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