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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/01/1979CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 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 Asst. 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 presented by the Reverend Jose Davis of the Iglesia del Nazarene Church. City Secretary Bill G. Read called the roll of required Charter Officers and stated that the necessary quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting. Mayor Jones presented Honorary Citizenship awards to the four students who are visiting the City of Corpus Christi from the City's Sister City of Yokosuka, Japan. The students and their local hosts are listed below: Yokosuka Student Corpus Christi Student Host Miss Motoko Oikawa Betsy Harris Miss Motoko Naito Brenda Holt Shuichi Chikuda Kyle Durden Makoto Kobayashi Carlos Carrington After the presentations of the awards, Mayor Jones explained the Sister City program and noted that the student exchange program further enriches the relationship between the two cities. Mayor Jones then recognized Mr. Hank Deschner, Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop No. 3, sponsored by the First Methodist Church, which is the oldest troop in the City. Mayor Jones expressed the City's appreciation to this troop that traditionally meets and greets the Japanese students upon their arrival in the City. The Japanese students then presented a gift to Mayor Jones from the Mayor of Yokosuka. * * * * ;; * ;; * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 2 Mayor Jones announced the issuance of the following proclamations: "RUTH GILL DAY" - Friday, July 27, 1979; "JIM WRIGHT DAY" - Saturday, July 28, 1979; "NATIONAL CLOWN WEEK" - August 1 thru 7, 1979; "FRANKLIN BASS DAY" - Friday, August 10, 1979; "CARL T. YOUNG DAY" - August 7, 1979; "JOE WATSON DAY" - Friday, August 3, 1979. Motion by Best that the Minutes of the Regular Council Meetings of June 20 and June 27, 1979 be approved as presented; seconded by Sample; and passed unani- mously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones announced the scheduled bid opening on the following Engineer- ing project: Access to older neighborhoods. This project includes the following streets: Driscoll Drive from Agnes to Kenwood; Kenwood from Driscoll to Longview West; Bluebonnet from Driscoll to Longview West; Vi11a Drive from Quaile Drive to Baldwin This work was included in the 1977 Bond Program and is intended to improve main entrances to older neighborhoods where the access is not improved to the same level as the streets within the neighborhood. City Manager R. Marvin Townsend briefly described the project and asked Mr. James K. Lontos, Director of Engineering and Physical Development, to conduct the bid opening. Mr. Lontos opened and read bids from the following firms: Heldenfels Bro- thers, King Construction Company, Claude Chapman Construction Company, Isles Construction Company, M E M Construction Company and APCCO, all of Corpus Christi. Mr. Lontos stated that all of these companies had submitted the required bid bond. Mayor Jones noted that the apparent low bidder was King Construction Com- pany but that the bids will be tabled for 48 hours, pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter, and referred to the staff for tabulation and recommendation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Motion by Dumphy that Council Member David Diaz, who is out of the City, be excused for just cause; seconded by Sample; and passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 3 Mayor Jones called for the City Manager's Reports. City Manager Townsend presented the following items with related comments and explanations and recommended that: a. A public hearing be held at 2:00 p.m. during the Regular Council Meeting on August 15, 1979 for the purpose of considering annexation of 10 acres known as the Yellow Rose Convention Center or Lot 6, Block 1, South Saratoga Acres. The owners have requested annexation in order to obtain utilities. b. A public hearing be held on August 15, 1979 on the Planning Commission's recommendation that the following plan amendments be approved: (1) Sanitary Sewer - a number of revisions between the Westside and the Oso systems and in the Oso System, as recommended by McCaughan and Etheridge in 1974, and incorporated into final planning for treatment plant work now underway. (2) Sanitary Sewer - shift 35 acres at Holly and Kostoryz from Westside to Oso System, and readopt the commitment of the balance of the square mile between Holly and Saratoga and Kostoryz and Ayers to the Westside Plan and to 1-3 (heavy industrial development). (3) Drainage - change 40 acres at the southwest corner of Staples and Saratoga from draining east along Saratoga to draining south to the Oso through a recently excavated channel. (4) Drainage - Wooldridge -Staples outfall area. c. Bids be received at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 21, 1979 for a 5 -year lease -purchase of 2 disk drives, subject to annual appropriation. Six disk drives now support the computer. Five of these drives are being lease -purchased from SMI Computer Company. One is leased from IBM. An additional drive is in the 1979-80 budget to support the growth of the tax and municipal court offices and the new utility system. This type of lease should result in a substantial cost reduction. d. Annual supply contracts be awarded as follows: (1) Lubricating oil, grease, solvent, anti -freeze and #2 diesel fuel to the following firms on the basis of low bid: SUSSER PETROLEUM COMPANY, Corpus Christi Lot I (7,485 Gal. Solvent - % Increase 25.9% $ 6,362.25 TEXAS STAR SERVICE, INC., Corpus Christi Lot 1I (18 Items) Motor Oil, Chassis Grease, Transmission Fluid, Gear Lubricant & Farm Oil $42,221.85 % Increase 19.6% Less Term Discount 1% Net +NBUSTRI.AE-EHBR+EANTS;-Eorpas-Ehrfstr- * SUSSER PETROLEUM COMPANY, Corpus Christi Lot III (2,300 Gals.) Anti -Freeze, 1-Gal.Containers % Increase - 23.5% (422.21) $41,799.64 $ 7,015.00 *Bid Award made to Susser Petroleum Company following casting of lots since both companies submitted identical bids. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 4 CRYSTAL PETROLEUM COMPANY, Corpus Christi Lot V Item 1 80,000 gals. #2 Diesel Fuel Transport Truck Item 2 190,200 gals. #2 Diesel Fuel, Tank Wagon Item 3 2,420 gals. #2 Diesel Fuel, 55 Gal. Returnable Drums % Increase 99. GRAND TOTAL $66,720.00 $163.381,80 2,127.18 $232,228.98 $287,405.87 Bids were received from 4 firms. Price comparison shows an overall increase of approximately 77%. Prices are subject to fluctuation. (2) #1 Diesel Fuel for use in Transit coaches to TEXACO, INC., Corpus Christi 278,000 Gallons #1 Diesel Fuel, Transit Truck Deliveries (3) $206,504.00 This represents no increase in price over the current price, but is an increase of 30C per gallon or 67.7% over the previous year's contract. No bids were received. Texaco, the current supplier, has agreed to continue to supply the City's needs but the price is subject to fluctuation. Janitorial supplies to the following firms on the basis of low bid meeting specifications: BANCROFT PAPER CO., Corpus Christi Lot I - Drinking Cups, Toilet Paper, Paper Wipers (9 Items) Lot V - Hand Soap & Pine Disinfectant (2 Items) Lot VIII - Plastic Can Liners (3 Items) Total ---- CENTURY PAPERS, INC., Corpus Christi Lot II - Toilet Seat Covers, Brown Kraft Paper (2 Items) Lot 111 - Plastic Garbage Cans (11 Items) Lot IV - Cleaners, Disinfectant & Floor Finish (16 Items) Lot VII - Sponges, Squeeges, Sprayers (5 Items) Total ---- GULF COAST PAPER CO., Victoria Lot VI - Oil Absorbent, Floor Dry (1 Item) GRAND TOTAL $ 18,274.34 2,377.98 4,175.08 $ 24,827.40 $ 821.21 2,685.48 11,382.77 296.89 $ 15,186.35 $ 215.00 $ 40,228.75 Bids were received from 11 bidders. Price comparison reflects an increase of 4%. The apparent low bids of $9,696.70 by Bancroft Paper and $10,513.10 by Corpus Christi Janitor Supply on Lot IV did not meet various specifi- cations. The prices are subject to fluctuation except for some items in Lot IV. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 5 (4) Two items of lubricated plug valves to ESCO SUPPLY, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $4,533.98. Bids were received from three firms. Price is subject to fluctuation. Price comparison shows an increase of 14.6%. (5) Ford Motor Company Repair Parts and Accessories to CHARLIE THOMAS COURTESY FORD, Corpus Christi, for an estimated annual volume of $14,000 on the basis of best discount offered. Bids were received from two firms. (6) 1,405 cubic yards of ready mix concrete to SOUTH TEXAS MATERIALS COMPANY, INC., Corpus Christi on the basis of only bid received of $64,582.50. A price comparison indicates an increase of 23%. (7) 5,300 feet of reinforced concrete pipe to TEXAS INDUSTRIES, INC., Corpus Christi, on the basis of only bid received of $29,140.30. A price comparison indicates an increase of approximately 15%. (8) 7,500 feet of polyethylene plastic to CORPUS CHRISTI PIPE & SUPPLY COMPANY, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $2,760.62. Bids were received from 4 firms. Price comparison indicates an increase of approximately 8%. (9) 37 items of sewer tile and fittings to W. S. DICKEY CLAY MAhU`ArTURING COMPANY, San Antonio, on the basis of low bid of $66,370.80. Bids were received from 2 firms. A price comparison indicates an increase of approximately 5%. (10) 50,950 tons of flexible base caliche to SOUTH TEXAS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $300,325.50. Bids were received from 3 firms. Price comparison shows an increase of approximately 19.3%. The price is subject to fluctuation. (11) 8 items of Oxygen, Acetylene and Nitrogen to BIG THREE INDUSTRIES, INC., Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $3,850.98. Bids were received from 4 firms. A price comparison indicates an increase of approximately 9%. (12) Manila and Wire Rope to the following firms on the basis of low bid: STONE COMPANY, Corpus Christi, Lot I - High Carbon Chains, Grab Hooks & Cold Shuts (16 Items) $ 2,700.62 AMERICAN COTTON YARNS, INC., Hinsdale, Ill. Lot 11 - Manila & Sisal Rope (16 Items) 829.08 AMERICAN NATIONAL ROPES, INC., Houston, Texas Lot III - Wire Rope, Guy Wire & Wire Rope Clips (15 items) 4,228.56 EST. GRAND TOTAL --- $ 7,758.26 Bids were received from seven firms. A price comparison indicates an increase of 5.5%. Price is subject to fluctuation. (13) General Motors Corporation Repair Parts and Accessories to GM PARTS DIVISION, Dallas, on the basis of only bid received. The price charged will be the parts list price. The estimated annual volume is $16,000. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 6 (14) Gas and Water Meters to the following firms on the basis of low bid meeting specifications: ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL, Houston Item 1 - 800 ea. 200 Cu. Ft. 1" Pipe Size Alum. Gas Meters $ 30,400.00 Item 3 - 8 ea. 1,600 Cu. Ft. 11" Pipe Thread Alum. Gas Meters 2,024.00 Item 4 - 5 ea. 3,000 Cu. Ft. 3" Pipe Thread Alum. Gas Meters 2,970.00 Item 5 - 2 ea. 5,000 Cu. Ft. 4" Pipe Thread Alum. Gas Meters 1,908.00 Item 6 - 10 ea. 10,000 Cu. Ft. 4" Pipe Thread Alum. Gas Meters 15,100.00 Item 7 - 10 ea. Automatic Pressure Correcting Instruments for 1,600 thru 10,000 Cu. Ft. Meters 4,640.00 TOTAL $ 57,042.00 NATIONAL METER PARTS, INC., Lancaster, Ohio Item 2 - 15 ea. 415 Cu. Ft. l" Pipe Size Alum. Gas Meters $ 950.40 CARLON METER COMPANY, Grand Haven, Mich. Item 8 - 1,200 ea. 5/8" x 3/4" Displacement Type Water Meters $ 30,324.00 Item 9 - 50 ea. 3/4" Displacement Type Water Meters 1,741.00 Item 10 - 75 ea. 1" Displacement Type Water Meters 3,945.00 Item 11 - 35 ea. 1I" Displacement Type Water Meters w/2 hole flange 4,200.00 TOTAL $ 40,210.00 NEPTUNE WATER METER COMPANY, Dallas Item 12 - 35 ea. 2" Displacement Type Water Meters w/2 hole flanges $ 6,077.75 ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL COMPANY, Houston Item 13 - 10 ea. 3" Compound Type Water Meters $ 7,050.00 Item 14 - 2 ea. 4" Compound Type Water Meters 2,098.00 TOTAL $ 9,148.00 GRAND TOTAL $113,428.15 Bids were received from 10 firms. Price comparison shows an increase of 7.15%. The apparent low bids of $1,960.80 on Item 3, $2,800 on Item 4, $1,780 on Item 5, $4,000 on Item 6 and $4,520 on Item 7 by Singer American Meter Division, Garland, did not meet various specifications. The apparent low bid of $28,635.60 on Item 8 and $1,565.55 on Item 9 by Precision Meter, Inc., Waco, were for multi -jet not positive displacement meters. The multi -jet meter is still being tested for consideration for inclusion in future specifications. (15) Pest Control Service at 46 locations to BUSTER-SUMMY COMPANY, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $3,728. Bids were received from four firms. A price comparison indicates a 4.6% increase. (16) 350 Police, 56 Airport Safety Security Guard, 65 School Crossing Guard, and 50 Bus Drivers' uniforms to FAMOUS DEPARTMENT STORE, Corpus Christi, on the basis of only bid received of $50,515.51. Price comparison shows an increase of approximately 8%. e. A contract to repair the engine and brakes on a GMC refuse collection truck be awarded to EDABURN INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS, INC., Corpus Christi on the basis of only bid received of $3,122.45. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 7 f. The two bids received, $13,582.80 from Handy Paint and Sandblasting and $13,664.00 from Construction Engineers, Inc. for painting the exterior of La Retama Library be rejected on the basis of being in excess of the amount budgeted and authority be granted again to receive bids at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 21, 1979. The specifications have been revised to provide for separate bids for painting the upper stucco area and the brick portion under the windows. The latter is estimated to cost less than $2,000 and does not require formal bids. Separating the contracts should encourage more bidding. 9• A revocable easement, for a 4" diameter nitrogen line across Up River Road in the vicinity of Navigation Boulevard, be granted to Air Products and Chemicals Inc. The line will be used in purging other lines in the vicinity and other related uses in the refinery area. The crossing will be placed by boring. A fee of $116.00 will be charged consistent with the City Code. h. A consent agreement be executed with the State Department of Highways and Public Tansportation to permit the State to inventory and upgrade passive warning signing and markings at various public railroad grade crossings. The upgrading will include crossbuck signing, advance warning signs, number of track signs and pavement markings. The State will contract with a private firm for upgrading the crossings. The inventory and upgrading will be paid for totally with Federal and State money. Once completed, the City .:11 be responsible for maintaining the improvements except the crossbuck and number of track signs. i. Tax Roll Adjustments for 2-1-79 thru 4-30-79 be approved as follows: City of Corpus Christi Water District Prior Year Prior Year 1978 Levy Levies Levies J• Tax Levies 8-1-79 Previously Approved Adjustments thru 1-31-79 Recommended change 2-1-79 thru 4-30-79 $18,774,493 (57,023) ( 5,851) $1,738,659 $21,518 (13,327) ( 8) ( 4,569) (55) Tax Levies 4-30-79 $18,711,619 $1,720,763 $21,455 The decrease in the 1978 Levy consists of a net decrease of $6,639 in real property and a net increase of $788 in personal property. Real property adjustments include $4,505 for 58 taxpayers, whose Homestead Exemptions were proved valid, $1,506 decrease where clerical errors were made on 9 properties, $270 decrease where improvements were taken off 4 properties, $256 decrease where taxes on 1 property were transferred, $141 increase on 16 properties where taxes were divided and an increase of $92 for property where the Homestead Exemption was found to be invalid. Personal property adjustments include a decrease of $682 for 15 taxpayers who presented records, $416 decrease for 19 taxpayers where wrong information was involved, $396 decrease for 8 properties double assessed, $188 decrease on 4 properties where Homestead Exemptions were found to be valid, $91 decrease for 8 properties which had no taxable assets and an increase of $2,586 for 39 properties supplemented to the Roll. The recommendation of the Marina Advisory Board be approved that Dry Berth and Gear Box monthly rates be increased. Lower level berth - $12.00 to $13.00 Second level berth - 9.00 to 10.00 Top level berth - 9.00 to 10.00 Gear Box - large 3.00 to 3.50 Gear Box - small 2.50 to 3.00 Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 8 k. Bids be received at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 21, 1979 on Books by Mail Service for the South Texas Library System for September 1, 1979 to August 31, 1980 to continue circulating paperback books to individuals in rural areas without library service. The bidder will state the percentage dis- count on list price for 4,400 paperback books, the cost of printing 6,200 catalogs, 4,000 book order cards and 8,000 mailing labels. There is only one known supplier. 1. A contract be approved with the Texas State Library for the provision of Interlibrary Loan Services by La Retama Library for the 26 county South Texas Library System for September 1, 1979 through August 31, 1980. The cost ($77,844) is paid for by the State. It allows the borrowing of books not available locally from ten major and thirty academic libraries in Texas, all major libraries in Louisiana and many other libraries throughout the United States. m. 28 CETA Title VI and 10 Title II -D positions be approved. Of this total, 21 are recommended through worksite agreements and 17 with various City departments and divisions. The Title VI positions are as follows: (1) Airport - 1 to maintain landscaped area around the terminal. (2) Auditorium - 3 - 1 to provide accounting support and 2 to provide custodial services for the auditorium and coliseum. (3) Crisis Intervention - 1 to provide clerical support for public awareness campaigns and referral services. (4) TEC - 4 - 3 to help process Title II -D and Title VI applicants and 1 to provide clerical support in jobs tax credit program. (5) Nueces County District Clerk- 6 to file and index, cases, records, and dockets. (6) Greenwood Library- 2 to inventory library collection and revise card catalogue. (7) Sanitation - 1 to provide clerical support for new computerized route system. (8) Nueces County Historical Commission - 2 to research county clerks and other official county records. (9) Nueces County - Building Maintenance - 1 to refinish old county owned furniture. (10) Arthritis Foundation - 2 to provide clerical support for public education projects. (11) Coastal Bend Halfway House for Alcoholics- 3 - 2 to assist resident managers with services for residents and 1 to provide maintenance of grounds and facilities. (12) Kidney Foundation of the Coastal Bend - 2 to provide clerical and bookkeeping support for public awareness. Title II -D positions are as follows: (1) Health Department - 3 - 1 to provide clerical support for the information center and 2 to provide clerical support for the venereal disease and immunization program. (2) Data Processing - 5 to help merge data from the old utility batch billing system to the new billing system. Public Utilities - 2 to serve as temporary clerical help in the Customer Service Office. (3) Minute., Regular Council Meeting August I, 1979 Page 9 n. A contract be approved with the Texas Department of Human Resources to provide a Title XX grant for $60,000 for September 1, 1979 through August 31, 1980 to pay for a full range of family planning services for income eligible partici- pants. The City's 10% local match consists of Data Processing Services for Title XX billings. The City has received $150,000 for this program since July, 1978. o. The 300 Block of Peoples Street be closed to vehicular traffic from 5:00 P.M. till 11:00 P.M., Friday, September 28, 1979, so the National Association of Farm Worker Organizations can exhibit energy conservation displays and demonstrations. A band will be provided and beer and food will be sold. This event concludes a three-day energy conference to be held at the La Quinta Royale Motor Inn on September 26, 27, and 28, 1979. The businesses in the 300 block of Peoples Street, the Peoples Alley Merchants and the Central Business District Association offer no opposition. P. The 1979-80 Budget be adopted and a tax of $.74 per $100 of assessed or market value be levied. q. The Compensation Ordinance be amended to provide a 7% cost -of -living increase effective July 30, 1979, for all full-time employees and establish a 5% differential in pay steps for Grades 14 through 22 with a tran.ition schedule designed to minimize the cost of the transition. r. The Compensation Plan be amended as follows: (1) to establish position of Stage Manager, Grade 23, to maintain and operate the Bayfront Plaza Auditorium sound, lighting and rigging systems; and Assistant Library Director, Grade 31; (2) to reclassify positions of Zoning Coordinator from Grade 25 to Grade 28 and Senior Street Foreman 11 from Grade 24 to Grade 25 to recognize increased job responsibilities; to change the titles of Program Superintendent and Operations Superin- tendent to Recreation Superintendent and Parks Superintendent, respectively without a change in pay grade. These are familiar job titles which were used until 1975. The titles now in effect have been confusing. s. A two-year agreement be approved effective September 1, 1979, with the Texas Office of the Governor to provide for continuing the City as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the urbanized area to comply with Section 112 of the Federal -Aid Highway Act. The City has served as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for four years and receives Federal Transportation planning grants to finance the planning effort. The urbanized area consists of Nueces and San Patricio counties. (3) t. Interest earned on bond construction from the temporary investment of funds remain in the bond funds rather than used for debt service. This action will increase the amount of money available for construction of sanitary sewer, storm sewer, park, airport, and other projects in 1979-80 by approximately $480,000. u. The homestead exemption for persons over 65 be increased from $13,500 to 18,000. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 10 v. The Compensation Plan be amended as follows: (1) Reclassify the positions of Director of Neighborhood Improvement - Community Development Coordinator from Grade 32 to Grade 34 to reflect additional responsibilities for development and coordination of grant programs, and Housing Counseling Supervisor from Grade 23 to Grade 25 to be consistent with similar positions. (2) Establish the positions of Budget Assistant, Grade 18; Tax Office Manager, Grade 30; Collection Office Manager, Grade 26; Gas Office Manager, Grade 30; Property Advisory III, Grade 25; Van Operator, Grade 11; and Gas Field Supervisor, Grade 22. These positions are included in the 1979-80 budget. w. Acquisition of 126.97 acres at Rodd Field from the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service be approved. Mayor Jones called for comments from the Council on the City Manager's Reports. Council Member Zarsky referred to the proposed tax rate of $.74 per $10U of assessed or market value and stated that he would like to know the amount of increase in the cost of the City's supplies, either percentage or dollar amounts, over last year so that citizens will be aware of the impact inflation has had on the City finances. City Manager Townsend stated that the particular group of supplies listed on the agenda today has increased in cost by approximately 33%; the budget con- templates an increase in costs of between 15 and 20%; but apparently, the actual increase will be up to 30%. Mr. Townsend noted that such increases will force the departments involved to very judiciously use their materials. Council Member Zarsky inquired if this cost increase will affect the recommendation of the $.74 tax rate, and City Manager Townsend replied that he did not think this would affect the proposed tax rate in view of the many other issues to be considered. In further reference to the tax rate and the budget, Mayor Jones informed the audience that this Council has met every Monday night for seven weeks to discuss the proposed budget, emphasizing the fact that their intention to adopt the budget is certainly not a sudden decision but one which has been reached after a great deal of thought and study. Council Member Zarsky indicated that he is satisfied with the proposed bud- get and agreed that action should be taken to adopt the budget. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 11 Council Member Zarsky did point out that the single-family dwelling taxpayer is being assessed more percentage wise than anywhere else in the state; this is a hardship on those property owners; and stated that he felt very strongly that measures should be taken to relieve these taxpayers of this burden. Mayor Jones then called for comments from members of the audience on the City Manager's Reports. Mr. Mike Zepeda, Business Agent for AFSCME, spoke in regard to the amendment to the compensation ordinance which grants a cost -of -living salary increase of 7%. He urged the Council to re-examine this increase insofar as the lower grade employees are concerned. Mr. Zepeda stated that he felt that it would require at least 10.8% salary increases for them just to maintain their current standard of living. He also again pointed out that the sanitation workers employed in this City receive much less than the same type of employees in other cities of Texas, particularly in Beaumont. Mayor Jones expressed his appreciation to Mr. Zepeda for his appearances before the Council. Mr. Raul Vasquez, representing LULAC Council No. 1, read a letter express- ing his opposition to the proposed fare of $.50 for van service for the elderly. Mr. Vasquez pointed out that the vans provide transportation for an average of 149 riders per month, and there seems to be no problem in serving these people. He summarized by urging the Council not to approve this recommended fare. Mr. John Cole, speaking as a private citizen, inquired about the $.74 tax rate and inquired if this represents an increase or a decrease from last year's rate. Mayor Jones replied that this tax rate is 6c less than last year's rate. Mr. Cole stated that he, too, wished to address the employees' pay increases. He pointed out that a decrease of 6does not really mean very much to most tax- payers, and the employees at the lower end of the City's pay scale will not realize very much from a 7% increase. Mr. Cole expressed the opinion that the tax decrease represents an illusory savings, and the taxpayers will not really benefit very much. He suggested that the Council consider a smaller tax cut and provide a larger pay increase for employees. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 12 Mayor Jones explained that the tax decrease was recommended because the Council realizes that single-family dwellings are being increased in value 20% or more and they hope to provide some relief by decreasing the tax rate by 6C. Mayor Pro Tem Sample thanked Mr. Cole for his comments. Mr. Tony Dominguez, a representative of United Steel Workers, expressed the opinion that the 7% cost -of -living increase is very unfair for the employees in the lower income brackets and urged the Council to consider granting a larger income increase for employees below Grade 14. Mr. Wayne Oates, a student of Del Mar College, stated that he is President of a club that represents the handicapped and the club's aim is to aid the handi- capped and attempt to make the City more accessible to the handicapped, including buses. Mr. Oates stated that Council Member Turner had suggested that, as a government student, it might be well to consider as a project in connection with the government class, performing some research for the various Council Members. Mayor Jones informed Mr. Oates that the Council is very concerned about the cost of providing a wheelchair lift for the buses to enable the handicapped to conveniently board vehicles. City Manager Townsend noted that the first reading authorizing the pro- posed fare for van service does exempt the handicapped from any fares, if they are handicapped in such a way to make boarding a bus impossible. Council Member Turner responded to Mr. Oates' suggestion that students be allowed to assist the Council Members and explained that in Austin, and possibly other cities, the Council Members have paid assistants, but she thought that it would be appropriate for the local Council Members to have college students to assist them in research and in obtaining necessary information as a part of their college courses. Mrs. Turner informed Mr. Oates that this matter will be dis- cussed by the Council. Mr. Art Madrid, speaking on behalf of AFSCME, referred to the fact that employees of the City are not allowed to appear before the Council and stated that this discourages some employees from speaking and that he would like to speak on their behalf. Mr. Madrid pointed out that the police officers will receive an 8.17% salary increase rather than the 7% that other employees will receive. He suggested that all employees are entitled to more than 7% if the minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 13 police are going to receive 8.17%. Mrs. Elizabeth Price, 4309 Loma Alta Road, appeared on behalf of senior citi- zens and expressed opposition to the proposed fare of $.50 for van transportation service. Mr. Loyd Salazar, speaking on behalf of the National Association of Farm Worker Organizations, referred to Item "o" of the City Manager's Reports pertaining to the closure of the 300 Block of Peoples Street for an exhibit associated with the three-day energy conference that will be conducted on September 26 thru 28, and stated that his organization would like to have the full support of the City Council for this event. Ms. Mary Lou Martinez, an employee of the Nueces County Community Action Agency, presented a petition containing 173 signatures, expressing opposition to the $.50 fare for van service for the elderly. No one else spoke in regard to the City Manager's Reports. Motion by Sample that the City Manager's Reports, Items "a" thru "w," be approved; seconded by Best; and passed unanimously. Mayor Pro Tem Sample inquired as to the reason the citizens of Corpus Christi are assessed more for single-family dwellings than other cities in the State. City Manager Townsend explained that in the City of Corpus Christi, property owners of single-family dwellings are in the position of bearing a much greater share of the tax roll than in other cities because the industrial areas outside the City limits are not taxed, and other cities in Texas have annexed their industrial areas and added them to the tax base. * :c '; ',: * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for the ordinances. City Manager Townsend briefly explained them. There were no comments from the audience; City Secretary Read polled the Council for their votes; and the following ordinances were approved: Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 14 FIRST READING: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI 1976 REVISION, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 55-5, CITY TRANSIT SYSTEM --FARES, BY ADDING A NEW PARAGRAPH, (E), PERTAINING TO SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". FIRST READING: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, 1976 REVISION, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE II, MARINA, SECTION 12-61, "RATES AND RENTAL FEES FOR USE OF SLIPS AND DOCK SPACE - SCHEDULE AND REGULATIONS", INCREASING DRY BERTH RATES BY ONE DOLLAR ($1) PER MONTH AND GEAR BOX RATES BY FIFTY CENTS (500 PER MONTH; SPECIFICALLY AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 13889, SECTION 1, PARAGRAPH (2), (f) AND (j), PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON AUGUST 17, 1977; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". SECOND READING: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, FOLUME II, CHAPTER 55 UTILITIES, ARTICLE IV, GAS RATES AND CHARGES, SECTION 55-61, CLASSIFICATION OF CUSTOMERS AND SCHEDULES OF RATES, AS SET FORTH IN ORDINANCE NO. 12210, AS AMENDED, SO AS TO CHANGE THE SCHEDULE OF GAS RATES FOR ALL CUSTOMERS OF THE CITY -OWNED GAS RATES FOR ALL CUSTOMERS OF THE CITY -OWNED GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BY PROVIDING A NEW SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR ALL GAS CUSTOMERS; DELETING SECTION 2, PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENT, AS SET FORTH IN ORDINANCES NOS. 11755, DATED OCTOBER 24, 1973, AND 11867, APPROVED ON JANUARY 9, 1974 AND PUBLISHED JANUARY 15, 1974 IN THE CORPUS CHRISTI TIMES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING A SEVERANCE CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third reading by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". SECOND READING: AMENDING SECTIONS 21-18, 21-19, 21-20, 21-21, AND 21-21.1 OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI CITY CODE, 1976, BY AMENDING THE CHARGES FOR SERVICE FOR GARBAGE COLLECTION TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASE EFFECTIVE WITH THE BILLINGS OF CYCLE ONE FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 1979; PROVIDING A SEVERANCE CLAUSE. The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third reading by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". SECOND READING: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, 1976 REVISION, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 36, PARKS, RECREATION, CULTURAL AND LEISURE TIME ACTIVITES, ARTICLE II, COLISEUM AND EXPOSITION HALL, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION, 36-27A, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR THE DISPLAY OF FIREARMS AT GUN SHOWS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR PUBLCATION. The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its third reading by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 15 THIRD PEADING - ORDINANCE NO. 15021: FINDING THAT THE BAYFEST '79 ON SEPTEMBER 28 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 1979 IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE; CLOSING THE 1200 THROUGH 1600 BLOCKS OF NO. SHORELINE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 8:00 AM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1979 THROUGH L2:00 NOON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1979; CLOSING THE 1100 BLOCK OF NORTH SHORELINE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 6;00 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1979 THROUGH 12:00 M;NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 30, 1979; CLOSING ONE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT AND THE BARGE DOCK, MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT "A" ATTACHED HERETO, FOR SAID BAYFEST CO-SPONSORED BY THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS AND THE CORPUS CHRISTI ARTS COUNCIL; PROVIDING FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENTRANCE; PROVIDING FOR LIABILITY INSURANCE, RESTORATION OF DAMAGED CITY PROPERTY, APPROVAL OF THE L.CINEERING s PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AND THE COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT DIRECTOR CR CERTAIN CHANGES, REQUIRED PERMITS FOR BEER AND FOOD, COMPLIANCE WITH CITY CODES AND PROHIBITING CERTAIN PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND REQUIRING THE SPONSORS TO RESTORE THE AREA FOR USE FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED APPLICATION PERMIT; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR PUBLICATION, AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 15022: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, 1976 REVISION, AS AMENDED, AND PARTICULARLY AMENDING SECTION 53-252 SCHEDULE IV -STOPPING STANDING OR PHRKING PROHIBITED DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS, BY ADDING THERETO ITEMS WHICH WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF PROHIBITING STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON KINGSTON DRIVE, BOTH SIDES, 350 FEET NORTH AND 200 FEET SOUTH OF PANAMA STREET AND ON PANAMA STREET AT KINGSTON DRIVE, FOR A DISTANCE OF 150 FEET AT THE NORTHWEST AND SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF THE INTERSECTION; PROVICING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 15023: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, 1976 REVISION, AS AMENDED, AND PARTICULARLY AMENDING SECTION 53-253 SCHEDULE IV, STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING PROHIBITED DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CERTAIN STREETS', BY ADDING THERETO ITEMS WHICH WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF PROHIBITING STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING DURING CERTAIN HOURS ON CENTER DRIVE, EAST SIDE ONLY, FROM CARMEL PARKWAY TO CORAL PLACE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 15024: AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF CORPUS CHRIST', 1976 REVISION, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 36, ARTICLE III, BAYFRONT PLAZA AUDITORIUM, SECTION 36-84, RENTAL OF THE THEATRE, SUBSECTION A.L. CLASS I, BY ADDING A SENTENCE THERETO TO INCLUDE ANY EVENT DURING WHICH CONTRIBUTIONS OF MONEY ARE SOLICITED FROM THE AUDIENCE OTHER THAN DURING RELIGIOUS CONVENTIONS AND LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES: AMENDING SECTION 36-86, RENTAL OF CITY -OWNED EQUIPMENT, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION, TO BE DESIGNATED SUBSECTION "I", TO PROVIDE FOR RENTAL CHARGES FOR USE OF THE CONCERT GRAND PIANO. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed finally by the following vote: Jones, Sample, Best, Dumphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 16 ORDINANCE NO. 15025: GRANTING A REVOCABLE EASEMENT TO AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLACING A 4" DIAMETER NITROGEN LINE ACROSS UP RIVER ROAD IN THE VICINITY OF NAVIGATION BOULEVARD, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE REVOCABLE EASEMENT, 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". ORDINANCE NO. 15026: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONSENT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE STATE TO INVENTORY AND PROVIDE UPGRADED PASSIVE SIGNING AND MARKINGS AT VARIOUS PUBLIC RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 203 OF THE HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT OF 1973, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH WITHIN THE AGREEMENT FORM, A 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". ORDINANCE NO. 15027: AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY FOR THE PROVISION OF INTERLIBRARY LOAN SERVICES FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1979 TO AUGUST 31, 1980, A SUBSTANTIAL COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A" AND MADE A PART HEREOF; THE CONTRACT PROVIDES $77,844 FOR THIS SERVICE; 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. 15028: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A RESOURCES TO PROVIDE A TITLE XX GRANT FOR THROUGH AUGUST 31, 1980 TO PAY FOR A FULL INCOME ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS, ALL AS MORE COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. CONTRACT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN $60,000 FOR THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 1, 1979 RANGE OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES FOR FULLY SET FORTH IN THE CONTRACT, A SUBSTANTIAL A PART HEREOF, MARKED EXHIBIT "A"; AND 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. 15029: FINDING THAT A PUBLIC EVENT ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1979, IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN ENERGY CONFERENCE SCHEDULED ON SEPTEMBER 26-28, 1979 IS IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC WELFARE; CLOSING THE 300 BLOCK OF PEOPLES STREET TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 11:00 P.M., FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1979 FOR SAID PUBLIC EVENT SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FARM WORKER ORGANIZATIONS; PROVIDING FOR BARRICADES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENTRANCE, LIABILITY INSURANCE, RESTORATION OF DAMAGED CITY PROPERTY, CROWD SECURITY, PUBLIC RESTROOMS, REQUIRED PERMITS FOR BEER AND FOOD, COMPLIANCE WITH CITY CODES, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE ATTACHED APPLICATION/PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. 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 August 1, 1979 Page 17 ORDINANCE NO. 15030: APPROVING CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI BUDGET FOR THEENSURING FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 1979, AND ENDING JULY 31, 1980, ACCORIDNG TO THE CITY CHARTER FOR PURPOSE OF FILING ADOPTED BUDGET WITH STATE COMPTROLLER AND COUNTY CLERK UNDER TEXAS BUDGET LAW, BEING SUBJECT OF APPROPRIATION HEREUNDER OF MONIES FOR SAID BUDGET; PROVIDING SAVINGS; 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. 15031: PRESCRIBING THE TAXES TO BE LEVIED, ASSESSED AND COLLECTED BY THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, FOR THE YEAR 1979 AND FOR EACH SUCCEEDING YEAR THEREAFTER UNTIL OTHERWISE PROVIDED AND ORDAINED AND SUCH OTHER YEARS AS THE SAME MAY BE APPLICABLE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; 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. 15032: AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 8127, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SUBSECTION 501, AS AMENDED, BY SUBSTITUTING THE SALARY SCHEDULES ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBITS "A" AND "B" TO PROVIDE FOR A COST OF LIVING INCREASE TO ALL EMPLOYEES EXCEPT FIRE AND POLICE; AMENDING SUBSECTION 510 BY CHANGING CERTAIN POSITION TITLES, BY DELETING CERTAIN POSITION TITLES, AND BY ESTABLISHING NEW POSITIONS, AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH HEREIN; AMENDING SUBSECTION 552.11 BY DELETING THE PRESENT PROVISIONS AND IN LIEU THEREOF ADOPTING NEW PROVISIONS TO PROVIDE A TRANSITION PROCESS AND SCHEDULE FOR EMPLOYEES AS SET FORTH HEREINAFTER; PROVIDING A SEVERANCE CLAUSE; 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, Dunphy, Turner and Zarsky voting "Aye"; Diaz, "absent". ORDINANCE NO. 15033: AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3658, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 250 CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR ALL POSITIONS IN THE CLASSIFIED SERVICE BY ESTABLISHING AND BY CHANGING CERTAIN POSITION TITLES, CODES AND CLASS GRADES; PROVIDING A SEVERANCE CLAUSE; 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. 15034: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A TWO-YEAR AGREEMENT, EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 1979, WITH THE TEXAS OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR TO PROVIDE FOR RECONFIRMATION OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AS THE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION FOR THE CORPUS CHRISTI URBANIZED AREA AND TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL -AID HIGHWAY ACT OF 1973, ALL AS MORE FULLY SET FORTH IN THE AGREEMENT, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A", AND MADE A PART HEREOF; 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 August 1, 1979 Page 18 ORDINANCE NO. 15035: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDED CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY OF NUECES FOR SPONSORSHIP OF THE NUECES COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH -MENTAL RETARDATION PROGRAM, IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE FORM ATTACHED HERETO, MARKED EXHIBIT "A", AND MADE A PART HEREOF; 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". RESOLUTION NO. 15036: AUTHORIZING THE DEPOSIT OF INTEREST EARNED ON BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS TO THE CREDIT OF EACH BOND CONSTRUCTION FUND; 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. 15037: FINDING THAT THE GRANTING OF A $18,000 ASSESSED VALUE EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM TAXES FOR PERSONS' RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD WHO ARE 65 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI; EXEMPTING FROM ALL AD VALOREM TAXES LEVIED EIGHTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($18,000) OF THE ASSESSED TAXABLE VALUE OF SAID RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD OF SAID PERSONS UPON PROPER APPLICATION FOR SAID EXEMPTION BEING MADE AS PROVIDED BY ORDINANCE NO. L1247, PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE 10TH DAY OF JANUARY, 1973, AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCES NOS. 11918, 12211, 13856 AND 14417; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS CUMULATIVE, PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; 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". Mayor Jones declared a recess at 3:21 p.m. and informed the Council that the Regular Council Meeting would be resumed following the Special Council Meeting scheduled for 3:30 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 4:05 p.m. and called for petitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Alfred Vela, 1418 15th Street, stated that he would like to address the Council. City Manager Townsend, noting that Mr. Vela is a City employee in the Fire Department, interrupted Mr. Vela to inquire whether he planned to speak as a private citizen or on a matter related to his employment as a firefighter. Mr. Vela informed the Council that he is an elected official of the Firefighters Association and that he wished to speak on their behalf. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 19 City Manager Townsend reminded Mr. Vela of the City's Standard Instruction No. 1-11, dated July 7, 1975, which addresses the issue of appearances by City employees before the City Council. Mr. Townsend briefly outlined the procedure to be followed for such appearances, noting that any employee who wishes to appear in a job related matter must first receive approval from his department head and subse- quently the City Manager b,lfore speaking. City Manager Townsend informed the Council that Mr. Vela had not properly followed these procedures and was subject to disci- plinary action by appearing. Mayor Jones inquired of Mr. Vela if he was aware of these Standard Instruc- tions and realized the significance of this appearance. Mr. Vela indicated that he was and stated that he wished to allow Mr. Carceres to speak at this time. Mr. Armando Carceres, President of the Firefighters Association, contended that under the State law, the firefighters have collective bargaining rights, and as a part of these rights, they have the right to select a prrson who best represents their union, and they have chosen Mr. Vela to speak on their behalf. Mr. Carceres continued by referring to the contract between the City and the local union, parti- cularly the first phrase under Article 11, Section 1, which states that the City recognizes the union as the exclusive bargaining agent for qualified firefighters in the Fire Department of the City of Corpus Christi. Mr. Carceres further stated that under this same Article 11, in the non-discrimination clause, it states that the City will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against any employee who is a member of, or supports, the union or participates in any lawful union activity. Mr. Carceres then expressed the opinion that to deny Mr. Vela the right to repre- sent the firefighters before the Council at this time is a clear violation of the contract, of the State Statutes and possibly the Federal Statutes. Mayor Jones stated that as Mayor, his position is that this is the public portion of the Council Meeting at which time citizens are allowed to speak, but pointed out that there are rules and regulations pertaining to appearances by City employees and that he wanted to point this out to Mr. Carceres and Mr. Vela. Mr. Vela indicated that he would like to speak on behalf of the firefighters and would suffer the consequences, if any. Mr. Vela pointed out that the legislative Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 20 body of this City has mandated this body to recognize the Firefighters Union. He informed the Council that the City's negotiation team and the unionareat an impasse in their negotiations. Mr. Vela noted that the 7% increase offered the firefighters and other City employees does not even compare to the amount of the cost -of -living increases. He also pointed out that the cost of insurance for employees and dependents has been increased as well, and because of this increase and the inflationary cost -of -living increase, the firefighters feel that they are justified in asking for a greater salary increase. Mr. Vela then summarized by informing the Council that the firefighters are requesting the following: (1) a substantial increase in pay, specifically, $150 increase across the board; (2) that the City absorb the 24% increase in the hospitalization insurance for depen- dents; (3) that their work week be reduced from 56 to 52 hours a week, and in lieu of the time and a half between the 56 hours and the 52 hours, that the firefighters be given one day off each six weeks; and (4) that the paramedics, once trained, should be paid more than the City's offer of $20 for such certification. Mr. Vela also stated that the firefighters' bargaining position is that they cannot afford to bargain away their Civil Service rights as the Police Officers Association did. He concluded his presentation by pointing out that the firefighters are charged with the responsibility of protecting lives and property and urged the Council to meet their needs which they feel are justified. Mayor Lozano thanked Mr. Vela for his presentation. Speaking on another matter was Mrs. Georgia Nelson, 325 Naples Street, who explained to the Council about the numerous water breaks that had occurred on her street, sometimes as many as four times each summer. Mrs. Nelson asked for some relief from these occurrences because of the inconvenience created. Mayor Jones agreed that this was too many water breaks and asked the City Manager to provide a report on the conditions of this water line. Mrs. Jesus Martinez, 4049 South Port Avenue, again addressed the Council in regard to the inconvenience she has experienced at her fried chicken restaurant since access has been severely limited because of street improvements. After a short discussion, Assistant City Manager Archie Walker assured Mrs. Martinez that this problem has been discussed with the State Department of Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 21 Highways and Public Transportation, and they have assured the City that they will see that one lane of the street is open at all times and will place caliche in areas where access needs to be provided. Mr. Zepeda spoke again, stating that he was speaking on behalf of all the City employees whom the union represents and informed the Council that they are very disappointed in the low percentage of the cost -of -living salary increase. He called to the Council's attention the fact that a large number of City employees who are off duty are present in the meeting which indicates their concern with the Increases just approved. He noted that the regular employees, other than the police officers and firefighters, do not have collective bargaining rights, and they are forced to ask repeatedly for a fair cost -of -living raise. Mr. Zepeda reiterated that these employees are very concerned about their future and their welfare, and when their problems are not taken care of by the Council, the; become insurmoun- table. He urged the Council to think about these statements. Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, presented the Council with information pertaining to rabies and to statements attributed to Dr. W. R. Metzger that were contained in a newspaper article in the July 18, 1979 issue of the Corpus Christi Caller -Times. Mr. Rosenstein stated that Dr. Dayton L. Prouty of the Animal Control Advisory Board has stated that the City of Corpus Christi does have a potential prob- lem in regard to rabies. He also stated that Mr. George Lord, Supervisor of Animal Control, had informed him that rabies is prevalent in areas all around the City. Mr. Rosenstein mentioned the fact that Mayor Jones had stated during a Council Meeting that they did not intend to do anything to enforce the leash law; the Council did not respond at all to his request that these laws be enforced; and intimated that if rabies should occur in this City, the Council will be responsible. Mayor Jones responded to Mr. Rosenstein's remarks by stating that he was misquoted because the City is doing everything possible to enforce the leash law and rabies vaccination law, emphasizing that the statement he had actually made was to the effect that the Council does not intend to increase the budget for this element. Mr. Carlos Valdez, representative of the Steel Workers of America, Local 5022, stated that he would like to speak on behalf of the lower paid employees of Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 22 the City, particularly those in the Sanitation, Street and Park Divisions, who will be unable to maintain even a meager standard of living with just a 7% salary increase in view of the fact that the cost of living has increased a great deal more than that. Mr. Valdez charged the Council with being disinterested in the appeals made earlier in regard to these salaries. He alleged that the Council Members have a comfortable style of living, but they have denied such amenities to the lower salaried personnel. He also referred to events that have occurred in other cities in which inadequate salaries are paid to such workers. Mrs. Nellie Gennaway referred to the street improvement project on Port Avenue between Buford and Agnes Streets. She pointed out that all of the head -in parking is being eliminated on this street; expressed her approval of the improve- ments but asked that the head -in parking be retained; because without such parking facilities, the small businesses located there cannot survive. Mayor Jones explained that he had personally visited the business firms in this area and had discussed the parking problems with the staff. He agreed that there is no doubt that Mrs. Gennaway and the other property owners are victims of the changing aspects of the City, and although he is sympathetic with her and the other merchants, there is a real necessity to improve Port Avenue and consider- ation must be given to improvements that will benefit the largest number of citizens. City Manager Townsend agreed with Mayor Jones' remarks and reiterated that this project has been discussed at length for a long period of time; this is the last portion of Port Avenue to be improved; the project is moving forward at this time; and pointed out that the improvements were requested by the Port Avenue Businessmen's Association. Speaking on another matter was Mr. Ricardo Gonzalez, 4514 Marie Street, who expressed his opposition to the proposed $.50 charge for van service for the senior citizens, pointing out that the elderly no longer live in family units, and the numerous ones who live alone have no other means of transportation other than the van service. Mr. Gonzalez pointed out that the elderly citizens have contri- buted a great deal to the community and the van service is a means by which the City can repay them for their dedication to the City. He suggested that informa- tion be obtained as to the type of service that is provided in other cities. minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 23 Mayor Jones suggested to Mr. Gonzalez that if he wishes the Council to have such information, that it be provided them prior to next Wednesday's Council Meeting so that the Council Members will have an opportunity to study it. Mr. Gonzalez replied that he felt that it would be appropriate for the City staff to prepare such information. City Manager Townsend stated that other cities have been surveyed, and the staff had already ascertained that free van service is not available. Mayor Pro Tem Sample responded to Mr. Rosenstein's allegations pertaining to Dr. Metzger by quoting from a letter received from Dr. Metzger in which he stated that he is studying the outbreak of rabies in other cities and receives reports weekly on the disease. He stated that Dr. Metzger has indicated that he does not feel that rabies is a threat to this City at this time. Mr. Sample also expressed regret that Dr. Metzger is retiring from the City in the near fuer^. City Manager Townsend also pointed out that the local veterinarians have arranged to have a veterinarian at the Animal Pound every day at 1:00 p.m. to vaccinate all dogs that are brought in for only $5.00. Mayor Pro Tem Sample asked about what will happen as a result of the little confrontation that they have had with the firefighters and the effect this will have on the negotiations. Assistant City Manager Walker informed the Council that the City and fire- fighters began negotiations on June 18, 1979, and they will not be considered to be at impasse until August 17. He assured the Council that the City negotiating team is ready to return to the bargaining table at any time. City Manager Townsend stated that the firefighters have indicated that they do not wish to meet to negotiate any further, but that the City still contends that the appropriate place to settle these matters is at the bargaining table. Mr. Walker verified this by stating that they have not met for almost two weeks. Mayor Pro Tem Sample further pursued the matter by questioning the staff as to their thoughts as to what a reasonable time would be for the firefighters to receive retroactive pay. City Manager Townsend indicated that he did not feel that he can address a reasonable time element for which pay should be retroactive, but this item would Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 1, 1979 Page 24 be a bargaining point in negotiations. He pointed out that the present contract will be in effect until a new contract is adopted by both parties and stated that the staff would probably recommend retroactive pay for a few weeks, but certainly not for a year. Mayor Jones expressed the opinion that he does not recommend any action other than the suggestion that the negotiations should continue at the bargaining table. Council Member Turner noted the presence of a large number of City Sanita- tion Division employees and stated that while she was aware that they were present for a particular reason, she would like to take the opportunity to thank them for the excellent work they perform. Mayor Jones also expressed his appreciation to the workers on behalf of the citizens of Corpus Christi. Council Member Zarsky assured the Sanitation employees that he is disappointed that the Council cannot make it possible to approve a larger cost -of -living increase,but he would like to remind them that the Council is basically attempting to follow the recommendation of our national leaders. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Best, seconded by Sample and passed unanimously, the Regular Council Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m., August 1, 1979.