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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