Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/09/1992MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 2 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 Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Don Kasper, Pastor of West Heights Baptist Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member McNichols. Assistant City Secretary Koenning 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 June 2, 1992, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. City Manager Garza described the problems which occurred at the O. N. Stevens Plant on May 13, 1992, involving a water line break and commented on the fine job the City's employees did in order to assure that the City have continuous water usage. These employees consisted of Ken Bolen, Mike Vargo, Valerie Gray, Hubert Hall, and the water crews. Mayor Rhodes also commended these employees on this dangerous task. Mayor Rhodes recognized the Stringerette Twirlers of Corpus Christi and their supervisor, Ms. Nancy Eisenhauer. Ms. Eisenhauer commented that the Stringerette Twirlers have been selected by the First'1i,DQusic Encounters to be part of the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 2 musical salute to the Discovery of America in Washington, D.C., and further commented on the planned participation. Ms. Eisenhauer also presented Mayor Rhodes and the Council Members with miniature batons and extended an invitation to the twirling preview performance on June 12, 1992, at the Flour Bluff Varsity Gym. Mayor Rhodes congratulated the twirlers on their superior achievements and stated it was an honor having such talented teenagers in the community. Mr. Bernard Paulson, President to the Board of Trade and Chairman of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Water Issues, gave a presentation on an Option Agreement for water from Lake Texana, and distributed descriptive material. He stated that the Port has approved this option agreement for eighteen months and discussed the South -Central Texas Facilities Study. He stated that this study involves evaluating the costs and benefits of potential water supply scenarios which would be funded by the Texas Water Development Board and participating cities. Mr. Paulson further outlined the future needs of Corpus Christi for water detailing the low and high demands involved and further commented on other water sources available. Mayor Rhodes requested Dr. McNichols to comment since he is also on the Mayor's Committee. Dr. McNichols stated that the Texas Water Commission is acknowledging water transfers as the wave of the future. He further discussed the technical details and feasibility studies being performed and stated the City must be in a position to take immediate action when the transfers are available. He also requested support and involvement from the City Council. Council Member McComb expressed his concerns regarding the water releases at Lake Corpus Christi and briefly discussed the City's present and future water needs. Council Member Slavik inquired regarding the City's cost for the South -Central Texas study, and City Manager Garza replied that the total cost of the study is $1.1 million The Texas Water Development Board is contributing $700,000 and requesting the involved cities to contribute $400,000 which would be divided according to city populations. The suggested portion for San Antonio would be $300,000 and the City of Corpus Christi's portion would be $100,000. The City's portion could be divided further with the City contributing $50,000, the Port of Corpus Christi $25,000, and the Board of Trade $25,000. Council Members requested more information on the study's time frame, and City Manager Garza stated more details would be presented at a later date. Mayor Rhodes called for a vote on Dr. McNichols' motion to endorse the action taken by the Port of Corpus Christi Authority on the option agreement for water from Lake Texana, which was seconded by Council Member Longoria, and passed unanimously. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 through 9, and Council Members requested that Items 1, 3, 8, and 9 be withheld for discussion. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 3 Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2. M92-133 Motion approving a supply agreement for mechanical, flanged and swivel fittings, retainer glands and accessories in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0112-92 with International Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $159,279. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. These items will be stocked in the Warehouse and used by the Water and Wastewater Departments. Funds have been budgeted for FY 91-92 and requested for FY 92-93 by the using departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. 4. FIRST READING Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into a five-year lease renewal with the Southside Youth Sports Complex, Inc., for the use of two parcels of land at Price Park for youth baseball programs. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. 5. FIRST READING Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to renew a five-year lease agreement with Nueces County MH -MR for the Old American Legion Building at 1626 S. Brownlee. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. 6. FIRST READING Authorizing the renewal of a one-year grazing lease agreement with Arturo Bayarena for a ten acre tract of land on Hearn Road acquired as part of the O.N. Stevens Plant Expansion project, and approving the rental fee of $70 per month. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 4 7. FIRST READING Authorizing a renewal of a one-year farming lease agreement with Julius Zdansky, Jr. for a 20.993 acre tract of land located off Chapman Ranch Road, and approving a rental fee of either a designated dollar portion of the crop harvested from the acreage or a guaranteed $20/acre per crop year, whichever is greater. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 1, supply agreement for soil for Elliott and Westside landfills. Regarding the cost of this soil, Council Member Slavik inquired if a savings could be possible through the purchase of dirt for the landfills, and City Manager Garza stated he feels a contract is the best approach because it would ensure the best competitive price, ensure a continuous, reliable source of material, and would avoid future emergencies. Mr. Garza further discussed federal and state mandated dirt requirements concerning the landfills. Council Member McNichols commented on the chances of obtaining lower priced dirt from construction sites, and City Manager Garza stated this option would not be available after execution of this agreement. Council Member Moss stated he would like to have the option of obtaining dirt at a lower cost that is available from other construction projects, and Mr. Garza stated that due to governmental policies, a precarious situation could be avoided if dirt was available through a permanent source. Dr. McNichols also suggested planning the Westside closure to coincide with major construction which would enable the City to obtain the construction dirt and save money. Council Member Martin expressed concern for the request of monies from the Public Health and Safety Bond Fund for this agreement and commented that the purchase of dirt is classified as a daily operating expense and should be paid for through daily operating costs, and not through bond money. Mr. Martin stated that there is revenues earned by the Solid Waste Department which should be available to cover this expense. Mayor Rhodes commented that this shortage was not created by the City but by stricter governmental policies. A discussion developed and it was determined that the 1986 Bond Program was for closure of the Westside Landfill and improvements at Elliott Landfill. Mr. Tom Utter, Director of Development Services, stated that the fund originally consisted of $2.6 million for the Westside Landfill closure which was obtained from Certificates of Obligation in 1990 and $870,000 from previous years. This fund was initially to be used for the Westside Plant closure, but this closure was performed by City Staff. He further stated that $350,000 was set aside for a new landfill site and $500,000 was combined Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 5 with other funds to be used for the road and other improvements at Elliott. A remaining balance of approximately $2.2 million is available. Mr. Utter further commented that the Westside Landfill needs approximately 300,000 cubic yards of dirt and the remaining portion of the contract dirt could be used at the Elliott Landfill. After the discussion, City Manager Garza requested that Item 1 be withdrawn and reintroduced at the next council meeting. 1. WITHDRAWN Regarding Item 3, grant agreement with the Texas Forest Service, Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion. Council Member Slavik requested a definition of "trust fund allocations" which is mentioned in the accompanying agenda material for this item. Mr. Garza replied that specific monies are set aside for certain parks and can be used in the utilization of matching grants. Council Member Moss expressed concern regarding the cost of the trees, and Mr. Mike Gordon, Assistant Director of Park & Recreation, stated that this amount includes installation and a drip irrigation system for each tree. Further, Mr. Garza stated that this motion is approving the grant and the bid process will reveal competitive prices. Pursuant to Items 8 ad 9, lease agreements with Brooks Chapel Early Childhood Development Center, Inc. and Center for Hispanic Arts, Mayor Rhodes opened discussion. Council Member Longoria requested an examination of the two lease agreements to confirm that the payment of utilities and the payment of fire and liability insurance would be the responsibility of the lessees, and City Attorney Bray stated his staff will reexamine these leases. Mr. Garza affirmed that these responsibilities are the obligations of the lessee and should be included specifically in the agreements. Council Member McComb inquired if the building plans for the Childhood Development Center had been completed by June 8, 1992, as previously anticipated, and Mr. Garza affirmed the completion. 3. M92-134 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a grant agreement with the Texas Forest Service (TFS) to receive assistance from the Small Business Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 6 Administration National Tree Planting Program for $31,000, which includes $17,100 in federal funds and $14,000 in City match, to plant trees in public parks. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Guerrero, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye;" and Moss voting "No:' 8. SECOND READING Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a ten-year lease agreement with Brooks Chapel Early Childhood Development Center, Inc., for property located at 1517 Winnebago Street. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria Guerrero, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye." 9. SECOND READING Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a ten-year lease agreement with the Center for Hispanic Arts for property described as Lot 2, Lawnview Annex, Nueces County, Texas according to the Map or Plat recorded in Volume 31, Page 14 of the Map Records of Nueces County, Texas, save and except a 50 x 125 foot portion of said Lot 2 situated on the South property line adjacent to Lots 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, Block 4, Luter Addition on Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 5, Lawnview Addition according to the Map or Plat recorded in Volume A, Page 13 of the Map Records of Nueces County, Texas (18th and Agnes Streets). The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria Guerrero, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye." f i i i t R f f f i t t Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 10 and 11. Council Member McComb commented favorably on these two items and stated that he feels that the quality of service will be greatly enhanced through this training. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes and the following passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 7 10. ORDINANCE NO. 021409 Ordinance appropriating $23,650 from the Law Enforcement Trust Account for emergency medical dispatch training. An emergency was declared and the foregoing passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Guerrero, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye." 11. M92-135 Motion awarding emergency medical dispatch training to Medical Priority Consultants, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI - 0132 -92, based on the only bid of $48,650. This training is for the 9-1-1 Center personnel to aid in dispatch response. Funding is available as follows: $25,000 from the budget of E.M.S. and $23,650 from the Police Department's Law Enforcement Trust Account. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Guerrero, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 12 and 13. Council Member Martin and Dr. McNichols commended city staff on the quick response and excellent job on the Greenfields by the Bay Access Road. Further, Council Member Longoria commented on the 25 foot wide roadway and inquired if 25 feet is wide enough for school bus traffic, and Mr. Tom Utter replied in the affirmative and discussed rural roadways. Council Member McNichols suggested the implementation of a plan between the City and the Corpus Christi Independent School District concerning new school construction in order to preclude similar events in the future. Council Member Moss inquired why City money was used for this project, and City Manager Garza stated that the City is responsible for public safety. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Ms. Mary Beth Nelson expressed appreciation on behalf of Green Fields by the Bay for the efforts of the City Council and City staff in this project. She also distributed pictures showing the general street condition prior to repairs. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes and the following passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 8 12. M92-136 Motion authorizing acquisition of a 1.791 acre tract of land located south of Wooldridge Road between Rodd Field Road and the Cayo Del Oso for $20,000, in connection with the Greenfields by the Bay access road. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Guerrero, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye." 13. ORDINANCE NO. 021410 Ordinance appropriating $70,000 from the Street Trust Account for acquisition and construction of a road located south of Wooldridge Road between Rodd Field Road and the Cayo Del Oso in connection with the Greenfields by the Bay access road. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, McNichols, Moss, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Guerrero, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes called for discussion on Item 14, first reading of issuance of certificate of convenience and necessity to American Cab and Shuttle Company for reconsideration. Council Member Guerrero commented on the history involved in the withdrawal and reconsideration of this ordinance and stated that the intent of the awarding of the franchise for the limousine service was to assure airport shuttle service without relying on independent cab drivers, and the City Manager Garza affirmed. Mr. Guerrero inquired if the City were liable to the franchise holder because another cab company was attempting to circumvent the system, and the City Manager stated this matter is under investigation as well as attempts to reveal all circumstances involved. Mr. George Hext, Director of Aviation, discussed the issue of the airport shuttle telephone number and problems regarding the present situation between the cab companies. Mr. Hext also stated that the Airport is seeking to resolve the situation amicably and prevent any infringements on the franchise holder. Mr. Hal George, attorney for American Cab Company, commented on the merger between Texas Riviera and American Cab and stated, if needed, he will furnish more details on the subject. He further commented on the exclusive rights of the franchise agreement regarding the limousine service, and pick ups and deliveries. Council Member Guerrero moved to pull Item 14 for two weeks until the problems are resolved, and the motion failed to pass. Council Member Martin commented on the urgency to resolve this situation between the cab companies and a discussion developed. Mayor Rhodes requested comments from the audience. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 9 Mrs. Jose Valdez, 11610 Caliche Creek Drive, commented on the need for more taxicabs at the Airport. Mr. Bill Simmang, Checker Yellow Cab, commented on the City's regulation of taxicabs and the City's current taxicab service, and stated he does not feel that additional taxicabs are needed. Mr. Hal George commented on the public hearing process required to determine the City's need for additional taxi cabs and the results of such hearing. He further stated that American Cab is willing to work out any problems that are currently present at the Airport. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for votes and the following ordinance failed to pass with the following votes. 14. FIRST READING Approving the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to American Cab and Shuttle Company for the operation of a maximum of 12 taxicabs within the City for a five-year term. The foregoing ordinance failed to pass on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Martin, and McComb voting "Aye"; Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "No." Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza invited the Council to the Nueces County River Authority seminar on June 15, 1992, at 10:00 a.m. at the University of Texas Marine Institute, Port Aransas and to the start-up reception for the Center for Hispanic Art's building on June 16, 1992, at 10:15 a.m. City Manager Garza also commented on the Budget Workshop schedule and a discussion developed regarding dates and times. Through this discussion the decision was made to have a workshop after the June 16, 1992, council meeting following a short dinner break, and after each consecutive council meeting as needed. Mayor Rhodes requested City Manager Garza to keep the Tuesday council meetings to a minimum during this time, and canceled the June 20, 1992, workshop. Council Member Martin requested City Manager Garza to provide the background material and options to the proposed Budget as soon as possible, and Mr. Garza stated this material would be available on Friday. Council Member McComb suggested the possibility of reducing the City's contribution to employee retirement benefits as an alternative means of decreasing the $5 million budget deficit. City Manager Garza stated that the Texas Municipal Retirement Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 10 System had been contacted regarding this suggestion and a report would be provided to the Council as soon as available, and further elaborated on the contents of the report. Further discussion developed regarding the technical aspects of the retirement plan and it was determined that this area should be examined. Council Member Slavik asked City Manager Garza why the three cents for debt service was included in the proposed five cents tax increase, and Mr. Garza replied that this amount is needed to balance current revenues and current expenses for the debt service. Mrs. Slavik referred to the fifteen month bond refinancing program implemented earlier this year which was to prevent a two cents tax increase. Mr. Garza replied that the transfer of money for reserved interest in the construction accounts did not increase sufficiently to pay next year's debt service. Mr. Garza further stated that during the last three years he had attempted to transfer from the overall tax rate, monies from Maintenance & Operations for the debt service, which would leave the tax rate the same. However, due to the flat economy, this plan was not accomplished. Council Member McNichols proposed several options to the budget deficit and requested comments from the Council. These options included temporarily imposing a surcharge to EMS users, examining the City's group health insurance funds, and reconsidering the City's self-insurance program. Responding to Dr. McNichols's suggestion regarding the EMS fund, a discussion ensued regarding RTA charges and Council Member McComb stated that these charges total approximately $700,000 yearly. This amount includes five percent of EMS operational costs in the approximate amount of $500,000 which is not related to the contractual agreement with RTA, and $200,000 for street maintenance. Mr. McComb further stated that the City Manager and President of the Hospital District are discussing possible participation by the hospital district in EMS and expects definite amounts to be presented to the Council before the EMS portion of the Budget. City Manager Garza suggested that any participation received from the county hospital as a result of these negotiations could be used initially to reduce the deficit before being used for operations. Responding to Dr. McNichols' suggestion regarding the health insurance fund, City Manager Garza stated that the $1.5 million increase could be examined. Further, Mr. Garza commented on the City's self-insurance fund and revealed that $3.6 million is appropriated in anticipation of the City's liability claims for the year. Mr. Garza further suggested that this funding could be deleted and each claim presented to the Council on an individual basis. Mayor Rhodes read a letter from Carol Karter, County Commissioner, requesting an appointment by the City Council to the Nueces County Coastal Management Plan task force and requested that Dr. McNichols handle this request and suggest an appointee. Mayor Rhodes also commented on the disruptions at the Human Relations Commission meetings by Mr. Ron Hudson and requested suggestions to the problem. City Manager Garza stated he would discuss possible solutions with the Chairman. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 9, 1992 Page 11 Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Moss inquired whether the Waldron Field flight clear zone could be sold instead of leased, and City Manager Garza stated this zone is located next to the landfill, and needs to be kept as a buffer zone for landfill spill overs. Council Member McComb commented on the funds due to the City from the Los Barcos Festival and requested more information on the subject. City Manager Garza replied he will present a report to the Council on this matter. Mr. McComb also expressed concerns on a potential safety hazard in the Blanch Moore/Corona Connection involving a house which he feels is too close to the curve on Williams Drive and requested an investigation. Council Member Longoria invited Council Members to the Taste of the Northwest on June 18, 1992, from 6:00 to 8:00 at the River Hills Country Club. Council Member McNichols requested inquiry in the leadership change concerning Admiral Jim Scott and the Corpus Christi Area Tourist and Convention Bureau. Council Member Martin stated he feels this is a personnel matter which cannot be questioned by the City. Mayor Rhodes suggested that Dr. McNichols contact the Chairman and inform the Council of the results. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Brad Ferris, 3218 Houston, commented on the budget and discussed possible sales tax and income tax increases. Further, he felt that the tax exemptions for the refineries should be looked into. Council Member Moss stated that there is only one refinery located in the City. Mr. Harold Hoppenwrath, 338 Clifford, commented on a letter in the newspaper regarding opening prayer in meetings. He also read a letter from Ron Hudson he received regarding the same subject. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford Street, commented on the Lexington matter in the newspaper and freedom of religion. s s a s s s s s: s a s s There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. on June 9, 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 June 9, 1992, which were approved by the City Council on June 16, 1992. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 21st day of July, 1992. �... / L€L� Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL