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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/31/1987MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 31, 1987 2:00 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 City Manager Craig McDowell City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Luther Jones called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was given by Council Member Berlanga, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Mayor Pro Tem Best. 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. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 24, 1987 be approved as presented; seconded by Council Member Pruet; and passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones announced the bid opening on the construction of additional parking lots around Bayfront Plaza Convention Center. Mr. James K. Lontos, Assistant City Manager, pointed out that this is the expansion of the present facilities of the convention center and will provide a little over 300 additional parking spaces. He then proceeded reading the bids from the following firms: Claude Chapman Construction Co.; Haas Paving; Hannes Construction Co.; Heldenfels Brothers, Inc.; Island Construction, Inc.; King Construction Co., Inc.; Oceanside Asphalt, Inc.; A. Ortiz Construction & Paving; and Wright Way Construction Co. Mr. Lontos verified that all companies submitting bids had also submitted the required security bond. He stated that all of the companies except A. Ortiz Construction had acknowledged receipt of the addendum in their proposal. MICROFILMED 9inutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 2 Mayor Jones expressed appreciation to the bidders for submitting bids on the City project. (The bids were tabled for forty-eight hours, pursuant to the requirements of the City Charter, and referred to the Staff for tabulation and recommendation.) *Council Member Slavik arrived at the meeting during the bid opening at 2:10 p.m. 12. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for consideration of Consent Motions, Items 1 through 1. M87-0123 Approving specifications and authorizing receipt of bids for one refrigerated centrifuge to be used by the Water Department. Funds were approved in the 1986-87 budget. 2. M87-0124 Approving the purchase of one crawler tractor with side boom from J.C. Brown Company for $118,597.95 based on low bid meeting specifications. This unit will be used by the Gas Division, and funds were approved in the 1986-87 budget. 3. M87-0125 Approving plans and specifications and authorizing receipt of bids on April 28, 1987 for the 1986 Minor Storm Sewer Improvements. 4. M87-0126 Approving Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $10,459.07 to the Gollihar Road Water Storage Tank Repair and Repainting contract with Travis Industrial Painters, which provides for the installation of an additional railing and repairs to the obstruction lights electrical system. 5. M87-0127 Approving Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $12,780 to the contract with Oceanside Asphalt, Inc. for Runway 17-35 Rehabilitation at Corpus Christi International Airport, which provides for reshaping the shoulders and repainting the centerline stripe of Runway 13-31. 6. M87-0128 Accepting the amendment to an FAA grant, which provides funds for the acquisition of thirty-two acres at the Runways 13-31 and 17-35 clear zones, by amending the exhibit to show the area clearly, and authorizing the City Manager to execute the amendment. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 3 7. M87-0129 Authorizing additional compensation of $38,441 to Kipp, Richter, and Associates, Inc. for services in connection with modifications to the City Hall floor plan to accommodate the relocation of data processing equipment and office space reassignments necessitated by the recently approved reorganization. 8. M87-0130 Authorizing City Staff to undertake appropriate action for the sale of various parcels of surplus property. 9. M87-0131 Scheduling a public hearing on April 28, 1987, on proposed amendments to the Master Drainage Plan for portions of the Flour Bluff area. 10. M87-0132 Approving a 3 -year contract with the Pan American Golf Corporation for the operation of the snack bar at the Gabe Lozano Golf Center. 11. M87-0133 Approving the application by the Auxiliary to the Art Museum of South Texas to hold an "Art In The Heart of Downtown" event on April 25-26, 1987, and approving the closing of portions of Chaparral Street, Schatzel Street, and Peoples Street, on Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 1987, for the event. 12. M87-0134 Rejecting the bids received on October 29, 1986, for the Water Garden and Parking Facility, and amending the letter of agreement between the City and the Foundation for Sciences and Arts to allow the Foundation to proceed with construction of the Water Garden. Mayor Jones referred to Item No. 2 regarding the purchase of one crawler tractor w/side boom. He inquired what the Anderson Machinery bid was. In response to the Mayor's question, Assistant City Manager Lontos stated their bid was for $122,000. Mayor Jones referred to Item No. 6 regarding the FAA Grant Amendment for the acquisition of land for runways 31 and 35. He inquired if there is a chart or a view -graph of this land and asked if the City is still purchasing the same amount of land. linutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 4 City Manager Craig McDowell stated that this purchase of land was approved by the Council, and an application was submitted under a grant with FAA. He stated that there are two parcels of land involved, and the FAA intends to use part of the grant money for one parcel and part of it for the other parcel. He stated this is the same amount of land. Mayor Jones referred to Item No. 8 concerning the sale of surplus city property and inquired as to when was the last time the City did something like this. In answer to the Mayor's question, Assistant City Manager Utter responded by explaining that the City never has done this before, but from time to time has sold land by parcel. Mayor Jones referred to Item No. 10 regarding the 3 -year contract with the Pan American Golf Corporation. He stated the City will receive revenue from the concessionaire based on 16% of gross receipts less sales tax. He inquired about the terms with the previous contractor. City Manager McDowell stated that this is a revised contract for a different operation. He stated that a report will be forthcoming to the Council in reference to the income to the City from the previous contractor. Council Member Slavik referred to Item No. 11 regarding the Art Jamboree. She commented that the event is a great idea if it will boost the downtown area. She inquired if the Auxiliary paid the City 4 percent of the gross sales, plus the cost of City services. City Manager McDowell stated that the 4 percent will not cover the cost of City services. Council Member Berlanga referred to the land at the airport. He stated that when the City purchased the land to increase the airport, there were 400 acres which were not purchased. He inquired if the 400 acres were posing a problem to the expansion of the airport. City Manager McDowell stated that there is acreage at the airport which the City will acquire as funds become available through FAA grants. Mayor Jones referred to runway 13 and stated it is the most heavily used runway. He inquired if the City controls the land between the approach end of the runway and highway 44. In response to the Mayor's question, City Manager McDowell stated that the City does control the aforementioned land and needs to acquire another small parcel. Council Member Joe McComb referred to Item No. 12 concerning the Bayfront Science Park Watergarden and Parking Facility. He read an excerpt from the agreement stating "Whereas, the parties have determined that to rapidly proceed with the project will be of substantial benefit to the citizens and will contribute to alleviating the current high unemployment currently existing in Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 5 the City of Corpus Christi by creating jobs on the local economy; and whereas, the parties have agreed that this project will have substantial impact on the local economy by stimulating the growth of tourism." He questioned the City's putting a million dollars into this project and stated that based on the original million dollars for the watergarden, the architectural fee is about 25 percent. He commented that the architectural fee was based on a project which included both a parking garage and a watergarden, and now the parking garage has been eliminated and he felt the rate is too high. He inquired if the City is just matching the Foundation's gift of a million dollars for a watergarden. City Manager McDowell stated that the City is matching one-half the cost of the watergarden project and will realize a return on that in terms of looking at the entire growth potential. He stated we are looking at it from a standpoint of tourism, and that jobs created from the construction will fuse money into the local economy. He stated the architectural fees are maximum and have to be negotiated. Council Member McComb inquired if the architect has given the City the final costs or any final plans, and if the Foundation is negotiating with local contractors. City Manager McDowell stated that this is a matter between the Foundation and the architect. The City will be contributing with the understanding that they will work with local contractors, but that it is a Foundation project. He stated this is a revised agreement between the City and the Foundation in setting the terms and conditions under which the City will participate in this project. He stated that the Foundation fully understands the intent of the City Council to use local contractors and local subcontractors, and they intend to comply with the City's wishes. Council Member Mendez referred to Item No. 1, sub -paragraph 3, of the agreement "Foundation agrees to the requirement that Corpus Christi based general contractors be invited to negotiate for construction of the project, and Foundation further agrees to use its best efforts to involve local contractors and subcontractors in the construction to the extent feasible." He inquired if the Legal Staff agrees that the language of the contract meets the intent of what the City Council desires. Mr. McDowell stated that the Council required them to negotiate with local contractors but that there was some flexibility in the absolute requirement. In response to a question from Council Member Mendez, City Manager McDowell stated that the City is participating with the Foundation, and it is the Foundation's project. He stated that to the extent that the City stays involved in it, it becomes their project, and the decision was to let the Foundation handle the project. He further commented that the City's funding is conditioned upon their negotiating with local contractors, and if that isn't complied with, the City wouldn't fund its portion of the project. He also stated the City still has to approve the plans and will be in joint inspection of the project. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 6 Council Member Mendez referred to Item No. 5 of the agreement "City agrees to assign to Foundation the uncompleted portion of City's contract with Wisznia and Peterson Associates." He inquired if there would be an additional cost if a design change was needed. City Manager McDowell stated that it should be included and that we have already paid $74,000 to the architect. He stated that Foundation has paid about $40,000 in reimbursement to the City. In answer to a question from Council Member Mendez regarding the Incomplete portion of the engineering contract which is being assigned to the Foundation, City Manager McDowell stated it will stay within the total contract price, and the Foundation is taking responsibility for the project. Council Member McComb expressed his concern about the architectural situation but stated he would like to see the project move forward. In response to a question from Council Member Pruet regarding increased fees, City Manager McDowell stated that he didn't think there were increased fees to be paid. He stated the $229,078 is the total contract fee, and it will not be increased but it has to be ironed out. Council Member Slavik stated that a former City Council raised the hotel— motel tax from 4 to 7 percent and set up a convention center improvement activity fund. She inquired if that is where the City's cost will be taken from. City Manager McDowell stated that it will come from this fund which was set up in 1983 with an agreement with the Foundation. Council Member Slavik suggested asking the Foundation to reimburse the City. She stated if the City puts up $1.123 million, we should ask the Foundation to continue their fundraising efforts and bill them for the balance. City Manager McDowell stated the Foundation is concerned with the present state of the economy and how long it will take them to raise the additional $300,000. He stated they pledged an additional $100,000 by August 1 and feel they can raise the balance, but it might take them some time. Mayor Luther Jones stated that the Council should have some degree of faith in the people that are involved in this project. Council Member Slavik stated that the Foundation should be encouraged to continue their fundraising efforts, and that the City should extend their time frame to raise the additional funds. She further stated that the money might not be raised immediately, but that in extending their time and asking them to continue their fundraising efforts, the City's cost will only be 50 percent of the project. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 7 City Manager McDowell stated it is the City's intent to contribute 50 percent. He recommended that the Council approve this agreement if they wish to proceed with the project, or modify the agreement to reflect any current concerns. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience on the Consent Motions, and there was no response. A motion was made by Council Member Berlanga that Consent Motions 1 through 12 be approved. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, and Slavik voting, "Aye"; McComb voting "No" on Item No. 12; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken. Mayor Jones called for consideration of Consent Ordinances 13 through 19. He referred to Item No. 14 regarding the Riverside Park sanitary sewer improvements. He stated under the general provisions of the bid specifications, the City may disqualify a bidder from bid award consideration if the bidder is involved in any litigation against the City. He inquired if the general provision of the bid specification is covered in any ordinance which has been passed by the Council, or if it is solely on the basis of the bid specifications. City Manager McDowell stated that the provision is solely within the specifications which were approved by the City Council as a result of past experiences. Council Member Slavik inquired as to the status on the litigation situation with Heldenfels Brothers. City Attorney Hal George responded by stating that the lawsuits been filed; the City filed an answer; and it is still in the discovery state at the present time. Council Member Slavik referred to Item No. 16 regarding appropriation of 1986 park bond funds — Oso Creek Park. She inquired what the total service costs are on this development. City Manager McDowell responded that there is not a breakdown at this particular point, but the City is appropriating a lump sum of $500,000 into the OSO Creek Development Phase I to commence with the project. Council Member Mendez inquired about the time limit on the Riverside Park sanitary sewer project. In answer to Mr. Mendez' question, Assistant City Manager Lontos stated that it will be four months total construction. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 8 Council Member Guerrero referred to Item No. 17 regarding the memorandum of understanding between the National Park Service and the City. He asked if it is a soft contract and what the cost will be. Mr. Guerrero also questioned if the center will be manned. City Manager McDowell stated it is a soft contract and will cost the City nothing at this time, but eventually we will have to enter into an agreement with the Tourist and Convention Bureau. He stated this is just an agreement to allow the use of the facility. He also stated the specific details of the staffing have to be worked out. Mr. William Lukins, representing the National Seashore, stated at the present time the offices are at 9405 S. Padre Island Drive. He explained that the center provides information and averages between 20 — 120 visitors a day. He stated by combining visitor information, and National Parks Service allowing the use of the building, there would be no fees involved. Council Member Strong expressed her appreciation to Mr. Lukins and his willingness to work with the community. She stated she spoke with Jack Dumphy of the Tourist and Convention Bureau, and he expressed his approval 100 percent. She stated at the present time we have an agreement that the City will have the use of the facility seven days a week for a tourist and information center at no direct cost to the City. Council Member Slavik expressed her appreciation to Mr. Lukins and stated this is the beginning of something very great in Flour Bluff. Mayor Pro Tem Best inquired if there was information at the tourist information bureau on Highway 37 because they seem to be having trouble getting brochures. ile commented that everything should be tied together. Mr. Lukins stated his facility is provided 18,000 brochures a year and simply doesn't have funds to provide any additional brochures. He stated they do have free handouts they provide to the Chamber of Commerce. There were no comments from the audience on the Consent Ordinances. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following Ordinances were passed: 13. ORDINANCE NO. 19683 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH THE CONSULTANT FIRM OF ESPEY, HUSTON AND ASSOCIATES, INC., AND BECHTOL, HOPFPAUIR AND EHRLER, INC. TO PROVIDE A MASTER PLAN FOR THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CAUSEWAY RECREATION AREA; APPROPRIATING $65,000; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 9 14. ORDINANCE NO. 19684 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH HELDENFELS BROTHERS, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE RIVERSIDE PARK SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS: APPROPRIATING $207,000; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye." 15. ORDINANCE NO. 19685 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH CHANNEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR THE SIIPLINING OF APPROXIMATELY 9,100 LINEAR FEET OF THE OSO TRUNK SANITARY SEWER; APPROPRIATING $1,931,000; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye." 16. ORDINANCE NO. 19686 APPROPRIATING $500,000 FROM THE NO. 551 PARK BOND FUND, OSO CREEK DEVELOPMENT — PHASE I, FOR THE PAYMENT OF SPECIAL SERVICES AND PHASE I LAND ACQUISITION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye." 17. ORDINANCE NO. 19687 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI FOR PROVISION OF A TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER TO BE LOCATED IN THE NATIONAL SEASHORE OFFICE AT 9405 S. PADRE ISLAND DRIVE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye." 18. ORDINANCE NO. 19688 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPI.ICATION OF PJC PARTNERSHIP BY GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT ON A PORTION OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1, THE CROSSROADS SHOPPING VILLAGE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 10 The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye." 19. SECOND READING: AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTHSIDE YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX, INC., FOR THE LEASING OF TWO PARCELS OF LAND IN PRICE PARK FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING A YOUTH BASEBALL PROGRAM. The foregoing Ordinance passed on its second reading by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye." Mayor Jones called for consideration of action of the Council on the following motion: 20. M87-0135 Approving the appointment of Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Company to perform the following audits for the fiscal year ending July 31, 1987: City's Annual Financial Audit $ 56,000 Federal Grants Single Audit 14,000 9erpee-Glifie“-Heesing-F4neaee-9erpereeSe----I97999 $70.1000 The total audit fees for fiscal year July 31, 1986 for the above audits were $69,500. Fee for the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation is paid by MBank, Trustee. Assistant City Manager Garza stated that the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation audit for $10,000 should be removed from the motion. A motion was made by Council Member Mendez that the above motion be approved with the $10,000 for CCHFC being removed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, Guerrero, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting, "Aye.” Mayor Jones called for consideration of the Ordinances from the regular agenda on Items 21 through 23a. He then referred to Item No. 23a referring to the Resolution in support of House Bill 2012 relating to the operation of the catastrophe property insurance pool. City Manager McDowell stated that Assistant City Manager Briones called from his meeting in Austin and indicated the committee was changing the Bill which would be different from the Resolution. He stated that one portion deleted protects the City and indicates that there will be no liability to the Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 11 City, and another portion with reference to liabilities covering employees have been removed from the Bill. He inquired whether the Council desires to pass a Resolution which meets the Bill, or express their intent that it should be in the Bill because those portions should be covered and the City held harmless. Mayor Jones stated the Resolution ought to cover what the Council believes is correct and not what is in the Bill, and hopefully it could be amended. In answer to a question from the Mayor, Assistant City Manager Elizondo noted that the following portions "Whereas, no local liability should result from such inspections" and under Section 1 "with an amendment absolving cities and their employees of any liability whatsoever in connection with such inspections" will not be included in the Bill. Council Members McComb, Strong and Slavik expressed concern about changing the Resolution because they felt the City should be protected. Assistant City Manager Elizondo stated that the Resolution will support the Bill as it was originally proposed, but it doesn't incorporate all the things the Council felt should be incorporated. City Manager McDowell stated that this is Mr. Berlanga's Bill and perhaps the Council should change their position. Council Member Mendez suggested writing a personal letter from the Mayor's office to Mr. Berlanga stating the Council's position. A motion was made by Council Member Mendez to withdraw Item No. 23a, and an appropriate letter be sent to Representative Berlanga signed by the Mayor. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pruet and passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik, and Strong voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent at the time the vote was taken. Mayor Jones referred to Item No. 23 concerning the proposed EMS rate increase. He inquired if most of the fees which are incurred for ambulance services are paid by insurance companies, and if the money the City is receiving is primarily from insurance companies. City Manager McDowell responded that the fees are paid by insurance or the individuals themselves. He stated he suspected the vast majority of people do not have insurance or very limited insurance. He stated the money the City is receiving is from Insurance or from people who have the ability to pay. He stated the City has not adjusted the rates since 1981, and the rates which are recommended are in line with a survey of those in the nation which will further reduce our losses. He further stated the total budget for the EMS is $2.2 million. Council Member Strong stated it's important that the service pay for itself as much as possible. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 12 Council Member Slavik requested a report from the Staff of what the average run costs. Chief Rogers responded to Mrs. Slavik that it cost $180.00. Council Member Slavik stated that it was six years since the rates were increased, and they should be evaluated every year. She stated the public needs to know how expensive it is. There were no comments from the audience on the Ordinances. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following Ordinances were passed: 21. ORDINANCE NO. 19689 APPROPRIATING $60,352.84 OUT OF VARIOUS BOND FUNDS FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO THE 102 GENERAL FUND FOR ACCOUNTING AND COLLECTIONS SERVICES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent at the time the vote was taken. 22. ORDINANCE NO. 19690 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH LAVENTHOL & HORWATH FOR AN ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY REGARDING THE RE -OPENING OF PACKERY CHANNEL; APPROPRIATING $45,000; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent at the time the vote was taken. 23. FIRST READING: AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 14936, THE EMS AMBULANCE SERVICE RATE ORDINANCE, AS AMENDED, SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASE IN BASE RATES, AN INCREASE IN THE CHARGE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF OXYGEN, FOR AN OUT OF CITY PER MILE CHARGE, AND FOR AN ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE EMS AMBULANCE RATES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing Ordinance passed on its first reading by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent at the time the vote was taken. 4inutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 13 23a. Withdrawn (See Page 12) HRG NG-4'ME-$OARD--(QF--14 FrE&'£8&5-9P-4'4iFr3'DXA6-GA-TASTROPIIE-PR9RERTN-INSURANGE AS&O€MAT+ON=-- 1h4Fr--£TATE-- BOARD--OF---1#S•FihAN6Er---i'}Ig---TENA6---NOF}6I'r--9F REPRE6ENTATISE6-4FF&URAXGE -Ge14141 BE1--044).-TN£-W,46-4,EF,9=6I &-£O-&bPRORT HGUSE--$H,Ir--2912--REITATI-NO-410--THE- OiiE 4:44-0N--44F--'£RE--OATAST-ROi+1E--PROPERT PNSURANGE-1109E1.-ANB-PEGTIARIN6-AN-EMEROEN63- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones announced the public hearing on one zoning application. 24. 287-5, Loeb & Company, Ltd: For a change of zoning from "B-1"Neighborhood Business District with a "SP" Special Permit to "B-5" Primary Business District on Lots 2A and 2B, Block 3, Carolyn Heights Unit 2, located on the northwest corner of Weber Road and O'Day Parkway. Mr. Larry Wenger, Director of Planning, located the area on the zoning and land use map, described the land use in the surrounding area and showed slides of the vicinity. He stated that in response to the 19 notices mailed to property owners with a 200' radius, none in favor and two in opposition had been returned. He stated that the Planning Commission recommended denial, and in lieu thereof, grant a revised special permit for the existing shopping center and a 40 square foot free-standing sign with the condition that the two existing "Las Palmas" signs on the retaining wall be removed. He stated the Planning Staff recommends denial, and in lieu thereof, grant a revised special permit for the existing shopping center and the proposed sign subject to removal of all signs on the retaining wall. Council Member Slavik asked Mr. Wenger to explain what the two letters in opposition were about. Mr. Wenger stated that one letter was from a property owner at 402 O'Day Parkway. He stated the gentlemen complained he is tired of all the loud noises, the litter, people parking in front of his house and in his driveway. He stated the other letter was from a person on Calvin who complained about parking problems and was against a change of zoning. Mayor Jones called for comments from the audience. Mr. Leon Loeb, Manager and General Partner of Loeb Company Ltd., appeared and displayed a drawing of the sign. He stated it is a small sign and will provide 8" movable type lettering. He stated that it is essentially a marquee for the tenants to advertise their specials. He explained that this shopping center received an AIA honor award which is the highest award given in that competition in Corpus Christi. He stated he did not support B-5 zoning, and asked for the Council's support of a revised special permit. linutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 14 Mr. Richard Kemp, 424 Sharon, stated he is a small buttress owner in the Las Palmas Shopping Center. He stated that on occasion the tenants need to run specials and is in favor of the proposed sign. Mayor Pro Tem Best made a motion that the public hearing be closed; seconded by Council Member Mendez; and passed unanimously. Council Member Berlanga expressed his opinion that he is in favor of the Planning Commission's recommendation. He then made a motion to grant a revised special permit for the existing shopping center and a 40 square foot free-standing sign with the condition that the two existing "Las Palmas" signs on the retaining wall be removed. The motion was seconded by Council Member McComb. Assistant Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their vote and the following Ordinance was passed: 24. AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF LOEB AND COMPANY, LTD. BY GRANTING A REVISED SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR THE EXISTING SHOPPING CENTER AND A 40 SQUARE FOOT FREESTANDING SIGN AND ELIMINATING TWO LAS PALMAS IDENTIFICATION SIGNS ON THE EXISTING RETAINING WALI. ON LOTS 2A and 2B, BLOCK 3, CAROLYN HEIGHTS UNIT 2; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Jones, Best, Berlanga, McComb, Mendez, Pruet, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent at the time the vote was taken. Mayor Jones announced there were some people in the audience he would like to acknowledge and present certificates of commendation for an essay contest sponsored by the Texas Bureau for Economic Understanding. He acknowledged Mrs. Maggie Ramirez, Principal of Lozano Special Emphasis School. Mrs. Ramirez introduced Mrs. Patricia Najera, a third grade teacher at the school, who then explained the project she was involved in. Mrs. Najera stated last year she took a class at CCSU working on her graduate degree and learned a lot about economics. She explained that at the beginning of her school year, she had a large economic unit. She stated her third graders learned about the free enterprise system, and what it means to the U.S. She stated the Texas Bureau of Understanding sponsored an essay contest for students concerning the free enterprise system in the U.S. which her students entered. She then stated then one of her students placed second in the contest in the State of Texas in over 300 entries, and another one of her students won an honorable mention. She stated that this was a great accomplishment for these students who now have state recognition. iinutes Regular Council Meeting March 31, 1987 Page 15 Mayor Jones then presented to Melissa Torres, who placed second in the essay contest, a Certificate of Commendation. He also presented a Certificate of Commendation to Christopher Donahue, who won honorable mention in the same contest. * * * * * * * * * * * * * City Manager McDowell announced to the Council about a reception in the evening for the Public Technology Marketing Group and invited the Council to attend. Er. McDowell referred to the item on the agenda in reference to the Lozano Golf Center. He stated the revenues to the City on the previous contract had been about $14,000 a year. He further stated that an increase is expected with the new expanded operation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Jones called for petitions or information from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Ms. Henrietta Newberry stated she has come before the Council many times before in reference to recreation programs for the disabled. She stated she came to this meeting to thank the City Council for all the past help given to the disabled. She stated she has learned there have been personnel changes in the Parks and Recreation Department and commented on a lady in the department who is doing an excellent, outstanding job in getting the community involved. There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by Council Member Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Best and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. 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 March 31, 1987, which were approved by the City Council on April 7, 1987. � WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the / ` 1 day of rl I �j . Armando Chapa, City Secretary City of Corpus Christi, Texas