Loading...
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. * * * * * * * * * * * * *