HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/31/1994I 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 May 31, 1994, which were
approved by the City Council on June 14, 1994.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 15th day of June, 1994.
Arman:o Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 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 Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Rev. Dr. William C. Storms, Covenant Baptist
Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led
by Council Member Best.
City Secretary Chapa performed a roll check 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 24, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
Mayor Rhodes deviated from the days agenda and opened discussion on Item 2,
recognition of the city's Animal Control Program.
City Manager Garza introduced Mr. Jeff Beynon, Animal Control Supervisor, and
Dr. Nina Sisley, Director of Public Health, and Dr. Richard Schafer, Chairman of the
Animal Control Advisory Committee. Dr. Sisley also introduced the following people: Mr.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 2
Dick Brown, Lost Pet Hotline; Elizabeth Airheart, Lost Pet Hotline; and Mr. James
Butcher, Ms. Debra Leal, and Mr. Ismael Guerrero, members of the Animal Control Staff.
Mr. Garza presented the 1994 Agency of the Year Award from the National Animal
Control Association to Mr. Beynon.
Council Member Moss recognized two of his grandchildren who were present at
the meeting, James Douglas, and Benjamin Douglas, who were visiting Corpus Christi
from Dallas.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, presentation by the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC).
Mayor Rhodes explained that the TNRCC is the state agency which regulates the
Federal Clean Air Act of 1990, the most stringent environmental statute in the country.
She said Corpus Christi currently has attainment status but could be in danger of losing
it if the city violates clean air emission standards three more times in the next two years
(the city has already had one violation). If Corpus Christi loses its attainment status, it
would have to abide by very extensive and costly restrictions and standards. She added
that a committee would be formed, headed by Mr. Bill Hennings, Deputy City Manager,
to coordinate efforts of the city and the industries to retain the city's attainment status.
The Mayor emphasized that residents need to be aware of how to reduce dangerous air
emissions to participate in that effort.
Mayor Rhodes introduced Mr. John Hall, TNRCC Chairman, who began his
presentation by commending the Mayor and the city for their continuing efforts in working
with the residents of Dona Park and the industries in that area. Mr. Hall gave a history
of the Clean Air Act, and stated that four cities in Texas failed to meet federal health -
based standards: Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and El Paso. He described some of the
changes which those cities will have to adopt beginning January 1, 1995, to meet federal
emission standards.
Mr. Hall stated that the TNRCC is concerned that Corpus Christi could lose its
attainment status due to continued economic and population growth unless government
leaders, corporate leaders and citizens begin reducing emissions. He said that taking the
proper steps now is much less expensive than abiding by non -attainment provisions. Mr.
Hall added that the city had its last air-quality exceedence reading in 1993; maintaining
its clean air status will allow the city to grow and prosper.
Responding to Council Member Best, Mr. Hall explained that there are four
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 3
separate air -monitoring stations in the Corpus Christi area which monitor emissions 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. He said that in Texas, ozone exceedences are particularly
dangerous during the hot summer months of June through September. He described how
ozone measurements are made and variables which affect them, such as air temperature
and wind speed. He gave examples of steps that citizens can take to reduce emissions:
car pooling; using public transportation; mowing yards and gassing up vehicles late in the
evening.
Mayor Rhodes explained that a media/citizen committee would be established to
educate residents about emission reductions and to warn them if the TNRCC issues an
emissions alert on any particular day.
Responding to Council Member Moss, Mr. Hall explained that the percentage of
dangerous emissions made by cars varies by community, and newer vehicles emit much
less air pollution than older, lower -performance ones.
Mayor Rhodes recognized the employees retiring from the city in the month of May
1994 as follows: Mr. Damasio Zarate, Police Department, 37 years; Ms. Pauline V.
Garcia, Park Maintenance Department; 15 years; Mr. Pedro Bayardo, Park Maintenance
Department, 25 years; and Mr. John Ramirez, Park Maintenance Department, 25 years.
Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's
agenda and the following appointments were made.
Corpus Christi Bay Area Minority Business Opportunity Program Steering
Committee
Claude Adams (Local Federal Agency)
Capt. J.F. Tucker III (Local Federal Agency)
Benedicto Ramos (Local Federal Agency)
John Rising (Chamber of Commerce)
Horacio Ortiz (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
Scott Eliff (Local/State Agency)
Robert Furgason (Local/State Agency)
Buddy Venters (Local/State Agency)
Jorge Canales (Private Sector)
Bernard Paulson (Private Sector)
Abey Flores (Private Sector)
Joe Fulton (Private Sector)
Scott Jenkines (Private Sector)
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 4
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, proposed development in the
northwest area of a factory outlet center, city golf course and RV park.
Mr. Garza explained that the staff continued to recommend approval of the
development proposal. If the Council voted to approve it, the staff would bring back three
sets of documents to formalize the procedure. Mr. Garza noted that a factory outlet
center would be unique to the city. He also detailed improvements the city made to
streets near Moore Plaza and Sunrise and Padre Staples malls.
Mayor Rhodes stated that she continued to support the proposed development
because of the potential sales tax revenue and benefit to the city.
The Mayor recognized Representative Hugo Berlanga, who expressed his support
of the proposal and offered his assistance in obtaining any available state funds to help
pay for the ramp reversals which are part of the development.
Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Garza stated that the staff had
provided traffic counts of the proposed development area, but there was no hard data
indicating the numbers of people who would actually stop at the factory outlet center
and/or the golf course and RV park. He noted that Mr. Stan Samberg, a representative
of the developer who gave a presentation at the May 24, 1994 meeting, had cited four
main reasons why the developers were interested in the northwest location: traffic count,
number of tourists, visibility and accessibility.
Dr. McNichols stated that the municipal golf course in the northwest area should
not be built until the outlet center proves to be successful, thus using the sales tax
revenue from the center to build the golf course. Mr. Garza said he shared Dr.
McNichols' concern, adding that the golf course should begin construction approximately
two years from when the outlet mall opens, which is planned for fall 1995.
Council Member Noyola objected to the proposal in which the city would pay for
utility lines to be brought up to the property in exchange for the donation of 180 acres of
land by Mr. Garnett Brooks. He also questioned the possibility of flooding on the location
of the proposed RV park and golf course. Mr. Garza replied that the RV park location is
on high ground and the golf course is on land that floods.
Council Member Galindo stated that the outlet center, golf course and RV park
should be promoted as a package, and asked for assurances that the RV park would be
built. Mr. Garza stated that the proposed contract would give Mr. Brooks seven years in
which to complete the RV park.
Council Member Cooper said she would not support the proposal because she had
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 5
not been convinced that a sufficient amount of sales tax revenues would be generated
from the outlet center to support the golf course. She also objected to the proposal that
the city bring utility lines to the site and pay for the ramp reversals, if necessary.
Responding to an earlier comment by Mr. Noyola, Council Member Longoria stated
that a third municipal golf course is needed and the proposed location in the northwest
area of the city seems to be the most feasible.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Ms. Sylvia Terry, 10709 Westview, Chairperson of the Northwest Area Council
Chamber of Commerce, stated that plans for the golf course and RV park were initiated
years ago and the project's original --and current --intent was to benefit the whole city.
Mr. Jim Baxter, 15305 Mutiny Ct., General Manager of Padre Staples Mall, said
the city is acting like a bank in the proposed venture because it is financing private
development and anticipating a return of its investment in the form of sales tax dollars.
He questioned the developers' sales estimates, and expressed concern that the golf
course might not be built if the outlet center does not generate enough revenue.
Mr. Brian Giffin, 4917 Valley Stream, General Manager of Sunrise Mall, stated that
he believes in free enterprise but that it is wrong for the city to pay for off-site
improvements, such as the proposed development. He added that improvements around
the southside malls were made because of existing traffic congestion and not to benefit
any particular investor. He said the developer should guarantee that the factory mall
would be a bona fide outlet center; that the developer demonstrate financial stability; and
that the city conduct a market study regarding retail competition in the area.
Mr. Roy Smith, co-owner of Padre Staples Mall, thanked the Council for its
cooperation in the construction of Shopper's Way, a new street behind that mall. He
questioned the logic of building the outlet center and golf course at the base of the
Nueces River because of potential flooding.
Ms. Jeanette Hallmark, spokesperson for the Northwest Business Association,
stated her support of the project, noting that it benefits the city as a whole and not just
one area. She added that the proposed development will attract tourists not just to that
development but to the many other attractions in Corpus Christi as well. She said the
association is working with Mr. Brooks on plans for the RV park.
Mr. Larry Baker, 4322 Nicklaus, said this project has been planned for many years.
He said the $350,000 needed to pay for bringing the utilities up to the proposed property
was not a subsidy to the outlet center developers; that was part of the original agreement
with Mr. Brooks for the donation of his land. The city (or the state, if funds are available)
would be committed to paying $400,000 for the ramp reversals.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 6
Responding to Council Member Martin's question, Mr. Garza stated that the capital
funds for the project would be raised by selling a certificate of obligation. He said the
revenues of the golf course would be pledged but the sales tax itself could not be
specifically pledged because it is not allowed by state law. Mr. Martin suggested that
Representative Berlenge might be able to assist Mr. Garza in investigating that matter.
Mr. Martin also asked how the figure of 4.5 million tourists visiting Corpus Christi
annually was obtained. Mr. Garza replied that a state agency compiled those statistics.
He added that Corpus Christi is the number one tourist destination in the state (San
Antonio is the number one overall destination in the state).
Mr. Martin discussed the importance of ensuring that the proposed factory outlet
center is a true outlet center. He also addressed the issue of governments providing off-
site improvements and incentives to retail centers, hotels, apartment complexes, and
health care facilities. He expressed concern about the fact that the ramp reversals were
such an integral part of the agreement to build the outlet center.
Complying with Mayor Rhodes' request that he address Council Members'
concerns, Mr. Samberg said that the developer he represents, Charter Oak Partners of
Virginia, builds true outlet centers and not off-price centers, requiring that no more than
10 percent of the tenants be non -manufacturers. Responding to Council Member Best,
Mr. Samberg described some of the building specifications for the outlet center to
compensate for the area's low elevation.
Responding to Dr. Best, a discussion ensued regarding the ramp reversals and
traffic directions.
Council Member Longoria made a motion to act on the original Garnett Brooks -City
of Corpus Christi agreements and to commit to the ramp reversals should the factory
outlet center commit to construction; seconded by Mayor Rhodes.
Mr. Galindo stated that the golf course and RV park should be built concurrently
to ensure completion of the RV park.
Mayor Rhodes said she shared Mr. Galindo's concern about the RV park, but said
it would not be appropriate to include that condition in Mrs. Longoria's motion because
the outlet center and RV park will be built by two different developers.
Mr. Garza stated that if the motion was approved, the Council would still need to
approve the individual contracts for the projects. He said it would be appropriate to raise
the Council's concerns during the negotiation and modification of those contracts.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 7
4. M94-145
Motion to act on the original Garnett Brooks -City of Corpus Christi agreements and
to commit to the ramp reversals should the factory outlet center commit to
construction and should State assistance not be available.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola voting
"No."
Mayor Rhodes called for a five-minute recess.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 5, approval of the Enterprise Community
Application.
Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager of Development Services, gave a presentation on
the Enterprise Community Application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. He described what constitutes an enterprise community and illustrated
what area of Corpus Christi would be designated as the enterprise community.
Mr. Utter introduced Ms. Karen Richmond, who has been assisting the Enterprise
Community Steering Committee in the formulation of the HUD application. She noted that
the enterprise community is a grassroots -driven effort to improve a specified poverty-
stricken and depressed area of the city. She detailed the process through which the 40
recommendations contained in the HUD application were derived.
Responding to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Utter stated that if the application is
approved, the city would receive a $2.95 million grant to fund the specific programs. Mrs.
Cooper thanked the members of the Steering Committee for their efforts.
In response to Mr. Martin, Mr. Utter stated that six empowerment zones and 65
urban enterprise communities will be established in the country. He added that HUD has
been notified that approximately 1,700 urban communities are seeking to be designated
as enterprise communities to receive the federal grants. Mr. Martin said it was important
to remember that other communities around the country have needs that will match, and
possibly exceed, our community's needs. And if the city does not receive that HUD grant,
it should not abandon the concepts of the enterprise community and try to honor the
commitments delineated in the HUD application. Mr. Utter replied that staff intends to
review the full application with the Planning Commission and encourage the Steering
Committee members to continue volunteering their efforts to implement the programs
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 8
listed.
Council Member Moss asked whether the city would be eligible for other federal
grants and, if so, if they would require matching funds. Mr. Utter replied that no matching
funds were required at this time; he added that the city would continue spending the
appropriated Community Development Block Grant program funds. Mr. Utter commended
the Steering Committee members and Mr. Mike Reuwsaat, Director of Community
Development, for their efforts.
Council Member Galindo noted that the enterprise community application and the
Vision 2000 plan have many elements in common.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, asked if there was any input from disabled
persons in preparing the enterprise community application. Mr. Utter replied that he did
not think that any disabled persons were members of the Steering Committee.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. RESOLUTION NO. 021951
Resolution approving the Enterprise Community Application and authorizing the
City Manager or his designee to submit the same to the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development.
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, fresh water release requirements.
Mr. Hennings explained that Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi (at that time
Corpus Christi State University) conducted a study for the city regarding fresh water
release requirements for the Nueces Estuary. The results were presented to the Council
and the Council agreed that the results could be presented to the Nueces Estuary
Advisory Council (NEAC).
Mr. Hennings introduced Dr. F. Michael Speed, who spoke on behalf of Dr. Ed
Jones, Director of the Center for Statistical and Quality Improvement Services (CSQIS)
of Texas A&M -Corpus Christi. Dr. Speed described facets of the interim order issued by
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). He said the CSQIS
is helping to develop the plan to begin releasing the water.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
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Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Dr. Speed explained that the CSQIS has completed
the conceptual and theoretical studies necessary; now it needs $111,000 to physically
implement the water -release plan. Council Member McNichols explained in further detail
the procedures the CSQIS will establish and concerns that need to be addressed.
Responding to Dr. Best, Dr. Speed explained that rain gauges had not been placed
in the Nueces Estuary because the CSQIS had not yet demonstrated to NEAC that the
combined inflow plan was feasible. He added that the request before the Council was
to approve funding for Phase III of the CSQIS study which, when it is completed, will be
presented to NEAC for its recommendation. If NEAC approves the plan, it can then be
submitted to the TNRCC as an amendment to the interim order to account for combined
inflows. He said the goal is to achieve an increased firm yield of 15,000 acre feet of
water per year.
Mr. Moss asked about salinity gauges, and Dr. Speed replied that that project is
ongoing and it will be incorporated into the total project.
Responding to Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Hennings confirmed that funding for this project
is available in the Water Division's FY '93-'94 budget for Wesley Seale Dam. She
encouraged approval of the project.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
6. M94-140
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into Amendment
No. 1 to the agreement between the City and Texas A&M University - Corpus
Christi, to evaluate procedures used to establish fresh water release requirements,
for a fee not to exceed $111,000, to develop operating rules and implementation
procedures for fresh water releases based on combined inflows to the Nueces
Estuary.
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 proposed street closure for a
portion of a 40 -foot wide county road right-of-way out of Lots 26 and 27, Section 6 and
Lots 2 and 3, Section 7, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts (Camelot
Estates, Unit 2).
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 10
There was no opposition to the closure.
Council Member Galindo moved to close the public hearing and the motion was
seconded and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
7.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021952
Ordinance closing and abandoning a 23,207.78 -square foot portion of a 40 -foot
wide county road right-of-way out of Lots 26 and 27, Section 6 and Lots 2 and 3,
Section 7, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts (Camelot Estates, Unit
2), subject to compliance with the specified conditions, and replatting of the
property within 180 days.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and
Noyola voting "Aye."
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
8. Case No. 594-1, Doddridoe Associates Joint Venture: A change of zoning from
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on
Hopper Addition, Block 2, Lot 12, located on the southwest corner of S. Alameda
Street and Hopper Drive.
Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended
denial of a "B-1" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a parking
lot subject to five (5) conditions.
Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, showed a video
illustrating the subject property. He also gave a history of the property's zoning and
explained the staffs recommendation.
The following people opposed the zoning change.
Mr. Wendell Keetch, 3125 Seafoam, said he owns the property at 517 Hopper Dr.
and opposes the granting of the special permit for the parking lot. He raised concerns
about the effectiveness of the screening fence and increased traffic. He noted that when
the owners purchased the property it was zoned "R -1B" for residential use.
Mr. Charles Cartwright, an attorney with Prichard, Peeler & Cartwright, said he was
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 11
representing Dora Salvide, whose property at 505 Hopper Dr. is next to the subject
property. He gave several reasons why Mrs. Salvide and other Hopper Drive residents
were opposed to the zoning change, including a decrease in property values and concern
about spot zoning.
Mr. Leon Loeb, the managing general partner of Doddridge Associates, the owner
of the subject property, gave several reasons why the granting of the special permit would
solve the parking problems at Doddridge Plaza without inconveniencing the residents on
Hopper Drive.
Mrs. Ann Coover, 3826 Denver St., said that her husband is a partner in the
Doddridge Associates project. She spoke in favor of the proposal, saying that the
screening that would be used around the parking lot would add beauty to the
neighborhood.
Responding to Dr. Best, Mr. Utter stated that Doddridge Associates would be
permitted to build a two-story parking garage on their existing parking lot.
Council Member Best made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by
Council Member Noyola, and passed unanimously.
Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. James Bray, City Attorney, explained in detail two
points raised by Mr. Cartwright --deed restrictions and spot zoning.
A discussion ensued regarding other properties along Alameda Street which
contain both commercial and residential lots. Responding to Council Members' questions,
Mr. Loeb specifically described the type of shrubbery and screening that would be used
on the proposed parking lot.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Utter confirmed that the 20 percent rule was in
effect --seven affirmative votes would be needed in order to pass any change in zoning.
Referring to Mr. Loeb's earlier comment that he would not object to having the proposed
parking lot next to his own house, Mayor Rhodes stated that she would. She
acknowledged that this zoning case was difficult to decide for many reasons, but a major
point was that the property was purchased with "R-1 B" zoning.
Mayor Rhodes made a motion to deny the Planning Commission's and staffs
recommendation, thereby retaining the property's "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District
zoning; seconded by Dr. McNichols. The motion failed by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, McNichols, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss
voting "No."
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council on Item 8 as follows:
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 12
8. FAILED
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance failed by the following
vote: Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Rhodes,
McNichols, and Noyola voting "No."
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
9. Case No. 594-2, CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery: A change of zoning from "R -1B"
One -family Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Sunset
Place, Block 4, Lots 4 through 8, 11 through 14, and 17, located between Nueces
Bay Boulevard and Floral Street, and between Dempsey and Nueces Streets.
Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial
of a "B-1" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of an "AB" Professional Office District.
No one opposed the zoning change.
Council Member Best 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:
9. ORDINANCE NO. 021953
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by CITGO Corpus
Christi Refinery, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Sunset Place, Block
4, Lots 4 through 8, 11 through 14, and 17, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling
District to "AB" Professional Office 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 10 through 19, and Council Members
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 13
requested that Items 11, 12, 13, and 17 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
10. M94-141
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract
between the Texas Employment Commission (TEC) and the City of Corpus Christi
in the amount of $17,403 for the City's portion of the expenses to establish the
TEC Employment Office to be located in the Workforce Development Corporation
building as part of the Weed and Seed Program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye'; Galindo voting "No"; Noyola
absent.
14. M94-143
Motion approving Change Order No. 4 in the deductive amount of $23,863 to the
contract with Winship Construction Company for the Aircraft Rescue and
Firefighting Facility to delete the communications portion of the electrical work and
add additional interior signage.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent.
15.a. M94-144
Motion approving the reimbursement application of Shell Development Joint
Venture, developer of Reflections III Subdivision, for the installation of 703 linear
feet of a 12 -inch diameter water grid main.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent.
15.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021954
Ordinance appropriating $18,091.28 from the Water Arterial Transmission and Grid
Main Trust Fund.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss
voting "Aye"; Noyola absent.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 14
16.a. RESOLUTION NO. 021955
Resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement in the amount of $76,910 with the
State of Texas, Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management,
for the purchase of equipment to be utilized for the enhancement of emergency
management and inter -governmental disaster information and planning capabilities
and designating the Chief of Police as the City's official representative.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola absent.
16.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021956
Ordinance appropriating $24,410 from the State of Texas, Department of Public
Safety, Division of Emergency Management to Fund No. 162-219-801.47;
amending ordinance No. 021755 which appropriated $52,500 to Fund No. 102-
219-515.98 to transfer $52,500 to Fund No. 162-219-801.47.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss
voting "Aye"; Noyola absent.
18. ORDINANCE NO. 021957
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an Easement for Equipment
Station in favor of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss
voting "Aye"; Noyola absent.
19. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute an assignment of the
Airport Shuttle Service Lease with Corpus Christi Limousines Unlimited, Inc.,
authorized by Ordinance No. 21381 on April 28, 1992 to Airport Shuttle and
Limousines Service, Inc.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye";
Noyola absent.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 15
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 13, purchase of two high-pressure
sewer and vacuum units.
Council Member Martin questioned the amounts listed, and Mr. Hennings agreed
that there was an error on the agenda item: the two high-pressure sewer and vacuum
units would cost $264,770, rather than $64,770 as printed, for a total of awards of
$285,770.
Mayor Rhodes made a motion to amend Item 13 to correct the error, making the
correct amount $264,770; seconded by Council Member McNichols; the motion passed
unanimously.
Next, Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 11, Police Department computer
upgrade.
Responding to Mr. Galindo, Police Chief Henry Garrett stated that the Police
Department's computer system had exceeded its capacity and an upgrade was needed.
He said that in 1989 a new computer system was purchased and at that time it was
estimated that an upgrade would be needed in five years. He added that the original
system's capacity was 500 service calls per day and the department was now handling
1,000 calls per day. He estimated that another upgrade would be needed in three years.
Mr. Garza stated that the funds are in the Law Enforcement Trust Account for FY
'93-'94, and for FY '94-'95 the funds will be placed in the Law Enforcement Operating
Budget with the understanding that if the trust account has sufficient funds, it would be
paid from that account.
Council Member Moss indicated that he had further comments on Item 13. He
asked the age of the vacuum truck being traded in, and Mr. Garza responded that it is
51 months old. Mr. Moss asked if some of the city's specialized equipment could be
pooled, and Mr. Garza stated that those particular trucks are kept too busy to be pooled.
Mr. Moss asked Mr. Garza to investigate salvaging part of the truck instead of trading the
whole unit in.
Mr. Garza stated that he would postpone Item 13 for two weeks.
13. WITHDRAWN
including trade in, from Underground, Inc., Pearland, Texas, in the amount of
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 16
none.
Toxas, in tho amount of $21,800, based on low bids. Tho total of awards is
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience on Item 11, and there were
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
11. M94-142
Motion approving the purchase of the upgrade of the Police Department Computer
Aided Dispatch and Records Management System in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -194-94, from Pioneer Standard ElectronicsNarner and Associates,
Austin, Texas, in the amount of $520,328.75, based on low bid. The hardware
items in this purchase, in the amount of $415,008.10, will be funded through G.E.
Capital through a three year lease/purchase agreement.
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 12, purchase of scales and computers
for Solid Waste packer trucks.
Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Garza explained that the scales would weigh the
accumulation of garbage in the packer body itself, in order to extend the life of the trucks
and the roadways on which they travel by ensuring that they stay within established
weight limits. Mr. Hennings explained that the hand-held computers are designed to
download data from the scales. The scales are also useful because they allow the trucks
to bypass the scales at the landfill.
trucks.
A discussion ensued regarding the need for the scales and the computers on the
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 17
12. FAILED TO PASS
The foregoing motion failed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, and
Longoria voting "Aye"; Galindo, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "No"; Martin
absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 17, first reading ordinance of
clarification of winter averaging system of utilities billing.
Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Garza stated that part of the amendment is
designed to allow recalculation of wastewater usage for new or relocating customers
based on three months of consumption at the new address.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
17. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending Section 55-100 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, to
clarify the definition of "Winter Averaging Wastewater Charge Period" and "Interim
Average;" to clarify the explanation of the method of calculating a customer's bill
utilizing a winter average usage; to specify that winter average wastewater usage
may be calculated using meter readings or estimates of consumption; that new or
relocating customers may request calculation of winter average based on three
months of consumption at the new address; that customers winter average usage
or interim average usage may be adjusted according to City Policy approved by
the City Manager; that such City Policy shall be in writing and may be amended
from time to time by the City Manager or his designee; that such City Policy, as
amended, shall be on file with the City Secretary and at the Utilities Business
Office; to delete certain references to 1993 in the section and providing for
severability.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and
Martin absent.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 1994
Page 18
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. A discussion ensued about
whether to present the budget during the days meeting. Mr. Garza described some of
the items to be discussed at future Council meetings, and the Mayor concluded that the
budget would be presented at the beginning of the June 14, 1994 meeting.
Mayor Rhodes stated that a joint luncheon between city and county officials was
scheduled for June 14, 1994 to discuss consolidation issues.
Council Member Longoria announced that on June 4, 1994, Operation Clean
Scene was scheduled at the Hialco Center on Sam Rankin Street. Members of Cadena,
Police Athletic League, Juvenile Justice Center and the City of Corpus Christi were
scheduled to participate. Council Member Galindo asked whether that endeavor could
be undertaken in other parts of the city; Mrs. Longoria and Mr. Garza stated that it could
be.
Mr. Galindo stated that he had received complaints from people in the Del Mar
area about city construction that had not yet been completed. He said if any citizen has
a complaint regarding that work to call Mr. Utter at 880-3232. Mr. Galindo questioned
wastewater and water rates, and Mr. Garza stated that the only way that wastewater
revenues can be adjusted is by the Council approving a rate increase and the staff
computing the resultant revenues from one year to the next.
Council Member Cooper requested that the city recognize Mr. Joe Dawson, one
of the heroes of the D -Day invasion; Mayor Rhodes agreed that he should be recognized
at a future Council meeting. Mrs. Cooper stated that she is having a town hall meeting
for District 5 residents on June 16, 1994 in the Council Chambers.
Responding to a question from Mr. Moss regarding repair of the Water Gardens,
Mr. Garza stated that he had not set aside funds for its repair in FY '93-'94 and that he
is proposing that those funds be allocated in the FY '94-'95 budget.
Council Member Noyola congratulated the Barracudas baseball team on their
recent victory. He asked whether the back taxes owed on the old County Courthouse
were collectable, and Mr. Garza responded that they were not. A discussion ensued
about the future of the old courthouse.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience, and there were none.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. on May 31, 1994.