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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/27/1967MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING September 27, 1967 2:00 P. M. PRESENT: Mayor jack R. Blackmon Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Sizemore Commissioners: Dick Bradley, Jr. Dr. P. Jimenez, Jr. Gabe Lozano, Sr. Ken McDaniel W. J. Roberts City Manager Herbert W. Whitney City Attorney I. M. Singer City Secretary T. Ray Kring Mayor Jack R. Blackmon called the meeting to order. The invocation was given by The Reverend L. Y. Janes of the Christian Triumph Mission Church of God. City Secretary T. Ray Kring called the roll of those in attendance. The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting (Recessed) of September 20-21, 1967, were approved as submitted to the Council. Mayor Blackmon read and presented proclamations relative to the follow- ing: URBAN PLANNING WEEK in Corpus Christi, October 2, 1967, urging the rededica- tion of the energies of this community's citizenry toward urban planning to provide a fuller and more meaningful life for ourselves and coming generations, received by Mrs. Jim Alice Scott and David Alaniz; NATIONAL EMPLOY THE HANDICAPPED WEEK, October 1 through 7, 1967, urging all citizens, organizations and groups to devote_ull efforts to bringing the true facts to the attention to the public and specifically the employers. Mayor Blackmon made awards, and expressed the gratitude of the City Council on behalf of the citizenry, for the services of the following members of the local .Fire Department who have completed twenty years or more of service as active firemer, and are participating members of the Firemen's Felief and Retirement System of the City, under the provisions of House Bill No. 258, Acts of the 45th Legislature: Joe Bridges, Fire Fighter; Richard R. Burgess, Fire Fighter; Ralph D. Frith, District Fire Chief; and Claude E. Weaver, Fire Fighter. Mayor Blackmon announced the public hearing on the closing of Gatewood Dr. between O'Connell Street and Cline Street; Gateway Drive, between Nagle Street and Laguna Shores Road; and Gateway Drive, from Stewart Street to the Laguna Madre, Gateway Park Addition. (Public Hearing held August 23, 1967, on closing of Gate- way Drive between O'Connell and Nagle Streets, and recessed until September 27, 1967) .Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 27, 1967 Page 2 City Manager Whitney presented the request and described the location of the street in question on the map; explained that the block between O'Connell and Nagle Streets was the subject of a previous public hearing which had been held August 23, 1967, upon request of Mr M M Buchanan and Mr. J. W. Roark for the purpose of developing the area on each side as a single unit; stated that there had been no objection recorded from abutting property owners at this hearing, and that the hearing was recessed with the recommendation that it be extended to include the balance of Gateway Drive from Cline Street to the Laguna Madre, and that action was deferred until this date. Mr. Whitney stated that City Depart- ments were again contacted, and that the Public Works Department had recommended approval, but that arrangements should be made with the telephone company to either have an existing telephone pole line relocated or have an easement dedi- cated where the line exists; that the Zoning and Planning Department had no objection, but that drainage and utility easements should be considered; that the Traffic Engineering Department suggested that on recommendation of the Texas Highway Department an additional 50' right of way will be needed along Padre Island Drive for highway construction to the National Seashore Park, and that negotations be started for the acquisition of this right of way with the owners who would benefit from the closing of Gateway Drive; and that the Fire Depart- ment had recommended that this street remain open to serve as a fire break and that a culvert be provided at each end maintained by the City. Mr. Whitney staved that several letters had been received from property owners seeking informationas to exact location of the street, and that these had been answered. Also stated that one petition had been received containing six signatures of property owners in protest to the proposed closing on the basis that it would adversely affect egress and ingress, destroy drainage value of Gateway Drive and eliminate corner lots which would lower property values. Mr. Whitney stated that it was his recommendation that if the street is closed that it be subject to the retention of a utility easement and drainage between Nagle and Laguna Shores Road. Mrs. Thurmond J. Byrd, 10714, South Padre Island Drive, owner of Lots 13, 14, 15, Block 12, Gateway Park, appeared and stated that she was opposed Minutes Regular. Council Meeting September 27, 1967 Page 3 to the closing of any part of Gateway Drive on the basis that her property is located on a corner which she wishes to keep as such, and which the proposed closing would negate, and on the basis that closing would eliminate needed drainage and access. Mr. George F. Merzbacher, 1113 Nagle Street, owner of Lot 12, Block 7, appeared and opposed the proposed closing, stating that closing will have the effect of a dam and that drainage is needed, and further stated that other culverts are needed which the residents had hoped the City would provide. Judge Joe D. Browning, 2807-A Windsor Road, Austin, Texas, owner of Lots 1, 2, 3 & 4, Block 11, appeared seeking information as to the location of the street proposed to be closed, and as to the effect it would have on his prop- erty as to ingress and egress. Mr. Browning further stated that he has no plans for the development of his property at the present time. Mrs. E. H. Zurcher, 726 Alden, owner of Lot 10, Block 12, appeared and stated that Gateway Drive was the only street leading to her property and that she is opposed on that basis. Mrs. Emily Hamlin, 2920 Dixie, owner of Lot 11, Block 4, appeared and stated that her property faces on Stewart Street, and it was pointed out that her property would not. be affected by the closing of Gateway Drive. City Manager Whitney stated that the street is not proposed to be closed unless the retention of an easement on one side or the other is provided, and that drainage facilities will of necessity have to be retained. .notion by Bradley, seconded by Roberts and passed that the hearing be closed. lotion by Bradley, seconded by Lozano and passed that action on the fore- going request for the closing of Gateway Drive be deferred indefinitely, and that further consideration be given as to right of way and drainage problems. Mayor Blackmon called for the City Manager's Reports. Motion by Jimenez, seconded by Bradley and passed that the City Manager's Reports be accepted and that the recommendations and requests be approved and granted as follows: iii Utes Reg,aar Concil i` Ieeting September 27, 1967 Page 4 a. That the Plans and Specifications for the construction of storm sewer improvements to the Gollihar Park Area, be approved, and that authority to advertise for bids to be received October 18, 1967, be granted; b. That the authority to advertise for bids on Parking Meters to be opened October 11, 1967, be granted; c. That the award of bid for the purchase of One Crawler Type Tractor for the Sanitation. Division - International Harvester TD -25 with enclosed air conditioned cab, •be made to Jess McNeel Machinery Corporation, the low bidder meeting specifi- cations on a straight purchase basis without guaranteed maintenance, in the amount of $42,880.00, in accordance with Bid Tabulation 67-40 on file in the City Secretary's office. Mayor Pro Tem Sizemore questioned City Manager Whitney on the specifications of the Crawler Tractor, and stated he would go along with the City Manager's recom- mendation, but would like for the Staff to look into the prospects of arranging specifications to cover all available equipment and not limit it to one machine. Motion by Lozano, seconded by Bradley and passed that changes in Polling Places and substitutition of judges for the September 28, Special Election, be approved in accordance with the recommendations of City Secretary T. Ray Kring, as follows: Precinct No. 1, new Polling Place, Judge Flores Court Room; Precinct No. 14, new judge, Mrs. A. C. Roach, and new alternate judge, Mrs. M. H. Davis; Precinct No. 19, new judge, Mrs. Charles J. Foyt; and Precinct No. 3, new judge, Mrs. Catherine Kelly. SECOND READING OF AN ORDIN?ANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CIWTISTI, A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH W. E. BRANDESKY C0`TLRING 45.9 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED ON TILS WESTSIDE SEWER PLANT SITE, FOR F RI1flIG AND AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TTERIOS AND ',BovisIONS OF SAID LEASE AGREE- MENT, SAID AGRILIENT, BEGINNING AUGUST 15, 1967, AND ENDING AUGUST 14, 1972. The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third reading by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye." ORDINANCE N0. 8614 THIRD READIDG OF AN ORDLfANICE AMENDP:sG SECTION 26-11 OF TH. CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, SO AS TO PROVIDE STANDARDS FOR DECISION OF TH2 CITY SOLICITATIONS COE•IISSION; AMENDING SECTION 26-12 OF THE CITY COD:, SO AS TO CLARIFY THE SOLICITING OF FUNDS • FOR CHURCH T`'IPROVy" 7S; AMENDING SECTION 26-13 OF THE CITY CODE, 1956, BY ADDING PROVISION REQUIRING HEALTH AND WELFARE AGENCIES 6111011 ARE AFFILIATES OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO SHOW THAT APPLICANT RILL MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE ACCOUN'ITING SYSTEM RELATIVE TO TILS SOLICITATIONS FOR WHICH PE4MIT IS REQUESTED. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye," Jimenez voting "Nay." Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 27, 1967 Page 5 ORDINANCE N0. 8615 AMENDING CRAP EF 18 OF CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, ENTITLED "GARBAGE, TRASH AND WASTES", AS AMENDED BY AMENDING THE SECOND PARAGRAPH OF SECTION 18-22, AS AMENDED AUGUST 2, 1967, BY ORDINANCE NO. 8553; BY AMENDING SECTION 18-28; BY AMENDING SECTION 18-34; BY ADOPTING A NEW SECTION OF NEW AND ADDITIONAL REGULA- TIONS; CONTAINING A SEVERANCE CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye." ORDINANCE NO. 8616 APPROPRIATING OUT OF N0. 220 STREET BOND FUND THE SUM OF $700.00 FOR PAYMENT OF APPRAISAL SERVICES RENDERED BY HAROLD A. CARR IN CONNECTION WITH PARCELS 1, 2, 3 AND 4, BALDWIN, 18TH STREET AND SOUTH STAPLES STREET WIDENING PROJECT APPLICABLE TO N0. 220-64-63 SOUTH STAPLES, BALDWIN INTERSECTION STAGE 1, (R.O.W.); AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye." RESOLUTION N0. 8617 EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE OF TSR CITIZENS OF CORPUS CHRISTI TO PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR SERVICES AND MATERIALS, PREPARATIONS AND ORGANIZED EFFORTS IN RENDERING AID, FOOD ARD CLOTHING. TO THE AREA IN ADVANCE OF, DURING ANT, FOLLOWING THE TROPICAL HURRICANE BEULAH, AND THE THREAT OF DISASTER AND DAMAGE FROM SUCH STORM; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing resolution was passed by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Bradley, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye." Commissioner Jimenez., stated that he voted "Nay" on Ordinance No. 8614, setting out standards for decision of the City Solicitations Commission, on the basis that he was opposed to the language in Item (7), Section 1, which states that "cost in excess of 20% of the amount collected shall be considered to be unreasonable unless special facts are presented showing that peculiar reasons make a cost higher than 20% reasonable in the particular case." Commissioner Jimenez stated the Solicitations Commission is already making exceptions to this rule. Mrs. A. R. Lira, 428 Hiawatha, president of the Austin Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, appeared and requested that the blinking light and school crossing guard not be removed from the intersection of Baldwin and Prescott. Mrs. Lira appeared on behalf of the Parent Teacher Association and residents of Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 27, 1967 Page 6 the area, on September 6,. 1967, requesting that a traffic signal be installed at this location, which request was granted by the Council, but had recommended that the blinking signal light be removed. Mrs. Lira further requested that the school guard be maintained throughout the summer months. Mrs. Lira was advised that the school crossing guard will be retained, but that the signal light will be substituted for the blinking light at this intersection. Mr. Henry Black, a property owner on Corpus Christi Beach appeared and inquired as to any new rules and regulations for building on Corpus Christi Beach, and as to how long it will be before he could obtain a permit. Mayor Blackmon stated that the Staff is working on minimum standards and new building codes for the Council's consideration, and that the Council is not prepared to make a statement on this matter at this time. Mr. Louis F. Johnson, 4443 Ocean Drive, inquired as to which food items are to be included if the one percent sales tax is approved, stating that he considered the tax to be an equitable one, but that he felt there were some items which could and should be eliminated. Mayor Blackmon suggested that Mr. Johnson direct his questions and suggestions to the four State Representatives of the State Legislature, as only they have the authority, through legislative action to make changes in the law, but expressed hope that Mr. Johnson would vote for the Sales Tax. City Manager Whitney reported to the Council that a plan has been devised whereby relief is imminent for seven San Patricio County Cities, cut off from their water supply since Monday afternoon caused by a break in the water line, stating that approximately 35,000 feet of 8" pipe is being trucked in from the Office of Civil Defense in Bastrop, Texas, to be used for temporary water lines to be laid from the Cunningham Pumping Station in Calallen along the east edge of Highway 9 Bridge, then to the east side of Highway 77, where they will be tied to the Reynolds Metals line, a link of approximately three miles. Mr. Whitney further stated that the City is cooperating in every way possible to help alleviate problems during this emergency. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 27, 1967 Page 7 Mr. Whitney further reported that, in response to an appeal from the Mayor of Harlingen to South Texas Cities, Corpus Christi facilities had beexi offered to house 3500 refugees from Harlingen, if a decision is made to evacuate the flooded Valley City, and statedthatthe Memorial Coliseum and Coles Junior High School are being made available in case they are needed.. Mayor Pro Tem Sizemore made a request that on future Progress Reports concerning Public Works Projects such as water and sewer lines, that there be included a report of projects being constructed. by City Forces. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.