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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/05/1970 - Emergency• • MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Basement of Police Station August 5, 1970 10:10 A. M. PRESENT: Mayor Jack R. Blackmon Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Lozano, Sr. Commissioners: Dick Bradly, Jr. Eduardo E. de Ases Ken McDaniel W. J. Roberts Ronnie Sizemore City Manager R. Marvin Townsend Acting City Attorney Jim Riggs Assistant City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Blackmon suggested that the City Manager present the emergency matters requiring immediate action. City Manager Townsend recommended a resolution requesting assistance of the Corps of Engineers in clearing streets and private property of debris. Mr. Townsend reported that, in other areas, the process of restoration is under way and some businesses will be restored to normalcy relatively soon. He stated that the water system and sewer system have been completely cleared and are ready to go into operation as soon as power is restored. The substation which controlled the Stevens Plant was completely destroyed, but there are now two sources feeding this plant to insure that power failure will not occur. He said there is no reason for further water restrictions. The gas system is in operation with all known leaks repaired. Next they will go on private property for repairs. The greatest problem now facing the City is the clearing of debris. The Corps of Engineers, Office for Emergency Planning will issue emergency contracts. Through this process we can bring about the clearance of all property. Clearing of private property, if desired, can be made a part of that contract.. The government will be able, under their contract to clear at least part of the debris from private property. Mr. Bruce Walters of the Corps of Engineers is present to answer any questions. City Manager Townsend read the proposed resolution. Mr. Townsend explained that it will be necessary for the City to designate disposal areas and to approve the method of disposition; and that the City during the next few days will use burning as an emergency means of disposing of debris. He recommended four sites in strategic areas of the City. • Minutes Special Council Meeting August 5, 1970 Page 2 • • • Mayor Blackmon introduced Mr. Gamble and Mr. Walters of the Corps of Engineers. Mr. Gamble stated that he is from the Galveston District and acting as a representative for Mr. Jack O'Rourke who is in town, but not present at the meeting. He stated they were not trying to force anything upon the City, but to offer the facilities of the Corps of Engineers fo clear debris. Mr. Walters will remain in the City and will be available to assist in the program. Mr. Gamble stated in reply to a question that the purpose of releases being obtained was to clarify what the property owner desired to be removed, and to release the City and Corps from liability. Mr. Townsend said this would be essentially the same method as used following BEULAH. The contract would read that all work would be accomplished within one year of contract date, but that it would not take that long to do the work. It would be a matter of getting started immediately and getting it done as quickly as possible. Other details were discussed and agreed upon. Mayor Pro Tem Lozano suggested that the program be explained to people by the news media. City Manager Townsend reported that garbage collection began this morning and they hope to complete the entire Monday routes today, tomorrow the Thursday route, with the regularly scheduled garbage route following. Mr. Townsend read a resolution (catch-all). All other applicable regulations are provided for under these two actions and any recommendation or supplemental resolutions must be passed by the Council. He requested that action be taken to assure a clear-cut decision by the Council of their intention to comply with these actions. Mr. Gamble stated he would like for the Council to get a clear picture of other procedures where the Corps of Engineers would not be doing the work. However, the Mayor and City Manager stated this had already been thoroughly discussed by the Council and they are aware of what the other procedures would be. A resolution was read by the City Manager. RESOLUTION NO. 9879 RESOLUTION REGARDING THE DECLARATION OF A MAJOR DISASTER IN THE STATE OF TEXAS UNDER PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC LAW 875 AS AMENDED AND PUBLIC LAW 79, WITH THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BEING REQUESTED TO ARRANGE FOR EMERGENCY WORK ESSENTIAL TO THE HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE AND PROPERTY OF THE PUBLIC ENTITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI. • Minutes Special Council Meeting August 5, 1970 Page 3 • • • Motion by Sizemore, seconded by McDaniel and passed unanimously, that the resolution be approved. City Manager Townsend recommended that an emergency application to burn trash be made to the Texas Air Pollution Board. Motion by McDaniel, seconded by de Ases and passed, that an emergency application to burn be made to the Air Pollution Board for four locations and any others that might be found necessary. Comment was made that some gasoline stations are pumping gas with power from converted power mowers which is a very dangerous practice, and that they certainly should have fire extinguishers close by. The City Manager stated that some are on regular power. Also we should be sure to remind the public in regard to fair pricing. Mayor Blackmon stated that the news media was present and it should not be necessary to remind people of Corpus Christi that the Mayor and City Council are still operating under emergency powers; business concerns should charge fair and reasonable prices as they are lucky enough to get back in business. That insofar as outside vendors coming in with ice and charging exorbitant prices, such ice will be confiscated and given to the public and the vendor will be advised to present his bill to City Hall. The Mayor stated it was his understanding that outside vendors were bringing ice in for distribution free of charge through the Red Cross and Salvation Army emergency distribution centers. He stated he did not think anyone minds paying a reasonable price for ice, but all of us are going to need help and this business of charging exorbitant prices is going to stop. He will use his emergency powers as long as necessary. City Manager Townsend stated he hopes the press recognizes that the map being used in the Communications Room showing those power lines which are in service is actually showing the main transmission lines now in service. This does not mean that all homes in those areas now have power - only those whose lines from the poles to the house are still connected. Another example of business not practicing fair pricing was cited as those service stations charging 75c a gallon for gas. Mayor Blackmon asked if it was felt that there was a need to schedule another emergency meeting, noting that all Councilmen were present. He also asked about returning to City Hall and was told that City Hall has power, but that windows are broken, etc. It was decided to continue meeting in the Police Building and a meeting was called for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 6. • Minutes Special Council Meeting August 5, 1970 Page 4 Commissioner McDaniel inquired as to what steps were being taken to check food spoilage. City Manager Townsend reqplied that the State Health Department people are here to determine what food problems there are. Also a Surplus Commodities man is here. Representatives of Office of Economic Opportunity are present to authorize action of that program. Dr. Metzger will make reports to people in regard to maximum time food is good in refrigerators, etc. The question was asked regarding what people should do who are without a place to stay and no food. In reply City Manager Townsend acknowledged the fine service rendered by Radio Station KINE during the emergency when our local radio stations were off the air. In regard to price controls - those witnessing violations may call any of the three emergency telephone numbers. Mayor Blackmon stated he has the authority to control pricing and feels he will have the backing of 100% of the public in this matter. Mayor Blackmon commented on the fact that neither he nor the Councilmen can give firm answers to some questions at this time. Some of the matters are very complicated and he would rely upon the City Manager to prepare the necessary resolutions. It was reported that the airport is now fully operational and they are encouraging the air Tines to resume regular schedules. The Small Business Administration representatives are present and will announce their locations as soon as they are set up. Dr. Metzger noted that massive quantities of ice are needed. Ice is being sold in three locations and the ice plant is believed to still have some ice on hand, but should have power soon so they can get back into operation. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.