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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/02/1993I 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 March 2, 1993, which were approved by the City Council on March 9, 1993. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 23rd day of March, 1993. SEAL Armando Chapa City Secretary MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting March 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 Chaplain Jenny Russell, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member 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 February 23, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board & Committee appointments and the following appointments were made by the Council: Minutes Regular Cc cil Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 2 Building Standards Board Leslie Baker (Realtor) Alicia Cuellar (Attorney) Harvey Houston (Clergyman) Oil and Gas Advisory Committee Lee Barberito (Oil Industry) Andy Carson (General Public) Jeff Bookout (Alt., Oil and Gas Well Industry) David J. Mistrot (Alt., General Public) Senior Community Services Advisory Committee Elva Alba - Reappointed Elva Gonzalez - Reappointed Aileen Crieghton - Reappointed John Dunn - Reappointed Alicia Ruiz - Reappointed Helene Fennessy Marvena Jones (Agency Rep.) Esther Oliver Community Action Agency Cezar Galindo (represented by Freddy Cavazos) »»»»»»»»»»»» Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 1, motion accepting the resignation of Council Member Joe McComb. Mayor Rhodes stated that Council Member McComb was not present at the days meeting because he was attending a meeting in Washington on behalf of the Work Force Development Corporation. Mayor Rhodes next referred to the motion on the day's agenda approving the resignation of Council Member McComb. The motion was made by Council Member Galindo, seconded by Council Member McNichols. Responding to Council Member Moss, City Secretary Chapa explained that, since seven council members remained, four votes would be necessary for the passage of that day's motions, resolutions, or ordinances. Mr. Chapa further explained voting procedures for the period thirty days prior to the April 3, 1993 election. [A two-thirds vote of the Council (5 votes), is necessary for the passage of any appropriation of money not included in the budget, contract or obligations of the city created, franchises granted, or zoning/rezoning ordinances passed or hearing held.] Minutes Regular Co zil Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 3 Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion, and the motion passed unanimously (M93-067). Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 2 through 15, and Council Members requested that Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa announced that Council Member Martin had filed a Disclosure of Interest Affidavit on Item 11 and would not discuss or vote on this item. Council Member Longoria stated that she was filing a Disclosure of Interest Affidavit on Item 6 and would not discuss or vote on that item. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2. M92-068 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Boole & Babbage, Inc. to upgrade existing mainframe software licensing for $27,149, as a result of purchasing Exxon's mainframe. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." 8. RESOLUTION NO. 021578 Resolution amending Resolution No. 021524 governing City elections in 1993, passed on December 1, 1992 by amending Section 3 by removing Dorothy Himmel and appointing Art Chavarria as Presiding Judge of the Early Voting Ballot Board and Presiding Judge of the Central Counting Station. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." 10. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year lease with two one-year mutual term options to renew with Efrain Guerrero, dba La Playa, to provide food service at City Hall, for a fee of one percent of gross revenue. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Co, ;,i1 Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 4 11. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a three-year lease with the Bank of Corpus Christi to operate an automatic teller machine in the terminal of the Corpus Christi International Airport for 33% of shared net income as monthly rent. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye'; Martin abstaining. 12. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year lease agreement with Royal In-Flite Catering, Inc. for 3304 square feet at the Corpus Christi International Airport. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." 13. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 36, Parks, Recreation, Cultural and Leisure Time Activities by amending Article II, Convention Center and Coliseum, by updating existing titles, facility names, deleting sections which are no longer applicable and other housekeeping items. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye 14a. SECOND READING ORDINANCE Annexing 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. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Moss voting "No." 14b. SECOND READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with J.M. Vaughn for the annexation of approximately 10.42 acres of land out of a 400 acre tract in the Mariano Lopez De Herrera Grant, Abstract 606, Nueces County, Texas; finding all of said land to lie entirely within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, adjoining, contiguous, and adjacent thereto. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Moss voting "No." Minutes Regular Co. .,;il Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 5 15. ORDINANCE NO. 021580 Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6, Animal Control, Article II, Licenses and Permits; Administrative Proceedings, Section 6-18, Commercial Permits, by providing for commercial permits for animal exhibits; providing a permit fee for animal exhibits; and providing for possession of prohibited animals at animal exhibits. The foregoing ordinance passed on third reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 3, motion to grant a three year time extension to Section 2c of Ordinance No. 20893 which granted the Texas General Land Office a Special Permit for mixed use development located along the J.F.K. Causeway and on the east side of the Intercoastal Waterway. Council Member McNichols inquired about the specific area involved, and reasons for permitting travel trailer parks since these parks were not presently located in the area. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning, displayed slides depicting the area, and discussed the time permit for the development of travel trailer parks. Responding further, Mr. Harvey stated that the staff was not aware of any objections to the proposed travel trailer parks. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience and there were none. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 4, motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Central Power & Light Company to install street lighting improvements along Agnes Street. Council Member Galindo commented that several businesses located along the Agnes corridor between the North Port/Airport area preferred underground utility lines to further enhance the area. He also discussed additional costs for this suggestion and stated that underground utility lines conformed to the Westside Area Development Plan. Mr. Galindo then requested an amendment to the motion providing for underground lighting in the referenced area. City Manager Garza stated that, upon Council Member Galindo's request, this alternative had been examined by staff. He stated that the alternative consisted of concrete poles with underground wiring on the northside and utilization of the existing poles on the Southside. He stated that this alternative would cost an additional $36,000. Mr. Garza next stated that staff initially examined utilization of underground lines in projects consistent with previous Council direction. He also explained that the right-of-way lying between North Port and Airport Road was too narrow to follow this directive. Council Member Slavik referred to similar concerns she had received from local merchants in the area. Responding, Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager, Development Services, explained that, if this alternative were used, overhead lines would still remain. Mrs. Slavik commented favorably on the alternative. Minutes Regular Co, , it Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 6 Responding to Mayor Rhodes' inquiry, City Manager Garza explained the possible use of landscaping funds in the project to support a change of the proposed lighting plan. Council Member Longoria commented on the importance of appealing gateway entrances to cities and supported the alternative. Council Member Martin stressed the importance of underground utility lines, and expressed concern that overhead cable would still be present. Mr. Martin next inquired about the cost to locate all cables underground. Responding, Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering, explained existing lighting characteristics of the north and south sides. Mr. Martin suggested that, in the area between North Port and Airport Road, all lights be placed on the northside. Mr. Crull stated that this alternative would increase project costs an additional $69,000. Mr. Crull further discussed this suggestion. Council Member Martin stated support of underground utility lines in the City. He further suggested that the City could possibly perform one less project per year to fund the additional costs. Mr. Crull commented on the difficulties involved. Mr. Martin suggested that staff draft an ordinance directing the relocation of utility lines underground when feasible. Further deliberation ensued, and Mayor Rhodes announced that Item 4 would be withdrawn from consideration and returned to the Council at a later date. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Harvey discussed the advantages of underground utility lines. Mr. Harvey further stated that underground utility lines were more expensive initially than overhead cables, but less expensive when initially installed than converting to underground cables at a later date. Pursuant to Item 5, motion approving the purchase of ten additional police sedans from Bay Chevrolet, Council Member Slavik inquired about the necessity of the purchase in light of the previous purchase of police sedans. Further, Mrs. Slavik inquired about the unit's availability for officers in the community. City Manager Garza discussed recent police fleet modifications which provide a more efficient system. Responding further, Mr. Garza commented that he was not aware of a shortage of unmarked units. Council Member Moss asked why this purchase was not included in the previous purchase of police sedans. City Manger Garza discussed the cost of the units, and proposed reduction of next year's purchase of units. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, spoke against the purchase of the additional police sedans. Minutes Regular Co. Ji Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 7 Police Chief Henry Garrett responded to Mr. Perez' concerns about excessive unit availability and police units leaving the city limits unauthorized. Mr. Adam Guerrero, 1549 Devon, inquired about unit availability to local police officers. Police Chief Garrett explained that the purchase of the additional units would provide less than one car per officer on duty at any given time. Pursuant to Item 6, motion entering into a contract for the collection of delinquent special assessment, demolition, and weed lien accounts with Calame, Linebarger, Graham and Pena, Council Member Slavik inquired why other law firms did not submit proposals on the contract. She further inquired about the past performance of this law firm. City Manager Garza explained reasons other law firms did not submit proposals, and commented favorably on the law firm's past performance and collection procedures. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience and there were none. Pursuant to Item 7, motion approving an agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County for disposal of solid waste, Council Member Galindo inquired about the additional .50 cents fee for each residential subscriber to the County contractor's service. Mr. Garza replied that this fee was similar to the tipping fee charged to city residents. Next, Mr. Bob Bruner, Director of Solid Waste Services, explained the procedure controlling the six cubic yard disposal limit and proposed .50 cents surcharge. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience and there were none. Pursuant to Item 9, ordinance authorizing a contract with Nueces County for the conduct of a joint election on April 3, 1993, Council Member Slavik inquired whether the City Secretary's Office would be responsible for any county polling places located outside of the city limits. City Secretary Chapa replied that the state representative precincts were located within the city limits. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. M93-069 Motion to grant a three (3) year time extension to Section 2.c. of Ordinance No. 20893, passed and approved on March 20, 1990, which granted the Texas General Land Office a Special Permit for mixed use development located along the J.F.K. Causeway and on the east side of the Intercoastal Waterway. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Co, ..il Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 8 4. WITHDRAWN Street between No. Port Avenue and the S.H. 358 Expressway, at a cost not to e cca 000. 5. M93-070 Motion approving the purchase of ten additional police sedans in accordance with the supply agreement approved by City Council February 2, 1993 from Bay Chevrolet (formerly Benson Chevrolet). The total amount of the purchase is $125,260. The sedans are replacement units. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." 6. M93-071 Motion authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract for the collection of delinquent special assessment, demolition, and weed lien accounts with Calame, Linebarger, Graham and Pena. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye"; Longoria abstaining. 7. M93-072 Motion approving an agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County for disposal of solid waste. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." 9. ORDINANCE NO. 021579 Ordinance authorizing a contract with Nueces County for the conduct of a joint election on April 3, 1993. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." ............. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda. Minutes Regular Co. .;il Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 9 Mayor Rhodes deviated from the regular agenda and called for Item 17, noting that Mr. Michael Speed, Former Chair of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Water Issues, was present in the audience. She stated that Item 17 was a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with The Center for Statistical and Quality Improvement Services at Corpus Christi State University for a fee not to exceed $78,400 to evaluate the procedures that were used to establish the fresh water release requirements from Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi. Mayor Rhodes briefly discussed the history leading to the study. She stated that the City agreed to the interim operating plans for freshwater releases from Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi for a five year period as proposed by the Texas Water Commission. Further, she stated that, during the five year period, the City would assess the methods used to develop the fresh water release schedule, and, if the method proved faulty, would suggest other workable solutions. Mr. Speed introduced Mr. Edward R. Jones, Project Manager. Mr. Jones stated that the study would provide the best scientific and expert advice on the Texas Water Commission's proposed operating plans for freshwater releases from Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi. Council Member Martin stressed the importance and the critical nature of the study. He stated that these two aspects lead to several questions which must be addressed by Mr. Jones for public information. Mr. Martin then inquired whether Mr. Jones had a predetermined opinion or information from other sources concerning the conclusions of the study. Mr. Jones commented in the negative. Mr. Martin further inquired whether the individuals performing the study would determine the results based solely upon information obtained through the study, and Mr. Jones affirmed. Council Member McNichols further stressed the importance of the study. He stated that a good scientific evaluation would provide answers to be used objectively for future decisions concerning the fresh water release requirements. Council Member Slavik inquired whether Mr. Jones believed the study was necessary. Mr. Jones stated that this decision was a public policy decision. Mayor Rhodes then commented that, when the City agreed to the interim order, the City also assured the public that the data would be examined. results. Council Member Slavik also stressed the importance of a study based on unbiased Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, commented unfavorably on the water releases as well as the proposed study. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Cot .11 Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 10 17. M93-074 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with The Center for Statistical and Quality Improvement Services at Corpus Christi State University for a fee not to exceed $78,400 to evaluate the procedures that were used to establish the fresh water release requirements from Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Slavik voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussions on Items 16a and 16b, motion and ordinance on the joint award with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) concerning the 800 MHz trunked radio system contract with Dailey -Wells Communications, Inc. City Manager Garza discussed previous concerns regarding the maintenance of the radio system. He stated that the results of the investigation proved satisfactory. Mr. Garza further discussed the disadvantages of City staff performing the maintenance which were revealed through a recent evaluation. Mr. John Bacon, Director of Municipal Information Services, responded to several questions posed by Council Member Galindo regarding the best and final offer figures and evaluation formula used in the selection. Council Member Galindo then stated that the low bid was $30,000 lower than the selected bid, and expressed concern that the low bid was not chosen. In response, City Manager Garza stated that Dailey -Wells Communications, Inc. submitted the best competitive proposal. He further stated that the selection was based upon overall evaluation criteria. Responding to Council Member Martin, City Manager Garza explained the State law governing high technology procurement such as this contract. Further, Mr. Garza reviewed the determining criteria. He next stated that staff felt Dailey -Wells Communications, Inc. possessed superior abilities regarding personnel, experience, inventory, and various items involving technical merit. Responding further, Mr. Bacon discussed the bid evaluation formula and the bidder's experience with comparable systems. Council Member Martin expressed concern that prior experience with comparable systems was a consideration. Mr. Bacon commented that the original manufacturer, Ericsson GE Mobil Communications, Inc., also possessed prior experience. Mr. Bacon then responded to several questions from Council Member Martin regarding A&B Electronics, Inc. and bids in the best and final offers document. A brief discussion ensued. Council Member Slavik commented favorably on in-house performance of the maintenance, and inquired whether staff was concerned with past complaints about Dailey- Minutes Regular Cot._ .;il Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 11 Wells Communications, Inc. City Manager Garza commented that maintenance provided in-house would not be less expensive. He further stated that the creation of an intergovernmental department performing maintenance for other governmental entities as well as the City could possibly reduce the costs and allow for in-house maintenance. In response to Council Member Slavik's second inquiry, Mr. Garza discussed potential managing and auditing procedures presently under review for the maintenance contract. Mr. Garza further stated that prior investigations did not reveal reasons the contract should not be awarded to Dailey -Wells Communications, Inc. Mayor Rhodes stated that Mr. Garza's suggestion regarding the City working with other governmental entities for radio maintenance could be addressed in the future when circumstances dictated. Council Member Galindo referred to the figures estimating the vehicle install/removal estimated in the best and final offers, and City Manager Garza explained. Council Member Galindo then expressed concern that staff felt that A&B Electronics, Inc. could not sufficiently perform the contract. Mayor Rhodes referred to Mr. Bacon's prior comment that A&B Electronics, Inc. would require six months to gain experience on the City's radio system. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Eric Wramp, President of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, commented unfavorably on the selection procedures and selection of Dailey -Wells Communications, Inc. Mr. Wramp further pointed out several discrepancies in the agenda material. Mr. Wramp also expressed concern that the contract did not contain sufficient obligatory language for the contractor to provide adequate services during a hurricane. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Wramp stated he felt the radio maintenance should be performed in-house. In response to Council Member Slavik's request, City Manager Garza discussed the training and skill required to perform the maintenance in-house and recent actions regarding the City's radio maintenance personnel. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, inquired whether an elected official had examined the results of the prior investigation involving the radio maintenance contract. Responding, City Manager Garza stated that the Police Chief had reviewed the results. Mr. Richard Wells, President and owner of Dailey -Wells Communications, Inc., reviewed his company's credentials and qualifications to perform the maintenance contract. Responding to Council Member Longoria, Mr. Wells discussed his company's local office personnel and certifications. Responding further, Mr. Wells discussed contract obligations during hurricane conditions. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Cot. _,;il Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 12 16a. M93-073 Motion to jointly award with the RTA, based upon the most advantageous competitive proposal, a two-year contract with Daily & Wells Communication, Inc., estimated at $279,173 per year for maintenance of the 800 mhz trunked radio system. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, and Moss "Aye"; Martin and Slavik voting "No." 16b. ORDINANCE NO. 021581 Ordinance appropriating $70,000 from the Municipal Information Systems Unreserved Fund for radio maintenance and related expenditures; amending Ordinance No. 021441, which adopted the FY 92-93 budget, by adding $70,000 to Municipal Information Systems Fund No. 133. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Martin and Slavik voting "No." Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza discussed the early payments recently received from the Industrial District. Council Member Martin inquired whether the Industrial District contracts contained language concerning penalties for late payments. City Manager Garza stated that staff would examine this aspect. Mayor Rhodes read a letter received from Mr. Keith Arnold, President of the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, discussing the possibility of a large welcoming sign near the Nueces Park Visitors Center. Mayor Rhodes requested that the City Manager investigate that possibility. Mayor Rhodes next inquired about training for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). City Manager Garza discussed an option currently under review for the training services to be provided by Del Mar College. Mayor Rhodes referred to the material provided to the Council regarding the retirees' insurance. City Manager Garza explained that, to reduce health insurance premiums, health coverage must be reduced or deductibles must be increased. Responding further, Mr. Garza stated that combining the retiree's insurance with active member's insurance would not reduce the cost, but would increase the cost for all participants, or the City. Mr. Garza further explained city subsidies required to reduce the retiree's insurance premiums at different levels outlined in a report to the Council. Council Member Martin expressed concern about the retiree's rate increases. Mr. Martin commented that the retiree's increases could have been a result of a miscalculation of medical costs estimates setting the rates, or several expensive illnesses last year, or a combination of both. Mr. Martin then inquired whether the higher rates were due to a loss or to current insurance costs. Mr. Garza responded. Mr. Martin then stated that Minutes Regular COL ;il Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 13 retirees should be responsible for one hundred percent of their medical costs, but should be able to participate in the City's group insurance. Responding further to Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza discussed the insurance plan for police and fire retirees. Mr. Martin inquired whether there was a method to recover last year's loss over a period of five to six years which might ameliorate the increased rates. A discussion developed regarding recent rate increases of retirees as compared to active members. Mr. Martin inquired whether the City had opened the bids on the administration of the City's health insurance, and Mr. Garza confirmed. Mr. Martin then referred to a letter from Travelers Insurance Company criticizing the bidding process, and Mr. Garza discussed the circumstances involved. Mr. Martin suggested the City Manager respond to the letter. Lastly, Mr. Martin commended the staff on the good analysis performed on the City's radio maintenance. He further stated that his vote reflected his discontent with the bidding process used, and inquired whether the bid approach would not have been more effective utilizing a low bid type of process. Mr. Martin further commented that he had confidence in the investigation performed by staff and the Police Chief regarding prior concerns regarding the radio maintenance of the City. He also supported the staff's selection for the maintenance contract. Mayor Rhodes commented unfavorably on health insurance which discouraged preventative measures. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member McNichols referred to a recent letter from Mr. Mike Werbiski, President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association. Dr. McNichols provided a copy of the letter to City Manager Garza for staff review of the referenced issues. Next, Dr. McNichols raised questions regarding a recent letter from Encycle/Texas, Inc., and requested that City Manager Garza address this issue also. Council Member Moss inquired about the City's health insurance administrator bidding process, and City Manager Garza explained the deadline extension. Council Member Moss then referred to a letter he received from a business on Holly Road inquiring about the Holly Road street improvements. Mr. Garza gave an update on the project. Council Member Moss inquired about a City Fire Department truck he recently observed in the City, and City Manager Garza explained that a beverage truck had been converted into a HAZMAT unit. Further, Mr. Moss discussed a Cellular One advertisement he recently saw on television which displayed the City of Corpus Christi Police Department's insignia in the background. City Manager Garza stated that he would investigate the matter. Council Member Longoria referred to the McKinzie Road project. Further, Mrs. Longoria extended an invitation to the Council for the dedication ceremony of Nueces River Park on March 16, 1993. Lastly, Mrs. Longoria discussed her recent meetings with Mr. Frank Schwing, Nueces County Commissioner, regarding assistance to the senior citizens Minutes Regular Cot._ _il Meeting March 2, 1993 Page 14 and youths in the northwest area. She stated that Mr. Schwing offered assistance through the Sheriffs Prisoners Utilization Release System (SPURS) Program. City Manager Garza stated that the City currently utilized this program. A brief discussion ensued regarding this program. Council Member Slavik inquired whether workshops scheduled during council meetings could be held separately instead. Council Member Slavik next referred to the Desalinization Report provided to the Council. She stated that the report contained information concerning potable water, but not information concerning raw water. Council Member McNichols discussed the difficulties involved regarding the production of raw water through desalinization. Further, Dr. McNichols stated that desalinized raw water for industrial use was presently more expensive than other recently identified water sources. Further discussion developed on this matter, and Council Member Martin commented on the possibility of enclosing the water distribution flow system as an alternative in the distant future. Council Member Galindo requested that the City Manager provide the Council with a report regarding the use of the SPURS Program by the City. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mrs. Marissa Hogan, 2634 Debra, requested assistance from the Council regarding the mosquito problems in the Flour Bluff area and discussed possible solutions. A broad discussion ensued regarding this issue, and Mayor Rhodes requested the City Manager to meet with Mrs. Hogan to discuss the issue further. Mr. Jimmy Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, discussed a hazardous traffic condition existing at the intersection of Southern Minerals Road and Sedwick Road. City Manager Garza stated that he would investigate the condition. Mr. Johnny Montalvo complimented the Mayor, Council Members, and the Regional Transportation Authority for their fine work in the community. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. on March 2, 1993. .............