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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/29/1993I 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 29, 1993, which were approved by the City Council on July 6, 1993. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 9th day of July, 1993. SEAL /ana Armando Chapa City Secretary rr gr MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 29, 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 City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa ABSENT David Noyola Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Council Member Galindo, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by the students participating in the City's summer youth program present at the day's meeting. Mayor Rhodes requested that the students be recognized. Ms. Yvonne Haag, Volunteer Participant with the City's Assistance Team, discussed the Special Day Out, "Day in Corpus Christi," sponsored by the City's Assistance Team for the students. Ms. Haag reviewed the day's events which included attendance at the day's council meeting. 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 22, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Minutes Regular Cc cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 2 Mayor Rhodes commented that Council Member Noyola was absent from the day's meeting due to a death in his family and made a motion to excuse Mr. Noyola, seconded by Council Member Galindo. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote and the motion passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes announced that Mr. Loyd Neal, Chairman of the South Texas Joint Military Task Force, would give an update on the recent Base Closure Commission hearing. Mr. Neal recognized the Task Force members present at the day's meeting, expressed appreciation to Mr. Gary Bushell, President of the Corpus Christi Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Council, citizens in the community, and the Navy for their support in the matter. Mr. Neal then briefly reviewed the events at the hearing which determined the continuation of operations at Naval Station Ingleside, the Navy Hospital, and NAS Corpus Christi. Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to U. S. Representative Solomon Ortiz and Governor Ann Richards for their support. * * * * * * * * * * * * Ms. Debbie Lindsey -Opel, Assistant to the Mayor, gave a brief presentation regarding the upcoming Fourth of July activities in the City. Ms. Lindsey -Opel expressed appreciation to the individuals and entities involved in the preparation, reviewed the scheduled activities, and introduced Mr. Ram Chavez, Director of the Corpus Christi American Veterans Band. Mr. Chavez presented the Council with Fourth of July tee shirts and commented on the American Veterans Band concert scheduled at the Fourth of July celebration. Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board & Committee appointments and the following appointees were made by the Council: Food Services Advisory Committee Method Snapka (Food Industry) Michael Pollog (Community at Large) Human Relations Commission Dr. Kate Haltom Terry Mills Jimmie McGurn Landmark Commission John Wright Minutes Regular 0. cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 3 Sister City Committee Drue Combs, General Chairman (effective October, 1993) Transportation Advisory Committee Braxton Routh Len Brandrup Lt. Michael Williams Workforce Development Corporation Joe McComb Rose R. Huegele Linda Strong Edwin "Trey" McCampbell, III Alex Garcia, Jr. Doyle Bryant Wallace Sisk Robmae Murray Anita Hinojosa C. Ray Hayes (Mayor's Appointee) Don L. Roland Arlene Rhodes Robert Shake Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the FY 93-94 Budget. Ms. Toby Shor-Oshman, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Board, 217 Ohio, commented favorably on the proposed budget for the Park and Recreation Board. She stressed the importance of maintaining parks in the community and the summer youth programs. She then requested additional funds in the approximate amount of $60,000 to assist with these items. Council Member Moss inquired whether reduction of other items in the Park and Recreation Board's budget could compensate for the additional funds, and Ms. Shor- Oshman responded in the negative. City Manager Garza commented that the proposed budget did not allow expansion of their budget. He further discussed the difficulties related to maintenance of the parks in relationship to the recent rainfall. Ms. Constance Luedicke, President of the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Center of the Coastal Bend, 460 Palmetto, commented favorably on the additional funds of Minutes Regular Cc cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 4 $6,400 for the organization. Ms. Luedicke briefly reviewed the program and necessity for the funds. City Manager Garza commented that the funds were included in the proposed budget. Mr. William White, Chairman of the Library Advisory Board, recognized the members of the Board and Friends of the Library present at the day's meeting. Mr. White requested additional funds in the approximate amount of $148,180 for the library's FY 1993- 94 budget. Next, Ms. Inez Adams, member of the Library Advisory Board, reviewed the areas in need of expansion (books and periodicals $141,067 and microfilm cabinet $7113). Dr. Glen Kost, Sister City Committee, requested an additional amount of $2,500 for the Sister City Committee budget and reviewed the need for the funds. Dr. Kost recognized the members of the Sister City Committee present at the days meeting. Dr. Kost then referred to the upcoming Sister City International Conference (SCI) meeting in Houston, Texas on July 14 - July 17, 1993. He also encouraged the Council to attend the function. A brief discussion developed concerning the location of future SCI's conferences and Council Member Martin suggested that City Manager Garza investigate the possibility of the City hosting a future conference. Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, expressed appreciation to the Council for the services provided to the senior citizens in the community and commented on the importance of police and fire services in the community. Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1549 Casa Grande, stated opposition to a property tax increase and fund transfers from the Utility Funds to the General Fund. He further suggested that, in lieu of a utility rate increase, the City pay for the utilities used at city facilities. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, stated opposition to the exclusion of the Industrial District early payment in the proposed budget and further opposed property tax and utility rate increases. Mr. Rome Smyth, 3338 Halfpenny, stated that higher property taxes and utility rates would limit growth in the City. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Galindo, and passed unanimously. Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation by the Landfill Site Selection Citizens Advisory Committee (LSSCAC). Mr. Charles LeRoy, Chairman of the LSSCAC, expressed appreciation to the members of the LSSCAC, the consultants, and City personnel. Next, Mr. LeRoy discussed the committee's primary mission and the background and evaluation process of the selection Minutes Regular Cc oil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 5 of the site. Mr. LeRoy displayed a map depicting the eleven potential sites and discussed the final proposed site. Mr. LeRoy also discussed the Request for Proposal process and future actions necessary for procurement. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Bob Bruner, Director of Solid Waste Services, pointed out the proposed site on the displayed map (portions of Area Numbers 6 and 9). Council Member Martin requested that staff provide a detailed map labeling the proposed site and surrounding area. Mr. Martin then stated that the site was accessible by Staples Street and inquired about including adjacent land to provide accessibility by Weber Road. Mr. Bruner replied that a number of pipelines were present in this area. Mr. Martin further commented that crew access could include Old Brownsville Road, Weber Road, Staples Street, and Callicoate Road. Council Member Martin then inquired whether the land owners had been contacted concerning the final selection. A brief discussion ensued and Mr. Bruner replied that a large portion of Area Numbers 6 and 9 was owned by Mr. John O. Chapman Jr. who was present in the audience. Responding further, Mr. Bruner discussed the cost of the proposed land which would be determined through a cost evaluation. Next, City Manager Garza commented that the proposed Council action at the day's meeting involved approval of the final report of the Landfill Site Selection Citizens Advisory Committee. He stated that this approval would activate studies of the site to identify the historical and archeological resources, endangered species, and environmental contamination; also a title search and an evaluation of the procurement options on the proposed tract of land. City Manager Garza commented that expenses related to these items would be returned to the Council for approval. Council Member Cooper inquired about the existing pipelines in the selected site, the radio tower located in close proximity to the site, and perceived problems from the City of Petronila. Mr. Bruner responded. In response to Council inquires, Mr. Bruner pointed out particular landmarks located near or in the proposed site. Council Member McNichols inquired about the effects of the recent rainfall on the proposed site. Mr. Bruner discussed the effects and commented that the area was accessible during the heavy rain. Council Member Best inquired about the operational period of the proposed landfill. Mr. Bruner stated that the projected time was twenty-five years. In further response, Mr. Bruner discussed land uses of the site after the 25 year operational period and the following 30 year maintenance period. Council Member Martin referred to his previous comments regarding additional adjacent land containing pipelines, and stated that acquisition of the property could provide State highway frontage and a buffer area (northern portion of Area Number 9). Minutes Regular Cc .cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 6 Council Member McNichols agreed with Mr. Martin concerning the need for a wider buffer zone. Further, Dr. McNichols expressed concern about landfill waste blowing onto adjacent properties from the proposed rectangular shaped site and commented that a squarer shape could reduce this problem. Council Member Martin also suggested that the acquisition of the additional land could assist in alleviating future related liability problems as well. A brief discussion developed and Mr. Bruner discussed the dimensions of the proposed site and the landfill pit. Mr. Bruner also compared the present landfill's dimensions, activities, and location to the proposed site. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Clayton Hoover, attorney for John Chapman, commented that the final proposal was recently revealed to Mr. Chapman and requested time to meet with City staff to discuss the proposal before approval of the recommendations. Council Member Martin suggested that City staff meet with Mr. Hoover and Mr. Chapman concerning the proposal. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether thirty days would be enough time for the review, and Mr. Hoover replied in the affirmative. Further, City Manager Garza commented that the delay would not be detrimental. Then, Council Member Martin moved to withdraw Item 1 from consideration at the day's meeting to allow time for discussion between City staff and Mr. Chapman and return the item to the Council in four weeks, seconded by Council Member Best. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. 2. WITHDRAWN * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda and announced the public hearing on the following zoning application: 3. Case No. 693-1 Delmar Studios: A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-1 Neighborhood Business District on Gardendale Unit 1, Block 7, Lot 15, located on the north side of Holly Road, approximately 610 feet east of Everhart Road. Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. No one opposed the zoning request. Minutes Regular Cc .cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 7 Council Member Best moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Longoria. The motion passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following was passed: 3. ORDINANCE NO. 021695 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Delmar Studios, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Gardendale Unit 1, Block 7, Lot 15, from "R -1B One -family Dwelling 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, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 4 through 9, and Council Members requested that Items 5, 6, and 9 be withheld for discussion. Mayor Rhodes also announced that Item 8 was withdrawn from the day's consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. M93-192 Motion approving the purchase of GIS computer equipment in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0187-93 from Genasys II, Inc., Fort Collins, CO., based on the low bid of $35,292.14. The equipment is for the City's Metropolitan Planning Organization. Funds are made available by the Federal Highway Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. 7. M93-195 Motion approving a supply agreement for portable chemical toilet service consisting of approximately twenty-eight (28) units in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI - 0205 -93 with BFI Services Group, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $14,985.20. The term of the contract shall be twelve months with option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. This service will be used by the Gas, Park & Recreation, Solid Waste, Street, Wastewater and Water Departments. Funds have been budgeted in FY 92-93 and requested for FY 93-94 by the using departments. Minutes Regular a _icil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 8 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 5, motion approving the purchase of a chain link fence for the Ayers Street Vehicle Pool. Council Member McNichols inquired about the height, width, and adequacy of the fence. Mr. F. D. Glen, Purchasing Agent, explained. Council Member Moss inquired about the credibility of the selected bidder, and Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, stated that the company's previous contracts with the City had been satisfactorily performed. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 6, motion approving the purchase of a 50,000 GVWR Cab & Chassis with a container hoist from French Ellison Truck Center. Council Member Galindo inquired about the necessity of the purchase. City Manager Garza explained the necessity. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 8, motion authorizing a three year Horse Drawn Shuttle Permit for Horse Drawn Carriage services on City Streets by Bob Braun's Carriage Company. She further commented that she had requested that Item 8 be withdrawn from the day's consideration because she had received a telephone call from another interested party. Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Crull stated that the contract had not been bid, but was a permit, and discussed the circumstances involving the other interested party, Mr. A. R. Graham. He stated that City staff met Mr. Graham and provided him with a permit application because he was occasionally providing the service in the City. He stated that, however, Mr. Graham did not return the application, and that Mr. Braun requested the permit and went through the permitting process sufficiently. Next, Mr. Crull reviewed the permitting requirements. Council Member Martin inquired about the pick-up and drop-off sites, and Mr. Crull explained the proposed sites. Responding further, Mr. Crull commented that the contract did contain provisions concerning horse droppings and clean-up. Then, Council Member Martin expressed concern that an advertised and expected service could operate on an intermittent basis and suggested that the service be offered on a regular basis. Council Member Galindo suggested that Mr. Braun contact the Texas State Aquarium and the U.S.S. Lexington on the Bay for assistance in determining the appropriate schedule for operation. Minutes Regular C.- .cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 9 A discussion developed concerning the terms of the contract and Council Member Martin made a motion to amend the contract to include a minimal service requirement to maintain the validity of the permit, seconded by Mayor Rhodes. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote, and the motion passed. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Bob Braun agreed with the contract amendment. Mr. Braun also presented the Council with a picture of the proposed horse and carriage and commented that it was presently in the City Hall parking lot for observation. Mr. A. R. Graham discussed his credentials and attempts of providing the service in the community. He commented that he remained interested and inquired whether the contract was exclusive. City Attorney Bray replied that the Council granted permits for the operation of vehicles for hire, and also determined the need for additional services in a particular area. Council Member Martin commented favorably on approving the proposed permit, and commented that Mr. Graham could also apply for a permit as well. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 9, ordinance closing and abandoning easements in the Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts (Habluetzel Subdivision). Mayor Pro Tem Longoria inquired about the discount concerning the fair market value of the easement. Mr. Crull explained the State law requiring the discount and responded to several other inquiries concerning the closures. Council Member Martin expressed concern about creating a dead-end alleyway,and Mr. Crull explained the proposed access. Mr. Martin then commented that other property owners in the same area might be interested in closing their alleys also. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. 5. M93-193 Motion approving the purchase of a chain link fence for the Ayers Street Vehicle Pool in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0214-93 from Fencing Inc. of Texas, Corpus Christi, based on the low bid of $11,437. The fence was budgeted by Maintenance Services Department in the 1992-93 capital outlay as an additional item. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. Minutes Regular Cc .cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 10 6. M93-194 Motion approving the purchase of a 50,000 GVWR (gross vehicle weight ratio) Cab & Chassis with a Container Hoist in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0218-93 from French Ellison Truck Center, Corpus Christi, on the basis of low bid of $85,088.00. The equipment will be used for transporting sludge containers from the wastewater treatment plant to the landfill. The truck was budgeted in the 1992-93 Capital Outlay as replacement equipment. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye'; Noyola absent. 8. M93-196 Motion authorizing a three year Horse Drawn Shuttle Permit for Horse Drawn Carriage services on City Streets by Bob Braun's Carriage Company. The foregoing motion passed as amended by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. 9. ORDINANCE NO. 021696 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 20 -foot wide by 267 -foot long easement within Lots A-1 and A-2, and a 5 -foot wide by 133 -foot long easement, within Lot A-1, of 2.659 acre tract out of Lot 18, Section 2, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts (otherwise known as Habluetzel Subdivision), subject to the compliance with the specified conditions; and the owner replatting the property within 180 days at his expense. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes called for a recess. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Regular Council Meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report and announced the discussion and consideration of the FY 93-94 Budget. Minutes Regular Cc .cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 11 City Manager Garza stated that he would provide information to the City Council regarding the funding requests made by the public at the day's budget hearing. Further, Mr. Garza discussed the proposed budget schedule tentatively targeting July 20, 1993 as the final adoption date. City Manager Garza displayed charts depicting the Growth of the General Fund in the public safety activities and comparisons of the Fiscal Year 1983-84 and 1993-94 General Fund Revenues and Expenditures. Mr. Garza then referred to the changes concerning the property and sales tax proposals which would not alter the end results. City Manager Garza then referred to the first three expenditure options (beach cleaning, Downtown Management District, and Fire Administration offices) in his Budget Memo Number 5 and discussed the recommendation to approve. Council Member Martin requested that staff provide the Council with a list of the budget choices previously discussed and the cumulative effects on the budget. A brief discussion ensued and City Manager Garza stated that this list would be provided to the Council in their Friday packet. In response to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Garza discussed the sales and property tax projections as compared to previous years. Further, Mr. Garza discussed the recent change concerning the transfer of worker's compensation insurance from the General Fund to individual departments. Additionally, he explained the self-insurance appropriation estimates proposed in the budget. Mr. Garza then referred to the displayed chart involving the growth of the General Fund comparisons from 1983 to 1994 and discussed the increased public safety activity. Council Member Martin pointed out that the increase was also due to the annual police and fire wage increases. Additionally, Mr. Martin commended City Manager Garza for keeping the costs minimal in this area. Council Member Martin stated his opposition to a property tax increase and expressed concern about the decreasing General Debt Service Fund in relationship to next year's debt service requirements. He further stated that next year's coverage would be 66 percent including a property tax increase. He further expressed concern that a trend of decreasing coverage each year was being established. City Manager Garza then suggested protecting the General Debt Service Fund and examining other ways to restore the General Fund balances. Next, Mr. Martin requested a report containing future debt service requirement proposals. A discussion ensued and City Manager Garza stated that he would provide alternatives concerning this issue in the Friday packet also. Lastly, Mr. Garza discussed the decline and effect of the property tax base and also proposed General Fund expenditures. Minutes Regular Cc. ..cil Meeting June 29, 1993 Page 12 Council Member Moss requested information concerning the volume of waste delivered to the landfill since the beginning of the recycling program. City Manager Garza discussed the recycling program and commented that the program did not reduce landfill costs. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were no comments. Next, City Manager Garza discussed the study of the elevation of the J. F. Kennedy Causeway. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether the study had been approved, and Mr. Garza replied in the affirmative. Mayor Rhodes commented on the disappearance of letterhead from her office. Next, Mayor Rhodes referred to the upcoming activities concerning the name change of the Corpus Christi State University and requested assistance with the activities by City staff. Further, Mayor Rhodes discussed the favorable results of her recent visit to the Texas Water Commission concerning the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant and her visit to the Texas Municipal League conference concerning legislative updates. Lastly, Mayor Rhodes referred to the Texas Olympic Festival Torch Run Runners present in the City and proclaimed July 29, 1993 as "U. S. Olympic Festival 1993 Texas Torch Run Day." Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Galindo discussed the development of a guidebook for use by citizens requesting city -related actions, such as permits, etc. City Manager Garza referred to the local private professionals offering this type of service. Mr. Garza also discussed other possibilities and stated that the suggestion would be reviewed. Council Member Cooper referred to the recent Texas Municipal League (TML) Seminar which include discussions on the Clean Air Act. She inquired about the City's compliance status. City Manager Garza discussed the efforts by the industries to be in compliance with the act. Mayor Rhodes requested that City staff contact the speaker at the TML seminar for more information. Further, Mrs. Cooper discussed the new legislation concerning crimes in or near school zones and suggested that the public be informed of this action. Council Member Best requested a report concerning the repairs to the Corpus Christi International Airport roof. Secondly, Dr. Best referred to the past renovation of Clifford Street and expressed concern about the present condition of the street. City Manager Garza stated that staff would investigate both matters. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mrs. Betty Cantrell, 1113 Shiels Drive, stated her opposition to the proposed smoking ordinance. Mrs. Cantrell also discussed problems she encountered with the recycling program. She suggested that garbage and recyclable items could each be picked up once a week to eliminate accumulation. Minutes Regular Co.._.ci1 Meeting 'June 29, 1993 Page 13 Mrs. Norma Nunley, 6710 Rhonda Drive, stated that the proposed smoking ban in restaurants would not properly address the problem and would hinder business and tourism in the City. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. on June 29, 1993. * * * * * * * * * * * * *