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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/30/1989PRESENT 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 * MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MAY 30, 1989 2:20 p.m. City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Turner called the meeting to order at 2:20 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation which the Pledge of Council Member Frank City Secretary necessary quorum of to conduct the meetin was delivered by Council Member David Berlanga following Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Schwing. Armando Chapa called the roll and verified that the the Council and the required charter officers were present Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 23, 1989 and there being no additions or corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Turner presented a Proclamation to Mr. Mike Gordon, Acting Director of the Park & Recreation Department, designating June 4-10,1989, as "Learn to Swim Week." Mayor Turner recognized Ms. Pinky Brauer, President of the City Council PTA Task Force on Teenage Drug and Alcohol Use. Ms. Brauer and other representatives of the organization gave brief reports concerning their organization and related topics. A booklet of the organization's study on local teenage drug and alcohol use/abuse was distributed, and Mayor Turner indicated that this booklet would be forwarded to Ms. Jean Newberry who is on the Intergovernmental Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. * Council Member Schwing arrived at 2:30 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * MICROFILMED Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 2 Mayor Turner called for consideration of Consent Motions, Resolutions, Ordinances and Ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 5 and Council Members requested that Items 2, 3 and 5 be 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: 1. M89-0136 Motion approving a supply agreement for sodium chlorite solution with Rio Linda Chemical Company based on the low bid of $333,200. The term of the contract will be twelve months with option to extend for an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The chemical will be used by the Water Division for treatment of our water supply. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 4. M89-0139 Motion approving the request of the Texas Jazz Festival Society that payment in the amount of $8,912.82 owed the City for services during the 1988 Jazz Festival be deferred until August 1, 1989. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Relative to Item No. 2 on the Broadmoor Park Senior Citizens Center, Council Member Berlanga inquired as to the location of the proposed site of the center, and City Manager Garza responded that a map would be provided. Relative to Item No. 3 on the McKinzie Road - Haven to I.H. 37, McKinzie/Leopard Area Drainage, Mayor Turner expressed concern as to the selection process used to award contracts and also the fact that the company selected was not a local company. City Manager Garza explained that S.A. Garza, Engineers, Inc., the San Antonio based company recommended for award of contract for this project, does have a local office with O. B. Etheridge. Following the discussion on the foregoing issue, Council Member Guerrero made a motion to approve the contract on a contingency basis providing that 75 percent of the engineering work will be completed locally and that this data be Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 3 documented. The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin and passed unanimously. Relative to Item No. 5 concerning the Firemen's Advisory Committee, Mayor Pro Tem Moss questioned the need for the extension of time which is being requested, and City Manager Garza explained that granting the extension of time would not cause any problems. There were no comments from the audience on Items 2, 3 and 5. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2. M89-0137 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $193,000 to Progressive Structures, Inc. for the construction of the Broadmoor Park Senior Citizens' Center located on Tarlton Street and Wayside Drive. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 3. M89-0138 Motion approving an engineering services contract with S.A. Garza Engineers, Inc. for design of improvements to McKinzie Road from Haven Drive to I.H. 37 for a fee not to exceed $162,200 and for design of drainage improvements for the McKinzie/Leopard area for a fee not to exceed $40,000, subject to the stipulation that 75 percent of the work must be completed locally, and that this data be documented. The foregoing motion, as amended above, passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 5. RESOLUTION NO. 20681 AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 20574 BY EXTENDING THE DATE FOR COMPLETION OF THE FIREMEN'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S WORK AND DISSOLUTION OF THE COMMITTEE UNTIL JUNE I, 1990. The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner then called for consideration of Items 6 thru 12 and a Council Member requested that Item No. 6 be withheld for discussion. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 4 City Secretary Chapa informed the Council that Council Member Martin has submitted a Conflict of Interest Affidavit on Item No. 7 and will abstain from discussing or voting on the item. There were no comments from the audience on the other items. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were approved: 7. ORDINANCE NO. 20683 CLOSING THE HEARING ON STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING STREETS: South Staples Street, from Saratoga Boulevard to Oso Creek; 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, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin abstaining. 8. ORDINANCE NO. 20684 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A ONE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH CONQUEST AIRLINES FOR SPACE AT CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing Ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 9. FIRST READING CLOSING AND ABANDONING A 20 -FOOT WIDE PUBLIC ALLEY BEING IN BLOCK 1, HILLSIDE ADDITION, AND BLOCK 2, YOUNG ADDITION, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS BELOW; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE. The foregoing Ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 10. FIRST READING CLOSING AND ABANDONING A 10 -FOOT WIDE PUBLIC ALLEY IN BLOCK 13 OF HOME PLACE ADDITION, SUBJECT TO RETAINING THE ENTIRE ALLEY AS A PUBLIC UTILITIES EASEMENT. The foregoing Ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 5 11. FIRST READING OPENING KNICKERBOCKER STREET, A THRU STREET FROM WALDRON ROAD TO CLINE STREET, IN BLOCKS A AND B, ISLAND BUSINESS CENTER, UNIT 1. The foregoing Ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 12. ORDINANCE NO. 20685 AMENDING THE CITY CODE, CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, DIVISION 15, SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, BY AMENDING SECTION 2-173, DUTIES, TO PROVIDE FOR APPOINTING A SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing Ordinance 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 the U.S. Highway 181 Illumination System, City Manager Garza, in response to questions asked, answered that funding for this project is being obtained from bond funds and that upon completion, any remaining funds would be reimbursed to the City; conversely, should a shortage exist, the City would pay their pro rata share of the deficit. There were no questions from the audience on Item No. 6. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following Resolution was passed: 6. RESOLUTION NO. 20682 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A ROADWAY ILLUMINATION SYSTEM FROM THE SOUTH END OF THE NUECES BAY CAUSEWAY TO BURLESON STREET ON U.S. HIGHWAY 181. The foregoing Resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item No. 13 regarding the recommendation to execute a contract with Nueces County for the collection of the City's Ad Valorem Taxes, and City Manager Garza requested that an amendment be added to this motion authorizing him to continue to negotiate a contract with the Count?, since County Judge Robert Barnes has some concerns about the contract already prepared. utes gular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 6 Discussion ensued as a series of specific questions were asked by several Council Members, and City Manager Garza responded to their questions. One issue raised was the savings which would be realized because of the consolidation. City Manager Garza informed the Council that a savings would not be realized in the first year of operation, but would be realized in the ensuing years. The following amended motion was made by Council Member Guerrero; seconded by Council Member Rhodes and passed unanimously. 13. 1489-0140 Motion approving in concept tax consolidation with County, through its Tax Assessor Collector, for the Collection of the City's ad valorem taxes and directing the City Manager to work out the terms of the tontract to be approved by the City Council. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Relative to Item No. 14, intensive deliberations ensued regarding the 15th Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and Residential Anti -Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. During the preceding discussion, Council Member Rhodes stated that she would support the allocation of funds for the Boys' and Girls' Club provided that the money designated for the club would be placed in escrow until the club's Internal Revenue problems are resolved. Council Member Guerrero concurred. Council Member Hunt stated that he would like to withdraw the motion which he made during the Corpus Christi Housing Improvement Corporation meeting requesting that the Frost Brothers Building be given to the Heart of Corpus Christi in lieu of CDBG funding. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the CDBG allocations be approved as shown on the 15th Year CDBG Work Sheet attached to the back of the minutes, with several changes which he proposed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Schwing and passed by the following vote: Berlanga, Guerrero, Martin, Schwing, Moss, and Turner voting, "Aye"; Hunt, Rhodes, and McComb voting, "No." 14- M89-0141 Motion adopting the 15th Year Community Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Residential Anti -Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan and authorizing the City Manager to execute and submit appropriate documents to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for approval. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting at 4:25 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 7 Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting and announced the paving assessment hearing for the Ayers Street improvements from Norton Street to Santa Fe Street which includes assessments in the amount of $353,817.23 on 85 pieces of property. City Attorney Hal George explained the procedures and stated that the hearing is required by Article 1105-B of VACS which requires that the City prove that the property assessed will be enhanced at least in the amount of the assessments. He called as his first witness, Mr. Carl Crull. Through questioning of Mr. Crull, Mr. George determined that he is the Director of Engineering Services for the City of Corpus Christi; he has been employed by the City for nine years; he is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas with a degree in Civil Engineering. Mr. Crull described the project, stating that the street will be reconstructed with 6" standard curb and gutter sections and will be 62 feet or 48 feet in width within the existing right-of-way. He informed the Council that four foot or wider reinforced concrete sidewalks will be constructed and six inch thick reinforced concrete driveways will be included in the project. He stated that bus stop lanes will also be included as a part of the street project. Mr. Crull continued by stating that the assessment rates have been calculated in accordance with the City's current assessment policy based on the low bid prices submitted by King Isles Construction Company, Inc. for the total bid price of $2,432,000. He noted that the City's portion of the project will be $2,078,182.77. Mr. Crull also stated that Smith and Russo Engineering firm prepared the plans and specifications for the project; King Isles Construction Company, Inc. will have 360 working days in which to complete the project; but one of the concerns of many of the property owners included in the project is the planned elimination of head -in parking which the City usually eliminates or converts to parallel parking. He stated that the reason for this is that the traffic volumes on Ayers Street are increasing which makes the head -in parking a safety hazard and reduces the capacity of the street. He stated that along Ayers Street, there are approximately 200 head -in parking spaces, including some at Wynn Seale Junior High School. He explained that the staff feels that the primary purpose of this project is to improve the condition of the street, the drainage in the area and provide safer and better driving conditions. Mr. Crull also explained that if the property owner desires to pay for it and if there is room, the staff will direct that parallel parking can be installed in lieu of the head -in parking. Council Member Rhodes questioned how the parking could be eliminated without compensating the property owners. She stated that it was her understanding that off-street parking would be installed on City property in the area. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 8 Assistant City Manager Jesus Garza explained that all of those ideas were discussed and the conclusion was reached that the parking should be eliminated, and Mr. Crull stated that the Council has always had the policy of installing sidewalks as a part of the projects for street improvements. Mr. Crull then displayed pictures of the Ayers Street project area including the areas that have off-street parking. He stated that all of the funding for the project will be provided from the sale of bonds. City Attorney George called as his next witness, Mr. George Paraskevas. Through questioning of Mr. Paraskevas, Mr. George determined that he is a real estate broker and appraiser; he has been appraising both commercial and residential property for seventeen years; and Mr. Paraskevas testified that he is familiar with the project; he has examined each parcel and the assessment roll and is familiar with the project and the amounts proposed to be charged. Mr. George inquired df Mr. Paraskevas if in his opinion, each parcel along the street improvement project would be enhanced at least in the amount of the assessment. Mr. Paraskevas stated that most of them would be but he would like to recommend that full credit be given for existing sidewalks for parcels listed on the assessment roll as Item Nos. 29, 45, 51, 53 and 69. He stated that he would also like to recommend that 25 percent credit be given for existing sidewalks that are in fair condition on the items listed as Nos. 10, 11, 12, 20, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 54, 56, 62, 63, 64, 65, 70 and 71. Mr. Paraskevas continued by stating that, in his opinion, all of the other parcels will be enhanced at least in the amount of the assessment. Council Member Schwing inquired as to how many businesses will be affected as a result of the project, and Mr. Paraskevas stated that there are 85 items on the roll and it was his understanding that about thirty of them are businesses. Council Member Schwing continued by inquiring businesses .that are concerned about the elimination of Mr. Crull replied that twenty-eight property owners parking eliminated and of that twenty-eight, six or alternative parking. as to the number of the head -in parking, and will have their head -in seven do not have any Mayor Turner called for comments from the members of the audience. Mr. Bill Rayburn, 1911 Ayers Street, presented a petition to the Council containing thirty signatures of property owners who are in opposition to the elimination of head -in parking. He expressed the opinion that he and the other property owners feel that the elimination of head -in parking will be very detrimental to their business. Speaking on behalf of her mother, Mrs. Norma Johnston, and several other property owners, was Mrs. Rosemary Fahey, 1033 Harrison. She stated that the Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 9 amount of the assessment is excessive and her mother will be unable to afford it. She explained that her mother owns South Texas Heating and Air Conditioning and the assessment is very high even though Mr. Paraskevas recommended a twenty- five percent credit for the existing sidewalks. Mrs. Dorothy Spann, 502 Del Mar Street, stated that she shops in the area of Ayers Street. She questioned the statements by the staff that the traffic is beginning to be heavy on Ayers Street and they anticipate a greater traffic flow in the future. She stated that the only congestion on the street is at the intersection of Eighteenth Street where ButterKrust Bakery is located. She stated that the property owners who own small businesses are primarily concerned with the elimination of head -in parking and she concurred with that because shopping is much easier if the customers know that they will have a good parking place in front of the business. Mr. Rix Musslewhite, 5808 Wicklow, expressed the opinion that it would be a mistake to eliminate the parking on Ayers Street and force drivers to park on the residential streets. Mr. Jack Cooper, 611 Del Mar, a representative of the Del Mar Neighborhood Association, stated that they have been working very hard to rebuild their neighborhood and support businesses in that area. He stated that they have discussed with the RTA the possibility of restoring the Six Points bus change area, and although the association would like to see the streets improved, they also would like to see the small businesses survive. He suggested that this plan be delayed until a plan could be worked out for the Six Points area and the surrounding property. Mr. Charles Nichols, 3141 Gollihar, stated that he did not own any property or businesses on Ayers Street, but as a small business owner, he understood the people's concerns. The following owners of small businesses located on Ayers Street objected to the elimination of head -in parking: Mr. Doug Grover, 1306 Ayers Street; Mrs. Carol Brunner, 1306 Ayers, the owner of an animal grooming business; Mr. A. T. Ogg, 1811-21 Ayers Street, the owner of an antique store; Mrs. Virginia Garza, 1800 Ayers Street, the owner of Garza Electrical Motor Service; Mr. Henry Gutierrez, owner of Henry's Rental Company at 2302 Ayers Street; Mr. Paul Shamoon, owner of a business at 1808 Ayers Street; Mr. Tom Templeton, 4814 Ayers Street; and Mr. Joseph A. Allen, whose father's property at 3422 Ayers Street is leased to Professional Transmission Service. One other citizen speaking in opposition to the elimination of head -in parking was Mr. Claude D'Unger, 201 Del Mar Street, who agreed that the loss of head -in parking equates with the loss of business. He stated that if the Council approves this plan, many property owners will have to go out of business. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 10 A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the hearing be closed; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Moss and passed unanimously. Council Member McComb stated that he had heard for years that Ayers Street was badly in need of improvements. He inquired about the alternative and if it would be preferable to have a three -lane street or just allow the street to deteriorate. Mr. Crull explained that staff estimates that improvements would greatly improve the conditions of the street; improve the drainage; and provide better driving surface for all citizens in the City. He stated that the only option would be to build the same narrow street in existence now and the only advantage to that plan would be to improve the condition of the street. He pointed out that this street improvement project was a separate line item included in the 1986 Bond Program which was adopted by a majority of the voters. Council Member Martin agreed that the situation is rather frustrating because he was aware that the staff has designed this street according to City standards, but he was of the opinion that it would be well worthwhile if the staff investigated the possibility of resurfacing Ayers Street, improve the drainage, and leave the narrow street as it is. He pointed out that this would at least make the driving surface better. He stated that following this alternate plan might allow a savings of $1 million in the bond fund. He stated that he would like to give the staff as long as thirty days to come back with some alternatives. He indicated that he would place this in the form of a motion. The motion was seconded by Council Member Hunt. Assistant City Manager Jesus Garza stated that thirty days should be enough time to prepare a plan for resurfacing the street. He pointed out, however, that there are several other streets that are in the process of being designed which will have the same type of problem and on which head -in parking will also be eliminated. Mayor Turner called for the vote on the motion and it passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner announced the public hearing on the Central Power & Light Company rate request. She noted that the City staff recommends that the Council adopt the rate increase for Central Power & Light Company recommended by Diversified Utility Consultants, Inc. rather than the increase requested by CP&L. City Attorney George explained the procedures to be followed which is in accordance with the schedule sent to the Council from the City Manager. Mr. George explained that the CP&L General Manager, Mr. Dick Bremer, will address the Council first, followed by a presentation by the City's consultant, Mr. Don Butler. He stated that following these two presentations, members of the audience will be allowed to provide comments, following which a vote on the Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 11 first reading of the ordinance adopting the rate increase recommended by the consultants will be considered. Mr. George then provided background information on the presentation of the company's request for an increase in revenues of $157,554,732. He informed the Council that the Public Utility Commission will probably be the final authority on the request. He then referred to various reports presented to the Council prepared by Butler and Casstevens and by Diversified Utility Consultants, Inc. Mr. Dick Bremer, representing CP&L, stated that he has examined the proposed ordinance which would embody a fifty-three percent write-off of the South Texas Nuclear project. He noted that Unit 1 of that plant has been operating for several months and the second unit is ready for operation. He expressed the opinion that the plant is a state-of-the-art plant and the operators are quite skilled. Mr. Bremer continued by stating that the plant was constructed for fuel diversity during the time of the shortage of gas and oil. Mr. Bremer explained that the other issues involved in the request concern federal income taxes and franchise taxes. He stated that the fuel diversity will help reduce the cost of fuel, and they feel that STNP is essential to assure a supply of fuel for CP&L. He continued by stating that CP&L is asking for an increase in rates to gradually extend over a period of time and that a sixteen percent increase be approved at this time. He stated that after the phase-in of the rate increase, CP&L would keep their rates constant up until the year 2000. Mr. Bremer stated that CP&L would like to have the Council reject the rate increase as recommended because the appropriate place to resolve the rate increase request is at the PUC level. Mr. Don Butler, of Butler and Casstevens law firm in Austin, Texas, stated that he is the consultant representing the City of Corpus Christi and other cities in the CP&L service area. He stated that they have been working with Diversified Utility Consultants, Inc. and copies of their report have been made available to the Council. Mr. Butler continued by stating that seventy cities are involved in this case; in the last case the company requested an increase of $120 million and it was settled for $25 million. He explained that the consultants have recommended that CP&L be granted a one-time increase in revenue of $81,374,950 which they felt will fairly and reasonably compensate CP&L for the reasonable cost of the South Texas Nuclear Project and other expenses. He stated that there would also be a payback in the amount of $65 million composed of an over -collection of franchise taxes and the return of taxes that will not be paid in the future. He stated that the consultants recommend paying that back over a three-year period. Mr. Butler summarized by recommending that the ordinance be adopted because that is their responsibility and this will not slow the case down at all. He expressed the opinion that cities should retain as many rights as possible and they do have the right to set rates even though they may be referred to the PUC In Austin. He stated that he and the other consultants do not have any question Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 12 about the construction of STNP but they do question the cost of the construction. Discussion followed among the Council Members and the consultants. Council Member Martin stated that he had read through the material that was prepared and he felt that the only honest vote is to deny the rate increase, allow the staff and consultants the capability to negotiate on the City's behalf, and allow CP&L to present the case before the PUC in Austin. He reiterated that he felt that they should just deny the increase rather than approve the recommended one. Mr. Martin indicated that he would put this in the form of a motion, and Council Member Guerrero seconded the motion. Council Member Rhodes expressed the opinion that might be good for their constituents but it is not good for the City. Mayor Turner called for the vote on the motion and declared that it had passed, with Council Member Rhodes stating that she had voted "No." Discussion followed as to whether or not the ordinance should be voted upon, and City Secretary Chapa explained that Mr. Martin has amended the ordinance to reflect that the rate increase is denied. City Attorney George suggested that the Council might wish to hear from members of the audience before voting upon the ordinance. He suggested that the appropriate motion would be to delete Sections I and II and that the language should be added to the ordinance to deny the rate increase requested by CP&L. Council Member Martin clarified his motion stating that it is to amend the proposed ordinance by deleting Sections I and II and to add a statement that the increase in rates requested by CP&L will be denied. Mr. Jack Cooper expressed the opinion that if the Council votes to deny the rate increase, they are backing away from their responsibility to the citizens. He stated that if they vote to deny the increase recommended by the consultants, they will allow CP&L to go immediately to PUC. He pointed out that they will also be denying the recommendation of the paid consultants. Mr. Cooper also pointed out that the partners in the STNP plant have sued their contractor who started building the plant; they have a lot of infighting among the partners; the City of Corpus Christi needs to take a stand on this; and he urged that the consultants' report be accepted and that the Council comply with their recommendation. Mr. Charles Nichols addressed the Council and stated that he agrees with Mr. Cooper. He pointed out that it was his understanding that CP&L is a member of a holding company that has three other companies that are making tremendous profits in other states. He agreed that the Council should adopt the recommendations of the consultants and pass the ordinance as suggested. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 13 Council Members Guerrero and Hunt stated that they felt that the Council has no alternative but to concur with the recommendation of their consultants. Council Member McComb inquired about the amount paid the consultants, and Mr. Butler stated that there will be significant costs by HLP and CP&L consultants, but his company would have a very modest fee, noting that they charge by the hour and their rates are probably lower than any other consultant fees in Texas. A motion was made by Council Member Martin that the hearing be closed; seconded by Council Member Rhodes and passed unanimously. Council Member Martin stated that he would like to withdraw his motion to deny the rate increase, and the Council offered no objection to this. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance was passed on first reading: 16. FIRST READING APPROVING RATE SCHEDULES TO BE CHARGED BY CENTRAL POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, PROVIDING FOR SCHEDULES, CONDITIONS, SEVERABILITY, AND REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES. The foregoing Ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner, Moss, Berlanga, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * City Manager Garza provided the Council with copies of the proposed CDBG program funding that was previously approved. City Manager Garza then referred to the budget schedule. He pointed out that the discussion workshop sessions should be culminated with a public hearing no sooner than fifteen days from that date. Council Member Hunt stated that he had heard about some drilling leases that are in operation on Padre Island and he would like for the staff to provide a report on that. Mr. Hunt referred to the controversy in regard to the Roe Wickham situation, who has an alleged conflict of interest as a member of the Planning Commission. Mr. Hunt stated that he would like for the Legal Department to find out if there have been any dealings between Mr. Wickham and Mr. Ralph Durden. Council Member Martin referred to the budget discussion schedule and stated that he felt that the staff should be allowed to present the budget and the Council needs to have the time to address the policy questions. He stated that he would also hope to hear a presentation by each department. He suggested that at some point the Council should reserve a Saturday to conduct an all -day Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 30, 1989 Page 14 meeting to deal with the budget. He expressed the opinion that every Tuesday morning is not enough time and he would prefer to have one long session to completely resolve the budget. Following a short discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that the budget discussions will begin next Tuesday, June 6th, following the regular Council Meeting. * * * * * * * * * * * * * City Secretary Chapa stated that he had some questions that needed to be resolved on the possible election to be conducted in August. He explained to the Council that there are many things that his staff needs to do to start getting ready to call the election, such as making arrangements for all of the polling places. He stated that he would like to have the Council's direction on two questions: 1. the use of branch polling places for absentee voting which costs approximately $8,500 and 2. whether or not precincts should be consolidated to effect a further savings. Mr. Chapa explained that it is necessary for his staff to prepare a submission to the Justice Department and that needs to be submitted sixty days before the election. He stated that he was merely asking for direction from the Council on these questions. A motion was made by Council Member McComb that absentee voting be conducted at City Hall only. Mayor Turner inquired if this question could be delayed until next week, and Mr. Chapa stated that he would like to know as soon as possible because of the time element. Mayor Turner suggested that he go ahead and effect what savings he could in preparing for the election. Council Member McComb referred to the problem of the reopening of Reynaldo's Bar. He stated that he understood that it was a disturbing element in that neighborhood and it was his understanding that a hearing will be conducted by the County Judge the following morning. Mr. Tom Duran, Senior Assistant to the City Manager, stated that he was aware of the hearing and he was going to meet with Chief Bung of the Police Department to prepare information for the hearing. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Turner declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. on May 30, 1989. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Public Services Neighbors on Watch 15TH YEAR CDBG WORK SHEET Planning Commission Staff Amended 1,000 1,000 City Council 1,000 Parks, Playgrounds and other Recreational Facilities HEB Pool Improvements 45,000 T.C. Ayers Improvements 20,000 Neighborhood Parks 26,000 , Youth Sports Complex 175,000 ...Broadmoor Park Improvements 5,000 Crossley School Area Children's Park Equipment 20,000 Molina Veteran's Park 15,500 Laguna Park 45,000 20,000 26,000 175,000 10,000 25,000 20,000 20,000 205,000 5,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 - 0- 41,500 -0- - o - Street and Utility Improvements San Juan Area Street Improvements San Juan Area Drainage Engineering Design Wynn Seale School Area Streets Street Lighting Paving Assessments 208,000 155,000 740,000 740,000 -0- -0- 30,000 57,500 150,000 30,000 - 0 - 57,500 40,000 150,000 140,000 Elimination of Blight and Slum Code Enforcement Demolition/Relocation 66,000 50,000 66,000 66,000 50,000 40,000 Neiohborhood Facilities Pedestrian Bridge at Airport Ditch Greenwood Branch Library Expansion Ethyl Eyerly Community Center Communities In Schools Neighborhood Centers of Corpus Christi Laredo Street Mercado Boys' Club Facility Improvements 30,000 210,000 100,000 35,000 23,500 250,000 -0- 30,000 30,000 210,000 205,000 100,000 100,000 35,000 30 000 11,000 - 0 - -0- -0- 60,000 95,000 Rehabilitation Loan/Grant Programs Single -Family, Commercial and Historical Loan Program Emergency Repair Grant Paint Grant Rehabilitation Services Heart of Corpus Christi NCCAA Weatherization Program 1,000,000 1,000,000 450,000 450,000 50,000 50,000 500,000 500,000 150,000 -0- 50,000 -0- 1,000,000 450,000 10,000 500,000 135,000 - 0 - Planning and Administration CDBG General Administration Planning Landmark Commission 180,000 65,000 200,000 100,000 7,500 194,500 80,000 7,500 TOTALS $4,159,000 $4,159,000 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 May 30, 1989, which were approved by the City Council on June 6, 1989. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the /44 111 day of 1989. etty Turn r, Mayor Av1-1-r-e9 aelt Armando Chapa City Secretary