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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 2% f - 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. s s s s: s r s s s s s s 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. i i i t Y i i f=• t i i 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. s s s e s x s s s s s s s 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. i Y l i i i i l i i i i i 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. s s s s s s s s s s s s s 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