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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/07/1968MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING February 7, 1968 2:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Jack R, Blackmon Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Sizemore Commissioners: Dr. P. Jimenez, Jr. Gabe Lozano, Sr. Ken McDaniel W. J. Roberts City Manager R. Marvin Townsend City Attorney I. M. Singer City Secretary T. Ray Kring Mayor Jack R. Blackmon called the meeting to order. The Invocation was given by Commissioner W. J. Roberts in the absence of the invited guest chaplain. City Secretary T, Ray Kring called the roll of those in attendance. Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed that Commissioner Bradley be excused for cause. The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 31, 1968, were approved as submitted to the Council. Mayor Blackmon read and presented proclamations as follows: LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FINANCE WEEK, February 12 through 17, 1968, urging citizens to support this organization's program of service to our community having to do with an enlightened electorate; received by Mrs, Eugene Coffey; SKILLS BANK DRIVE DAYS, February 12 through 17, 1968, in cooperation with the Corpus Christi Jobs for Progress, Inc., sponsored by local LULAC organizations, urging those who desire better employment to register their marketable skills at one of the local Centers arranged for this purpose, and received by Mr. Josue Quintanilla, Chairman of Corpus Christi Jobs for Progress, Inc., and Mr. Ralph Casarez, State Skills Bank Director Jobs for Progress Inc. of Texas. Mayor Blackmon recognized Student Councils from Incarnate Word Academy and Corpus Christi Academy, and read and presented Certificates of Attendance to Noela Oliveira, Gloria Lozano, Theresa Burghardt, Marilyn Bentley, Sherry Faubion and Mary Meehan, of Incarnate Word Academy, accompanied by their sponsor Sister Theresa Ann; and Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 7, 1968 Page 2 to George Lingenfelder, James Lingenfelder, Robert Mayne, Pat Grant, Jerry Whitworth and Gary Imhoff, of Corpus Christi Academy, accompanied by their sponsor Mr. Botelho. Mayor Blackmon recognized Mr. Carlos A. Martinez, a visiting journalist from Mexico City, and presented him with an Honorary Citizenship Certificate as a gesture of welcome to this City. Bids were opened and read on Sidewalk Improvements, Unit IV, from the following firms: Stanley -Orion & Kiesel; B. E. Beecroft; R. S. Black; and Asphalt Paving 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 Street Improvements on Tarleton Street from Port Avenue to Greenwood Drive, Coleman Street from 19th Street to Bluntzer Street, Mitchell Street from Santa Fe to Ocean Drive, and Horne Road from S.H. 286 to Port Avenue, from the following firms: Asphalt Paving Company; Heldenfels Brothers; Fowco Construction Company; and Smith Construction Company, 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. Bids were opened and read on various items of Automotive Equipment from the following firms: Lewis Boggus Motors, Inc.; Ed Hoffman Motors; Lew Williams Chevrolet, Inc.; Andy Anders Ramblerr Inc.; Jennings Chevrolet Company (Robstown); and Menger Oldsmobile, 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 Blackmon announced the public hearing on the request to abandon one-half of the Street at the rear of Lots 1,2,3,4,and 5, and at the front of Lots 10 and 11, Lyles Subdivision. City Manager Townsend presented the request made by Mr. Bert W. Roscoe and Mr. Harry Weisman, Trustees, pointed out the location on the map, and explained that in Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 7, 1968 Page 3 consideration of the portion of the street to be abandoned, the applicants agreed to dedicate, by separate instrument, an additional twenty feet along Horne Road in front of Lots 1,2,3,4, and 5; stated that the areas to be abandoned are unimproved, and that adjoining areas have been dedicated as park areas on the premise that the City will close some portions of the subject street. Mr. Townsend reported that affected City Departments have been contacted, and that the Public Utilities Department recommended that arrangements be made with Mr. Ed Newman for rerouting an 8 -inch City -owned effluent line crossing through Lots 1,2,10, and 11, before that portion of the road is closed, and that the Public Works Department had recommended that an additional strip of land be dedicated along Greenwood from Horne Road south to the City property for right of way purposes. Mr. Townsend stated that it is his recommendation that since the applicant is not present for this hearing, that the hearing be closed and tabled pending a better understanding with the owners to insure that any action of the Council at this time would not be in conflict with what the owners have previously under- stood. No one appeared in opposition to closing the above described roadway. Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the foregoing matter be tabled for further consideration of the recommendation of City Manager Townsend. Mayor Blackmon called for the City Manager's Reports. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the City Manager's Reports be accepted, and that the recommendations and requests be approved and granted as follows: a. That *e authority to advertise for bids to be received February 21, 1968, on a five -unit Gang Mower for the Park Department, and one 76 -inch Mower for the Golf Course, be granted; b. That the award of bid on 30,000 feet of 3/4" Type K Soft Copper Tubing, 1,000 feet of 1-1/2" Type K Soft Copper Tubing, and 1,000 feet of 2" Type K Soft Copper Tubing, 20 -foot lengths, be made to Ajax Supply Company on the basis of low bid meeting specifi- cations in the amount of $19,832.26; (Bid Tabulation 96-68) Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 7, 1968 Page 4 c. That the Compensation Ordinance be amended so as to allow for the payment of straight time compensation for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week by Equipment Operator IV's (maintainers and draglines) and Engineering Design Personnel; d. That the authority to enter into an agreement with the Padre Island Investment Corporation for the purpose of supplying water to Padre Island -Corpus Christi Sections A and B, in accordance with the provisions of said agreement, (authorized by Ordinance #8752) be granted; e. That the Zoning and Planning Commission be authorized to approve the Section #5 (redesignated A) and Section B Plats of the Padre Island Invest- ment Corporation as recommended by the Commission; f That the sale of two surplus City buses, being Unit 309 - 1957 GMC - TGH 3102, and Unit 310 - 1957 GMC - TGH 3102 (with tires) fora consideration of $3,000 each, be authorized to the City of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and the sale of one surplus bus, being Unit 407 - 1953 GMC - TDH 3612 (without tires plus trading in of old bus which has a junk value of approximately $100) for a consideration of $2,300, be authorized. (Bid Tab. #7-68) ORDINANCE NO. 8749 THIRD READING OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO NUECES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AN ELECTRIC LIGHT, HEAT AND POWER FRANCHISE. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye," Bradley absent. ORDINANCE NO. 8750 AMENDING THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, AS AMENDED, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION, TO BE NUMBERED SECTION 13-25A, PERMITTING THE CORPORATION COURT JUDGE IN HIS DISCRETION TO ALLOW PRISONERS WHO HAVE BEEN FINED IN THE CORPORATION COURT TO SERVE OUT THEIR FINE DURING OFF -WORK HOURS OR ON WEEKENDS; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye," Bradley absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 7, 1968 Page 5 ORDINANCE NO. 8751 AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED "ADOPTING AND PROVIDING FOR THE COMPENSATION PLAN FOR ALL POSITIONS IN THE CITY SERVICE; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY", BEING ORDINANCE 8127, PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON AUGUST 3, 1966, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 7, SUBSECTIONS (b) AND (c) THEREOF, BY SUBSTITUTING NEW SUBSECTIONS (b) AND (c); PROVIDING A SEVERANCE CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye," Bradley absent. ORDINANCE NO. 8752 AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH PADRE ISLAND INVESTMENT CORPORATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPLYING WATER TO PADRE ISLAND -CORPUS CHRISTI SECTIONS A AND B, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT, A COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HERE- OF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Blackmon, Sizemore, Jimenez, Lozano, McDaniel and Roberts, present and voting "Aye," Bradley absent. Mayor Blackmon called for petitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Richard Loosemore commended the Council for their choice in the appointment of Marvin Townsend as City Manager, and on behalf of a number of citizens, expressed approval of the sound judgment in promoting an employee within the organization to this position. Mr. Warren Wyatt, President of Central Park Little League, appeared and inquired as to the status of the ordinance authorizing a lease agreement, leasing six acres of land in Evelyn Price Park for the purpose of a recreational area. Mr. Wyatt pointed out that the baseball season is approaching and that the League is pressed for time to complete work on the park. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 7, 1968 Page 6 City Manager Townsend explained that the ordinance had been read the second time and could not be legally read the required third time before a period of 30 days from its first reading, but an informal vote of the Council indicated unanimous approval of the ordinance, and Mr. Wyatt was advised that some preliminary construction could be begun on the park. Following a brief recess, at which time Commissioner McDaniel was excused, Mayor Blackmon reconvened the meeting, and stated that a quorum was present, and announced the Council would now hold the public hearing scheduled on assessments for the proposed street improvements on Everhart Road, from Avalon to South Staples, and on Gollihar Road from S.H. 286 to Ayers Street. Mayor Blackmon explained that each member of the Council had been presented with a Preliminary Assessment Roll, and stated that Mr. Tom McDowell, Assistant City Attorney, would conduct the public hearing. Mr. McDowell explained the purpose of the public hearing and stated that the Staff would offer testimony from the City Engineer and evaluation testimony from a real estate appraiser to substantiate the assessments which appear on the Preliminary Assessment Roll, and stated that the hearing was to form a basis on which the Council, acting as a legislative body, would determine or establish the assessments on the abutting properties. Mr. James K. Lontos, City Engineer, presented the plans for the proposed improve- ments; testified to the nature, extent and specifications of the proposed improvements; stated that the total contract price of the project is $138,390.10; that the total assessments are $65,895.15, and that the total cost to the City is $72,494.95; explained the manner in which such pro rata share was computed, and how these assessments may be paid. Mr. Harold Carr testified as to his background and experience which he felt qualified him as a real estate appraiser for all types of properties in this City; testified that he had personally viewed and understood the extent and specifications of the proposed improvements; that he had personally viewed within the past week the preliminary assessment roll and each of the properties to be assessed; and that in his opinion, each of the properties so assessed would be enhanced in value at least to the extent of the proposed assessments. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 7, 1968 Page 7 Mr. Lontos and Mr. Carr were questioned as to specifications, rates and assessments, by Carl Austin, C. T. Price, John Phillips, Vernon Schultz, and Mrs. Eugene R. Mauer. Mayor Blackmon relinquished the Chair to Mayor Pro Tem Ronnie Sizemore and departed. Mayor Pro Tem Sizemore announced he would call the names of the property owners as they appeared on the Assessment Roll, and that every owner would be given an opportunity to speak, and the following appeared: Item #5, Eugene R. Mauer - Mrs. Mauer appeared and inquired if she would be required to install the driveway, and if so, would it be required to connect onto the street. Mrs. Mauer also sought information in regard to how she would be required to make payments for the assessments. Item #14, Corral T. Price - Mr. Price asked for clarification of reports he had received with regard to the amount of his front yard to be taken for the improvements, stating that if the report is correct that they will take 30 percent of the yard, he 9 protesting. This was clarified to his satisfaction. Item #22, Mrs. Maudy N. Beason - Mrs. Beason stated that she had appeared before the Council three times requesting business zoning of her property and had been denied, but that she was being assessed the commercial rate for these improvements, and that she is protesting on that basis. Item #46, Mr. Carl Austin - Mr. Austin, representing the Kayo Service Station property, appeared and protested the amount of the assessment, on the basis he did not feel the profits made from the business at this location was commensurate with the rate it is being assessed. Item #49, Mr. Vernon Schultz- Mr. Schultz, representing the Corpus Christi Lodge #34,stated that the income from the Lodge is not an amount comparable to the amount being assessed; inquired if there was a possibility of it being reduced, and as to what recourse the property owner has if the assessments are not acceptable. Mr. Schultz stated that the Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 7, 1968 Page 8 assessment amounts to almost the amount paid for the property originally, and assuming the property would be enhanced in the amount it is assessed, stated that it would be several years before the $4,950 could be recovered in benefits. Mr. Schultz pointed out a mathemat- ical error in connection with the subject property appearing on the assessment roll as $4,950. Mr. Lontos stated it was an error and would be changed to show the correct figure of $4,8€16.67. Mr. Carr stated that the increase in all the property values in the area of the Crosstown Expressway have been fantastic, and stated that, in his opinion, this particular property is specifically enhanced. Mr. Arthur Vinson appeared and requested that the economical advantage of the property owner installing driveways during the construction of the project be explained for the benefit of those present in the audience. Mr. Lontos explained that if the driveways are not installed during the construction, and it is decided they are desired at a later date, the property owner will have to employ a private contractor at a higher cost to them. No one else appeared to be heard in connection with the proposed street improve- ments. Motion by Lozano, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Jimenez and passed, that the matter of assessments on the foregoing street improvement project be tabled for further consideration. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.