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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/17/1986 - Public HearingMINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING PUBLIC HEARING FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BAYFRONT PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER, ROOM 225 FEBRUARY 17, 1986 5:00 P.M. Present: Mayor Luther Jones Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Jack Best Council Members: David Berlanga, Sr. Leo Guerrero Joe McComb Frank Mendez Bill Pruet Mary Pat Slavik Linda Strong Acting City Manager Ernest Briones City Attorney Bruce Aycock City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando Chapa 1au Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center. City Secretary Armando Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting. Acting City Manager Ernest Briones explained the procedures followed over the past few months in devising the Capital Improvement Program. He stated that the original request were in the total amount of $326 million which was reduced by the City staff to approximately $107 million. He noted that since that time the Planning Commission has conducted a number of public hearings in the neighborhoods and they are now ready to present their recommendations to the City Council. He informed the Council that the staff concurs with the recommendations of the Planning Commission. Mr. Javier Chapa, Chairman of the Planning Commission, presented to the Council a cover letter explaining their recommendations. He explained that they had parameters within which they wanted to stay based on the financial advice of the Director of Finance and the City's financial advisor on bonds. MICROFILMED Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 2 Mr. Chapa continued by stating that the Planning Commission recommends some additions and the total of the programs recommended is $111 million. He stated that two of the major additions are $4 million for the Aquarium and $1 million for the concept of a Mercado to be located in the Agnes -Laredo area. He stated that the following programs in the amounts listed are recommended: A. Streets $ 49,850,000 B. Drainage 5,560,000 C. Wastewater 15,890,000 D. Airport 5,785,000 E. Park & Recreation 14,460,000 F. Public Facilities 14,455,000 G. Aquarium 4,000,000 H. Mercado 1,000,000 Total: $111,000,000 *Council Member Mary Pat Slavik arrived at 5:15 p.m. during the foregoing presentation. Mr. Chapa explained to the Council that the Planing Commission has conducted eight different meetings throughout the City, and approximately 100 people addressed the Planning Commission. Mr. Chapa then introduced other Planning Commission members who were present and mentioned those who were not present. Mayor Jones suggested that details be provided on the two major items that had been added - the Aquarium and the Mercado. Council Member Pruet referred to the divided access streets in the area of the proposed location for the Aquarium and inquired if these streets are different from the streets included in the original bond program. Assistant City Manager James Lontos explained that they are different from those streets but these streets are contemplated in the master plan dependent upon future development. He explained that they have been given priority because of the Aquarium. Mr. Lontos provided an explanation in regard to the Mercado, explaining that the request had emanated from the Westside Business Association, and the Planning Commission felt that the project would generate improvements in a blighted area of the City. He explained that the intent here is that the City could form a partnership with the private sector, or the City could acquire some of the property, build a facility and lease space. He stated that they were of the opinion that it should be included in the Capital Improvement Program even though the plans are not formulated yet. iinutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 3 Mayor Jones referred to a similar facility in Laredo, Texas which had been installed in the old City Hall Building. Mr. Norberto Viamonte, Administrative Assistant in Assistant City Manager Tom Utter's Office, explained that the facility in Laredo was partially financed by Industrial Development Corporation bonds; a non-profit corporation was formed; they own the building at this time; and space will be leased to those who which to do so. Mayor Jones asked for further explanation of the Mercado proposition, and Acting City Manager Briones explained that McCall, Parkhurst and Horton, Bond Counsel, recommends that this be a separate proposition so that it does not adversely affect other buildings. He stated that the staff agrees that it should be a separate item on the bond issue. Council Member Strong questioned placing an issue on the bond program at such a late date when the Council has not even had an opportunity to study it or has not been provided with drawings or plans for the project. Mayor Jones pointed out to the Council that the entire procedure for the bond issue has been different from the method in 1982 because the Planning Commission made all of the recommendations before the City Council even became involved. He said that he therefore had no problem with this since the Planing Commission recommends approval. Council Member Mendez spoke in favor of the Mercado, stating that the presentation was made to the Planning Commission; he thinks it is a good idea; it will promote tourism and upgrade the Agnes -Laredo area; but indicated that he has a problem with the recommendation of the Bond Counsel that it be a separate issue because he felt it should be included in public facilities. Mayor Jones reiterated that it should stand alone. Council Member Berlanga also spoke in favor of the project, but expressed concern that if it is placed on the ballot with no explanation, it may not be approved by the voters. He compared it to the amenities included in the Marina and indicated that it might be possible to add it to the Marina and listed under Parks and Recreation. Council Member McComb indicated that from what has been described, he has a problem with the Mercado because he felt that it would qualify for Community Development Block Grant funds or it could be funded with IRB financing. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 4 Assistant City Manager Tom Utter explained to the Council that specifically the Westside Business Association asked for General Obligation Bonds for the start of the Mercado. He stated that industrial development bonds could also be used and indicated to Mr. McComb that he was correct in that this type of project would qualify for C.D.B.G. funds but reminded the Council that the City is confronted with a 30% reduction of those funds during the next year. Council Member Pruet stated that he liked the concept of the Mercado and was in favor of it but asked how the staff envisioned the $1 million would be used. Mr. Utter stated that the request was presented by the Westside Business Association but the staff had been looking at this possibility for some time and they had identified an area from the de Pineda Plaza back to the Crosstown Expressway. He stated that the staff is of the opinion that an area could be acquired for the $1 million. City Attorney Hal George informed the Council that a tax reform bill is pending before Congress that may affect this type of project. He stated that when the bill comes out, it may have some significant impact on the way this type of project can be structured. Council Member Slavik stated that she thought the idea of the Mercado was very good but she would prefer to have it located near the empty warehouses in the port area. Mr. Utter explained that the original request was for $3 million, but the Planning Commission recommends $1 million. He stated that the staff has no figures to provide the Council at this time. Council Member Slavik expressed concern about adding this $1 million as well as $4 million for the Aquarium. Council Member Guerrero reminded the Council that during the goal setting session conducted by the City Council, he had introduced the idea of a Mercado, and at that time there was no comment from other Council Members or the staff. Mr. George was asked for further information in regard to the tax bill he referred to. City Attorney George explained that the tax reform bill has passed the House of Representatives; it has to go through the Senate and then to the President; and he said he could only tell the Council there could be some problems in that if the City authorizes the issuance of bonds and they are not federally tax exempt, no one will purchase them. He also pointed out that if the Mercado is included with another item, it must be closely related to the category to which it is tied. He reiterated that the Bond Counsel strongly recommends that the Aquarium and the Mercado not be included with any other issues. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 5 Mayor Jones expressed the opinion that it should be listed separately because it might adversely affect other projects, and he felt that to try to bury it might be wrong and it might jeopardize the entire bond program. Council Member Pruet compared it to the City's investment in projects such as the Wayward Lady. Assistant City Manager Utter stated that the City had no investment in that project but they did some patching of the streets and spent $25,000 for L -Head improvements. He stated that the City did not provide any utilities. Council Member Pruet expressed the opinion that it should be included but he needed more information and inquired if there was any assurance that it would be a public/private venture. Council Member Berlanga stated that he recommended that it be included in the Marina because it is similar in nature to the Lighthouse Bar and Grill and the Wayward Lady. Mr. Utter expressed the opinion that to tie it to the T -Head and seawall improvements would be a mistake; the Mercado would not be related in any way to those projects. He suggested that if the Council wanted to include it in some other category, it would have to be with Public Facilities, not Parks and recreation. Council Member Mendez pointed out that there are other public/private ventures in the downtown area; the City is going to lose about $1.2 million in C.D.B.G. funds; and the City now has an opportunity to approve $1 million to entice developers to develop a Mercado in another blighted area of the City similar to that of the downtown area. He expressed the opinion that the $1 million, if approved, would attract private developers to revitalize the Westside of the City. Assistant City Manager Lontos presented to the City Council copies of a memorandum given to them by Mr. Hayden Head, Chairman of the Airport Advisory Board in regard to Airport improvements. The Council discussed the length of time the speakers should have and a motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to allocate representatives of City Boards and Commissions 10 minutes and other citizens be allowed 5 minutes. The motion was seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed unanimously. Mr. Charles Blum, Chairman of the Parks and Recration Board, spoke in favor of expansion and renovation of the recreation centers. He stated that they felt to do this properly, they would need a total of $2,550,000 instead of the recommended $1,760,000. He also stated that there is a need for a new recreation center in an area between Kostoryz and Airline south of Holly Road, an area which has no recreation centers at all. He suggested that this Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 6 recreation center could be located in Parkview Park, Shannon Park or some other park. He stated that another item which was deleted by the Planning Commission was improvements to the Bill Witt Park Soccer and Youth Fields. He stated that they wanted to make this a major sports center in Corpus Christi. Mrs. Jeff Bell, Chairman of the Library Board, expressed gratitude to the Planning Commission for their reinstatement of $500,000 for the purchase of books and for the proposed expansion for Parkdale Branch Library in the amount of $375,000. She explained to the Council that they felt that more funds should be allocated for the purchase of books since this is a major resource center for 26 counties in South Texas. Ms. Alicia Gallegos -Gomez, Member of the Library Board, commended the Planning Commission for their recommendations. She stated that they are glad to be included in the Capital Improvement Program, particularly in regard to the expansion of Parkdale Branch Library. She urged support of the recommended items. Ms. Dierdre Norton, Chairman -Elect of the Library Board, thanked everyone for including the Library in the Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Cliff Moss, speaking on behalf of the Transportation Advisory Board, stated that more money is needed for traffic signals, noting that $1 million is included in Item 11 under Streets. He stated that their original request was $2,380,000 for twenty intersection improvements, and they would like to have this amount. Mr. Cecil Burney, representing the Museum Advisory Board, stated that they agreed with the Planning Commission recommendation for expansion at the Museum in the amount of $1,300,000 and an additional $1 million for general Museum expansion. Mayor Jones then recognized Senator Carlos Truan. Senator Truan stated that he has been working with the Westside Business Association and he would like to urge that the Mercado be included in the amount of $1 million because it will not only revitalize this particular westside area but would attract a number of tourists. He suggested, however, that it be tied in with other projects so that it will obtain the support of the entire community. There were no other Boards and Commissions to address the Council at this time. Council Member Berlanga referred to the proposal for funds to develop unimproved park land in the amount of $3.2 million and the Oso Creek development in the amount of $2.5 million. He asked for an explanation as to just what would be accomplished with that money. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 7 A motion was made by Council Member Mendez that the meeting be recessed for 10 minutes in order to allow the staff time to set up the maps on Oso Parkway improvements. The Council recessed at 7:10 p.m. and the meeting was reconvened at 7:30 p.m. Assistant City Manager Utter provided an explanation of the Oso Creek Parkway project. Mayor Pro Tem Jack Best noted that the bond issue is to acquire the park land, and Mr. Lontos agreed. Mr. Blum commented that the development of the Oso Creek Parkway would provide a green belt system for a major recreational facility. Mayor Jones then stated that individuals would be allowed to speak for five minutes. Dr. Sue Gardner, speaking on behalf of the Corpus Christ Botanical Society, Inc., stated that they had been working on a plan for botanical gardens for three years but they have just recently acquired appropriate land from the developers of Kings Crossing. She stated that this would be a recreational and educational facility. She stated their request was for $2 million in seed money for the Visitors Center Building and for the installation of the portion of the Oso Parkway that extends from So. Staples St. southeast to the King Ranch on the south side of Oso Creek. She estimated that this street cost would be $1,026,600 and they would also like to have that included in the bond program. Mr. Guadalupe Valdez addressed the Council as a member of the Westside Business Association and urged inclusion of the Mercado in the Bond program. He agreed that the Mercado should be attached to another facility to assure its passage. Mr. Oscar Flores, President of the Westside Business Association, expressed appreciation to the Planning Commission for their recommendations, and particularly, the improvements to Agnes street as well as the $1 million for the Mercado. He stated that such a project would improve tourism and also enhance the Hispanic culture. He stated that if it is approved, it would form a strong bond between the Anglo and Hispanic cultures. Mayor Jones requested that Mr. Flores provide information about the concept of the project. Mr. Flores explained that the association would like to have the City acquire the land with the $1 million and have a public/private venture utilize the development. He pointed out that the proposed location of the Mercado is accessible to the downtown hotels and is right off the freeway. He expressed the opinion that if the City approves the bonds to acquire the land, the Mercado will become a reality. Ainutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 8 Council Member Mary Pat Slavik stated that she is somewhat concerned because the Council has just become aware of this project. She inquired if Mr. Flores had talked with the Business Development Commission about this, and Mr. Flores stated that they have not had time to do that yet. He assured her that developers and other people are interested in this project if the land can only be acquired. Mr. Carlos Moreno referred to previous accomplishments of the Westside Business Association including their influence in getting the "dog -leg" straightened on Agnes Street, the construction of the train station for the Tex-Mex Railroad and the de Pineda Statue at the triangle. Mr. Moreno urged the inclusion of the Mercado in the Bond program, pointing out that it would generate income for the City through taxes. Mr. Dave Porterfield, Chairman of the Greens Committee, an Advisory Committee of the Parks and Recreation Board, referred to a graph which he had prepared which showed the large number of golfers utilizing the municipal facilities. He explained that the golf courses are in very poor condition with broken sprinkler heads, poor drainage, etc. He stated that the effluent is too salty; it is used to water the courses; and this use has contributed to their poor condition. He also noted the needs for an additional nine -hole golf course which has not been accounted for in the Bond program. He urged that the $1 million already included in the Bond program be increased to $2 million. Mr. Doug Wade, Beautify Corpus Christi Association, expressed support of the development of the park systems which have been so long neglected. He stated he would like to see an increase in this fund. Mrs. Ruth Coffey, a school teacher on the south side of South Padre Island Drive, noted the need for a recreation facility in that area. She noted the large number of children in that area and pointed out that this is a neglected area of the City as far as recreational facilities go. She stated they would like to suggest that such a facility be located in Parkview Park. Mrs. Lucy Hill, representing Friends of the Library, expressed appreciation for the books included in the Bond program but noted that this would bring the Library up to bare minimum standard and informed the Council that many more books were needed. Mr. William Kirshner, President of the Friends of the Library, expressed appreciation for the money that had been designated for books. He pointed out that the new Library will open in May and it will become a focal point for the entire City. He pointed out that the Library cost over $5 million and noted that the book area will have 60% more space than there are books. He pointed out that there are many needs for books for children. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 9 Mr. Herbert Canales, Director of Libraries, agreed that there is definitely a need for more books for children. Mrs. Retha Montgomery, President of the City Wide Recreation Centers, stated that she was representing a large number of people who wish to speak on the need for a recreation center and urged that additional improvements be included for them. She pointed out that the neighborhood south of Padre Island Drive has grown tremendously in the last few years, yet there are no recreation centers in that area. She also noted the very poor condition of the recreation centers in existence. She urged approval of the recommended funds for recreation centers and that additional funds be included for another center. Mrs. Angie Pearson, stated that she was speaking on behalf of the Bill Witt Park Association. She asked that $490,000 be added to the Bond program for additional improvements for more soccer fields and Little League parks. She explained the large number of clubs, organizations, and groups who use that park and stated that several leagues have critical needs for fields. She explained that more tournaments could be conducted in Corpus Christi if the fields were in better condition and there were more of them, noting that tournaments generate money for the City of Corpus Christi. In response to Mayor Jones' questions on the requirements to set up a soccer field, Mrs. Pearson explained there are only three fields at Bill Witt Park; they are in poor condition; they would like to utilize the land at Bill Witt Park for additional fields by having it graded, placed in good condition, and made available for soccer, rugby, the women's league, men's leagues, etc. She reiterated that $490,000 would be needed to bring the fields into good condition. Council Member Guerrero stated that recently the City installed a soccer field in Greenwood Park and there were plans to establish more soccer fields in that park in the future. Mr. Utter stated that there are funds for two additional fields at Greenwood Park. Mr. Terry Dopson provided information for the Council on the cost of establishing additional soccer fields, and Council Member Strong requested a copy of that breakdown for the Council for the following day. Mr. Bill McCord, representing the Windrock Park Neighborhood Association, addressed the recommendation of the Planning Commission for improving parks. He stated that they would also like to have Windrock Park developed since it is a 6 -acre park dedicated in 1978. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 10 Mr. Gene Koch stated that he is a resident of Padre Island and they are in favor of tourist development facilities on Padre Island. He stated that the only thing included in the Capital Improvement Program for the Island is the widening of White Cap Boulevard and expressed appreciation that it is included in the program. He stated that they have a real need for the expansion of the sewer plant on Padre Island even though he realized that Padre Island Investment Corporation is responsible to expand the sewer plant, but they have financial difficulties and may have to file for bankruptcy. He stated that the expansion for additional sewer users would be about $500,000. Assistant City Manager Lontos agreed that the sewer plant needed to be expanded and stated that the City has approximately $400,000 listed for minor plant improvements. He stated that after they go through the process of law with Padre Island Investment Corporation, possibly some of those funds could be used to enlarge the sewer plant on Padre Island. Council Member Strong expressed the opinion that there is a need to have funds included for the expansion of the Padre Island Sewer Plant because it is so important to the growth of Corpus Christi and the growth on Padre Island. Dr. Miriam Wagenschein stated that she is speaking first as a member of the Transportation Advisory Board. She urged that additional funds be included for traffic signals and requested a total of $2,380,000. Dr. Wagenschein then spoke in regard to wastewater and stated that she is pleased with the amount included in the Bond program. She expressed the opinion that land for the new plant is essential but noted that there is no money for planning the new plant. Mr. Lontos disagreed stating that the the $3 million listed was for land acquisition and design. Dr. Wagenschein continued and referred to the Parks and Recreation category, stating that there is a need to improve the dedicated undeveloped parks and urged an increase in that figure. She also stated there was a need to increase the recreation facilities amount. Ms. Deelynn Torres, 617 Lansdown, stated that she is President of the Women's Soccer League. She presented copies to the City Council of facts and figures pertaining to this and informed them that soccer popularity is growing every day. She urged development of Oso Creek and that they include the 50—acre lot in Oso Creek Development to allow them to continue using the land they are presently using for a soccer field. She stated that they will lose their lease to the Navy in 1986 and urged that it be purchased from the Navy as a part of Oso Park land acquisition. Mr. Lontos agreed that this was a good idea and stated that if they go to the Navy and inform them that the City of Corpus Christi would like to have this for recreational purposes, they might be first in line to acquire the property. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 11 Mr. Terry Dopson explained that if no other federal agency has a need for the land, the City could probably obtain the land if they speak quickly. Mr. Utter agreed, stating that if this is done, they could probably obtain the land free. Mrs. Barbara Grimes, President of the Del Mar Neighborhood Association, expressed appreciation that their neighborhood is included in the neighborhood street improvements. She stated that they are definitely needed. Mr. Edgar Moore informed the Council that he was of the strong opinion that Holly Road should be extended all the way to Ayers Street. He also stated that there are other improvements needed at the Airport mentioning in particular the access roads. He promised his strong support of the bond program. Mr. Jack Solka, 6262 Weber, Vice -President of the Aquarium Association, stated that he is primarily present to answer questions that the Council might have. He stated that he concurred with the recommendation of the Planning Commission to include the $4 million for the support facility for the new Aquarium location on Corpus Christi Beach. He displayed a chart showing the figures which indicated the number of visitors to the City. He stated that they have been informed by other cities with Aquariums that they are an outstanding attraction for visitors as well as citizens of the City. He stated that tax revenues in the amount of $4.8 million are projected to be generated from the Aquarium. Mayor Jones commented that they had previously informed the Council that they still needed to acquire one piece of property. He asked Mr. Solka if the Association had been successful in acquiring that property, and Mr. Solka replied that they have options to purchase all of the property now that they need for the Aquarium. Council Member Berlanga inquired of Mr. Solka if he was of the opinion that the Mercado is an economic development item similar to the Aquarium and if he would have any objections to attaching the Mercado to the Aquarium as one issue in the Capital Improvement Program. Mr. Solka stated that he personally felt that they are in the same category an he would have no problem himself but he could not speak for the forty members of the society. Council Member Slavik inquired if there might be any other way that the City could fund the amount needed for the streets to serve the Aquarium. Mr. Solka stated that it would be very difficult for them to obtain additional volunteer funds. He also pointed out that if the City is going to construct a parking lot, it should be on City property; if the City is going to widen streets, it should be City property. 4inutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 12 Mayor Pro Tem Best stated that he still has problems with the City purchasing land when they already own 40 acres of land at the north end of Corpus Christi Beach which could very well be used for the Aquarium. Mr. Solka explained that the members of the Aquarium Society feel that at the proposed location, it will be visible to the Convention Center, the downtown hotels, the Courthouse, etc. He pointed out also that the 40 -acres Dr. Best referred to do not have access to the water or the visibility that the proposed site does. Mr. Solka reminded the Council that since they have obtained state delegation as the Texas State Aquarium, there is a need for a much larger Aquarium than originally planned. Council Member McComb stated that in terms of hearing the requests for everyone else, and the fact that the City is almost at the ceiling as far as the bond issue is concerned, what would be the society's feeling about obtaining the $4 million from Certificates of Obligation or General Obligation Bonds. Mr. Solka explained that this would indicate to him that the Council is not concerned with economic development and the fact that the City has committed $4 million will have a good impact on the fundraising efforts for the Aquarium. He urged that this be included in the bond program. Mr. Lontos questioned Mr. Solka and referred to a statement that he had made that the $4 million would be listed for site improvements and that would be the maximum they would request, and Mr. Solka assured him that that was correct. Mrs. Catalina Martinez, speaking on behalf of the Spohn Hospital Residents Association, referred to their neighborhood park. She stated that three city lots had been purchased for the park and the Parks and Recreation Department has plans for development of the park. She stated that she had discovered that they have an opportunity to acquire an additional lot south of the existing park land which could be acquired for about $60,000. She urged that this be included in the Capital Improvement Program. Mrs. Joel Herrera stated that she too was speaking in favor of additional land for the Spohn Hospital Area Park. Mr. Kelly Elizondo informed the Council that the other lots purchased for the park costs about $50,000 each. Council Member Slavik inquired if this lot purchase would be a logical project for Community Development Project funds, and Mr. Elizondo stated that it would qualify. Mr. Vic Menard, a Member of the Parks and Recreation Board, expressed the need for development of additional parks. He stated that in addition to the $2.3 million, they would like to have even more than that and they would also like to have approximately $1.7 million for further renovation of recreation centers. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 13 He also referred to the dire need for an additional recreation center to serve the area south of Padre Island Drive. He stated that in addition, they would like to have an extension of Matlock and Knickerbocker Streets for better traffic circulation to the north of Padre Island Drive. He also urged that the Flour Bluff Library be expanded. Mr. Bob Shattuck, representing Builders Association of Corpus Christi, stated that they will support the bond election in its entirety. Mrs. Joyce Eisenberg stated that she is very excited about the progress of Corpus Christi. She spoke in favor of the Botanical Gardens and asked for $2 million for seed money for the Visitors Center which will be the first permanent building. Mayor Pro Tem Best inquired if the Botanical Garden would be income producing, and Mrs. Eisenberg stated that it would be only to the point that it would be self-supporting. Mayor Pro Tem Best then inquired if they would consider Certificates of Obligation or General Obligation Bonds for funding for the gardens. He also questioned the lateness of their request. Dr. Sue Gardner addressed the Council again and explained that they were late requesting this because they just recently acquired the land that they had been seeking. Mrs. Josie Ramirez, President of the Westside Soccer Association stated that they would like to have soccer fields at the Hector P. Garcia Park. Mr. Javier Chapa, Chairman of the Planning Commission, stated that they had received many worthly requests but they felt that they should stop at the tax rate of .60C per $100 of valuation. He stated that he felt that this was the maximum that they could recommend. Council Member Mendez stated that they have heard a lot of proposals and he did not think that they could make decisions that night. A motion was made by Council Member Mendez that the hearing be recessed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Strong. Council Member Pruet stated that there is a tremendous amount of work to be done and he felt that he would like to have the Council take a ten or fifteen minute break and then sit down and work on the bond program. Council Member Mendez stated that if a majority of the Council wanted to continue, he would be glad to withdraw his motion to recess. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 14 Mayor Jones called for the vote on Mr. Mendez' motion to recess and it passed 5 to 4. The meeting was recessed at 10:05 p.m. * * * * * * * * * A motion was made by Council Member McComb that the Regular Council Meeting be recessed, seconded by Council Member Strong and passed unanimously by those present and voting, at 3:50 p.m. * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones reconvened the Special Council Meeting of February 17, 1986 at 4:27 p.m. at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center, Room 225. Mayor Jones explained that this is a continuation of the public hearing on the Capital Improvement Program for the City of Corpus Christi that was conducted last night and which was recessed, and explained the procedure to be followed. He then called on the first speaker. Mr. L. A. "Nick" Nikoloric, 15002 Windward Drive, representing the Padre Isles Property Owners Association, stated that the Council is being deluged with amenities as opposed to infrastructures. He urged that the infrastructures be allowed to remain as they are recommended by the Planning Commission. He stated that the parks on Padre Island are not as important as the infrastructures. Council Member Slavik stated that she has understood that there might be some concern that some of the parks might not be as necessary as other necessities such as streets in Flour Bluff to be compatible to the expressway expansion. Mr. Nikoloric stated that it is his understanding that there is some money in this package for park improvements on the island; he views those expenses as a waste of money at this time; people do not use the parks at the island; and reiterated that this is not as important as the infrastructures are at this time. Mr. John Anderson spoke on behalf of the Corpus Christi Botanical Society, stating that the Oso Development Plan is supported by the Botanical Association. He expressed the opinion that the Gardens are an important part of that development. Ms. Cora Chisholm, 10306 S.P.I.D., a Flour Bluff resident representing the Kiwanians requested that they be placed on priority one for the expansion of the Parkdale Branch Library in Flour Bluff. She stated that the proposal that the Council has looked at will involve the expansion proposal by $200,000. She stated that one other issue they are concerned with is for the extension of Matlock, Lakeside and Knickerbocker Streets in Flour Bluff to be developed in conjunction with the Expressway extension. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 15 Mayor Jones inquired if these extensions are included, if the developers would be required to dedicate, and Assistant City Manager Lontos explained that the Staff's recommendation was to make the connection to O'Neal because it would tie in better with the area. Jerome Branton, 4317 Cottage Street, representing the Northside Business Association, requested that a park be developed in the Cablo, Parker and Waco Streets, noting that this property already belongs to the City. He stated that he would like to see this property improved and a park developed for the people on the north side. Mrs. Mary Williams, Vice President of the Northside Business Association, urged that the Council consider placing a park and recreation center in their area, particularly for the children and senior citizens. She stated that there is no entertainment for them at this time. Council Member Slavik inquired if land is available in the area Mrs. Williams was referring to, and Assistant City Manager Utter informed the Council that T. C. Ayers Recreation Park is in the same census tract and there is a senior citizens center in Washington Coles Center. Council Member Slavik inquired if transportation is available to the centers, and Mr. Utter replied that there was transportation available only to the Washington Coles Center; it is two or three blocks from Cablo Street; it is centrally located in that census tract; and expressed the opinion that this area is very well served. He stated that the Staff does not recommend placing a senior citizens center in that area. Dr. Leo Carrillo, representing Temple Park Neighborhood Association, stated that the Staff's recommendation includes a figure of $48,500 to finish the third phase of their park; the Planning Commission and Park Board Staff recommended $33,504 for Temple Park basing the amount on an acreage formula; and that the difference is $4,996. He asked that the additional $4,996 be included in the bond program. Mr. Carrillo informed the Council that crime has been decreased in their area since Temple Park has been improved. Marie Spear, Editor and Publisher of the Flour Bluff Sun, stated that all of the organizations in Flour Bluff would like to see Waldron Road and White Cap extended for better access. She stated that they also need streets to allow residents to have traffic circulation. She urged extension of streets by including them in the program, adding that streets in the Flour Bluff area are more important than the parks. Council Member Slavik asked about the priority streets that were needed, and Ms. Spear stated that the Knickerbocker project was a much needed one and it is a $450,000 project, adding that it could possibly be less. Minutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 16 Council Member Mendez noted that this is in Census Tract 30; $200,000 was appropriated for a fishing pier; these funds might have been better used for street extension; and that perhaps this might be looked at again. Mrs. Spear stated that this would be great, they could either be from CDBG funds or from the bond program. Mrs. Monica Mejia, representing the Corpus Christi Botanical Society, spoke in favor of the Botanical Garden since they already have the land. She expressed the opinion that this project is one for the older people and the young to enjoy. Mr. Lowell Kepp, Board Member and representing the Botanical Gardens, urged that this project be included in the Bond Program. Mr. Richard Lane, businessman in Flour Bluff and Padre Island, expressed concern about future development in Corpus Christi. He asked for the Council's consideration in extending Matlock, Lakeside, O'Neal Street for better traffic circulation. Mayor Jones inquired if there was a cost estimate on Matlock Street, and Assistant City Manager Lontos explained that it is $1,200,000 and involves widening the street as a collector design. He added that he did not have the Lakeside Street cost. There were no further comments. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Best that the hearing be closed, seconded by Council Member McComb and passed unanimously at 5:16 p.m. The Special Council Meeting of February 17, 1986 was adjourned at that time. DZ/mj/rr sinutes Special Council Meeting February 17, 1986 Page 17 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of February 17, 1986. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the /• div day ofL/I, p(e.�' , 1986. Armando Chapa, City Secretary City of Corpus Christi, Texas