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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/26/1990PRESENT Mayor Betty Turner Mayor Pro Tem Joe McComb Council Members: Cezar Galindo Leo Guerrero Tem Hunt Edward Markin Clif Moss Mary Rhodes Frank Schwing CITY OF CORPUS CRIsrI, TEXAS RMULAR COUNCIL METING JUNE 26, 1990 2 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. The invocation was delivered by Council Member Cezar Galindo following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Leo Guerrero. City Secretary Armando Chapa called the roll and verified that a quorum of the Council and the necessary charter officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Workshop and Regular Council Meetings of June 19, 1990, and there being no additions or corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mr. James Wagner and Dr. Hector Garcia, co -chairpersons of the Census Complete Count Committee, explained the goals of the committee and provided a brief overview of their accomplishments. Mr. Wagner introduced other representatives of the committee, and certificates of appreciation were presented to local officials and members of the committee for their support in the 1990 census count. It was the consensus of the Council to postpone the Board and Committee appointments for one week. * * * * * * * * * * * * MICROFILMEP Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 2 Mayor Turner called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 9. Relative to Item 1, approving the purchase of 18,600 feet of copper pipe, City Manager Garza advised that staff recommends the following awards for the purchase of the mer pipe. Ferguson Enterprises Inc. of Corpus Christi - $14,259.80 arra The Rohan Co. of San Antonio - $2,060.00. Pertaining to Item 6, Mayor Pro Tem Mflinb inquired if the unresolved issues with the Ultimate Yacht Race group had been settled, and City Manager aarza replied in the affirmative. There were no comments from the audience on the items. City Secretary thapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 1. M90-152 Motion approving the purchase of 18,600 feet of copper pipe, sizes 3/8" - 2", in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0353-90, based on low bid. This pipe will be used by the Water Division for maintenance and installation of meters. Funds have been budgeted in FY 89-90 and requested for FY 90-91. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 2. M90-153 Motion authorizing two agreements with Union Pacific Pipeline Co. for the relocation of pipelines across the Donigan Flats Ditch and in connection with the Agnes Street Improvements project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 3. M90-154 Motion authorizing a five-year lease renewal with the Housing Authority for the public nee of Wiggins Park for recreational purpoccz. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 4. M90-155 Motion to amend Motion No. M87-0302, approved by the City Council on August 25, 1987, which established City Council Travel Policy, to delete the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 3 allowance for reimbursement for spouse travel in accordance with the opinion of the Attorney General of Texas dated June 1, 1990. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Mass, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 5. ORDINANCE NO. 20936 AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 20777 BY AMENDING SECTION 3 IN ORDER TO ADOPT THE FJJThL ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR STREET II+IPROVEMENTS ON THE FOLLOWING: Gardendale Area, Phase II - Curtis Clark Drive, from Everhart Road to South Staples Street; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes arra Schwing voting, "Aye." 6. ORDINANCE NO. 20937 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE ULTIMATE YACHT RACE, INC., FOR A PORTION OF THE Lr -HEAD AND A PORTION OF THE LAWRENCE STREET T -HEAD, FROM JUNE 30 THROUGH JULY 11, 1990; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance pa sed by the following vote: Turner, MCCanb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 7. SECOND READING AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AIRLINE USE AND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH DELTA AIRLINES, INC. FOR USE OF FACILITIES AT CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The foregoing ordinance was passed on second reading by the following vote: Rimer, MCCanb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 8. ORDINANCE NO. 20938 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE NUECES COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY (NCCAA) FOR THE LEASE OF PROPERTIES; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Turner, NttCanb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." 9. ORDINANCE NO. 20939 Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 4 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREENIENT OF SUBMERGED LAND ADJACENT TO AND ABUTTING THE PRESENT SHORELINE OF LOT 2, BLOCK G. BROOKLYN ADDITION FOR FIVE YEARS TO WAYNE A. JOHNSON. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 10, approving a twelve month natural gas supply agreement with Reata Industrial Gas, L.P. In response to a question raised by Council Member Martin, Victor Medina, Public Utilities Director, responded that the City purchases fifty percent of its natural gas requirement from Valero Transmission, L.P. at $4.40 MMBTU, and that the contract will expire in 1993. There were no comments frau the audience on Item 10. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion was passed: 10. M90-156 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a twelve month natural gas supply agreement with Reata Industrial Gas, L.P., to begin on July 1, 1990, for the purchase of 50% of the City's requirements. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, McCanb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Noss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 11, sales tax and charter amendment election. Mayor Emeritus Luther Jones read from a prepared statement in support Of calling an election for a one-half cent sales tax increase. Council Member Rhodes expressed reservations because of the short amount of time Wore the election in August and suggested putting the issue on the January ballot in order to develop more projects in regard to economic development. Mayor Emeritus Jones indicated that the City has an excellent chance of obtaining the Continental Airlines contract; and if the sales tax were on the ballot, it would make a difference in the negotiations. He stated that if the issue were to fail, there should be a reasonable period of time hPfore it could be suhtittPd on another ballot. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 5 Council Member Moss mentioned that providing incentives to assist in attracting the Continental Airlines maintenance facility to Corpus Christi is not the only use for the sales revenue because that prospect could be achieved with an individual bond issue. He then elahnrated on various other implications the sales tax would have on the City. Council Member Hunt implied that he will support placing this item on the ballot but will work hard to defeat it. He pointed out that the sales tax would enable lower income people to lose purchasing power. State Representative Hugo Berlanga spoke in support of calling the election for the proposed one-half cent sales tax; he elaborated on Senate Bill 971; and stated that 29 cities have adopted the sales tax. Mr. B rlarga emphasized that the issue of Packery Channel does not have any h<'aring on this election and urged the Council to delete any wording on Packery Channel from the ballot. He strPssei that the Continental maintenance facility is not the only issue and declared that this is an issue of economic development and jobs. Council Member Rhodes expresccd the opinion that the ballot should clearly state that the money will not be used for the reopening of Packery Channel. Mayor Pro Tem McCwnb advised that it should be clearly displayed to the voters that the money will not be used for Packery Channel. He noted that the legislation states that the funds are not available for that purpose. He suggested that the Councils a resolution specifying that the funds generated as a result of the passage of the sales tax would not be used for Packery Channel. Representative RPrlanga explained the intent of the legislation and expressed concern if the ballot were clouded with other issues because it would complicate the proposition. The following individuals expressed opposition to the proposed one-half cent sales tax: Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1549 Casa Grande; Mr. Raymond Hacker, 1813 Wallace; arra Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano. The Council deliberated and discussed the issue in regard to the reference of Packery Channel on the ballot and the Council's reactions varied. Council Member Guerrero made a motion to amend Ordinance 11 by amending Section 6, prior to passage, to delete reference to Packery Channel. The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin. Following is the exact wording of Ordinance 11 SECTION 6: "An election is hereby ordered to be held on August 11, 1990, in the City of Corpus Christi for the imposition of an additional one-half of one percent sales and use tax in accordance and for the purposes prescribed by the Development Corporation Act of 1979, as amended, at which election shall be submitted to the voters the following proposition as it shall appear on the ballot. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSITION For "The adoption of an additional one-half of one percent sales and use tax within the City for economic development to promote new and Against existing business and industry, including industrial development, community facilities and education enhancements." Council Member Rhodes expressed the opinion that the deletion of Packery Channel frau the ballot would send a message to the community and the issue is apt to be defeated. She stated that she will not support putting this item on the ballot if it does not state "no funis for Packery Channel." Mrs. Rhodes then requested a copy of the incentives which have been offered to Continental Airlines. Council Member Martin remarked that he seconded the motion because that is the way the ballot should read unless the Council wishes to develop a long list of other items which are not going to be included. He indicated that he would endorse both wordings but the issue which Should be put before the citizens is the one-half cent sales tax for economic development. Council Member Guerrero declared that it is important that there be a unanimous vote of the Council on the adoption of the one-half cent sales tax. The motion offered by Council Member Guerrero passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin and Moss voting, "Aye"; Galindo, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "No." Council Member Guerrero then nerved to instruct staff to create a Resolution wherein if the voters approve the one-half cent sales tax increase, that none of the funds will be used for the reopening of Packery channel. The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin and passed by the following vote: Turner, McComb, Guerrero, Martin ani Moss voting, "Aye"; Galindo, Hunt and Schwing voting, "No"; Rhodes abstaining. Mayor Turner announced a five-minute rss. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting and the Council then discussed various items to be placed on the August 11 ballot. In response to questions posed by the Council, City Secretary Chapa reviewed the status of the two petitions which had been presented to the Council in regard to the utility rate cap and the "right to life" issue. It was the consensus of the Council that the normal procedure for validating the petitions should be adhered to so that a precedent is not set for future petitioners. The Council also agreed to place the two issues on the January ballot if the petitions are validated. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 7 Mayor Turner advised that she would reactivate the Charter Revision Commission to review any additional chanes in the City Charter which they deem appropriate to be put on the January ballot. The Council indicated their concurrence to withdraw the City Charter amendments which had been reotumerxled for the referendum and place them on the ballot in January. Auction was made by Mayor Pro Tem McCwnb to instruct the City Secretary to validate the petitions; and after the validation is completed, to provide the results to the Council; and at that time, the Council will set an election date for those two issues plus the addition of other charter amendments. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously. Council Member Guerrero moved to amend Ordinance 11 and delete any reference to any measures or charter amendments, other than the one-half cent sales tax. The motion was seconded by Council Member Galindo and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance passed as amended: 11. ORDINANCE NO. 20940 ORDERING A SPECIAL ELECTION 10 BE HELD ON AUGUST 11, 1990, IN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISI'1 BOR THE ADOPTION OF AN ADDITIONAL ONE-HALF OF ONE PERCENT SALES AND USE TAX WITHIN THE CITY, PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR HOLDING OF SUCH ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR NCITICE OF ELECTION AND PUBLICATION THEREOF; PROVIDING EOR ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCH ABSENTEE POLLING PLACES; DESIGNATING POLLING PLACE LOCATIONS; ENACTING PROVISIONS INCIDENT AND RELATING TO THE SUBJECT AND PURPOSE OF THIS ORDINANCE; AND DECCAR NG AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the following vote: Turner, McCanb, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, Moss, Rhodes and Schwirg voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza stated that he will provide the Council with a follow-up status report on the City's delihorations with the Texas Water Commission. Mayor Turner announced that on Saturday, July 30, the crustal Bend Alliance of Mayors will sponsor a water conference which will be held at the Convention Center. She then spoke about the issues which will be discussed. Mayor Turner called for reports farm the Council. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 8 Mayor Pro Tem McComb commented about the City's palm treys which were lost as a result of the freeze. Following a short discussion on this topic, City Manager Garza stated that he will provide a recommendation to the Council in regard to planting new trees Council Member Hunt inquired about the status of the EPA action in regard to the fishing pier in Flour Bluff, and City Manager Garza advised that he does not have a recent report; the last meeting was held about a month ago; and he cemented about the mitigation issue. Following comments from Mayor Pro Tem Ma(Xanb, a brief discussion ensued in regard to the proposed EPA regulations concerning Section 402 of the Clean Water Act. Council Member Galindo requested a status report in regard to a letter which the Council received from Mr. Hinojosa, Hinojosa Fence Co. Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Frank Kolda, 6938 Aswan, a representative of the Pharaoh Valley Neighborhood Association, read a prepared statement pertaining to increased wasteuatPr rates to support a new southside wastewater treatment plant. Mr. Bill Lathrop, 4025 Bray, remarked about the City's purchase of machinery and cemented in regard to sole sourcing and maintenance contracts. Council Member Martin requested a report in regard to this situation; and after a brief discussion in regard to Mr. Lathrop's concerns, City Manager Garza stated that he will check into the matter. Mr. Raymond Hasker, 1813 Wallace, contented about the appalling condition of a creek in Blucher Park, and City Manager Garza stated that this matter will be investigated. Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1549 Casa Grande, called attention to a street which is blocked by parents' cars dropping off and picking up their children from school. He expressed concern that fire trucks and ambulances would not be able to pass through if there was an emergency. Mr. Bill Darby, 626 John Lee, read a prepared statement in regard to the issue of abortion. Council Member Martin disapproved of Council time spent during a Council Meeting listening nm to individuals express their concerns and viewpoints on the issue of pro life or abortion because it is not a City issue. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, expressed concern about tall weeds growing in a three -block area of Buford. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 9 Ms. Mary Davis, 6709 Sahara, President of the Pharaoh Valley Neighborhood Association, read a prepared statement in regard to the construction of a southside wastewater treatment facility. Mrs. Mary Pat Slavik, 412 Palmetto, urged the Council not to amend the City Charter as it pertains to the number of signatures required for an initiative and referendum. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Thrner recessed the regular Council Meeting to convene the Meeting of the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Betty ZLirner reconvened the Regular Council Meeting at 6:05 p.m. and opened the public hearing on the Budget for Fiscal Year 1990-91. John Yochem, 612 South Stapies, Chairman, Municipal Arts Commission, and Carol Scott, 3126 Austin, President, Corpus Christi Arts Council, explained the Commission's guidelines for allocating funds to organizations noting that the Corpus Christi Arts Council does not qualify for funds under the present guidelines. Mayor Turner requested a copy of the MAC guidelines and a recommendation by the Arts Council to MAC indicating the percentage needed for annual operating costs and requested that this recommendation be presented to City Council by July 3, 1990. Inez Adams, 6 Camden Place, Chairman, Library Board, endorsed increased funding for books and staffing for the library system. Victor Lara, 433 Villa Drive, urged hiring a librarian specializing in Hispanic genealogy. Daniel Nelson, 1014 Cairo Drive, remarked on how libraries benefit students and the community. Loretta Shaw, 2701 Camargo, commented on the work being done by the libraries to promote literacy and expressed a need for additional library personnel. She also noted that due to expansion at the Greenwood Library, additional maintenance personnel are needed. Ray Didear, Vice Chairman of the Library Board, addressed the need for more books at the libraries and urged Council to increase funding for the libraries. She informed Cbu ncil that the library's Long -Range Planning Report will be completed in September. Aubrey George, Assistant Library Director, responded to questions posed by Council regarding methods for increasing library revenues. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 10 Phillip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, spoke in support of increased funding for Senior Citizen services. Rene Wynn, 1303 Peabody, directed attention to the need for better lighting and a pull station for emergencies at the Oso Recreation Center. A brief dignnssion followed on the need to have city buildings in compliance with building standard cedes Creed Coffee, 701 Gregory, spoke on the Municipal Golf Courses expressing his concern that greens fees would be increased in order to decrease the fund deficit which is due in part to interdepartmental charges. Various alternatives for operating the Golf Furl were discussed. City Manager affirmed that a recommendation relative to the Golf Furl would be forthcoming. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, expressed his support for additional library books, and his opposition to the proposed 16 percent wastewater rate increase. Jim McCown, 11114 Birdwood Lane, a member of the Park and Recreation Board, addressed the need for three mobile park maintenance crews to adequately maintain the city's parks. Several viable solutions for maintaining the city's parks were discussed, and staff was encouraged to explore all options. Council Member Hunt departed the meeting. Jane Benavides, 516 Mohawk, inquired about repairs to the interior of Oak Park Recreation Center, and Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, assured her that the repairs will be done. Alicia Gallegos-Gcmuez, 1017 Harrison, LSCA Board, cmiented on the need for additional library books, security systems for the branch libraries, and at least a $3 million annual library budget to adequately maintain the library system. She supported establishment of a pilot program consolidating library services between the City and CCISD. Gloria Perez, 1317 17th Street, expressed her opposition to the proposed 16 percent wastewater rate increase. Alex Gonzales, 1037 Monette, stated his opposition to the proposed 16 percent wastewater rate increase. Raymond Masker, 1813 Wallace, questioned the City's purchase of park land. He also questioned the City's method of transferring funds and requested a written legal opinion frau the City Attorney on this matter. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 26, 1990 Page 11 Various Council Members expressed the need for public awareness regarding City finances. Council Member Guerrero requested a caTparison of the City's utility fund with other cities in the state. Council Member Martin asked for a summary sheet of the requests made of the Council by the public during the public hearing. He also suggested that Council consider visiting city -owned facilities. City Manager Garza gave an overview of the major issues facing the Council and stated that a memorandum outlining alternative budget options would be presented to Council. It was the consensus of the Council that a budget workshop be held Tuesday, July 10, 1990. City Manager Garza, in response to questions posed by Council, replied that the deadline for adopting the 1990-91 FY Budget is July 31, 1990, but that the tax levy adoption deadline is September 1, 1990. There being no further business to cane before the Council, Mayor Turner declared the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. on June 26, 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 June 26, 1990 which were approved by the City Council on July 10, 1990. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 2 9 Q day of August, 1990. etty Turn Mayor Armando Chapa City Secretary