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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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