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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/17/19941 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 May 17, 1994, which were approved by the City Council on May 24, 1994. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 25th day of May, 1994. c Alrmando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MICROFILMED MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Melody Cooper Council Members: Jack Best Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Dr. David McNichols 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 Mr. George Dawson, Executive Chaplain of the Corpus Christi International Seamen's Center, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Derek Gower, a third grade student at Tuloso- Midway Intermediate 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 May 10, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda and the following appointment was made: Regional Transportation Authority Karen Sperry Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 2 Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1.a., agreement for financing of Phase II of the Trans -Texas Study with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, and 1.b., amendment to the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority agreement. City Manager Garza explained that the Port of Corpus Christi Authority agreed to repay the $211,800 interest-free loan at the end of 20 years in the event the city does not initiate a water transportation project resulting from the Trans -Texas Study. He said this allows the second phase of the study to get underway. He added that an important element of the second phase is the emphasis on public information and public participation. Council Member Noyola expressed concern that the study of water alternatives would continue even though the city's contract to purchase water from the Lavaca- Navidad River Authority (LNRA) is on appeal. Mr. Garza noted that the study in question is a state program coordinated by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which is providing a $600,000 grant to continue the study. Council Member McNichols stated that it is imperative that a study of water options continues --regardless of what happens with the LNRA contract appeal --because a solution to the problem of a future water shortage must eventually be found. He noted that it is to the city's advantage that the Port of Corpus Christi Authority is willing to repay the $211,800 loan if a project is not undertaken. Council Member Cooper urged that the Council accept the agreement for financing of Phase II, based on Mr. Garza's explanation that the city would only have to repay the loan if it commences with a project. Responding to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Garza outlined five new water supply alternatives that would be analyzed in Phase II of the study: accelerated conservation, groundwater recharge and recovery (CarrizoAWlcox Aquifer), dredging Lake Corpus Christi, purchase of Colorado River water, and purchase of Brazos River water. He noted that this is in addition to the 16 alternatives identified in Phase I. Mr. Galindo also asked what LNRA's role is in the project, and Mr. Garza explained that the LNRA is an integral part of the study. Responding to Council Member Martin's question, City Attorney Bray said that both the $600,000 grant and the $211,800 interest-free loan from the TWDB will be given to LNRA because it is the administrator of the Trans -Texas study. He added that, as outlined in Amendment No. 1 to the Joint Sponsorship Agreement, the TWDB loan will be repaid by future payments to LNRA of $211,800 from Corpus Christi. In addition, the city has an agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority whereby the port agrees Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 3 to pay the loan when it becomes due if a project is not initiated. Dr. McNichols gave a brief history of LNRA's role in the study and reiterated the importance of continuing with it. Council Member Longoria stated her approval of the financing proposal. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Joe O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, questioned the legality of amending a contract that has been declared invalid by a court. Responding to Mr. O'Brien, Dr. McNichols stated that the Joint Sponsorship Agreement with LNRA pertains only to the Trans -Texas study; it is separate from the city's contract to purchase water from Lake Texana, which is owned by LNRA. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, questioned the Port of Corpus Christi Authority's agreement to repay the TWDB loan of $211,800. In response to Mr. Perez, Mr. Garza explained that the Port is funded through wharfage fees; it does not levy a tax. Ms. Dorothy Spann, 502 Del Mar Blvd., stated her support of the financing proposal in order to continue the Trans -Texas Study. In answer to a question from Mr. Galindo, Mr. Garza stated that, according to the Joint Sponsorship Agreement, in the event the city does initiate a project from the Trans - Texas study, future payments of the $211,800 loan will be made from city water system revenues and will not represent a commitment of future tax revenues. To correct a misstatement made by Mr. O'Brien regarding the LNRA contract to purchase water, Mayor Rhodes emphasized that once that contract goes on appeal, it is valid until the legal process is concluded. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 1.a. RESOLUTION NO. 021931 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Financing of Phase II of the Trans -Texas Study with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, wherein the Port Authority agrees to pay on behalf of the City of Corpus Christi the $211,800 interest-free loan from the Texas Water Development Board if the City does not initiate projects that would require repayment of the loan prior to the 20 year term of the loan. 'Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 4 The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No." 1.b. RESOLUTION NO. 021932 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority for Joint Sponsorship of a Regional Study of Alternatives for Transporting Water to Corpus Christi. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No." Mayor Rhodes deviated from the day's agenda to open discussion on Item 8, amending the ordinance on outdoor advertising (billboards, etc.). Group Manager Tom Utter recommended postponement of the proposed amendment for approximately 30 days. Council Member Martin made a motion to postpone Item 8, seconded by Council Member Noyola; the motion passed unanimously. 8. POSTPONED Amending Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3, Advertising; Article II, comparable to the State of Texas' regulations. City Manager Garza requested that Item 3, improvements to Everhart Road adjacent to the Village at the Lakes development, be postponed. 3. POSTPONED Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, issuance of Utility System Revenue Bonds, after which City Manager Garza requested that Items 9.a., 9.b., and 10 be Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 5 postponed, along with Item 8. Mayor Rhodes made a motion to postpone Items 9.a., 9.b., and 10, seconded by Dr. McNichols; and passed unanimously. 9.a. POSTPONED coming out of the Gregorio Farias Grant, Abstract No. 592, in Nueces County-; 9.b. POSTPONED records of Nueces County, Texas. 10. POSTPONED publication, Mayor +on - Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2. Responding to a question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza explained that in order to fund wastewater projects, the city is eligible for financing through the State Revolving Fund, which would result in a lower interest rate. According to Mrs. Rosie Vela, Director of Finance, that interest rate would be approximately 5.10% if insured and approximately 5.5% if uninsured. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2. RESOLUTION NO. 021933 Resolution by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi directing publication of Notice of Intention to issue Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 1994-A; and Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 6 resolving other matters relating to the subject. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, regulation of rates charged by TCI Cablevision of Texas Inc. Deputy City Manager Bill Hennings explained that the U.S. Congress has given the city limited authority to regulate rates charged by TCI Cablevision for basic cable service. He said that the city's consultant had reviewed the necessary information submitted by TCI and made a recommendation, which was in turn reviewed by the city's Cable Communications Commission. He said a public hearing on the matter was held May 2, 1994, and that the commission was recommending that the consultant's report be approved. Mr. Hennings added that the consultant determined that the maximum rate that TCI could charge under Federal Communications Commission regulations was $10.23 per month, which is the amount that TCI is currently charging. Mr. Hennings also explained that a new rate case would begin soon because the FCC has adopted new rules which reduces rates by about 7%, effective May 15, 1994. He said that TCI is obligated to submit a new rate case by June 15, 1994, which will be reviewed by staff. The rate case under consideration during the day's meeting dealt with rates in effect from September 1, 1993 to May 15, 1994. Responding to Council Member Galindo's question, Mr. Hennings said that TCI has jurisdiction over which channels it chooses to offer, within FCC regulations and upon the City Council's approval. Council Member Moss asked if the basic cable channels offered by TCI are comparable to those offered in other Texas cities, and Mr. Hennings replied that they were. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Dennis Moore, 14857 Red River, and general manager of TCI Cablevision of Corpus Christi, acknowledged the efforts of many people in the rate determination process. He gave a brief description of how the maximum permissible rate is determined and discussed the upcoming rate case. Responding to questions from Dr. Best, Mr. Moore discussed TCI's plan to eventually install fiber optic cable. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 7 Mr. Moore, responding to questions from Mr. Moss and Mr. Martin, discussed in more detail the types of channels offered with the basic cable service. Mr. Leon Perez asked why his cable rates had increased. Mr. Garza responded that for some time the city's authority to regulate cable rates had been removed by the federal government, and that authority had only recently been reinstated. Mr. Bray added that the regulatory power the city currently has is limited to the first tier of cable channels, expanded basic service is regulated by the FCC and the remaining cable channels are unregulated. Mr. Ron Hudson, 3556 Austin St., questioned the difference between the cost for Corpus Christi's basic cable channels ($10.23 for 17 channels) and Dallas's basic cable channels ($10 for 37 channels). He also criticized what he called the "discriminatory practice" regarding the programming on public access channels. Mr. Garza stated that the staff had objected to TCI's move last year to place the Cable News Network (CNN) channel above the basic tier of channels offered by TCI. Responding to Dr. Best, Mr. Moore discussed how the public access channels are administered. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Ordinance regarding regulation of rates charged by TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc. for basic cable service and related equipment; and approving or permitting certain rates and charges. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 5, proposed reduction in USDA funds for elderly meals, and asked if there were any questions from the Council or the audience; there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. RESOLUTION NO. 021934 Resolution opposing the proposed $8.9 million reduction in United States Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 8 Department of Agriculture (USDA) Funds for elderly meals. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 6, EPA control of chlorine and chlorinated compounds for disinfecting water. Mr. Hennings explained that the EPA administrator is seeking to prohibit, reduce, or substitute the use of chlorine and chlorinated compounds for disinfecting water and wastewater effluent. He said the staff feels a better approach would be to study the effects, if any, of chlorine use. Responding to a question from Dr. McNichols, Mr. Hennings stated that an alternative treatment process for drinking water would cost approximately ten times more than treating with chlorine. Mr. Galindo urged citizens to contact their representatives in Congress and state their opposition to the EPA proposal. Mrs. Cooper made the same suggestion. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Ms. Dorothy Spann asked if the technology exists to reduce the amount of chlorine in drinking water, and Mr. Garza explained that it does, and the city is currently using that technology on a limited scale. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6. RESOLUTION NO. 021935 Resolution opposing the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's consideration to prohibit, reduce, or substitute the use of chlorine and chlorinated compounds for disinfecting water, wastewater effluent, and opposing zero -chlorine discharge into estuaries. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, purchase of motorized construction equipment. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 9 Mr. Garza explained that this item had been introduced during a previous Council meeting as a lease/purchase proposal and had been changed to an outright purchase proposal from the Combined Utility Fund. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. M94-128 Motion approving the purchase of motorized construction equipment in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0130-94 based on low bid and low bid meeting specifications. All equipment is replacement and is budgeted in the 1993-94 budget. Conley -Lott -Nichols Machinery Corpus Christi 25 HP Track Excavator 12.5 HP Track Excavator $55,719.00 B -C Equipment Sales Corpus Christi Hydraulic Excavator $154,074.69 Coastal Plains Machinery Corpus Christi 3 each Tractor -Loader -Backhoe $121,589.00 Waukesha Pearce Equip. Corpus Christi Tool Carrier $69,802.00 Preco Machinery Corpus Christi Tractor -Loader -Backhoe $54,862.00 GRAND TOTAL - $456,046.69 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 case: 11. Case No. 494-1, William L. Johns: A change of zoning from "R-1 B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General Business District on Mahan Place, Block 1, Lot 3, located on the south side of Gollihar Road, approximately 200 feet east of Kostoryz Road. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 10 Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "B-4" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a lawnmower and small engine repair shop subject to three (3) conditions. Mr. William Johns, applicant, stated that he agreed with that recommendation. No one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Best made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Moss, and passed unanimously. Responding to a question from Council Member Galindo, Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager of Developmental Services, explained that the third condition (delivery and pick up of materials by customers is prohibited on site) was a recommendation of the applicant and the staff concurred. Mr. Johns stated that he would prefer having the third condition eliminated; however, his first concern was to receive the Special Permit to continue operating his business. Responding to a question from Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Utter explained that the third restriction was included for two reasons --because the applicant recommended it and because it would eliminate traffic. Mr. Utter also noted that there had been no complaints from the applicant's neighbors concerning traffic problems. Mr. Galindo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Noyola, that the third condition be stricken from the ordinance; the motion passed; Martin voting "No." Council Member Martin stated that he supported the special permit proposal for this zoning case because of unique circumstances, but urged caution in granting such permits in the future. Following questions from Council Members, Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, explained that the Special Permit is attached to the property itself and not to the property's use. He said that if Mr. Johns were to move away, and the next property owner did not take advantage of the Special Permit, then it would expire after one year of non-use. A discussion ensued. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 021936 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by William L. Johns, by granting a Special Permit for a lawnmower and small engine repair shop subject to two (2) conditions in reference to Mahan Place, Block 1, Lot 3; providing Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 11 for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, 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 case: 12. Case No. 494-2, YMCA of the Coastal Bend: A change of zoning from "A-2" Apartment House District to "B-5" Primary Business District on Fitchue Place, Block 903, Lots 49 through 58, located along the east side of Tenth Street, approximately 150 feet north of Ayers Street. Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. No one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Galindo made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Noyola, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 021937 Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by YMCA of the Coastal Bend, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Fitchue Place, Block 903, Lots 49 through 58, from "A-2" Apartment House District to "B-5" Primary 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, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 13 through 19, and Council Members requested that Items 13, 14, 15, 17.a. and 17.b. be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 12 16. M94-132 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $54,957.00 to E.J. Stefek Company to install or repair equipment at the Oso Water Reclamation Plant. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 18. ORDINANCE NO. 021939 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 165.60 square foot portion of a 7.5 -foot wide utility easement in Lot 28, Block 42, Island Fairway Estates, 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." 19. ORDINANCE NO. 021940 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Outside City Limits Water Service Contract with the Refinery Terminal Fire Company and the Port of Corpus Christi Authority for the purpose of providing water to 9.440 acres out of the D. Martinez, State Abstract No. A-857, Survey 420, Nueces County, Texas. 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 called for discussion on Item 13, purchase of a truck and trailer on a five-year lease/purchase arrangement. Responding to a question from Council Member McNichols, Mr. Garza stated that this equipment was the last equipment that needed to be purchased using this arrangement for FY 93-94. A discussion ensued regarding the need to clarify the Council's policy regarding outright purchases and lease/purchases of equipment. It was determined that the issue would be discussed at a future Council meeting as part of the budget process. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 13 Ms. Spann questioned the necessity of utilizing the lease/purchase arrangement. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13. M94-129 Motion approving the purchase of a truck and trailer in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0143-94, from the following, based on low bids. The equipment was budgeted in the 1993-94 budget as replacement equipment for Street Services. Funding will be provided by G.E. Capital through a five-year lease/purchase arrangement. Power Equipment Intl. 62,000 GVWR Truck Tractor $77,770.00 Total of Awards: $110,579.00 Truckers Equipment, Inc. 50 Ton Gooseneck Trailer $32,809.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 14, supply agreement for hydrofluosilicic acid. Responding to a question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza responded that the proposed purchase is of fluoride for drinking water. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14. M94-130 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 435 tons of hydrofluosilicic acid delivered in tank cars in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0106-94 with Lucier Chemical Industries LTD, dba LCI, LTD., Jacksonville Beach, Florida based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $67,929.60. 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. This chemical will be added to our water supply to aid in the prevention of tooth decay. Funds have been budgeted in FY 93-94 by the Water Department. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 14 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 15, construction of additional parking at the Lindale and Greenwood Senior Citizen Centers. Responding to a question from Dr. McNichols, Mr. Garza stated that the parking construction would include lighting, curbs and gutters. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, stated that curbs and gutters are necessary because they control drainage and access. He noted that this would be funded through a Community Development Block Grant. Responding to Mr. Moss, Mr. Crull noted that the parking lots would contain the necessary prime materials. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 15. M94-131 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $52,178.50 to A. Ortiz Construction & Paving, Inc. to construct additional parking facilities at the Lindale and Greenwood Senior Citizen Centers. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin absent. Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 17.a. and 17.b., completion of the Corpus Christi Preservation Site Survey and attendance at the Certified Local Government conference. Council Member Galindo stated that he felt it was inappropriate to utilize CDBG funds for this historical project and questioned whether it met CDBG guidelines. Mr. Utter stated that historical preservation is an eligible activity under the CDBG program. He said that each year the Council had appropriated approximately $6,000 to $9,000 for this program under the Certified Local Government Program of the state. He said that it benefits the city by allowing the city to certify whether a structure is historic in terms of environmental assessments. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 15 Council Member Cooper stated that the historical aspect plays an important role in tourism in the city, adding that she supported passage of the motion. Council Member Noyola requested the staff to provide information regarding the old County Courthouse. A discussion ensued among Council members about the CDBG program that the Council approved on May 3, 1994. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 17.a. M94-133 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a federal grant in the amount of $5,600 from the Texas Historical Commission for completion of Phase II -B of the Corpus Christi Preservation Site Survey and for attendance at the Certified Local Government conference, as required by the Texas Historical Commission. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No." 17.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021938 Appropriating $5,600 from the Texas Historical Commission for completion of Phase II -B of the Corpus Christi Preservation Site Survey for FY 95 and for attendance at the Certified Local Government Conference, as required by the Texas Historical Commission. The foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No." Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Referring to the previous discussion on the chlorine resolution, City Manager Garza stated that the total amount designated for future projects is $83.9 million, but the amount specifically designated for ozone treatment of water, rather than chlorine treatment, at the Stevens Water Treatment Plant, is $23.4 million. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 16 Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Mayor Rhodes asked the staff to make a presentation about attainment at the May 24, 1994, Council meeting. She briefly explained that attainment means that a city is designated as having met certain clean -air guidelines. Without that status, much more stringent --and costly --regulations must be met regarding air quality emissions. Council Member Martin agreed that a discussion on attainment was needed; he also asked the City Manager if each week during his report, he could give a brief preview of items that will be discussed at the next Council meeting. Council Member Cooper stated that she and Mr. Crull had met with the Lakewood Village condominium owners on May 16, 1994, and she was planning a meeting of District 5 residents, possibly on June 16, 1994. Council Member Moss requested that the center lane of Agnes Street between Port Street and South Padre Island Drive be swept. Council Member Longoria stated that some citizens were concerned about tank trucks parking along the back of their property on Lawrence Drive at the entrance to CitGo; there also were complaints about a ditch along Lawrence Drive that needed to be cleaned out. She raised a question about residents participating in the city's recycling program if they have garbage pickup in their alleys. She also thanked the 5th graders who provided pages for the Wally Wiseguy coloring book. Council Member Best stated that the Consolidation Committee meeting held on May 13, 1994, was successful and he asked Mr. Hennings to give a report on the meeting to the Council during the May 24, 1994 meeting. Following a question from Council Member McNichols, Dr. Best briefly discussed some of the issues that had been raised by the committee members. Dr. McNichols asked Mr. Garza to give a report during a future Council meeting about the status of the legislation on the Choke Canyon debt reorganization. Dr. McNichols stated that, in general, the city should be open to encouraging developers to initiate projects in different areas of the city. Council Member Longoria pointed out that a presentation is planned for the May 24, 1994 Council meeting on the idea of building a factory outlet mall and other projects in northwest Corpus Christi. Dr. McNichols noted that the deadline for a decision on whether to join in the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority's appeal was May 30, 1994. Mayor Rhodes stated that the item should be discussed and voted upon during the May 24, 1994 meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Minutes Regular Council Meeting May 17, 1994 Page 17 Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, stated that he had talked with the director of the Weather Bureau in Corpus Christi, who discussed issues related to water, including drought predictions and natural weather phenomena, such as El Nino. Mr. Garza replied that because of the inability to predict a drought, a dependable source of water was essential. Mayor Rhodes said that it was impossible to consult every expert in the area about water supply alternatives, but hundreds of citizens and experts were involved in the process. Dr. Best stated that planning for water supplies 15 years in the future is necessary for the health of future generations of area residents. Mr. Martin agreed that a drought cannot be predicted, and that the concrete data involved in the water studies was based on the annual firm yield. Ms. Spann said she was concerned about the representation on the Consolidation Committee. Dr. Best replied that the meetings are posted and all citizens are invited, as well as officials. Ms. Abby Saenz, 5127 Cape Ann and chairperson of the Intergovernmental Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, discussed concerns about the amount of outdoor alcohol and tobacco advertisements in the city. A discussion ensued among the Council members about this issue, including where the billboards are located based on zoning requirements. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. on May 17, 1994.