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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