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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/30/1993I 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 30, 1993, which were approved by the City Council on December 14, 1993. SEAL WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 15th day of December, 1993. Armando Chapa, City Secretary tbilLR JF/(ME-Q. MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting November 30, 1993 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem David Noyola Council Members: Jack Best Melody Cooper Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Dr. David McNichols Edward Martin Clif Moss 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 Pastor J. Allen Lowe, South Shore Christian 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 November 23, 1993, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Rhodes announced a presentation by Mr. Manny Alvarez, Promotions Chairman for Harbor Lights 1993, not scheduled on the day's agenda. Mr. Alvarez outlined the dates, times, and events of the Harbor Lights 1993 and recognized the other members of the committee. Mayor Rhodes expressed appreciation to the committee for their efforts. Mayor Pro Tem Noyola arrived at the council meeting at 2:12 p.m. Minutes Regular Co it Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 2 Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation of awards by the Mayor's Committee for Disabled Persons and introduced Mr. Dick Johnson of the Corpus Christi Mayor's Committee for Disabled Persons. Mayor Rhodes presented the Outstanding Person with a Disability Award to Ms. Karen Sperry, Corpus Christ Health Department Employee; the Employer of the Year Award to the Corpus Christi Army Depot, acceptance by Mr. Don Roland, Surveying Executive Assistant for CCAD; and the Distinguished Service Award to Mr. John Owe; President of Goodwill Industries of South Texas. Each person expressed appreciation to the Mayor and Council for the award. Mayor Rhodes referred to the employees retiring from the City in the month of November 1993, as follows: Mr. Anecieto S. Castillo, Water Department, Mr. Bito G. Cristan, Solid Waste Department, and Mr. Cecilio G. Ramirez, Park Department. Mr. Cristan, present at the day's meeting, expressed appreciation to the City. Mayor Rhodes announced the discussion on the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Review Committee. Deviating from the regular agenda, Council Member Best referred to the recently formed Tri -Add committee and made a motion to discuss the matter and view the video of the September 28, 1993 council meeting containing material on Tri -Add. Mayor Rhodes called for a hand vote and the motion failed. Mayor Rhodes stated that the discussion and video could be addressed under council concerns at the day's meeting. Mayor Rhodes returned to the regular agenda for the discussion on the RTA Review Committee. Council Member Noyola made a motion that the Council authorize the City Staff to perform the review instead of appointing a special committee. Mayor Rhodes stated that the RTA Board had invited the Council and the review committee to a presentation in December of 1993. She also stated that the citizens wanted to have an objective review. Council Member Galindo seconded Mr. Noyola's motion. Council Member Longoria referred to the City's representation on the RTA Board and suggested that Mayor Rhodes, two Council Members, and the City Staff meet with the RTA Board. Further deliberation ensued and Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on Mr. Noyola's motion. The motion failed. Then, Council Member Martin made a motion that the Council meet with the RTA Board and, at that time, make a joint decision on the formation of a separate committee. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moss. Mayor Rhodes called for a hand vote on the motion and the motion passed. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 3 Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of items from the Regular Agenda and announced the discussion on Items 4a, 4b, and 4c, the consideration of purchasing water from Lavaca-Navidad River Authority and related issues. Council Member Martin referred to the closed session on the day's agenda, establishing operational procedures pertaining to Certificate of Adjudication of The City of Corpus Christi, et al, before The Texas Water Commission, and inquired whether the information from the closed session would affect Items 4a, 4b, or 4c. City Manager Garza stated that the interim order could eventually be affected. Mayor Rhodes suggested that the closed session be held before the discussion of Items 4. City Manager Garza pointed out that Dr. George Ward, University of Texas, was presently en route to Corpus Christi and suggested holding the closed session upon his arrival. Mayor Rhodes deviated from the regular agenda and called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 7 through 11, and Council Members requested that Items 8, 9a, and 9b be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. M93-326 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 1,600 sign posts and 1,500 sign post anchors in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0024-94 with Southwestern Pipe, Inc., Houston, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $32,590. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are budgeted in FY 93-94 by the Street Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 10. RESOLUTION NO. 021812 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation relative to improvements to State Spur 3 (Ennis Joslin Road, Alameda Street, and Ocean Drive). The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye? Minutes Regular Cot .1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 4 11. ORDINANCE NO. 021813 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 4 -foot wide by 20 -foot long guy -wire easement located between Lots 6 & 7, Block C, Cullen Place, Unit 5, subject to 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, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Council Member McNichols referred to Item 10, resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation relative to improvements to State Spur 3 (Ennis Joslin Road, Alameda Street, and Ocean Drive), and inquired whether funds for the right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations, and environmental mitigation had been determined. City Manager Garza stated that funds for the utility relocations were determined but that the right-of-way acquisition and the environmental mitigation funds had not been. Council Member McNichols pointed out that the items would need to be included in the upcoming budget. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 8, a motion approving the purchase of a new ambulance in relationship to overhauling older ones. Council Member McNichols inquired about the necessity for new ambulances, and City Manager Garza explained the City's schedule for the replacement and refurbishment of ambulances. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 8. M93-327 Motion approving the purchase of a new ambulance and a refurbished ambulance in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0040-94, including trade-ins, from the following based on low bid. These items are included in the 1993-94 Capital Outlay as replacement items. Frazer, Inc. Houston. Texas New Unit $66,200 2.000 Trade In Net: $64,200 Total of Awards: San Antonio Ambulance Sales San Antonio. Texas Refurbished Unit $40,428 5.000 Trade In $35,428 $99,628 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Cm 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 5 Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 9a and 9b, handicap accessories at City Hall. Council Member Moss stated that it was his understanding that the selected automatic door openers would be discontinued at the end of the year. He also inquired about the quality of the selected door openers. Mr Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, discussed the advantages of the selected automatic door openers and a possible future change order. Council Member Moss suggested acquisition of an automatic door opener that is the most economical in the long run. In response to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Crull and Mr. Utter discussed the City's program for updating City buildings for compliance with the American Disabilities Act. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9a. M93-328 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $48,500 to Duncan -Russo, Inc. to construct handicap ramps at City Hall and Sidbury House in Heritage Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Moss voting "No? 9b. M93-329 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $17,775 to Marshall Enterprises to install automatic door openers to selected doors at City Hall. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Moss voting "No.: s s s s s s x s s s s s s City Manager Garza announced that Dr. Ward had arrived at the day's meeting. Deviating from the regular agenda, the Council went into closed meeting pursuant to Section 551.071, Texas Government Code, in regards to establishing operational procedures pertaining to Certificate of Adjudication No. 21-3214 of The City of Corpus Christi, et al, before The Texas Water Commission. The Council returned from closed session. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 6 Mayor Rhodes announced that the consultant's and committee's report addressed during the closed session concerning the water releases would be public and discussed later at the present council meeting. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Items 4a, 4b, and 4c, items pertaining to the consideration of the purchase of water from Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. City Manager Garza stressed the importance of a future reliable water source. He further referred to the decreased cost of natural gas in association with the proposed utility rate increases. Next, Mr. Garza discussed the five year Capital Improvements Projects List recently provided to the Council and stated that the list was also provided to the Planning Commission for their review. He suggested exercising the Lake Texana option, creation of a stormwater utility, and across the board utility rate increases. Mayor Rhodes suggested that Item 4a, the ordinance amending the Charter regarding water, gas, and wastewater rates be changed to a two reading ordinance. She further suggested that the rate increase schedule be amended to include utility rate increases for the present Council's term only. City Manager Garza and Mayor Rhodes stressed the importance of properly maintaining the water distribution system. Council Member Longoria discussed the necessity for utilization of the RTA sales tax for future water sources and inquired about the City's financial position after the proposed five year utility rate increases. City Manager Garza responded. Council Member McNichols referred to the improvements needed for the water distribution system and the wastewater collection and treatment system and also referred to the new federal mandates. He further stressed the importance of providing the community with a future water supply. Council Member Martin discussed the need for future utility rate increases and posed several questions concerning the Choke Canyon Debt, the Wesley Seal Dam fund, and capital improvement projects. Mr. Garza responded. In further response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Bill Hennings, Deputy City Manager, explained the effective date for the proposed utility rate increases. In response to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Garza discussed the utilization of the proposed utility rate increases and the permitting process for the Lake Texana option. Council Member McNichols referred to the previous request for an updated Capital Improvements Project list. Mr. Hennings discussed the most critical projects on the list. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 7 Dr. McNichols also referred to new water sources and inquired how local industry and non - City water customers would assist in paying for the new source. Mr. Garza explained. Council Member Cooper posed several question concerning the proposed stormwater utility, and Mr. Garza responded. Further deliberation ensued concerning the capital improvements list in relationship to the proposed utility rate increases and a future bond sale. Council Member Martin inquired whether the City's Enterprise Funds, such as the Airport and Golf, paid for water. Mr. Garza replied that these funds presently did not and stated that the matter was currently scheduled for discussion during the upcoming budget. Mr. Martin requested that it be examined and returned to the Council before the second reading of Item 4a. In response to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Garza discussed the potential one-year extension for the water purchase contract with Garwood Irrigation Company. Council Member Longoria inquired whether all three of the funding proposals (RTA sales tax revenues, Choke Canyon reservoir, and pass-through costs of water) would be necessary at this time. Mr. Garza replied that the available options could be used in the future. Next, Mr. Hennings displayed a chart showing the monthly impact of the proposed rate increases on an average residence or homeowner pointing out an overall increase of $2.33 each month. He also stated that, with the reduction in the cost of gas, an approximate savings of $4.16 would be experienced by the average consumer of gas. A brief discussion ensued. Council Member McNichols recommended that the Council approve exercising the Lake Texana option; amend the appropriate sections of the Code regarding water, gas, and wastewater rates to a two reading ordinance; and establish a drainage utility and pursue other funding mechanisms to pay the costs associated with the water delivery and conveyance contract. In response to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Director, discussed the Garwood Irrigation Company contract extension. Council Members Martin and Galindo posed several questions concerning the Gas Division's budget and Mayor Rhodes requested that the information concerning this item be provided to the Council in a separate document. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, stated opposition to the proposed utility rate increases, establishing a drainage utility, and exercising the Lake Texana option. He further stated that it was his understanding that Council Member Martin would not support utility Minutes Regular Cot. 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 8 rate increases without a current Capital Improvements Project (CIP) list. Mayor Rhodes stated that Mr. O'Brien would be furnished a copy of the CIP list. Further, Mr. O'Brien referred to Council Member Martin's comments from the last council meeting concerning industry paying their fair share of water and read from the August 1990 Wastewater Rate Study, "that small residential water users were subsidizing the large commercial water users." He also referred to a proposed workshop regarding water usage by City facilities and stated opposition to general city administration expenses charged to the utility funds. He further stated support of the proposed industrial water district and inquired about a one-year extension for the Lake Texana option also. He also referred to several provisions in the Lake Texana contract and stated opposition. Council Member Martin referred to the surcharge correcting the wastewater rate issue referred to by Mr. O'Brien and pointed out that Mr. O'Brien's quote from the August 1990 Wastewater Rate Study pertained to wastewater instead of water. In response to Mr. O'Brien, City Manager Garza explained that Lake Texana was required to start payments on their debt and, therefore, an extension to the City was not possible. In further response, Mayor Rhodes stated that the matter concerning water usage by City utilities would be addressed before the second reading of Item 4a. In further response, City Manager Garza explained that the small residential water users were not subsidizing the large commercial users. Ms. Dorothy Spann, 4300 Ocean Drive, inquired about the water usage percentages of outside city limits (OCL) customers, and Mr. Garza explained. Mr. Rome Smyth, 3338 Halfpenny, agreed with Mr. O'Brien's comments concerning the Lake Texana water option contract. Mr. James Bryant, 4526 Carroll Lane, stated opposition to the proposed utility rate increases and suggested a reduction in expenses through reducing waste by the City. He further suggested that the City's Health Department stop blowing waste material down the storm drains and establish a law preventing citizens from disposing of waste material in the drains also. Mayor Rhodes stated that the City did have an ordinance prohibiting disposal of waste in the storm drains and referred to the stenciling program implemented in the City. In response to Mr. Bryant's concern, City Manager Garza stated that the Health Department was placing malathion in the City's storm drains, in compliance with all laws, to control mosquitoes carrying encephalitis, and was not disposing of other material in the drains. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, referred to the recent problems with the drinking water in the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Minutes Regular Cot. 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 9 Mayor Rhodes pointed out that the problems encountered by the City of Milwaukee was related to the filtering system and not the water source. City Secretary Chapa clarified that the Council's intent was to change the ordinance in Item 4a on the day's agenda to a two reading ordinance. He further referred to the Council's intent of approving Items 4b and 4c on December 14, 1993, and directing staff to proceed with the Garwood item. He then polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Ordinance amending Section 55-50, 55-61, 55-100, and 55-148 of the Code of Ordinances, regarding water, gas, and wastewater rates. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Galindo and Noyola voting "No." A motion of the Council's intent to approve Items 4b and 4c at the December 14, 1993 council meeting passed as follows: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No." A motion to direct staff to proceed with the Garwood item passed as follows: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No." 4b. WITHDRAWN Resolution expressing the intent of the City Council to establish a Drainage Utility and pursue other potential funding mechanisms to pay costs associated with the water delivery and conveyance contract with the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. 4c. WITHDRAWN Resolution authorizing the City Manager to exercise the City of Corpus Christi's option to enter into a water delivery and conveyance contract with the Lavaca- Navidad River Authority by executing the attached contract to purchase 31,440 acre feet of water on a permanent basis and 10,400 acre feet until needed in Jackson County, at a cost of service rate based on a formula, for a term of 42 years with an option to renew for an additional 50 years, with related terms and provisions. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 5, amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Boats, Bays, and Waterways, by adding a new Section 12-32, No Wake Zones. Minutes Regular Cor. 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 10 Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager, Development Services, discussed the applications of the amendment and outlined the areas affected. Mayor Rhodes called for comments in opposition of the amendment. Mr. Raymond Hasker, 1813 Wallace, stated that he fished in the area and observed that the speed violators usually resided by the canals. He further stated that the canal residents wanted the canals closed for their own use only. Mayor Rhodes pointed out that the speed regulation would apply to anyone. Council Member McNichols stated that the regulations had been carefully examined. Council Member Galindo inquired whether the amendment was an attempt to close the canal waterways. Mr. Utter replied that the amendment was not a closure attempt. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Boats, Bays, and Waterways, by adding a new Section 12-32, No Wake Zones; providing for publication; and providing for severance. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes deviated from the regular agenda and announced the discussion resulting from the closed session on the Independent Scientific Evaluation of the interim Water Release Order for the Nueces Bay Estuary by Dr. George Ward, University of Texas, and the Nueces Estuary Advisory Council. Mayor Rhodes called for a five minute recess. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the council meeting. Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Director, referred to the studies by The Center for Statistical & Quality Improvement Services (CSQIS) at Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi and City staff for recommendations concerning the Interim Order for fresh water releases to the Nueces Estuary Advisory Council. Mr. Dodson recognized Mr. Edward Jones, CSQIS, Dr. Mike Speed, Mayor's Water Advisory Committee, and Dr. George Ward, Center for Water Resources at the University of Texas -Austin. Dr. Jones recognized the members of the Independent Scientific Evaluation team and discussed their credentials. He next discussed the goals and objectives of the Nueces Estuarine Advisory Council. Through the use of a chart, he discussed the recommended Minutes Regular Coi. 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 11 management scheme for freshwater releases. The recommendation included implementing a maximum harvest solution when the reservoir level is high, stopping releases during droughts, and, in between, following the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) maintenance release schedule (Min Q). Dr. Jones responded to several inquires about the information on the chart and introduced Dr. George Ward. In response to Council Member Galindo, Dr. Jones stated that the Independent Scientific Evaluation was based upon minimizing the water releases and maximizing the productivity of the system. Dr. Ward stated that there is a real relationship between the productivity of an estuary and the amount of inflow that is received. He further stated that too little or too much fresh water inflow could endanger the productivity of an estuary. Next, Dr. Ward stated that the task force determined, after extensive review of the methodology, that the optimization methodology of TWDB was scientifically sound, but the application to the Corpus Christi Bay needs further evaluation and refinement. He further discussed the various management objectives of employing the methodology. Dr. Ward, through the use of a chart, discussed the monthly inflows prescribed by the Interim Order for Nueces River and the effects of deviating from the amounts. He also displayed a chart outlining the contributing watersheds to the Corpus Christi Bay and discussed the combined inflow of the area. He pointed out that all areas were not gauged by the established U.S. Geological Survey Gauging Stations, but, under the right conditions, contributed a substantial amount of inflow to Corpus Christi Bay. He also stated that the task force concluded and recommended that the management of the Corpus Christi Bay watershed be based upon a combined inflow basis and stressed the importance of the management. He further recommended that the City install a network of telemetering rain gauges on the ungauged drainage areas of the estuary and suggested utilization of the Blucher satellite link at Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi for the venture. In response to Council, Dr. Ward discussed the present precipitation monitoring system and the advantages and potential cost of the telemetering rain gauges. He further suggested future studies to determine the proper installation procedures. Council Member Best posed several questions concerning the inflow system and the Blucher satellite link. Dr. Ward and Mr. Dodson responded. In response to Dr. McNichols, Dr. Ward discussed in detail the committee's recommendation concerning the optimization methodology in association with the combined inflows. He also stated that the management goals required attention and would be addressed in the report. Council Member Moss inquired whether other major river estuaries were subject to the same regulations. Dr. Ward replied that, because of the Choke Canyon project and the drought of the 1980s, our area was the first to be subject to the methodology and analysis. Minutes Regular Coi it Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 12 Dr. Ward further replied that the other river estuaries would be subject to management in the future. Council Member Martin inquired whether the combined inflow method had been applied historically. Dr. Ward replied that HDR Engineering was preparing simulations on historical data. Next, Mr. Martin inquired about the cost of the network of the telemetering rain gauges. Dr. Jones responded the cost would be approximately $50,000 along with an annual maintenance fee. In conclusion, Dr. Ward requested that the Council endorse the committee's findings, direct CSQIS to develop a plan for implementing real-time monitoring of runoff from ungauged areas through a plan for installation of real-time rainfall gauges, data acquisitions, analysis and release logistics, and approve the budget for installation and maintenance. Council Member Best made a motion to move forward with determining the needs for installing the rain gauges and the associated costs. The motion was seconded by Council Member Moss. Further deliberation ensued and it was the consensus of the Council that the item be returned to the Council in a prompt fashion. Dr. Mike Speed, Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi, stated that the committee would like to use the remaining money in the committee's budget to work with HDR Engineering to resolve the issue of the firm yield, study practical implementation, and develop a budget for installation and maintenance of the gauges. Mayor Rhodes stated that the present discussion was a presentation and that the requested information would be returned to the Council for future evaluation. Returning to the regular agenda, Mayor Rhodes announced the discussion on Items 6a and 6b, pertaining to the Oso Parkway Plan. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning, explained the amendments. No comments were made on the amendments. City Secretary Chapa stated that Council Member Martin had filed a Disclosure of Interest Affidavit and would abstain from discussing or voting on the item. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6a. M93-325 Motion to amend, prior to second reading, the proposed Oso Parkway Plan to delete the words "...newly proposed..." from Policy Statement A.3, page 6; and adding a new Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 13 figure 5 to more clearly illustrate a portion of the Oso Parkway between Staples Street and Cabaniss Field. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. 6b. ORDINANCE NO. 021811 Adopting the Oso Parkway Plan as an element of the City of Corpus Christi Comprehensive Plan; and establishing the City of Corpus Christi's development objectives, policies, and programs for the Oso Parkway area; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading as amended by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; McNichols voting "No"; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza stated that he did not have a report. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Longoria referred to a hazardous traffic condition on Highway #624 and requested an examination of the area. She further stated that she had received a letter requesting a lower speed limit in that area. Council Member Best referred to the recently formed Tri -Add committee and requested that City Secretary Chapa show the video of the September 28, 1993 meeting concerning the committee. The video was shown. Council Member Best pointed out that the Tri -Add committee was for coordination purposes only and did not involve City funds. Mayor Rhodes discussed the unprofessionalism of the Corpus Christi Caller Times reporter writing the articles on the matter. Council Member McNichols referred to a letter from the Corpus Christi/Nueces County Public Health Nurses stating that the Flour Bluff Health Clinic might be closed since a Registered Nurse was unavailable due to the low salary. He requested an examination. City Manager Garza stated that the matter was currently under examination. Council Member Cooper referred to her previous requests concerning the Weber's Glen area and obtaining a neighborhood association list for her district. She further requested a report on the present zoning in the Yorktown neighborhood area. Council Member Moss stated that he had been contacted about the elimination of the left hand turn signal on the traffic light at Elizabeth Street and Ocean Drive. He Minutes Regular Cc, 11 Meeting November 30, 1993 Page 14 requested an examination. Mr. Moss referred to the new parking regulations on Broadway Street and requested an examination of the necessity. He further discussed the visits to his home by the Water Department to repair equipment and stressed the importance of accelerating the Holly Road improvements. Lastly, Mr. Moss referred to a letter about an additive in diesel fuel. Mr. Garza stated that the matter was under examination and a report would be provided soon. Council Member Martin inquired whether the color of the City's police vehicles had been recently changed. City Manager Garza stated that the color had not changed and referred to the one black police vehicle recently refurbished. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Glynn A. Pugh, Attorney at Law, stated that he was appearing before the Council at the recommendation of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to request the Council to cede original jurisdiction to the Commission concerning certain utility rate proceedings. In response to Mayor Rhodes, City Attorney Bray stated that the Council would be provided with a staff recommendation before the next PUC hearing on the matter. Council Member Moss discussed utility rate increases in Austin and San Antonio. City Attorney Bray gave a brief update on the fuel case pending before the PUC. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, requested that the Council allow the citizens to have a voice in the matter of the RTA sales tax in association with future water supplies. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, stated opposition to the new City utility bill. Council Member Best referred to the recent winter average information mailing and inquired why the mailing was not included in the utility bill mailing. City Manager Garza stated that the mailing was separate in order to provide the winter average notice at the most appropriate time. Dr. Best also inquired about the cost to the City for a mailing. Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, referred to the application filed by the Downtown Management District (DMD) for federal funding through the Texas Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program which committed City funds. Mayor Rhodes explained that the language was changed stating instead that the City may consider an Inflow and Itemization study only. Mr. O'Brien further read from the DMD minutes and the application. Mayor Rhodes stated that the City had not committed to providing any funds for the venture. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. on November 30, 1993.