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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/06/1968MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING March 6, 1968 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 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 The Reverend E. Grant, Pastor of St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church. City Secretary T. Ray Kring called the roll of those in attendance. Mayor Blackmon recognized the Student Councils of Flour Bluff and Molina Junior High Schools, and read and presented Certificates of Attendance to: David Cottle, Randy Kubik, Pamela Sithian, Bill Talley, and Robin Tichenor, of Flour Bluff Junior High School, accompanied by their Counselor, Mr. W. W. Odom; and to Robert Lemos, Amado Longoria, Blanca Garcia, Ivy Coleman, Velva Houston and Henry De La Garza, of Molina Junior High School, accompanied by their sponsor, Mr. E. A. Beltran. Mayor Blackmon read and presented proclamations relative to the following: YOUTH ART MONTH IN CORPUS CHRISTI, the month of March, 1968, in observance of the emphasis on art education instruction marked by the designation of National Youth Art Month, received by Dr. Dana Williams, Superintendent of Corpus Christi Public Schools, and Mr. Wally Davis; SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, the Month of March, 1968, urging all citizens to give their financial support to this life-saving organization, received by Mrs. Ann Dobbins and John Simer, Chairman of the Annual Fund Drive, DOG WEEK, March 10 - 16, 1968, in recognition of the All Breed Dog Show to be held at Memorial Coliseum on March 14, received by Mr. Joe Pierce. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 2 Mayor Blackmon expressed, on behalf of members of the City Council, pleasure in the selection by the Corpus Christi Junior Chamber of Commerce of Mayor Pro Tem Sizemore as "Outstanding Young Man of the Year" for 1968. Mayor Blackmon called special attention to a very favorable article to appear in the April Issue of Ford Times entitled "Corpus Christi is Something Else," and a special Section devoted to Hemisfair 1968, which he stated will give Corpus Christi considerable Nationwide and Worldwide publicity. He especially compli- mented and credited the local Ford Dealers, particularly mentioning Mr. Rex Ulrich, for making this publicity available. He further expressed appreciation for this Company's liberal donations of engines and transmissions for use in the various City Schools, and stated that they recently gave twenty-five bearings to the School District. He also stated that a film is soon to be released on Padre Island National Seashore to be shown in connection with the official dedication of the Island on April 8, highlighted by the visit of Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson to Corpus Christi for this event. The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 21, 1968, and of the Regular Meeting of February 28, 1968, were approved as submitted to the Council. Mayor Blackmon announced the scheduled public hearing on the request of the St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church to close portions of San Jose and Ramirez Streets. City Manager Townsend presented the request and pointed out on a map the locations of the portions proposed to be closed, and stated that the application is being made contingent upon the applicants securing a 100% FHA loan of approxi- mately I.4-milIion dollars, through a non-profit trust controlled by the Church, for construction of a non-profit Rent Supplement Project No. 115 -35024 -NP -SUP, con- sisting of a 96 -unit apartment with 14 buildings. Mr. Townsend stated that the applicants have made the required arrangements with abutting property owners and have submitted executed options for purchase of the necessary land. He further stated that Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 3 the affected City Departments have been canvassed and that no objections have been interposed, but that the Utilities Department called attention to utility lines located on both San Jose and Ramirez where the requested closing is indicated, and recommended that these utility easements be retained. Mr. Townsend stated that this is a very bold project; that this type of development would be very beneficial, and that he heartily recommends the closing of the subject streets in order that this plan may proceed. Mr. Edward Massman, 425 Miramar, Mr. Fred Quai le; Mr. George Heaney ; and Pastor of St, Paul's Baptist Church, appeared for information on the exact lo- cation of the portions to be closed, access, and drainage. The foregoing persons voiced no opposition to the project, and the closing of the streets as requested. Mr, John M. Olson, architect, and Virgil Lott of Austin, attorney, pre- sented preliminary plans of the development, explained the mechanics of the pro- ject; pointed out the portions of the streets proposed to be closed; stated that the existing buildings will be removed, and that the new construction will consist of two, three and four bedroom units; stated that the area is located in a second Fire District; explained the proposed traffic pattern around the development as com- pared to a similar traffic pattern in the downtown area; and stated that this partic- ular location had been selected because of its proximity to the area where this type of development is most needed. Reverend Grant, pastor of the supporting Church, stated that the Church is attempting to provide decent, standard housing for people now living in substandard houses, and also stated that the project will provide the Church an opportunity to work with the tenants in light of their educational and religious background. Mr, Tom Swantner, local realtor, appeared and stated that the proposed development is long over due, and pointed out that this particular Section of the Federal Housing Administration was designed to help cities to work out their slum problems; and stated that he is definitely in favor of the project and that it will be •9 Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 4 an asset to the community. Others appearing and indicating their approval were Dr. Harold Branch, Pastor of St. John's Baptist Church and active in other Housing Projects of the com- munity, and Mrs. Lottie Barnes, 1422 Sam Rankin. Commissioner Jimenez stated in his opinion, this is an excellent type of improvement. Mr. L. D. King, 1510 Ramirez, appeared in opposition to the foregoing request stating that the project is "as wrong as two left shoes." He questioned the qualifications of the management or supervision of the project, and the feasibility of its operation on the revenues proposed; stated it is just another step to rob those people of their initiative, and that they are weary of "handouts" and should be provided with good jobs instead. Mr. King further stated that he has rental property in this vicinity, and that the proposed development will cause unfavor- able competition to existing rental property. He stated that the entire blighted area should be cleared and improved. Motion by Bradley, seconded by Sizemore and passed, that the hearing be closed. Mayor Blackmon stated that the question before the Council was that of closing the portions of San Jose and Rami rez Streets and not particularly on the merits of the project, but stated that the Council is committed to the support of such projects, and that the sponsoring Church is to be commended for attempting it. Motion by McDaniel, seconded by Brandley and passed, that all of San Jose, that being a dedicated public way on either side of Ramirez Street between Sam Rankin and North Alameda Streets and being approximately 30 feet wide and 200 feet long separating the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/2 of Block Cg and being 30 feet wide and 300 feet long separating the NW 1/4 and NE 1/4 of said Block C, Colonia Mexicana, Subdivision of the City of Corpus Christi; and all of Ramirez Street between Sam Rankin Street and North Alameda Street, that being a dedicated public way approximately Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 5 62.5 feet wide and 280 feet long in the N. Broadway Addition to the City of Corpus Christi, be closed, subject to the retention of the existing utility easements, and contingent upon the applicant securing the necessary financing through the Federal Housing Administration as stated in their application. City Manager Townsend recommended that the City sell to a Transit Company at Bucyrus, Ohio, 8 - 1957 GMC 3I-passenger buses at $2,500 each without tires, with a one week option for 4 additional buses of the same model at the same cost. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Sizemore and passed that the foregoing sale of buses, be authorized as recommended. Mayor Blackmon announced the Council would now hold the public hearing on assessments to abutting property owners on Everhart Road from Padre Island Drive to Holly Road, scheduled for 3 p.m., and that consideration of the City Manager's Reports and other business appearing on the agenda would be deferred until after the public hearing. Mayor Blackmon directed that it be noted that the Council was all present, and stated that Assistant City Attorney Tom McDowell, would conduct the public hearing. Mr. McDowell explained the purpose of the 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 that the hearing was to form a basis on which the Council, act- ing 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 street improvements and the Preliminary Assessment Roll; testified as to his responsibilities as City Engineer; testified as to the nature, extent and specifications of the proposed improvements; the cost of construction; the amount of cost to be borne by the City; Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 6 the amount to be assessed against the abutting property owners; the manner in which such pro rata share was computed; and explained that City funds were provided for this project by a Bond election; that plans had been prepared by Roy M. Monroe, consulting engineer, and that the rate of assessment was based on the low bid sub- mitted. Mr. Bill Roberts 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. Mayor Blackmon gave property owners in the audience an opportunity to question Mr. Lontos as to specifications of the improvements, and to question Mr. Roberts as to property values and bases for the assessments. The following persons or representatives appeared to seek information and to oppose or approve the assessments on their respective properties: Item #1 - Mrs. Blanche Moore - Mr. M. A. Compton, representing Mrs. Moore, stated that the owner feels the property will be enhanced in the amount of the assessment, but requests that the construction of sidewalks be delayed on the 705 feet in front of her house at this time. Item #3 - Della Boyd - Mr. H. B. Boyd, representing Della Boyd, stated that the owner is requesting that the construction of the driveway on this property be deleted. Item #6 & Item #7 - Rayburn Britt - Raymond M. Britt stated that he thought the assessments to be excessive on both these properties. Item #II - E. R. Webb - Mr. Webb stated he would prefer to delete the 300 feet of sidewalks, and that he considered the cost too high for all of the assessments. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 7 Item 013 - Mr. Edward Fuller inquired as to the location of the sidewalk and its effect on his fence which is located on or near the property line. Mr. Fuller was informed that the sidewalks would be located outside the property line. Item #17 - Mr. Wayne Brock, stated he considered the assessments excessive . Item #18 and #19 - Robert E. Lindley stated he felt the cost of the improve- ments to be too high. Item #20 - Mrs. Zelona R. Harding stated she felt the cost of the entire project was too high, basing her opinion on the fact that the area does not warrant this type of improvement; that there is already adequate drainage, and pointed out the hazard of the railroad track in the area. Item #22 - Texaco, Inc. - Mr. J. L. Page stated that he favored the improvements, but inquired as to plans to construct curbs and gutters on Padre Island Drive. Mr. Lantos stated that curbs and gutters on Padre Island Drive are not included in the present plans. Items #23 and #25 - Turnbull, Simard & Weil - City Manager Townsend stated a letter had been filed by the owner's attorney, Mr. Willard Shuart, stating that the owners are not protesting the assessment of the pavement, including curb and gutter, but insofar as the 750 square feet of sidewalk to be constructed on the tract zoned for commercial property and the 600 square feet of sidewalk to be con- structed on the tract zoned for residential property is concerned, they are request- ing, at this time, that this assessment on sidewalks be postponed or eliminated, on the basis that they do not feel the value of the land will be enhanced by sidewalks, and further stated, that they agree to install the necessary sidewalks when the property is subdivided and a determination is made of its use. Item #25A - Mr. Joseph V. Levek questioned the advantage to him of having sidewalks constructed on his side of the street since they are not being con- structed on the opposite side. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 19681 Page 8 Item #27 - Representative of American Home Builders stated they have no objection to the improvements. Items #28, #29, and #30 - Mr. John W.Crutchfield submitted an appraisal made by the Veterans Administration of the subject property, Lot 21, Block 3, which showed the amount of $22,250, and then a recent revised appraisal to show the enhancement to this lot by Veterans Administration's estimate to be $22,750, or a net increase of $500. Mr. Crutchfield stated that the same will apply to Lot 21. Mr. McDowell requested that the records show that he could not cross examine the Veteran's Administration's appraisal. Mr. C. C. Horn, owner of Lots 1-A, I -B & 1-C, Block 3, Gardendale #2, stated his property is the same as Mr. Crutchfield's, and asked if the VA appraisal would apply to his property. He further stated that he paid $900 for his property and that the cost of the proposed improvements will be three times that much, and that he estimates it will take two years to pay for the improvements. Mr. Roberts stated that it was possible that Mr. Horn's improvements are not comparable to the value of the land. Mr. Lontos stated that the total contract price for the improvements is $160,842.70,: the total assessments are $62,164.30, and that the total cost of the City's portion is $98,674.40. Item #31 - A. A. Lichtenstein - City Manager Townsend stated that a letter had been filed March 6, 1968, signed by Mr. Lichtenstein, in which he stated he has no protest as to the paving assessment, but stated that this property is at present being used for farm land, and requested that the construction of the sidewalks be waived until the property is developed. In answer to questions from property owners as to lighting facilities, City Manager Townsend explained that lighting is governed by a separate budget, and is not included in the subject project, but that this will have to be considered in future budgets. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 9 Motion by Sizemore, seconded by Roberts and passed, that the hearing be closed. Following a brief recess, Mayor Blackmon reconvened the meeting and 'armed for the City Manager's Reports. Motion by Roberts, seconded by Bradley and passed, that the City Manager's Reports be accepted, and that the recommendations and requests be granted and approved as follows: a. That a renewal and extension of the lease agreement with Pittsburgh Plate Glass Chemical Division for lease of four acres of land, for a two-year period beginning May 15, 1968, and ending May 14, 1970, being subject to the same terms and conditions of the lease under authority of Ordinance No. 808+, be approved; b. That a permit to Cities Service 011 Company to drill State Tract 25, Well #1, Corpus Christi Bay, as an irregular location in the Southeast corner of said Tract 25, and deviate in a northwesterly direction, being in a restricted area and excluding the normal cluster area, be approved, as recommended by Petroleum Superintendent and the Bay Drilling Committee; c. That the date of March 27, 1968, Regular Council Meeting, be set for public hearing on three zoning cases; d. That Section 21-68 of the City Code, 1958, be amended by amending the speed limits on Padre Island Drive (S.H. 358) to include the areas set out in the ordinance; e. That an agreement, relating to undertaking a project for Neighhborhood facilities on Greenwood Drive under Section 703, D.S. Public Law 89-117, between the City and the Boys Club, a non-profit Corporation, be authorized. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 10 f. That the execution of a Neighborhood Facilities Grant contract with HUD under Section 703 of Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, in connection with the neighborhood facilities on Greenwood Drive, be authorized; g. That an agreement with Ruth Sparks whereby the City will lease the premises located on fractional Lots II and 12, Block 18, and fractional Lot 7, Block 17, Beach Portion, for the period of five years for uses provided under said lease, be authorized; h. That the date of March 27, Regular Council Meeting be set to receive bids for a sedan for the City Manager's Office, with revised specifications, and providing that the bids heretofore received will not be cancelled by this action. City Manager Townsend reported that Heldenfels Brothers, who have sub- mitted the low bid for Everhart Road Improvements, have advised that a detour route, which would require them to maintain two-way traffic from Williams Drive to Padre Island Drive,would add $6,000 to the contract cost and an additional 15 days to the contract time. ORDINANCE NO. 8782 AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI TO ENTER INTO A RENEWAL AND EXTENSION OF THAT CERTAIN LEASE AGREEMENT WITH PITTSBURGH PLATE GLASS CHEMICAL DIVISION, SAID RENEWAL AND EXTENSION BEING FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD COMMENCING MAY 15, 1968, AND ENDING MAY 14, 1970, AND BEING SUBJECT TO THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THAT CERTAIN LEASE AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND PITTSBURGH PLATE GLASS CHEMICAL DIVISION, ON JULY 6, 1966, UNDER AUTHORITY OF ORDINANCE NO. 8084, A COPY OF WHICH RENEWAL AND EXTENSION AGREEMENT I5 ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF; 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." Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page II ORDINANCE NO. 8783 CLOSING THE NORTH ONE-HALF OF THE STREET LOCATED AT THE REAR OF LOTS 3, 4 and 5, LYLES SUBDIVISION IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, SUBJECT TO RETENTION OF A 20 -FOOT UTILITY EASEMENT, THE AREA FORMERLY EXISTING AS STREET RIGHT OF WAY; 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. 8784 AMENDING SECTION 21-68 OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING THE SPEED LIMITS ON PADRE ISLAND DRIVE (S.H. 358) TO INCLUDE THE AREAS HEREINAFTER SET FORTH; 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. 8785 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, AN AGREEMENT RELATING TO UNDERTAKING A PROJECT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD FACILITIES UNDER SECTION 703, U. S. PUBLIC LAW 89-117, SAID CONTRACT BEING BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, AND THE BOYS CLUB OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, A TEXAS NON-PROFIT CORPORATION, A COPY OF WHICH CONTRACT IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF; AND DECLAR- ING 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." Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 12 ORDINANCE NO. 8786 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A NEIGHBORHOOD FACILITIES GRANT CONTRACT WITH HUD UNDER SECTION 703 OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1965; 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." FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER, FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH RUTH SPARKS, WHEREBY THE CITY IS TO LEASE FROM THE SAID RUTH SPARKS FRACTIONAL LOTS II AND 12, BLOCK 18, AND FRACTIONAL LOT 7, BLOCK 17, BEACH PORTION OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, FOR THE USES AND UNDER THE CONDITIONS PROVIDED IN SAID LEASE, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH THEREIN, A COPY OF WHICH 15 ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Blackmon, Bradley, Jimenez, McDaniel, and Roberts, present and voting "Aye," Lozano voting "Nay," and Sizemore abstained. ORDINANCE NO. 8787 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, ADOPTED ON THE 27TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1937, APPEARING OF RECORD IN VOLUME 9, PAGES 565, ET SEQ, OF THE ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION RECORDS, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME AND PARTICULARLY AS. AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 6106, AS AMENDED, UPON APPLICATION OF MR. JIM YOUNG BY GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT ON LOTS 24, 25 and 26, BLOCK 24, DEL MAR ADDITION, AN ADDITION TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, FOR 18 APARTMENT UNITS, CONDITIONED ON THE PRO/ISION THAT 11/2 PARKING RATIO, OR 27 PARKING SPACES, BE PROVIDED; KEEPING IN EFFECT ALL OTHER PRO- VISIONS OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE AS AMENDED; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; 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." Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 6, 1968 Page 13 ORDINANCE NO. 8788 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, ADOPTED ON THE 27TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1937, APPEARING OF RECORD IN VOLUME 9, PAGES 565, ET SEQ, OF THE ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION RECORDS, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME AND PARTICULARLY AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 6106, AS AMENDED, UPON APPLICATION OF W. D. MILES COMPANY, BY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP BY CHANGING THE ZONING ON LOT 3C, BLOCK 2, SOUTH END ADDITION, OF RECORD IN VOLUME 34, PAGE 4, NUECES COUNTY MAP RECORDS ON FEBRUARY 27, 1968, SAID TRACT OR PARCEL FORMERLY DESCRIBED AS THE NORTH 1/3 OF THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 3 AND THE ADJOINING 10 FEET OF THE EAST I/2 OF LOT 2, BLOCK 2, SAVE AND EXCEPT A TRIANGULAR STRIP OFF THE SOUTH SIDE, ALL IN SOUTH END ADDITION, IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM "A -I" APARTMENT HOUSE DISTRICT TO "AB" PROFESSIONAL OFFICE DISTRICT; KEEPING IN EFFECT ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE AS AMENDED; REVEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; 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." Mayor Blackmon called for petitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mrs. Robert Leal, 2206 Belton, appeared and requested that sidewalks be constructed on the north side of Belton Street. Mrs. Leal stated that the majority of the property owners on this side of the street want the improvements, including curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, and are willing to pay for them. Mayor Blackmon invited Mrs. Leal and others interested in these improve- ments to attend the public hearing on these improvements which is set for March 13. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.