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)
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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