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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/07/1992MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Pro Tem Leo Guerrero Council Members: Cezar Galindo * Edward Martin Joe McComb Dr. David McNichols Clif Moss Mary Pat Slavik Absent Mayor Mary Rhodes Council Member Betty Jean Longoria City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Retired Pastor Reverend E. F. Bennett, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Moss. 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 Pro Tem Guerrero called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 31, 1991. He advised that an amendment to the minutes had been presented by Council Member Moss. Council Member Moss moved to approve the Minutes of the Council Meeting of December 31, 1991 as amended. The motion was seconded by Council Member McComb and passed unanimously; Rhodes, Galindo and Longoria absent. Police Chief Garrett provided a report on statistics involving traffic fatalities in the City for the year 1991. He stated that Corpus Christi had the lowest number of traffic fatalities in the last twenty years. Chief Garrett commented on the number of alcohol- related accidents, total accidents, and DWI arrests which have diminished because of a year MICRQBLMED Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 Page 2 of increased programs, including a seat belt crackdown, a heightened anti -drunken-driving campaign and publicly announced radar patrols. Ms. Inez Adams, Chairman of the Library Board, Ms. Kay Didear, Vice Chairman of the Library Board, Herb Canales, Libraries Director, and Mr. Pat Wolter, former library board member, presented a five-year long range plan for the public library system. They addressed priorities, roles, specific goals, mission statement and major accomplishments of the library. A question and answer period followed and Council Member Martin raised questions about approving the plan versus accepting it, and City Manager Garza stated that it is a good plan and these are only guides. He stated that it is a matter of other competing priorities and presenting a balanced program of services which can be supported. Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero suggested that the resolution presented for approval should be subject to budget restraints and competing priorities. A motion was made by Council Member McComb to change the word in the resolution from "approve" to "accept." The motion was seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed unanimously; Rhodes, Longoria and Galindo absent. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following resolution passed as amended: 1. RESOLUTION NO. 021316 ACCEPTING THE LONG RANGE PLAN FOR THE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM. The foregoing resolution passed as amended by the following vote: Guerrero, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes, Galindo and Longoria absent. City Manager Garza announced that he has withdrawn the presentation on the Nueces River Park issues until a later date. Grace McNett, capital budget officer, presented a quarterly update on the City's Capital Improvement Program regarding accomplishments made by the City in the 1986 and 1987 bond program along with schedules for the currently approved Capital Improvement Program. She stated that in the 1986 and 1987 bond program, the City completed projects totalling $73.3 million. She stated that the update outlines the completed projects which are funded under other funding sources. Responding to comments made by Council Member Moss, Ms. McNett elaborated on the timetable for the McKenzie and Waldron Road projects and in response to a Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 Page 3 question from Mr. Moss, City Manager Garza stated that the City does not have an obligation to underwrite the Aquarium if they do not meet their budget. Ms. McNett and Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, responded to specific questions raised by the Council. Regarding the Waldron Road project, Council Member McNichols requested an explanation as to why this project has taken so long to move forward, and Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, addressed several issues vital to the completion of plans and specifications for the Waldron Road project. Dr. McNichols pointed out that the reason the Waldron Road project is behind schedule is because of circumstances beyond the control of the City. Ms. McNett advised that staff provided the Council with a cumulative report on projects completed for the 1986 and 1987 projects and it will not be presented at the next quarterly report unless requested by the Council. Ms. Sue Nelson, Superintendent of Schools at Tuloso Midway, commented on the lateness of the McKenzie Road project. She stated that they are actively pursuing the improvement on McKenzie and have established a task force because they want the road fixed. Council Member Martin pointed out that no funds were approved by the voters in the 1986 bond program for McKenzie except the $500,000 for drainage. He stated that the project will cost $4.6 million and the City has transferred another $2.8 million from other projects into this effort. Council Member McNichols inquired about comments about the Oso Plant odor control, and Ms. McNett stated that the estimate for construction is about $500,000; $290,000 is available; an additional $200,000 is needed which would have to come out of a new approved utilities budget which is forthcoming to the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 3 thru 9, and Council Members requested that Items 5, 7 and 9 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 3. M92-001 Motion approving a supply agreement for "Opticom" brand equipment in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0039-92 with Consolidated Traffic Controls, Inc., Arlington, Texas, based on sole source for an estimated annual expenditure of $54,870. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 Page 4 extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. This equipment will be installed by the Traffic Engineering Department. This equipment controls traffic signals by remote control from fire trucks and ambulances approaching intersections on emergency runs. Funds have been budgeted for FY 1991-92 by the Traffic Engineering Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Guerrero, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes, Galindo and Longoria absent. 4. M92-002 Motion adopting the timetable for the FY 1992 CDBG Program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Guerrero, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes, Galindo and Longoria absent. 6. ORDINANCE NO. 021318 DETERMINING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT OF: CORONA/WILLIAMS CONNECTION AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Guerrero, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes, Galindo and Longoria absent. 8. FIRST READING AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A TEN-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH NUECES COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON MORRIS STREET AND HARMON AVENUE; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Guerrero, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes, Galindo and Longoria absent. Relative to Item 5, authorizing the appropriation of $620,000 from the Law Enforcement Trust Funds into the 91/92 fiscal year, Council Member Slavik asked if the CAD/RMS payment should have been included in the 1991 budget discussion, and City Manager Garza responded that it was included. Council Member Galindo arrived at the meeting. Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 Page 5 On Item 7, Corona Drive extension, Council Member Slavik indicated that many of the numbers were not legible on the assessment roll, and City Manager Garza stated that he is aware of that matter. Responding to questions raised by Council Member McNichols, Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, commented about the assessment procedures. He stated that the purpose of Item 7 is only to adopt the preliminary assessment roll for the Corona Drive extension and to set the public hearing for February 11, 1992. Relative to Item 9, regulation of alcohol and tobacco advertising near schools, Council Member McNichols inquired about CCISD's position on this particular situation, and City Attorney Bray stated that their input was requested but they did not respond. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, advised that this ordinance was taken from a resolution presented by the West Oso School District. He raised questions about the boundaries, and City Attorney Bray stated that the boundaries were established by the City and supported by the school districts. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 5. ORDINANCE NO. 021317 APPROPRIATING $620,000 FROM THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUNDS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Guerrero, Galindo, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes and Longoria absent. 7. ORDINANCE NO. 021319 APPROVING THE WRI11'EN STATEMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING SERVICES OF THE VARIOUS COSTS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING: CORONA/WILLIAMS CONNECTION - DETERMINING THE PORTION OF SAID COSTS TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST ABUTTING PROPERTY AND THE PORTION TO BE PAID BY THE CITY; SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PRELIMINARY ROLL DURING THE REGULAR 2:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 11, 1992, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 1201 LEOPARD STREET, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Guerrero, Galindo, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye; Rhodes and Longoria absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 Page 6 9. FIRST READING PROHIBITING CERTAIN SIGNS ADVERTISING ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO WITHIN 500 FEET OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Guerrero, Galindo, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Rhodes and Longoria absent. i i i!■••■ s i s s s Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero called for consideration of Item 10, street lighting and landscaping on Agnes Street and Saratoga Boulevard. City Manager Garza provided background information and stated that there are three proposed options regarding the street lighting and landscaping improvements. He stated that staff recommends option #3 which would be a low cost approach to the street lighting and a higher cost approach to landscaping. He stated that staff believes that if the cables were buried underground, it would not do much to improve the visual effect. Council Member Martin disagreed with the option recommended by staff and asked when the City is going to begin the program of burying its cables. He commented about the various options and stated that he recommends the first option which would be to bury the cables and do as much landscaping as can be afforded. Discussion followed and Council Member Moss concurred with Council Member Martin. He stated that the landscaping would be improved if the wiring were underground. Council Member McNichols concurred with the option for underground cables and in response to a question he raised, Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, described the landscaping improvements recommended for Saratoga Boulevard and Agnes Street. Mr. Crull stated that the underground system would be more reliable under storm conditions. Council Member McComb also concurred with Council Member Martin and expressed the opinion that a major improvement would be to level off the medians and sod them with grass, stating that it would be easy to maintain. Mr. Crull stated that in order to do that, an irrigation system is needed and in the construction of Saratoga, the necessary sleeves were installed which are necessary to put the irrigation system underneath the pavement areas. He stated that the irrigation system would be part of the landscaping budget depending on what option is approved. Following a discussion a motion was made by Council Member Martin to adopt option #1 as the design direction for the street lighting and landscaping alternative for the Agnes Street and Saratoga Boulevard project. The motion was seconded by Council Member Slavik and passed unanimously; Rhodes and Longoria absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 Page 7 10. M92-00� Motion approving the design approach for street lighting and landscaping improvements on Agnes Street and Saratoga Boulevard - Street lights, concrete poles, buried wires - Agnes Street - $180,000; Saratoga Boulevard $300,000; landscaping budget - Agnes Street $170,000; Saratoga Boulevard - $360,000. Council Member Martin suggested that staff avoid a sprinkler system on the median, stating that due to the winds, there is no way that the street would not get watered. He recommended staff look into different methods of watering the grass on the medians. Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero called for consideration of Item 11, contract for diversion of untreated water by Koch Refining Company and inquired if this item would require a motion or an ordinance, and City Attorney Bray stated that this item could be handled by a motion. Council Member Slavik noted that Koch's water usage will more than triple by 1995. She asked how this would affect the City's water release situation and if it is in the City's best interest to grant such a long contract, and City Manager Garza stated that the City should enter into these contracts with large firms who are willing to invest the kind of money that Koch will invest in our community. He stated that it is an appropriate contract. Council Member Slavik recommended that Koch should be encouraged to conserve water, and City Manager Garza concurred. He stated that the long-term nature of the contract is essential because they are investing a great deal of money in these projects. Mrs. Slavik asked if this will affect the City's relationship with the Texas Water Commission, and City Manager Garza stated that the City has a good relationship with the Texas Water Commission and it will continue. Council Member Moss noted that when Koch discharges the water, it is discharged into the ship channel which then goes into Corpus Christi Bay. He stated that if they put a siphon under the ship channel and dump it on the far side that would go into Nueces Bay and the City could count that into its releases. He suggested that this matter be pursued with Koch, and City Manager Garza stated that the City has discussed this matter with them. Council Member Martin moved to approve Item 11; seconded by Council Member Moss and passed unanimously; Rhodes and Longoria absent. 11. M91-004 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into an agreement with Koch Refining Company to allow Koch to increase its diversion and use of untreated water from the Nueces River for industrial purposes (petroleum refining). Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 7, 1992 Page 8 Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero called for Council liaison reports. Council Member Slavik commented about an article regarding federal funds for highway construction. The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Section 2(e), V.A.C.S. regarding police collective bargaining. Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero reconvened the Council Meeting and called for petitions from the audience. Ms. Laura Brewer, 9850 South Padre Island Drive, commented about damage done to her home because of the construction on SPID, and Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero referred her to a City staff member to see if there is anything that the City can do. Mr. Robert Perez, 3318 Hampton, R & R Productions, presented a proposal to the Council in regard to a "Premier Night" production which would be filmed in the Bayfront Plaza Auditorium. Mr. Perez was referred to the City Manager who will provide a report to the Council. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, raised various questions about the following: City in compliance with State law regarding the cost of copies charged to citizens; if the religious access user groups will file the names of its board members with the City Secretary; creating voting districts without ethics bias; an explanation of the water to sewer cost ratio; and the invocation given at today's Council Meeting. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro Tem Guerrero declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4: 09 p.m. on January 7, 1992. 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 January 7, 1992, which were approved by the City Council on January 14, 1992. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 14th day of February, 1992. 1 Armando Chapa City Secretary