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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/13/1993I 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 13, 1993, which were approved by the City Council on July 20, 1993. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 22nd day of July, 1993. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL t 0 Ua116+�� Live 9, MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting July 13, 1993 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Betty Jean Longoria Council Members: 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 ABSENT Dr. Jack Best 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 Mayor Pro Tem Longoria. 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 July 6, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes recognized the Sister City Exchange students present at the day's meeting. She referred to the Goodwill Ambassador certificates presented to each student and expressed appreciation to Ms. Drue Combs, Sister City Committee General Chairman, for her contributions to the program. * * * * * * * ** * * * * Minutes Regular 0. ;i1 Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 2 Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation on the Texas -Louisiana Baseball League. She introduced U. S. Congressman John Bryant, Texas Professional Baseball, Inc., who would give the presentation. Congressman Bryant discussed the Texas -Louisiana League's proposal for the development of a new minor baseball league. He distributed material to the Council and displayed maps depicting the present minor league baseball teams in the United States and various Texas cities which presently could accommodate the new minor baseball league. Mr. Bryant referred to the recent meeting at the Chamber of Commerce concerning the development of the new league in the City. He further commented that Texas Professional Baseball, Inc. was prepared to sign a contract for the new minor baseball league to play in Corpus Christi and discussed the development of an all-purpose sports complex. Council Member Cooper inquired about provisions in the proposed contract and proposed improvements to Cabaniss Field. Mr. Bryant responded and discussed the costs to improve Cabaniss Field and the costs associated with construction of a new baseball field. A discussion ensued and several Council Members expressed support of the concept of upgrading baseball standards in the City. Next, Mayor Rhodes stressed the importance of first determining whether the City was in need of an all-purpose sports facility before considering the proposal before the Council. In response to Mayor Rhodes, City Manager Garza discussed other organizations which might be interested in a local all-purpose sports facility. Council Member Martin suggested that City staff visit with the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) concerning the proposed Cabaniss Field improvements and commented on the availability of funds for the improvements. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria referred to the recent stadium improvements at the schools located in her district and stressed the importance of considering all locations in the City. Council Member Cooper agreed with the Mayor's prior inquiry concerning whether the City needed an all-purpose sports facility. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria stressed the importance of initially addressing the sale of alcoholic beverages at the complex in the event of a joint venture between the City and CCISD. City Manager Garza commented that this item has been examined. Council Member Noyola made a motion to instruct staff to visit with Dr. Abelardo Saavedra of the Corpus Christi Independent School District and provide the Council a recommendation concerning improvements to Cabaniss Field and a joint venture between the City, CCISD, and/or any other interested party. (The motion failed for the lack of a second.) Minutes Regular Co. July 13, 1993 Page 3 it Meeting Next, Mr. Bryant introduced Mr. Larry Adams, Vice Chairman of the Bay Area Sports Foundation. Mr. Adams discussed the benefits of a new minor baseball league in the City. Council Member Moss inquired whether subsidies supporting other sports activities in the City could be utilized for this venture instead. Mr. Adams discussed the subsidies. In response to Mayor Rhodes, City Manager Garza stated that staff would investigate all the comments and inquiries at the day's meeting. He stated these inquiries included whether the City was in need of an all-purpose sports facility, determining other parties interested in the facility and the funding sources available. Mayor Rhodes requested that the item be placed on the next agenda for further discussion. 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 of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 4 through 9, and Council Members requested that no items be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 4. M93-201 Motion approving a supply agreement for 107 pre -fabricated fiberglass manholes in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0206-93, with International Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid, for an estimated annual expenditure of $78,824.35. The term of the contract shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The manholes are used by the Wastewater Division for new and replacement manhole installations. Funds have been budgeted in FY 1992- 93 and requested for FY 1993-94. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and Moss absent. 5. M93-202 Motion approving a supply agreement for water treating chemicals consisting of approximately 250 tons of anhydrous ammonia and 3,640 tons of liquid aluminum sulfate based on low bid with the following companies in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0204-93 for a grand total of $450,270. The term of the supply Minutes Regular Ca .ail Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 4 agreements will 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. Funds have been budgeted for FY 92-93 and requested for FY 93-94 by the Water Department. La Roche Industries Houston, Texas Anhydrous Ammonia Bay Chemical & Supply Co. Odem. Texas Liquid Aluminum Sulfate $66,250.00 $384,020.00 GRAND TOTAL - $450,270.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and Moss absent. 6. M93-203 Motion authorizing emergency repairs to aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle #2 by Stewart & Stevenson Services, at an estimated cost of $17,200. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and Moss absent. 7. M93-204 Motion approving Amendment No. 4 to the Contract for Engineering Services with Russell-Veteto Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $174,208 for preliminary, design, and bid and award services associated with several airfield improvement projects at the Corpus Christi International Airport. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and Moss absent. 8. ORDINANCE NO. 021699 Authorizing the conveyance of Lots 44 and 45, Block 1003, Fitchue Place Addition, located at 1626 S. Brownlee, jointly owned by the City of Corpus Christi 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 MH -MR Facility subject to its continued use as an MH -MR facility. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and Moss absent. Minutes Regular Co, .11 Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 5 9. ORDINANCE NO. 021700 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 second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye; Best and Moss absent. The Council went into closed session pursuant to Article 6252-17, Sec. 2(e), V.A.C.S. In The Matter of the Texas Water Commission Executive Director's Preliminary Enforcement Report concerning the City of Corpus Christi; Permit No. 10401-04. (Order regarding wastewater collection system bypasses primarily in Brawner Parkway area.) The Council returned from closed session. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of items from the Regular Agenda and made a motion concerning the closed session, Items 10 and 11. 11. M93-205 Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreed Order with the Texas Water Commission In The Matter of the Texas Water Commission Executive Director's Preliminary Enforcement Report concerning the City of Corpus Christi; Permit No. 10401-04, as this agreed order has been negotiated by City staff to: reduce both monetary and stipulated penalties to $28,000 and $2,500, respectively; provide an antipollution education program; provide inflow and infiltration studies in target areas; recognize the Horne Road Lift Station Force Main Project as a major remediation construction to relieve bypass surges in the Brawner Parkway area; and provide for related matters as specified in the negotiated order. Subject to Council being presented with the final agreement for approval. Minutes Regular Cc _cil Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 6 The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Longoria. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion and Item 11 passed as amended as follows: Rhodes, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and Galindo absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 12. Case No. 693-3. Winter Maintenance & Landscaping: A change of zoning from "R - 1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District on Lot 1, F.H. Kaler Partition, located on the west side of Cantwell Drive, approximately 235 feet south of Rackley Drive. Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the application. No one opposed the zoning change. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Council Member Noyola and passed unanimously by those present and voting. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Torn Utter, Group Manager, discussed the proposed zoning change as opposed to the industrial zoning recommended in the Port/Airport/Violet Area Development Plan. He further stated that this recommendation was currently under examination. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria referred to the telephone calls she received in opposition to the proposal. She further stated that, after examination of the property, she concurred with the staff's recommendation. zoning Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning, discussed the opposition to the proposed City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12. ORDINANCE NO. 021701 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Winter Maintenance & Landscaping, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Lot 1, F.H. Kaler Partition, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Best, Cooper, and Noyola absent. Minutes Regular Co, it Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 7 Mayor Rhodes announced the discussion and consideration of the FY 93-94 Budget under the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza first referred to the increases in the Police, Fire, and Solid Waste Services Departments and the reductions in the Enterprise Funds. Next, he stated that Mr. George Moff, Chief Appraiser of the Nueces County Tax Appraisal District, expected a growth in the City's tax base for the upcoming year. Mr. Garza next referred to the alternatives concerning the G. O. Debt Service Fund presented in the material to the Council. He stated that the first alternative was to take no action and the second and third alternatives consisted of property tax fund transfers and a property tax increase. He also commented on Mr. Martin's suggestion concerning utilization of the Industrial District's early payment in which the City's accountants had deemed acceptable. He stated that these items could produce a continuing cash flow to support the debt service. Council Member McNichols expressed concern about the future of the G. O. Debt Service Fund. City Manager Garza stressed the importance of maintaining 75 percent of the next debt service requirement. Dr. McNichols then referred to Mr. Martin's inquiry about including the Industrial District early payments. Pursuant to the Industrial District's early payment, Council Member Martin suggested that the early payments be transferred upon receipt of the next early payment. He further stated that the only risk would be to the bond fund reserve and would not affect an item possessing an offsetting expenditure. Further, he discussed the present and future effects of this action. Mr. Martin then requested that staff recalculate the Summary of Major Budget Items from the July 2, 1993 budget material and include these alternatives. A brief discussion developed, and Council Member McNichols made a motion to approve the City Manager's recommendation of transferring $0.0117 and $0.017813 of Ad Valorem tax from the General Fund to the General Obligation Debt Service Fund, increasing the Ad Valorem tax rate 1.476 cents, and also placing any additional tax revenue realized from increased estimated property tax values ($50 million) in the General Obligation Debt Service Fund. The motion was seconded by Mayor Rhodes. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Council Member Galindo stressed the importance of maintenance in the City and suggested that the City's travel budget be reduced to offset additional maintenance personnel. City Manager Garza stated that the appropriate action would be to fund the inspector position and reduce the City's travel and training budget by a similar amount. Next, Mr. Galindo referred to additional funds from the proposed solid waste fee increases and suggested that the funds could be redirected. City Manager Garza commented on the rising costs of solid waste services and discouraged this action. Minutes Regular Cc .cil Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 8 In response to Council Member Moss, City Manager Garza commented that the motion at the day's meeting would increase the property tax rate by 1.476 cents. Next, City Manager Garza referred to the proposed fee increases in water, wastewater, and gas, and the EMS surcharge. Council Member Martin requested that staff provide the Council with information on the winter averaging program before the effects appeared on the consumer's bills. He further inquired about the effects of the recent rainfall on revenues in the Water Department. City Manager Garza replied that he would provide information on each of these items to the Council. Further, Mr. Garza reviewed the recent cutbacks in the utility departments and suggested that the proposed increases not be used for operational purposes. Mr. Garza then commented that the utility rate increases could fund the pay-as-you-go capital improvements program or the first annual installment for a bond sale for water and wastewater capital improvements. Council Member Martin commented that the utility rate increases could be implemented when the expenditures for the capital improvements program were specifically determined Next, Mr. Martin requested staff to include the effects of the winter averaging program in the proposed budget. City Manager Garza explained that the capital improvements proposed for the first year could be included in the sale of bonds. Mr. Garza then stressed the importance of the sale of bonds and discussed the proposed bond payment schedule accommodating revenues. Dr. McNichols suggested that the proposed utility rate increases be dedicated to the improvements required in the next twelve to twenty-four months, and utilization of the bond package on the proposed larger items. A discussion ensued and City Manager Garza suggested that a motion be made to delay the proposed utility rate increases until the Council reviewed the financing options for the utility funds and eliminate the pay-as-you-go projects from the budget proposal. Council Member Martin suggested that staff present the Council with a utility funds summary budget minus the pay-as-you-go projects. Mr. Garza then discussed his proposal to develop a multi- year plan for the capital improvements considering the six percent rate cap which would include future utility rate increases. Council Member Galindo inquired about the emergency provisions contained in the City Charter concerning the utility rate cap. City Attorney Bray explained the application. City Manager Garza explained that the items suggested at the day's meeting would be incorporated as requested and returned to the Council for the next budget discussion. Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the Corpus Christi Restaurant Association for their continued assistance concerning smoking in restaurants. Next, Mayor Rhodes commented on the creation of a task force to examine alternatives regarding smoking in restaruants and make a recommendation to the Council. She then appointed Rod Larson, Minutes Regular Cote it Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 9 Frances Smith, Ralph Pitzer, Richard Pierce, David Mathews, Dee Haven, Pete Opel, Jack Baker, Brad Lomax, Roy Hinojosa, and Johnny Rodela to the task force. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns. Council Member Moss inquired about the specific savings derived from the stationery supply agreements approved at the last council meeting. City Manager Garza explained the proposed savings and utilization of the vacant warehouse space. Next, Mr. Moss inquired about the cost to the City to waive the Health Clinic visit fee for immunization of children during the months of July and August, 1993. City Manager Garza stated that he would provide this information. Further, Mr. Moss inquired about the status to allow a new retirement program for future City employees, and Mr. Garza commented that the proposed legislation was not successful. Mr. Moss further inquired about the status of the City's third public golf course and privatization of the existing courses. Mr. Garza commented that no action was currently being pursued. Mr. Moss then referred to the report concerning the effects of recycling on the landfill, and inquired about the specific costs. Mr. Garza stated that he would provide further information. Council Member McNichols referred to the information provided to the Council concerning the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and inquired about the amount of increases necessary to offset next year's expenditures allowing for a deficit reduction. City Manager Garza discussed the difficulties involved and stated that he would provide the information in the Friday packet. Next, Dr. McNichols referred to a letter he received from Mr. Chris Grim concerning the central refrigeration system at the new Bay Area Medical Center. Dr. McNichols requested that staff examine the current Building Code in relationship to new regulations concerning this type of central refrigeration system. Dr. McNichols referred to the previous request to examine the intersection of Laguna Shores/South Padre Island Drive. Mr. Garza replied that staff would examine these two situations. Council Member Noyola referred to the hazardous street conditions on Rockford Drive, an alley near Molina Street requiring maintenance, and high weeds in the Holly Road/Weber Road area. Mr. Garza stated that these items would be examined. Council Member Cooper inquired about the recent Jazz Festival location which divided the festival grounds. City Manager Garza stated that he would provide information on the matter to Mrs. Cooper. Next, Mrs. Cooper referred to a portable blinking sign located on Cedar Pass Drive and requested an investigation. Council Member Martin referred to the day's presentation on the Texas -Louisiana Baseball League and commented on the benefits of the youth sports programs in the City. Mayor Rhodes referred to the success of the local Kids Camp program. Lastly, City Manager Garza commented on the present favorable relationship between the City and CCISD. Minutes Regular Cc. ::il Meeting July 13, 1993 Page 10 Council Member Galindo inquired about the status of the report concerning overweight vehicles in the community. City Manager Garza referred to the recent report provided to the Council and discussed the proposed follow up. Mayor Pro Tem Longoria commented on the upcoming meeting by the Texas Water Commission at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center on July 20, 1993 at 7:00 for the Oak Park residents. Next, Mrs. Longoria requested a status report on the development of the Martin Luther King Drive/Brownlee Boulevard block. Council Member Noyola referred to a soccer field located in the Garcia Park area in need of additional dirt. He stated that the soccer players were willing to spread the dirt if the City could provide it. City Manager Garza stated that the situation would be investigated. Mr. Noyola stated that Mr. Manuel Salinas could be contacted for further information. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, expressed opposition to the recent Council decision concerning smoking in restaurants. Mr Jimmy Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, expressed appreciation to Mayor Pro Tem Longoria for her support of the northwest area and referred to several areas in need of maintenance. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, stated opposition to the proposed property tax increases and transfers and the proposed utility rate increases. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. on July 13 1993. * * * * * * * * * * * * *