HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/26/1987MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 26, 1987
2:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Mary Pat Slavik
Council Members
Leo Guerrero *
Frank Mendez
Clif Moss
Bill Pruet
Mary Rhodes
Linda Strong
Absent
David Berlanga, Sr.
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 Pastor Ralph Starr of the Parkside Church of
God, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
was led by Council Member Clif Moss.
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 Pruet that the Minutes of the Workshop
and Regular Council Meetings of May 19, 1987 be approved; seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Slavik and passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Slavik that Council Member Berlanga be
excused from the meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Mendez and
passed unanimously.
Mayor Turner read a proclamation proclaiming May 24 to May 30 as
Citizens Week.
* Council Member Leo Guerrero arrived at 2:06 p.m.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Senior
MICROFILMED
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8.
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions, Items 1 through
* Items 2, 3, 6 and 8 were withdrawn pending further discussion.
1. M87-0194
Approving the purchase of supervisory control and acquisition data
equipment for the Water Division from Puffer-Sweiven for the total amount
of $11,214.75. Funds were approved in the 1986-87 budget.
2. M87-0195 *
Approving supply agreements for asphalt oils to Texas Emulsions and Gulf
States Asphalt based on only bid and best bid for a total of $608,580. The
terms of these agreements will be twelve months with option to extend for
an additional twelve months, based on the same terms and conditions,
subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his
designee. These items will be used by the Street Division and funds were
approved in the 1986-87 budget.
3. M87-0196 *
Approving plans and specifications and authorizing the receipt of bids on
June 23, 1987, for the Williams Drive Clinic Expansion.
4. M87-0197
Awarding a contract in the amount of $57,025 to Progressive Structures,
Inc. for improvements to Recreation and Community Centers, and authorizing
$74,394 from the llth and 12 Year Community Development Block Grant
Programs for the contract award and contingencies.
5. M87-0198
Accepting the Sam Rankin Water Storage Tank Demolition project, and
authorizing final payment of $2,682.10 to Sunbelt Demolishing Corporation.
6. M87-0199 *
Authorizing the allocation of $710,819.82 received by the City for the sale
to the U.S. Navy of 34 parcels acquired for the Navy Clear Zones - NAS -
Project, into the International Airport Bond Fund for acquisition of land
for airport expansion.
7. M87-0200
Authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Department of
Housing and Urban Development for the Rental Rehabilitation Program, fiscal
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Page 3
year 1987-88, in the amount of $230,000 and the execution of the necessary
documents for its implementation.
8. Tabled for one week (See Page 5)
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There were no comments from the Council or the audience on Consent Motions
1, 4, 5 and 7. A motion was made by Council Member Linda Strong that Consent
Motions 1, 4, 5 and 7 be approved; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Slavik; and passed
unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik referred to Item No. 2 pertaining to approving supply
agreements for asphalt oils. In response to her question regarding better
performance with these materials, Assistant City Manager Lontos stated that the
polymers in the oil are used to make the oil adhere better to rock and these
latex items are new materials for the Street Division's seal coat program and
are just being used for the first time.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik referred to Item No. 3 pertaining to the Williams
Drive Clinic Expansion. She inquired about the target completion date and why
the caseload has recently tripled. Assistant City Manager Lontos stated that
the completion date will be six months and he did not know about the caseload.
Council Member Strong ventured a guess about the caseload stating that there
probably are more people who qualify for this type of care.
Council Member Strong referred to Item No. 6 pertaining to Navy clear zones
- NAS project. She referred to the Council's policy for the funds on this
project and inquired if the Staff had gotten together with Mr. Hext and
discussed what he would like to see done with the funds. City Manager McDowell
answered in the affirmative.
Regarding the same item, Mayor Pro Tem Slavik inquired when the City will
be buying more land with this bond fund and the amount in the fund. City
Manager McDowell stated that it depends on obtaining a matching grant from the
FAA which would have to be applied for, and he stated that there is $710,819.82
in the fund which is drawing interest.
In reference to the same item, Mayor Turner requested the Staff to provide
the Council with a site plan showing land that has been acquired and land that
still needs to be acquired. She inquired if some of those funds could be used
for improvements to the airport. City Manager McDowell stated that it was taken
out of the funds that the airport had for land acquisition bond funds to
purchase the land for the Navy with the understanding that it be transferred
back, and he stated that the funds are restricted.
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There were no comments from the audience on Items 2, 3 and 6. A motion was
made by Council Member Guerrero to approve Items 2, 3 and 6; seconded by Mayor
Pro Tem Slavik and passed unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik referred to Item No. 8 pertaining to the permanent art
project for design for the atrium floor in the new City Hall and inquired why
the Staff is against the honorarium. She expressed her concern about the lay
members receiving an honorarium but not the art professionals.
City Manager McDowell stated that if people are being appointed to work
with the City, it should be on a voluntary basis; the City shouldn't necessarily
pay people to judge art works which will be used in City facilities; and the
funds could be better utilized and put towards the art object instead of paying
a selection panel to judge the art work.
Council Member Mendez stated that the guidelines for the selection of
permanent art have already been established and should be followed.
Connie Freeman, Chairman of the Visual Arts Committee, stated that
panelists who are providing a professional service should be paid for their
service; this is an accepted practice; there are two professional art people on
the City Hall panel and in no way would $25.00 cover what they would initially
charge; most communities pay from $75.00 to $150.00 a day; if the Council
decides that the lay members not be paid, that is acceptable, but the
professionals should be paid. She stated that it is in the policies and
guidelines and she then read an excerpt from the guidelines.
Council Member Strong referred to the position of the state of the economy.
She stated that the money would be better spent on the permanent art piece; most
art professionals in the community would be willing to give their services as in
kind contribution; we need as much as possible donated to the City; she stated
that travel expenses for out-of-town experts for airfare and lodging could
possibly be donated.
Jim Thompson, Director of the Corpus Christi Art Council, stated that
quality is cost effective; we need to bring in the best in order to produce the
best; we are talking about policies for the future; these are generally accepted
procedures in Dallas and Austin; and it is important that we have professional
people who can help us make the right decisions and pay them a fee for their
time and expertise. He agreed with Ms. Freeman's remarks and urged the Council
to consider the elements of quality.
Mayor Turner inquired about looking to the private sector to underwrite the
cost of the honorarium.
Council Member Strong made a motion that the recommendation of the Staff be
amended to pay the honorarium to the two art professionals and not the lay
people, with the understanding that a request be made at the time that any of
these people are asked to come to Corpus Christi, that a donation of their time
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and services would be appreciated by the City of Corpus Christi. The motion was
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Slavik.
Council Member Rhodes referred to other Boards where there are
professionals who are not paid and stated if we single this one out, we will be
setting a bad precedent.
Council Member Mendez inquired about the cost in the change of the design
of the floor, and City Manager McDowell stated that there have been no
recommendations from Mr. Kipp.
Council Member Pruet inquired about the cost figure difference in the
design of the floor and made a motion to table Item No. 6 for one week pending a
report from Staff. Council Member Strong withdrew her motion. Council Member
Pruet's motion was seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Ordinances on Items 9
through 16. Item No. 9 and 13 were withdrawn pending discussion.
There were no comments from the audience on the Consent Ordinances.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes; and the following
ordinances were passed:
10. ORDINANCE NO. 19749
APPROVING THE WRITTEN STATEMENT OF THE CITY ENGINEER OF VARIOUS COSTS FOR
THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS: 1. McArdle Road, from Ayers
Street to Anthony Street; and 2. Kostoryz Road, from 448 Linear Feet South
of McArdle Road to 510 Linear Feet North of McArdle Road; 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 DURING THE REGULAR 2:00 P.M.COUNCIL MEETING, JUNE 23, 1987, IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 302 SOUTH SHORELINE BOULEVARD, CORPUS CHRISTI,
TEXAS; 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.
11. ORDINANCE NO. 19750
AUTHORIZING ACQUISITION OF PARCEL 5 IN CONNECTION WITH THE AIRLINE ROAD
STREET IMPROVEMENTS: APPROPRIATING $11,110; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
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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.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 19751
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH BACKHOE LEASE SERVICE, INC.
FOR MINOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY;
APPROPRIATING $90,000; 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.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 19753
CLOSING THE HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING STREET:
Johanna Street, from Kostoryz to Bonham Street; FIXING A LIEN AND CHARGE,
THE MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT AND COLLECTION; 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.
15. RESOLUTION NO. 19754
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES CONTRACT
WITH BRIGHT AND DYKEMAS ARCHITECTS, INC. TO PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE
CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM EXPANSION, AND APPROPRIATING $100,000 FROM THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRUST FUND.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Slavik,
Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting, "Aye"; Berlanga
absent.
16. SECOND READING
AMENDING CHAPTER 36, PARKS AND RECREATION, CULTURAL AND LEISURE TIME
ACTIVITIES, SECTION 36-2, GREEN FEES SCHEDULE FOR GOLF COURSE AND GOLF
CENTER, TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SET THE RATES TO BE CHARGED FOR
THE RENTAL OF GOLF CARTS AT THE CITY GOLF CENTERS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE;
AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on its second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Strong voting,
"Aye"; Berlanga absent.
Council Member Moss referred to Item No. 9 pertaining to the McArdle Road
Improvements and inquired about the time frame and if it could be expedited.
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City Manager McDowell stated that an item takes two weeks to get on the agenda
and there is a four-week notice provision on assessments.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes; and the following
ordinances were passed:
9. ORDINANCE NO. 19748
DETERMINING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT OF 1. McArdle
Road, from Ayers Street to Anthony Street, and 2. Kostoryz Road, from 448
Linear Feet South of McArdle Road to 510 Linear Feet North of McArdle Road;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, and Rhodes
voting, "Aye"; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken; Berlanga
absent.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 19752
AMENDING ORDINANCE 3658, SECTION 251, AND ORDINANCE 8127, SECTION 510, TO
REFLECT JOB TITLE CHANGES IN THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, AND JOB
TITLE AND SALARY LEVEL CHANGES IN SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES; AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, and Rhodes
voting, "Aye"; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken; Berlanga
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner referred to Item No. 17 pertaining to life and stop -loss
program recommendation. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to award
the City's Life and Stop -loss program to Sun Life Financial Group, effective
June 1, 1987. This program would provide group life coverage for all eligible
City employees and re -insurance for the City's self-funded group health program.
Estimated annual cost to the City is $311,350. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously; Strong absent at the time the vote
was taken; Berlanga absent. (M87-0201)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner opened the assessment public hearing on the Flour Bluff area
street improvements.
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.
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Medina is a Registered Engineer in the State of Texas; he is a City Engineer for
the City of Corpus Christi; 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 streets included in the project are Tahiti and
Samoa Drives, from Mediterranean Drive to the Cul -de -Sacs; Bimini Drive, from
Caribbean Drive to the Cul -de -Sac; and Bel Air Drive, from Waldron Road westerly
approximately 885 feet. He stated that Haas Paving, Inc. submitted the low bid
of $494,591.90, and it will take six months to complete the project once the
contract is issued. He stated that the last mail poll conducted indicated that
there are 12 property owners against and 6 favoring the Bel Air improvements.
Mr. Medina stated that the neighborhood was aware of the meeting today, and that
the owners on Bel Aire Drive would still be assessed even though fifty percent
of them did not want the improvements.
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 15
years and appraising property for about 15 years, both residential and
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
it is his opinion that the improvements would enhance the value of the
properties involved at least in the amount of the assessments.
Mr. John T. Allen, Jr., 601 Bel Air Drive, spoke in opposition to the
improvements, and presented a petition from about 12 people who are in
opposition. In answer to a question from Council Member Strong regarding why he
is in opposition, Mr. Allen stated that some of the people cannot afford to pay
for the assessments; he did not believe the improvements would improve the
property other than just raising the taxes and he stated that the neighborhood
is aware of the payment schedule.
Mr. and Mrs. Glen Bielsen, residents on Bel Air Drive, spoke in favor of
the improvements; they stated that it would improve the properties and stated
that there are more than 50 percent of the people on Bel Air who do want the
improvements.
After more discussion, Mayor Turner inquired if the Staff would object to
repolling the neighborhood to see if they desire the street improvements.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the public hearing be
closed; seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa stated that this project will be brought back to the
Council to be formally approved at a later date.
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* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner opened the public hearing on closing and abandoning the
unopened public right-of-way of Minnesota Street from Ocean Drive to Corpus
Christi Bay.
Assistant City Manager Lontos stated that there is a request from the
applicant to postpone the hearing until a later date.
After some discussion, Council Member Guerrero referred to the fact that
the applicant did ask for a postponement and suggested that the Staff and the
applicant get together and work out some kind of recommendation.
Mr. Jack Blackmon, 101 Alta Plaza, stated that he is in opposition to the
basic application; there is a reasonable alternative; he referred to a pocket
park and suggested that the area be preserved for open spaces; or that a
revocable easement be considered.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the Staff meet with the
applicant and in three weeks report back to the Council with a resolution; the
motion included recessing the hearing for three weeks; seconded by Council
Member Strong and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner opened the public hearing on the first zoning application.
20. Application No. 487-6, Mr. Ivan
One -family Dwelling District to
out of Lot 2, Section 54, Flour
located adjacent to and south of
885' east of Waldron Road.
Mai: For a change of zoning from "R -1B"
"F -R" Farm -Rural District on 9.43± acres
Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts,
Don Patricio Road extended, approximately
Mayor Turner stated that both the Planning Commission and Planning Staff
recommend approval of the application.
There were no comments from the audience.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to close the public hearing;
seconded by Council Member Strong and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes; and the following
ordinance was passed:
20. ORDINANCE NO. 19755
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF IVAN MAI BY CHANGING THE
ZONING MAP IN REFERENCE TO A PORTION OUT OF LOT 2, SECTION 54, FLOUR BLUFF
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AND ENCINAL FARM AND GARDEN TRACTS FROM "R -1B" ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT
TO "F -R" FARM RURAL DISTRICT; 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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner opened the public hearing on the next zoning application.
21. Application No. 487-5, Nueces County, Texas: For a change of zoning from
"I-2" Light Industrial District to "B-4" General Business District on Lot
1, Block 15, Airport Industrial Park, located on the west side of North
Padre island Drive, approximately 75' south of Forest Lane.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the Council go into
closed session at 3:09 p.m. to discuss litigation problems in reference to the
zoning application. The motion was seconded by Council Member Mendez and passed
unanimously.
Mayor Turner disqualified herself from voting on this zoning application
and from the closed discussion because of a conflict of interest.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik reconvened the meeting at 3:40 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the Council take a five
minute recess at 3:43 p.m. for Staff to correct the projector problems. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Strong and passed unanimously.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik reconvened the meeting at 3:48 p.m.
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 there were 15 notices to property owners within
a 200' radius and none were returned in favor; four were returned in opposition
from inside the area and one from outside. He stated that the Planning
Commission and Planning Staff recommend denial of "B-4", and in lieu thereof,
grant a special permit on a portion of the lot for a minimum security jail in
22,000 square feet of the William McKenzie Nueces County Courthouse Annex with
related outside area for parking, drop-off point, exercise area, etc., in
accordance with the site plan submitted. He stated that the special permit will
allow the County to utilize a small portion of the subject property for a
minimum security jail, however, would also allow other "industrial uses" to
continue. He stated that it is the opinion of the Staff that the proposed site
plan illustrates an adequate buffer between the minimum security jail area and
the adjacent residential area to the north.
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Commissioner J. P. Luby stated that the County and City have been working
together to consolidate the jails in order to eliminate duplication which would
save the taxpayers of this community a substantial amount of money; the County
has looked at several sites for the purpose of housing minimum security inmates
due to overcrowding at the present County jail facility and to allow the County
to consolidate with the City; the County has purchased the old Levi Strauss
property on Padre Island Drive, now known as the William McKenzie Courthouse
Annex; and they would like to use a portion of this property for a low risk
detention facility. He then introduced Mr. Joe Cohn, the attorney representing
the County.
Mr. Joe Cohn, 218 Cape Aaron, stated that the William McKenzie Courthouse
Annex is located on 25} acres on which is located a 122,000 square foot building
of which 22,000 will be used for the low risk facility, and stated that with
regard to the remainder of the property, it will be limited in the future to
"I-2" uses, in accordance with the existing zoning. Mr. Cohn introduced Mr.
Jack Rice Turner, the architect for the project.
Mr. Jack Rice Turner, 4466 Ocean Drive, displayed an aerial view of the
site plan for the project. He pointed out the main entrance, which would be
different from where the detainees would enter and leave, the area that will
house the minimum security jail, and the outside exercise area. He stated there
will be a screening fence, approximately 7 feet high, around the receiving area
and related parking and exercise area, which will also be further screened with
oleanders. He pointed out the first 96 bed area, and the expansion of another
96 bed area.
Mr. Turner continued that the bottom line answer to the community is being
able to save the taxpayers money by combining the City jail facilities and the
County jail facilities; this proposed minimum security jail would relieve the
pressure on the downtown County jail facilities by taking the low risk people
out and thereby being able to bring high risk prisoners into the downtown jail
area; this means that a $7.5 million bond will not have to be passed to build an
additional two stories to the County Jail; and it also means that the City of
Corpus Christi will not have to build a jail facility. He stated that the
estimated $850,000 to convert this building into a minimum security jail means
there will not have to be a bond issue, and that the taxes will not be
increased.
Mr. Turner stated that construction on the $400,000, 96 -bed facility, which
is the first phase of the project, could begin next Thursday and be completed by
September.
Mr. Tim Clower, 450 Miramar, displayed a map of the existing zoning, and
stated that he had made a study on how long the zoning had been in place, and
what the trends have been in the immediate area; this is an area of light and
heavy industrial use, and the only residential subdivision is the Gibson
Subdivision which was built in 1946; there has not been another residential
subdivision in that area since. He stated that in the airport zoning plan and
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studies that have been prepared for the airport, there have been suggestions to
keep as much residential development out of the area as possible, because it is
not that compatible with industrial zoning. He stated it is most likely that
the adjacent Farm Rural property will be zoned industrial in the future. Mr.
Clower referred to the Bartholomew and Associates reports published in 1966, and
displayed the area designated industrial at that time, and stated that presently
the industrial zoning far exceeds that area designated in 1966.
Sheriff Hickey stated that consolidation of the City and County jail would
begin by the end of the year and that the first 96 beds would be what is needed
for a year. He stated that the second phase of the next 96 bed unit would begin
during the second year.
In answer to a question by Council Member Strong pertaining to whether the
County Commissioners Court is still committed to joint facility with the City,
Commissioner Luby stated that the County and the City need to start working
together; it would save the County and the City money; and it is a step that
needs to be taken.
Judge Robert Barnes stated that it is important that this project be
approved; he does favor jail consolidation; he personally does not feel the
Council is voting today on jail consolidation; we need to have adequate
facilities before we talk about jail consolidation; these are two different
decisions; he supports the zoning permit; and thinks it is important that it be
done not only for the benefit of the County and the County's taxpayers but for
the benefit of future City and County relations. He stated that he is 100
percent in favor of consolidating the effort.
In answer to a question from Council Member Strong pertaining to the
philosophy of consolidation of the jail facilities, Commissioner Richard
Borchard responded that he is a firm believer of jail consolidation and is in
favor of the permit because it is needed.
Commissioner Carl Bluntzer responded to Mrs. Strong's question, that he is
in favor of jail consolidation and so is Commissioner McKenzie. He stated that
he did not see any reason to build another jail in another location.
Those speaking in opposition of the zoning application were: Donald
Bobbit, 4329 Archdale; Ms. Anita Bandy, 273 Gibson; George Sanchez, 1021
Riverton, who also presented a petition with 479 signatures in opposition; Ramon
Hinojosa, Superintendent of the West Oso School District, who distributed 120
letters opposing the application for the zoning change; and Frank Gallardo, 4201
Dryer Circle, a member of WOISD Board.
Those speaking in favor of the zoning application were David Diaz; Travis
Whitley, 14105 Jackfish Avenue; Tom Hunt; and Bob Dillard, 4825 Everhart, who
stated that the property values will be increased and it is good, logical
zoning.
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A motion was made by Council Member Pruet to close the hearing; seconded by
Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously.
In answer to a question from Council Member Strong pertaining to the type
of prisoners which would be housed in the facility, Sheriff Hickey stated that
they would be a low risk, non-violent type; those who are in jail on a pre-trial
basis; perhaps some low risk felons and misdemeanor types.
Council Member Pruet referred to the consolidation issue and stated that he
hopes that the Council is concerned about the County's problem with the
overcrowded jail situation. He stated that he strongly supports the Special
Permit which is requested.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik stated that the Council has heard both pro and con
concerns and most questions have been answered. She stated that she would
support the zoning application because of cooperation with the County, the
neighborhood would have more security and because of the change in the Planning
Commission's vote.
Council Member Guerrero stated that he was opposed to the zoning from the
onset, but he then proposed the Special Permit. He stated he has always looked
out for District 3, which is very much a part of Corpus Christi, and that the
zoning would be in their best interest, as well as the community. He then made
a motion to support the Planning Commission and Planning Staff recommendation
for a special permit for the minimum security jail; the motion was seconded by
Council Member Pruet.
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes; and the following
ordinance was passed:
21. ORDINANCE NO. 19756
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, BY
GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR A MINIMUM SECURITY JAIL IN 22,000
SQUARE FEET OF THE WILLIAM McKENZIE NUECES COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX WITH
RELATED OUTSIDE AREA FOR PARKING, A DROP-OFF POINT, AND EXERCISE AREA, ON A
PORTION OF LOT 1, BLOCK 15, AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL PARK; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the
following vote: Slavik, Guerrero, Mendez, Moss, Pruet, and Strong voting,
"Aye"; Turner "Abstaining"; Rhodes "No"; Berlanga absent.
Mayor Turner read a letter to the Council she had written to the Chamber of
Commerce and the Regional Transit Authority in which she suggested that they
proceed in the same direction and avoid duplication of efforts. She then
referred to a letter she had written to several agencies/organizations that have
inutes
rtegular Council Meeting
May 26, 1987
Page 14
projects or activities in which the Council has a monetary or strong interest
and referred to the designation of a two member liaison team consisting of one
Council person and one citizen for each project/agency. She stated the
Organizations and their official representatives which are as follows:
Botanical Gardens - Council Person - Mary Pat Slavik, Citizen Appointee - Bill
Bates, Jr.; Aquarium - Council Person - Leo Guerrero, Citizen Appointee - Don
Taft; Downtown Revitalization - Council Person - David Berlanga - Citizen
Appointee: To Be Named Later; Boat Pass - Council Person - Linda Strong -
Citizen Appointee - Dick Schnick; Regional Transit Authority - Council Person -
Clif Moss - Citizen Appointee - Jim Barnette; Tourist Board - Council Person -
Bill Pruet - Citizen Appointee - Lon Hipp; Port - Council Person - Mary Rhodes -
Citizen Appointee - Richard Valls; Economic Development - Council Person - Frank
Mendez - Citizen Appointee - Berney Seal.
City Secretary Chapa stated that the Council will be receiving an
attendance report for the past twelve months on all the City Boards and
Commissions.
Council Member Strong requested from the Council a reconfirmation of her
position on the Barrier Island Task Force and Adopt -a -Beach Task Force. A
motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that Council Member Strong continue
as the Council representative for the foregoing task forces; the motion was
seconded by Council Member Pruet and passed unanimously.
Council Member Guerrero referred to the Memorial in Molina Park. He
requested that the Staff direct a spotlight on the flag so it could be flown
continuously.
Council Member Pruet referred to the appointment of Council Member Guerrero
to the Texas State Aquarium Association and made a motion to ask Mr. Guerrero
when he next travels to New York, at the expense of the City, to observe the
aquariums in Boston and Baltimore. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Strong and passed unanimously.
Council Member Pruet inquired about the status of the Peoples Street T -head
project, and Assistant City Manager Hennings responded that the purchase of the
canopies was delayed a week, and the project will be completed next week. Mr.
Pruet requested a report pertaining to the parking plans for economic
development and City Manager McDowell stated that Staff is in the process of
doing a traffic study.
Council Member Moss inquired about curtailing the purchase of books in the
library's budget, and City Manager McDowell stated that they did get some
additional funds and a portion of the books are in, the process of being
purchased.
Council Member Mendez requested a report on the Austin Neighborhood Park
and the status of the neighborhood park in the San Carlos subdivision.
_nutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 26, 1987
Page 15
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for petitions or information from the audience on
matters not scheduled on the agenda.
David Saenz, 1430 17th Street, stated that he tried to obtain copies of the
attachments to the agenda and was informed that there would be a charge; he
never had to pay for them before; this is a way of keeping the public from
knowing what is going on, and he gave $20 to the City Secretary for the previous
attachments.
Blas Avila requested the City Staff to assist the Nueces County Senior
Citizens in the development of a 202 housing project.
Frank Gallardo spoke on behalf of the Molina Veterans and thanked members
of the Council for their support in the memorial ceremony; requested money for
parks in the neighborhood; and invited the Council to have a Council Meeting in
his district.
Earl Wilder, 517 Williams, spoke on behalf of the retired firefighters and
widows. He urged the Council to be aware of the unfair conditions in their
pension system and to please consider some ways they can be helped, particularly
the elderly ones. He suggested that the Council not allow the firefighters
raises until they take care of the retired firefighters. City Manager McDowell
expressed concern that this would border on bad faith negotiations, and Mayor
Turner suggested passing a Resolution. Mr. Wilder stated that he seeks the
Council's advice and support for solutions to this problem.
There being no further business to come before the Council, a motion was
made by Council Member Mendez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Slavik, and passed
unanimously that the meeting be adjourned at 6:00 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
26, 1987, which were approved by the City Council on June 2, 1987.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the S°{' day of
87
Armando Chapa, City Secretary
City of Corpus Christi, Texas