HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/04/1991MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Joe McComb
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Betty Jean Longoria
Edward Martin
Dr. David McNichols
Clif Moss
Mary Pat Slavik
Absent
Leo Guerrero
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 Herb Kinard, a Missionary, following which the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member
McNichols.
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 28, 1991, and there being no corrections or additions, she proclaimed them approved
as presented.
Mayor Rhodes recognized Mr. Lloyd Neal, President of the Chamber of Commerce,
who provided an update of the recent Homeport activities.
t5
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 2
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items I thru 16, and Council Members requested
that Items 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11 be withheld for discussion.
• City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following items were
passed:
1. M91-138
Motion approving the purchase of a 6" X 6" trash pump in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0201-91 from Air & Pump Company, Corpus Christi, Texas, for
$11,995 based on low bid meeting specifications. The pump was budgeted by the
Water Department in the 1990-91 Capital Outlay.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
3. M91-139
Motion approving a supply agreement for portable chemical toilet service in
accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0179-91 with BFI Services Group, Corpus
Christi, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $14,040. The
term of the 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. This service is used by the Water, Wastewater, Solid
Waste Services, Gas, and Park and Recreation Departments. The cost of the service
is charged to the departments under equipment rental and funds have been budgeted
for FY 1990-91.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
5. M91-141
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit an application and
to execute all necessary documents with Coastal Bend Council of Governments for
the continuation of the Homemaker I Program during the year beginning October
1, 1991. The contract contains a budget which includes $26,887 in Older Americans'
Act funds, $2,115 in City funds, and $872 in projected donations from program clients
for a total grant budget of $29,874. The requi"red City matching funds are proposed
in the FY 1991-92 budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 3
6. M91-142
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit to the Department
of Housing and Urban Development a request in the amount of $79,000 for funding
the FY 1991-92 Rental Rehabilitation Program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
8. M91-144
Motion authorizing additional escrow funds of $11,445.63 with the State Department
of Highways and Public Transportation providing for the City's share of construction
improvements to Up River Road from the Union Pacific Railroad to Hearn Road.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
10. ORDINANCE NO. 021173
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT
WITH GERAGHTY & MILLER, INC. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND
GANDY-ROBERTSON, INC. FOR SITE ACCESS TO INSTALL ONE GROUND
WATER MONITORING WELL ON GAS DIVISION PROPERTY AT THE
INTERSECTION OF WEBER ROAD AND GOLLIHAR ROAD; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb
voting, "Aye'; Guerrero absent.
12. FIRST READING
ANNEXING A PARCEL OR TRACT OF LAND, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE
1, SECTION 2(c) OF THE CITY CHARTER, PROVIDING FOR THE
ANNEXATION TO THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI OF ROADS,
HIGHWAYS, AND STREETS ADJACENT AND CONTIGUOUS TO THE CITY
OF CORPUS CHRISTI; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye";
Guerrero absent.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 021174
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 4
CLOSING AND ABANDONING A 15 -FOOT WIDE UTILITY EASEMENT
WITHIN LOT 7A, BLOCK 28, BEACH PORTION, SUBJECT' TO CERTAIN
CONDITIONS.
The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye";
Guerrero absent.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 021175
AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF A ONE YEAR RESIDENTIAL AND
GRAZING LEASE AGREEMENT WITH MR. AND MRS. JOHN Y. HANZALIK
FOR A 26 -ACRE TRACT OF LAND ON HEARN ROAD, WHICH IS A
PORTION OF THE O. N. STEVENS PLANT PROPERTY, AND APPROVING
THE RENTAL FEE OF $900 PER MONTH.
The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye;
Guerrero absent.
15. ORDINANCE NO. 021176
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 53, TRAFFIC,
SECTION 53-254, SCHEDULE V, INCREASING STATE SPEED LIMITS IN
CERTAIN ZONES; AND PROVIDING FOR THE INCREASE OR DECREASE
OF SPEED LIMITS UPON CERTAIN STREETS WITHIN THE CITY OF
CORPUS CHRISTI.
The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye";
Guerrero absent.
16. ORDINANCE NO. 021177
CHANGING THE NAME OF LAGUNA STREET, FROM THE EAST RIGHT-
OF-WAY OF SHORELINE BOULEVARD TO THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY
LINE OF MESQUITE STREET, TO JOHN SARTAIN STREET.
The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye";
Guerrero absent.
• t t Y Y Y t t t t t t Y
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 5
In reply to questions raised by Council Member McNichols on Item 2, approving the
purchase of a computerized wheel aligner, City Manager Garza stated that the City has
approximately 1500 City -owned pieces of equipment and he identified the equipment.
Rather than purchasing the equipment, Dr. McNichols suggested contracting the wheel
alignments to a private company, and City Manager Garza recommended holding this item
for one week to check into Council Member McNichols' recommendation.
It was the consensus of the Council that this item be held for one week.
2. Held for one Week
91 Capital Outlay as an additional item.
Council Member Martin expressed support of Item 4 in connection with the Elderly
Nutrition Program, pointing out that the program has doubled in the last five years.
Responding to a question from Council Member Slavik, City Manager Garza stated
that the Council added 100 meals at an additional cost to the City of about $24,000. He
stated that it is an expanding program which serves about 1500 individuals.
Relative to a question from Council Member McNichols on Item 7, Corpus Christi
Boys and Girls Club reroofing, City Manager Garza stated that the City is satisfied that the
warranty statement is valid.
On Item 9, Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, Council Member
McComb inquired if the street department could install the road, and City Manager Garza
stated that the department has the capacity to do the work but it would remove them from
the regular street maintenance program. He indicated that the City does have the funding
for the project.
Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, described the needed installation and
stated that the contractor is already mobilized to do other road work on the site, and he
pointed out that the street division does not normally do concrete work. He stated that staff
believes it is a good price.
Council Member McComb expressed concern if the City is neglecting other
operations because it is managing CDBG projects.
City Manager Garza advised that there are two CDBG contracts with which the City
is involved - the Boys and Girls Club and Ada Wilson Hospital. He stated that it was the
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 6
consensus of the Council to look at the policy of whether the City should become involved
in administering these projects, stating that this matter will be brought to the Council.
Mr. Crull and City Manager Garza responded to specific questions raised by the
Council, and Council Member Martin expressed concern about the $50,000 unbid contract,
stating that it is really not a change order to the plan.
On Item 11, Animal Control Advisory Board, Mayor Pro Tem McComb encouraged
the Council not to support the increase in the board, stating that the board has worked well
with seven members.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motions
passed and the first reading ordinance failed to pass.
4. M91-140
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit an application and
to execute all necessary documents with Coastal Bend Council of Governments for
the continuation of the Elderly Nutrition Program. The contract contains a budget
which includes $480,379 in Older Americans' Act funds, $112,027 in USDA Cash In
Lieu of Commodity funds, $261,264 in City funds and $35,526 in projected donations
from program participants for a total grant budget of $889,196. The required City
matching funds are proposed in the FY 1991-92 budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
7. M91-143
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $106,741 to Haeber Roofing to remove
and replace the existing roof on the Corpus Christi Boys and Girls Club.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye'; Guerrero absent.
9. M91-145
Motion approving Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $49,304 to the contract with
Nunn & Shumway Construction Company, Inc. for expansion of the Westside
Wastewater Treatment Plant to install an all weather access road to the main lift
station, the control building, and the future dechlorination building.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 7
11. Failed to Pass
AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER
OF MEMBERS OF THE ANIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD.
The foregoing ordinance failed to pass by the following vote: Rhodes and Galindo
voting, "Aye": McComb, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "No";
Guerrero absent.
r s a s a a•+.•.
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of Item 17.
On Item 17, Whitecap Wastewater Treatment plant expansion, City Manager Garza
provided background information and stated that the Council specifies that a minimum of
75 percent of the work will be accomplished by Local people. He stated that the preliminary
phase, involving process and sludge handling evaluations, will utilize the nation-wide
resources of Black & Veatch and the design and construction phases will utilize
RDC/Shearer's capabilities.
Responding to a question from Council Member Moss, Carl Crull, Engineering
Services Director, stated that the time of completion for the preliminary phase of the project
is 120 calendar days and he discussed the funding available for the project.
In reply to another question from Council Member Moss, City Manager Garza stated
that money has been collected from property owners; it was set aside in an escrow account
and designated for the Island; and this is an appropriate use for those moneys.
Mayor Pro Tem McComb inquired about verification procedures to ensure that the
City's policy of 75 percent of the work be done locally is adhered to, and Mr. Crull stated
that the City has the opportunity to audit the books and he discussed the manner in which
the bills are submitted and records maintained.
Following a brief discussion, Council Member Martin expressed concern about the
length of time it took to negotiate the contract. He requested a legal opinion before the
City spends any money from the account, noting that the money was set aside for water, not
wastewater, and he explained the intention of the account.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion
passed:
17. M91-146
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 8
Motion authorizing a contract for engineering services in the amount of $62,500 with
RDC/Shearer, Inc. in association with Black & Veatch, for Preliminary Phase
Services to expand the Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant from 0.8 mgd to 2.0
mgd average daily flow.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss,
Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
• t t t• t*• Y**• Y
Relative to Item 18, metal halide street lighting tariff, City Manager Garza
summarized events leading up to the recommendation for the proposed tariff. He advised
that the item should be a three -reading ordinance and not a resolution.
Council Member Galindo expressed concern that the item was not presented to the
Council in the proper form and he moved that it be brought back next week. The motion
was seconded by Council Member Slavik and failed to pass.
Responding to a question from Council Member Martin, City Attorney Bray stated
that this item does not require a public hearing because it is a minor rate setting.
A brief question and answer period followed dealing with the amount, design and
expense of the metal halide lighting.
In response to a question from Council Member Slavik, Carl Crull, Engineering
Services Director, stated that the difference from the normal street lighting would be about
34 cents a month, per light. He discussed the justification for the proposed tariff and stated
that the City is in agreement with the CP&L calculations.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
passed on first reading:
18. FIRST READING
APPROVING PETITION OF CP&L FOR NEW TARIFF TO PROVIDE METAL
HALIDE STREET LIGHTING SERVICE.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Longoria, Martin and McComb voting, "Aye'; Galindo
voting, "No"; Guerrero absent.
i i■ i f# is • t t♦ Y t
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 9
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of Item 18, assignment of the C.C. Dockside
lease agreement.
City Manager Garza explained that this item is a direct assignment of a lease with
no change in the lease agreement.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, inquired why another restaurant is needed on the
Bayfront, and Mayor Rhodes stated that it is an asset for the City to have floating
restaurants on the bayfront, and Mayor Pro Tem McComb pointed out that this is not a new
restaurant but a change of ownership of the existing restaurant.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
was passed:
19. ORDINANCE NO. 021178
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN ASSIGNMENT OF BARGE
RESTAURANT AGREEMENT WITH LANDRY'S SEAFOOD AND
STEAKHOUSE - CORPUS CHRISTI FOR OPERATION OF A RESTAURANT
CONCESSION AT THE CORPUS CHRISTI MARINA; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and McComb
voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on changing the name of Frio Street to Fr.
T. Fernandez Street in honor of Father Tomas Fernandez, who helped establish Mary,
Mother of the Church Mission, located on Frio Street.
Mayor Rhodes expressed the opinion that she is opposed to street name changes,
stating that it sets a bad policy because it encourages others to seek changes in street names.
She noted that it causes confusion with the post office, the fire department, and individuals
who live on the street. She stated that when there is an individual that a group wants to
honor, efforts should be directed towards a building or a park.
Responding to questions from Council Member Slavik, City Manager Garza and City
Secretary Chapa reviewed the procedure for a street name change and discussed the expense
involved to the City.
Discussion ensued and various Council Members expressed concern about the
expense. It was noted that the Council believes it is worthwhile to honor individuals, but
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 10
it should be accomplised in another manner. Council Member Slavik suggested that the
code be made stronger.
Ms. Marie Amos spoke in support of the street name change and elaborated on the
reascns for the request.
Mayor Rhodes urged the citizens to find another means of honoring Father
Fernandez, stating that the City will work with them to find another way to honor Father
Fernandez.
Council Member Slavik moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Council
Member Longoria and passed unanimously; Guerrero absent.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
failed to pass:
Failed to Pass
CHANGING THE NAME OF FRIO STREET, WHICH EXTENDS FROM LOS
. _.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance failed to pass by the
following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin and
McComb voting, "No"; Guerrero absent.
.............
Mayor Rhodes declared that she would like a list of written Council policies. She
moved that it be established that it is the policy of this Council not to have street name
changes and that the public find other ways to honor people. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Slavik.
Council Member McNichols noted that the reason the Council is recommending this
policy is because of the expense to the taxpayers.
Following a discussion on the Council's proposed policy, the motion passed
unanimously.
e: r r♦ s s a• x x s r
Mayor Rhodes opened the assessment hearing for the Ayers Street improvements,
phase II, Ayers Street, from Santa Fe to Baldwin Boulevard, indicating assessments in the
amount of $191,931.18 on 60 items.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 11
Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, informed the Council that the assessment
amount on the agenda is incorrect and should be $181,694.41.
City Attorney Bray called Mr. Carl Crull as his first witness in the hearing. Through
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;
he is a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas with a degree in Civil
Engineering; and he has in excess of twenty years of municipal engineering experience. Mr.
Crull stated that he is familiar with the project and he addressed the nature and scope of
the project. He discussed the project bid, the schedule, and the assessment roll.
He stated that the assessment roll was developed in accordance with the current
assessment ordinance with one exception, the head -in parking areas, stating that staff is
recommending a modification to the ordinance. He stated that staff will be contacting the
property owners regarding the specific details of their particular property.
Mr. Crull responded to various questions raised by the Council and commented on
the assessment rates.
Mr. Bray called as his next witness, Mr. George Paraskevas. Through questioning
of Mr. Paraskevas, Mr. Bray determined that he is a certified real estate appraiser and has
been appraising both commercial and residential property for 21 years. Mr. Paraskevas
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.
Ms. Rosemary Fayhe stated that she is representing her mother and two other owners
of a building on Staples and Ayers. She expressed opposition to the assessments, stating
that the building is in disrepair; it needs a new roof; and they cannot afford to pay the
assessments.
Mr. Crull stated that the assessment roll and the assessments were prepared in
accordance with the assessment ordinance of the City.
Mr. Abe Blum, owner of property on Ayers and Tenth Street, expressed opposition
to the driveway assessments.
Mr. Crull stated that the replacement of the pavement inside the City's right-of-way
is concrete, as if it were a driveway. He stated that concrete drive approaches will last much
longer.
Mr. William Raeber, 1911 Ayers, raised questions in regard to the driveway
approaches, and Mr. Crull stated that when the City does the design work, it attempts to
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 12
match the existing driveways. He stated that the driveways will be handled in the guidelines
of the driveway ordinance.
Council Member Galindo moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Council
Member Slavik and passed unanimously; Guerrero absent.
Mr. Crull advised that the adoption of the assessment roll and the award of the
contract will be on next week's agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem McComb inquired if commercial properties have the same pay
options as residential properties, and Mr. Crull responded that if they can demonstrate a
hardship, they can change from a five-year payout to a ten-year payout.
Mayor Rhodes declared a ten-minute recess.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and noted that Dr. Glen Kost,
Chairman of the Sister City Committee, would like feedback on a memorandum about the
Sister Cities International 1995 Conference.
City Manager Garza advised that staff has reviewed the request of the committee and
the City is in agreement that it should pursue the conference in conjunction with the Sister
City Committee and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
A discussion ensued dealing with the subject of the City bidding on the conference,
and Mayor Rhodes suggested that it be an agenda item for discussion in two weeks, and the
Council and Dr. Kost concurred.
.............
City Manager Garza presented a general overview of the proposed budget for the
1991-92 fiscal year.
With the aid of charts, Mr. Garza noted the change in the overall City staff for fire,
police, and ambulance personnel during the past eight years. He stated that while the total
number of City employees has declined, the number of emergency personnel has continued
to increase.
Mr. Garza reviewed specific departmental highlights in the following departments:
Engineering Services, Finance, Fire, Gas, Human Resources, Maintenance Services,
Museum, Municipal Courts, Neighborhood Improvement, Planning, Police, Wastewater and
Water.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 13
Mr. Garza highlighted revenues which significantly affect the City, such as the
property tax levy and the property tax rates. He also addressed the sales tax and the hotel -
motel tax revenue.
Mr. Garza summarized the following funds: General Fund, Aviation Fund, EMS
Fund, Gas Fund, Golf Centers Fund, Wastewater Fund, Water Fund, Group Health
Insurance Fund, Maintenance Services Fund, Self Insurance Fund, Stores Fund, G.O. Debt
Service Fund, Utility Debt Service Fund, Marina Fund, Parking Improvement Fund,
Reinvestment Zone Fund, and the Tourist and Convention Fund.
Mr. Garza stressed that he would like to establish a calendar to hear the budget. He
suggested that following each Council Meeting, there should be a budget discussion. He
recommended that if the Council has any questions in regard to the budget, to submit them
to him in writing.
The Council discussed the scheduling of the budget workshops. Mayor Rhodes
suggested setting the discussions from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. She recommended that the City
Manager send out a written schedule of what will be discussed so the Council can prepare.
Following a brief discussion in regard to the "petitions from the audience," Council
Member Galindo made a motion to hear "petitions from the audience" at both the beginning
and end of the agenda. The motion died for lack of a second.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and liaison reports.
Council Member McNichols discussed the budgetary process, stating that it is a long
and complicated procedure. He noted that it is inappropriate before any discussion has
been held publicly by the Council for someone to decide that portions of the budget are
inadequate and inappropriate. He asked the citizens to give the staff and the Council a
chance to present a budget that is appropriate for the City.
Dr. McNichols spoke of an issue in regard to a suitable piano for visiting pianists at
the Bayfront Auditorium. He inquired if a combination of private funds and City funds
could be used to provide a piano.
Council Member Martin referred to the charts which were presented during the
budget presentation and asked if they could be included in the Council packets, and if a
current revenue column could be added to the charts. He suggested that those Council
Members who are liaisons to groups such as the EDC, and the Convention and Visitors
Bureau, discuss those budgets with the City Manager.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 14
Council Member Slavik requested an update in regard to a problem concerning
hazardous materials which were sold by vendors during the Buccaneer celebration.
Mrs. Slavik mentioned an invitation to a conference by the Emergency Planning
Committee to discuss ways of responding to local disasters and chemical emergencies which
will be held on Wednesday at the Royal Nueces Hotel.
Council Member Moss inquired about the replacement of the palm trees which were
destroyed by the freeze, and City Manager Garza provided an update on the replacement
of the palm trees.
Mr. Moss noted that the sailboard tournament at Cole Park has ended but there is
still a temporary building on the bayfront, and the City Manager stated that he will look into
the matter.
Mr. Moss commented in regard to a letter from merchants at Six Points concerning
the visibility of the traffic signals on Palmero and Alameda, and City Manager Garza stated
that matter is being reviewed.
Mayor Pro Tem McComb referred to the traffic bumps which were installed on
Doddridge, stating that the neighborhood is concerned with the noise. He asked staff to
look into the situation.
Mr. McComb referred to an article in the newspaper in regard to the Housing
Authority purchasing an apartment project. He inquired how citizens could get involved,
and Mayor Rhodes suggested that if they have questions, they should call Henry Flores at
the Housing Authority.
Mr. McComb brought up the subject of correspondence from Swantner and Gordon
Insurance Company in regard to a certification for a local hotel, and City Manager Garza
and City Attorney Bray clarified that the insurance certificate has been issued for the hotel
and the matter is resolved, noting that it was the insurance company's form.
Mayor Rhodes inquired about the City's authority in locking the City swimming pools
at night.
Mrs. Rhodes referred to a letter from a county judge in regard to a dumpsite
proposal near McMullen County, and City Manager Garza stated that he has been working
on this matter.
Mrs. Rhodes asked staff to look into the matter of free beer which was given to
minors participating in the Beach to Bay Marathon, and Council Member Slavik commented
on the incident.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 15
Mrs. Rhodes referred to a letter from the outgoing mayor of Austin inviting her and
a representative from the RTA to attend a meeting in regard to state legislation, and Mayor
Pro Tem McComb stated that he will present the letter to the RTA.
The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Sec. 2(e), V.A.C.S.,
regarding John William Betz vs. City, No. 90-1289-C, 94th District Court.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and made a motion authorizing the
City Manager to settle Betz vs. City, No. 90-1289-C, for $133,000, plus waiver of the City's
rights to subrogation for health insurance benefits paid. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Martin and passed unanimously; Longoria absent at the time the vote was
taken; Guerrero absent.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Tom Holmes, 5226 Crestwick, expressed opposition to the proposed price
increase in gas.
Council Member Martin advised him that the City Manager is not proposing an
increase in the cost of gas but in the cost of the service.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, spoke in regard to taxes and he was referred to the
county.
Ms. Virginia Buser, 325 Waverly, commented about a proposed ordinance in regard
to the separation of church and state.
It was pointed out to Ms. Buser that in regard to the proposed ordinance, the Council
is acting in accordance with the City Charter.
Mr. Brian Watson presented a letter to the Council which he read aloud concerning
inadequacies in construction codes in the City, the design of City Hall, and other concerns
concerning policy activities.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, made comments about the City Charter, the Texas
Constitution Bill of Rights, the crosses in Cole Park, and the renovation of the Parkdale
Library.
Mr. Earl Wilder, 517 Williamson Place, remarked about the pensions of the retired
firefighters.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 4, 1991
Page 16
Ms. Jean Newberry presented the Council with a revised memorandum from the
Intergovernmental Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse and briefly discussed their
recommendations.
Discussion followed dealing with the recommendations and a proposed juvenile detox
center, and the City Manager indicated that he will have a preliminary assessment done in
regard to the juvenile detox center.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m. on June 4, 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 June 4, 1991, which were
approved by the City Council on June 11, 1991.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 20th day of August, 1991.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
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