HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/02/1988MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 2, 1988
9:00 a.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner *
Mayor Pro Tem David Berlanga, Sr.
Council Members:
Leo Guerrero
Clif Moss
Bill Pruet *
Mary Rhodes
Frank Schwing
Mary Pat Slavik
City Manager Craig McDowell
City Attorney Hal George
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Absent
Linda Strong
Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. in the
Council Chamber of City Hall.
The invocation was given by Reverend San Williams of Parkway Presbyterian
Church following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
was led by Council Member Schwing.
City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum
of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the
meeting.
Mr. Chapa informed the Council that Council Member Strong is out of town on
business in Austin, and a motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to excuse
Council Member Strong from the meeting; seconded by Council Member Slavik and
passed unanimously by those present and voting.
Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular
Council Meeting of January 26, 1988.
Council Member Moss requested that an addition be made on Page 20 after his
presentation of the Budget Interim Report to include the statement that the
Staff expects a $5.6 million deficit of general fund income over expenditures
next fiscal year; that there will be some tough decisions for the Council to
make; and that the Committee will be making recommendations to the Council.
M!CROEli MED
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 2
Council Member Rhodes noted a correction in spelling on Page 21 of the name
Hoelscher.
* Mayor Turner and Council Member Pruet arrived at the meeting at 9:10 a.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga that the Minutes of the Regular
Council Meeting of January 26, 1988 be approved as amended; seconded by Council
Member Guerrero and passed unanimously by those present and voting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner recognized Ms. Debbie Miller, Chairman of the Board of the
local division of the American Heart Association, who introduced members of the
Board of Directors of the local division. Mayor Turner presented Ms. Miller
with a Proclamation designating February, 1988 as "Heart Month."
City Secretary Chapa informed the Council that the Botanical Society had
requested time to make a short presentation
Mayor Turner acknowledged Mr. Michael Stukenberg, an attorney and friend of
Ms. Eileen Winkleman, who stated that Ms. Winkleman passed away last week and
bequested $500,000 to the Corpus Christi Botanical Society to be used for the
construction of a shade structure to be named the Winkleman Garden Pavilion.
Dr. Sue Gardner, Executive Director of the Botanical Gardens, presented a
plague to Mr. Stukenberg who agreed to accept it on behalf of the Winkleman
family. Dr. Gardner displayed an artist's rendering of the proposed pavilion
which will be constructed at the end of this year or first of next year. Dr.
Gardner also presented pins and material to the Council.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner referred to the Board & Committee Appointments. The following
appointments were made:
Civil Service Board Corpus Christi Housing Improvement
Loan Review Committee
Cheryl Whited
A. R. "Butch" Escobedo Rose Huegele
Human Relations Commission Mechanical Advisory Board
Gabe Rivas
Alejandro Mejia - Reappointed
Warren Shaw
Shawn Bodine
Museum Advisory Board Sister City Committee
Alicia Perez Abby Saenz
David Neipert (Advisory Member)
'Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 3
Senior Community Services Advisory Committee
Theodora Oliviera
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner announced bid openings on two engineering projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga noted that a group of citizens would like to speak
to the Council before the bid opening regarding the City Hall demolition. He
stated that he had been trying to uphold the preservation of the building, but
when he did not receive any support, he went along with the Council to demolish
the buildings. Mr. Berlanga continued by stating that he thought the Council
should think twice before proceeding with the demolition of the buildings. He
stated the buildings are worth a lot of money; the City is in a budget crunch;
and that they should explore the possibility of leasing the building. He stated
that he never has agreed with the evaluation of the amount of money it would
take to restore the buildings. Mr. Berlanga made a motion to let the people
speak and see what they have to say, and Council Member Slavik seconded the
motion.
Mayor Turner stated that a motion is not necessary and that the people will
be allowed to speak after the opening of the bids.
1. Demolition of City Hall and Utilities Buildings.
Mr. Victor Medina, Director of Engineering Services, opened bids on this
project from the following firms: Black Wrecking Company; Construction and
Demolition Engineers; Dore & Associates Contracting; Environmental Insulation
Services; M & M Contracting of Texas, Inc.; Southwest-Rathgeber Company;
Southwestern Environmental; E. J. Stefek Construction Co.; Sunbelt Demolishing,
Inc.; Paragon Contractors; Joe Carrizal Contractors, Inc.; Olmos Equipment Co.;
and Laughlin Development Corporation. Mr. Medina noted that all contractors had
submitted the required bid security bond; acknowledged receipt of the addenda;
and submitted the resume on the contractors who would remove the asbestos
insulation.
2. Raw Water Reservoir and Settling Basins at 0. N. Stevens Water Treatment
Plant.
City Secretary Chapa noted that a telegram was received from LEM
Construction Company requesting an extension of the bid date due to the late
receipt of addendum #2. Mr. Medina pointed out that the addendum was mailed the
preceding Tuesday which was a sufficient amount of time.
Mr. Medina then opened bids on
Austin Engineering Company; Pat Baker
Engineers; Cagle Construction Co., Inc.
Corporation; Heldenfels Brothers, Inc.
this project from the following firms:
Company; Bay, Inc.; R. S. Black Civil
; Central Plains Contracting Co.; Four F
; Midwest Construction Co.; South Texas
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 4
Construction Co.; and W. T. Young Construction Co. Mr. Medina noted that all
contractors had submitted the required bid security bond and acknowledged
receipt of the addenda with the exception of Austin Engineering Company and
South Texas Construction Company.
Mayor Turner expressed appreciation to the bidders for submitting bids on
the above projects.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner recessed the Regular Council Meeting to convene the Meeting of
the JTPA Executive Committee Meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 10:08 a.m.
The following people spoke in opposition to the demolition of the City Hall
buildings: Mr. Victor Gonzalez, LULAC District Director, requested the Council
to reconsider their decision on the demolition and delay the proposed bidding;
Mr. Charles Nichols, 1547 Lee Lane, representing the Taxpayers Association,
stated that at an emergency meeting last night, they voted 9 to 1 to sustain the
City Hall Building and recommended that eleven more months he extended on the
City Hall building; Mr. Tom Knight, Board Member of Preservation Corpus Christi,
stated that this building is important to the community and represents the
heritage of the community; Ms. Janet Rice, 118 Southern Street, President of
Preservation Corpus Christi, Inc., noted that there has been wide support in an
effort to save this building and identified all the groups in support of saving
it. She noted that every downtown revitalization expert that has come to Corpus
Christi has said the City does not need any more open spaces on the bayfront;
Mr. Scott Johnson, 4325 Walton Place, stated these buildings have a function and
passed out proposed ideas for the use of the buildings; Mr. Bill Hoelscher, 434
Atlantic, requested that the building be saved because it is historically
significant; Ms. Betty Hoelscher, 434 Atlantic; Mr. John Wright, 246 Rosebud,
architect, asked the Council to give the building a second chance and suggested
using "The Heart of Corpus Christi" as a vehicle for finding a potential
development of the building; Mr. Donald Greene, 5833 Ocean Drive, Member of
CC'90, stated these buildings are worth too much to throw away; Mr. Jim Rome,
218 Chandler Lane, architect; Ms. Shelia Senterfitt, 6722 Sahara, stated the
demolition is premature until they see how it fits in the overall master plan of
downtown; Mr. Sam Allen, 509 Lawrence Street; Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano;
and Mr. Keith Hoelscher, 434 Atlantic.
The following people spoke in favor of tearing down the City Hall building:
Mr. Bennie Benavides; Mr. Claude D'Unger, 201 Del Mar, Member of the Landmark
Commission, stated there is nothing historic about this building; Mr. Joe
Williams, architect, Member of the Landmark Commission, stated he knew the
architect, Mr. Richard Colley, and if he were here, he would say to get rid of
these buildings. He stated they do not fit the need of the space the City needs
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 5
in this area; and Mr. Charles Blum, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Board,
requested the Council to stick with their original decision and let them go
forward with the Bayfront Activities Park.
Council Member Slavik stated she was in favor of tearing down the Utilities
Building but not the City Hall Building. She noted that she has received some
new information that states that the interior walls are not permanent
structures; they can be moved; this building is worth $1,100,000; and there is
usage for this building. She stated that she would like the Staff to study the
situation more carefully and make a recommendation within sixty days. She noted
that she thought the City would be making a mistake in tearing down the building
on the basis of the new information that she received.
Mayor Fro Tem Berlanga concurred with Mrs. Slavik and stated that in the
last few days he has seen more sentiment towards preserving the building than he
had in the past. He stated that the City's economic picture is grim now and if
they were to use this building to acquire some revenue, it would help the
economic conditions in Corpus Christi. Mr. Berlanga suggested holding off and
study the situation to see whether the City would come out ahead in preserving
the building.
Council Member Slavik expressed concern about the haste in doing this. She
stated it would be a big mistake, and noted that she is upset that the Staff did
not have the correct information in the first place. On the basis of the new
information she received, she asked that it be delayed for sixty days and
requested a Staff report.
Council Member Guerrero noted that Council Member Slavik makes a valid
point, and if there is a change in the information that the Council received,
they should have privy to the new information.
Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga suggested that before the Council decides on whether
the demolition will be justified, they ought to have an itemized list on
bringing it up to code.
Mayor Turner inquired about the new information, and City Manager McDowell
stated that he diad not have that new information. Mayor Turner encouraged
Council Member Slavik to provide the Staff with the new information.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions 1 thru 7 and
Council Members requested that Items 1, 4, 5 and 6 be withheld for discussion.
There were no comments from the audience on the other Consent Motions. A motion
was made by Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga to approve Items 2, 3 and 7; seconded by
Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 6
1. M88-0022
Approving a supply agreement for automatic transmission repair service to
Atlas Transmission Service based on the low bid of $17,905. The term of
the 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. The contract will be administered by the Maintenance
Services Department.
2. M88-0023
Approving a supply agreement for loop detector sealant to S & M Enterprises
based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $11,430. The term
of the agreement 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. The sealant will be used by the Traffic
Engineering Division.
3. M88-0024
Approving a supply agreement for traffic signal cable to Clifford of
Vermont based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $26,865.
The term of the contract shall 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. These items will be used by the Traffic
Engineering Division.
4. M88-0025
Approve amendment to the Economic Development Project list to include
funding to the American Bowling Congress in the amount of $50,000 and
reducing funding to project #2 "Improvements to C.C. Beach for Water Park"
by the same amount.
5. M88-0026
Authorizing acquisition of Parcel 1 located on Airline at Wooldridge Road
at a cost of $101,850 for the Airline Road Street Improvements Project.
6. Withdrawn (See Page 7)
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7. M88-0027
Accepting the San Carlos Sanitary Sewer Improvements project; granting a
three-day extension; and authorizing final payment of $9,562.91 to J & B
Contractors, Inc., dba South Texas Utility Contractors.
In reference to Item No. 1 pertaining to approving a Supply Agreement for
Automatic Transmission Repair Service, Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga inquired when this
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 7
bid is approved, if it is a package deal for that amount of work, and how do you
know what type of work will be needed.
City Manager McDowell stated that the bid is based on the Staff's estimate
of certain types of repairs that will be needed and an estimated amount on the
quantity.
In answer to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga, Mr. McDowell stated if
more work was sent than what was estimated, the cost would be more, but it would
be based on that unit price bid. He stated it is an estimate based on what the
City has experienced in the past, and it may vary somewhat.
In answer to a question concerning additional funding from Council Member
Rhodes in reference to Item No. 4 pertaining to Amending Project Plan for the
Economic Development Trust Fund, City Manager McDowell stated that the City
would have to handle that as a budgetary item in each of those years.
In reference to Item No. 5 pertaining to Airline Road Right -of -Way Parcel
1, Council Member Slavik noted that the City will pay about $225,000 an acre and
inquired about the price per acre on other similar parcels for this project, and
Victor Medina, Engineering Services Director, replied it depends on the location
of those other parcels, and it varies from $10,000 up per acre. Mr. Medina
noted that the cost of this parcel is a very reasonable price; it is based on
the appraised value; and it is a comparable value of what the City paid for
other parcels along Airline.
In reference to Item No. 6 pertaining to Re -Naming the Bayfront Arts &
Science Park, City Manager McDowell noted that the Staff received a call from
Mr. Singer, and he has requested that this item be held for another week.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to approve Motions 1, 4 and 5;
seconded by Council Member Schwing and passed unanimously.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Resolutions, Ordinances
and Ordinances from previous meetings.
In reference to Item No. 12 concerning the Sanitary Sewer Relocation - 0.
N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant, Council Member Moss stated this is connected
with the reservoir that the City has just opened bids on, and since the apparent
low bidder was considerably more than the estimate, will that project go ahead
before this project and not be needed if that does not go ahead, and City
Manager McDowell stated that the City needs to proceed with that project and
readjust some of their funding sources between other projects because the
expansion to the reservoir system is important to the City.
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 8
In reference to Item No. 18 pertaining to the Transfer of Charlie's Shrimp
Bucket Lease, Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga inquired why this was not put up for bid,
and City Manager McDowell replied this is a transfer of ownership; the same
individual retains ownership; and he is just transferring it to one of his
subsidiary corporations. He stated it is not a matter of a bid; it is an
operation that is already there; most of our agreements require that if the City
puts something out to lease on a competitive basis, and subsequently, the
individual wants to transfer the ownership of that, it requires Council approval
on the transfer.
In answer to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga, Assistant City Manager
Hennings stated that this lease expires in the year 2000.
There were no comments from the audience on any of the above items.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
8. RESOLUTION NO. 20183
APPROPRIATING $3,300 FROM THE SANITARY SEWER BOND FUND TO COVER FINAL
PROJECT COSTS ON THE SAN CARLOS SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING
ADDITIONAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS AND ENGINEERING.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 20184
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH DANNY MICHAEL O'DOWDY FOR
THE DESIGN OF A PERMANENT WORK OF ART FOR THE CENTRAL LIBRARY.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent.
10. RESOLUTION NO. 20185
AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE BY SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED OF THE NORTH 40 FEET OF
THE SOUTH 50 FEET OF LOT 10, BLAKE ADDITION, TO SAMUEL G. ESQUIVEL FOR
$4,300.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 9
11. RESOLUTION NO. 20186
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH SPRINKLER KING OF TEXAS, INC.
FOR LANDSCAPING ALONG THE AIRPORT ENTRANCE ROAD, AROUND THE PARKING AREAS
AND TERMINAL BUILDING FRONTAGE, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A JAPANESE GARDEN NEAR
THE BAGGAGE AREA; APPROPRIATING $208,000.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 20187
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH BACKHOE LEASE SERVICE, INC.
FOR THE RELOCATION OF A SANITARY SEWER LINE TO CLEAR PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
OF A RAW WATER RESERVOIR AT THE 0. N. STEVENS WATER TREATMENT PLANT;
APPROPRIATING $115,000.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent.
13. RESOLUTION NO. 20188
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH CORPUS CHRISTI JUNIOR
COLLEGE DISTRICT RELATIVE TO STREET SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS SURROUNDING THE DEL
MAR COLLEGE EAST CAMPUS, INCLUDING IMPROVEMENTS TO NAPLES AND EDWARDS
STREETS AND THE REALIGNMENT OF KOSAR STREET; AND APPROPRIATING $19,873.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 20189
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT BY THE CORPUS CHRISTI INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO ISSUE BONDS FOR TEX-AIR INVESTMENT CO.;
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS; THE ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS; AND
THE FORM OF THE BYLAWS.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent.
15. ORDINANCE NO. 20190
CLOSING THE HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS: State
Highway 44 and Farm Market Road 2292 - 1. S.H. 44 from west of Clarkwood
east for 4100 linear feet to Gilliam Lane; 2. F.M. 2292 from S.H. 44 south
for 2050 linear feet; FIXING A LIEN AND CHARGE, THE MANNER AND TIME OF
PAYMENT AND COLLECTION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 10
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing
and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong absent.
16. ORDINANCE N0. 20191
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF STORY FARMS COMPANY BY
CHANGING THE ZONING MAP IN REFERENCE TO LOT 9A, BLOCK 5, SHERWOOD PARK
SUBDIVISION FROM "R -1B" ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO "AB" PROFESSIONAL
OFFICE DISTRICT ON TRACT 1 AND GRANTING A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A LANDSCAPED
BUFFER AREA ON TRACT 2; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing
and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong absent.
17. FIRST READING
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIVE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE NATIONAL
LITTLE LEAGUE FOR A 4.35 ACRE TRACT OF LAND IN SOUTH GUTH PARK FOR
CONDUCTING A LITTLE LEAGUE PROGRAM; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting,
"Aye"; Strong absent.
18. SECOND READING
CONSENTING TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE CHARLIE'S SHRIMP BUCKET BAITSTAND LEASE
FROM DAVYDD MORRIS AND ASSOCIATES, THROUGH C. C. CHARTER CO., THROUGH
CHARLES M. CRAVEN, TO INTRACOASTAL CORPORATION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting,
"Aye"; Strong absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 19 pertaining to the John
F. Kennedy Causeway Recreation Area Master Plan, and Assistant City Manager
Hennings stated this is an effort the Council authorized about a year ago. He
stated it was funded from the monies that the City has received from the rent
payments from the businesses on the Kennedy Causeway which the School Land Board
agreed to let the City keep in a trust fund for planning.
In answer to a question from Council Member Moss, Mr. Hennings stated that
the Planning Commission is recommending that the Council adopt these statements.
He stated that the next step then would be for the Planning Commission to
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 11
consider this in the development of the Causeway Island Area Plan or the
Comprehensive Plan.
City Manager McDowell stated that the City is looking at these three policy
statements which have been to the Planning Commission and have been recommended
to the Council, and then as the City picks up the Island Comprehensive Plan for
the island and the causeway, these policy statements will be added to the other
policy statements that the Council has adopted, and the Planning Commission will
then incorporate these, plus whatever other adjustments as they bring forth the
plan to the Council.
Council Member Rhodes noted that the statements are vague and inquired what
exactly the City will be required to do, and Malcolm Matthews, City Planner,
stated that one of the concerns of the state and the City is that the plan
identify some specifics that the City did not feel were needed to be addressed
right now without having a Comprehensive Area Plan of the island. He noted that
the Staff picked the first three statements that would commit them to having
some sort of action plan on the island and dovetail it into the policy
statements of the area plan. He stated that they wanted to leave it vague
enough so that specifics could be worked out.
Council Member Rhodes inquired if the Council voted in favor of this, if
the City will actually be committed to projects that are not actually before
them.
Mayor Turner inquired if a codicil could be inserted at the end to say
"subject to Council approval," and Mr. Matthews replied in the affirmative, that
it would be the Council's prerogative. Mr. Matthews then introduced Mr. Leonard
Ehrler of Bechtol, Hoffpauir and Ehrler, Inc. to make a presentation of the
plan.
Mr. Ehrler stated that his firm was selected to do a study initially on the
causeway and those lands that it abuts. He noted that later on Packery Channel
and the seawall area were added which made it a bit more extended, but gave it a
lot more substance. Mr. Ehrler presented overall objectives of the Master Plan
which optimize land use, aesthetic impact and the revenue production while
minimizing environmental disturbances.
Mr. Ehrler stated that they tried to develop a plan that was possible for
both the state of Texas and the City of Corpus Christi. He noted that the state
was the owner, and the City had been the managers up to this point. He stated
that they were asked to design a plan to allow the proper management of this
property and not be something that would cost the taxpayers a great deal of
money. He noted that it is a three-part plan; one, resource inventory; two,
Master Plan itself; and three, implementation plan. He stated that they adopted
an optimum type of plan in order to give some guidance to the City of Corpus
Christi and the state of Texas. Mr. Ehrler stated this is only a guideline; the
idea of a Master Plan of this magnitude says it is a Master Plan; and that any
policy that is adopted at this point is a direction and not a restriction. He
continued by stating that the polices that they are recommending for adoption by
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 12
the City really says that it should be a cooperative joint venture, not just
between the City and the state, but between the governmental entities and the
private sector.
Mr. Ehrler stated that in the third policy recommendation that
infrastructure should be the responsibility of the public sector if this happens
but should be financed by the private sector eventually. He stated as they come
on line they must pay for those over a period of time. He stated that they gave
as many different ways they felt the plan could be implemented and came up with
the optimum Master Plan. He stated that these do not in any way obligate or
regulate the City of Corpus Christi and the state of Texas to build this kind of
facility. He stated these are the highest and best uses for these pieces of
property; they are difficult sites to deal with; they are limited in scope and
size; and they have shapes difficult to deal with. Mr. Ehrler noted that these
are just ideas.
Mr. Ehrler presented an artist's rendering of the Conceptual Master Plan
and displayed plans of the Entryway and Activity Modes; Seaside Village; Packery
Channel Marina & Conference Center; Seawall and Beach Area; and the Pavilion
itself. In regard to the policy statements, Mr. Ehrler noted that these three
policy statements really just give direction and dovetail into the area plan
that is underway now. He stated that to adopt any one of these policy
statements without the other makes it incomplete.
Council Member Slavik expressed concern that the Council was only given a
one-page memo of information on this item. She stated that she did understand
that the Council is supposed to be adopting the policy statements. She referred
to previous years, and stated that she is very cautious about what she does.
She stated that policy statements are more than policy statements sometimes in
the implementation of these plans. She stated she would like to have more study
on this and would like to have it discussed at a workshop meeting.
Council Member Rhodes stated that she is not comfortable with voting on
what little material they have in front of them and did not understand why they
are voting on this until they get the specifics of the plan.
Mayor Turner noted that the Council is merely establishing policies
relative to the implementation and suggested inserting the wording she
previously mentioned which would make it more explicit.
Council Member Pruet stated that the real key to the policies that have
been presented as part of the policy is Item No. 3 which says that the Master
Plan will be developed as a self-sustaining enterprise program and self funded
and not become a liability of the taxpayers. He stated there has to be some
commitment for infrastucture funding with those infrastructure improvements to
be repaid by the projects that would eventually go in there. He stated we are
not talking about any funding that is not going to be reimbursed by the
enterprise funds, and that he thought it is an absolute necessary provision that
there be the commitment from the Council and that the funding be included in
this.
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Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 13
Council Member Rhodes expressed concern because it is so vague as to what
the City is funding and so firm on the fact that they are committing public
funds. She stated she could not vote for something like this because it did not
make any sense to her.
Council Member Guerrero stated that his concern is that maybe they should
restructure the policy to read something to the effect that they accept the
study fur future review and implementation and then approval. He stated he is
not comfortable with what is here.
Assistant City Manager Hennings noted that the City's partner in this
project is the School Land Board of Texas and he introduced Mr. Jack Batcher who
is representing Mr. Garry Mauro.
Mr. Jack Boettcher, Assistant Land Commissioner for Asset Management,
General Land Office, stated that the General Land Office enthusiastically
supports the concept of master planning any state lands. He stated that this is
part of an overall state program, and Mr. Mauro initiated it about four or five
years ago to enhance the management of state lands. He stated that the actual
plan itself was never intended to be a specific Master Plan. He stated they are
going to the School Land Board on March 1 and hope to have some feedback from
the Staff and Council Members before they give their presentation. He stated
that they are trying to get the process rolling at the City, county, state and
the private sector levels to come up with a better management of their state
lands.
Mayor Turner stated that the question is committing the City to providing
resources for a concept in effect. She stated they all enthusiastically support
the idea of master planning and conceptually what has been presented, although
it is just conceptual at this point.
Mr. Boettcher stated that basically, they are looking at a private
sector/public sector partnership; they lease the lands out; and they try to make
the project self-sustaining from day one.
Council Member Rhodes stated that if they were voting on the concept of
master planning of state lands or any lands, she would have no problems with
that or with accepting this plan as submitted, but she does have a problem with
adopting these policy recommendations and stated they are too specific.
Council Member Slavik stated she did not want to commit the City to
something that she readily does not know that much about. She expressed concern
about asking the Council to commit the funds right now. She stated they can
accept the plan, and don't necessarily have to agree with the plan. She stated
they are being asked to go along with the policy statements when they don't know
that much about that.
Mr. Boettcher stated that he certainly thought they needed more feedback
and possible clarification of the policy statements. He stated that the Master
'Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 14
Plan itself speaks to about 22 or 23 different types of financing mechanisms.
He stated that neither the City Staff, the state or the consultant have ever
said that they have any answers for any of those particular alternatives that
have been proposed. He stated they are trying to set up the next stage of the
actual project which is where the City and state meet to work out those kinds of
details, and to do that they need some kind of direction. He stated they are
trying to get the authorization to move to the next step.
Mayor Turner proposed that the additional language "pending Council
approval" be added at the end of the first paragraph.
Council Member Slavik stated that because of past situations she has been
involved with she is very concerned. She stated she would like to help the
state but that she is not going to vote for this. She expressed concern
regarding Items 1 and 3 and noted that the Council did not have enough Staff
input into this before they were asked to make a decision.
After more discussion and suggestions in new language proposed by the
Staff, a motion was made by Council Member Rhodes that the City, in coordination
with the state and federal governments, should make a commitment to support the
development of Master Planning for the John F. Kennedy Causeway Area and to
refer the matter to the Planning Commission to deal with specifics. The motion
was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed by the following vote:
Turner, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, and Schwing voting "Aye";
Slavik voting "No"; Strong absent. (M88-0028)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 20 pertaining to the
Approval of the Contract between the City of Corpus Christi and the Corpus
Christi Firefighters' Association. She recognized Fire Chief J. J. Adame and
Frank Forbes, Personnel Director. Mr. Adame introduced the President and other
members of the Firefighters Association.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
Ordinance was passed:
20. ORDINANCE N0. 20192
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH THE
OF FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL UNION 936, FOR FISCAL
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS.
The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing
following vote: Turner, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss,
voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time the
absent.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
YEAR 1987, PURSUANT TO
Ordinance passed by the
Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik
vote was taken; Strong
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 15
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for Council liaison and other reports from the Council.
Downtown Revitalization - Mayor Pro Tem Berlanga stated they have narrowed
the applicants down to four for the new director. He noted that they will have
a meeting on February 10th, and probably on February llth the new director will
be announced.
RTA - Council Member Moss stated there will be a meeting at 8:00 a.m. on
Wednesday morning.
Convention & Visitors Bureau - Council Member Pruet stated that he hoped
everyone saw the newspaper article in reference to the TML Convention to be held
in Corpus Christi in 1990.
Council Member Pruet noted that there will be a meeting of the Economic
Development Task Force that afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
Council Member Moss noted that there will be a meeting of the Budget
Committee on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.
Council Member Rhodes referred to the matter of plugging of wells and
stated she had gotten a report from the Staff that the City does plug most of
their wells but not all of them. She referred to the recent incident where a
little girl was trapped in a well and suggested changing the City's ordinance.
Mrs. Rhodes made a motion requesting the Staff to present recommendations to
eliminate the loopholes in the plugging of the wells. The motion was seconded
by Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously.
Council Member Slavik referred to the January 19, 1988 Minutes where she
requested a copy of Assistant City Manager Juan Garza's statements about
interest from the bond issues and where it will go, and another request
regarding having the Staff look at the protection of Human Life Proposal. She
noted that she has not received these items.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for petitions and other information from the audience
on matters not scheduled on the agenda.
Mr. John Tanguma, 4201 Riverhill Drive, President of the Firefighters Local
936, informed the Council that during the week of July 11 they will have a
Firefighters Olympics in Corpus Christi which will generate a revenue of about
$1.2 million.
Mr. Gilbert Galvez, a representative of the Victory Outreach Program,
stated they are a drug rehabilitation center located at 1207 Craig in Corpus
Christi. Pe stated there is no charge for their program and they are able to
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 1988
Page 16
house men who have life controlling problems relating to drugs or alcohol. He
stated they have published a book entitled "Outcry in the Barrio" which explains
their program. He noted that the book is free of charge so that everyone will
become aware of their agency.
Ms. Marie Speer, 9320 Padre Island Drive, spoke in reference to the study
on the causeway. She presented the Council with a report that had been given to
the Planning Commission. She stated that she was glad that the Council did not
commit definitely to the study. She noted that in the future the City is going
to need an elevated causeway.
An unidentified Hispanic man addressed the Council in Spanish stating he is
in favor of keeping the City Hall buildings as they stand for historical
purposes.
Mr. Claude D'Unger, 201 Del Mar, expressed concern regarding the rerouting
of traffic on Santa Fe, Del Mar and Third Streets. He referred to an automobile
accident at the intersection of Del Mar and Santa Fe and referred to a letter he
sent to Victor Medina, Engineering Services Director, proposing that northbound
traffic on Santa Fe be extended a little further north in a gradual dogleg cut
into Third Street or Carancahua. He requested the Council's consideration when
this issue is addressed.
There being no further business to come before the Council, on motion by
Council Member Schwing, seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed
unanimously, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 12:04 p.m. on February 2,
1988.
a
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 February
2, 1988, which were approved by the City Council on February 9, 1988.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the
tty Turne , MAYOR
day of
Armando apa, City Secretary
City of Corpus Christi