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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 Minutes Workshop 1 lncil Meeting 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. Minutes 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. Minutes Workshop t ancil Meeting 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. Minutes Workshop ancil Meeting 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. Minutes Workshop L .incil Meeting May 18, 1993 Page 6 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. Minutes Workshop t. incil Meeting 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