HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/19/1989PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Leo Guerrero
Council Members:
David Berlanga, Sr.
Tan Hunt
Edward A. Martin
Joe McCanb
Clif Moss
Mary Rhodes
Frank Schwing
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CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 19, 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.
At a request from Mayor Turner, Rachel Eatmon, a City employee, sang
"Silent Night" following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the
United States of America 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 Regular Council
Meeting of December 12, 1989, and Council Member Martin indicated a correction
on Page 6 under Item 8. There being no additions or other corrections, Mayor
Turner proclaimed the Minutes approved as corrected.
Mayor Turner recognized the Annaville Hop -A -Longs, a rope -skipping
demonstration team, and presented them with Certificates of Conmendation for
their representation of the City in an international rope -skipping
demonstration.
Mayor Turner acknowledged Mayor Emeritus Luther Jones, a representative of
the Texas State Aquarium Association, who presented the Mayor and Council with
silver pins designating them as official deputies of the Texas State Aquarium
Association.
Mayor Turner administered the Oath of Office to the following newly
appointed Board and Canmittee appointee: Pat Wolter - Library Board.
MICROFILMED
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 2
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting to convene the JTPA Executive
Board Meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 2:35 p.m. and
recognized Mr. Tony Bonilla, 1990 Chairman -Elect of the Corpus Christi Chamber
of Commerce, who gave a presentation regarding development on Padre Island. Mr.
Bonilla stated that the Chamber adopted a Resolution in support of Padre Island
development and believes that a strong camnitment must be made by the City to
meet the infrastructure needs of Padre Island.
Mr. Bonilla continued by stating that the Chamber proposes that the Council
consider establishing an Island Infrastructure Task Force to develop a draft
action plan. He stated that a suggested structure would be a nine -member task
force with three representatives appointed by each the City, Chamber and Island
2000 Task Force.
Mayor Turner stated that the City Manager sent a memo to the Council which
outlines the projects rued for the Island and denotes an effective action
plan and funding sources to implement that plan.
A series of questions were raised by various Council Members and Mr.
Bonilla responded to the questions. Council Members expressed appreciation to
the Chamber for taking a position in this matter, and after a suggestion by
Mayor Turner, Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero made a motion that the City Manager present
an action agenda to the Council, including a time frame and funding mechanisms
for projects on the Island for Council debate and action. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Berlanga.
Council Members Rhodes and Hunt expressed the opinion that the Council does
want infrastructure improvements on the Island, but not a Reinvestment Zone; and
that this is one more attempt to get a Reinvestment Zone on the Island.
After more discussion, a motion was made by Council Member McComb to adopt
the Resolution presented by the Chamber of Commerce. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Berlanga.
The motion by Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero paased by the following vote: Turner
Guerrero, Berlanga, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes arra Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt
voting, "No."
The motion by Council Member McComb passed by the following vote: Turner,
Guerrero, Berlanga, Martin, McCanb, Noss and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt and
Rhodes voting, "No."
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 3
Mr. Bart Braselton, President of the Future of Corpus Christi, stated that
his organization fully supports the Resolution presented by the Chamber of
Commerce.
Mr. Harris Phillips, a resident on the Island, requested that an Island
neigborhood group be represented on the task force if it is formed.
Mayor Turner called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions,
ordinances and ordinances frau previous meetings on Items 1 thru 4.
Relative to Item 2 on approving the purchase of police and standard sedans
and vans, Council Member MMCanb expressed the opinion that lrral companies
should lower their bids to be more competitive with companies from out of town.
Council Member Moss inquired about the time frame for the vehicles to be in
use by the Police Department, and City Manager Garza responded that it will
vary; some cars will be used when they are received; and sane will be used when
they are needed. He stated that the old cars are phased out.
Pertaining to Item 4 on the airport liability and excess workers'
compensation insurance renewal, Council Member Martin raised questions, and City
Manager Garza ttponded to the queries. Mr. Garza stated that the City has made
some changes to the safety programs and is looking at incentives for job safety.
There were no comments from the audience on the items.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
1. M89-0355
Motion approving supply agreements for blue printing services in accordance
with Bid Invitation No. BI -0044-90 with Ridgeway's and Pronto Reprographics
based on multiple progressive awards for the total estimated annual
expenditure of $33,675. The terms of the contracts will be twelve months
with option to extend for an additional twelve months subject to the
approval of the seller and the City Manager or his designee. These
services are used by Engineering Services, Water Division, Wastewater
Division, Gas Division, Public Utilities and Planning.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Guerrero,
Berlanga, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Noss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye."
2. M89-0356
Motion approving the purchase of Police and Standard Sedans and vans in
accordance with BI -0098-90 from the following based on low bid and low bid
meeting specifications:
inutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 4
a. Benson Chevrolet, Corpus Christi, Terms
TOTAL = $729,552.36
b. Courtesy Ford, Corpus Christi, Texas
TOTAL = $ 80,118.00
c. Henderson-Dzuik Dodge, Aransas Pass
TOTAL = $ 14,327.00
GRAND TOTAL = $823,997.36
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Guerrero,
Berlanga, Hunt, Martin, McCcanb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye."
3. M89-0357
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit an
application to and execute a contract with ACTION for the continuance of
the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. The total budget for RSVP for
1990-91 is $104,064. This includes a City match of $46,659, $41,685 in
ACTION funds and $15,720 frau the Texas Department on Aging.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Guerrero,
Berlanga, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye."
4. M89-0358
Motion renewing the City's Excess Workers' Compensation Coverage as written
through Midwest Employers and the Airport Liability Insurance written
through T'ransAmerica at a coverage level of $75,000,000 through W. L. Dinn
for the estimated annual premium of $106,224.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Guerrero,
Berlanga, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Sdhwing
abstaining.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Items 6 and 7.
On approving the sale of $1.5 million certificates of oblgiation for
parking and other related facilities at the Texas State Aquarium, City Manager
Garza stated that this rec amrerxiation is a budgetary decision and he is not
recommending that the taxes be raised because of this item. He stated the
certificates of obligation were purchased by the Texas Commerce Bank -Houston.
In answer to questions raised by Council Member Martin, Assistant City
Manager Debra Andrews stated that the debt service on the certificates is
$178,000 for the first year, and thereafter will be about $147,000 to $149,000.
dnutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 5
Ms. Andreas commented on the interest rate payment and principal payments
for the Certificates.
There were no comments from the audience on these iters.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
ordiance was passed:
6. ORDINANCE NO. 20851
ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $1,500,000 CITY OF CORPUS CHRIS'P1,
TEXAS, COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 1989;
AND ORDAINING Ornmaz MATTERS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Guerrero, Berlanga, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss,
Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye."
Note: Council Member Hunt was not present when his name was called for the
vote; he entered the Council Chamber during the call for the vote; and he
indicated his vote as being "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Relative to Item 7 on the Texas State Aquarium Infrastructure, Contract No.
3, City Manager Garza provided background information and stated that the scope
of this project includes completion of the roadway and parking area along with
necessary drainage, landscaping, irrigation systems, and other site improvements
at the Texas State Aquarium. Mr. Garza stated that the Aquarium Association has
contributed about 515,000 to the City for the portion of additive alternate
parking lot on the Aquarium Association property per the lease agreement between
the City and Texas State Aquauium.
Council Member Martin stated that he supports approving the contract with
Haas Paving Canpany, Inc., but raised questions concerning the parking study,
and Assistant City Manager Hennings arra City Manager Garza responded to his
questions. Mr. Garza stated that the parking study was part of the cost that
the Aquarium Association incurred in helping the City structure the bond sale.
City Manager Garza and Engineering Services Director Crull provided a
report on the Infrastructure Financing Plan for the Aquarium, and Council Member
Martin expressed concern regarding various unnecessary architectural and
engineering fees included in the contract. Mr. Garza explained that the figures
are only estimates.
Council Member McComb raised questions pertaining to the Reimbursement
Commitment Agreement with ATA, and Mr. Crull responded by stating that the City
has half the money for the bus turnaround and a commitment for the other money
once the turnaround is constructed.
dnutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 6
There were no comments from the audience.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
resolution was passed:
7. RESOLUTION NO. 20852
AIRIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH HAAS PAVING MANY FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF STREET'S, PARKING LOTS, A HUS LOOP, IRRIGATION, AND
LANDSCAPING AT THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM; AND APPROPRIATING $1,644,229.60.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Guerrero,
Berlanga, MoCwnb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Hunt and Martin
voting, "No"; Schwing absent at the time the vote was taken.
*************
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 5 on the Public Utility Rate
Study Contract with C 2M Hill.
City Manager Garza provided background information regarding the
relation to award a contract to CH2M for a utility rate study covering the
City's water, wastewater and gas utilities. He commented about C 2M who has
done similar surveys for other Texas cities and stated that there will be a
local firm involved. Mr. Garza commented on various provisions of the contract.
Assistant City Manager Jesus Garza stated that a major aspect of the
contract provides for the consultant to develop a computer rate model for each
utility that can be used by the City's staff to calculate future rates based on
current applicable criteria. He stated that it is time to look at the rate
structures so the City can be assured of having a defendable system, and that
this will be a vehicle for the City to obtain a more equitable rate structure.
In answer to a question from Mayor Rimer, City Manager Garza responded by
stating that the rate structuring would deal with a methodology to correctly
charge for services rendered and defray operations and maintenance in the
Capital Improvements Program. He stated that this would give the City a
defendable way of charging off its costs correctly. Mr. Garza elaborated on the
purpose of the operations analysis.
Council Member Moss stated that the City should be competitive with other
Texas cities in the utility rates that they charge, and Assistant City Manager
Jesus Garza stated that the charge to the consultant will be to do comparatives
with other Texas utilities and to look at the City's system of what the cost of
that system is and what the charges should be.
In answer to a question from Council Member Hunt, Victor Medina, Director
of Public utilities, stated that there will be eight major principles involved
in the study plus other subordinate help. He stated that the study will be
completed in about 151 calendar days.
,mutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 7
In answer to another question frau Council Member Hunt, Mr. Medina stated
that the C aincil will be given a presentation in January regarding the Water
Fund balance.
Mayor Turner raised several questions regarding the study and City Manager
Garza responded to her queries. Mr. Garza stated that at sane point, the
Council would have the benefit of this study as they make their decisions on the
proposed rates for the future. He stated that he will provide the Council with
a tentative schedule of rates which is subject to annual revision. Mayor Turner
stated that she would like to see the utilities pay for themselves but
questioned establishing an increase in utility rates before receiving the
results of the Management Audit Analysis.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, questioned the timing of the study. He
stated that he believes it would be best to see the results of the Management
Audit Analysis before proceeding with the rate study.
City Secretary Chaapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
motion was passed:
5. M89-0359
Motion awarding a contract to C 2M Hill in the amount of $169,000 for a
utility rate study covering the City's water, wastewater and gas utilities.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Berlanga,
Martin, McComb, Moss and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Guerrero, Hunt and Rhodes
voting, "No."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero called for the City Manager's report.
City Manager Garza introduced Ms. Jacquelyn Harrell, the new Director of
the Human Relations Department.
Mr. Garza inquired when the Council wanted to schedule the workshop
sleeting, and it was the consensus of the Council that the meeting be held during
a Tuesday morning late in January.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero called for reports from the Council.
Council Member Moss asked that the Council be given a report when the
Aquarium parking lot is completed to show how much the estimated costs relative
to the Infrastructure Financing Plan were saved by the City.
Mr. Moss tented about the employees' Christmas party, and City Manager
Garza stated that it has been the tradition not to invite the Council to the
Christmas party, but next year he will invite them.
r
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 8
Mr. Moss referred to the mail packets that are delivered to the Council on
Friday arra stated that he has never received a mail packet before 7:00 p.m.,
noting that the Council was supposed to receive the packet by 5:00 p.m.
Council Member Rhodes commented can an issue regarding African bees coning
to Corpus Christi. She presented material to the Council from the United States
Department of Agriculture regarding a proposed beekeeping ordinance and
suggested that this matter be discussed at a Council Meeting in January.
Council Member McComb commented on a problem at the airport regarding the
contract with the engineering firm of W. P. Wells, and City Manager Garza stated
that he is aware of the problem which may lead to litigation.
Council Member Hunt expressed the opinion that the City needs sane kind of
policy regarding the City's representation at the Legislature in Austin.
Council Member Martin inquired about the petition relative to the Consumes
Credit Commissioner and the Pawnshop Ordinance, and City Manager Garza responded
that staff has prepared the petition and it will be circulated.
Mr. Martin referred to the contract with the Aquarium which the Council
approved earlier. He commented about the operating expenses in the contract
and expressed the opinion that the City could have saved money.
Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero commented on the Woody's Lounge issue and stated
that there was an arrest made on the property two weeks ago relative to a drug
bust. Mr. Guerrero stated that it was the direction of staff to close down the
bar and not to monitor it.
City Attorney Hal George stated that the City's protest is on file
regarding
Woody s Lounge and when the permit comes up for renewal, information
regarding the drug bust will be presented, and Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero indicated
that he wants a staff member and himself to go to Austin to protest the renewal
of the permit before the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Mr. Guerrero stated that he has not received the information he requested
regarding how the City is going to collect the fines from the county and if the
City is going to collect the fines.
Council Member McComb stated that the town meeting to be conducted by the
Consumer Credit Commissioner regarding the pawnshops will be held at 9:00 a.m.
on January 3, 1990 at the convention Center, Room 224.
Discussion followed on the procedures for the town meeting to be conducted
by the Consumer Credit Commissioner, and City Manager Garza informed the Council
that city attorneys from the 10 largest cities in Texas have been notified by
City Attorney George; Police Chief Henry Garrett is in the process of notifying
police chiefs; and Assistant City Manager Ton Utter is working with the Texas
Municipal League to inform others.
dilutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 9
Council Member McComb referred to the subject of development on Padre
Island arra urged that all of the people involved be alerted to events that are
likely to oroir and that the City, the Chamber of Commerce, and the 2000 Islami
Task Force, as well as other groups on the Island, be represented if a Task
Force, as recommended by the thamnber of Commerce, is formed.
Council Member Berlanga announced that this is his last official Council
Meetirng since he plans to file as a candidate for County Commissioner. Mr.
Berlanga expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with the Council
and the staff. He stated that he will present his formal resignation on January
2, 1990. Mr. Berlanga then departed the Council Chambers.
Mayor Turner made complimentary remarks about Mr. Berlanga's service on the
Council and noted that he has been an outstanding Council Member for his
district.
Council Member Schwing inquired about the time frame for the plans for
Padre Island development, and City Manager Garza replied that he will try to
have it ready within 90 days.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for comments frau the audience on matters not listed on
the agenda.
Ms. Marie Spear, 9320 South Padre Island Drive, objected to the
presentation and statements made by the Chamber of Commerce representatives in
regard to Padre Island and expressed opposition to the Reinvestment Zone for
that area. She stated that, in her opinion, the only developer who would
benefit frcan the formation of the zone would be Ralph burden's lake Padre
development because other developers were not even consulted about the Zone.
Ms. Spear noted that the residents are also concerned and they should be allowed
an opportunity to present their viewpoints at the beginning of a Council Meeting
just as the Chamber had.
Mr. Irian Serbu, 14310 Playa Del Rey, stated that, in his opinion, the City
is committed to providing infrastructure improvements on Padre Island. He
stated that no additional financial assistance should be provided, and the
citizens should not be burdened with taxes to assist a private developer.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, referred to the Freeport Amendment which
was considered by the Council the preceding week, and stated that the Council
was told that San Antonio had voted to grant that exemption, but according to
the newspaper, San Antonio has not even acted on the matter. He pointed out
that the same newspaper article indicated that most cities had not granted the
exemption.
Mr. Raymond Masker also spoke in opposition to any further consideration of
forming a Reinvestment Zone on Padre Island.
Innutes
Regular Council Meeting
December 19, 1989
Page 10
Ms. Ranain Morgan, a resident on the Islard, expressed the opinion that
there should be more consistency between the staff and the Council. She
commented on issues regarding discrepancies between the Council and staff.
Mt. Danny Noyola, 4433 Valdez, wished the Council a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year
Mr. Daryle Martin, 1715 Lexington, commented about his unemployment in
Corpus Christi and dicrrimination against blacks.
Council Member Martin referred Mr. Martin to the Director of the Human
Relations Department.
There being no further business to cane before the Council, Mayor Turner
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. on December 19, 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
December 19, 1989, which were approved by the City Council on January 2, 1990.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the ;2a day of
1990.
Betty Turner, Mayor
Armando Chapa
City Secretary