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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/15/1991MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem David McNichols Council Members: Cezar Galindo Leo Guerrero Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Joe McComb 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 Council Member Galindo following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Longoria. 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 October 8, 1991, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 3, and Council Member Moss requested that Item 1 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2. ORDINANCE NO. 021264 '�M1LMED Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 2 CLOSING THE FAR EAST TRAVEL LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND SIDE OF THE HARBOR BRIDGE AND THE EAST SHOULDER LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND SIDE OF THE NUECES BAY CAUSEWAY TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1991, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 6:00 AND 8:00 A.M. FOR THE PURPOSE OF AN ORGANIZED BICYCLE RIDE SPONSORED BY THE CORPUS CHRISTI CYCLE CLUB; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 3. SECOND READING AMENDING THE ORIGINAL BOUNDARIES OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI ENTERPRISE ZONE AND AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF AN ENTERPRISE ZONE EXPANSION APPLICATION WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Responding to a question from Council Member Moss on Item 1, authorizing the acceptance of grants for Folklife Celebration, City Manager Garza stated that the City will provide in-kind services; it is included in the budget; and there will be no extra expense to the City. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion passed: 1. M91-277 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of $14,400 from the National Endowment for the Arts and a grant for $2,973 from the Texas Commission on the Arts and to execute contracts and all related documents for the production of the 1991 Folklife Celebration to be held in Heritage Park October 18, 19, and 20, 1991. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 3 Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of Item 4, lease agreement for copy equipment. Jorge Garza, General Services Director, provided background information in regard to a recommendation for a five-year lease agreement for copy equipment with Xerox Corporation. He stated that staff conducted an analysis on the requirements of the City's copy machines and approached Xerox Corporation to assist in ascertaining duplication needs based on actual workload. He stated that as a result of the survey, staff developed an RFP which established the parameters of the City's needs and four replies were received. He stated that an evaluation was performed by a committee, and he commented on the evaluation process and discussed the funding for the lease purchase. Mr. Garza continued by stating that the recommendation from the committee is to award the contract to Xerox Corporation, based on the most advantageous offer to the City. He stated that it is estimated that over the five-year period, the City would save approximately $250,000 from the lease itself and approximately $60,000 from the time that individuals spend waiting to use the existing copy machines. Council Member Moss inquired about policies to prohibit unnecessary copies, and City Manager Garza stated that assumptions are that demand remains the same but policies need to be developed to control some of the unnecessary uses of the machines. Council Member Galindo expressed concern that staff approached Xerox Corporation regarding the RFP and expressed concern about the commitment to a five-year lease. Responding to questions from Council Member Galindo, Jorge Garza advised that Xerox did not help the City prepare the RFP. He stated that the machines the City is currently leasing will be returned at the end of the month because the lease expires. He stated that staff felt that the five-year lease period would make it advantageous for the City to reap the cost benefits. He stated that the City's current needs will be met and that the maintenance costs will remain the same for the next five years. The City Manager and General Services Director responded to a series of specific questions raised by the Council. Mayor Pro Tem McNichols raised questions about the evaluation process and expressed concern about the $200,000 difference in costs between the two systems from the bidders. Jorge Garza stated that the committee felt that the capabilities of the Xerox machine far exceeded the others, and F. D. Glenn, a member of the committee, described the evaluation factors and justified the choice of Xerox Company. Council Member Martin requested a memo regarding the amount of money in the budgets of the individual activities which were set aside for copying expenses. Mr. Martin suggested monitoring the amount of copies to be made on the copiers and requested that in six months, the Council be given a report on the actual savings. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 4 Following more discussion, City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion passed: 4. M91-278 Motion authorizing execution of a five year lease in accordance with Request For Proposal BI -0257-91, for copy equipment with Xerox Corporation, and authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute such security instruments, UCC statements and such instruments as required by such lease and approved by the City Attorney. The contract includes the lease of the equipment, full maintenance service, and all related supplies except paper. Estimated annual expenditure: $242,100; estimated five-year total: $1,210,500. The award, based on competitive sealed proposal procedures, is for the most advantageous offer. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." Mayor Rhodes called for the discussion on the consideration of the privatization proposal for the landfill operations. Tom Utter, Director of Public Works, provided a general overview of the process involved in the privatization of the City's landfill. He stated that proposals were received from four companies and a staff review team recommended that the operation of the Elliott Landfill remain with the Solid Waste Services Department, but should the Council wish to negotiate a private contract, Waste Management had submitted the best private proposal. Mr. Utter stated that following the receipt of amended proposals, staff still believed that the City's proposal was superior but wished to gather some additional information from Waste Management prior to a recommendation. He reviewed the additional information obtained from Waste Management and described the analysis and final recommendation of the staff committee. Mr. Utter discussed seven principal areas of concern expressed by the committee. In conclusion, Mr. Utter stated that the committee strongly recommends that the operation of the Elliott Landfill remain with the City of Corpus Christi. He stated that the solid waste services program is self-supporting from its fees and is not supported from the General Fund. Mr. Utter responded to specific questions from the Council regarding liability issues, imported waste, refuse collection, and a regional facility. In response to a question regarding recycling, Mr. Utter stated that the City has approved a curbside recycling twice a month. He stated that most of the large private companies are involved in recycling but staff does not see any benefit to privatization in terms of recycling. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 5 Mr. Utter reviewed a recap of the original work sheet and final proposal from Waste Management and discussed City comparisons. Mr. Sonny Sanfilippo, Regional Landfill Manager for Waste Management, read a prepared statement which he presented to the Council. He stated that at no time was Waste Management made aware that they were in the negotiation process. He asked the Council to delay its decision to give his company a chance to negotiate with the City. Ms. Jennifer Lorenz, 7450 Convair, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Recycling and Solid Waste, expressed opposition to the privatization of the City's landfill. Ms. Pat Suter, 1002 Chamberlain, a member of the recycling committee, expressed opposition to the privatization of the City's landfill. She stated that she is a member of the COG committee on regionalization of solid waste and does not understand how the City would tie into this program if the landfill were privatized. Ms. Pauline Clark, 3902 Mueller Street, expressed the opinion that the City should maintain responsibility and control of the landfill. Council Member Longoria moved to accept the staffs recommendation to not privatize the City's landfill. The motion was seconded by Council Member Slavik. Council Member Martin suggested that the next time privatization of a City service is recommended, the Council needs to have an up -front policy discussion which specifies that they want to make privatization work. Council Member Slavik stated that it is imperative for the City keep control of the landfill because is important to the health and welfare of the City. Mayor Rhodes expressed the opinion that it is a good healthy process to challenge ourselves to see if the City is doing a good job and we should always be looking to see if it can be improved. Council Member McComb stated that there is some validity in the privatization issue, but in the future we need to have unbiased data in order to make a decision. Mayor Pro Tem McNichols stated that one of the keys to smaller and less expensive government is privatization of traditionally government supplied services. He expressed the opinion that if the final product is delivered to the consumer, there is no decrease in service; it does not result in increased costs; and there is no increase in liability for the City, then privatization should proceed. Mayor Rhodes repeated the motion on the floor to accept the staffs report and not privatize the landfill operation. The motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; McNichols voting, "No." (M91-279) Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 6 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes declared a five-minute recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council returned from recess and Mayor Rhodes called for a dosed session under Article 6252-17, 2E V.A.C.S. to discuss Item 6. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the discussion on consideration of options in constructing sidewalks along Lawnview Street within the Del Mar area street improvements phase II project. City Manager Garza provided background information and stated that staff outlined several alternatives and attempted to reach a compromise with the property owners to meander the walk from property line to curb line in an attempt to save as many trees as possible. Mr. Skip Jones, 401 Southern, speaking on behalf of the majority of residents whose property borders on Lawnview, read a prepared statement and cited examples in which the City has made exceptions in the sidewalk policy. He showed a video illustrating the safety hazards which would result from street parking on Lawnview. He discussed the various alternatives and stated that the residents prefer Alternative 6 to delete the sidewalks along Lawnview Street from the project. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, spoke in opposition to the sidewalks on Lawnview and expressed concern about cutting down the trees. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, stated that it would be a violation of the American Disability Act, title 234, to not build the sidewalks because of the safety of the pedestrians. Council Member Slavik stated that she preferred a sidewalk on one side of the street but expressed concern as to whether or not it would comply with the federal handicapped law. She stated that sidewalks are needed for the appearance of the area and expressed concern about safety. She voiced support of Alternative 4. Council Member Galindo moved to accept staffs recommendation of Alternative 2, to install the sidewalks as presented during the October 1, 1991 Council Meeting; the sidewalks to be routed in such a manner as to miss as many trees as possible; fences would be relocated only as necessary; and approximately six additional trees would need to be removed. The motion was seconded by Council Member McComb. Council Member Moss inquired about the Del Mar Association, and Mr. Galindo informed him that they are in support of the sidewalks. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 7 Mayor Pro Tem McNichols expressed concern about placing the cars on the roadway. He suggested painting a crosswalk line behind the parked cars, and City Manager Garza stated that parking bays were considered on the street itself but it would be too complicated. Council Member Martin talked about City policy, stating that the Council has found reasons to change the regulations in other specific cases. He stated that the Lawnview situation is a unique circumstance and perhaps should not be subject to the same policy. He stated that, in his opinion, this is a time to make an exception that the general rule does not apply and delete the sidewalks. Discussion followed and Mayor Rhodes stated that she could not see a sidewalk on one side of the street, stating that it would complicate the issue. She stated that Lawnview Street itself does not belong to the people who live on Lawnview; it is a public street; and the Council needs to make the decision based on the street itself and what the policy is. The motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye'; Martin voting, "No." (M91-280) Mayor Rhodes called for the consideration of alternatives for Betty Jean Drive. City Manager Garza noted that three issues need to be considered, the traffic issue, accepting the dedication of Blanche Moore Drive as a public street, and the approval of a participation agreement with the Blanche Moore developers for the additional cost of providing a street at enhanced standards above the platting ordinance. Bill Hennings, Director of Development Services, reviewed the various traffic alternatives and described the basic traffic plan around the Blanche Moore and Gardendale neighborhoods. He discussed recommended measures to discourage through traffic on Betty Jean which could be implemented to include stop signs at Betty Jean at Bonner at a cost of $100; and secondly, to put turn restriction signs on Betty Jean at Williams to direct traffic on to Williams at a cost of $300. He stated that a more effective control would be to construct a physical concrete median at Williams and Betty Jean that would prevent through traffic onto Betty Jean, that would be more costly and would necessitate an amendment to the Transportation Plan because Betty Jean would no longer effectively function as a collector. Also, the final option would be that Betty Jean could be terminated at Williams Drive with a cul de sac and that would require an amendment to the Transportation Plan. He stated that the Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed this issue and supports the construction of Blanche Moore Drive through the Moore tract and continued use of Betty Jean as a collector street. Discussion ensued as a series of specific questions were raised by the Council, and Mr. Hennings and the Deputy City Manager responded to the questions. Deputy City Manager Garza stated that the developer could propose to dedicate the street to the City and the dedication would have to be accepted by the Council. He stated Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 8 that it is staff's recommendation to accept the street if the developer chose to dedicate it to the City, should the conditions be met. Various Council Members expressed concern about traffic going down Betty Jean, and Council Member McComb moved to send the Planning Commission consideration of an amendment to the Transportation Plan that would prohibit access off of Blanche Moore Drive into that neighborhood. The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin. After a lengthy discussion concerning the alternatives, it was noted that staffs recommendation is to amend the Transportation Plan to put the collector street back in and then to accept the extension through Moore Plaza as a dedication of a public street. City Manager Garza stated that the developer has indicated that he would be willing to dedicate, once those things are in place. Mayor Pro Tem McNichols commented on the public safety issue and inquired about Holly Road handling the major traffic, and Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, discussed plans for Holly Road, stating that it would be about three and one-half years before they are completed. Council Member McComb spoke about the purpose of Williams Drive, and Deputy City Manager Garza explained the intent of Williams Drive. The motion made by Council Member McComb failed to pass. Mr. Paul Pearson, representing the Blanche Moore Estate, presented material to the Council and spoke about money the developer has spent on the project. He expressed concern with any implication that any favors were done for the developer. He talked about the traffic problem and stated that they are doing what they can do to help solve the problem. He stated that they believe they have a contractual right of access to Williams and are requesting approval to connect to it. He stated that they are willing to keep it as a private road, pave it, and maintain it and are willing to dedicate it as a public road, if reimbursed the $28,000. He stated that they would consider dedicating it as a public road without that reimbursement. He stated that the estate has given 500 feet of frontage on the SPID Staples corner for a right-hand turn lane, noting that construction will begin in January and will help to alleviate the traffic in the area. Mr. David Nicholson, a representative of the Trammell Crow Company, stated that when the ramp reversal issue was discussed, the decision was made to implement changes, including the connection of Betty Jean Drive to Williams and the expansion and completion of Williams. He stated that Trammell Crow has relied upon the contractual obligation of the City to allow Blanche Moore Drive to be connected to Williams. Mayor Rhodes moved that the Council support the staff and Transportation Advisory Committee in the construction of Blanche Moore Drive through the Moore tract with the continued use of Betty Jean as the collector street. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McNichols. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 9 Discussion followed and City Manager Garza stated that he would like to allow the construction of the private street and if the developer desires to dedicate that as a public street, we entertain that request and submit opening the street as a public street to the Transportation Advisory Committee. The motion and second were withdrawn. City Manager Garza stated that he would recommend that we accept that street as a public street to avoid future maintenance problems, stating that the developer is building it at enhanced standards and he would expect the City to reimburse him for the additional cost at the time we accept it as a public street. Council Member Martin made a motion that the City allow the completion of Betty Jean Drive from Williams to South Padre Island Drive, in accordance with its contractual commitment; that the City initiate an amendment to the Urban Transportation Plan to include that section of Betty Jean Drive in that plan as a collector street; that upon adoption of such an amendment, the City request the developer to make the necessary dedication, and that the City reimburse the developer for any oversizing, etc.; and that staff take minimal traffic actions upon the completion of Betty Jean, i.e. stop signs at Betty Jean and Bonner and turn restriction signs on Betty Jean at Williams. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McNichols and passed unanimously. (M91-281) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report, and City Manager Garza advised the Council that they are invited to a Folklife celebration this weekend. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and liaison reports. Council Member Slavik asked for staff comments regarding information sent to them from Mr. Atlee Cunningham regarding the water reservoir. Mrs. Slavik referred to the enterprise zone and stated that she hopes that the State would consider the protection of the environment when granting the enterprise zones. Council Member Martin asked for a memo on the status of the recycling issue. Council Member McComb asked about the responsibility for the Holly Road -Staples railroad crossing, and City Manager Garza stated that he will check into the situation. Mr. McComb commented in regard to a memo about cars parking on sidewalks and blocking access on Kensington Court. Council Member Moss asked about the water update, and City Manager Garza gave a brief update. Minutes Regular Council Meeting October 15, 1991 Page 10 Council Member Galindo asked the City Manager to check into the possibility of a tree replanting program. He asked what can be done about speeding up the Crosstown extension, and City Manager Garza stated that he did not believe the City could speed it up because it is a State project. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, raised questions in regard to religious access users groups, and the City Manager suggested that he submit his questions in writing. Mr. Santos Suarez, 931 Grant Place, Director of the American Indian Movement of Texas, spoke against the promotion of the Christopher Columbus celebration in Corpus Christi. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. on October 15, 1991.