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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/07/1970 - Special• • MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING August 7, 1970 10:15 a.m. Basement of Police Station PRESENT: Mayor Jack R. Blackmon Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Lozano, Sr. Commissioners: Dick Bradley, 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 • The Meeting was called to order by Mayor Blackmon. Mayor Blackmon stated briefly that the City Manager and Council sub -committee had held a meeting with suppliers regarding rebuilding in general. They were made aware of problems building suppliers are having. As far as we know, things have been worked out. An effort is being made to have power restored and they have indicated they will remain open on a limited basis this Saturday and Sunday (Sunday primarily for emergency needs). This would indicate that this weekend should show some real progress in rebuilding. Businesses of all kinds are encouraged to stay open this weekend. The question of suspension of selling of beer and other alcoholic beverages was brought up, but it was concluded that this kind of action is not warranted here. Councilman McDaniel stated some people are questioning the decisions made as to who should be issued passes after curfew and cited a case where people sitting on their front porch were directed to go inside because of the curfew. Mayor Blackmon stated this was not the intent of the curfew, but that there were bound to be some instances of questionable decisions in this regard. City Manager Townsend stated there have been practically no complaints about the curfew. A newsman asked about blocking the highways, this is still being done during curfew hours. Tuesday was the only day this was done during daylight hours. The question was asked about people coming in from Houston (or other points) and arriving after the curfew goes on and what they should do. City Manager Townsend stated that those who do have legitimate business coming into the City should explain their reason for coming and where they are going in the City. Councilman Roberts stated it was advisable for emergency vehicles to be allowed to bypass the roadblocks and it was reported that this is now being done. • • • Minutes Special Council Meeting August 7, 1970 Page 2 • Roger Ramsey (KRYS Radio) inquired about the ad proposed to be placed in the papers for skilled men to come here for employment and was told this ad is now in the papers. It was suggested this information be broadcast in Spanish as well as English. It was commented that a briefing was needed on the curfew and what action needs to be taken officially by the Council. It was felt the curfew should be extended, and at the present time there appears to be no reason to change the hours. It is understood things are going satisfactorily. In some instances, when people are waiting in line for ice, etc., or are in traffic they might run a little late, but otherwise it is going well. It was decided the curfew would be continued until more windows are fixed and more lights are on. City Manager Townsend recommended that the curfew remain unchanged and Mayor Blackmon asked if a resolution is needed. Acting City Attorney Riggs stated that Section 7 of the Primary Powers give the city government the power and authority to secure the city during an emergency. This state of emergency is to be determined by the government of the City and after reasonable notice by radio, t.v. or whatever means is available, the Council can proved for these regulations. (Statute read by Mr. Riggs.) He stated these are not the only powers the City has. The statute also provides for the curfew to be imposed for a 72 -hour sequence with no limitation on how many sequences there can be. He recommended doing this by ordinance and it was the general consensus that the curfew should be continued and the situation reassessed later. Victor Lara (KUNO Radio) asked whom to call if people have a problem so that they must be out after curfew, an emergency. He was advised that if they are stopped, they should explain and most likely they will be allowed to go on. Councilman McDaniel inquired if, as light come on and windows are restored, it is forseen having the curfew lifted, and he was advised that the curfew then would be only in certain areas. City Manager Townsend stated that we do need to have a meeting with the glass companies as with other suppliers to find out if they are having extra crews in to assist in getting work done. • Minutes Special Council Meeting August 7, 1970 Page 3 • • • Councilman McDaniel stated that one of the problems of air-conditioning, electricians, and other workmen is the equipment required in their work. The City Manager stated the men will be required to bring the tools and equipment they have. The subject of ice was brought up - the City did not take chage of this item. Private individuals brought in ice and distribution has been poor. The ice plant is now on line and several Conoco stations have ice. The Budweiser Brewery brought in two truck loads. Critical needs for ice were very apparent. Most individuals lost what was in freezers, but loss of ice for most people was a matter of inconvenience. The H. E. Butt Grocery Company brought ice from New Orleans and sold it for 15c for 25 pounds. All people who have brought in ice should be given a vote of thanks. One man who has brought in three loads for free distribution told Mr. Townsend he thought he was going to have to charge something for the fourth load and wondered if it would be okay. Mayor Blackmon brought up the subject of registration requirements for itinerant vendors. Under Federal Itinerant Ordinance, all itinerant vendors must complete necessary forms. The news media was asked to pass this information along for anyone going door-to-door, soliciting. This does not include people coming into town under contract. But anyone who does not have an established business here in Corpus Christi must obtain a permit. Home- owners should ask solicitors to show their City permit. City Manager Townsend reported spraying is being done for mosquito and fly control. Also he stated that buses are now on schedule on all routes. It was stated that the best way to check on the clearing of streets, etc. is to contact the Corps of Engineers at the Federal Building. City Manager Townsend reported there had been some wrong information received concerning Port Aransas. We have Public Health people there every day, there is no quarantine on the island. There is no one there with authority•to impose a quarantine as Dr. Betty Thomason is the only one who could do so. They are using typhoid and tetanus shots as precautionary measures. Dr. Metzger will be flying over there this morning. The person in charge in Port Aransas is a Sgt. Major Dow of the Texas National Guard- apparently the Mayor of Port Aransas has turned everything over to him. It is reported that it is necessary for all people in Port Aransas to get the required shots. •inutes Special Council Meeting August 7, 1970 Page 4 • ' f' • • A report was received that the City of Taft is out of water, but the report had not been confirmed. Councilman Sizemore stated we should encourage the salvage people the City has hired to advise when traffic signals, signs, etc. are found so that as much as possible can be salvaged. Councilman Lozano irxiuired of the City Manager if the Lozano School is open and was advised that it is. It was stated that it isn't planned to open any school food distribution program unless food is more adequate. We have staffed two centers and under present conditions, two centers is the maximum. Councilman de Ases commented on red tape in regard to food distribution. Many certifications and forms are required to distribute food and there is a need for more distribution centers. The Council should follow-up on meeting to see what can be done to open more centers for food distribution. City Manager Townsend presented Article 5890e of V.A.C.S., Texas, regarding the curfew and establishing an emergency situation with the authority for a curfew not to exceed a 72 -hour sequence. Mayor Blackmon called the roll and this article was unanimously approved. It was stated that it appears the main problem in regard to food is that of transportation for people to get to the food centers as many are without cars. This is not considered to be a problem of City responsibility, but it was agreed that something should be done. Mayor Blackmon offered the use of his car is someone could be found to drive it. It was suggested that a broadcast for people to donate the use of private cars in this regard be resorted to. It was stated that City inspectors will make inspections to determine the dangers in town. Workmen are reportedly throwing glass, etc. out of windows. The Corps of Engineers should be advised that the City will block off portions of town on a day-to-day basis and the Traffic department will coordinate detours. The question was asked if, after the immediate emergency is over, will there be any demolition done and it was stated that if over 50% of a building is damaged, it will be demolished. °Minutes Special Council Meeting August 7, 1970 Page 5 • : • City Manager Townsend reported that we now have the proper forms for individuals to request the clearing of property by the Corps of Engineers. The first forms used were not the right ones. The legal description of property is required. This is not for restorative work, just clearing of property. Mayor Blackmon reported he has received a message from our Sister City of Yokosuka suggesting that the visit of their exchange students be postponed and it was agreed that this be done. Mayor Blackmon stated that we have come through a terrific ordeal by natural elements and many people are working seven days a week. Some of our religious services are starting this evening and he wants to proclaim this weekend, beginning tonight, as a period of thanksgiving for the deliverance we have had. He asked that all people who are fortunate enough to have time to attend services of their faith to make their service one of thanksgiving. The meeting was recessed until 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning, August 8. •