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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 9. Withdrawn AUW9RPS+N6 -THE -P3£ Pi6N -GF -A -THREE -YEAR -GRASRNG -EEASE-AGREE24RiP -ANB BRAT-WA'PER-HSE-EENENA,NP-WITH-3AMEE-M7-3BRANEK-FBR A 5.43 AeRE-TRAEi 6F-EANB-439T-eF-THE-eEENWAv-WATER NE -RIGHT -6F -WAY AT MASSE -SANE ANB iEW AE'PA -ANB APPRe WNG -THE -REP S% -FEE -6F -$3e -PER -MONTH; -AND-PREWIBFN6 -FOR eUB 6N- * * * * * * * * * * * * * 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