HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/10/1992MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
March 10, 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 Reverend Sansom Williams of Parkway Presbyterian
Church, 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 Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting
of March 3, 1992, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
Council Member Guerrero arrived at the meeting.
Tom Utter, Director of Public Works, presented a synopsis of the Solid Waste
Service Department's brush and debris pick up service. He also reviewed the recycling pick-
up schedule and stated that as a result of recycling, new individuals and new trucks have
been added to the department.
Council Member McNichols spoke about the importance of light brush pick up. He.
inquired if presentations will be given to the public providing more information about
recycling, and Mr. Utter replied that there will be additional presentations. He advised that
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March 10, 1992
Page 2
citizens should call the Solid Waste Services Department if they require specific information
on recycling. Mr. Utter stated that the recycling program begins on March 23, 1992.
The Council discussed recycling and Mr. Utter responded to specific questions. He
stated that there is a $4.00 one-time recycling bin fee which is refundable if an individual
cancels their utility services.
Mayor Rhodes expressed concern about people on fixed incomes for whom a $4.00
charge would be difficult. She inquired if an account could be set up to alleviate the $4.00
charge, and Mr. Utter stated that a program is not set up at the present time but staff will
look into that matter.
Council Member Slavik expressed the opinion that more public service
announcements should be given about recycling. Responding to a question from Mrs.
Slavik, Mr. Utter elaborated on the types of recycling programs and explained the
justification for selection of the bins.
s s a s s s s s a a* s s
City Manager Garza advised that the architects have developed a good comparison
between Plan "A" and Plan "C" of the Airport Terminal Development Plan. He expressed
the opinion that Plan "A" is preferable to Plan "C" and stressed the importance of renovating
the Airport to keep up with projections that the City faces in its future growth.
Council Member Slavik raised questions about renovating the old terminal building
versus building a new one, and City Manager Garza stated that constructing a new building
would cost approximately $35 million for the airport itself plus roadway improvements. He
stated that the modifications in the proposal are nice in terms of appearance; they are very
functional and do much to improve the interior and the functionality of the terminal.
Council Member McNichols referred to the infrastructure of the airport building and
inquired about the recent power failure at the Airport, and George Hext, Aviation Director,
discussed the recent power failure and stated that the automatic switching has been
approved by the Council and is in this year's program. Mr. Hext stated that the Airport's
maintenance burden is very heavy and is increasing and any one of the three plans will
address the infrastructure items necessary to keep it going.
Mr. Bill Wilson, Wilson Kulman Architects, and Mr. Steve McGuckin, Nyfeler
Organization, Inc., reviewed a comparison list of advantages of alternate terminal
reconstruction Plan "A" over Plan "C". They stated that the basic differences between the
plans are functions of the terminal building itself. They discussed the construction and
planning differences.
Mayor Rhodes recognized Mr. Daniel Pedrotti, Chairman of the Airport Advisory
Board, who stressed the importance of rehabilitating the Airport terminal as soon as
possible. He stated that the Airport Advisory Board strongly recommends Plan "A."
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March 10, 1992
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Council Member McComb expressed concern that the renovation would be obsolete
before it is completed. He stated that he would rather spend $30 million on a new terminal
facility as opposed to spending $10 million now and in five years have to spend additional
funds.
Following a discussion, Mr. Hext stated that the City has not yet negotiated the
design fee. He advised that this is the concept and once the concept is accepted, staff will
negotiate a fee for the actual design.
Responding to a question from Council Member Moss, Mr. Hext stated that the City
is going to make a poor Airport into a very good Airport. He later reworded that statement
and stated that the Airport is good but needs improvement. Mr. Hext stated that
approximately 40 to 50 percent of this project will be eligible for federal funding.
Council Member McNichols referred to the federal money and asked if it was not
given to improve the City's Airport if it would be spent elsewhere to improve facilities, and
Mr. Hext stated either that or Congress would continue to retain the funds. Dr. McNichols
inquired if a new Airport were constructed, if the federal government would provide funds,
and Mr. Hext stated that the City would be reproducing all of the areas that are revenue
producing today in a new terminal and that would not be eligible.
Dr. McNichols referred to the projected growth and asked about the reliability of the
enplanement projections, and Mr. Hext stated that the projections are the middle of the
road. He stated that the study was done in conjunction with a number of factors, including
demographics of this area.
Council Member Slavik inquired about the financing, and Mr. Hext stated that the
Airport Passenger Fee will be a major part of the financing program for the project, and
City Manager Garza stated that if the Council rejects the fee, the City would have to find
other funding sources for the improvement project.
Council Member Martin stated that he hopes that the financing issue would be
resolved before awarding the contracts for engineering and design. He noted that the City
is making improvements now and unless everything breaks loose, they will be good for
twenty-five to thirty years.
Mayor Rhodes moved to accept the Airport Terminal Development Plan "A" as
recommended by the consultants, staff and the Airport Advisory Board. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Martin and passed unanimously. (M92-054)
Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments and the following
appointments were made by the Council: (M92-055)
Building Standards Board Food Services Advisory Committee
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March 10, 1992
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Urban Anslinger - Reappointed Melody Cooper
Bill Ewing, Jr. - Reappointed
Human Relations Commission Municipal Arts Commission
Clyde Bourke, Jr. Joe Morales
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 through 3, and a Council Member
requested that Item 2 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following items were
passed:
1. M92-056
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $111,749 to UMM, Inc., to construct
interior remodeling at the Boys and Girls Club.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
3. ORDINANCE NO. 021343
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A USE PRIVILEGE AGREEMENT
WITH NUECES COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL RETARDATION FOR
THE RIGHT TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A DATA COMMUNICATION
CABLE IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF BROWNLEE BOULEVARD ADJACENT
TO LOTS 33 THROUGH 45, BLOCK 1003, FITCHUE PLACE, AND CROSSING
MCKENZIE STREET, EAST OF BROWNLEE BOULEVARD, TO LOT 1,
BLOCK 1002-A, BAY TERRACE NO. 2, TO CONNECT PROPERTIES AT 1546
AND 1630 BROWNLEE BOULEVARD, AND ESTABLISHING A ONE TIME
FEE OF $495; 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."
Responding to questions from Council Member Moss on Item 2, contract for the
preparation of a cost Allocation Plan and a Full Cost Budget Plan, City Manager Garza
stated that David M. Griffith and Associates, Ltd. has credibility that is recognized by the
federal agencies as the sole firm that performs this service. He stated that they argue the
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tegular Council Meeting
March 10, 1992
Page 5
City's case before the federal agencies and the City does not have to justify its chargebacks
to the federal grants for administration.
Council Member Slavik asked if staff could do the Full Cost Budget Plan which
would save money, and City Manager Garza stated that staff could but this is his preference.
He stated that he wanted some objectivity and independence from the staff in developing
the methodology.
Council Member Martin referred to the Full Cost Budget Plan and inquired if the
City follows this plan, and City Manager Garza responded in the affirmative and discussed
the cost of the plan.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion
passed:
2. M92-057
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year contract with David M.
Griffith and Associates, Ltd., for the preparation of a Cost Allocation Plan and Full
Cost Budget Plan, for a fee of $20,000, including expenses, with the option to renew
for four additional one-year periods.
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 Item 4, acceptance of a warranty deed
from Brook Shopping Centers, Inc., which dedicates street right-of-way through Parkdale
Shopping Center and a parking area adjacent to the Parkdale Library.
City Manager Garza provided background information and showed a rendering of
the area. He stated that staff worked out details with the managing agent for Brook
Shopping Centers, Inc. in an attempt to resolve the street problem and provide permanent
parking for the Parkdale Branch Library. He stated that a warranty deed has been executed
by Brook Shopping Centers, Inc., based on certain conditions.
Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the Library Board and some of the
businesses in the area for the responsible manner in which they have dealt with this
problem.
Mr. R. F. Hudson, 3556 Austin, asked about the valuable consideration, and City
Manager Garza replied that the City has agreed to repair the street and install the street
lighting. Mr. Hudson stated that the resolution of this problem will never occur until the
provisions in the deed are followed, or a court order is obtained to alter the provisions of
the deed.
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March 10, 1992
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City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion was
passed:
4. M92-058
Motion authorizing acceptance of a Warranty Deed from Brook Shopping Centers,
Inc., which dedicates street right-of-way through Parkdale Shopping Center and a
parking area adjacent to Parkdale Library.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
t i t• i i•• s= t i
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning application:
5. Case No. 292-2. Shell Development Company: A change of zoning from "B-4" General
Business District and "A-2" Apartment House District to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling
District on 33.3 acres out of Lots 17, 18 and 31, Section 6, Flour Bluff and Encinal
Farm and Garden Tracts, located between Yorktown Boulevard and Oso Parkway
and between Everhart Road and Club Estates Drainage Outfall.
Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and staff recommend
approval of the application.
City Secretary Chapa announced that Council Member Martin has filed a disclosure
affidavit and will abstain from the discussion and vote on this item.
There were no comments made during the public hearing.
Council Member Guerrero moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Council
Member Moss and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
was passed:
ORDINANCE NO. 021344
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE UPON APPLICATION OF SHELL
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY BY CHANGING THE ZONING MAP IN
REFERENCE TO 33.3 ACRES OUT OF LOTS 17, 18, AND 31, SECTION 6,
FLOUR BLUFF AND ENCINAL FARM AND GARDEN TRACTS, FROM "B-4"
GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND "A-2" APARTMENT HOUSE DISTRICT
TO "R -1B" ONE -FAMILY DWELLING DISTRICT; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
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March 10, 1992
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An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik
voting, "Aye"; Martin abstaining.
The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Section 2(g),
V.A.C.S. regarding the evaluation of the City Secretary.
Mayor Rhodes returned from closed session and called for the City Manager's report,
and City Manager Garza presented a water update of the lake levels in the City.
Regarding the evaluation of the City Secretary, Mayor Rhodes announced that the
Council is proud to have him as the City Secretary and has given him a total vote of
confidence. Mrs. Rhodes moved to grant the City Secretary a pay raise which was set for
employees in the 1991-92 budget. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero
and passed unanimously.
Mayor Rhodes presented the City Manager with material from the Consumer Credit
Commission regarding a meeting in Fort Worth, Texas on March 25 on the pawnshop
regulations. Mrs. Rhodes requested that a Council Member or staff member attend this
meeting.
Mrs. Rhodes advised that the Corpus Christi State School has not been included in
the State's foreclosures.
Mrs. Rhodes displayed a recyclable sack to be used at the Aquarium Gift Shop which
was donated by OxyChem.
Mrs. Rhodes inquired if something could be done about the construction material
which has been discarded on Ocean Drive near the Naval Air Station, and City Manager
Garza stated that he will look into the matter.
Responding to a question from Council Member Martin concerning the quarterly
financial report for six months ended 1/31/92, City Manager Garza made statements in
regard to the Group Health Self -Insurance Fund and the Wastewater Fund.
Mayor Pro Tem Galindo expressed concern about Kids Place at Cole Park, and City
Manager Garza stated that the City is not ignoring the problem and staff is in that area.
Mr. Galindo presented a letter to the City Manager regarding some tree planting
problems.
Council Member Moss expressed appreciation to staff for handling the traffic hazard
near the Bungee jumping on the Island.
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March 10, 1992
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Mr. Moss remarked about an article in the newspaper concerning the City's
reorganization, and City Manager Garza commented about the reorganization and stated
that it is totally within the authorized positions allotted him and is within the budget.
Mr. Moss expressed regret about the removal of the Navy jet plane on the Lawrence
Street T -Head, and City Manager Garza stated that the Navy will be represented by the
U.S.S. Lexington aircraft carrier.
Mr. Moss made comments about the quarterly financial report, and City Manager
Garza stated that the City is not cutting back on services. He stated that staff structured
the budget with a six -percent rate increase and changing it would have entailed a
tremendous amount of work. He clarified that the Council did not authorize him to
implement the six -percent rate increase in any of the funds.
Council Member McComb referred to a letter from Construction Assistance Services,
Inc., and City Manager Garza stated that the matter will be on the Council agenda soon.
Mr. McComb referred to a letter from a Mrs. Carter concerning the trimming and
cutting back of the palm trees, and City Manager Garza stated that he routed the letter to
the Park and Recreation Director.
Mr. McComb referred to the Airport discussion and commented about a memo
submitted by Carl Crull on May 21st regarding the contract, and City Manager Garza stated
that he will check into the matter. He stated that the options for financing the
improvements will be presented to the Council before the architectural services contract.
Council Member Slavik requested a new organizational chart.
Mrs. Slavik referred to the recommended projection of fresh water use by Coastal
Bend Region by the year 2040, and City Manager Garza stated that item was conveyed to
the Council at the request of the Water Committee and is for their information, and Council
Member McNichols stated that it is important background information and is creating a
readiness for action.
Dr. McNichols referred to the smoking ordinance and inquired if it could be
strengthened to include some of the private facilities, and City Attorney Bray stated that
staff has an ordinance in draft which would strengthen the ordinance in some ways and it
will be brought to the Council within the next several weeks.
Dr. McNichols expressed sorrow about the removal of the jet plane on the Lawrence
Street T -head and stated that the fighter plane symbolizes the air training command in the
City. Dr. McNichols asked if the City might be able to acquire another aircraft for display
in a prominent location.
Dr. McNichols referred to construction projects in the City and requested the Traffic
Engineering Division to look into the possibility of creating some signs for use in traffic
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.2egular Council Meeting
March 10, 1992
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projects which clearly define "altered traffic patterns ahead" because it would alert drivers
to look for lane changes.
Council Member Moss commended the contractor installing the water line on
Alameda Street.
Council Member Longoria requested the City Manager to check into the recycling
center on Leopard Street. She stated that it appears that it has been abandoned with the
exception of a mound of plastic and several automobiles have been abandoned on the
property.
Mrs. Longoria provided an update on the day care center in the old Pondy's Building
and the Washington Senior Citizen Center.
Council Member Martin requested a memo update on the status of City buildings,
such as the old police building and the Frost Brothers Building.
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 City's policy for copy
fees and the Nueces County Coastal Management Plan.
Responding to a question from Council Member Slavik, City Manager Garza stated
that staff has reviewed the plan and submitted a report to him but he has not reviewed it.
He stated that the City has a mile of public beach on Padre Island and he would advise the
Council to take a position after it has been presented to them.
Council Member Martin expressed the opinion that it is not a requirement of the
Council to take a position on the plan.
Council Member McComb stated that the plan does not impose anything more
restrictive than currently exists under State law. He stated that it would be worth a review
by the Legal Department.
Council Member McNichols added that the plan is a carefully put together plan.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. on March 10, 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 March 10, 1992, which were
approved by the City Council on March 17, 1992.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 20th day of March, 1992.
rman
A
P
City Secretary
SEAL