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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/18/1992MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Cezar Galindo * Council Members: Leo Guerrero 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 Chaplain Jenny Russell of Alameda Oaks Nursing Home, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Guerrero. 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 February 11, 1992, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * Council Member Galindo arrived at the meeting. Mayor Rhodes recessed the meeting to conduct the meetings of the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation and Corpus Christi Housing Improvement Corporation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 2 1 thru 12, and Council Members requested that Items 3, 5, 9 and 10 be withheld for discussion. Council Member Martin advised that he had filed a Disclosure of Interest Affidavit on Items 9 and 11 and will not vote on or discuss these items. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 1. M92-036 Motion approving the purchase of 20 plain paper facsimile (fax), machines in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0104-92 from TexPro Computer, Corpus Christi, Texas for a total of $35,980 based on low bid. The fax machines will be used by various branches of the South Texas Library System. Funds are available through a grant to the South Texas Library System; City funds will not be used for this purchase. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 2. M92-037 Motion approving supply agreements for coarse paper items in accordance with Joint Governmental Purchasing Group Bid Invitation No. JGPG-91-3 with the following companies for the following amounts and items based on low bid and best bid. The City's estimated total contract value is $58,015.66. The terms of the agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the suppliers and the City Manager or his designee. The coarse paper items will be stocked in the Warehouse and used by various departments throughout the City. Funds have been budgeted for FY 91-92 by the using departments. Sysco Food Services Corpus Christi. TX $26,377.96 (Bid items - 1, 2, 5 - best bid, low bid) Gulf Coast Paper Co. Corpus Christi. TX $1,153.20 (Bid items 6, 7 - low bid) Grand Total: $58,015.66 Southern Paper & Chemical Corpus Christi. TX $25,575 (Bid item 3 - low bid) Century Papers Corpus Christi. TX $4,909.50 (Bid item 4 - low bid) Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 3 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 4. M92-039 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year lease purchase agreement, by and through Textron Financial Corporation, and authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute such security instruments, UCC statements and other such instruments as required by such lease purchase agreement. The total agreement is for $41,620, consisting of $37,860 principal and $3,760 interest. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 6. M92-041 Motion approving the temporary closing of sections of North Shoreline Boulevard associated with the "Columbus Fleet Festival" as follows: a. West one-third of the west side of No. Shoreline Boulevard between Hughes Street and Resaca Street, from March 9 to March 12, 1992, b. Full closure of the west side of No. Shoreline Boulevard between Hughes Street and Resaca Street from March 12 to March 22, 1992, c. Full closure of the east side of No. Shoreline Boulevard between Resaca Street and the north turn -around (Convention Center) terminus of No. Shoreline Boulevard from March 12 to March 22, 1992, d. Full closure of Hughes Street, between Water Street and North Shoreline Boulevard, from March 12 to March 22, 1992. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 7. ORDINANCE NO. 021334 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PERMIT TO THE CORPUS CHRISTI AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU TO CONDUCT THE "COLUMBUS FLEET FESTIVAL" ON MARCH 12 THROUGH 22, 1992; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 4 8. SECOND READING AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 53, SECTIONS 53-252 AND 53-253, TO RESTRICT CURBSIDE PARKING ON CERTAIN AREAS OF AYERS STREET; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 11. SECOND READING AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A SIXTY -YEAR USE AGREEMENT WITH THE CORPUS CHRISTI BOTANICAL SOCIETY FOR THE USE OF 180.85 ACRES OF PARK LAND ADJACENT TO OSO CREEK AS A BOTANICAL GARDEN; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Martin abstaining. 12. ORDINANCE NO. 021335 ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMI 1 I'EE, ITS DUTIES AND PROCEDURES. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; McComb voting, "No." Relative to Item 3, acquisition of fifteen golf cars, Council Member McNichols inquired about the age of the old cars, and City Manager Garza replied that the cars are five years old. Dr. McNichols asked if the City recovers the costs of the cars from golf revenues, and Mr. Garza responded in the affirmative. He stated that the golf centers are self-supporting and the courses are designed to operate annually at break-even or better. Responding to questions from Council Members McNichols and Moss, City Manager Garza explained the justification for lease purchasing the cars as opposed to purchasing them. In regard to Item 5, ball field lighting at Greenwood/Horne Youth Sports Complex, Council Member McNichols expressed concern about receiving only one bid, and Carl Crull, Engineering Services Director, reviewed the City's process in advertising for bids. He stated that bid notices were sent to approximately thirty individuals and he emphasized that this is a satisfactory bid. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 5 Responding to questions from Council Member McComb on Item 9, agreement with The Bank of Corpus Christi to operate an automatic teller machine service at Corpus Christi International Airport Terminal, City Manager Garza stated that the City would incur a loss in the first year. He stated that the Airport Director and the Airport Advisory Committee recommend installing the machine at the airport for the convenience of the customers. George Hext, Airport Director, stated that a net loss of approximately $2200 is anticipated in the first year, including the cost of bringing the machine on line and getting it operational. He stated that there is no indication of how much revenue the machine will bring in. He noted that the machine is not located in a good location to attract traffic but stated that next year the bank would consider bringing in a more modern machine that would be placed in a more favorable location. Mr. Hext stated that staff believes it is a necessary service for the customers at the airport. Mr. McComb encouraged the Council to vote against this item because it will cost the City money. He requested a list of the banks which were contacted about the operation and service of the automatic teller machine and what their responses were. Mrs. Janet Harte, 222 Ohio Street, former Chairman of the Recycling Committee, spoke in support of Item 2, supply agreements for coarse paper items made out of recycled paper. Relative to Item 10, Holiday Inn Emerald Beach, Mr. Jimmy Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, inquired if the beverage/snack bar on the timber deck would be open to the public and asked about the access to the bar from McGee Beach. Mayor Rhodes stated that the public has complete access to the beach. Responding to concerns raised by Mr. Till, City Manager Garza stated that he will contact the Holiday Inn to request that they install a sign designating that the beach is public. He advised that there is no question that the beach is public and that the concession stand is open to the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 3. M92-038 Motion authorizing the acquisition of fifteen golf cars, including trading in fifteen used cars, from E -Z Go/Gulf Coast, Houston, Texas in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0003-92, based on only bid. The total net purchase price is $37,860. The cars shall be leased on a three-year term, with financing provided by Textron Financial Corporation. Funding is from the Golf Division's Operating Budget. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." 5. M92-040 Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 6 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $37,710 to Fairbairn Electric to provide lighting on two ball fields at the Greenwood/Horne Youth Sports Complex. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye.' 9. SECOND READING AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE A ONE (1) YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND THE BANK OF CORPUS CHRISTI FOR THE OPERATION OF AN AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE SERVICE AT THE CORPUS CHRISTI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye'; McComb voting, "No"; Martin abstaining. 10. SECOND READING AMENDING THE USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT AUTHORIZED BY ORDINANCE NO. 14634, PASSED NOVEMBER 22, 1978, AND AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 20130, PASSED DECEMBER 22, 1987, TO ALLOW TEMPLE- INLAND INSURANCE CORP. TO OPERATE A BEVERAGE/SNACK BAR ON THE TIMBER DECK OVER CORPUS CHRISTI BAY AT THE REAR OF HOLIDAY INN EMERALD BEACH; AND AUTHORIZING A FIVE (5) YEAR CONCESSION AGREEMENT HAVING A MONTHLY REVENUE OF $300 PER MONTH; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." Mayor Rhodes announced that the Board and Committee appointments for the Public Utilities Advisory Committee have been tabled until additional resumes are received. She suggested that the public submit their applications to the Council or the City Secretary if they are interested in serving on the committee. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of Item 13, request for proposal for a real property appraisal of the Gas System, and City Manager Garza provided background information and stated that the Ad Hoc Committee concurred with staffs recommendation that any further deliberations on the issue of a sale should come following a formal determination of the Gas System's current value. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 7 Council Member Slavik asked about the time frame for releasing the request for proposals, and Mr. Garza responded in about sixty days. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion passed: 13. M92-042 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to prepare and release a Request for Proposal for a real property appraisal of the City's natural gas system and its related equipment and property. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye." Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of Items 14 and 15 concerning the lease agreements with the Lady Lex Museum on the Bay Association, and City Manager Garza elaborated on the two leases and stated that he separated the lease agreements because a one-year lease was easier to negotiate. He stated that it can be passed by a one -reading ordinance which enables the project to get under way sooner. He stated that beginning the project now makes it possible to save money by acquiring the services of dredging equipment that is already working in the area. Council Member Moss noted that the leases are with the Lady Lex Museum on the Bay Association and inquired if they should be with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mr. Garza responded that the arrangements have been made with the Lady Lex Museum on the Bay Association and that is the relationship which the City prefers with respect to the contract. He stated that the bureau has a contract to manage the City's marketing program for tourist and conventions and they have volunteered to utilize a portion of their funds to pay off the Certificates of Obligation. Council Member Slavik raised various questions and expressed concerns about the leasing arrangements. She expressed the opinion that breaking the lease agreement into two phases violates the spirit of the City Charter. She also expressed concern about selling twenty-year Certificates of Obligation when the lease is only for four years. City Manager Garza stated that if the City were dissatisfied with the management of the carrier, staff would solicit someone else to run it. He stated that he believes that the Lady Lex will be successful. Council Member Martin commented about the lease package and expressed the opinion that the package meets the Charter requirements in every respect. He stated that it provides what the association needs to do its job and the City is protected. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 8 Council Member McNichols concurred with Council Member Martin and stated that the Council, the community and the public have been committed to this project and it should move forward. Council Member Slavik raised questions on Item 16, an amendment to the agreement with the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and City Manager Garza stated that the bureau has a current agreement with the City which is being amended to incorporate new provisions. Mr. Garza responded to specific questions raised by Mrs. Slavik concerning the agreement. Mayor Rhodes recognized individuals affiliated with the Lady Lex project, and Mr. Joe Jessel, Chairman of the Lady Lex Task Force, expressed appreciation to the Council for their support of the project. He advised that approximately $1.7 million was raised in private contributions. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, raised questions in regard to the zoning, and City Manager Garza stated that the City is in the process of requesting a rezoning change. Mr. O'Brien questioned breaking the lease agreement into two phases and expressed the opinion that it violates the spirit of the City Charter amendment. Mr. R. F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, read a prepared statement and raised questions about the lease agreements and the intent of the ordinances. He questioned the method of overriding the intent of the City Charter and commented about the funding of various City projects. Council Members Martin and McNichols disagreed with the comments made by Mr. Hasker and reviewed the funding for the City projects mentioned by Mr. Hasker. Mr. Bill Pruet, 5810 South Staples, expressed appreciation to the Council and City staff for their support of the Lady Lex project. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 14. ORDINANCE NO. 021336 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A ONE-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LADY LEX MUSEUM ON THE BAY ASSOCIATION EXPIRING FEBRUARY 17, 1993, AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT A; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols and Moss voting, "Aye"; Slavik abstaining. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 9 15. FIRST READING AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A FOUR-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LADY LEX MUSEUM ON THE BAY ASSOCIATION COMMENCING FEBRUARY 18, 1993, AS SET FORTH IN EXHIBIT A; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols and Moss voting, "Aye"; Slavik abstaining. 16. M92-043 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau (CVB) providing: (1) CVB shall coordinate location, development and operation of the U.S.S. Lexington as a Naval Aviation Museum; (2) City shall deduct from CVB funding sums to pay debt service on $3,000,000 in Certificates of Obligation; (3) CVB shall pay from its City funding any operating deficit or cost of terminating the Lexington lease; and (4) extending the agreement to March 31, 2012, substantially as specified in the amendment on file with the City Manager. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols and Moss voting, "Aye"; Slavik abstaining. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report, and City Manager Garza presented material to the Council on the City's recycling program. Mr. Garza made comments about staff and the street striping program. Mayor Rhodes spoke on the subject of break-ins in the City, and City Manager Garza stated that a report on this matter is forthcoming. Mrs. Rhodes requested the City Manager to look into the matter of dogs roaming free at Kids Place in Cole Park. Mayor Rhodes called for Council liaison reports. Council Member McComb spoke in regard to the change order for the radio system contract. He requested copies of the signed contracts with General Electric Company and a copy of the consultant's initial report. He requested an update on the status of the GE battery packs, and Deputy City Manager Garza advised that GE is replacing the battery packs at their cost. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 18, 1992 Page 10 Mr. McComb requested tape recordings of the radio system presentation. He raised questions about the microwave system and a discussion followed on this subject. Mayor Rhodes noted that this item will be on the agenda next week. She requested the Council to submit their questions by phone to the City Manager. Council Members McNichols and Longoria also requested back-up material regarding the contracts and discussion regarding the radio system. Dr. McNichols presented material to the City Manager regarding a bad drainage problem in the area of Topeka and Meldo Park. Council Member Longoria spoke about the goals and visions of the Council and stated that a goal of hers is to generate more funds. She asked about plans for a workshop, and City Manager Garza stated that staff is in the process of scheduling a budget workshop. A discussion followed on the goals which were established by the Council. Mrs. Longoria inquired about the status of the festival park, and City Manager Garza commented that a policy statement of the Council is the development of a new festival park. Council Member Slavik inquired when the General Electric contract was signed, and City Manager Garza responded in 1988. She asked when the first phase was installed, and Mr. Garza stated that the first phase was installed and brought on line in the fall of 1990 and the second phase was done in 1991. Mr. Garza responded to specific questions raised by Mrs. Slavik and stated that the system has passed the thirty day period; there has been no major failure as described by the contract; the radio system is working; and the City is attempting to improve the system. City Manager Garza stated that he will present background information to the Council. Council Member Moss asked about the status of the Municipal Management District, and City Manager Garza stated that establishment is in progress. Council Member Martin inquired when the recycling will begin, and Tom Utter, Public Works Director, provided a recycling update. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on the agenda. Mr. Russ Martin, KOUL Radio Station, speaking as a private citizen, spoke on the issue of a City multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex. Mr. Eric Wramp, President of the Police Officers Association, expressed concerns regarding the Police Department's radio system. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. on February 18, 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 February 18, 1992, which were approved by the City Council on February 25, 1992. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 9th day of March, 1992. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL