Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/18/1974dr • PRESENT: ;v,IN T=S C;TY Or CORPUS CHR, 1, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING December 18, 1974 2:00 P.M. Mayor Jason Luby Mayor Pro Tem James T. Acuff Commissioners: Rev. Harold T. Branch Thomas V. Gonzales Ricardo Gonzalez Gabe Lozano, Sr. J. Howard Stark Hall. Church. City Manager R. Marvin Townsend City Attorney James R. Riggs City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Jason Luby called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of the City The Invocation was given by Reverend David Ashwin, Pastor of Palmcrest Baptist City Secretary Bill G. Read called the roll of those in attendance. Motion by Branch, seconded by Tom Go.izrles and passed, that the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 27, 1974 be approved as presented to the Council. Mayor Luby, assisted by the respective supervisors, prese^ted Commendation Retire— ment Plaques to the following City employees: Ronaldo E. Hernandez, truck driver, 20 years service, Sanitation Department; Feliciano S. Tijerina, truck driver, 19 years service, Sanitation Department; Jessie Thompson, account clerk, 18 years service, Utilities Office; Ruel F. Blewett, Engineer Assistant 11, 23 years service, Engineering Department; William E. Crews, Police Sgt., 26 years service, Police Department; Esiquio Espinoza, custodial worker, 20 years service, Maintenance Services; and Rudolfo Martinez, janitor, 28 years service, Health Department. Mayor Luby announced appointments to Boards & Committees. Motion by Branch, seconded by Lozano and passed, that the reappointment of Mr. Wm. Shireman on the Senior Community Services Advisory Committee, be approved and confirmed. Motion by Acuff, seconded by Lozano and pas -ed, that the appointment of Mrs. Edith Coffey to replace Mrs. Mary Botsford on the Citizens Health and Welfare Board, be approved and confirmed. Motion by Branch, seconded by Acuff and passed, that Mrs. Noe Garza (Joint City— County) be nominated to serve on the Citizens Health and Welfare Board and her name be submitted to the County for their consideration. Motion by Branch, seconded by Acuff and passed, that Mrs. O. L. Guy be appointed to serve on the Traffic Safety Advisory Board to replace Mr. Joel Flowers. • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 2 Motion by Acuff, seconded by Lozano and passed, that Mrs. G. Russell Kirkland be appointed to replace Mr. C. F. McCauley (Museum Board appointment) on the Museum Advisory Board. Mayor Luby called for the City Manager's Reports, and City Manager Townsend made requests and recommendations with related comments and explanations as follows: a. That a public hearing be held on January 15, 1974 on a request to close the 125' dead-end portion of Harrison Street. This is the remainder of Harrison Street which was dedicated in the original plat of Port Aransas Cliffs in the early 1900's and abuts Lots 63 and 64, Block 608, Port Aransas Cliffs located at 2862 Austin Street and dead -ends against Lots 1 and 2; Blcck 7, Resthaven Subdivision located at 2861. Lawnview Street. The City is the adjacent property owner. b. That bids be received at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, 1975 for unloading and hauling 2900 tons of rip rap stone from gondola rail cars on the railroad spur at Mathis to Wesley Seale Dam for downstream protection of the bars of the Nueces River below the Dam. A contract has been previously authorized for the purchase of the stone. c. That a contract be awarded to Hach Chemical Company, Ames, Iowa, for 3 turbidimeters for $3, 150 and to Honeywell, Inc., Corpus Christi for 3 recorders for $3,663, or a total low bid of $6,813, for the water treatment plants. Price comparison reveals an increase of 21%. Bids were received from 4 firms. (Bid Tab #70-74) d. That a two-year contract be awarded to the following firms, for uniform rental service for 334 City employees from various divisions on the basis of low bid, for a total of $101,574.50: (Bid Tab #71-74) Texas Industrial Service (Wash and wear uniforms) $85,786.06 National Linen Service (Cotton uniforms) 15,588.24 $101,574.50 Bids were received from 4 firms. Price comparison reveals a decrease of 1%. e. That a contract for one exhibit case for a dinasour head for the Hall of Earth Sciences at the Museum be awarded to S.P.F. Inc., Monroe, N.C., on the basis of low bid of $3,578.00. Bids were received from two firms. (Bid Tab #72-74) f. That a contract be awarded to Cooper Equipment Co., San Antonio for one asphalt distributor and one asphalt finisher for the low bid of $41,230.60 ($13,217 for the distributor and $28,013.60 for the finisher). Bids were received from 4 firms and a price • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 3 comparison on the distributor reveals an increase of 49.56% since 1969. (Bid Tab #73-74) g. That the yearly requirements of tires & tubes be purchased from Good Year Stores, Corpus Christi, for their low bid meeting specifications for $177,901 .00. The low bid received from B. F. Goodrich Stores, Corpus Christi, did not meet specifications as all of the tires which they quoted were not listed on the Federal Qualified Products List of tires tested and approved for use by the General Services Administration as called for in the specifications. The subject tires were not included on the list because of early wear out. The second low bid from Firestone Tire & Rubber Company was incomplete. They "no bid" two items and offered an unacceptable substitute on another item. The above price represents a 45.9% increase over last year. Bids were received from four firms. (Bid Tab #74-74) h. That a contract be awarded to Bill Wright Caliche, Robstown, for 52,320 tons of caliche delivered as needed on the basis of low bid for $182,702.80. The above price represents an increase of approximately 48.9% over last ye,r. Bids were received from three firms. (Bid Tab #75-74) i. That a contract be awarded for the testing of 52,320 tons of caliche to Trinity Testing Laboratories, Corpus Christi, on the basis of only bid received of $4, 185.60. This price reflects a decrease of approximately 46.6% from last year. (Bid Tab #76-74) j. That a contract be awarded to the following firms for the purchase of trees: Acorn Corporation, Sinton - (210 - 2" chinese tallows and 60 - 2" live oaks) $5,250.00 Turner Landscape, Inc., Corpus Christi - (220 - 2" cottonwoods and 30 - 3'-4' palms) 4,348.50 Bob's Nursery, Corpus Christi - (25 - 8'- 10' palms) 1,150.00 $10,748.50 That all bid; received for 100 - 1" Australian pines be rejected because the trees bid were not the size specified, the bids submitted by Currie Seed Company be rejected because the bids were on an "all or none" basis while the specifications called for award on a per item basis, and the bids submitted by Storm Landscape, Inc. be rejected because bid security was not submitted as required. Bids were received from 5 firms. Price comparison reveals an increase of 6.6% on live oaks and 39.4% on 8'-10' palms. The trees will be planted at the Golf Course, in Cole Park and the Ocean Drive medians, and in various neighborhood parks scheduled for improvement in • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 4 the 1972 bond election. (Bid Tab #77-74) k. That the bayfront open space park improvements, constructed by Asphalt Paving and Construction Company, be accepted and final payment of $46,124.62 be made for a total of $232,334.85 or $4,468 under the contract award. The contractor exceeded allotted working time by four days due to change orders, and thus an extension of time is recommended. Because the Taylor property improvements were deleted, several cost items were reduced. Change orders included relocation of the bicycle path in Oleander Park so it can eventually tie into a path ir. Cole Park; additional drainage, grading and lowering of the seawall in Palmetto Park to reduce erosion; adjustment of several manholes not shown on the plans; and additional concrete to fill a void at the end of the Palmetto Park seawall. This work completes the City's construction phase obligation of the HUD Open Space Grant for the five Bayfront Parks. The work included grading, filling, shaping, rip -rap construction, top soil, seeding, access roads, parking, drainage and bic,cle paths. I. That an easement be granted to Williams C. Cunningham along Lot 1, Block 2, Alta Vista Cliffs Addition, and along the easterly edge of Ropes Park for construction of a private storm sewer from the Cunningham property to the seawall. Mr. Cunningham appeared before the Council on October 23rd requesting assistance to correct a drainage problem on his property. m. That parking be prohibited on the south side of Ocean Drive for a distance of 1000 feet west of the Texas A & 1 exit road. This is necessary to maintain a protected lane for traffic entering Ocean Drive from the A & I exit, and to provide two lanes on Ocean Drive for each direction of travel. The Traffic Safety Advisory Board so recommends. n. That authority be granted to submit an application to the Criminal Justice Council for a one-year grant renewal of $80,941 for the Nueces County Organized Crime Control Unit and execute all necessary documents if the grant application is approved. This application will provide matching funds for the third year of operation of the unit. An Organized Crime Control Council, composed of heads of the Police Department, the Nueces County Sheriff's Department, and the District Attorney's Office was formed with each agency head selecting the men to serve on the Crime Control Unit. The Unit is supervised by a captain and support personnel includes three sergeants, two deputy sheriffs, a legal advisor, a secretary, and an analyst. The City's and County's in-kind match, primarily consisting of personnel for one year is $73,542. o. That rental rates for dry boat dock berths at the Marina be adopted. The Marina Board (meeting of December 5, 1974) and the staff recommend the following rates: • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 5 (1) $12.00/month for each bottom berth (2) $ 9.00/month for each second level berti- (3) $ 9.00/month for each third level berth p. That plans and specifications for restriping both runway centerlines, threshold markers, touchdown bars and some marking numbers at Corpus Christi International Airport be approved and bids be received on January 8, 1975. Normally, only one runway is striped per year; but both must be done this year because of the repairs made to Runway 13-31. The cost of restriping this runway will be included i n the suit against B & E Construction Company. q. That plans and specifications for the McGee Beach Improvements be approved and bids be received January 8, 1975. The project consists of an elevated ligi ed walkway connection from the existing seawall to the breakwater in front of Memorial Coliseum, lighting approximately repair to portions of the existing walkway on the breakwater, 1,800' of existing breakwater,/a concession stand, public restrooms, an elevated observation area and a fish cleaning facility. The project was approved in the 1972 Bond Election. r. That a contract for the Senior Cit;zens Facilities at Greenwood Drive and Lindale Park be awarded to William J. Shaw, Builder, for $589,282.60, and $605,000 be reappropriated from revenue sharing for the construction contract plus additional architectural fees and related expenses. The award exercises all deductive alternates including (a) substitution of metal cabinets for wooden cabinets; (b) elimination of the concrete berm panels; (c) use of post -tension rather than concrete beam slab foundation; (d) deletion of concrete roof tiles and use of asphalt shingles; and (e) modification of the site work at Lindale Park. Exercising these alternates reduces the construction contract by $48,821.51. However, $130,500 is still needed to award contract and can be obtained by reallocating $130,500 of revenue sharing funds allocated for Coliseum land- scaping and a reduction in the allocation for landfill equipment. s. That plans and specifications for the Williams Drive Drainage System be approved and bids be received January 15, 1975. The plans include the construction of a single and multiple box culvert from Airline Road to just past Weldon Smith Elementary School and the Palmcrest Baptist Church as this is the area where most of the development exists and includes the heavist pedestrian use by school children. Extension of the box to Rodd Field Road is included as an additive and deletion of a portion of the box near Airline Road as a deductive. t. That a resolution be passed in memory of Maurice L. Colvin, Human Relations Administrator for the City of Corpus Christi. • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 6 u. That a resolution be passed in recognition of the fact that the City has a multi- ethnic heritage and is a bilingual community and as a result, declaring the policy of the City Council that the City embrace programs that enhance the social standing of all races and contribute significantly to the multilingual heritage and background of the citizens, and in particular encourage the Bicentennial Commission to conduct its activities and programs to so reflect. Mrs. Arthur Ellis, 10935 Leopard Street, commended the Council for its intent to pas; a resolution in memory of Mr. Maurice L. Colvin, Human Relations Administrator. Mrs. Ellis stated she had worked with Mr. Colvin as a member of this Commission, are. avowed that he had made this City, Nation and World, a better place to live because of his dedication and devotion to the position for which he was assigned. Mayor Luby stated Mrs. Ellis' statement reflects the sentiment of the Council and expressed concern that Mr. Colvin's position will be difficult to fill. Mayor Pro Tem Acuff commented that speed zones along Rodd Field Road were too variable and as a result, confusing to motorists. City Manager Townsend explained that the problem is a result of the school zones, and this would be investigated to determine the status of these zones. Relative to Item "s" of the City Manager's recommendations, Mr. Charles DeWeese, principal of Smith Elementary School expressed appreciation on behalf of the School P.T.A., Church, and concerned residents, for having been allowed to voice their feelings in the matter of a closed box drainage facility vs. the open ditch type on Williams Drive. He stated they have no aplogies for feeling emotional as to the need to have the ditch covered, that he has seen school children standing on the edge of the ditch when it was at full tide, and that is why they recently reaffirmed their support for nothing less than a covered box the entire distance from Airline Road to Rodd Field Road. Mr. DeWeese expressed appreciation for the plans to cover the portion from Airline Road to just past Weldon Smith Elementary School and the Palmcrest Baptist Church, but did feel to leave the remaining section from the east side of the school property to Airline uncovered would be dangerous and hoped the Council would find some means to provide the funds to complete the job as was voted in the 1972 bond election. City Manager Townsend explained that the 1972 bond election provided $750,000 for the closed box drainage project, but soaring construction costs have increased the money needed to somewhere in the neighborhood of $1 .25 million, and the staff had proposed substitution of a • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 7 concrete -lined open ditch all the way from Airline Road to Rodd Field Road to cut the cost back to the original bond money available. He explained that it is the concensus of the Engineering Staff that a properly designed Tined channel with proper slope treatment, including landscaping, sprinklers and safety precautions to keep children out, is still an economical method of completing this project and would solve all drainage problems as easily or better than a concrete covered box and would carry the water more efficiently. He pointed out that the only fatal incident related to the drainage system had involved a closed box. He stated that because of the opposition encountered from the Williams Street area, the compromise recommendation was made for construc- tion as far as the funds would provide and construct a single and multiple box culvert froze Airline Road to just past Weldon Smith Elementary School and the Palmcrest Church as this is where most of the development exists and includes the heaviest pedestrian use by school children. He explained that after the bids are in, the staff will be in a better position to evaluate how much can be built, what other resources would be available, and if the bids are too high, the facility can be cut back from Airline. He further explained that the same condition exists on this project as other bond fund projects which have been reduced. He stated it may be possible to change priorities in allocation of revenue sharing funds and put more into the drainage systems. Motion by Acuff, seconded by Lozano and passed, Luby abstaining on Item "s", that the City Manager's Reports, Items "a" through "u", be accepted, and the requests and recom- menduIions be grunted, uppwuved and udopled, us pre.enled by CIIy Munuyet Townsend. Relative to the ordinance appearing on the agenda for third and final reading authorizing the purchase of Parcels 7 and 14, Block 91, Bayfront Science Park Extension, Mayor Luby submitted a written statement to the Council, City Secretary, and the news media, repeating his feelings of opposition to the purchase of any land in this area. The statement alleges that approximately one million dollars in revenue sharing money will have been expended to purchase land in an area included in the 1972 election which was, according to his interpretation of the law, defeated in said election; that the entire area encompasses more than 10 blocks, and the only area that might be deemed as requisite to approved building plans for the immediate future is Block 91 now being acquired after a long delay and at a considerable increase in cost; that this approximately one million dollars in revenue sharing funds is being spent illegally, and in his opinion should have been used for other approved projects such as the Williams Drive Drainage Ditch and other • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 8 improvements, and these could have proceeded as originally planned; that the City Council is not being responsive to the will of the qualified voters and is acting in a manner evidencing poor judgment. Mayor Luby stated that for these reasons, he will vote "Nay" to the ordinance proposed for the purchase of Parcels 7 and 14, Block 91, Bayfront Science Park Extension and will refrain from signing said ordinance when it is presented to him for signature. The foregoing charges drew strong criticism from the members of the Council and staff. Commissioner Stark stated the Council and staff had proceeded in a legal and orderly manner in land acquisition, that the auditorium was approved by the voters and had always been on Block 91. City Manager Townsend questioned if the Mayor's declaration not to S gn the ordinance means he is against the auditorium. Mayor Luby stated the staff had been given the authority to purchase the land for the auditorium several months ago and it could have been purchased then at a reason- able figure. Commissioner Ricardo Gonzalez stated he takes exception to the Mayor's comment that the Council has been unresponsive, which he stated is in fact taking a "slap at the face" of the people, the nonproperty owners who pay rent that goes for taxes, and people on the west side of town. He stated he considered the convention center bonds passed. Mayor Luby stated his written statement still stands, and "you will have an opportunity to vote for me in the future." City Manager Townsend presented the pending item of the application of Mr. Ricardo V. Cruz, for change of zoning from "R -1B" to "B-1" on Lot 42, Block 5, Casa Blanca Addition, located on the southeast corner of Nogales Street and Eisenhower Street. He explained that the application was heard by the City Council on September 4, 1974 and was denied but in lieu there- of a special permit was approved recognizing the proposed buildings as accessory to the principal grocery store use according to an approved site plan; that at the Council meeting of November 13, 1974, it was pointed ort that the Zoning Board of Adjustment has authority to grant a special exception for expansion of the permissible nonconforming use which would allow the building permit to be issued; that by formal action the Council requested that the City join with Mr. Cruz in an application before the Board of Adjustment for approval of the building permit and the fee be waived; that on November 26, 1974 the Board of Adjustment granted a special use exception for the addition and a special yard exception on both Nogales and Eisenhower Streets; and due to these events it is recommended that the application be denied. • • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 9 Motion by Acuff, seconded by Branch and passed, that Application #774-8, Ricardo V. Cruz, for change of zoning from "R -1B" to "B-1" on Lot 42, Block 5, Casa Blanca Addition, be denied. City Manager Townsend presented and discussed ordinances appearing on the agenda. Reverend David Ashwin, pastor of Palmcrest Baptist Church, stated he was speaking on behalf of concerned parents and individuals, and requested that the Council not approve the ordinance being presented for third and final reading authorizing purchase of Lots 7 and 14, Block 91, for Bayfront Science Park Expansion, but should consider using this money for removing hazards and for health and welfare purposes such as the Williams Drive Drainage Ditch. He questioned the legality of using revenue sharing funds for land acquisition. Commissioner Ricardo Gonzalez responded to Reverend Ashwin's statement regarding the purchase of Bayfront Science Park sites for entertainment, stating the Council is in the difficult position of trying to copy with unusual economic problems, and that the purchase of this land will set into motion an effort to increase the tax base which is badly needed. Commissioner Branch pointed out the dwindling taxable resources in the City and because of the economic situation, the City is caught inside this bind. He stated he definitely favors the purchase of land for the convention center, as it will produce more business throughout the community and increase the tax base. Mr. Harry L. Hoag, 474 Homecrest, spoke in opposition to the ordinance authorizing purchase of Parcels 7 and 14, Block 91, for Bayfront Park Expansion, stating the land is being purchased now at an increase in price, the delay was unnecessary, the money could have been put to a better use, and poor judgment had been used in establishment of priorities. City Manager Townsend responded to charges made by Mr. Hoag, and explained the 1972 Bond fund 5 -year program which established priorities. FIRST READING QF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, AS AMENDED, AND PARTICULARLY AMENDING SECTION 21-155, SCHEDULE III, "PARKING PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES ON CERTAIN STREETS", BY DELETING THEREFROM ITEM TO THE EFFECT OF PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF OCEAN DRIVE FOR A DISTANCE OF 500 FEET ON EACH SIDE OF THE TEXAS A & I UNIVERSITY AT CORPUS CHRISTI CAMPUS ENTRANCE; ADDING AN ITEM TO SAID SECTION 21-155 TO THE EFFECT OF PROHIBITING PARKING AT ALL TIMES ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF OCEAN DRIVE FOR A DISTANCE OF 1000 FEET WEST OF THE TEXAS A & I UNIVERSITY AT CORPUS CHRISTI CAMPUS EXIT ROAD; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye". • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 10 FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1958, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE IV, SECTION 9-49, "RATES AND RENTAL FEES FOR USE OF SLIPS AND DOCK SPACE", SO AS TO PROVIDE RATES AND RENTAL FEES FOR DRY DOCK BERTHS; DEFINING DRY DOCK BERTHS; PROVIDING OTHER FEES; PROVID- ING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Luby, present and voting "Nay". ORDINANCE NO. 12396 THIRD READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE REAL ESTATE SALES CONTRACT AND ALL -RELATED DOCUMENTS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PARCELS NO. 7 AND 14, (LOTS 1, 2, 10, 11 AND 12, BLOCK 91, BEACH PORTION TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI), FOR THE BAYFRONT SCIENCE PARK EXPANSION PROJECT; APPROPRIATING AND REAPPROPRIATING OUT OF THE 123 GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND $169,700 FOR ACQUISITION ACCORDING TO THE APPRAISED VALUES, OF WHICH AMOUNT $163,700 I5 FOR LAND ACQUISITION AND $6,000 IS FOR INCIDENTAL EXPENSES RELATED TO CLOSING AND DEMOLITION EXPENSE; A COPY OF WHICH I5 ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A" AND MADE A PART HEREOF. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye"; Luby present and voting "Nay". ORDINANCE NO. 12397 THIRD READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR USE BY THE. U. 5. GOVERNMENT IN ESTABLISHING AN OUTER MARKER FACILITY AS A PART OF THE INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM OF RUNWAY 35 OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE LEASE, A COPY OF WHICH I5 ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, MARKED EXHIBIT "A". The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye". ORDINANCE NO. 12398 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTIC COUNCIL FOR CONTINUATION OF THE NUECES COUNTY ORGANIZED CRIME CONTROL UNIT, A COPY OF SAID GRANT APPLICATION BEING ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY SECRETARY AND MADE A PART HEREOF BY REFERENCE, THE SAME AS IF COPIED VERBATIM HEREIN, AND TO EXECUTE THE GRANT AND ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS IF AND WHEN APPROVED; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye". • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 11 FIRST READING OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE FACT THAT THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI HAS A MULTIETHNIC HERITAGE, AND FURTHER RECOGNIZING THE FACT THAT THE CITY IS A BILINGUAL COMMUNITY, IT IS DECLARED HEREBY TO BE THE POLICY OF THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE CITY EMBRACE PROGRAMS THAT ENHANCE THE SOCIAL STAND- ING OF ALL RACES AND CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE MULTIETHNIC NATURE OF OUR COMMUNITY. The foregoing resolution was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye". RESOLUTION NO. 12400 RESOLUTION THAT THE CITY COUNCIL EXPRESSES ITS DEEP REGRET UPON THE PASSING OF MAURICE L. COLVIN, AND EXTENDS ITS HEARFELT SYMPATHY TO llIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing resolution was passed by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye". ORDINANCE NO. 12401 AMENDING THE CITY BUDGET; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH WILLIAM J. SHAW, BUILDER, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS COMMUNITY CENTERS AND LINDALE PARK IMPROVEMENTS; CANCELLING THE APPROPRIATION OF $100,000 IN ACTIVITY 3571, CODE 502, OF THE NO. 123 GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND FOR COLISEUM LANDSCAPING AND $30,714 OF THE REMAIN- ING APPROPRIATION OF $269,540 IN ACTIVITY 3554, CODE 503, OF THE NO. 123 GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND FOR THE PURCHASE OF LANDFILL EQUIPMENT AND REAPPROPRIATING SAID FUNDS TO ACTIVITY 3656, CODE 502, IN THE NO. 123 GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND; AND APPROPRIATING AND REAPPROPRIATING $474,286 OUT OF THE NO. 124 GENERAL REVENUE SHARING FUND, ACTIVITY 3656, CODE 502; OF THE TOTAL ABOVE REAPPROPRIATION OF $605,000, $589,282.60 IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, $7,627.65 IS FOR ADDITIONAL ARCHITECTURAL FEES OF TURNER, ROME, COTTON AND ASSOCIATES, INC., AND $8,089.75 IS FOR CONTINGENCIES AND INCI- DENTAL EXPENSES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Ay .". ORDINANCE NO, 12402 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINACE 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, BY AMENDING ARTICLE 4, GENERAL PROVISIONS, DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT MAPS, BY ADD- ING A NEW SECTION, TO BE NUMBERED SECTION 4-5, BUILDINGS FOR TELEPHONE SERVICE EXCEPTED; AMENDING ARTICLE 30, CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS, BY AMEND- ING SECTION 30-3 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO BE SENT TO ALL OWNERS OF PROPERTY OR TO THE PERSON RENDERING THE SAME FOR CITY TAXES TO WHICH PROPOSED REZONING OR USE CLASSIFICATION OF A LOT, PARCEL OR DISTRICT • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 12 WOULD APPLY; AMENDING SECTION 30-3 BY STRIKING THE PRESENT PARAGRAPHS 2 AND 3, AND IN LIEU THEREOF ADDING THREE SUBSECTIONS TO BE DESIGNATED AS 30-3.01, 30-3.02 AND 30-3.03, PROVIDING FOR FINAL REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO BE FORWARDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITHIN 45 DAYS AND PROVIDING CERTAIN OTHER CONDITIONS, FOR PUBLICATION, AND PUBLIC HEARING; KEEPING IN EFFECT ALL OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE AS AMENDED; REPEALING ALL ORDI- NANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye". ORDINANCE NO. 12403 AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF A DRAINAGE EASEMENT TO WILLIAMS C. CUNNINGHAM ALONG LOT 1, BLOCK 3, ALTA VISTA CLIFFS ADDITION, AND ALONG THE EASTERLY ADDITION OF ROPES PARK, IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIVATE STORM SEWER FROM THE CUNNINGHAM PROPERTY TO THE SEAWALL, AS MORE PARTICULARLY SET FORTH IN THE EASEMENT, ACOPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, MARKED EXHIBIT "A"; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and tI-.e foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, Acuff, Branch, Thomas Gonzales, Ricardo Gonzalez, Lozano and Stark, present and voting "Aye". City Secretary Read stated that according to his tabulation all ordinances voted upon were passed with votes as noted. Motion by Acuff, seconded by Branch and passed, that the Regular Meeting be recessed for the purpose of holding the public hearings scheduled at 3:30 p.m. on four zoning cases. Mayor Luby reconvened the Regular Meeting at 4:25 p.m. and called for petitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Paul Vogler, Jr. commended the Council for passing o resolution expressing sympathy to the family of Mr. Maurice L. Colvin, but felt it appropriate that consideration should be given to some type of plaque for his dedicated service to the City which took consider- able amount of Mr. Colvin's time away from his home. Mr. Vogler stated he would be willing to pay for the plaque. The Council agreed that this should and would be done. Mr. James J. Richey, 942 Salem, appeared and stated a new policy should be estab- lished for foreclosure procedures on delinquent taxes, and there should be something other than the Tax Assessor -Collector's judgment on which to base the action. He stated it appeared that the present policy is to file suit against the small owner and allow the larger more affluent • Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 18, 1974 Page 13 accounts to remain unpaid for years. Also, he stated he does not approve of the capitalistic practice of the City bidding back the property offered for sale at public auctions. He told the Council that the City would profit more if they gave the properties away and put them back on the tax rolls since it is costly to the City to maintain vacant property. City Manager Townsend explained that the City bids on property at tax sales but only the appraised value; that they do not file suit on delinquent taxes until there has been an accumu- lation equal to the value; that the City only owns four parcels of surplus property at the present time and attempts have been made for the sale of them; that bids had gone out on a particular piece of property with a ridiculously low price bid which the City rejected; Shat in another instance a zoning change is needed. He explained that installment payments are allowed on delinquent taxes under a reasonable agreement. He pointed out that in some cases where the Tots are substandard in size they should not be sold allowing them to remain substandard because these usually become blight and slums. Mr. Richey commented that small houses could be built on these small lots and there probably would be a good market for them. Mr. Williams Cunningham, 3610 Ocean Drive, thanked the Council and staff for their action in granting an easement for construction of a private storm sewer to correct a drainage problem on his property. There being no further business to come before the Council, motion by Stark, seconded by Acuff and passed, that the Regular Meeting be adjourned at 4:45 p.m., December 18, 1974.