Loading...
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