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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/26/1975 - Specialc..nSENT: Mayor Jason Luby Mayor Pro Tem Bill Tipton Commissioners: Eduardo de Ases Ruth Gill Bob Gulley Gabe Lozano, Sr. Edward Sample Mayor Luby T41Nt1TES SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING SKINNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NOVEMBER 26, 1975 7:00 P.M. called to order the meeting ' City Manager R. Marvin Townsend Assistant City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Bill R. Read for the public hearing on the assessments regarding the Molina Area Unit II street improvements, Part "B", and welcomed in attendance. City Secretary Read called the roll and stated there was a quorum of the Council the people and the necessary Charter Officers present. to have a legally constituted meeting. Assistant City Attorney Hal George questioned Director of Engineering and Physical Development James Lontos as to his qualifications; a formal resume of his qualifications was offered into evidence and is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference, the same as if written herein. Mr. Lontos explained the project, which involved improvements on four streets to be constructed providing curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveways,and drainage improvements on a;lbw bid submitted by King Construction Company. He reviewed the assessment rates for the project per square foot and stated that the total contract price would be $482,326.56; the preliminary assessments would be $209,780.96; and the net cost to the City would be $272,545.60. He stated that the project should be completed in 6 to 8 months; that at that time the property owners would be sent bills for their assessments, to be paid according to an agreement which would be worked out jointly with the City Staff. Mr. Lontos also explained the terms of payment. Assistant City Attorney Hal George questioned real estate dealer and appraiser Harold A. Carr as to his qualifications; a formal resume of his qualifications was offered into evidence and is attached hereto as Exhibit "8" and incorporated herein by reference, the same as if written herein. Mr. Carr stated he had examined each and every parcel of land involved in the project; and that he believes that, subject to his suggested revisions, every piece of property on the assessment roll would be enhanced in value at least to the extent of the assessment. Mr. Moses Montgomery, 4610 Molina, inquired if the assessment would be payable by the month. City Manager Townsend replied that it is not due until the project is completed, at which time snneone from the City Staff would contact him to determine how he wished to make payment; that it could be paid monthly on a five or ten-year basis in hardship cases. Mr. Sonica, 4418 Herrera, appeared before the Council and stated he awns a 50' lot with one driveway and a residence on it, but did not receive a letter from the City regarding his assessment. He was referred to the City Staff for assistance. , T--ates Special Council Meeting November 26, 1975 Page 2 Mrs. Perez welcomed the Council to Molina; she explained that she has three lots, and questioned if she would have to make three separate payments. City Manager Townsend responded that each piece of property must have a separate contract and a separate lien; but if she would inform the City Staff when they contact her that she wishes to make only one payment for all three assessments, it could be arranged in that manner. Mr. De La Garza requested that Mr. Lontos repeat the breakdown of the total cost of the project. He then stated his uncle who lives in the area is blind and cannot work; he questioned if his uncle would have to pay the total price for the sidewalk improvements on his lot. City Manager Townsend explained that the cost of the project goes against the property and stays as a lien on the property which must some day be paid --either by the heirs or a future purchaser of the property. He stated that if a person is not in a position to make payments, they can try to work something out. Mr. De La Garza continued that his uncle's only income is social security; would he have to make payments out of his social security check. City Manager Townsend responded that to his knowledge the City had never fore- closed against an individual and taken his property away; but that the assessment stays as an obligation against the property which must eventually be paid. Mr. Garza, superintendent of 'West Oso Independent School District, stated he wished to go on record as thanking the Mayor, City Council and Staff for their wonderful work in upgrading the community; that the people are proud of it. He then requested if there was any extra dirt left over from this project that it be given to the high school, where it is badly needed. He also questioned when Bloomington Street would be open to through traffic; he stated an emergency vehicle could get lost in the area or be critically delayed if the drivers were not familiar with the street pattern. City Manager Townsend explained that the owners of the tracts of land needed for the Bloomington extension were not ready to develop and they did not desire to make the street dedication at this time; but the City was aware of the problem and was working on it. Mr. Jimenez indicated that he was afraid there would be higher taxes for the property owners after the streets are finished. City Manager Townsend replied that taxes are based directly on market value, which in part is determined by the resale value of property; that the only way his taxes would go up would be if the value of his property went up; that there would be no automatic increase because of the improvements. He explained that if the other properties on the street sold at a substantially higher price than before the improvements were made, his taxes would be increased accordingly. Minutes Special Council Meeting November 26, 1975 Page 3 Mr. Jimenez then stated he awns about five properties in the area and the improvements to those properties would be about $10,000; he asked if the City could construct the sidewalks and let him put in the type of driveway he wished at his own expense. City Manager Townsend reviewed that the maximum rate; assessed for sidewalks was $.75 per square foot, and $4.75 per linear foot for curbs, gutters and pavement. He explained that the above charges are not the full cost for the improvements, and that Mr. Jimenez could not get a private contractor or even do the work himself for that amount. He also explained that it had not worked out satisfactorily in the past for the owners to construct their own sidewalks and driveways, and explained the reasons why. Mr. Benny Benavides spoke supporting opening up Bloomington Street so that parents would have access to West Oso High School and to eliminate possible confusion for emergency vehicles. Commissioner Tipton inquired if Mr. Benavides lived in the Molina area. Mr. Benavides replied that he did not, but he had a relative who lived there. Since there was no opposition from the audience, it was the concensus of the Council to proceed with the project. City Manager Townsend reported that the final roll would be before them in two weeks. Motion by de Ases, seconded by Gulley and passed, that the hearing be closed. By mutual consent, the Special Council Meeting of November 26, 1975 adjourned at 7:50 p.m. I, JASON LUBY, Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, certify that the foregoing minutes, same being for the period of November 5, 1975 to November 26, 1975, inclusive, and having been previously approved by Council action, are by me hereby approved, as itemized: 11/5/75 - Regular Meeting 11/12/75 - Regular Meeting 11/19/75 - Regular Meeting 11/26/75 - Regular Meeting 11/26/75 - Special Meeting City of Corpus Christi, Texas