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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