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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/15/1993I 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 June 15, 1993, which were approved by the City Council on June 22, 1993. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 29th day of June, 1993. SEAL _r�lY za,Pc--t )3 ', c Armando Chapa J City Secretary MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1993 12:00 noon PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Betty Jean Longoria Council Members: Jack Best Melody Cooper Cezar Galindo* Edward Martin Clif Moss David Noyola City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa ABSENT David McNichols Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Herb Kinard, Work Missionary Radio, 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 called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of June 8, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 1 through 10, and Council Members requested that Items 2 and 6 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 1. M93-177 Motion approving the purchase of 14,520 ft. of copper pipe, ranging in size from 3/4" - 2" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0209-93 from Fergusson Enterprises, Minutes Regular Co. ..il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 2 Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for a total of $15,633.74. This pipe will be used by the Water Department. Funds have been budgeted for FY 92-93. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. 3. M93-179 Motion approving the purchase of a computer upgrade with maintenance for the Police Department's computer aided dispatch system in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0198-93 from Wyle Laboratories Emg, Austin, Texas based on low bid of $23,718. Funds are available from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. 4. M93-180 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $63,528 to King -Isles, Inc. to construct minor storm drainage improvements on 44th, 45th, and Beacon Streets as part of the Minor Storm Drainage Improvements, 1992, Phase III Project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye; Galindo and McNichols absent. 5. M93-181 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $35,381 to W.T. Young Construction Company to construct a parking lot at the Broadmoor Senior Center on Tarlton near Wayside Drive. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. 7a. M93-183 Motion approving the acceptance of a $5,000 Eldercare Coalition Grant from the Texas Department on Aging for completion of a needs assessment on homebound elderly. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. 7b. ORDINANCE NO. 021672 Ordinance appropriating $5,000 in Eldercare Coalition from the Texas Department on Aging. Minutes Regular Co.. .:il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 3 An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye; Galindo and McNichols absent. 8. ORDINANCE NO. 021673 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a Use Privilege Agreement with Gulf Compress Corporation for the right to install, maintain, and reconstruct an 8 - inch fire line within the City's right-of-way of 19th Street, 8.5 feet from the right-of- way line, adjacent to the Gulf Compress Tract; establishing a use fee of $1,370. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. 9. ORDINANCE NO. 021674 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the second amendment to the Bayfest Agreement authorized by Ordinance No. 021147 on May 7, 1991, amended by Ordinance No. 021432 on June 9, 1992, authorizing an admission fee. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. 10. ORDINANCE NO. 021675 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 on Up River Road, as follows: Between Violet Road and Harney Road, from 45 MPH to 35 MPH Between Harney Road and Sharpsburg Road, from 45 MPH to 40 MPH, and by setting speed limits for those portions of Up River Road within city limits from Navigation Boulevard to Renfrow Road at 40 MPH and from Renfrow Road to Rand Morgan Road at 45 MPH. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 2, motion approving the purchase of various radio communication equipment from Ericsson G.E. Mobile Communications. Minutes Regular Co. :il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 4 Council Member Martin stated his support of the purchase, but expressed concern about retaining the old units as an emergency backup. He stated that the old units would require maintenance and revisions. City Manager Garza agreed with Mr. Martin. Council Member Moss agreed with Mr. Martin and inquired about the number of units possessed by the City and security measures related to their use. City Manager Garza responded. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 6, motion approving Change Order No. 1 to the contract for the construction of solid waste disposal sites in Sectors 1 and 2 of the Elliott Landfill. Council Member Cooper inquired about the work proposed to be contracted out which was originally scheduled to be performed by the City. City Manager Garza replied that, due to the recent wet weather conditions, city personnel were unable to perform the work as originally planned. Responding further, Mr. Bob Bruner, Director of Solid Waste Services, commented that the project was approximately ninety days behind schedule. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. 2. M93-178 Motion approving the purchase of various radio communication equipment consisting of twelve hand-held units with miscellaneous batteries, charges, belt clips, etc. in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0203-93 from Ericsson G.E. Mobile Communications, Portland, Texas based on the only bid of $18,749. This equipment will be used by the Aviation Department and is included in the FY 92-93 Capital Outlay as additional equipment. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. 6. M93-182 Motion approving Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $16,370.25 to the contract with R&R Contractors for the construction of solid waste disposal sites in Sectors 1 and 2 of the Elliott Landfill. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda and announced the public hearing on the following zoning application: Minutes Regular Co. :il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 5 11. Case No. 593-2, Mark A. Raymond: A change of zoning from "A-" Apartment House District to "AB" Professional Office District on Villa Flambeau, located on the north side of Wooldridge Road, approximately 630 feet east of Airline Road. Mayor Rhodes stated that staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and no one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Longoria moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Noyola, and passed unanimously. 11. ORDINANCE NO. 021676 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Mark A. Raymond by changing the Zoning map in reference to Villa Flambeau, from "A -1A" Apartment House District to "AB" Professional Office District. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye; Galindo and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report and announced the discussion and consideration of the FY 93-94 Budget. Council Member Galindo arrived at 12:50 p.m. City Manager Garza referred to his Budget Memo #3 in the agenda material and outlined the items to be discussed at the day's meeting. Through the use of charts, Mr. Garza compared revenues and expenditures of the General Fund for fiscal year 1983- 1984 with fiscal year 1993-1994. He pointed out the small revenue changes in the property, business, and sales tax; significant revenue changes in the service and interfund charges; and the reduced revenue from court fines and miscellaneous items. Next, Mr. Garza pointed out the increased expenditures assigned to public safety. He stated that public safety included fire, police, health, municipal court, and building inspections. He also discussed expenditure changes in the general government, public works, non -departmental, and recreation and culture activities. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria inquired about the reduction in recreation and culture. City Manager Garza explained the recreational program and personnel reductions and referred to the latchkey program. Mrs. Longoria inquired whether the reduced personnel increased the number of complaints concerning park maintenance, and Mr. Garza discussed the present maintenance response time. Minutes Regular Co :il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 6 Council Member Cooper referred to complaints she received about poor conditions at the Marina. City Manager Garza discussed recent and future renovations at the Marina. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Garza compared the proposed fiscal year 1993-1994 revenues and expenditures. He further pointed out that revenues were conservative and could exceed proposed expenditures. Council Member Best referred to the recent renovations at the Marina, and a brief discussion ensued. Council Member Cooper inquired about the proposed ad valorem tax rate change. City Manager Garza discussed the proposal of transferring a larger amount of property taxes revenues from the General Fund to aid in paying the General Obligation Debt Service. Next, City Manager Garza exhibited a chart displaying the monthly impact of the proposed rate increases (property tax, utilities, and solid waste fee increases) on an average residential homeowner. A brief discussion ensued regarding the proposed increases in relationship to the City's goal of maintaining specific closing balances and also past personnel cutbacks. Next, Mr. Garza discussed the proposal to transfer two one-time revenue sources (Housing Finance Corporation and Street Bond Fund) to the General Fund. Council Member Martin expressed concern about these transfers and suggested other uses. Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Garza stated that the reserve balance would be decreased without the transfer of these funds which would affect the City's bond rating. A brief discussion ensued concerning the transfers. Next, Mr. Garza discussed the proposal to reduce the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Fund contribution from the General Fund and utilization of Council Member McNichols' recommendation to implement a small billing surcharge to address the EMS Fund deficit. Further, Mr. Garza outlined the proposals concerning City staff, funding for lease purchase of new utility billing and customer service software, and summer program reductions. City Manager Garza next discussed the need for the proposed two additional building inspectors in the Community Development Department. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria inquired about an increase in firefighter positions, and Mr. Garza discussed the proposed southside fire station project. Further, Mr. Garza discussed the positions at the Health Department financed with State funds. Council Member Martin inquired about the position transfer from the Legal Department to the Administrative Services Department, and several expressed concern about reducing legal staff. Next, Mayor Rhodes inquired about the additional staff person Minutes Regular Co 11 Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 7 in the Public Information Office, and City Manager Garza discussed the necessity of the position. Responding to Council Member Moss, Mr. Garza stated that a staffing increase of ten positions was proposed in the budget. Council Member Galindo inquired about adding an additional neighborhood building inspector. Mr. Garza stated that he would provide a report concerning the cost. Responding further to Council Member Martin, Mr. Garza stated that he would provide a detailed listing of full time equivalents. Council Member Martin inquired about funding the General Fund Reserve Appropriation, and City Manager Garza discussed the proposal to fund this appropriation on a month-to-month basis. Next, City Manager Garza discussed the new landfill regulations and the reserve balance of the General Debt Service fund in relationship to the proposed budget. Council Member Martin requested a chart comparing ending reserve balances to the next year's debt service fund requirements for the last ten years. Further, Mr. Martin requested that the City Manager provide a report on the cost of providing the proposed three percent wage increases for Grade 11 and below and also the cost of providing the same wage increase to all City employees. Mayor Rhodes also requested the costs of funding additional fire and police personnel. Responding to Mayor Rhodes, City Manager Garza discussed the employment procedures in relationship to the City's Police and Fire Academies. Mayor Rhodes expressed concern about the shortage of police and fire employees in the City and stressed the importance of adding additional police and fire employees on an annual basis. Council Member Noyola agreed with Mayor Rhodes about the need for additional fire and police personnel. He also inquired about the training facilities of the firefighters and suggested that a new facility could service other counties as well. Mr. Garza responded and discussed the need for a fire department administrative offices facility. Council Member Martin inquired about the proposed cadet program, and suggested other duties the cadets could perform to alleviate the cost of recruiting. Mr. Garza stated that he would provide a report concerning the program. Mayor Rhodes referred to the "gas tight suits" proposed in the Fire Department's preliminary budget. Fire Chief J. J. Adame discussed the need for the suits. Council Member Galindo inquired about the status of the boarding fee at the Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA). Mr. George Hext, Director of Aviation, explained that the fee was being reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration Board. Responding further, Mr. Hext responded to several inquires concerning the proposed changes in the landing and parking fees at the CCIA. Council Member Best inquired about upgrading the entrance lighting at the Corpus Christi International Airport. A brief discussion ensued. Minutes Regular Co. ;il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 8 Council Member Martin inquired about the early payments from the Industrial District. Mr. Garza gave an update on the early payments. He commented that, since a contract was not involved, the payments were not reflected in the budget. A brief discussion ensued, and Council Member Martin suggested that a letter be sent requesting a contract amendment to provide the early payments on an annual basis. He further commented that the amendment involved just a change in the pay schedule. A brief discussion ensued. Responding to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Garza explained the origination of the funds proposed to be transferred from the Street Bond Fund to the General Fund. He also pointed out the present location of the funds in the proposed budget. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria inquired whether specific funds proposed in the Solid Waste Services Department's preliminary budget would be utilized to expand the recycling program. City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative and discussed the potential expansion. Mr. Garza also discussed the once -a -week garbage pickup program implemented in the City of Austin and stated that the program would be closely monitored by the City. Council Member Martin discussed the growing solid wastes industry and requested a historical cost analysis of the City's solid wastes services. Council Member Martin then expressed concern that a proposed tax rate increase had been calculated before the effective tax rate had been determined Mr. Garza discussed the circumstances surrounding the calculation. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria called for a ten minute recess. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the council meeting. City Manager Garza discussed the proposal to replace 22 garbage trucks which was included in the proposed budget. Further, Mr. Garza stated that the next budget presentation would address the Council's comments and concerns at the day's meeting. Mayor Rhodes complimented the staff on the organization and presentation of the budget. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on Item 12c, and the motion passed as follows: c. Motion to set a public hearing for discussion of the City's proposed FY 1993- 94 budget. Hearing to be held on June 29, 1993 in City Hall Council Chambers during the Regular Council Meeting. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; McNichols and Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Minutes Regular Co. .:il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 9 Mr. O. K. Smith, 1802 Amazon, encouraged the Council to support the proposed funding for the Volunteer Center for Alternative Community Service Program. He reviewed the benefits of the program and made suggestions for improvements. Responding to Council Member Moss, Mr. Smith reviewed the community work performed through the program. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, suggested that the City pay for the utilities used at the City facilities. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, expressed concern that the proposed budget did not include funds to provide compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Responding to Mr. O'Brien's concern, Council Member Galindo requested a report addressing the cost for the City to pay the related utilities. City Manager Garza stated that a report would be provided. Returning to Mr. Alonzo's comments, City Manager Garza commented on the ways in which the City made modifications in complying with the American Disabilities Act. Mayor Rhodes referred to the upcoming vacant chairperson position on the Sister City Committee, and City Secretary Chapa responded that the chairmanship was appointed by the Council and that it was not due until September. Further, Mr. Chapa referred to the upcoming appointments scheduled for June 29th and stated that if the Council so wished, that particular appointment could be done at that time. It was decided that the Sister City chairperson would be appointed at that time. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Longoria announced the upcoming public meetings concerning pollution problems in the Oak Park area sponsored by the Texas Water Commission to be held on June 22 and July 20, 1993 at 6:30 p.m. at the Corpus Christi Bayfront Plaza, Room 224. Next, Mayor Pro Tem Longoria agreed with the cancellation of the August 3, 1993. Further, Mrs. Longoria referred to the upcoming Taste of the Northwest on June 16, 1993 at 6:30 p.m. at the River Hills Country Club. Council Member Best inquired about telephone book theft at the Corpus Christi International Airport. Mr. Hext discussed the problem concerning telephone book thefts. He also stated that he would discuss Dr. Best's suggestion with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company to chain the telephone books to prevent disappearance. Next, Dr. Best discussed the Civilian Alert Network program recently implemented in the City of Robstown. He suggested that the program would be beneficial to the City as well. City Manager Garza stated that he would examine the program. Council Member Martin referred to telephone calls he received concerning the closing of the utility collection office in the Flour Bluff area. City Manager Garza assured the Council that the situation was being properly handled. Responding to Council Member Minutes Regular Co :il Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 10 Martin, Mr. Hext stated that Southwestern Bell Telephone Company owned the telephones at the Corpus Christi International Airport and discussed the process and cost to divert ownership to the City. Mr. Martin requested a copy of the cost analysis. Responding to Council Member Martin, City Manager Garza reviewed the upcoming canceled council meetings. He stated that the meetings for August 3, September 7, November 30, and December 28, 1993 would be canceled. Council Member Noyola requested the placements of speed bumps at the Price Softball Field. Next, Mr. Noyola referred to a hazardous condition on Columbia Street and Imperial Circle and requested an examination. Lastly, Mr. Noyola referred to a vacated swimming pool located on Tiger Lane and inquired whether the pool could be opened to the public by the City or filled with dirt to eliminate the danger involved therein. Mayor Rhodes referred to a similar situation previously examined which revealed it was cost prohibitive for the City to operate the pool for public use. Council Member Moss referred to the upcoming meeting of the Texas Coastal Management Program scheduled for June 18, 1993 in the Council Chamber which concerned the proposed coastal management area boundaries. He inquired whether the City was participating with the County to develop a coastal management plan for the General Land Office. Mr. Garza replied in the affirmative and discussed the matter. Next, Mr. Moss referred to passage of Senate Bill 226 which raised the amount for which bidding is required; the bid amount would be raised to $15,000 effective September 1, 1993. City Attorney Bray discussed the effects. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, expressed appreciation to the participants that enabled the City to obtain the Las Carabelas ships. Further, Mr. Alonzo stated support of providing a mobile phone for the Mayor, but opposed providing mobile phones for the Council Members. Mr. Jimmie Villarreal, 1014 Poth Lane, referred to the hazardous conditions in his residential area and inquired as to the progress of the relocation of individuals in the neighborhood. Mayor Rhodes discussed the recent meetings of the Texas Water Commission and the City and the upcoming meetings previously referred to by Mayor Pro Tem Longoria examining resolutions. Mayor Rhodes then referred to the studies in progress concerning the recent industrial spill in the area. Mr. Bob Ehle, 4114 Claudia, discussed the results of the studies concerning the recent industrial spill in the Oak Park area. Mayor Rhodes stated that, as soon as the information was official, the information would be provided to the public. She further stated that the regulatory boards had assured that the neighborhood was not presently in danger. Mr. Ehle inquired about the testing of the water in the area, and City Manager Garza stated that the water was tested on a monthly basis. Mayor Rhodes stated that she would contact the proper officials about the studies and would provide an update as soon as possible. Minutes - Regular Cc 2i1 Meeting June 15, 1993 Page 11 There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m. on June 15, 1993. * * * * * * * * * * * * *