HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/06/1988PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Linda Strong
Council Members:
David Berlanga, Sr.
Leo Guerrero
Clif Moss
Bill Pruet
Mary Rhodes
Frank Schwing
Mary Pat Slavik
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 6, 1988
HAAS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
6:30 p.m.
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney Hal George
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Turner called the meeting to order in the cafeteria at Haas Junior
High School.
The Mayor and Council Members introduced themselves to the audience, and
Mayor Turner recognized members of the City staff.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Milton Muehlberger of Abiding Savior
Lutheran Church following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the
United States was led by Council Member Slavik.
Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council
Meeting of August 30, 1988, and there being no additions or corrections, she
proclaimed them approved as written.
Mayor Turner recognized Ms. Simonne Dyer, Chief Administrative Officer of
the Mercy Hospital Ship, "Anastasia." Ms. Dyer invited the Council and
audience to tour the ship which is docked in the Port of Corpus Christi.
Mayor Turner presented Ms. Dyer with a Proclamation designating September
6, 1988 as "Mercy Ship Day."
Mayor Turner recognized Ms. Sandy Young, a member of the Corpus Christi
Skiers Club who stated that the club will be having a Kickoff on September 17 at
the Pharaoh Valley Country Club.
Mayor Turner presented Ms. Young with a Proclamation designating the week
of September 13 — 20 as "Corpus Christi Skiers Week."
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Mr. Tom Henderson, Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, and Mr. Rick
Stryker, Museum Director, offered a presentation on the expansion of the Museum.
They displayed graphs of the proposed addition, noting that the shipwreck
collection will be the premier exhibit, along with a U.S. Naval aviation
training history exhibit, a changing exhibit gallery and an auditorium available
for public use.
Mr. Henderson noted that the Friends of the Museum are heading a major
fund-raising effort to raise $2 million in private sector support for the
Museum, indicating that $1 million will be used to provide exhibits and
furnishings for the new wing. Mr. Henderson invited the Council to an Open
House on September 8 for a behind the scenes tour of the museum and presented
the Council with a "Discovery Campaign" brochure.
Mr. Gary Bushell, President of the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development
Corporation, and Mr. Ed Bee, Vice President, gave a presentation on a Tax
Incentive Proposal, noting that the Corporation has voted to recommend to the
area's taxing entities a temporary tax abatement program for certain types of
capital intensive industry. Mr. Bee briefly elaborated on a summary of the
incentive programs in other Texas communities, as well as a more detailed
description of the proposed abatement formula for Nueces County and the City of
Corpus Christi.
Mr. Bee acknowledged Mr. Berney Seal, a representative of the Economic
Development Corporation, who pointed out that this program is something the City
has needed in order to compete with other towns throughout Texas and the nation.
and he urged the Council to accept the proposal.
Mr. Bushell indicated that a set of guidelines needs to be adopted, noting
that the Corporation is working with the City staff and the proposed guidelines
will be brought to the Council in about two weeks for approval.
After some discussion, Council Member Rhodes inquired if this proposal has
been approved by staff, and City Manager Garza replied that the staff has not
yet reviewed the proposal, but will provide a recommendation to the Council by
September 20. Mrs. Rhodes requested that the staff provide a statement to the
Council regarding the effect this would have on the rest of the City and the
people who are currently paying property taxes.
Council Member Pruet pointed out that some good legitimate prospects have
decided not to locate in Corpus Christi because of a lack of such a proposal,
indicating that the City needs to adopt some kind of incentive policy which will
attract industries, and Council Member Berlanga concurred.
In answer to a question from Council Member Pruet, Mr. Bushell stated that
it is within the taxing entity's authority to draw up the guidelines to exclude
or include certain types of economic activities, noting that the Corporation
would very much like to have all the taxing entities within Nueces County to
have the same set of guidelines. Mr. Bushell indicated that this presentation
will be made to the Corpus Christi Independent School District, the Del Mar
Board and other school districts.
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Mayor Turner referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the
following appointments were made by the Council:
Airport Advisory Committee Ambulance Advisory Council
Irving Dietz Dr. David Gray
Landmark Commission Planning Commission
Mary Whitmire Ro Wickham
Park Recreation Advisory Committee
Toby Shor Oshman - Reappointed
Xavier Perez - II
Vic Menard - Reinstated
Wanda Garcia
Susan Taft
David Noyola
Charles Blum - ex -officio member
Dr. W. H. Colson - ex -officio member
Council Member Rhodes asked for a report on whether the Intergovernmental
Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse is active or not.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for approval of Consent Motions, Resolutions,
Ordinances and Ordinances from previous meetings, and Council Members requested
that Items 1, 3, 5 and 12 be withheld for discussion.
There were no comments from the audience on the other items.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
2. ORDINANCE NO. 20445
CLOSING AND ABANDONING A 20 -FOOT WIDE BY 200 -FOOT LONG UTILITY EASEMENT
WITHIN LOT 2, LAWNVIEW ANNEX, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS LISTED BELOW; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes,
Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye."
4. SECOND READING
CHANGING THE NAME OF HILLTOP ROAD TO CLIFF CRENSHAW STREET.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
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6. SECOND READING
AMENDING SUBSECTION (J) OF SECTION 6-100F THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATING
TO REDUCED LICENSE FEES DURING PET HEALTH CAMPAIGNS.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
7. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 53, TRAFFIC, BY ADDING A NEW
SECTION 53-106 TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO
OVERSIZED VEHICLES UTILIZING CITY STREETS; REQUIRING A PERMIT; ESTABLISHING
AN APPLICATION FEE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
8. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 49, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS,
SECTIONS 49-15 AND 49-16, TO INCREASE THE PERMIT APPLICATION FEES FOR
TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURES AND TO ADD A NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR NEIGHBORHOOD
EVENTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik voting, "Aye";
Guerrero and Schwing voting, "No."
9. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE MANUAL OF DRIVEWAY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, ADOPTED
BY SECTION 49-40 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES, INCREASING THE DRIVEWAY
PERMIT APPLICATION FEE TO $425; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
10. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 53, TRAFFIC, SECTION 53-195,
SUBSECTION (1) TO INCREASE THE PERMIT FEE/SERVICE CHARGE FOR OCCUPYING
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY DURING CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR OF BUILDINGS TO $80 FOR
USE OF PARKING LANES AND LOADING ZONES AND $90 FOR USE OF TRAFFIC LANES,
SIDEWALKS AND ALLEYS; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
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The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
11. ORDINANCE NO. 20447
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT AGREEMENT WITH CORPUS
CHRISTI PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
13. ORDINANCE NO. 20449
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.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
With reference to Item No. 1 pertaining to the 1991 Pepsi Games of Texas,
Ms. Martha Elliott, 6701 Sahara, recommended approval of this item, noting that
this is a fantastic opportunity for the City to welcome residents from all over
the state.
In answer to a question from Council Member Moss in reference to Item No. 3
pertaining to the execution of the Center for Hispanic Arts Contract and Lease
Agreement, Assistant City Manager Elizondo declared that in regard to the
$500,000 which was allocated, $100,000 was spent for land acquisition and there
is $400,000 remaining. He indicated that $360,000 is scheduled for
construction, $40,000 is for the architect, and the Center is lacking about
$223,000 for Phase II.
Council Member Slavik indicated that the Center will be responsible for
taking care of the building and the grounds, and she inquired if they will pay
the utilities and their operating expenses, and Mr. Elizondo replied in the
affirmative.
With reference to Item No. 5 pertaining to Health Permit Fees, Council
Member Berlanga inquired if the fees include meat processors, and Assistant City
Manager Hennings noted that these fees pertain to food establishments, noting
that the staff will look into the matter in regard to meat processors.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
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1. RESOLUTION NO. 20444
EXPRESSING THE CITY'S DESIRE TO HOST THE 1991 PEPSI GAMES OF TEXAS AS
SANCTIONED BY THE TEXAS AMATEUR ATHLETIC FEDERATION.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye."
3. ORDINANCE NO. 20445
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH THE CENTER FOR HISPANIC ARTS
(CHA) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FACILITY TO BE USED FOR THE CREATION OF AN
HISPANIC ART AND CULTURE CENTER AND ENTERING INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH
CHA; APPROPRIATING $398,620 FROM THE NO. 162 FEDERAL STATE GRANT FUND; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance was passed by the
following vote: Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes,
Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye."
5. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 19
19-33, ISSUANCE; FEE, PARAGRAPH (B)
FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero,
voting, "Aye."
12. ORDINANCE NO. 20448
, FOOD AND FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS, SECTION
; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING
second reading by the following vote:
Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 36, PARKS, RECREATION, CULTURAL AND LEISURE
TIME ACTIVITIES, SECTION 36-11, CURFEW; ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SUBSECTIONS
(A) AND (B); PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik
voting, "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 14 pertaining to the
proposed Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant Site Selection Study.
In reference to this item, Assistant City Manager Jesus Garza presented
some background information, noting that the Study offers major proposals for
wastewater improvements, indicating that the staff's recommendation for
acceptance of the study involves three actions. Mr. Garza noted that first, it
endorses Brown & Caldwell -Freese & Nichols' selection of Site 2 as the most
feasible location for the future Southside Plant. He noted
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that secondly, based on the consultant's evaluation of current and projected
demand, modifications to the Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant are recommended in
accordance with Alternative 6 originally proposed in the 1986 Master Plan Study,
noting that these modifications involve increasing the Oso Plant capacity from
16.2 MGD to 23 MGD. Mr. Garza noted that the Site Selection Study indicates
that the City must initiate plans for Oso Plant modifications during 1989 in
order to remain within permit compliance. He stated finally, that the staff
recommends amendment of the Wastewater Master Plan to adopt Site 2 and the Oso
Plant modifications. Mr. Garza noted that the recommendation does not address
the collection system, noting that will be addressed at a later date.
Mr. Tony Reid, President of Brown and Caldwell/Freese and Nichols, Inc.,
presented background information on the study, elaborating on economic
information which was furnished to the Council and referring to a chart which
made comparisons between the four sites originally considered, specifically as
to cost items and other pertinent information.
Mr. Joe King, Project Manager of the consulting firm, briefly outlined the
construction costs in reference to the 9 MGD Treatment Plant in comparison of
the different sites using various factors.
Discussion followed and Council Member Pruet noted that if 80 percent of
the acreage to be served by the new plant is located on the south side of the
Oso, he does not understand why locating it on the north side of the Oso would
be more beneficial in the long run, and Mr. Reid declared that 80 percent of the
future growth on the Southside would occur on the north side of Oso Creek.
Ms. Susan Andrews affiliated with the consulting firm briefly reviewed the
archeological process in identifying and assessing the sites.
In answer to a question from Mayor Turner regarding the time frame for the
project, Assistant City Manager Jesus Garza indicated that in November, the City
is scheduled to sell the bonds, noting that if there is no condemnation and the
City can acquire the property outright, the City will have all the parcels put
together by the summer of next year.
City Manager Garza indicated that the City has not made provisions to
finance the construction of the facility, noting that before the City can proceed
to construction, there will be a major bond sale to finance the construction.
Mr. Jim Howry, President of Pharaoh Valley Association, read from a
prepared statement, noting that the Association is opposed to the expansion of
the Oso beyond the 16.2 MGD but supports the consultant's suggestion for the
site of the new plant.
Ms. Mary Davis, 6709 Sahara Drive, expressed the opinion that the land
should be purchased and the new plant built, noting that she is in opposition to
the Oso plant expansion.
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Mr. John Talbot, representative of the Pharaoh Valley Neighborhood
Association, spoke in support of site no. 2 and in opposition to increasing the
Oso plant.
Ms. Martha Elliott, 6701 Sahara, spoke in support of the Consultant's
report and in opposition to the expansion of the Oso plant.
Ms. Mamie Medlin, 1242 Sandpiper, read a letter from the Coastal Bend
Sahara Club, urging the Council to approve the site selection recommended by the
consultants.
Mr. Joe Roper, 1008 Delta, spoke in opposition to the enlargement of the
OSO plant.
Mr. Jim Allen, 3317 Tahiti, spoke in support of the consultant's
recommendation of the site.
Mr. Philip Cockrill, 2101 Yorktown, indicated that no one wants a waste
water treatment plant in their backyard, noting that he is opposed to turning
the Oso Creek into an open sewer.
Dr. Dorothy McClellan, 2217 Richland Drive, Flour Bluff, urged the Council
to act cautiously in making the decision, indicating that residents in Flour
Bluff would like the Barney Davis site to be selected.
Mr. Bruce Hoffman spoke in opposition to the proposed site, indicating that
the site should be further west.
Ms. Peggy Hayes, a representative of the Corpus Christi Board of Realtors,
requested a postponement of the second reading of the ordinance, noting that the
Board would like more time to study information pertaining to the various sites.
Mr. Earl Pace, a resident who lives across from the proposed site, spoke in
opposition to the proposed site, noting that the Ring Ranch site is a more
logical site.
Ms. Marie Spear, 9320 South Padre Island Drive, expressed concern about the
effect the plant would have on the residents in Flour Bluff and suggested that
the plant should be south of the Oso Creek.
Mr. Claude D'Unger, a member of the Nueces County Historical Commission,
referred to the archeological significance of the proposed site, indicating that
the permits and studies which would be required would greatly increase the costs
and lengthen the time frame.
Ms. Abbey Saenz, 512 Cape Ann, spoke in opposition to the expansion of the
Oso Plant.
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Mayor Turner referred to the concerns of the citizens, noting that the
method of increasing the capacity of the Oso has not been clearly defined and
inquired if some of the concerns could be resolved, and City Manager Garza
responded by stating that this is a financial decision of the City and which
would be the most economical way to treat the City's wastewater.
Mr. Garza continued by stating that the estimates were $4 million to expand
or modify the Oso and the question is where the City will get the $18 million to
build the new plant, noting that the City does not presently have the capacity
under the present tax rate structure and the present tax base to finance $18
million next year. Mr. Garza indicated that an alternative would be to finance
the wastewater plant with revenue bonds and finance the bond issue from a rate
increase in the wastewater fund. Mr. Garza continued by stating that the City
must address the odor problem at the Oso, indicating that he does not know what
the modifications would cost.
Mr. William Moody, 909 Pyramid, commented briefly on the consultant's
recommendation to modify the Oso to bring it into compliance. Mr. Moody
indicated that the modifications have been approved but have not been started.
City Manager Garza indicated that the City needs to move forward with the
recommendations which have been made, noting that answers will be provided to the
citizens who have raised questions.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
Ordinance passed on second reading.
14. SECOND READING
ACCEPTING THE SITE SELECTION STUDY REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED SOUTHSIDE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AS PREPARED BY BROWN AND CALDWELL-FREESE AND
NICHOLS, INC., AND AMENDING THE WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN TO ADOPT THE
RECOMMENDED SITE.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting, "Aye";
Guerrero and Pruet voting, "No."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner opened the public hearing on changing the name of the 800
block of Woodlawn Drive to Cleopatra Drive.
Mr. Don Joiner, 829 Woodlawn, offered a brief explanation of the reason for
the name change, noting that a petition was circulated to the residents of the
block of the street in question, and there were no objections.
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Discussion followed on the street name change, and there were no objections
from the Council Members.
A motion was made by Council Member Pruet to close the public hearing;
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Schwing and passed unanimously; Guerrero absent at the
time the vote was taken.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
Ordinance was passed on first reading:
15. FIRST READING
CHANGING THE NAME OF THE 800 BLOCK OF WOODLAWN DRIVE TO CLEOPATRA DRIVE.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Schwing and Slavik voting,
"Aye"; Guerrero absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report, and City Manager Garza
reminded the Council that the Council Meeting next week has been cancelled,
noting that several Council Members will be going to San Antonio for the NLC
Meeting and to Washington for the CC to DC trip.
Council Member Pruet briefed the Council Members on the status of the
Tourism Task Force, indicating that the Task Force had three charges, 1.
funding, 2. organization, and 3. makeup of the Board. Mr. Pruet noted that the
Task Force has reached a tentative agreement on a funding proposal which they
will bring forward within the next 30 to 45 days, indicating that on September
20 a report will be presented to the Council on a proposed revision to the
makeup of the Board.
Mr. Pruet continued by stating that he presented the report to the Tourist
Bureau and briefed them on the status of the Task Force. He noted that the
Board had a number of questions about the Bureau's future and the length of time
it would be before the Council could take any action on the recommendations of
the Task Force.
Council Member Berlanga indicated that the Board should not have received
the report until it had been presented to the Council and expressed the opinion
that Mr. Pruet prematurely presented it to the Bureau. Mr. Berlanga indicated
that the Council should be in full control of the Bureau, indicating that the
Council should have the authority to select the people they want. Mr. Berlanga
made a motion to revoke the Tourist Bureau contract and bring the Bureau under
the jurisdiction of the City.
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City Manager Garza pointed out that the matter is not on the agenda for
Council action, indicating that the present contract has a cancellation clause
in it.
Council Member Guerrero asked Council Member Berlanga to withdraw his
motion, indicating that he supports Mr. Berlanga's intentions. Mr. Guerrero
noted that the Tourist Bureau's future is favorable, but the future of the Board
is not so favorable. Mr. Guerrero stated that there are other considerations,
noting that at the time the Council made the motion during the budget hearing,
the entire funding of the Board was contingent on various points and issues, and
that those points and issues should be reviewed by the Council.
Council Member Berlanga indicated that he is flexible and wants to do what
is in the best interest of the Council and the citizens. Mr. Berlanga noted
that he will withdraw his motion under the following conditions: 1. that the
Council select the members of the Board, and 2. that the new Board should select
the Director.
Council Member Schwing noted that the only recommendation which the Task
Force will present to the Council on September 20 is cutting the 31 -member Board
and making sure that the Board is representative of the community, noting that
this is subject to Council ratification. Mr. Schwing briefly outlined the
recommendation to the Council of the proposed Board appointees, indicating that
the Mayor and City Manager should both be voting members of the Board.
After substantial discussion regarding this matter, various Council Members
expressed concern regarding the resignation of Chris Davis from the Bureau and
the manner in which the appointment of Robert Earley was handled.
Council Member Berlanga withdrew his motion, subject to conditions outlined
above.
Council Member Guerrero inquired about the City's commitment to the Harbor
Playhouse, and Assistant City Manager Hennings replied that it is $25,000.
Mr. Guerrero indicated that there is a problem in which certain members of
the Bilingual Theatre were treated by people connected with the Harbor
Playhouse. Mr. Guerrero declared that he would like this issue resolved and
requested that a report be provided to the Council.
Mr. Guerrero noted that there is no ordinance regarding street ministry in
connection with the people who will be working at Bayfest, expressing the
opinion that their purpose is to catch the crowd going in and out, merely to
pass out literature.
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Mr. Irving Dietz, 455 Miramar, spoke in reference to the Convention and
Visitor's Bureau matter and referred to a statement made by Mr. Steve DeWalt,
Chairman of the Board, stating that the Council reneged on a commitment made in
1987. Mr. Dietz stated that he had checked the records in the City Secretary's
Office, and there is nothing in writing that committed the City to a certain
amount of funding for two years, and in fact, the funding for last year was
dependent upon the sale of the Shoreline Tourist Building and if the hotel -motel
tax generated more funding last year. He reiterated that there is no evidence
that the Council made a commitment for two years, and he questioned if a Council
could make such a commitment for more than one year.
Mr. Joe Rosenberg, Director of the Bilingual Theatre, referred to remarks
made by Mr. Guerrero and explained that his company has no place to rehearse
because they are required to pay the expenses for rehearsals at the Harbor
Playhouse.
Mayor Turner suggested that he consider checking with some of the schools
to see if they have space for rehearsals and informed Mr. Rosenberg that she
would be glad to send a letter to the School District from her office requesting
such space.
Mrs. Marie Spear questioned the requirement that participants pay to
rehearse at Harbor Playhouse, and Assistant City Manager Hennings explained that
the City's contract with the Playhouse allows them to charge for use of the
facility to recover costs.
Mr. Randy Lynch, Century 21, Lynch & Associates, referred to a letter he
had sent to the Council concerning an alleged "conflict of interest" involving
the City's proposed acquisition of a tract of land offered for sale by his real
estate firm. He stated that the letter was designed to serve as his letter of
resignation from the Planning Commission, but questioned the ruling made on this
subject pertaining to the Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest. He pointed
out that his position as a member of the Planning Commission was totally
unrelated to the sale of the property and, in his opinion, the interpretation of
the ordinance on this subject was too restrictive. He also expressed concern
that he was reappointed to the Planning Commission, even though several Council
Members and senior administrative staff members were aware of the situation.
Mayor Turner expressed appreciation to Mr. Lynch for his dedicated service
on the Planning Commission and indicated that she felt that the ordinance should
be discussed by the Council.
Mr. John Fisher, President of the Northwest Business Association, also
expressed concern on behalf of that organization about the policies that created
this incident; expressed support for Mr. Lynch; and pointed out that such events
might clearly send a message to qualified people who might otherwise be willing
to serve on City boards and commissions. He urged that this policy be reviewed.
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Council Member Schwing expressed the opinion
to choose between earning a living and serving
understood that this subject will be discussed on
Council Member Rhodes stated that her
recommendations on the Code of Ethics ready by
suggested that the report should be reviewed by
discussion by the Council.
that Mr. Lynch has been forced
his City. He stated that he
September 20.
committee will have their
that time, and Mayor Turner
the Legal Department prior to
Mayor Turner referred to the executive session scheduled, and City Manager
Garza stated that there is no necessity for it at this time.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Turner
declared the Regular Council Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m., September 6, 1988.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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
September 6, 1988 which were approved by the City Council on September 20, 1988.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the dayof Ar
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$etty Turnkr, MAYOR
Armando Chapa, City Secretary
City of Corpus Christi