HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/07/1989MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 7, 1989
2:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Frank Schwing
Council Members:
David Berlanga, Sr.
Leo Guerrero
Clif Moss
Bill Pruet
Mary Rhodes
Mary Pat Slavik
Linda Strong *
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney Hal George
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Betty Turner called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of
City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Port Chaplain Ed Gates of the International
Seamen Center following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United
States was led by Council Member Leo Guerrero.
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.
Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council
Meeting of February 28, 1989, and Mayor Pro Tem Schwing requested that all of
the questions he raised at the meeting pertaining to the code of ethics be
included in the Minutes, and Mayor Turner proclaimed the Minutes approved as
amended.
Mayor Turner recognized representatives of "Coastal Bend Youth City" who
presented the Mayor with a Home Girl Certificate from the children of Coastal
Bend Youth City in appreciation of work she accomplished for Youth City.
Mayor Turner presented a Proclamation in recognition of Texas Women's
History designating the month of March, 1989 as "Women's History Month."
Mayor Turner recognized Ms. Judy Mueller, President of the Corpus Christi
Branch of University Women, and presented her with a Proclamation designating
March 5 - 11, 1989 as "American Association of University Women Week."
MICROFILMED
.inut e s
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 2
Mayor Turner recognized the City's former Honorary Counsel from Spain, Mr.
Juan Gussoni, who acknowledged the Council and was presented the City's official
pin by Council Member Berlanga.
* Council Member Strong arrived at 2:15 p.m.
Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting at 2:15 p.m. to go into closed
session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Section 2(g), of V.A.C.S., to discuss
Personnel.
Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting at 2:25 p.m.
City Manager Garza announced that the City and the Police Officers
Association have reached an agreement on a three-year contract. He stated that
it is a favorable contract and congratulated members of the negotiating team.
Enrique Garcia, President of the Police Officers Association, and Robert
Olson, Chief of Police, acknowledged their approval of the contract.
Mayor Turner referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the
following appointments were made by the Council:
Airport Advisory Committee CC Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Wallace Lundren Carole Snyder
Kennedy Causeway Advisory Committee
Cora Chisolm - Reinstated
B111 E. Roundtree
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions, Resolutions,
Ordinances and Ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 and 2.
There were no questions from the audience on Items 1 and 2.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to approve Items 1 and 2;
seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed unanimously.
1. M89-0062
Motion approving a supply agreement for magnesium anodes with Global
Cathodic Protection, Inc. based on low bid of $53,711.50. 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. The anodes will be stocked in the Warehouse
and will be used by the Gas Division for corrosion protection of pipe.
.inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 3
2. M89-0063
Motion approving the purchase of a well point system from Griffin
Dewatering Corporation for $16,766, based on low bid. The system will be
used by Wastewater Services and is included in the Capital Outlay List.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Items 3 through 11, and Council
Member Moss requested that Item No. 11 be withheld for discussion.
There were no questions from the audience on the other items.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
3. M89-0064
Motion approving the purchase of one 50,000 GVWR Cab & Chassis with a
Container Hoist from Lindley International based on low bid of $58,685.91.
This unit is to be used by Wastewater Services and is included in the
1988-89 Capital Outlay. Eighteen bid invitations were issued and three
were received.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
4. M89-0065
Motion approving Change Order No. 2 for $55,556.69 to the contract with CAT
Contracting, Inc. and Michigan Sewer Construction Co., A Joint Venture, for
the 111-37 Utility Adjustments, Phase B project; accepting the project and
authorizing final payment of $216,507.46 plus retainage interest to the
contractor.
The foregoing motion was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
5. M89-0066
Motion approving Amendment No. 1 to the contract for Engineering Services
with BMW Engineering, Inc. for technical services associated with removing
dieselfuel contamination at the City Transit Yard to include preparation
of a remediation plan and securing necessary approvals from Texas Water
Commission.
The foregoing motion was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
V'
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 4
6. M89-0067
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $21,500 to Gulf Coast
Construction Company for improvements to Molina Veterans Park.
The foregoing motion was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
7. M89-0068
Motion accepting a $50,000 grant from the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy
Foundation in memory of Mary Elizabeth Lytton and authorizing the City
Manager to execute an agreement for the installation and maintenance of a
rose garden within Heritage Park.
The foregoing motion was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
8. ORDINANCE NO. 20609
CLOSING THE HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS: Del
Mar College Area Streets - 1. Edwards Street, from Ayers Street to Naples
Street, and 2. Naples Street, from Edwards Street to Kosar Street; FIXING A
LIEN AND CHARGE, THE MANNER AND TIME OF PAYMENT AND COLLECTION; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Schwing, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes,
Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
9. M89-0069
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $482,864.30 to Bay, Inc. for
the Del Mar College Area Street Improvements.
The foregoing motion was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
10. RESOLUTION NO. 20610
AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE FOR GRANT ASSISTANCE UNDER THE
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT.
The foregoing Resolution was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong voting, "Aye."
In reference to Item No. 7 relative to the Acceptance of a $50,000 grant
from the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Foundation, Mr. Jim McCown, Executive
Director of the Kenedy Foundation, indicated that the grant for the rose garden
is given in memory of Judge Lytton's wife, Mary Elizabeth, who loved roses. Mr.
.inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 5
McCown noted that without Judge Lytton, there would be no Kenedy Foundation,
indicating that this rose garden is an appropriate honor for him.
Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting at 2:25 p.m. to convene the
JTPA Executive Committee.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting at 3:15 p.m. and called for
consideration of Items 11 thru 16, and Council Members requested that Items 13
and 15 be withheld for discussion.
In reference to Item No. 11 relative to the adoption of resolutions in
support of various bills and resolutions, Council Member Moss stated that in
reference to House Joint Resolution No. 11, he was told by Mr. George Moff of
the Tax office that it would exempt all oil and gas properties from City and
school taxes.
City Manager Garza indicated that most of the oil and gas reserves are in
the industrial district area which does not affect the City.
Assistant City Manager Tom Utter noted that House Joint Resolution No. 11
is known as the Freeport Bill; that bill was passed in the last session; and it
came up as a constitutional amendment which failed. He stated that the Texas
Municipal League's position is to support the Freeport Bill. Mr. Utter
indicated that it would have some effect on the City of Corpus Christi and a
large effect on the school and county. He stated that there is a joint group
who has prepared some figures relative to this matter and he will provide them
to the Council.
Mr. Garza pointed out that the impact on the City would be $16 million on
the tax base annually.
There were no questions from the audience on Items 11, 12, 14 and 16.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
Ila. RESOLUTION NO. 20611
IN SUPPORT OF HJR PERTAINING TO STATE FUNDING FOR NEW LEGISLATIVE MANDATES
ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
The foregoing Resolution was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent at the time the vote was taken.
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 6
11b. RESOLUTION NO. 20612
IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 1306 PERTAINING TO THE APPLICATION AND CALCULATION
OF THE FRANCHISE TAX.
The foregoing Resolution was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent at the time the vote was taken.
llc. RESOLUTION NO. 20613
IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 141 AND SENATE BILL 447 MODIFYING THE LIMITATIONS
IN EXISTING STATE LAW ON CRUISE SHIP OPERATION.
The foregoing Resolution was passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Strong
absent at the time the vote was taken.
12. SECOND READING
ANNEXING 2.973 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF LOTS 21 AND 22, SECTION 21, FLOUR BLUFF
ENCINAL FARM AND GARDEN TRACTS, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS, COMPRISING A PORTION
OF THE AREA KNOWN AS RODD FIELD VILLAGE; AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND SOUTHWESTERN
BELL TELEPHONE AS OWNERS OF SUCH 2.973 ACRES; FINDING ALL OF SAID LAND TO
LIE ENTIRELY WITHIN THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF CORPUS
CHRISTI, TEXAS, ADJOINING, CONTIGUOUS, AND ADJACENT THERETO; AND PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Schwing, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik voting,
"Aye"; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 20615
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH CHRISTINE HEINESH FOR
THE OPERATION OF MANUAL FOOD AND DRINK CONCESSIONS AT BILL WITT AND
GREENWOOD SOFTBALL COMPLEXES.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Schwing, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik voting,
"Aye"; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken.
16. ORDINANCE NO. 20617
CLOSING AND ABANDONING NORTH SHORELINE BOULEVARD FROM THE SOUTH LINE OF
PEARL STREET TO A POINT 100 FEET SOUTH; CANAL AVENUE FROM THE EXTENSION OF
THE EASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THE PUBLIC ALLEY IN BLOCK 3, CORPUS BEACH
HOTEL ADDITION, TO ITS WESTERN END AT SURFSIDE BOULEVARD; SURFSIDE
BOULEVARD FROM THE SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY OF CANAL AVENUE TO THE SOUTH LINE OF
PEARL STREET; BENNETT STREET FROM SAID EXTENSION OF THE EASTERLY
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 7
RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THE PUBLIC ALLEY IN BLOCK 3, CORPUS BEACH HOTEL ADDITION,
TO ITS END AT U.S. HIGHWAY 181; AND THE PUBLIC ALLEYS IN BLOCKS 3 AND 4,
BROOKLYN ADDITION AND BLOCKS 3 AND 4, CORPUS BEACH HOTEL ADDITION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Schwing, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes and Slavik voting,
"Aye"; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
In reference to Item No. 13 relative to the Annexation Contracts and
Ordinances for King's Crossing (96.0 acres), Council Member Slavik indicated
that she will vote against this Ordinance. She indicated that she feels that
contractual annexation can occur even though the public votes down this area in
the April 1st election, indicating that the public should have their vote first.
In reference to Item No. 15 relative to the Proposal for the Televising of
City Council Meetings, Council Member Slavik noted that Bob Gilmartin had
spoken at the Council Meeting in reference to this matter and presented some
figures to the Council. Mrs. Slavik inquired if Mr. Gilmartin had been
contacted relative to those figures.
City Manager Garza responded by stating that he does not recall being asked
to contact Mr. Gilmartin, noting that staff was asked to use his figures and do
some comparisons. He stated that he will provide Mr. Gilmartin with the staff's
figures.
There were no comments from the audience on Items 13 or 15.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
13. SECOND READING
ANNEXING 96 ACRES OF LAND CONSISTING OF TWO TRACTS COMPRISING PORTIONS OF
FRACTIONAL SECTION 8, LOTS 16, 17, 18, 19, AND 20 SECTION 9, FLOUR BLUFF
ENCINAL FARM AND GARDEN TRACTS, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS; AND AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND
PEOPLE'S HERITAGE FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION AS OWNERS OF SUCH 96
ACRES; FINDING ALL OF SAID LAND TO LIE ENTIRELY WITHIN THE EXTRATERRITORIAL
JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, ADJOINING, CONTIGUOUS,
AND ADJACENT THERETO; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
The foregoing Ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Turner, Schwing, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet and Rhodes voting, "Aye";
Slavik voting, "No"; Strong absent at the time the vote was taken.
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 8
15. ORDINANCE NO. 20616
GRANTING TO TCI CABLEVISION OF TEXAS, INC. AN AMENDMENT TO THE CABLE
TELEVISION FRANCHISE GRANTED IN ORDINANCE NO. 16133, TO EXTEND SAID
FRANCHISE FOR FIVE YEARS IN CONSIDERATION OF TCI PROVIDING CERTAIN
EQUIPMENT, CONTRIBUTIONS AND SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF PROGRAMMING ON THE
GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS CHANNEL; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION; AND
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Schwing, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet, Rhodes, Slavik and Strong
voting, "Aye."
NOTE: Council Member Strong was absent from the Council Chambers when the
vote was taken on this ordinance but before the Council Meeting
adjourned, she indicated that she would like her vote to reflect
"Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for the third reading of the Ordinance on the Adoption
of the Mustang -Padre Islands Area Development Plan, An Element of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Council Member Slavik stated that she would like to have a unanimous vote
on this plan. She indicated that she will vote "No" on the Ordinance because
she has continuing concerns about naming a specific boat pass, noting that
funding is not and will not be available in the foreseeable future. Mrs.
Slavik quoted from an old article in the Caller -Times which agrees with her
views.
Mayor Turner pointed out that the editorial Mrs. Slavik referred to
addresses the issue of building a boat pass, indicating that the Council is
addressing the issue of including the boat pass in the City's Master Plan.
There were no comments from the audience on Item No. 17.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
Ordinance was passed on third reading:
17. ORDINANCE NO. 20618
ADOPTING THE MUSTANG -PADRE ISLANDS AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AN ELEMENT OF THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
The foregoing Ordinance was passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Schwing, Berlanga, Guerrero, Moss, Pruet and Strong voting, "Aye";
Rhodes and Slavik voting, "No."
NOTE: Council Member Strong was absent from the Council Chambers when the
vote was taken on this Ordinance but before the Council Meeting
adjourned, she indicated that she would like her vote to reflect the
vote, "Aye."
inutes
degular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 9
Mayor Turner called
City Manager Garza
Chief of Police and the
enforcement practices.
Mr. Garza indicated
discuss House Bills 1039
to the Council.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
for the City Manager's report.
informed the Council that he has been working with the
marina staff relative to changing some of the marina
that he would like Assistant City Manager Tom Utter to
and 1128 and actual copies of the bills were presented
Assistant City Manager Utter noted that HB 1039 defines the method by which
a junior college district can increase its boundaries, stating that the Del Mar
Junior College district has boundaries presently coterminous with the City
limits of Corpus Christi. Mr. Utter noted that this bill requires the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board to define the service area for each public
junior college district, and in addition defines the method by which an election
can be held to bring those areas within the taxing jurisdiction of the junior
college district. He stated that he has discussed this extensively with Mr.
Buddy Venters, of Del Mar College, who is supporting the bill. Mr. Utter
requested the Council's support of House Bill 1039.
Mr. Utter stated that opposition to House Bill 1128 is requested from the
Council. He indicated that House Bill 1128 gives the Texas Water Commission the
right to review and modify on its own motion or on a motion of Executive
Director of the Water Commission the terms and conditions of any water permit
issued by the Commission. Mr. Utter noted that this provision of unilateral
review power by the Texas Water Commission is unwarranted, unjustified, provides
a clear and present danger to the City's water rights, and should be opposed
vigorously.
Mayor Turner stated that the Council concurs with Mr. Utter's
recommendations, and Council Member Rhodes indicated that she would like to read
over House Bill 1039 before she gives her concurrence. Mr. Utter pointed out
that it is not necessary for the Council to take immediate action on these
bills.
City Manager Garza commented on a letter from Mr. Wheeler Lipes, President
of Memorial Medical Center, stating that the Board of Directors passed a
resolution indicating their intent to discontinue their contract for ambulance
services with the City after 1991. Mr. Garza noted that they do not want the
City to count on any money from them after 1990. He stated that he will keep
the Council informed of the entire process.
Council Member Slavik inquired if there is a legal way the City can make
Memorial Medical Center help the City, and City Manager Garza responded by
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 10
stating there probably is no legal way. He stated that it would be more of a
sense of obligation; they initiated the program along with the City; and have a
responsibility in keeping it up. Mr. Garza stated that they are facing great
operating deficits; there is still a bona fide reason for them to remain
involved; and technically, they can disengage themselves if they want to. Mr.
Garza indicated that a suggestion was made that the RTA provide that service
instead of the City.
Council Member Strong inquired if the City's ambulance service provides
county services, and City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative.
Mrs. Strong stated that there is always the possibility of the county
participating in an ambulance service which does not come from the budget of the
hospital district. She stated that the Ambulance Advisory Board has been aware
of this situation and is actively exploring options to upgrade and fund the
system. Mrs. Strong indicated that they have already contacted the RTA.
Mr. Garza reminded the Council of Corpus Christi Day in Austin on March 21
which is on a Council Meeting Day. He stated that it is important for the
Council to go to Austin to attend the reception for this honor.
Discussion followed, and Council Member Strong suggested that the Council
Meeting on March 21 begin at 9:00 a.m., and it was the consensus of the Council
to conduct the Council Meeting at 9:00 a.m. on March 21 and have the workshop
relative to wastewater on March 28.
Mr. Garza stated that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee has been
considering the question of an RV Park on Corpus Christi beach, noting that
there was a split vote relative to this situation. He commented on a letter
from Mr. Jim Hall of Dallas, Texas relative to building an RV facility on Corpus
Christi Beach. Mr. Garza indicated that investors are interested in that
concept.
Council Member Guerrero pointed out that the Committee did not realize it
was City -owned property and that is why the vote was split.
In answer to a question from Mayor Turner relative to moving this concept
forward, Mr. Garza stated that the City needs to put an RFP together and make
sure there is good competition.
Council Member Strong stated that she has heard concerns relative to the
design of the RFP, indicating that it is important that the RFP be designed well
enough so that potential developers know what is expected of them up front.
Mayor Turner requested a copy of the RFP which will be sent out, and Mr.
Garza indicated that it will be sent out in the Council's packet.
Mr. Garza commented on his recent trip to Kingsville and stated that
representatives are interested in working with the City in marketing the area.
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 11
Mayor Turner commended Assistant City Manager Tom Utter, Molly Childs and
the people in Austin working on the City's behalf relative to Senate Bill 647
which was passed yesterday in support of the college merger and the four—year
college concept in Corpus Christi. She stated that it is important that the
Council attend Corpus Christi Day in Austin, noting that talking to legislators
is critical. Mayor Turner suggested putting together a Resolution in
appreciation of Senator Truan for his role in the passage of that legislation.
She asked that staff draft a Resolution in recognition of Senator Truan.
Mayor Turner commented on the health fair conducted last weekend and the
importance of purchasing the defibrillator for the Corpus Christi Fire
Department, and City Manager Garza indicated that item will be brought up during
the meeting of the Corpus Christi Health Facilities Development Corporation.
Mayor Turner referred to the workshop scheduled for March 14 on the code of
ethics and stated that several people would like to comment on this subject and
if the Council concurs, she would like the public to have input at the workshop.
Council Member Rhodes requested that during the meeting an explanation of
the code of ethics be provided by Assistant City Attorney Jimmy Bray or Senior
Assistant Tomas Duran.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for liaison and other reports from the Council.
Council Member Slavik complimented citizens who conducted the recent Health
Fair.
Mrs. Slavik inquired about a rumor relative to Westinghouse leaving the
island. She requested that the staff check it out.
Council Member Guerrero referred to the upcoming workshop meeting on the
code of ethics and asked if the organizations who will provide input could
submit their concerns in writing because it would help the staff prepare for
their presentation. He asked that the Council be provided a copy.
* * * * * * * * * * *_ * *
Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not
scheduled on the agenda.
Mr. R. J. Herschbach, 4650 Hakel Drive, indicated that he spoke at last
week's Council Meeting. He commented on an actuary study which is underway
relative to the situation of the Corpus Christi Firemen's Relief and Retirement
Fund.
City Manager Garza indicated that the City has two votes on the Firemen's
Relief and Retirement Fund Board, naming Bill Hennings and the Director of
inutes
regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 12
Finance. Mr. Garza indicated that they will make sure the problem comes before
the Board for discussion and that a report will be provided the Council.
Mr. Terry Whitmire, 8250 Old Brownsville Road, commented on the subject of
the permits and inspection fees. He stated that he has attended every advisory
board meeting held relative to this subject and suggested that all the board
have a joint board meeting under the Council workshop rules.
Council Member Strong noted that it is obvious that there are some
language definitions which exist in the law at City level which are dramatically
different on the various boards. She indicated they they are moving closer to
some sort of a resolution and concurred with Mr. Whitmire's suggestion relative
to a workshop session of all three boards. Mrs. Strong indicated that there
could be a resolution to the situation by the first of April.
Mr. Whitmire then presented a letter to the Council relative to suggestions
regarding the code of ethics.
Mr. A. C. Johnson, Coastal Bend Truck Center, presented material to the
Council. He commented on problems he has had relative to the City's bidding
process, whereby he was the low bidder on two bids but did not receive the bid.
He indicated that the specifications are slanted in favor of what the City
wants. Mr. Johnson also commented on an article in the local newspaper relative
to the code of ethics.
Council Member Guerrero pointed out that the City Charter indicates that
the City is not obligated to accept the low bid but the best bid.
Mr. Bill Lithrop, 4325 Bray, stated that he appeared before the Council a
year ago relative to a complaint on bid specifications and sole -source
practices. He asked that the Council do something about the situation because
it is costing millions of taxpayer dollars.
Mayor Turner stated that if the City prepares specifications that lead to
sole -source bids, that information should be indicated up front because it is
very costly to the bidders. She stated that the City needs to provide the
bidders with good reason why the low bid was not accepted if it was in the best
interest of the City.
Mr. Raymond Turner, a bidder on City trucks, questioned the City's bidding
and procedure process. Mr. Turner also commented on the article in the
newspaper relative to the code of ethics and Frank Schwing's company.
Discussion on this matter followed and City Manager Garza indicated that
the bidding procedure changed when he took office; he is aware of some problems;
and he has made some changes which will lead to a smoother running City
automotive garage.
Anutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 1989
Page 13
Council Member Slavik commented on a suggestion made relative to the
appointment of an independent bid review appeal committee.
Council Member Strong requested that the Council be provided with a general
statement of the changes that City Manager Garza has instituted in the
automotive area.
Mr. Robert Reyna, 1821 Roslyn, stated that he is in favor of purchasing the
defibrillator unit for the City. He commented on a crowded situation in the
hallways at the fire station on Morgan and Tenth Avenues. Mr. Reyna stated that
the public needs to be made aware of the hazard which the firefighters face. He
questioned why the Council is only now concerned about public safety.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting at 4:30 p.m. to convene the
meetings of the Corpus Christi Health Facilities Corporation and the Corpus
Christi Housing Finance Corporation.
Following those two meetings, Mayor Turner declared the Council Meeting
adjourned at 4:45 p.m. on March 7, 1989.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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 March 7,
1989 which were approved by the City Council on March 14, 1989.
/WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the / 3 day of
19 ay.
Armando Chapa, City Secrtary
City of Corpus Christi
<c 12'L
etty Tur er, MAYOR