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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/26/1972• MINZITES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING July 26, 9972 3:00 F. M . PRESENT: Mayor Ronnie Sizemore Mayor Pro Tem Chas. A. Bonniwell Commissioners: Rev. Harold T. Branch Thomas V. Gonzales Gabe Lozano, Sr. J. Howard Stark Church. City Manager R. Marvin Townsend City Attorney James R. Riggs City Secretary T. Ray Kring Mayor Sizemore called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of the City Hall. The invocation was given by The Reverend Joe Detamore of South Shore Christian City Secretary T. Ray Kring called the roil of those in attendance. Motion by Lozano, seconded by Branch and passed, that the absence of Commissioner Bosquez be excused for just cause. The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 12; Special Meeting of July 17; and Recessed Special Meeting of July 98, 1972, were approved as presented to the Council. City Manager Townsend presented the following ordinance in compliance with the requirement that the City Secretary file notice in the CoLnty Clerk's Office of the action deter- mining necessity and ordering improvements of portions of streets therein named: ORDINANCE NO. 10986 DETERMINING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS: 1. AIRPORT ROAD FROM A POINT 795+ L.F. SOUTH OF THE MORGAN AVENUE -OLD BROWNSVILLE ROAD INTERSECTION TO A POINT 500+ L. F. NORTH OF THE MORGAN AVENUE -OLD BROWNSVILLE ROAD INTERSECTION. - 2. MORGAN AVENUE FROM VERA CRUZ TO THE INTERSECTION OF AIRPORT ROAD. 3. OLD BROWNSVILLE ROAD FROM THE INTERSECTION OF AIRPORT ROAD WESTWARD APPROXIMATELY 650 L.F. 4. SOUTH STAPLES STREET, FROM 18TH STREET SOUTHEAST TO ANNAPOLIS DRIVE. 5. SWANrNER STREET, FROM 18TH STREET SOUTHEAST TO ANNAPOLIS DRIVE. REQUIRING THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES TO PREPARE AND FILE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS; REQUIRING THE CIEs' SECRETARY TO FILE NOTICE IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, AS TO THE ACTION HEREIN; PROVIDING HOW SUCH IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE PAID; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspen:ypd c^.ci the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 2 "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. Mayor Sizemore called for the City Manager's Reports. Motion by Stark, seconded by Branch and passed, that the City Manager's Reports, Items "a" through "q" be accepted, and that the requests and recommendations be granted and approved as followsa a. That the authority to receive bids at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 15, 1972, on Airport and Transit advertising, be approved. b. That contracts be awarded to the following firms for 1972-73 requirements for Automotive and Flashlight Batteries on the basis of low bid: E. B. Creager Tire & Battery Service, Corpus Christi - Lots I & 11 $20,242.33 Norvell-Wilder Supply Co., Corpus Christi - Lot 111 - 2,434.10 Prices indicate a decrease of 5.9% under last year's prices - Bids were received from ten firms. (Bid Tabulation #18_72) c. That a contract be awarded to Allied Specialty Company for 1972-73 require- ments of Bag Portland Cement for their low bid meeting specifications of $2,175.00. Prices indicate a decrease of 3.3% over last year's prices - Bids were received from five firms. (Bid Tabulation #19-72) d. That contracts be awarded to the following firms to furnish the City's 1972-73 requirements for Caulking Tools and Drill Bits, Commercial Fertilizer, Corrugated Pipe, Fire Fighting Clothing, Fire Hydrants and Foundry Items, on the basis of low bid. Bidswere received from fifteen firms, (Bid Tabulation #20-72)e McAllen Pipe & Supply Co., Corpus Christi - Caulking Tools & Drill Bits, Lots 1, I1, 991 B. L, Henderson & Sons, Inc., Houston - Commercial Fertilizer - Wyatt Div., U.S.Industries, Inc., Houston - Corrugated Pipe - Sweeco, Inc., Corpus Christi - Fire Fighting Clothing lvlcAllen Pipe & Supply Co., 1n,^,,, Corpus Christi - Fire Hydrants Gulf Star Foundries; In-.„ (ornuc Ceriari - Foundry Items Lots 1, 11, 011, IV - $ 1,192.03 6,250.00 6,630.00 2,040.20 14,497.70 21,191.75 e. That contracts be awarded to the following firms for 1972-73 requirements of Electrical Supplies on the basis of low bid meeting specifications. Bids were received from four firms. (Bid Tabulation #21-72): Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 3 General Electric Supply Cc., Corpus Christi - Lots 0, 6V, V - Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc., Corpus Christi - Lots 61, I91, & VI - $ 2,336.56 8,387.75 • f. That contracts be awarded to the following firms to furnish the City's 1972-73 requirements for Air Conditioning Refrigerants, Anodes, Bermuda Grass, $Bed, Brass & Iron Service Fittings, Bricks, Bulk Portland Cement, Cast ron, Ductile Iron or Asbestos Cement Pipe and Cast Iron Tapping Sleeves & Valves on the basis of low bid. (Bid Tabulation #22-72), Refrigeration Sales Co., Long island City, N.Y. - Air Conditioning Refrigerants - 1-larco Corp., - Houston - (Anodes) - Currie Seed Co., Corpus Christi - Bermuda Grass Seed - The Rohan Co., Waco, Texas - Brass & Iron Serv. Fittings, Lot 1 - Trans -Tex Supply Co., San Antonio - Brass & Iron Service Fittings, Lot 11 - Allied Specialty Co., Inc., Corpus Christi - Bricks, Lot 1 Texas Industries, Inc., Corpus Christi - Bricks, Lot II - Centex Cement Corp., Corpus Christi - Bulk Portland Cement - Western Pipe & Supply Co., Conroe, Tex. - Cast Iron, Ductile Iron or Asbestos cement Pipe, Lots I,II,IV - McAllen Pipe & Supply Co., Corpus Christi - Cast Iron, Ductile Iron or Asbestos Cement Pipe, Lots III & V - The Perry Shankle Co., San Antonio, Tex. - Cast Iron Tapping Sleeves and Valves, Lot 6 - Clow Corp., Houston, Tex. - Cast Iron Tapping Sleeves and Valves, Lot II - Western Pipe & Supply Co., Conroe, Texas (Cost Iron Tapping Sleeves and Valves, Lot 669) $ 2,660.50 5,962.50 3,471.50 23,510.30 4,355.60 3,960.00 2,589.00 4,512.00 185,056.00 128,828.79 1,400.86 8,012.69 4,014.00 g That the contract with Burtex Constructors for the construction of Sanitary Sewer Extensions for Western Hills be accepted as complete and that final payment of $25,234.10 be authorized. The total completed work is $87,543.80. The Contract included $4,450.00 of Fern Repairs to the Turkey Creek sewer line. h. That the preliminary assessment roll prepared in connection with the street improvements to Staples and Swantner from Baldwin to Annapolis and Old Brownsville Road and Morgan Street intersection, be approved, and the public hearing for assessments be held on August 23, 1;72, at 4600 p.m., in the Ccuncie Chamber. The project is a joint project between the City and the State under the TOPICS Program and involves construction of curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveways, and pavement, and also channelizotion of the streets and widening of the intersection to improve the traffic flow. • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting JL y 26, 1972 Page 4 1. That the plans and specifications for the construction of drainage improvements in the Mayfield, Starlite Lane area be approved, and the authority to receive bids on August 23, 1972, be granted. The total cost of the project estimated to be $227,000; the Department of HUD to participate approximately one-half; and plans must be submitted to HUD but verbal concurrence to proceed to advertise for bids has been received, j. That the General Fund be reimbursed $81,393.53 for engineering services provided during May, June, and July of 1972, on various bond fund projects, and that $80,091 .81 be appropriated from various projects to supplement the remaining contingency appropriations of $1,301 .72 k. That $21,311.93 be appropriated to reimburse the No. 102 General Fund, Park Construction, for material and equipment rentals used by City Forces to construct improvements in Candlewood Park, Airport Park, and Stonegate Park. 1. That applications be approved for the Police Community Relations Program. The applications are for Law Enforcement Assistance Agency resources through the State Criminal Justice Coun;e1 for the continuation of the program from December, 1972 through December, 1973 at an estimated cost of $96,202 of federal support and $32,068 of local money and in-kind services and for expansion of the present program by providing $19,857 of federal money to be matched by $6,420 of City in-kind services for an athletic program to be carried out by police officers at various City and school recreational facilities. m. That $32,500 be appropriated out of No. 250 Sanitary Sewer Bond Fund for construction of wastewater collection system laterals and 4 -inch taps on Deer Street, and por- tions of McCain Drive, Countiss Drive, Robby Drive and James, to be done by City forces, applicable to Project No. 250-70-80.5, Highway Village South Laterals; authorizing the reim- bursement of 109 Sewer Fund for all amounts advanced and to be advanced for labor and materials for this prokat from the 109 n. That a 3% Hotel -Mata! C+-r,•pnrcy Tax under the State Law be adopted in lieu of the 2% Charter Tax now being levied. • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 5 o. That the bid award for one 38 -foot Crew Boat to be used jointly by the City and Oil Spill Control Association be made to J -S Boat Rental, Morgan City, Louisiana, for their low bid meeting specifications. Bids were received from three firms; the Association will pay 2/3rds of the purchase price and will contribute $1,000 per year toward maintenance of the boat; the Marina Supervisor will be in chorge of the boat with the exception that it shall be made available to the Association on a priority basis for emergency oil spill work; the City's share ($9,917) will be included in the Marina Department Budget for 1972-73. (Bid Tabulation X23-72) p. That the abandonment of the utility easemeht crossing Lots I and 27, Block 3, Stonegate North, be authorized, since alternate easement has been provided, and affected Departments concur. q. That the dote previously set for receiving bids on Traffic Equipment be can- celled and rescheduled for August 15, 1972. City Manager Townsend presented the pending item of the offer of Mr. J. R. Swantner to donate his interest in a tract of land on Shoreline Drive to the City for a new build- ing site for the Corpus Christi Area Tourist Bureau. He explained that the item was removed from the agenda last week for further finalizing of details of the contract. He stated that the contract had been revised and re -written by the Legal Staff with some changes which are satisfactory to both parties; that the basic proposal is that the City pay approximately $35,000 of Hotel -Motel Occupancy tax money to be used to pay the outstanding indebtedness of land approximately 80' x 201' located between Shoreline Drive and Water Street, across from the parking lot adjacent to the Coliseum; that the owner, J. R. Swantner,has indicated his willingness to donate his interest in the property if the remaining debt is paid (the value of the property being in excess of twice the amount of the outstanding debt); the land would be acquired with a restriction which would revert the land to the donor and seller if the property was not used for a Tourist Bureau office for 5 years with the understanding that the present intentions of both parties would be for such to continue after the first five years. The City would bear the cost of closing and related fees. Questions were raised by the Council as ro the amount of the closing costs and if the City would be obligated after the 5 -year period if a Convention Center were built in the vicinity of the Coliseum, • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 6 Mr. Townsend explained that the mechanics of the closing had not been completely worked out but that the cost for closing would be a nominal amount of possibly around $200.00; that there is a provision that any encumbrances be cleared on termination of the contract; and that the City would be obligated for five years notwithstanding the location of the Convention Center. Motion by Stark, seconded by Bonniwell and passed, that the foregoing pending item be removed from the table. Motion by Branch, seconded by Stark and passed, that the offer of Mr. J. R. Swantner to donate his interest in a tract of land on Shoreline Drive to the City for a new building for the Corpus Christi Area Tourist Bureau, be accepted, and that an ordinance be brought forward authorizing the contract as presented by City Manager Townsend. ORDINANCE NO. 10987 APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE WRITTEN STATEMENT AND REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES, SHOWING ESTIMATES OF THE VARIOUS COSTS FOR THE IM- PROVEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS IN THE C1TY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS: 1. AIRPORT ROAD FROM A POINT 795+ L.F. SOUTH OF THE MORGAN AVENUE -OLD BROWNSVILLE ROAD INTERSECTION TO A POINT 500+ L.F. NORTH OF THE MORGAN AVENUE -OLD BROWNSVILLE ROAD INTERSECTION. 2. MORGAN AVENUE FROM VERA CRUZ TO THE INTERSECTION OF AIRPORT ROAD. 3. OLD BROWNSVILLE ROAD FROM THE INTERSECTION OF AIRPORT ROAD WESTWARD APPROXIMATELY 650 L.F. 4. SOUTH STAPLES STREET, FROM I8TH STREET SOUTHEAST TO ANNAPOLIS DRIVE. 5. SWANTNER STREET, FROM I8TH STREET SOUTHEAST TO ANNAPOLIS DRIVE. DETERMINING AND FIXING THE PORTION OF SAID COSTS TO BE PAID AND ASSESSED AGAINST ABUTTING PROPERTY, THE PORTION THEREOF TO BE PAID BY THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI; DETERMINING THE NECESSITY OF LEVYING AN ASSESSMENT AGAINST SAID ABUTTING PROPERTY; ORDERING AND SETTING A HEARING TO BE HELD AUGUST 23, 1972, AT 4:00 O'CLOCK P.M., TO GIVE NOTICE OF SAID HEARING AS REQUIRED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Chorter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez wos absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 7 ORDINANCE NO. 10988 • THIRD READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH CRYSTAL PETROLEUM COMPANY FOR A 5 -YEAR LEASE COVERING THE OPERATION OF THE MARINA FILLING STATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF SAID CONTRACT, A COPY OF WHICH, MARKED EXHIBIT "A", IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. ORDINANCE NO. 10989 APPROPRIATING OUT OF NO. 250 SANITARY SEWER BOND FUND THE SUM OF $32,500 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM LATERALS AND 4 INCH TAPS ON DEER STREET, AND PORTIONS QF McCAIN DRIVE, COUNTISS DRIVE, ROBBY DRIVE AND JAMES STREET, TO BE DONE BY CITY FORCES, APPLICABLE TO PROJECT 250-70-80.5, HIGHWAY VILLAGE SOUTH LATERALS; AUTHORIZING THE REIMBURSEMENT OF 109 SEWER FUND FOR ALL AMOUNTS ADVANCED AND TO BE ADVANCED FOR LABOR AND MATERIALS FOR THIS PROJECT FROM THE 109 SEWER FUND; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent, ORDINANCE NO. 10990 APPROPRIATING $80,091.81 AS FOLLOWS: $63,786,72 FROM 220 STREET BOND FUND; 4,524.83 FROM 295 STORM SEWER BOND FUND; 2,561.70 FROM 296 STORM SEWER BOND FUND; 4,897.17 FROM 250 SANITARY SEWER BOND FUND; 2,522.63 FROM 251 SANITARY SEWER BOND FUND; I , 167.57 FROM 207 PUBLIC BUILDING BOND FUND; V.64 FROM 245 AIRPORT BOND FUND; 563.55 FROM 292 MARINA IMPROVEMENTS BOND FUND; TO SUPPLEMENT $1,301,72 REMAINING FROM FUNDS PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED FOR CONTINGENCIES AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS PROJECTS AS SHOWN ON THE TABULATION PREPARED BY THE ACCOUNTING DIVISION, A COPY OF WHICH I5 ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A" AND MADE A PART HEREOF; AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT OF $81,393.53 TO THE 102 GENERAL FUND FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES PROVIDED DURING THE PERIOD OF MAY 1, 1972 THROUGH JULY 31, 1972; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The charter rule was suspended and the Foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 8 ORDINANCE NO. 10991 • CLOSING AND ABANDONING A 10 -FOOT UTILITY EASEMENT CROSSING LOTS 1 AND 27, BLOCK 3, STONEGATE NORTH; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark; present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. ORDINANCE NO. 10992 AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, TO INSTITUTE ANNEXATION BY EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND MARK P. BRATTON, A TRUE COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND BY THIS REFERENCE INCORPORATED HEREIN FOR ALL PURPOSES, INCLUD- ING EXHIBITS THERETO, AS THOUGH FULLY SET FORTH HEREIN, AFTER DUE NOTICE AND HEARING, FOR THE ANNEXATION OF A TRACT OF LAND, CONSISTING OF 29.45 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND INCLUDES LOT 2, SECTION 12, BOHEMIAN COLONY LANDS, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, ALL AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS, AS HEREINAFTER SET FORTH; FINDING ALL OF SAID LANDS TO LIE ENTIRELY WITHIN THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, ADJOIN- ING, CONTIGUOUS, AND ADJACENT THERETO; PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark; present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. ORDINANCE NO. 10993 ANNEXING TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, A TRACT OF LAND CONSISTING OF 29,45 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF LOT 2, SECTION 12, BOHEMIAN COLONY LANDS, A MAP OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MARKED EXHIBIT "A", PURSUANT TO ART. 970A, V.A.C.S. TEXAS, AS AMENDED, AND THE CITY CHARTER, ARTICLE 1, SEC. 2 (B); PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the Following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. ORDINANCE NO, 10994 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. 6104, PASSED AND APPROVED ON THE 29TH DAY OF MARCH, 1961, 31 AMENDING ARTICLE 31, NEWLY ANNEXED TERRITORY, BY AMENDING SECTION 31-5 BY ADDING THERETO A NEW SUBSECTION, TO BE NUMBERED SECTION 31-5.08, SETTING FORTH A ZONING CLASSIFICATION ON A DESCRIBED TRACT OF LAND WHEN ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, SAID TRACT BEING A PORTION OF LOT 2, SECTION 12, BOHEMIAN COLONY LANDS, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREINAFTER; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 9 The charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. ORDINANCE NO. 10995 APPROPRIATING $21,311.93 FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE NO. 102 GENERAL FUND, ACTIVITY 4122, CODE 502, FOR MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL USED TO CON- STRUCT PARK IMPROVEMENTS, OF SAID APPROPRIATION $13,201.80 15 OUT OF NO, 291 PARK BOND FUND, OF WHICH $203 IS APPLICABLE TO PROJECT NO. 291-70-10.3, CANDLEWOOD PARK, AND $12,998,80 IS APPLICABLE TO PROJECT NO. 291-70-10,4, AIRPORT PARK; AND $8,110,13 IS OUT OF NO. 111 TRUST FUND, ACCOUNT NO. 1767, APPLICABLE TO STONEGATE PARK; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, The charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was absent. ORDINANCE NO, 10996 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO CONVEY TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COR- PORATION, AN INDEPENDENT NONPROFIT FOUNDATION, THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTIES: LOT 15, BLOCK 6, VILLA GARDENS, AND LOTS 2A & 2B, BLOCK 1, HIGHWAY VILLAGE, UPON PAYMENT OF THE CASH CONSIDERATION AS SHOWN HEREIN; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote; Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stork, present and voting "Aye'; Bosquez was absent. ORDINANCE NO. 10997 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR GIFT OF REAL ESTATE FROM J, R. SWANTNER, THE TERMS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT IN THE COPY OF SAID CONTRACT WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A", AND MADE A PART HEREOF FOR ALL PERTINENT PURPOSES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The charter rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote; Sizemore, Bonniwell, Preach, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was Absent, Mayor Sizemore called for petitions or information from the audience not sche- duffed on the agenda. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 10 Mr. John Ryan, 4422 South Alameda, appeared and requested that the City purchase ambulance equipment and operate its ambulance service through the City Fire Depart- ment. He pointed out defects in the present system, stating that because of cumbersome procedures, ambulances are not being dispatched to the scene of accidents promptly and that lives are being endangered by the delay. He pointed out that the use of firemen is logical because they are well organized in the best possible manner to get to an accident promptly, are well trained in first aid skills, and would be available because they are idle most of the time. He stated this system is being used successfully in the City of Houston and sees no reason why this service could not be worked out in Corpus Christi, He stated he is represent- ing himself, but that he had discussed this with Dr. Jack Giles, member of the Nueces County Medical Society, and others, and they agreed that it was a good plan. He stated that present ambulance operators seem to be able to stay in business, and believed if he were given an opportunity to work with the City, he could make the plan work. He stated the City of Houston had gone into debt but were making money now; that the City could purchase six ambulances on a lease -purchase agreement; and that the cost would be approximately $3500 a month including the services of a clerk. Mayor Sizemore explained that for a number of years this Council and previous Councils have been making intensive studies of ways and means of improving the City's ambu- lance service, including the plan proposed by Mr. Ryan, and will continue to study the problem. He explained that there are many aspects to this problem, the costs being the major factor, and this would exceed the figures stated by Mr. Ryan. He stated there are many reasons why Mr. Ryan's proposal would not be feasible; that by using firemen, addi- tional personnel would have to be added and the cost of equipment would be tremendous; that even with the subsidy of the City to the ambulance companies under the present plan, many of them had aone out of the nmbulnnce business because of poor collections. He stated that he had information that the firemen would be willing to participate in such a program, but that this would lec'P the fire stations unattended which would else be endan- gering lives, City Manager Townsend stated thct his information relative to the plan in Houston was that they added two firemen per shift for each ambulance they placed into • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 11 operation; that their collections were poor at the beginning but may have improved, and they had invested a considerable amount of tax money into the service and had raised taxes. He pointed out that the Staff and the Council are familiar with the costs involved; that if two firemen per shift for each ambulance were added, the cost would amount to approximately $200,000 onnually, and that it would be unlikely they would receive $I00,000 in collections; that the problem goes far beyond the City limits and there has been no indication that the County or Hospital District would be willing to participate in any kind of plan. He stated there has been no plan submitted for furnishing ambulance service that would not involve the hiring of additional employees. Mayor Sizemore advised Mr, Ryon that the request will be considered along with other proposals, and suggested that a meeting be held with Dr. W. R. Metzger and Carl Young of the City -County Health Department; Bob McQuistion of the Hospital District; Medical Society; Dr, Giles, and any ethers who might be of some assistance in a solution to the ombulance problem. Mr. Ryan stated he would continue to pursue the plan and would report back to the Council. Mayor Sizemore announced the scheduled public hearing on the proposed Budget for the fiscal year 1972-73. City Manager Townsend presented a summary of the proposed Budget and made general comments. He stated the total Budget proposed is $34,876,943 which represents an overall increase of some $1.5 Million over the 1971-72 Budget; stated that estimated revenues, excluding Inter -Fund, $34,465,852, showing a decrease in balances of $411,091; that the budget as now proposed is built around the existing tax rate of $1.58 on $100 valuation based on 60 percent of market value, and the budget is planned within these limits; that there is not included an increase in taxes and no increase in utility service fees. He pointed out decreases in revenues over the past year in the water and gas divisions due to worm winters and wet summers, which funds contriPute largely to the operating fund, Mr. Townsend stated that the contemplated revenue from the $I Airport Passenger tax had been modified and that he is recomonending that this matter be deferred until October 15 pending Congressional action which could prohibit such a tax but possibly Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 12 increase federal contributions for airport improvements, Mr, Townsend stated that some personnel increases are proposed in areas where there has been substantial growth and a need for these increases exist; that additional pay step increases for supervisory personnel within the Police and Fire Departments are recommended; that he is recommending g 4 percent deferred cost of living increase for City employees as soon as the National cost -of -living index reaches 126.7 or in February of next year, whichever comes first; that funds are included in the utility budgets to absorb the increase and that the General Fund could support it from balances due to turnovers, delayed new programs and other modifi- cations, Also, that he is recommending that the City increase its contribution in the City Employees Retirement Fund which would result in the City participating in a 2 - 1 plan; that a part of the Budget had been addressed to health problems, and that some $25,000 and addi- tional $20,000 for improvements is included for operation of the Animal Pound; $25,000 designated for water testing devices in the laboratory; and $63,000 in the Street Division to improve pumping of storm sewers leading into the Bay which cause pollution. He stated the only substantial reduction would be in the Sanitation Department, and that he is proposing a reduction in garbage pickup from three times a week to twice a week to hold down rising costs and allow sanitation personnel a five instead of a six-day work week, which will enable the City to devote all equipment and men to debris pickup on the extra day, making it passible to complete trash pickup throughout the City at least every two weeks except for unusual loads. He pointed out that the City of Corpus Christi is among the few cities still having three -times a week garbage service, and that if the reduction is not accepted, then a substantial increase in rates will be necessary, He explained that Hurricane Celia and other storms since then have created major and costly equipment and maintenance problems, Mr. Townsend stated that bus service will be maintained at current levels through transfer from the General Fund to the Transit Fund, but that changes are planned in the Agnes -Morgan route, and will be extended to serve Village on the Green and the area around the West Oso High School, He invited questions and comments from the audience and stated that Assistant City Manager, Archie Walker, and Assistant Director of Finance, Charles Daley, were present to respond to questions relative to the Budget, • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 13 Mr. Robert C. Wolter, representing the Library Board, commended the Council and Staff for the excellent job done in dealing with the difficult task of balancing the budget, and thanked them for continued support of Library Services. Mr, Roosevelt Porter, 909 Gardenia Drive, requested a dollars and cents break- down of the difference in cost of the twice a week garbage pickup and five-day work week compared to the present six-day week pickups. City Manager Townsend explained the reasons are two -fold (I) to hold down rising costs and (2) to put sanitation workers on a five-day week; that basically I/5th will be saved on brush collection costs; other costs have risen very sharply, particularly garbage disposal, cost of land and equipment, and the purpose is to put the men on a five-day work week and maintain the some services, otherwise, relief crews would have to be added at a very substantial increase in cost, Mr, Walker stated it is estimated there would be a saving of $100,000 to $150,000 per year by changing to the twice a week pickup. Mr. Bob Sorrell, Jr,, 502 Peerman, protested the change to twice a week garbage service, stating it defeats other programs to improve the environment such as the "Keep the City Beautiful", water pollution and clean air programs, and is in direct conflict with these programs, He commented that there will result in an increase in roaches, flies, and rodents,- and that it is in effect "false economy." He stated that the City often sells a bond issue on the grounds it will not raise taxes but then later the services are reduced, He urged the Council to take another look at priorities for expenditure of tax dollars and con- sider this from the standpoint of health, and that the removal of garbage is a basic necessity; that this City should not be too concerned with what other cities are doing, and he personally hod no objection to raising the garbage fees, but felt it could be paid for through tax revenue. Mayor Sisemore commented that the City has not raised taxes for debt service for bonds within the past ten years; that increased taxes has nothing to do with bond issues; and that operations have never been reduced to add to the bond fund. He further pointed out that most complaints he has received during his tenure an the City Council was when the City raiged garbage rates to $2.50 a month two years ago. He further pointed out that people • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 14 demand more and more services and these services must be paid for out of operating funds, and bond issues and these services are not related in any sense of the word, Mrs. C. H. Quebedeaux, 3502 Tiger, appeared in opposition to the proposal to reduce garbage pickup and presented a petition containing 59 signatures of citizens who shared her objections. She stated the protest is on the basis of the potential health problems which would result from increased bacterial count, flies, roaches, and rodents. She commended the Council's and Staff's conscientious approach to the problem of balancing the budget but urged that the garbage rates be increased 50 cents a month if necessary to retain the current level of service, She stated the persons who signed the petition were concerned parents and citizens at large, (Petition 017-72) Mrs. Christie Harris, government student at Del Mar College, spoke in opposi- tion to the proposed reduction in garbage service, stating she felt the Council and Staff would receive far more calls as a result of accumulated garbage than if the fee were raised, and that she personally would rather pay the extra fee. Others appearing in protest of the reduction in services were: Mrs. Eugene Coffey, 742 Monette, questioned the number of times the City picks up commercial garbage and if that would be reduced; Mrs. L. E. Schulze, 5213 Honeysuckle Lane, questioned the quantity of garbage if the pickups are reduced, Mr. Townsend explained that the total quantity will not change but costs must be cut back to pay for equipment to process this quantity. Mr. Milo Diaz, 3308 South Staples, asked if the reduction is intended to cut down on cost of operation and would it not be to the City's advantage to dispense with the commercial service. City Manager Townsend stated that if there were an advantage in resi- dential accounts, commercial haulers would more actively solicit those accounts. Motion by Bonniwell, seconded by Branch and passed, that the hearing on the proposed 1972-73 Budget be closed and this meeting be recessed until 10:00 A.M. July 31. City Manager Townsend presented the ordinance appearing on the agenda for third and final reading extending the bench franchise granted to Eli Abrams, dba Courtesy Advertising Company, and that a motion was in order to adopt the amendment which has been • Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 26, 1972 Page 15 incorporated into the ordinance being submitted for adoption. Motion by Branch, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the ordinance cap- tioned "EXTENDING THE BENCH FRANCHISE GRANTED TO ELI ABRAMS, DBA COURTESY ADVERTISING COMPANY BY ORDINANCE NO, 8046 AND EXTENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 8565, FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS, BEGINNING JUNE 1, 1972, AND ENDING MAY 31, 1977, CONTINUING IN EFFECT THE SAID FRANCHISE HERETOFORE GRANTED," be amended to read as same is incorporated in the ordinance which is substituted therefor. Mr. Max Bennett, 602 Chamberlain, appeared and stated he had been con- cerned about the proposed 5 -year extension of the franchise to the Courtesy Advertising Company on the basis of the aesthetics of the City , and had voiced his objections at pre- vious Council meetings; that he is now in agreement with the amendments which would limit the total number of benches to 500, that they will be placed at not more than a 45 degree angle with the curb, and that they will be removed on request of the Council without cause. He further stated he had communicated with Mr. Abrams and found him to be very coopera- tive and that he is convinced Mr. Abrams will cooperate with the City in carrying out the terms of the franchise. ORDINANCE NO. 10998 GRANTING TO ELI ABRAMS, DBA COURTESY ADVERTISING COMPANY, A FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT AND MAINTAIN FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS AT LOCATIONS ON THE ROUTES OF BUSES AND OTHER PUBLIC CONVEYANCES IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, BENCHES FOR USE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC; TO USE AND EMPLOY THE STREETSIDE THEREOF FOR ADVERTISING; PROVIDING FOR A FIXED CHARGE FOR SAID FRANCHISE AND FOR PAYMENT OF A PERCENT OF THE GROSS RECEIPTS TO THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE DESIGNATION OF LOCATIONS AND THE PROPER CON- STRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SAID BENCHES; LIMITING THE CHARACTER AND KIND OF ADVERTISING PERMITTED; PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE TO PROTECT THE CITY AND GRANTEE AND THE PUBLIC; CONTAINING PROVISIONS FOR FORFEITURE OF THE FRANCHISES; CONTAINING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF SAME, SAID FRANCHISE NOT TO BE EXCLUSIVE. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally as amended by the following vote: Sizemore, Bonniwell, Branch, Gonzales, Lozano, and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Bosquez was ccsaa. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was recessed at 5:25 p.m., July 26, 1972,