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
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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
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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