING OUT OF NO. 250 SANITARY SEWER BOND FUND THE SUM OF $12,145.95, OF WHICH
AMOUNT $12,000.00 IS FOR ACQUISITION OF RIGHT OF WAY FOR EVERHART ROAD LIFT STATION
SITE, SAME BEING MORE FULLY DESCRIBED HEREINAFTER, AND $145.95 IS FOR TITLE EXPENSE,
RECORDING FEES AND RELATED COSTS THERETO, ALL APPLICABLE TO PROJECT NO. 250-61-21.1
STAPLES RELIEF MAIN; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE REAL
ESTATE SALES CONTRACT FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI FOR THE ACQUI-
SITION OF SAID RIGHT OF WAY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended by the following vote: Mayor Barnard, Com-
missioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present and
voting "Aye".
The foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 10
ORDINANCE NO, 7147
APPROPRIATING AND REAPPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $8,246,30 OUT OF THE NO. 230 BRIDGE
BOND FUND FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE CLAIM OF SOUTHERN COMMUNITY GAS COMPANY AND SOUTHERN
COAST CORPORATION IN SETTLEMENT OF THEIR CLAIM FOR EXPENSES FOR PIPELINE ADJUST-
MENTS ALONG SHELL ROAD AT THE ORDER OF THE CITY IN 1959, AS A PART OF THE BASCULE
BRIDGE REMOVAL AND RELOCATION PROJECT; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 5564; AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended by the following vote: Mayor Barnard, Com-
missioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present and
voting "Aye".
The foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
ORDINANCE NO. 7148
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI ADOPTED ON THE 27TH
DAY OF AUGUST, 1937, APPEARING OF RECORD IN VOLUME 9, PAGES 565 ET SEQ OF THL
ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION RECORDS, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND PARTICULARLY
AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 6106, PASSED AND APPROVED ON THE 29TH DAY OF MARCH,
1961, BY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP BY CHANGING THE ZONING OF LOT 7, BLOCK 2, SOUTH
AIRES ADDITION TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM "R -1B"
ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO "I-2" LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT; KEEPING IN EFFECT
ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE AS AMENDED; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
The foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
ORDINANCE N0, 7149
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, A CONSENT AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS MEXICAN RAILWAY. COMPANY
WHEREBY THE RAILWAY COMPANY AGREES THAT THE CITY MAY INSTALL,MAINTAIN, OPERATE AND
REPAIR AN EIGHT -INCH WATER LINE BENEATH THE RAILWAY COMPANY'S RIGHT OF WAY APPROXI-
MATELY 27 FEET WEST OF THE CENTERLINE OF MC BRIDE LANE, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH
IN THE AGREEMENT, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF; AND
DECLARING AN,EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye"
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 11
The foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
ORDINANCE NO, 7150
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI ADOPTED ON THE 27TH
DAY OF AUGUST, 1937, APPEARING OF RECORD IN VOLUME 9, PAGES 563 ET SEQ OF THE
ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION RECORDS, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND PARTICULARLY
AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 6106, PASSED AND APPROVED ON THE 29TH DAY OF MARCH, 1961,
BY GRANTING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT OF ALL OF LOT 45, BLOCK 1, FLOUR BLUFF POINT, IN
THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, FOR THE OPERATION OF A BARBER
SHOP AND RESIDENTIAL USE UNDER THE CONDITIONS HEREIN CONTAINED; KEEPING IN EFFECT
ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE AS AMENDED; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES
IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended by the following vote Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present and
voting "Aye".
The foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Mayor Barnard,
Commissioners Young, Blackmon, de Leon, Maldonado, Roberts and Wallace, present
and voting "Aye".
Mayor Barnard called attention to the fact that he had taken the liberty
of removing from the agenda for this meeting the third reading of a proposed ordi-
nance with reference to barber colleges because the Barbers' Union has retained
legal counsel and have requested an opportunity to study the matter.
Sheridan C. Lewis, president of Boys' Club of Corpus Christi, delivered
and read a 4 -page letter to the Council in opposition to a proposal reported as
being considered by the Council of an offer of $3,000.00 an acre for 12 acres of
city -owned land at the corner of Horne Road and Greenwood Drive for a proposed
200 -unit apartment for modest income families, on the basis that in the many resi-
dential subdivisions in the area served by 9 schools, there is not a single privately
owned apartment or housing project, and that the 25 -acres, of which the 12 -acres
is a portion, is ideally suited for a public park and should be included as such
in the Master Plane (Council Exhibit #2).
Mayor Barnard informed Mr. Lewis that the matter of a proposed sale of the
property referred to is not presently before the Council, but that the Council
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 12
appreciated his civic interest and thoughts in this matter as well as in other
community matters.
Samuel L. Fly, head of the Legal Department of the Forest Oil Company,
V. E. Lanfear of Wood, Boykin and Lanfear, and other Forest Oil Company representa-
tives, appeared in regard to the existing drilling ordinances of the City which pro-
hibit the drilling of wells in search of oil or gas in certain Bay areas, and which
thereby prevent the Forest Oil Company from utilizing the 3 leases acquired from
the State of Texas in tracts within this forbidden area. They described in detail
their plans for use of the leases in question, the money already expended in con-
nection with these leases, and the manner in which they propose to operate in the
event of the successful completion of the well or wells. They presented a proposed
ordinance as an amendment to the existing ordinances governing these matters, and
supporting papers, and made a detailed presentation of maps, sketches, photographs,
designs, architect's drawings, and explanations in support of their contention that
the proposed ordinance as outlined would not be detrimental to the City or to the
safety, health, or morals of its citizens, and that on the contrary, it would
permit and provide for the reasonable regulation of responsible oil and gas opera-
tors to develop a commercial enterprise, would prevent random drilling in the Bay
areas, would contribute to the economic welfare of the citizens, would produce
revenue for the City and the taxing authorities of the area, and would even be a
tourist attraction for northern tourists who have never seen an oil operation.
Questions were asked by the Council and answered by the applicants with
respect to modern drilling methods used in Bay areas, safeguards provided against
blowouts,pollution of the waters, and obstruction of navigable waters.
Captain Clark of the Boatman's Association was concerned with the location
of the proposed wells in view of the routes for boat travel in and out of the
Yacht Basin; and Jack Davis, Corpus Christi Beach businessman, was concerned with
the tank storage permitted under the proposed ordinance in the event that a well
produced oil rather than gas.
They were answered thatthe location of any well in navigable waters.
must be approved by the U. 5. Corps of Engineers, and that should a well produce
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City of Corpus Christi, Texas
Regular Council Meeting
February 12, 1964
Page 13
oil in greater quantities than permitted to be tank -stored at the site, it would
well warrant the expense of laying pipelines to on -shore storage tanks.
Commissioner Wallace commented that he would be definitely opposed to
off -shore tank storage.
Mayor Barnard thanked the representatives of Forest Oil Company for their
presentation, and stated that he felt the Council had a much better understanding of
the problem and of their proposal, and that the Council would try to give them an
answer in two weeks.
Mayor Barnard declared the matter would be taken under advisement, and
requested John P. Mitchell, Jr., chairman of the Bayfront Advisory Board, who was
present during the presentation, to consider the matter at the Board's meeting this
Friday afternoon, and make its recommendation to the Council as soon as possible,
and further requested that the matter be referred to the Oil & Gas Wells Commission
for consideration and recommendation to the Council.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting
was adjourned.