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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.