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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/25/1989PRESENT Mayor Betty Turner Mayor Pro Tem Clif Moss Council Members: David Berlanga, Sr. Leo Guerrero Tom Hunt Edward A. Martin Joe McComb Mary Rhodes Frank Schwing * Vaza-C- MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 25, 1989 2:00 p.m. 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 Pastor John Gibbs of Oak Park United Methodist Church following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member David Berlanga. City Secretary Armando 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 Special Workshop and Regular Council Meetings of April 18, 1989 and there being no additions or corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Turner referred to the update on the Ultimate Yacht Race and informed the Council that Mr. Toby Darden had requested that the presentation be delayed until next week's Council Meeting. * Council Member Schwing arrived at 2:05 p.m. Mayor Turner Community Center, Community Center indicated that if in September. acknowledged Ms. Dorothy Kucera, a representative of the Art who provided an update of the work in progress at the Art and presented slides of the proposed building. Ms. Kucera the fundraising is successful, the project will be completed Mayor Turner recognized Judge Eduardo de Ases who expressed appreciation to Assistant City Secretary Dorothy Zahn and other City employees for their assistance and cooperation in providing the use of the City Council Chambers for the naturalization ceremonies of sixty new citizens. MICROFILMED Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions, Resolutions, Ordinances and Ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 5. Relative to Item No. 1 on the Purchase of Hepatitis B Vaccine for Firefighters, Mayor Pro Tem Moss questioned the high price of the vaccine and inquired if doctors charge that much, and City Manager Garza responded by stating that the City's prices are competitive with what a doctor would pay if he purchased the vaccine. Mr. Garza indicated that the City had not done this before; it is in the state statute; it had been overlooked in the past; and it was brought to the City's attention. Relative to Items 4 and 5 on the Execution of Agreements with the Bethune Day Care Nursery School and the Neighborhood Centers Agreement, Council Member McComb referred to the abundant supply of empty buildings in the City and asked if the buildings could be leased instead of being built, and City Manager Garza responded by stating that Item No. 4 is a proposal made by the Bethune Day Care Nursery School as part of the CDBC Program and the idea of leasing a building had not been approached. In answer to a question from Mr. McComb, Assistant City Manager Elizondo stated that the property at Bethune Day Care Nursery is currently owned by the Housing Authority and they have given the school notice to vacate so the building can be torn down. He stated that the school is entering into a long-term lease agreement for the land with the Housing Authority; they are constructing a new facility on site; and it will be owned by the Bethune Day Care Nursery School. Council Member Rhodes pointed out that the nursery school and neighborhood centers service the children in those neighborhoods and have to be located in the neighborhood area. Relative to Item No. 5 on the construction of a facility for the Neighborhood Centers, Council Member Martin inquired about the building, and City Manager Garza responded by stating that it will be a cheap building, noting that there is a concern that there is not enough money to build a good structure. He stated that the centers are required to raise some money and the City will review the proposal to see if it is feasible. In answer to a question from Council Member Martin, Assistant City Manager Elizondo stated that the intent is to bid the project; the centers have $25,000 in hand already; some of the scope of the work will be done by their Board of Directors and Volunteers; and they will be using City funds. Council Member Martin requested that the Council be informed when the bids come in. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 3 There were no questions from the audience on Items 1 thru 5. A motion was made by Council Member McComb to approve Motions 1 thru 5; seconded by Council Member Schwing and passed unanimously. 1. M89-0106 Motion approving the purchase of Hepatitis B Vaccine at a cost of $32,639 from Merk Sharp & Dol -me based on sole source. The item will be used by the Fire Department for an immunization program to protect Firefighters exposed during potentially high-risk working conditions. 2. M89-0107 Motion approving the purchase of street name blanks, blades and brackets from Hall Signs, Inc. based on low bid of $41,511.35. These items will be used by the Traffic Engineering Division. 3. 1489-0108 Motion approving a supply agreement for T. D. Williamson Hot Tap Fittings to T. D. Williamson Co. based on sole source for a total of $44,084.30. The term of the contract will be for twelve months with an option to extend for an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. These fittings will be used by the Gas Department. 4. 1489-0109 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary agreement with Bethune Day Care Nursery School, Inc. for the construction of a new day care facility to be located at 1002 Coke Street. 5. M89-0110 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary agreement with the Neighborhood Centers of Corpus Christi, Inc. for the construction of a multi-purpose building at the Molina Neighborhood Center site. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Items 6 thru 12, and Council Members requested that Items 6 and 7 he 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: Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 4 8. SECOND READING CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE 35 FOOT LONG BY 60 FOOT WIDE STUBOUT PORTION OF BURTON LANE IN LOT 3, MOORE PLAZA; PROVIDING FOR REPLATTING. The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 9. SECOND READING AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT ALLOW THE INSTALLATION OF 15 BUILDING CANOPIES RIGHTS-OF-WAY OF LEOPARD AND ARTESIAN STREETS. The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, voting, "Aye." 10. SECOND READING WITH GUY ALLISON TO ABOVE THE PUBLIC the following vote: Rhodes and Schwing AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAKES MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC. TO ALLOW THE INSTALLATION OF UNDERGROUND CABLES, CONDUITS AND AN EXISTING SPRINKLER SYSTEM WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY OF YORKTOWN BOULEVARD FOR A FEE OF $300. The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 11. SECOND READING AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 38, PEDDLERS, VENDORS, ITINERANT MERCHANTS AND SOLICITORS, SECTION 38-13, PERMITS - DENIAL OR REVOCATION, TO INCLUDE VIOLATION OF ANY STATE STATUTE OR FEDERAL LAW OR THE APPLICANT HAVING TWO OR MORE PERMITS REVOKED IN THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR BECAUSE OF FRAUD OR MISREPRESENTATION AS GROUNDS FOR DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF A CITY PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing Ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 12. ORDINANCE NO. 20652 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI BY AMENDING ARTICLE 5, "R -1A" ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 5-2, USE REGULATIONS, BY ADDING A NEW PARAGRAPH (4); AMENDING ARTICLE 8A, "A -1A APARTMENT HOUSE DISTRICT REGULATIONS, SECTION 8A-2, USE REGULATIONS BY Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 5 ADDING A NEW PARAGRAPH (5); AMENDING ARTICLE 26, NONCONFORMING USES, SECTION 26-11; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. The foregoing Ordinance was passed on third reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Relative to Item No. 6 on Zoning Application No. 389-2 - Ariel A. Garcia: "AB" to "B-1", Council Member Martin moved that the proposed ordinance be amended to allow for signage consistent with the "B-1" standards. The motion was seconded by Council Member McComb. Council Member Martin indicated that the Council should allow for the "B-1" signage but hold to the other conditions of the special permit. In answer to a question from Council Member Martin, Planning Director Brandol Harvey stated that regarding the standard regulations in signage, the "AB" signage does not allow any freestanding signs and limits a wall sign or a fence sign to twenty square feet. He noted that in the recommended ordinance, conditional "AB" signage that usually requires an extra permit with extra findings by the Planning Commission would be approved which allows one free standing sign at twenty square feet, a maximum of fifteen feet in height with no wall signs. He stated that "B-1" would allow one freestanding sign, forty square feet in area, twenty feet high and unlimited on wall signs. Council Member Rhodes noted that the City was working towards cleaning up the proliferation of unconditional signs in the City. Mr. Harvey stated that the primary intent cf "AB" is to limit signage to wall signs, noting, however, it was found that in occasional situations, a freestanding sign might be found acceptable. He stated that there is an "AB" conditional sign permit. Council Member Guerrero concurred with Council Member Rhodes and expressed concern about unlimited "B-1" wall signage in consideration of lighting to the neighborhood. Council Member Martin withdrew his motion. Mr. Harvey reiterated the zoning to Mr. Garcia by explaining that the "AB" conditional signage as part of the ordinance would allow one freestanding sign, twenty square feet in area, fifteen feet in height and no wall signs. He stated that it would allow a name plate to identify the business. In answer to a question from Council Member McComb, Mr. Harvey stated that the standard "AB" regulation allows at a maximum no freestanding signs, one Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 6 twenty square -foot wall sign or it could be placed on a fence. He stated that the conditional sign permit says, in lieu of those allowances, you may have one freestanding sign twenty square feet in area, fifteen feet in height. The applicant, Ariel Garcia, stated that the proposed business is a franchise and there are requirements he has to meet to bring the franchise to Corpus Christi. He stated that the proposed signage requirements would be a 4' x 10' pole sign and a sign on the front of the building. Relative to the special permit, Mr. Garcia expressed concern about the hours of operation, noting that Montgomery Wards is open on Sundays and expressed concern about the fence requirements, noting that the City is requesting him to build ten feet further. Mr. Garcia displayed slides of the the proposed signage and various signs in the surrounding area. He did indicate that he has the final option relative to opening the franchise. Mr. Bob Bridges, an owner of property on McArdle Street, spoke in support of Mr. Garcia's application, stating that he thought this case was settled several weeks ago. He stated that he went to the tax and appraisal offices and presented material to the Council relative to appraisals of property in the area. Council Member Martin expressed concern about approving an application which would make it impossible for the applicant to do the project. He stated that he thought a twenty -foot freestanding sign would be adequate and look attractive, indicating that the applicant should be allowed to put the name of the business on the front of the building. Mr. Martin made a motion that in addition to what is required on the special permit that the appropriate identification on the front of the building, not advertising but identification of the business, be allowed as allowed by "AB" zoning (20 sq. feet). The motion was seconded by Council Member McComb and passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Hunt, Martin, McComb and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Rhodes voting, "No"; Guerrero abstaining. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following Ordinance, as amended, was passed: 6. ORDINANCE NO. 20650 AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF ARIEL A. GARCIA BY GRANTING A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT FOR SPECIFIED "8-1" USES ON LOT 16 AND THE WEST 10' OF LOT 15, BLOCK 2 KOOLSIDE ADDITION; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance, as amended, passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Hunt, Martin, McComb and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Rhodes voting, "No"; Guerrero abstaining. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 7 Council Member Guerrero pointed out that the first condition on the special permit was to allow the muffler replacement and repair, noting that Montgomery Ward had been denied the opportunity to do muffler work because of the noise. Mr. Guerrero expressed the opinion that the Council may be opening up a can of WOrMS. Relative to Item No. 7 on Ordinance, Council Member Rhodes stating that this was not what was Amending Section 2-353 requested clarification discussed last week. City Manager Garza stated that the language as it is that a firm that you invest in would have to report their and he elaborated on examples. He stated that this removes does not remove the reauirement that the reporting officials real estate holdings over $2,500. (f) of the Ethics on this amendment, now written requires real estate holdings that requirement but report all of their City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following Ordinance was passed: 7. ORDINANCE NO. 20651 AMENDING THE CITY CODE, SECTION 2-353(f) SO AS TO DELETE THE REQUIREMENT OF REPORTING REAL ESTATE OF A BUSINESS ENTITY IN WHICH A REPORTING OFFICIAL OWNS STOCK OR EQUITY OWNERSHIP WITH A VALUE EXCEEDING 85,000 OR 10 PERCENT OR MORE OF THE STOCK OR EQUITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin voting, "No." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 13 on the Resolution appointing Municipal Court Judges for two-year terms coterminous with the terms of the City Council Members. Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting and the Council went into closed session pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Art. 6252-17, Sec. 2, V.A.C.S. Subsection (g) to discuss the appointment of the Municipal Court Judges. Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting at 3:09 p.m. and a motion was made by Council Member Berlanga for the reappointment of the current Municipal Court Judges for two-year terms coterminous with the terms of the City Council Members. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hunt and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following Resolution was passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 8 13. RESOLUTION NO.20653 APPOINTING RODOLPHO TAMEZ PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS; APPOINTING MELENE DODSON, BILL MONKRES, AND ROBERT J. GONZALEZ MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES; APPOINTING CHARLES A. VANAMAN MUNICIPAL JUDGE, DIVISION E. PART-TIME MAGISTRATE; AND PROVIDING FOR TERMS OF OFFICE. The foregoing Resolution was passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting and the Council went into closed session pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Art. 6252-17, Sec. 2, V.A.C.S. Subsection (e) - the Firefighter Contract negotiations. Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting at 3:40 p.m. She recognized Mr. John Tanguma, President of the Firefighters Association, who stated that he is also a member of the negotiating team for the firefighters. Mr. Tanguma spoke on behalf of the firefighters and updated the Council on their situation, stating that they have not had a pay raise in two years and were told that there were no funds. He stated that the City does have the funds to grant them a pay increase, and that they have attempted to negotiate in good faith. Mr. Tanguma indicated that the City will continue to lose good firefighters to other cities unless their salaries are increased. He commented on the analysis which indicated that the firefighters are 38 percent behind the police officers in pay. Mr. Tanguma continued by stating that their proposal is adequate; they want to be justly compensated; and the fact finder ruled in their favor. Mr. Tanguma referred to the issue of the appointment of Assistant Fire Chiefs, stating that they presently have a state-of-the-art selection type process which works perfectly. He stated that the union has requested that the conditions of the new contract be retroactive, extending to the day after the last contract expired. Relative to the issue of overtime, Mr. Tanguma stated that currently if they work 54 hours, they are only paid for forty hours, noting that this is an economic item. Mr. Tanguma indicated that the firefighters have not been dealt with fairly; they have been lied to; and the priority of the City should be with the people who serve Corpus Christi. Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting at 4:50 p.m. and the Council went into Closed Session to review the proposal presented by the firefighters relative to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Art. 6252-17, Sec. 2, V.A.C.S. subsection (e). Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting at 5:15 p.m. A motion was made by Council Member McComb to accept the fact finder's recommendation on the calculation of overtime; to accept the fact finder's recommendation on the selection of the Assistant Chiefs and the retroactivity Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 9 provisions; and to direct the City Manager to renegotiate the proposal on wages. The motion was seconded by Council Member Rhodes and passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza updated the Council on the situation of televising the Council Meetings. In answer to a question from Mayor Turner about the cost, Tomas Duran, Senior Assistant to the City Manager, noted that the cable company would provide the support and materials to begin the televising of the meetings. Mr. Duran indicated that the estimated labor cost would be about $1500. Mr. Duran commented on the issue of lapel microphones and individual monitors for the Council Members, and it was the consensus of the Council that these items be disregarded. Mr. Garza noted that the City has been discussing the tax collection contract with CCISD and Del Mar. He stated that Tax Assessor Ronnie Canales has made an offer to Del Mar to collect their taxes at .93c per parcel, and Del Mar has asked the City to match that offer, noting that the school district is unwilling to share the cost. Mr. Garza stated that Mr. Canales has also offered to collect taxes for the City. Mr. Garza requested direction from the Council as to how the City should proceed. He indicated that the City is very confident in their current collection procedures and the school district and Del Mar feel the same way. He stated that Del Mar has had a concern over the past years that because their tax levy is so small, they should not be charged as much on a pro rata basis as the school district and the City on that contract. Council Member Martin indicated that he thought that the issue of tax consolidation would be discussed this Saturday at the Council Retreat. Council Member Hunt expressed the opinion that the City should ask the other taxing entities, before the Saturday retreat, to provide their input concerning their desires on the centralization in consolidation of the tax collections. Discussion followed and Council Member Rhodes asked the City Manager for his recommendation, and Mr. Garza responded by asking if the Council has any objections to his trying to arrange either for them to collect for the City or for the City to collect for them, stating that he wants some flexibility in negotiating with Del Mar and CCISD. He noted that the options are: 1. that the City continue the tax office, 2. if one or two of the participants bow out, that Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 10 the City do it themselves, or 3. that the City talk to the county. Mr. Garza explained that staff has talked with Ronnie Canales and representatives of Del Mar and CCISD to figure out the direction. He stated that he thought the City needed to consolidate with the county because there will be some savings. Council Member McComb expressed concern and referred to the Chamber Task Force and the study which is being conducted relative to the elimination of duplication. He stated that the City needs to move forward on it. Mr. McComb indicated that whoever does the tax collections should collect them as efficiently as possible. Council Member Berlanga stated that he is in support of the consolidation and that the City should be well prepared and organized for the transfer. Mr. Berlanga inquired about the savings, and City Manager Garza indicated that there would be about a $120,000 difference relative to their collection effectiveness. Mayor Turner requested a report on what is being done in the area of joint purchasing, etc., and and a brief update on where the City is relative to consolidation. Mr. Garza commented on the request from Judge Barnes relative to the joint meeting with the Council and the County Commissioners, and there was a suggestion that a luncheon meeting be held on May 16th. City Manager Garza commented on legislative items, noting that state legislators are requesting some representation from the Council when the vote on the four-year university comes up. He stated that it is tentatively scheduled for May 4th but it is not a fixed date. Mr. Garza indicated that Representative Hugo Berlanga is going to introduce legislation which will allow cities under 300,000 population to set up an improvements district in the downtown area, and he elaborated on that. Mr. Garza informed the Council that the contract on the Frost Brothers Building closed yesterday. Mr. Garza referred to needed improvements at the Oso Plant in the amount of $31,379 which he authorized the staff to proceed with. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for liaison and other reports from the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Moss stated that he had received several complaints about the debris on the streets after the Buccaneer parade, and City Manager Garza indicated that he has asked Assistant City Manager Jesus Garza to check into this matter, stating that it will be taken care of more quickly in the future. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 11 Mr. Moss commented on a letter from Mrs. Adler of the School Board relative to parking at the Wyndham Hotel which he presented to City Manager Garza. Council Member Berlanga referred to the recent explosion on the Navy ship where so many sailors were killed, stating that he has received a suggestion that the names of those sailors be placed in Sherrill Park. Mr. Berlanga stated that it would be appropriate for the City Council to have a Resolution relative to this matter. Mayor Turner noted that there is no plague and suggested that this matter be referred to the Mayor's Committee on Military Affairs. Council Member Martin referred to the memo relative to the Library Advisory Committee wanting to be called a Board, and Council Member Rhodes indicated that it is important to them. Mrs. Rhodes stated that there are other Boards and Committees which have the same concerns. She stated that it would take an Ordinance to change the wording back to Boards. It was pointed out that the Library Advisory Committee, the Municipal Arts Committee and the Mechanical Advisory Committee wish to be called Board instead of Committee. Council Member Martin inquired about the plans for the Frost Brothers Building, stating that before an RFP is released that the Council should discuss strategy plans for the building. He stated that he would like a presentation relative to this matter, and Kelly Elizondo, Assistant City Manager, stated that there will be a presentation during the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation Meeting on May 9. Council Member Hunt also referred to the Frost Brothers Building and requested a full report on the background of how the purchase came about; who suggested the purchase; who furnished the information; and who the realtors are. Mr. Hunt also requested a full report on the status of the Police Department being located in the CP&L Building, stating that he has heard from reliable sources that it is not practical, and City Manager Garza indicated that the project is feasible and the City will be releasing specifications on the removal of the asbestos in a couple of weeks. Engineering Services Director Crull stated that the City is in the process of finishing up the plans and specifications for the demolition of the asbestos removal and have set a tentative bid date for May 31st. Mayor Turner inquired if the project was within the budget and on schedule, and City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative, stating that there was $6.1 million for that project. Mr. Hunt stated that he had heard that the project is over budget and that there is insufficient parking. Mr. Crull indicated that the building is in "B-6" zoning, stating that there are about 145 to 150 parking spaces on the Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 12 property, and Council Member Hunt stated that he understood there should be over 300 parking spaces and he elaborated on other concerns. Mr. Hunt indicated that he would like to see a re -assessment of the CP&L Building for the purpose for which it is being considered. Council Member Martin suggested that the Council should have a re -presentation on the purchase of the CP&L Building, and City Manager Garza stated that staff has that information available. Council Member Berlanga stated that everything associated with the purchase of the building was legal and proper; the City Council was always informed of all aspects of the purchase; and the sale has now been completed. Council Member Guerrero stated that he wanted to be sure that the City did not have to spend over $6 million renovating the CP&L Building to make it appropriate for a police building. He expressed the opinion that the information Mr. Hunt requested is appropriate, and if there is something that the City can do, they should abandon the plans. He stated that this probably was another bad decision similar to the decision made on the Frost Brothers Building. He expressed the opinion that Mr. Hunt needs to know these things and he felt that the Council should have another presentation and re -assess the plans. Mayor Turner inquired of the City Manager if he still felt that this was a good decision, and City Manager Garza stated that he still felt it was a good decision, but it is the Council's option to make some other choice even though he would hate to see another change in the plan because at some point and time, right or wrong, something must be done. He informed the Council that money has been spent on converting the CP&L Building to a police building. Council Member Guerrero inquired about the situation with the Woody's Lounge and Mr. Garza stated that he will provide a status report. Council Member Rhodes referred to Council liaisons that have been appointed to major entities and boards, explaining that she had been appointed as the liaison for the Port of Corpus Christi; Council Member Slavik had been appointed as liaison for the Botanical Gardens; and she would be willing to give up the Port and take Botanical Gardens if one of the new Council Members would like to serve in that capacity. Council Member Rhodes also pointed out that she and Council Member Guerrero are the Council liaisons for the City Secretary's office. She inquired if any changes needed to be made there. There were no objections from the Council Members; Mayor Turner inquired if any other members of the Council would like to serve in this capacity; and there being no response, she stated that Council Members Rhodes and Guerrero would continue. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 13 Council Member Schwing pointed out that $41,000 was collected in back taxes when the papers were signed for the Frost Brothers Building. Council Member McComb stated that he had been to Cole Park recently and it was his understanding that fire ants were prevalent in all of the City parks. He asked for a report on what can be done to eliminate them. Council Member McComb continued by referring to the retreat planned for Saturday, April 29th. He stated that he is concerned about the reserve funds in different accounts, and he would like to have a history of the last three years of the reserve funds and what the projected reserve funds will be for 1989-90. Mr. McComb then mentioned the poor condition of the Oso Golf Course and suggested that consideration be given to having someone else perform the maintenance on the golf courses rather than City crews. Mr. McComb stated that he had examined the budget and noted that according to a memorandum dated December 12, 1988 pertaining to economic development, there seemed to be an effort to make Assistant City Manager Tom Utter the leader for all of the City's various economic development programs. City Manager Garza responded by stating that he felt that someone should coordinate the efforts but he did not necessarily feel that the City should do it, stating that possibly the Chamber of Commerce might be the proper one to assume a leadership role. Mr. McComb expressed another concern in regard to revenues and expenditure reports under self-insurance in that there was an indication that the expenditures will exceed the City's revenues. He inquired if the Council felt that they should consider an insurance policy from an outside company to cover any major claims. City Manager Garza stated that he intends to cover the self-insurance fund at the retreat on Saturday. Council Member McComb then referred to the Tourist and Convention Development Fund and expressed some concern about the figures included for debt service and maintenance. City Manager Garza stated that they will have a report on this also on Saturday. Council Member Martin referred to the agenda for the retreat Saturday and suggested that unless it was very important, the report on sanitation should be delayed since the Capital Improvements Program and the Budget should be discussed, following which the Council goals should be considered. He expressed that too many staff presentations would limit the Council's discussion time. City Manager Garza stated that the staff would like to make the presentation on solid wastes because of the FPA requirements and the need for additional landfill. Council Member Hunt again referred to the Frost Brothers Building, noting that the recommendation for the sale was presented to the Council very quickly Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 25, 1989 Page 14 and without much thought. He then inquired if any Council Member had become involved in the closing with U.S. Title, and Mr. Garza stated that he assumes they were not. Mr. Hunt continued by stating that if one member had anything to do with this, there could have been a conflict of interest because of the relationship of a Council Member and a principal associated with the closing. Mayor Turner stated that the CAT Pool Insurance legislation is still in committee and the Bill will be very important to the community. Mayor Turner referred to yesterday' Services office ceremony at N.A.S. She for the location of that center, noting one of its kind in this country. s formal dedication for the U.S. Customs stated that Corpus Christi was selected that the surveillance center is the only Mayor Turner informed the Council that Congressman Solomon Ortiz and others are working on an interesting project in an effort to relocate the Navy's major recruiting training center in this community. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Bill Blackburn, 4513 Greensboro, spoke on behalf of the Corpus Christi Citizens for the Retarded. He suggested appointing a Council task force so that the City can provide more services for the mentally retarded and he elaborated on the needs for the retarded. He indicated that the mentally retarded would like to be placed on the City's budget and indicated that there are a large number of unmet needs for the retarded in the City which are not being addressed. Mr. Blackburn suggested that at least two Council Members serve on the task force. Ms. Ruth King, 5314 Pleasant Circle, a parent of a thirty-nine year old retarded daughter, expressed appreciation for what has been done in the past for the mentally retarded. She stated that there are several elderly couples in the City who have retarded children and require assistance. Ms. King commented on community home -style houses which have been established in many communities. Ms. Henrietta Newberry, a representative of the Corpus Christi Citizens for the Retarded, requested that the Council appoint two representatives to work with their group. She stated that Judges Barnes will be meeting with their group on June 20th and they would like Council Members to attend. She indicated that the group is not trying to get funds for MHMR. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Turner adjourned the Council Meeting at 6:45 p.m. on April 25, 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 April 25, 1989, which were approved by the City Council on May 2, 1989. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the /11 day of 1989. tty Turn r, Mayor Armando Chapa City Secretary