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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/13/1979MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 13, 1979 2:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Edward L. Sample Council Members: Dr. Jack Best Jack K. Dumphy Betty N. Turner Cliff Zarsky City Manager R. Marvin Townsend Assistant City Attorney Bob Coffin City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was given by Mr. Guadalupe Valdez, who was present in the audience. City Secretary Bill G. Read called the roll of required Charter Officers and verified that the necessary quorum was present to conduct a legally consti- tuted meeting. Mayor Jones announced the issuance of the following proclamations: "HONOR AMERICA" - June 14 -July 4, 1979 and "BLACK AWARENESS MONTH" - June, 1979. Motion by Sample that the minutes of the Regular and Special Council Meetings of May 23, 1979 be approved; seconded by Best; and passed unanimously. Mayor Pro Tem Edward L. Sample noted that Council Member David Diaz was not present at this time but stated that it was possible that he would arrive later in the meeting and suggested that a motion to excuse Mr. Diaz be delayed. ,, * * ;; * * * .. * * ;. ,. .. .. Mayor Jones called for the City Manager's Reports. City Manager R. Marvin Townsend presented the following items with related comments and explanations and recommended that: a. Bids be received at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 1979 for painting the exterior of La Retama Library. This project is included in the 1978-79 budget. b. A replacement trenching machine for park construction be purchased from CASE POWER & EQUIPMENT, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $8,582. Bids were'received from 3 firms. A price comparison with previous purchase made in April, 1976 shows an increase of approximately 50%. SEP 0 41980 MICROFILMED Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 2 c. 36 pagers for the Radio Maintenance be purchased from National Marketing, Inc. of Little Rock on the basis of low bid meeting specifications of $8,280. The apparent low bid of $6,858.44 by Capital Ambulance Supply of Austin did not meet various specifications. Bids were received from 3 firms. Maintenance Services will lease 28 of the pagers to City divisions currently using them to replace units being leased from private companies. The using division will be charged 50% of existing rates. The pagers will be amortized in 3 years. The other 8 pagers will be used for back-up for repairs. The pagers carry a 3 -year warranty and must be sent to California for warranty work. City Manager Townsend referred to the Council discussion in regard to this, item last week and provided them with a copy of a memorandum which listed the paging units currently in service. He stated that the eight additional units recommended for purchase are required for backup units to be used when those in service are being repaired. Mr. Townsend further explained that the units will be under war- ranty; they must be sent to the manufacturer in California for repair; and this will require a considerable amount of time and it is essential that the using departments have pagers at all times. Council Member Turner suggested that two backup pagers would probably be sufficient. City Manager Townsend noted that warranty work is ordinarily the last work performed by a company; the pagers will be sent to the manufacturer two at a time; therefore, the eight backup units will actually only represent four pairs that can be sent for repair at one time. d. A contract for repair and painting the exterior of the 1,000,000 gallon water storage tank at Flour Bluff Drive and Division Road be awarded to KOTE-IT PAINTING SERVICES, Colleyville, Texas, on the basis of only bid received of $21,735. It is further recommended that the fact that this bid was received after the bid opening date be waived. The bid was mailed 4 days before the bid opening. City Manager Townsend stated that this contractor is currently working on another project in this City; the weather at this time is ideal for this type of painting; and if the City should go out for bids again, the project would be delayed and inclement weather might further delay the painting. e. The proposal of Corpus Christi National Bank for Bid Unit 1 - All City Funds, be accepted to be the depository for the City for 2 years from 1979 to 1981. IC _es Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 3 City Manager Townsend presented the Council with a copy of the analysis of the depository bids which were received last week and explained the recommendation for the contract award. Mayor Jones inquired about the amount of interest earned by the City for one entire year. Mr. Chuck Daley, Assistant Director of Finance, replied that approximately $2,000,000 in interest was earned last year. f. Sun Oil Co. be granted a permit to drill Well #12 in State Tract 423, Corpus Christi Bay. The well will be drilled as a straight hole to a depth of 12,500 feet from a regular location 12 miles east of the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge and 2 miles south of the Ingleside Shoreline. No exceptions to the Bay Drilling Ordinance are requested. permits. Mayor Jones inquired about the income received by the City for drilling City Manager Townsend stated that the major impact monetarily is from taxes, and the fees charged are just regulation fees. g. Authority be granted to submit a proposal to the National Council on the Aging for continued funding of the Older Workers Employment Program from July 1, 1979 through June 30, 1980. Program cost is $234,200 of which S202,200 will be requested from the National Council on the Aging, and $32,000 will be provided by City in-kind participation. No city cash will be required. The program provides approximately 50 half-time positions for disadvantaged persons 55 years of age or older at $2.90 per hour to December 31, 1979 and then $3.10 per hour. Council Member Turner inquired about the in-kind participation by the City. City Manager Townsend explained that he understood that this is primarily provided by staff participation but that he would check this with Mr. Ernest Briones, Director of Planning and Urban Development. (Later in the meeting, Mr. Briones verified that the in-kind participation consists of supervision and counseling of the older citizens.) h. An agreement be authorized with Columbia University, New York, for a Summer College Student Work Study Program from July 2 through August 30, 1979 for an intern to be assigned to the Legal Department. The student will work 35 hours per week at $4.25 per hour. Columbia University will provide 80% of the student's salary with the City providing the remaining 20% ($261.80). The City participated with Columbia University in this program in 1976 and 1978 and received good results. The City's share is available due to position vacancies during 1978-79. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 4 City Manager Townsend explained that the student employed through this pro- gram will be a local student who attends Columbia University and that the applica- tion for such employment is initiated at the university. Mayor Jones expressed an interest in becoming acquainted with this student and asked that he be introduced to the Council. .. ;t * * * * ;: * * * ;t ,. * * * * i. The Transit System Fare schedule be amended to provide for the sale of multiple ride bus tickets and to provide free or reduced rate bus rides for promotional purposes. The multiple ride tickets would cost $6.00 and be good for 20 rides. This is the same trip price as tokens (5 for $1.50). Free or reduced price tickets, coupons, special passes or tokens would be distributed as part of a special promotions to increase bus patronage. Employers will be encouraged to buy multiple ride tickets for use by their employees. Mayor Jones mentioned the proposal submitted by KORO in which they offered to provide free advertising for the Transit System in exchange for advertising space on the buses. City Manager Townsend stated that the staff has not had an opportunity to study this request, but hopefully, a report will be ready next week. J• tion. An additional $1,500 be appropriated for additional work to complete the euthanasia facilities at the animal pound. $12,000 was originally appro- priated of which $5,845 was for modification of the building. It has been determined that several of the purlins have rusted out and need to be replaced, thus increasing the estimated building modification cost to $7,345. Mayor Jones inquired as to when the new euthanasia unit will be in opera - City Manager Townsend replied that the unit will be shipped this week, and the completion date for the remodeling is approximately 30 days. k. Values totaling $215,700 for acquisition of eight parcels for Corpus Christi Beach, Area "B" be approved and $123,780 be appropriated from the Park Bond Fund to supplement a prior appropriation. The combined appropriation totaling $225,000, includes $215,700 for acquisition and $9,300 for appraisals and related expenses. The increases from values previously approved are recommended to recognize value changes since 1973. The parcels are located west of Timon Boulevard and north of Gulden Street and were included in the 1977 bond election. A sales contract has been signed for one of the parcels at the recommended value. Only two parcels at the extreme north end have not yet been appraised. City Manager Townsend displayed a map of this area and located the various parcels proposed for acquisition. He stated that a sales contract has been signed with Mr. Boyles at the updated value, and the staff is negotiating with the other Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 5 property owners in the hope that voluntary sales will occur. He further explained the procedure followed for acquiring the land and stated that the previous Councils had determined the order in which the parcels on the beach should be acquired. He explained that these updated valuations will be retained in the Office of the City Secretary to verify the values of the land as listed in the contracts. 1. Parcels 12-A and 12-B for the Saratoga Sanitary Sewer Trunk Main be acquired from Dr. and Mrs. J. Patrick Moran for $3,375 (including $3,125 for acquis- ition and $250 for closing costs). These parcels are located on the south side of South Staples Street, approximately 475 feet west of Saratoga Boulevard. Parcel 12-A is the site of lift station no. 5 and Parcel 12-B is a temporary construction easement around the site. Both parcels are needed for Contract 3. These acquisitions complete right-of-way acquisition for the entire Saratoga main project. m. The City purchase the following computer support equipment from IBM and take advantage of accruals acquired while renting the equipment: 2 -card punch 9 -card data recorders 3 -display terminals Original Price Accrual Net Price $ 4,530 42,884 12,207 $ 5321 $ 4,530 $ 2,264 20,489 22,395 5,804 6,403 $28,559 $31,062 The equipment will be purchased on an installment purchase plan over five years saving more than $12,741 per year over the standard rental cost. Two display terminals are being recommended for purchase over the number included in the 1978-79 budget to take advantage of the existing accrual towards purchase, avoid 18 -months lead time in ordering additional terminals, and the present need for the terminal in Municipal Court because of 40% additional activity by the Police Department's issuance of tickets. The consultants for the new utility system will be using the additional terminal in developing and testing the new system. This same terminal will be used later to reprogram the Police information system. Over the five-year period, more than $63,705 will be saved over the standard rental plan. City Manager Townsend informed the Council that as one phase of the settlement of anti-trust suits filed against IBM, this company has devised a plan for govern- ments to purchase rather than lease equipment. He also assured the Council that the maintenance contract will be the same whether the City is leasing the equipment or purchasing it. Council Member Best inquired if funds for this will come from General Revenue. City Manager Townsend replied that Data Processing is a separate division and the services are sold to the using department, or in other words, the cost is delegated to various City budgets. Mr. Townsend further stated that this will represent a transfer of funds from rental to capital outlay. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 6 n. 68 Title VI CETA and 11 Title II -D positions be approved. Of this total, 48 are recommended through worksite agreements, 2 through a subcontract modification and 29 with various city departments and divisions. The Title VI positions are as follows: (1) La Retama Library - 1 to update the circulation desk file. (2) La Retama Library - 1 to prepare an obituary index card file. (3) Recreation - 15 to organize and supervise recreational activities at T. C. Ayers and Hillcrest Park. (4) Nueces County - 28 - 8 to sort, merge and file property renditions for the Tax Office and 20 to provide services to elderly and disabled clients through the Welfare Division Chore Program. (5) Memorial Medical Center - 2 to control incoming repair and maintenance requests and develop workload data (6) Court of Civil Appeals - 1 to microfilm court records (7) Young Men's Christian Association - 6 - 4 to plan, coordinate and supervise activities and 2 to provide custodial and maintenance services for the facility. (S} -tr-try co rehc-r-ai,rnrse—t ti rs -survey- -ror the agency. (9) Boy's Club of Corpus Christi - 3 to provide staff support for recreational activities. (10) TEC - 3 - 1 to provide clerical support and 2 to assist TEC employment counselors (11) Texas Department of Human Resources - 1 to provide follow-up and outreach services for WIN and AFDC recipients. (12) Japanese Art Museum - 2 to provide staff support for cataloguing inventory museum materials Title II -D positions are as follows: (1) La Retama Library - 1 to provide janitorial services and maintain the library interior (2) Greenwood Library - 1 to assist in recovering overdue materials. (3) Parkdale Library - 1 to assist in recovering overdue materials (4) Traffic and Transit - 6 - 3 to assist construction crews and 3 to assist striping crews (5) Police Department - 1 to serve as a liaison between the Court Administrator's Office and the Police Department (6) Purchasing Department - 1 to provide assistance in the city's warehouse, print shop, and stationery stores Mr. Townsend stated that he would like to withdraw the recommendation that the positions for HIALCO be approved, because he felt that the questionnaires to be used for the survey possibly would not really accomplish the goals desired. Council Member Turner expressed concern that City departments employing CETA personnel might become dependent upon the services of these employees. City Manager Townsend agreed that the staff should be aware that these positions will not be permanent, but expressed the opinion that it seems unrea- sonable not to take advantage of the services of these employees for some purpose. He then presented the Council with copies of a memorandum in regard to these positions. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 7 Mr. Ezequiel Elizondo, Project Director for Personnel/CETA, stated that the City of Corpus Christi has accomplished 80% of their goal for CETA employment but explained that there are still problems in qualifying people for the program. Mr ,,,Gp.od. Director of Personnel, referred to the last page of the memorandum pertaining to this matter and pointed out that a total of 79 addi- tional employees, less the 4 deleted from the HIALCO Community Center recommen- dation, are recommended for approval for funding through the CETA program through September 30, 1979. o. Final payment of $13,672.40 be made to N. R. Johnston Electric, Inc. for a total of $71,960 for electrical wiring work at the Auditorium. Although the contract was awarded in March, 1978, there have been numerous problems encountered in the execution of the work because Johnston had to coordinate the wiring work with two other lighting contractors. Final inspection of the wiring has been made. No one spoke in regard to the City Manager's Reports. Motion by Sample that the City Manager's Reports, Items "a" thru "o", with the exception of Item (8) of Item "n" which was withdrawn, be accepted; seconded by Best; and passed unanimously. t. * * * * * ,,, * * * * * ,k * t. * Mayor Jones called for the ordinances. City Manager Townsend briefly explained the ordinances, and there were no questions or comments from the Council Members or the members of the audience. City Secretary Read polled the Council for their votes, and the following ordinances were approved: ORDINANCE NO. 14951: AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSAL TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE AGING FOR A TITLE V OLDER WORKERS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM BEGINNING JULY 1, 1979 AND TERMINATING JUNE 30, 1980 (TOTAL FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM IS $234,300, OF WHICH $202,300 IS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE AGING AND $32,000 IS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CITY AS AN IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION), ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE PROPOSAL, A SUBSTANTIAL COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL RELATED CONTRACTS, MODIFICATIONS, EXTENSIONS, RENEWALS, OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION AND CONTINUATION OF THE AFORESAID PROGRAM; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". ORDINANCE NO. 14952: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK FOR A SUMMER WORK-STUDY PROGRAM, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE 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 passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 8 ORDINANCE NO. 14953: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, 1976 REVISION, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 55-5, CITY TRANSIT SYSTEM -FARES, BY AMENDING PARAGRAPH (A) BY ADDING SUBPARAGRAPHS (10) AND (11) SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE SALE OF PASSES AND TO PROVIDE FREE OR REDUCED RATE TRANSIT RIDES FOR MARKETING PURPOSES: PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". ORDINANCE NO. 14954: APPROPRIATING $1,500 OUT OF THE NO. 267 ANIMAL SHELTER BOND FUND TO SUPPLEMENT $5,845 PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED BY ORDINANCE NO, 14880 FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CORPUS CHRISTI ANIMAL SHELTER TO BE PERFORMED BY E. J. NETEK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, OF WHICH TOTAL APPROPRIATION $5,820 IS FOR BUILDING MODIFICATIONS AND $1,325 IS FOR ADDITIONAL ENGINEERING, CONTINGENCY AND RELATED EXPENSES, APPLICABLE TO PROJECT NO. 267-77-1, ANIMAL SHELTER IMPROVEMENTS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". ORDINANCE NO. 14955: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PARCELS 201, 295, 296, 315, 318, 319, 322, and 325 FOR THE CORPUS CHRISTI BEACH PARK SITES, AREA "B", PROJECT 291-77-2; APPROPRIATING OUT OF THE 291 PARK BOND FUND $123,780 TO SUPPLEMENT FUNDS PREVIOUSLY APPROPRIATED BY ORDINANCE 14606, PASSED AND APPROVED ON NOVEMBER 8, 1978, FOR ACQUISITION OF THE ABOVE PARCELS, FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF $225,000, OF WHICH $215,700 IS FOR ACQUISITION AND $9,300 IS FOR CONTINGENCIES AND RELATED EXPENSES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". ORDINANCE NO. 14956: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PARCELS 12-A AND 12-B, OSO TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT NO. 250-61-25.5; APPROPRIATING OUT OF THE NO. 250 SANITARY SEWER BOND FUND $3,375, OF WHICH AMOUNT $3,125 1S FOR ACQUISITION AND $250 15 FOR INCIDENTAL COSTS RELATED TO CLOSING; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". ORDINANCE NO. 14957: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE INSTALLMENT PURCHASE CONTRACTS WITH IBM CORPORATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO CARD PUNCH MACHINES, NINE CARD DATA RECORDERS AND THREE DISPLAY TERMINALS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 9 ORDINANCE NO. 14958: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A COMPREHENSIVE EMPLOYMENT TRAINING ACT TITLE VI CONTRACT MODIFICATION WITH THE JAPANESE ART MUSEUM TO AUTD RIZOINCREASE TWO ADDITIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE POSITIONS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1979, THE CURRENT CONTRACT AMOUNT FROM $15,000 TO A NEW LEVEL OF $19,000, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE CONTRACT MODIFICATION, 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,fbregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Ttitner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, absent. * * * * * ,Ec * * * is * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for /etitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Guy Winste46'71/Airline, addressed the Council, indicating that he ff / o 'the handicapped citizens of Corpus Christi. Mr. Winstead was speaking on behe mentioned the and ste ,P d for'ramps which are needed at various locations around the City ,hat Federal law dictates that public buildings should provide access for = handicapped. He urged that the City make every effort to comply with this and provide ramps and other aids for the handicapped. Mr. Winstead also stated that he had attempted to arrange a meeting with the Mayor but had been unsuccessful. Mayor Jones assured Mr. Winstead that he would contact him on the following day to arrange a meeting to discuss this matter. Ms. Janie Bodwell, who owns a business firm at 4l9 Peoples Street, presented a petition containing nine signatures expressing opposition to the closure of the 400 block of Peoples Street for the 4th of July holiday or any other day. She stated that these same business owners are also opposed to the use of $10,000 from the parking meter fund for the benefit of Mr. Bill Sweetland's business interests. Ms. Bodwell explained that the business firms in opposition to the street closing feel that the closure of the street interferes with their business operation. Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, spoke on the same matter, pointing out that in the 400 block of Peoples Street are located some rather unattractive busi- ness firms, such as a tattoo parlor, lounges and adult book stores. He suggested that tax money could be spent to improve a more suitable area of the downtown. Speaking on another matter was Mr. Mike Zepeda, Business Agent for the AFSCME. Mr. Zepeda explained that he was representing Mr. Jimmy Ingram and that a grievance on his behalf was filed on February 19, 1979. Mr. Zepeda informed the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 10 Council that the grievance procedure outlined in the City's Standard Instructions had not been adhered to by City personnel. He stated that his last contact in regard to the matter was a letter dated May 21, 1979 and addressed to the City Manager, to which a reply has not been received. City Manager Townsend stated that he had talked with Mr. Zepeda about this matter and informed him that he would be glad to set up a meeting with him to dis- cuss Mr. Ingram's grievance. Mr. Zepeda stated that he would prefer to receive a letter from City Manager Townsend setting up such an appointment. City Manager Townsend inquired if Mr. Ingram would be able to attend such a meeting, and Mr. Zepeda replied that he would. Council Member Best noted the number of letters that had been written in regard to this grievance and inquired if there is a communication problem connected with the complaint. City Manager Townsend explained that this particular grievance associated with this employee has been continuing for five or six years; the underlying prob- lems are much more complex than indicated by this correspondence; he is very fami- liar with the case and assured the Council that he will be glad to discuss it fully with Mr. Zepeda. Mr. Townsend stated that a great deal of effort has been put forth to solve this case. Mr. Zepeda stated that this particular grievance was filed on a reprimand extended this employee this year and has nothing to do with the past history of his employment with the City. He stated that the City set up the grievance pro- cedure and he is just requesting that it be followed. Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, 1910 Orange, addressed the Council again in regard to the poor drainage in the section of Flour Bluff in which she resides. Mrs. Taylor presented the Council with drawings containing a possible solution to the drainage problem by the installation of a culvert down Don Patricio Road to carry excess water to the Oso. She also displayed before the Council an aerial photo- graph of the area. Mrs. Taylor pointed out the location of the proposed culvert which could be installed under the existing railroad track. Mrs. Taylor noted that Miuutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 11 she and other residents of this area of Flour Bluff have been paying taxes for years but have received very few improvements since the area was annexed. She presented the Council with copies of an unsigned letter from the taxpayers of Flour Bluff (Mrs. Taylor referred to the letter as a petition but it contained no signatures) request- ing certain improvements, including drainage solutions, for that area. Mayor Jones assured Mrs. Taylor that the staff will investigate this matter and inform her of the results of their study. Mrs. Martha Tackett, 2034 Orange, spoke from the audience and requested improved drainage for this portion of Flour Bluff. Motion by Sample that the Regular Council Meeting be recessed at 3:40 p.m. in order that the Special Council Meeting on zoning applications could be convened. The motion was seconded by Zarsky and passed unanimously. Following the completion of the Special Council Meeting, Mayor Jones recon- vened the Regular Council Meeting at 5:35 p.mn. Motion by Sample that Council Member David Diaz be excused from the meeting for just cause, seconded by Turner, and passed unanimously. Mayor Jones inquired if there were any further petitions or information from members of the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mrs. Retta Keeney, 412 Eldon Circle, appeared before the Council in regard to substandard duplex houses that had been moved onto the property across the street from her home. Mrs. Keeney explained that the structures were moved there almost six months ago; no improvements had been made to them; they were originally duplexes but are now located on property zoned for single-family dwellings; and suggested that some regulation be passed by the City to prevent such a situation occurring. She contended that the unsightly structures had lowered her property value and that following her appeal to the Board of Equalization, it was suggested that she appeal to the City Council. Mrs. Keeney informed the Council that because of the existence of the duplexes, she is having difficulty in selling her home. She suggested that the City and the affected neighbors should have some recourse in such situations rather than being •y`r Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1979 Page 12 forced to wait six months before taking any action to correct the problem. City Manager Townsend explained that building permits are issued for six months, and such permits to bring buildings up to standard must be obtained before structures can be moved to a new location. He stated that there are two possible actions that can be taken to correct this problem -- the matter can be taken to court or procedures to correct the matter can be taken under the Substandard Build- ing Act, which is handled by the City's Neighborhood Improvement Division. Mrs. Keeney stated that the City has already filed a complaint in regard to the houses in the courts but noted that she understood that this would require quite a bit of time before something can be accomplished to correct the sitution. City Manager Townsend suggested that procedures under the Substandard Building Act be pursued by the staff. He also explained to Mrs. Keeney that he will investigate the matter since the duplexes were apparently moved onto property that was not properly zoned for such structures. Mayor Jones thanked Mrs. Keeney for her presentation and stated that a member of the City staff will contact her in regard to the matter. Speaking on the same matter was Mr. Bill Curry, a member of the Board of Equalization, who stated that he understood that the party who moved the houses was unaware that he would be unable to use them for duplexes on the property on which they were placed, and that he planned to attempt to have the zoning changed to "R-2." Mr. Richard Wilkins, 721 Purdue, referred to the sewer conditions on that street, stating that the houses on the north side have sewer service, but the ones on the south side do not. He inquired about the City's plans for providing sewer service for the residents who do not have the service. Mr. Lontos explained that there are some sewer lines extending from the school property to Purdue Street. City Manager Townsend inquired as to the number of houses that do not have sewer service, and Mr. Wilkins replied that there are only four houses. Mr. Townsend stated that this will be investigated by the staff and a report provided. He suggested that Mr. Wilkins discuss this with the members of the Engineering Department. t .. .. ,. * * * * .. ,. * * .. .. ., .. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Sample, seconded by Zarsky, and passed unanimously, the Regular Council Meeting 1djourned at 5:50 p.m., June 13, 1979.