HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/26/1974 - Specialw+�ref
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
December 26,1974
7:00 P. M.
PRESENT:
Mayor Jason Luby
Mayot Pro Tem James T. Acuff
Commissioners:
Thomas V. Gonzales
Rev. Harold T. Branch
Gabe Lozano, Sr.
City Manager R. Marvin Townsend
Executive Assistant City Attorney Michael May
: City Secrdtary Bill G. Read
City Staff: Richard Mertz, Adm. Assistant; Larry Wenger Chief
Planner; Ernest'Briones, Director of Planning & Urgan Development;
James K. Lontos, Director of Engineering & Physical Development;
Gerald Smith, Chief Engineer; Joe Pierce, Paving Coordinator; and
Ron Stubing, Neighborhood Improvement.
Mayor Jason Luby called the meeting to order in the Ella Barnes Junior
High School.
The Invocation was given by Commissioner Branch.
City Secretary Bill G. Read called the rollof those in attendance.
City Manager Townsend explained the purpose of the meeting was to hold
a public hearing on assessments for the Austin School Area Street Improvements,
Unit II, to allow those interested property owners an opportunity to express
'themselves regarding the specifications of the project and to make comments as to
the assessments levied against their individual properties which will provide a
framework for the assessments. He explained that the hearing is a result of peti-
tions which have been circulated and filed by property owners abutting the streets
proposed to be paved, and which were included in the 1972 Bond Election from which
the City's portion of the cost will be paid. He stated the Director of Engineering
and Pnysical Development will present the plans and specifications, and that
Executive Assistant City Attorney Michael May will conduct the hearing.
Mr.'May stated the purpose of the meeting is to comply with the statutes
regarding paving assessments; that testimony will be heard from the Director of
Engineering and. Physical Development, and evaluation testimony from a real estate
appraiser to substantiate the assessments which appear on the assessment roll, and
that this hearing is to form a basis on which the Council, acting as a legislative
body, would determine or establish the assessments on the abutting properties.
Director of Engineering and Physical Development James K. Lontos was
interrogated as to his occupation, time of residence in the City, and formal
qualifications and familiarity with the subject project. He presented plans and
specifications, explained the nature and extent of the proposed improvements, and
pointed out the location on the map the streets involved as follows: (1) Vera
Cruz, from Baldwin Boulevard to Lou; (2) Torreon, from Baldwin to Lou; (3) Cortez,
a
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 26, 1974
Page 2
from Baldwin to Lou; (4) Havana, from Pine to Agnes; (5) Balboa, from Baldwin to
Agnes; (6) Pueblo, from Pine to Agnes; (7) Shawnee, from Baldwin to Agnes; (8)
Hiawatha, from Chippewa to Agnes; (9) Virginia, from Baldwin to Agnes; (10) Mohawk,
from Baldwin to Agnes; (11) Francesca, from Ruth to Agnes; (12) Tampico, from Balboa
to Galvan; (13) Galvan (Juanita), from Balboa to Cortez; (14) Pine, from Hiawatha to
Cortez; (15) Lou, from Virginia to Airport; (16) Huron, from Hiawatha to Virginia;
and (17) Chippewa, from Pueblo to Virginia. He explained that the project is all
residential type street improvements and includes installation of 6" standard curb and
gutter section; the installation of pavement of 28 feet measured from back of curbs;
€ inches of 4% lime stabilized soil base and 2" Hot -Mix Asphalt surface; installation
of sidewalks varying in width from four feet to five feet and 4" thick reinforced
concrete, standard reinforced concrete driveways where shown on the plans or where
the owners may request; and storm sewers and appurtenances are proposed to be con-
structed to permit proper drainage of the completed streets. He explained that the
assessment rates have been determined in accordance with the City's assessment policy
and by using the unit prices taken fromthe low bid submitted by Burtex Constructors,
Inc. He stated the total contract price is $796,375.13, total preliminary assess-
ment, $403,780.62, and total City portion $392,594.51. He explained that the
standard rate of $4.75 per linear foot has been assessed for church, school, or
strictly residential property. He pointed out on the map examples of irregular
lots, corner lots and interior lots, and explained the calculated assessment rates.
Mr. Lontos also explained the method of payment as prescribed by ordinance and stated
that no payments are due until the project is completed. He explained that the
preliminary assessment roll as submitted to the Council, reflects the changes
recommended by the City's real estate appraiser, and that these changes are concurred
in by the staff.
Mr. Lontos stated that two letters had been received in protest of the
proposed assessments, one from Mr. David M. Coover, pertaining to Lot 59, Block 3,
San Pedro Addition owned by Corpus Investments, Inc., protesting the assessments
on the basis that the proposed improvements would be of no benefit to this lot due to
a lien on the property by the City which has not been paid and does not meet City
standards to build upon, therefore, the proposed assessments for paving or sidewalk
improvements could not possibly enhance the property's value. He reported that a letter
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 26, 1974
Page 3
had been received from Mr. Scott T. Cook with reference to the assessments
against Marston Rental Service and Westside Lumber Company properties, protesting
the installation of a five foot wide sidewalk on the basis there is not sufficient
residential uses in this area, the sidewalk will be too close to their building
creating a potential hazard. The installation of the proposed curb, gutter and
paving of Francesca Street is not protested but would improve the use of the
property along both sides of the street for the entire section proposed to be paved.
Mr. Lontos stated that Mr. Coover also objected to the hearing being scheduled
for December 26.
Mr. Harold Carr testified as to his identity as a real estate appraiser,
time of residence in the City, occupation, experience as an appraiser of all types
of real estate, his present occupation, and familiarity with the subject project.
He stated he had examined each parcel of land included in this project and in his
opinion, all properties appearing on the preliminary assessment roll would be
enhanced in value as a result of the improvements at least to the extent of the
assessments as corrected on the preliminary assessment roll which reflects his
recommendations for reductions on irregular shaped lots.
Mayor Luby called for comments and questions from the audience and the
following persons appeared:
Mr. Raul E. Soliz, Lot 23, Block 7, Meadow Park Addition, inquired as to
reasons for varied rates applied to different properties. Mr. Lontos explained
that property zoned "I-2" and "A-2" is assessed the full rate instead of the
residential rate assessed on property zoned or used for single -family.
City Manager Townsend stated it would be his recommendation to consider
reducing the assessments on all those properties which are within the "A-2" zoned
areas recognizing that they are being used for residential purposes exclusively.
Mr. Charles Bolden inquired as to the government's role in paving projects
such as this, and questioned how the assessments are built into the program. He
stated that at the time Hillcrest Addition was improved through the Code Enforcement
Program, people were told that these streets would be financed 100% through federal
funds, and later they were assessed for the improvements. He commented that he does
not think the federal government knows that the City is assess3ng,these people.
City Manager Townsend explained that Hillcrest streets were paved under the Code
Enforcement Program and was not a 100% federally funded project; that the subject
41/1 111/1
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 26, 1974
Page 4
project does not involve any federal money but is the last major project included in the
1970-72 bond programs and brought about by voluntary petitions from the property
owners.
Mrs. Francisco Vigil, 330 Hiawatha, inquired whether or not the taxes
on the properties being improved would be increased as a result of the improvements.
City Manager Townsend explained that the ad valorem taxes are based on the market
value of the property and sales of property in the area. He stated the property
should be rendered for the amount the individual feels it could be sold, and if it
is taxed more than 60 percent of that amount, an appeal should be made to the
Eaualization Board.
Mr. Casciano Gonzales, 438 Hiawatha, inquired if the improvements would
improve an existing drainage problem at Baldwin and Hiawatha. He stated there is
a lake of water at this location following every rain. Mr. Gonzales also inquired
if there would be some restriction to prevent cars from parking on the new sidewalks.
Mr. Lentos explained that there are no storm sewers in the plans at this particular
location, but this situation would be investigated. Mr. Townsend stated that
parking cars on sidewalks is against the law and should be reported.
Various questions were raised by unidentified persons in the audience
relative to the following: method provided for paying the assessments; what
happens to the "profit" the City makes on the interest paid on time payments; why
the revenue sharing money is not being used for street improvement projects such
as this and Where is the government money being spent; why has Carver Street not
been included in any paving project; and why had Flores Street not been completed as
provided for in a bond fund program. It was suggested that time payments be
staggered according to the ability of the property owner to pay.
City Manager Townsend explained in detail how revenue sharing money is
being utilized, and responded to all other questions raised. He explained that the
money set aside for improvement of Flores street is still available for that
purpose, but the obligation of a property ownerto•establish the street and pay one-
half the cost, has not at this time become a reality. Mr. Townsend also explained
that the interest collected from time payments on street assessments is revolving
and goes toward the cost of improving other streets in the City. He further
explained that all assessments must be made equal with no discrimination as is
provided by law.,
Mr. Lucio Garcia of the Zavala Neighborhood Center spoke in favor of the
paving program. On another matter, he criticized any action to block federal funds
proposed to temporarily finance costs of the NIP Program, stating he hoped the Mayor
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 26, 1974 - Page 5
would reconsider this matter.
Mr. Briones translated all questions and answers in Spanish for the
benefit of the Spanish-speaking audience.
No one else appeared to speak for or against the assessments.
Motion by Acuff, seconded by Branch and passed, that the'hearing be closed.
Mayor Luby opened the meeting to discussion of the proposed application
for funding under the new Community Development Act.
City Manager Townsend explained that all programs have been lumped into one
program, and the City will receive during 1974 an average of what this City has
received in the last five years, and the purpose of this meeting and the meetings
which have been held in the various communities and the Planning Commission is to
receive citizen input as to how this money should be spent.
Mr. Ernest Briones, Planning and Urban Development Director, presented a
summary of the new Community Development concept approved by Congress. He translated
his comments in Spanish for the benefit of the Spanish speaking audience. The summary
included plans for development of the application, the conclusions reached from various
neighborhood meetings held over the past several weeks, and housing assistance plan
and budget recommendations for the first-year program. He explained that the system
of block grants or revenue sharing has been under discussion for several years and
discussions of different types of legislation that would eliminate the need for
categorical grants and make provisions for municipalities or local governments to
receive funds in block grants, and the Community Development Act was the end result.
He explained that the plan consolidates Several categorical programs that previously
existed, including open space, water and sewer grants, urban renewal, model cities,
neighborhood facilities and demolition programs, and this consolidation into block
grants gives the cities an opportunity to develop their own programs according to
locally conceived priorities and to request funds for programs they feel have a high
priority in the community.
Mr. Briones Stated that as a result of meetings held thus far, it appears
that the general concensus is that the first year of Community Development Block
Grant funds be spent (1) housing rehabilitation in poor areas; (2) street improvements;
and (3) multipurpose neighborhood facilities. He pointed out on a map the low income
areas which are under Consideration for use of the funds and reviewed the Planning
Commission's recommendations forwarded to the Council following their meeting of
December 17 which were: (1) that a total of $1,405,000 be earmarked for street and
houaing improvements, two-thirds be allocated for housing improvements alone and that
the remaining one-third' be allocated for improvements to major neighborhood arteries
•Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 26, 1974
Page 6
.(containing such community facilities as churches, schools and bus routes) and
staffing for administration of the program; and further, that the subsequent
allocations remain in place according to the staff proposal; (2) that the staff be
authorized to prepare specific guidelines for grants to the indigent, elderly,
disabled, etc., and that no grants or loans be made to landlords owning more than
two rental units; and (3) expenditure of federal funds for continuing programs such
as the NIP administration,and recommended that the Council commence exploring now
the possibility of the City providing its own resources to continue such programs
effective thenext budget year.
City Manager Townsend commented that apparently the primary concern of
persons in neighborhoods is that three percent loans be, made available for housing
improvements. He explained that there are major problems as to the mechanics
under Texas Law, and this has not been worked out as yet. He stated a recommenda-
tion will be presented within the next two weeks as to a system that might be possible
under Texas Laws.He explained that the interest will be determined by income levels
of families involved; that loans would be allowed where they are most needed and it
1s thought that funds will be available for both the Washington and Carver area. He
further explained that these are not grants but loans and will have to be paid back,
and as they are paid back, they are revolving and will go into more loans.
A question and answer period followed to which Mr. Briones and City Manager
Townsend responded. Various questions were posed such as: will these be grants
or loans; will there be special exceptions for elderly persons on fixed incomes who
cannot afford to pay back a loan; will this program be connected in any way with
Community Action Agency; and will the priorities deal with needy individuals who
cannot pay back a loan.
Mr. Charles Bolden complained that the neighborhoods had been asked to express
themselves as to what they felt the priorities should be and it stated it had been
Clearly expressed that they want grants and not loans. He commented that the plan
presented by Mr. Briones is entirely different and they feel their time had been
wanted.
Mr. Tony Bonilla stated that numerous citizens appeared at the Planning
Commission meeting, and most expressed the desire for housing improvements as the
top priority including improvements in Carver area, street improvements, and
multi-purpose centered and that it was recommended that two-thirds "should be loans
but they had specifically mentioned that some grants be included. He suggested that
•
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 26, 1974
Page 7
the staff work out a criteria of who should receive these grants. Mr. Bonilla
pointed out hardship cases of persons wholly dependent on social security stating
thereare many in that predicament. Mr. Bonilla stated that the recommendations of
the Planning Commiseion had been based on citizen input and from the staff and most of
the citizen input supported the two-thirds of the total first year funding for
housing. He further stated it ie not logical to expect elderly persons who awn
their homes and have no debts to assume responsibility of improving their streets
and pay for the assessments, and for that reason, he feels there should be specific
guidelines for grants to the indigent, elderly, disabled, and outright grants for
those who qualify in these categoriee.
A representative of the Molina Neighborhood Council stated this group is
on record in support of the housing improvements as first priority, streets as
second priority, and multiple purpose centers as third.
Mr. Lucio Garcia, representing the Zavala Neighborhood Center, stated
this group recommended that 100 percent of the first year funding be used for housing &
street improvements second, and multi-purpose as third. He stated they favored
loans at 3 percent and some grants to the people who are in need of them. He
inquired if their requests mould be honored or would there just be promises,
stating that Whet Mr. Briones presented is not What the people have indicated they
want. Mr. Garcia questioned Mayor Luby's vote against the City Manager's recom-
mendation to amend the existing Neighborhood Improvement Program contract by
ordinance seeking use of federal funds to temporarily finance administrative costs
of Neighborhood Improvement Program employees. Mayor Luby explained that he did not
have prior information on this matter before it was presented and he voted against
it because he felt this money should have been used for grants or loans.
Mr. Henry Garcia, representative of the Molina Neighborhood Center,
complained of the repetitious presentations of the City staff of the Community
Development plan, stating it appeared they were pressing for what they want and not
what the people have indicated they want. He stated these minorities represent
approximately 50 percent of people in the City and they should have a definite
voice in this program. Mr. Garcia commented that one important objective
has been left out of the program, and suggested that a plan for teaching minority
groups all the things that go into the economic process be included which would
improve the environment and provide economic opportunity to persona of moderate
income.
Minutes
Special Council Meeting
December 26, 1974
Page 8
City Manager Townsend stated he agreed with Mr. Garcia's comments and
emphasized the importance of programs for development of skills in minority
groups. Re explained that this had been one of the weaknesses in the entire
program, and commented that the whole concept of Community Development should go
hand in hand with the problems of housing and street improvements.
No one else appeared to speak relative to the Community Development
Program.
Motion by Acuff, seconded by Branch and passed, that Commissioners
Stark and Ricardo Gonzalez be excused for just cause.
Motion by Acuff, seconded by Branch and passed, that the Special Meeting
be adjourned at 10:10 p.m., December 26, 1974.
I, JASON LUBY, Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, certify that the foregoing
minutes, same being for the period December 11, 1974 to December 26, 1974, inclusive,
and having been previously approved by Council action, are by me hereby approved.
JASON'LUBY, Mayor
City of Corpus Christi, Texas