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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/02/1988PRESENT Mayor Betty Turner Mayor Pro Tem Linda Strong Council Members: Leo Guerrero Clif Moss Bill Pruet Mary Rhodes Frank Schwing Mary Pat Slavik Absent David Berlanga, Sr. MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 2, 1988 2:00 p.m. City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney Hal George Asst. City Secretary Dorothy Zahn Mayor Betty Turner called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Council Member Pruet, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Slavik. Assistant City Secretary Zahn 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 Slavik to excuse Council Member Berlanga from the Council Meeting because he is out of town. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed. Mayor Turner acknowledged Mr. Pepe Serna, an actor, TV star, and native of Corpus Christi, presenting him with a Certificate of Citizenship proclaiming him an honorary citizen. Mayor Turner acknowledged Ms. Sandra Langberg, Chairman of the Yokosuka Sister City Committee, who recognized host family students who introduced four exchange students from Yokosuka, Japan, the Sister City of Corpus Christi. Mayor Turner referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the following appointments were made by the Council: MICROFILMED Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 2 Building Code Board of Appeals Building Inspections Dept. Ad Hoc Task Force Luis Gonzalez Jerry King (Confirmation) Glenn Daniels " Cable Communications Advisory Committee Human Relations Commission Alan Stowers Jimmie McCurn Linda Caley - reappointed Scott Morgason William Mays - Chairman Charles Irby - Advisory Member CC Housing Improvement Corp./Loan Review Committee Food Service Advisory Comm. Luis Cortinas Ticia Hanisch - Chairman Landmark Commission Mechanical Advisory Committee Bob Kipp Jim Grigsby Planning Commission Sister City Committee Joe Garcia - Reappointed Ralph Diaz - Reinstated James Lynch - Shirley Mims - " Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 26, 1988. Council Member Rhodes referred to Page 1 of the Minutes and indicated a correction of a name, and on Page 3, she questioned a statement made by City Manager Garza, and Mr. Garza provided an explanation to her question. City Manager Garza declared that the budget he submitted to the Council provided ample funds for the replacement of police cars. He noted that the funds would be usable for cars if they are additions to the fleet. Council Member Rhodes inquired if the cars were additional or replacement which the Council recommended when they were discussing .O10 for public safety, and Mr. Garza replied replacement cars. There being no further corrections or additions, Mayor Turner proclaimed the Minutes approved as amended. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions 1 thru 7, and Council Members requested that Motions 4, 5 and 6 be withheld for discussion, and a member of the audience requested that Motion No. 1 be withheld for discussion. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 3 There were no comments from the audience on the other motions. A motion was made by Council Member Pruet to approve Motions 2, 3 and 7. The motion was seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed unanimously; Berlanga absent. In reference to Motion No. 1 pertaining to authorizing a lease with purchase option for sanitary landfill equipment, Mr. Bill Lathrop, a representative of Waukesha -Pearce Industries, spoke in opposition to the bidding process for this item. Mr. Lathrop noted that his company bid on a similar item in November, noting that the specifications had stated a firm bid. He noted that his company gave a firm bid, but the bid was awarded to Holt Co. because they tied their bid into produced price index. He indicated that something should be done about the City's bidding process, noting that it is unfair and no one wants to bid with the City. City Manager Garza responded by stating that he has had discussions with Mr. Lathrop regarding the bidding process, pointing out that the City did change the specifications to read that the bids "should be firm," instead of "must be firm." Mr. Garza explained that the City is buying equipment which has a useful life of five years, indicating that the staff has investigated different options of buying equipment. He indicated that he is satisfied with what is being recommended today. In answer to a question from Council Member Slavik, F. D. Glenn, Purchasing Agent, noted that there were several local bidders who could have bid on this item; the specifications were open; the bids were not restricted; and they could have bid, but chose not to bid in the City's method. Mr. Glenn explained that in the bid which Mr. Lathrop referred to, and in this bid, the City did specify that they would accept as an alternate bid, a bid based on price adjustment. He stated that alternate bids are not uncommon. Council Member Slavik noted that local bidders should be encouraged to bid as much as possible, expressing concern about the sole source on the one bid. Council Member Rhodes implied that the word "should" sounds like bidders do not have a choice, suggesting that the word "preferred" be used, and City Manager Garza responded that the word "should" is conditional. In answer to a question from Council Member Schwing, Mr. Glenn responded by stating that if he were an individual in business, he would find it difficult to do business with the City, noting that the City demands the very best at the very best pricing, indicating that they are slow in paying. City Manager Garza noted that the City will eventually have a pre-bid conference where the bidders will be invited to make comments on the City's bid specifications. Council Member Schwing inquired about the difference between an alternate and a non-responsive bid, and Mr. Glenn replied that it may be a judgement call, and usually it affects the overall scope or the intent of the specifications, n r Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 4 indicating that the City will usually go thru an evaluation first. Mr. Glenn continued by stating that the City will begin a new procedure this year, explaining the new procedure called, "request for information." In answer to another question from Council Member Schwing, Mr. Glenn explained that for all items before the City Council, Purchasing sends out to all departments for their evaluation and comments; Purchasing evaluates on the contracting end; the technical evaluation is done by the using department; it is a joint recommendation; and Purchasing does not rubber stamp the recommendation. Council Member Guerrero noted that the City does not go for the lowest price, but the best bid, noting that it is a collective decision made by individuals who were given that responsibility. Mayor Pro Tem Strong noted that this is the fourth concern that she has heard from a variety of business people who would like to do business with the City but are frustrated with the City's process. She expressed concern, noting that the City should make every effort to make sure the City's bidding specifications do not lend themselves to sole sourcing. After some discussion, Council Member Pruet referred to the recent Town Hall meeting where this subject was discussed and expressed the opinion that the City needs to be more accessible, easy to do business with, fair and consistent. Mayor Turner indicated that as a policy statement perception that the City is providing a fair, unbiased, bid process. City Manager Garza noted that if a bidder submits a feels materially affects the bidding specifications, Mr. letter, in writing, postponing the bids and informing the we should insure the clear and responsible comment which the City Glenn does send out a bidders of the change. In answer to a question from Council Member Moss in reference to Motion No. 4 pertaining to the installation of rolling storm shutters at HIALCO Center, City Manager Garza noted that all of the contracting work is done through Engineering who is directing the project. In answer to a question from Mayor Turner, Victor Medina, Engineering Services Director, stated that the City notified six different vendors in the area to provide bid prices; only one or two people responded; and this is the lowest price. In reference to Motion No. 5 pertaining to authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development Corporation, Council Member Guerrero expressed appreciation to the Economic Development Corporation for their responsivness to the needs of the City Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 5 Council, referring to a report which Gary Bushell prepared for him, suggesting that the other Council Members be provided the report. Council Member Moss indicated that the City is paying a quarter of a million dollars a year, inquiring what the percentage is of the total cost, and Assistant City Manager Utter responded that it is about one-third, explaining that the funding for the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development Corporation is around $700,000 to $750,000 a year. He stated that the county is providing $72,000, the Port is providing $95,000, the PIC is providing, through the JTPA program, $150,000, and the private sector and the Chamber of Commerce are providing $150,000 to $160,000. In answer to a question about the difference between the Area Economic Development Corporation and Mr. Utter's department from Council Member Moss, expressing concern about duplication of effort, Mr. Utter explained that the Economic Development Corporation takes the place of what used to be the old Industrial Commission. He stated that the corporation is a publicly and privately sponsored operation which seeks business, noting that his department does some of that but limitedly, noting that Mr. Bushell's operation brings the prospects in, and the City puts together the packages. Mayor Turner remarked that in the past, the system was very fragmented, noting that there is a tremendous complement between the two departments, indicating that this is an effort to consolidate all the activities under one roof, noting that the roles are very clearly defined. After some discussion, in answer to a question from Council Member Slavik, Gary Bushell, Executive Director of the Area Economic Development Corporation, noted they estimate that they receive a minimum of $65,000 from the Chamber, plus there is another $20,000 in-kind contributions which come from the private sector. Mr. Bushell referred to the remark about duplication efforts, noting that his operation is pleased with the system the way it is currently working. He noted that they very much support the partnership, elaborating on the partnership. In answer to a question from Mrs. Slavik, Mr. Bushell noted that the PIC was not part of the original agreement, and this was something that evolved through a working relationship with them, whereby they increased their funding. He explained that all of the corporation's recommendations to the public entities was to freeze the funding at last year's level. Council Member Slavik inquired about the required membership fee, and Mr. Bushell replied that the minimum membership is $500, noting that the largest membership is $10,000. In reference to Motion No. 6 pertaining to the new City Hall, Council Member Slavik inquired how soon the City is expected to get the $12,308.82 from the bonding company, and Victor Medina, Engineering Services Director, r Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 6 noted that these funds have to be requested through the Legal Department. Mr. Medina noted that the bonding company has paid promptly in the past on other submitted requests. There were no comments from the audience on Motions 4, 5 and 6. A motion was made by Council Member Pruet to approve Motions 1,4, 5 and 6; seconded by Council Member Rhodes and passed unanimously; Berlanga absent. 1. M88-0175 Authorizing the acquisition of one crawler tractor and one compactor for the total amount of $762,524 from the Holt Company of Texas; authorizing execution of a lease -purchase agreement by and through Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation; authorizing a maintenance services agreement with Holt Company of Texas; and authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute such security instruments, UCC statements, and such other instruments as required by such lease -purchase agreement and approved by the City Attorney. 2. M88-0176 Approving a supply agreement for gate valves with Clow Corporation based on low bid meeting specifications for the amount of $61,009.03. The term of the contract shall be twelve months with option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. These items are used by the Water Division. 3. M88-0177 Approving a supply agreement for hydrofluosilic acid with L.C.I. Ltd. based on the low bid of $76,909. 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. This chemical will be used by the Water Division for water treatment. 4. M88-0178 Awarding a contract for $15,902 to Fecht and Company for the installation of rolling storm shutters at the HIALCO Center. 5. M88-0179 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a two-year agreement with the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development Corporation. 6. M88-0180 Authorizing additional fees of $52,308.82 to Taft Architects and Kipp, Richter & Associates, Inc. for extra services provided on the new City Hall project. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 7 7. M88-0181 Setting a public hearing for August 9, 1988, during the Regular Council Meeting which commences at 2:00 p.m., to consider an application for a permit for an outdoor music festival to be conducted on Corpus Christi Beach on Sunday, September 4, 1988, Labor Day weekend. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Resolutions, Ordinances and Ordinances from previous meetings on Items 8 thru 12, and a Council Member requested that Item No. 9 be withheld for discussion. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 8. RESOLUTION NO. 20415 APPROVING THE DEVELOPER'S APPLICATION AND AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,889.35 TO IVAN MAI, DEVELOPER OF LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 3, FLOUR BLUFF GARDENS UNIT 2 SUBDIVISION, FOR THE INSTALLATION OF 687 linear feet of 8 -INCH DIAMETER WATERLINE AS SHOWN ON THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT A, PER ORDINANCE NO. 17092; AND APPROPRIATING $3,889.35 FROM THE NO. 143-246.96, WATER DISTRIBUTION MAIN TRUST FUND. The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent. 10. FIRST READING AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO MR. AND MRS. JOHN SUTER, DBA ISLAND SHUTTLE CAB CO., FOR THE OPERATION OF A TAXICAB SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing Ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent. 11. FIRST READING AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIVE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE OSO LITTLE MISSES KICKBALL LEAGUE FOR THE USE OF A 4.23 ACRE TRACT OF LAND IN SOUTH GUTH PARK FOR CONDUCTING A GIRLS KICKBALL PROGRAM. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 8 The foregoing Ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent. 12. ORDINANCE NO. 20417 AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 17, FINANCE AND TAXATION, SECTION 17-1.2, SERVICE CHARGE FOR RETURNED CHECKS, BY INCREASING SAID FEE FROM $10.00 TO $15.00; AMENDING CHAPTER 55, UTILITIES, SECTION 55-38, CUSTOMERS' CHECKS, RELATING TO NONPAYMENT OF CHARGES UNDER SECTION 17-1.2; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing Ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent. In -reference to Item No. 9 pertaining to the proposed Transportation Improvement Program for 1988-1991, Council Member Moss expressed concern noting that there is only two percent for traffic signals in the first year, and City Manager Garza offered a brief explanation, noting that the program is consistent with the Capital Improvements Program which was approved by the Council last week and does have a component for traffic signals. Mr. Garza continued by stating that the staff took into account the City's priorities, indicating that the traffic signal program was not short changed. He stated that this program is not in any way divergent from what the Council approved in the Capital Improvements Program. In answer to a question from Council Member Slavik in regard to priorities, Victor Medina, Engineering Services Director, explained that this program is a fixed program; and it is in conjunction with a five-year program which was presented to the Council last week, noting that the improvements were scheduled out. Discussion followed, and City Manager Garza indicated that priorities could be switched and that the staff did exactly what the Bond Fund Task Force recommended, explaining that the City is doing quite a bit of work in traffic signals. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following Resolution was passed: 9. RESOLUTION NO. 20416 ACCEPTANCE OF THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) FOR 1988-1991 CONSISTING OF A THREE-YEAR LISTING OF FEDERAL AND CITY BOND FUND TRANSPORTATION RELATED PROJECTS, TO BE PRESENTED FOR ENDORSEMENT BY THE CORPUS CHRISTI METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION. The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Moss voting, "No"; Pruet absent at the time the vote was taken; Berlanga absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 9 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 13 pertaining to the proposed amendments to the Corpus Christi Urban Transportation Plan, and there were no comments from the Council Members or audience. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following Ordinance was passed: 13. ORDINANCE NO. 20418 AMENDING THE CORPUS CHRISTI URBAN TRANSPORTATION STUDY AS AMENDED BY ORDINANCE 15181 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 17, 1979; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Moss, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Pruet absent at the time the vote was taken; Berlanga absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 14 pertaining to the reconsideration of zoning application No. 488-2 - Mr. Ben L. Herndon. Mayor Turner stated that the Planning Commission, on July 6, 1988, reaffirmed their original recommendation of April 13, 1988 as follows: Denial of "B-4", and in lieu thereof, grant a revised special permit for an auto air conditioning repair shop with associated engine repair, which hours of operation shall be limited from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an additional driveway on Gollihar Road, in compliance with "B-1" sign regulations, and in accordance with an acceptable site plan. She noted that the Commission clearly indicated that car sales are not permitted with this recommendation. Mayor Turner inquired if the applicant had any objections to the recommendation, and he did not respond. Mayor Pro Tem Strong indicated that this has been a complicated situation. She expressed the opinion that Mr. Herndon has not been treated fairly by the process, expressing concern about the process. Mrs. Strong offered some background information on the application, noting that communication and attitude has not been good on the part of the City Council or the Planning Commission. She stated that Mr. Herndon should be allowed to continue his business which has been in operation since 1981. Council Member Rhodes indicated that she thought the recommendation is correct for the land usage. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 10 Council Member Slavik concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Strong, apologizing to Mr. Herndon for the City's errors. Discussion followed, and Brandol Harvey, Planning Director, indicated that the applicant never did have a permit to sell used cars, noting that the operation has always been illegal. Ms. Barbara Cline, a representative of the property owners in the area, indicated that she is not objecting to the recommendation of the Planning Commission. She noted that the applicant has operated in violation for many years and is operating in violation of the special permit he currently has. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following Ordinance was passed: 14. ORDINANCE NO. 20419 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF BEN L. HERNDON BY GRANTING A REVISED SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR AN AUTO AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR SHOP WITH ASSOCIATED ENGINE REPAIR, WHICH HOURS OF OPERATION SHALL BE LIMITED FROM 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. ON LOT 24 AND THE REMAINING PORTION OF LOT 25, BLOCK 6, KOOLSIDE ADDITION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The Charter Rule was suspended and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Moss, Rhodes, Pruet, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner opened the public hearing on adopting the Northwest Area Development Plan, an Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Council took a short recess at 3:50 p.m. Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting at 4:15 p.m. Brandol Harvey, Planning Director, and Michael Gunning, Planner, conducted the presentation on the Northwest Area Development Plan, noting that the plan is the second of twelve area development plans to be forwarded to the City Council by the Planning Commission for adoption. He stated that the plan was initiated on February 17, 1988 with the Planning Commission's approval of planning staff's proposed scope of study and timetable. Mr. Harvey continued by stating that the Planning Commission held three public hearings and three discussion sessions on the plan during the following five months and on July 6, 1988, the Planning Commission recommended to City Council that the plan be adopted. Some of the highlights discussed by Mr. Harvey were: environment; population and housing; land use; annexation; transportation; pipelines and petroleum hazards; public services; and issues and recommendations. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 11 Council Member Schwing expressed appreciation to members of the Planning Department for their openness and responsiveness at the public hearings, noting that they have done an excellent job in presenting the plan. In referring to the plan, Council Member Pruet inquired if there is any downzoning of existing zoned land from the old to the proposed, and Mr. Harvey replied that there are no specific recommendations to that effect in this plan, noting that in order to implement the plan, there will be changes of zoning required. He noted that the staff is proposing to revise the zoning ordinance in the next quarter and will then initiate the zoning process that is appropriate to implement the land use plan. Council Member Pruet referred to a page in the plan pertaining to RV parks and in answer to a question posed by Mr. Pruet, Mr. Harvey noted that the plan does encourage RV parks but does not want to specify where they should be, noting that the staff will be responsive to proposals. After reference to specific pages in the plan by Council Member Pruet, Mr. Harvey stated that because of the nature of the current zoning ordinance, it could be misleading to try to interpret the proposed land use plan as a zoning plan, noting that the staff is trying to show what the City Council's intent is in terms of actual uses. Council Member Pruet noted that once a master plan is adopted, it could be the tool of denial for consideration of any other land use other then what is in the plan. Mr. Harvey pointed out that there are some statements in the plan that state that the recommended land use pattern is a guide only. In answer to a question from Council Member Slavik in reference to RV parks and mobile homes, Mr. Harvey noted that for mobile homes for new proposals, there are some criteria that should be studied whereby they will be looked at favorably or unfavorably, noting that there are some existing mobile home parks that are included in the proposed land use plan. In reference to RV vehicles, he noted that the land use plan, thru its color coding, does not identify any specific areas for RV's, but the text of the plan says that along the Nueces River, RV's are the types of things that the City would like to encourage. Mr. Harvey continued by stating that there will be more mobile home parks created than the plan shows, noting it is not specified that this area is good for a mobile home park and nothing else. Discussion followed, and Council Member Slavik stated that the City needs to encourage more quality mobile home areas. In answer to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Harvey noted that the zoning ordinance and the plan do not complement each other, noting that the plan has pretty much opened up the entire south side perimeter for RV park opportunities. -r T Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 12 Mayor Turner suggested changing the text to say that wherever the land use plan says single family residential is appropriate, RV parks might be acceptable also, noting that this is an area to go either way. After more discussion pertaining to downzoning, Planner Michael Gunning noted that most of the existing zoning has been adhered to, and in some cases has been upgraded, noting that the plan is sensitive to the existing land use. Council Member Pruet suggested obtaining a legal opinion in reference to downzoning, noting if downzoning is going to be addressed in the plan, there should be some legal guidelines. Council Member Guerrero referred to the mobile home issue, noting that the school board district is in opposition to mobile homes and RV parks in the area. There were no comments from the audience. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to close the public hearing; seconded by Council Member Rhodes and passed unanimously; Berlanga absent. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following Ordinance was passed on first reading: 15. FIRST READING ADOPTING THE NORTHWEST AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AN ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. The foregoing Ordinance was passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Guerrero, Moss, Rhodes, Pruet, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Berlanga absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza displayed an award received for the new City Hall Building. Mr. Garza referred to the motorcycle issue which was discussed last week, noting that he did not hear any opposition to phasing the program in for publicly owned motorcylces, indicating that program would be the least expensive to the City in the long run. Mr. Garza indicated that he is not attempting to contravene the desires of the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Strong referred to the motorcycle issue, noting that she was not present for the discussion or the vote last week because of a medical emergency. She indicated that if she had been present, she would have voted for Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 13 the expenditure for the motorcycles, noting that she is in favor of phasing the program in. In answer to a question from Council Member Schwing about consideration of a twelve -man force, City Manager Garza noted that consideration is being given to this matter, noting that an evaluation will be made by Chief Olson. Mayor Turner called for liaison and other reports from the Council. RTA - Council Member Moss noted that during Wednesday morning's meeting, the Rice report on water transportation will be presented. Council Member Guerrero referred to a pool in the Crestview neighborhood area where the developer has declared bankruptcy under Chapter 11. He asked the staff to provide the Council with a report whereby the City could take over the pool and it could be opened to the public. Mr. Guerrero indicated that a screening fence needs to be erected where the fence has been torn open. Discussion followed, and Mayor Turner suggested that the people in the subdivision be surveyed to see if they would like to purchase the pool. City Manager Garza noted that the staff will look into the situation and a recommendation will be forthcoming. Council Member Guerrero referred to a young track star who will be competing in the World Olympics for the Deaf. Mr. Guerrero stated that $4,000 is being raised for the young lady, noting that he would like to present the money to her at a Council Meeting in two weeks. Council Member Guerrero referred to the cat trapping issue and requested that it be placed on the agenda that the City do away with cat traps. Mr. Guerrero requested an investigation and a report on the motorcycle escort service. Council Member Slavik referred to the ads placed in the paper pertaining to the validation suit, expressing concern that the first ad had no signature on the ad, and City Manager Garza responded by stating if that is a concern, a name could be placed on the ad, noting that the purpose of the language was to explain what the lawsuit was about. Discussion followed, and Council Member Strong noted that the Council was pre -informed of the ad and suggested that possibly it could be signed "City of Corpus Christi" on the next publication; Council Member Pruet indicated that he agreed with Mrs. Strong; and Council Member Slavik suggested that the City should sign the ad. Mrs. Slavik inquired if Jack Hunter signed the second ad, and City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative. Mr. Garza pointed out that the important thing in the lawsuit is that it is not an action against the citizens, but an action for the citizens and is intended to clear the air. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 14 Council Member Slavik referred to the validation suit and the petition, stating that she understands the points in trying to get the bonds sold, but expressing concern about validating the Reinvestment Zone, noting that future rights will be taken away from the citizens to petition. City loan. He are sold, the City bonds. Manager Garza explained that the Reinvestment Zone is financing the indicated that if that provision were left out, on the day the bonds a petition could come in and hold up the bond sale, explaining that is trying to find out the procedure to follow in order to sell the Mrs. Slavik inquired about the status of the sand problem at the water plant, and City Manager Garza noted that Ms. Smith met with the staff and raised some valid concerns. Mr. Garza stated that Ms. Smith's recommendation is not the only solution, elaborating on the different recommendations. He indicated that the alternatives are being investigated. Council Member Rhodes referred to the Boards and Commission ads appearing in the newspaper, requesting that the ads should indicate whether they are reappointments, and Assistant City Secretary Zahn responded that will be done. Mrs. Rhodes referred to the Task Force which was formed last week by Mayor Turner, noting that she would like to propose a separate committee to validate the confirmation of the Visitors Bureau's bookings, noting that Mr. Chris Davis is in favor of this. Council Member Schwing suggested that Mrs. Rhodes' proposal wait until the Mayor's Task Force presents their report in about ninety days, and Mrs. Rhodes acknowledged that her proposal could wait. Council Member Schwing referred to a proposal presented by Karl Flugel on culinary arts, and Council Member Rhodes indicated that Mr. Flugel has left the City. Council Member Schwing and the entire Council congratulated Council Member Moss on his recent election to the position of President of TML Region II. Mayor Pro Tem Strong referred to a problem in the drainage ditch on Rodd Field Road and the recent flooding, requesting that the Staff check into the process which was done three years ago when the ditch was cleaned out. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Enrique Garcia, President of the Police Officers Association, requested permission for the association to volunteer their time at the Watergarden for ten days beginning Friday afternoon. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 2, 1988 Page 15 Mr. Garcia noted that the association's state convention will be on Friday and Saturday in San Antonio, noting that the association will be bidding for a future convention site in Corpus Christi. Mayor Turner and the Council declared their support to the association in obtaining the site for the 1990 convention. Mayor Turner and the Council expressed appreciation to the association for their offer to volunteer their time at the Watergarden. Council Member Guerrero referred to the ten days volunteered by the association, noting that it is an excellent idea. In reference to the future convention, Mr. Guerrero requested that the staff get together with Mr. Chris Davis of the Convention and Visitors Bureau to make an effort in obtaining the convention in Corpus Christi. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor adjourned the Council Meeting at 5:54 p.m. on August 2, 1988. * * * * * * * * * * * * * r Turner 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 August 2, 1988 which were approved by the City Council on August 9, 1988. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 0 4..Y day of �y Betty Twiner, MAYOR Armando C apa, City Secre% City of Corpus Christi