HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/17/1967MINUTES
CPTY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCCL MEETING
May 17, 1967
2:00 p. m.
PRESENT:
Mayor Jack R. Blackmon
Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Sizemore
Commissioners:
Dick Bradley, Jr.
Dr. P. Jimenez, Jr,
City Manager Herbert W. Whitney
City Attorney LMo Singer
Jack Grant City Secretary T. Ray Krieg
Gabe Lozano, Sr.
Ken McDaniel
Mayor Jock R. Blackmon called the meeting to order.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Reynell Parkins, Priest in Charge, St. Martin's
Episcopal Church.
City Secretary T. Ray Krieg called the roll of those in attendance,
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 10, 1967, were approved as submitted
to the Council and as corrected.
Mayor Blackmon read and presented proclamations relative to the following; NATIONAL
INSURANCE WOMEN'S WEEK in Corpus Christi, May 21 through May 27, 1967, in recognition
of the high objectives of this organization and its participation in the civic and cultural activities
of the community; received by Mrs. R. L. Andrews and Mrs. Wallace Matthews; SALVATION
ARMY WEEK in Corpus Christi, May 21 through May 28, 1967, in recognition of the religious
and social service ministry rendered in this City and throughout the country, aiding young and
old in meeting hardship and attaining a better way of Rife, received by Major James A. Anderson;
and MARITIME DAY in Corpus Christi, May 22, 1967, urging all citizens to honor our Merchant
Marines by appropriate recognition of the contributions made by the men and women for the success
of our Merchant Fleet, received by Mr. Clifton Lewis, Mr. Tommy Sexton and Mr. R. C. Thwing.
Mayor Blackmon welcomed the Student Council from Flour Bluff Junior High School, and
their sponsor, Mr. W. H. Howard, and read and presented Certificates of Attendance to John
Barrientos, Sharon Stevens, Joy Humbled, Ernie Buttler and Marian Pendleton.
Mayor Blackmon recommended for reappointment as substitute judges of Corporation Court,
Harry M. Carroll, Wrn. B. Mobley, Jr., and Edward Yturri, and recommended for appointment,
Wi I I lam Bonilla arld James Klager,
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 2
Motion by Jimenez, seconded by Lozano and passed that the foregoing nominations for re-
appointment and appointment as substitute judges of Corporation Court be approved and confirmed.
Mayor Blackmon announced the opening of bids.
Bids were opened and read on the construction of the United States Inspection Station at
Corpus Christi International Airport, from the following firms: Casey & Glass, Inc.; Tanner H.
Freeman General Contractors; B. E. Beecroft Company; Braselton Construction; and Cole 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.
Mayor Blackmon called for the City Manager's Reports.
Motion by Jimenez, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the City Manager's Reports, Items
"a" through "h", with Bradley abstaining on Item "h", be accepted, and that the recommendations
and requests be approved and granted as follows:
a. That acceptance and final payment of Estimate 04 in the amount of $6,527.11, due the
contractor, F.M. Thornton, for construction of the Westport Area Storm Sewer, Unit II, be authorized;
b. That acceptance and final payment of Estimate #4 in the amount of $33,622.00, due the
contractor, F.M. Thornton, for construction of the Leopard -Westchester Storm Sewer, be authorized;
c. That the authority to advertise for bids on various quantities and sizes of Copper Tubing
for Warehouse Stock to be opened May 31, 1967, be granted;
d. That the bid award on Irrigation Equipment, Lot I, consisting of 46 items of Plastic Pipe,
1/2 -inch through 2 -1/2 -inch, and various sizes and quantities of plastic fittings, be made to Can -
Tex Industries of Mineral Wells, Texas, in the amount of $9,187.97, on the basis of low bid meeting
specifications; and that Lots II, Ill and IV be deferred awaiting receipt and evaluation of sample
sprinklers, valves and control panels; (Bid Tabulation $67-13)
e. That the date of June 6, 1967, Special Council Meeting convening at 2:00 p.m., be set
for public hearing on four zoning cases;
f. That, on determination of the City's eligibility, the application for Federal Assistance in
the amount of $221,415.00 through Parks and Wildlife Department of the State of Texas, for planning,
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 3
acquiring and developing of public recreational area, be authorized; that the City Manager be
designated as the responsible officer, the finance director as fiscal officer, and that West Guth
Park be dedicated and rededicated for public outdoor recreational purposes in connection with
the project;
g. That the application of Tepeo Engineering and Centennial Royalty Company for a permit
to drill their Rand Morgan Well No. 42, located 1500 feet east of the west line and 2300 feet
north of the upper south line of the 493.63 acre Rand Morgan Lease two miles east of Clarkwood
and 836 feet southeast of Rand Morgan No. 41, Saxet Field, to be drilled to a proposed depth of
5500 feet, and having been examined and approved by Petroleum Superintendent Harry Franklin,
be approved as applied for;
h. That an appropriation in the amount of $14,725 from the General Reserve Fund, to cover
cost of equipment, supplies and salaries, for a mosquito control program in the City, be approved.
Commissioner Bradley made the following comments in order that there be no misunderstanding
as to why he abstained from voting on the foregoing Item "h":
"I am not against a mosquito control program as such, but I am opposed to the manner
in which it is being approached.
"I am not in favor of increasing the number of low -pay employees ($3113.00 per year) of
the City. On the one hand we 'wage war' against poverty - on the other we create more
of what we are fighting. I would suggest we temporarily reassign some existing employees
to this program until more money is available to pay decent wages, and the program proves
its worth as a permanent full-time program.
"Fina Ily, it appears we are already 3 to 4 months late instituting this program, and the
hiring of qualified personnel will delay it another 60 to 90 days - or well past the
critical period.
"The temporary arrangement suggested in (1) above will permit the health department to
institute the program immediately upon receipt of materials."
SECOND READING OF AN ORDNANCE ABOLISHING THE REQUIREMENT HERETOFORE EXIST-
ING THAT PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS ON CITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FILE PRE -QUALIFICA-
TION STATEMENTS; REPEALING CERTAIN ORDINANCES AND IN PARTICULAR ALL ORDINANCES
IN CONFLICT rititvvllrl; rKVVI130INV HIN LrrCCuvt
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third reading by the
following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Grant, Jimenez, Lozano and McDaniel present
and voting "Aye".
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 4
SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO, 7506, ADOPTED
MARCH 3, 1965, BY AMENDING SECTION 11-15 OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958,
AS AMENDED, BY ADOPTING CHAPTERS II, III AND IV OF THE SOUTHERN STANDARD
HOUSING CODE - 1965, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, IN LIEU OF PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED
CODE (1960-61 EDITION); FURTHER AMENDING SAID ORDINANCE NO. 7506 BY AMENDING
SECTIONS 11-13 THROUGH 11-20C OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, AS AMENDED,
BY CHANGING THE WORD "BUILDING OFFICIAL" WHEREVER THE SAME APPEARS IN SAID
SECTIONS OF THE CITY CODE, 1958, AS AMENDED, TO"HOUSING REHABILITATION CO-
ORDINATOR", WITH ALL OF THE POWERSAND DUTIES IN ADDITION TO THOSE PRESCRIBED
IN SAID ORDINANCE OF THOSE DUTIES PRESCRIBED IN ORDINANCE NO. 8378, PASSED
AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 8, 1967; KEEPING IN EFFECT ALL OTHER
PROVISIONS IN SAID SECTIONS 11-13 THROUGH 11-20C, INCLUSIVE, OF THE CORPUS
CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, AS AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF
SAID PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its thrid reading by the
following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Grant, Jimenez, Lozano and McDaniel present
and voting "Aye".
ORDINANCE NO, 8457
RECEIVING AND ACCEPTING CONSTRUCTION OF THE LEOPARD-WESTCHESTER STORM SEWER,
PROJECT NO. 295-64-27, AS PERFORMED BY THE CONTRACTOR, F. M. THORNTON, UNDER
HIS CONTRACT WITH THE CITY DATED DECEMBER 21, 1966, AUTHORIZED BY ORDINANCE
NO. 8281; AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF FINAL ESTIMATE NO. 4, DATED MAY 4, 1967, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $33,622.00, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART
HEREOF, SAID PAYMENT TO BE MADE FROM NO. 295 STORM SEWER BOND FUNDS PREVIOUSLY
APPROPRIATED FOR CONSTRUCTION AND CONTINGENCIES; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote:
Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Grant, Jimenez, Lozano and McDaniel present and voting "Aye".
ORDINANCE NO, 8458
RECEIVING AND ACCEPTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WESTPORT AREA STORM SEWER,
UNIT II, PROJECT NO. 295-64-42, AS PERFORMED BY THE CONTRACTOR, F. M. THORNTON,
UNDER THEIR CONTRACT DATED DECEMBER 21, 1966, AUTHORIZED BY ORDINANCE NO. 8282;
AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF FINAL ESTIMATE NO, 4, DATED MAY 3, 1967, IN THE AMOUNT
OF $6,528.11, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, SAID
PAYMENT TO BE MADE FROM NO. 295 STORM SEWER BOND FUNDS PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED
FOR CONSTRUCTION AND CONTINGENCIES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The t..harter rule was suspendea ana rhe foregoing orainance was passea by rhe following vote:
Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Grant, Jimenez, Lozano and McDaniel present and voting "Aye".
RESOLUTION NO, 8459
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE PARKS
AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT; CERTIFYING THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, DESIGNATING THE CITY MANAGER AS THE
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 5
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI FOR THE PROJECT; DESIGNATING
THE FINANCE DIRECTOR AS FISCAL OFFICER FOR THE CITY FOR THE PROJECT; DEDICATING
AND REDEDICATING WEST GUTH PARK FOR PUBLIC OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing resolution was passed by the following
vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Grant, Jimenez, Lozano and McDaniel present and
voting "Aye".
RESOLUTION NO. 8460
EXPRESSES ITS APPRECIATION FOR THE SERVICES OF THE HONORABLE JOHN TRAEGER AS
REPRESENTATIVE IN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing resolution was passed by the following
vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Grant, Jimenez, Lozano and McDaniel present and
voting "Aye".
RESOLUTION NO. 8461
CREATING THE "CORPUS CHRISTI COMMITTEE FOR HEMISFAIR", AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing resolution was passed by the following
vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Grant, Jimenez, Lozano and McDaniel present and
voting "Aye".
Mr. Jim Ryan, attorney, appeared and stated that he was representing Mrs. Thelma Parr
and other property owners in the vicinity of the intersection of Louisiana and Ocean Drive,
and presented the Council with a petition containing approximately 600 signatures requesting
that the City abandon plans for the construction of a bridge or overpass at the intersection of
Louisiana and Ocean Drive, and submit such a project to the voters of the City of Corpus
Christi for approval or rejection. The petition further stated that the proposed bridge would
constitute an eyesore; would be permanent and increasingly objectionable with age; detract
greatly from the beauty of the existing drive; such concept was not expressly, or by implica-
tion included in the propositions submitted to the voters in the recent bond election. (Petition
X67-14)
Mayor Blackmon accepted the petition and advised Mr. Ryan that the Council would not
enter into a discussion of the Ocean Drive. Improvements at this meeting as an informal meeting
is scheduled on this matter at 8 p.m., this date.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 6
Mrs. Arthur Ellis appeared and commended the Council for the expediency in which they are
handling City matters.
Mayor Blackmon thanked Mrs. Ellis and stated that "praise is well taken".
Mr. Joe A. Garza of 3313 Greenwood Drive, accompanied by approximately 10 other persons
from the area, appeared and presented a petition containing some 125 signatures protesting the
City's plans to sell a nine -acre tract of land located behind the Greenwood Branch Library for
housing developments for low-income families. Mr. Garza stated that residents of the area are
concerned that a housing project would devalue their property and add to the congestion of schools
and other facilities; stated the residents in this area favor additional housing but not at this location,
and further, that the citizens of the affected area should have the opportunity of a public hearing.
(Petition #67-15)
Mrs. Garza also appeared in connection with the foregoing petition and pointed out the need
for additional recreational facilities, schools, and facilities for boy's and girl's clubs, for the
people already living in the area, and stated that these things should come first before doing anything
which would bring more people to this already congested location.
Mayor Blackmon explained that the proposed housing project is not termed a low -housing
project, but a low-income housing project; that the buildings would be standard and well con-
structed in every way, built by non-profit groups, or otherwise, for low income families, but
stated that the views of the delegation would be considered.
Mayor Blackmon announced the Council would consider the request of Saratoga Land Company
to change the name of Inwood Drive in Country Club Estates, Units 1 and 4, to "Fenway Drive".
City Manager Whitney presented the request and stated that the subject drive is approximately
400 feet long and that all of the lots facing and adjoining it are under the ownership of the
Saratoga Land Company; stated that the request had been initiated because of its similarity to
Inwood Village Subdivision. Mr. Whitney further stated that the suggested name of "Fenway"
coincides with the plan of naming streets in this subdivision after famous golf courses; that the City
Staff had been consulted and that they offer no objection to the suggested name change.
No one appeared in favor or in opposition to the foregoing request.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 7
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Jimenez and passed that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Jimenez, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the name of Inwood Drive in
Country Club Estates, Units 1 and 4, be officially named "Fenway Drive", and that an ordinance
be brought forward effectuating the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced the Council would hold a public hearing on the request of residents
of Westhaven Street to change the name of Westhaven Street to "Aswan".
City Manager Whitney presented the request and stated that a petition had been filed with the
City Council on April 19, 1967, signed by 24 residents of Westhaven Street, representing every
resident on the Block with the exception of one, requesting the name change, stating that the
name "Aswan" would be a continuation of Aswan Street from across McArdle and would eliminate
a conflict with Westhaven Addition on the west side of the City; and stated that the City Staff
concurs in his recommendation that the request be granted.
Mrs. CI'iff Thomason, 1306 Westhaven Drive, appeared in support of the foregoing street
name change request, and stated that Mr. Frank Peerman of the Pharaoh Development Company
had been consulted and that he does not oppose the name change.
No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing request.
Motion by Bradley, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Grant, seconded by Jimenez and passed that the name of Westhaven Street,
located north from the 6800 Block of McArdle Road to Southland Drive, be officially named
"Aswan Street" and that an ordinance be brought forward effectuating the change.
Mayor Blackmon announced that the meeting would be recessed briefly in order for the
Zoning and Planning Staff to prepare the Council Chamber for the scheduled public hearings.
Mayor Blackmon reconvened the meeting and recognized Mr. Tony Bonilla who appeared
representing residents interested in the proposed bridge over the intersection of Louisiana and
Ocean Drive, delivered a petition containing approximately 150 signatures in opposition to the
concept of an overpass, bridge or causeway being constucted at this location. (Petition #67-16)
Mayor Blackmon accepted the petition and invited Mr. Bonilla to attend the scheduled
meeting on this matter to be held at 8 p.m. this date.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 8
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on the appeal of Miss Myrtle L. McAlphine
re Special Use Permit #79 for the operation of a mobile home on Lot 10, Block 3, Flour Bluff
Heights, and explained the procedure to be followed.
Larry Wenger, Senior City Planner presented the appeal, located the property on the map
and described the zoning and land use of the area; explained that at the Commission hearing
held April 11, 1967, the applicant spoke in favor of the application and stated that she is re-
questing this Special Use Permit to allow her to move her mobile home onto the subject property.
Mr. Wenger stated that three persons had appeared at the hearing in favor of the request and that
no one had appeared in opposition; that the Staff reported that 12 notices were mailed, three
returned in favor and none in opposition, and that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and
Planning Commission that the request be denied on the basis that single mobile homes should not
be allowed to locate anywhere in the City on an individual basis - that they belong in mobile
home parks.
Miss McAlphine, applicant, appeared and stated that it is her intention to retire from the
Navy and, at such time, she wishes to make Corpus Christi her home; stated that at the present
time she is living in her mobile home in the Marina Village Trailer Park and that she has an
agreement to purchase the subject property if the Special Permit is granted. She further stated
that there is a mobile home located about two lots to the west of the subject property; presented
photographs of homes located on Skipper Lane, and also pictures of her trailer home, pointing
out that it would not detract from the general character of the neighborhood.
Mrs. J. B. Hill, owner of the subject property, appeared and stated that she was in favor
of this request.
Mr. and Mrs. H. G. McCallum of 450 Skipper Lane, appeared and spoke in favor of the
subject request, stating that the applicant was the type person they would want for a neighbor
and would be an asset to the community.
No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing matter.
Motion by Jimenez, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the hearing be closed.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 9
Motion by Jimenez, seconded by Bradley that the request of Mks Myrtle L. McAlphine for a
Special Use Permit 479, for operation of a mobile home on Lot 10, Block 3, Flour Bluff Heights be
granted with a time limitation of two years.
Following discussion of the motion as to the two-year time limitation, Commissioner Jimenez
amended the motion, concurred in by the seconder, Commissioner Bradley, and restated the motion
as follows: That the appeal of Miss Myrtle L. McAlphine re Special Use Permit #79, for operation
of a mobile home on Lot 10, Block 3, Flour Bluff Heights be granted with a time limitation of 22
months expiring with the terms of this Council.
On vote of the Council on the foregoing motion, Commissioners Sizemore, Jimenez, Grant,
Lozano and Bradley voted "Aye"; Commissioner McDaniel abstained, and Mayor Blackmon declared
the motion passed, and stated that an ordinance would be brought forward effectuating the granting
of the permit.
Commissioner McDaniel stated he had abstained on the foregoing motion on the basis that
the granting of the permit would constitute spot zoning to which he is opposed.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on the Appeal of Mr. S. B. DeGaish re
Special Use Permit #81, for operation of a mobile home on an 0.8034 -acre tract of land out of the
Southeast corner of Lot 15, Section 48, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farrn & Garden Tracts, located on
the Southwest corner of tho intersection of Flour Bluff Drive and Graham Road, fronting 200 feet on
Flour Bluff Drive and extending approximately 175 feet for the most depth.
Larry Wenger located the property on the map; pointed out the zoning and land use of the
area; explained that at the Commission hearing held April 11, 1967, the applicant stated that at
present his mobile home is located on the subject property, but that he cannot secure utility
connections until a Special Use Permit is granted. Mr. Wenger stated that the Staff reported
four notices were mailed, none returned in favor and three in opposition, and that no one had
appeared at the hearing in opposition. Mr. Wenger further stated that it had been pointed out
to the applicant that it would be necessary to plat the property in addition to having a Special
Use Permit before he could secure the necessary utilities, since two dwellings are prohibited on
a single lot; stated that it was the recommendation of the Zoning and Planning Commission that
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 10
the appeal be denied - that to allow mobile homes to locate in undeveloped areas, could hinder
the future development of this area.
Mrs. 5. B. DeGaish spoke in support of the application, and presented pictures of property
owned by one who opposed the request, and referred to a written protest which was on the basis
that it would be detrimental to the values of the surrounding property. Mrs. DeGaish further
stated that her husband's parents have a permanent dwelling on the subject property; that they are
in ill health, and that it is necessary that they be near them; stated that it is their plan to share
the utility connections, and that they would be satisfied with time restrictions on the permit. She
further stated they were told the plat would cost $125 and that is the reason this had not been done.
No one appeared in opposition to the foregoing request.
Motion by Grant, seconded by Bradley and passed that the hearing be closed.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by McDaniel and passed that the foregoing appeal re Special
Use Permit #81, be tabled for further consideration.
Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing for the closing of all streets and alleys
bounded on the North by Beach Avenue, on the East by Timon Boulevard, on the South by Gulf
Spray Avenue, and on the West by Highway #181, Brooklyn Addition, except that portion of said
streets and alley closed by action of the Council March 22, 1967.
City Manager Whitney presented the proposal, located the property on a map showing the
area in question, and the portion closed at a previous hearing; explained that the hearing was
originally set for April 26, but that due to insufficient notice, the hearing had been reset; stated
that the Utilities Department had noted that an 8 -inch sanitary sewer line is located in the center
of Seagull Street, but had indicated no objection to the proposed closing providing this existing
utility line is retained; and pointed out that the proposal is in accordance with the Harland
Bartholomew and Associates' Master Plan for the development of Corpus Christi Beach which was
adopted in May of 1966. Mr. Whitney.stated that he had communicated with Mr. George
Haney of Guaranty National Bank, who had previously opposed the closing; that it was not
possible for him to be present today, but that he had reiterated and confirmed his statements
made on April 26, that he did not object to the general plan for the development of Corpus Christi
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 11
Beach, but objected to the closing of Seagull street until such time as all of the street can be
closed, stating that they own two lots facing on Seagull and that they feel the closing would
adversely affect the access to their property.
Mr. Pat Horkin, representing himself and Mr. Ed Prichard, appeared and spoke in favor
of the proposal to close the subject streets and alley in question, and stated that, in his opinion,
the most feasible means of implementing the Harland Bartholomew Plan of improving Corpus Christi
Beach is to close the streets and alleys piece at a time, and stated that he k hereto carry out
his promise to support this plan.
Mr. Bernard Raimondo, 1041 Bradshaw, appeared in opposition and stated that several
small businesses, including a 12 -unit tourist court, would 6e forced to close if the streets are
closed; stated that the only way to enter these places of business is by way of Seagull; that the
4200 Block of Seagull will not be affected, but that the 4300 and 4400 blocks will be hurt
tremendously.
Mrs. Fred A. Miller, Route 1, Robstown, appeared in opposition to the closing of the sub-
ject streets and alley, and filed a written protest with the City Secretary. She stated that the
land involved is a natural salt water marsh, inhabited by large birds, and that she feels the purpose
for the proposed closing is to "fill the street and alley to a height above the surrounding business
and rental area, thereby giving the marsh to adjoining neighbors"; stated that she and her family
own six lots which will be damaged unless salt water is prevented from flowing from Highway 0181;
that she had been approached by a buyer to purchase her Lot 5 for the purpose of filling it to
flood Lots 1 and 3, then buy the property at a low rate; that she feels there will be undue congestion
and blocking of traffic on Beach Avenue and around the school if the 4400 Block of Seagull is
closed. Mrs. Miller suggested that some action be taken on the west side of Highway #181 to
prevent salt water from flooding under the Highway; that the City renew building a garbage dump
in this area; that the Highway Department dig a bar ditch; that the Navigation District make a
levee in connection with the new canals.
Mr. Harold Alberts appeared representing Mr. Alvin M. Hurwitz, and stated that Mr. Hurwitz
is one of the largest property owners involved; is not opposed to the development of Corpus Christi
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Regular Council Meeting
May 17, 1967
Page 12
Beach, that it is long over due, but is opposed to the piece meal method of closing the streets and
alleys on Corpus Christi Beach, stating that, in his opinion, the entire beach should be considered
at one time; that he does not believe this was the Harland Bartholomew Plan in this respect, and
that he would like to see a total development of Corpus Christi Beach.
Mayor Blackmon stated that this is only the first step; that there has to be a beginning, and
that eventually, all the property will be increased in value if the development is allowed to progress.
Motion by Grant, seconded by McDaniel and passed that the hearing be closed.
The foregoing motion failed to pass for lack of affirmative votes.
Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Jimenez and passed that the hearing be recessed for two
weeks, or until May 31, 1967.
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.