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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/10/1991MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Leo Guerrero * Council Members: Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Joe McComb 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 Reverend J. D. Sailors of Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 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 Meetings of November 26 and December 3, 1991. Council Member McNichols requested that his comments relative to the one-time use and restrictions at the Water Garden be included in the Minutes of November 26th, and Council Member Moss asked that the words "flood insurance" be inserted in Item 3 of the Minutes of December 3rd. There being no further additions or corrections, Mayor Rhodes declared the Minutes approved as amended. A group of Carroll High School choir members serenaded the Council with Christmas songs. The choir is the only choir in the State of Texas to be invited by the Olympic Committee to participate in the Olympic Festival of the Arts in Barcelona, Spain. The group requested financial support from the City in working out an exchange trip with the Sister City in Toledo, Spain. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 Page 2 Mayor Rhodes praised the group and expressed the opinion that it would not be appropriate for the Council to commit tax dollars towards the request, stating that it would set a precedent if the Council began to fund school groups traveling to different cities. Mrs. Rhodes stated that she would give her support and would work on any fund raisers. Discussion followed and Council Member Martin suggested that the City Manager meet with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Sister City Committee and the Economic Development Corporation to locate funds of non -property tax dollars to help fund the group's request for matching funds. Council Member Slavik supported Council Member Martin's suggestion and commented on the uniqueness of the group. Council Member McComb made a motion that the City Manager contact the various organizations to see if there are funds which could be made available. The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin. Council Member Galindo and Council Member Longoria concurred with Mayor Rhodes. City Manager Garza stated that he will attempt to locate funds from the various groups, including a portion of the City budget. He commented on the uniqueness of the request. Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero arrived at the meeting. The motion passed by the following vote: Guerrero, Martin, McComb, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria and McNichols voting, "No." Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 7, and Council Members requested that Items 1 and 4 be withheld for discussion, and a member of the audience asked that Item 7 be withheld. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2. M91-331 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 460 tons of liquid ferric sulfate in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0284-91 with Van Waters and Rogers, Corpus Christi, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $71,760. 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 Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 Page 3 and the City Manager or his designee. This material will be used by the Water Department. Funds have been budgeted for FY 91-92 by the Water Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 3. M91-332 Motion approving service agreements for elevator/escalator maintenance with the following companies in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0270-91, based on low bid for the total estimated annual expenditure of $42,276. The terms of the agreements shall 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. This service will be used by various city departments and funds have been budgeted for FY 91-92. Montgomery Elevator Co. (Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11) Corpus Christi. Texas (Items 3.1 - 3.4) $32,040 Omni Elevator San Antonio. Texas (Groups 6 and 10) $2,676 Grand Total: $42,276 Schindler Elevator Co. San Antonio. Texas (Item 3.5) $7,560 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 5. SECOND READING AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LARRY J. MOKRY FOR A 23.019 ACRE TRACT OF LAND LOCATED AT THE NORTH CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF CHAPMAN RANCH ROAD AND SARATOGA BOULEVARD; AND APPROVING A RENTAL FEE OF EITHER A DESIGNATED DOLLAR PORTION OF THE CROP HARVESTED FROM THE ACREAGE OR A GUARANTEED $20/ACRE PER CROP YEAR, WHICHEVER IS GREATER. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 6. SECOND READING Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 Page 4 CLOSING, BUT NOT ABANDONING, THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF HOLLY ROAD FROM A POINT 0.75 MILES EAST OF LEXINGTON ROAD TO OSO BAY, AND ERECTING BARRICADES TO PREVENT VEHICULAR ACCESS. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 4 t t i s# t Y i t t i i Relative to questions raised by Council Member McNichols on Item 1, approving a supply agreement for approximately 1,910 gas meter valves, Victor Medina, Public Utilities Director, justified the price of the gas valves. On Item 4, contract with Nueces County for beach cleaning, Council Member McNichols commented about the area to be cleaned. He stated that it is critical that the City authorize funding for the beach cleaning and this method is the most cost-effective way to accomplish the cleaning. Regarding a suggestion made by Council Member McComb involving the condominiums and property owners, City Manager Garza stated that staff will look into the matter. Relative to Item 7, proposed parking fine increase, Mr. Ronald Hudson, 3556 Austin, commented on the ordinance and was informed that the ordinance is not an emergency item. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following items were passed: 1. M91-330 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 1,910 gas meter valves ranging in size from 1" - 2" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0022-92 with Rockford -Eclipse, Houston, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $19,231.20. 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 valves will be stocked in the Warehouse and used by the Gas Department. Funds have been budgeted for FY 91-92 by the Gas Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 4. FIRST READING Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 Page 5 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH NUECES COUNTY FOR CONTINUATION OF BEACH CLEANING AND LIFEGUARD SERVICES ON CITY ANNEXED PADRE ISLAND BEACHES UNTIL JULY 31, 1992 AND APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL STATE GRANT IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $11,000. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 7. SECOND READING AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 53, TRAFFIC, ARTICLE III, ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE, DIVISION 2, PENALTIES AND IMPOUNDMENT, SECTION 53-55, PENALTIES, TO INCREASE FINE ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Galindo voting, "No." Mayor Rhodes called for the presentation on total quality management. City Manager Garza provided background information and advised that he has been looking into the total quality management concept for some months. He stated that quality management is the focus of a revolution that is occurring in American industry and the City needs to be a part of the revolution. He stated that quality improvement is based on the needs of the customer and would be advantageous to the City. Mr. Garza stated that the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award was established by Congress in 1987 and is presented annually to companies that exhibit excellence in all aspects of quality. City Manager Garza introduced a presentation on total quality management given by Mr. Charles Pratt and Mr. John Dietz of IBM, Rochester, Minnesota, winners of the 1990 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Mr. Charles Pratt and Mr. John Dietz, IBM Rochester Quality Consultants, presented a slide presentation which addressed the environment, set of values, and system that has fostered a world-class customer driven organization in IBM Rochester. They explained the translation and deployment of quality values throughout the operation including employee empowered corrective action, and a prevention -based design and manufacturing process that involves customers and suppliers. Mr. Pratt stated that the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award requires, and IBM Rochester demonstrates, results in the following categories of a total quality management system: leadership, information and analysis, strategic quality planning and human resources. The gentlemen elaborated on the various categories. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 Page 6 Mayor Rhodes declared a short recess. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and Mr. Dietz and Mr. Pratt continued the presentation on quality management. A question and answer period ensued and members of the Council expressed support of the quality management concept. City Manager Garza stated that there are other cities in Texas using this system of management, such as Austin, Dallas and perhaps others. He stated that quality management will be cost-effective for the City. Mr. Garza stated that the goal is not to reduce the budget but as the City gets into the system, there will be a savings in the amount required to produce services. In regard to the financing, Mr. Garza stated that the City needs to do benchmarking and can use the experiences of others to lower the front end cost of getting into the process. Mr. Garza continued by stating that he has established a group of top managers to help him with the various components and will proceed with the Malcolm Baldrige model. He stated that he has identified Ogilvie Gericke as the total quality coordinator to continue to do the research and to assist the departments as they get into the process. He stated that it does require an initial investment and extensive training, but he believes that it is well worth it. He stated that the City budgets about two hundred thousand dollars in training and he suggested using the same dollars used for training and refocus them for this purpose. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report, and Deputy City Manager Garza reported on the meeting with the hearing examiner for the Texas Water Commission the preceding day. Responding to Council Member Moss' concern about the prolonged process, Mr. Garza stated that this is standard operating procedure for the manner in which the State operates on quasi -legal matters. Mayor Rhodes inquired if a municipal court assesses a fine for a theft, etc., if the judge has the power to institute restitution, and City Attorney Bray responded that he will check into the matter. Mrs. Rhodes requested a schedule and time frame for the Nueces River Park improvements. Mrs. Rhodes commented about the Henry Cisneros leadership symposium and encouraged the Council to attend the seminar. Mayor Rhodes called for Council liaison reports. Council Member McComb commented on the issue of the brine discharges into Nueces Bay and the City's extraterritorial jurisdiction. He moved to forward this matter to Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 Page 7 the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee to draft language for an ordinance amendment. The motion was seconded by Council Member Galindo and passed unanimously; Guerrero and Martin absent at the time the vote was taken. Council Member McComb raised questions about the two zoning cases which are scheduled on a future agenda and designated as "reconsideration," and City Manager Garza stated that the zoning cases are only being brought to the Council for approval of the site plans and adoption of the ordinances. Mr. McComb referred to the issue regarding the water toy concessionaires on the T - heads and suggested extending the existing contracts for six months in order to resolve the issue, and City Manager Garza stated that he will look into the situation and provide a report to the Council. Mr. McComb commented about the lake level at Lake Mathis, and Deputy City Manager Garza advised that the City is in compliance with the agreement with the City of Mathis and is in Phase 4 of the operating plan. Mr. McComb referred to the memorandum on collective bargaining with the Fire and Police Associations. He asked when the City received notice from the Police Department of their demands on budgetary items, and City Attorney Bray stated on April 2, exactly 120 days before the new budget year. Council Member McNichols expressed concern about the issue concerning the Flour Bluff fishing pier mitigation. Discussion ensued and Dr. McNichols inquired exactly what the City can do to make it acceptable so that the City's obligation in terms of mitigation is satisfied, and Deputy City Manager Garza provided background information on this matter and stated that staff will meet with the Environmental Protection Agency on December 18th to try and resolve the issue. Dr. McNichols referred to an article from the Harvard Business Review about privatization and recommended that anyone concerned with privatization should read the article. Council Member Moss stated that he read the Harvard Business Review article which was forwarded from Mr. Richard Bowers of HITOX. Mr. Moss indicated that Mr. Bowers had sent a letter with the article regarding a gas problem with the Gas Department. He stated that he would like to see a copy of the letter, and Council Member Slavik also requested a copy of the letter. City Manager Garza stated that the letter was addressed to him and Mr. Bowers did not request that it be forwarded to the Council. Mr. Moss commented in regard to the legal ad for the 68 pieces of property that are in violation and raised questions about the ordinance recently passed in this regard, and City Manager Garza stated that he will look into the matter and report back to Mr. Moss. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 10, 1991 Page 8 Mr. Moss referred to the CP&L payment of in-kind services and inquired how the dollar value of the services is determined, and City Manager Garza stated that it is the actual cost that is submitted to the City, stating that the Engineering Department reviews it for accuracy. Council Member Slavik raised questions about the budget regarding a six -percent rate increase for gas. She stated that the Council did not adopt a six -percent increase, stating that they indicated that they would not raise any utilities until staff presents the winter averaging details. City Manager Garza stated that the budget does not state that the rates were adopted, noting that even though the budget reflects that, the rates have not been approved. Mrs. Slavik inquired when the winter -averaging report will be presented, and City Manager Garza stated that the concept of winter -averaging and cost of service will be presented to the Council on December 17th. Mrs. Slavik inquired when the Council will be presented the utility study, and Deputy City Manager Garza stated that the operations analysis will be brought to the Council on December 17th. Mrs. Slavik inquired how much money has been spent up-to-date for outside legal fees regarding the City's water problem, and City Manager Garza stated that a report on that issue is forthcoming. Council Member Longoria referred to the request from Mayor Rhodes on the Nueces River Park. She stated that she would like a formal presentation made to the Council on the golf course and RV park. Mrs. Longoria updated the Council on the Charter Revision meeting and advised that the next meeting is January 9, 1992 and a public hearing will be held on January 21st. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, commented on the subject of the Bill of Rights. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the location in their neighborhood of an AIDS facility, "the Passage" which will house individuals dying of AIDS: Mr. Pablo Astorga, 1326 Sixth Street; Mr. & Mrs. Eric Hansen, Sixth and Morgan Streets; and Ms. Catalina Martinez, 1309 Sixth Street. Mayor Rhodes informed the group that the property is properly zoned for that type of facility, stating that she will get the group answers to the questions concerning the disposal of trash. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. on December 10, 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 December 10, 1991, which were approved by the City Council on December 17, 1991. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 31st day of December, 1991. Armando Chapa City Secretary