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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/14/1991MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Joe McComb Council Members: Cezar Galindo Leo Guerrero Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Dr. David McNichols Clif Moss Mary Pat Slavik City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Pastor William Stockstill of Gateway Christian Center Assembly of God Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Guerrero. City Secretary 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 Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 7, 1991, and Council Member Slavik noted a correction on Page 16. There being no further corrections or additions, Mayor Rhodes proclaimed the Minutes approved as amended. Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the following appointments were made by the Council. (M91-113) CC Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Housing Authority John Daily µ1CROFIIMED Eduardo Lopez Judy Hale Arturo L. Gutierrez Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 2 Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board Landmark Commission Richard Rector Nancy Rogers Pam Lakhani CC Housing Improvement Corporation/Loan Review Committee Leroy San Miguel - Reappointed Forrest Smith - Reappointed Armando Reyna - Reappointed Paul Shamoun Melody Cooper Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. David Noyola, 4423 Valdez, spoke about complaints from employees in the Park and Recreation Department relative to which work sites the employees should report to. A brief discussion followed and concerns were expressed by various Council Members that this is not an issue that should be considered by the Council. City Manager Garza stated that he will deal with this matter directly. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, made comments about religion and City government and the City Charter. Mr. Earl Wilder, 517 Williamson, representing the retired firefighters, spoke in regard to the pensions of the retired firefighters. He requested the Council to reaffirm Resolution 19775, recognizing the retired firefighters and widows of the Corpus Christi Fire Department. Mr. Dallas Franklin, 5210 Iroquois, read a prepared statement in regard to the slow progress of the Horne Road project and funds which were needlessly spent. Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza reviewed the progress of the Horne Road project and discussed an error made by the consulting engineer. He advised that the connection is complete but the project is not on schedule. He responded to questions from the Council and assured them that no extra funds had been spent on this project. Mr. Stanley Andrick, 3902 Westland, commended the Council for allowing citizen participation at the Special Council Meeting held on Saturday. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 3 Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, spoke on the subject of the Council redistricting process. Ms. Nan Pillinger, 6606 Clarion, requested that the Boards and Committees be allowed to provide input towards the Council goals. Mr. Johnnie Montalbo commented on issues of the handicapped in regard to a concert at the Coliseum, and City Manager Garza advised that he will look into the situation. # i i i X f• i■ t Y i Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 8. She stated that she has withdrawn Item 6. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 1. M91-114 Motion approving supply agreements for miscellaneous traffic markers in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0066-91 with the following companies for the following amounts based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $258,142.70. The terms of the contracts 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 markers will be used predominantly by Traffic Engineering and they will also be used by the Water Department. Funds have been budgeted for FY 90-91 by the using departments: Trantex, Transportation 3M Company Potters Industries, Inc. Specialties of Texas St. Paul MI Brownwood, TX Houston. TX $23,725 $226,777.70 $7,640 Grand Total: $258,142.70 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo and Guerrero voting, "Aye? 2. M91-115 Motion approving a supply agreement for backfill sand and sandy loam in accordance with Bid Invitation No. 13I-0131-91 with Earth Resources, Inc., Corpus Christi, TX based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $39,500. The term of the Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 4 contract shall be twelve months with option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The backfill sand is used primarily by the Water Department and the sandy loam is used by the Park and Recreation and Wastewater Departments. Funds have been budgeted for FY 90-91. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo and Guerrero voting, "Aye." 3. M91-116 Motion authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Music Performance Trust Fund for eleven 1991 summer concerts to be performed at the Cole Park Amphitheater by the Corpus Christi Musicians Association, Inc., Local 644, for a total of $12,000 as funded by the FY 1990-91 budget. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo and Guerrero voting, "Aye." 4. ORDINANCE NO. 021160 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE LEASE AGREEMENT DTFA07-91-L01004 BETWEEN THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AND CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI FOR THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER AT CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo and Guerrero voting, "Aye." 5. ORDINANCE NO. 021161 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A TEN YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CORPUS CHRISTI AREA COUNCIL FOR THE DEAF, INC. FOR THE USE OF A PORTION OF MT. VERNON PARK, TO INCLUDE EXPANSION OF THE LEASED AREA; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 7. ORDINANCE NO. 021163 Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 5 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT WITH IOAN CHERCIU FOR ACCESS ACROSS THE OSO GOLF COURSE AT ALAMEDA AND GLENMORE STREETS. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo and Guerrero voting, "Aye." 8. ORDINANCE NO. 021164 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIVE YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY, GIVING THE CITY ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF 20.40 ACRES AT WALDRON FIELD; AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIVE YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE FLOUR BLUFF SOCCER CLUB FOR UTILIZATION OF SAID PROPERTY; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo and Guerrero voting, "Aye." Mayor Rhodes complimented the students from the Carroll High School Environmental Society for their excellent presentations on the balloon ordinance and presented them with mementos. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, made comments relative to this ordinance. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance was passed: 6. ORDINANCE NO. 021162 PROHIBITING RELEASE OF LIGHTER THAN AIR BALLOONS; PROVIDING FOR EXCEPTIONS, SEVERABILITY AND PUBLICATION AS A PENAL ORDINANCE. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo and Guerrero voting, "Aye" i t f t i X t f 1 t•*# Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 6 Mayor Rhodes opened the assessment hearing for the Del Mar area street improvements, Phase II, indicating assessments of $530,295.52 on 368 items. Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, discussed the intention of the special assessment hearings and elaborated on the assessment process. City Attorney Bray called Mr. Carl Crull as his first witness in the hearing. Thtagi questioning of Mr. Crull, Mr. Bray determined that he is the Director of Engineering Services for the City of Corpus Christi; he has been employed by the City for eleven years; and he is a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas with a degree in Civil Engineering. Mr. Crull stated that he is familiar with the project and he addressed the nature and scope of the project. He discussed the phases of the project and elaborated on the assessment roll. He discussed the need for the improvements and stated that the improvements will enhance the area. Mr. Crull responded to specific questions raised by the Council. Mr. Bray called as his next witness, Mr. Jesus Garcia. Through questioning of Mr. Garcia, Mr. Bray determined that he is a real estate appraiser and has been appraising both commercial and residential property for twenty-seven years. Mr. Garcia testified that he is familiar with the project; he has examined each parcel and the assessment roll; and in his opinion, the properties assessed will be enhanced in value by the improvements at least in the amount of the assessments. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Responding to a question from Mr. J. H. Johnson, 346 Cole Street, Mr. Crull stated that one side of Cole Street is being assessed at a much higher value than the other side due to the presence of the service driveway. Mr. Johnson expressed the opinion that there are other streets in the City which need more improvements. Mr. John Madden, an owner of property on Santa Fe, expressed concern that the sidewalks will be situated too close to the homes. Mr. Crull stated that staff is aware of this issue and in all probability will move the sidewalk out to be a tied sidewalk immediately adjacent to the curb. He indicated that staff will work with the individual property owners, stating that a field representative will contact them about their concerns. Mayor Rhodes advised that she had received a letter from a Mrs. Collier regarding a concern about trees and a concern that Clifford Street is designated to be a one-way street Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 7 but people drive in both directions. Mr. Crull stated that he will check into the matter but assured the Council that as many trees as possible will be saved. Mr. Dale Robertson, 474 Louisiana, expressed concern about the financial burden the improvements will place on some of the elderly. Mr. Crull discussed the financing for the improvements and explained the payout program. He stated that the field representatives will contact the property owners to discuss the payments, noting that the representatives are knowledgeable and sensitive to individual cases. Mr. Dexter Wright, 3617 Dalraida, an owner of property at 513 and 515 Clifford, expressed concern about the parking in front of his property, and Mr. Crull stated that he will meet with Mr. Wright to show him what is proposed. Ms. Betty Holder LeBlanc, 346 Louisiana, stated that she has a number of concerns. Responding to her first concern, Mr. Crull stated that the contractor is required to maintain access to all properties during construction. He noted that there is one period of time for approximately a two-day period when individuals will not have access. Ms. Holder LeBlanc stated that the sidewalks are in excellent condition and she expressed an interest in having them recycled, and Mr. Crull advised that the sidewalks and the excavated material become the property of the contractor, and he suggested that she contact him. Responding to another concern, Mr. Crull stated that specifications for this project are available for review in the Engineering Department. He emphasized that this will be a quality project. In response to a question from Mr. Jerry Dorsey, an attorney, 313 Louisiana, representing Ms. Gale Dorn, 328 Del Mar, Mr. Crull informed him that this is an ordered assessment. Mr. Dorsey expressed concern that the traffic will increase with these improvements and the property values will decrease, and it was pointed out that the traffic is there already and probably will not increase. Mr. Dorsey expressed concern about the environmental issues of the trees, and Mr. Crull stated that the sidewalks will be replaced in the same location and there should not be an impact on the trees. Council Member Galindo stated that he had been contacted by members of the Del Mar Association who have requested that the tiles with the street names on them be Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 8 retained if possible, and Mr. Crull stated that he had discussed this and understands that it would be very difficult to do. Mr. Jack Cooper, 611 Del Mar, spoke on behalf of the Del Mar Association and stated that they are all in favor of the street improvements to retain the condition of this unique neighborhood. He recommended placing the tiles in a block in the new sidewalks. He requested if the property assessments on Del Mar Boulevard could be reduced due to the fact that those property owners have been paying property taxes at a higher rate because of the service drives. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to close the public hearing; seconded by Council Member Martin and passed unanimously by all those present and voting. Responding to a question from Mayor Pro Tem McComb, Mr. Crull stated that the conditions of the utility systems have been evaluated and there are some utility adjustments that are part of this project. i i i i i i i i i i i i i Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the service plan and annexation of Road "H" located south of Bill Witt Park. No comments were made during the public hearing. A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to close the public hearing; seconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously. Bill Hennings, Director of Development Services, announced that State law requires the City to wait twenty days after the public hearing before presenting the ordinance to the Council. i i i i i i i i i i i i Mayor Rhodes referred to the issue of pending or proposed legislation at the 72nd Texas Legislature, and City Manager Garza informed the Council that the EMS/RTA Bill has passed both houses and he will update them of any further action. i i i i i i i i i i i i i Mayor Rhodes called for reports from the Council. Council Member McNichols made comments in regard to some local school districts who wish to have special exemptions similar to the one that the City has for the uniform Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 9 election dates. He suggested that this issue be placed on next week's agenda. He moved to instruct staff to prepare a resolution expressing the City's support for some of the local school districts to have special exemptions so that their elections could be held in conjuction with the City's General Election in April, rather than on the uniform election date. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and passed unanimously. Responding to a question from Council Member Galindo in regard to the placement of sidewalks away from the property line, City Manager Garza explained that the sidewalks are placed there because of safety reasons. Council Member Martin commented in regard to the questionnaire which was given to the Council regarding suggestions about the agenda preparation. He requested the City Manager to provide the Council with the feedback given by the Council. Mayor Pro Tem McComb expressed concerns about the alcohol-related activities in the City and inquired about enacting an alcohol fee of $1 to $2 to pay for increased police protection in Corpus Christi. Discussion ensued and Council Member Galindo concurred with Mr. McComb's concerns. He made a motion to place this issue on next week's agenda as to what the community needs to do regarding a per drink fee at bars and restaurants and a similar tax for containers of alcohol sold in stores in order to fund additional police officers. The motion was seconded by Council Member Slavik and was never voted on. Council Member McNichols suggested that if that approach does not prove feasible, an alternative would be to charge an additional fee to people who are arrested for alcohol- related offenses which would target only those alcohol consumers who create problems. Council Member Martin stated that there is an Intergovernmental Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse. He suggested that this issue be referred to them for recommendations as to whether that approach or some other idea should be pursued by the City. Council Member Guerrero concurred with Council Member Martin's recommendation. Following more discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that staff prepare a report for Council discussion as to what the boundaries are in regard to what authority the City and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission have. City Manager Garza pointed out that this will take much research. Council Member Longoria referred to the Up River Road project and inquired if any allowance was made for street lighting, and City Manager Garza responded that no Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 10 allocance was made. He advised that there may be some cooperation from the State on some street lights and he will check into the matter. Mayor Pro Tem McComb commented in regard to the "petitions from the audience" participation at the beginning of the meeting. He made a motion that the petitions be heard at the end of the meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero. Discussion ensued dealing with the purpose for changing the "petitions from the audience" to the beginning of the meeting. Various Council Members expressed the opinion that the "petitions from the audience" would be more advantageous at the end of the meeting if the public wished to make comments about what occurred during the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Mayor Rhodes called for a short recess. i• R t k i R R t i• a i Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the discussion of the City's computer mainframe. City Manager Garza advised that the decision of the City's computer system will be a major budgetary item of the Council. He explained the purpose of the workshop session and stated that staff is not requesting a decision but would like the Council to submit their questions and comments. Mr. John Bacon, Director of Municipal Information Systems, gave a detailed presentation on the mainframe computer upgrade. He stated that the present IBM system is very mature and will require replacement in the next few years. Mr. Bacon provided background information and discussed the dilemma of the near saturation of the mainframe. He addressed the causes of the problem and stated that it is estimated that the system will reach saturation sometime in 1991. Mr. Bacon expounded on four alternative solutions for addressing the maturing mainframe such as, 1. upgrade the 3083 mainframe and add additional memory; 2. purchase an IBM 3090; 3. keep the 3083 mainframe as is, purchase two smaller computers, one for the utilities system and one for the maintenance services system; 4. purchase a computer system manufactured by another company; and 5. purchase a new IBM ES/9000. He stated that subject to the completion of an analysis, staff favors purchasing a new ES/9000. With the use of slides and graphs, Mr. Bacon identified the mainframe and described its components. He discussed computer technology and reviewed the different types of software. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 14, 1991 Page 11 A question and answer period ensued and Mr. Bacon responded to specific questions raised by the Council. He explained the need for the terminals and discussed the size of the computer. He stated that staff is considering IBM and non -IBM solutions. He advised that funds for the computer will be allocated from the various departments that use the computer. City Manager Garza reiterated that no decision is required of the Council today, stating that the decision will be made in about three months. He stated that he is required to present the budget to the Council by the first of June. Mayor Pro Tem McComb informed the Council that Mayor Rhodes had to depart the meeting because of a previous commitment. Regarding the discussion of the Council's goals and objectives, Mr. McComb suggested that the Council submit a list of their five to ten top priorities and goals to the Mayor within the next ten days. There being no further business to come before the Council, Council Member Martin moved to adjourn the Council Meeting; seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed unanimously by those present and voting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 1991. 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 May 14, 1991 which were approved by the City Council on May 21, 1991. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 30th day of May, 1991. Armando Chapa City Secretary