HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/16/1991MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
12:00 Noon
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 Jenny Russell, Social Worker/Chaplain at South
Park Manor, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was
led by Council Member Galindo.
Mayor Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting
of July 9, 1991, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented.
Mayor Rhodes announced that the meeting of the Corpus Christi Industrial
Development Corporation will be held at 2 p.m.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 15, and Council Members requested
that Items 5, 6, 9, 11, and 13 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
1. M91-184
MKQOFJLMED
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 2
Motion approving the purchase of a sewer vacuum truck in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0267-91 from Underground, Inc., Pearland, Texas, for the amount
of $110,200, based on low bid meeting specifications. The unit is budgeted by
Wastewater Services in the FY 90-91 Capital Outlay.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
2. M91-185
Motion approving a supply agreement for linen and towel service in accordance with
Bid Invitation No. BI -0225-91 with American Linen Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas,
based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $14,342.50. The term of
the agreement 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. This service will be used by the Library and Fire
Departments. Funds have been budgeted for FY 90-91 and requested for FY 91-92
by the using departments.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
3. M91-186
Motion approving a supply agreement for dairy products in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0169-91 with Borden, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, based on low bid
for an estimated annual expenditure of $32,607. The term of the agreement 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
items will be used by Senior Community Services. Funds have been budgeted for FY
90-91 and requested for FY 91-92 by Senior Community Services.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
4. M91-187
Motion approving a supply agreement for automotive - type filters in accordance with
Bid Invitation No. BI -0241-91 with Filco Filtration, Corpus Christi, Texas, based on
low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $28,000. The term of the contract
will be 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
items will be used by Maintenance Services and the Fire Department. Funds have
been budgeted for FY 90-91 and requested for FY 91-92.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 3
7. M91-190
Motion approving the purchase of sixteen 1" control valves for the Water Production
Division in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0239-91 from Keystone Sales, Inc.,
Corpus Christi, Texas, for a total of $11,612.32, based on low bid meeting
specifications. The valves are budgeted in the FY 90-91 Capital Outlay.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
8. M91-191
Motion approving the purchase of an air cannon system in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0268-91 from Long-Airdox Co., Oak Hill, West Virginia, for the
amount of $12,096, based on low bid. The system was budgeted by Water
Department in the FY 90-91 Capital Outlay.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye; Guerrero absent.
10. M91-193
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $21,725 to Neal Air Conditioning to
install an emergency air conditioning system for the Tracon/Arts II Facility at the
Corpus Christi International Airport.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 021192
APPROPRIATING THE FISCAL YEAR 1991 EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT
OF $89,000 AND ALLOCATING $55,000 TO CORPUS CHRISTI METRO
MINISTRIES; $30,000 TO DOS MUNDOS DAY CARE SCHOOL; AND $4,000
FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING
EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENTS WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS
WHEN THE REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS AND CERTIFICATION OF
COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN
APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT (HUD).
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 021194
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 4
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT
WITH COASTAL BEND ALCOHOL AND DRUG REHABILITATION CENTER
TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A 3 -INCH CONDUIT TO CARRY TELEPHONE
AND COMPUTER CABLES UNDER THE SOUTH COUNTRY CLUB PLACE
RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN LOTS 40 AND 55 AND THE NORTH COUNTRY
CLUB PLACE RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN LOTS 24 AND 35, COUNTRY
CLUB PLACE SUBDIVISION, FOR A FEE OF $300; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik
voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
15. ORDINANCE NO. 021195
PROVIDING FOR FORFEITURE OF OFFICE BY A MEMBER OF THE
PLANNING OR ETHICS COMMISSION OR THE CIVIL SERVICE
BOARD/COMMISSION FOR FAILURE TO FILE FINANCIAL INFORMATION
REPORT; 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"; Guerrero absent.
Relative to questions raised by Council Member McNichols on Item 5, approving a
supply agreement for approximately 4,500 pipe repair clamps, City Manager Garza clarified
the purchase of the pipe repair clamps.
Council Member Moss spoke in support of Item 6, GIS Purchases, stating that the
GIS System improves productivity and cost effectiveness.
Responding to a question from Council Member Slavik, Carl Crull, Engineering
Services Director, discussed the contract regarding the Global Positioning System.
Responding to questions raised by Council Member Slavik on Item 9,
Saratoga/Staples to Rodd Field Road, Rodd Field Road/Saratoga to SPID, Carl Crull,
Engineering Services Director, stated that the total contract is $7 million and the City's
portion is $323,247.
Relative to Item 11, Endorsement of conveyance of Resolution Trust Corporation
properties to CC Housing Authority for public use, Council Member Moss inquired if this
piece of property is located in the subdivision near the refinery that is flaring, and Bill
Hennings, Development Services Director, stated that it is located near the plant, but there
have not been any complaints from this particular area. He stated that he will check into
the matter.
Mintrtes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 5
Responding to questions from the Council on Item 13, traffic light synchronization
(TLS -II) Program, Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, described the project and
reviewed the funding. He discussed the timetable and explained the City's work program
relative to this project. Mr. Moss suggested that the work be contracted out.
Council Member McNichols indicated that he would not support this project because
the City has several unmet needs that are more serious. He stated that there is a possibility
that in the future there may be some major changes on Ocean Drive and that this project
could be a waste of money.
Mr. Crull advised that the TLS funds can only be used for traffic signalization
projects. He noted that the equipment for this project can be reutilized if Shoreline
Boulevard were changed.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
5. M91-188
Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 4,500 pipe repair clamps
ranging in size from 2" - 30" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0162-91 with
International Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual
expenditure of $173,580.74. The term of the agreement 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 items will be
stocked in the Warehouse and used by the Water Department to repair pipes. Funds
have been budgeted for FY 90-91 and requested for FY 91-92 by the Water
Department.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
6. M91-189
Motion approving the purchase of equipment upgrades and software for the CADD
and GIS system to the following companies in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -
0230 -91 and BI -0231-91 for a grand total of $41,243.28 based on low bid and sole
source. These items will be used by Engineering Services and funds are available
from interest earnings in the 220 Street Bond Fund and in the FY 90-91 Capital
Outlay.
Ingres Corporation
Alameda, CA
$16,500
Martech
Alhambra. CA
Genasys II, Inc.
Fort Collins. CO
$14,718.28
Dataram Corporation
Dallas. TX
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 6
$5,440 $4,585
Grand Total: $41,243.28
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
9. M91-192
Motion authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement in the amount of $323,247
with the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation for the City's
estimated share of construction costs associated with the improvements to State
Highway 357 (Saratoga Boulevard and Rodd Field Road).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
11. M91-194
Motion approving an application by the Corpus Christi Housing Authority to obtain
RTC properties for public use.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
13. RESOLUTION NO. 021193
AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR
TRAFFIC LIGHT SYNCHRONIZATION (TLS -II) FUNDING AND EXECUTION
OF GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF TEXAS, THE PROCEEDS
TO BE APPLIED TO PARTIAL FUND TRAFFIC SIGNAL COORDINATION
IMPROVEMENTS ON SHORELINE BOULEVARD AND OCEAN DRIVE
BETWEEN PEOPLES STREET AND LOUISIANA PARKWAY.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McComb, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; McNichols voting, "No"; Guerrero
absent.
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Mayor Rhodes spoke in regard to correspondence from Senator Lloyd Benson and
the County Judge in McMullen County expressing appreciation to the Council for their
support in opposing the dumpsite near McMullen County.
Mrs. Rhodes advised that Corpus Christi has been named by Tennis Magazine as one
of the top US tennis cities for 1991.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 7
Mrs. Rhodes provided an update of the Coastal Refinery events relative to concerns
of the neighborhood.
Mrs. Rhodes reviewed the status of the teen center concept.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and liaison reports.
Mayor Pro Tem McComb inquired about disposal of the material from the recycling
program, and City Manager Garza stated that it is being sold to a marketer, and Tom Utter,
Public Works Director, advised that none of the material that has been picked up by the
pilot recycling program has gone into the dump, stating that all of it has gone through the
recycling process.
Mr. McComb related that the Houston Post newspaper contained a positive article
about Corpus Christi.
Council Member Martin inquired about a letter in regard to an appraisal relative to
a CDBG project, and City Manager Garza stated that the group would provide an appraisal
if it is a requirement. He stated that he will furnish a report to the Council.
Mr. Martin commented about a Senate Bill that provides that the City could increase
the traffic fines for school zone violations provided that the increased fine money is
earmarked for school crossing guards. He stated that the concept of individuals who violate
school zones paying additional fines with the money generated being used to pay for
crossing guards would be very attractive.
City Manager Garza stated that presently staff is preparing an estimate of how many
tickets are issued in those areas and how much revenue the City receives in a given year.
Public Works Director Utter discussed the provisions of Senate Bill No. 460.
Council Member Longoria inquired where the recycling material is being stored, and
Mr. Utter stated that a report will be provided to the Council. Mrs. Longoria stated that
she still receives complaints about the recycling center on Leopard and Port.
Council Member McNichols commented that the competition for the Lady Lexington
has increased substantially. He inquired about the possibility of adopting a resolution to
promote the Council's desire to bring the aircraft carrier to Corpus Christi. It was the
consensus of the Council to pass a resolution if they have not already done so.
* Council Member Guerrero arrived at the meeting.
Mr. McNichols suggested that the task force involved in bringing the Lady Lexington
to Corpus Christi be asked to make another presentation to the Council.
Mr. McComb suggested that signs for directions to the Aquarium should be better
identified and more explicit.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 8
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on
the agenda.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, spoke about City government and the endorsement
of religion.
Mr. Raymond Hasker, 1813 Wallace, discussed the City budget in regard to water
revenues and rates, and Council Member Slavik requested that his comments be clarified
during the budget discussion.
The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Section 2(e),
V.A.C.S., regarding employment of attorney, Voting Rights Lawsuit regarding Council
election system.
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The Council returned from closed session at 1:50 pm. and Council Member Martin
made a motion that the law firms of Bickerstaff, Heath and Smiley of Austin and Canales
and Simonson of Corpus Christi be employed by the City to defend the single member
district lawsuit filed against the City; to allow the City Attorney to negotiate the legal fees;
and those fees be in accordance with normal billing practices for those firms. The motion
was seconded by Council Member Longoria and passed by the following vote: Rhodes,
McComb, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Galindo and
Guerrero voting, "No."
Mayor Rhodes declared a ten-minute recess.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and recessed the meeting to convene
the Corpus Christi Industrial Development Corporation Meeting.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the presentation on
recycling.
Tom Utter, Public Works Director, made a brief presentation and stated that the
program entails a Clean City Program which should make Corpus Christi more
environmentally sound. He stated that staff believes curbside recycling is most efficient and
strongly recommends the program. Mr. Utter expressed appreciation to the citizens who
participated in the pilot recycling programs.
Bob Bruner, Sanitation Director, discussed recommendations for the fiscal Year 1991-
92 Budget, with a specific focus on providing additional services which propose an increase
in brush service to include additional manpower and trucks; the re-establishment phase of
a "Keep America Beautiful" program for community involvement, education and public
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 9
awareness; the advent of a litter control and enforcement program to include a dedicated
Litter Control Officer; and a City-wide Curbside Recycling Program, providing twice -a -
month pick-up for residents as an additional service. Mr. Bruner stated that first year total
estimated cost for the programs is $549,709.
Mr. Bruner provided supportive background data and current solid waste
management economic trends. He discussed fee changes for Solid Waste operations which
include collection, disposal, and recycling services.
A question and answer period followed and Mr. Bruner responded to specific
questions raised by the Council.
Discussion ensued and various suggestions and concerns were expressed by the
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem McComb suggested that the deposit on the container be $5.00
instead of $4.00.
Council Member Slavik expressed concern about the 19.9% increase. She suggested
that the recycling fee be listed as a separate fee on the bill. She expressed concern about
the $858,011 projected annual costs. Mrs. Slavik expressed the opinion that it is unfortunate
the rates were not raised in the last five years.
Council Members Martin and Galindo expressed concern about leasing vehicles
instead of purchasing them. Mr. Martin stated that in his opinion the City should do the
recycling program and develop costs on that tied in with the revenue projections.
Council Members McNichols and Longoria expressed support of the proposal, stating
that it is basically what the Council requested.
Mayor Rhodes stated that she did not agree with charging for deposits on the bins.
She pointed out that no incentives have been built into the program for the citizens who are
going to participate. She suggested that the Economic Development Corporation be
encouraged to bring industry to the City in the realm of recycling. Mrs. Rhodes stated that
she is opposed to an unmanned trash drop-off.
Mayor Rhodes declared a five-minute recess.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the discussion on the
budget, and the City Manager stated that he would first like to present the conclusion of the
Utility Budget which was not completed last week.
Victor Medina, Public Utilities Director, summarized a report on the budget for the
Water Division. He stated that the FY 91-92 budget projects expenditures of $32,200,860.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 10
He stated that no rate increase has been recommended for water, noting that the amended
budget for this year is $28.8 million. Mr. Medina discussed increases in the water budget.
Council Member Martin inquired about $600,000 decrease next year in revenue from
OCL Industrial users and City Manager Garza stated that it involves a firm that is
considering changing from buying treated water from the City to untreated water. He stated
that a slight adjustment was made in the treated water account and also the untreated water
account. Mr. Martin requested a report of where the electricity and chemical adjustments
were made.
Mr. Medina stated that the recommended Utilities Budget contains a six percent
increase in wastewater and gas, and no increase for water. He stated that the proposed
rates are based on an analysis of the utilities' operating needs combined with capital
improvements over the next ten years. This analysis shows that the consolidated fund will
fall into a deficit sometime between 1997 and the year 2000 depending on the capital
improvements the City undertakes. He stated that the projections assume a six percent rate
increase in wastewater and gas in FY 91-92 and a six percent increase in all utilities in FY
92-93 and thereafter.
In summation, Mr. Medina stated that the budget proposal has focused on meeting
the two prime objectives of the utilities consolidation - to minimize rate increases as much
as possible and to strengthen the utilities capacity to finance major improvements that would
otherwise be delayed or require very large rate increases. He urged the Council to adopt
the recommended rate increases. He noted that winter averaging is an important issue and
as soon as the rate consultant completes his work, the subject of winter averaging will be
presented to the Council.
A series of specific questions were raised by several Council Members, and Mr.
Medina and the City Manager responded to the questions.
Council Member Slavik expressed concern about setting the rates before the rate
consultant has submitted his report. She raised questions about the Cunningham Filter
Plant and requested a report in answer to her questions.
A broad discussion followed dealing with the subject of raising the utility rates, the
purpose of the Operations Analysis, and winter averaging, and some Council Members
expressed concern about the six percent increase.
Council Member Martin raised questions in regard to not charging the City
departments for utilities and requested the City Manager to address this matter at a later
time.
Council Member Slavik concurred with Mr. Martin and suggested phasing the policy
out, stating that it would make the City departments more responsible in the use of utilities
and it would help the Utility Department.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 11
Council Member McNichols expressed the opinion that it would be extremely
shortsighted not to raise the rates at this time and a discussion followed relative to future
capital improvements.
Council Member Martin stated that the City Manager's projected need for rate
increases is based on the assumption that certain projects will be built. He noted that the
Council has not approved any of those projects. Mr. Martin opposed the increase in
wastewater rates, stating that a commitment was made that the City would not raise
wastewater rates on the old system.
Council Member Guerrero concurred with Mr. Martin and noted the large reserve
balance in the Utility Fund.
Mayor Rhodes inquired about the consequences if the rates are not raised, and City
Manager Garza stated that he will present a revision in the budget; he will revise his
projections; and he will present them to the Council in September.
Following more deliberation, the expansion of the Oso Plant was discussed, and
Council Member McNichols stated that the City has to establish a Southside Treatment
Plant and it will take difficult financial decisions to accomplish that. He expressed
opposition to the expansion of the Oso Plant and stated that the City needs to develop the
necessary plans to develop and fund construction of a Southside Plant.
Mayor Rhodes declared a dinner break until 6 p.m.
• t Y Y*•• t i t# 3
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and opened the public hearing on
the FY 91-92 Budget.
Ms. Inez Adams, 6 Camden, Chairman of the Library Board, requested an increase
in the Library Book Budget to the current level.
Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, spoke on the needs of the senior citizens.
Ms. Elva Gonzalez, 2925 Churchill, representing Senior Community Services,
commented on the necessity for janitorial and secretarial services for the Lindale
Community Center.
Mr. John Dunn, 1921 Thames, requested additional personnel at the Lindale
Community Center.
Mr. Harlin Wouble, 6710 Pintail, addressed the need for funding for the Harbor
Playhouse.
Ms. Kay Sexton, 210 Bayside, spoke on behalf of the Art Museum regarding an
increase in their funding.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 12
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, spoke about the General Fund Budget and
expressed opposition to the proposed rate increases.
Mr. Alex Gonzalez, 1037 Monette, spoke in opposition to the utility rate increases
and funding for the downtown area.
Mr. Irving Dietz, 455 Miramar, spoke about the operations of the Water Department
and implied that the Park & Recreation Department is not concerned about conservation.
He suggested that each City department pay for their utilities.
Mr. Jim McCown, 11114 Birdwood, a member of the Park and Recreation Board,
stated that the board believes that they can maintain status quo on the recommended
budget. He advised that the board is in agreement with the proposed fee increases.
Mr. Walter Beale, 244 Ocean View Place, expressed opposition to an increase in
utilities and taxes.
Ms. Gloria Perez, 1317 Seventh Street, spoke against an increase in taxes and
utilities.
Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1549 Casa Grande, expressed opposition to funding for the
Heart of Corpus Christi and an increase in garbage pick-up fees. He objected to the
Council's support of a taxing district.
Mr. Bill Hall, 801 Crestview, a member of the Park and Recreation Board, stated
that he did not agree with the funding request of $75,000 made at the last public hearing
by a member of the board, and he expressed the opinion that the board did not agree with
the fee increases.
Mr. Walter Reid, 4825 Broughton, expressed the opinion that the solid waste trash
pick-up operation is wasteful.
Mr. Leon Perez, 905 Buford, spoke of high weeds in the area of his home, and he
was advised that this is a budget hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Guerrero to close the public hearing;
seconded by Council Member Martin and passed unanimously.
x• a•• s x* e r t• s
Mayor Rhodes called for a discussion of the proposed budget and suggested that the
Council consider first the following additional items recommended for funding by the City
Manager:
Additional Police - $349,500
It was the consensus of the Council that this amount be included in the budget.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 13
Ouincentenary Commission - $2,000 in additional funds
This amount was approved by a Council vote of 5 to 4.
Additional Animal Control Officer - $23,607
This was approved by a majority vote of the Council.
Art Museum of South Texas - $25,000 in additional funds
Approved by a majority vote of the Council.
Clean City Program
Council Member Martin noted that staff recommended a program that involves
increased brush service in the amount of $215,012; Keep America Beautiful, $72,554; Litter
Control/Enforcement, $50,763; and twice -a -month recycling, $211,380 for an estimated total
of $549,709. Mr. Martin also referred to the Operation Clean City program and suggested
that some of the cleanup programs should be delayed until the City learns how successful
the recommended programs are. He suggested that each of these programs be voted on
separately.
Discussion on the entire program followed, and Council Member McNichols
suggested that the $118,100 Neighborhood Improvement Division automation should not be
tied to the previously described Clean City Program, indicating that he, too, would like to
vote on these programs separately.
Council Member Guerrero pointed out that the cost for twice -monthly recycling
would be funded by increased fees to the consumer and without any decreases anywhere
else in the budget to provide for these costs.
Council Member Slavik stated that she will vote for the actual recycling costs; she
would prefer to separate the costs; and indicated that she understood that the cost of the
recycling would be $.70 per household.
Council Member Longoria concurred that the programs should be voted on
separately.
Mayor Rhodes called for the vote on the entire Clean City package in the amount
of $549,709, and it failed to pass by a vote of four in favor and five in opposition.
The following aspects of the program were then voted on separately:
Increased brush service - $215,012 - passed by a majority of the Council.
Keep America Beautiful - $72,554 - failed to pass
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 14
Litter Control/Enforcement - $50,763 - passed by a majority of the Council.
Twice -a -Month Recycling - $211,380 - passed by a majority of the Council.
Council Member McNichols called for a discussion of the related program to
improve the response time in the Neighborhood Improvement Division by the installation
of data processing equipment, increasing staff to add 1 data entry clerk, 1 clerk -typist, 1
property advisor, and the expense of a car rental and radio installation. Dr. McNichols
stated that he will vote "No" on this program, an Council Member Slavik indicated that she
also would vote "No" on this item.
Discussion ensued on this program, and Council Members questioned the need for
the property advisor, the clerk -typist and the car rental. Council Member Martin agreed
that the Clean City Program should be delayed until the other programs have proven to be
successful.
Mayor Rhodes pointed out that there did not seem to be enough support for this
entire package, but called for a vote to approve the computer system and a data entry clerk
for NID, and it passed by a vote of 5 to 4.
EMS Subsidy - $250,000 - approved by a majority of the Council
City Manager Garza confirmed that the City would receive $750,000 from the
Regional Transportation Authority for EMS funding.
Salary Increase for City Employees - effective December 13, 1991
City Manager Garza stated that he would like to have the Council consider approving
a wage increase for all City employees dependent upon the City's financial situation at that
time.
The City Council approved funding for this purpose by a vote of 7 to 2.
Under the category of "Other Requests" in the General Fund, Council Member
Martin recommended approval of approximately $14,000 for one part-time custodial and one
part-time secretarial positions for Senior Community Services, specifically for services at
Lindale Recreation Center. This recommendation was approved by a majority vote of the
Council.
Library Books - $125,000 additional funding
Council Member Slavik recommended that this be approved since it is only one-half
of the requested funding.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 15
City Manager Garza reminded the Council that he has also scheduled the purchase
of library books from a bond sale in the amount of $250,000 to be conducted during this
fiscal year.
The method of purchasing books was questioned by Council Member McComb, and
Library Director Herb Canales explained that he had retained $100,000 from the money
allocated for this purpose because there was some question as to whether or not there
would be funds allocated in next year's budget.
After further discussion, the Council unanimously approved funding in the amount of
$125,000 for library books.
Area Economic Development Corporation - $25,000 - approved by a vote of 7 to 2.
MH -MR Funding - $25,000 - It was the consensus of the Council not to fund this.
General Fund Discussion
Council Member Martin noted that as the General Fund is now, with the adjustments
made, there is about $90,000 available, and he felt that approximately $75,000, which was
the funding for the Keep America Beautiful program, should be applied towards a reduction
in the Sanitation rates.
Council Member Martin then questioned the vacant positions in the General Fund and
made a motion that 20 of the positions that have been vacant longer than three months be
permanently eliminated from the budget. He speculated that this would represent a savings
in the approximate amount of $300,000 and that money should be retained in the Reserves.
Council Member Martin then suggested that the City Manager eliminate $50,000
from the computer programs in the General Fund, and City Manager Garza stated that he
has already deleted $250,000 from the General Fund computer program and it will be
funded out of the fund balance from MIS.
Council Member Martin then summarized his suggestions and made the following
motions:
(1) Motion to reduce the Sanitation rates by the amount of money saved from the
elimination of the Keep America Beautiful program. The motion was seconded and passed.
(2) Motion that the City Manager eliminate from the General Fund budget
permanently 20 of the positions that have been vacant for more than three months, which
should result in a savings of approximately $300,000 with that savings to go into the fund
balance to protect the City from unforeseen loss of income. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Moss.
Mayor Rhodes pointed out that this is with the understanding that the jobs eliminated
would be the City Manager's decision. The motion passed.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 16
(3) Motion to reduce $40,000 in the General Fund for computer equipment. The
motion was seconded by Council Member Galindo.
Extensive discussion continued on the City's computer system, and Council Member
Moss expressed the opinion that computer systems should be implemented and he did not
recommend cutting back if the systems could be utilized. Dr. McNichols noted that the
Mercer Report, on which a lot of money was expended, recommended that technology could
improve the overall efficiency of the organization.
Council Member Martin then withdrew his motion.
Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - $125,000 additional funding
Deputy City Manager Jesus Garza reported to the Council on meetings conducted
between City Staff and Members of the Board of the Bureau. He stated that they had
discussed a new contract to be based on a formula derived from the amount of hotel/motel
tax generated as of March, 1992.
After a lengthy discussion, the Council indicated that they did not wish to make a
decision on a new contract or a new formula for funding at this time.
A majority of the Council voted to approve funding for the Bureau for the upcoming
fiscal year in the amount of $1,625,000.
Harbor Playhouse - $5,000 additional funding - approved by a majority of the Council.
Land the Lady Lex - $25,000 - approved by a vote of 6 to 3.
Council Member Moss emphasized the fact that all of these items are being funded
without a tax increase or utility rate increases at this time.
Council Member Martin questioned the recreation fee increases, and City Manager
Garza stated that there will be enough golf fund increases to improve the condition of the
courses. Council Member Martin then suggested that funds be borrowed from the General
Fund to make the improvements which would generally increase usage and the money could
be repaid after the increased fees generate enough funds.
Council Member Guerrero pointed out that there will be no utility rate increases at
this time, no increases in taxes, and the Council initiated a savings in the projected increase
in service in the Sanitation Department. He also suggested use of the $800,000 balance in
the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation. City Manager Garza expressed the
opinion that those funds should be used for one-time expenditures only.
Council Member McNichols discussed some of the proposed increases in fees,
particularly in the Park and Recreation fees. Dr. McNichols expressed the opinion that the
level of golf fee increases should be such that the course expenses would be paid by the
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
July 16, 1991
Page 17
adult users. He stated, however, that children and youth fees should not be prohibitive and
that the Latchkey fees should not be increased.
City Manager Garza informed the Council that the fees would be on the agenda for
first reading on July 23.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes
adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m., July 16, 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 July 16, 1991, which were
approved by the City Council on July 23, 1991.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 20th day of August, 1991.
iona
Armando Chapa
City Secretary