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.