Loading...
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. tarot 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 Minutes .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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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