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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/02/1993I 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 February 2, 1993, which were approved by the City Council on February 9, 1993. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 25th day of February, 1993. SEAL Armando Chapa City Secretary MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1993 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Edward Martin Council Members: Cezar Galindo Dr. David McNichols Betty Jean Longoria Clif Moss Mary Pat Slavik ABSENT Joe McComb 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 Reverend E. F. Bennett, Retired Minister, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Mayor Rhodes. 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 January 26, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. ■ ■ ■ Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 1, motion accepting the resignation of Council Member Leo Guerrero. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following passed: Minutes Regular Cc .cil Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 2 1. M93-035 Motion accepting the resignation of Council Member Leo Guerrero. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. . s s s s s s s s s e s s 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, 4, 5, and 7 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 6a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year lease agreement with two one- year renewal options with The Executive Wet Set for rental of slip space for the operation of water toy concessions on the northside of the Peoples Street T -Head stem. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. 6b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year lease with two one-year renewal options with Beach Rentals, Inc. for rental of slip space for the operation of water toy concessions on the northside of the Peoples Street T -Head stem. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. 8. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to License (Lease) No. DOT-FA78SW-1073 with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, adding 400 feet by 1600 feet at the end of Runway 31 for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the medium intensity approach lighting system/runway alignment indicator light. Minutes Regular Cc .cil Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 3 The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. Relative to Item 2, a supply agreement for thirty police package sedans, Council Member Slavik inquired whether a car pool system similar to the one at City Hall was presently in use at the Police Department. City Manager Garza stated that a car pool system would be tested in the future on marked police car units. He stated that this experiment could strengthen preventive maintenance and enhance usage accountability concerning the wear and tear of the units. Responding further, Mr. Garza stated that a savings could be realized through the experiment and that the results would be available by the upcoming budget period. Council Member Martin stressed the importance of unit availability before considering the cost of operating the units. Responding to Council Member Moss, F. D. Glenn, Purchasing Agent, explained the normal delivery time for this type of vehicle. He further stated that the recent dealership transfer of Benson Chevrolet would not affect the performance of the bid. Next, Police Chief Henry Garrett explained the accessories required for the units and discussed unit availability to the City's police force. Council Member Longoria inquired about Law Enforcement Trust Funds which are supporting this purchase. City Manager Garza replied that this fund consisted of confiscated drug monies. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Chief Garrett also discussed the total cost for each unit and the length of time the bid would remain open. Pursuant to Item 3, purchase of a closed loop traffic control system, Council Member Slavik inquired about the date the system would be installed. Council Member McNichols inquired about the need for the system at the specified intersections, and City Manager Garza explained the effects and the benefits of the system. Further, Mr. Garza stated that he would provide a report to the Council which prioritized the intersections in the City. Council Member Moss commented that he supported the traffic control system. Returning to Council Member Slavik's earlier inquiry, Mr. Garza stated that the system would be installed in approximately three months. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 4, motion approving the purchase of ten radar units for the Police Department. Minutes Regular C6..ci1 Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 4 Council Member Moss inquired about the delivery date of the units, and Chief Garrett explained the expected delivery date and the funding of the purchase. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 5, resolution expressing the City's desire to host the American Bowling Congress Tournament in 1997. Responding to Council Member Slavik, City Manager Garza explained the free rental of the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center Exhibit Hall and related in-kind services. Responding further to Council Member Martin, Mr. Garza stated that these funds would be set aside on a yearly basis for use in 1997. Responding to Council Member McNichols' comments about the benefits to the City from the 1992 tournament, City Manager Garza discussed the need for an investigative service in the community to obtain vital information regarding local events such as the bowling tournament. A brief discussion ensued, and it was the consensus of the Council that the return of the American Bowling Congress Tournament in 1997 would be an important asset to the community. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Keith Arnold, Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, commented favorably on the return of the bowling tournament in 1997, and expressed appreciation to the Council for their support. Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the community for the hospitality extended to the bowlers in the 1992 bowling tournament. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 7, ordinance authorizing a Joint Use Parking Agreement with All Saints' Episcopal Church. Council Member Martin inquired about the length of the contract. Mr. Tom Utter, Director of Development Services, explained circumstances which would affect the contract's length. Mr. Martin expressed concern that the use of City land would be restricted for 60 years. He further commented that, if the Lindale Senior Community Center required expansion, a conflict would be present. Responding further, Mr. Utter discussed parking requirements in the City's zoning ordinance pertaining to the Church. Mr. Martin stated that he did not object to the contract, but objected to the contract's term. Mr. Dee Haven, Senior Warden of the All Saints' Episcopal Church, briefly commented on the history of the use of the land by the church, discussed the various groups utilizing the parking lot, and stressed the importance of the parking lot to the church. A brief discussion ensued regarding the contract term, and City Manager Garza agreed with Council Member Martin's suggestion to periodically review City contracts in relationship to potential plans the City may have. Minutes Regular Cote . i1 Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 5 Mayor Rhodes requested that staff reexamine the term of the contract and provide additional information to the Council before the second reading of the ordinance. City Manager Garza polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2. M93-036 Motion approving a supply agreement for thirty police package sedans in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0108-93, with Benson Chevrolet, Corpus Christi, Texas, for the estimated annual amount of $375,780 based on low bid. The term of the contract will be for the 1993 model production year with an option to extend through the 1994 model production year subject to the approval of the seller and the City Manager, or his designee. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. 3. M93-037 Motion approving the purchase of a closed loop traffic control system in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0070-93 from Econolite Control Products, Inc., Houston, Texas for the amount of $17,595 based on low bid meeting specifications. The equipment will be installed by the Street Services Department on Alameda/Glazebrook; Alameda/Texan Trail; Alameda/Everhart; and Alameda/Robert. Funds are budgeted for 1992-93. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McNichols voting "No"; McComb absent. 4. M93-038 Motion approving the purchase of 10 radar units from the following companies for the following amounts, based on low bid meeting specifications for a total of $17,104.00. Funds have been budgeted for FY 92-93 by the Police Department. Texas State Distributors, Inc. Kustom Signals, Inc. Beaumont. Texas Lenexa. Kansas $13,304.00 $3,800.00 (Vehicle mounted radar units) (hand-held radar units) GRAND TOTAL - $17,104.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. Minutes Regular Co, _.:il Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 6 5. RESOLUTION NO. 021559 Resolution expressing the City's desire to host the American Bowling Congress Tournament in 1997 and authorizing the City Manager to provide them with $300,000; free rental of the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center Exhibit Hall; and related in kind services, subject to appropriation. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. 7. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing a Joint Use Parking Agreement, not to exceed sixty years, for a public parking area in Lindale Park located at the corner of McClendon and South Staples Street with All Saints' Episcopal Church. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda and opened the public hearing on Item 9, closing and abandoning Avenue B from Middle Lane south 100 feet to the portion of Avenue B previously closed in 1967. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Reverend Ted Eaton, Calallen Baptist Church, commented on the importance of the closure and abandonment to his Church. There was no opposition. Council Member Moss moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member McNichols, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council as follows: 9. ORDINANCE NO. 021560 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 60 foot wide by 100 foot long section of Avenue B right-of-way adjacent to Lots 5 and 6, Block 19, and Lots 11 and 12, Block 14, Calallen, subject to applicant paying fair market value for the street, replatting the property within 180 days, and meeting specified conditions. Minutes Regular COL _ it Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 7 An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; McComb absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on Item 10, the annexation of 10.42 acres of land out of a 400 acre tract in the Mariano Lopez De Herrera grant, Abstract 606, Nueces County, Texas, owned by Mr. J. M. Vaughn and platted as Wood River Unit 5-A. City Secretary Chapa explained that the first reading of an ordinance concerning the annexation would be considered at a future Council meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the Council or the audience, and there were none. Council Member Slavik moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member McNichols, and passed unanimously. On Item 11, Mayor Rhodes reconvened the required public hearing for the closure and abandonment of Williams Drive right-of-way from Everhart Road easterly 119.30 feet. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering, discussed previous concerns of the adjacent property owners and the resolution of the concerns. Mr. Crull also discussed the appraisal value of the land, and recommended Council approval. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience and there were none. Council Member McNichols moved to close the public hearing and the motion was seconded by Council Member Longoria and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. ORDINANCE NO. 021561 Ordinance closing and abandoning the 60 -foot wide Williams Drive right-of-way from Everhart Road easterly 119.30 feet; subject to the entire right-of-way being retained as a utility easement and payment of $9,000 as fair market value; and City replatting the property within 180 days. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No"; McComb absent. Minutes Regular Co.. _ail Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 8 Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: Case No. 193-4. Regional Transit Authority: A change of zoning from "I-2" Light Industrial District to "B-5" Primary Business District on Lot 13, Block 40, Bluff Addition, located on the northeast corner of North Staples and Mestina Streets. Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the application. No one opposed the zoning change Responding to concerns from Council Member Moss, Mr. Utter briefly discussed the procedures for requesting zoning changes before presentation to the City Council. Council Member McNichols expressed support of the proposed bus transfer center and expressed concern about the location. Mr. Steve Ortmann, RTA Development Officer, explained that the proposed route schedule would relieve bus and pedestrian congestion at the existing bus transfer stop on North Staples and Leopard Streets. Council Member McNichols referred to the possibility of the Mestina and Staples Street intersection requiring a traffic light. Mr. Ortmann commented on the proposed traffic patterns and stated that City staff had participated in the development of the plans. Responding to several inquiries from Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter and Mr. Harvey discussed the requested zoning change as compared to the City's zoning requirements. Council Member Longoria inquired about bus access on Waco Street, and Mr. Ortmann explained the plans to provide additional space on Waco Street. A motion was made by Council Member McNichols to close the public hearing; seconded by Council Member Longoria and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance was passed: 12. ORDINANCE NO. 021562 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Regional Transportation Authority by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Lot 13, Block 40, Bluff Addition, from "I-2" Light Industrial District to "B-5" Primary Business District. Minutes Regular Co,_.ci1 Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 9 An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Galindo and McComb absent. s e s :: s s s s s a s s Mayor Rhodes announced the closed session on the day's Agenda. Council Member Slavik inquired whether the Agenda language met the closed meeting requirements in the Open Meetings Act. City Attorney Bray stated that the Act required the subject matter of an item for discussion in a closed meeting to be posted. He stated that this requirement had been sufficiently met. Responding to Council Member Martin's inquiry, City Attorney Bray stated that the closed meeting on the day's agenda was under the litigation subsection. He further stated that the Act required the presiding officer to announce the related subsection when announcing the closed meeting, which had been done by the Mayor. Mr. J. E. O'Brien stated that he felt the notice of the day's closed meeting was deficient. Responding to Mr. O'Brien's concerns, Mr. Bray stated that the Open Meetings Act required that the subject matter be identified. He further stated that the present subject matter was the golf course contract which had been properly identified. Mr. O'Brien questioned the existence of a golf course contract. Responding, Mr. Bray stated that two executed contracts presently existed between the City and the Phoenix Group Holdings, Inc. since neither party had exercised the contract's default provisions. The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Sec. 2(e), V.A.C.S., regarding Abel Alonzo v. City of Corpus Christi et al, No. C-91-218, U.S. Dist. Ct., Southern Dist. of Texas, Corpus Christi Division; and golf course contracts with Phoenix Group Holdings, Inc. The Council returned from closed session, and Mayor Rhodes and Council Member Longoria stressed the importance of the performance of the golf contract. Then, Council Member Longoria made a motion instructing staff to place Phoenix Group Holdings, Inc.'s golf course contracts on next week's agenda to: (1) terminate said contracts, or (2) extend said contract if Phoenix Group Holdings, Inc. provides sufficient security including a $300,000 cash deposit or the equivalent and obtains backing from Royal Oil and Gas within ten days to assure performance of the contract, seconded by Council Member McNichols. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion, and the motion passed as follows: Rhodes, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No"; Martin and McComb absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 10 Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on the Budget Workshop. Mr. Garza distributed material to the Council and commented on the objectives of the day's workshop. He stated that he hoped to obtain direction from the Council regarding the upcoming budget which would enable staff to establish general budget concepts. Mr. Garza then discussed the previous Council direction to fund programs for the young people in the community and City-wide cleanliness. Through the use of charts, Mr. Garza discussed revenues and expenditures of the General Fund, General Obligation Debt Service Fund, Combined Utility Fund, and individual City departments. Relative to the General Fund, Mr. Garza stated that the fund's projected FY 91-92 ending balance resulted in a greater amount than anticipated. He stated that the increase in fund balance occurred through a decrease of expenditures during the first six months of the year as well as an increase in the accrual of sales tax to the month of July, 1992. He also stated that further attempts to keep expenses below expenditures would continue throughout the remainder of the budget year. Responding to Council Member Moss, Mr. Garza stated that, in prior years, fund reserves had been transferred to support the General Fund operating budget. He stated that it would be best to reduce this transfer gradually. Council Member Slavik inquired about the reduced commitments for reserve accounts. Mr. Garza explained that a cessation of employee hiring along with purchasing only essential items affected these reservations. Mr. Garza explained the assumptions which underlie his budget projections for the current year. He stated that the projected revenue figures were conservative and the projected expenditures figures were aggressive. Further, that the sales tax, the electric franchise fee, the telephone franchise fee, and the CATV franchise fee are projected to meet budgeted levels and could possibly exceed budgeted levels. Also, he was requesting staff to use caution when justifying expenses to remain within the budget. Council Member Moss referred to the increase of the sales tax revenues, and Mr. Garza explained his caution of not including the increase. Council Member Martin inquired about the projected reserved for commitment figure for FY 1992-93. City Manager Garza explained that the projected figures contained outstanding commitments as of July 31, 1992, and contributed to the higher closing balance. Further, Mr. Martin inquired about the estimated FY 1992-93 General Fund revenue from the Industrial District. Mr. Garza stated that the early payment was not included. Mr. Martin next requested that Mr. Garza provide a copy of the early payment offer to the Council. Minutes Regular CoL_.cil Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 11 Council Member McNichols referred to the Council's previous request for a report on the Industrial District contracts. Mr. Garza explained that the negotiations with the Industrial District had been discontinued until after the April elections. Mayor Rhodes commented that the negotiation process and the early payment offer were two separate items. A brief discussion ensued regarding the acceptance of the early payment, and City Manager Garza expressed concern that, through the acceptance of the early payment, a precedence would be established. He further stated that not accepting future early payments would lead to future shortfalls. Mr. Martin stated that this would occur if the payment was expended, and that he could not foresee difficulties in the present acceptance of the early payment. Responding further to Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza stated that less revenue was budgeted last year than this year because of a number of one time revenue items. He stated that these items included the transfer from the Housing Finance Corporation. Mr. Martin stressed the importance of identifying potential revenue sources and final budget targets. He further stated that Mr. Garza's report contained safe projection figures. Mr. Martin further suggested including the early payment from the Industrial District, and not transferring the Housing Finance Corporation monies. Further, Mr. Martin stated that Mr. Garza's budget presentation suggested that, if new items were added in the budget, cutbacks in existing items would be required. Mr. Garza agreed, and discussed the importance of informing the City's department heads that no additional money would be present in next year's budget. Mr. Garza next discussed the possibility of upgrading City services through coordination between the City and the public, utilizing present resources. A brief discussion developed, and it was determined that the early payment from the Industrial District would not produce additional revenue. Then, Mr. Martin commented that the early payment would allow the City to obtain a better bond rating. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Garza reiterated the factors which increased the General Fund's FY 92-93 closing balance. Dr. McNichols agreed with Mr. Martin's suggestion to identify final budget targets. Council Member Slavik discussed her prior budget projections which were in line with Mr. Garza's present projections. Mr. Garza stated that the closing balance was higher because of the new ruling of the Governmental Standards Board which required accrued revenues to be credited when generated. Council Member Martin stated that it was his impression that the City would have the opportunity in the upcoming budget year, without the intervention of major expenditures or programs, to have a budget whereby expenditures were funded with current year revenues. Minutes Regular Cou._,;il Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 12 Mr. Garza then referred to the closing balance of the General Obligation Debt Service Fund. He commented on the City's goal of retaining at least 75 percent of next year's debt service requirement. Mr. Garza next stated that interest from the construction funds would not be available at the FY 92-93 level in the upcoming year because investable cash balances were down and interest rates were low. He stated that these factors would create a deficit of support revenues relative to expenditures. Council Member Martin inquired about the construction account interest loss, and City Manager Garza stated that the funds had been reserved for several years to pay the debt. Council Member Martin inquired whether capital project funds had been recently transferred, and Mr. Garza replied in the affirmative. Mr. Garza stated that last year he had hoped to transfer the interest over a longer period of time, but budget constraints made this option unavailable. Next, Mr. Garza discussed the City's Combined Utility Fund. He stated that this fund includes the City's gas, water, and wastewater departments. He further stated that the FY 92-93 beginning balance was higher than anticipated, but still reflected a drain on the fund's resources. He stated that the increased balance resulted from the hiring freeze, reduction in the amount of energy used in the water fund, reduction in the amount of chemicals used at the water and wastewater departments, and larger revenues from the Gas Department. He stated that the same goal was present for this fund: bring expenditures in line with revenues. He stated that the fulfillment of this goal could provide funds for the City's capital improvement projects. Mr. Martin commented that he did not want the public to believe the City was losing money in the utility funds, and discussed the capital project reserve accounts (i.e. Choke Canyon and Wesley Seale Dam) funded by choice from this account. He next stated that the fund was healthy, but not healthy enough to sell bonds for new wastewater projects. Responding to Council Member Slavik, City Manager Garza reiterated the reasons for the difference in the FY 92-93 beginning fund balance in the G.O. Debt Service Fund. Responding further, Mr. Garza stated that he hoped to continue the reductions in the future. Further, Mr. Garza stated that the projected figures did not include utility rate increases. Mr. Garza then briefly discussed the City's Combined Utility Fund by departments. He stated that the Gas Department currently contains a healthy fund balance and that expenditures were in excess of revenues. Council Member Moss inquired whether the reserve funds in the Gas Department would be considered a cash asset in the event of the sale of the Gas System. City Manager Garza stated that the evaluation of the system was based on all current assets. City Manager Garza next discussed the change of funding debt repayment related to the Wastewater Department. He stated that this change caused the current deficit. Minutes Regular Cou..cil Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 13 Mr. Garza stated that the Water Department was strong and an increase should be experienced. Mr. Garza next discussed the City's Aviation Fund which projects a deficit in the current operating budget. He stated that this deficit results from the funds reserved for commitments. Mr. Garza referred to the revised Airport contracts which allows the City to make adjustments each fiscal year in regards to actual Airport expenses. Mr. Garza responded to several questions posed by Council Member Galindo regarding the Aviation Fund's FY 92-93 closing balance and reserve for commitments. Further, Mr. Garza replied that the new Airport boarding fee would be noticed in the Airport's total revenues and interfund charges. He next discussed the increases of the Airport's parking fees, concession fees, and landing fees. Mr. Garza commended Mr. George Hext, Director of Aviation, for the outstanding revisions of the Airport contracts. Responding to Council Member Slavik, Mr. Garza explained the FY 92-93 adopted budget which was considerably less than the estimated FY 92-93 budget. He attributed the increase to the aforementioned Airport fee increases. Mr. Garza next discussed the projections in the City's Self -Insurance Fund. He stated that the ending balance contained various operating funds to cover liabilities and to provide for reserves. He next discussed the success of the City's recent Safety Focus Program which would be implemented in other City departments. Mr. Garza next discussed the projections in the City's Group Health Insurance Fund. Mr. Martin then expressed concern about the increased insurance premiums to City retirees. He stated that the premium increase was probably a result of past undercharging and the smallness of the retiree group. Mr. Martin then requested the City Manager to prepare a report on the cost of mixing the retirees' insurance with the active employees' insurance. He stated that an increase in overall insurance due to this consolidation should not be charged to existing employees. Mayor Rhodes discussed information she had received from retirees and agreed with Mr. Martin's request. Responding to Council Member Moss, Mr. Garza stated that State and Local Government is required to report financial operations on an individual fund basis. A brief discussion ensued regarding the budget projections, and Council Member Moss inquired about budget options available to the Council. City Manager Garza discussed several programs involving the youth in the City. Council Member Moss suggested that the City encourage the school district and the State to provide youth programs in the community and commented that the City could provide administrative services. Mr. Garza suggested that the City actively participate in the programs and utilize the school district's counseling services. City Manager Garza next discussed maintenance of City ditches and a clean-up program for heavy brush collection. Further, Mr. Garza stated that the Council would face Minutes Regular Couk.,;il Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 14 decisions regarding the property tax revenue if there were a decrease in the tax base. He next stated that rate increases could be considered to improve the City's deteriorating infrastructure. City Manager Garza requested information from Council Members on items for consideration in the budget. He stated that this information would enable staff to begin preparing for the next budget presentation. Council Member Moss stated that he felt street improvements were necessary. Council Member McNichols stated that the City Manager had presented a financial picture of the City's budget. He suggested the scheduling of another budget meeting which would allow the Council to set budget priorities. He then requested that the next budget meeting scheduled provide adequate time for discussion before the final budget meeting in July. A brief discussion ensued, and it was determined that the next budget meeting would be held in the middle of March, 1993. Through the use of charts, Mr. Garza lastly discussed the City's budget growth by fund expenditures. Further, through the use of charts, he displayed a General Fund analysis containing data between the years 1982 through 1994. He next presented a yearly comparison of major revenue sources (property tax, sales tax, and franchise fees), and reviewed the combined utility fund. Council Member Slavik commented that the early presentation of the City's preliminary budget was an excellent idea. Further, Mrs. Slavik inquired about the Emergency Medical Service Fund, and Mr. Garza explained the term of the present Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) agreement providing funds for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A brief discussion ensued. Council Member Moss commended the staff for the charts presented at the day's meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza commented briefly on the upcoming Legislative Briefing in Austin which he would be attending. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Martin referred to local merchants utilizing store parking lots for carnivals and storage. He stated that these merchants could be in violation of the City's zoning ordinance. Mr. Martin further expressed appreciation to the City Manager for the recent information about the Boat House issue. Minutes Regular Cou..cil Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 15 Next, Mr. Martin stressed the importance of the sale of the City's Gas Division. He then discussed the remaining preparations to place the sale on the April ballot and expressed concern about the short timeframe remaining. He further stressed the importance of adequate time to address the issue completely. He then suggested that the sale be considered in an election in August instead of the election in April. He lastly referred to the Gas Purchase Committee's decision that the election costs be assumed by the investor. Responding to Mayor Rhodes, City Secretary Chapa explained that an ordinance placing the sale on the April ballot had not been presented to the Council, and that a change of election dates would not present a problem. Mayor Rhodes stated that it was important that all aspects of the sale be sufficiently addressed before placing the sale on the ballot, and agreed with Mr. Martin's suggestion of an election in August. Council Member Slavik commented that the Gas Purchase Committee felt that the April election would produce a heavier voter turn -out than the August election because of the number of items present on the ballot and the mobile voting concept. She further stated that the committee was also concerned about the short length of time for preparation before the April election. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether Council Member Slavik, as Chairperson of the Gas Purchase Committee, believed there was adequate time before the April election to educate the public on the sale. Mrs. Slavik answered that it could be done, but would require extensive work from the City's public information office. Responding to Council Member Martin, City Manager Garza stated that the two completed contracts for the sale of the City's gas system would be in the Council's Friday packet. Mr. Garza further responded that Council approval would be required by February 16, 1993. Responding further, City Manager Garza stated that City staff would provide contract summaries to the Council. Council Member Slavik referred to the recommended ballot language regarding the sale, and inquired whether specific projects should be listed. City Manager Garza replied that final ballot language would be determined by the Council. Lastly, Council Member Slavik referred to the information provided to the Council concerning the Airport roof improvements, and City Manager Garza discussed the circumstances further. Council Member Galindo requested a report outlining the City's wastewater improvement projects and providing specific costs. Mr. Garza stated that staff had a presentation to present to the Council. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Mike Werbiski, 6018 Lucille Drive, President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association, inquired about the plans to remodel the vacant Seaman's Center with past bond money. He stated that it was his impression that this center would be remodeled for a Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 2, 1993 Page 16 classroom training facility for fire suppression and emergency medical services for the City's fire department, and would include the Fire Prevention Bureau administrative offices. Mr. Werbiski next commented that it was now his understanding that other agencies had expressed an interest in the building. City Manager Garza agreed that additional office space was necessary, and discussed efforts to utilize the Seaman's Center by other local agencies. Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Garza stated that the Seaman's Center was owned by the City, and that City staff was presently examining viable options for the relocation of the firefighters. Council Member Galindo commented that it was his understanding that firefighters were willing to contribute the labor for the building rehabilitation. Council Member Longoria inquired whether the Chamber of Commerce would purchase the Park and Recreation building, and City Manager Garza stated this information was not available at this time. Mr. Werbiski commented that firefighters presently performed minor maintenance and repairs, but that rehabilitating a building would be overwhelming. A broad discussion ensued, and Council Member Martin stated that building availability for City employees was not a Council concern and should be addressed by the City Manager and City staff. He next stated that the referenced bond money was to be utilized for fire training. Council Member Moss agreed with Mr. Martin's comments, and referred to valuable City -owned property which could be turned into assets for funding various projects such as the one presently being discussed. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 41030 Pompano, commented on the projected and actual FY 91-92 General Fund balance. He further stated that the budget workshop held in the middle of the days Council meeting was inconsiderate to the public. Next, Mr. O'Brien commented that he planned to consult with outside counsel as well as the County Attorney about the violations of the Open Meetings Act at the day's Council meeting. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:21 p.m. on February 2, 1993.