HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/06/1993I 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 July 6, 1993, which were
approved by the City Council on July 13, 1993.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 24th day of August, 1993.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
July 6, 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 Council Member Galindo, 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 29, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes announced that the presentation by the Airport Advisory Board
scheduled for the day's meeting would be postponed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration from the Regular Agenda. She announced
that, since many people in the audience were present to address the smoking ordinance, this
item would be addressed first. She then opened the discussion on Item 3, amending the
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Regular Cc ail Meeting
July 6, 1993
Page 2
Code of Ordinances, Section 23-74, Smoking Prohibitions as to prohibit smoking in
restaurants.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. (A total of 31 people
commented on the item of which fifteen expressed support and fifteen expressed opposition,
one did not express support or opposition).
Mr. Cornelio Houel, member of the Texas Department of Health and American
Cancer Society, supported the ordinance.
Dr. Janis L. Birchall, President of the Nueces County Medical Society, stated that
smoking was a public health issue and supported the ordinance.
Dr. Wesley L. Stafford spoke on the hazards of secondary cigarette smoke and
supported the ordinance.
A representative of the Texas National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana
opposed the ordinance.
Ms. Dee Huber, 504 1/2 Flood Street, opposed the ordinance and stated that the
decision should remain with restaurants owners.
Mr. William Phillips, 202 Naples, stated opposition to the smoking ban in restaurants
and stated that restaurant owners should make the decision.
Mr. Shelby Love, 4142 Montego Drive, supported the ordinance.
A local resident and mother of two children supported the ordinance.
Mr. Brad Lomax, President of Waterstreet, Inc., stated opposition to the ordinance
because it would damage the restaurant and hospitality business in the City. He stated his
support of the proposed ordinance which was defeated by the Council on May 25, 1993.
Mr. Ernest Pena, 353 Naples, downtown business owner, supported the ordinance.
He further stated that a complete smoking ban in restaurants would not adversely affect
tourism in the City.
Mr. Lonnie Lanningham, 4713 Alma, stated opposition to the ordinance because of
the infringement on individual rights. He suggested reducing the hazards of smoke through
better ventilation systems.
Ms. Stacey Shepard, past Director of the American Heart Association, supported a
complete smoking ban in all restaurants.
Ms. Barbara Evans, resident of Portland, stated opposition to the ordinance because
the ordinance would reduce enterprise in the City.
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Regular Cc oil Meeting
July 6, 1993
Page 3
Mr. J. Herb Kinard, 4629 Donegal Drive, supported the smoking ban because he did
not appreciate dining in local restaurants filled with cigarette smoke. He requested the
Council to support the ban.
Mr. Gene L. French, owner of French's Crabhouse Seafood Restaurant, opposed the
ordinance because he felt it would infringe upon restaurant owner's rights. He presented
a petition to the Council opposing the ban.
Mr. Jack Triplett, General Manager of Greyhound Racing, opposed banning smoking
at the race track and requested that the race track be exempt.
Mr. Ray Madrigal, 3002 Churchill, opposed the smoking ordinance because he felt
the restaurant owners should have the ability to decide whether to provide smoking or
nonsmoking areas.
Dr. Mark Geneser supported the ordinance because of the effects of secondary
cigarette smoking.
Ms. Ann Dodson supported the ordinance.
Ms. Eleanor Dodson supported the ordinance.
Mr. Hank Snyder supported the smoking ban on behalf of the Yardarm Restaurant.
He further stated that he personally opposed a complete smoking ban in an immediate
fashion.
Mr. D. W. "Dee" Haven, representative of the Food Service Advisory Committee and
Coastal Bend Restaurant Association, stated support of the proposed ordinance which failed
in May of 1993 and opposed a complete ban in restaurants. He stated that the Food Service
Advisory Committee and the Coastal Bend Restaurant Association would provide assistance
in determining alternatives and voluntary improvements to smoking in restaurants.
Mr. Johnny French supported the smoking ban.
Mr. Thomas Dryer opposed the proposed exemptions to the local bars and clubs.
Dr. Ross Garza supported the proposed ordinance banning smoking in restaurants.
Mr. Phil Rosenstein supported the smoking ban and requested the Council to support
the ordinance as well.
Mr. Leon Perez stated that he did not support or oppose the ordinance. He spoke
on other effects of smoking and on the restaurant industry in general.
Ms. June Broadstreet, 1118 Shephard, presented the Council with three petitions
opposing the smoking ban. She further stated her opposition.
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Regular Cc
July 6, 1993
Page 4
-zit Meeting
Ms. Bette Cantrell, 1113 Shiels Drive, opposed the smoking ban because the ban
would damage tourism.
Ms. Norma Nunley stated she felt restaurant owners should have the choice to
provide smoking areas as well as nonsmoking areas.
Mr. Tom Watson stated that the decision concerning smoking in the community
should be made by the people in the community.
Mayor Rhodes commented that a complete smoking ban would not affect tourism or
restaurant business in the City. She further read an excerpt from an American Heart
Association executive summary concerning such results.
Council Member Best referred to the federal government subsidies of tobacco in the
United States and discussed the present involvement of the State of Texas and litigation
concerning the issue. He then moved to amend Section 1 of the smoking ordinance passed
on first reading by amending City Code Section 23-74, Subsection (b) (1) (e), as set forth
therein to read as follows:
e. Food service. Those portions of the indoor area of cafeterias, coffee shops,
diners, luncheonettes, restaurants, sandwich shops, short-order cafes, soda
fountains, or other areas of establishments in which food is served, except
areas such as bars, cocktail lounges, and/or night clubs where seating is
primarily for service of alcoholic beverages, and except designated smoking
areas in conformity with the following standards:
1. Owners shall ensure that seating provided for nonsmokers is a
minimum of fifty (50) percent of total seating or in direct proportion
to the number of customers requesting nonsmoking seating, whichever
is greater.
2. Seating for those requesting seating in nonsmoking areas shall be
arranged to make maximum use of the air flow provided by the
ventilation system.
3. The patron waiting area and restrooms in the facilities covered by
subsection (b) (1) (e) of this section shall be designated as nonsmoking
areas, except that separate waiting areas may be provided for smokers.
Council Member Best commented unfavorably on infringing on the rights of business
owners, and stated that, at the end of a six month and one year period, the issue could be
reexamined and adjusted accordingly.
Council Member Noyola seconded Council Member Best's motion.
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Regular Cc
July 6, 1993
Page 5
cil Meeting
Responding to Council Member McNichols, City Attorney Bray explained the
modification to the present ordinance through Dr. Best's motion (increasing the minimum
seating requirement for nonsmokers to 50 percent).
Council Member McNichols stated that the related health issue was more important
than any potential economic issue.
Mayor Pro Tem Longoria commented unfavorably on passing a compromise
ordinance and commented favorably on reducing the seating for nonsmoking in restaurants
in six months leading to a complete ban in one year.
Next, Council Member Cooper moved to amend Dr. Best's motion to increase the
minimum nonsmoking seating from 50 percent to 65 percent in one year and increase the
minimum nonsmoking seating from 65 percent to 70 percent in two years, and further
require new or remodeled restaurants seating 50 or more people to provide a separate
smoking area from the nonsmoking area through a separate ventilation system to prevent
mixing of air between the two areas. The motion was seconded by Council Member Martin.
Further, Mrs. Cooper expressed concern about the effects of a complete ban on tourism and
stated that her proposed amendment would produce a gradual reduction of smoking in
restaurants.
A discussion ensued and City Attorney Bray explained that Council Member Cooper's
motion would amend only the referenced provisions concerning the minimum seating
requirements and the separate ventilation system regarding new or remodeled restaurants
and would not affect other provisions in the present ordinance. He further stated that bingo
parlors and the Greyhound race track were not addressed in the motion and smoking at
these facilities would remain the prohibited except in areas as designated parts of
restaurants.
Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on Council Member Cooper's amendment and
the amendment passed.
Mayor Pro Tem Longoria suggested that the item be withdrawn from consideration
at the day's meeting and returned to the Council with clarification.
A brief discussion ensued and Council Member Best requested that City Secretary
Chapa poll the Council for their votes on his motion to amend as amended by Council
Member Cooper. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Council
Member Best's amendment to Item 3 on the agenda regarding smoking in restaurants.
Amending Section 1 of the smoking ordinance passed on first reading by amending
City Code Section 23-74, Subsection (b) (1) (e), as set forth therein to read as follows:
e. Food service. Those portions of the indoor area of cafeterias, coffee shops,
diners, luncheonettes, restaurants, sandwich shops, short-order cafes, soda
fountains, or other areas of establishments in which food is served, except
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Regular Cc cil Meeting
July 6, 1993
Page 6
areas such as bars, cocktail lounges, and/or night clubs where seating is
primarily for service of alcoholic beverages, and except designated smoking
areas in conformity with the following standards:
1. Owners shall ensure that seating provided for nonsmokers is a
minimum of fifty (50) percent of total seating or in direct proportion
to the number of customers requesting nonsmoking seating, whichever
is greater. (After July 6, 1994, the percentage of nonsmoking seating
just stated shall increase from fifty percent [50%] to sixty-five percent
[65%]. After July 6, 1995, this same percentage shall increase from
sixty-five percent [65%] to seventy percent [70%]).
2. Seating for those requesting seating in nonsmoking areas shall be
arranged to make maximum use of the air flow provided by the
ventilation system.
3. The patron waiting area and restrooms in facilities covered by
subsection (b) (1) (e) of this section shall be designated as nonsmoking
areas, except that separate waiting areas may be provided for smokers.
4. Restaurants having a seating capacity for customers of fifty or greater,
either newly constructed after the effective date of this ordinance or
remodeled after that date to such an extent that the cost of
rehabilitation exceeds 50% of the value of the building, shall be
required to comply with the following additional standards: the patron
waiting area and restrooms shall be designated as nonsmoking areas,
except that separate waiting areas may be provided for smokers; the
no smoking areas shall be kept clear of smoke; the smoking areas shall
not include any part of the establishment to which nonsmokers may
need access; and all smoking areas shall have air ventilation systems
separate from the air ventilation systems for nonsmoking areas.
The foregoing motion passed as follows: Best, Cooper, Martin, Moss, and Noyola
voting "Aye; Rhodes Longoria, Galindo and McNichols voting "No."
Following, City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Item 3 as
amended:
3. ORDINANCE NO. 021697
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 23-74, Smoking Prohibitions to modify
the minimum nonsmoking seating requirement for food service establishments;
specifying additional smoking prohibitions and related requirements applicable to
restaurants (seating fifty or more) newly constructed or remodeled after the effective
date of this ordinance.
Minutes
Regular Cc.
July 6, 1993
Page 7
it Meeting
The foregoing ordinance passed as amended on second reading by the following vote:
Best, Cooper, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria,
and McNichols voting "No."
Mayor Rhodes called for a recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council meeting and referred to the Board &
Committee appointments. The following appointments were made by the Council.
Cable Communications Commission
Charles Irby
Mark Patterson
Planning Commission
Lupe Longoria
Sylvia Perez
Laurie Cook
Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Marco Arrendondo (Bus/Prof)
Rex Kinnison (Bus/Prof)
Barbara Shepphard (Area Rep)
Dave Coggins (Lodging)
Rosario Carrizo (Rest/Attr)
Ralph Ehrlich (Lodging)
Jean Titus (Air/Ground)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 2, granting to TCI Cablevision of
Texas, Inc. an amendment to the cable television franchise agreement.
Responding to Council Member McNichols, City Manager Garza explained the
request by the Naval Air Station (NAS) concerning the City's franchise fee and the proposed
use for the fee.
Council Member Moss commented that the fee involved approximately $7,500, and
City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative. Responding further to Mr. Moss, City
Attorney Bray referred to the present lawsuit between the City of Corpus Christi and TCI
Cablevision, Inc. Mr. Moss next referred to the present budget and inquired about the
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Regular Cu
July 6, 1993
Page 8
oil Meeting
source of the $7,500. City Manager Garza replied that the funds could be provided through
another source or could be a reduction in expenditures.
Council Member Martin posed several questions to City Attorney Bray concerning
the amendment. Mr. Martin then stated that he supported the proposal, but expressed
concern about Captain Bixler's opinion that the City did not have the authority to collect
the fee for the NAS area and was contending to take the matter to the Assistant Attorney
General. He further stated that NAS could charge a similar fee in addition to the City's fee,
and City Attorney Bray affirmed.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, City Attorney Bray stated that the franchisee fee was
based upon the gross receipts collected by TCI Cablevision, Inc. within the city limits in
exchange for the use of the streets.
City Manager Garza then stated that staff believed the City was entitled to the funds,
but was recommending the proposal to promote goodwill between the City and NAS.
Council Member Galindo referred to the current City budget and expressed concern
about the reduction in City revenues.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, stated opposition to the City allowing NAS to collect
the fee instead of the City.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
2. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Granting to TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc. an amendment to the cable television
franchise granted in Ordinance No. 16133, as amended, to delete from the definition
of "City" the area within the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye; Galindo
voting "No."
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 4a and 4b, short and long term leases
with Landry's Seafood & Steakhouse.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager,
Development Services, explained the present value of a ground lease and the proposed
payment schedule. Responding further, Mr. Utter explained the responsibilities concerning
maintenance at the Marina.
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Regular Cc
July 6, 1993
Page 9
cil Meeting
Council Member McNichols referred to his previous request to the City Manager's
Office concerning maintenance at the Marina. Mr. Utter commented that City staff
performed maintenance at the Marina once a day.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year lease agreement
with Landry's Seafood & Steakhouse - Corpus Christi, Inc. of berthing space and
adjacent boardwalk area on the north side of Peoples Street T -Head to berth and
operate a floating barge for restaurant purposes for a fee of 2.75 percent of gross
monthly revenues or $5,750 per month, whichever is greater.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
4b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a four year lease beginning
one year after the short-term lease is effective with Landry's Seafood & Steakhouse -
Corpus Christi, Inc. of berthing space and adjacent boardwalk area on the north side
of Peoples Street T -Head to berth and operate a floating barge for restaurant
purposes for a fee of 2.75 percent of gross monthly revenues or $5,750 per month,
whichever is greater.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 5a, presentation of the TQM project
on stationery supplies.
Mr. Todd White, Buying Supervisor, discussed the current and proposed purchasing
conditions and procedures. He further outlined the benefits of the proposal. Through the
use of charts, Ms. Susan Cable, Director of Communications and Quality Management,
discussed the evaluation of the current procurement practices and stationery supply
distribution, the meeting with several local stationery supply companies, and the results
thereof.
Council Member Martin inquired about the ordering provisions and implementation
of the proposal. Mr. White responded. Mr. Martin then inquired whether a staff reduction
would occur and whether a savings was present in the budget. City Manager Garza
explained the proposed utilization of the staff person in another area and further stated that
information concerning a savings would be returned to the Council when available.
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Regular Cc
July 6, 1993
Page 10
cil Meeting
A brief discussion ensued and several Council Members commended City staff for
their efforts in the recommendation.
In response to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. White introduced the members of the Quality
Improvement Team present at the day's meeting.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5b. M93-197
Motion approving supply agreements for stationery supplies in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0121-93 with the following companies based on low bids, to provide
for multiple progressive awards. The terms of the agreements will be two years,
subject to annual appropriation, with an option to extend for up to an additional
twelve months. The estimated two year contract total is $267,006.60.
Leslie Alan Co.
Corpus Christi, Tx.
(Primary Vendor)
Texas Office Supply
Corpus Christi, Tx.
(Secondary Vendor)
Grand Total: $267,006.60 For Two Years
($133,503.30 Annually)
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 6 through 10, and Council Members
requested that Items 6 and 8 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
7. M93-199
Motion rejecting bid received from National Linen Service, Corpus Christi, Texas for
Bid Invitation No. BI -0182-93 for linen and towel service, based on lack of
competition.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
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Regular C.
July 6, 1993
Page 11
.cil Meeting
9. ORDINANCE NO. 021698
Ordinance waiving the Health Clinic visit fee set out in Section 23-18 of the City
Code of Ordinances for immunization of children during the months of July and
August, 1993.
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."
10. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the conveyance of Lots 44 and 45, Block 1003, Fitchue Place Addition,
located at 1626 S. Brownlee, jointly owed by the City of Corpus and Nueces County
on a 70%/30% interest, respectively, to the Nueces County Mental Health and
Mental Retardation Community Center for their use as an MHMR Facility subject
to its continued use as an MHMR facility.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
Returning to Item 9, ordinance waiving the Health Clinic visit fee for immunization
of children during the months of July and August, 1993, Council Member Martin inquired
whether the waiver would be publicized. City Manager Garza replied in the affirmative and
discussed the proposed advertisement. Mayor Rhodes referred to the proclamation
designating July, 1993, as "Immunization Awareness Month" presented at the beginning of
the Council meeting which outlined the times and the places for the immunizations.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 6, motion approving a supply
agreement for an estimated twenty-three Network Workstations with Microtek.
Council Member Moss inquired about the necessity of the twenty-three workstations
and suggested that the issue be revisited after implementation of the initial ten workstations.
Mr. Kelly Elizondo, Director of Community Development, explained the purchase provisions
in the supply agreement. Responding further, City Manager Garza stated that the City
could purchase ten computers initially and thirteen computers at a later date after
establishment of the program as suggested by Mr. Moss. Additionally, Mr. Moss stated that
the proposed software would be developed for MS-DOS and could not be used by
Mackintosh computers.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 8, motion approving the emergency
purchase of material sand services for cover of solid waste at the sanitary landfill.
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Regular Cc
July 6, 1993
Page 12
cil Meeting
Responding to Council Member
necessity of the purchase. Further, Mr.
discussed the spray application process
conditions at the landfill which merit the
Galindo, City Manager Garza explained the
Bob Bruner, Director of Solid Waste Services,
and costs. He further discussed the present
proposal.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
6. M93-198
Motion approving a supply agreement for an estimated twenty-three Network
Workstations, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0200-93, with Microtek,
Corpus Christi, based on the low bid of $57,891.00. The term of the contract is six
months with an option to extend for up to six additional months, subject to the
approval of the contractor and the City Manager, or his designee. Funds have been
budgeted in the 1992-93 Capital Outlay and requested for 1993-94 Capital by the
Community Development Department as additional items.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
8. M93-200
Motion approving the emergency purchase of materials and services for cover of solid
waste at the sanitary landfill from Enviroco, Inc., for an estimated amount of $17,500.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Sec. 2 (f), V.A.C.S.,
regarding acquisition of 1709-1721 Mesquite, Corpus Christi, Texas.
The Council returned from closed session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for the discussion and consideration of the FY 93-94 Budget
under the City Manager's report.
City Manager Garza outlined the material in the Summary of Funding Options
previously provided to the Council.
Council Member Martin stressed the importance of the Debt Service Fund and
expressed concern about the present and future shortages. City Manager Garza discussed
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Regular Cc cil Meeting
July 6, 1993
Page 13
the tax base decrease and bond fund interest earning transfers which contributed to the
shortage.
Council Member Martin referred to the City's practice of retaining 85 percent of next
year's debt service requirement and requested that staff provide the projections of the debt
service fund for the next three to four years to the Council. He further requested a
schedule of future projections before the transfers and a tax increase and also a schedule
with the transfers and a tax increase. City Manager Garza stated that staff would provide
these projections in the Friday packet. Mr. Martin then inquired about the City's ability to
sell bonds in the next five years. City Manager replied that the City was not in a position
to sell General Obligation bonds without a voter approved property tax increase.
Council Member McNichols requested that the projections previously requested by
Council Member Martin cover the next five years. A broad discussion developed about
future debt service requirements in relationship to the additional items requested by the
Council in the proposed budget.
Council Member Martin then stated he was opposed to a property tax increase, but
expressed concern about the City's bond rating in relationship to future debt service
requirements.
City Manager Garza responded to several inquiries from Council Member Galindo
regarding the City's rate cap and the debt service fund.
Council Member Martin suggested that staff contact the City's financial advisor to
determine the effects the City's present situation would have on the City's bond rating.
Mr. Martin further discussed the possibility of creating a cap concerning the debt service
requirement for the next year and inquired about the effects. Mr. Garza responded.
Responding to Council Member Galindo, City Manager Garza discussed the bond
covenant between the City and the bonding company involving the debt service
requirements.
A discussion developed about the Summary of Major Budget Items.
Next, Council Member McNichols referred to the chart concerning the Corpus Christi
Emergency Medical Service (EMS). He pointed out the deficit and stated that it was his
understanding that the surcharge would be utilized for reduction of the deficit and not to
cushion the impact of increased expenses. He further proposed an adjusted amount
concerning the advanced life support service for outside city limits (OCL). City Manager
Garza stated that a revised proposal for the OCL rates would be presented to the Council
for consideration along with the rate ordinance.
Council Member Moss inquired about the collection rate for EMS. City Manager
Garza discussed the upcoming review of the collection service and the difficulties involved.
Mr. Moss suggested that staff obtain information about the collection services utilized in
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Regular a .cid Meeting
July 6, 1993
Page 14
other cities in Texas. Council Member McNichols also discussed the difficulties concerning
insurance payments for the service.
Responding to Council Member Galindo, City Manager Garza discussed the
proposed increases in the budget as compared to the actual fees charged in several
departments in the City. A discussion developed concerning improvements at the Marina.
Council Member Martin inquired whether the building permit fees had been adjusted
to cover costs, and Mr. Utter discussed the activity. Further, Mr. Martin inquired about the
closing balance, and Mr. Garza stated that the figures were being re-evaluated and would
be provided to the Council.
Next, Council Member Martin inquired about the present and future early payments
of the Industrial Districts. City Manager Garza responded and stated that staff would
contact the entities in the Industrial District regarding future early payments.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes stated that the City had received the grant funds from the Texas
Water Commission for the construction of the household hazardous waste facility.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member McNichols requested that staff provide the Council with the
advertising costs for the proposed sale of City's natural gas distribution system. Mr. Garza
discussed the costs and replied that the Council would be provided the information.
Council Member Moss referred to the City's Employment and Promotional
Opportunities bulletin and inquired about the reoccurring Grade 9 Tradeshelper position.
Mr. Garza discussed the difficulties of the job.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin, commented on the artwork proposed for the Parkdale
Library, stated opposition to the TCI franchise fee which was approved at the day's meeting,
suggested placing the times and dates of the City's boards and committee meetings in the
Caller -Times newspaper, and opposed the religious test for applicants of the Building
Standards Board and the Housing Improvement Review Committee.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m. on July 6, 1993.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *