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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/25/1994I 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 January 25, 1994, which were approved by the City Council on February 8, 1994. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 11th day of March, 1994. mando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MicRaBLM ED MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting January 25, 1994 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem David McNichols Council Members: Jack Best Melody Cooper Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Clif Moss David Noyola 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 Council Member Galindo, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member McNichols. 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 January 18, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Rhodes recognized the employees retiring from the City in the month of January, 1994 as follows: Mr. Elias V. Garcia, Gas Department; Mr. Melvin Williams, Wastewater Department; Mr. Adan C. Acuna, Park Maintenance Department; Mr. John P. Brown and Mr. Juan O. Leal, Police Department; Mr. Alonzo Dearman and Mr. Juan P. Martinez, Solid Waste Department; Mr. Rigoberto Guerrero, Mr. Santos Martinez, and Mr. Domingo G. Mata, Water Department; Ms. Gudelia C. Becker, Parks & Recreation Department; Ms. Lois J. Mieth, Finance Department; Ms. Rosie Cortez, Management & Budget Department; and Mr. Fernando Rodriguez, Street Department. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 2 Mr. Elias V. Garcia, Mr. Melvin Williams, and Mr. Alonzo Dearman, present at the day's meeting, expressed appreciation to the Council. Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation on the 1993-94 Budget and financial issues for 1994-95. In response to Council Member Moss, City Manager Garza stated that, pursuant to previous Council direction, the initial budget proceedings would be presented to the Council for guidance. Mr. Garza also stated that the FY 1993-94 adopted budget was presently being met and discussed the major revenue sources exceeding expectations (sales and property taxes and utility revenues). Mr. Garza next discussed future challenges concerning the debt service fund, solid waste services, and the coliseum and convention center. He also recommended reserving the combined utility fund income capacity to support the capital improvements program. Further, Mr. Garza referred to the upcoming base closure review and local public safety issues and requested Council direction. He next suggested a meeting in the near future to discuss these specific issues. Mr. Garza next referred to charts comparing property and sales tax rates, general fund expenditures, and utility costs with other major Texas cities. Mr. Garza responded to several questions about the rates and the procedures in other Texas cities concerning property taxes and park and street conditions. City Manager Garza discussed conducting local surveys, as referenced recently in the Corpus Christi Caller Times, concerning the quality of city services and funding priorities. He also discussed a "City Corner" in the Corpus Christi Caller Times outlining city business. A broad discussion ensued. Council Member Longoria stated support of the survey, but pointed out that additional funds would be necessary for any additional projects revealed through a survey. In response to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Garza discussed potential costs and procedures for the surveys. Council Member Moss expressed concern about the validity of a survey conducted through the use of utility bill mailings. Council Member McNichols referred to the City's goals concerning basic infrastructure improvements and stated that funds for new projects would be very limited. City Manager Garza referred to Council Member Galindo's recent comments about the remaining 1986 bond program projects and stated that this item could be reviewed further. Minutes Regular Ca it Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 3 Council Member Martin stated support of a long term surveying process to obtain citizen input for improving city services. Next, Mr. Martin requested copies of the charts presented to the Council by Mr. Garza at the day's meeting. He also suggested a meeting addressing all alternative options which could be performed without a future rate increase. Next, Mr. Martin requested a draft of the FY 1993-94 preliminary budget and inquired about the availability of options without cutting current programs. In response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Garza discussed the recent implementation of City facilities paying for utility services. Mayor Rhodes stressed the importance of determining the funding availability before suggesting or prioritizing additional programs. Council Member Noyola stressed the importance of public safety in the City and suggested the creation of a committee, such as the previous "CC -90" committee, to plan for the year 2000. Council Member McNichols discussed a potential 1995 bond program consisting of the remaining projects from the 1986 bond program and other important projects. He stated this type of package could be reviewed for a future bond election. Council Member Best requested that a distinction be made in the upcoming budget between costs associated with federal mandates and general budget costs. City Manager Garza responded to several questions from Council Member Cooper concerning a new landfill. A brief discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the Council to not increase taxes in the upcoming year. Mayor Rhodes referred to the next meeting concerning the FY 1993-94 budget and inquired when staff would have the information requested at the day's meeting. City Manager Garza replied that the information would be provided in approximately two weeks. Mayor Rhodes also referred to the February 1, 1994 regular council meeting and stated that the meeting had been tentatively canceled. A brief discussion ensued and the February 1, 1994 regular council meeting was canceled. Mayor Rhodes further stated that elimination of one council meeting per month would increase staff productivity and save money. She further stated that meeting cancellations would be impossible during the budget process. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of items from the Regular Agenda and opened the discussion on Item 3, a motion to execute an interlocal agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority and Nueces County for development and operation of an advanced 800 MHz public safety trunked radio system. Minutes Regular Cot 1 Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 4 Police Chief Henry Garrett discussed the advantages of the radio consolidation and recommended approval. Council Member Martin stated support of the item and inquired about the County's request for additional language in the agreement. City Manager Garza explained that the County wished to have the option of participating in the system on the same basis as other entities under the generic agreement in the event full costs of adding system backbone proved too expensive. He further stated that the request was not an attempt of withdrawal. In response to the Council, Mr. Garza explained the County's request for two representatives on the radio advisory committee and the cost benefits in County participation. In further response, Chief Garrett stated that the performance of the radio system adequately met the specifications. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa referred to the language that the County wished to add to paragraph 2 of the Interlocal Agreement (In lieu of the above, the County may elect to participate in the radio system by paying the fee provided under the original Interlocal Agreement and executing the form of Joinder Agreement attached to such Agreement. Upon execute of such Joinder Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect). Council Member Martin made the motion, seconded by Council Member Best. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion and the motion passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. M94-018 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority and Nueces County for development and operation of an advanced 800 MHz public safety trunked radio system. operation of an advanced 800 MHz public safety trunked radio system. Nueces County is requesting to join the radio system. The foregoing motion passed as amended by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 4, a motion authorizing an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) for construction of a Natatorium/Gymnasium at Cabaniss Field. Mr. Utter reviewed the agreement between the City and CCISD and explained the need for additional funds. Minutes Regular Cou 1 Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 5 In response to Council Member Longoria, Mr. Utter explained the cost modification and the City's abstention from future change orders. He further stated that Ewing Construction Company was the selected contractor. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. M94-019 Motion authorizing an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the Corpus Christi Independent School District for construction of a Natatorium/Gymnasium at Cabaniss Field. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 5, a motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 2,550 tons of limestone rock asphalt (cold mix/cold laid) Types B and D with Vulcan Materials Company. City Manager Garza referred to the previous withdrawal of the item and stated that the term of the agreement had been reduced to three months. He stated that this change would allow time for the proper examination of Council inquiries. Council Member Martin referred to his previous question and inquired about the other cities and states which specify only this product. City Manager Garza stated this inquiry would be addressed as well. Council Member Moss inquired about the material testing, and City Manager Garza stated that testing would commence soon. Mr. Moss referred to an offer by the one of the potential suppliers concerning laboratory testing. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. M94-020 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 2,550 tons of limestone rock asphalt (cold mix/cold laid) Types B and D in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI - 0079 -94 with Vulcan Materials Company, San Antonio, Texas, based on the only bid of $65,025. The term of the contract will be three months with an option to extend for up to three additional months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager, or his designee. This material is used primarily by the Street Department Minutes Regular Cou 1 Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 6 for the patching and repairing of City streets. Funds have been budgeted in FY 93- 94 by the Street Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the proposed street closures of a portion of Nelson Drive. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, explained the request for the street closure and stated staff recommended the closure. No one opposed the street closures. 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: 6. ORDINANCE NO. 021860 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 60 -foot wide by 35 -foot long portion of Nelson Drive right-of-way adjacent to Lot 10, Block 1, Moore Plaza; subject to the compliance with the specified conditions, and the replatting of the property within 180 days. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning application: 7. Case No. 1293-5. Clifford L. Zarsky; A change of zoning from "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "R -1C' One -family Dwelling District on a 18.04 acre tract out of Lots 5 and 6, Section 50, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located on the southeast corner of Glenoak Drive and St. Joseph Street. Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and Staff recommended approval of the application. No one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Beset made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Longoria, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Cou 1 Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 7 ORDINANCE NO. 021861 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Clifford L. Zarsky by changing the Zoning Map in reference to a 18.04 acre tract out of Lots 5 and 6, Section 50, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District; providing for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning application: 8. Case No. 1293-6. Lois Jo Siemer; A change of zoning from "AB" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on a Lakeview Acres, Block 1, Lots 15 and 16, located on the south side of Williams Drive, approximately 300 feet west of Rodd Field Road. Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and Staff recommended approval of the application No one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Best made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Longoria, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 021862 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Lois Jo Siemer by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Lakeview Acres, Block 1, Lots 15 and 16, from "AB" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District; providing for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 9 through 12, and Council Members requested that Item 11 be withheld for discussion. Mayor Rhodes stated that Item 10 had been withdrawn from consideration at the day's meeting. Minutes Regular Cou 1 Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 8 City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9. M94-021 Motion approving a supply agreement for radiator repair for autos, pickups and trucks in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0086-94 with AC&W Radiator Service Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $22,027.20. The term of the contract shall be 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 have been budgeted by Maintenance Services and the Fire Department in FY 93-94. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 10. WITHDRAWN Crosstown Ford Power Equipment International 5 Units 8 Units $215,925 $275,861 T tal of A..... -a-. $49+ 789 , 12. M94-023 Motion authorizing an increase of $521,000 to the City's escrow account on deposit with the Texas Department of Transportation to cover costs associated with relocating, adjusting, and/or constructing water and wastewater facilities required in conjunction with the construction of the Crosstown Expressway Extension. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 11, a motion approving the purchase of one 1250 GPM Pumper Fire Truck and related equipment. Council Member Moss inquired about the disposition of the equipment being replaced. City Manager Garza explained the City's replacement schedule. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Minutes Regular Co: 1 Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 9 City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. M94-022 Motion approving the purchase of one 1250 GPM Pumper Fire Truck and related equipment in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0087-94, based on low bid and low bid meeting specifications. The truck and equipment are budgeted in the 93-94 Capital Outlay as replacement equipment. Mile -Hi Fire Equipment Denver. CO Fire Truck: $126,821.00 Equipment: Items 3, 17, 19, 20 22, 23, 24, 25, 27: 7,781.00 Total: $134.602.00 Riggs First Line Equip. Forney, TX Equipment: Items 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 Total: Casco Industries Pasadena. TX Equipment: Items 2, 18 $1.264.65 $1.036.00 Vallen Safety Supply Corpus Christi. TX Equipment: Items 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 13, 18: Total: $14.433.14 Pierce Mfg. Company Appleton. WI Equipment: Item 26 Total: Grand Total of Awards: $154,575.79 $3.240.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes announced the closed sessions as follows: 13. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 and 551.072 regarding purchase of water rights from Garwood Irrigation Company. 14. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Sections 551.074 regarding deliberation of evaluation of City Manager; and possible action related thereto in open session. 15. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Sections 551.074 regarding deliberation of evaluation of City Secretary; and possible action related thereto in open session. Minutes Regular Cot i Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 10 The Council went into closed session concerning Items 13, 14, and 15. The Council returned from closed session. Mayor Rhodes stated that the evaluations of the City Manager and the City Secretary were very good. 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 Galindo suggested that the utility bills contain information on the use of the landfill. Council Member Noyola inquired about the issuance of warrants at Municipal Court. City Manager Garza stated that staff would provide this information. Next, Mr. Noyola made a motion to direct staff to request State Representatives to request an Attorney General opinion concerning whether the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) possessed the legal authority to change their mission statement, seconded by Council Member Galindo. Mayor Rhodes called for a hand vote on the motion and the motion failed. Mayor Rhodes pointed out that Council Member Noyola could personally contact a State Representative on this matter. Council Member Longoria referred to a question from a local young man concerning recycling bins at apartment projects in the City. Mr. Garza explained the City's recycling program. Mayor Rhodes pointed out that providing recycling bins to apartment complexes would occur in the second phase of the project. Council Member Galindo also pointed out that apartments could implement their own voluntary recycling program. Council Member McNichols referred to the volume of material concerning the CP&L rate case provided to the Council and requested that the legal staff provide the Council with summary reports. Next, Dr. McNichols requested a status report on the old Nueces County Courthouse. Council Member Cooper complimented the fourth grade students of Tuloso-Midway Elementary School for their recent questions to her and extended an invitation to them to attend a future council meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. G. A. Summers, 542 Caribbean, requested the Council to investigate the demolition of the home of Mr. G. T. Scally in the Flour Bluff area and stop the demolition. Mayor Rhodes stated that the situation would be examined. Minutes Regular Co Meeting January 25, 1994 Page 11 Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, commented favorably on the survey discussed at the day's meeting and unfavorably on once -a -week garbage pickup in light of the recent garbage collection rate increases. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. on January 25, 1994.