HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/13/1990PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Tan Hunt
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Leo Guerrero
Joe McComb
Clif Moss
Mary Rhodes
Frank Schwing
Absent
Edward Martin
a-e-e-e-rc
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR C UNCIL MEETING
MARCH 13, 1990
11:30 a.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 and explained that the purpose of the meeting was to receive bids on
the sale of $9,425.000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 1990 and an the sale of
$1,920,000 Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1990.
City Secretary Armando Chapa verified that a quorum of the Council and the
necessary charter offices were present to conduct the meeting.
City Manager Juan Garza provided a further explanation of the purpose of
the bond sale and stated that the firm of McCall, Parkhurst and Horton is
assisting the City as bond counsel; M. E. Allison Company, Inc. is the financial
advisor for the City; and the registrar is First City Bank of Corpus Christi.
Mr. Garza explained that this is a bid sale rather than a negotiated sale; the
syndicate that bids the lowest interest rates will be awarded the bid; the City
received a bond rating of AA -1 frau Standard and Poors and Al from Moody's.
Mr. Jim Seal of the firm of M. E. Allison Company, Inc. deibed two
recent bond sales conducted the past week and stated that this is a good time
for the City to be selling bonds.
Council Member Moss inquired as to why the bonds are dated back to March
1st and expressed concern about the interest that is already accruing. City
Manager Garza stated that the financial institution that is successful in the
bid will pay that interest.
OPINED
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 2
Assistant City Manager Debra Andrews opened bids on the $1,920,000
Certificates of Obligation from seven financial institutions or syndicates.
Council Member Guerrero arrived at the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
Assistant City Manager Andrews continued and opened bids on the $9,425,000
General Improvement Bonds, Series 1990 from six financial institutions.
City Manager Garza and Mt. Seal both stated that the bids received were
excellent and a recommendation will be prepared for the Council to act on at 2
p.m. this afternoon.
Council Member Frank Schwing arrived at the meeting at 11:48 a.m.
Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting at 11:50 a.m.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 2 p.m.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Ken Gable of Parkside Church of God
following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was
led by Council Member Schwing.
City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum
of the Council and the required Charter officers were present to conduct the
remainder of the meeting. He noted that Council Member Fd Martin had called to
explain that he would be unable to attend the meeting today.
Mayor Tuner referred to the bids received at 11:30 that morning for the
sale of bonds and Certificates of Obligation.
City Manager Garza stated that the staff recommends that the Council award
the bids to the low bidders as follows: $9,425,000 of General Improvement
Bonds, Series 1990 to be awarded to Merrill Lynch Capitol Markets and Associates
for an effective interest rate of 7.220008 percent and that the $1,920,000 of
Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1990 be sold to
Lovett Underwood Neuhaus and Webb at an effective interest rate of 6.5953
percent.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
ordinances were passed:
3. ORDINANCE NO. 20888
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUI#NCE OF $9,425,000 GENERAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES
1990, OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, BEARING INTEREST AT THE RATES
HEREINAFTER SET FORTH, AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY, ASSESSMENT AND
COLLECTION OF A TAX SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE INTEREST ON SAID BONDS AND TO
CREATE A SINKING FUND FOR THE REDEMPTION THEREOF AT MATURITY; REPEALING ALL
_4inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 3
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND ALL OTHER
MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and
Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent.
4. ORDINANCE NO. 20889
PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $1,920,000 CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS,
COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 1990; AND
ORDAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and
Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Special and Regular
Council Meetings of March 6, 1990, and there being no additions or corrections,
she proclaimed them approved as presented.
Mayor Turner administered the Oaths of Office to the following newly
appointed Board and Committee members: Dr. Sam Logsdon - Municipal Arts
Commission and Alda Klett and Lillian Villarreal - Corpus Christi Museum of
Science and History Advisory Committee.
Mayor Turner referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the
following appointments were made by the Council: (M90-065)
CC Regional Transportation Authority Food ServicP.s Advisory Committee
Leon Loeb Jack Cooper
Dee Haven - Chairman
Kennedy Causeway Advisory Committee Landmark Commission
Twig Gonzalez
Leslie Mabrey
Chip Carn er
Edwin Goodman
Cynthia Hill
James Catron
Planning Commission Senior Companion Program Advisory Committee
Paula Leone Elda Castillo
Mary Ruth Johnson
tiinutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 4
Senior Community Serviceq Advisory Committee
Eliseo Cantu
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Tmr-ner called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions,
ordinances arra ordinances from previous meetings on Items 5 thru 8.
There were no comments from Council Members or members of the audience.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
5. M90-065
Motion approving a supply agreement for ductile iron pipe in accordance
with Bid Invitation No. BI -0202-90 with American Cast Iron Pipe Co.,
Dallas, Tx. on the basis of low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of
$141,601.00. 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 Manager or his designee. Funds were
budgeted for these items by Water division.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Sdhwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent.
6. M90-066
Motion approving the purchase of nine liquid chlorine systems with
controllers for the Park and Recreation Department to be installed in area
swimming pools, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0160-90, from the
law bidder meeting specifications, DX Systems, Inc., San Antonio, Texas,
for a total of $30,574. The items are budgeted in the 1989-90 Budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent.
7. M90-067
Motion approving the purchase of five CD-ROM cataloging systems for the
South Texas Library System from the Library Corporation, Inwood, WV., for a
total price of $37,200, based on law bid. Funds are made available through
a state grant.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent.
itnutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 5
8. ORDINANCE NO. 20890
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A FIVE-YEAR CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE
AND NECESSITY FOR TAXICAB SERVICE OWNED AND OPERATED BY MR. HOWARD KING,
DBA KING CAB MANY .
The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote:
Turner, Hunt, Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting,
"Aye"; Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner then recessed the Council Meeting at 2:25 p.m. in order to
sign the bowl documents.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting at 2:33 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Hunt addressed remarks to the bond attorneys and the
financial advisors and expressed the opinion that their services should continue
even after the sale of the bonds and the Certificates of Obligation had been
completed.
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 9 from the regular agenda
which is a motion authorizing a policy that establishes procedures for allowing
citizens to speak before the Council under the Petitions/Comments section of the
agenda. She then called on Council Member Sdhwing, who had suggested
establishing the policy, for comments.
Council Member Schwing stated that he had suggested the time change to the
first part of the meeting in order to accommodate the people who have to wait
from three to four hours in order to address the Council for three minutes. He
stated that he felt that this would encourage participation by more citizens and
if they are registered with the City Secretary's office prior to the meeting, it
is likely that the staff would be able to answer more of their questions before
the end of the meeting.
A lengthy disrrussion ensued among the Council Members in regard to the pros
and cons of requiring speakers to register with the City Secretary's office and
to moving the time to the beginning of the meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to amend the proposed policy
to change the time the public would be allowed to speak to have it remain at the
end of the meeting as listed under Item R but to require speakers to register to
speak with the City Secretary's office.
Mayor Turner stated that she would like to determine which Council Members
preferred to move the comments section to the beginning of the meeting. This
policy failed to pass by the following vote: Galindo, Guerrero and Schwing
voting "Aye"; Turner, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "No"; Martin absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 6
A motion was then made by Council Member Schwing to extend the registration
time from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Guerrero arra passed unanimously; Martin absent.
Mayor Turner then called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Raymond Hacker objected to changing the policy, noting in particular
that it should be made clear that citizens can register to speak by telephone.
He also objected to the proposal to censor cotmients by discontinuing televising
the Council Meeting when citizens are speaking.
Mr. Pinkie Eldredge, 4201 Bartlett Street, stated that he prefers to have
comments from the public at the beginning of the meeting. He stated that the
Council had passed an ordinance on third reading authorizing the operation of a
taxicab service before he was even allowed to speak.
Mayor Turner explained that the comments that the Council are discussing
are items that are not on the agenda. She also pointed out to Mt. Eldredge that
the taxicab ordinance was read on three readings arra there had been ample
opportunity for anyone to speak on the issue.
Council Member Moss stated that he would be interested in reconsidering the
ordinance that was passed on third reading until after Mr. Eldredge has spoken
Mayor Turner suggested that the issue under di cItsion be completed first.
Mr. Irving Dietz, 455 Miramar, stated that he is not opposed to the
proposed policy but suggested that an abbreviated agenda should be published in
the newspaper so that people would be aware of what items are going to be
considered. He stated that he felt that the entire meeting should be televised.
Mrs. Gloria Perez, 1317 Seventh Street, expressed opposition to the
requirement for people to register before 1:30 p.m. She also indicated a
preference to have the comments from the audience after 5 p.m.
Mrs. Althea Hanson, 1617 Ocean Drive, urged that the Council not establish
policies to discourage people from speaking. She stated also that she felt that
five minutes wculd be a better length of time.
A motion was made by Council Member Schwing that section a. of the motion
should be changed to state that citizens must register either by telephone or in
person with the City Secretary. The motion was seconded by Council Member
Guerrero and passed unanimously.
Mayor Turner summarized the charades by stating that comments from the
public will be at the beginning of the meeting; the deadline for registering
will be extended from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.; and registration may be by phone.
Another motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to amend section a. to
delete the statement that allows citizens to speak even if they have not
Adnutea
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 7
registered if a majority of the Council votes to allay that. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Schwing arra passed by the following vote: Turner,
Hunt, Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Rhodes voting,
"No"; Martin absent.
Mayor Pro Tem Hunt inquired if the Council is getting ready to vote on
having input from the public before the regular agenda, and Mayor Turner
responded in the affirmative. She then called for the vote on the motion as
amended and it failed to rays by the following vote: Hunt, Galindo, Guerrero
and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Turner, McComb, Moss, Rhodes voting, "No"; Martin
absent.
Failed to Pass
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Diqnizsion followed in regard to further amending the policy. Mayor Turner
inquired if the Council desired to attempt another motion with a change of time
for the public to speak, indicating that she objected to having comments at the
beginning of the meeting. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero that the
motion be adopted as amended with the change of the time for cements to be no
later than 5:00 p.m.; seconded by Council Member Moss. Several Council Members
voted "Aye."
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 8
City Manager Garza suggested that the appropriate procedure would be to
reconsider the action previously taken. A motion was made by Council Member
Moss to reconsider the motion; seconded by Council Member Guerrero and failed to
pats by the following vote: Tirner, Guerrero, Moss and Schwing voting, "Aye";
Hunt, Galindo, MoCanb and Rhodes voting, "No"; Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor T rner then called for consideration of Items 10 and 11 pertaining to
Senior Services Programs.
City Manager Garza stated that he would like for Cecilia Martinez, Director
of Senior Community Services, to make a presentation.
Mrs. Martinez briefly described the Meals on Wheels Program.
Mayor Turner ascertained that no one in the audience wished to speak in
regard to these items.
The following motions were passed:
10. M90-068
Motion authorizing a grant application to the Texas Department of Human
Services to continue the meals on wheels program for the year beginning
June 1, 1990, and authorizing the City Manager to approve a contract and
related documents. The proposed 75% grant of $73,386 would require a local
cash match of $24,462. The current year portion of $4,077 is available in
the state and federal grant fund and $20,385 will be included in next
year's budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent.
11. M90-069
Motion authorizing a grant application to ACTION to continue the Senior
companion Program for the year beginning July 1, 1990, and authorizing the
City Manager to approve a contract and related documents. The proposed
grant of $147,662 would be matched with local cash of $26,452. The current
year portion of $2,204 is available in the state and federal grant fund and
$24,248 will be included in next year's budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Martin absent.
* * * * * *C* * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Items 12 and 13 which deal with
amer>dments to the City Code of Ethics.
Ainutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 9
City Manager Garza referred to Item 12 regarding appearances by Council
Members before City boards, commissions and committees, stating that there are
few cozmnittoc that the Council might wish to exempt frau the list provided
them, i.e., Civil Services =mission and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Council Member Rhodes stated that Item 13 which would amend the Code to
allow the Council to refer pnRsible violations to the Ethics Commission, just
indicates that the Council would need to send a written complaint approved by a
majority of the Council Members. Council Member Rhodes then referred to Item 12
regarding Council Members' appearances before boards and commissions and stated
that she would prefer that this read that they should not be allowed to go
before boards and =Emissions for any reason. She then stated that she would
put that in the form of the motion that the Council would not be allowed to
appear before boards and =missions at all. The motion was seconded by Council
Member Guerrero.
Considerable discussion on this motion ensued and it failed to pas by the
following vote: Galindo, Guerrero and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner, Hunt,
McComb and Moss voting, "No"; Schwing absent at the time the vote was taken;
Martin absent.
A motion was made by Council Member Rhodes that Item 12 be referred to the
Ethics Commission to obtain their opinion. The motion was seconded by Council
Member Moss and passed by the following vote: Galindo, Guerrero, Moss and
Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner, Hunt and McComb voting, "No"; Schwing absent at
the time the vote was taken; Martin absent.
12. Referred to Ethics Commission
AMENBIN6-THE-elT' CODE-eF LT=-13"1-Ai4 B3ENG-SETBSEeHHeN-f6, SEefP3N 2-3+±
RESARBFNe-AFFEARANepS-Big-e eNeFE-MWBERS-BEFBRE-e TY BeARBS, -E lefSSIeNS,
ANB-EeMMITTEES7
Mayor Turner called for comments from the audience on Item 13.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, expressed opposition to the entire change,
particularly the portion that would allow five Council Members to vote and send
a matter for investigation to the Ethics Commission.
Council Member Rhodes pointed out that if a matter is before the Council,
they will have to make the final decision and it is only reasonable to send such
a matter to the Ethics Commission since the Council sends items for
consideration to all of the advisory boards.
City Secretary thapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
ordinance passed on first reading.
13. FIRST READING
.4inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 10
AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ETHICS, BY AMENDING sata'aON 2-330-(b) REGARDING
REFERRALS OF POSSTBTF VIOLATIONS TO THE ETHICS OZMMISSION FROM THE CITY
COUNCIL.
The foregoing ordinance was passed on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Galindo, NbCamb, Moss, Rhodes arra Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt
voting, "No"; Guerrero absent at the time the vote was taken; Martin
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 14 and stated she will
refrain from the dismission and vote because she has filed an affidavit of a
prisible conflict of interest.
There were no comments frau the Council or the audience on Item 14.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the ordinance
passed on second reading by the following vote:
14. SECOND READING
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND
OFFICE BY GRANTING A CHANGE IN ZONING AND A SPECIAL COUNCIL PERMIT ALLOWING
A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING TRAVEL TRAILER PARKS (TRACTS 2A/B, 3),
AN OPEN-AIR RETAIL MARKET, AND SPECIFIC PROVISIONS FOR LANDSCAPING AND
SIGNAGE; AND DECTARING AN EMERGENCY.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote:
Hunt, Galindo, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting "Aye"; Turner
abstaining; Guerrero and Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner announced the public hearing on the following zoning caqn:
15. Application No. 290-1, E & G Investments, Inc.: For a change of zoning
from "A-2" Apartment House District to "B-4" General Business District on
Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block I, Ocean View Addition, located on the southwest
corner of Ocean Drive and Morgan Avenue.
Mayor Turner indicated that the Planning Commission and Planning Staff
reconmiend Denial of "B-4", and in lieu thereof, grant "AB" Professional Office
District.
Mayor Turner inquired of the applicant if the "AB" zoning would be
acceptable, and the applicant indicated that he was satisfied with that zoning.
Mayor Turner called for comments from the audience.
.,.inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 11
Mr. Clark Flato, speaking on behalf of the applicant, noted that the
proposed medical office building to be constructed on the three lots would be in
conformance with other u^r- in the area. He explained that they own three lots
there and they are planning to conduct a market survey to determine the size of
building that is needed. He commented that the applicants have renewed a leasn
with Spohn Towers for two years and the building will not be constructed until
approximately that period of time.
Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning, described uccs allowed under the
existing zoning of "A-2", also "B-4" and "AB" win-. He stated that "AB" zoning
would be more restrictive than the existing "A-2" zoning but it would generate
more traffic.
Council Member Rhodes inquired about the reason for their request of "B-4"
zoning, and Mr. Flato stated that they wanted the highest poRaible use for the
three lots.
Mrs. Rhodes continued by stating that if a large office building is
constructed, the applicants would probably return to the City Council to request
more signage.
Mr. Harvey pointed out that if the "AB" zoning is granted, the applicants
could erect a 20 square foot sign on the wall or a 20 square foot freestanding
sign.sign.
Speaking in opposition to the request was Mrs. Gloria Bell, 1309 Ocean
Drive, who pointed out that there can be no driveway opening from Ocean Drive
but the driveway would have to be from Morgan Street which would create a
traffic hazard.
Mr. Harvey stated that actually a driveway would be allowed from either
Morgan Street or one driveway could be installed on Ocean Drive.
A motion was made by Council Member Moss that the hearing be closed;
seconded by Council Maher Schwing and passed unanimously by those present and
voting.
Council Member Rhodes expressed concern about allowing "AB" zoning on Ocean
Drive, stating that she felt that if it is approved, other applicants will
approach the City for the same type of zoning on that block and the Master Plan
indicates that that portion of the street should be residential and she felt
that Ocean Drive should be protected.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
ordinance was passed:
ORDINANCE NO. 20891
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF E & G INVESTMENTS, INC.
BY CHANGING THE ZONING MAP IN REFERENCE TO LOTS 1, 2, AND 3, BLOCK I, OCEAN
r
.4inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 12
VIEW ADDITION, FROM "A-2" APARTMENT HOUSE DISTRICT TO 'AB' PROFESSIONAL
OFFICE DISTRICT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Hunt, Galindo, Moss and Schwing voting, "Aye";
McComb and Rhodes voting, "No"; Guerrero and Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report.
City Manager Garza informed the Council that Mrs. Joe DeLeon, Sr., wife of
a former Council Member, died the preceding night, and Mayor Turner suggested
that a letter of condolence be written to the family.
Mayor Turner informed the Council that a meeting was conducted that morning
with representatives of Javelina Company and a report will be prepared to
provide information for Ms. Jeannine Foster and other residents who are
interested. She stated that answers will be provided at that time.
Council Member Rhodes reminded the Mayor that she had appointed her to act
as liaison on the AIDS Program. She pointed out that the City does not have a
definite policy but she understood that a draft copy had been prepared and asked
that this be considered by the City Council for pa sage.
City Manager Garza stated that there is a lot of research on this subject;
the City staff has contacted a number of entities; and the draft copy is almost
ready. He stated, however, that the City is presently conducting training
aacsions on the City's new drug policy and he would prefer to wait a few weeks
before pugging a policy on AIDS.
Council Member Rhodes requested a report on the policy on bees and inquired
about a memorandum pertaining to United Airlines and the proposal they had made.
She also stated that a gentleman had called her and commented on the City Hall
building. He provided her with pictures of a building exactly like this one
which is located in Illinois.
Council Member Schwing referred to a presentation that occurred over two
years ago in connection with the City's leasing facilities for a radio tower.
He also expressed concern that the Council had approved spending over $1 million
for rental of a radio tower, yet a company called Advance Communication Service
had presented a letter to the City to construct a radio taxer and building for
$175,000. He stated that he had discussed this with two representatives of the
Sheriff's office who stated that they were renting a location for a tower for
only $240.00 a month. He suggested that the Council re-evaluate the contract
that was approved the preceding week.
Mayor Turner indicated her concurrence and stated that she believed that
the Council should have the written justification for the recommendation made by
staff the preceding week.
.4inutes
Regular Council Meeting
Match 13, 1990
Page 13
A motion was made by Council Manber McComb to reconsider the action taken
on the radio towers; seconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously by
those present and voting.
City Manager Garza stated that he has not executed the contract yet and the
contract is not binding until it has been signed. He stated that he felt that
it would be appropriate to reconsider that action but pointed out that the
County system does not mare to the system that the City is purchasing. He
also stated that the staff is investigating the sites considered by the
consultant.
Council Member Schwing then noted that Alice, Teams hired an environmental
consultant in regard to a transmission of brine line going through a residential
area. He stated that he would like staff to consult the environmental
consultant who is from Kingsville, Texas to attempt to obtain a report.
Mayor Pro Tem Hunt stated that the conditions in Flour Bluff are still very
bad with trash and debris that has been thrown away. He stated that it needs to
be cleaned up and urged that the staff do something as soon as possible.
On another issue, Mt. Hunt inquired about the contract with the Corpus
Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and City Manager Garza replied that
the City has a multi-year contract and the Bureau is to provide marketing,
tourism and prorating the City as a convention destination. He stated that the
contract is for three years and the Convention and Visitors Bureau is a type of
privatization of services.
Mayor Pro Tem Hunt suggested that the Chamber of Commerce take over that
function instead of the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Council Member Galindo referred to the trash collection performed in this
City and informed the Council that in the Houston area, residents are required
to place their garbage in bags which saves a lot of time for the collectors and
could be very cost-effective. He stated that he would like to include a
requirement that citizens be provided with the bags.
City Manager Garza stated that a study is being conducted right now to
consider the possibility of collecting garbage in bags.
*************
Mayor Turner called for comments from the audience on items not listed on
the agenda.
Mr. Irving Dietz, 455 Miramar, registered a complaint about a street
sweeper which was sweeping gravel off the street onto the grass area adjacent to
the street. He stated that in checking he had discovered that sealcoating is no
longer a function of the Street Department but has been transferred to the
Sanitation Department and various departments are performing functions that are
usually performed by another department. Mr. Dietz referred to another matter
.4inutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 14
by stating that at the time the bonds for the City Hall were approved, the
publicity indicated that the City would save $35,000 monthly in rent by
consolidating all offices. He stated that instead there are a lot of trips
being made to the Gibbons Building to obtain various drawings and swnething
should be done to correct this.
Mt. James Hinnant, 5433 Union, stated that he lives near the Javelin
Refinery and objected to all the problems that neighbors are ennccunterinq
because of the adverse street conditions. He inquired as to how they were
allowed to start construction without a permit.
Mayor Zhrner stated that the Council is attempting to get same answers and
they will be committed to writing and that report will be shared with the
neighbors as to what the City can and cannot do in this situation.
Assistant City Manager Elizondo explained to Mr. Hinnant that the permits
were issued by agencies, other than the City, who have jurisdiction over them.
Mr. Scott Heim, President of Alphabyte Computers, stated that they had been
burglarized both in their store and their vehicles with many valuable computers
and equipment taken. He objected to the handling of the matter by the police
officers, their failure to obtain fingerprints, their statement that a detective
was not on duty on the weekends, and the fact that they indicated that the
burglary was considered to be rather unimportant.
Chief Henry Garrett of the Police Department stated that they are concerned
about the burglary and the detectives do work on weekends but there were a large
number of burglaries that particular weekend. He assured Mr. Heim that the
Police Department is working on the cases but they do not have a suspect yet.
Council Member Moss stated that he felt that there is a problem with Public
Relations if someone made those statements to Mr. Heim.
Mr Jose Guyton addressed the Council in regard to telephone ccammrnications
and made several suggestions for cost-effective savings.
City Manager Garza explained that staff needs to mare the systems that
the City now has with whatever a new system would cost and then make a decision.
He admitted that the existing phone system has not been functioning properly and
stated that Mr. Guyton has been very cooperative with City staff on this.
Mr. Sam Celum, 1101 Dunn Lane, again referred to the Javelina Refinery
matter and thanked the Council for the answers that were mailed to him. He
explained that the residents feel overwhelmed by the intolerable conditions that
are occurring but that they do appreciate the concern the Council has shown. He
urged that the Council do whatever pngsible to alleviate the Javelina problems
with which they have been confronted. He then read a letter from the Javelin
representative written to his wife.
:dnutess
Regular Council Meeting
March 13, 1990
Page 15
Mr Robert Reyna, 1821 Roslyn, stated that he had read the agenda for the
day and was disturbed that citizens are going to be required to register with
the City Secretary before being allowed to speak before the Counil. He objected
to the policy which would limit citizens' rights.
Council Member Rhodes informed Mr. Reyna that the item was voted down today
by the City Council.
There being no further business to cane before the Council, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:10 p.m. on March 13, 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 March 13, 1990 which were
approved by the City Council on March 20, 1990.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 29th day of June, 1990.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
etty Turn r
Mayor
r