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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/22/1994I 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 February 22, 1994, which were approved by the City Council on March 1, 1994. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this the 11th day of March, 1994. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MILMED MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting February 22, 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 Pastor Sam Douglas, Yorktown Baptist Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Council Member Moss. 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 February 15, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Council Members Galindo and Noyola arrived at the meeting at 2:05. Mayor Rhodes recognized the employees retiring from the City in the month of February 1994, as follows: Mr. Eugene Boswell and Mr. Kenneth Boland, Water Department, and Mr. Emual Ellison, Wastewater Department. The Mayor presented Minutes. Regular Com Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 2 Mr. Boswell, who was present at the day's meeting, a retirement plaque and expressed appreciation for his services to the City. Mayor Rhodes announced the close session, pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071 and 551.072, regarding the purchase of water rights from Garwood Irrigation Company. The Council went into closed session. The Council returned from closed session. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of items from the Regular Agenda and announced the discussion on Items 2b and 2c pertaining to the contract with Garwood Irrigation Company. Mayor Rhodes referred to Item 2c and made a motion to pass a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement amending the agreement authorized by Resolution No. 021485 for a purchase of water rights from the Garwood Irrigation Company by extending the time for Corpus Christi to purchase water rights to 35,000 acre feet of water or to give notice to make application to the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission regarding the transfer of such water; by changing provisions for the consideration to be paid to Garwood; and by making other modification as set forth in the agreement. The motion was seconded by Council Member McNichols. Mayor Rhodes called for discussion on the motion. City Manager Garza referred to the Council's direction that staff explore an extension of the current option with Garwood Irrigation Company. He stated that the extension would allow for completion of the Trans -Texas Water Study. He further discussed the extension date, purchase requirements, and monthly cost. He also stated that the monthly payments could be applied toward the purchase price and the City would retain the right to terminate the option at any time during the extension. Lastly, Mr. Garza compared the present cost of water to water from Garwood and through desalinization. Council Member McNichols pointed out that a future water supply would be required even without the water releases. He further commented on a possible moderation of the water release schedule. Council Member Galindo discussed a cost equalization study on the water used by industrial and private users. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Minute. Regular Cow. Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 3 Mr. J. E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, expressed concern that an extension would increase the monthly payments, and, in the event the permits were unattainable, the funds would be lost. He further inquired whether there would be a penalty for the City to withdraw from the contract. Mr. O'Brien also discussed the total costs of the contract and stated that the voters were against increased debt. He stated this was evident when the voters opposed the one-fourth of one percent sales tax increase. He also referred to the class action lawsuit filed against the citizens of Corpus Christi and stated that citizens should have a voice concerning the proposed debt with Garwood Irrigation Company. In response, Mayor Rhodes discussed the necessity for the declaratory judgement regarding the contract. In further response, Council Member McNichols discussed the Council's extensive consideration of the option. Mayor Rhodes further stated that the failure of the one-fourth of one percent sales tax did not imply that the citizens were against a long term water supply. In response to Mr. O'Brien's concerns, City Manager Garza discussed the City's proposed agreement with Garwood and the necessary capital improvement projects. Mr. Raymond Hasker, 1813 Wallace, stated opposition to the Garwood contract and the recent utility rate increases to fund the contract. He further agreed with Mr. O'Brien's comments regarding the recent election on the one-fourth of one percent sales tax. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, agreed with the suggestion of City Manager Garza about educating the public concerning the need for a future water supply and related matters. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, referred to the Choke Canyon debt and supported desalinization for future water. Ms. Gloria Perez, 1317 Seventh Street, stated that the voters opposed the water contracts through their recent opposition to the one-fourth of one percent sales tax increase. Council Member Martin pointed out that approval of Item 2c, resolution extending the Garwood option, would provide time for resolution of the Lavaca Navidad River Authority lawsuit, completion of the Trans -Texas Water Study, and obtainment of further information concerning the Coastal Management Plan. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Item 2c as follows: 2c. RESOLUTION NO, 021872 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement amending the agreement authorized by Resolution No. 021485 for a purchase of water rights from the Garwood Irrigation Company by extending the time for Corpus Christi to purchase water rights to 35,000 acre feet of water or to give notice to make application to the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission regarding Minutes Regular Coui Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 4 transfer of such water; by changing provisions for the consideration to be paid to Garwood; and by making other modifications as set forth in the attached agreement. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No." Mayor Rhodes pointed out that Item 2b involved exercising the Garwood option and would be withdrawn from consideration since Item 2c, extension for exercising the Garwood contract, was approved. 2b. WITHDRAWN 1900 priority date; (2) City will have 10 days after Commission Order to reject the Order up to that time City has absolute right to terminate the contract; (3) aftcr Mayor Rhodes announced the discussion on Item 3 pertaining to the proposed sale of water supply revenue refunding bonds. City Manager Garza referred to the currently rising interest rates and explained that preparation for the refunding had been accelerated. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. RESOLUTION NO. 021873 Resolution approving all documents and fiscal arrangements required for the proposed sale of water supply revenue refunding bonds by the Nueces River Authority, including the Resolution, Official Statement, and Bond Purchase Agreement, as proposed; authorizing the City Manager, Director of Finance, and the Minutes Regular Coui Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 5 City Attorney to review each of said instruments upon final execution by the Nueces River Authority. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No? Mayor Rhodes announced the discussion on Item 4 pertaining to the 2000 American Bowling Congress (ABC) Tournament. City Manager Garza introduced Mr. Keith Arnold, President of the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Mr. Arnold discussed benefits from ABC's last visit to the City. He further discussed the proposed cash subsidy from the City and the CVB. Council Member McNichols inquired about recycling the bowling alley if the ABC were to visit the City often. Mr. Arnold briefly discussed the bowling facility constructed in the City of Reno, Nevada and stated that an inquiry could be made. In response to Council Member Galindo, City Manager Garza outlined the incentives in the City's bid and potential revenues to the City. Mr. Galindo referred to increased revenues to the CVB and suggested that the total costs of the tournament be split between the City and the CVB. City Manager Garza stated that increased revenues to the CVB would allow further marketing of the City. Council Member Cooper inquired about specific revenues to the City from the tournament. Mr. Arnold reviewed the revenues in detail. Mrs. Cooper commended Mr. Arnold and the CVB for their efforts. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. RESOLUTION NO. 021874 Resolution expressing the desire of the City of Corpus Christi to host the 2000 American Bowling Congress Tournament and authorizing the City Manager to provide the American Bowling Congress $40,000 per year for five years, free rental of the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center Exhibit Hall, and related in kind services, subject to annual appropriations. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on Item 5, the preliminary assessment roll for the McKinzie Road Improvements project. Minutes Regular Cou, Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 6 City Attorney Bray requested that the City Engineer and the appraiser read their statements into the record. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, stated that he is the City Engineer for the City of Corpus Christi and has been so employed for four years. He further stated that he is a Professional Engineer, licensed by the State of Texas since 1980, and has 22 years of experience in design of construction and estimating the costs thereof. He further stated that he is familiar with the McKinzie Road Street Improvement Project and described the present roadway. Mr. Crull further stated that development in the area, especially in the Tuloso Midway High School and OxyChem Petrochemical Plant areas, has caused increased traffic. He also described the proposed improvements and stated that the project is funded with Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) Funds and City Street Bond Funds. He also stated that, prior to the hearing, an estimate of project costs was prepared by TXDOT and submitted to the City Council and that the cost estimate is true and correct. Lastly, he stated that the project is scheduled to begin March of 1994 and completed in approximately July of 1995. Mr. George Paraskevas, the appraiser, testified that he is a state certified Residential Appraiser and has been evaluating property and practicing Real Estate in Corpus Christi since 1971. He stated that he has experience appraising both commercial and residential property and is familiar with the real estate market in Corpus Christi, Texas as well as the McKinzie Road Improvement project. Mr. Paraskevas also stated that he agrees with Mr. Crull's description of the conditions to be changed and has reviewed the project assessment roll. He further stated that he has personally examined each of the 49 parcels of land and each parcel will be specifically benefitted by each improvement to be assessed against it without regard to the overall community benefit. He lastly stated that each such parcel will be especially enhanced by such improvement at least to the extent of the assessment stated. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. A resident of Austin and owner of property in the McKinzie Road area posed several questions about the sidewalk and driveway assessments, effects of his previous agreement concerning driveway improvements, and assessments to other properties in the area. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering, responded to each inquiry. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Council Member Moss made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Longoria, and passed unanimously. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Coui. Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 7 5. ORDINANCE NO. 021875 Ordinance closing the February 22, 1994 public hearing on street improvements on McKinzie Road from Haven Drive to McKinzie Lane; known as the McKinzie Road Improvements; fixing a lien and charge and adopting an assessment roll indicating assessments of $60,762.99 on 49 items. 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 discussion on the following zoning application: 6. Case No. 294-4. Dos Mundos Day School. Inc : A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District and "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Oak Park Addition, Block 9, Lot 23 and north 28 feet of Lot 13; and Woodlawn Subdivision, Block 2, Lots 8A and 8B, located on the southeast and southwest corners of Mueller Street and Erwin Avenue. Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and Staff recommended denial of the "B-1" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a child care center subject to four conditions on Lots 23 and a portion of Lot 13, Block 9, Oak Park Addition and five conditions on Lot 8A and 8B, Block 2, Woodlawn Subdivision. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether a special permit was acceptable to the applicant. The applicant responded in the affirmative. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience in opposition to a special permit. Ms. Mary Livesy, 4714 Wooldridge Road, stated opposition to the special permit. She stated that her mother, Mrs. J. C. Collins, lives in the house adjacent to the church property and day care center and that a business should not be located in a residential area. She further discussed the problem her mother has encountered with the day care center concerning traffic and location of the dumpsters and/or multiple garbage containers. Council Member Longoria pointed out that Dos Mundos Day School was the only day care center in the community providing services to less fortunate citizens. She also agreed with Mrs. Livesy about the problems concerning vehicles parked in the street and pointed out that these problems should be alleviated with the proposed off-site parking area across the street. In further response, Mayor Rhodes referred to and discussed the provisions of screening the parking area. Council Member Martin inquired about the purpose of the rezoning. Mr. Utter explained the separation of the church and the day care center and stated that the day care center would remain a non-profit corporation. In further response, City Attorney Bray Minutes Regular Cou Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 8 stated that a determination by the Council on whether the conditions placed upon the proposed use would make the use compatible with the underlying zoning was appropriate. Mr. Martin next referred to the problems with the dumpster and/or garbage containers. He pointed out that single family residences were allowed to place five garbage containers at one time for collection. Mr. Utter stated that screening the refuse containers could be placed in the resolution as a provision. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning, showed a video of the property and the surrounding area. He also pointed out and discussed the proposed parking lot and future day care center expansion. A brief discussion ensued about the day care center's garbage container. Mr. Hal George, representing the applicant, stated that the applicant wished to locate the dumpster across the street in the proposed parking lot. Mr. David E. Frazier, 841 Erwin, discussed the hazardous traffic conditions resulting from the day care center and the present restrictive parking signs on the street. He requested more of the restrictive parking signs extending the restricted hours. In response, Mayor Rhodes stated that the City's Traffic Engineer would examine the situation. She further requested that Mr. Frazier be provided with a copy of the results. Council Member Galindo requested a report on spot zoning and that the Sparks' zoning application be compared to the recent Ruiz zoning application. Next, Mr. Galindo requested that staff examine the apartments on Erwin Street for compliancy. The public hearing was closed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO, 021876 Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance upon application by Dos Mundos Day School, Inc., by granting a Special Permit for a child care center on Oak Park Addition, Block 9, Lot 23 and north 28 feet of Lot 13, subject to four conditions; and Woodlawn Subdivision, Block 2, Lots 8A and 8B, subject to five conditions. 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." Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning application: 7. Case No. 194-2. Josephine Sparks: A change of zoning from "B-1" Neighborhood Business District to"B-4" General Business District on Osage Addition, Block 2, Lot Minutes Regular Co: Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 9 5A, located on the westside of Everhart Road, approximately 665 feet south of Parkdale Drive. Mayor Rhodes stated that both the Planning Commission and Staff recommended denial and, in lieu thereof, approval of a "B-3" Business District. Mayor Rhodes inquired whether the applicant would accept the B-3 Business District zoning. Mr. Utter stated in the affirmative. Council Member Best made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Longoria, and passed unanimously. In response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter identified the location of the property on a map. Mr. Martin expressed concern that the block was predominantly residential. Mr. Harvey pointed out that the comprehensive plan identified B-4 zoning as the future zoning for the block. A brief discussion ensued concerning the allowable uses in several different zoning districts. Mr. Martin discussed rezoning all the properties on the block at one time. Further deliberation ensued and Mayor Rhodes made a motion to deny the B-4 and B-3 zoning and, in lieu thereof, approve a special permit for the retail glass business use. The motion was seconded by Council Member Galindo. Mayor Rhodes called for a voice vote on the motion and the motion passed. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 021877 Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance upon application by Josephine Sparks by granting a Special Council Permit for motor vehicle glass repairs in reference to Osage Addition, Block 2, Lot 5a; providing for publication; and declaring an emergency. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as amended by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best voting "No." Mayor Rhodes announced Item 8, consideration of an appeal by Abel Rodriguez regarding a decision by the Civil Service Board and the closed session pursuant to Texas Minutes Regular Cow Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 10 Government Code, Section 551.074 regarding an appeal by Abel Rodriguez concerning a decision by the Civil Service Board. The Council went into closed session. The Council returned from closed session. Mayor Rhodes referred to Item 8, the appeal by Abel Rodriguez, and made a motion to deny the appeal. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 9 through 17, and Council Members requested that Items 11, 12, and 14 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 9. M94-043 Motion approving supply agreements for janitorial items in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0035-94 with the following companies for the following amounts based on low bid and low bid meeting specifications for an estimated annual expenditure of $67,252.98. The term of the agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the suppliers and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are budgeted in FY 1993-94 by the using departments: Gulf Coast Paper Co. Corpus Christi, Texas $50,615.86 Cleansers, Sweeping Compounds, Plastic Garbage Cans and Liners, Brooms and Mops, Misc. Items - Low Bid Grand Total: $67,252.98 Century Papers Corpus Christi. Texas $16,637.12 Disinfectant and Hand Soap - Low Bid Meeting Specifications Scrubbing Pads, Metal Garbage Cans - Low Bid The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 10. M94-044 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 7,650 gallons of pavement marking paint in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0056-94 with Roadrunner Minutes Regular Cott. Meeting - February 22, 1994 Page 11 Traffic Supply, Inc., Ft. Worth, Texas based on low bid, for an estimated annual expenditure of $43,166.50. 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. This paint will be used by the Street and Aviation Departments. Funds are budgeted in FY 93-94 by the using departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 13. M94-046 Motion authorizing staff to schedule the public hearings to pursue annexation of: 1) a 13.46 acre tract (Wood River Unit 10) coming out of the Mariano Lopez De Herrera Grant and; 2) a 7.65 acre tract, a strip of public right-of-way and a segment of the Missouri Pacific Railway Line owned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin abstaining. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 021878 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a Use Privilege Agreement with Spohn Hospital for the right to install and maintain an aerial data communications fiber/copper cable from the Spohn Hospital Business Office Annex at 716 Ayers Street, along the Seventh Street and Booty Street rights-of-way, approximately 1,860 - feet, to the Spohn Tower Healthcare Building at 1660 South Staples at Six Points and establishing a fee of $1,860. 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." 16. ORDINANCE NO. 021879 Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53 -Traffic, Section 53-252, Schedule III - Parking Prohibited at All Times on Certain Streets, by prohibiting curbside parking at all times along the east side of Everhart Road between Alameda Street and Staples Street. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Cou, Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 12 17. ORDINANCE NO. 021880 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Outside City Limits Water Service Contract with the Texas General Land Office (Lessor) and Nueces County (Lessee) for the purpose of providing water to J.P. Luby Park -South Part of Padre Island, State Tracts 1 and 4, in Nueces County. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading 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 a rental agreement with Conley -Lott Nichols Machinery Company for a landfill garbage compactor. Council Member McNichols inquired about the necessity of the compactor. Mr. Hennings explained operations at the landfill necessitating the compactor. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. M94-045 Motion approving a rental agreement with Conley -Lott Nichols Machinery Company for a landfill garbage compactor during the period February 28, 1994 through March 31, 1994, in the amount of $12,000 and authorizing the City Manager to extend the rental for one additional month. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 12, a motion authorizing the Mayor to implement City participation in the City Secretary's ICMA Retirement Plan as allowed by law. Council Member McNichols stated support of the concept and requested information about the plan. Mayor Rhodes suggested that the item be withdrawn from consideration until the information could be provided. The item was withdrawn from consideration from the day's meeting. 12. WITHDRAWN Minutes Regular Cou: Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 13 Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 14, a motion to execute a lease agreement with the Nueces County Appraisal District for the administrative function of the Fire Department. Council Member Best inquired about the future use of the vacant space resulting from the move. Fire Chief J. J. Adame replied that it would become a dormitory, day room, and offices, as originally intended. In response to Council Member Galindo, Chief Adame reviewed the accommodations which would be provided through the lease agreement. Council Member Moss commented favorably on the rental price. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Mr. Jim Hawkins, 101 Blucher, stated that the taxpayers recently purchased the Nueces County Appraisal District building and that, through the lease, taxpayers would, in essence, be renting from taxpayers. He suggested refurbishing the old Fire Station No. 1 building for location of the administrative offices instead. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14. M94-047 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a two-year lease agreement with three one-year renewal options with the Nueces County Appraisal District for rental space for the administrative functions of the Fire Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." ::::::::::: Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Garza requested that Mr. Utter give an update on the windstorm construction guidelines. Mr. Utter distributed a letter from Mr. J. Robert Hunter, State Insurance Commissioner, and staffs response. He discussed the recent meeting in Rockport where it was decided to postpone the implementation of the new code until recommendations could be studied further by the Advisory Committee. He further stated that staff would be working with the committee and the coastal cities. In response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter stated that the February 24, 1994, meeting concerning slab foundations would be held at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center at 2:00 p.m. as previously scheduled. Minutes Regular Cou. _ Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 14 Mayor Rhodes referred to the recent meeting concerning the Texas City Action Plan for Crime Prevention and the correspondence that she received from Ms. Janet Reno, Attorney General of the United States. Next, Mayor Rhodes referred to the meeting tentatively scheduled on March 1, 1994 at the Bayfront Convention Center at 6:00 p.m. regarding the local refineries and rescheduled the meeting to March 15, 1994 instead. She further stated that Mr. John Hall, Chairman of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Committee, would attend the meeting. A brief discussion ensued about notification to all interested parties. Mayor Rhodes also referred to a celebration of "Black History Month" at St. John Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. on February 25, 1994 performed by youth in the City. She stated that the event was free of charge and encouraged attendance. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Martin referred to a recent newspaper article on once -a -week garbage collection and inquired about the status of the pilot program. City Manager Garza replied that a proposal on the pilot project was planned to be presented for Council review in approximately April of 1994. A brief discussion ensued about the potential pilot project. Council Member Martin inquired about the Special Council Meeting on February 24, 1994, at 1:00 p.m. on the issuance of City of Corpus Christi, Texas General Improvement Refunding Bonds. A brief discussion ensued and it was determined that a quorum of the Council would be present and that notice of the meeting had been properly posted. Council Member Cooper requested an update on the status of the traffic signalization at Yorktown Boulevard and Staples Street. She also requested a response to the questions from the Buckingham Neighborhood Association and Green Fields by the Bay Neighborhood Association. Mrs. Cooper further encouraged the neighborhood associations in her district to contact her for a meeting to address their concerns. Council Member Noyola commended and expressed appreciation to the Incarnate Word students for their Graffiti Painting Program in the City. He encouraged other schools to participate in these types of community services. Mr. Noyola stated that he was aware of a local citizen that was willing to collect the tires disposed of on the streets. He requested that the man be exempt when disposing of these tires at the landfill. City Manager Garza referred to a business located near the landfill that purchases old tires. He suggested that the man dispose of the tires at this business. Mr. Garza stated that information on this business could be placed in the utility bills. Council Member McNichols requested an update on the environmental study on the J. F. Kennedy Causeway. Dr. McNichols inquired about a response to his request for a report on the old County Courthouse. He further expressed concern about the deteriorating conditions and outside lighting. Minutes Regular Cou. . Meeting February 22, 1994 Page 15 Mayor Rhodes referred to problems with air conditioning at the Lindale Senior Citizen Center and requested an examination. Council Member Moss referred to inquiries he received about editing out the closed session periods from the council meeting aired on Wednesdays and Sundays. He also suggested that city messages could be broadcast at this time. City Secretary Chapa stated that messages were shown before and after the council meetings. Mr. Chapa further stated that, during the live broadcasting on Tuesdays, the closed session could not be edited, and that it was edited out during the reruns on Wednesdays and Sundays. Council Member Longoria requested an update on the Westside Little League Ball Park and the Northwest Girl's Soccer Park. She next referred to a lot across from the Metro Ministries building on Leopard Street and inquired about the notice to clean up the lot. Mr. Garza explained that the notice was to the property owner and further explained the surrounding circumstances. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, stated that he had been verbally abused by Mr. Raymond F. Hasker during the day's council meeting. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. on February 22, 1994.