HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/10/1990MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL METT'ING
JULY 10, 1990
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Frank Schwing *
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Leo Guerrero
Tom Hunt
Edward Martin
Joe McComb
Clif Moss
Mary Rhodes
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 Father John Kenna of St. Patrick Church
following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was
led by Council Member Cezar Galindo.
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 Regular Council
Mcctings of June 26, 1990 and July 3, 1990, arvi there being no additions or
corrections, she proclaimed them approved as preanttd.
Mayor Turner recessed the Council Meeting to convene the JTPA Executive
Committee Meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner reconvened the Regular Council Meeting.
* Mayor Pro Tem Schwing arrived at 2:30 p.m.
Mr. Joe Newman, a representative of the Texas State Comptroller's Office,
distributed material to the Council and gave a presentation in regard to the
one-half cent sales tax.
MICROFILMED
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 2
Mr. Newman responded to various questions raised by Council Members and
conveyed the opinion that the City would have to seek an Attorney General's
ruling to determine whether funds from the tax would be prohibited to fund the
reopening of Packery Channel.
Mayor Turner administered the Oaths of Office to the following newly
appointed Board and Committee members: Judy Telge and Annie Jean Castro -
Coastal Bend Health Facilities Development Corporation; Monica Lisa Alaniz and
Diane Bell - Senior Canpanion Program Advisory Committee.
Mayor Turner referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the
resulting appointments were made by the Council: (M90-167)
Water Shore Advisory Committee Private Industry Council
Frank Beck Patricio Alba (Rehabilitation) - Reappointed
Mark Plog - (Engineer) Robert Bowers (Human Services) -
Re -designated Gilbert Cacares (CBO)
Cheyenne Eichelberger (Pvt. Sector)-
Allen Itz (Public Employment) -
James Sturdivant (Pvt. Sector) -
Don L. Roland - (Economic Dev.)
Leonides G. Bazar - (Pvt. Sector)
Ernest R. Garza - (Pvt. Sector)
Rose R. Huegele - (Pvt. Sector)
L. Loyd Neal - (Pvt. Sector) - Re -designated
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions,
ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 9 and Council
Members requested that Items 2 and 3 be withheld for discussion.
City Manager Garza informed the Council that Item 9 has been withdrawn
because Mr. Juranek no longer wishes to lease land from the City.
There were no comments from the audience on the items.
City Secretary [papa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
1. M90-168
Motion approving the purchase of five 40 h.p. tractors with 60" mower
attachments in accordance with Bid Invitation No. 81-0293-90 from San
Patricio Truck & Tractor, Inc., Taft, Texas, based on the low bid of
$65,730. These items will be used by the Water Department for grounds
maintenance in their storm water operations. All items were approved in
the 1989-90 Capital Outlay as replacements.
Minutes
Regular Council Mecting
July 10, 1990
Page 3
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye."
4. M90-171
Motion authorizing the City Manager to award a contract in the amount of
$89,661 to Winship Construction Company for park improvements in T. C.
Ayers, Cabra, and H. J. Williams Parks.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye."
5. RESOLUTION NO. 20943
APPROPRIATING THE FISCAL YEAR 1990 EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT OF $91,000 AND
ALLOCATING $45,200 TO CORPUS CHRIST'S METRO MINISTRIES, INC.; $17,000 TO DOS
MUNWS DAY SCHOOL; AND $28,800 TO THE WOMEN'S SHELTER OF THE CORPUS CHRISI'1
AREA, INC., AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENTS WITH THESE
ORGANIZATIONS.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye."
6. RESOLUTION NO. 20944
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS HIS1ORICAL
COMMISSION FOR ACCEETANCE OF A GRANT OF $7,400, MATCHED BY THE CITY THROUGH
IN-KIND SERVIr'FS OF $8,000 AND $7,500 FROM 15TH YEAR CUBG FUNDING, FOR
UPDATING THE 1974 PRESERVATION PLAN AND ASSOCIATED EXPENSES.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye."
7. ORDINANCE NO. 20945
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINAN('RS, CHAPTER 53, TRAFFIC, SECTION 53-250,
SCHEDULE I — ONE WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Turner, Schwing, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb,
Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye."
8. FIRST READING
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANrFS, CHAPTER 53, TRAFFIC, SECTION 53-254,
SCHEDULE V, INCREASE THE SPEED LIMIT IN CERTAIN ZONES.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Schwing, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes
voting, "Aye."
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 4
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* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Relative to questions posed by Council Member Martin on Item 2, change
order no. 1 in the deductive amount of $72,025 to the contract with Progressive
Structures, Inc. for the Greenwood Library Expansion, City Manager Garza
responded that the architect is paid a fixed fee and there are no adjustments or
changes in the fee due to his miscalculations Mr. Garza implied that it is not
necessary to change the appropriation in the fund.
Council Member Martin requested a listing of the items on the deductive
change order.
Council Member Galindo withdrew his question on Item 3.
There were no camnents from the audience on Items 2 or 3.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their voteR and the following
motions were passed:
2. M90-169
Motion approving Change Order No. 1 in the deductive amount of $72,025 to
the contract with Piugiessive Structures, Inc. for the Greenwood Library
Expansion project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, McComb and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Martin and Moss
voting, "No."
3. M90-170
Motion to accept the proposal from Texas Medical Data Systems, Inc. (T DS),
based on low bid, to provide Accounts Receivable Management, Delinquent
Collections Service, and various Statistical and Financial Reports to EMS.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 5
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 10, agreement for joint
sponsorship of a Basin Yield Study for the Lavaca-Navidad River BaGin - Lake
Texana.
Victor Medina, Director of Public Utilities, updated the Council in regard
to a three -party agreement with the City of Corpus Christi, the Lavaca-Navidad
River Authority and the City of San Antonio for a joint regional planning study
for Lake Texana yield enhancement. He stated that Lake Texana is a potential
source for additional future water supply for the City of Corpus Christi.
The funding and purpose of the study was addressed by Mr. Medina.
Council Member McComb referred to a former study and expressed concern
about duplication of information, and Mr. Medina responded that information from
a previous study did not conduct a study of the actual river basin but addressed
the idea of transporting water from the existing Lake Texana.
Discussion ensued and Council Member Martin expressed support of the study
and remarked that this issue may be one of the most serious items to be
addressed by the Council.
Mr. Jesse Hix, 2622 Segrest, informed the Council that this subject was
discussed at the Mayor's water conference.
Mr. Charles McCaleb, 123 Oleander, spoke in support of the study and
suggested other short-term alternates, such as the establishment of an
industrial water line using recycled water from the wastewater plant and
purifying the water for use.
Council Member McComb pointed out that there is a prior agreement, whereby
if the amount of water that is discharged through the wastewater system is
reduced, the amount required to be released from the lakes will be increased.
He stated that there has to be a balance to offset the waters in the bays and
estuaries.
Council Member Guerrero moved to approve Item 10. The motion was seconded
by Council Member Moss and passed by the following vote: Turner, Schwing,
Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb and Moss voting, "Aye"; Rhodes absent at
the time the vote was taken.
10. M90-172
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to entnr into a
three -party agreement with the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) and
the City of San Antonio for a joint regional planning study for Lake Texana
yield enhancement and approving the City participation in the amount of
$43,200.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner declared a ten-minute recess.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 6
Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the discussion
of the 1990-91 budget.
City Manager Garza reviewed the dates of the action agenda for fiscal year
1990-91 in regard to ordinances which have to be passed before adoption of the
budget.
Mr. Garza exhibited corrpparisons of the City of Corpus Christi to several
Texas cities in regard to the General Fund revenue per capita, General Fund
expenditures per capita, property tax revenue per capita, ad valorem tax rates,
charges paid to the General Fund, City employees per 1,000 population, and total
debt per capita.
Mr. Garza stated that he is prepared to provide further information on the
following major items: Bond Sale/Capital Improvement Program; EMS; Operation
Clean City; options on palm tree replacement; festivals/Quincentenary Commission
Program; Toon Court; Revenue Audit Team; and Elderly Nutrition Program.
Mr. (arza provided an overview of the General Fund Adjustments Worksheet,
elaborating on the resources and expenditures for FY 1990-91. He proposed that
the beginning fund balance for the General Fund be increased by about $800,000,
stating that this is due to revenues exceeding estimates, as well as
expenditures coming in lower than expected Additionally, he stated that he has
increased estimated receipts from the sales tax by $800,000, and this new
estimate is based on final results for the current fiscal year adjusted for
expected growth next year. Mr. Garza reported that the revenues exceed the
proposcd expenditures by about $240,000.
In answer to a question from a Council Member, Mr. Garza responded that he
is recommending a three percent wage increase for City employees to be funded
from a further reduction in reserve appropriations. He expounded on the Reserve
Appropriations account and recommended that it not be decreased below $675,000.
Council Member McComb expressed concern about automatic pay raises and
declared that he would like to view the management study report before the
Council takes any action in regard to raisins.
Mt. Garza stated that the management study is proceeding on schedule; it
should be about 10 to 15 days before the final report is received from the
consultant; and he will then schedule it for a presentation.
Council Member Hunt indicated that he has not noticed any figures in regard
to staff travel. He commented about specific expenditures made by Assistant
City Manager Utter and expressed concern that the taxpayers should not have to
pay for personal expenses incurred by this individual. He stated that before
the budget process is through, he would like to be provided the total figures
for the total expenditures for all City employees.
Discussion ensued and Council Member Martin expressed concern that the
General Fund balance is $10 million out of balance. He expressed the opinion
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 7
the reserve fund should remain intact because unless there is $10 million in
next year's budget as a fund balance, it is guaranteed that there will be major
service cuts or a major tax increase.
Mr. Martin requested a memorandum showing the comparison for the last five
to ten years of the percentage of the General Fund Budget to be paid for out of
current revenue.
Mr. Victor Medina, Public Utilities Director, presented an informational
report in regard to a 16 percent increase in wastewater rates effective with
Cycle 8 billings on or about September 13, 1990 for August wastewater service.
Mr. Medina advised that the proposed 16 percent rate increase will generate
approximately $2.3 million in additional revenue and will increase the bill of
the residential customer using 2,000 gallons per month by $1.13.
In response to a request from Mayor Turner, Mr. Medina identified the
various projects in the Wastewater Capital Improvements Program; he elaborated
on the projects; and he explained their necessity.
Discussion ensued and Council Member Hunt expressed concern that when
individuals water their lawns, the water goes into the ground and not into the
sewer system.
Council Member Moss suggested that the City should publicize the fact that
there is a cap on the sewage rates.
A discussion followed in regard to the utility rate cap and Mr. Medina
advised that if the City were to remove the cap of 15,000 gallons, it would
increase its revenues approximately $1 million at the present rate system.
Council Member Martin stated that before adoption and implementation of the
ordinance, he would like to see the recommendations of the consultant.
Mr. Garza suggested that the deadline for the adoption of the rates should
be in July for implementation in August. He stated that the consultant's
recommendation is forthcoming, and before adoption of the ordinance, the Council
will be provided a series of alternatives for each utility to see how each rate
would be affected.
Mr. Martin stated that in next week's packet, he would like a chart of a
minimus average utility customer and a moderately high residential utility
customer showing what their current monthly bill is for gas, water and
wastewater and then showing what their monthly bill in total would be for gas,
water and wastewater after this increase.
Mr Medina responded to specific questions posed by Council Members.
Mayor Turner called for comments from the audience.
Mr. John S. Talbot, 828 Egyptian, remarked about an economic -impact fee.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 8
Mr. James Cook, 13765 Eagles Nest, Padre Islarxi, commented in regard to $3
million which was held in escrow for infrastructure needs on the island.
Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza stated that the City is attempting to
earmark the $3 million for water system improvement projects on the island.
Mr. Garza indicated that it is anticipated that the 2 million gallon expansion
will provide enough capacity to handle development on the island and keep the
City within the parameters set by the Texas Water CO miission.
Mr. C. W. Carpenter, 4519 Hogan, spoke in regard to an equitable charge for
sewer service.
Mr. Harold Hoppenrath, 338 Clifford, made remarks in regard to luxury
expenditures by City staff, and Mayor Turner advised Mr. Hoppenrath to address
the Council under "petitions from the audience." -
Mr. Ronald McGee, a resident on Claride Street in Flour Bluff, expressed
opposition to the proposed utility rate.
Mayor Turner clarified that the only rate which will be increased is the
wastewater rate because it is the only way to pay for the improvements to the
wastewater treatment plant which are being mandated by the federal government.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
ordinance was passed on first reading:
11. FIRST READING
AMENDING SECTION 55-50, 55-60, AND 55-100 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES,
REGARDING WATER, GAS, AND WASTEWATER RATES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL
ORDINANC'FS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
The foregoing ordinance pascal on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Galindo, Guerrero, Martin, McComb and Moss voting, "Aye"; Hunt
voting, "No"; Schwing and Rhodes absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Relative to Item 12, adoption of golf fees and changes for the 1990-91
fiscal year for the Gahe Lozano Sr. and Oso Golf Courses, Malcolm Matthews,
Director of Park and Recreation, reviewed a proposed schedule of golf fees and
charges. He stated that staff and the Greens Committee have agreed to increases
in golf rates and uses for the upcoming fiscal year, and these increases are
recommended in order to balance the FY90-91 golf budget and begin reducing the
negative golf fund balance.
City Manager Garza responded to questions raised by Council Member Martin
relevant to the revenues versus the expenditures in the Golf Fund's proposed
budget.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 9
Following a brief discussion, Council Member Martin suggested that a
monthly golf fee should be offered to the winter Texans because it would be a
good source of revenue.
Mayor Turner concurred with Mr. Martin and suggested that a reasonable golf
package be put together for Winter Texans.
Council Member Martin stated that following the adoption of the budget, he
would like a memorandum from the City Manager in regard to why the Golf and FMS
are separate funds.
There were no comments from the audience on Item 12.
Assistant City Secretary Zahn polled the Council for their votes and the
following ordinance was passed on first reading:
12. FIRST READING
ADOP'T'ING GOLF FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE 1990-91 FISCAL YEAR FOR THE GABE
LOZANO SR. AND OSO GOLF COURSES.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote:
Turner, Galindo, Guerrero, Hunt, Martin, McComb and Moss voting, "Aye";
Schwing and Rhodes absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for the City Manager's report.
City Manager Garza referred to additional items associated with the budget
that could be discussed at this time or could be delayed until the following
week.
Council Member McComb expressed the opinion that he would prefer to study
the material which was provided to the Council during the mooting and discuss
them next week.
Council Member Martin suggested that the Council should have a list of
decisions they need to make and the requests they have made during this mooting.
Council Member McComb stated that he is not in favor of the recommended 3%
cost -of -living increase and he felt that the City Manager should have a
consensus of the Council on this subject so that he can plan accordingly.
Discussion followed among the Council Members, and Mayor Turner indicated
that she would prefer to wait until the management study report had been
completed before authorizing any salary increases; Council Member Guerrero
objected to the proposed increase in ranges for the management group and asked
for another recommendation from the City Manager in regard to increasing the
ranges in the management category, but granting the 3% increase for employees at
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 10
a lower level; Council Member Hunt stated that he is not ready for a 3% increase
and preferred to wait for the management study report; and Council Member
Galindo pointed out that the City management should examine employees who are
not producing well and consider decreasing their salaries, and at the same time,
consider the fact that a 3% salary increase would not be very costly just for
the lower-income employees
Council Member Martin referred to the management study and stated that he
felt that the Council might be disappointed in that the study will probably just
make recommendations and the Council will still have to make the decisions. He
expressed the opinion that employees who perform well should be granted
increases and retained regardless of whether they are management or lower -level
employees. He pointed out that management level employees work overtime with no
compensation and usually have the experience to provide more for the City. He
suggested that the City Manager should be allowed to make the decision as to
which employees should receive salary increases, and he therefore suggested that
a total of $500,000 to $600,000 be included in the budget for salary increae.es
and the decision as to how it should be allocated should be made later.
Council Member Guerrero agreed that the lower-income employees should
receive some type of increase, but concurred with Council Member Martin that a
lump sum should be included in the budget for decisions to be made in the
future.
Mayor Turner stated that it is important for the City to retain good
employees, but she was concerned that the funds for salary increases would
deplete the reserves. She then inquired about privatization and whether or not
it could be utilized to decrease the number of City employees. City Manager
Garza explained that part-time or seasonal jobs should be on a contract basis.
Mayor Turner called for reports from the Council.
Council Member McComb commented in regard to a memorandum he distributed to
the Council about the upcoming election. He expressed the opinion that he would
like to identify the projects for which the sales tax revenue will be used and
this could be estabished in the bylaws of the Corpus Christi Community
Investment Foundation.
Mayor Turner expressed the opinion that the board for the foundation should
be identified within the next three months; the Council should discuss the kinds
of projects which will be used with the tax revenues; and public hearings should
be held to solicit input from the public.
Council Member Guerrero referred to the Greyhound Racetrack and remarked
about the unattractive site across from the track. He suggested that staff meet
with officials from rnatal Javelin and urge them to soften the site.
Mayor Turner commented about numerous concerns in regard to the Aquarium's
policy of prohibiting the use of strollers in their facility.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 10, 1990
Page 11
Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not
scheduled on the agenda.
Mr. Harold Hoppenrath, 338 Clifford, cotmmanicated concern about remarks
made by Council Member Guerrero during the meeting in regard to personal
expenditures made by Assistant City Manager Utter.
City Manager Garza stated that he will review the matter. He advised that
employees reimburse the City for all personal expenses; Mr. Utter has not yet
sulhnitted all his expenses in regard to his trips to Austin; and therefore, the
City probably owes Mr. Utter money.
Council Member Guerrero alleged that the information presented by Council
Member Hunt in regard to the Assistant City Manager's personal expenditures was
incorrect.
Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, spoke in regard to items which he
believes are budget priority items — senior servirns and public safety.
Mr. Manuel Saucedo, a representative of a private ambulance service, spoke
in regard to the City's present emergency medical service system.
Council Member Martin displayed concern in regard to personal comments made
by Council Member Hunt relative to travel related expenses incurred by Assistant
City Manager Utter. Mr. Martin implied that if the expenditures were made and
reimbursement was made to the City, Mt. Hunt has made a major character
assasination against an individual. He voiced the opinion that if the
expeditures have been handled in accordance with the City Manager's adopted
travel policy, Mr. Hunt should be reprimanded for his accusation. Mr. Martin
called on the Mayor and the Council to deal with this issue in the appropriate
fashion.
Council Member Hunt declared that he will personally pay for an independent
audit in regard to this issue.
There being no additional business to come before the Council, Mayor Turner
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. on July 10, 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 July 10, 1990 which were
approved by the City Council on July 17, 1990.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the ,2 I1 day of August, 1990.
C
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
-ay _4.1.z. /
Betty TtY�ner
Mayor