HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/18/1993 - WorkshopI HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes
of the Workshop Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of May 18, 1993, which were
approved by the City Council on May 25, 1993.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 26th day of May, 1993.
Arman o Chapa
G City Secretary
M►CROFII- o
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Workshop Council Meeting
May 18, 1993
12:30 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 at the Bayfront Convention Center.
City Secretary Chapa performed a roll check 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 May 11, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
Ms. Susan Cable, Director of Communications and Quality Management for the City
of Corpus Christi, introduced Dr. Ed Jones, visiting professor at Corpus Christi State
University (CCSU), who would be the facilitator at the day's meeting.
Dr. Jones referred to the list of major issues previously proposed by the Council and
suggested a strategy to be used at the day's meeting developing and prioritizing these issues.
He stated that the Council could: 1) review the list; 2) clarify and rank the issues; 3) discuss
the issues; and 4) proceed with the next steps.
Mayor Pro Tem Longoria commented to the Council that she wanted to inform them
that she would not support the sale of the gas system or support putting the issue on the
August 14, 1993 ballot. She stated that it was not in the best interest of the City and that
it was wrong to defer the decision to the voters since the Council was not totally in support
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May 18, 1993
Page 2
of it. She felt that it was important to mention because of the issues and funding that were
going to be discussed during the workshop.
Dr. Jones opened the floor for discussion on the issues.
*Council Member Cooper arrived.
Council Member Martin suggested consolidation of some of the items on the list.
After a lengthy discussion, a prioritized major issues list, rating items high to low, was
developed as follows:
1. Water (releases and sources)
2. Wastewater
3. Infrastructure (Northwest, Flour Bluff, CCSU, Molina drainage)
4. Public safety (Police, Fire)
5. Downtown revitalization
6. Landfill
7. Code enforcement (neighborhood improvement)
8. Economic development (Airport Industrial District, airport entrance, military facility)
9. Role of Council with staff
10. Weed and Seed Program
11. Festival park/sports arena
12. Streets capital program (traffic signals)
13. Youth crime
14. Senior services
15. Cost-effective government (consolidation, privatization, city operations)
16. Harbor Bridge entrance
17. Unionization of city employees
Dr. Jones stated that the next step was to discuss the issues.
Council Member Martin commented that the Council would need additional
information from City staff concerning the issues before the Council could effectively
prioritize the issues.
Council Member McNichols commented that the major issues list developed at the
day's meeting included new items as well as items concerning on-going projects.
Dr. Jones referred to the information in the day's agenda packet which provided
some information on several issues on the list.
Responding to Council Member Moss concerning the infrastructure, Council Member
McNichols replied that the infrastructure issue on the list concerned identifying major
problems in individual districts and consolidating these problems into one issue.
Dr. McNichols also stated that the meeting should focus on goals (old and new) to be
accomplished within the next two years.
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Workshop'. ancil Meeting
May 18, 1993
Page 3
Council Member Galindo referred to his previous suggestion to create a Mayor's
Advisory Committee to identify matters which could be consolidated between the City and
Nueces County. He stated that the committee could also address consolidation of
city/county operations to become a more cost-effective government. He stated that this
issue also encompassed other issues on the list, such as youth crime, downtown
revitalization, etc. Council Member Galindo commented that his suggestion would not cost
any money.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 1, Water (releases and sources).
Council Member Best stressed the importance of examining the water releases and
suggested that the issue be settled before the current Council term expires. Mayor Rhodes
stated that the City is releasing water as a result of a federal interim order, and this issue
may not be settled within the next two years.
Council Member Martin discussed various water issues currently being addressed by
the City and discussed additional information necessary for the Council to informatively
consider the options to purchase water with Lake Texana and/or Garwood Irrigation
Company. He stressed the importance of this issue.
Council Member Cooper commented favorably on the development of the list. She
suggested that staff now provide additional information to the Council on the issues on the
list. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria agreed with Council Member Cooper, and suggested that
the issues be more clearly defined.
Responding to Council Member Best's concerns, Council Member Martin stated that
staff had prepared an information packet addressing the water release issue. Mr. Martin
also agreed with Council Member Best's concerns, and discussed the ongoing studies
presently being conducted.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 2, Wastewater.
Council Member Best expressed concerns relating to funding future wastewater
projects, prior purchased equipment, and the outcomes of studies previously conducted.
Council Member McNichols replied that the relative equipment is currently being used to
monitor infiltration of the wastewater plants. City Manager Garza stated that a study was
performed by City staff to address the infiltration issue which will be brought to Council at
a later date.
Council Member McNichols suggested that staff present the previous report
concerning the wastewater issues to the new Council Members. Mayor Rhodes stated that
the presentation should also include information on water releases. She further commented
that the City is currently conducting a study on the water releases.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 3, Infrastructure.
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May 18, 1993
Page 4
Council Member Moss commented that streets should be included in the
infrastructure discussions.
Mayor Pro Tem Longoria commented on several issues concerning the Northwest
area which included street improvements and areas without sewer systems. She stated that
the sale of bonds could possibly fund the projects to correct these problems.
Council Member McNichols expressed concern regarding infrastructure needs in the
Flour Bluff area. He stated that a priority list from each district concerning the
infrastructure needs of that area would be beneficial.
Responding to council concerns on development of basic infrastructures, Council
Member Martin stated that the City does not provide basic needs (curbs, sidewalks, water,
and sewer). He further stated that the developer of an area would be responsible for
providing these basic services.
Council Member Cooper requested that staff provide her with the long-range plans
for her district.
Council Member Noyola commented on drainage problems in his district and
requested that funding options be examined addressing these needs.
City.
Council Member Moss stressed the importance of maintaining existing streets in the
Responding to Council Member Best, City Manager Garza stated that residential
streets are well-maintained, but arterial streets are more abused and could be better
maintained.
Council Member McNichols suggested that the City consider the sale of bonds or a
sales tax increase to fund the necessary projects (streets, sewers, and drainage) in specific
areas of the City.
Further discussion ensued regarding alternative funding and funding of various
projects.
Mayor Rhodes commented that the Council address funding projects with CDBG
funds in late Fall.
Council Member Moss inquired about the remaining funds from the sale of the
bonds. City Manager Garza replied that of the $100 million, $16.8 million has not been
used.
Responding to concerns from council members regarding reallocation of bonds, Mr.
Martin explained that voter approval would not be required to reallocate bonds so long as
they are used within the scope of the sale. He also stated that previous projects may no
longer be a priority and the funds should be reallocated to more important issues. Mr.
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May 18, 1993
Page 5
Martin further suggested that the public be approached to identify what alternatives would
or would not be favorable to fund the various projects.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 4, Public safety (Police, Fire).
Council Member Best suggested that Police, Fire, Water, and Wastewater issues be
funded by monies generated by the Industrial District.
Council Member Martin discussed and stressed the importance of the Industrial
District in the community.
Responding to Council Member Cooper, City Manager Garza explained the
Industrial District agreements.
Council Member McNichols commented that Industrial District funds for public
safety issues would not be available for immediate use.
In response to Council Members Martin and McNichols regarding the status of public
safety concerns which include EMS training and budget, fire station facilities, and fire
protection, City Manager Garza replied that the Council would be provided with
information on this matter during the upcoming budget workshop.
Council Member Moss referred to the utilization of non -uniformed personnel for the
Police Department for possible reduction of City costs.
Responding to Mr. Noyola's concerns for aged fire equipment, City Manager Garza
stated that the oldest piece of equipment in inventory is a 1960's model pumper truck.
Council Member Martin inquired if the City is involved in fire prevention programs.
City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative and added that Fire Department staff is
currently being restructured to address fire prevention issues.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 5, Downtown revitalization.
Council Member Best inquired if the City currently expends monies for the
revitalization of the downtown area. City Manager Garza stated that the City has assisted
the Downtown Management District for the past five years. Dr. Best then inquired about
the status of the Lichenstein (Frost Bros.) building. Mr. Garza replied that Request for
Proposals will be released this week and the outcome will be brought before Council in
approximately 90 days.
Council Member Moss stated that the downtown area required improvement for the
purpose of a higher tax base.
Responding to Mr. Noyola, City Manager Garza stated that the redevelopment of the
buildings in the downtown area would need to comply with existing codes.
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May 18, 1993
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Council Member Best stated that the Downtown Management District and staff
would be submitting proposals for consideration of the revitalization in the downtown area
within the next year.
Council Member McNichols expressed the opinion that the revitalization of the area
should be a combined effort between the City and the private sector. City Manager Garza
stated that the City is currently reviewing proposals for the revitalization of the area with
the private sector.
Council Member Martin commented on proposed projects which could involve an
advisory committee comprised of several existing committees, such as the Transportation
Advisory Committee, Planning Committee, etc. He stated that this comnuttee could monitor
development of the area.
Council Member Cooper suggested that the City explore the possibility of additional
housing in the downtown area due to the expansion of CCSU.
Further discussion ensued regarding the possibility of creating dormitory housing in
the Frost Brothers building in conjunction with the CCSU expansion project. Council
Member Cooper volunteered to organize a committee for the revitalization of the downtown
area.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 6, Landfill.
Council Member McNichols reviewed previous actions concerning the establishment
of a new landfill. He stated that the action currently before the Council was the
identification of the new landfill site.
Council Member Best inquired about privatizing the solid waste operations
(collection services and landfill).
A brief discussion developed, and City Manager Garza commented on the difficulties
of liability through privatization.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 7, Code enforcement (neighborhood
improvement).
Responding to Council Member Bests concerns on enforcement of codes, City
Manager Garza stated that the majority of the complaints received by the City's code
enforcement division related to unsightly lots. He explained that the process for issuing
citations as prescribed by state law. He further commented that a bill had been proposed
to shorten the citation process for repeat offenders. City Attorney Bray stated that Council
would be informed of the status of the bill at next weeks meeting.
A brief discussion ensued relating to various problems encountered on the
enforcement of the codes.
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May 18, 1993
Page 7
Mayor Rhodes requested that staff prepare a checklist for citizens on the process of
issuing citations from beginning to end. City Manager Garza stated that he would examine
this issue.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 8, Economic Development (Airport Industrial
District, airport entrance, military facility).
Responding to Council Member Best, City Manager Garza stated that a proposal by
the Port of Corpus Christi had been introduced to the Council to develop an intermodal
transportation system (air, sea, surface). He further stated that the Port issued a contract
last week to move forward with the proposed project.
Council Member Cooper inquired about the status on advertising the City to attract
new businesses. City Manager Garza replied that the City currently contracts with the
Economic Development Corporation to solicit businesses for the area.
Dr. Jones opened discussion on Item 9, Role of Council with staff.
City Manager Garza commented that the listing of goals at the day's meeting would
assist the staff to focus on accomplishing specific tasks.
Mayor Rhodes commended staff for their involvement in attending to Council
concerns and needs.
Council Member Moss commented on delays from the staff in addressing the Council,
and City Manager Garza reviewed recent cutbacks in personnel.
Council Member Moss expressed concern on the distribution of the Appraisal District
notices to property owners in the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Longoria commented that the changes in the Charter relating to
council meetings will enable staff to focus on long-range issues.
Mayor Rhodes stated that Ms. Susan Cable will present the Council an organized list
regarding the day's major issues in booklet form.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. on May 18, 1993.
s i i t t t• Y t t t i i