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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/29/1994I 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 March 29, 1994, which were approved by the City Council on April 5, 1994. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 27th day of April, 1994. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MICROFILMED MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting March 29, 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 Deputy City Manager Bill Hennings 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. Jess Cole, Padre Island Baptist Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Sarah and John Miglicco, students of St. James Episcopal School. 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 March 22, 1994, and the Special Council Meeting of March 15, 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 March, 1994 as follows: Mrs. Helen L. Compton, Police Department and Mr. Gene P. King, Community Development Department. The Council Members individually expressed appreciation to Mrs. Compton and Mr. King present at the day's meeting. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 2 *Council Member Noyola arrived at the meeting. Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda. The following appointments were made: Enterprise Zone Committee Ernest Carter Lena Coleman Lamont Taylor Pat Gomez Freddy Cavazos Arturo Melve Rey Hernandez Joel Barrera Mayor Rhodes stated that one vacancy exists on this committee and will be scheduled for appointment at next week's meeting. Mayor Rhodes recessed the Council Meeting to conduct the Workforce Development Executive Committee Meeting. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council Meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of items from the Regular Agenda and opened the discussion on Item 3, leases of the Kiwanis Softball Field and J.C. Softball Field with the Corpus Christi Softball Association (CCSA). Deputy City Manager Hennings presented a brief overview of last year's privatization of the Adult Softball Programs with Mr. Curtis Rich, Owner/Operator of The Grandstands Softball Complex, and the changes incorporated in the proposed leases to the Corpus Christi Softball Association. He stated that Mr. Rich had been afforded the opportunity to extend his lease with the proposed changes, but that he was in opposition to the proposed lease. He further stated that the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee had reviewed the lease and recommended authorization of the lease with the CCSA. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Parks & Recreation, clarified the differences between last year's lease and the proposed lease. He also stated that the funds obtained Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 3 from the privatization of the Adult Softball Programs had benefited the City's Youth Sports Programs. In response to Council Member Moss, Mr. Matthews explained the differences on grounds maintenance and logistics of softball by The Grandstands and the City. Mr. Moss further inquired if the association had full membership, and Mr. Matthews replied they did not. Council Member Galindo inquired if the bond requirement would remain for the proposed lease. Mr. Matthews explained that the CCSA's interest in the leasing of the fields would no longer require a performance bond. Council Member Longoria inquired if the CCSA was financially secure to manage the fields. Mr. Matthews replied in the affirmative. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Curtis Rich, Owner/Operator, The Grandstands Softball Complex, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to manage the Adult Softball Program. He spoke in opposition to the proposed lease and commented on several issues which he felt were unfair. He also read a letter to the Council from a citizen voicing his satisfaction with The Grandstands organization. Responding to inquiries from Council Member Moss, Mr. Rich stated that his organization had been involved in an extensive Request For Proposal (RFP) process and had to provide a $25,000 performance bond, whereas the proposed lease with the CCSA did not involve an RFP or performance bond. In response to Council Member Moss, Deputy City Manager Hennings stated that the performance bond requirement had been eliminated from the proposed contract because staff felt it was no longer warranted. He further stated that The Grandstands has been offered the same conditions if they wished to extend their current lease. A broad discussion ensued regarding performance bonds, the proposed lease, and the current lease held by The Grandstands. Council Member Noyola stated that he would support the decision of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee and felt that the lease was fair. Council Member Best inquired if the CCSA would encounter any problems if the City requested a performance bond with their lease, and further inquired if The Grandstands would be willing to submit another performance bond. Mr. Rich replied that he would be in agreement with the current contract. Deputy City Manager Hennings discussed the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee's recommendation for waiving the performance bond. Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager, Development Services, further commented that the current lease with The Grandstands includes an exclusivity clause Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 4 which prohibits the leasing of the other two softball fields. Mr. Matthews also commented that the CCSA has stated that they would submit a performance bond if necessary. Council Member Longoria expressed concem with the CCSA playing in Portland, Texas, and stated that she would support the decision of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee. Council Member Galindo informed the Council that he had conducted a meeting with The Grandstands and CCSA in order to discuss and reach an agreement on several issues. He stated that CCSA's main concern was that The Grandstands permitted alcoholic beverages during their games. Council Member Martin discussed the City's original intent of privatizing Adult Recreation Programs, the privatization of the Adult Softball Programs, and the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee's recommendation to privatize the Adult Softball Program. He stated that previous concerns relating to the privatization of the Softball Programs necessitated a one-year lease. In response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Matthews stated that seven members of the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee recommended the changes to the lease with only one dissention. Mr. Martin further inquired about the Senior Softball League (SSL), to which Mr. Matthews replied that the SSL favored the lease and would participate with the CCSA. Council Member Martin discussed the changes to the lease and inquired about the result of non -renewal of the lease with The Grandstands. Mr. Matthews stated that there were no major impacts in changing the lease, and non -renewal would result in the availability to lease two fields. He further stated that the CCSA would conduct games at the Greenwood Softball Complex. Mr. Bob Cooper, representative of the Corpus Christi Softball Association, requested permission for use of the softball fields. He discussed the composition of the association and stated that the city would benefit from the association's use of the fields. Mr. Steve Morales, Acting President of the Senior Softball League, expressed appreciation to staff, Council and the Park and Recreation Advisory Board. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Morales stated that the Senior Softball League currently plays with The Grandstands. He further stated that at the time CCSA's lease is approved, their league will have an option to play for either The Grandstands or CCSA. He explained that, in fairness to The Grandstands, the league will exercise their option next season. He requested that a minor change regarding age be made to the lease to enable the league to participate in the American Softball Association sponsored tournaments. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 5 3. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year lease of Kiwanis Softball Field and J.C. Softball Field with the Corpus Christi Softball Association. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Moss voting "No." Mayor Rhodes expressed her appreciation to Mr. Rich for a job well done. Mayor Rhodes announced that Item 4 had been withdrawn from the day's meeting. 4. WITHDRAWN Mayor Rhodes announced the discussion on Item 5, resolution by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas directing the publication of Notice of Intention to issue Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994; and resolving other matters relating to the subject. Deputy City Manager Hennings presented an overview on the necessity to publish the Notice of Intention for financing of improvements to the City's water system. Mayor Rhodes called for comments, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. RESOLUTION NO. 021907 Resolution by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas directing the publication of Notice of Intention to issue Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994; and resolving other matters relating to the subject. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Galindo and Noyola absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 6 Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Jorge Garza, Group Manager, Administrative Services, stated that the City has not proceeded with the sale of General Improvement Refunding Bonds. Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 6, approving the purchase of twenty- two refuse packer bodies. Deputy City Manager Hennings presented an overview on the purchase of the packer bodies and stated that Council had previously approved the purchase of the cab and chassis. Council Member McNichols expressed concern regarding the need to purchase half of the City's refuse truck fleet, the possible staggering of purchases, and the outright purchase of the fleet versus capital lease/purchase option. Deputy City Manager Hennings commented that the life expectancy of the fleet has been met and purchase is necessary. A brief discussion ensued regarding the annual cost of the capital lease/purchase contract versus the unit cost of the refuse trucks. Council Member Moss voiced agreement with Council Member McNichols' suggestion on the staggering of purchases, and Deputy City Manager Hennings stated that a program currently exists for the purchase of City equipment. Council Member Galindo commented on the validity of purchasing refuse trucks based on life expectancy. He inquired about the reason for the separate purchases of the cab and chassis and the packer bodies. Deputy City Manager Hennings replied that the costs were lower with the separate purchases. Council Member Martin inquired about the number of refuse trucks which had been budgeted. Deputy City Manager Hennings replied that twenty-two trucks had been budgeted for replacement. Mr. Martin further inquired about other budgeted items to be purchased through the lease/purchase program. Mr. Hennings stated that equipment for the Street Department, Water Department, and Storm Water Activity were targeted for the capital lease/purchase program. Mr. Martin expressed concern about the increase in purchases through the capital lease/purchase program. Mr. Hennings stated that the City would attempt to purchase equipment without utilizing the program. In response to Council Member Moss, Mr. Hennings stated that the City operates a Vehicle Pool which consolidates equipment, such as the Storm Water Activity replacement. He further stated that he would provide information on the Pool. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 7 6. M94-082 Motion approving the purchase of twenty-two refuse packer bodies in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0151-94 from Pak -Mor Manufacturing Co., San Antonio, based on low bid of $558,800. All units are replacements and are budgeted in the lease/purchase capital acquisition list for Solid Waste Services. Funding will be furnished by GE Capital in accordance with the lease/purchase line of credit contract. The foregoing motion 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. 294-3. Kids of the Neighborhood: A change of zoning from "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Southmoreland, Block 10, Lots 4 and 5, located on the south side of Clemmer Street, approximately 150 feet west of Lewis Street. Mayor Rhodes stated that both Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "B-1" District, and lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for an off- site parking lot subject to two (2) conditions. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience in opposition to the Special Permit. There were none. 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. 021908 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Kids of the Neighborhood, by granting a Special Permit for an off-site parking lot subject to two (2) conditions in reference to Southmoreland, Block 10, Lots 4 and 5; providing for publication. 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." Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 8 Mayor Rhodes recessed the Regular Council Meeting for the meetings of the Corpus Christi Community Improvement Corporation and the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation. Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Regular Council Meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 10 through 16.5, and Council Members requested that Items 11 and 16 be withheld for discussion. Council Member Martin asked if the supplemental agenda Item 16.5 regarding CP&L was included in the consent vote. City Attorney Bray responded that it was. The Mayor asked if anyone wanted Item 16.5 pulled for discussion. There was no response. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 10. M94-083 Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute an agreement with Kids of the Neighborhood, Inc. to provided $317,500 from the FY93 CDBG Program for acquisition of property and construction of a new day care facility and parking lot between Clemmer and Watson Street. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 12. M94-085 Motion approving the purchase of a trenching machine power unit, with trailer, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0124-94, from Nueces Power Equipment, Corpus Christi, based on the low bid of $32,425.00. The equipment is budgeted in the 1993-94 Capital Outlay as replacement equipment, and will be used by the Gas Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 13. M94-086 Motion approving supply agreements for 2,372 water meters in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0118-94 with the following companies for the following amounts based on low bid and low bid meeting specifications for an estimated annual expenditure of $121,462. The terms of the contracts shall be for twelve Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 9 months with options 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 the Water Department in FY 93-94. Badger Meter, Inc. Milwaukee, WI Items 1.1 & 1.3 $53,712.00 Schlumberger Industries Dallas. TX Item 2.7 $8,600.00 GRAND TOTAL - $121,462.00 Kent Meters, Inc. Ocala. FL Items 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1-2.6 $59,150.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 14. M94-087 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a supply contract in the amount of $190,940.00 to V.C. Huff, Inc. for the construction of traffic signal improvements and maintenance work at miscellaneous locations throughout the city. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 15. M94-088 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 405 one ton cylinders and 10 one -hundred -fifty Ib. cylinders of liquid chlorine in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0105-94 with Acetylene Oxygen Co., Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $162,450. The term of the agreement shall be twelve months with 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 for FY 93-94 by the Wastewater and Water Departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 16.5 ORDINANCE NO. 021909 Finding, after reasonable notice and hearing, that the existing rates of Central Power & Light Company are unreasonable; determining just and reasonable rates Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 10 to be observed and in force within the City; ordering rate reductions; ordering that this ordinance be served on Central Power & Light Company; preserving regulatory rights of the City; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances. The foregoing ordinance 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 11, purchase of street construction equipment. In response to Council Member McNichols, Deputy City Manager Hennings stated that the purchase of the street equipment is included in the capital lease/purchase program. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion was passed: 11. M94-084 Motion approving the purchase of street construction equipment in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0122-94, from the following dealers based on low bid and only bid. The equipment is for Street Services Department and is budgeted in the 1993-94 capital lease/purchase program. Funding will be through the lease/purchase line of credit contract with G.E. Capital. Closner Equipment Co. Cooper Equipment Co. San Antonio. TX San Antonio. TX 8-10 Ton Tandem Roller Chipspreader 12 Ton Pneumatic Roller $76,613.00 $149,985.00 Preco Machinery Corpus Christi. TX Excavator $163,322.00 Grand Total of Awards - $389,920.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 11 Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion on Item 16, supply agreement for police uniforms. Council Member Martin inquired if the supply agreement complied with the specifications. Deputy City Manager Hennings replied that various issues regarding the supply agreement had been addressed, and the agreement complied with the specifications. He further stated that the second low bidder would be awarded the supply agreement because the first low bidder did not meet the specifications. In response to Council Member Noyola, F.D. Glenn, Purchasing Agent provided samples to the Council and explained the differences between the two types of material used for the uniforms. Mr. Glenn stated that the first low bidder submitted samples of material that did not meet specifications. Council Member Galindo inquired if a committee had been established to render a decision on the type of material to be used in making the uniforms. Police Chief Henry Garrett replied that representatives from the Police Department recommends the type of material to be used. Chief Garrett stated that his main objective is for the police officers' comfort and presentation. Responding to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Glenn stated that the entire supply agreement would be awarded to Werner Uniforms. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Ms. Anna R. Werner, owner of Werner Uniforms, commented on several issues relating to the supply agreement and expressed appreciation for the approval of the bid. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following motion passed: 16. M94-089 Motion approving a supply agreement for police uniforms which includes approximately 500 pants, 575 shirts, 40 jackets, 50 caps, and 40 cap covers, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0116-94 with Werner Uniforms, Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid meeting specifications and best bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $48,117. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with 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 Police Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 12 Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. She informed the Council that the City Manager was ill and wished him well. Deputy City Manager Hennings announced the presentation of the Emergency Response Exercise to be conducted at the O.N. Stevens Water Plant on Wednesday, March 30, 1994. Police Chief Henry Garrett reviewed the procedures for the exercise and stated that participants in the exercise include several governmental entities, hospitals, and the Ca!alien School District. He further stated that the City conducts a yearly exercise to receive grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In response to Council Member Martin, Chief Garrett explained the necessity for the preview of the exercise. He stated that the City had conducted an exercise previously at the Airport which had resulted in actual injuries. Council Member McNichols expressed concern regarding fully informing citizens about the exercise. Chief Garrett stated that fliers had been prepared and distributed announcing that the exercise would be conducted. Deputy City Manager Hennings stated that he would be accompanying a delegation on Wednesday, March 30, 1994 for discussions with American Airlines relating to service to Monterrey, Mexico. Mayor Rhodes stated that she had received a complaint regarding parking meters on North Beach and requested staff to investigate the matter. She also informed staff that a citizen had requested permission to help clean graffiti along the seawall. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Best requested an update on the status of the Industrial District contracts and southside wastewater treatment plant. Dr. Best commented on a videotape the Council had received from Garland, Texas and stated that several ideas should be utilized. Dr. Best next discussed his trip to Washington, D.C., and the proposed bill regarding the telecommunications infrastructure. He suggested that staff research the impact the bill would have on the city. Lastly, Dr. Best requested the formation of a committee to study consolidation with Nueces County, and Mayor Rhodes appointed Dr. Best to chair the committee and asked him to solicit council members to serve with him. Council Member Galindo requested consideration by Council for inclusion of his provision to the Industrial District contracts. Mr. Galindo also stated that he would serve Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 29, 1994 Page 13 on the consolidation review committee and suggested that Dr. Best be invited to the next Mercer Group meeting to address the issue of consolidation. Mr. Galindo next expressed concern regarding the issuance of pawn tickets. He advised staff to research the feasibility of maintaining the pawn ticket database. Council Member Moss expressed concern with the paving of Clifford Street between S. Staples and S. Alameda (bus transfer at Six Points). He inquired if specifications for the sub -base were adequate for the type of traffic utilizing the area, and stated that staff examine long-term solutions. Mr. Moss commented favorably on the traffic signal light synchronization on S. Staples from McArdle Road to City Hall. Responding to Mr. Moss' concern regarding fire walls in larger apartment complexes, Deputy City Manager Hennings stated that a building code does exist for fire wall protection. Council Member McNichols informed the Council and citizens about the meeting held in Washington, D.C. with the Joint Military Task Force on future base closures. He stated that the Task Force expected to close, realign, and consolidate, or a combination thereof, twice as many bases as had been done previously. He asked that the community support requests for funding of the efforts of the South Texas Military Facilities Task Force. Dr. McNichols also reported that the Choke Canyon debt issue will receive assistance through negotiations with the Bureau of Reclamation and the introduction of legislation which will allow the Bureau to arrive at a decision that is fair to the citizens for payment of the debt. Lastly, Dr. McNichols requested staff to research and obtain information regarding the issue of the transit sales and use tax in the City of San Antonio, Texas. Responding to Council Members Martin and Moss, Deputy City Manager Hennings stated that an auditor performing the financial and compliance audit for the City had not been selected. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m. on March 29, 1994.