Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/04/1977MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 4, 1977 2:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Jason Luby Mayor Pro Tem Eduardo E. de Ases Council Members: David Diaz Ruth Gill Bob Gulley Gabe Lozano, Sr. Edward Sample City Manager R. Marvin Townsend City Attorney J. Bruce Aycock City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Jason Luby called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was given by Council Member Lozano. City Secretary Read called the roll of required Charter Officers and stated that a quorum was present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Luby announced that he had issued the following proclamations in his office prior to the meeting: GOODWILL WEEK, May 1 through 7, 1977; NURSING HOME WEEK, May 8 through 15, 1977; NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION WEEK, May 8 through 14, 1977; ARTHRITIS MONTH, May, 1977; NATIONAL HOSPITAL WEEK, May 8 through 14, 1977; and SENIOR CITIZEN MONTH, May, 1977. Mayor Luby then called for appointments to Boards and Commissions. Motion by Lozano that Anita Garza be appointed as Court Clerk of the Municipal Court for a two-year term; seconded by Gill, and passed unanimously. Motion by Lozano that Eduardo E. de Ases and David Diaz be appointed to the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, replacing Mrs. Betty Turner and Bill Tipton, and appointing Mrs. Betty Turner to serve as an alternate; seconded by Sample, and passed unanimously. Motion by de Ases that David Diaz be appointed to replace Bill Tipton on the Coastal Bend Consortium Executive Committee; seconded by Sample, and passed unanimously. City Manager Townsend indicated that it was his understanding that the Council is not ready for appointments to the Board of Equalization and that this would be discussed at the meeting scheduled for Saturday morning, May 7. City Secretary Read stated that he will obtain information in regard to the appoint- ments made by the Corpus Christi School Boa)d to the Board of Equalization prior to the meeting on May 11. LME SEP -0-3.198a, Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 2 Mayor Luby recognized David Perry at this time. Mr. Perry congratulated the Council and urged them to work together to eliminate any discord that may have existed during the campaign; requested a total unified community effort; and pledged his full cooperation in working with the Council. City Secretary Read asked to be excused from the meeting at this time to depart for Austin on City business. Mayor Luby stated that Dorothy Zahn would act as City Secretary during his absence. Mayor Luby called for the City Manager's Reports. City Manager Townsend presented the following items with related comments and explanations: *a Recommendation that a public hearing be held during a Special Council Meeting at 3:30 p.m. on May 25, 1977 on the following zoning applications: 1. Mr. Tim Clower: "R -1B" to "B-1", located along the west side of Greenwood Drive approximately 500 feet south of Horne Road. 2. Seaside Memorial Park Association, Inc.: "R -1B" to "B-1", located within the interior of Seaside Memorial Cemetery approximately 500 feet north of Gaines Street. 3. Mr. Hoyt Parish: "R -1B" to "AB", located along the east side of Dorothy Drive approximately 60 feet south of Gollihar Road. 4. Mr. W. S. Lee: Exception to Screening Fence Requirement, located at the northwest corner of Greenwood Drive and Gollihar Road. ,5. Text Amendment to Article 31, Newly Annexed Territory, Section 31-5, of the Zoning Ordinance by adding thereto three new subsections to be numbered 31-5.14, 31-5.15, and 31-5.16 to prezone three tracts of land located at the southeast corner of Everhart Road and Snowgoose Road prior to annexation to "B-1", "A-1" and "A-2". *b. Recommendation that a public hearing be held during a Special Council Meeting at 3:30 p.m. on June 1, 1977 on the following zoning applications: 1. Mr. Garth Carroll: "A-1" to "AB", located at the southwest corner of Santa Fe Street and Ohio Avenue. 2. Seaview Medical Enterprises, Inc.: "R -1B" and "SP" to "AB", located on the southeast side of the 4600 Block of Wetter Road, between Barnes Street and Bradford Drive. 3. Mr. J. C. Byles: "R -1B" to "AB", located on the north side -of McArdle Road, approximately 120 feet east of Lum Avenue. 4. Mr. H. T. Bailey, Trustee: "R -1B" to "I-2", located along the north right of way in the 1900 Block of Saratoga Boulevard. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 3 c. Recommendation that bids be received at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, Hay 24, 1977•to provide all labor and materials to disconnect the diesel and regular gasoline pumps and furnish and install two new pumps on the existing island at the Transit yard. The pumps are approximately 25 years old and the meters are ' inaccurate. Replacement meters for the existing pumps are no longer manufactured. d. Recommendation that bids be received at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 24, 1977 for a replacement 16 h.p. lawn and garden tractor with 48" rotary mower for the Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant. Bids will be received with or without trade-in. e. Recommendation that bids be received at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, 1977 for the following budgeted replacement equipment: 1. A 5 -unit gang tractor mower for the Park Division 2. A 7 -unit reel type gang mower for the Oso Golf Course 3. Two 60" self-propelled rotary mowers and a 30" self-propelled reel mower for the Park Division 4. A 22" self-propelled rotary mower for the Water Division 5. Three 21" rotary mowers for the Park Division f.. Recommendation that bid award for 8,688 electric lamps of various sizes and types be made to CONSOLIDATED ELECTRIC, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $7,294.02. This was a cooperative bid with the Corpus Christi Independent School District with the District receiving the bids because of their larger requirements. Graybar Electric Company, Corpus Christi, submitted a bid of $7,178.82 on the City's requirements but their bid on the total requirements of both agencies was higher. Because the bids were based on the total requirements of both agencies, Graybar declined to supply only the City requirements for $7,178.82 when contacted. Bids were received from 5 firms. It is estimated that a 10% savings will be achieved through the cooperative purchase. g. Recommendation that bid award for 3 replacement chlorine analyzers and recorders for the Water Division be made to the following firms on the basis of low bid meeting specifications: H 6 H Industrial Instruments, Corpus Christi 3 -Chlorine Analyzers Honeywell, Inc., Corpus Christi 3 - 12" Circular Chart Recorders $5,400.00 1,671.00 $7,071.00 The apparent low bid of $1,620 by Fischer and Porter Company, Houston, on the recorders did not meet the specifications which require actuation in millivolts to be compatible with the analyzers. The model bid by Fischer and Porter has actuation in milliamps. Bids were received from three firms. Price comparison shows an increase of approximately 24% since December, 1974. The equipment is used to control the feed of chlorine into water being treated at the Stevens and Cunningham filter plants. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 4 h. Recommendation that 10 replacement pneumatic controllers and 4 replacement non -indicating differential flow transmitters for the Cunningham and Stevens Filter Plants be purchased from The Foxboro Company, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $7,370.50. The equipment is part of the chlorine feed control system at the plants. Bids were received from 5 firms on the controllers and 3 firms on the flow transmitters. Price comparison shows an increase of approximately 11% since 1975. i. Recommendation that the final assessment roll for the Airline Road, Williams Drive to Padre Island Drive street improvement project be adopted. The roll includes 13 items ($40,843.76). The project was jointly constructed by the City, State and Federal governments under the Urban Systems Program. The cost of the project was approximately $165,736.29 of which the Federal and State portion is $150,539.49 and the City's $60,196 including assessments. The final breakdown of City, State and Federal portions will be made at a later date when the State completes the project audit. j. Recommendation that a lease be awarded to Mr. Bob Bonner for the use of Tract 5 on the John F. Kennedy Causeway for a restaurant. Mr. Bonner will pay the larger of $96 per month or 2% of gross receipts as rent. The lease will expire October 24, 1979. Tract 5 was formerly the Intracoastal Cafe. Mr. Bonner bought the improvements at a tax sale last fall. The tract is part of the land along the Causeway which the City leases from the School Land Board. k. Recommendation that assignment of the lease for John Bean Pier, located along the Intracoastal Canal, from Mr. John Bean to Mr. John Parramore and Mr. John Mozingo be approved. Mr. John Parramore and Mr. John Mozingo, residents of Corpus Christi, will assume all obligations of Mr. Bean including the annual rent of $1,944. The lease expires October 24, 1979, and is for part of the land along the John F. Kennedy Causeway which the City leases from the School Land Board. 1. Recommendation that authority be granted to execute a contract between the City and the Community Action Agency formalizing the current arrangement whereby the City's Nutrition Program prepares and serves a noonday meal five days per week to approximately 40 Head Start participants at the HIALCO Multi -Purpose Center. The contract provides reimbursement to the City of 73'q per meal. Provision is made whereby each party may terminate the agreement by giving the other 30 -day notice. m. Recommendation that a one-year lease be authorized with Mr. Margarita Gallegos for a building at 833 Avenue J in Robstown for a monthly rental of $175 to be used as a kitchen, meal site, and recreation area by the Senior Community Services program. The lease will be effective May 1, 1977 and contains an option for renewal for two one year periods under the same terms. The necessary funds are available in the Elderly Nutrition Program budget. This building is large enough so that the Robstown program now operating out of two locations can be consolidated in one building. n. Recommendation that private garbage hauling companies be required to display the name of the company on their vehicles and containers. The companies are presently required to display only their solid waste permit number. Display of the company name will simplify reporting complaints such as leaking trucks and improperly located containers. Most companies have their names on their vehicles and containers. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 5 o. Recommendation that the Building Standards Code be amended to provide for disposition of personal property in buildings to be demolished by the City. This problem has limited the City's ability to carry out demolition work. The procedure would provide that, if the property is not removed within 30 days after notification, it will be placed in storage for 90 days. During the 90 days, the owner can redeem the property by paying the accumulated storage costs. If not redeemed, the property will be sold at public auction with the proceeds to be applied against storage costs. If the proceeds exceed the storage costs, the difference will be applied against the demolition costs. The Building Standards Board of Appeals so recommends. P• Recommendation that rates for City intrastate charter bus service be increased to conform with rates established by the Texas Railroad Commission on March 1, 1977. It has been the City's policy to charge the rates approved by the Commission for cross-country operators. The minimum charge for non - restroom buses will increase from $.875 per mile to $.95 per mile for 35 passengers. The minimum for restroom -equipped buses will be increased from 38 to 39 passengers with the minimum per miles rate increasing from $.95 per mile to $1.05 per mile. Rate increases range from 8.6% for 35 passengers to 2.2% for 47 passengers for non -restroom buses and from 10.5% for 38 passengers to 2.2% for 47 passengers on restroom -equipped buses. q. Recommendation that an agreement be approved with Reynolds Aluminum Company in which the City agrees to reimburse Reynolds $7,618 for labor and equipment to install steel casing at three driveway locations on Graham Road at the Flour Bluff park and pool site. Reynolds has a 10" gas line in an easement across the park which existed prior to City acquisition of the site. The three driveways will serve the Flour Bluff satelite clinic and swimming pool. Reynolds will pay for the cost of materials ($1,880). Sufficient appropriations exist from the award of the contracts to construct the pool and clinic to pay for this work. r. Recommendation that the City participate in the suit brought by the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers challenging the constitutionality of the extension of unemployment compensation benefits to public employees. The extension of unemployment compensation would cost the City in excess of $155,000 annually. It is estimated that the City's portion of the litigation cost will be $7,500. In regard to Item "r", City Manager Townsend assured the Council that the extension of unemployment compensation could be even greater than $155,000 and would not benefit the City employees since they are covered by Civil Service. He suggested the City of Corpus Christi should participate in the lawsuit for this reason. Mr. Townsend also explained that if enough cities do not agree to parti- cipate, the funds expended by the City for its portion of the litigation cost would be returned to this City. Mayor Luby called for discussion of the City Manager's Reports from members of the Council. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 6 *Council Member Gulley suggested that the zoning applications, listed as Item "a" and "b", be moved forward to facilitate the hearings since so many have accumulated during the moratorium. He suggested that the five cases listed in Item "a" be set for public hearing for a Special Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. May 23, 1977, and the four cases listed in Item "b" be set for public hearing on Wednesday, May 25, 1977 at 3:30 p.m., which would also be a Special Meeting. Other Council Members indicated their approval of these changes. Council Member Gulley also suggested that any remaining zoning applications be presented to the Council as soon as possible to set dates for the public hearings. In regard to Items "g" and "h", Council Member Sample inquired about the life of the equipment listed for purchase. After checking with the department involved, City Manager Townsend informed him that existing equipment has been in use for approximately 22 years. Council Member Sample also inquired about the contract between the City and the Community Action Agency to provide meals for Head Start participants at the HIALCO Multi -Purpose Center and questioned the City Manager as to how long the City's Nutrition Program had provided such meals. City Manager Townsend stated that the noonday meals had been provided ever since the HIALCO Center was opened. In a discussion of Item "m",which recommends a one-year lease for a build- ing in Robstown to be used as a kitchen, meal site and recreation area by the Senior Community Services program, Council Member Gulley questioned the necessity of the City's involvement in this program in Robstown and suggested that the County should implement this program since it is outside the City limits. City Manager Townsend stated that the City had started out to provide the Senior Citizens' program and has been providing the meals and staff for some time; the staff is available for this program; and that the contract provides reimbursement to the City in the amount of 73kc per meal. In reference to Item "r",which recommends that the City participate in the suit brought by the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers challenging the constitutionality of the extension of unemployment compensation benefits to public employees, Mayor Pro Tem de Ases indicated that he is in favor of the City's participation in this since City employees are not receiving benefits from this. He inquired if the City Attorney feels that the suit has merit. City Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 7 Attorney Aycock stated that he does recommend participation in the lawsuit. Mayor Pro Tem de Ases inquired as to whether or not City employees ever seek compensation. City Manager Townsend indicated that basically City employees do not since they are covered by Civil Service, stating that the only employees not covered by Civil Service are new employees on six-month probation who might be released prior to becoming permanent employees. Council Member Gill inquired about how many employees are not employed after their probationary period, or how many employees are not covered, and indi- cated that she would be interested in some type of self-insurance to cover these employees. City Manager Townsend stated that most of the probationary employees who do not become permanent employees resign prior to the completion of their six-month probation. Council Member Gill stated that she was aware of two employees who were released from their jobs just at the end of their probation- ary period and that she feels that they should have some type of compensation if they are terminated in this manner. She also inquired as to how many employees have been dismissed at the end of their six-month probationary period. City Manager Townsend stated that the staff did not have a breakdown on the number of employees who have been dismissed after six months but that there is a method of counseling through their supervisors which should be done prior to their dis- missal. Mr. Townsend further stated that he will have a report prepared on this matter for the Council. In a return to the discussion on the lease of a building in Robstown for the Senior Community Services program (Item "m"), Ernest Briones, Director of Planning and Urban Development, explained that the reason for the lease of the building at 833 Avenue J is that it is a much better building than the one pre- sently in use for this program. Mr. Briones informed the Council that similar programs are conducted in Bishop and Banquette and that there are some problems with the outlying staffs, and it is possible that another governmental agency could provide this service. He stated that the City is obligated to provide the service, but indicated that if the program to be set up in Kingsville is successful, 1 Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 8 that City might possibly provide meals in Banquette and Bishop. Mayor Luby then called for discussion from the audience on the City Manager's Reports. Mrs. Lorraine Ellis, 10935 Leopard, spoke at this time and stated that she had a question in regard to Item "a-5" in regard to the Text Amendment to Article 31. City Manager Townsend stated that this item on the agenda is just to set the hearing and it would be proper to speak on this matter at the time of the public hearing, which is scheduled for May 23 at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Paul J. Leahey, 3118 Nassau, addressed the Council on the unem- ployment compensation benefits for City employees, stating that he had been employed by the Department of Labor for a number of years and wanted to point out that the unemployment insurance program is a guarantee against any person with a disability or a person being discharged from a position because of a reduction in force and through no fault of their own. City Manager Townsend stated that City employees are already protected under Civil Service in cases such as this. There being no further discussion in regard to the City Manager's Reports, on motion by Sample, seconded by Diaz, and passed unanimously, the City Manager's Reports, Items "a" through "r" were approved with the change of dates listed in Items "a" and "b" for the public hearings on zoning cases. City Manager Townsend next presented the tabled item pertaining to changing the name Coopers Street, from Shoreline Boulevard to N. Mesquite, and Telco Street, from N. Mesquite to N. Tancahua, to Cooper's Alley. Mr. Townsend reminded the Council that following the close of the public hearing on this name change, a letter was received from Mr. Charles L. Baskin, President of Corpus Christi Savings, expressing opposition to changing the name to Cooper's Alley. City Manager Townsend informed the Council that Tom Basile, Administrative Assistant, had met with Mr. Baskin and requested that Mr. Basile present a report of his meeting. Mr. Basile stated that in his meeting with Mr. Baskin, Mr. Baskin indi- cated that as a long-time resident of the City, he could remember when the street Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 9 was actually an alley, and the word "alley" carried a negative connotation. Mr. Basile further stated that after he had explained to Mr. Baskin that since the street is no longer an alley and the Council feels that the name, "Cooper's Alley," would actually give the street a more colorful and historic meaning, Mr. Baskin no longer objected to changing the name to Cooper's Alley. Motion by de Ases that the subject streets be named Cooper's Alley; seconded by Gulley, and passed unanimously. City Manager Townsend next presented the ordinances for consideration. Council Member Sample inquired about the size of the letters to be displayed on vehicles and containers of private garbage hauling companies as listed on the agenda as Ordinance "b". City Manager Townsend stated that according to the ordinance, the letters of the signs would be 5/8" high. Several council members indicated that this would not be a large enough sign, and Mr. Townsend withdrew this ordinance to require larger size lettering. There being no further discussion pertaining to the ordinances, the acting City Secretary polled the Council for their vote. The following ordinances were approved by the Council: FIRST READING: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH BOB BONNER CONCERNING USE OF TRACT 5 OF THE COASTAL PUBLIC LANDS, BEING SITUATED ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF THE INTRACOASTAL CANAL CROSSING ON PADRE ISLAND CAUSEWAY, FOR PURPOSES OF OPERATING A RESTAURANT AND FOOD BEVERAGE SERVICE, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT, A COPY OF WHICH, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME FORM ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A", IS MADE A PART HEREOF. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". FIRST READING: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, 1976 REVISION, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13, BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION, AND RELATED OPERATIONS; HOUSING AND HOUSING PREMISES STANDARDS, ARTICLE II, BUILDING CODE, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION, TO BE NUMBERED 13-30, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DISPOSITION OF ITEMS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY THAT MAY BE IN BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED BY THE CITY; PRO- VIDING FOR SEVERANCE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 10 FIRST READING: FINDING THAT THE COST OF PROVIDING CITY'S INTRASTATE CHARTER BUS SERVICE HAS SUB— STANTIALLY INCREASED; ESTABLISHING NEW RATES FOR BUS CHARTER SERVICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TARIFF ESTABLISHED BY THE RAILROAD COMMISSION, FOR REGULAR AND RESTROOM EQUIPPED CHARTERS; AMENDING SECTION 2, ITEM (c), OF ORDINANCE N0. 9864, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NOS. 10853, 11794, 12366, AND 13182, TO CONFORM TO SAID TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSION TARIFF; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". ORDINANCE NO. 13718: AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13377, PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 8, 1976, BY AMENDING SECTION III OF SAID ORDINANCE, SO AS TO CORRECT AND ADJUST THE ASSESSMENTS LEVIED AGAINST THE ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNERS ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS: AIRLINE ROAD (MH 143) FROM PADRE ISLAND DRIVE TO WILLIAMS DRIVE AND THE PART OF WILLIAMS DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 200' EAST AND WEST OF AIRLINE ROAD, AS HEREWITH PROVIDED; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". ORDINANCE NO. 13719: APPROVING ASSIGNMENT OF THE JOHN BEAN PIER BAIT STAND LEASE ON TRACT 13 OF THE COASTAL PUBLIC LANDS, SITUATED ON THE INTRACOASTAL CANAL CROSSING ON PADRE ISLAND CAUSEWAY, FROM JOHN BEAN TO JOHN PARRAMORE AND JOHN MOZINGO, dba SNOOPY'S BAIT STAND, INC., AND CHANGING THE NAME OF THE BAIT STAND TO SNOOPY'S BAIT STAND, INC., ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT, A SUBSTANTIAL COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, MARKED EXHIBIT "A"; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". ORDINANCE N0. 13720: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT AND OPTIONS THEREIN WITH MARGARITO GALLEGOS FOR APPROXIMATELY 2500 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE LOCATED AT 833 AVENUE J IN ROBSTOWN, TEXAS; FOR A TERM OF 12 MONTHS, FOR USE AS A TITLE VII NUTRITION PROGRAM KITCHEN AND MEAL SITE FOR THE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE LEASE AGREEMENT, A SUBSTANTIAL COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A", AND MADE A PART HEREOF; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 11 ORDINANCE NO. 13721: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE NUECES COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY WHEREBY THE CITY'S NUTRITION PROGRAM WILL PREPARE AND SERVE NOONDAY MEALS FIVE DAYS PER WEEK TO HEADSTART PARTICIPANTS AT THE HIALCO MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE CONTRACT, A SUBSTANTIAL COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF, MARKED EXHIBIT "A"; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". Council Member Sample requested a clarification in regard to the date that the next runoff election should be held, indicating that he felt that the third Saturday following the general election is too long a period of time between the two elections because of the expense to the candidates and the fact that the mora- torium is extended, which delays the conduct of City business. City Manager Townsend stated that bills have been passed in the Senate and House of Representatives which would eliminate the confusion between the State laws and the City Charter,and the bills only need the Governor's signature at this time. Further discussionfollowed on this matter, and City Attorney Aycock sug- gested that the Council consider the appointment of a Charter Advisory Committee to recommend changes to the City Charter which would clarify the matter of the runoff election and also suggested that the moratorium period currently imposed on the Council should be revised. Council Member Gill suggested that the Council carefully consider the appointees to a Charter Advisory Committee and instruct them to consider the entire City Charter, giving the members of such a committee a year to make their recommen- dations. Council Member Lozano stated that he`had received a complaint from a resident at 4845 Johnson Street regarding the condition of the street at the inter- section of McArdle Street. City Manager Townsend indicated that he would investi- gate this matter. Mayor Luby then called for discussion or petitions from members of the audience. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 12 Mrs. Martin Rodriguez, 1004 - 18th Street, addressed the Council at this time and presented a petition requesting the strengthening of City Ordinance No. 11060 in order to provide stiffer penalties for merchants selling paint, glue, gasoline or other commonly abused inhalants to minors; stricter enforcement of inhalant abuse ordinances; and the provision of a permanent youth bureau officer to work with inhalant abusers, their families and the agencies concerned with inhalant abuse. (Petition #7-77) Following further discussion on this matter, City Manager Townsend stated that he would present copies of the ordinance to the Council and a recommendation on the matter in the near future. Mrs. Frances McGonagill, 4214 Dody, presented a petition to the Council, signed by 23 residents of the 4000, 4100 and 4200 blocks of Dody, protesting the construction of the Roberts Memorial Children's Shelter adjacent to the Parkdale Baptist Church on South Staples Street near Weber Road. Mrs. McGonagill stated that the shelter is being constructed by the South Texas Children's Home, an agency of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Mrs. McGonagill cited other problems experienced by her and her neighbors in the area of the Parkdale Baptist Church. She stated that they objected to the Children's Home because the facility will house transients and they feel that this will be detrimental to the neigh- borhood. (Petition 118-77) Mr. Clay Moore, 1601 Mesquite, spoke at this time, stating that he has an auction arena and has experienced some thefts in his property area. Mr. Moore requested the Council to make every effort to combat crime and suggested a larger police force to patrol areas of the City and suggested the consideration of the purchase of a helicopter. Mrs. Oscar L. Bocock, 1258 Devon, addressed the Council at this time, stating that pamphlets and correspondence in connection with the "Hands Up Program" of the Crime Prevention Program had been delivered to the office of the City Secretary for presentation to the members of the Council. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 13 Mr. Jim Young of the Camp Fire Girls organization spoke at this time in regard to the lease of the Gugenheim House for use by that organization. Mr. Young introduced other members of that organization who were present and indicated that they would be glad to answer any questions the Council might have. He introduced Mr. Steamboat Steele, who addressed the Council and stated that two of the rooms of the Gugenheim House will be available for meetings for the public; that Bert Rucker, an architect, had donated his time to prepare plans for the renovation; and that the entrances to the building will be designed to accommodate handicapped persons. Mr. Steele stated that it is estimated that the renovation of the build- ing for use by the Camp Fire Girls will be from 70 to 100 thousand dollars. Mr. Larry Adams, 4409 O'Malley Street, a member of the Landmark Commission, stated that during the April 5 meeting of that commission, they had voted to recom- mend that the bid of the Camp Fire Girls be accepted and awarded to the organization. Council Member Gulley inquired about the cost of maintenance of the house to the City. City Manager Townsend stated that the utilities would be from $1,000 to $1,500 per year and the estimated total upkeep of the house would be from $3,000 to $5,000, but a determination of the exact cost could not be made until the plans are completed. Mayor Pro Tem de Ases asked City Manager Townsend if the staff could go ahead with the preparation of a lease for the building, and Mr. Townsend stated that the staff will work with the Camp Fire Girls organization to prepare a lease. City Manager Townsend at this time presented the following ordinance for approval of the Council: ORDINANCE NO. 13722: CHANGING THE NAMES OF COOPERS STREET BETWEEN SHORELINE BOULEVARD AND MESQUITE AND TELCO STREET BETWEEN MESQUITE AND N. TANCAHUA TO COOPER'S ALLEY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance was passed by the following vote: Luby, de Ases, Diaz, Gill, Gulley, Lozano and Sample voting "Aye". Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 4, 1977 Page 14 Council Member Gulley reminded City Manager Townsend that improvements to the air conditioning, particularly in the Council Chamber, are needed. City Manager Townsend stated that repairs to the existing system would be considered as a part of the new budget, but it would be possible to consider air conditioning improvements for the Council Chamber prior to that time. Mr. Archie Walker, Assistant City Manager, estimated that improvements to the air conditioning for the Council Chamber would be approximately $15,000. City Manager Townsend informed the Council that the Firemen's organiza- tion had voluntarily voted to increase by 1% the amount they'pay for their retirement fund. City Manager Townsend stated that a hearing is scheduled for May 5 before the Texas Aeronautics Commission for consideration of Texas Commuter Airlines. He indicated that he felt that the City should be in a position to favor any improvement to air travel to Corpus Christi, regardless of which airlines it might be. Council Member Gill suggested that someone from the City attend this hearing or arrange to have a report following the hearing. City Manager Townsend reported to the Council that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated to the City of Corpus Christi 148 new units of Section 8 New Construction and the final date to submit proposals is. May 23, 1977. Mr. Townsend presented the Council with copies of a report on Section 8 housing activity. Mayor Pro Tem de Ases complimented the staff on fhe pamphlets prepared by the Park and Recreation Department and Information Services and suggested that Council Members be provided with copies for presentation when they attend out of town meetings. There being no further business to come before the Council., on motion by de Ases, seconded by Gill, and passed unanimously, the Regular Council Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m. May 4, 1977.