HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/31/1990MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 31, 1990
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner *
Mayor Pro Tem Frank Schwing
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Tom Hunt
Edward Martin
Joe McComb
Clif Moss
Mary Rhodes
Absent:
Leo Guerrero
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney Hal George
City Secretary Armando Chapa
`?/nu' -e -
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of
City Hall and announced that Mayor Turner is in Austin testifying before the
State Highway Department on behalf of the City. He then moved to excuse her
absence from the Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member
McComb and passed unanimously; Guerrero absent.
The invocation was delivered by Reverend Clifford Taylor of Bethany
Christian Church following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the
United States was led by Council Member Czar 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 Pro Tem Schwing called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular
Council Meeting of July 24, 1990. A motion was made by Council Member Martin to
approve the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 24, 1990. The motion
was ccconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously; Guerrero absent.
Police chief Henry Garrett gave a presentation in recognition of the Police
Explorers, Post 133 for their accomplishments in Boulder, Colorado at the
National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference.
Mayor Pro Tem Sdhwing presented Chief Garrett with a Proclamation
designating July 31, 1990 as "Corpus Christi Police Explorers Day."
MICROFILMED
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 2
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing called for consideration of consent motions,
resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 3.
There were no comments from the Council or audience on the items.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
1. M90-193
Motion approving supply agreements for police uniform ac ssories in
accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0256-90 with the following companies
for the following amounts based on low bid, Jest bid, and low bid mooting
specifications for an estimated annual expenditure of $13,659.90. The
terms of the agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend
for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the
supplier and the City Manager or his designee. These items will be used by
the Police Department. Funds have been requested for FY 90-91.
Texas State Distributors
Beaumont, Texas
$12,964.90
Grand Total: $13,659.90
Famous Uniforms
Corpus Christi, Texas
$695.00
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt,
Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
2. M90-194
Motion authorizing acquisition of Parcel 1 located at McKinzie Road and
Castle River Drive for $14,500 in connection with the McKinzie Road
Extension project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt,
Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
3. M90-195
Motion authorizing an interlocal cooperation agreement between the City of
Corpus Christi and the Cnastal Bend Council of Govermnents (CBCOG)
designating CBCOG as the administrator of 9-1-1 service in the CBCOG
region. Administration in the agreement consists of oversight,
coordination, and client services in accordance with the 9-1-1 CBCOG
Regional Plan.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt,
Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 3
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing called for consideration of Items 4, 5 and 6.
In answer to a question from Council Member Moss on Item 6, Padre Island
Drive Improvements Project, Carl Civil, Director of Engineering Services,
responded that the preliminary assessment roll has already been adopted and this
item is to adopt the final assessment roll to correct any changes.
There were no comments from the audience on Items 4, 5 or 6.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
were passed:
4. M90-196
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement appointing Dr.
Richard Davis as Medical Director for the City of Corpus Christi FMS.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt,
Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 20956
ACCEPTING THE 16TH YEAR COMMUNITY DEVEIAPMEN'T BIECK GRANT PROGRAM AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS; AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR APPROVED 16TH YEAR PROJECTS.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Schwing, Galindo,
Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero
absent.
6. ORDINANCE NO. 20957
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 19917 BY AMENDING SECTION 3 IN ORDER TO ADOPT THE
FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL POR THE PADRE ISLAND DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FROM
ONE-HALF MILE NORTH OF THE AIRPORT DITCH TO SOUTH OF STATE HIGHWAY 44, WITH
59 ITEMS TOTALLING $259,506.20; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes
voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
************
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing called for consideration of Item 7, approving the
purchase of hardware and software for the C.A.D. D. System.
Carl Cru11, Director of Engineering Services, provided background
information on the project and reviewed a progress report on the CADD/GIS
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 4
System. He stated that the plan is for a five-year implementation schedule and
he elaborated on the timetable for the project. Mr. Crull presented maps of the
areas completed for the base map, stating that it would be 100 percent complete
in about eight months.
Discussion ensued as a series of specific questions were posed by Council
Members, and Mr. Crull and Mr. Garza responded to the questions.
Council Member Moss expressed concern that other City departments are not
already implementing their data to the base map because the City could realize
more savings and efficiency.
City Manager Garza explained that in this initial phase of the system,
staff has attempted to adhere to the budget and has not requested equipment
needs for other departments which could be affected by the system.
Mr. Crull related that the total cost for implementation of the system will
be approximately $1.25 to $1.5 million and the payback would be about five to
ten years.
Relative to Item 8, Santa Fe Overlay and Waterline Replacement, City
Manager Garza reviewed the scope of the project and stated that this plan
provides for some leveling out and repairing the subbase where it is most
needed.
Council Member Moss expresccd concern because the entire subbase on Santa
Fe nems to be replaced, and City Manager Garza responded that to change the
scope of the project at this time would entail a significant amount of money.
There were no connnents from the audience on Items 7 and 8.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
motions were passed:
7. M90-197
Motion approving the purchase of hardware and software for the C.A. D.D.
System in the Engineering Serviris Department in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0339-90 from the following firms, based on low bid:
Hewlett-Packard Genesys II, Inc.
San Antonio, Texas Ft. Collins, CO
$80,223.80 $34,000
HASP, Inc.
Loveland, CO
$12,000
Grand Total: $126,223.80
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 5
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt,
Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
8. M90-198
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $569,186 with Heldenfels
Brothers, Inc. to install a new waterline and an asphalt overlay on Santa
Fe Street from Louisiana to Doddridge.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt,
Martin, McComb and Rhodes voting, "Aye"; Moss voting, "No"; Turner and
Guerrero absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing called for consideration of Item 9, adoption of the
1990 ad valorem tax rate.
City Manager Garza related that the proposed tax rate of $0.59 is slightly
under the effective tax rate as calculated and published in the newspaper. He
explained that the calculation of the effective tax rate is designed to
calculate the break even point.
In answer to a question from Council Member Martin, City Manager Garza
responded that in Item 9, the Council would adopt a tax rate which is required
to balance the General Find Budget, as well as the Debt Service Budget. He
noted that this would be a deviation from past years because this is the first
time that the City had a contract with the County tax assessor/collector. Nr.
Garza stated that technically by law, the City first adopts a tax rate; it is
conveyed to the County tax assessor; he calculates what the resulting tax levy
is; and the tax levy is then submitted to the Council for approval.
Mr. Garza continued by stating that it is the same ordinance the City has
used in the past to levy its tax rate, and it does not change the City's policy
on its property taxes. He stated that the tax levy ordinance will determine
what the tax rate generates in actual dollars and that will be presented to the
Council next week.
Mr. Garza responded to specific questions by the Council.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, raised various questions in regard to the
tax rate. He stated that in previous years, the budget has been adopted prior
to the tax rate being adopted. He commented on the State Property Tax Ccde and
spoke about the City's Debt Service Fund.
City Manager Garza responded to Mr. O'Brien's questions and elaborated on
the procedure the City uses to finance its general obligation debt.
Council Member Galindo requested a copy of Mr. O'Brien's questions and a
written response to the questions from the City Manager.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 6
Prior to voting on Item 9, the Council called for the presentation on the
Budget, noting that they will first vote on Item 10.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing called for consideration of Item 10, adoption of FY
1990-91 Operating Budget.
City Manager Garza discussed the various changes which he incorporated in
the General Fund. He then commented on the Trust Fund; the Debt Service Fund;
the Emergency Management Services Fund; the Golf Center Fund; the Marine Fund;
and the Wastewater Fund. He noted that the salary ranges for police managerial
positions have been increased by four percent to maintain equity with police
personnel negotiated wages. Mr. Garza pointed out that no other wage increases
are presented in the ordinance.
Mr. Garza responded to specific questions raised by the Council pertaining
to the Drug Fund for Teen Court, palm tree replacement, senior community
services, library positions, the sales tax, the municipal court record system
and FMS. Mr. Garza then elaborated on the reserve appropriations.
Deliberation and discussion of the budget followed.
Council Member Martin expressed concern that the budget authorizes
expenditures of $9 million more than the City takes in. He recommended approval
of the budget but pointed out that the Council has a great deal of work to do
after the budget is adopted.
In answer to a question from Mr. Martin, City Manager Garza responded that
in structuring the budget, he very carefully followed the procedures upheld by
the Supreme Court.
In regard to the pay raises, City Manager Garza stated that possible pay
raises for all other employees are being delayed until the results of a
management audit report.
Various Council Members expressed concern about depleting most of a $10
million reserve fund carried over from the 1989-90 budget.
Council Member Rhodes suggested that the budget should be discussed during
a Council Meeting at least once a month with a report from the City Manager.
She stated that she would like to see that built in the agenda. There was no
opposition from the Council to Mrs. Rhodes' suggestion.
Discussion followed on future sales tax projections and the proposed
management analysis.
City Manager Garza stated that he would like to schedule the presentation
in regard to the management audit results for the August 21st Council Meeting
and have a workshop entirely dedicated to the report.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 7
Council Member Rhodes inquired about funds for the Convention and Visitors
Bureau and the Economic Development Corporation, and City Manager Garza
responded that the City has a contract with the Convention and Visitors Bureau
until 1993. He stated that the EDC contract is renewed every two years and is
due next month. He stated that should the Council decide to continue the same
level of support to the EDC, funds are included in the budget.
In response to a request from Council Member Galindo, Police Chief Henry
Garrett gave an update on the Police Department's activities.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, stated that he fully supports funding the
Drug Fund Tecn Court. He spoke in regard to the previous year's budget and
remarked about the twenty percent increase from last year's budget. Mr. O'Brien
commented in regard to the General Fund and the Wastewater Fund. He stated that
he would like to see the funding for the Economic Development Corporation
reduced, and that he opposes the sixteen percent increase for wastewater.
Mr. Harold Hoppenrath, 338 Clifford, remarked about his utility bill and
raised questions in regard to the sewage rates.
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing requested that Mr. Hoppenrath's questions be answered
before the end of the meeting.
Mr. Ronald McGee inquired about funding in the budget for the Private
Industry Council, and Council Member McComb responded that there is none.
Mr. Jack Keith, 1337 Peterson, commented in regard to City vehicles and
asked what consideration is being given to driving City vehicles for a longer
period of time.
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing requested staff to provide Mr. Keith with the City's
policy for replacement of City vehicles.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following
ordinance was passed:
10. ORDINANCE NO. 20959
ADOPTING AND APPROVING CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI BUDGED FOR THE ENSUING FISCAL
YEAR BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 1990, AND ENDING JULY 31, 1991, ACCORDING TO THE
CITY CHARTER; TO BE FILED WITH COUNTY CLERK; APPROPRIATING MONIES FOR SAID
BUDGET; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERANCE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the forgoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes
voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
9. ORDINANCE NO. 20958
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 8
PRESCRIBING THE TAXES TO BE LEVIED, ASSESSED AND COLLECTED BY THE CITY OF
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS, FOR THE YEAR 1990 AND FOR EACH SUCCEEDING YEAR
THEREAFTER UNTIL O'IHERVISE PROVIDED AND ORDAINED AND SUCH OTHER YEARS AS
THE SAME MAY BE APPLICABLE, PROVIDING FOR EARLY DISCOUNT PAYMENTS;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the
following vote: Schwing, Galindo, Hunt, Martin, McComb, Moss and Rhodes
voting, "Aye"; Turner and Guerrero absent.
Note: Item 10, Adoption of the Budget, was passed prior to Item 9.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing declared a short recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Pro Tem Schwing reconvened the Council Meeting at 4:55 p.m. and prior
to consideration of Item 11, he departed from the agenda and called for
petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda.
Mr. Jesse Hix, 2622 Segrest, read a prepared statement in regard to taxes.
Mr. Ronald McGee, a resident on Claride Street, Flour Bluff, stated that he
has received two citations from the City in regard to property which he had
purchased. He cemented in regard to the City's requirements for obtaining
permits.
Assistant City Manager Elizondo reviewed the status of Mr. McGee's
concerns.
Mr. Oscar Caballero, II, 4122 O'Day Parkway, commended the Water
Department on their prompt service.
Mr. Mike Karm, 7109 Winrock, President of the Builders Association, spoke
in support of the one-half cent sales tax.
Ms. Mildred Norris Pinson spoke in support of the one-half cent sales tax.
* Mayor Turner arrived at the Council Meeting at 5:10 p.m.
Mayor Turner apologized for her late arrival and stated that she was
testifying in Austin before the Highway Department on behalf of the highway that
will impact Corpus Christi.
Mr. David Noyola, 4433 Valdez, raised questions and expressed opposition in
regard to Mayor Turner's appearance in front of the City's Park and Recreation
maintenance employees when she spoke in support of the one-half cent sales tax.
Mr. Noyola suggested that the Mayor should be reprimanded.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 9
Mayor Turner noted that she spoke to the employees in the department in
regard to many issues and the one-half sales tax was one of the issues. She
indicated that she did have permission through the proper channels and she often
addresses City departments.
City Manager Garza stated that he has discussed this matter with Mayor
Turner, and they have agreed that she will not be addressing that issue in front
of City employees in the future.
City Attorney George stated that the Code of Ethics states that a City
employee, not a Council Member, cannot take a position on an issue. He stated
that it is not a violation of the prohibition against political activities.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, consented in regard to City School Board
Meetings.
Council Member Rhodes raised questions in regard to Mayor Turner's
appearance before City employees when she spoke about the one-half cent sales
tax. She alleged that it is inappropriate to lobby City employees on City time.
Mayor Turner offered an apology.
Ms. Jean Cole expressed support of the one-half cent sales tax.
Mr. Jack Keith, 1337 Peterson, spoke in opposition to the one-half cent
sales tax.
Ms. Mary Williams, a teacher in Hamlin Middle School, spoke in support of
the one-half cent sales tax.
Mr. C. W. Carpenter, 4509 Hogan, declared that he does not support the
one-half cent sales tax as it was propoccd.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 11, proposed wastewater rate
increase.
City Manager Garza provided background information and stated that the
final report on the Wastewater Rate Study is still being prepared and will be
given to the Council in a few weeks. He stated that the consultant commissioned
to do the report will make a presentation to the Council.
It was the consensus of the Council to listen to the presentation, but wait
for the complete results of the rate study which will delay implementation of
the rate increase for several weeks. Several Council Members supported the
concept of implementing such a rate system, but stated that they needed more
time to study the consultant's report.
City Manager Garza indicated that he must study the impact on the budget of
delaying the wastewater rate increase.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 10
Mr. David Hasson, Project Manager for CH2M Hill, stated that his company's
charge was to develop the cost of service rates for water, wastewater and
natural gas utilities. He stated that the results achieved on the sewer rate
study is not in final form and the water and gas review will be forthcoming.
Mr. Hasson presented a slide presentation and highlights of the sewer rate
study presentation included the following: Rate Study Objectives; Cost of
Service Rates; Cost of Service Ratemakirq Steps; User Change Revenue
Requirements; Rate Structure Options; Sewer System Costs by Functional
Parameter; Projections of Sewage Characteristics; Costs vs. Revenues inside City
Customers EXisting Case; Costs vs. Revenues outside City Customers Existing
Case; Across the Board Rate Increases; 1991 Inside City Costs vs. 1991 across
the Board Revenues; 1995 Inside City Costs vs. 1995 Across the Board Revenues;
E listing and Projected Cost of Service Rates; 1991 Inside City Costs vs. 1991
Cost of Service Revenues; 1995 Inside City costs vs. 1995 Cost of Service
Revenues; Transition Rates; 1991 Inside City Costs vs. 1991 Transition Rates;
1993 Inside City Costs vs. 1993 Transition Rates; and 1995 Inside City Costs vs.
1995 Transition Rates.
A series of specific questions were raiocd by the Council, and Mr. Hasson
and staff responded to the queries. The Council then discussed and deliherated
on issues in regard to winter averaging water use, cost of service rates, the
removal of the 15,000 gallon monthly cap, the rate increase, transition rates,
meter readings, etc.
Council Member Martin indicated that he would like to see examples of
commercial and residential bills showing the effects of the gas, water and
wastewater.
Mr. Hasson stated that the recommended rate structure is based on the
current level of operation, level of service, current structure and organization
of the system. He indicated that the new treatment plant is built into their
results, but noted that they have not studied the question of efficiency of
operations.
Following more discussion, Council Member Martin suggested that after the
Council receives the final wastewater study, including the water and gas
components, and has had time to examine the reports, they should have a workshop
concerning the philosophical issues.
A motion was made by Council Member Galindo to postpone Iter 11 until
further results are received, and subsequently, schedule a workshop session. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Martin and passed unanimously by those
present and voting; Rhodes absent at the time the vote was taken; Guerrero
absent.
11. POSTPONED
AMENBPNG-SEETION -55-597 -55-697 -14N9 -55-169 -9F -THE --EBBE -6B -6RB NANPF97
REGARDING WHEAT -AB- -AND SER -RATES; -ERERIDING -F9R -REPEAL -9F -ALL
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 11
eRBIPII4NEES -IPI-es/iFle:t PlievifflagePas P6R SEYERABfEliTYT PREWHING FGR AN
EFFEGFIVE BAS;-ANB-PReV FeR-PElB 2Pc FfeN.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: Council Member Martin acknowledged for the record that last Friday,
the Council received in their mail packets a certified tax roll for
the City of Corpus Christi frau the City Manager.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Council Member Galindo canted about a letter he had received in regard
to the Jazz Fesitval performing on the breezeway at the Convention Center.
Mr. Galindo spoke in regard to the Aquarium's policy of disallowing
strollers at the Aquarium.
The Council discussed canceling the August 7th Council Meeting. A motion
was made by Mayor Pro Tem Schwing to cancel the August 7, 1990 Council Meeting.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin and passed unanimously by those
present and voting; Guerrero absent; Rhodes absent at the time the vote was
taken. (M90-199)
Council Member McComb spoke in regard to the video taping of the Council
Meeting. He suggested then when the Council goes into closed session or there
is a recess, the tape should be stopped so that there would not be such a large
gap.
City Secretary Chapa responded that on Tuesday, the tape continues to play
because the meeting is broadcast live, but on other days when the meeting is
broadcast, it will show on the screen that the Council is in closed session or
on recess, and there would not be a large gap in the tape.
Mr. McComb inquired about crossing guards for two new elementary schools
which will open in January, and City Manager Garza responded that the City is
looking into the situation to make sure that the schools are covered.
Council Member Martin commented in regard to a memo from the City Secretary
relative to the Planning Commission members who did not file the last financial
disclosure report.
Discussion followed and City Attorney George stated that it is a violation
of the Code of Ethics; a reason for removal; and there is a removal process.
Mayor Turner suggested that certified letters be sent to those individuals,
stating that action will be taken in seven days if their report is not
forthcoming.
In regard to Item 11, Mr. Barry Pillinger, 6606 Clarion Drive, raised
questions in regard to the wastewater study, operating costs of the southside
plant, referendum on the utility cap; winter averages; delivery of commercial
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 31, 1990
Page 12
septic tank trucks to the sewer plants, etc. He expressed concern that the item
has been tabled.
Mr. Hasson responded to the questions in regard to the southside plant and
dar-ibed the winter rates versus the summer rates. He referred to the rate cap
and informed the Council that their work did not include consideration of the
cap. He pointed out, however, that if existing facilities are allowed to
deteriorate, the costs in the future would be much greater.
Mr. McGee addressed the Council again and expressed opposition to rate
increases for water, gas and wastewater. He also objected to the transfer of
funds from utilities for other purposes which have occurred in the past.
There being no further business to come before the Council Mayor Turner
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. on July 31, 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 31, 1990 which were
approved by the City Council on August 14, 1990. /
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the Q1 ity day of August, 1990.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
Betty Tur
Mayor