HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/20/1993I 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 April 20, 1993, which were
approved by the City Council on April 27, 1993.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 3rd day of May, 1993.
SEAL
City Secretary
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
April 20, 1993
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Betty Jean Longoria
Council Members:
Jack Best
Melody Cooper
Cezar Galindo
Dr. David McNichols
Edward Martin
Clif Moss
David Noyola
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 Sansom Williams, Parkway Presbyterian
Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led
by Council Member Cooper.
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 referred to the selection of the Mayor Pro Tem and suggested the
continuation of the previous process. Council Member McNichols moved that the Mayor
Pro Tem appointment remain on a rotating basis. The motion was seconded by Council
Member Moss.
Mayor Rhodes suggested that the first term be allotted to Council Member Betty
Jean Longoria, District 1; followed by Council Member Cezar Galindo, District 2; Council
Member Noyola, District 3; Council Member McNichols, District 4; Council Member
Cooper, District 5; Council Member Best, at Large; Council Member Moss, at Large; and
Council Member Martin, at Large. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion,
and the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting
of April 13, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes
Regular Co. Al Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 2
Mayor Rhodes announced the Presentation to the Friends of the Library by the
Corpus Christi Charity League.
Ms. Mary Beth Delano, Chairman of the Charity League, presented a check for
$65,000 to the Friends of the Library and the Library Board. Ms. Delano explained the
annual selection of a recipient for the funds and discussed the library -related programs
which will be funded by the proceeds. Mr. Ed Glaze, President of the Friends of the
Library, and Mr. Bill White, Chairman of the Library Board, accepted the check.
Ms. Delano further recognized the members of the Charity League present at the day's
meeting.
Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the Charity League, and recognized the
members of the Library Board present at the day's meeting.
Mayor Rhodes referred to the Regional Transportation Authority Government
Committee (Fare Approval Committee) appointments and the following council members
were appointed (M93-118):
Council Member David Noyola
Council Member Melody Cooper
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 3 through 7, and Council Members
requested that Items 4, 5, and 6 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
3. M93-119
Motion approving supply agreements for approximately 3,690 gas meter valves,
ranging in size from 1" - 2" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0166-93 with the
following companies for the following amounts based on low bid, for an estimated
annual expenditure of $35,816.10. 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. Funds have been
budgeted for FY 92-93 by the Gas Division.
National Meter
Lancaster. Ohio
(1" valves with couplings)
$34,560.00
GRAND TOTAL - $35,816.10
Grinnell Corp.
Houston, Texas
(1"-2" valves without couplings)
$1,256.10
Minutes
Regular Co,. Al Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 3
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
7. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53, Traffic, Section 53-252, Schedule III -
Parking "Prohibited at All Times on Certain Streets" by prohibiting curbside parking
along both sides of Williams Drive at all times between a point 900 feet east of
Everhart Road and Staples Street and along both sides of Corona Drive from
Everhart Road to its terminus 900 feet east of Everhart Road.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
Pursuant to Item 4, motion approving the purchase of one battery operated floor
scrubber from Tennant Company, Council Member McNichols expressed concern that the
City was not receiving adequate bid responses. Dr. McNichols next inquired whether the
City's bid specifications could be too restrictive.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Homer Webster, representative of Southwest Lift, Inc., explained the qualified
manufacturers of the relative floor scrubbers. He expressed concern that certain items in
the bid specifications did not affect the performance of the machine, and suggested that the
specifications were proprietary from their inception. Mr. Webster also discussed his efforts
to bid on the item.
City Manager Garza explained the State law affecting the specifications, and stated
that bidders could either meet or exceed the specifications. He referred to the test
comparisons performed on the equipment and stated that the selected equipment was
superior in performance. He stated that this superiority involved less time expended by staff
for the clean up process resulting in a lower payroll.
Council Member Moss inquired whether Mr. Webster had read the test performance
results. Mr. Webster stated that he had not been provided a copy of these results.
A brief discussion ensured regarding the bid specifications. Mr. John Simon,
Coliseum Manager, discussed past experiences with the equipment which was not selected.
Responding to Council Member Galindo, Mr. F. D. Glenn, Purchasing Agent, stated
that, if staff performed the functions not performed by the Power Boss equipment, the City
would expend approximately $10,000 more a year.
Pursuant to Item 5, motion awarding a contract to Houston Services Industries to
repair the spur gear drive turntable at the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, Council
Member McNichols expressed concern about the project's inspection cost referenced in the
agenda material.
Minutes
Regular Cot. .:il Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 4
Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering, explained the inspections. He stated that
the cost was an approximation, and therefore subject to a lower final amount.
Council Member Longoria inquired about the difference of the bids, and Mr. Crull
stated that the difference resulted from the selected company's familiarity of the equipment.
Council Member Moss expressed concern that a local bidder did not bid on the item,
and referred to costs avoidances available through utilization of a local bidder. Mr. Crull
explained the performance and payment bond requirements, and discussed the efforts by the
City utilizing an initial total payment process. Responding further, Mr. Crull explained the
bid notification process.
Next, Council Member Martin commented that the worker's compensation insurance
requirements could also prevent local companies from bidding.
Council Member Galindo inquired whether the Corpus Christi Area Economic
Development Corporation (EDC) could suggest ways to assist local businesses. Mayor
Rhodes referred to the previous EDC workshops regarding the issue.
Relative to Item 6, resolution concerning TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc.'s realignment
of channels, Mayor Rhodes inquired about other options available to strengthen the City's
request concerning the channel CNN. City Manager Garza referred to the proposed
legislature regarding cable companies.
Council Member McNichols referred to the new Cable Act referenced in the agenda
material, and requested a copy. He stated that the information would be beneficial in
understanding the new Act. Mr. Hennings replied that he would provide a copy to the
Council.
Mr. Hennings stated that the City did not currently have authority to regulate TCI's
assignment of channels. He commented that TCI had agreed to relocate CNN to Channel
36 or below. Council Member Martin pointed out that Channel 36 was not included in the
basic service. Mr. Hennings commented that the proposed resolution requested TCI to
relocate CNN to a channel below Channel 22, which would be included in the basic service.
Council Member Best referred to the initial installation of the cable system in the
City and discussed the significance of providing the channel as a public service to the
citizens in the community. He commented on his support of the resolution.
Mayor Rhodes requested the Council to contact TCI individually concerning support
of the requested CNN reassignment.
Council Member Martin inquired whether the channel realignment was a company-
wide strategy marketing extended service, and City Manager Garza replied in the
affirmative. Council Member Martin then inquired as to the term of the City's franchise
agreement with TCI, and City Manager Garza replied 2001.
Minutes
Regular Cot.- .11 Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 5
Council Member Longoria referred to the recent complaints she had received about
the channel realignment, and suggested that the citizens of Corpus Christi contact TCI.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, stated that the franchise agreement allowed the
Council to perform a performance review on TCI Cablevision, Inc. at any time concerning
the channel realignment. He stated that he felt the resolution would not influence TCI's
decision concerning the reassignment of CNN.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4. M93-120
Motion approving the purchase of one battery operated floor scrubber in accordance
with Bid Invitation No. BI -0138-93, from Tennant Company, Anaheim, CA, for the
amount of $30,285.00, based on low bid meeting specifications. The scrubber will be
used in the Coliseum and is budgeted in the 1992-93 Capital Outlay as replacement
equipment.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin voting "No."
5. M93-121
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $28,600 to Houston Services Industries
to repair the spur gear drive turntables at the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Moss voting "No."
6. RESOLUTION NO. 021634
Resolution concerning TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc.'s realignment of channels.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye."
Mayor Rhodes called for considerations from the Regular Agenda.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 8a and 8b, motions relating to the
purchase of a mail inserting system and remittance processing system and the supply
agreements.
Minutes
Regular Co, _41 Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 6
City Manager Garza referred to the relevance of the purchase and stated that the
replacement was also following a Council directive to establish better communications with
customers.
Ms. Rosie Vela, Director of Finance, reviewed the operations of the current and
proposed utility billing systems. Through the use of charts, she displayed the old and
proposed "customer bill." She stated that the proposed bill was a draft and welcomed
Council comments. Ms. Vela further stated that, the equipment which processed the present
post -card billing system, was no longer manufactured. Ms. Vela also referred to cost
avoidances through the use of the proposed equipment.
Responding to Council Member Moss, Ms. Vela discussed the postage rates available
to municipalities.
Council Member Martin inquired about the cost analysis for the proposal referenced
in the agenda material, and Ms. Vela explained. Council Member Martin then referred to
the reduced staff time required for the new equipment, therefore reducing costs.
Council Member McNichols expressed concern about the low number of vendors
responding to the request for proposal. Ms. Vela explained the applicable bidding process.
Next, Council Member McNichols inquired whether the acquisition would be funded from
the utility budget. Ms. Vela explained the utility reimbursement transfers to the General
Fund by the City's utility funds. Dr. McNichols suggested direct transactions from the utility
funds to avoid the transfers and extra accounting procedures.
Council Member Galindo suggested that the billing statement consist of one color
in order to save money.
Council Member Best inquired about the utility bill processing of other comparable
cities. Ms. Vela discussed other cities which utilize the proposed system.
Council Member Moss inquired whether the sorting procedures could be performed
at a lower cost through the utilization of a private contractor. Ms. Vela replied that this
option was examined. She further stated that the examination revealed that in-house sorting
was less expensive when a period of five years or more was considered.
Council Member Longoria inquired whether consolidating the City's utility services
with Central Power & Light Company (CP&L) had been considered. Ms. Vela stated that
the consolidation had been examined and that CP&L declined at this particular time.
Council Member Martin suggested that staff design the bill accordingly and return
the draft to the Council for approval. Mr. Martin inquired whether the proposal would
allow a broader range of information to be provided on the bill. Ms. Vela replied in the
affirmative, and discussed the information available. Mr. Martin then suggested limiting the
initial purchase of statements allowing for potential corrections. He also suggested that staff
obtain suggestions from users. Ms. Vela explained that suggestions from a variety of sources
had been solicited.
Minutes
Regular Cot. .;il Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 7
Responding to Council Member Best, Ms. Vela explained the "TR -Tree Donation"
referenced on the "statement of services rendered" in the agenda material. She stated that
this donation was similar to the City's "Operation Heat Help" services.
Mayor Rhodes called for continents from the audience.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, suggested that the City utilize the proposed system
to insert commercial advertising which would provide funds to cover expenses. Council
Member Martin replied that the utilization of such an option would change the applicable
postage rate. Mr. Hudson next suggested appropriate service codes for the statement which
would reduce customer inquiries.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
8a. M93-122
Motion approving the purchase of a mail inserting system and a supply agreement
for five years of full maintenance in accordance with Invitation No. 0051-93, based
on only proposal, from Pitney Bowes. The purchase cost of $78,789 will be financed
through the City's Lease/Purchase Line of Credit contract. The maintenance will
cost $37,690 for the five years, for a total award of $116,479. Funds are budgeted in
the Finance Department (Central Cashiering) for the first year's payment for the new
equipment as well as for the maintenance supply agreement.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
8b. M93-123
Motion approving the purchase of a remittance processing system and a supply
agreement for five years of full maintenance in accordance with Invitation No. 0050-
93, based on the most favorable proposal submitted by NCR. The purchase cost of
$115,007 will be financed through the City's Lease/Purchase Line of Credit contract.
The maintenance will cost $51,335 for the five years, for a total award of $166,342.
Funds are budgeted in the Finance Department (Central Cashiering) for the first
year's payment for the new equipment as well as for the maintenance supply
agreement.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 9, consultant services for the Unified
Planning Work Program Southside Transportation Study.
Mr. Crull explained that Item 9 consisted of two items. He stated that the first item
consisted of the issuance of a request for proposal (RFP). Further, he stated that the
Minutes
Regular Cot. _il Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 8
second item consisted of a deviation of the City's policy of allowing 75 percent local
participation in engineering or architectural services.
Mr. Crull explained that the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) provided
funds for a transportation study of the City's transportation infrastructure surrounding and
immediately abutting the congested retail development on the City's southside area. He
explained the specific areas involved, and the necessity for the study. Mr. Crull stated that
results from local companies could be biased; therefore, staff was recommending the
utilization of an out-of-town consultant. Mr. Crull further stated that the MPO had
approved the study.
Council Member Galindo inquired about the crosstown extension. Mr. Crull
explained the proposed project schedule of the Texas Department of Transportation
including the crosstown extension project. Council Member Galindo expressed concern that
the information from the study would be extraneous since the crosstown extension would be
performed at a later date and could possibly change traffic patterns. Mr. Crull stated that
the study would consider the effects of the crosstown extension and address major internal
traffic congestion.
Council Member Moss inquired whether the South Padre Island Drive (SPID) ramp
reversal would be included. Mr. Crull explained that the study would identify the projects
which would improve traffic circulation at the lowest costs. Mr. Moss inquired whether the
widening of Holly Road would be considered, and Mr. Crull replied in the affirmative.
Further, Mr. Moss inquired whether traffic signal matters would be addressed. Mr. Crull
explained the RFP which was developed by staff and reviewed by the Texas Department of
Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Mr. Moss inquired about the
proposed project completion dates. Mr. Crull explained the necessity of the consultant's
input to ascertain appropriate time frames. Mr. Moss inquired whether the time frames
would be negotiated, and Mr. Crull replied in the affirmative. Mr. Crull also further
indicated that the RFP would be finalized in approximately sixty days.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Crull referred to the scheduled interviews for the
MPO coordinator. Mayor Rhodes stated that she would like to participate in the selection
process.
Council Member Martin inquired about the utilization of local firms, and Mr. Crull
explained that a local firm specializing in transportation analysis and planning was not
available. Next, Council Member Martin suggested that the 50 percent requirement for the
utilization of local firms be included. City Manager Garza explained that this deviation was
for this particular project only. Further, Mr. Martin referred to future traffic patterns on
Saratoga Boulevard (Spohn Hospital South) and Rodd Field (Bay Area Medical Center).
He expressed concern that the study would not include these areas. Next, Council Member
Martin commented that he owned an interest in property located in the relative area. City
Attorney Bray replied that this interest would not preclude Mr. Martin's vote.
Council Member Galindo expressed concern that the Saratoga Boulevard area would
not be included in the study, and suggested performing the study after the completion of the
Minutes
Regular Cot, _il Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 9
crosstown extension. Mr. Crull commented that an expansion of the study would require
returning to the MPO for approval and additional funds. Mr. Crull also referred to the
proposed study time frame and commented that the City should move forward with the
study.
Council Member Moss expressed concern that matters dealing with traffic signals
would not be specifically mentioned in the request for proposal. Mr. Crull explained that
all transportation -related issues would be addressed in the study.
Council Member Noyola agreed with Council Member Galindo, and expressed
concern that an additional study would be necessary in the future. Mr. Crull referred to the
Urban Transportation Plan which addressed long range transportation plans. Mr. Noyola
inquired about the approximate cost to include the referenced area, and Mr. Crull stated
that the addition would double the area to be studied.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were no comments.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
9. M93-124
Motion authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposals for a proposed
transportation study for the City's southside.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria,
Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Galindo and Noyola voting "No."
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 10, reducing the speed limit on
Saratoga Boulevard.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Crull referred to the accident analysis
performed by the Texas Department of Safety determining that speed was the cause of most
traffic accidents.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
10. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53, Traffic, Section 53-254, Schedule V,
Increase of State Speed Limit in Certain Zones by reducing the speed limit from 50
MPH to 45 MPH on Saratoga Boulevard (S.H. 357) between Kostoryz Road to a
point 300 feet west of Weber Road.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
Minutes
Regular Cot._ _i1 Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 10
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 11, amending the zoning ordinance by
amending Article 28A - "HC" Historical -Cultural Landmark preservation.
City Manager Garza commented that the item was previously withdrawn to determine
the effects the new overlay zoning on the City's current ordinances. City Attorney Bray
commented on a 1991 statute that would not directly impact the ordinance, but could affect
future actions. He stated that, if the city deemed a particular property historical, the
designation would require filing in the deed records. He further stated that, if the property
owner possessing the designated historical site demolishes or adversely alters the property
without obtaining a City permit, the property owner would be liable in damages to the City
for the cost of rebuilding or restoring the property. He also stated that, if the City failed
to act within 90 days against the property owner, the State Historical Commission could file
a lawsuit.
Council Member McNichols commented that the vote concerning the second reading
of the ordinance listed in the agenda material was incorrect. He requested the vote to be
corrected. City Secretary Chapa stated that the vote was five to two, with Council Members
Galindo and McNichols voting no. He further stated that the minutes reflected the correct
vote.
Council Member McNichols stated that he supported preservation of historical sites
in the City, but expressed concern that the overlay zoning would subject local property
owners to bureaucratic red tape. He discussed the importance of progress in the City and
stated opposition to new red tape which would impede the progress of the City.
Mayor Rhodes referred to the length of time extended in developing the overlay
zoning, and stressed the importance of the new council members understanding the
ordinance. Mayor Rhodes then suggested that the item be withdrawn from consideration
until the presentation could be presented to the new council members.
Mr. Ed Goodman, Chairman of the Landmark Commission, stated that he would like
to address Council Member McNichols' comments. Mayor Rhodes requested that
Mr. Goodman address the matter when the item was returned to the Council.
Mayor Rhodes referred to the telephone which had been installed near her seat in
the Council Chamber. She stated that the Council anticipated a telephone call from the
Office of the Governor concerning the Columbus ship replicas. Then, Mr. Utter informed
the Council that there would be no announcement at the day's meeting regarding the issue.
11. WITHDRAWN
Amending the Zoning Ordinance by amending Article 28A "HC" Historical Cultural
therefore a new Article 28A.
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
Minutes
Regular Co_.cil Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 11
12. Case No. 393-2, Xclusively Yours Boutique and Salon: A change of zoning from
"AB" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Lot 2,
Block B, Airline Subdivision, located on the east side of Airline Road, approximately
62 feet north of Lyons Street.
Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and staff recommend
approval of the application.
No one opposed the zoning change.
Council Member Martin moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Council
Member Martin, and passed unanimously by those present and voting.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following ordinance
was passed:
12. ORDINANCE NO. 021635
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application Xclusively Yours
Boutique and Salon by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Lot 2, Block B,
Airline Subdivision, from "AB" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood
Business District.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and
Noyola voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes recessed the Regular Council Meeting for the meeting of the Corpus
Christi Community Improvement Corporation.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Regular Council Meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report, and Mr. Garza stated that he
had no report.
Mayor Rhodes suggested that the Council form a policy committee to address mobile
phone and travel expenses of Council Members. She further suggested that Council
Member Longoria serve as the Chairman. Then, Council Members Cooper, Moss, and
Noyola stated that they would serve on the committee also (M93-145).
Mayor Rhodes next referred to a letter from Henry Cisneros about rules and
regulations concerning the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. She
provided a copy to City Manager Garza. Mayor Rhodes also referred to a complaint she
Minutes
Regular Cob...:il Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 12
received regarding advertisement flyers placed on front doors in residential areas. She
stated that citizens could discontinue mail and newspaper deliveries when away from their
home, but could not deter these flyers. She stated that the flyers revealed that the home
was unoccupied and posed a danger. Mayor Rhodes stated that she would present the
problem to the Crime Prevention Task Force, and requested the City Manager to also
consider a solution.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Longoria referred to letters she received from the students at the
Calallen Middle School concerning the hazardous conditions on Cornett Drive which is close
to the school. She requested examination of the intersection. Council Member Longoria
then referred to a copy of the Corpus Christi State University Newsletter she received
containing information about the appointments to a Business Advisory Council. She stated
that a note on the newsletter alluded that no Hispanics or Blacks were on the council. She
provided a copy to City Manager Garza.
Council Member Moss commented on a computer printout that was provided to him
concerning the water meter readings at his home.
Council Member Best referred to a sign which was located in the Council Chamber
when he served as a Council Member in the past stating, "Is this request in the public
interest?" Dr. Best requested that this sign again be placed behind the Council in the
Council Chamber. Next, Dr. Best suggested that the blue metal fence in front of the
Council Members be removed on a trial basis. He stated that he felt the fence posed a
symbolic barrier between the Council and the citizens. He further stated that, if the
suggestion did not work, the fence could be returned.
Council Member Noyola referred to several intersections in the City which created
a potential traffic hazard to school children, an area which needs a fire hydrant, and the
need for maintenance of a ditch in his district. City Manager Garza stated that staff would
investigate these matters.
Council Member Martin referred to a letter from the Corpus Christi Fire Fighters
Association (CCFFA), and requested the Council be provided with a copy of the staffs
response. Mr. Martin also referred to his inquiry about the City's utility billing process.
City Manager Garza replied that a report was presently being developed and the Council
would be provided a copy soon. Council Member Moss also inquired about the copy of the
new ruling from the Texas Water Commission concerning alternate power sources, and City
Manager Garza stated that this would be provided also.
Council Member McNichols referred to Mr. Martin's concern about the letter from
the CCFFA and requested a response on the matter. Dr. McNichols referred to his
previous request concerning the intersection of Laguna Shores and the SPID causeway.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Minutes
Regular CoL—il Meeting
April 20, 1993
Page 13
Mr. Abel Alonzo welcomed the new Council. Mr. Alonzo then commented on his
denied request to attend meetings of the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development
Corporation (EDC), and requested that the City no longer fund the EDC. Council Member
Martin stated that he would schedule a presentation by Mr. Alonzo to discuss his concerns
with the EDC. Further deliberation ensued, and it was determined that Mr. John Bell,
attorney for the EDC, would be requested to address the closed meeting issue at a council
meeting.
Ms. Florence Adams, 618 Lansdown, congratulated the Council, and discussed topless
dancing by persons under eighteen years of age at local adult entertainment establishments.
She referred to an ordinance in the City of Houston regulating those establishments in
regards to that matter. A brief discussion ensued, and it was the consensus of the Council
to request a copy of the Houston ordinance, and investigate State regulations of the issue.
Council Member Longoria requested that the Police Chief also be contacted for information
on the issue.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, commented on an upcoming meeting of the Religious
Access Users Group (RAUG) pertaining to the use of Channel 18. He stated that he
opposed the religious tests required of Channel 18 participants. Mr. Hudson also referred
to the recent Notice of the Planning Commission meeting which did not have a posting time
or date. Lastly, Mr. Hudson made suggestions to the City's street address ordinance
currently under development.
Mr. Elbert Roberts, owner of Cage's Six Points Store, expressed concern that the
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) was creating head -in parking in front of his store,
the 1800 block of South Alameda. He stated that, since this area was a well traveled and
a high speed traffic area, the head -in parking would be hazardous. City Manager Garza
stated that the RTA had proposed the head -in parking in this area to the City, but the City
had not approved the parking. Council Member Moss distributed pictures of construction
in the area. City Manager Garza stated that he would investigate the matter.
Mr. Harold Hoppenrath, commented on a recent newspaper article concerning the
Los Barcos Fleet, and expressed opposition to taxpayer funds expended on the ship replicas.
Mayor Rhodes stated that no taxpayers funds have been expended for the project.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m. on April 20, 1993.