HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/26/1992 - JointMINUTES
Regional Mobility Plan Meeting
Joint Meeting with County Commissioners
May 26, 1992
1:30 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Betty Jean Longoria
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Leo Guerrero
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
County Commissioners County Judge
County Commissioner David Berlanga Sr.
County Commissioner Richard Borchard
County Commissioner Carol Karter
Judge Robert N. Barnes
Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
She welcomed Mr. Archie Walker, President of the Chamber of Commerce Task Force; Mr.
Jim Barnette, Chairman of the Chambers of Commerce Board; Mr. Nino Gutierrez, District
Engineer for the State Department of Highway and Public Transportation; and Mr. Joe
Fulton, Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi Commission. Mayor Rhodes stated that this
meeting is a presentation by the Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee
regarding a Regional Mobility Plan which will be introduced to the Texas Department of
Transportation Commission on May 27, 1992, in Austin, Texas.
Messrs. Archie Walker and Nino Gutierrez gave a presentation regarding the
Regional Mobility Plan. Mr. Walker outlined the presentation which will be introduced at
the meeting in Austin on May 30, 1992; and Mr. Gutierrez summarized an update on the
current and future projects in the City.
Judge Barnes inquired about the current funds available for the projects, and
Mr. Gutierrez replied that the new Federal Service Transportation Act will provide new
monies.
In response to Judge Barnes' question regarding the Metropolitan Planning
Organization, Mr. Gutierrez stated that the technical committee composed of City staff, the
Regional Transit Authority, and the Port Authority will determine the most critical projects
and the Metropolitan Planning Organization will determine the prioritization of such
projects.
OtektiFILM E►
Minutes
Regional Mobility Plan Meeting
May 26, 1992
Page 2
A discussion developed as a series of specific questions were raised by the Council
Members concerning certain projects, and the officials responded.
Council Member Slavik inquired about the Ennis Joslin Drive expansion.
Mr. Gutierrez stated that this project is not on the books but is a priority. Mrs. Slavik also
expressed her concerns regarding the elevation of the JFK Causeway. Mr. Gutierrez stated
that the elevation of the westbound lane alone will cost approximately $35 million and that
the critical nature of this project will be stressed tomorrow in Austin. It would also be
suggested that a new analysis be performed to determine the current traffic volume since
it was decided previously that there was not enough traffic to facilitate such a project.
Additionally, the total project cost would be approximately $70 million to elevate both the
westbound and eastbound lanes.
Council Member McNichols pointed out that many of the projects presented involve
long term growth and development that will occur over a period of many years. He
reiterated the critical need for the elevation of the JFK Causeway since this is the only
access to and from Padre Island which would present a problem in the event of a major
storm. Further, Mr. McNichols stated that it is imperative that both the westbound and
eastbound lanes be elevated rather than installing a dam, to also achieve a positive influence
in the water salinity level for the marine life.
Mr. Walker presented an explanation of his handout, attached as Attachment "A,"
which included the priorities involved. Mayor Rhodes inquired further regarding the MPO's
prioritization of such projects. Mr. Gutierrez replied there will be a set dollar amount for
Corpus Christi based on population, and this money will not be allocated to separate
projects. Additionally, the Metropolitan Planning Organization will prioratize the projects.
Mayor Rhodes read her letter which will be sent to Mr. Ray Stoker, Chairman of the
Transportation Commission, on behalf of the Council conveying support of the project list
presented by the Chamber of Commerce and discussing the prioritization.
Mr. Barnette stated that Mr. Munoz requested the meeting tomorrow in Austin to
determine the order of magnitude of our highway infrastructure needs and Mr. Munoz
further agrees that South Texas has been neglected and would like to effectuate a change.
Responding to the Council's concerns of a premature presentation, Mr. Walker explained
that time is of the essence because of the immediate funding available from the Texas
Highway Commission.
Judge Barnes inquired if the North Channel project included acquisition of right-of-
ways and Mr. Joe Fulton responded that a portion for the right-of-ways was acquired
through a purchase of land from the Driscoll Foundation. Mr. Fulton stated that a total cost
of $13 million is involved in order to buy the right-of-ways and design and construct the
North Channel Road, of which $170,000 would be spent this year regarding the design. At
this time, the anticipated completion date is 1999, but with state and federal participation
this project could be completed three to four years earlier.
Minutes
Regional Mobility Plan Meeting
May 26, 1992
Page 3
Mr. Fulton further stated that approximately $200 million dollars worth of projects
will be presented in Austin tomorrow and there is a possibility that $60-$70 million dollars
will be allocated.
Council Member Martin stated that the Chamber of Commerce's list is the
identification of the major projects that might be eligible for State participation. The
presentation tomorrow in Austin consists of an updated project list which includes two new
projects: North Shore Road and Ennis Joslin. He stated the nature of this discussion today
is to perfect the project list by adding or deleting projects as necessary.
County Commissioner Karter expressed her concerns regarding the elevation of JFK
Causeway. She stated that this project includes two major concerns: evacuation from the
island and a water exchange. She referred to Mr. Mosley's recommendation to initially
construct mini -bridges at two sections of the Causeway to aid in the water exchange and
request the elevation of the remaining section at the next appropriation.
Mayor Rhodes expressed her concerns regarding the endorsement of the project list
without public comment. A discussion developed and it was determined that there will be
public hearings on projects regarding the Regional Mobility Plan by the Metropolitan
Planning Organization. Additionally, the Highway Department will hold public hearings
with regard to the environmental aspect. City Attorney Bray stated that the City has the
legal authority to vote at this time on this issue.
Mayor Rhodes called for public comments.
Mr. Jack Ratkovic, 13911 Seahorse, commented on the 1983 storm and expressed his
concerns regarding the limited access to and from the Island via the JFK Causeway, and
requested consideration from the Council regarding this life and death situation.
Mrs. Elizabeth Walker, 13969 Dasmarinas, requested the support of the City Council
regarding the issue of the JFK Causeway.
Mrs. Marie Spear, 9320 South Padre Island Drive, expressed her concerns regarding
the limited access to and from the Island and stated she supports the elevation of the JFK
Causeway to help remove the problem of storm evacuation and the environmental aspect.
Mr. Hal Siemer, 1014 Memphis, stated he would appreciate a bicycle/jogging trail
on Ennis Joslin and requested the Council's/County Commissioner's help in obtaining such.
Mrs. Vera Buchanan, 10637 South Padre Island Drive, commented on a section in
Flour Bluff having no access to and from and stated her concerns.
Mr. Gene French, 1409 White Cap Boulevard, commented on the 1961 storm and
expressed his support of the elevation of the JFK Causeway.
Minutes
Regional Mobility Plan Meeting
May 26, 1992
Page 4
Mrs. Pat Suter, 1002 Chamberlain, complimented the Council for the request of
elevating both sides of the JFK Causeway, and expressed her involvement in this matter due
to the environmental aspect.
Mayor Barr, Port Aransas, commented on his trip to the Texas Highway Conunission
in Austin, Texas, in 1984. He reiterated that the project list has been updated which he
fully supports.
Mayor Rhodes expressed her concerns regarding the attendance at the meeting in
Austin on May 30, 1992. City Manager Garza confirmed that staff members will attend this
meeting. Council Member Moss stated that he would attempt to attend also.
Mayor Rhodes stated that the motion is to support the Regional Mobility Plan with
an amendment in favor of raising both the westbound and eastbound lanes of the JFK
Causeway.
Council Member McNichols questioned if this motion included the assurance that
there are not priorities stated in the presentation in Austin. He referred to the map
prepared for the presentation in Austin. Mayor Rhodes requested Mr. Walker to present
the projects and state that the Metropolitan Planning Organization will be setting priorities,
and Mr. Walker confirmed.
Commissioner Karter summarized that the request is to advance the projects
previously requested through the MPO, adding new ones: Ennis Joslin and North Channel
Road improvements and adding the elevation of the eastbound lane of the JFK Causeway
to the previous request of the westbound lane elevation.
Council Member Martin reemphasized Commissioner Karter's comments stating that
these new projects are emphasized because of the magnitude and age of the crosstown and
are comparably as important. Mr. Martin suggested to Mr. Walker to emphasize the safety
aspect of the JFK Causeway issue.
Mr. Walker stated that he will explain to the Highway Commission that there are
four new projects to add to the old project list previously presented. The new projects are
the improvement to Ennis Joslin Road to C.C.S.U., the expressway traffic exchange at
S.P.I.D. and crosstown, North Channel Road from Navigation to Koch Refinery, and raising
the elevation of the west route from the Island.
Mayor Rhodes reiterated that the Metropolitan Planning Organization will have the
authority to prioratize the projects.
Council Member McNichols stated that the wishes of the people should be the
primary factor and overriding consideration. If the majority of the people in this area want
a certain project, this project should be highly recommended.
Minutes
Regional Mobility Plan Meeting
May 26, 1992
Page 5
Council Member McComb made a motion that the Council support the Regional
Mobility Plan; seconded by Council Member Moss. Council Member McNichols requested
an amendment to the motion to include the elevation of both lanes of the JFK Causeway.
The amendment was accepted by Mr. McComb and Mr. Moss. The motion as amended
passed unanimously.
Mayor Rhodes adjourned the Regional Mobility Plan meeting.
i ► • i i • • ► • • i t
PRESENTATION OF
REGIONAL MOBILITY PLAN - CORPUS CHRISTI, TX TO
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMM TSSION
MAY 27, 1992 - AUSTIN, TEXAS
REGIONAL SETTINGS GENERAL OVERVIEW
• Geographical location of Mexico and border cities to the Corpus Christi Bay area
' Transportation System linking Corpus Christi to Mexico and other parts of the
U.S. and seaport to serve international commerce
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE
' West
Expressway between Laredo and Corpus Cluisti
Laredo Beltway
Interim relief routes Robstown and Alice
' • South
- Improvements of U.S. 281/77 to Rio Grande Valley and Mexico to trunk
system
' North/East
- U.S. Highway 77/59 trunk system
- SH35-bug thecoast- fourlane
URBAN GROWTH
• Extend Crosstown Expressway from South Padre Island Drive (SPED) to SIi 43
(extension of Weber Road), including the interchange at SPID and Crosstown
' Extension of Saratoga north of Airport to IH 37
Attachment "A"
• Holly Road, removal of existing railroad in order to expand right-of-way for a
four -lane mad as a reliever facility for SPID
• Intersection improvements on SPID between Weber and Airline Roads
CCSU ACC$SS
• Designate Ennis Jost Drive a State Highway from SPID to campus
• Upgrade existing two-lane roadway to four lanes
PORT ACCESS
• North Channel roadway Hwy 181 - IH 37
• Remove four -lane bottienedc on IH -37 between Rand Morgan to MoPak Rail-
road by construction of six -lane facility
• Access to Port from IIi 37 Com Products Road/Talbert Road
• Up River Road along south channel
• Rand Morgan to Navigation
• Navigation - IH 37 to Hay 181
• Oversized/heavy load routes to loading and unloading areas at the Port
ISLAND ACCUSS AND EVACUATION
• Elevate westbound lanes of JFK Causeway
• Upgrade SH 361. to four -lane with turning lanes from Park Road 22 to Port
Aransas
SPECIAL. E$OJECTS
• Downtown: mobility, open spas, shoreline and tourism
• Scenic Corridors: Oso Parkway
FUTURE TRANSPORTATION FLANKING
▪ Regional coalition for mobility planning
• Indepth Assessment international, regional, local
* Tmplewrntatinn
' Financing
Summary and Priority
• Prewteensly Requested Projects:
Relief routes: Robstown & Alice Expressway and elevated westbound
lanes of JFK Causeway, SH 361, Park Road 22 to Port Aransas to a four -
lane (2020 Study Feb. 1988)
Remove four -lane bottleneck on lA 37 between Rand Morgan and MoPac
Railroad
• Crosstown extension (SH286) and interchange at SPID
• North Channel Road, SH 181 west to III 37 near Rad Morgan
• Ennis Jostin Drive be designated as a State Highway four lane facility
We will have two visual exhnbits to be placed on easels:
L Map of South Texas
2. Map on Mobility Plan to be presented with priority projects highlighted
Presentation no more than 20 minutes.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes
of the Regional Mobility Plan Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of May 26, 1992, which
were approved by the City Council on June 2, 1992.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 21st day of July, 1992.
ki
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL