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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 MICROFILMED Minutes .tegular Council Meeting 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." Minutes iegular Council Meeting March 10, 1992 Page 3 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 Minutes tegular Council Meeting March 10, 1992 Page 4 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 Minutes 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. Minutes iegular Council Meeting March 10, 1992 Page 6 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. Minutes Zegular Council Meeting March 10, 1992 Page 7 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. Minutes 2egular Council Meeting March 10, 1992 Page 8 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 Minutes .2egular Council Meeting March 10, 1992 Page 9 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