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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/06/1990PRESENT Mayor Pro Tem Hunt Council Members: Leo Guerrero Edward A. Martin Jce McComb Clif Moss Mary Rhodes Frank Schwing Absent Mayor Betty Turner MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEAS REGULAR COUNC L MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 1990 2 p.m. City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney Hal George City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Pro Tem Tan Hunt 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 Council Member Mary Rhodes. City S rretary 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 Pro Tem Hunt called for approval of the Minutes of the Workshop and Regular Council Meetings of January 30, 1990, and there being no additions or corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Hunt administered the Oaths of Office to the following newly appointed Board and Committee members. R. Emerson Harris - Airport Advisory Committee; Ashok Nadkarni - Electrical Advisory Board; Eli Abrams and Elsa Ciminelli - Senior Community Services Advisory Committee; Dr. Kathryn Lang and Pat Rousseau - Sister City Committee. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt recessed the Council Meeting to convene the JTPA Executive Committee Meeting. * * * * * * * * * * * * * MICROFILMED . _sites Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 2 Mayor Pro Tem Hunt reconvened the Council Meeting at 2:25 p.m. Mr. Nino Gutierrez, District Engineer with the State Highway Department, gave a presentation on highway projects planned for the Corpus Christi area. In response to questions raised by Council Members regarding the traffic congestion at Moore Plaza, Mr. Gutierrez provided an update of plans for that area. Mr. Loyd Neal, Chairman of the South Texas Joint Military Facilities Task Force, gave a short presentation on the recent trip to Washington by City representatives regarding Haneport funding. It was the consensus of the Council to postpone the Board and Cca¢nittee appointments until the February 13 Council Meeting. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances frau previous meetings on Items 1 thru 5. Relative to Item 5, Museum of Oriental Cultures rase Agreement, Mr. Jecca Hix, 2622 Segrest, camnented about the purchase of the Longshoremen's Association Building and suggested that the City's lease agreement with the Museum of Oriental Cultures be the same type of connnitment as with the Art Camnunity Center. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, suggested that the lease agreement not take effect until funds are raised by the Museum of Oriental Cultures and that the City should request a token amount of rent. Mr. O'Brien indicated that the building was purchased with money taken out of the Water Fund, and he suggested that the money be replaced. In answer to questions posed by Council Member Rhodes, City Manager Garza reviewed the status of the City's agreement with the Art Cammurity Center and provided details regarding the terms of the lease agreement with the Museum of Oriental Cultures. Mr. Garza indicated that the Art Cormunity Center does not pay rent to the City. Assistant City Manager Tan Utter stated that the City will not charge the Museum of Oriental Cultures rent for the building; they have to maintain any extraordinary landscaping; and the City will provide normal maintenance. He indicated that the Art Connmmity Center maintains their building, arra the City maintains the grounds. Mt. Utter noted that the agreement with the Museum of Oriental Cultures is not a lease; it is a contract to leae; arra it is similar to the Creative Arts Center Lease. In answer to questions raised by Mrs. Rhodes regarding putting the money back into the Water Fund, Mr. Garza elaborated about the purchase of the Longshoremen's Building and stated that he will check the details of the contract. Mrs. Rhodes requested background information on the purchase of the building before the third reading of the ordinance. .sites Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 3 Mayor Pro Tem Hunt implied that money was taken out of the Water Fund illegally and should be returned. Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, stated that he has copies of the financial statement which specify that the money was transferred to the General Fund from the Wastewater Department. He suggested that the Council consider this issue more carefully. Mr. Trian Serbu, 14310 Playa Del Rey, expressed the opinion that to use utility money for general pnpooca is unjust to the citizens of Corpus Christi. He indicated that utility money should be spent on utilities. Mr. Raymond Hacker, 1813 Wallace, stated that the Charter maintains that it is against the law to transfer money out of the Water Fund for general use. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 1. M90-034 Motion approving the purchase of traffic signal control cable in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0071-90 from Sterett Supply Co. of Corpus Christi, TX on the basis of best bid for the amount of $24,055. This cable will be used by Traffic Engineering. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Hint, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner absent. 2. M90-035 Motion approving a supply agreement for miscellaneous film and photo processing in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0007-90 with Picture Express Photolab, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, on the basis of low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $36,000. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manger or his designee. his agreement covers the purchase of film arra photo processing services to be used predominantly by the Police Department but will be used by various other departments throughout the City as well. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner absent. 3. M90-036 Motion approving supply agreements for brass service fittings in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0063-90 with the following companies for the following amounts based on low bid and best bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $115,930.45. The terms of these agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for an additional twelve months ,. _.utes Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 4 subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. These items will be stored in the Warehouse and used by the Water Department. The Rohan Co. San Antonio, Texas Total: $51,942.95 International Supply Corpus Christi, Texas Total: $56,760 Grand Total: $115,930.45 Samar, Inc. Lindale, Texas Tbtal: $7,227.50 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Hunt, (Herrero, Martin, McCanb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner absent. 4. SECOND READING AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT TO LEASE AND A TANG -TERM LEASE FOR TWENTY (20) YEARS FOR BLOCK 89, FRACTIONAL LOTS 7, 8, 9, AND FULL 1215 10, 11, AND 12, BEACH ADDITION, CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECFS COUNTY, TEXAS TO THE MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CULTURES. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner absent. 5. ORDINANCE NO. 20870 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF REPLACEMENT BONDS FOR THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 1978, BOND NUMBERS 1666 THROUGH 1668 AND 1679 THROUGH 1685 WITH COUPONS ATTACHED, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED HD THERETO. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McCmnb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt called for consideration of the Central Power & Light rate case settlement issue. City Manager Garza provided background information pursuant to the settlement. He noted that the Steering Camnittee, the attorneys, and the consultants recommend that the City accept the CP&L settlement proposal. Mr. Garza then expanded on the CP&L proposed rate increases. He expressed the opinion that it is a fair settlement and recamnerded that the Council not offer any objections to the proposed amendment. rtes Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 5 In response to questions raised by Council Member Rhodes, Mr. Dan Lawton, a consultant for the City, explained the actual rate incrnann in the settlement as prepared by CPU, and the increase referred to by the Attorney Oral's Office. Mr. Lawton then earnernted about deferred accounting. He stated that if the settlement were rejected, it is likely the Public Utility Commission would approve an amount which would be much higher. Mr. Lawton indicated that a majority of the cities were willing to approve the settlement. Mr. Lawton responded to questions raised by various Council Members, and Council Members Guerrero, Rhodes and Hunt expressed concern regarding the high increase. Mrs. Rhodes stated that although she dislikes the increases included in the settlement, ratepayers could ultimately lose money if the cities rejected the settlement. Mr. Guerrero expressed the opinion that the City should not support the settlement; it should stand up for what is right; and what is right is $80 million compared to the $260 million incroasn. Mr. Jecn Hix, 2622 Segrest, a former employee of the South Texas Nuclear Plant, remarked about the mismanagement of the company and expressed opposition to the high rate increase. Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, concurred with the concerns of the Council Members remanding the high incrnace. Ms. Betty Brandesky, 4017 Cork, and Mr. Robert J. Reyna, 1821 Roslyn, expressed opposition to the rate incrnacn. Mr. Randy Pretzer, 2601 Tonga, stated that he has heard rumors that coal and gas generating plants may be shut down to make room for the nuclear plant. He indicated that there might be another alternative arra requested the Council to consider local generation. Council Member Rhodes stated that she was prepared to object to the settlement, but has changed her opinion after hearing the remarks of the consultant. She suggested sending a list of grievances to the Public Utility Commission. Council Member Guerrero urged the Council not to support the settlement and pursue this matter with the Public Utility Commission. Council Member McComb roved to support the staff's recommendation to approve a proposed settlement in the CP&L rate rage.. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moss and passed by the following vote: Martin, McCanb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt and Guerrero voting, "No"; Turner absent. (M90-037) * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt opened the public hearing on closing and abandoning a 50 -foot portion of North Shoreline Boulevard south of Pearl Street not included rtes Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 6 in previous closures on North Shoreline approved by Ordinances Nos. 20244 arra 20617, subject to replatting the property within 180 days. City Manager Garza provided backgraud information on the closure request. There were no objections from the audience. Camcil Member Guerrero moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously by those present arra voting. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance was passed on first reading: 7. FIRST READING CLOSING AND ABANDONING A 50 -FOOT PORTION OF NORTH SHORELINE BOULEVARD SOUTH OF PEARL STREET ADJACENT TO IAT 11, BLOCK 4, AND LOT 12, BLOCK F, BROOKLYN ADDITION, SHOWN BY PLAT IN VOLUME A, PAGES 30-32, MAP RECORDS, NUECF.S COUNTY, TEXAS, SUBJECT TO REPLATPING THE PROPERTY WITHIN 180 DAYS. The foregoing ordinance pages on first reading by the following vote: Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Rhodes absent during vote; Turner absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hunt opened the public hearing on the North Central Area Development Plan, An Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning, presented a map of the area and gave a brief overview of the plan, elaborating on the objectives and policy statements. Mr. Harvey responded to questions regarding the plan posed by various Council Members. Mr. Leslie Morey, 2819 Surfside, spoke in favor of the plan. He suggested that a small amendment be added to Policy Statement E-2 on P. 36, and that the resolution include that the abandoned rights-of-way contained in Policy Statement E-2 be declared surplus. A short disn,asion followed relative to Mr. Mabrey's request, and Mr. Harvey stated that this is just a general policy, and it will not make the property surplus once the plan is adopted. He then suggested the following new language be substituted in Policy Statement E-2: "A high priority shall be placed on increasing the utilization of the abandoned railroad right-of-way between Coastal and Breakwater Avenues and to identify other areas as practical to declare surplus." _ sites Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 7 Mr. David Bionoshek, property owner of 3300 Surfside, inquired about plans for Surfside easements, and he was informed that Surfside/Timon medians will be the subject of a public hearing on February 21. Plan. Mr. Jack Davis expressed support of the North Central Area Development Mr. David Royal, 2801 North Shoreline, expressed the opinion that little input was received from the residents and property owners in the neighborhood. Mr. Royal expressed concern about various items contained in the plan and offered suggestions. Mr. Art Zeitler, representing the Aquarium Association, complimented the City staff on the comprehensive plan. He provided information on the progress of the Aquarium, stating that the construction is on schedule; the opening will be in July, 1990; and they have an excellent landscaping plan for the area which will be paid for frcmm donations. Council Member Guerrero inquired about David Royal's concerns and inquired specifically about the tank farms. Mr. Brandol Harvey explained that he did not think anyone had identified the tank farms as an environmental problem, even though they are unsightly. He indicated that there is a need to install landscaping and padqibly paint the tanks to make the area more attractive. Mr. Harvey then responded to Mr. Royal's concern about naming the area and stated that staff does not have any recommendations for a name. He informed the Council that a City Council Committee is studying the pntsibility of a design district, and they will make a recommendation for an appropriate name. He pointed out that a very unique design district is planned, but it would not be practical for the entire City. A motion was made by Council Member McComb to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously; Turner absent. Council Member Rhodes made a motion to amend the plan and insert the language suggested earlier by Planning Director Harvey in Section E-2 Policy Statement. The motion was seconded by Council Member &Ccmnb and passed unanimously; Turner absent. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following resolution was passed, as amended: 8. RESOLUTION NO. 20871 ADOPTING THE NORTH CENTRAL AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AN ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI. The foregoing resolution passed, as amended, by the following vote: Hunt, Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 8 * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Pro Tem Hint called for the City Manager's Report. City Manager Garza referred to a memorandum presented to the Council in regard to the pbAaibility of the RTA participating in the expenses of the gter,.gency Medical Services Pluyidm and briefly described the procedures to be followed to accomplish this. City Manager Garza also informed the Council that discussions have been conducted in regard to designating Santa Fe as a two-way street from Del Mar to Ayers. Be indicated that beginning on Thursday, FebrvarY 8, this plan will be implemented on a trial basis. Mr. Garza stated that he will have a recommendation next Tuesday on the bond sale; and if it is approved, he will plan a trip to New York to obtain a bond rating. Mayor Pro Tem Hunt expressed concern because the Chamber of Conceive has had no input for the City Council on vital issues recently considered, such as the pawn shop ordinance, yet they Jw''mP totally involved in promoting the Reinvestment Zone for Padre Island. He inquired if they are informed of items to be considered by the Council and if they receive a copy of the agenda. City Manager Garza assured Mr. Hunt that they do receive the agenda, and staff attempts to make them aware of issues to be considered by the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Hunt referred to the cozplaint presented by five citizens alleging that he had violated the Ethics Ordinance by appearing before the Transportation Advisory Committee. Mr. Hunt read the complaint and his press release and questioned the legality of the complaint because of a question in regard to the certification by a Notary Public. Be stated that he was shocked by the allegations because his appearance was made before the Committee as a reprcscntative of citizens in his district, and he intended to continue to represent them. Council Member Rhodes stated that she had attended a hearing that Representative Hugo Berlanga was asked to conduct concerning the pipeline proposed to be installed on Dunn Lane. She stated that Mr. Berlanga did not have any answers, nor could he offer any remedy to that situation on a State level. Mrs. Rhodes expressed the opinion that the Council needs answers to questions, as do the residents of the area. She asked City Manager Garza to invite representatives of Javelin to attend an open meeting of the Council, and to invite the residents of Dunn Lane so that the Javelina representatives could answer everyone's questions. She stated that she world like to put that in the form of a motion; it was seconded by Council Member Guerrero; and passed unanimously; Turner absent. .rtes Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 9 Council Member Guerrero stated that other concerns expressed at the same meeting dealt with the fire issue and the lack of police support in the area. He suggested that on the date that the Javelina representatives will be here, that arrangements be made with RPA to provide a bus to take the Council out to the area so that they will be aware of just what is going on. Mr. Guerrero stated that he would be glad to provide lunch for those who are interested in such a trip. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Danny Kucera, 356 Merill, commented about the debris at the Elliot Landfill. City Manager Garza informed the Council that a plan will be brought to the Council for improvements at the Landfill. Mr. Sam Celum, 1101 Duret Lane, expressed opposition to the pipeline proposed for Dunn Lane and presented a petition to block the placing of the pipeline. Mr. Titian Serbu, 14310 Playa Del Rey, remarked about the opening of Packery Channel and asked the Council not to endorse any cut in the Barrier Island until the causeway is raised. Mr. Michael George, 333 Foster, made comments in regard to the Council action taken on January 30 relative to the closing of Lorine Drive. He ,mu ed about the timetable for the improvements. Mr. George commented about the accusations made against Mayor Pro Tem Hunt and stated that they are frivolous and without merit. City Manager Garza stated that he will provide Mr. George with a timetable for the proposed traffic improvements. Mr. Zeke Ramos, 4221 Atkins, commented about the proposed improvements on Lorin Drive. Mr. Randy Pretzer, 2601 occurred on Lorine Drive. He Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 41230 of the Water Fund to purchase funds. Tonga, spoke about speeding incidents which have urged the Council to consider closing the street. Pompano Drive, expressed the opinion that the use the Longshoremen's Building was an illegal use of Mr. Robert Reyna, 1821 Roslyn, commented about complaints frau people in District 2 regarding the opening of Packery Channel and high utility rates. The Council discussed the procedure for selecting the candidate for the vacant District 2 position. A motion was made by Council Member Schwing that each Council Member turn in to City gemeretary Chapa a list of five names of candidates to be interviewed. The notion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed unaniaouslY; Turner absent. It was also decided that .sites Regular Council Meeting February 6, 1990 Page 10 the names of the candidates have to appear on two lists in order to be a finalist. It was the consensus of the Council to conduct the interviews during a morning Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 13, and that twenty minutes be allowed for each interview. Council Member Rhodes moved to conduct the interviews in public followed by Council deliberation in closed saesion. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed; T rner absent. There being no further business to came before the Council, Mayor Pro Teem Hunt declared the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. on February 6, 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 February 6, 1990, which were approved by the City Council on February 13, 1990. 1990. WITNESSETH MY ELAND AND SEAL, this the vZ� r5 day of ty-tc-t-ek t Arnando Chapa City Secretary