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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/23/1993I 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 November 23, 1993, which were approved by the City Council on November 30, 1993. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the January 7, 1994. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting November 23, 1993 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Council Members: Dr. Jack Best Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Clif Moss ABSENT Mayor Pro Tem David Noyola Melody Cooper Dr. David McNichols 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 Mr. Douglas Wade, First Church of Christ Scientist, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member 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 November 16, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 1, funding options for the purchase of water from Lake Texana. Minutes Regular Cot 3 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 2 City Manager Juan Garza presented an overview on utility fund projections and funding options for acquiring a future water supply. These included utility rate changes, property tax increase, reallocation of RTA sales tax, service reductions, revenue enhancements, the buy-out of the Choke Canyon debt at a discount, the sale of assets, the sale of an interest in the Lake Texana water to San Antonio and/or the Lower Nueces River Authority, and funding from the Texas Water Development Board. In response to Mayor Rhodes, City Manager Garza stated that the options could be reviewed at the day's meeting and the Lake Texana water option could be addressed at the next council meeting. In further response, Mr. Garza referred to the agenda material outlining the cost to purchase the Lake Texana water. Council Member Best inquired about the City Manager's recommendations. City Manager Garza stated that the City should investigate the reallocation of RTA sales tax because it is a pressing community issue, buy-out of the Choke Canyon debt, and the cost of water pass-through. Council Member Moss inquired about a delay in the purchase of water and about the capital improvement projects for the Water Fund. Mr. Garza responded. In further response, he stated that more information would be provided to the citizens concerning future water supplies. A broad discussion ensued and Council Member Martin suggested that the Lake Texana option could be exercised through the operating budget, examination of a one year extension for the Garwood Irrigation option, and the creation of a stormwater utility. He stated that these items would allow time for information to be obtained from the Trans - Texas Water Study and the Choke Canyon debt. In response to Mayor Rhodes, City Attorney Bray reviewed the legalities regarding utilization of the reallocation of the RTA funds. Mayor Rhodes supported the City Manager's suggestion on the formation of a citizen's committee to review the feasibility of the reallocation of the RTA tax and requested that each Council Member appoint one person to the committee. Further deliberation ensued about the funding alternatives. Council Member Longoria inquired about the option for utilization of street user fees. City Manager Garza stated that the fees would be used to assist in deferring the cost of maintaining city streets. Mrs. Longoria further inquired whether the fee could be incorporated into the license renewal fee. Mr. Garza replied that the City was currently examining ways to levy such a tax. Mayor Rhodes stated that she had received a letter from Mayor Pro Tem Noyola stating that he was in favor of the reallocation of the RTA sales tax and reduction of outside agency funding for a future water supply. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 3 Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of items from the Regular Agenda. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 2, a motion accepting the City of Corpus Christi's Fair Housing Assessment. Council Members Galindo and Best commented favorably on acceptance of the Corpus Christi's Fair Housing Assessment. Council Member Moss inquired whether adoption would endorse the concept only. Mr. Mike Reuwsaat, Director of Housing and Community Development, replied in the affirmative and stated that staff would present recommendations for related action items at a later date. Mr. Reuwsaat presented a brief overview on the development of the Fair Housing Assessment and recognized citizens who assisted in the development of the assessment. Council Member Martin inquired whether approval of the item would include the addition of a staff person. Mr. Reuwsaat replied that approval would not add another staff position. Mr. Errol Summerlin, 102 Pueblo, commented favorably on the recommendations in the assessment, but felt that the plan needed to be adopted not just in concept. Mr. Summerlin was advised by the Mayor that approving in concept was the usual process and that the Council could not commit to the budgetary needs of the plan until the appropriate time. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2. M93-322 Motion accepting the City of Corpus Christi's Fair Housing Assessment. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 3; 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, and 3f, items concerning the Corpus Christi Beach Parking Agreement and construction of new sites in the City Marina. Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager, Development Services, presented an overview of the beach parking agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation. He displayed a chart depicting the location of the parking lot and the parking meters. He further explained the proposed ticketing system, the parking meter services, and upkeep and maintenance of the restrooms and park facilities. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 4 Further, Mr. Utter showed a video of the Lawrence Street T -head summarizing the needed repairs to Piers A, B, C, and D. He further discussed the improvements to these piers through utilization of the Marina funds and purchase of Certificate of Obligations with funds from the Corpus Christi Beach Parking agreement. Council Member Moss stated that floating piers were vulnerable to storm damage. Mr. Utter compared floating piers to fixed piers. Council Member Galindo posed several questions about the parking areas, parking meters, and the restroom facilities. Mr. Utter responded. Council Member Martin stated that all businesses in the beach area should be made aware of the agreement. Council Member Martin also inquired about payment of the C. O. bonds and ticket revenue from the agreement. Mr. Utter discussed these items. In response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, explained the related costs listed in the bid tabulation sheet in the agenda material. In further response, Mr. Crull stated that the consultant, Shiner, Moseley & Associates, recommended the floating slips. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Ms. Helen Royal, 2801 North Shoreline, requested copies of the agenda material and expressed concern about the parking fees. She further stated that she did not oppose the fees. Mr. Frank Beck, 137 Del Mar, stated that, since the City has performed some removal work at the Lawrence Street T -Head, he felt the original contact price should be adjusted. A resident of 1400 Ocean Drive commented favorably on floating piers for the safety of boats at the Marina. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3a. ORDINANCE NO. 021804 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a short-term parking lease and management agreement with the Texas State Aquarium not to exceed one year. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 5 3b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager to execute a five-year parking lease and management agreement with the Texas State Aquarium. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. 3c. RESOLUTION NO. 021805 Resolution declaring intent to issue $1,200,000 Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation for Marina improvements and directing publication of "Notice of Intention to Issue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1993", and resolving other matters on the subject. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. 3d. M93-323 Motion awarding a contract in the amount $1,611,000 to Garrett Construction Company to remove existing and construct new piers at the Lawrence Street T -Head, contingent upon the issuance and appropriation of the 1993 Marina Certificates of Obligation. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. 3e. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53, Traffic, Section 53-257, Schedule VIII, Parking Meter Zones, established by establishing three new zones; providing for severance; providing for publication; and providing for penalties assessed for violations. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. 3f. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53, Traffic, Section 53-27, Parking Attendants, Office and Positions established; qualifications; supervision to allow non - city employees to issue traffic citations; providing for severance; providing for publication. Minutes Regular Cot. 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 6 The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes stated that Items 4a and 4b, motion and ordinance concerning the Oso Parkway Plan would be withdrawn until additional council members were present for discussion. 4a. WITHDRAWN 4b. WITHDRAWN -- - . - -. - publieatiem Mayor Rhodes announced the public hearing on Item 5, changing the name of Purdue Road to Hustlin Hornet Drive. Mayor Rhodes stated that the City had a policy against changing the name of streets in the City and referred to a previous request concerning a priest in the City. She stated that she could not support the change. Mr. Ron Rowell, Superintendent of the Flour Bluff Independent School District, stated that he was not aware of this policy. Council Member Martin inquired about the other streets in the City adjacent to high schools bearing the school mascot's name. Mr. Crull discussed the other streets. Mr. Martin agreed with the Mayor's concerns, but stated that, under the circumstances, he would support this name change. Mr. Rowell stressed the importance of the name change to the school district. Council Member Martin made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Galindo, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 7 5. FAILED The foregoing ordinance failed on the first reading by the following vote: Best, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Rhodes and Galindo voting "No;" Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning application: 6. Case No. 1093-1. South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind: A change of zoning from "A-2" Apartment House District to "I-2" Light Industrial District on Hillside Addition, Block 2, Lots 1 through 7, located on the north side of Mestina Street, between Coke Street and Crosstown Expressway. Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and Staff recommended denial of the "I-2" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a'B-5" Primary Business District. She stated that the zoning had been previously addressed at the last council meeting and inquired whether the applicant was still in support of the Special Permit Special Permit for a parking lot. The applicant replied in the affirmative. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether anyone was opposed to the zoning change as presented. No one opposed. Council Member Best made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Moss, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 021806 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind by granting a Special Permit for a parking lot on Hillside Addition, Block 2, Lots 1 through 7, subject to four (4) conditions. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Minutes Regular Cou. 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 8 Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 7 through 11, and Council Members requested that Items 7 and 9 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 8. ORDINANCE NO. 021807 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 2235.40 square foot of a 5 -foot wide by 447.08 - foot long utility easement and a 4,470.30 square foot portion of a 10 -foot wide by 447.03 -foot long utility easement on Lot 1, Block 1, Chris Rae Addition subject to the compliance with the specified conditions, and the owner replatting the property within 180 days at his expense. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. 10. ORDINANCE NO. 021809 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year grazing lease agreement with Mr. Welton Gorbet for a 230 acre tract of land on Lake Corpus Christi, to expire upon the effective date of the long-term lease, for a monthly rental fee of one -twelfth of the annual rental fee of $5,066.90 (or $422.24) for each month this short term lease is in effect. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. 11. ORDINANCE NO. 021810 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Outside City Limits Water Services Contract with Mark P. Bratton, Trustee of Staples -Everhart Land Company, for the purpose of providing water to 8.64 acres of land out of Botanical Gardens Subdivision Unit 1, Lots 12 through 18, Block 1. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 7, supply agreement for police sedans. Minutes Regular Cots .1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 9 Council Member Best expressed concern that the hubcaps on new police vehicles did not stay on the vehicle. City Manager Juan Garza stated that the hubcaps on these new police cars were made of steel instead of plastic and should stay on. Council Member Moss inquired about the option to extend, and City Manager Garza stated that a market and cost analysis would be performed before exercising future options. Further, Mr. Moss discussed a program in another city concerning the purchase of police vehicles. City Manager Garza stated that he would examine this program. Council Member Martin posed several questions about the accessories of the police vehicles. City Manager Garza responded. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. 7. M93-324 Motion approving a supply agreement for thirty-two (32) police package sedans in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0037-94 with Allen Samuels Bay Chevrolet, Corpus Christi, Texas for the estimated annual amount of $436,224 based on low bid. The term of the contact will be for the 1994 model production year with an option to extend through the 1995 model production year, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 9, amending the platting ordinance. Council Member Moss referred to the present paving ordinance concerning marsh or solid rock land and made a motion that the proposed ordinance be effective immediately. Mayor Rhodes called for discussion on the motion. City Manager Garza stated that the ordinance could be effective upon publication. He further stated that immediate implementation did not follow the proposed schedule as given to the interested parties. The motion died for the lack of a second. Council Member Martin stated that he would support this item and referred to his previous request for staff to provide the Council with a list of the additional costs to contractors and developers for the recent changes in the ordinance. He expressed concern that this information had not been provided. City Manager Garza stated that information of this nature would be provided in the future with the request. Council Member Martin requested staff to provide notice to all the engineering companies concerning the new regulations. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Minutes Regular Cou 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 10 9. ORDINANCE NO. 021808 Amending the Platting Ordinance No. 4168, as amended, by adopting the proposed subdivision street pavement standards; providing for severance and publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola, Cooper, and McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report and opened the discussion on Item 12, staff alternatives/recommendations on the traffic barrier at the Town & Country Shopping Center. Mr. Crull discussed the alternatives to the traffic problem on Aberdeen. These alternatives included a semi-diverter, a drop -gate semi-diverter, one-way entrances, stop signs, chicane alignment, and additional speed humps. He stated that staff and the Traffic Advisory Committee recommended three stop signs as a temporary measure. He stated that the stop signs would require active police enforcement. Council Member Martin inquired about the meeting notification and requested notification of the surrounding areas as well. He suggested similar traffic deferment measures on the other residential streets to compel the traffic to use Doddridge and Robert. He also requested staff to obtain traffic counts after utilization of the stop signs. In response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Crull stated that the stop signs would not require Council action. Council Member Moss stated opposition to the use of a drop -gate and inquired about the time frame for the Everhart extension. Mr. Crull discussed the proposed time frame. Ms. Louise Bill, 418 Coral Street, expressed concern that a traffic diverter would force traffic onto the other residential streets in the area and requested the same type of diverter for these streets as well. A resident of 410 Coral Place also expressed concern that the temporary traffic diverter would force traffic onto the other residential streets in the area and requested additional stop signs on these streets as well. She further requested notification to the other residences in the area of the hearings on the issue. Ms. Dorothy Spann, 4300 Ocean Drive, stated support of the stop signs. Mr. Hershal Roberson, 330 Aberdeen, stated that the residents were in support of the stop signs along with the turn restrictions. He further requested examination of a suitable long term solution. Minutes Regular Cou 1 Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 11 Ms. Barbara Pittman, 310 Aberdeen, discussed the past involvement of the Aberdeen residences at the Traffic Advisory Committee meetings and previous contacts to the City regarding the issue. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether the City Manager had further comments. City Manager Garza wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the participants in the visits of the Mayor of Monterrey, Mexico. She further referred to a request from Mr. Glynn Pugh to be placed on the Council agenda. City Attorney Bray discussed the request and stated that staff would examine the matter. Next, Mayor Rhodes referred to her previous request about examining the noise from the street sweepers at night near a hotel in the downtown area and referred a letter from Mr. Harvey to the City Manager concerning Cullen Mall. In response to Mayor Rhodes, City Manager Garza discussed the special meeting on November 29, 1993 with the public entities using the City's water supply to brief them on the Lake Texana and Garwood proposals. He further stated that Council had appointed Council Member McNichols to represent the City at the meeting. Council Member Martin requested that the Lower Nueces River Authority be informed of the meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Martin referred to his previous concern about the request for a cellular telephone antenna at the Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant and expressed concern that a 60 foot antenna could be placed on residential property with the current zoning regulations. Mr. Utter stated that this matter was currently under review by the staff. Council Member Moss inquired about the status of the simplification of meter reading, referred to the City's recent supply contract for diesel fuel, and the proposed presentation on City surplus property in March. Council Member Galindo referred to a letter from the Pan American Golf Association concerning the Gabe Lozano Golf Center and requested an examination by staff. Next, Mr. Galindo stressed the importance of the downtown area to the economy and referred to the minutes of the Downtown Management District and the Heart of Corpus Christi which stated that, "the meeting went well with the City committed to a study costing $100,000 to determine infrastructure needs within the district." He also referred to the Transportation Enhancement Program which states that the City is participating in Phase I in the amount of $200,000. He expressed concern that the Council was not properly informed concerning this matter as well as the activities of the newly formed organization, TRI-ADD. He also stated that he did not have confidence in the administration of the Downtown Management District. Mayor Rhodes stated that the Downtown Management District's funds were not City funds and that the TRI-ADD was only a committee. Minutes Regular Cou i Meeting November 23, 1993 Page 12 Council Member Best inquired about the status of the City's natural gas marketing program and suggested a program similar to the one which would have been used by Southern Union. City Manager Garza stated that this would involve the City's policies with respect to the heavy users of gas. Council Member Best requested further information on the matter. Council Member Longoria stated that marketing gas would be an item to be considered during the budget proceedings. In response to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Garza discussed the Gas Department's services of lighting furnace for senior citizens. Council Member Longoria commented favorably on the Johnny Canales Show at the Bayfront Convention Center and expressed appreciation to the producers. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, supported the organization of a committee to examine the Regional Transportation Authority's tax for water issues. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether Mr. Alonzo would be her representative on the committee. Mr. Alonzo accepted. Ms. Dorothy Spann, 4300 Ocean Drive, discussed the local water issue in relationship to the industrial district and stated that the equitable distribution of water costs should be carried by the users. She also stated that the industrial district had received a lifetime abatement on environmental control issues. In response to Ms. Spann's concern whether the Industrial District was paying their fair share, Council Member Martin referred to the past study on water usage determining that the Industrial District was paying their fair share. He also stated that the issue was presently under investigation. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m. on November 23, 1993. i i i i i i i i i i i Y i