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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/06/1983 - Special (2)1, LUTHER JONES, Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas certify that the foregoing minutes, same being for the period of July 6, 1983 thru July 27, 1983, inclusive and having been previously approved by Council action, are by me hereby approved as itemized. July July July July July 06, 1983 06, 1983 13, 1983 20, 1983 27, 1983 Regular Council Meeting Special Council Meeting Regular Council Meeting Special Council Meeting Regular Council Meeting Luther MAYOR MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING JULY 6, 1983 9:30 A. M. BAYFRONT PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER, ROOM 225 PRESENT: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Betty N. Turner Council Members: Jack K. Dumphy City Manager Edward A. Martin Herbert Hawkins, Jr. City Attorney J. Bruce Aycock Charles W. Kennedy City Secretary Bill G. Read ABSENT: Council Member Bob Gulley Council Member Cliff Zarsky Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. City Secretary Bill G. Read verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required Charter Officers were present to conduct a legally constituted meeting. Mayor Jones stated that the purpose of the public hearing was to obtain public input in regard to the proposed land mass to be placed in the marina area. He asked the City Staff to provide background information. Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager, stated that the plan was first considered in 1939 at the time the L -Head and T -Heads were constructed. He stated that in the Fall of 1982, the City requested proposals to be submitted for another land mass to be constructed and two were received, following which Bayfront Associates was the developer that was selected for the Staff to negotiate with for the installation of the land mass. He stated that the Marina Board, Park Board and Planning Commission conducted public hearings on this subject which were well attended and a majority of the speakers endorsed the project. He stated that the only objection expressed was the timing and the location. He explained that the Staff recommends that a large land mass be constructed consisting of eight acres which will extend 520 feet along the shoreline arid over 800 feet into the water. He stated that the land mass would be divided into two equal sections, one of which would be a commercial section of 150,000 square feet for retail space; the other side would be for public use MICROFILMED SEP 14 1994 Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1983 Page 2 and the aquarium would be installed on this portion• and an additional 41 -acre tract would be permitted to be created for future expansion by this developer -- it, too, would be divided one-half for commercial use and one-half for public use. Mr. Utter continued by stating that Bayfront Associates planned to create a number of new boat slips on the existing T -Head and that the land mass would provide protection for the Peoples Street T -Head from the wave action and the wind. He further explained that Bayfront Associates has plans for two-lane entrances and two-lane exits from the land mass. He also emphasized the fact that it is estimated that 250 construction jobs will be created after a permit has been obtained from the Corps of Engineers and approximately 300 permanent jobs will be created following completion of the land mass. He informed the Council that bayfront studies have concluded that a land mass at this location and an additional land mass nearer the Convention Center would be ideal. He pointed out that there are two major hotels now under construction and there is a need to have the land mass near those hotels to provide ease of access by pedestrians. He also noted that parking will consist of 561 spaces which should be sufficient. He also explained that the application for a permit from the Corps of Engineers would be submitted by the City but it will be prepared by the developer and it is estimated that obtaining the permit will require three or four months or even longer. Mayor Jones referred to the 561 parking spaces and inquired if this is the usual rvmber for this type of structure, and Mr. Utter replied that that number of parking spaces is about two-thirds of the number that would be required for this type of construction in another area. Mayor Pro Tem Turner asked for the Staff's opinion about moving the land mass north. Mr. Utter explained that a minority of the people who spoke against the project preferred that it be moved further north but the further north it is placed, the less good harborage the City will have. He also stated that under- water land at the proposed location is more stable than that nearer the barge dock and also, it would be more economically feasible to have it located nearer the hotels. Mr. Utter also assured the Council that there would be no liability on the part of the City nor for the taxpayers because the City will pay back the developer from funds generated from the commercial portion. He noted that in sixty years, the land mass will belong to the City. Mayor Jones then called for comments from the audience and suggested that they limit their presentations to three minutes. Listed below are citizens who spoke in regard to the proposed land mass and a brief description of their remarks. Ms. Mary Rhodes, 5317 River Oaks, President of the League of Women Voters, objected to the fact that other than this public hearing the hearings Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1983 Page 3 before the Boards and Commission were not properly advertised and that the public has not had enough opportunity to see the detailed plan. She also alleged that people attending the meetings before the Boards were evidently called by Staff members and requested to provide input. She urged that a public hearing be held at night when everyone could attend. Mr. S. R. Alexander, 133 Alta Plaza, stated that he had been interested in this land mass for many years and had been promoting it among the Staff. He expressed approval of the proposed location and urged expediency in approving it. Mr. John Stensland, 337 Primrose, Member of the Marina Board, stated that they had unanimously recommended this plan. He expressed the opinion that the boat slips should be amortized on a shorter period of time than the sixty years, particularly the ones that are constructed on the existing T -Head. Mr. Horner C. Innis, 4110 Markins Street, spoke in favor of the proposed land mass. Mr. Galen Westwick, 336 Merrill Street, Vice President of OPUS, stated that they do not oppose the new land mass; they support tourism; they recognized the fact that there is a need for more activities; but they are of the opinion that the new land mass should be north of IH 37 to preserve the feeling of open space in the marina area. Mr. Westwick also stated that they would like to request that the land mass be presented to the voters on a referendum. He, too, stated that the Board hearings are not conducive to public input, questioned the figures provided by Mr. Utter and stated that OPUS is ready to take steps to prevent the approval of the contract with Bayfront Associates. Council Member Dumphy stated that the Council does not control the news media and if people were not aware of the hearings before the Boards, that is not the fault of the City Council or the Staff. He stated that he was of the opinion that the Council and Staff were being accused of not providing enough notice of the public hearings and pointed out that this meeting was advertised. He stated that he wanted a public legal notice of the meetings and he wanted every member of the media to know what is going to happen in regard to the land mass. He assured the people that there is no conspiracy on the part of the City to attempt to rush things through without proper notice to the public. Mr. Utter admitted that there was no public meeting notice of the Marina and Park Board meetings but pointed out that this hearing was advertised even though there is no legal requirement to do so. Mrs. Pat Duaine, 4909 Branscomb, agreed that more information should be provided for the public and urged that there be more public input and exchange of ideas and that this project not be rushed through. Mayor Jones inquired about the point of no return in connection with this project, and Mr. Utter explained that it would not be final until after the third and final reading of the ordinance authorizing the lease agreement. He stated that it is scheduled for first reading next week and is subject to approval by Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1983 Page 4 the Corps of Engineers. He noted that the Corps of Engineers may have a public hearing on this matter. Mr. Utter also explained that a committee will be appointed to examine every building use that will be installed on the land mass, such committee to consist of two members appointed by the City Council, two members appointed by the developer, and a Staff member. Mayor Pro Tem Turner reminded the Council that a Bayfront Commission had been considered some time ago and she felt that this should be considered at this time also. Mr. Hamp McCool, 834 Omaha, stated that he felt that the proposed location is preferable to a location further to the north and urged that the project move forward as soon as possible. Mrs. Mary Pat Slavik, 412 Palmetto, objected to the installation of two-story buildings on the water and note that there is ample room for tourist -related businesses and shops on the existing land, which she felt would be preferable to a land mass. She urged that no buildings be placed on the waterfront. Mr. Bryan McCool, 114 Greenbranch, provided background material and stated that the Council has done a good job of publicizing this project. He stated that he represents a lot of people in construction and urged that the project move forward as soon as possible. Mr. Ralph L. Sidener, 3522 Topeka Street, pointed out that the waterfront is unique to this City and agreed with the League of Women Voters and OPUS that this is being rushed through too quickly. He, too, objected to the land mass with two-story buildings which would obstruct the view. He pointed out that the average citizen will not benefit from the commercial aspect of the land mass. Dr. Dean Banks, expressed approval of the land mass but only if it is located north of IH 37. He, too, stated that there has not been enough time for the people of the City to learn about the land mass and questioned the rush to have public hearings in the daytime when very few citizens can attend the meetings. He also questioned the survey taken by the developer and objected to the construction of three-story buildings on the bay. He urged that the Council consider delaying this until after the new Council has been elected. Mr. Ed Notzon, 3216 Reid Drive, urged that the existing land downtown be utilized for tourist activities and pointed out the disadvantage of having the land mass constructed as planned because of the congestion on Ocean Drive and suggested that a preferable plan would be to have tourist activities constructed in the deteriorated buildings in the downtown area to improve that area and have it safer at night. Mayor Jones questioned the statement that the downtown area is unsafe and requested a police report of the night condition in the area. Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1983 Page 5 Mr. Glen Hagler, 4010 Ramsey, spoke in favor of the land mass as a means of providing activities for families of those attending conventions. Mr. Clifford Cosgrove, 3302 Olsen, reminded the Council that a survey taken by the Aquarium promoters had determined that the Peoples Street T -Head is unsafe for the aquarium. He noted that evidently the land mass is primarily designed for the construction of the aquarium and objected to the use of tax increment financing in developing the bayfront. Mrs. Sarah Graham, 5302 Everhart, President of the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Tourist Bureau, stated that she is speaking on behalf of that organization. She urged adoption of the land mass concept and expediency in approving it. Mrs. Barbara Blanton, 5182 Kentner, urged that the bayfront be protected. She noted that previously, a Citizens Committee had to be formed to protect the bay from the action of the officials and the uncontrolled development in the bay. Mrs. Pat Suter, 1002 Chamberlain, questioned the height of the proposed building and stated that they prefer that it be constructed just north of IH 37. She also questioned the rush to have this approved in such a short time and questioned the legality of the City's leasing the water for sixty years. She urged that this be a referendum on the August 13 ballot. Dr. Hans Suter, 1002 Chamberlain, also expressed opposition because of the possible obstruction that the land mass will provide on the bayfront. He also stated that the City should not relinquish their rights to the bay and urged formation of a Bayfront Commission. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, President of the Corpus Christi Taxpayers' Association, stated that his organization does not oppose the concept of a new land mass but they object to the "railroad job" that is being done. He stated that he agreed with the League of Women Voters and with OPUS in that this should be a referendum for the voters to decide. Mr. Mark Johnstone, 5517 Wooldridge, addressed the Council as a citizen and board member of the Convention Center and Tourist Bureau. He pointed out that the City has attracted two major hotels to this area and he feels that the land mass should be located at the recommended site. Mr. Armando Martinez, 4710 Wexford, spoke in favor of the new land mass and urged that the Council move forward as soon as possible to approve it. Mr. Hank Snyder, 3632 Ocean Drive, congratulated the City Council for approving the Bayfront Plan in 1982. He stated that he felt that this City was really moving forward and urged approval of the land mass. Mr. Bill Bates, 6009 Rio Vista, concurred with Mr. Snyder's remarks and urged that the Council not let citizens who use a change of location to delay the project and then destroy it. Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1983 Page 6 Mrs. Frances Cummings, 16 Buccaneer Drive, expressed opposition to the commercial aspect of the buildings that will be an obstruction of the view of the bay. She expressed the opinion that there is ample room on the land to build tourist attractions. Mr. Phil Neessen, 5513 Wooldridge, representing the Coastal Bend New Car Dealers, urged approval of the land mass because the City needs the jobs which this project will provide. Mrs. Mary Helen Dunnam, 200 Chenoweth, mentioned other tourist attractions that previously existed in the bay; expressed the need for such attractions; and pointed out that local citizens would also benefit and enjoy the land mass as much as the tourists. Mrs. Cynthia Foster, 340 Grant Place, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke on behalf of the Chamber and stated that the Board approved the concept of the land mass and felt that it would benefit the City but they agreed that there should be further study on some areas of the land mass. She expressed the opinion that most of the objections voiced are because the people have not had enough information on the project. She urged that the Council accept all of the criticism heard today and advertise and publicize the plans for the land mass so that those opposed to it can be aware of the plans. Mr. Sidney Smithe, 4213 Avalon, pointed out that a new land mass has been discussed for over thirty years and expressed appreciation for a Council and Staff who are ready to do something about it. He stated that this is not a special interest project but is for everyone to enjoy because it will be revenue producing for the City in that it will provide jobs and provide interest for tourists and people attending conventions. Mr. David Engel, 417 Cole, expressed the opinion that this is one of the most progressive projects that the City has ever undertaken and will certainly improve the City's economy. He urged approval of the land mass. Mr. Bill Pettus, 102 Alta Plaza, spoke in favor of the land mass which will benefit the Convention Center and tourism in general. Mr. Gene Tackett, 218 Wagon Wheel, also spoke in favor of the proposed project which is in keeping with the recommendation of the Sasaki -Walker Report. He urged expediency in completing the project. Mr. Benny Benavides, 2421 Cleo, urged that Mexican -Americans not be left out of the contracts for the project. He also stated that he was of the opinion that it should be on the August 13th ballot to avoid any possibility of lawsuits. Mr. Dean Sanders, 411 North Shoreline, stated that he owns and operates Quality Inn Bayfront and this is just the type of project that the City needs for tourists and conventioneers. He reminded the Council that the convention business is very competitive and if this is City must effectively compete to attract conventions, there must be something to entertain the tourists while they are here. He also stated that this has a great potential for growth to Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1983 Page 7 improve this City's economy. Mrs. Walline Vogle, 4421 Dolphin, stated that she objected to the installation of buildings on the water because it would obscure the view. She also expressed concern about the buildings during hurricanes and mentioned the possibility of traffic congestion. Mr. Michael Berry, 726 Burkshire, stated that he has followed the progress of the project over the past few months and disagreed with the people who implied that this is a project that is being rushed. He stated, however, that the Council and the Staff should consider the questions raised about the legality of leasing the bay bottom and the view of the bay that might be obstructed. He agreed that possibly, there should be another public hearing at night to attract the working people but urged that the project not be delayed unnecessarily. Mrs. Gloria Swantner, 210 Bayshore, stated that she serves on the Park Board and she felt that this is a very good project and urged that it not be delayed. Mr. Renato De Los Santos, 1001 Lum, urged that this project move forward as soon as possible but did not object to having it on the ballot as a referendum. Mayor Jones expressed appreciation to those who had attended the public hearing. He pointed out that the City has a large investment in the Convention Center and he felt that there was a need to provide entertainment for visitors attending conventions. He also thanked the people for expressing their concerns, particularly about obstructing the view and about the legality of the lease. He informed the League of Women Voters that he was glad that they were preparing a study and he hoped that they would have enough information so that their opinions would be available before the third reading of the ordinance which commences next week. Mayor Pro Tem Turner agreed that there should be public hearings to obtain public input. She explained to the audience how enthusiastic she was about the land mass because of the definite enhancement to the City. She pointed out that if it is properly constructed, carefully monitored, and properly maintained, the land mass can be a very positive step forward for the citizens of this City and the visitors. Council Member Dumphy expressed concern about all the people who did not feel that the public hearings had been properly advertised. He suggested that the City advertise the fact that the Council will have open discussion on the land mass following the next Council meeting after 5:00 p.m. to provide an opportunity for working people to make their views known. He also pointed out that citizens will be allowed to speak on all three readings of the ordinance which will be on the agenda next week for first reading. City Manager Martin suggested that a definite time for the public hearings be established, and Mayor Jones suggested that it be advertised for 5:00 p.m. Minutes Special Council Meeting July 6, 1983 Page 8 Council Member Kennedy concurred and stated that this is a valid request because no matter how much detailed analysis the Staff puts into a project, there could be items overlooked and public hearings can generate some thought on new problems that might be incurred. He also expressed the opinion that the land mass cannot economically be located north of IH 37 as has been suggested. He then seconded Council Member Dumphy's motion that this be considered the following week after the Regular Council Meeting. Mayor Jones stated that there will be a public hearing and it will be advertised for 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 1983. The motion to conduct a public hearing at that time passed unanimously. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Kennedy, seconded by Council Member Hawkins and passed unanimously, the Special Council Meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m., July 6, 1983. DZ/rr