HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/27/1990MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 27, 1990
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Betty Turner
Mayor Pro Tem Edward Martin
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Leo Guerrero
Tom Hunt *
Joe McComb
Clif Moss
Mary Rhodes
Frank Schwing
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney Hal George
City Secretary Armando Chapa
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Mayor Betty Turner called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Council Member Cezar Galindo following which the
Pledge of Allegiance to the United States was led by Council Member Leo Guerrero.
City Secretary Armando Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum
of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting.
Mayor Turner called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of
November 20, 1990, and clarified that the Minutes had previously been amended. There
being no further additions or corrections, Mayor Turner declared the Minutes approved as
distributed to the Council.
Representatives of the Junior League of Corpus Christi made a presentation in
regard to a community playground project for Cole Park. They announced that the Junior
League will serve as the lead agency in securing donations and sponsorships and will
provide $25,000 toward the project, and in-kind support will be furnished by the City. The
Junior League members requested Council endorsement of this project.
MICROFILMED
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 2
Mayor Turner expressed appreciation to the Junior League for such a marvelous gift
to the City. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to endorse the community
playground project for Cole Park. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Martin
and passed unanimously; Schwing and Hunt absent.
Ms. Ellen Walker, co-chairman of the Harbor Lights Committee, highlighted events
associated with the Harbor Lights Ceremony which will be held this Saturday and invited
the Council to participate in the celebration.
Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza furnished an update on the new police station and
municipal court facility, stating that the anticipated date of completion is January 5, 1991.
Mr. Garza offered a brief explanation of change order no. 8 in the amount of $41,857 to
the contract with Fulton Construction Corporation/Coaston Corporation for corrective
work to the police station and municipal court facility. He expounded on the major items
authorized in the change order.
Council Member McComb expressed concern that the handicap ramp was not
included in the original plan, and Mr. Garza responded that a handicap ramp was
constructed on the west side of the facility and staff presumed it would be satisfactory to
meet the requirement. He explained that staff was advised that a ramp is also needed on
the 24-hour side of the building which is the north side because the facility will be open 24
hours a day. Mr. Garza stressed that the additional ramp was needed.
* Council Member Schwing arrived at the meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to approve change order no. 8;
seconded by Council Member McComb and passed unanimously; Hunt absent.
1. M90-307
Motion approving Change Order No. 8 in the amount of $41,857 to the contract with
Fulton Construction Corporation/Coastcon Corporation for corrective work to the
Police Station and Municipal Court Facility.
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Mayor Turner called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 2 thru 6, and Council Members requested
that Items 3 and 6 be withheld for discussion, and City Manager Garza withdrew Item 3 at
the request of Mrs. Martinez.
There were no comments from the audience on the other items.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 3
3. Withdrawn
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
4. M90-309
Motion accepting a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts of $15,000 to
apply to the City's Folklife Celebration.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Turner, Martin, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt absent.
5. RESOLUTION NO. 21030
AUTHORIZING CONSENT TO THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT FOR THE GENERAL AVIATION APRON REHABILITATION
AND LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT' AT THE CORPUS CHRISTI
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,409,420 FROM SOUTH
TEXAS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO HELDENFELS BROTHERS, INC.
UNDER THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS THE CONTRACT WAS
ORIGINALLY AWARDED.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Martin, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt absent.
Mayor Turner provided background information on Item 2, the renaming of Elgin
Park to Dr. H. C. Dilworth Park, and recognized Dr. Henry Clay Dilworth, Jr., a
community educator and leader in the City.
Dr. H. C. Dilworth, Jr., 3221 Washington Street, expressed his gratitude to the City
for renaming the park in his honor.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to approve the renaming of the
park; seconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously; Hunt absent.
2. M90-308
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 4
Motion approving the renaming of Elgin Park to Dr. H. C. Dilworth Park in honor of
Dr. Henry Clay Dilworth, Jr., a community leader, as recommended by the Park &
Recreation Advisory Committee.
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In response to a question on Item 6, City Emergency Medical Services Program, City
Manager Garza responded that various studies were conducted and he was directed to
attempt to implement any of the recommendations in the report which would result in
savings to the City and which would enhance services. He implied that after he designs
the changes, they will be forwarded to the Council for approval.
Mr. Garza suggested that specific language in paragraph 4 of the resolution be
deleted.
Council Member McComb explained that the resolution is basically a statement by
the Council, implying that studies were conducted; some of the recommendations need to
be implemented; and some will require policy changes which will be brought before the
Council. He related that it also specifies that funding alone will not solve the problem, and
the City will take steps within its current authority to address the problem and work with
the legislators in the next session to address the funding. He moved to amend the
resolution and delete the language recommended by the City Manager "and continuation
funding has been provided by Nueces County through December 31, 1990."
Discussion followed and responding to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Martin, City
Manager Garza intimated that an Ambulance Advisory Committee needs to be created and
that item is forthcoming to the Council.
Mr. Martin contended that he is not concerned with implementing the administrative
changes that the City Manager wishes to implement, but he is not in agreement with some
of the policy recommendations in the studies. Mr. Martin made a motion to strike out the
words "and implement" from Section 2 of the resolution. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously; Hunt absent.
The motion previously made by Council Member McComb was then seconded by
Council Member Schwing and passed unanimously; Hunt absent.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following resolution
passed, as amended.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 21031
FINDING THAT THE CITY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAM
IS AN ESSENTIAL MEDICAL SERVICE, AND INSTRUCTING THE CITY
MANAGER TO MAKE CHANGES BASED ON RECENT STUDIES.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 5
The foregoing resolution passed, as amended, by the following vote: Turner, Martin,
Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye'; Hunt absent.
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Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 7, authorizing the donation of two
parcels of land by the City to the State of Texas for the Crosstown Expressway Extension
Project.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin inquired about the status of the Crosstown project, and City
Manager Garza responded that the project has been approved, but funding for the project
has been delayed until next year.
Mr. Martin requested that a timetable for the project be placed in the Friday mail
packet, and in response to a question he posed, Carl Crull, Director of Engineering
Services, advised that it is a four- or five -phase project and he described the different
phases.
Following a question raised by Council Member Moss, Mr. Crull replied that after
the funding is received, a four-year construction time frame is anticipated for the phases of
the project.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following resolution
was passed:
7. RESOLUTION NO. 21032
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF TWO DONATION DEEDS TO THE
STATE OF TEXAS FOR PARCELS 80 AND 87B FOR THE CROSSTOWN
EXPRESSWAY PROJECT.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Turner, Martin, Galindo,
Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt absent.
Mr. Chapa then called for the vote on Item 8, Sister City Steering Committee.
8. FIRST READING
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, ADMINIS 1'RATION,
SECTION 2-151, STEERING COMMI1TEE, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF
MEMBERS ON THE STEERING COMMIFIEE OF THE SISTER CITY
COMMIII'EE FROM 21 TO 15; THAT SAID REDUUITON OCCUR BY
Al1'RITION AS SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 6
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner,
Martin, Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye"; Hunt
absent.
In response to a question raised by a Council Member as to why this item required
three readings and to be passed as an ordinance rather than a motion, City Secretary
Chapa responded that it was not considered an emergency. He explained that the Sister
City Committee was formed by ordinance; and therefore, can only be amended by
ordinance.
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Mayor Turner called for consideration of Item 9, reconsideration of Case No. 990-2,
Curtis S. Hills, for a change of zoning to a portion of lot 32, block 1, Lexington
Subdivision, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District.
City Manager Garza provided background information, stating that the Council had
previously approved "B-4" on the northeast 80 feet of lot 32 as recommended by Planning
Commission and staff. He indicated that at another meeting the Council approved a
motion to reconsider their previous action in order to allow the applicant an opportunity to
address the Council. The Council then tabled the application to allow the applicant to
work with staff in developing an acceptable site plan. Mr. Garza advised that staff has met
the applicant on two occasions; he has decided that a special permit would not be of
benefit to him at this time; and he prefers the original Council action.
City Secretary Chapa explained that the Council will be voting on the original
ordinance that was previously presented on the Planning Commission and staff's
recommendation. He then polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
was passed:
ORDINANCE NO.21009
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF CURTIS S.
HILLS BY CHANGING THE ZONING MAP IN REFERENCE TO A PORTION
OF LOT 32, BLOCK 1, LEXINGTON SUBDIVISION, FROM 1R -1B' ONE -
FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT TO 'B-4' GENERA BUSINESS DISTRICT;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Turner, Martin, Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing
voting, "Aye"; Hunt absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 7
Mayor Turner opened the public hearing on amending the Rules and Regulations of
the Platting Ordinance of the City of Corpus Christi providing for amendments in
conformity with Chapter 212 of the Texas Local Government Code, amending procedures
and conditions for application, staff review, submission for Planning Commission approval,
and filing for recordation of a plat, replat or plan of a lot, subdivision or addition of land
inside the City of Corpus Christi or within five miles of the City limits.
Planning Director Harvey provided an overview of the amendment, stating that it
substantially amends the zoning ordinance as it relates to submittal requirements and how
long plats remain valid, depending on subsequent conditions. He discussed the major
changes and remarked that because of recent amendments to State law, staff created a new
option for review and approval which is called an "administrative plat." He elaborated on
the State law in this regard. Mr. Harvey related that the City has had a number of
problems with its platting ordinance over the years.
Discussion followed and Mr. Harvey responded to specific questions pertaining to the
ordinance raised by Mayor Pro Tem Martin. Mr. Harvy identified the various options that
were considered.
No one from the audience participated in the public hearing.
The public hearing was closed and Mayor Turner called for the vote.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
was passed on first reading:
11. FIRST READING
AMENDING THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE PLATTING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI; PROVIDING FOR
AMENDMENTS IN CONFORMITY WITH CHAPTER 212 OF THE TEXAS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE; AMENDING PROCEDURES AND
CONDITIONS FOR APPLICATION, STAFF REVIEW, SUBMISSION FOR
PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL, AND FILING FOR RECORDATION
OF A PLAT, REPLAT, OR PLAN OF A LOT, SUBDIVISION, OR ADDITION
OF LAND INSIDE THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI OR WITHIN FIVE MILES
OF THE CITY LIMITS.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Turner,
Martin, Galindo, Guerrero, McComb, Moss, Rhodes and Schwing voting, "Aye'; Hunt
absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 8
Mayor Turner gave a brief report on Texas A&M's plans for their transition into
Corpus Christi. She spoke about opportunities and possibilities available for utilizing the
City as an urban laboratory.
Mayor Turner called for liaison reports and other reports from the Council.
Council Member Schwing provided an informational report on his meetings with the
Executive Committee of the Economic Development Corporation. He addressed changes
proposed by the committee and advised that the EDC would like to come before the
Council during a workshop meeting to present their proposal and to receive input and
direction from the Council.
Discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the Council that a workshop meeting
be held on December llth at 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Schwing recommended that the item in regard to utility deposits be placed on
the agenda before Christmas.
Council Member Moss inquired about the Miradores project on Shoreline Boulevard,
and City Manager Garza reviewed the status of the project. He mentioned that he expects
to schedule a Reinvestment Zone Meeting soon and will propose funding from the
Reinvestment Zone for the City's portion of the cost.
Mr. Moss inquired about the suggestion in regard to recycling containers to be placed
at fire stations, and City Manager Garza expressed the opinion that he has some concern
about that concept because fire stations are the City's best kept public buildings and there
could be a problem. He stated that the concept of a manned -recycling center needs to be
considered.
In response to a question from Mr. Moss, Mr. Garza identified newspaper drop-off
sites.
Mr. Moss inquired about a once a week neighborhood trash pickup, and City
Manager Garza replied that consideration is being given to having one regular trash pickup
and one recycling pickup, but a concern would be is if the citizens would agree to giving up
one regular pickup.
Council Member Rhodes expressed concern about a boarded -up house on Blackjack
Place and problems within the house, and City Manager Garza intimated that he would
take care of the problem.
Mrs. Rhodes also remarked about an abandoned house or convenience store in the
4400 block of Yolanda.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 9
Mrs. Rhodes inquired if the exterior lighting ordinance would prevent CP&L from
continuing to do security lights, and City Manager Garza responded that it would not.
Council Member Guerrero requested information in regard to the occupancy rate of
the marina stalls, and City Manager responded that he would provide him with that
information.
Council Member Galindo requested details in regard to recycling at a church.
Mayor Turner called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the
agenda.
Mr. Jesse Hix, 2622 Segrest, remarked about a meeting to be held at City Hall on
Wednesday evening in regard to the South Central Development Plan.
Mr. Arthur Montalvo, 704 Atlantic, commented in regard to the City's dog pound, the
war in Iraq, and establishments which have gone out of business in Corpus Christi.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, articulated on the subject of the Parkdale Library in
regard to the land and parking.
Following a discussion on this matter, City Manager Garza contended that the
Council directed him to attempt to work with the owners to acquire the property around
the library, noting that he is not close to accomplishing this as yet.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, apprised the Council about the condition of Corpus
Christi Beach.
Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, invited the Council to sign a birthday card for a
woman who will be celebrating her 102nd birthday.
The Council went into closed session at 3:35 p.m. under Article 6252-17, Section 2(e),
V.A.C.S., and other applicable laws to receive attorney's advice concerning firefighter
collective bargaining.
Mayor Turner reconvened the Council Meeting and called for consideration of the
Mercer Study.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 10
City Manager Garza stressed the need to set priorities for addressing the findings in
the Mercer Study. He reported that upper management had been reorganized into five
major groupings as indicated on the organizational chart. He detailed various
departmental changes which will be implemented to help streamline the City organization
thus resolving the major issues facing the City and also improving service to the
community. He noted that further analysis of the Public Utilities Department will require
additional funding.
Responding to a question posed by Mayor Turner, City Manager Garza explained
that the Department of Human Resources will oversee departmental training.
City Manager Garza reassured Council Member Galindo that Dr. John Richards,
Dean of Corpus Christi State University's College of Business, had assisted them as a non -
paid consultant.
Given the complexity of the problem of assessing priorities to the Mercer findings,
City Manager Garza requested that the Council prioritize the various Mercer findings, and
stated that he would be providing worksheets to aide them with this process.
Relative to Finding 9, morale of City employees, City Manager Garza advised the
Council that changes had been made to the Performance Appraisal System in an attempt
to resolve this problem.
A series of specific questions were asked by Council Member McComb and City
Manager Garza responded to his questions.
A brief discussion ensued relative to the Aviation Department with Council Member
Martin and City Manager Garza voicing the opinion that progress at the Airport was
contingent upon the priority level Council placed on the department's needs.
Council Member Rhodes recommended to City Manager Garza that he reply to the
Airport Advisory memorandum.
*Council Member Hunt entered the Council Chambers.
Council Member Moss requested a summary of all job vacancies and whether they
are managerial or non -managerial.
Council Member Moss questioned the cost effectiveness of the current procedure
used for purchasing office supplies, and City Manager Garza informed him that the
feasibility of implementing a centralized purchasing system was being explored.
Council Member Martin stressed that this Council initiated the Mercer Study and
therefore needed to implement the findings by the end of this Council term. He stated
that the Council needs to provide staff with policy direction and that the mechanism for
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
November 27, 1990
Page 11
achieving this goal would be for Council to present a prioritized goal list; staff would then
provide the actual cost of implementing the policies; then Council could reassess their list.
Mayor Turner voiced substantial support for the concept and urged that a workshop
meeting be scheduled to discuss Council policy.
Council Member Hunt was reluctant to endorse this concept if it will be used as a
political vehicle for the next election.
There being no further business to come before the Council Mayor Turner adjourned
the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
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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 November 27, 1990, which
were approved by the City Council on December 4, 1990,.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 29th day of January, 1991.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary