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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/12/1987MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 12, 1987 2:00 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Betty Turner Mayor Pro Tem Mary Pat Slavik * Council Members David Berlanga, Sr. Leo Guerrero Frank Mendez Clif Moss Bill Pruet Mary Rhodes Linda Strong * City Manager Craig McDowell City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Betty Turner called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was given by Council Member Berlanga who also led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States. 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 Mendez that the Minutes of the Workshop and Regular Council Meetings of May 5, 1987 be approved; seconded by Council Member Pruet and passed unanimously. Mayor Turner acknowledged Mr. Lazaro Camarillo, President of the United Vietnam Veterans of Corpus Christi. Mr. Camarillo displayed a drawing of the monument to be erected in Sherrill Park in memory of the veterans from Nueces County who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. He presented a program book to the Council saluting the veterans. Council Member Mendez stated that the veterans should be commended for all their hard work in constructing the memorial and suggested that the Council set up an Ad Hoc Committee to work with Mr. Camarillo. Mayor Turner appointed Council Member Mendez and Council Member Rhodes to work with Mr. Camarillo and report back to the Council with their recommendations. MICROFld_MED nutes _,egular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 2 Mayor Turner administered the Oath of Office to Rudolfo Tamez, Chief Municipal Court Judge. * Mayor Pro Tem Slavik arrived at the meeting at 2:05 p.m. and Council Member Strong at 2:10 p.m. Mayor Turner stated that the Council had an urgent request from the Sister City Committee of Corpus Christi to fill a vacancy due to the resignation of Mrs. Barbara Dove; the request was from Howard G. Tirschwell, D.D.S. General Chairman of the Committee; the Mayor then recommended to appoint Mrs. Patty Nuss as Host Family Chairman to fill the position. She stated that the recommendation will be subject to ratification next week. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner announced the bid openings on three engineering projects. Mr. James K. Lontos, Assistant City Manager, requested that the bid opening on the Improvements to the Gabe Lozano, Sr. Golf Center and Oso Golf Course be postponed because of an omission in the specifications. A motion was made by Council Member Strong to postpone the bid opening on the aforementioned project; seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously. Mr. Lontos opened the bids on the Grading & Parking Lot Improvements to Dr, Hector P. Garcia Park from the following firms: Backhoe Lease Service, Inc.; Black Brothers Construction Co.; Haas Paving Company; Hannes Construction Co., Inc.; Netek Construction Co.; A. Ortiz Construction & Paving; Progressive Structures, Inc. and Construction Assistance and Services, Inc. Mr. Lontos verified that all companies submitting bids had also submitted the required security bond with the exception of Construction Assistance & Services, Inc. who sent a cashier's check, in lieu of the bond, which is acceptable. Mr. Lontos opened the bids on the Corpus Christi International Airport Interior & Exterior Signage Improvements from the following firms: L & L Construction and Colite Industries, Inc. Mr. Lontos verified that both companies had also submitted the required security bond. Mayor Turner expressed appreciation to the bidders for submitting bids on the City projects. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions, Items 1 through lla. 1. M87-0176 Lnutes Regular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 3 Approving a supply agreement for potassium permanganate to Carus Chemical Company based on the low bid of $156,950. The term of this contract will be twelve months with option to extend for an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. This chemical will be used by the Water Division and funds were approved in the 1986-87 budget. 2. M87-0177 Approving supply agreements for street construction materials with fourteen companies for a total of $1,830,000. The terms of these agreement will be twelve months with option to extend for an additional twelve months, at the same terms and conditions, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. These materials will be used by the Street Division and funds were approved in the 1986-87 budget. 3. M87-0178 Approving supply agreements for library books, phonodiscs, and cassettes for the use of the Public Library to Brodart, Inc., Baker & Taylor, Ingram Book Company, and Yankee Book Peddler for a total of $367,500. The terms of these agreements will be twelve months with an option to extend for an additional twelve months, at the same terms and conditions, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. 4. M87-0179 Approving a 48 month lease agreement for sixty-five golf carts for the Oso Golf Course, from Watson Distributing Company. Total expenditure for the four years is $199,280.64, based on a $4,151.68 monthly payment. 5. M87-0180 Authorizing acquisition of Parcel 3 located at the northeast corner of McArdle and Kostoryz Roads at a cost of $4,500 for the McArdle Road - Ayers to Carroll Lane Street Improvements Project. 6. M87-0181 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Coastal Bend Health Plan (CBHP) effective June 1, 1987. 7. M87-0182 Granting a 1 -year time extension for a special permit for a shopping center on 6.62 acres of land out of Lot 1, Oso Farm Tracts and out of Block A, Park Terrace as granted by Ordinance Nos. 19326 and 19345 to Mr. R. C. Allen. nutes .egular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 4 8. M87-0183 Accepting the Ben Garza Gymnasium and Meadow Park Health Clinic Improvements project; granting the contractor a 20 -day time extension; and authorizing final payment of $21,459.60 to Mehne Construction, Inc. 9. Withdrawn (See Page 6 ) AflctHIIIag-eke-ee:rtteet--swamter-Sun t--Deme-fish-ing--Ge-rporeEioer-€er-eke-1,e Reteme--Mbeary--Deaerl4-t-ioer-pregeet--es-teet#te ( d--ky-443tioct--448,' 0042 --ea February- -31- 1987;--appreriag--rev&eed--,piees---end---epccW eeeieesj--ae8 eu*hee e#ag-reedvereseemene-a€-4:lte--lured-eec-for- bi1.r- e--reee#vei-ea-dnae 9;-1984- 10. M87-0184 Scheduling a public hearing on May 26, 1987, on a request to close and abandon the unopened public right-of-way of Minnesota Street from Ocean Drive to Corpus Christi Bay. 11. M87-0185 Appointment of Betty Turner, David Berlanga, Sr., Leo Guerrero, Frank Mendez, Clif Moss, Bill Pruet, Mary Rhodes, Mary Pat Slavik, Linda Strong as directors to the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation, Corpus Christi Industrial Development Corporation, and Corpus Christi Health Facilities Development Corporation to serve approximately two-year terms ending May 1, 1989 with the provision that any director will cease to serve if he or she leaves office. lla. M87-0186 Appropriating $25,000 from the Economic Development Trust Fund for the purpose of conducting planning relative to the revitalization program in the downtown area. Council Member Berlanga referred to Item No. 2 pertaining to the approving of supply agreements for street construction materials. He expressed his concern regarding the life span of the materials; he mentioned that recent repairs made to several streets have not lasted; he inquired how expensive hot mix would be to use. Assistant City Manager Lontos stated that hot mix is a lot more expensive and what is used in the silco in City streets is a layer of asphalt and a rock which provides a good wearing surface. He stated that the surface materials do not cause the deterioration of the streets, it is what is underneath. Mayor Pro Tem Slavik referred to Item No. 4 pertaining to approval of a lease agreement for golf carts. She inquired if the City nets much money from leasing the carts. City Manager McDowell stated that the carts were previously nutes ..egular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 5 owned by the professional; the City will now own the carts directly, and the total revenue from the cart rentals will go directly to the City. In reference to a question from Council Member Strong regarding conflict of interest on Item No. 6, City Attorney Hal George stated that a Council Member must abstain from voting on an issue when the member has a substantial interest in a business which would incur an economic benefit on the business entity involved. He stated that the Council Member must make two determinations; one, what their interest is; two, if it is reasonably foreseeable that there would be an economic benefit. He stated that in the case of Mrs. Strong and Mayor Turner on Item No. 6, their interest in the Coastal Bend Health Plan is so remote that there would be no conflict of interest in the vote taken. Council Member Strong referred to Item No. 6 pertaining to the Health Maintenance Organization Program. She stated that she has read both health care proposals; she will vote for the Coastal Bend Health Plan because the extras that they are offering far offset the slight increase in cost to the City employees; and the medical care will be substantially increased. Council Member Guerrero stated that he also will support the Coastal Bend Health Plan on the basis of the opportunity it will give so many people in Corpus Christi to share. Council Member Berlanga concurred; he stated the benefits will be much greater and will also give more pharmacies a chance to participate. Council Member Moss expressed concern about a comment he heard regarding Coastal Bend requiring a substantial infusion of capital to keep afloat in the the next year, and asked if this were true. Assistant City Manager Garza stated that this concern has come up; our insurance administrators checked it out; their opinion is that the company is just starting out, but has the capital necessary to make it a go; and Staff is doing a further financial analysis. He stated that he believes there is good justification that they will be an on-going concern sometime in the future. Speaking on behalf of Humana Health Plan was Mr. Julio Iturriaga, 3301 South Alameda. Mr. Iturriaga distributed booklets to the Council containing exhibits from Humana Health Plan. He stated that on February 10 the Council was presented with a recommendation for Humana to be the City's health provider, but at that time was unable to approve the recommendation of the contract. He stated that Humana feels that Coastal Bend does not meet the general requirements; it will increase the cost to the City employees and decrease the health benefits. He asked the Council to reconsider their options. Council Member Berlanga stated that one of the reasons it was decided to change the health carrier was because Coastal Bend is open to a substantial amount of doctors and catered to all pharmacies. He stated that he believes the Lnutes ..egular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 6 business should be circulated and the City, as a whole, will benefit by changing to Coastal Bend. Council Member Guerrero stated that Coastal Bend offers open access to 360 physicians and co—pay arrangements with 52 local pharmacies, whereas Human restricts access to physicians through their 67 primary care physicians and excludes access to several hospitals. Also speaking in support of Humana Health Plan were Mr. Jim Salyer, Executive Director of Humana Health Plan, Dr. Charlie Clark, Sr., Medical Director of Humana Health Plan, Mr. Javier Calmenero, Marketing Sales Manager of Humana Health Plan, Dr. Stephen Barth, provider for Humana and Dr. Dwight Ewing, Member of the Physicians Advisory Board of the Humana Health Plan Speaking in support of the Coastal Bend Health Plan were Mr. Tom Dwyer, Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Health Plan, Dr. Roberto Bosquez, and Ms. Melody Hoy of Ahoy Pharmacy. Dr. Steven Oshman, a member of both health plans, expressed his concern regarding when a patient has developed a relationship with a doctor on the Humana Plan who is not a member of the Coastal Bend Plan and then has to change physicians. After much discussion, Assistant City Manager Garza stated that the employees will be given the option to participate in the self—funded plan so that they can retain their physician; he stated that the staff did recommend Human several months ago, but requested permission to continue negotiations with Coastal Bend; and that the employee complaints go directly to the City Personnel Office and not Humana. He stated that Staff believes the employees want access to more physicians and more pharmacies in the area. Council Member Strong stated that this is not a situation where Humana does not work. She stated that the Council is charged with providing the best medical care for the employees; Coastal Bend offers the most benefits; the City needs to give Coastal Bend a chance to see what they can provide for the City. After more discussion, Mr. Garza stated that he is completely satisfied that Staff used comparable specifications when negotiating with both health firms; he stated that the Staff recommends Humana and it will be a one year contract. Council Member Rhodes referred to Item No. 7 pertaining to a time extension of a special permit. She referred to a list of neighborhood complaints and wanted to know if they will be carried over if the permit is extended. City Manager McDowell answered in the affirmative. Mayor Turner referred to Item No. 9 pertaining to the La Retama Library Demolition. She expressed concern over the long period of time in proceeding nutes _.egular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 7 with this project. She suggested taking the top three bids and renegotiating instead of readvertising for bids. Assistant City Manager Lontos recommended withdrawing Item No. 9 from the agenda and negotiating for a change order with Sunbelt Demolishing Corporation or negotiating with the 2nd and 3rd low bidder on the project. He stated it will be brought back to the Council for approval. Council Member Rhodes referred to Item No. 10 pertaining to a street closure request on Minnesota Street and inquired why there has to be a public hearing if Staff is opposing the closure of the street. City Attorney George stated that a City Ordinance authorizes an applicant to pay a fee and make an application; he stated that the Staff has to set the hearing but not necessarily grant the request. On the same item, Council Member Moss inquired that if the street were closed who would own the property. City Manager McDowell responded that there are options; he stated that the street can be closed but not abandoned in which case the City would still own the property and could allow public access and if it were abandoned, it could revert back to the adjacent property owners. Pertaining to Item No. 11, requesting the Council to appoint members to the Board of Directors of three of the City's non-profit corporations, Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1549 Casa Grande, stated that the appointing of the Council to all these corporations in which they make decisions which require tax dollars, and then vote as council members on decisions that they make as corporation members is morally wrong; he believes it is a conflict of interest and possibly illegal. He suggested appointing other people to the appointments. Mayor Turner stated that the enabling legislation does allow for this procedure. Mayor Pro Tem Slavik referred to Item No. lla pertaining to appropriating $25,000 form the Economic Development Development Fund and raised questions regarding the Parking Meter Fund. City Manager McDowell stated that the Council previously made an allocation out of the Economic Development Trust Fund for downtown revitalization; Staff made the decision to take the money out of that fund instead of the Parking Meter Fund which has been allocated to handle other projects in the downtown area. There were no comments from the audience on Items 1 through 5 and 7 through 10 and lla. A motion was made by Council Member Mendez to approve Items 1 through lla with Item No. 9 being withdrawn. The motion was seconded by Council Member Berlanga and passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * _nutes aegular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 8 Mayor Turner referred to a request from Representative Hugo Berlanga requesting assistance in support of House Bill No. 1234. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Slavik; seconded by Council member Berlanga and passed unanimously instructing the City Secretary's office to send a telegram regarding the Council's support of House Bill No. 1234 for Higher Education. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Ordinances on Items 12 through 21. City Manager McDowell requested that Item 16 be withdrawn for a week. Council Member Rhodes requested that Item 17 be withdrawn for a week pending discussion at the Council retreat. There were no comments from the audience on the Consent Motions. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes; and the following ordinances were passed: 12. ORDINANCE NO. 19735 DETERMINING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ORDERING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ORDER THE IMPROVEMENT OF: Lamar -East Area 1. 18th Street, from Morgan Avenue to Coleman Avenue and from Coleman Avenue to Dead -End; 2. Craig Street, Hancock and Coleman Avenues, from 19th Street to 17th Street; 3. 17th Street, from Mary Street to Marguerite Street; 4. 18th Street (pavement only), from Mary Street to Agnes Street, and 5. Marguerite Street (pavement only), from 18th Street to the Crosstown Freeway; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. 13. ORDINANCE NO. 19736 APPROVING THE WRITTEN STATEMENT OF THE CITY ENGINEER OF VARIOUS COSTS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS: Lamar -East Area - 1. 18th Street, from Morgan Avenue to Coleman Avenue and from Coleman Avenue to Dead -End; 2. Craig Street, Hancock and Coleman Avenues, from 19th Street to 17th Street; 3. 17th Street, from Mary Street to Marguerite Street; 4. 18th Street (pavement only), from Mary Street to Agnes Street, and 5. Marguerite Street (pavement only), from 18th Street to the Crosstown Freeway; DETERMINING THE PORTION OF SAID COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST ABUTTING PROPERTY AND THE PORTION TO BE PAID BY THE CITY; SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PRELIMINARY ROLL FOR DURING THE REGULAR 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING, JUNE 9, 1987, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 302 SOUTH SHORELINE BOULEVARD, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. .nutes acegular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 9 The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. 14. ORDINANCE NO. 19737 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH SMITH & RUSSO, INC. FOR THE DESIGN OF AYERS STREET FROM SANTA FE STREET TO NORTON STREET; APPROPRIATING $194,500; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 19738 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE CONTRACT WITH URBAN ENGINEERING FOR STEP 1 ENGINEERING SERVICES RELATED TO THE EXPANSION OF THE WESTSIDE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TO PROVIDE FOR DESIGN OF THE PLANT'S EXPANSION TO 8MGD UNDER STEP 2 OF EPA'S CRITERIA; APPROPRIATING $675,000; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. 16. Withdrawn (See Page 8 ) R£P£AIANG-01FA-N9:-44684-r-PAT'£B- `4A&QH --31,1- 1987, -AND—ANNIRTITI-46--THE GONTRAGT-AWARD E4-H£I1BENF£Ib6--BHOTHERE,-H3Frr-RAR-CsO141,-f-RUG-T-1-013--68--SANITARY S£W£RS-cE} -FI1L+ RWE,I-SSB&-PARR-£84&1--1-V-ISI ?N-:- Az:vr m�srn r-T418-£#£684PDN 9£- h--GON-'FRAGT-- 1444-3£1,E,S--iNGI I££AlPI6--AND- ,ON6-T-R G-T-I0N-r--I#G:--FOR--TH£ GONSTRUGTIAH-44--SAN-1-T-ARY--6£W£R6-3:0- SERVE -4H£ -4R3 ERSID£r PARK -SE$B,1V4S10Nt APPHQPH1ATNG-$£61;999;-ANP-E£68AR NG-AN-£M£H6£NGV: 17. Withdrawn (See Page 8 ) AMENDING- T4E.-4-t4NBA4ARIf--41REB.B841A33-0N--£1,AN--BV- -M)41-NG A-4aw--EHABT-F t -V1 £H1TE£B;-ISTORI6-9V£REAV-H£GRI,A1ION8;-ANB-D£6£AHIN6-AH-EMERG£NSY'r 18. ORDINANCE NO. 19739 AMENDING THE CORPUS CHRISTI URBAN TRANSPORTATION STUDY - 1979; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. .nutes Regular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 10 19. ORDINANCE NO. 19740 AMENDING THE MASTER PLAN FOR STORM DRAINAGE FOR THE AREA WEST OF CLARKWOOD ROAD AND THE FLOUR BLUFF AREA OF CORPUS CHRISTI; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. 20. RESOLUTION NO. 19741 AGREEING TO THE CITY'S CONSTRUCTION OF FEDERAL -AID TRAFFIC SIGNAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. 21. ORDINANCE NO. 19742 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH EDWARD NEMEC FOR FARMING PURPOSES ON A 73.758 ACRE TRACT OF LAND ACQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NAVY CLEAR ZONES LAND ACQUISITION PROJECT. The foregoing Ordinance passed on its Third Reading by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye", Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 22 pertaining to the Nottarb Place Sanitary Sewer Project. A motion was made by Council Member Mendez to accept the completed portion of the Nottarb Place Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project; authorizing final payment of $42,336.30 to Claude Chapman Construction;n Company, Inc.; and authorizing Staff to develop a plan for cleanup of the underground gasoline found in the project area. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Slavik and passed unanimously. Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 23 pertaining to Reinvestment Zone taxes. City Secretary Chapa called the roll and the following Resolution was passed: 23. RESOLUTION NO. 19743 APPROPRIATING $23,300 OUT OF REINVESTMENT ZONE FUND 121 FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO THE GENERAL FUND FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF REINVESTMENT ZONE TAXES FOR 1986-87. nutes aegular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 11 The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent at the time the vote was taken. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner opened the first public hearing on the closure of a 10 -foot long street right-of-way stubout along Nile Drive approximately 200 feet north of Williams Drive. Victor Medina, Director of Engineering Services, displayed slides of the vicinity; he briefly explained the request and stated that the Staff has no objection to closing the right-of-way. There were no comments from the audience. A motion was made by Council Member Pruet to close the public hearing; seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa stated that an official action of this closure will be on a future agenda. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner opened the assessment public hearing on the street improvements for Johanna Street from Kostoryz Road to Bonham Street in which the preliminary assessment roll includes assessments of $28,007.86 on 6 items. City Attorney George conducted the formal portion of the hearing. He called as his first witness, Mr. Victor Medina, Director of Engineering Services. Through questioning of the witness, Mr. George determined that Mr. Medina is a Registered Engineer in the State of Texas; he has a degree in Civil Engineering; and he is familiar with the project. Mr. Medina displayed slides of the vicinity and explained the project to the Council. He stated that the contractor is Backhoe Construction Company and that the project will be completed in 25 working days. He stated that Hharbor Hyundai is willing to construct Johannna Street from Kostoryz to Bonham and that the City will participate in the construction of the street and assess the remaining property owners along Johanna for the costs of these improvements. He stated that there are six items to be assessed on the project and one recommendation varies from the assessment. City Attorney George called as his next witness, Mr. George Paraskevas. Through questioning of the witness, Mr. George determined that Mr. Paraskevas is a certified appraiser, licensed in the State of Texas; he is a certified real estate broker; he has been practicing real estate for about 14 years and appraising properties for about 14 years, both residential and 'mutes regular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 12 commercial; he is familiar with the project; he has examined each parcel; he has examined the assessment roll and is familiar with the amounts. He stated that he did not think that Item No. 6 should be assessed at all because it already has a curb, gutter and sidewalk. Mr. Santos Gonzalez, 5201 Bonham, showed on the map where he lived, Lot No. 6, and stated that he didn't quite understand the assessment bill. He expressed his concern about the construction of the street because of the impending traffic problems and the parking problems from the flea market; he stated that the neighborhood is against the construction of Johanna Street and suggested an alternative by pointing to the. Mr. Medina stated that the Staff has reviewed all the alternatives and legally, logically and physically cannot go against their recommendation of connecting the street from Kostoryz to Bonham; he did not feel that the traffic problems would be that severe and the connection of the streets would provide better protection in case of a fire. He stated this is an assessment hearing and that the hearing for the street improvements was on April 14. In answer to a question from Mr. Gonzalez, Assistant City Manager Lontos stated that Johanna Street was always intended to be connected to Bonham. Mayor Pro Tem Slavik stated that she believed at the last hearing there was discussion regarding protection for the neighborhood concerning the potential traffic problems. Council Member Mendez instructed that the Staff look into the parking problems in the area. Mr. Lontos stated that the Staff will look into the parking problems and will monitor the traffic situation, but he didn't feel there will be a problem. Mr. Medina explained to Mr. Gonzalez that regarding the assessment of lot 116, the Staff felt he should only be assessed 70% but because curbs and gutters are already there, he will not be assessed at all. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to close the public hearing; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Slavik and passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner appointed a special task force to study the creation of a permanent City Commission on downtown revitalization. She stated that the idea for the citizen panel was generated from the workshop on downtown redevelopment; she stated that the task force will review how other cities have handled downtown revitalization and report back to her in 30 to 60 days with a recommendation; she appointed Councilman Berlanga, Mr. 0. K. Smith, Mr. Charles Thomasson, Ms. Sheila Senterfitt, Mr. Harry Marks, Mr. Philip Hall and Mr. Bill O'Boyle. _ _nutes ,regular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 13 Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Charles Nichols, objected to the exclusion of the consideration of the site in Kingsville for the super collider project. He requested that the Council pass a Resolution objecting that our area was not in the final analysis. A motion was made by Council Member Berlanga that the Staff send a letter to Austin stating that someone from this area serve on the board. Mayor Turner suggested amending the motion and instead inform Mr. Bushell and Mr. Moseley of the Council's position. The motion died. Ms. Fredericka Casillas, 3301 So. Staples, expressed concern regarding the presently existing traffic and parking situation on the west section of Texan Trail where it dead -ends into Casa Bonita. She referred to a public hearing on an abeyance in which notices were not sent to the surrounding property owners regarding the change in zoning. Mr. Earl Wilder spoke on behalf of the retired firefighters and widows; he passed out information to the Council; he stated that they deserve a raise in pensions to at least federal poverty level; he further stated that the Council passed a Resolution urging state legislators to use federal poverty guidelines for Corpus Christi's indigent and that the retired firefighters deserve the same. Mr. David Saenz, stated that he is formally endorsing Captain Carolyn Byrd for the position of Police Chief; he then objected to discrimination in hiring the Police Chief. Mr. Gene Shipley, 7725 Starnberg Lane, stated he leases a building from the City on So. Shoreline; he was informed that the building is going to be sold; he asked for an extension of the lease or a reimbursement for the improvements which have been made to the building. City Manager McDowell stated that Mr. Shipley is protected for the balance of the lease; he stated that there are a number of options which can be explored and perhaps an arrangement can be worked out with the potential buyer. * * * * * * * * * * * * * City Secretary Chapa stated that there is a vacancy on the Homeport Steering Council. A motion was made by Council Member Berlanga; seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously to elect Council Member Moss to the position on the Homeport Steering Council. In reference to the forthcoming Council retreat, Council Member Strong requested a breakdown on the hotel/motel tax; Council Member Mendez requested a report on what has been funded by the City and Mayor Turner requested a current update on attendance rates of all Boards and Commission members. She requested that the attendance report be submitted to the Council before the June 2nd appointments. mutes Regular Council Meeting May 12, 1987 Page 14 There being no further business to come before the Council, a motion was made by Council Member Mendez, seconded by Council Member Strong, and passed unanimously that the meeting be adjourned at 5:15 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 May 12, 1987, which were approved by the City Council on May 19, 1987. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the J frC- day of 1,„ fen, Armando Chapa, City Secretary City of Corpus Christi, Texas etty T ,finer, MAYOR