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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/28/1976 - SpecialPRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Tipton Commissioners: Eduardo de Ases Bob Gulley Gabe Lozano, Sr. Edward Sample MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING WALDRON FIELD ROAD JANUARY 28, 1976 7:00 P.M. City Manager R. Marvin Townsend Assistant City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Pro Tem Tipton called the meeting to order for the public hearing on the assessments regarding the Waldron Field Road Street Improvements, Metropolitan Highway 141, from Purdue Road to Caribbean Drive, and welcomed the people in attendance. City Secretary Read noted there was a quorum of the Council 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 excavation to a width and depth to permit the construction of pavement, curb and gutter, on a low bid submitted by Abacus Corp. He reviewed the assessment rates for the project per square foot and stated that the total contract price would be $713,877.28; the State's portion would be $417,577.28; the City's portion would be $296,300.00; the preliminary assessments totaled $105,554.59; and the net cost to the 'City would be $190,745.41. He stated that the project should be completed in about seven 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; and Mr. Lontos 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 "B" 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; that he had found only regularly -shaped lots; and that in his opinion each piece of property on the assessment roll would be enhanced in value at least to the extent of the individual assessment. nutes _pedal Council Meeting January 28, 1976 Page 2 With the photolog machine, Mr. Gerald Smith of the Engineering Department reviewed the present condition of the area, and pointed out several large ditches along the side of Waldron Road which would be eliminated as a result of the street improvements; he also noted the heavy concentration of traffic along Waldron Road near the area of the school . Mayor Pro Tem Tipton opened the floor for discussion from the audience. Mr. Bob Rice, 2919 Waldron Road, asked how the improvements could increase their property values when they are only a short section of Waldron Road, and do not start or finish at any crossroads. Mr. Lontos responded that these improvements were included in the 1972 bond election and were discussed with the residents of Flour Bluff prior to that time; that it was the concensus of the Staff, residents and other citizens to develop this portion of Waldron Road first because the most traffic is in this particular area. Mr. Carr added that he felt this was just the beginning of the improvements for this whole street; that it had to start here where there was such a tremendous concentration of traffic; and he repeated that in his opinion all of the properties will be enhanced in value to the extent of their assessment. Mr. Rice continued that he will be paying over 10% of the assessments --some $13,000 --and that he would have no objection to the taxes if the improvements involved the whole street; but that until then he could not see where it would help his property at all . Mr. Charles Conley stated he is afraid it will take 2-2 1/2 years to complete the whole section of Waldron Road; he asked that City sewer lines be put in along all of Waldron Road; that perhaps the entire project could then be completed in 1-1 1/2 years time. Mr. Lontos clarified that this project will take 6-7 months; he stated there is a sewer line all along Waldron Road although some tracts are not tied onto it. City Manager Townsend added that at the present time there are no plans for further improvements to this area; that they would require approval of bonds. Mr. Rice corrected Mr. Lontos that there is not a sewer line all the way down this section of Waldron Road, but that there are some lift stations. Mr. Gerald Smith clarified that Mr. Rice's property is on a lift station, but that there is a line available to extend to his property. Mr. Conley stated he has some property on Waldron close to Purdue which does not have City sewer facilities; also that he is concerned about so much new development in the Flour Bluff area; and that new homes are being put on City sewer service while the older homes here are not. Minutes :tial Council Meeting .nuary 28, 1976 Page 3 Mr. Wendell Keetch, past president of the Flour Bluff Civic League, stated that they were not aware until the Capital Improvements Program was published that this particular portion of Waldron Road hod been selected; that he wanted it clear that the Civic League did not select this particular area for the improvements. City Manager Townsend reviewed that the original Staff recommendation for the first phase of the improvements was to start at NAS Drive and head south; but that at the public hearings it was made clear that the people didn't want the section beginning at NAS Drive to be improved first, but rather this area near the school. Mr. Keetch restated that they did not know that this particular portion of Waldron Road had been selected until the Capital Improvements Program was to be voted upon; and that he recalls their r. preference was beginning at Padre Island Drive, not NAS Drive. City Manager Townsend stated that the contract is already awarded; that the matter before the Council at this time is who will pay which portion of the project. Mr. Joe Shields inquired if storm drains would be put in on this road; and Mr. Lontos replied that there would be several additional storm sewers constructed along Waldron Road, and explained the proposed locations for them. He added that the existing road will be cut down so that water will be collected by the gutters and go into the storm sewer system at a much higher velocity than it presently does with the ditches. Mr. Shields stated that after the construction, he is fearful that there will be water up to his front door; he said that he gets a large runoff now. Father Freeman asked if the City had learned from its previous mistakes, such as with the work on Caribbean Street. Mr. Lontos explained that construction for utility lines is much more difficult in Flour Bluff in terms of excavation and the water table; but that he is sure the storm sewers will be adequate to carry the drainage; and that the contractor will keep the roads open and, hopefully, it will not be too much inconvenience to the citizens. Mrs. McKinley stated that whenever there is a hard rain her front yard and driveway wash out; she questioned if Waldron Field would take care of that problem. Mr. Lontos responded that the large storm sewer pipe is designed to carry the drainage off of Waldron Field into the ditch. A lady complained that although Waldron Road at Purdue has been widened into four lanes, it is not marked as four lanes; that people drive in the middle of the lanes and you cannot pass them. lutes .cial Council Meeting January 28, 1976 Page 4 She asked that it be marked for four -lane traffic. Mr. Lontos admitted that widening the shoulder had created a ridge on the road, and said that the City would repair that part of it. Mr. Charles Conley mentioned again the traffic situation at the school on Waldron Road; he stated that on rainy days there seem to be more cars there, and was concerned about the danger for everybody with the road under construction. Motion by de Ases, seconded by Sample and passed, that the hearing be closed. Adjourned at 8:15 p.m. DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT JAMES K. IONTOS Date of Birth Place of Birth A. Education November 12, 1933 Greece Attended Arlington State College 1954 - 1958 . University of Texas at Austin; B.S. in Civil Engineering B. Professional Registration 1. Registered Professional Engineer, State of Texas; License No. 21132 'since 1962 2. Licensed Real Estate Broker. C. Employment Record 1. Aug. 1, 1973 to present Director of Engineering & Physical Development, City of Corpus Christi 2. Oct. 28, 1971 to Aug. 1, Director of Engineering Services, City of 1973 Corpus Christi I . 3. 1969 - 1971 Assistant Director of Public Works, City of Corpus Christi 4. 1966 - 1969 5. 1964 - 1966 6. 1962 - 1964 7. 1960 - 1962 8. 1958 - 1960 City Engineer, City of Corpus Christi Chief of Engineering Design, City of Corpus Christi Civil Engineer, City of Corpus Christi Senior Engineer II, City of Corpus Christi Engineering Assistant, Texas Highway Department Bridge Division and District Office 9. 1957 - (Summer) Inspector, Bridge Division Texas Highway Department 10. - 1954 - (Summer) Rodman, City of Dallas D. Membership in Professional & Technical Organizations 1. American Society of Professional Engineers 2. Texas Society of Professional Engineers 3. American Public Works Association 4. Texas Public Works Association 5. Associate Member of Highway Research Board 6. Institute of MuniciJ1 Engineers F. Fraternal Organizations 1. American Hellenic Educational & Progressive Association 2. Masonic Lodge 189 G. Religion Member of Greek Orthodox Church Ex •l1 loi f "6" HOMES BUSINESS PROPERTIES APPRAISALS RANCHES EDUCATION: adv)-(1?9 HAROLD CARR REALTY COMPANY 3307 LEOPARD ST. CORPUS CHRISTI. TEXAS 78408 A. C. 512.304-3227 NITE NO. 004.0355 HAROLD A. CARR. LLB. SENIOR MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS QUALIFICATIONS OF HAROLD A. CARR, APPRAISER Graduate, Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, 1928, LLB. Admitted to Texas Bar in 1928 and presently a member, but not engaged in the practice of law. APPRAISAL EXPERIENCE: Presently, and since 1944, Harold Carr is engaged in general real estate practice under the name Harold Carr Realty Company in Corpus Christi, Texas. Brokerage activity has been in selling and leasing of all types of property, homes, commercial buildings, subdivisions, tracts and lots. Appraisal assignments executed by him have covered all types of property and have been for govermental agencies (City of Corpus Christi, School District, Nueces County, Housing Authority and State Highway Department), railways, estates, oil companies, Bank and Trust Companies, commercial organizations and individuals. Properties appraised consist of homes, warehouses, hotels, motels, office buildings, store buildings, apartment houses, industrial buildings, churches, court house, unimproved tracts, farms, ranches, residential, business and industrial lots and ship channel properties. . Since 1960 most of his activity has been the appraisal of property. About 400 assignments in the past five years have been completed. Has appeared numerous times as value witness in condemnation hearings, paving assessment hearings and general trials. Approved appraiser for General Services Administration. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: From 1930 to 1944 engaged in practice of law in Corpus Christi. From 1937 to 1941 served as attorney for Zoning and Planning Commission in the City of Corpus Christi. Served on said commission about ten years and on Board of Zoning Adjustment two years. From 1942 to 1944 served as Director Attorney for Office of Price Administration, Rent Division in Corpus Christi Defence Rental Area. AFFILIATIONS: Senior Member, American Society of Appraisers. Member, Texas Bar Association.