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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/22/1985Present Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Jack Best Council Members David Berlanga, Sr. *Leo Guerrero Joe McComb Frank Mendez Bill Pruet *Mary Pat Slavik *Linda Strong. Minutes City of Corpus Christi, Texas Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 2:00 p.m. City Manager Edward Martin City Attorney Bruce Aycock City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was given by Sister Kathleen Coughlin, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Mrs. Harry Plomarity. City Secretary Armando Chapa called the roll and verified that a quorum of the Council and the required Charter Officers were present to conduct the meeting. *Council Member Mary Pat Slavik arrived at 2:07 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones announced a presentation by the Bayfest Committee. Ms. Kathy Welsh and Ms. Sandy Wheeler expressed appreciation to the Council for their support of Bayfest. A check in the amount of $12,418.02 was then presented to Mayor Jones. - *Council Members Leo Guerrero and Linda Strong arrived at 2:10 p.m. Mayor Jones announced the recognition of Businesses of the Month. He asked Council Member Bill Pruet to assist him in the recognitions. Council Member Pruet announced that Crocker Transfer and Storage was being recognized as Business of the Month in the category of small businesses. He then presented a certificate of commendation to Mr. Lee A. Crocker, President. Council Member Pruet announced that Union Pacific System - Missouri Pacific Railroad was being recognized as Business of the Month in the category of medium Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 2 businesses. He then presented a certificate of commendation to Mr. Vern Zipfeld, Sales Manager. Council Member Pruet announced that Spohn Hospital was being recognized as Business of the Month in the category of large businesses. He then presented a certificate of commendation to Sister Kathleen Coughlin, President of Spohn Hospital. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones then administered the Oath of Office to the following board members: Ms. Norma Cavazos, Cable Communications Commission; Mr. Sam Powell, III, Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority; and Mrs. Vickie Garza, Nueces County Tax Appraisal District. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones inquired if the action taken during the closed meeting on personnel needed to be reconfirmed, and City Manager Martin stated that it was not necessary to reconfirm the action. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for consideration of the Consent Motions, items 1 through 12: 1. Approval of specifications and authorization to receive bids November 13, 1985, for a twelve month supply agreement, with an option to extend for an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the seller and the City Manager, or his designee, for approximately 218 lubricated plug valves (size 1" - 16") for the Gas Division. Estimated expenditure is $74,000. 2. Approval of specifications and authorization to receive bids November 13, 1985, for a twelve month supply agreement, with an option to extend for an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the seller and the City Manager, or his designee, for approximately 250 gate valves (size 4" - 36") to be used by the Water Division. Estimated expenditure is $100,000. 3. Approval of specifications and authorization to receive bids November 13, 1985, for one 30 hp trenching machine for the Gas Division, Maintenance and Operations Section. This item is included in the 1985-86 Capital Outlay Budget. Estimated expenditure is $18,000. 4. Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Nueces County retroactive from September 1, 1985 to September 1, 1986, for maintenance services on the public beach at Padre Island, services to include provisions from May 17, 1986 through September 1, 1986, inclusive, for lifeguards, lifeguard stations and portable restrooms; and provisions for trash receptables, trash pickup, beach cleaning and beach maintenance on a year-round basis. Reimbursement shall not exceed $35,000 without prior City Council approval. i Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 3 • • 5. Authorizing the transfer of $18,500 out of the 1985-86 Tourist and Convention Development Fund (T&CDF) to the Permanent Art Trust Fund. The Municipal Arts Commission made this recommendation at its regular meeting on October 9, 1985. There is currently $50,000 available in the T&CDF for support of the Arts. The Permanent Art Trust Fund provides a vehicle for providing public and encouraging private funding for the acquisition of permanent works of art to be located in public buildings and public places in the City. 6. Authorizing staff to submit a letter of intent to the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) for matching grant monies in the amount of $10,000 from the TCA's Challenge Grant Program. The Municipal Arts Commission unanimously made this recommendation at its regular meeting on October 9, 1985. 7. Authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a lease agreement with the Art Museum of South Texas for the lease of an 80' x 200' area at the City Barge Dock from November 8 - 18, 1985 for dockage and exhibition of the 1877 sailing ship "Elissa". The Marina Advisory Board and Park and Recreation Board approved of the exhibit during their October meetings. 8. Approving the following actions on the Los Encinos Park Improvement project: a. The contractor be granted an 18 -day time extension against a 29 -day time overrun due to problems encountered during the construction of the gazebo, and that he be charged liquidated damages for the remaining 11 days at the rate of $45 per day for a total of $495. b. The project be accepted and remaining funds of $7,848.42 be authorized to Fraton, Inc. The total cost of this 10th Year Community Development Block Grant project is $36,998.54. 9. Approving a bridge agreement with Wood River Associates, Inc. pertaining to the development of Wood River Unit 9 Subdivision. The agreement obligates the Wood River developer to construct a bridge across a 100 -foot wide drainage right-of-way as required by the Platting Ordinance but defers the bridge construction until property on the north side of the drainageway opposite Wood River Unit 9, and owned by the Wood River developer, is platted. 10. Granting a revocable easement to J.H.W., Inc. for a sidewalk canopy which will extend into the right-of-way of Mesquite and Starr Streets. J.H.W. is renovating the building at 623 North Mesquite and proposes to remove the existing canopy and replace it with a new canopy of the same size and similar material. A fee of $100 is recommended for the easement grant. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 4 11. Approving the following actions on the Seawall Overlook Park project: a. The contractor be granted a 67 -day time extension to supplement the 75 working days allotted for the project due to the sizeable amount of additional work authorized by change order. b. The project be accepted and remaining funds of $26,542.20 be authorized to the Goldston Corporation. The total cost of the work performed by Goldston is $248,119.50. This project is funded with a matching grant from the Texas Park and Wildlife Department, 9th Year Community Development Block Grant funds, Reinvestment Zone funds, and budgeted Marina operating funds. 12. Designating Friday, November 29, 1985 as a holiday for City employees. The City's Compensation Plan provides for one undesignated holiday to be designated. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience on the consent motions. Mrs. Janet Rice, 118 Southern, stated that the Bayfront Development plan calls for two more overlooks (item 11) to be constructed, and she inquired if these would be built. She expressed the opinion that the cost of the overlook was quite expensive and that the funds could be better utilized for other projects. City Manager Martin stated that the overlooks are not planned at this point, pending the recommendations of Corpus Christi '90 on the Bayfront use plan. There were no further comments on consent motions 1 through 12; a motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that items 1 through 12 be approved; seconded by Council Member Pruet; and passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for consideration of the Consent Ordinances, items 13 through 17. Council Member Slavik referred to item 14 (an agreement for consultant services with Govind & Associates and John R. Wright, Architect, to perform a restoration and evaluation study of the Bluff Balustrade facilities along the Upper/Lower Broadway Street system for a fee of $19,600) and stated that she had heard concerns on why the City needed to hire -a consultant. City Manager Martin stated that even though the City staff does not have the expertise for this type of project, he would be willing to authorize staff to perform the evaluation. He stated that statements of this type have been made every time the City hires a consultant, but noted that the people that make these statements do not like the staffs' opinion either. He explained that there is one architect on the City staff, but this is not his area of expertise. Mayor Jones stated that even if the City had the expertise to perform the evaluation, he felt th, an independent evaluation was ded. • a Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 5 Council Member Pruet stated that this is an item of interest to a large number of groups; he felt that it should be evaluated in a professional manner; and he felt that the balustrade study was worth $23,000. Mr. Bill Brown, 4745 Ocean Drive, referred to item 16, second reading of the driveway design and construction standards ordinance, and commended the staff for their efforts on this ordinance. He stated that there were several items in the ordinance that needed to be reconsidered; one, the section entitled "Driveway Permit Required"; two, the section that states the Director of Transportation shall approve internal parking layouts of developments; and three, driveway frequency. He asked that the third reading of the ordinance be delayed in order to allow the developers to meet with staff to discuss possible changes. Mayor Pro Tem Best inquired if public meetings had been held with developers regarding this ordinance, and City Manager Martin stated that copies of the proposed ordinance were sent to developers in the community in order that they may provide input, but he sees no problem in delaying the third reading until November 12, 1985. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Best that the third reading of the driveway ordinance be delayed until November 12, 1985; seconded by Council Member Guerrero. Mr. Roger Seaman, 930 Oriole, stated that he agrees with the statements made by Mr. Brown, and urged the Council to read this ordinance in its entirety. He stated that in addition to the comments made by Mr. Brown, he feels that the permits should not be issued separately from the building permits, and that they should be issued by the Building Division. He stated that under the proposed ordinance the inspector would not be from the Building Division, and this would result in additional inspectors. Mr. Seaman stated that he has been a developer for many years, yet he was not notified of any meetings regarding this ordinance, nor does he know of anyone who was notified. Mayor Jones suggested that Mr. Seaman and Mr. Brown put their recommendations in writing. Mr. Seaman inquired if the staff would arrange a time and place for a meeting, and Mayor Jones stated that this would he arranged by the staff. The motion to delay the third reading passed unanimously. There were no further comments on the ordinances; City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes; and the following ordinances were passed: 13. RESOLUTION NO. 19065 EXPRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL'S SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE U. S. NAVAL AIR STATION PERSONNEL, ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, FOR THEIR CONCERN FOR THIS COMMUNITY AND TO COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR DILIGENCE AND HARD WORK TO IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF "OUR" CITY, WHICH BELONGS AS MUCH TO THE NAVY AS TO THE OTHER CITIZENS. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 6 The Charter Rule was suspended and the resolution passed as follows: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye." 14. ORDINANCE NO. 19066 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH GOVIND AND ASSOCIATES AND JOHN R. WRIGHT, ARCHITECT, A JOINT VENTURE, TO PERFORM A RESTORATION AND EVALUATION STUDY OF THE BLUFF BALUSTRADE FACILITIES ALONG THE UPPER/LOWER BROADWAY STREET SYSTEM FROM NEAR TAYLOR STREET TO PARK AVENUE; APPROPRIATING $23,300; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as follows: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye." 15. ORDINANCE NO. 19067 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF PARCELS 4 AND 5 IN CONNECTION WITH THE BAYFRONT SCIENCE PARK LAND EXPANSION PROJECT; APPROPRIATING $161,114; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as follows: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye." 16. SECOND READING AMENDING CHAPTER 49 OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI CODE, ARTICLE II, STREET, SIDEWALK, CURB AND GUTTER AND DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION; REPEALING DIVISION 3 CONSISTING OF SECTIONS 49-40, 49-41, 49-42, 49-43, 49-44 BY PROVIDING A NEW DIVISION 3 ENTITLED "DRIVEWAY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS"; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF A MANUAL OF DRIVEWAY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR DEFINITION OF TERMS; PROVIDING FOR APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A DRIVEWAY PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR A DRIVEWAY PERMIT FEE; PROVIDING FOR A DRIVEWAY INSPECTION; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORITY OF THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION TO REVIEW DRIVEWAY APPROACHES; PROVIDING FOR DRIVEWAY DESIGN STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR DRIVEWAY DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SITE DEVELOPMENTS WITH FUEL PUMP FACILITIES; PROVIDING FOR SHARED ACCESS DRIVEWAYS; PROVIDING FOR RESTRICTIONS OF DRIVEWAYS ALONG RIGHT TURN LANES; PROVIDING FOR RESTRICTIONS OF DRIVEWAY LOCATIONS NEAR EXPRESSWAY RAMPS; PROVIDING FOR CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS; PROVIDING FOR APPEAL PROCEDURE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The ordinance was read for the second time and passed to third reading as follows: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 7 a 17. THIRD READING - ORDINANCE NO. 19068 a a AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 53, TRAFFIC, BY AMENDING SECTION 53-254, SCHEDULE V - INCREASE OF STATE SPEED LIMIT IN CERTAIN ZONES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. (Streets affected: Leopard Street, reduction; Flour Bluff Drive, reduction; Wooldridge Road, increase) The ordinance was read for the third time and passed as follows: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye," * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for consideration of the following item: 18. Approving an Agreement with South Shore Estates Association, Inc., for the installation of brighter street lights in the South Shore Estates Subdivi- sion. Under the terms of this Agreement, the Home Owners Association will pay the cost of converting twenty-three 4,000 lumen mercury vapor lights to 16,000 lumen high pressure sodium vapor lights. In addition, the Asso- ciation will pay the yearly difference in rates for the brighter lights and assign to the City a Certificate of Deposit to cover costs of future reconversion should this occur. City Manager Martin stated that this item is directly related to Ordinance 19, which sets policy with respect to the conversion of neighborhood street lights. He stated that the following criteria must be met for the conversion: The minimum number of conversions should be limited to a residential area having no less than twenty lights; the maximum light size shall be 16,000 lumen; and the neighborhood organization will be responsible for conversion costs, annual advance payment for the rate cost differential, and must assign to the City a Certificate of Deposit to cover costs for future reconversion. He stated that there will be no additional cost to the City for the increased lighting. He stated that item 18, an agreement with South Shore Estates Association, Inc., is for installation of brighter street lights in the South Shore Estates Subdivision. There were no comments from the audience on motion 18. A motion was made by Council Member Mendez that item 18 be approved; seconded by Council Member Pruet; and passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, and Slavik voting "aye"; Strong abstaining. Council Member Strong stated that she abstained from voting on this item because she is a member of the South Shore Estates Association. There were no comments from the audience on Ordinance 19; City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their vote; and the following was passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 8 19. ORDINANCE NO. 19069 AMENDING CHAPTER 49 OF THE CITY CODE BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE VI, SECTION 49-90, A STATEMENT OF POLICY FOR CONVERSION OF NEIGHBORHOOD STREET LIGHTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as follows: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye." Mayor Jones called for consideration of Ordinance 20, amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application of Staples -Elizabeth Street Venture, and stated that the public hearing was held on October 15, 1985, at which time a motion was made to grant a special permit for a parking lot for church and employee use only. Mr. Larry Wenger, Director of Planning, displayed the area on the zoning and land use map, described the land use in the surrounding area, and showed slides of the area. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero for a time limitation of 3 minutes per speaker, seconded by Council Member Strong, and passed unanimously. Mrs. Catalina Martinez, 1309 Sixth Street, spoke in opposition and stated that she is against the parking lot because it will set a precedent, cause traffic problems, and the children in the neighborhood will be endangered by the additional traffic. She requested that the vote on the ordinance be postponed due to legalities involving the 200' area of notification and the establishment of the 20Z rule, publicly owned property being included as a part of the area, and a property owner who is buying their home on contract. Ms. Amanda Martinez, 1309 Sixth Street, spoke in opposition and stated that the parking lot is not an improvement for the neighborhood; the residents do not want the parking lot; and she feels that the developers have an obligation to the neighborhood. She urged the Council to deny this zoning change request. In response to a question from Council Member Slavik, Assistant City Manager Tom Utter stated that curb and gutter were installed on Elizabeth Street within the last two years, and the park land was acquired within the last six months. Council Member Slavik stated she will vote against ordinance 20. Council Member Mendez questioned the effect the park land owned by the City would have on the 20% rule. Mr. Utter stated that the total square footage in the land area is always included, and that includes streets, parks, or any City -owned property. He stated that publicly owned land does not count in favor or against a zoning case, but it does add to the total square footage for which the 207 rule is obtained. • Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 9 a a - In response to a question from Council Member Berlanga, Mr. Wenger stated that if the applicant had not acquired use of the church parking lot, there would not have been enough space for the required number of parking spaces. Council Member Guerrero pointed out that the ordinance will pass whether the 20% rule is in effect or not. There were no further comments on ordinance 20; City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their vote; and the following was passed: 20. ORDINANCE N0. 19070 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF STAPLES ELIZABETH STREET VENTURE BY GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR A PARKING LOT FOR EMPLOYEES AND CHURCH PARKING ONLY, WITH NO ACCESS TO ELIZABETH OR SEVENTH STREETS, AND WITH A LANDSCAPING STRIP ALONG BOTH STREETS ON LOTS 21 AND 22, BLOCK 3, BOOTY -ALLEN ADDITION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as follows: Jones, Best, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, and Strong voting "aye"; Berlanga and Slavik voting "no." Mayor Jones called for consideration of Ordinance 21, amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application of Mr. H.E. Savoy dba Savoy Homes, and stated the public hearing on this case was held October 15, 1985, at which time a motion passed to grant a special permit for a single-family house. Assistant City Manager Utter stated that the 20% rule is in effect on this zoning case due to the fact that the Wilson's are opposed to the special permit. Mayor Jones stated that this case has been discussed at length; he feels that all interested parties are served by the special permit; and he is in favor of granting a special permit. Council Member Mendez asked for comments from the staff regarding the effect of the special permit in case of fire or if the home is otherwise destroyed. Mr. Wenger stated that the home would have to be rebuilt within one year. Council Member Berlanga stated that he does not support the granting of the special permit; the Wilson's (the owners of the home) have a sense of insecurity in that their home will have restrictions. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience. Mr. Virgil Howard, representing the applicant, stated that the main concern of the Wilson's is the preservation of their lawsuit against the builder and the title company; he feels that a special permit has no disadvantages; and he feels that the 20% rule is not in effect on this zoning case because the Wilson's written opposition was not received prior to the closing of the public hearing on the application. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 10 Mr. Curtis Dyer, representing Mr. and Mrs. Ben Wilson, stated that there is no pending lawsuit in this matter; if the Council approves a special permit, they will be shifting the problem from Mr. Savoy to the Wilson's; their property will be burdened by a special permit; and if the Wilson's want to sell their home, this burden would have to be revealed. He asked the Council to vote against a special permit. Assistant City Manager Utter informed the Council that they would have the option of extending the one-year time limitation in case the home is ever destroyed. Council Member Mendez stated that this is very close to granting "R -1B" zoning, and he feels the Council has been very reasonable on this zoning case. There were no further comments on this ordinance; City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their vote; and the ordinance failed to pass as follows: 21. ORDINANCE - FAILED TO PASS AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF H.E. SAVOY BY GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR A SINGLE-FAMILY USES ON LOT 9 AND A PORTION OF LOT 10, BLOCK 4, FLOUR BLUFF HEIGHTS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance failed to pass as follows: Jones, Best, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, and Strong voting "aye"; Berlanga, Guerrero, and Slavik voting "no." Mr. Utter informed the Council that since the ordinance failed to pass, the property is now designated as an illegal use. Discussion followed concerning the matter before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Assistant City Attorney Jay Doegey informed the Council that this matter is now before the district court. Mayor Jones called for consideration of ordinance 22, amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application of Mr. James R. Snyder. Mr. Utter informed the Council that the public hearing was held on April 16, 1985, at which time a motion was made to deny the requested zoning of "B-4" and in lieu thereof grant a special permit for mini -storage warehouses with landscaping and attractive fencing as shown on a drawing submitted by the applicant. Mr. Utter stated that 16 notices of the public hearing were mailed; one was returned in favor; one was returned against; and one was returned outside the area of notification that was not opposed to a special permit. He stated that the Planning Commission and Planning Staff recommend denial. Mr. Wenger displayed the area on the zoning and land use map, described the land use in the surrounding area, and showed slides of the area. He informed the Council that this is located in an undeveloped area on Padre Island. He stated that the applicant has submitted a site plan that meets the criteria outlined by the City Council during the public hearing. a Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 11 In response to a question from Council Member Slavik, Mr. Wenger stated that the Padre Island Homeowners Association is not opposed to a special permit. In response to a question from Council Member Strong, Mr. Wenger stated that the building itself serves as a screening fence on the north and south sides, and it will be a masonry building. Mr. Utter informed the Council that Padre Island Investment Corporation is opposed to the zoning change. In response to a question from Council Member McComb, a colored map was displayed depicting the mini -storage warehouses and surrounding area. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience. Mr. Jack Lavers, representing Mr. James R. Snyder, stated that the building will be in exact accordance with the rendition displayed; he feels that this will be of benefit to all of Padre Isles; and this zoning change will provide an impetus for the strong implementation of "B-2" zonirg. There were no further comments from the aud.ence; City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their vote; and the following ordinance was passed: 22. ORDINANCE NO. 19072 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF MR. JAMES R. GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR MINI -STORAGE WAREHOUSES WITH IN THE FRONT YARD AREA ON LOTS 7A AND 8A, BLOCK 18, PADRE ISLAND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as follows: Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SNYDER BY LANDSCAPING NO. 1; AND Jones, Best "aye." Mayor Jones called for petitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Ron Payne, President of the Corpus Christi Arts Council, introduced Mr. Jim Thompson and stated that Mr. Thompson is the new director of the Arts Council. Mr. Thompson stated that he is very glad to be in Corpus Christi, and stated that the arts are a vital component to the quality of life in Corpus Christi. He stated that the Arts Council is reviewing several items of interest, the furnishing of the Merriman-Bobys House; Heritage Park activities; the formation of a Cultural. Consortium, which would be a communication link with the art constituency in the City; a Minority Arts Conference; increasing private sector support for the arts; educational issues; review of the Corpus Christi '90 issues; better communications with the City Council, Tourist Bureau, and Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 22, 1985 Page 12 Chamber of Commerce; and implementation of the program "Home Town America" which is being sponsored by American Express. Mayor Jones thanked Mr. Payne and Mr. Thompson for updating the Council in regard to the Arts Council and encouraged them to keep the Council informed. Mr. Tom McDow informed the Council that neighborhood streets are deteriorating because of commercial trucks using the streets as through streets. He also referred to residents parking commercial vehicles in their driveways and provided the Council with photographs of trucks in his neighborhood. He urged that the Council enforce the existing ordinances, amend the ordinances if necessary, or create new ordinances in order to eliminate this problem. Mr. McDow mentioned in particular Bandera Street, Sundown Street, McKenzie Road, and Leopard Street. Council Member Strong stated that there was a similar problem in the area of Clare Drive, and she would be interested in receiving a report from the staff regarding the current ordinance. Council Member Guerrero pointed out that the problem is not isolated to one area, and reminded the Council that most of the people own these trucks which are necessary for their livelihood. City Manager Martin stated that Mr. McDow's neighbor is driving home a one -ton truck and is parking it in his driveway, which is legal. He stated that an 18 -wheel vehicle parked on a street is a violation. In response to a question from the Council, Mr. Martin stated that an unhitched trailer cannot be left on the street. In response to a question from Council Member Berlanga, Mr. Martin stated that three or four trucks in a driveway is not a violation. Mr. Sam Powell, 13618 Burning Tree, presented petitions containing 893 signatures in support of the Leopard Street and Up River Road Development Plan provided by the City staff. He stated that after this plan was reviewed by the Northwest Business Association and the Northwest Area Council of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the petitions were distributed to determine the community's support for these projects. He urged the Council to give these projects top priority. Mrs. Haroldeen Fox expressed appreciation to the Council and the staff for their efforts in these projects. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Berlanga, seconded by Council Member McColl!Wrail077passed unanimously, the Regular Council Meeting was adjourned at 3:58 ,p.., 0ctobex,2, 1985. %' > /td