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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/30/1990PRESENT Mayor Betty Turner Mayor Pro Tel Tom Hunt Council Members: Leo Guerrero Edward A. Martin Joe McComb Clif Moss Mary Rhodes Frank Schwing CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 30, 1990 2:00 p.m. City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando thapa Mayor Betty Turner called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Council Member Clif Moss following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Mayor Pro Tem Ton Hunt. City Scrretary Armando Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required Charter officers were prcecnt to conduct the meeting. Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of January 15, 1990 and Regular Council Meeting of January 23, 1990, and there being no additions or corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Turner referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the following appointments were made by the Council: (M90-025) Airport Advisory Committee R. Ehnerson Harris Sister City Committee Dr. Kathryn Lang Pat Rousseau Electrical Advisory Board Larry Major - Reappointed Ashok B. Nadkarni MICROFILMED ,lutes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 2 Senior Community Services Advisory Committee Grace Rank - Reappointed Ray Garcia - Theodora Oliviera - " Thomas TOporowski - " Eli Abrams * Doris Porter Elsa M. Ciminelli Shevaun Beck * Appointment made at end of Council Meeting - (See page 8) * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 7. There were no contents from the audience on the items. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 1. M90-026 Motion approving the purchase of 60,000 library book bags, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0134-90, frau Continental Extrusion Corp. of Garden City, New York based on low bid for the amount of $11,323.30. These bags will be used by the patrons of the South Texas Library System to transport books to and from the library. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 2. M90-027 Motion approving a supply agreement for 1" house type gas service regulators in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0137-90 with National Meter Parts, Inc., Lancaster, Ohio for an estimated annual expenditure of $26,010 based on low bid. The term of the agreement shall 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 regulators will be stored in the Warehouse and used by the Gas Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 3. M90-028 Motion authorizing the City Manager to summit an application for the Emergency Shelter Grant PLuytam (ESG) and execute all related documents pertaining to the ESG Program. _,utes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 3 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, MbOomb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 4. M90-029 Motion authorizing acquisition of Parcels la, lb, and lc, located east of Navigation Boulevard between Agnes Street and Old Brownsville Road, in connection with the Airport Road Drainage Ditch Improvements, as part of the Agnes Street Improvements project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 5. M90-030 Motion authorizing acquisition of Parcel 2, located east of Navigation Boulevard, between Agnes SLceet and Old Brownsville Road, in connection with the Airport Road Drainage Ditch Improvements, a part of the Agnes Street Improvements Project, consisting of 1.494 acres at a cost of $41,832. The foregoing notion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 6. M90-031 Motion authorizing acquisition of Parcel 4, located west of Navigation Boulevard, between Bates Street and Agus Street, in connection with the West Oso Drainage Improvements, a part of the Agnes Street Improvements Project, consisting of 1.696 acres at a cast of $27,350. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 7. SEOOND READING AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REPLACEMENT BONDS POR THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TE AS GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 1978, BOND NUMBERS 1666 THROUGH 1668 AND 1679 THROUGH 1685 WITH COUPONS ATTACHED, AND OTHER MATPEES RELATED THERETO. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: ZUrner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Relative to Items 8 and 9, Brooklyn Addition Street and Alley Closure Request, Mr. Lath Bishop, 319 Glenmore, stated that he is representing Mr. and .1,utes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 4 Mrs. Rhodes who own land at 409 Bridgeport and who are opposed to the closing because it world interfere with access to their property. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, prczcnted slides of the area and stated that staff has reviewed the closures and traffic circulation in the area and believe that the remaining street system is adequate to provide circulation to the properties in the area. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinances were passed on second reading: 8. SECOND READING CLOSING AND ABANDONING COASTAL AVENUE BETWEEN SEAGULL BOULEVARD AND WEST SURFSIDE BOULEVARD, BROOKLYN ADDITION; SUBJECT TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 9. SECOND READING CLOSING AND ABANDONING THE 20 -FOOT WIDE PUBLIC ALLEY ADJACENT TO IDIS 5-12, BLOCK 54, BROOKLYN ADDITION, AND THE 20 -FOOT WIDE PUBLIC ALLEY BETWEEN ELM STREET AND COASTAL AVENUE IN BLOCK 55, BROOKLYN ADDITION; SUBJECT TO CERTAIN PROVISIONS. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, MbCcmb, Mbss, Rhodes' and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 10, the Petition to close Lorine Drive in Flour Bluff. Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza reviewed the status of the street closure request. He stated that the Police and Fire Departments have studied the effect of the closure of Lorine Drive and have indicated their opposition because of the unsafe restriction of emergency access. He stated that the Transportation Advisory Committee discussed the request, and in lieu of closing the street, recommended the installation of additional traffic control devices on Lorine Drive, such as nmible strips in advance of the intersection, and a flashing beacon on the existing "tee" intersection advance warning sign. Mr. Garza stated that the Police Department has monitored the area and reported that the traffic was within the required speed limit. Mayor Turner inquired red about the time frame for the recommended improvements, and Deputy City Manager Garza responded by stating that the improvements can be installed within the next four to six weeks. . _nrtes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 5 After a brief discussion by the Council, Council Member Martin suggested various alternatives in lieu of closing the street. Mr. Zeke Ramos, an attorney representing Anthony LaManna, presented 89 letters signed by residents in the immediate neighborhood in favor of closing the street. Mr. Ramos stated that a very serious problem exists in the area, and he commented about several incidents which have occurred in the area. He stated that his client does not think rumble strips and stop signs would be sufficient to solve the problem, but is in favor of speed bumps. Ms. Barbara Butler, 7613 Sternberg Lake Drive, a former resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, presented material to the Council regarding a fatal accident which occurred in Fort Wayne. She commented about the incident, similar to the concerns raised by Mr. laMa-na, and indicated that the city of Fort Wayne suffered a great liability. Council Member McComb expressed the opinion that the problem is not a poor street design. He stated that the City should do everything prsible to prevent accidents, but is not responsible for individuals who drive under the influence of alcohol. Mr. ?&cab remarked about similar situations in the City. In answer to a question from Council Member Rhodes relative to speed humps, Deputy City Manager Garza stated that he would not recommend the installation of speed bumps on a residential street because a motorcycle driver could lose control of the vehicle and be seriously hurt. Mr. Ralph Lnngbine, 2506 Figi, spoke in opposition to the street closure. Ms. Cloys McGinley, 2310 011ie, expressed opposition to the street closure. She stated that she has obtained 105 signatures of people in the surrounding neighborhood who are opposed to the closing. Mr. David Riojas, 2502 Lorine, expressed opposition to the street closure. He displayed a drawing of residences in the neighborhood who are opposed to the closure. Ms. Dianne Pretzer, a neighbor of Mr. LaMaua, spoke in favor of the street closure. Mr. Harold Hopper, 338 Clifford Street, commented about people who drive the wrong way on a one-way street. Mt. William Gatlan expressed opposition to the street closure. Dismission followed, and Mayor Turner suggested that staff's recommendation of stop signs and rumble strips be implemented immediately. _ Mutes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 6 Council Member Guerrero expressed the opinion that rumble strips would not solve the problem. He stated that the residents in the area will complain about rumble strips. It was the consensus of the Council to support the staff's recommendation to not close Lorine Drive, but install the stops signs and rumble strips immediately. City Manager Garza stated that staff will study the situation further to see if the traffic in the neighborhood can be slowed dawn. He implied that the improvements implemented on Lorine Drive should be duplicated on Sands Drive. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 11, Employee Group Health Program Proposals. City Manager Garza stated that it has been six years since the City tested the market. He commented about proposals submitted and stated that the proposals reccumiended provide the most cost-effective program plan. Mr. Garza indicated that because of sone concerns, the recommendation for a dental program has been withdrawn, but will be pursued at a later date at one -hundred percent employee cost. Mr. Garza provided clarification regarding the temporary disability pay, and in answer to questions raised by the Council, he stated that the cost savings realized by the City will be placed in the City's Self -Insurance Fund balance. Mr. Garza stated that staff does not propose any changes in benefits at this time. There were no comments from the audience on Item 11. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion was passed: 11. M90-032 Motion authorizing the City Manager to contract in accordance with the Request for Proposals and responses thereto for services and insurance coverages listed below: a) Local Claims Administration - Lone Star Administrators/Broker: Carrigan & Associates of Corpus Christi, Texas. b) Specific and Aggregate re -insurance for health claims - Insurance Company of North America/Broker: Corrigan & Associates of Carpus Christi, Texas. c) Life Insurance - Insurance Company of North America/Broker: Corrigan & Associates of Corpus Christi, Texas. d) Long -'Perm Disability Insurance - Great American Reserve/Broker: Butch Fscobedo of Corpus Christi, Texas. lutes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 7 e) Flexible Reimtursement Ptuyram - Great American Reserve/Broker: Butch Escobedo of Corpus Christi, Texas. The total estimated annual cost of the proposed contracts is $746,601. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; McComb not voting. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 12, Motion considering the waiver of water and sanitary sewer systems acreage fees for Flour Bluff Garden Annex, Tracts 3A and 3B. Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza reviewed the status of Mrs. Perry's request to waive the fees. He indicated that the Planning Commission recommends that the water acreage fee is warranted; that the sewer acreage fee is not warranted; and suggested a deferment of sewerage acreage fees until the sewer is actually tied into. Mr. Garza indicated that staff recxm¢ends the payment of all fees applicable to the subject property as prPgcribed by the Platting Ordinance. Council Member Rhodes stated that Mrs. Perry requested proof which showed that she was given an opportunity for a grace period. She stated that Mrs. Perry did not apply for a replat during the grace period because it was not made clear to her what was available. Mrs. Rhodes moved to waive the water and sanitary sewer systems acreage fees for Flour Bluff Garden Annex, Tracts 3A and 3B. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero. Mayor Turner and City Manager Garza departed the Council Meeting in order to travel to Washington for a presentation on the Homeport issue. Council Member Martin expressed the opinion that the Council should not get in the habit of waiving fees He stated that if Mrs. Perry had received proper notice in 1982, she could have replatted her property; and at that time, she would have been exempted frau water acreage fees only. Regarding the sewer acreage fees, he suggested that Mts. Perry must hook into the system if it becomes available. Mrs. Jack Perry, owner of the subject property, reviewed the status of her request for an appeal of the acreage fees. She stated that if she had been aware of the grace period back in 1982, she would have taken advantage of it. She presented material to the Council that was published in the Caller -Times which does not mention anything pertaining tb a grace period. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following motion made by Council Member Rhodes was passed: lutes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 8 12. M90-033 Motion to waive the water and sanitary sewer systems acreage fees for Flour Bluff Garden Annex, Tracts 3A & 3B. The foregoing motion pas'd by the following vote: Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; McComb voting, "No"; Turner absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt called for consideration of Item 13, the contract for laaca and agreement with the Museum of Oriental Cultures. Council Member Martin inquired if the rent should be a figure instead of a zero amount in order to show true consideration. He asked what the building was bought for, and Assistant City Manager Utter responded by stating that the City wanted to acquire most of the property in that area for parking and expansion of the Bayfront Arts and Science Park activities. Mr. Utter presented a drawing of the area. There were no comments from the audience on Item 13. Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance was passed on first reading: 13. FIRST READING AUTHORIZING THE DCDCUTION OF A CONTRACT TO LEASE AND A LONG-TERM LEASE FOR TWENTY (20) YEARS FOR BLOCK 89, FRACTIONAL LOTS 7, 8, 9, AND FULL LOTS 10, 11, AND 12, BEACH ADDITION, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS TO THE MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CULTURES. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt called for the City Manager's report, and Deputy City Manager Garza stated that Mr. Nino Gutierrez, a representative from the State Highway Department, has been invited to give a presentation at next week's Council Meeting regarding highway projects. Mayor Pro Tem Hunt called for reports from the Council. During the Board and Committee appointments, a question was raised concerning Mr. Eli Abrams. The matter was resolved, and the Council appointed Mr. Eli Abrams to the Senior Community Services Advisory Committee. Lutes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 9 Council Memher Moss referred to M90-024 made during the January 23, 1990 Council Meeting. He moved to reconsider the motion because of a liability issue on the water slide in Greenwood Park. The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin and failed to pass by the following vote: Hunt, Martin, Mc arab and Moss voting, "Aye"; Guerrero, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "No"; Turner absent. Council Member Moss asked when the engineering system maps will be installed on the computerized mapping system, and Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza stated that the Council will be provided a schedule. Council Member Schwing inquired about the Utility Deposit Study, and Deputy City Manager Garza stated that the Council will be furnished a report within forty-five days. Council Member Guerrero asked for an update on the Coastal Refinery issue, and Assistant City Manager Elizordo updated the Council on the Dunn Lane pipeline issue. Mr. Guerrero referred to the Noise Ordinance and requested a daytime decibel reading of the noise level in the refinery area. Council Member McComb commented about the water slide proposed for Greenwood Pool and a liability issue. He stated that he would like a legal opinion regarding the statement "that the builder of the slide is going to protect the City from liability exposure." He referred to the amortization schedule for the slide and requested to see how it will be paid out, and if the proposed rate has to be approval by the Council. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt called for petitions frau the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Ms. Jannine Foster, 1118 Vernon, spoke on the Dunn Lane pipeline issue and expressed opposition to it being installed on Dunn lane. She pointed out that there is only one marker in the area. Deputy City Manager Garza informed Ms. Foster that the application has not been approved; the City is awaiting a response from Javelina; and the City will make sure the area is properly marked. Assistant City Manager Elizondo remarked that state statute does give the pipeline company certain authority which includes going on private property. He stated that it is conceivable that if the City denies the pipeline company the right to use the City's rights-of-way, in essence, the City would be forcing the company to go on private property. Mr. James Cook, 13675 Eagles Nest, Padre Island, commented about the proposed referendum on Packery Channel and requested that it be put on hold. Mr. Cook commented on environmental issues and the flooding aspect. He asked _ __Jutes Regular Council Meeting January 30, 1990 Page 10 the staff to review the FFT4A report as to the impact on Padkery Channel. He made other requests which he will submit in writing. Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza stated that regarding Packery Channel, there is an approval process which will address all the issues raised by Mr. Cook. Mr. Morris Connelly, 1202 Dunn lane, expressed opposition to the pipeline proposed to be installed on Dunn Lane. Mr. Lath Bishop referred to Items 8 and 9, Brooklyn Addition Street and Alley Closure Request, and requested that the third reading of the ordinance be tabled for two weeks so that Mr. Rhodes, a hospital patient at this time, can attend the meeting for the third reading of the ordinance. After a brief d i co»sgi on, a motion was made by Council Member Martin to postpone the third reading of the ordinance for two weeks. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously; Turner absent. City S cretary Chapa requested direction frau the Council regarding the Municipal Court Judge appointment. It was the consensus of the Council that they receive all the applications submitted, and that the applications not be submitted to the Chief Municipal Ccurt Judge for review. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro Tem Hunt adjourned the Council Meeting at 4:10 p.m. on January 30, 1990. * * * * * * * * * * * * * 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 January 30, 1990, which were approved by the City Council on February 6, 1990. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 1990. day of Arlo Chapa City Secretary