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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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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." Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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 Minutes 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * *