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