HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/31/1992MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
March 31, 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 Pastor Milton Muehlberger of Abiding Savior
Lutheran Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
was led by Council Member Slavik.
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.
Mr. Chapa introduced Ms. Saundra Koenning, the new Assistant City Secretary, to
the Council.
Mayor Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting
of March 24, 1992, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 thru 10, and Council Members requested
that Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 be withheld for discussion.
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Minutes
.tegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 2
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
8. SECOND READING
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIVE (5) YEAR AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND CORPUS CHRISTI
LIMOUSINES UNLIMITED, INC. EFFECTIVE 60 DAYS AFTER THE FINAL
APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL; AND 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 absent at the time the vote was taken.
10. ORDINANCE NO 021360
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN EARNEST MONEY CONTRACT
AND QUIT CLAIM DEED TO REED S. CLARK FOR A .127 ACRE TRACT OF
ABANDONED RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY OUT OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI
BEACH HOTEL.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and
Slavik voting, "Aye"; Galindo absent at the time the vote was taken.
* * * * * * * * * * *
*
*
Responding to questions from Council Member McNichols on Item 1, approving a
supply agreement for polyethylene pipe and fittings, City Manager Garza stated that the bid
price includes delivery of the pipe and fittings. Dr. McNichols noted that the winning bid
is less than one-half the price of the Local firms and inquired if it is the same mix of fittings,
and City Manager Garza responded in the affirmative. Dr. McNichols commented in regard
to awarding bids to local companies and stated that in this situation it could not be done
because of the vast difference between the two bids.
On Item 2, purchase of 1,000 gallons of malathion insecticide, Dr. McNichols
requested that a report be given by the Health Department regarding potential health
hazards from the use of larger amounts of malathion than are normally used by the City.
* Mayor Pro Tem Galindo arrived at the meeting.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, City Manager Garza stated that he referred material
to the Health Department concerning natural insecticides. He stated that he will provide
a report to the Council on these matters.
Relative to Item 3, purchase of a brush loader, Council Member Moss inquired if this
unit is compatible with other City units, and City Manager Garza responded in the
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.tegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 3
affirmative. Mr. Moss inquired about the maintenance costs of the equipment, and City
Manager Garza replied that the maintenance cost is the cost per operating hour of the
equipment.
Pertaining to Item 4, agreement between the City and the Regional Transit Authority
regarding the Trunked Radio System, Council Member Slavik stated that there is no
provision in the agreement for the RTA to share the expense of the recent improvements.
She asked if the agreement could be structured so that the RTA could be involved, and City
Manager Garza stated that the RTA shared in the backbone of the system. He
recommended proceeding with the agreement and if there is some benefit the City could
derive from the RTA, he would like to pursue it informally and not make it a part of the
contract. Mrs. Slavik urged the City Manager to do that.
Council Member McNichols inquired about the percentage of participation by the
RTA for the trunk system, and City Manager Garza replied that the RTA has paid $928,000.
Dr. McNichols noted that the participation by the City is 78 versus 22 by the RTA and
recommended to keep this participation level in mind. Dr. McNichols suggested that if the
City establishes a Radio Advisory Committee and each one of those members has equal
input, their level of participation should be commensurate with the level of participation
they had in providing for the system.
City Manager Garza stated that the City would like for those individuals who come
into the system to pay proportionately their share of the basic cost, stating that the City has
allowed them to amortize those costs over a period of about ten years. Dr. McNichols
asked why the City should finance that for other entities, and City Manager Garza
responded that it is very much in the interest of public safety for the City to communicate
quickly with other units of Local government.
Responding to Council Member Moss, City Manager Garza stated that the City hopes
that other entities would join the City's system. He stated that this system provides the
capability for others to tie into the system. Mr. Moss asked about costs for other entities
to get on the system, and City Manager Garza reviewed the costs.
Council Member Guerrero inquired how much the RTA pays the City for the right-
of-way, and City Manager Garza elaborated on the costs. Mr. Guerrero suggested that if
there is an equity to be found, that it be done through the system the City has in what the
RTA pays for using the streets.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, inquired if the system had malfunctioned within
the last couple of weeks, and Police Chief Garrett responded that the radio system did not
malfunction; it was the microwave; and it has been corrected.
Relative to questions from Council Member Moss on Items, 5, 6 and 7, Federal
Aviation Grant, George Hext, Aviation Director, stated that the Airport receives a quarterly
report on its Origin and Destination Traffic from which staff can equate an average ticket
price and in the last four years, the City has received almost two times what it has paid in.
Minutes
regular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 4
Mr. Moss referred to the engineering/construction work of the taxiways and asked
why the work was done by a non -local firm, and Mr. Hext replied that it was a joint venture,
stating that the lead firm was a local firm and the airport expertise was provided by the
Lubbock firm.
Council Member Martin stated that the engineering selection is extremely key and
the design capabilities and familiarity with the FAA often helps acquire the grants. Mr.
Martin inquired if the bid required an all or nothing award, and Carl Crull, Engineering
Services Director, stated that it was an all or nothing bid. Mr. Martin inquired about the
Minority Business Enterprise participation, and Mr. Crull stated that the City has a
requirement whereby the firms have to submit their payrolls and at the end of the project
provide the MBE participation. Mr. Martin requested a written report on what the City's
success has been in this regard.
Council Member McComb expressed concern that there are no local firms with
expertise to build an Airport. He stated that the talent is in Corpus Christi and he hopes
that the next Airport contract is a local firm.
City Manager Garza stated that it is not a matter of talent, it is more a matter of
experience and that is why there are joint ventures. He stated that in the last several years,
the City has awarded up to seventy-five percent of the contracts to local consultants.
Relative to Item 9, Preservation Plan, Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, inquired
when the tax abatement aspects of the plan will be addressed. He also asked that if the tax
abatement were approved, would the Caller -Times building qualify as a historical landmark.
Mayor Rhodes explained that anything to do with tax abatements or other specifics would
be presented to the Council in the form of ordinances.
Mr. Doyle Willis, 4102 Kingston, speaking on behalf of the Nueces County Historical
Society and the Nueces County Historical Commission, urged approval of the Preservation
Plan. He read a prepared statement in support. He stated that any recommendations and
implementations will be brought before the Council for consideration and approval.
Council Member McComb expressed the opinion that there are too many
uncertainties. He referred to sites that have been designated as historical districts, and
Brandol Harvey, Planning Director, stated that they are items to be surveyed if they merit
historic designation.
Mr. McComb raised questions about policy statements concerning bays and ship
channels, and Mr. Harvey stated that the preservation of views to the ship channel and the
bays does not imply a continuous view from every point which a person could possibly view
the ship channel or the bay. It states that it is an area that the City wants to preserve a
view to and it should be as publicly accessible as possible. He stated that it does not inhibit
industrial development. Mr. Harvey stated that before any property can be designated "HC"
or considered for tax abatement, the Council will make the decision.
Minutes
.tegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 5
Council Member Martin stated that he has trouble adopting things if he does not
know what they mean. He inquired what it is that the Council is really doing. He stated
that the plan leaves too many openings and expressed the opinion that the plan should be
defeated or tabled and sent back to be simplified.
Council Member Slavik noted that Council Members have too many concerns. She
concurred with the suggestion to table the plan. Mrs. Slavik spoke in support of historical
preservation and expressed concern about the tax abatement portion.
Mr. Harvey stated that it is possible to bring back anything that the Council desires.
He stated that the purpose of presenting the policy statements is so that the Council may
give direction to staff. He indicated that staff is attempting to get a directive from Council
so that they can spend time on something cost effectively. Mr. Harvey stated that staff could
take out the tax abatement portion.
Mayor Pro Tem Galindo expressed support of conservation. He stated that the plan,
in his opinion, has many different interpretations and he encouraged the Council to vote
against it.
Discussion ensued and Council Members Moss and Longoria and Mayor Rhodes
spoke in support of the plan. Mayor Rhodes stated that this is not an ordinance, noting that
all of the individual parts of the plan will be brought back for adoption.
Council Member McNichols stated that the policy gives the impression that the
guidelines it contains are binding ordinances. He indicated that once something like this
is adopted, it sets the tone. Dr. McNichols stated that the way the plan has been presented
is not a format that the Council should adopt.
City Manager Garza noted that much work has gone into developing the plan and
he believes that the Council is interested in historic preservation. He suggested that a
workshop on the plan be held.
Mayor Rhodes made a motion to remove and table the abatement portion of the
plan for further consideration. The motion was seconded by Council Member Guerrero and
passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Longoria, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye";
Galindo, Martin, McComb and McNichols voting, "No."
Council Member McNichols added that the Council agrees that there are historical
sites they want to preserve but this plan is too broad in scope.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following items were
passed:
1. M92-074
Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 57,000 feet of 1/2", 1", and
2" polyethylene pipe and 1,050 fittings with Plexco, Franklin Park, Illinois, based on
Minutes
iegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 6
low bid for the estimated annual expenditure of $27,790.20 in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0048-92. The term of the contract shall be twelve months with
option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the
supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The pipe and fittings are used by the
Gas Division and funds have been budgeted for FY 91-92.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
2. M92-075
Motion approving the purchase of 1,000 gallons of malathion insecticide in
accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0122-92 from American Cyanamid Company,
Wayne, New Jersey, for a total of $17,530 based on an only bid. The insecticide will
be used by Vector Control for mosquito control. Funds have been budgeted for FY
91-92.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
3. M92-076
Motion approving the purchase of a brush loader from Nueces Power Equipment,
Corpus Christi, Texas, for the amount of $58,998 based on low bid. The unit will be
used by Solid Waste Services Department.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye.'
4. M92-077
Motion approving an interlocal agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and
the Regional Transportation Authority to establish a detailed operating agreement
concerning administration, maintenance, and expansion of the 800 MHz Trunked
Radio System.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
5. RESOLUTION NO. 021357
APPROPRIATING GRANT NO. 3-48-0051-17-92 FROM THE FEDERAL
AVIATION ADMINISTRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,442,007 APPLICABLE
TO PROJECT NO. 245-601-603-57, TAXIWAY "A" REHABILITATION, AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Minutes
Aegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 7
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye?
6. M92-078
Motion awarding a contract to Bay, Inc. in the amount of $1,410,110.50 for
overlay to Taxiways A, C, E, F, J, V & W; reconstruct Taxiway U, extend the General
Aviation Ramp; and widen the Fillet at Taxiways B & K.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
7. ORDINANCE NO, 021358
ACCEPTING GRANT NO. 3-48-0051-17-92 FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION
ADMINISTRATION, PROVIDING FOR OVERLAY TO TAXIWAYS A, C, E, F,
J, V, AND W, RECONSTRUCTION OF TAXIWAY U, EXTENSION OF THE
GENERAL AVIATION RAMP, AND WIDENING OF THE FILLET AT
TAXIWAYS B AND K.
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."
9. ORDINANCE NO. 021359
ADOPTION THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI PRESERVATION PLAN, AN
ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the
following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Longoria, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye"; Galindo,
Martin, McComb and McNichols voting, "No."
* * * * * * * * * * ** *
On Item 11, bond sale, Mayor Rhodes read the following statement: "On March 8
and March 15, notice was published in the Corpus Christi Caller -Times stating that it was
the intent of the City to sell $3,000,000 of its Combination Tax and Municipal Hotel
Occupancy Tax Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992 and $500,000 of its
Combination Tax and Marina Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992-A, such sales
tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m., March 31, 1992, at Corpus Christi City Hall. Please be
advised that the proposed sale of the two issues has been rescheduled for 10:00 a.m.,
Thursday, April 2, 1992, at Corpus Christi City Hall. The rescheduling of the sales is the
result of consolidating such sales with a sale of the City's General Improvement and
Refunding Bonds, Series 1992, to occur at the same time on April 2, thereby enabling the
City to proceed in an efficient and economical manner in the sale of all such obligations."
Minutes
Aegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 8
City Manager Garza stated that the bonds are currently being priced and will be sold
on Thursday. He also stated that the City's bond rating will be discussed on Thursday.
Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, referred to the City Charter and the section on
refunding bonds. He stated that the additional $7.5 million refunding will put the City into
debt. Mr. O'Brien stated that page 58 of the Preliminary Official Statement was omitted
and he quoted from that page.
Council Member Slavik inquired if the vote today is just to delay the sale, and City
Manager Garza responded in the affirmative. She stated that she is opposed to the bond
sale because of the $7.5 million refunding.
Council Member McNichols inquired about the City's advantage in doing a bond
refunding, and City Manager Garza responded that first, it levels off the City's debt service
payments which are escalating at this time; and secondly, it lowers the payments in the early
years and allows the City to sell the bonds for further implementation of the 1986 Bond
Program. Mr. Garza discussed different ways cities restructure their debt.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion was
passed:
11. M92-079
Motion authorizing the City Manager to take action necessary to delay the sale of
$3,000,000 Combination Tax and Municipal Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue
Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992; $500,000 Combination Tax and Marina
Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1992-A; and $23,705,000 General
Improvement and Refunding Bonds, Series 1992, from Tuesday, March 31, 1992 at
2:00 p.m., as originally planned, to Thursday, April 2, 1992 at 10:00 a.m.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
Relative to Item 12, natural gas tap from Florida Gas Transmission Company, City
Manager Garza clarified that the Lakes Subdivision and Sugar Ridge 1 and 2 total up to 704
residences of which 52 percent have natural gas. Mr. Garza provided background
information and reviewed the City's practice in regard to providing gas service. He advised
the Council that the City is moving outside the City limits to offer gas. He stated that this
case is in compliance with previous City policy.
Council Member Martin stated that the City needs to examine the policy. He
pointed out that if this was adopted previously, the City would have spent $150,000 but now
staff has found a way to do it for $62,000 by not making the connection. Mr. Garza stated
that the City did not have an aggressive policy of putting the distribution lines out in new
subdivisions until sometime in the mid -eighties. Mr. Martin stated that it was his
Minutes
iegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 9
understanding that the City always installed the lines in every subdivision that was built, and
Mr. Garza stated that it was his understanding that the City did not. Mr. Martin asked that
this matter be checked into.
Mr. Gene Graham, 13702 Primavera, a developer of Country Creek Subdivision,
spoke about upcoming happenings which will relate to the consumption of gas in the
proposed area.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion
passed:
12. M92-080
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to reimburse $21,100 to Florida
Gas Transmission Company through Valero Transmission, L.P. for necessary
construction and materials on Florida Natural Gas Company's existing pipeline for
delivery of natural gas to the new Country Creek Subdivision located at Oso
Parkway, south of Oso Creek.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss and Slavik voting, "Aye."
The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Section 2(e),
V.A.C.S., regarding the Voting Rights Lawsuit, Alonzo et al v. City.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting and called for the City Manager's
report, and City Manager Garza commented about a memo to the Council regarding the
selection of the City auditors. Discussion followed and it was the consensus of the Council
to conduct the interviews of the two firms at next week's Council Meeting.
Mr. Garza asked for Council response to staffs report on the Coastal Management
Plan which had been approved by Nueces County.
Mayor Rhodes provided an update regarding the plan, noting that the General Land
Office has not approved the plan and is waiting for a reply from the City if there are any
objections. Mrs. Rhodes asked for Council comments on this issue.
Council Member McComb stated that the City should support moving forward with
the plan. He indicated that if the City had some concerns on the plan, they should have
expressed them. He stated that as he understands the plan, it is nothing more than the
coordination and organization of existing State law.
Minutes
_Zegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 10
Council Member Moss stated that Port Aransas has been highly successful with their
beach fee. He expressed concern that the Port Aransas fee and the county fee are not the
same.
Council Member Slavik expressed concern that Judge Barnes was quoted as saying
that the City had the plan for a couple of months and should have taken action on it. She
stated that the Council was not involved in that plan. She suggested that in the future, the
City should keep tabs on what the County does which might affect the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Galindo stated that the City needs to have a good working
relationship with the County and stated that he would support the plan because it addresses
a serious problem on the beaches.
Following the discussion, Mayor Rhodes advised that she will inform the General
Land Office that the City is not asking them to hold up the plan but will monitor the plan
and will make comments if necessary.
Mayor Rhodes referred to a piece of land in Flour Bluff on which there is a "For
Sale sign by the City of Corpus Christi," and Tom Utter, Director of Development Services,
stated that it is a piece of property that the Gas Division and the City is attempting to sell.
Mrs. Rhodes noted that a citizen was interested in putting up a sign that says "Welcome to
Flour Bluff', and Mr. Utter stated that there is probably adequate right-of-way to do
something like that. He stated that it is not a good piece of property for the Oso Green
Belt. He stated that he will provide a report to the Council in regard to the property.
Council Member Martin inquired about the status of an item in regard to approving
a water hook-up on Yorktown for construction of a new house, and City Manager Garza
responded that he will provide an update to the Council.
Mr. Martin inquired about the status of alternative uses for left over lawsuit funds,
and City Manager Garza stated that he will provide a report on that.
Mr. Martin inquired about the exact procedure on emergency purchases, and City
Manager Garza stated that he only has to report them to the Council. Mr. Martin asked
about the criteria, and Mr. Garza stated that it is something that is imminent that poses a
danger to the public. Mr. Martin requested a copy of the written procedure regarding this
matter.
Mr. Martin inquired about the status of the Gas Committee in hiring a firm to do the
analysis, and City Manager Garza stated that item will be presented to the committee the
week of April 13th and then it will be brought before the Council.
Mr. Martin referred to the soil purchase for Elliott Landfill and commented about
the proposed lake project in that area, and Tom Utter, Director of Development Services,
stated that due to complications with the title and ownership of the property, the project
cannot move forward.
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degular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 11
Mr. Martin requested that before the CDBG Hearing is held, a report be done on
the status of the City's engineering services on CDBG projects.
Council Member McComb raised questions about the property in Port Aransas that
the City gave to the ETJ, and City Manager Garza stated that they indicated that part of
their reasoning for asking for the annexation is that they proposed to build a golf course in
that tract of land. He stated that he will research the precise wording, but felt that the only
contingency was that they had a certain period of time to annex the property, afterwards
which it reverted back to the City.
Mr. McComb asked for a written report concerning a letter from Texas Riviera
Transportation, and City Manager Garza stated that he will provide the Council with a
response to the letter, stating that he is comfortable with his recommendation.
Mr. McComb referred to the sale of the City's Gas System and asked if it could be
scheduled for the November election, and City Attorney Bray stated that it cannot be done
on a general November Election because it is not a date that is open to municipalities. Mr.
Bray advised that it could be held in January or April.
Council Member Slavik expressed concern that the telephone at the library is not
being answered, and City Manager Garza stated that he will look into the matter.
Mrs. Slavik referred to the missing page in the Preliminary Bond Statement and
requested that, in the future, copies be checked to avoid omissions.
Council Member Moss inquired if there is a need for the traffic signalization at
Shoreline and Lawrence, and City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative, stating that
there is a need because of the traffic, as well as a need for the pedestrians to cross.
Mr. Moss stated that there does not seem to be sensors for the traffic signals at
Coopers Alley and Peoples Street and requested that it be looked into.
Mr. Moss stated that there is temporary work being done on Staples at Parkdale and
he requested if the traffic signals could be adjusted in that area because the traffic is
backing up.
Mr. Moss inquired if the crackdown on warrants had been successful, and City
Manager Garza stated that he would provide a report to the Council. Mr. Moss inquired
why that is not being done continually, and Mr. Garza stated that staff will keep that in
mind for the future.
Mr. Moss inquired if there is training for people in emergency vehicles, and City
Manager Garza replied in the affirmative but he did not know the extent of it.
Council Member Longoria asked about the status of a budget workshop, and City
Manager Garza stated that a budget workshop could be held dealing with basic policy
direction the Council wishes to take and he will schedule it during a future Council Meeting.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 12
Mrs. Longoria commented about the list of projects that have been completed from
prior years with CDBG funds, She stated that there has been an indication that there has
been a cut in the engineering staff and she would like to know exactly how much affect that
has had on the projects.
Council Member McNichols commented in regard to infrastructure improvements
relative to CCSU and plans for the four-year university. He spoke in support of getting the
Department of Highways and Public Transportation involved.
Dr. McNichols inquired if the City has made any progress on a Regional Water
Coordinator, and City Manager Garza responded that the City should have a Regional
Water Director in about a month.
Dr. McNichols stated that now that there is an operating plan in effect, sometime in
the next few months, the subcommittee of the City and the Texas Water Commission should
make plans to get together for initial discussion.
Mr. Rob Earley, Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented
posters to the Council from the Los Barcos Festival and gave a report on the preliminary
final account for the festival.
Responding to Council Member Moss' question about driving training, Police Chief
Garrett reported that the last forty hours of the Police Academy is directed toward driving.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience on matters not scheduled on
the agenda.
Ms. Joella Teague, 2101 Sentinel Drive, commented on the Council's attitude toward
Mr. J. E. O'Brien of the Corpus Christi Taxpayers Association.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, stated that the Texas Open Records Act states that
the officer for public records shall be the Chief Administrative Officer of the Governmental
body. Mr. Hudson asked if the person who conducts the invocation at Council Meetings
could identify himself and state which religion he represents or make the disclaimer that he
is not speaking for the City. He made remarks about the City Manager placing the citizens
and their heirs deeper into debt.
Mayor Rhodes asked if the City has violated the City Charter, and City Attorney Bray
responded that the City has not violated the Charter.
Mr. Philip Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, spoke about Operation Paintbrush, a community
housing project, and commented about street improvements in the San Juan area.
A discussion followed on Operation Paintbrush and Council Member Martin made
a motion that the money the City made from the sale of the Easter crosses be used to buy
paint and material to support the painting of homes under Operation Paintbrush. The
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rtegular Council Meeting
March 31, 1992
Page 13
motion was seconded by Mayor Rhodes and passed unanimously; Guerrero absent at the
time the vote was called; McComb abstaining.
Mr. Cheyenne Eichelberger, 2206 Saxony Drive, spoke in regard to CDBG monies
which have been allocated for HIALCO and commented about a meeting held between
HIALCO and City officials. He expressed concern that HIALCO could lose the money to
another nonprofit agency if the City does not make a decision. Council Member Longoria
reviewed the status of the situation, and City Manager Garza advised that staff will schedule
a meeting on this as soon as possible.
Mr. Leo Perez, 904 Buford, spoke in opposition to the $10 beach clean-up fee, and
Mayor Rhodes advised him to express his concerns to the County Commissioners.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. on March 31, 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 31, 1992, which were
approved by the City Council on April 7, 1992.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 8th day of April, 1992.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL