HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/27/1988PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Linda Strong
Council Members:
David Berlanga, Sr.
Clif Moss
Bill Pruet
Mary Rhodes
Frank Schwing
Absent
Leo Guerrero
Mary Pat Slavik
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 27, 1988
2:00 p.m.
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney Hal George
City Secretary Armando Chapa
l/ ILLC .
Mayor Betty Turner called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of
City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Council Member Schwing following which the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member
Berlanga.
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.
A motion was made by Council Member Schwing to excuse Council Member Slavik
from the Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Berlanga and passed.
Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council
meeting of September 20, 1988, and there being no corrections or additions, she
proclaimed them approved as written.
Mayor Turner administered the Oaths of Office to the following Board and
Committee appointees: Marcia Cobb - Landmark Commission; and Thomas Shirley -
Planning Commission.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
MICROFILMED
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Page 2
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions, Resolutions,
Ordinances and Ordinances from previous meetings, and Council Members requested
that Items 4, 5 and 17 be withheld for discussion.
In reference to Item No. 12 pertaining to the Second Annual Blues Festival,
City Secretary Chapa noted for clarification that the site for the affair will
be on the old City Hall site instead of two Shoreline Boulevard medians.
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:
1. M88-0206
Motion approving the purchase of 10 fireline meter assemblies, size 6",
from Rockwell International based on the best bid of $35,000. These meter
assemblies will be used by the Water Division.
The foregoing Motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
2. M88-0207
Motion approving a supply agreement for ceramic road markers with Renco
Supply, Inc., for $26,807 based on low bid. The term of the contract will
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 will be used by the Traffic Engineering Division.
The foregoing Motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
3. M88-0208
Motion approving supply agreements for automotive, utility, and lawnmower
batteries with Energy Battery for an estimated annual total of $28,592; and
with Interstate Battery System for commercial batteries for an estimated
annual total of $4,056.84. The terms of the contracts will be twelve
months with option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject
to the approval of the suppliers and the City Manager or his designee. The
awards are based on low bids.
The foregoing Motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
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6. M88-0211
Motion authorizing the renewal of the existing airport liability insurance
from Arthur J. Gallagher & Company for a 15 -month period for a total cost
of $65,089.
The foregoing Motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
7. M88-0212
Motion authorizing the execution of an agreement for psychological services
in an amount not to exceed $42,200 ($25.00 hourly rate) for a period of one
year with M. D. Koch, PhD.
The foregoing Motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
8. RESOLUTION NO. 20472
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CORPUS CHRISTI
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT RELATIVE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARKING LOT
IMPROVEMENTS AT WELDON GIBSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CONNECTION WITH PROPOSED
IMPROVEMENTS TO HAMPSHIRE ROAD FROM BENYS ROAD TO PADRE ISLAND DRIVE.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 20473
APPROVING THE DEVELOPER'S APPLICATION AND AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $1,394.73 to BENNY J. BARNES, PRESIDENT OF IMPERIAL FOODS, INC.,
DEVELOPER OF LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK F, LAGUNA BUSINESS CENTER, FOR THE
INSTALLATION OF 330 LINEAR FEET OF 8 -INCH DIAMETER OFFSITE SANITARY SEWER
LINE; AND APPROPRIATING $1,394.73.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
10. RESOLUTION NO. 20474
AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION GRANT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $90,527 AND THE NEGOTIATION OF A CONTRACT WITH REYNOLDS,
SMITH & HILLS FOR CONSULTING SERVICES NOT TO EXCEED $100,586.00, TO
COMPLETE AN UPDATE OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MASTER PLAN.
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The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
11. RESOLUTION NO. 20475
AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION GRANT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $299,523 FOR A NEW AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIREFIGHTING VEHICLE FOR
CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; AND APPROPRIATING $33,280 FROM THE
AIRPORT BOND FUND FOR A TOTAL AVAILABLE FUNDING OF $332,803.
The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing absent at the time
the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 20476
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH LOS BLUES GATOS FOR THE USE
OF THE OLD CITY HALL SITE AND ADJACENT PARKING LOTS AT KINNEY STREET AND
SHORELINE BOULEVARD FOR THE SECOND ANNUAL CORPUS CHRISTI BLUES FESTIVAL ON
OCTOBER 2, 1988; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance was passed by the
following vote: Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting,
"Aye"; Schwing absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik
absent.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 20477
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH CIRCUS VARGAS CORPORATION
FOR CIRCUS PERFORMANCES ON THE SITE OF THE OLD CITY HALL AND ADJACENT
PARKING LOTS DURING OCTOBER 21-24, 1988; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance was passed by the
following vote: Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting,
"Aye"; Schwing absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik
absent.
14. FIRST READING
AMENDING SECTION 49-21 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE FOR A
MONTHLY INSTALLMENT PAYMENT METHOD OR AN ANNUAL INSTALLMENT PAYMENT METHOD
FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS ASSESSED COSTS.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing
absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
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15. FIRST READING
AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 23, HEALTH AND SANITATION,
SWIMMING POOL STANDARDS, SUBSECTION 3, TO PROVIDE FOR ANNUAL
FOR PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND
PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on first reading by the
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting,
absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik a
SECTION 23-57,
INSPECTION FEE
PROVIDING FOR
following vote:
"Aye"; Schwing
bsent.
16. FIRST READING
AMENDING THE PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE BY ESTABLISHING AND INCREASING CERTAIN
PERMIT AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES ESTABLISHED BY THE BUILDING, ELECTRICAL,
MECHANICAL AND PLUMBING CODES; THE ELECTRICAL LICENSING ORDINANCE; AND
ESTABLISHING FILING FEE FOR THE ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT; EFFECTIVE
NOVEMBER 1, 1988; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing
absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
18. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 33, OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS,
ARTICLE V, OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVALS, SECTION 33-93, HEARING, SUBSECTION (A),
DELETING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SET A DATE AND TIME FOR A
HEARING ON APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING
FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing
absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
19. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE, ARTICLE 33, PERMITS, PLATS AND FILING FEES,
BY DELETING SUBSECTION 33-3.01 IN ITS ENTIRETY AND BY RENUMBERING
SUBSECTIONS 33-3.02 THROUGH 33-3.05 TO 33-3.01 THROUGH 33-3.04.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing
absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
20. ORDINANCE NO. 20478
CHANGING THE NAME OF THE 800 BLOCK OF WOODLAWN DRIVE TO CLEOPATRA DRIVE.
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The foregoing Ordinance was passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Schwing
absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
In reference to Item No. 4 pertaining to the WIC Program Lease Expansion,
Mayor Pro Tem Strong inquired how far behind schedule the City is on the
construction of the facility, and Assistant City Manager Hennings responded by
stating that the original schedule three years ago was to have the building
finished by the end of this month; the City is behind about nine months from the
schedule; and there is a budget problem which the staff is trying to work out.
In answer to a question from Council Member Moss in reference to Item No. 5
pertaining to Property Insurance Renewal, City Manager Garza indicated that for
general liability insurance, the City is unable to find coverage that is cost
effective, noting that this insurance is for property, and the City is able to
obtain coverage. Mr. Garza noted that considering the amount of value that the
City is insuring, the premium is very reasonable.
In answer to a question from Council Member Berlanga in reference to Item
No. 17 pertaining to Amending the Code of Ordinances to delete the requirement
that the City Council set public hearings, Mayor Turner explained that this item
deletes the requirement that the City Council set the date for the public
hearing, noting that the Council will still hold the public hearing.
There were no comments from the audience on these items.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed: -
4. M88-0209
Motion authorizing a lease extension agreement with Corpus Christi Realty
Management, Inc. to extend the lease of 6,336 square feet in Commerce II
Business Park at 4410 Dillon Lane for an additional twelve months until
October 1, 1989, at the current rent of $5,258.88 per month. The space is
used by the Health Department for the Special Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children.
The foregoing Motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Guerrero and
Slavik absent.
5. M88-0210
Motion authorizing the renewal of the City's existing blanket insurance for
building, contents and electronic data processing property with W. L. Dinn
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(Chubb Insurance Company) for one year effective October 1, 1988 for a
total cost of $165,646.10.
The foregoing Motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Guerrero and
Slavik absent.
17. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 49, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, SECTION 49-1,
PROCEDURE FOR NAMING, RENAMING OR CHANGING NAMES OF STREETS, PARAGRAPH 5,
DELETING THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SET THE DATE FOR REQUIRED
PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye";
Guerrero and Slavik absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Items 21 through 25.
City Manager Garza withdrew Item No. 21.
In reference to Item No. 22 pertaining to the Report on Tax Abatement, City
Manager Garza gave special recognition to Assistant City Manager Utter on the
memorandum pertaining to this item, noting that Mr. Utter did a tremendous
amount of research.
Council Member Rhodes referred to the memo which the Council received,
noting that staff recommends that tax abatement should only be granted on a case
by case basis and inquired if this would cause a legal problem, and Assistant
City Manager Utter replied that staff does not believe there will be a legal
problem, noting that staff believes tax abatement has to be approved by the City
Council on a case by case basis.
Mr. Utter stated that each city has to set up its own guidelines and
referred to Section 4 of the Guidelines and Criteria for Granting Tax Abatement -
pertaining to (b) Required Findings, noting that in order to enter into a tax
abatement agreement, the county, the City and any school district must find that
the terms of the proposed agreement meet these guidelines and criteria. Mr. Utter
indicated that before anything can be done, the City has to come up with criteria
and guidelines. Mr. Utter stated that the state has no definitive guidelines
and criteria for tax abatement. Mr. Utter referred to criteria for areas to be
designated as a tax abatement area, noting that "be reasonably likely as a
result of the designation to contribute to economic development of City" is
broad enough, indicating that the Council has great latitude in setting up an
area.
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In answer to a question from Mayor Turner, City Manager Garza noted that,
hopefully, the criteria would be applied fairly and objectively, and it would be
on a case by case basis, noting that there is a provision that the City could
tie its decision to the school district's decision.
In answer to a question from Council Member Rhodes pertaining to the
Reinvestment Zone, City Manager Garza indicated that the proposal is not
similar, noting that under the Reinvestment Zone, there was not a choice,
indicating that under this agreement, they have to adopt their own guidelines,
noting that they would be independent of the City and make their own decision.
In answer to a question from Council Member Rhodes regarding different
criteria, Mr. Utter indicated that different criteria could be adopted, pointing
out that the Economic Development Corporation has tried to get the various
taxing jurisdictions to adopt the same criteria across the board.
After some discussion, Mr. Gary Bushell, President of the Corpus Christi
Area Economic Development Corporation, explained that the proposal is being tied
together at the request of Judge Barnes who wanted the county to have the
ability to grant tax abatement, but it is conditioned upon the school district
in that particular area agreeing. Mr. Bushell indicated that the City Council
is the first one to act on this proposal in Nueces County.
In answer to a question from Mayor Turner, Mr. Bushell explained that
procedurally, the Council would have to adopt the guidelines, and firms would
apply under the guidelines. Mr. Bushell stated that the hearing would be on the
size of the district that the abatement would be granted in, indicating that the
EDC strongly recommends that it be the entire City, county or school district to
avoid discriminating between property owners.
Mr. Bushell continued by stating that the program was prompted by an offer
from a firm that wanted to locate a new facility in Corpus Christi if tax
abatement were available, noting that the firm will make a $100 million
investment in the community, develop a vacant piece of land, and provide at
least twenty permanent jobs. He indicated that new industries and existing
businesses planning expansions which would generate at least 20 new jobs will be
eligible for the abatement. He stated that tax abatement would not be granted
to firms that would compete against businesses already here, noting that the
abatement would only be granted for the new improvements to the property and not
to the property's current value.
Council Members endorsed the recommendation, noting that it is an excellent
development tool, and after more discussion, Mr. Bushell noted that tax
abatement programs are being used successfully in cities across the United States
as a way to induce new firms to locate in their area. Mr. Bushell noted that
the current tax base would be protected under the program because existing land
and facilities would not be eligible for abatement, noting that to be effective,
the program also would have to be adopted by the school district and county,
indicating that it would have a limited impact on a business if the City was the
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only entity offering the abatement. Mr. Bushell noted that it is clear under
the state statute that each taxing jurisdiction has considerable leeway as to
what kind of conditions it wants to put on this. Mr. Bushell indicated that the
EDC feels that they will receive a positive endorsement from the Corpus Christi
Independent School District and that the Nueces County Commissioners Court is
scheduled to consider the program tomorrow.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, stated that
used, can be a good tool for Economic Development,
the other taxing entities. Mr. O'Brien indicated
urged the Council and staff to see that this does
that he hopes the Council completely understands the
tax abatement, if properly
noting that it does affect
that abuse is possible and
not occur. He also stated
criteria and guidelines.
In reference to Item No. 23 pertaining to the proposed improvements to
Oleander Park, Council Member Schwing indicated that there is tremendous concern
from the citizens in the community regarding this issue. Mr. Schwing made a
motion that this project be divided into two phases -- the first phase being the
beach improvements and infrastructure; and the second phase being the capital
improvements, and that today the Council approve only the first phase and defer
the second phase until after the community has had an opportunity to be heard by
the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee and contingent upon the funding
availability.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Rhodes who requested that after
the matter is discussed by the Park & Recreation Advisory Committee and is
brought back to the Council, that a site plan be presented to the Council.
Council Member Berlanga expressed the opinion that this is a very important
issue, and he believes that the Council should not move ahead with this
Resolution because there are many unanswered questions, and that the people in
opposition should have a chance to discuss this in front of the Park &
Recreation Advisory Committee. Mr. Berlanga indicated that he is against
approving the Resolution because more time is needed for consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Strong agreed that the project should be divided into two
phases and recommended that the Council allow the engineering portion to go
forward so that the Council will know what could be done and what is preferable,
and then it can be presented to the Park & Recreation Advisory Committee and the
public for comment.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, concurred with Council Member Berlanga,
indicating that the matter should be tabled until after the Park & Recreation
Advisory Committee hearing on October 12.
Dr. L. W. 0. Janson, 2925 Ocean Drive, noted that the Mayor's Task Force
did not consult the residents who would be affected by the improvements,
indicating that he read about the improvements in the newspaper. He indicated
that the residents want to express their views at the Park & Recreation hearing.
Dr. Janson stated that he had no objections to improvements to the beach,
indicating that he is in opposition to the restrooms.
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Dr. P. L. Hyder, 114 Oleander Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed
restrooms.
Ms. Rosie Garza, 2825 Ocean Drive, concurred with Council Member Berlanga,
indicating that the residents feel that the project is being rushed. Ms. Garza
noted that the residents were not given the opportunity to express their
opposition and requested that they be afforded the opportunity. Ms. Garza
indicated that if the improvements of the beaches will help the community, she
has no objections.
Ms. Fran Bernwanger, 2840 Denver, a former member of the Park & Recreation
Board, stated that she has no objections to beach improvements, but is in
opposition to structures on the Shoreline.
Mr. Raymond Hasker, 1813 Wallace, objected to structures on the Bayfront
and indicated that there should be a charge for use of the facilities.
Mr. Hal Watson indicated that Oleander is a nice park.
Mr. B111 Skinner, 2829 Ocean Drive, concurred with Council Member Berlanga,
indicating that more time should be given for consideration. Mr. Skinner
requested that the item be tabled until the citizens meet with the Park &
Recreation Advisory Committee.
Mr. Roger Wright, 2052 Hidden Lake, expressed the opinion that the
improvements are premature and suggested that consideration be given to other
locations. Mr. Wright noted that other sports have to pay fees, indicating that
the sailboarders are getting a free ride. He urged the Council not to move
forward until the Watershore Advisory Committee and the Park & Recreation
Advisory Committee have met.
Dr. Charles Allen, Chairman of the Task Force which made the
recommendations, indicated that they are concerned with congestion, litter and
patrol problems and will try to deal with those issues. Dr. Allen indicated
that they received no funding, noting that the architects and engineers worked
on a volunteer basis. Dr. Allen pointed opt that sailboarding will bring tax
dollars into the community.
Council Member Berlanga indicated that he will vote against the proposed
motion, noting that he is not in favor of the overall project at this time.
Council Member Moss indicated that the Watershore Advisory Committee will
meet on October 12, indicating that he would like to see this whole matter
tabled until three weeks from today.
Council Member Rhodes noted that she is opposed to building the structures
on Ocean Drive, but pointed out that it is important to fix up the beach because
it is unsafe and not useable.
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The vote on the aforementioned motion by Council Member Schwing passed by
the following vote: Turner, Pruet, Rhodes, and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Berlanga
and Moss voting, "No"; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero
and Slavik absent.
City Secretary Chapa pointed out that the motion passed to amend the
Resolution, indicating that the Council will have to vote on the Resolution as
amended.
There were no comments from the Council or audience on Item No. 24.
In reference to Item No. 25 pertaining to Compensation Pay Plan Amendments,
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, referred to the excess $3 million and
questioned the ability of the accounting staff who misplaces $3 million until
after the budget is adopted. He indicated that he is strongly opposed to
increases in salary for top management. Mr. O'Brien asked that the Council
reconsider the utility rate increases.
Mr. Raymond Hasker, 1813 Wallace, spoke in opposition to the pay raises and
the telephone tax and referred to various incidents in which the City has lost
money.
Mr. John Tanguma, President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters, supported
the three -percent increase for City employees, noting that some employees have
not received a raise in over three years.
Council Member Pruet expressed concern about the pay raise being across the
board as it relates to the management group. Mr. Pruet suggested amending the
ordinance, indicating that he supports a three -percent raise for salaried
employees. Mr. Pruet made a motion that the three percent for managerial group
be put into a pool; that the management group pay increases be dispersed as
merit pay, based on performance and qualifications; and that earnings of that
merit pay be at the determination of the City Manager.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Schwing.
City Manager Garza referred to the ordinance and read the heading of the
ordinance, indicating that the proposed motion is contained in the ordinance.
Mr. Garza noted that he would like to reserve the right to make the distinctions
on the managerial employees, indicating that he will make some judgments on
those. He stated that he does intend to grant salaried employees a raise, and
working with the Assistant City Managers, make a judgment as to what the
management employees would receive.
Mayor Turner felt that the ordinance was fuzzy, noting that it does not
qualify that salary raises for the management will be based on merit.
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Council Member Pruet indicated that he would like clarification of the
ordinance, restating his motion that the passing of the ordinance does not grant
automatic pay increases; and that any pay increases within the managerial group
be made on the basis of merit pay raises as determined by the City Manager.
The motion passed unanimously; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
21. Withdrawn
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22. RESOLUTION NO. 20479
AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN TAX ABATEMENT UNDER CHAPTER 312 OF THE TEXAS
TAX CODE AND APPROVING GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA FOR TAX ABATEMENT.
The foregoing Resolution was passed by the following vote: Turner, Strong,
Berlanga, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Guerrero and
Slavik absent.
23. RESOLUTION NO. 20480
APPROVING THE PROPOSAL OF THE MAYOR'S TASK FORCE ON SAILBOARDING FOR GROIN
AND BEACH WORK ONLY; APPROPRIATING $136,000 FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TRUST ACCOUNT; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AN ENGINEERING
SERVICES CONTRACT FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN COLE PARK.
The foregoing Resolution was passed, as amended, by the following vote:
Turner, Strong, Pruet, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Berlanga and Moss
voting, "No"; Guerrero and Slavik absent.
24. ORDINANCE NO. 20481
AMENDING COMPENSATION ORDINANCE 8127, SECTION 501, SALARY SCHEDULES A AND B
AND GRADE 8 SCHEDULE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTION OF AN APPROXIMATE 3
PERCENT GENERAL INCREASE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 1988; AMENDING COMPENSATION
ORDINANCE 8127, SECTION 510, MANAGERIAL GROUP 1988-89 PAY PLAN, TO
IMPLEMENT AN APPROXIMATE 3 PERCENT INCREASE TO THE SALARY RANGES FOR ALL
MANAGERIAL EMPLOYEES EXCEPT THE CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 1988;
AMENDING SECTION 551, ENTRANCE SALARY RATES, BY REVISING SECTION 551.1,
551.5, 551.6; AMENDING SECTION 552, ADVANCEMENT OF SALARY WITHIN A SALARY
SCHEDULE, BY REVISING SECTION 552.1 AND 552.2; AMENDING SECTION 700,
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SPECIAL COMPENSATION PROVISIONS, BY DELETING SECTION 701 ON ACTING PAY
STATUS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance was passed, as
amended, by the following vote: Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet,
Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Guerrero and Slavik absent at the time
the vote was taken.
25. ORDINANCE NO. 20482
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 20382 TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 1988-89 BUDGET TO
PROVIDE FOR: (1) GENERAL FUND (a) A 3 PERCENT WAGE INCREASE FOR
EMPLOYEES; (b) FUNDS FOR A SECOND FIRE ACADEMY; (c) SUPPLEMENTARY FUNDS FOR
THE CORPUS CHRISTI LIBRARY; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH COUNTY CLERK;
APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR SAID BUDGET; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance was passed by the
following vote: Turner, Strong, Berlanga, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Schwing
voting, "Aye"; Guerrero and Slavik absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report, and City Manager Garza
informed the Council that a Special Council Meeting needs to be scheduled in
order to sell the Tax Increment Bonds pertaining to the aquarium, and it was the
consensus of the Council that the meeting be scheduled on October 6th at 2:00
p.m.
Mr. Garza referred to the proposed trip for the re -commissioning of the
Wisconsin, noting that if the Council is planning to attend, the reservations
need to be made this week.
Mr. Garza noted that since 1983 the City has received the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, and Mr. Garza and Jorge
Garza, Financial Director, recognized members of the Accounting Department.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for liaison and other reports from the Council.
Council Member Moss noted that City Manager Garza and Police Chief Olson
were the subject of an article in the New York Herald in regard to recent
Hurricane Gilbert, and Mr. Moss commended Mr. Garza for the excellent job in the
preparedness for the Hurricane.
Council Member Pruet referred to the Tourism Task Force, noting that they
met last Thursday and discussed organization and will meet this coming Monday
to discuss funding, indicating that they hope to have recommendations before
lutes
..egular Council Meeting
September 27, 1988
Page 14
the Council by the third week in October regarding funding and organization.
Mayor Pro Tem Strong referred to the Building Inspections Task Force,
noting that they expect in about three to four weeks to vote on a draft
recommendation to the Council, indicating that the final recommendation will
come before the Council about the first week in December.
Council Member Berlanga expressed concern about the old Court House and
requested a status report.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not
scheduled on the agenda.
Mr. Harold Alberts stated that it is time for the City to review the policy
to keep Choke Canyon as full as possible and let Lake Corpus Christi suffer.
Mr. Alberts noted that Lake Corpus Christi has dropped 5} feet and has lost its
tourism and recreational value.
Council Member Schwing requested an impact report on the current policy of
the water level.
City Manager Garza noted that a report will be given to the Council. He
indicated that the major reasoning behind the policy was that Lake Corpus
Christi is shallower, more spread out and not as compact as Choke Canyon.
Council Member Berlanga noted that there are other problems around lake
Corpus Christi referring to the sedimentation. Mr. Berlanga made a motion that
the Tourism Task Force make a trip to Lake Corpus Christi to check into Mr.
Albert's concern. The motion died for lack of a second.
Mr. George Levy, 1229 Florida Street, expressed appreciation to the Council
for passing Item No. 12 relating to the Second Annual Blues Festival, noting
that Los Blues Gatos will work hard to make the City proud.
Mr. Bill Jensen, owner of a car lot on 5230 Ayers, stated that he has had
eleven break-ins and thefts in twelve months. He stated that he has called the
Police but nothing has been done. Mr. Jensen indicated that Commander Garrett
of the Police Department will send an unmarked car to check out the area, but
Mr. Jensen suggested that the unmarked car check out the restaurants where
several police cars are parked. Mr. Jensen referred to a vigilante group which
has formed among the car dealers and indicated that the City needs more
competent police officers.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Turner
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m. on September 27, 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 27, 1988 which were approved by the City Council on October 4, 1988.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the cl day of j'Lc,—
19
/La
/Betty Tur, er, MAYOR
r
Armando Chapa, City Secretary
City of Corpus Christi