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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/06/1983MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6, 1983 2:00 P. M. PRESENT: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner Council Members: Bob Gulley Herbert Hawkins Dr. Charles W. Kennedy Cliff Zarsky City Manager Edward Martin City Attorney Bruce Aycock City Secretary Bill G. Read Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was given by the Reverend George Dawson of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Bub Culley. City Secretary Bill G. Read called the roll of required Chartered Officers and verified that the necessary quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting. A motion was made by Mayor Fro Tem Turner that the Minutes of the March 23 and March 30, 1983 Regular Council Meetings be approved as presented; seconded by Council Member Zarsky; and passed unanimously. Mayor Jones noted the issuance of the following proclamation; CHRISTI BUSINESS & INDUSTRY WEEK" - April 1 - 7, 1983. O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O* Mayor Jones announced bid opening on the following engineering "CORPUS project: Construction of clarifier modifications to the existing chlorine contact chamber, process piping and electrical work at the Allison Wastewater Treatment Plant. Equipment for the clarifier has been purchased by separate contract and scheduled to be delivered in May, 1983. The NICROF!L MED c,lr r Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 2 construction of the clarifier and the installation of the equipment together with the improvement of the aeration lagoon will provide interim treatment of wastewater at the plant during the construction of the permanent improvements which are expected to begin during the latter part of this year. Assistant City Manager James K. Luntos, P. E., opened bids on this project from the following companies: Austin Engineering, R. S. Black Civil Engineers, Boswell Company, F a E Erection Company, James R. Godbe Company, Goldston Corporation, W. T. Young Construction Company and J. M. Davidson Company. Mr. Lontos verified that the required bid security bonds had been submitted with each bid. Mayor Jones expressed appreciation to the bidders who had submitted proposals and stated that they would be tabled for 48 hours, pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter and referred to the Staff for tabulation and recommendation. 0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0 Mayor Jones called for confirmation of action of the Council from the Workshop Session on the following item: The proposed affirmative action plan be adopted. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the foregoing action be confirmed, seconded by Council Member Zarsky and passed unanimously. o*C*0*0*0*G*v*0*0*0*0*0* Mayor Jones called for consideration of motions from the Consent Agenda en the following items, 1 through 13. 1. Bids be received April 26, 1983 for a twelve months supply agreement for uniforms for Police, Airport Security Guards and School Crossing Guards. 2. Bids be received April 26, 1983 for a twelve months supply agreement for approximately 250 mechanical joint gate valves and flanged end gate valves ranging from 4" to 36" to be used by the Water Division. Bids be received April 26, 1983 for a twelve months supply agreement for approximately 80 fire hydrants for the Water Division to be used as replacements for worn hydrants, hydrants damaged in vehicular accidents or in waterline rehabilitation projects. 4. Bids be received May 10, 1983 for the relighting of Kiwanis Field. This item is included in the Kiwanis Park 7th Year Community Development Plock Grant project. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Pace 3 5. Plans and specifications for the expansion of the Flour Bluff Wastewater Treatment Plant be approved and bids be received May 25, 1983. The plant capacity will be expanded to 3 MGD with a peak flow of 9 MGD to provide an increased level of service to the Flour Bluff area. Included in the expansion are new clarifiers, aeration basins, 28 new sludge drying heds, force and gravity mains, and an office and control building. The existing lift station or. Military Drive will be renovated and a new lift station will be built on Flour Bluff Road between Purdue Road and Glen Oak Drive. Total cost of the project is estimated at $6.2 million. A grant from EPA in the amount of $4.6 million (75%) has been received. 6. Twelve months service contract, with option to extend for two additional twelve month periods subject to approval of contractor and the City Manager, or his designee, for auctioneering service be approved for Rene Bates Auctioneers, Inc., McKinney, Texas, based on only bid, Rene Bates Auctioneers has had the contract for the past two years with very satisfactory service. Bates bid 2% of gross sales for sales less than $20,000, 4% for sales from $20,001 - $30,000, 7% for sales from $30,001 - $50,000 and 6% on sales over $50,000. 7. Twelve months supply agreement for approximately 930,000 gallons of regular and 500,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline be approved for Texas Star Services, Inc., Corpus Christi, for the estimated total amount of $1,159,405. Prices are subject to adjustment based on posted rack price in Corpus Christi. Four bids were received. Price comparison shows a decrease of 15% since the last award in June, 1982 and .75% since the recent bid of February, 1983. 8. One replacement and one additional mower for the Aviation Division be purchased based on low bid from: Turf & Irrigation E. L. Caldwell Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Item 1 60" Self Propelled Rotary Mower Item 4 15' 3 -Gang Rotary Weed Cutter Total: 1 ea. = $4,350.00 Total: 1 ea. = $5,283.60 Prices reflect a 2% increase since last purchase July, 1982 for item 1 and 34% decrease since last purchase of item 4 in July, 1981. Thirteen bid invitations were issued and eight bids were received. Decrease in purchase price of item 4 is attributed to new model being available. 9. Condemnation award of $5,000 less $1,382.29 for tax and mechanics liens plus $750 for appraisal services, attorney and commissioner fees and court costs be approved for the acquisition of a vacant lot (Parcel 1j located on Chipito Street between Parkers Alley and Cabra Street in connection with the Washington -Coles Area Unit II Street Improvements Project. Funds are available by prior appropriation by Ordinance No. 15778. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 4 10. Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Federal Aviation Administration for $74,706 which represents 90% of the estimated cost of $83,007 for the installation of an emergency generator at the Airport and to accept the grant if it is approved by the FAA. 11. Shuttle bus service for Texas Department of Human Resources clients be operated the first five week clays of each calendar month between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the basic transit fare be charged or transfers be accepted for a total of six months to determine rider acceptance. 12. Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make application to Texas State Library for Interlibrary Loan Service for the South Texas Library System, and to execute all documents related to this grant for the period September 1, 1983 to August 31 , 1984. The Interlibrary Loan Program serves public, academic and special libraries in a 26 -county area of South Texas. The purpose of the program is to facilitate the exchange of materials among libraries by lending items from the Major Resource Center, La Retama Library, and acting as a referral center for items not contained in the Corpus Christi collection. The 1982-83 ILL budget was $91,119, which provided for three full-time library employees, computer time and related administrative services. 13. Authorizing the City Manager to execute two easement agreements with Athena Cablevision of Corpus Christi, Inc., for a term coinciding with the franchise ordinance (Ordinance No. 16133) for maintenance of cablevision relay towers and associated equipment on a 31' x 21' site at Fire Station No. 12 on Rand Morgan Road and on a 200' x 200' site at Water Division property on Flour Bluff Drive with Athena paying the City $1,000 annually for each site. Council Member Gulley referred to item 11, questioning this recommendation, because the Texas Department of Human Resources had established their operation at a location that was not in compliance with Federal regulations which require that such locations be accessible by bus. He noted that according to the memorandum in regard to this item, less than one person rides that bus on a one-way trip, yet the Staff is recommending a large expenditure for the shuttle bus service and he was of the opinion that itis not the responsibility of the taxpayers to provide bus service when the Texas Department of Human Resources should be responsible for providing transportation since they selected this site which is not in compliance with the Federal regulations. Mayor Jones pointed out that the City will not lose any more money on this service than is lost on regular bus routes. Mr. Tom Stewart, Director of Transit, confirmed this and stated that the bus will only be operated during the first week of the month; he explained for the low ridership of this bus was because most people have made other arrangments for private transportation. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 5 Mayor Pro Tem Turner asked about the impact if bus service is not provided, and Mr. Stewart stated that a taxicab could be hired to carry several people at the same time or a volunteer service could be encouraged. Further discussion followed and Council Member Kennedy suggested that the Council approve this for a six-month trial period with a three-month interim report to be provided and if the service is not successful and is not used, then refer the problem to the Texas Department of Human Resources. Mayor Jones noted that Mrs. Maria Castro of the Department of Human Resources had arrived in the Council Chamber and inquired as to how often clients must make application at the location on Old Brownsville Read. Mrs. Castro explained that their clients are required to apply for aid to dependent children and food stamps; some people must come once a month; some every three months; every six months or annually. Mayor Pro Tem Turner asked Mrs. Castro if she felt that there is a definite need for the bus service, and Mrs. Castro stated that most people are able to get to the department but some of the people may not have any other means of transportation. Mrs. Castro also explained that the department has a requirement that if a client is handicapped, blind or elderly, they can request a home visit. Mrs. Turner then suggested that the word, "minimum" in the recommendation be changed to "total" and the Council indicated their concurrence. Council Member Zarsky referred to item 13 and stated that he had been informed of an incident that had occurred when a customer of Athena moved into their house and that company had cut through the sewer lines leading to his property. City Manager Martin explained that Athena installers are supposed to install their lines in conjunction with Public Utility employees at the time other utilities are being installed. There were no comments from the audience on the foregoing items. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the Consent Motions, 1 through 13 be approved; seconded by Council Member Hawkins and passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye" on all of the items; Gulley voting, "Aye" on all of the items with the exception of item 11 on which he voted "no"; Dumphy, absent. Mayor Jones called for consideration of Consent Ordinances and Ordinances from Previous Meetings on items 114 through 23 including Ordinance 19a which was added as an emergency. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 6 There were no comments from the audience on these ordinances; City Secretary Read polled the Council for their votes; and the following ordinances were passed: 14. ORDINANCE NO. 17551: CLOSING THE HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING STREETS: WOODLAWN ESTATES: 1. Woodlawn ancl Daly Drives, from Williams Drive to South Padre Island Drive, ALAMEDA ESTATES: 2. Eldon Drive, from Gaines Street to South Alameda Street, and 3. Delano Drive and Walton Place, from Robert Drive to Eldon Drive. FIXING A LIEN AND CHARGE, THE MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT AND COLLECTION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 17553: AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH MAVERICK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE ALAMEDA/WOODLAWN ESTATES STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: APPROPRIATING $490,000 FOR THIS CONTRACT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. 16. ORDINANCE NO. 17554: AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH CCM UTILITY CORPORATION FOR THE SOUTH STAPLES SANITARY SEWER TRUNKLINE EXTENSION, PHASE I PROJECT; APPROPRIATING $225,000 FOR THIS CONTRACT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 7 17. ORDINANCE NO. 17552: AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH N. R. JOHNSTON FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING ALTERNATE NO. 1 AT THE CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; APPROPRIATING $124,000 FOR THIS CONTRACT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. 18. ORDINANCE NO. 17555: AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 17544 APPROVING THE WRITTEN STATEMENT OF THE CITY ENGINEER OF VARIOUS COSTS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND DRIVE, S. H. 358, NORTH AND SOUTH FRONTAGE ROADS, AND BRIDGE APPROACHES TO CAYO DEL OSO BAY BY RESETTING THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR APRIL 27, 19E3; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. 19. ORDINANCE NO. 17556: AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 17065 BY AMENDING SECTION 3 IN ORDER TO ADOPT THE FINAL ASESSMENT ROLL FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON HORNE ROAD, FROM COLUMBIA STREET TC OLD I3ROWNSVILLE ROAD; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. 19a. ORDINANCE NO. 17557: APPROPRIATING $16,455.89 TO SUPPLEMENT A PRIOR APPROPRIATION FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PARCEL 2 BY CONDEMNATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE WASHINGTON-COLES AREA UNIT 2A STREET IMPROVEMENT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 8 20. FIRST READING: APPROVING AND ADOPTING A WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS MASTER r'LAN FOR THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dunphy, absent. 21. FIRST READING: AMENDING ARTICLE VI, SECTIONS 2-160, 2-166, AND 2-167 AND DELETING SECTIONS 2-161 AND 2-162 OF THE CODE OFF ORDINANCES BY DELETING ALL REFERENCES TO WELFARE ACTIVITIES. The foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to Its second reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Durnphy, absent. 22. SECOND READING: AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A THREE YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH C AND C INDUSTRIAL BUILDERS, INC. TO LEASE LOT 1, LEXINGTON INDUSTRIAL CENTER FGR MATERIAL STORAGE. The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time ano passed to its third reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. 23. THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 17558: AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 35, OIL AND GAS WELLS, TO ADD ADDITIONAL BLOWOUT PREVENTION MEASURES AS REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO SURFACE CASING SETTING DEPTHS. The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, absent. o*c*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*o*c,*o*o*o*o*o Mayor Jones called for Consideration of Action by Motion from the Regular Agenda. *24. Consideration of the appeal by Mr. Mark Bratton of the Planning Commission's requirement for a 110' building setback line along the west side of Ayers Street on his final plats of Saratoga Place, Blocks 10, 11 and 12. * This item was withdrawn at the request of the applicant. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 9 25. Consideration of pending state legislation. Deputy City Manager Ernest Briones referred to SB 1260 in regard to Port Commissioners and stated that he would provide information on this at a later date. He informed the Council that it is now in committee. 0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*O*0* Mayor Jones called for Action by Ordinance from the Regular Agenda on item 26. There were no comments from the Council or the audience on this ordinance and it passed as follows: 26. ORDINANCE NO. 17559: AMENDING THE ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1982-83 BUDGET FOR THE GENERAL FUND BY INCREASING VARIOUS REVENUE ESTIMATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,255,000 AND CANCELLING VARIOUS APPROPRIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,054,000; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Dumphy, ahsent. 0*0*O*O*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*G*0*O*0*0*0*0 Mayor Jones announced public hearings on the following assessment rolls: 27. TABLED -- Preliminary assessment roll for the Glenmore Street Improvements Project providing for assessments of $21,000.09 for the twenty-six items on the roll. The public hearing on this assessment roll was tabled for two weeks on March 23 to allow the abutting property owners to decide whether they still want the improvements. Assistant City Manager Lontos briefly reviewed the public hearing that was conducted on March 23 on this project noting that it was tabled in order for the residents to submit an application to withdraw their voluntary paving petition. Mr. Sherman King, 226 Glenmore, informed the Council that everyone contacted indicated that they are in favor of the project; the City did not change its assessment policy until the bond issue had already passed; and they are still requesting that the lower assessment costs be established for this project. Mayor Jones inquired of the Staff as to the number of projects that would be affected if the assessments on this project are lowered. Mr. Gerald Smith, City Engineer, explained that this would affect a great number of projects. He stated that the format of the petition was changed prior to the 1982 Bond Election. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 10 Mrs. Barbara McDowell, 302 Glenmore, agreed that most of the residents want the paving completed but they would prefer the lower assessment rates. No one else spoke in regard to this matter. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the hearing be closed, seconded by Council Member Zarsky and passed unanimously. Mr. Lontos stated that the Staff will have an ordinance on the agenda next week to close the hearing and award the contract. Council Member Kennedy commented that fewer streets could be paved if the assessment rates are lowered. O*O*O*O*O*o*O*o*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O*O 28. Preliminary assessment roll for the Washington -Coles Area Street Improvements, Phase III project providing for assessments of $55,699.65 for the forty-seven items on the roll. Mr. Lontos informed the Council that this is the third project of street improvements for this area. Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired as to why this hearing was not conducted in the evening in the area of the improvements in order that more residents would be able to attend the meetings. Mr. Lontos explained that previously, the Council had indicated that they preferred to have the meetings during the Regular Council Meeting. Mr. Gerald Smith stated that this project has been prepared according to the previous assessment policy and this public hearing was set prior to the date the action was taken by the Council to provide for payment by other methods In hardship cases. Mr. Utter explained that the Staff is still waiting for HUD approval on the changes proposed in the assessment policy. He pointed out that the final assessment roll is not finalized until the project has been completedand this would be the case with any project. 29. Closing a portion of Chipito Street between Cabra Street and North Staples Street. A 26 foot wide by 200 foot long portion of the south side of Chipito Street is being considered for closure concurrently with the Washington -Coles Area Street Improvements, Phase III project. Mr. Lontos informed the Council that the closing of Chipito Street is associated with this project and will be discussed at the same time. City Attorney J. Bruce Aycock conducted the formal portion of the hearing on the preliminary assessment roll for street improvements in the Washington -Coles Area Street Improvements, Phase III project and called as his first witness, Mr. Gerald Smith, P.E., City Engineer. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 11 Through questioning of the witness, Mr. Aycock ascertained that Mr. Smith has been employed by the City of Corpus Christi for 23 years and that he has on file in the City Engineering Department a copy of his resume which includes his qualifications. Mr. Smith testified that the cost estimate of the project was prepared prior to starting any work. He then located the streets in the area on a transparency, noting that the improvements are planned for the following streets: (1) Lake Street from North Staples Street to Cabra Street and from Waco Street to Cabra Street; (2) Cabra Street from Lake Street to Chipito Street; (3) Chipito Street from Waco Street to San Juan Street and (4) San Luis from Ramirez Street to West Broadway. He explained that this is a 6th Year Community Development project and stated that this is the third such CD project in this area. He explained that the project will include replacement of waterlines and closing a portion of Chipito Street right-of-way in order to straighten out the angle of the street. Mr. Smith explained that the plans and specifications were prepared in the Engineering Department; bids were received on February 23, 1983 with the low hid of $189,433.15 submitted by A. Ortiz Paving Company; and stated that the Staff has prepared the assessments in the total amount of $49,984.65 with the City's portion of the project to be $139,448.50. He explained that the assessments were prepared based the current assessment policy with the following rates: 4" curb, gutter and pavement - $12.70 per linear feet; sidewalks -- $1.00 per square foot; driveway - $3.24 per square foot; and the water line - $3.00 per linear foot. He explained that only three pieces of property are residentially zoned and the waterline assessment for that property would be $.88 per linear foot. Mr. Smith noted that the assessment roll contains 47 items. He explained also that these assessments are payable in several ways; they are not due until the project is completed; and they may be paid at the time of completion or over a five-year period at monthly installments at an interest rate of 8`c. He stated that the contractor has 80 days to complete the work which should commence in about one month. Mr. Lontos pointed out that the reason the alleys are being improved is because houses front on them, and Mr. Smith stated that even though they will be resurfaced, there will be no assessment for this for the property owners. Mr. Aycock called as his next witness, Mr. William J. Holly, Broker and Appraiser. Through questioning of Mr. Holly, Mr. Aycock ascertained that he is qualified to serve in the capacity of appraiser for the City; that he is thoroughly familiar with all the property involved in the street improvement project; and that he has on file in the Engineering Office, a copy of his resume listing his qualifications. Mr. Holly testified that he is familiar with the real estate values in the City of Corpus Christi and that he has examined each and every parcel of land included in this project. Mr. Holly explained that he has noted four pieces of property which are odd -shaped that will not be enhanced in the amount of the Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 12 assessment and on which he is recommending an adjustment. These are listed below: ITEM NO. 2: S. J. Simpson, Lot 1, Block 64, Bluff Portion Suggested Reduction - $230.64 ITEM NC. 3: J. E. Smothers, Lot 2, Block 64, Bluff Portion Suggested Reduction - $124.46 ITEM NO. 14-A: Max Orshanski Estate, Lots 5, 6 6 7, Block 64, Bluff Portion Suggested Reduction - $703.45 ITEM NO. 23: Ada Mae Walford, Lot HR, Block 66, Bluff Portion Suggested Reduction - $518.92 Mr. Holly referred to the addendum that he had added to his recommendations in which he stated that if the portion of Chipito Street is closed, this would be in front of these houses and would add to the depth of their lots, therefore, if the street closure is effected and additional depth is achieved, he would recommend lesser reductions than indicated. Mr. Holly testified that with these exceptions, he was of the opinion that all of the rest of the parcels would he enhanced at least in the amount of the assessment. Council Member Hawkins questioned Mr. Holly and inquired if in determining the assessed values, the County's valuations are used. Mr. Holly explained that the Tax Appraisal District has recently updated most of the values of property and he feels that this is very accurate. He pointed out, however, that the value of the property is usually determined by the sales price of houses in a particular area. Mayor Jones invited property owners to speak at this time. Mr. Lonnie King stated that he is interested in San Luis alley because he has already been billed for some assessments pertaining to this property. He also inquired if there is a plan to extend this alley to West Broadway. Mr. Smith stated that there is a house located there which will be removed because there are several right-of-way acquisitions associated with this project and he assured Mr. King that San Luis alley will extend to West Broadway, but there would be no curbs and gutters on this alley. He informed Mr. King that there would be no assessment charge for this resurfacing but there will be an assessment cost for the waterline that will be placed in San Luis alley. He referred to Mr. King's property which is Item 35 and noted that there will be 50 feet of waterline for a total assessment of $150. Mrs. Mary Williams, 1210 Staples Street, informed the Council that she owns an entertainment center at the intersection of Chipito and San Juan and inquired as to what portion of Chipito will be closed. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 13 Mr. Lontos explained that only a portion of the right-of-way will be closed and the street will be extended so that a Netter transition can he made from one street to another. Mrs. Williams then inquired if the City is going to do anything to eliminate the abandoned houses in this area. She also stated that there is a need for additional street lighting. Mr. Smith explained that as part of this project, four structures will be removed from that area. Mr. Lontos suggested that Mr. Kelly Elizondo be contacted about any other substandard buildings in the vicinity. Mrs. Calvin C. Cracy , 1215 Chipito Street, stated that she owns businesses on North Chaparral Street and that she was concerned about the proposed street closing and how it will affect her property. Mr. Lontos assured her that the street will not be closed, only the excessive right-of-way will be closed; and this will have no effect on the property. He stated that Chiptio Street will be opened from Waco to Staples Street. Mr. Howard Rising stated that he is in favor of the demolition of abandoned houses in this area and that he is definitely in favor of this project. Mr. Jewels Mobley, 1305 North Staples Street, owner of a club, stated that he is favor of the improvements in the area. A motion was made by Council Member Kennedy that the hearing be closed, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner, and passed unanimously. Mr. Lontos stated that an ordinance closing_ the hearing and awarding a contract will be on the agenda next week. Mrs. Williams, who had spoken earlier, requested that two palm trees be planted in the island adjacent to Chipito Street and the Council agreed. Mayor Jones called for petitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Clay Moore, 325 Morningside, stated that he had attended a meeting in which Mr. Harry Plomarity had expressed the opinion that he would like to bring in a foreign trade zone. He enumerated the value of such action and suggested that the Council discuss this at a later date. Mr. Jones informed Mr. Moore that the Council was of the opinion that the Port is the authority to establish this zone. He then requested that Mr. Martin contact Mr. Plomarity to see if the City could play any role in this effort. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 6, 1983 Page 14 Council Member Zarsky explained that meetings have been conducted with a research team and a final report is expected soon about the possibility of this port as an import-export center. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Gulley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Turner and passed unanimously, the Regular Council Meeting was adjourned at 4:27 p.m., April 6, 1983.