HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/28/1993I 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 September 28, 1993, which
were approved by the City Council on October 12, 1993.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 15th day of October, 1993.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
mitatalga
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
September 28, 1993
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Cezar Galindo
Council Members:
Jack Best
Melody Cooper
Betty Jean Longoria
Dr. David McNichols
Clif Moss
David Noyola *
ABSENT
Edward Martin
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 Reverend Mickey McCandless, South Bluff United
Methodist Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States
was led by Council Member Best.
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 September 21, 1993. Council Member McNichols requested a correction to the minutes
on page 9 to reflect that the tentative report on water releases in November of 1993 would
be from the Mayor's Policy Subcommittee on Water Releases. Mayor Rhodes then
proclaimed them approved as amended.
* Council Member Noyola arrived at the meeting at 2:08 p.m.
*************
Minutes
Regular Coh it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 2
Mayor Rhodes presented a proclamation to Mrs. Karen Starrs and Mr. Pete Rivera,
Crime Prevention Division of the Community Services Division of the Corpus Christi Police
Department. She also declared October of 1993 as "Crime Prevention Month."
Mrs. Starrs and Mr. Rivera expressed appreciation to the Council and explained and
encouraged participation in the local crime prevention programs.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation by Bayfest, Inc. and introduced Mr.
Duncan Samo, representative of Bayfest, Inc. 1993. Mr. Samo briefly gave an overview of
the plans for Bayfest 1993. Several Bayfest representatives presented gifts to Mayor Rhodes
and the Council Members. Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the committee for their
hard work in preparation of the festival.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation on the Downtown Revitalization Triad
Project.
Mr. John Watson, Board Member of the Downtown Management District and
Chairman of the Board of the Heart of Corpus Christi, discussed the "Vision Plan," and
discussed the goals and objectives of the Triad Task Force. He identified members of the
Task Force consisting of representatives from the Downtown Management District and the
Regional Transit Authority. Further, Mr. Watson requested the Council to appoint two
representatives from the City of Corpus Christi.
Mayor Rhodes stressed the importance of the task force and stated that she would
serve as a representative and appointed Council Member Martin as the second
representative. Mayor Rhodes requested the City Manager to attend the upcoming meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation on the Desalinization/Water Issues.
Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Director, discussed the costs, various methods,
and the problems associated with desalinization. Through the use of a chart, he compared
these costs to the present cost of water and water from Lake Texana and Garwood
Irrigation Company. He stated that the water from desalinization was approximately four
times more than the present cost of water and 350% more expensive than the Lake Texana
and Garwood Irrigation options. Mr. Dodson further stated that the cost of desalinization
could be reexamined in the future to redetermine the feasibility.
Council Member McNichols reviewed the three basic desalinization technologies.
He inquired whether any were not energy intensive and whether the costs could be reduced
on a large scale. Mr. Dodson referred to the desalinization process of "electrodialysis"
Minutes
Regular Cot it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 3
presently under examination and stated that this method was not suitable for seawater
desalinization. Mr. Dodson also discussed problems with the disposal of concentrated brines
resulting from this process. Council Member McNichols inquired about the City's available
ground water supply. Mr. Dodson discussed the City's ground water resources in
relationship to the studies performed and stated that the City did not currently possess a
dependable ground water supply. He further discussed the detrimental consequences of
utilization of ground water experienced by the City of Houston.
In response to Council Member Noyola, Mr. Dodson replied that the cost of
desalinization would be more expensive for the local industry because the production scale
would be smaller. In further response, Mr. Dodson stated that he would provide
Mr. Noyola a breakdown of the maintenance costs for the proposed pipelines to transport
water. Next, Mr. Noyola suggested that the City contact the U. S. Senators and
Representatives regarding water issues. In response, Council Member McNichols discussed
the recent South Texas Water Conference sponsored by Senator Carlos Truan which
revealed that the Lake Texana and Garwood Irrigation options were the best solutions when
considering the present available information. He further stated that all involved parties
were working collectively toward the same goal.
Mayor Rhodes stressed the importance of the local industrial district to the
community.
In response to Council Member Longoria, Mr. Dodson discussed the results of the
desalinization plants in California.
Council Member Best inquired about local industrial water usage and the efficiency
thereof. Mr. Dodson replied that the local industry recognizes the value of water and
utilizes water efficiently. He compared the local industrial water usage with other industries
in the State and discussed the improvements implemented by the local industries to promote
water conservation.
Council Member Moss referred to the chart at the day's meeting and pointed out that
10.25 jobs were created in the City for every job at a local industrial plant.
Council Member Galindo referred to the chart provided to the Council regarding
annual water usage by local consumers. City Manager Garza discussed water usage and
consumer costs in detail.
Council Member Cooper also stressed the importance of the local industry to the
economy.
Next, Mr. Dodson reviewed the history of the Choke Canyon Dam water release
schedule and the present schedule.
Mr. Dodson responded to several inquiries from Council Member Moss about the
water release interim order. Mr. Moss pointed out that the interim order could be subject
Minutes
Regular Co. it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 4
to change when more information was available. Mr. Dodson referred to the November
meeting of the Nueces Estuary Advisory Council to review current information and
determine other relevant information.
Mayor Rhodes stressed the importance of adhering to the interim order. City
Attorney Bray explained the legal ramifications of ceasing the water releases. He further
stated that the City was not waiving any rights regarding water rights by adhering to the
order and had reserved the right to litigate the issue, if necessary.
Council Member McNichols inquired about the likelihood that the water releases
would totally cease and whether the City's need to acquire a new water supply depended
on the fresh water releases. Mr. Dodson replied no in each instance.
A discussion ensued concerning the information for a "primary fact sheet on funding
the community's water resource needs" to educate the public. The Council commended the
staff on the proposed draft of the general information.
City Manager Garza stated that the State Comptroller's Office revealed that an
annual income of $35,000 would have an approximate annual net disposable expense of
$10,000. He further stated that approximately $24 would be the annual sales tax increase
from the proposed one-fourth of one percent sales and use tax increase for people in the
$35,000 income bracket.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of items from the Regular Agenda and
opened the discussion on Items 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, resolutions pertaining to TCI Cablevision
of Texas, Inc. (TCI).
Mayor Rhodes discussed the City's objectives to the TCI restructuring of basic cable
service as presented in the resolution in Item 4b. City Manager Garza stated that, at the
request of the citizens, the resolutions were an attempt for the City to be involved in the
regulations of cable rates.
In response to Council Member Best, City Manager Garza stated that the Cable
Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act passed by the U. S. Congress
authorizes the City to regulate only the rates charged to customers by TCI Cablevision of
Texas, Inc. for basic cable service and was a result of citizen complaints.
City Manager Garza stated that the resolutions dealt with the regulation of future
rates and not the present issue of retransmission of local networks. Council Member
McNichols pointed out that the present issue involving retransmission was outside of the
jurisdiction of the City.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Minutes
Regular Col 11 Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 5
Mr. Ronald A. Hudson, 3556 Austin, discussed the recent changes concerning TCI's
basic and expanded basic services. He suggested that the Council review TCI's franchise
agreement.
In response to Mr. Hudson, City Attorney Bray stated that the City did not have
jurisdiction over the change referenced by Mr. Hudson. Mr. Bray also explained the
resolutions before the Council.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, stated opposition to TCI's rate increases. He further
expressed concern that the antennas placed on the roofs by OmniVision could cause damage
to the roofs.
Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, expressed concern that TCI Cablevision of Texas,
Inc. was allowed to broadcast the council meetings each week and OmniVision could not.
In response to Mr. Rosenstein, City Manager Garza stated that the City did not
restrict OmniVision from broadcasting the council meetings.
City Manager Garza stated that OmniVision served seven percent of the households
in the City instead of the thirteen percent as stated in the agenda material.
Council Member Galindo expressed concern about the dangers of the OmniVision
antennas on the roofs and inquired about protecting citizens from possible roof damage
caused by the antennas. Mayor Rhodes stated that this issue should be addressed as a
separate item.
Mr Johnny Moncada, 3030 Fig, expressed concern that he could not have cable
television in his room at the nursing home. Mayor Rhodes stated that she had examined
the situation and learned that installing cable for one person at the nursing home was cost
prohibitive.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4a. RESOLUTION NO. 021751
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to take those actions required to obtain
certification to allow the City to regulate rates charged by TCI Cablevision of Texas,
Inc. for basic cable service and equipment; and making findings related to the
certification process.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper and Martin absent.
Minutes
Regular CG d Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 6
4b. RESOLUTION NO. 021752
Resolution objecting to the restructuring of basic cable service by TCI Cablevision
of Texas, Inc. ("TCI").
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper and Martin absent.
4c. RESOLUTION NO. 021753
Resolution challenging the reasonableness of TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc.'s rates
for cable programming service (expanded basic service) or associated equipment; and
authorizing the City Manager to take all actions necessary or appropriate to cause
the Federal Communications Commission to examine the reasonableness of such
rates.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper and Martin absent.
4d. RESOLUTION NO. 021754
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to object to rates for cable programming
service or associated equipment, or rate increases for such service or equipment,
which may be charged by cable operators in the city from time to time.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper and Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes recessed the Regular Council Meeting for Item 5, meeting of the
Corpus Christi Community Improvement Corporation.
Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Regular Council Meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes recognized Mr. Ted Nelson, reporter for Channel 6, present at the
day's meeting. She expressed appreciation to him for his coverage of the council meetings
for the past eight years and wished him well in his new venture.
Mr. Nelson expressed appreciation to the Council and stated that he had enjoyed
working with them as well as past City Councils.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes
Regular Co,_ d Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 7
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 6a through 23b, and Council Members
requested that Items 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 19 be withheld for discussion. City Manager
Garza stated that Item 15 was withdrawn from consideration at the day's meeting. He
further stated that Items 7 and 8 would be voted as emergency ordinances and not motions
as referenced in the agenda.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
10. M93-283
Motion authorizing the City Manager to accept a Federal Aviation Administration
grant offer in the amount of $1,000,275 (FAA Grant Number 3-48-0051-20-93) to
rehabilitate the Commercial Apron and portions of Runway 13/31.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin absent.
11. M93-284
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a release of the
leasehold on 991.188 acres of the 1,736.272 acres under contract with the Estate of
Mattie Cox.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin absent.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 021760
Resolution requesting that a portion of right-of-way for US Highway 181 (East
Causeway Boulevard) near the intersection with Breakwater Avenue, as shown on
Exhibit "A" attached hereto, be removed from the State Highway System; that
maintenance and jurisdiction pass to the City of Corpus Christi; and declaring that
this area is no longer needed for use by citizens for roadway purposes.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin absent.
15. WITHDRAWN
0 • • .. . . ... ... • .. • . ..... . . ' :
a fiber optic interface building for a fcc of $350.
Minutes
Regular Cc it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 8
16. ORDINANCE NO. 021761
Ordinance authorizing the execution of an escrow agreement in the amount of
$1,232,379.56 with the Texas Department of Transportation for the City's estimated
share of construction costs associated with the improvements to McKinzie Road from
Haven Drive to McKinzie Lane (entrance to Castle River Subdivision).
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting
"Aye"; Martin absent.
17. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the closure of the Downtown Heliport, deleting City Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 9 Aviation, Heliports Division 2, Sub -Sections 9-70 through 9-
78.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin
absent.
18. ORDINANCE NO. 021762
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year lease agreement
with Ships of Discovery, Inc. for space at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and
History in consideration of its conserving the Museum's marine artifacts.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin
absent.
20. ORDINANCE NO. 021764
Authorizing the City Manager to execute a three year Lease Agreement with the
Catamaran Sailing Association for .60 acres on Corpus Christi Beach Park for the
operation of a Sail Park and storage facility for a monthly payment of ten percent
(10%) of revenue collected for storing sail craft.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin
absent.
21. ORDINANCE NO. 021765
Authorizing the City Manager to execute a five year Use Privilege Agreement with
Padre Little League, Inc. dba Padre Little/Senior League for operation of a youth
Minutes
Regular Co it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 9
baseball program at the Bill Witt Park Softball Complex on Yorktown Blvd. in
consideration of Padre Little League, Inc. undertaking all maintenance and repairs
of said complex.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin
absent.
22. ORDINANCE NO. 021766
Amending the lease agreement adopted by Ordinance No. 021640 passed 4/27/93
between the Corpus Christi Community Improvement Corporation and the City of
Corpus Christi for the Old Police Station building increasing the lease term from 10
years to 12 years.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin
absent.
23a. M93-285
Motion to amend prior to second reading, Landscape Requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance, Article 27B, Section B-4 by clarifying appeal procedures and public
notification.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin absent.
23b. ORDINANCE NO. 021767
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, by amending Article 27B - Landscape
Requirements, by deleting said Article in its entirety and substituting therefore a new
Article 27B; providing for landscaping to comply with floodplain regulations;
replacing parking area with vehicular use area for certain landscape requirements;
specifying frontages for reduced landscape requirements for multiple street frontages;
modifying landscape requirements for public and quasi -public uses; specifying
maximum point credit for existing and new plant material; specifying no point credit
for turfgrass; requiring authorization in writing for landscaping within street rights--
of-way; deleting required update of landscape ordinance; providing for severance;
and providing for publication.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading as amended by the following vote:
Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting
"Aye"; Martin absent.
Minutes
Regular Co ;il Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 10
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 6a and 6b, submission of a proposal
to the State of Texas, Department of Emergency Management, for the purchase of
equipment for emergency management and disaster planning.
Council Member Moss inquired about the source of the funds and whether the
software could be coordinated with the City's Geographical Information System (GIS). City
Manager Garza stated that the funds involved a grant and that staff would investigate
coordination with the City's GIS.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
6a. M93-281
Motion approving the submission of a proposal in the amount of $52,500 to the State
of Texas, Department of Emergency Management, for the purchase of equipment to
be utilized for the enhancement of emergency management and disaster planning,
and authorizing the City Manager to execute the proposal and designating the Chief
of Police as the official representative of the City.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Martin and Noyola absent.
6b. ORDINANCE NO. 021755
Ordinance appropriating a grant in the amount of $52,500 from the State of Texas,
Department of Emergency Management to be allocated to Fund No. 102-219-515.98,
Emergency Management Fund.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye";
Martin and Noyola absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 7 and 8. City Manager Garza
explained the necessity to approve the items as an emergency ordinance. Mayor Rhodes
inquired whether the items should be reposted. City Attorney Bray replied that reporting
was not necessary.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
7. ORDINANCE NO. 021756
Ordinance approving the reimbursement application submitted by Diamond L.
Investments, Inc., developer of Lakes 5B, for the installation of 509 linear feet of a
12 -inch PVC water grid main and appropriating the amount of $10,533.39 from the
Water Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund.
Minutes
Regular Co it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 11
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye";
Martin and Noyola absent.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 021757
Ordinance approving the reimbursement application submitted by Shell Land
Management Co., Inc., developer of Reflections Unit 2, for the installation of 372
linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main and appropriating the amount of
$12,286.18 from the Water Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye";
Martin and Noyola absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 9, an agreement with Central Power
& Light Company to install street lighting improvements along Waldron Road.
Council Member McNichols inquired whether the spacing of the street lighting
fixtures and type of lighting poles conformed to the requirements for a major arterial street.
Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering, replied in the affirmative and identified other
similar street lighting systems in the City.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
9. M93-282
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with
Central Power & Light Company to install street lighting improvements along
Waldron Road between So. Padre Island Drive (Park Road 22) and Purdue Road,
at a cost not to exceed $90,000.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo,
Longoria, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Cooper, Martin, and Noyola absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 12, resolution establishing Sisterhood
Affiliation with Monterrey, Mexico. Mayor Rhodes referred to the recent resolution
approved by the Council proclaiming the City of Corpus Christi and Monterrey, Mexico as
Sister Cities. She further stated that the Sister City International allowed only one sister city
affiliation per country and that Monterrey was already an official sister city with the City of
San Antonio. She also discussed the upcoming activities in the City of Monterrey and
attendance by several city officials.
Mrs. Drue Combs, General Chairman of the Sister City Committee, stated support
of the sisterhood affiliation between the City of Corpus Christi and the City of Monterrey.
Minutes
Regular Co it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 12
She also stated that the sisterhood affiliation was the same as the official sister city
affiliation but would not permit grant eligibility through the Sister City International.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 021758
Resolution establishing Sisterhood Affiliation with Monterrey, Mexico, by becoming
"Partners In Trade" and formally recognizing our shared characteristics with this
distinguished city.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 13, resolution authorizing the purchase
of a building by the Nueces County Appraisal District.
Council Member Galindo inquired about the City's Fire Department leasing the third
floor of the building as referenced in the resolution. City Manager Garza stated that the
lease was not binding through the resolution and that the lease was currently under review.
Council Member McNichols inquired whether the lease involved the administrative offices
of the Fire Department Mr. Garza affirmed and reviewed the advantages of the lease.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
13. RESOLUTION NO. 021759
Resolution authorizing the purchase of a building by the Nueces County Appraisal
District.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 19, agreement with the Buccaneer
Commission.
Council Member Moss requested a comparison of the agreement between the City
and Bayfest, Inc. and the City and the proposed Buccaneer Commission Inc. City Manager
Garza briefly compared the contract provisions and stated that each contract contained a
provision for payment to the City for funding assistance at the festivals.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
Minutes
Regular Co. .il Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 13
19. ORDINANCE NO. 021763
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five year agreement with
the Buccaneer Commission Inc., for lease of City property for the purpose of
conducting a carnival, lease of office space in Memorial Coliseum and provision of
police service for crowd and traffic control; Buccaneer Commission, Inc. agrees to
continue making donations to charitable or civic causes in lieu of rental payment.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo and
Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council went into closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.071 regarding contracts with Phoenix Group Holdings, Inc., for lease and management
of golf courses, approved by Ordinance No. 021495, on October 6, 1992.
The Council returned from closed session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report.
City Manager Garza briefly reviewed the budgets and services provided to local
senior citizens through the City's "Congregate Meal Program" and the "Home Delivery Meal
Program."
Council Member Moss inquired whether the City could charge a small fee for the
meals. City Manager Garza stated that donations were received from senior citizens for the
congregate meal program. Mayor Rhodes pointed out that funds for the meals and services
were also provided through local outside groups.
Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, stated that State
regulations allowed donations to be accepted for the congregate meal program, but did not
allow donations for the home delivered meals. Mr. Utter also stated that State law
prohibited the City from charging for either.
Council Member Noyola stressed the importance of an improved baseball facility in
the City and referred to the recent proposal concerning the Texas/Louisiana League and
use of Cabinass Field. He inquired whether staff could reinvestigate the proposal and place
the item on the agenda. He also expressed concern about the local "drive-by shootings" and
stated that improved sports activities could be an asset in reducing local gangs. Mayor
Rhodes referred to the letter from Congressman John Bryant concerning the matter and
gave a copy to the City Manager.
Minutes
Regular Co it Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 14
In response to Mr. Noyola's concern about local gangs, Police Chief Garrett discussed
the new programs and personnel adjustments at the Corpus Christi Police Department to
assist in resolving the problem. He further discussed the recent local shootings and plans
of the City and the County for an resolution. In conclusion, Chief Garrett requested the
support of the Council and the community in their efforts.
Council Member Noyola next expressed concern about buildings in the City covered
with graffiti.
Mayor Rhodes stated that the Corpus Christi Literacy Council was assisting the Weed
and Seed Program and was in need of tutors for their literacy program. She stated
interested parties could contact her office or the Corpus Christi Literacy Council at the
Greenwood Library for more information.
Mayor Rhodes referred to a letter to the Editor in the Corpus Christi Caller Times
concerning the poorly organized swearing-in ceremony for the naturalization of U. S.
citizens. She stated that she would be willing to deliver the certificates in the Council
Chamber in a more meaningful fashion and would support a committee to investigate the
matter. City Manager Garza stated that he would examine the suggestion.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member McNichols referred to the procedure for responding to the
complaints from citizens received by the council members and requested an examination by
the City Manager.
Returning to Council Member Noyola's comments about the Texas/Louisiana League
and Congressman Bryant's letter, Council Member Longoria stated that she was not
interested in revisiting the issue. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether other members of the
Council were interested. No other council members were interested.
Council Member Longoria referred to the McKinzie Road improvements and
requested that the Tuloso-Midway Independent School District be kept informed of the
project's schedule.
Council Member Moss inquired whether groups advocating the legalization of
marijuana should be allowed to use the City parks. He further stated that it was
contradictive to the D.A.R.E. program. City Attorney Bray stated that the City had to allow
this use. Next, Mr. Moss referred to the hazardous conditions at the Marina and inquired
about the improvements. City Manager Garza discussed the current budget and recent
improvements at the Marina. He further stated that the matter was currently under review
and would be brought to the Council soon.
Next, Council Member Moss inquired about the status of the litigation concerning
the unpermitted discharge of pollutants into the waters of the Laguna Madre near Flour
Bluff. City Attorney Bray explained the negotiations currently in progress.
Minutes
Regular Co
.11 Meeting
September 28, 1993
Page 15
Council Member Cooper referred to the upcoming meetings in the Weber's Glen
area concerning the new school. She further expressed appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Graves
and other participating neighbors for their efforts.
Council Member Best inquired about a marketing program for the sale of gas in the
City. City Manager Garza stated that he would provide information on this matter to the
Council.
Council Member Longoria referred to the letter from Ms. Sylvia Gulley, Chairperson
of the Corpus Christi International Airport Advisory Committee (CCAAC), concerning the
entranceway project at the Corpus Christi International Airport. Mayor Rhodes stated that
the matter would be placed on a future agenda. Next, Council Member Longoria referred
to the City's new utility statements and confidentiality form. She requested a list of the
organizations which would not be covered by the confidentiality form. City Manager Garza
suggested that this list could be included as part of the letter to the consumers.
Council Member Galindo inquired about the Neighborhood Improvement's policy
concerning gas meters and lines for removal or demolition of a building. Mr. Utter
explained the policy.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Marcus Haas, 544 Southern, discussed the methods and costs of desalinization
which costs contradicted the costs presented at the day's meeting. Council Member
McNichols pointed out that brackish ground water exists in the area and that the cost of
"electrodialysis reversal for water demineralization" referenced by Mr. Haas depends on the
kind of the brackish ground water being treated. Dr. McNichols further stated that our area
did not have a reliable supply of ground water. City Manager Garza pointed out the
problems associated with the disposal of brine. Mr. Garza further pointed out that the cost
of desalinization was more expensive than the Lake Texana and Garwood Irrigation options.
Mr. Dodson reaffirmed that desalinization was presently too expensive for application in this
area.
Mr. Ronald A. Hudson, 3556 Austin, stated opposition to the invocation at the
council meetings and the City's religious tests. He further discussed a complaint he had
filed with the Human Relations Commission which had not been acted upon.
Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the ministers performing the invocation at
the council meetings.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared
the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:07 p.m. on September 28, 1993.
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