HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/04/1986PRESENT:
Mayor Luther Jones
Mayor Pro Tem Jack Best
Council Members:
David Berlanga, Sr.
Joe McComb
Frank Mendez
Bill Pruet
*Mary Pat Slavik
Linda Strong
Absent
Leo Guerrero
Hall.
V'CitA It
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 4, 1986
2:00 P.M.
Deputy City Manager Ernest Briones
City Attorney Hal George
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Jones called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City
The invocation was given by Nancy Ashe of Travis Baptist Church, following
which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by
Council Member Strong.
City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that a quorum of the
Council and the required Charter Officers were present to conduct the meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member McComb to excuse the absence of Council
Member Guerrero; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Best; and passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Council Member Mendez that the minutes of the Regular
Council Meeting of October 28, 1986, be approved as presented; seconded by
Council Member Strong; and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Council Member Strong stated that the Council Committee on Municipal Court,
consisting of herself and Council Member Mendez, had received recommendations
from Judge Joe Garza regarding Municipal Court Judges Melene Dodson and Rudy
Tamez. She then made a motion that Judges Dodson, Tamez, and Monkres receive a
4% raise in annual salary; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Best; and passed as follows
Jones, Best, Berlanga, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, and Strong voting "aye"; Slavik
absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero absent.
*Council Member Slavik arrived at 2:07 p.m.
* * * * * * * * * * *
MICROFILMED
_.inutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 2
Mayor Jones announced the recognition of the Vista Volunteers. He stated
that this is a program in which persons donate their time for services to the
community. He then introduced Ms. Ann Rylan, Vista Coordinator. Ms. Rylan then
introduced the Vista Volunteers Frank Johnson, Barbara Hinojosa, and Paula
Flores.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ms. Ana Munoz, Pepsi Cola Bottling Company, presented a check in the amount
of $1,000 to be used for the Special Population Program for the disabled under
the Park and Recreation Department. She stated that this is possible through
the John Rees Awards Program sponsored by Pepsi.
Ms. Barbara Lamb, Special Programs Supervisor, stated that the funds will
be used to provide recreation programs for the handicapped and to purchase
equipment.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Sue Rees, newly
appointed member to the Museum Advisory Board.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for consideration of board appointments; a motion was
made by Council Member Pruet that the appointments considered during the
Workshop Meeting be approved; seconded by Council Member Strong; and passed
unanimously.
Corpus Christi Housing Improvement
Corporation/Loan Review Committee: Museum Advisory Board:
Forrest W. Smith (Clergy) Term: 5/7/88 Charles Thomason - 9/1/88
Christopher E. Matt (Legal) 5/7/88 Dr. R. T. Barrera - 9/1/89
Community Action Agency: Term: 10/1/87
Mayor Pro Tem Jack Best - Rudy Gonzalez
Council Member David Berlanga - Alicia Perez
Council Member Linda Strong - Lamont Taylor
Council Member Leo Guerrero - will advise later
Council Member Frank Mendez - Carlos Valdez
Airport Board: Term: 4/4/87 Electrical Advisory Board: Term 12/31/86
W.L. Bates Larry Major (journeyman)
Allen Borden (community -at -large)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
a
..inutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 3
Mayor Jones called for consideration of Consent Motions 1 through 8.
1. M86-0457
Approving specifications and authorizing bids be received for a computerized
library system. The system will automate book check-out, inventory control,
cataloguing and acquisitions. Funds are provided in the Library Bond Fund.
2. M86-0458
Approving plans and specifications for the removal of the Sam Rankin Water
Storage Tank and authorizing receipt of bids for this work on Wednesday,
December 3, 1986.
3. M86-0459
Approving the following actions relative to the Oso Trunk Sliplining, Phase II
project:
a. The project be accepted and final payment
Jalco, Inc.
b. The contractor be granted a 33 -day time
working days allotted for the project due
beyond the contractor's control.
of $190,717 be authorized to
extension to supplement 35
to material delivery delays
The total construction cost of this project is $233,917.
4.
M86-0460
Authorizing acquisition of
just west of Heinsohn Road
Outfall.
two parcels of land (#1, X12) located on Bear Lane
at a cost of $25,125 for the Baldwin Farms Drainage
5. M86-0461
Authorizing acquisition of a parcel of land (1137) located between Countiss Drive
and Robb Drive at a cost of $12,000 for the Turkey Creek Drainage Improvements
project.
6. M86-0462
Accepting the air cooler condensers installation project for the Corpus Christi
Museum and authorizing final payment of $9,188 to Malek, Inc.
7. M86-0463
Accepting the metal shelving and miscellaneous furniture portion of the
Furniture and Furnishings Contract for the Corpus Christi Public Library and
authorizing final payment of $14,191 to the contractor, G. Madison Company.
a
,Linutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 4
8. M86-0464
Accepting the Hialco Elevator and Improvements project and authorizing final
payment to the contractor, E. J. Netek Construction Company, in the amount of
$13,566.
In response to questions from Mayor Jones concerning item 1, approval of
specifications for a computerized library system, Assistant City Manager Tom
Utter stated that the system will be purchased with private donations through
the fund raising efforts of the Friends of the Library; it will improve the
service of the library; currently records are kept manually; this will be
eliminated; this system will provide an inventory of what is actually at the
different libraries; it will be a user-friendly system; past due notices can be
sent; over the last four years, the library has done retrospective conversion in
which all the books were placed on computer tape, and this tape can be "dumped"
into the new system. He stated that the consultant, Susan Epstein, has worked
with the staff to develop the specifications.
Mr. Utter stated that he would provide a report on the increased useage of
the library.
In regard to item 3, accepting the Oso Trunk Sliplining, Phase II project,
Mayor Jones asked for a comparison of this project to the McArdle Road
Sliplining project.
Mr. Carl Crull, Design Engineer, stated that the difference between these
two projects is mainly the material that was used and the care the contractor
used in cleaning the line. He stated that on the Oso project the liner material
was reinforced plastic mortar pipe and was fuse welded together, whereas on the
McArdle Project high density polyethylene was used.
Council Member Slavik referred to item 6, accepting the installation of air
cooler condensers at the Museum, and stated that she was glad the the condensers
from Exposition Hall were utilized in this manner.
Assistant City Manager Bill Hennings stated that the condensers meet the
needs of the museum and are working quite well.
There were no comments from the audience; a motion was made by Council
Member Mendez that Consent Motions 1 through 8 be approved; seconded by Council
Member Strong; and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for consideration of Ordinance 9, closing the hearing on
the Furman School Area, Phase IV project, and asked for a staff report.
Mr. Crull stated that staff recommends that the hearing be closed and the
roll adopted. He stated that Mr. Sam Allen was assessed the Church rate on the
Mestina side of his property; this was an error; and staff recommends that he be
assessed the commercial rate on the Sam Rankin side of the property. He stated
that one-half of the sidewalk is in good condition, and Mr. Allen will receive
credit for that.
.ainutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 5
Mr. Allen stated that his property is the only one with improvements in
place; the staff has found that the sidewalk is in the public right-of-way; he
would like to be assessed the church rate; the property is used by Metro
Ministries; and he sees no difference between this use and residential rental
property zoned "I-2."
Mr. Crull stated that the ordinance
rate, the property must be owned and used
that was made on the George Evans project
assessment roll has been adopted.
states that to qualify for the lower
by the Church. He stated the mistake
cannot be corrected because the final
Mr. B. J. Ordner, 2821 Minton, stated
as a church, and Mayor Jones pointed out
Allen, not the church.
that the property should be assessed
that the property is owned by Mr.
Mr. Ordner stated that he was not aware of that.
Mr. Crull stated that staff is trying to apply the ordinance the way it is
written, and that is that property utilized as residential by an absentee owner
is assessed the residential rate, and there are provisions for low-income loans
through CDBG for the non-resident owners. He stated that the ordinance reads
"owned by and used for a church."
Mr. Crull pointed out that the Salvation Army signed a covenant regarding
their assessments in order to obtain the lower assessment, and staff would be
glad to oblige Mr. Allen if he wishes to do that.
Mr. Allen stated that he does not wish to enter into a covenant.
Mr. Allen stated that he would pay the full amount, noting that he expected
to receive credit for the existing improvements.
Mayor Jones asked that the Council be provided a report on the credits that
Mr. Allen receives.
There were no further comments from the audience; City Secretary Chapa
polled the Council for their vote; and the following was approved:
9. ORDINANCE NO. 19543
CLOSING THE HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS:
Furman School Area, Phase IV
1. Morris Ave., Mary Street and Marguerite Street, from Crosstown to 10th St.
2. 10th Street, from Mary Street to Laredo Street;
3. llth Street, from Morris Avenue to Mary Street;
4. 12th Street, from Morris Avenue to Laredo Street;
5. 14th Street, from Morris Avenue to Marguerite Street; and
6. Sam Rankin Street, from Lipan Street to Mestina Street
FIXING A LIEN AND CHARGE, THE MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT AND COLLECTION; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
illit
nutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 6
The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as follows: Jones,
Best, Berlanga, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye"; Guerrero
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for consideration of Ordinance 10, amending the
Compensation Ordinance to reflect a 4% general increase in salary schedule and a
4% increase to the salary ranges of the managerial group.
Deputy City Manager Briones explained that this will change the salaries of
grades 8 through 43 by 4%, and the managerial group minimum and maximum salary
ranges will be increased by 4%. He emphasized that only the ranges of the
managerial group are being changed.
In response to questions from Council Member Slavik, Mr. Briones stated
that an employee's salary in the managerial group will not increase, only the
ranges would be increased, and the non-union, non -managerial employees will
receive a 4% increase in their salary.
Council Member Pruet stated that the Council should reconsider their
position regarding the salary increase; he cannot vote in favor of the increase
when the economy is bad; and the City could better serve the community by using
that money to generate additional jobs.
In response to a question from Council Member McComb, Mr. Briones stated
that the increase was authorized subject to the City Manager reviewing the
delinquent taxes, as well as the general fund reserve. He stated that if after
reviewing the financial documents, he would recommend the salary increase if the
financial situation could support it. He stated that the documents have been
reviewed and can support the increase.
Council Member McComb stated his concern is not the salary increase, but
rather the small businessman losing his business. He stated that he would like
to review the sales tax figures, because he understands those have decreased.
Council Member Mendez stated that this item would not be before the Council
if the City could not sustain it. He stated that this increase was delayed
three months and the City obtained a substantial savings from that. He stated
that last year the City also received a substantial savings by granting a
lump -sum payment to the employees. He stated that a mistake was made last year,
and should not be made again this year.
Mayor Jones stated that the Council should not make a judgement on salaries
on the basis of temporary economic factors. He stated that if the City is going
to attract good employees, a competitive salary must be paid. He stated that it
would be a major mistake for the Council to deny this increase; there is a need
for a major wage survey; this is being done; and this wage increase is an action
that was taken when the budget was adopted.
Mayor Pro Tem Best stated that when the lump -sum payment was given last
a Ilk
. inutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 7
year, it was with the intention that the next year the Council would grant a
percentage increase. He stated that the Council promised the employees a raise.
He stated that the 4% goes into the local economy.
Council Member Slavik stated that her concern is that the money would be
taken from the reserve and she would prefer this not be done. She stated that
4% is overly generous.
Council Member Mendez explained how the 4% would affect the ranges of the
managerial group.
Council Member McComb stated that the reason for increasing the ranges, is
that some employees are at the maximum of their category, and they cannot go any
further until the range is increased.
Mr. Briones stated that of the 160 managerial employees, one-third are at
the maximum or within $1,000 of the maximum range.
Council Member Mendez stated that the raise does not have to apply to the
range every time.
Council Member McComb stated that he thought the raise was automatic when
the budget was adopted.
Mr. Briones stated that the budget provides the funds, but in order to
implement the changes, an ordinance must be passed amending the Compensation
Ordinance.
Council Member Strong stated that increasing the ranges is a very valid
point for recruitment purposes.
Council Member Pruet stated that he did not think the City could afford to
compete salary -wise with all major cities. He stated that the salary increase
was budgeted if the conditions and revenues justify it. He stated that the
first promise of the Council is to the people who elected them. He pointed out
that City employees are paid well, and they do have jobs. He stated that the
overall impact to the City should be reviewed and he will vote against the 4%
increase for City employees.
Mayor Jones stated that he has no problem in supporting the salary
increase.
Council Member Berlanga stated that a new salary range should not be
created every time there is a vacancy, and that is what is being done. He
stated that some of the people that have quit or resigned had to. He stated
that based on the economy, a salary range should be formulated, but every time
there is a vacancy a new range should not be created. He stated that the City
Manager is paid $95,000 and he feels someone could have been hired for $80,000.
Council Member Strong stated that she is at a disadvantage because City
Manager McDowell and Assistant City Manager Garza are out of town. She then
alk
_.inutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 8
made a motion that the ordinance be postponed one week to allow input from Mr.
McDowell and Mr. Garza. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pruet and
failed to pass as follows: Jones, Best, Berlanga, McComb, and Mendez voting
"no"; Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting "aye"; Guerrero absent.
Council Member McComb stated that even though he voted against the increase
when the budget was adopted, he will vote in favor of the ordinance. He stated
that he was under the assumption that it was going to happen, and as a result
the Council has reviewed the City Secretary's salary and the Municipal Court
Judges' salaries; he supported those salary increases because he thought the
other City employees had received raises. He stated that next time he will know
the technical intricacies involved.
Mayor Jones requested that the Council be provided the costs of today's
action.
There were no comments from the audience; Assistant City Secretary Zahn
polled the Council for their vote; and the following ordinance passed:
10. ORDINANCE NO. 19544
AMENDING COMPENSATION ORDINANCE 3658, SECTION 250, CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR ALL
POSITIONS IN THE CLASSIFIED SERVICE, BY REPLACING SUBSECTIONS 251, 252, 253,
254, 255, 256, AND 257 WITH NEW SUBSECTIONS 251 THROUGH 257; AMENDING
COMPENSATION ORDINANCE 8127, SECTION 501, SALARY SCHEDULES A AND B, AND GRADE 8
SCHEDULE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A 4 PERCENT GENERAL INCREASE
EFFECTIVE WITH THE PAY PERIOD ENDING NOVEMBER 9, 1986; AMENDING COMPENSATION
ORDINANCE 8127, SECTION 510, MANAGERIAL GROUP PAY PLAN 1985-86, BY REPLACING IT
WITH A NEW SECTION 510, WHICH REFLECTS AN APPROXIMATE 4 PERCENT INCREASE TO
SALARY RANGES AS INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1986-87 ADOPTED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL ON JULY 29, 1986; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the ordinance passed as follows: Jones,
Best, Berlanga, McComb, and Mendez voting "aye"; Pruet, Slavik, and Strong
voting "no"; Guerrero absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Jones called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. S.J. Ordner, 2821 Minton, objected to the employment of immigrants at
the new City Hall, and objected to the installation of foreign made products at
the new City Hall.
There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by
Council Member Strong; seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously,
the meeting was adjourned at 3:34 p.m., November 4, 1986.
/td
L
..minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 4, 1986
Page 9
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the
Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of
November 4, 1986, which were approved by the City Council on November 11, 1986.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the day oi %/ b'7
diciarair
Luther Ares MAYOR
ilArmando Chapa City Secrary
City of Corpus Christi, Texas