HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/27/1992MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Mary Pat Slavik
Council Members:
*Cezar Galindo
*Leo Guerrero
Edward Martin
Joe McComb
*Dr. David McNichols
Betty Jean Longoria
Clif Moss
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 Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council
Member Mary Pat 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.
Mayor Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting
of October 20, 1992, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
*Council Member McNichols arrived at the meeting.
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Mr. Mike Gordon, Park & Recreation, gave a special presentation pertaining to the
Xeriscape Garden. He stated that the Xeriscape Committee is conducting a fundraising
event to help the Xeriscape project,
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Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27; 1992
Page 2
Mrs. Longoria, Chairperson, presented an overview of the Charter Revision
Committee work during the past year, introduced committee members, and thanked them
for their time and efforts.
Mr. John Bell, committee member, provided a summary of the eleven proposed
amendments and stated that the next available date to hold a charter amendment election
is April 3, 1993.
Council Member Galindo arrived at the meeting.
Council Member Guerrero arrived at the meeting.
Mayor Rhodes asked if the issue should be placed on the agenda for public comment.
City Attorney James Bray stated that Council has the authority to place the item on the
agenda for public hearing.
Mr. Rick Stryker, Director of Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History,
presented an update on the proposal to "homeport" Los Barcos.
Mr. Gary Bushell, President, Corpus Christi Area Economic Development
Corporation, gave a presentation on the proposal submitted to the Spanish Ambassador
which outlined reasons to homeport the ships in Corpus Christi.
Council Member McComb commended Mr. Bushell on the presentation made to the
Ambassador in Washington, D.C.. Mr. McComb stated that the ships would play a major
role in education. In addition, he stated that our Sister City in Spain would support our
efforts which hopefully will enhance our chances of homeporting the ships in Corpus Christi.
Dr. Glen Kost, General Chairman of the Sister City Committee, introduced a short
videotape on the Sister City Committee Student Exchange Program which is used to recruit
students for the program.
Ms. Drue Combs, Chairperson of the Sister City located in Yokosuka, Japan,
informed the Council that copies of the videotape are available for use through the Parks
& Recreation Department.
Council Member Longoria inquired on the status of adding two Sister Cities (St.
Petersburg, Russia and Rostock, Germany). Dr. Kost replied that the Committee is waiting
for a reply from the countries.
Dr. Kost stated that the Committee has expressed concerns on limited funding for
the additional Sister cities. Mayor Rhodes stated that other cities used fundraising events
to raise monies for their Sister City Committees.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 3
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Relative to Item 1, Mayor Rhodes referred to the Regional Transportation Authority
Local Government Committee appointments and the following Council Members were
appointed to the Committee. (M92-282)
Council Member Cezar Galindo
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria
Council Member Joe McComb
Council Member Clif Moss
Council Member Mary Pat Slavik
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Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 2 through 8, and Council Members
requested that Items 2, 3, 5, and 6 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
4. M92-285
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $52,530 to Frank Dietz dba Perma
Grass for the second phase of hydromulching on finished areas of the Westside Solid
Waste Landfill.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo,
Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye."
7. ORDINANCE NO. 021504
Ordinance closing and abandoning a 1.5 -foot wide by 40 -foot long portion of a 7.5 -
foot wide utility easement along the northeast property line of Lot 23, Block 20,
Wood River Unit 2 Subdivision, subject to replatting the property within 180 days
and other provisions.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols,
and Moss voting "Aye."
8. ORDINANCE NO. 021505
Authorizing the execution of a one year residential and grazing lease agreement with
Mr. S. Gene Wilson for a 20 acre tract of land with improvements located off
Yorktown Road, near Cayo Del Oso, for a rental fee of $500 per month.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 4
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed on the third reading
by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin,
McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye."
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Dr. McNichols stated that he had made an error in requesting discussion on Item 2,
new modular ambulance. Mayor Rhodes called for Council votes on Item 2, and the motion
passed unanimously by all council members.
2. M92-283
Motion approving the award of contracts, based on low bids, in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0021-93 to Frazer, Inc., Houston, Texas for a new modular
ambulance for the total price of $63,200 including trade-in; and to San Antonio
Ambulance Sales, Inc., San Antonio, Texas for removing, refurbishing, and
remounting an ambulance body onto a new cab and chassis for a total price of
$30,695 including trade-in of old chassis. These units were budgeted in the 1992-93
Capital Outlay by the Fire Department, EMS.
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Relative to Item 3, contract with Morehead, Dotts & LaPorte, Inc., for professional
services, Council Member McComb expressed concern of expenditures exceeding $10,000
without awarding a Request for Proposal (RFP). City Manager Garza replied that an RFP
was not done, but he wished to remain with the firm because of their previous work with
the City.
Mayor Rhodes commented that the City should seek services from other advertising
agencies.
Council Member McNichols stated that previous presentations by staff on the water
issues have been excellent. He expressed the opinion that an additional expense to an
outside firm might not be necessary. Mr. Garza replied that an outside firm would help in
the preparation of a professional presentation to other organizations.
Council Member Moss stated that the local presentation was done very well, and staff
should explore the possibility of problems associated with awarding a bid without an RFP.
In reference to Item 5, purchase of City property insurance, Dr. McNichols asked if
premiums and deductibles had been changed. Mr, Garza replied that there had been some
changes.
Dr. McNichols inquired as to procedures used in obtaining bids for property
insurance. Mr. Garza replied that new regulations require that brokers be used to acquire
insurance. He further stated that the City does not have brokers and outlined the
procedures on awarding the bid.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 5
Mayor Rhodes and several Council Members expressed concern on the insurance
premiums. Mr. Garza stated that the rate is good for the deductible amount.
A question and answer period followed pertaining to property insurance.
After further discussion, City Manager Juan Garza requested that Item 5 be
postponed for one week.
Relative to Item 6, relocation of vehicle scales from the Westside Landfill to Elliott
Landfill and site improvements, Mr. McComb asked if City staff would be capable in
providing comparable services. City Manager Garza stated that the special project is not
a planned city project, and the use of city staff would result in other planned city projects
not being completed effectively.
Responding to questions posed by Mr. McComb regarding Item 3, professional
services, City Attorney Bray replied that State statutes refer to RFPs regarding bids for high-
technology services. He stated that the statute identifies professional services as an
exception to competitive bidding in excess of $10,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik stated that the City has used the firm consistently and asked
if staff has identified other firms for professional services. Mr. Garza replied that the firm
has done excellent work, and he did not recall previous contracts with the firm.
Council Member Longoria asked what would result if an RFP was requested. Mr.
Garza replied that the firm might not bid. He stated that his objective is to move ahead
with the presentations.
A brief question and answer period followed regarding the professional services.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
3. M92-284
Motion authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with Morehead, Dotts
& LaPorte, Inc., for professional services in connection with the development of
various communication collateral materials regarding the long term water supply
issues, at an estimated cost of $11,200, and not to exceed $13,000.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Slavik, Galindo, Guerrero,
Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Rhodes, Martin, McComb voting 'No."
5. POSTPONED FOR ONE WEEK
Motion approving the purchase of City property insurance in accordancc with Bid
Invitation No. BI 0037 93 through W.L. Dinn and Company, Inc. at an estimated
annual prcmium of $240,831.87. These policies include blanket building and
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 6
premiums arc available in the City's Self Insurance Fund.
6. M92-286
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $142,340 to Hallmark Contracting, Inc.,
to relocate the vehicle scales from the Westside Landfill to the Elliott Landfill and
for site improvements at the Elliott Landfill.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo,
Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye'; McComb voting
"No."
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda.
Relative to Item 9, sale of the City's gas system, Mr. Martin commented that he
appreciated responses by staff to the Committee. He felt that the overall process has been
good.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik stated that the City should move forward with the bidding
process.
Council Member Moss commented that the issue is to examine offers submitted by
the bidders and to determine if the question of selling the gas system should be presented
to the voters.
Council Member Guerrero expressed the opinion that the consensus is to sell the
system.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, expressed concern for the Gas Department
employees if the gas system was sold.
Mayor Rhodes stated the issue has not been addressed yet, but will be if the decision
is made to sell the system.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
9. M92-287
Motion authorizing the City Manager to issue a request for proposal for sale of the
City's natural gas distribution system.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo,
Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 7
10. M92-288
Motion approving amendment No. 2 to the contract with Resource Management
International, Inc., approved by the City Council on June 16, 1992, to add services
required to obtain and evaluate proposals for the sale of the City's natural gas
distribution system, for an additional fee not to exceed $54,000.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo,
Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye.
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Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of Items 11.a., 11.b., 11.c., and 11.d.,
Saratoga/ Staples Plaza.
Mayor Pro Tem Slavik commented on legal opinions that she had requested from
staff concerning reinstatement of failed agenda items. City Attorney Bray replied that items
could be placed on the agenda if a motion had been made to reconsider the item at the next
meeting after the item failed. He further stated that the time limit has passed, and the
current items are considered as new business.
In addition, Mrs. Slavik felt that the previous vote is unfairly being removed from
consideration. Mr. Bray replied that the Council has the authority to reconsider a failed
item and vote differently from the previous vote.
Mrs. Slavik expressed concern that the passage of the item would result in setting a
precedent for future Councils to require participation in covering open ditches.
Council Member Galindo inquired as to how many times a dragline has been used
to clean ditches within the past five years. Mr. Garza stated that not all ditches have been
cleaned but that the dragline is constantly in use.
Mr. Galindo asked what amount of funds would remain in the Street Bond Fund for
other ditch covering projects throughout the City. Mr. Garza stated that no monies are
specifically allocated to cover ditches in the City.
Additionally, Mr. Garza stated that participation to cover the ditch with the
developers would offset the funds needed to maintain the ditches.
Mr. Galindo inquired if the City would contribute monies in other projects. Mr.
Garza stated that if funds are available, the City would participate.
A brief discussion ensued.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 8
Council Member Guerrero expressed the opinion that the City should participate in
future projects involving covering of ditches, and the City should establish a policy for future
ditch coverings.
Council Member Moss pointed out several issues concerning the Saratoga/Staples
project including the nonpayment of taxes to the City. He stated that there are limited
funds in the City to participate in the project, and the funds should be spent on voter -
approved projects.
Pertaining to Mr. Moss' concerns on taxes, Council Member Guerrero stated that
even though the developers do not pay City taxes, the City would experience a negative
economic impact if the developer moved elsewhere.
Dr. McNichols expressed agreement with Mr. Guerrero on the establishment of a
City policy to participate with developers in covering ditches. He also felt that any
opportunity that the City had to cover ditches would be beneficial.
Mrs. Slavik stated that she was in agreement with Mr. Guerrero but felt a vote on
the item would set a precedent for other Councils to participate in future ditch coverings.
Council Member Longoria stated that she agreed with Council Member McNichols
analysis. She further stated that her last vote was not in the best interest of the citizens of
the City and that she would vote in favor of the City covering the ditch.
A brief discussion followed.
Council Member Galindo felt that the City should use funds for other problem
ditches in the City.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, expressed concern about other City projects being
ignored in other sections of the City.
Ms. Hazel McGee, 7022 Pharaoh, stated that she owned property in Flour Bluff and
felt that the City should not use all monies for new projects associated with Spohn Hospital.
Mr. Garza replied that the area in question was the Saratoga/Staples Plaza, not the present
Spohn Hospital.
Dr. McNichols asked for clarification on the reasons for the City's involvement in the
covering of the ditch. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering, replied that the construction
is a part of the Saratoga Street Improvements project. He stated that the Spohn project is
coincidental to the Street Improvements project. Mr. Crull further stated that the City was
approached by Spohn to share expenses in the project.
Mayor Rhodes commented that this project is an opportunity for the City to correct
a problem in the area and not create an additional problem.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 9
After further discussion, City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and
the following were passed:
ll.a. M92-289
Motion approving a drainage improvement participation agreement with Spohn
Hospital whereby Spohn would participate in one half the cost of the box culvert
adjacent to their property up to $275,000.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Longoria,
Martin, McComb, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Slavik, Galindo, and Moss voting
"No."
11.b. M92-290
Motion authorizing the City's share of the box culvert construction estimated at
$267,600.29 from the Street Bond Fund.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Longoria,
Martin, McComb, and McNichols voting "Aye'; Slavik, Galindo, and Moss voting
"No."
11.c. M92-291
Motion increasing the amount escrowed to the Texas Department of
Transportation by $543,278.98.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Guerrero, Longoria,
Martin, McComb, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Slavik, Galindo, and Moss voting
"No."
11.d. ORDINANCE NO. 021506
Ordinance closing and abandoning a 10 -foot wide by 1,262.96 -foot long utility
easement between Lot 1 and 2, Block 1, Saratoga Staples Plaza Subdivision. Also
closing and abandoning 45 feet wide by approximately 1,261.29 -feet long of an
existing 90 -foot drainage easement in Lot 2, Block 1, Saratoga Staples Plaza
Subdivision, subject to the applicant meeting the specified requirements and
replatting the property within 180 days.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed on the third reading
by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, and
McNichols voting "Aye"; Slavik and Moss voting "No."
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Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 10
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of Items 12.a. and 12.b., Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC).
Mr. Garza indicated that the project will be funded by contributions from various
industries in the community. He stated that the City would be providing office spaces as the
matching contribution. He felt that the program would be beneficial to the City.
Mr. McComb stated that he and several council members have received calls
regarding the recent gas explosion and felt that the LEPC project will be advantageous to
the City to identify procedures to be used for similar events in the future.
Mrs. Slavik stated that she supported the project and asked what the credentials were
for the Administrative Assistant which was to be employed. Mr. J.J. Adame, Fire Chief,
replied that the individual is required to have an extensive background in chemistry and
computers.
Council Member Martin expressed concern regarding appropriation of funds that the
City currently does not have. Mr. Garza stated that $61,000 has been identified for the
program. He further stated that if funds are not received, the City would reduce the budget.
Mr. Martin inquired if the budget should be amended as a result of the project. Mr.
Garza replied that, technically, the budget is being amended, but the project will be separate
from City funds.
Mr. Galindo inquired if the job qualifications have changed. Chief Adame stated
that the qualifications have been upgraded within the last sixty days. Mr Galindo further
asked if the City currently employs a person to handle the job. Chief Adame replied that
it is currently being done in-house, but there is no one person that does the job.
Mr. S. Gene Wilson, 409 McCampbell Road, expressed concern with the City taking
over the project. He felt that if the City took over the project completely, industry might
not contribute funds.
Mayor Rhodes stated that federal law requires City involvement in the project and
that the City Fire Chief chair the project.
Responding to questions posed by Mr. Wilson, City Manager Garza replied that the
Committee requested the City to administer the funds and to participate in the project.
After a brief discussion, City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and
the following were passed:
12.a. M92-292
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an interlocal
cooperation agreement between Nueces County, the Port of Corpus Christi and the
City of Corpus Christi to implement and provide funding for local emergency
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 11
response planning for extremely hazardous substances through the Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo,
Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye.
12.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021507
Ordinance appropriating $102,275 from the No. 107 LEPC Agency Fund for
implementation of the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for local emergency
response planning specific to extremely hazardous substances for Fiscal Year 1992-93.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed on the third reading
by the following vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin,
McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye."
Mayor Rhodes announced the public hearing on the following zoning application.
13. Case No. 992-2, Werner Uniforms: A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Lot 21, Block 9, Oak
Park Subdivision, located on the southeast side of Oak Park Avenue, approximately
134 feet northeast of Up River Road.
Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and staff recommended
denial of the application.
Mr. Tom Utter, Director of Development Services, made a comment to the Council
that Werner Uniforms currently has a contract with the City to provide uniforms to the
Police Department.
Council Member Martin inquired as to the source of complaint to the case. Mr.
Utter replied that the complaint was anonymous.
Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning, presented an overview and showed a
videotape on the subject case.
Mr. Martin asked what matters need to cease in order for the case to be in
compliance with the zoning ordinance. Mr. Utter replied that the current case involves the
selling of goods from a home which is not in compliance with the ordinance.
Council Member Longoria expressed concern of traffic in the area which is close to
an elementary school.
Mr. Harvey informed the Council on the definition of the zoning ordinance in regards
to a home occupation.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 12
Mr. David Merin, a local attorney representing the applicant, presented a brief
background on her business.
Mayor Rhodes inquired if the applicant was selling uniforms to the public. Mr. Herin
stated that the applicant does sell uniforms.
Council Member McComb asked who the City currently contracts with on Police
uniforms. Mr. Utter stated that the City has a contract to purchase uniforms directly from
Werner Uniforms.
The applicant informed the Council that she does not operate a retail store.
Mrs. Longoria inquired why the business warranted an expansion. The applicant
replied that the expansion of her garage was for packing and shipping purposes.
Mr. McComb asked if a Special Permit was taken into consideration at the time of
the request for rezoning. Mr. Utter stated that a request had been made for a permit but
that the commission and staff had recommended denial.
Mr. McComb inquired if city inspectors had any indication of the type of business
being conducted in the area. Mr. Utter replied that at the time of inspection, this case
consisted of warehousing, storage, shipping, and sales and that these activities do not meet
the zoning ordinance.
Following a question and answer period, Mayor Rhodes called for comments from
the public on the zoning case.
Ms. Vivian Shoemaker, 822 Oak Park, expressed concern with the street not being
wide enough to accommodate the additional traffic. She also stated that the traffic is a
hazard to children who frequent the public park.
Mr. Charles Irving, 826 Oak Park, stated that the business conducted by the applicant
has caused additional traffic in the area.
Mrs. Doris Whitley, 841 Oak Park, voiced opposition to the granting of a change in
zoning. She stated that the neighborhood should remain the same.
Ms. Pauline Clarke, 3902 Mueller, felt that a Special Permit should be issued to the
applicant to continue the business.
Council Member Moss moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Council
Member McComb, and passed unanimously by those present and voting.
A motion was made by Council Member McComb to issue a Special Permit to
continue operations; seconded by Council Member Martin.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 13
Mrs. Slavik expressed that she would be in favor of granting a Special Permit to the
applicant.
Mrs. Longoria inquired what a Special Permit would do to the neighborhood. Mr.
Utter replied that possibly other requests would be made for Special Permits. Mrs.
Longoria stated that she did not wish to see additional requests made for Special Permits.
Mr. Martin further commented that a Special Permit can be issued on certain conditions.
A brief discussion followed.
The motion to issue a Special Permit failed by the following vote: Slavik, Galindo,
Martin, and McComb voted "Aye"; Rhodes, Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "No";
Guerrero absent.
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Mayor Rhodes announced the public hearing on the following zoning application.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 021508
Case No. 992-3, Robert D. Mercer: A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District on 4.00 acres out of the east 1/4
of Lot 5, Block 1, Section 2, Bohemian Colony Lands, located on the north side of
Holly Road, approximately 1,200 feet east of Kostoryz Road.
Mayor Rhodes stated that both Planning Commission and staff recommended
approval of the application.
Mayor Rhodes called for public comments on the zoning case, and there being none,
Council Member Galindo moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member
Slavik, and passed unanimously by those present and voting.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
passed:
ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Robert D. Mercer by changing
the Zoning Map in reference to the east 1/4 of Lot 5, Block 1, Section 2, Bohemian
Colony Lands, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business
District.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Slavik, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, and Moss
voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent.
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Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 14
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report.
City Manager Garza stated that advertising on winter averaging would begin Friday,
October 30, 1992. He stated that additional staff will be utilized for the expected phone
calls regarding the winter averaging.
Mayor Rhodes provided information regarding a meeting with representatives from
the Javelina Company. She stated that the company is cooperating with the Railroad
Commission in the investigation of the gas line explosion. She also stated that several
claims have been completed and that she will be notified of further developments.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Martin requested that staff respond to a letter regarding property at 3010
Churchill.
Mr. Martin commented on staffs involvement regarding Item 13, Werner Uniforms.
Mr. Garza stated that staff will examine the issue further.
Mr. Martin asked staff to ensure that all meters be read before winter averaging
begins. Mr. Garza stated that meters will be read throughout the City. Mr. Martin
requested that Council be provided information pertaining to winter averaging. Mr. Garza
replied that the Council will receive information in Friday's packet.
Dr. McNichols referred to a letter from the Padre Isles Property Association
requesting an ordinance to regulate speed limits in the Padre Isles canals. He stated that
the letter will be forwarded to the Water Shore Advisory Committee in addition to an
opinion from the Attorney General's Office. Mr. Garza stated that staff is presently looking
into the matter.
Dr. McNichols commented on a letter he received from Commissioner Carol Karter
regarding the Texas Coastal Management Program. He stated that interested parties can
direct comments to the General Land Office. He further stated that the General Land
Office will be holding a public hearing on November 16 at 5:00 p.m. at Sandy Shores Hotel
to gather input on local beach management.
Mr. Moss asked if the City has a management plan for the area beaches. Mr. Utter
replied that Council will be presented with proposed comments to be submitted to the
General Land Office. He further stated that regulations allow the City to have a
management plan and information will be submitted to Council at a future date.
Mr. Moss inquired if a potential hazard exists for the water supply in reference to a
letter submitted by Concord Oil. Mr. Garza stated that he had contacted the Texas Water
Commission (TWC) and that they were of the opinion that the project should proceed. Mr.
Garza also stated that he did not have the expertise to answer questions regarding potential
hazards from overspills. However, the TWC had thoroughly examined the issue and granted
a permit for the project.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
October 27, 1992
Page 15
Mr. Galindo asked if Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Coordinator, had an
opinion on the issue. Mr. Dodson replied that he has reviewed all pertinent information
and was of the opinion that the TWC had made the right decision and that he does not
believe that a hazard is posed to the water supply.
Mr. Moss asked if zoning permitted the sale of vehicles at the corner of Weber and
Staples. Mr. Garza stated that staff would look into the matter, but felt that the zoning was
correct.
Mr. Moss inquired on the status of the project to extend wastewater services to
businesses on Old Brownsville Road. Mr. Garza stated that landowner participation is
required and that the City has responded. Mr. Moss requested that a letter be presented
to him regarding the issue.
Mrs. Longoria informed Council that a meeting has been scheduled at Oak Park
Elementary School cafeteria on November 19 at 6:30 p.m. regarding the gas explosion. She
requested that a City representative be present to answer questions.
Mr. McComb stated that traffic problems have developed on Lipes Boulevard. He
requested that staff observe the situation.
Mr. McComb commented on an emergency designation by the Governor, which
excluded Nueces County, regarding fresh water releases into the bay that supposedly harms
shrimp. Mr. McComb stated that in checking with individuals, he was informed that no
evidence exists for Nueces County that fresh water harms shrimp and was concerned with
the mandated releases of water. He also requested an update on water releases.
Mr. Martin inquired if the City has requested relief on water releases. Mr. Garza
replied that he had verbally requested relief from the TWC.
Mr. McComb stated that the City needs to establish a track record regarding relief
on water releases. He felt that documentation is necessary for encountering future problems
associated with the water releases. Mr. McComb further stated that Council passed a
motion at a previous meeting requesting water relief.
Mrs. Slavik requested an update on the Industrial District negotiations. Mr. Garza
replied that staff had met with the representatives last Friday and had not reached an
agreement. He stated that a meeting will be held again on October 30.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, spoke on parking problems at the Ethel Eyerly
Senior Citizens center. Mr. Garza stated that staff will check into the problem.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m. on October 27, 1992.
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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 October 27, 1992, which
were approved by the City Council on November 3, 1992.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 9th day of November, 1992.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL