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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 > 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