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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/15/1992MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting December 15, 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 invocation was delivered by Retired Pastor William K. Schuster, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Tucker Pearson and Ricky Vasquez, students from the Corpus Christi Independent School District. 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 December 8, 1992, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Council Member Galindo arrived at the council meeting at 2:15 p.m. lOGROFILMED Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 2 Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointment and the following appointment was made: Port of Corpus Christi Authority Richard Bowers, Reappointed * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes recessed the Regular Council Meeting for the Jobs Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Executive Committee Meeting (Workforce Development Corporation), and the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation Meeting. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Regular Council Meeting. * * * * * * * * * * * * A presentation by Mr. Rolando Gallegos, Federal Communications Commission, regarding the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 followed. Mr. Gallegos read the new rules concerning telemarketers, telephone solicitations, and FAX transmissions which will be effective December 20, 1992. Responding to an inquiry from Council Member Slavik, Mr. Gallegos recommended procedures for the public to follow when refusing unwanted telephone solicitations. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 4 through 14, and Council Members and participants from the audience requested that Items 5, 6, 7, 8, and 13 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 4. M92-328 Motion approving supply agreements for water meter repair parts in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0049-93 with the following companies for the following amounts, based on only bids, for a total estimated annual expenditure of $26,000. The term of the agreements 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. Funds have been budgeted in FY 92-93 by the Water Department. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 3 Sensus Technologies, Inc. Uniontown. Pennsylvania $17,000.00 (Rockwell Meter Parts) Ken Meters Ocala. Florida $1,000.00 (Kent Meter Parts) Schumberger, Inc. Dallas. Texas $7,000.00 (Neptune Meter Parts) Badger Meter, Inc. Milwaukee. Wisconsin $1,000.00 (Badger Meter Parts) GRAND TOTAL - $26,000.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 9. M92-333 Motion approving the purchase of Airport Liability Insurance as written through American Eagle with a limit of $75,000,000 at a premium of $44,665.75. This insurance will be purchased through W.L. Dinn & Company, Inc., a local broker. This is in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0078-93. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 10. ORDINANCE NO. 021532 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 0.5 -foot wide by 22.5 -foot long portion of a 7.5 - foot wide utility easement along the north boundary of Lot 6, Block 109, Hunter's Point Unit 1; also closing a 1 -foot wide by 24.5 -foot long portion of a 7.5 -foot wide utility easement along the east boundary of Lot 6, Block 109, Hunter's Point Unit 1; subject to replatting the property within 180 days. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 11. SECOND READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year lease agreement with Larry J. Mokry for a 23.019 acre tract of land located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Ayers Street and Saratoga Boulevard; and approving a rental Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 4 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 second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 12. ORDINANCE NO, 021533 Closing and abandoning a 10 -foot wide by 133.40 -foot long pipeline easement in Lots 18-22 and 43-47, Block 115, Directors Addition No. 1 Subdivision, subject to replatting the property within 180 days. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 14. ORDINANCE NO. 021535 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a fifteen -year lease (license) with the U.S. Department of Commerce to install an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at Corpus Christi International Airport. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Martin absent. Pursuant to Item 5, a supply agreement for fire hydrants, Council Member McComb expressed concern that the City received only one bid on this item, and inquired whether City specifications were too narrow. City Manager Garza explained that a sufficient number of manufacturers were available for the City to obtain adequate competition, and explained the related specifications. Mr. Garza stated that he would provide a list of the competitors to the Council. Mr. McComb requested that a letter be sent to the competitors soliciting their reasons for not responding to the bid. Relative to Item 6, a supply agreement for uniformed security guard service for the Corpus Christi Central Library, Council Member McComb inquired whether the City required the contractors to provide worker's compensation insurance coverage. Mr. McComb expressed concern that such a requirement would prevent some contractors from bidding. Mr. Pat Alba, Director of Risk Management, explained the City's liability in the event private contractors did not provide such coverage. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 5 Council Member McComb suggested that the City inquire about the number of private contractors not bidding because of this provision, and suggested that this policy might need to be reassessed. Pursuant to Item 7, authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Daily - Wells for maintenance of the City's 800 mhz radio system, Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. William Gearhart, 4810 Marion Circle, referred to previous accusations concerning Daily -Wells and inquired whether the Council had performed an investigation. City Manager Garza responded regarding possible double billings and price and labor charge differences. Mayor Rhodes commented that this issue was discussed by the Council in closed session and also commented that the Council was satisfied with the results. Mr. Gearhart inquired about the possibility of the City's radio shop performing the work during the one-month period. City Manager Garza explained that the City's radio shop was proficient but limited and unable to perform extensive maintenance. He further stated that he anticipated a lower cost for the maintenance from the private sector. Mr. Gearhart also expressed concern that the City's radio system needs would be contracted to one vendor, and suggested appropriately dividing the work among several vendors. Mr. J. E. O'Brien expressed concern about the amount of the one-month contract, and suggested in-house maintenance for this period. He distributed information to the Council wherein the Council had the power, through the City Charter, to investigate official conduct of City departments. Responding to Council Member Martin's inquiry, City Manager Garza explained that he extended the bidding process to ensure adequate competition. Responding further, Mr. Garza explained the necessary additions to the City's radio shop to provide in-house maintenance. Council Member Martin stated his support for privatization and commented that in some cases it could be more expensive than in-house service. Mr. Martin then requested that the City Manager provide a cost analysis to the Council for the City performing the maintenance. He further stated that this cost analysis could be compared to the upcoming bids. Council Member Slavik commented that she supported the opportunity to increase the number of contractors in the bidding process. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 6 Pursuant to Item 8, motion approving the purchase of Excess Workers' Compensation Insurance, Council Member Galindo posed several questions. In response, Mr. Alba explained the process of insurance deductibles in relationship to insurance retention. In further response, Mr. Alba explained that the budgeted amount of $4.2 million included the City's unsettled claims as well as present claims. He further discussed the provisions in the new Worker's Compensation law. Council Member McNichols expressed concern that Midwest Employers Casualty Company was not rated by Best. Mr. Alba explained that this company would be rated in 1993, and currently received a high rating through Bests financial performance index. Next, Council Member McNichols expressed concern that the amounts received in the bids from the individual insurance companies were noticeably different. Mr. Alba commented that some companies were more familiar with reinsuring excess worker's compensation insurance and that Midwest Employers Casualty Company handled this type of insurance exclusively. Council Member Martin commented that the amounts in the bids from the insurance companies could possibly depend on the degree the insurance company wanted the transaction. Mr. Alba further responded to a series of questions from Council Member Martin involving the City's past and present experience with Midwest Employers Casualty Company. Council Member Martin stated that there is some concern about the proposed company's assets. He further commented that, if this insurance company is actively participating in the Texas market and reinsuring through others, the decision to use this company could be reasonable. Mr. Alba discussed Midwest Employers Casualty Company's financial abilities which were provided to the City through their bid. Council Member McComb requested that the City Manager furnish the Council a report outlining the savings to the City through the use of the third -party administrator. Mr. McComb also suggested that next year's budget should reflect a reduction in the amount budgeted for the worker's compensation claims. Next, City Manager Garza discussed and expressed the importance of the City's safety programs. Mr. Scott Irot, Assistant Vice President of Alexander/Alexander of Texas, 4604 Goliad Lane, Austin, commented on his submitted bid proposal and commended the City's Risk Management Department. Ms. Michelle Jones, representative of Whitney-Vaky Insurance Agency, expressed concern that Midwest Employers Casualty Company was not currently rated by Best. She also discussed the offer made by her company on this item. Mr. Wally Goodman, representative of W. L. Dinn & Co., Inc., commented that Midwest Employers Casualty Company provides excess worker's compensation insurance exclusively and discussed reasons for the difference in the bid amounts. Mr. Goodman further discussed Midwest Employers Casualty Company's reinsurance policies and stated Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 7 that to his knowledge W. L. Dinn & Co., Inc. was not liable to the City in the event Midwest Employers Casualty Company declared insolvency. Council Member McComb expressed concern that the worker's compensation excess coverage had not been previously used. City Manager Garza explained possible risks involved at the police, fire, and gas departments. Pursuant to Item 13, authorizing execution of a five-year lease to Wayne A. Johnson, Council Member Slavik inquired about the restaurant's parking facilities. Mr. Tom Utter, Director of Development Services, explained the proposed private offsite parking. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. M92-329 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 126 fire hydrants ranging in size from 3'-51/2, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0226-92 with Davis - McAllen Pipe and Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid meeting specifications for an estimated annual expenditure of $57,991.52. 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. Fire hydrants are budgeted by the Water Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. 6. M92-330 Motion approving a supply agreement for uniformed security guard service for the Corpus Christi Central Library in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0014-93 with Stanley Smith Security, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, based on best bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $28,877.16. The security service will be maintained seven (7) days a week, during the scheduled business hours that the Library is open to the public. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for an additional twelve months, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted in FY 92-93 by the Central Library. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. 7. M92-331 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Dailey -Wells in the amount of $19,210 for maintenance of the City's 800 mhz radio Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 8 system for one month beginning December 16, 1992, with an option to extend for up to two (2) additional one-month terms at the discretion of the City Manager. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; McComb and Slavik voting "No"; Guerrero absent. 8. M92-332 Motion approving the purchase of Excess Workers' Compensation Insurance as written through Midwest Employers Casualty Company with a limit of $10,000,000 at a premium of $82,949. This insurance will be purchased through W.L. Dinn & Company, Inc., a local broker. This is in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0078- 93. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McNichols voting "No"; Guerrero absent. 13. ORDINANCE NO. 021534 Authorizing execution of a five-year lease to Wayne A. Johnson of submerged land adjacent to Lot 2, Block G, Brooklyn Addition for restaurant purposes for a rent of one percent of monthly gross revenues or $200 per month whichever is greater; terminating a lease of the same property, authorized by City Council on June 26, 1990 by Ordinance No. 20939 on February 15, 1993. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. s s s s s a x a a r► a s Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 15 and 16, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant offers. City Manager Garza explained the procedure for accepting the FAA grants. He stated that the time for bidding the projects was changed to facilitate the FAA grant offer deadlines. Responding to an inquiry from Council Member Moss, City Manager Garza explained and distributed new grant and airport capital reserve figures in the motions. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 9 Mr. George Hext, Director of Aviation, explained the funding of the Airport Capital Reserve account in response to Council Member McNichols' inquiry. Mr. Hext also explained that the amounts presented in the motions were estimates pending the letting of the bids. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 15. M92-334 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant offer in the amount of $1,408,057 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Grant Number AIP 3-48-0051-19-93) to upgrade guidance sign system; install High Intensity Runway Lights (HIRL) on Runway 17-35, apron lighting, automatic electric switch gear, and upgrade primary electrical service; acquire vacuum sweeper and handicap passenger lift device. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." 16. M92-335 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant offer in the amount of $1,350,459 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Grant Number AIP 3-48-0051-20-93) to construct a new Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Station. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Guerrero, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye.' ► f i s!_# t t•! Mayor Rhodes announced the consideration and tentative approval of amendments to the City Charter to be submitted to the voters, and the public hearing. Mr. R. F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, expressed concern that discussion at the Charter Revision meetings did not include adequate public input. He further expressed concern about Proposition 11 (previously 12), increasing the Mayor's compensation, and commented that the proposed amendments were taking control away from the voting public. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, expressed opposition to Proposition 1, stating that the Charter referendum procedures were being eliminated through this amendment. Further, Mr. O'Brien discussed the reduction in the City's bond rating. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 10 Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, commented that the public had ample opportunities to attend the Charter Revision meetings. Mr. Alonzo stated his support of the propositions, especially the increased compensation for the Mayor. Council Member Galindo inquired whether Proposition 9 (previously Proposition 8) had been discussed at the Charter Revision meetings. This proposition was an amendment to allow members of city boards and commission and city council to become candidates for any non -city elective office, but providing they will forfeit their positions in the event they are elected or appointed to the new office. Council Member Longoria stated that the issue was briefly discussed. Council Member Guerrero stated his support of the addition of City employees to this proposition, and moved to amend the proposition to allow City employees to run for non -city elective office as long as it does not conflict with City business; seconded by Council Member Galindo. City Manager Garza stated that he felt City employees should remain non-political and concentrate on performing their professional duties for the elected officials. Council Member Slavik agreed with Mr. Garza's opinion. Council Member Longoria commented that all citizens should have the right to run for any position. She further stated that discussions regarding this issue consisted mainly of the importance and difficulties involved in City employees differentiating City time and the public office's time. Mr. John Bell stated that police and fire employees were presently allowed to run for public office by law. Council Member McNichols stated that he was not against the concept of allowing City employees to run for public office. He next suggested separating the addition of city employees from the original proposition to avoid complications. Council Member Guerrero then changed his motion to add another proposition allowing City employees to run for non -city elective office as long as it does not interfere with City business. Mayor Rhodes called for a hand vote on the motion, and the motion passed by a vote of eight to one. Proposition 9 remained the same and a similar proposition was added to allow City employees to become candidates for a non -city elective office. In response to Mr. O'Brien's comments, Mr. John Bell reviewed past history of the City's bond rating. Mr. Ronald A. Hudson, 3556 Austin, referred to Section 4, Initiative and Referendum, and suggested changing the words "shall" to "must" to avoid misinterpretation. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 11 Council Member McComb moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Galindo, and passed unanimously. Council Member Slavik inquired about the definition of the words "shall" and "must." City Attorney Bray stated that "shall" was ordinarily used and the two words were generally interpreted the same. Council Member Slavik commented that she had discussed the changes in Proposition 1 with members of the League of Women Voters and various neighborhood groups, and stated opposition. Mrs. Slavik also expressed concern about adding the words "City Council" to Proposition 9. Council Member McComb moved to add the submission of a filing fee of $100 to Proposition 4, seconded by Council Member Martin. Mr. McComb further discussed the possibility of defining the number of signatures required. Council Member McNichols commented that his previous motion removing the filing fee from Proposition 4 was to eliminate construing this fee as a financial test. He further expressed concern about the variations in the accumulation of signatures in the Texas Election Code. A brief discussion developed regarding the addition of the filing fee of $100. Mayor Rhodes called for a vote on the motion, and the motion passed by a vote of five to three. Proposition 4 was amended. Council Member Longoria made a motion to eliminate "city council" from Proposition 9, seconded by Council Member Slavik. Mayor Rhodes called for a hand vote on the motion, and the motion failed by a vote of five to three. City Secretary Chapa explained that the current vote on the propositions was directing to put the propositions in the ordinance calling the April election and was tentative approval. He further stated that final approval would be when the ordinance was presented to the Council in early January of 1993. The proposed propositions remained the same except for the amendment to Proposition 4, adding the filing fee, and the addition of a proposition allowing City employees to run for non -city elective office. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the Charter amendments as follows: PROPOSITION 1. An amendment to provide for annexation of additional territory adjacent to the City by ordinance. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 12 The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Slavik voting "No"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 2. An amendment to modify the provisions for initiative and referendum, to include allowing referendum procedures to cover a disputed portion of an ordinance, assuring at least sixty days for the circulation of petitions to suspend and ordinance, clarifying the application of the referendum procedures, and making other procedural clarifications and adjustments. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 3. An amendment to provide term limitations for the mayor and council members limiting them to serving four two-year terms consecutively in each office, or six two-year terms consecutively in any combination of such offices, to take effect beginning with terms of office commencing in April 1993. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 4. An amendment to provide for filing for election to the city council by either the payment of a filing fee or the submission of a petition in accordance with the Texas Election Code. The foregoing proposition passed as amended by the following vote: Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Rhodes and Slavik voting "No"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 5. An amendment to allow the City Council to adjust its regular meeting schedule, provided that the City Council is required to meet in regular session not less often than twice each month, and to require two readings of ordinances except in cases of emergency, provided that certain leases shall not be finally acted upon until the twenty-eighth day after first reading. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 6. An amendment to modify the provisions for removal of council members by incorporating the procedures before the ethics commission and conform them to other provisions of the charter. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 13 PROPOSITION 7. An amendment to change the term "handicap" to "disability" and add the terms "age" and "color" to the non-discrimination provisions of the City Charter in order to conform such non-discrimination provisions with current federal law. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 8. An amendment to allow members of the city council and city boards and commissions to become candidates for any non -city public office, but providing they will forfeit their positions in the event they are elected or appointed to the new office The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 9. An amendment to provide that the debt service required for bonds approved by the voters in the future will be subject to the tax rate limitation provided in the Texas Constitution. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Martin, McComb, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Longoria, Moss, and Slavik voting "No"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 10. An amendment to make limited revisions to the city's authority to grant leases up to sixty years, providing that leases longer than five years covering submerged lands on the bayfront must be submitted to a referendum. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 11. An amendment increasing the annual compensation of the mayor to $18,000.00. The foregoing proposition passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. PROPOSITION 12. An amendment to allow City employees to become candidates for a non -city elective office, providing it does not interfere with their city employment. The foregoing proposition was added and passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McComb, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Guerrero absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 14 The Council went into closed session pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act, Article 6252-17, Section 2(0, regarding acquisition of real property in Oso Creek area near Elliott landfill for park and solid waste purposes. The Council returned from closed session, and Mayor Rhodes commented on the recent Texas Municipal Board meeting. She discussed the priorities which were established at the meeting which would be presented at the next legislative session. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza reviewed the City's holiday garbage pick-up schedule. Mr. Garza also gave an update on Phoenix Holdings Group, Inc.'s recent bond proceedings for the golf courses. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Martin requested that the City Council be kept informed by City staff on all City related matters. Mr. Martin also requested a list of the pending budget adjustments due to the transfer of the municipal golf courses. Mr. Garza briefly discussed the adjustments and stated that he would provide the Council with the information. Mr. Martin referred to Mr. Ron Hudson's letter regarding the Open Meetings Act. Mr. Garza stated that he had prepared a response and would furnish the Council a copy. Council Member Slavik inquired whether the tax bills for the City's Industrial District members had been sent out. Mr. Garza answered in the affirmative and discussed the amounts. A discussion developed regarding the Industrial District agreement, and Mayor Rhodes stated that it was her understanding that, if the terms of the contract were not finalized by November of 1992, the Council was not interested in negotiating further. A discussion ensued and several Council Members expressed concern about the delay. Mayor Rhodes requested that City Manager Garza contact the Industrial District and provide the Council with an update. Council Member Slavik expressed the importance of keeping the Council informed to prevent misinterpretations. Council Member Longoria commented that she served on the City's Nueces County Community Action Board and discussed their goals and objectives. Mrs. Longoria also referred to City Secretary Chapa's Council inquiry about mobile voting which the Council was not interested in pursuing, and stated for the record she was interested in mobile voting, especially as it could be related to voting at the local H.E.B. stores. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 15, 1992 Page 15 Council Member McComb inquired about the new Fire Station facility. City Manager Garza stated that the station was currently operating, and the dedication would be forthcoming. Further, Mr. Garza commented that the old fire station would be utilized as a City maintenance facility and discussed the possibility of placing the fire administration in an existing empty City park and recreation building. Council Member McComb also questioned recent recycling pick-up in his area, and Mr. Bob Bruner discussed the routes. Mr. McComb further inquired about City utility charges for vacant houses in the City, and City Manager Garza explained the procedures. Lastly, Mr. McComb expressed concern about certain statements in the Friends of the Aquarium Newsletter concerning the Corpus Christi Bay area. Council Member Moss referred to the sales tax revenues recently received, and City Manager Garza stated that the monies would be utilized to increase the City's fund reserves. Mr. Garza also discussed new requirements from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. Council Member Galindo inquired whether City Secretary Chapa could reexamine the possibility of mobile voting, and the Mayor stated that it had already been determined that the consensus of the Council was not to use mobile voting in the upcoming election. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr William Gearhart, 4810 Marion Circle, stated that he felt that the Request for Proposal (RFP) on maintenance for the City's radio system was supporting large and not small businesses. He inquired whether the RFP could be broken down into different components and bid on separately. Council Member Martin stated that this request was being made at a late date. He stated that the bids were due two and one-half to three weeks ago, and the Manager extended them to try to get additional bids which are now due in two days. He expressed concern that Mr. Gearhart was requesting a change in the RFP at this late date. Mr. Ronald A. Hudson, 3556 Austin, commented on his recent letter concerning the Corpus Christi Cable Communications Commission violating The Open Meetings Acts. Mr. Hudson requested that the City's boards and commissions be informed of The Open Meetings Act. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. on December 15, 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 December 15, 1992, which were approved by the City Council on December 22, 1992. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 5th day of February, 1993. jArmando Chapa r � City Secretary SEAL