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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/02/1966MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 2, 1966 2:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor McIver Furman Mayor Pro Tem Jack R. Blackmon Commissioners: Patrick J. Dunne Dr. P. Jimenez, Jr. Ken McDaniel Ronnie Sizemore Wm. H. Wallace City Manager Herbert W. Whitney Asst. City Attorney Tom McDowell City Secretary T. Ray Kring Mayor McIver Furman called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by George McFarland, Minister of Ebony Acres Church of Christ. City Secretary T. Ray Kring called the roll of those in attendance. Motion by Jimenez, seconded by McDaniel and passed that the minutes of the regular meeting of January 26, 1966, at 2:00 p.m., be approved as furnished to the Council. Mayor Furman welcomed the Student Council from Sundeen Junior High School, and read and presented Certificates of Attendance to Pat Huston, Rick Wall, Paula Waskow, Terry Haggett, Libby Freudiger, and Susan Stoops; accepted by Pat Huston, President of the Student Council. City Manager Whitney read an ordinance establishing and naming a park in the Flour Bluff area of Corpus Christi as "Captain Wayne Wranosky Park," in memory of Captain Wranosky who was a resident of that area, and other young men who lost their lives for a great and noble cause. Motion by Dunne, seconded by Blackmon and passed that the foregoing ordin- ance be adopted as read. The ordinance was accepted by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Wranosky. Mayor Furman recognized Jim Masur, President of the South Texas Trail Riders Association, who presented Mayor Furman with an honorary membership in the Association, and invited the Council to participate in the Livestock Show to be held in San Antonio this month. Mr. Masur requested that a proclamation be written proclaiming the week of February 4th through February 11th as "South Texas Trail Riders Association," and introduced several members of the Association. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 2 Mayor Furman read and presented proclamations relative to the following: CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH WEEK in Corpus Christi, February 6 through February 12, 1966, accepted by Dr. George A. McBath, Chairman of Dental Health-Nueces Valley Dental Society, and Dr. Williams, President of the Dental Society; and ELECTRICAL WEEK in Corpue Christi, February 6 through February 12, 1966. Mayor Furman announced appointments to Boards and Committees. Mayor Furman nominated W. J. Roberts for appointment to the Airport Board. Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Blackmon and passed that W. J. Roberts be appointed to the Airport Board. Mayor Furman nominated Joe Winston for re -appointment to the Examining & Supervising Board of Plumbers. Motion by Dunne, seconded by Blackmon and passed that Joe Winston be re- appointed to the Examining & Supervising Board of Plumbers. Mayor Furman nominated for re -appointment to the La Retama Library Board: Mrs. L. H. Gross, William H. Keys, A. B. Zepeda, and Bertram Parker. Motion by Blackmon, seconded by Dunne and passed that Mra. L. H. Gross, William H. Keys, A. B. Zepeda, and Bertram Parker be re -appointed to the La Retama Library Board. Mayor Furman nominated Jimmy Young and Don Gnader for appointment to the Pest Control Licensing Advisory Committee. Motion by Wallace, seconded by Blackmon and passed that Jimmy Young and Don Gnader be appointed to the Pest Control Licensing Advisory Committee. Mayor Furman announced the opening of bide. Bids were opened and read on the Airport Parking Lease Franchise at Corpus Christi International Airport from the following: Airport Parking Company of America; Classified Parking System; Magnus Corporation and Allright Auto Parks, Inc. The foregoing bids were tabled for forty-eight hours as required by the City Charter, and referred to the City Manager for tabulation and recommendation. Mayor Furman brought up the pending item of four street name changes, on which public hearing was held January 26, 1966, and which were deferred for further consideration. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 3 City Manager Whitney explained that at the public hearing held January 26th on several street name changes, four streets were left unchanged, and made the following recommendations: That due to public response, the name of Campbell Street in Tom Graham Gardens remain Campbell Street; That Country Club Place in Country Club Place, North of Interstate High- way x'37, be changed to North Country Club Place; That Country Club Place in Country Club Place, South of Interstate High- way #37, be changed to South Country Club Place; and That Garden Street in Airline Subdivision was proposed to be changed to Winship Street; that the Winship family had requested that the street not be named "Winship Street," that the citizens in that area had suggested the name "Lyons Street" which does not conflict with any existing street names; and rec- ommended that Garden Street in Airline Subdivision be changed to Lyons Street. Motion by Wallace, seconded by Jimenez and passed that the foregoing street name changes and recommendations of the City Manager be approved. Mayor Furman called for the City Manager's Reports. Motion by Wallace, seconded by McDaniel and passed that the City Manager's Reports, Items "a" through "f", "h", "j" and "k" be accepted; that Item "g" be deleted from the Agenda; that Item "i" be considered separately; and the recom- mendations and requests be approved and granted as follows: a. That the award of contract for construction of South Staples Street Improvements, Gollihar to Lexington, and on Gollihar Road, Staples to Caddo, be made to South Texas Construction Company on the basis of low bid; and that appro- priation in the amount of $277,000 be authorized; b. That the plans and specifications for Street Improvements on Louisiana Boulevard (Southside) from Denver to Santa Fe be approved; and that authority to receive bids on February 23, 1966, be granted; c. That a lease be awarded to C & T Gifts and News for the newsstand at Corpus Christi International Airport at a monthly rental of $75.00 per month; 1\ % Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 4 d. That the bid award on Playground Equipment be made to the following firms on the basis of low bid meeting specifications: (Bid Tabulation #66-3) 0. H. HOFFMEYER - Waco Item 1 5 Swing Sets, w/6 Belt Seats $254.80 $1,274.00 Item 4 2 Climbers, Double Arch 194.04 388.08 Item 5 2 Clumbers, Spider 151.90 303.80 $1,965.88 MIRACLE EQUIPMENT COMPANY - Grinnell, Iowa Item 2 Item 3 Item 9 1 Swing Set, w/8 Belt Seats 2 Swing Sets, w/6 Aluminum Flying Horses 5 Merry -Go -Rounds, 10' diam. 367.00 355.00 710.00 279.00 1.395.00 2,472.00 MASTERSON DIST COMPANY - San Antonio Item 6 2 Climbers, Tree 233.00 PAUL E. ALLEN CO., INC. - HOUSTON Item 7 Item 10 1 Climber, Monkey Puzzle 1 Merry -Go -Round, 8' Dia w/4 Aluminum Horses CREATIVE PLAYTHINGS, INC. - Princeton, New Jersey Item 8 1 Climber TOTAL 466.00 466.00 336.00 522.00 858.00 174.00 174.00 $5,935.88 e. That the bid award on #1 Diesel Fuel and Torque Fluid be made to the following firms on the basis of low bid meeting specifications: (Bid Tabulation #66- 4) : CONTINENTAL OIL COMPANY 81,200 Gals. Diesel Fuel (Bulk) .1528 $12,407.36 TEXACO, INC. 330 Gals. Torque Fluid .51678 170.54 TOTAL $12,577.90 f, That the award of contract for the Oil and Gas Lease on 87.252 acres of land owned by the City, be made to B. V. Ballengee on the basis of high bid, with a cash bonus of $9,136 and three -sixteenths royalty; g. That Sanitary Sewer Service to a portion of the Flour Bluff Area be deleted from the Agenda for further study and recommendation; h. That the date of February 22, 1966, at a Special Council Meeting convening at 2:00 p.m., be set for public hearing on six zoning cases; Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 5 i. That the application of W. B. Dansfiell for a permit to drill Well ,#1, G. W. Hatch Lease, in Drilling Block #449, be considered separately; j. That the three drilling applications of Gulf Oil Corporation to drill in Corpus Christi Bay be referred to the Bay Drilling Committee for recom- mendation; k. That a five-year lease with Padre Little League be prepared and brought forward leasing a portion of Holly Road Reservoir property, with a condition that Padre Little League provide the necessary fencing and security to protect City property. Mayor Pro Tem Blackmon pointed out that the Padre Little League should be aware that there may not be any possibility of a renewal of their lease as the City may definitely need the land for expansion within the five-year period. City Manager Whitney advised that he had discussed this with representa- tives of Padre Little League; that they realized there probably would not be a renewal gn the lease; and that they were willing to make investment for a five- year use. City Manager Whitney further advised that the City Charter required three readings of the ordinance authorizing this lease; that the Padre Little League had a time problem and were requesting permission to erect a fence after the first reading is approved; and that this come before the Council as soon as possible. City Manager Whitney presented the application of W. B. Dansfiell to drill Well #1, G. W. Hatch Lease, in Drilling Block 0449; and pointed out the location on the map as being approximately 330 Feet South of Leopard Street and approximately 400 Feet West of Savage Lane Railroad Right -of -Way. Mr. Whitney stated that there were no buildings,etructures or streets within 330 Feet of the proposed site; that the proposed depth of the well is 12,300 Feet with a casing program of surface casing inconformity with requirements of the Railroad Commis- sion subject to production casing if production is secured. Mr. Whitney further stated that applicant had submitted a copy of the Railroad Commission Permit, Certificates of Insurance, and requested the following variances: (1) Variance to permit applicant to go beyond the 10,000 Foot depth as set out in the Ordi- nance to a proposed depth of 12,300 Feet; (2) Variance to permit the use of Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 6 earthen mud pits instead of steel tanks; and (3) Fencing requirements be waived. Mr. John Brooke, attorney representing applicant, was present in support of the application, and no one appeared in opposition. Motion by Wallace, seconded by Blackmon and passed that W. B. Danafiell be granted a permit to drill Well #1, G. W. Hatch Lease, in Drilling Block #449, as applied for. ORDINANCE NO. 7891 ESTABLISHING AND NAMING A PARK IN THE FLOUR BLUFF AREA OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AS THE "CAPTAIN WAYNE WRANOSKY PARK"; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Furman, Blackmon, Dunne, Jimenez, McDaniel, Sizemore and Wallace, present and voting "Aye." RESOLUTION NO. 7892 PROVIDING FOR A MEETING OF AND A PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, CONCERNING CERTAIN PROPOSED ACTIONS UNDER THE TEXAS URBAN RENEWAL LAW, AND PROVIDING FOR NOTICE OF SUCH MEETING AND HEARING. City Manager Whitney presented the foregoing resolution and read the proposed notice in connection with the resolution, and advised that the hearing could be held on April 6 or April 13, and that the resolution did not provide for the establishment of Urban Renewal Agency and delegation of such powers to an Agency. Mayor Pro Tem Blackmon stated that he felt the hearing should be held on April 6th; that it would be at least thirty days after the hearing before an election could be held; and inquired about the use of voting machines. City Secretary Kring advised that the voting machines would not be available until after June 15th. Motion by Blackmon, seconded by Wallace and passed that the date of April 6, 1966, at 7:00 p.m., be set for public hearing on certain proposed actions under the Texas Urban Renewal Law. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing resolution was passed by the following vote: Furman, Blackmon, Dunne, Jimenez, McDaniel, Sizemore and Wallace, present and voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 7 ORDINANCE NO. 7893 AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH SOUTH TEXAS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE CON- STRUCTION OF SOUTH STAPLES STREET IMPROVEMENTS, GOLLIHAR TO LEXINGTON; AND ON GOLLIHAR ROAD, STAPLES TO CADDO, PROJECT NO. 220-56-29; APPROPRIATING OUT OF NO. 220 STREET BOND FUNDS THE SUM OF $277,000.00, OF WHICH AMOUNT $256,583.04 IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND $20,416.96 IS FOR CONTINGENCIES, INCLUDING ENGINEERING, INSPECTION, LABORATORY TESTING, LEGAL ADVERTISING AND EXPERT TESTIMONY; AND DECLAR- ING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Furman, Blackmon, Dunne, Jimenez, McDaniel, Sizemore and Wallace, present and voting "Aye." ORDINANCE NO. 7894 APPROPRIATING OUT OF NO. 220 STREET BOND FUND THE SUM OF $50,806 FOR JUDGMENT AWARD, SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS' FEES, APPRAISAL TESTIMONY, COURT COSTS, TITLE EXPENSES AND EXPERT TESTIMONY IN EVENT OF A JURY TRIAL, ALL IN CONNECTION WITH CAUSE NO. 469, FILED IN THE COUNTY COURT OF NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, APPLICABLE TO MIDTOWN TRAFFIC EXCHANGE, PROJECT NO. 220-53-18.2; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Furman, Blackmon, Dunne, Jimenez, McDaniel, Sizemore and Wallace, present and voting "Aye." ORDINANCE NO. 7895 AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND PROVIDING FOR THE ADMIN- ISTRATION OF THE COMPENSATION PLAN TO ALL POSITIONS IN THE CITY SERVICE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE", BEING ORDINANCE NO. 3656, PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE 10TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1954, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SUBSECTION (b) OF SECTION 1, BY CHANGING THE CLASS GRADE OF ASSISTANT COURT CLERK FROM CLASS GRADE 25 TO CLASS GRADE 17; PRODIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Furman, Blackmon, Dunne, Jimenez, McDaniel, Sizemore and Wallace, present and voting "Aye." ORDINANCE NO. 7896 THIRD READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF A FIVE-YEAR FRANCHISE TO INLAND LIMOUSINE SERVICE, INC., TO PROVIDE LIMOUSINE SERVICE TO AND FROM THE CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND OTHER POINTS IN AND ABOUT THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF. Mr. Howard Sudduth, attorney representing Corpus Christi Transporta- tion Company, protested the final passage of the foregoing ordinance, and stated Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 8 he would like to make a "last desperate plea' on behalf of his client and citizens of the City. Mr. Sudduth pointed out that the franchise was not submitted on a bid basis but was submitted to the Airport Advisory Board for negotiation; that his company was willing to pay 1lAl percent of the gross receipts whereas Inland Limou- sine Service proposed to pay 10 percent of the gross receipts; that his client's proposal would mean an additional $2,500 to the City; and urged the Council not to pass the ordinance and to put it out on a bid basis. Commissioner Wallace stated that the Council had expressed the thought that the City Council should support the Airport Advisory Board because they had authorized them to negotiate a contract for the limousine service; and that for the record, the Airport Advisory Board had also recommended that the Council negotiate a lease on the parking lot on the present basis of $8,500 a year guarantee; that the Magnus Corporation had requested that this be put up for bids; and that the Airport Parking Company had submitted a bid of $17,000 guaranteed rental for the first year. Commissioner Wallace further stated, for the record and for the Council's consideration, that it was one thing to support the Airport Advisory Board, but that it was more important in his opinion, to support the interest of the citizens of Corpus Christi, and that to award the contract in this manner was bad legislation, and urged the Council to vote this ordinance down and then attempt to attain these services on a bid basis. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Furman, Jimenez, McDaniel and Sizemore, present and voting "Aye," Dunne and Wallace, present and voting "Nay," and Blackmon dis- qualified himself. Mayor Furman declared a brief recess before the scheduled public hear- ings on three zoning cases. Mayor Furman reconvened the meeting and announced the Council would now hold the scheduled public hearinj;s, and explained the procedure to be followed. Mayor Furman announced the public hearing on Application #1265-11, Paul J. Koepke, for change of zoning from "11-1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on a portion of Lot 5, Oso Farm Tracts, located on Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 9 the Northwest corner of the intersection of Everhart Road and Holly Road, front- ing approximately 574 Feet along Everhart Road and extending approximately 340 Feet along Holly Road for the depth. Larry Wenger, Senior City Planner, located the property on the map; pointed out the zoning and land use of the area; explained that at the Commission hearing held December 21, 1965, Mr. Joseph Hans, architect representing the appli- cant, appeared before the Commission and explained the details of the proposed shopping facility and presented plans for the development of a neighborhood shopping center; that three other persons appeared in favor of the application and that one person representing three other persons, appeared in opposition; that fifteen letters were sent out, two returns were received in favor and three returns were received in opposition, that one return was received in favor after the hearing; and stated that the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Com- mission was that it be approved as submitted. Mr. Joseph Hans, architect and planner representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the application, and stated that applicant had appeared before the Council previously for a zoning change on this piece of property, and that the Council recommended a study of the Everhart Road area be made. Mr. Hans further stated that their solution was almost identical with the Staff as far as land use was concerned; that they have had experience in matters of land development and planning from a commercial standpoint, and know what people want in the way of tenancy and what the neighborhood desires. Mr. Hans also stated that they had center people interested in occupying space in the shopping/ that t'hera is nothing alien to the zoning laws in this application; that the opposition to the original zon- ing was the shape and form and whether it would fit the pattern of Everhart Road; that the request before the Council was one of good planning and not unsound zoning procedure; that it did not conflict with public interest, and urged the Council to concur with the findings of the Commission. Mr. Paul Koepke, applicant, spoke in support of the application, and stated that the proposed plan was appropriate for the location; that it was in Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 10 the best interest to the City; that they had achieved the results and recommen- dation of both the Staff and the Zoning and Planning Commission, and requested the application be approved. Mr. John Thomason, realtor, spoke in support of the application, and stated that considerable study and planning had been made on the proposed develop- ment; that it should be beneficial to the people in that area; and urged favorable consideration of the application. Mr. John Reltner, representing George and John Hawn, R. H. Startzell, Saratoga Land Company, and Del Starr Realty Company, spoke in opposition to the application; and read a letter from his clients regarding the Everhart Road Study, the Paul Koepke application and the application of Herman F. Waters (which is to be presented later during this meeting), opposing strip zoning in the community. Mr. Reltner stated that he had examined the study and, in his opinion, it was based on sound knowledge; that he wanted to cooperate with the City, and requested that no action be taken by the Council until such time that Staff recommendations are put into effect. Mr. J. W. Gary, attorney representing Saratoga Land Company and others, stated that he opposed the strip zoning along Everhart Road; that it was against public interest as well as private interest; that an over-all plan should be adopted by the City at one time and put into effect; and that until this can be accom- plished the application should be denied. Mr. Gary further stated that he did not oppose this particular zoning if it was approved as part of the total Everhart Plan. Mrs. Alice Scott commended the Council for the Everhart Road Study, and stated that she felt it was a very outstanding accomplishment. Mr. Joseph Hans stated that the property was not strip zoning, and that it had been removed from strip zoning because of the size and depth of the property. Motion by Wallace, seconded by Dunne and passed that the hearing be closed. Motion by Blackmon, seconded by Wallace and passed that the application of Paul J. Koepke be tabled pending consideration of the application of Herman F. Waters which is to be presented next. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 11 Mayor Furman announced the public hearing on Application #1265-1, Herman F. Waters, for change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District, on a 2.837 -acre portion out of Lot 3, Oso Farm Tracts, fronting 772.46 Feet along the Northwest Right-of-way line of Everhart Road, begin- ning at a point 350 Feet Southwest of the Southwest corner of the intersection of Everhart Road and Lexington Boulevard and extending 160 Feet in a Northwesterly direction from Everhart Road for the depth. Larry Wenger, Senior City Planner, located the property on the map; pointed out the zoning and land use of the area; explained that at the Commission hearing held December 7, 1965, two persons spoke in favor of the application and one in opposition; that eleven letters were sent outs one return was received in favor and none in opposition; and stated that the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission was that the application be tabled pending completion of the Everhart Road Study, Mr. Wenger further stated that the application was heard again by the Commission on December 21, 1965, after having received the Everhart Road Study, and stated that the recommendation of the Zos..ng & Planning Commission was that it be approved as a logical extension of "B-4" zoning surrounding the subject property. Mr. Dave Coover, attorney representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the application; and stated that the property was surrounded by "B-4" zoning and therefore eliminated strip zoning; that the property owned by Saratoga Land Company was approximately a mile and three-quarters from the subject property; that the Zoning & Planning Commission had recommended this application be approved; and advised that Sears were interested in this tract of land and had submitted an offer on this tract. Mr. Coover further stated that Mr. Waters had received numerous inquiries for leasing this tract; that they were ready to start build- ing within a six months period; that the plans call for dedication of an addi- tional ten feet for widening of Everhart Road and an additional ten feet set off the back line to permit access to rear of the building; and that this agreed with the report on the study of Everhart Road with the exception of depth, Mr. Coover Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 12 also stated that he felt the opposition of Saratoga Land Company should be dis- regarded by virtue of their removed distance from the subject property. Mr. Herman Waters, applicant, was present in support of the application, and urged Council to give favorable consideration on the zoning of this land on the basis that the land was zoned for business when it was purchased. Mr. John Kellner, representing George and John Hawn, R. H. Startzell, Saratoga Land Company, and Del Starr Realty Company, spoke in opposition to the application on the basis that it constitutes strip zoning and does not conform to the study recently made by the Zoning and Planning Commission. Mr. Keltner further stated his clients' property was located less than a mile from the end of the subject property; and that he felt a plan should be developed along Everhart Road. Mr. J. W. Gary, attorney representing Saratoga Land Company and others, spoke in opposition to the application on the basis that the zoning was not a logi- cal extension; and requested that a plan be made for the use of Everhart Road and that the zoning be consistent with the plan, and that the plan should include the dezoning of this particular area. Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the hearing be closed. Motion by Blackmon, seconded by Wallace and passed that the application of Herman F. Waters for a change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District, on a 2.837 -acre portion out of Lot 3, Oso Farm Tracts; and the application of Paul J. Roepke for a change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on a portion of Lot 5, Oso Farm Tracts; be tabled for consideration with the Everhart Road Study. Commissioner McDaniel recommended that the Staff present the Everhart Road Study before the Council. Mayor Furman announced the public hearing on Application #1265-6, Harold N. Siemer, for change of zoning from 'R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District, on all of Lot 15, and the East 275 Feet of Lot 16, Block 1, Lakeview Acres. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 13 Larry Wenger, Senior City Planner, located the property on the map; pointed out the zoning and land use of the area; explained that at the Commission hearing held December 21, 1965, the applicant appeared in support of the application and no one appeared in opposition; that seven Letters were sent out, and one return was received in favor and none in opposition; and stated that the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission was that it be approved on the basin that it will provide a transitional area to the existing "B-4" General Business District zoning. Dr. Harold N. Siemer, applicant, was present in support of the application, and explained that he wanted to build a dental clinic on the property; and advised that deed restrictions had been removed from these lots by Court action. No one appeared in opposition to this application. Motion by Wallace, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the hearing be closed. Motion by Wallace, seconded by Dunne and passed that the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission be concurred in, and that the change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District on all of Lot 15, and the East 275 Feet of Lot 16, Block 1, Lakeview Acres, be approved, and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating this change, Mr. John Brooke, attorney, representing W. B. Dansfiell, appeared before the Council and requested that the Council consider leasing various lands owned by the City for oil and gas development. Mr. Brooke stated that his client was drilling a well in a drilling block that contained unleased city acreage; that a great deal of development was going on out there; and that the ordinance provisions were such that if the City put these lands up on a bid basis now it would be more beneficial to the City. Mr. Brooke further stated that the City -owned acreage in the area between the Ship Channel, Highway 44 and Lexington Boulevard, and the built-up area around Saxet Heights should be put up for bids by the City on a non -surface rights basis; that if immediate action was taken before his client's well was drilled, the City would receive bids for the leasing of these lands, and that the City could derive royalty income and bonus from development in that area. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1966 Page 14 Commissioner Wallace stated that he felt the Council needed a legal opinion as to the City's position and City Manager Whitney advised that this would be available by Monday night. Mr. Broke stated that his client intended to start drilling this week, and City Manager Taitney advised that if the Council did decide to put these lands out for bids the time element involved would be such that before the Council could consider and make awards on these bids, the well might be completed. Mr. Brooke pointed out that all the lands in that general area should be put up for bids, and that the City could reject any bid if they so desired. Motion by Wallace, seconded by McDaniel and passed that the City advertise and take bids for the leasing of oil and gas development, certain city - owned acreage in the western section of the City, on the basis of $50.00 an acre case bonus and a minimum of three -sixteenths royalty. Mrs. J. C. Pickens, 5641 Leopard Street, appeared before the Council and requested permission to park a mobile home on the back of her lot at 234 Edwards; to build a carport, and to put in a new sewer line. Mayor Pro Tem Blackmon advised that this would be inspected and a report and recommendation would be available by Monday night, and that this would be acted upon by the Council next Wednesday. City Manager Whitney asked the Council what action should be taken with regard to the Southern Pacific Trestle; that if the City did not want the Trestle they were ready to proceed with removing the Trestle; that the tracks should be removed; and that Southern Pacific was willing to deed the acreage to the City upon removel of the railroad tracks. Following a discusaion relative to a ship channel being dug in that area, Commissioner McDaniel asked that the discussion be postponed as he was going to Galveston the next day for further study on this, and asked that this be considered at Workshop Monday night. Mr. Whitney advised the Council that the Staff needs to come before the Council with a Workable Program for the City, and following a brief discussion, the Council recommended that the Workable Program and Workshop be set for 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 7th. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.