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.
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Minutes
Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1970
Page 2
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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.
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Minutes
Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1970
Page 3
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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.
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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.