HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/13/1983MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 13, 1983
2:00 P.M.
PRESENT:
Mayor Luther Jones
Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner
Council Members:
Jack K. Dumphy
Bob Gulley
* Herbert Hawkins, Jr.
Dr. Charles W. Kennedy
Cliff Zarsky
City Manager Edward A. Martin
City Attorney J. 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 Reverend Brian Crown of Trinity Temple
Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United
States was led by Council Member Jack Dumphy.
City Secretary Bill G. Read called the roll of required Charter Officers
and verified that the necessary quorum was present to conduct a legally
constituted meeting.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the Minutes of the
Special Council Meeting of April 4, 1983 and the Regular Council Meeting of
March 30, 1983 be approved as presented; seconded by Council Member
Kennedy; and passed unanimously.
Mayor Jones noted the issuance of the following proclamations: "PRIVATE
PROPERTY WEEK" - April 10-16, 1983 and "DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE
VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST" - April 10-16, 1983.
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Mayor Jones announced the presentation by Beautify Corpus Christi
Association.
MICROFILMED
SEP 1 O 1984
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 2
Mrs. Ruth Gill, President of Beautify Corpus Christi Association,
addressed the Council and assisted by Mrs. Chris Garcia, presented a portfolio
of information in regard to a proposed system to rid the City of unsafe,
unhealthy and unsightly litter. She informed the Council that according to
public hearings and an independent poll taken, the number one problem,
according to the citizens of Corpus Christi, was litter in the parks and on
beaches. She stated that the situation has always existed but nobody seem to
know what to do about it. She explained the Sparkleline Program and how
successful it has been and, because of this, her association feels that a
community -wide, all -sector effort is necessary to rid the City of litter. She
urged that a coalition of government, business and community leaders be formed
to combat the problem. She stated that there are twenty cities in Texas that
have a "Clean Community System" which they now recommend for the City of
Corpus Christi. She briefly described the method by which it could be
implemented and stated that they have prepared a budget for a cooperative
effort by the City, County and business community, and that for a total budget
of $41 ,000, a full-time executive director and a part-time secretary could be
employed, and this amount would also include necessary travel expense. She
explained the number of endorsements on this program that they had already
received and then introduced other members of the committee who have worked
on this effort. Mrs. Gill specifically requested that the salary of the executive
director be paid by the City of Corpus Christi and indicated that they would
like to have the funds approved as soon as possible, prior to the adoption of
the 1983-84 budget.
Council Member Zarsky inquired if the County and business firms would
make the same commitment as the City, and Mrs. Gill stated that she has not
received an answer to her request, noting that they had contacted the Chamber
of Commerce and the Junior League for assistance.
A motion was made by Council Member Gulley that this matter be included
on the agenda next week as a discussion item, seconded by Council Member
Dumphy and passed unanimously.
Mayor Jones pointed out that any expenditure the City might make to this
effort would in turn reduce the cost of maintenance by City employees.
City Manager Martin assured the Council that the Staff would study this
request and hope to have a recommendation in regard to the funding as soon as
possible.
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Council Member Gulley deviated from the agenda by stating that he had
talked with Mr. Jimmy Storm who had informed him that Senator Carlos Truan's
office staff had indicated that 5. B. 1260 on the Port Authority would be on
the Senate floor today.
City Manager Martin stated that he was not aware of that but explained
that Mr. Briones is on his way home from Austin and possibly will arrive before
the Council Meeting is over to provide information.
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 3
Council Member Gulley expressed the opinion that the Council should have
taken a stand on that bill and confirm the position that they did agree to a few
weeks ago at the meeting with Nueces County Commissioners Court at which
time they met as the Navigation Board.
A motion was made by Council Member Gulley that the Council reconfirm
the position that was taken by a majority of the Navigation Board at the recent
joint meeting of the City Council and Nueces County Commissioners in regard to
the appointment of Port Authority of Corpus Christi and that letters be sent to
the Senate and the House of Representatives in regard to this,
The motion was seconded by Council Member Dumphy.
Council Member Zarsky suggested that the letters be sent to all of the
Senate members and the local delegation of the House of Representatives.
Mayor Jones stated that he would hesitate to do this since Senator Truan
supports the bill.
* Council Member Herbert Hawkins arrived at the meeting at 2:40 p.m.
Mayor Jones called for the vote on the motion and it passed as follows:
Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins and Zarsky voting, "Aye"; Jones and
Kennedy voting, "N&'.
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Mayor Jones then administered the oath to the following newly appointed
board members: Mrs. Janet Rice, Landmark Commission, and Mr. Wiliam H.
Locke, Jr., Planning Commission.
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Mayor Jones called for consideration of Action from the Workshop Meeting
which had been posted as a supplemental agenda.
1. The City Council of the City of Corpus Christi supports the passage of
legislation by this session of the State legislature to allow the application
for a Foreign Trade Zone in Corpus Christi,
First Reading - Approving the Courthouse site as the location for the new
City Hall.
3. Cancelling the motion calling for a non-binding referendum on the location
of the new City Hall on May 7, 1983.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the foregoing actions be
confirmed, seconded by Council Member Dumphy.
Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience on these items and
there was no response.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 4
He then called for the vote on the No. 1 item and it passed unanimously.
The first reading of the motion approving the Courthouse site for the
location of the new City Hall passed as follows: Jones, Turner, Dumphy,
Hawkins, and Kennedy voting, "Aye"; Gulley and Zarsky voting, "No".
Mayor Jones then called for the vote on Item 3 and it passed by the
following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins and Kennedy voting,
"Aye"; Zarsky voting, "No".
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City Manager Martin reported on the status of the Port Authority Senate
Bill and stated that it is not on the floor of the Senate today but is actually on
the agenda for a hearing of the Natural Resources Commission.
Council Member Kennedy mentioned that at the meeting of the Navigation
Board, three different votes were taken on the items included in the Senate
Bill.
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Mayor Jones called for consideration of the Motions from the Consent
Agenda on items 1 through 9.
1. Bids be received May 10, 1983 for twelve months supply agreement for
approximately 840 mechanical joint and 100 flanged fittings, 220 swivel
hydrant fittings, 375 retainer glands and 5,750 miscellaneous nuts, bolts
and gaskets for the Water Division.
2. Twelve months supply agreement for fine paper for printing be awarded to
the following based on low bid meeting specifications:
Century Papers
Corpus Christi
14,780 Reams of Paper
10,000 Sheets of Cover Stock
Various Colors
$38,805.30
Clampitt Paper Co.
San Antonio
20,000 Sheets of
White Cover Stock
Approximate Total: $42,101.30
$3,296.00
Prices have decreased 7% since the previous contract in May, 1982. Six
bid invitations were issued and three bids were received. The apparent
low bid of $2,170 by Century Papers on the white cover stock did not meet
weight specifications.
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 5
3. Twelve months supply agreements for lubricating oils, greases and related
items be approved based on low bids as follows:
a. Texas Star Services, Corpus Christi
5,000 Gal. Solvent
4,000 Gal. Hydraulic Oil
10,500 Gal. Motor Oil
1 ,500 Gal. Automatic Trans. Fluid
360 Lbs. Wheel Bearing Grease
Total:
b. Industrial Lubricants, Corpus Christi
4,000 Gal. Torque Fluid
5,700 Lb. Extreme Pressure Grease
2,000 Gal. Anti -Freeze
Total:
c. Texaco, Corpus Christi
550 Gal. Natural Gas Engine Oil
4,750 Lbs. Molybedenum Grease
Total:
$ 6,450.00
6,920.00
22,890.00
3,597.00
194.00
$40,051.40
Subject to Price Adjustment
$ 9,160.00
2,543.00
5,780.00
$14,940.00
$ 1,578.50
3,727.00
$ 5,305.90
Subject to Price Adjustment
Grand Total: $54,996.45
Prices have decreased approximately 15% since last contract bid in 1982.
Seven firms submitted bids.
4. A replacement hydraulic gate valve operator be purchased from E. H.
Wachs Company, Wheeling, III. on the basis of only bid for $8,130.00 for
the Water Division Maintenance of Lines. This item is included in the
1982-83 Budget. The current piece of equipment is deteriorated and
replacement parts are no longer available.
5. Mowing equipment for the Park Division and Oso Golf Course be purchased
as follows on the basis of low bid:
Turf & Irrigation
Corpus Christi, Texas
Item 1 60" Self Propelled Rotary Mower
1 ea. @ $4,350.00
Chemical & Turf Speciality
Dallas, Texas
Item 72" Self Propelled Rotary Mower
ea. @ $4,975.00
$ 4,350.00
9,950.00
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 6
Goldthwaites of Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Item 3 5 -Gang Reel Type Rough Mower
1 ea. @ $5,193
GRAND TOTAL
5,193.00
$ 19,493.00
All of the equipment is replacement except for one of the 72" mowers which
will be used at the Bill Witt Softball Complex. The mowers are included in
the 1982-83 Budget. Eight firms submitted bids.
6. A contract be awarded to South Texas Urethane, Inc. for reroofing Fire
Station No. 13 in the amount of $6,670. Funds for the reroofing of this
Flour Bluff fire station are included in the 1982-83 Fire Department
Operating Budget.
7. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a revocable easement grant for a
20 -foot wide by 914 -foot long strip of Airline Road right-of-way to the
Lakewood Village Council of Co -Owners.
8. Authority be granted for a team of four persons of the Mathis Skydiver's
Club to perform parachute jumping over Buccaneer Stadium on April 30,
1983, as part of the Buccaneer Days celebration.
9. The appointment of Fox & Co., Certified Public Accountants, be approved
to perform the following audits for the fiscal year ending July 31 , 1983.
City's annual audit $40,000 Federal Grants Single Audit 30,000
Corpus Christi Housing Improvement Corporation 3,800
Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation 7,000
$80,800
Council Member Kennedy referred to item 9 and inquired if bids had been
taken for this service.
City Manager Martin explained that this City and most other cities every
so often make a competitive selection of a different auditor and that auditor is
employed for approximately seven years. After that time, they go out again for
competitive selection proposals. He stated that this is the fifth year for Fox &
Company to perform such audits and Director of Finance Chuck Daley
recommends that the City go out for a competitive selection next year and he
concurs with this recommendation. He stated that in no instances, does a City
change auditors every year.
Council Member Kennedy stated that there have been significant changes
made in this company since the original contract was signed five years ago.
Mr. Daley explained that it is a local company that merged with a national
firm and only one partner left this company. He stated that they have been
using the same people for the past few years and the fact that they have gone
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 7
national really is an asset because they have a specialist in municipal audits and
this City has received better support on their audits. He pointed out that this
is not a long-term agreement but is only for one annual audit.
Mayor Jones referred to item 3 and expressed the opinion that 4,000
gallons of hydraulic oil seems to be a large amount.
City Manager Martin assured the Council that the City does use that
amount, but if all of it is not used, the City does not pay for it.
There were no comments from the audience on these items.
A motion was made by Council Member Zarsky that items no. 1 through 9
be approved, seconded by Council Member Dumphy and passed unanimously.
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Mayor Jones called for Consideration of Consent Ordinances and Ordinances
from Previous Meetings on Items 10 through 16.
There were no comments from the audience on the ordinances; City
Secretary Read polled the Council for their votes; and the following ordinances
were passed:
10. ORDINANCE NO. 17560:
CLOSING THE HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON GLENMORE
STREET, FROM KENTNER STREET TO OCEAN 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, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
11. ORDINANCE NO. 17561:
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH M & M
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR THE GLENMORE STREET
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; APPROPRIATING $100,000 FOR THIS
CONTRACT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 8
12. ORDINANCE NO. 17562:
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH PADRE ISLAND
REALTY COMPANY, INC. FOR A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE IN BEL AIR
ESTATES UNIT ; APPROPRIATING $2,500.00 FOR THIS AGREEMENT; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
13. ORDINANCE NO. 17563:
AMENDING THE 1982-83 BUDGET TO INCLUDE RISK MANAGEMENT AND
SAFETY, ACTIVITY 112-501.17, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
APPROPRIATION FROM THE UNALLOCATED FUND BALANCE OF THE SELF
INSURANCE FUND FOR RISK MANAGEMENT EXPENDITURES IN 1982-83;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
14. SECOND READING:
AMENDING ARTICLE VI, SECTIONS 2-160, 2-166, AND 2-167 AND
DELETING SECTIONS 2-161 AND 2-162 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY
DELETING ALL REFERENCES TO WELFARE ACTIVITIES.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its
third reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley,
Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
15. SECOND READING:
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS MASTER
PLAN FOR THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the second time and passed to its
third reading by the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley,
Hawkins, Kennedy and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
16. THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 17564:
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A THREE YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH
C AND C INDUSTRIAL BUILDERS, INC. TO LEASE LOT 1, LEXINGTON
INDUSTRIAL CENTER FOR MATERIAL STORAGE.
The foregoing ordinance was read for the third time and passed by the
following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy and
Zarsky voting, "Aye".
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
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Mayor Jones called for Consideration of Motions from the Regular Agenda.
17. The sale of $11,045,000 general improvement bonds Wednesday, May 18,
1983 at 2:00 p.m.
Purpose Amount
Sanitary Sewer $ 100,000
Streets 3,030,000
Sanitary Land Fill 350,000
Parks and Recreation 300,000
Airport Land and Hazard Elimination 1,500,000
Airport Improvements 80,000
Storm Sewers 555,000
Public Safety 430,000
Library 4,700,000
11,045,000
City Manager Martin explained this item to the Council and reminded them
that the voters approved these general improvement bonds in February of 1982,
and following that, the Council conducted a Workshop Session to set tentative
plans as to when the bonds would be sold. He reminded the Council that last
fall, the City sold $10,525,000 in bonds, and the schedule calls for the second
sale to be conducted in the Spring of 1983 for a total amount of $13,000,000.
He stated that the Staff feels that it is important that these bonds be sold prior
to July, at which time the law will be changed in regard to municipal bonds.
He noted that there is a reduction from the original $13,000,000 to
approximately $11,000,000 and the reason for the reduction is because of the
grant that was received by the City for the improvement of sewer plants. He
stated that approval of this item will keep the bond sales on the schedule set
by the Council.
Council Member Kennedy inquired about the purpose of the Parks &
Recreation Department's Tennis Center improvements, and Mr. Utter explained
that it is for the completion of the lighting program and the program for the
South Bluff Tennis Expansion.
Council Member Kennedy suggested that if the Council is considering
reallocating priorities, that some airport improvements also be moved ahead of
schedule.
City Manager Martin explained that the airport improvements are dependent
upon availability of federal funds and the only funds available at this time are
for runway improvements, etc.
Mayor Pro Tern Turner inquired if all of the projects approved in the 1982
sale were underway or if progress had been made in some way on all of them.
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 10
Assistant City Manager Lontos verified that most of them are either
underway or in the planning stage.
Mayor Pro Tem Turner inquired of Mr. Martin about the anticipated
interest rate on the bond sale, and Mr. Martin replied that if they were sold
today, the City would probably have a better interest rate or at least the same
as the previous rate which was .856%.
Mayor Jones referred to the airport land and hazard elimination and urged
that this be accomplished as soon as possible after the bonds are sold.
There were no comments from the audience on this item.
A motion was made by Council Member Dumphy that item 17 be approved,
seconded by Council Member Zarsky and passed unanimously.
18. Consideration of pending state legislation.
Deputy City Manager Ernest Briones, who had just arrived in the Council
Chamber, stated that he had testified on the bill that would take away the
authority of the City to require that City employees reside within the City
limits.
Mayor Jones urged Mr. Briones to make the judgment as to when he needs
assistance from the Council to testify on bills in Austin.
Mr. Briones stated that testimony by elected officials on both Senate and
House Bills is much more important than testimony by Staff members. He
assured the Council that he would contact them when he felt it was necessary
for them to testify.
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Mayor Jones called for Consideration of the Ordinances from the Regular
Agenda on items 19 through 22.
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:
19. ORDINANCE NO. 17565:
CLOSING THE 300 BLOCK OF TWENTY-FIRST STREET TO VEHICULAR
TRAFFIC FROM 11:00 A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M. ON SUNDAY, APRIL 17,
1983, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF ATTACHED APPLICATION PERMIT;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
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Regular Council Meeting
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20. ORDINANCE NO. 17566:
APPROPRIATING $56,600 TO PAY THE ESTIMATED COSTS OF SELLING
$11 ,045,000 OF BONDS ON MAY 18, 1983; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
21. ORDINANCE NO. 17567:
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF OSCAR
SALSTRAND BY GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT ON A PORTION
OF LOTS 43, AND 44, BLOCK 4, HUGHES SUBDIVISION FOR A USED CAR
LOT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing ordinance passed by
the following vote: Jones, Turner, Dumphy, Gulley, Hawkins, Kennedy
and Zarsky voting, "Aye".
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A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Turner that the Regular Council
Meeting be recessed at 3:46 p.m. in order to convene the Special Council
Meeting on zoning cases; seconded by Council Member Kennedy; and passed
unanimously.
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Mayor Jones reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 4:51 p.m.
City Manager Martin referred to his memorandum on the midblock lighting
situation which had been sent to the Council a short time ago. He reminded
the Council that citizens can have lights installed in midblock locations if they
are willing to pay for it, noting that it is very inexpensive. He confirmed that
the City has a policy not to install or pay for midblock lighting unless there is
a certain distance between the intersections. He also made reference to the
situation that previously prohibited the operation of gas lights and stated that
it may have changed recently due to the availability of gas.
Mayor Jones requested that the staff provide a report on the
of gaslights and gas appliances.
Mayor Jones called for petitions or information from the
matters not scheduled on the agenda.
possible sale
audience on
Mr. Cliff Moss, 3837 Denver, President of Friends of the Library, asked
about the situation in regard to a site for the new library.
Mayor Jones informed Mr. Moss that the Council approved on first reading
a motion to locate the new City Hall at the Courthouse site.
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 12
Mr. Moss continued by stating that they would like to see the library
project move ahead as quickly as possible and requested that the Council make
a decision on a site that would be fairly inexpensive as soon as possible so that
they can move forward with their project.
Council Member Dumphy noted that Mr. Moss had specified "a site at a
reasonable cost," but recently, he addressed the Council and indicated that the
location was more important than the cost.
Mayor Jones presented a map to Mr. Moss which shows the suggested
location of the library near the new City Hall across from Blucher Park, stating
that savings could be effected if a common parking lot could be used by both
facilities.
Council Member Kennedy also confirmed that two weeks from today,
hopefully the new City Hall site can be determined and following that, the
library project can move forward as soon as a site selection is made.
City Manager Martin stated that a meeting of the Site Selection Committee
has been called for Friday and noted that the meeting was set as soon as the
decision had been made by the Council during the morning Workshop Meeting.
He assured Mr. Moss that the Staff was moving forward as quickly as possible
but a definite date could not be given to him as to when the site selection will
be made. He pointed out that the sale of bonds in the amount of $4.7 million
for the Central Library will be accomplished on May 18, 1983.
Mr. Jay Wheless, 5914 Moultrie, representing Country Club Estates
presented a petition requesting that a traffic light be installed at the
intersection of Everhart and Wooldridge Road. He explained the difficulties
with entering and departing the subdivision because of the high traffic count.
He stated that the petition contained signatures from residents of 450
households in the area; this has been discussed with the Traffic Department;
personnel in that department have indicated that lights are installed after
consideration has been given to the possible stacking of traffic.
Mr. Martin stated that traffic signal improvements were included in the
bond program; plans and specifications are being prepared; and the staff hopes
to go out for bids for equipment for that intersection, as well as other
intersections very soon.
Mr. Rudy Valdez, P. O. Box 7607, referred to Ordinance No. 11009 which
requires property owners to pay for utility service even though the renters of
the property are the ones responsible for such payments. He explained that
the landlord does not have the authority to discontinue or turn on service for
his rent property, but instead, the tenants must make arrangements for this.
He expressed the opinion that landlords should be notified as to whether or not
their tenants are paying their bills. He pointed out that landlords are not
notified if tenants move out, yet the landlord is the one who is responsible for
payment of all utility bills on their property even though the user of the
services is the one viewed by the City as being responsible for the bills. He
stated that he recently paid a bill for $1,000 for one of his rental properties.
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
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Council Member Kennedy questioned how such a large bill of over $1,000
could be incurred without having the utilities disconnected.
City Secretary Read explained that frequently, renters do not go to the
Public Utilities Office to arrange for service but simply turn the meters on at
the houses they are renting, or, after their utilities have been turned off, they
simply turn them back on again for unauthorized service.
Council Member Gulley recalled that the City had been involved in a
lawsuit to test this ordinance to see if it is legal and asked about the status of
the lawsuit.
City Attorney Bruce Aycock stated that it is still pending.
Council Member Gulley expressed the opinion that the ordinance should be
examined to see if something can be done about this unfair practice against
landlords.
Council Member Kennedy suggested that criminal charges should be filed
against the renter who illegally turns on their utilities without registering for
service or paying a deposit.
Council Member Hawkins agreed and suggested that the landlord should be
notified if this happens.
City Manager Martin stated that the City has no way of knowing who owns
the land and cannot notify anyone. He stated that the deposit is so small that
it would not take care of any very large utility bills.
Mr. Valdez pointed out that obviously the Utilities Department eventually
finds out who owns the property because unpaid bills are sent to the landlord,
and they could notify the owner of any unauthorized use of utilities by their
renter.
Mrs. Mary Williams, 6626 Clare Drive, stated that she owns a ladies shop
at 518 Chaparral Street and a place of entertainment in the area known as the
"Cut". She explained that she tries to maintain a good atmosphere and improve
the area, but last week, a murder occurred very near her place of business.
She stated that there are two places in the area where violent crimes have
occurred and alleged that two Cubans were involved in the last two crimes that
were committed. She urged that the Council do something to help the situation
and possibly close the two places of business.
Mayor Jones asked Mrs. Williams to identify the two establishments and
asked for a legal opinion as to what authority the City might have to close such
businesses.
Council Member Kennedy requested a report from the Legal Department and
Chief Banner as to what their options are in such situations. He suggested the
possibility of increased surveillance and checking minors entering those places
of business.
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Regular Council Meeting
April 13, 1983
Page 14
Mr. Jack Graham addressed the Council in regard to the Crime Stopper
Program and provided statistics on the success of the program. He expressed
appreciation to the City Council for their support of the Crime Stopper
Program.
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A motion was made by Council Member Kennedy that the Council convene
in closed session to discuss pending litigation under the authority granted by
Article 6252-17 of the Open Meetings Law; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Turner;
and passed unanimously at 5:40 p.m.
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Mayor Jones reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 6:27 p.m.
There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by
Mayor Pro Tem Turner, seconded by Council Member Kennedy and passed
unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m, April 13, 1983.