HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/28/1994I 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 June 28, 1994, which were
approved by the City Council on July 12, 1994.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 13th day of July, 1994.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MICRUFILMEj
MINUTES.
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Melody Cooper
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Betty Jean Longoria
Edward Martin
Clif Moss
David Noyola
ABSENT
Dr. Jack Best
Dr. David McNichols
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 Bishop Leo Clark, Spirit of the Lord Ministry for
the Saints, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was
led by Council Member Longoria.
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 June 21, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, presentation by the Mayor's
Committee on the Fourth of July Celebration.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 2
Mrs. Debbie Lindsey -Opel, Assistant to the Mayor and chairperson of the Fourth
of July Committee, gave a brief presentation about events planned for the Fourth of July
holiday, including a parade on Monday down Shoreline Drive at 5:30 p.m., a patriotic
ceremony at Sherrill Park at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. She said
Mayor Rhodes would be the parade marshal. Mrs. Lindsey -Opel introduced Mr. Jimmy
Rodriguez, who described the camival and other planned events; Ms. Mary Brendan
Barrera of the Corpus Christi Bay National Estuary Program, who explained the various
events planned by that organization on July 3; and Mr. Ram Chavez, Director of the
Corpus Christi American Veteran's Band, who stated that the band would be performing
July 4 at both the parade and patriotic ceremony, as well as at a special concert at 8:15
that evening at Cole Park.
Mrs. Lindsey -Opel encouraged residents to enjoy the festivities and thanked the
sponsors and city staff for their participation.
Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's
agenda and the following appointments were made:
Corpus Christi Reaional Transportation Authority
Carol Hipp - Reappointed
Arnold Gonzales Jr.
Robert Jones
Thomas N. Matthews
Housina Authority
Orlando Leal
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, supply agreement for natural gas.
City Manager Garza explained that the proposed natural gas supply agreement
was placed on the regular agenda for approval because the term of the contract was for
54 months with an estimated total expenditure of $46,350,000. He said the agreement
was made with Reata Industrial Gas of San Antonio, a subsidiary of Valero Natural Gas
Company, based on low bid.
Responding to Council Member Moss, Mr. Lloyd Lindeburg, Gas Superintendent,
stated that Reata Industrial Gas has about 10,000 available wells and is tied to a large
transmission system. Mr. Moss noted that some large consumers in the community,
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 3
notably Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi, opted to use only electric energy resources
and not natural gas because gas was not aggressively marketed. Mr. Lindeburg replied
that one reason why some large customers chose electric over gas power was due to
higher gas prices in the past; in addition, the city's proposed contract with Reata provides
for more aggressive marketing of gas.
In response to Council Member Martin regarding the length of the proposed
agreement, City Attomey James Bray stated that the 4' -year term was designed to give
other companies the opportunity to be competitive by having sufficient time to amortize
the costs of pipe connections. Mr. Garza added that the other companies would not have
been able to use existing gas lines because the current supplier, Valero, is using lines
for the transportation of gas. A discussion ensued regarding the cost and feasibility of
the city installing its own gas lines, and firm supply versus spot supply of natural gas.
Responding to Mr. Moss, Mr. Garza emphasized that the proposed price of gas
from Reata does not include the city's distribution --or service --cost.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
2. M94-165
Motion approving a supply agreement for natural gas in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0176-94, from Reata Industrial Gas, San Antonio, Texas based
on low bid. The term of the contract is for 54 months (41/2 years) with an
estimated total expenditure of $46,350,000. The unit price, $2.4475/MMBTU, is
subject to adjustment in accord with the Houston Ship Channel/Beaumont, Texas
Index.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 3, issuance of a Certificate of
Convenience and Necessity to Mr. Mike Pokrass, president and owner of "A Taxi" Cab
Company.
Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, explained that staff was making
its recommendation based on Mr. Pokrass's intention to install certain safety and sanitary
features in his cabs, and because of the increase in the number of calls for taxis in the
city; he added that the necessary public hearing was held.
Responding to Mr. Moss's question regarding accessibility for disabled persons,
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 4
Mr. Crull stated that Mr. Pokrass's taxi service would not provide specially equipped
vehicles; however, the contract for the airport limousine service requires one of that
company's vehicles to be handicapped accessible.
In response to Mr. Martin, Mr. Crull stated that the cabs cannot be older than six
years when put into service and not older than eight years total. He added that the
ordinance goveming taxi companies requires that certain factors be met before a
Certificate of Convenience and Necessity can be issued. A discussion followed regarding
whether the city should adopt a free enterprise system for vehicles -for -hire and the types
of requirements for taxi companies.
Responding to Council Member Noyola, Mr. Garza stated that all of the taxi cab
companies would probably provide service to disabled persons, but they probably do not
like to because it is time consuming. He reiterated that there is handicapped -accessibility
at the airport, and the Regional Transportation Authority has a contract with one of the
cab companies to provide services to the disabled.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Rob Carlson, who operates a taxi with Yellow Checker Cab, stated that he has
been working in the taxi cab business for 38 years --eight of those years in Corpus Christi.
He said in order to meet his minimum requirements, he has had to drive his taxi seven
days a week because of the competition. He opposed the granting of the license to Mr.
Pokrass.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, stated that private transportation is different from
public transportation, adding that there is no reason why taxi cab drivers could not
transport disabled persons. He said that the RTA does not adequately provide service
to the disabled community. Mr. Garza restated that private cab companies found it
inconvenient to transport disabled persons but did not necessarily refuse to do so.
Mr. Paul King, supervisor for Yellow Checker Cab Company in Corpus Christi,
referred to a previous application where the applicant had to provide petitions to show
necessity for receiving a taxi permit. Mayor Rhodes stated that that particular case was
unique, and she asked Mr. Crull to explain how necessity for a permit is determined. Mr.
Crull responded that staff had examined the increase in calls and ridership over the last
few years. A discussion followed regarding those records.
Mr. Martin noted that, according to staff, representatives of other cab companies
did not oppose Mr. Pokrass's application during the public hearing based on need but
rather on other issues.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 5
3. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the Issuance of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to Mr. Mike
Pokrass, President and Owner of "A Taxi" Cab Company for the operation of a
maximum of five taxicabs within the City of Corpus Christi for a five-year period
effective upon final reading of ordinance; subject to compliance with all terms and
conditions established in Chapter 57, Article I1, Taxicabs, of the Code of
Ordinances; and providing for publication.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, and Moss voting "Aye"; Martin and Noyola voting "No";
Best and McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, appointment of the Corpus Christi
Downtown Management District Board of Directors.
Mr. Martin made a motion, seconded by Mr. Noyola, to approve the appointment;
the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4. M94-166
Motion appointing the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District Board of
Directors.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 5.a. and 5.b., ordinance regarding
billboards, signboards and bulletin boards.
Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager of Development Services, explained that staff had
been working with representatives of four outdoor advertising companies on proposed
amendments to the billboard ordinance; of those four companies, three were in
agreement with the proposals and one was not. He said that even with the proposed
amendments, the city's billboard ordinance is still more liberal than those in other cities.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 6
Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, reviewed the
amendments to the proposed ordinance, most notably that all highways will be allowed
to have billboards, not just those which are under state control; the requirement that
property actually be developed and used for business or industrial purposes was
eliminated; and only zoning would be the criterion for the allowance of billboards. He said
the height restriction was revised to be 42.5 feet above the main travelway. He also
described the proposed fee structure and regulations regarding reconstruction of
billboards.
Responding to questions from Council Members, Mr. Harvey stated that the
proposed $96 initial installation fee applied only to new signs, which would be inspected
using the amended billboard regulations; an annual fee would apply to existing signs. He
noted that the proposed ordinance applied only to off -premise signs and not to the many
more on -premise signs which exist in the city. He also described how the proposed
ordinance regarding height compared with height regulations in other cities.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. John Warren, of LeLaurin & Adams representing Cooper Outdoor Advertising
Inc., expressed his client's concerns regarding the proposed ordinance, in particular the
fees, height restrictions, and application of the State Highway Beautification Act to certain
areas of the city. He requested that the Council table the ordinance for a week to obtain
further input from representatives of the signage industry or make the changes to the
ordinance that his client was requesting.
Responding to Mr. Moss, Mr. Harvey stated that other cities require annual fees
and permit fees for off -premise signs. In response to Mr. Martin, Mr. Harvey described
how the zoning regulations affected the billboards.
Addressing Mr. Gordon Cooper of Cooper Outdoor Advertising Inc., Mr. Martin
asked why he was opposed to the proposed height regulations. Mr. Cooper responded
that he was concerned that within the city the 42.5 foot height limit might block nearby
on -premise signs of the same or similar height.
Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Utter stated that the present regulations did not
require an initial installation fee.
Referring to an earlier discussion of zoning applicability, Mr. Cooper described his
dissatisfaction with the proposed regulations regarding billboards located near
neighborhoods. In response to Mr. Noyola, Mr. Utter briefly explained regulations
regarding zoning of on -premise signs.
Mr. Hal George, of Broyles & Pratt representing Revere National Corporation,
stated that his client supported the proposed ordinance in order to clearly establish the
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 7
necessary guidelines for off -premise signs.
Mr. Galindo made a motion to eliminate the proposed permit fees; the motion died
for lack of a second. Mr. Galindo then made a motion to consider the 7% -foot variance
on the height limitation for the signs; that motion also died for lack of a second.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5.a. M94-167
Motion to amend, prior to second reading, the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 3, Advertising, Division 2, Highway Beautification Ordinance to amend fee
structure, calculation of predominately residential use and add terminology and
criteria regarding non -conforming signs.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Longoria,
Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No"; Best and McNichols
absent.
5.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021973
Amending Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3, Advertising; Article II,
Billboards, Signboards, and Bulletin Boards; Division 2, Highway Beautification
Ordinance by repealing in its entirety and replacing it with a new Division 2,
Highway Beautification Ordinance; providing for permits and annual fees; providing
for penalties; and providing for publication.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as amended by
the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting
"Aye"; Galindo voting "No"; Best and McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 6.a. and 6.b., annexation of a portion
of Sharpsburg Road and railroad right-of-way.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Hal George, representing Revere National Corporation, stated that he does not
represent the property owner, but he was told that the property owner would not support
the proposed annexation unless the property was zoned "1-2" Light Industrial District.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. George acknowledged that he was not opposed to the
proposed ordinance.
,Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 8
In response to Mr. Martin, staff members explained that the proposed annexation
was not a contractual annexation, and the city initiated the annexation process at the
request of the billboard company, which was leasing the property from the railroad
company; in addition, the railroad company was in support of the annexation.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
6.a. M94-168
Motion to amend, prior to second reading, an ordinance annexing a 7.65 acre
tract, a strip of land, comprised of public right-of-way, a portion of Sharpsburg
Road and railroad right-of-way, owned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company and
coming out of the Gregorio Farias Grant, Abstract No. 592, in Nueces County,
Texas described in Volume 1754, Page 634 of the deed of records of Nueces
County, Texas. The amendment entails attaching "Exhibit B" which is the service
plan. The plan was inadvertently omitted from the annexation ordinance.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and McNichols absent.
6.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021974
Annexing a 7.65 acre tract, a strip of land, comprised of public right-of-way, a
portion of Sharpsburg Road and railroad right-of-way, owned by the Union Pacific
Railroad Company and coming out of the Gregorio Farias Grant, Abstract No. 592,
in Nueces County, Texas described in Volume 1754, Page 634 of the deed of
records of Nueces County, Texas.
The foregoing ordinance passed as amended on second reading by the following
vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye";
Best and McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 7 through 12, and Council Members
requested that Items 9.a., 9.b. and 11 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 9
*7. (This item was inadvertently approved as a motion and will be reconsidered during
the July 12, 1994, Regular Council Meeting as an ordinance.)
8. M94-169
Motion approving the recommendation of the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee that
a permit be granted to Pittencrief America, Inc. for a production platform in the
Laguna Madre.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and McNichols absent.
10.a. M94-172
Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by the Refinery
Terminal Fire Company, developer of Refinery Terminal Fire Company, Unit I, for
the installation of 2,072 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main and 933 linear
feet of an 8 -inch PVC offsite distribution main.
The foregoing. motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo,
Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and McNichols absent.
10.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021975
Ordinance appropriating $96,780.07 from the Water Arterial Transmission and Grid
Main Trust Fund and $8,097.49 from the Water Distribution Main Trust Fund.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye";
Best and McNichols absent.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 021976
Approving the Issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to
Claudia McCraine, President, Padre Island Shuttle, Inc. dba American Cab and
Shuttle Company for the operation of a maximum of 12 taxicabs within the City of
Corpus Christi for a five year period effective upon final reading of ordinance;
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 10
subject to the applicant's compliance with all terms and conditions established in
Chapter 57, Article ll, Taxicabs, of the Code of Ordinances; and providing for
publication.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and
McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 9.a. and 9.b., acceptance of a grant
from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Mr. Garza explained that it was possible that the actual amount of the grants might
be slightly different than the amounts stated in the motions. Mr. Martin made a motion,
seconded by Mr. Noyola, to change the wording of the motions to say an "estimated
amount" with regards to the grants; the motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
9.a. M94-170
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant offer in the
estimated amount of $854,334 from the Federal Aviation Administration as part of
the annual allocation based on passengers boarded to purchase a new Aircraft
Rescue and Firefighting Truck and to rehabilitate the Commercial Aviation Apron.
The foregoing motion passed as amended by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and McNichols
absent.
9.b. M94-171
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant offer up to
an estimated amount of $1,838,982 from the Federal Aviation Administration as
discretionary funding to rehabilitate portions of Runway 13/31, and construct the
West General Aviation Apron Improvements and the Taxiway "G" Paving and
Lighting Improvements.
The foregoing motion passed as amended by the following vote: Rhodes, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best and McNichols
absent.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 11
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 11, speed limit on Rodd Field Road
between Saratoga Boulevard and the South City Limits.
Council Member Cooper asked if the proposed decrease in the speed limit was
sufficient to maintain safety. Mr. Cruil stated that the five -mile -per -hour decrease would
make an appreciable difference.
Responding to a question from Mr. Martin regarding variances of speed limits on
Rodd Field Road from South Padre Island Drive to the South City Limits, Mr. Crull
responded that the state also controlled portions of that roadway, and staff had discussed
the issue with state traffic officials.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
11. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53 -Traffic, Article VIII - Schedules,
Section 53-254, Schedule V, Increase of State Speed Limit in Certain Zones, by
reducing the speed limit on Rodd Field between Saratoga Boulevard and the
South City Limits from 55 MPH to 50 MPH.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Best, Galindo and
McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes called for a five-minute recess.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 13, a discussion of the proposed budget
for FY 1994-95.
City Manager Garza referred to the Budget Summary page in the Preliminary
Budget Document for FY 1994-95, noting that the proposed total of all funds was
$282,676,180, with the General Fund portion being $105,186,686. He reiterated several
points he had made in his written budget message, including the fact that the proposed
budget attempts to be very responsive to the City Council's direction that fees stay at their
current levels while maintaining city services.
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 12
Mr. Garza stated that the proposed budget was also designed to protect the city's
financial strength and continues to invest in certain programs, such as the replacement
program for police cars, fire pumpers, ambulances and other needed equipment. He
commended one of the city's most important assets --its employees --and said that he was
recommending they receive a three percent across-the-board pay increase in December
1994, the first permanent pay increase since December 1991.
Through the use of charts, Mr. Garza described ways in which the city funds its
budget, such as the net taxable assessed value, which he described as stable over the
last 10 years. He said staff is projecting a TA percent increase in assessed value for FY
1994-95; under that assumption he proposed maintaining the current tax rate because
the tax base is increasing. Mr. Garza used different charts to illustrate a comparison of
different cities and their assessed value per capita and their ad valorem tax rates. He
noted that Corpus Christi fell in the middle of the assessed value per capita chart, adding
that the city's industry falls outside the tax value. Mr. Garza added that Corpus Christi
has been lowering the tax levy for the General Fund for maintenance operations and
increasing the tax levy for debt service, since the first goal of any budget is to "pay the
bills" and everything else comes second.
Another chart Mr. Garza used depicted property tax rate histories for the various
taxing entities in the area. He said it was important for citizens to understand that the
city's tax rate has been fairly stable, with the most dramatic increases occurring with
Corpus Christi Independent School District. A pie chart further illustrated that the city
receives 15 percent of the total tax bill and CCISD receives 31 percent.
Regarding sales tax revenue, Mr. Garza explained that sales taxes are directly
related to the general condition of the economy --when unemployment is high, sales taxes
take a downturn because people are buying Tess.
Referring to the previous pie chart showing percentages of the total tax bill, Council
Member Martin asked what the other taxing entities were. Mr. Garza stated that he would
pull that chart, verify the information and resubmit a corrected chart.
Mr. Garza again cited the sales tax figures, noting that staff projects a six percent
increase in the sales tax. Council Member Moss maintained that Corpus Christi's sales
taxes are affected by its position as a regional retail center.
Mr. Garza then reviewed the franchise fees and expenditures. Regarding the
latter, he pointed out that the City of Corpus Christi is currently spending approximately
$390 per capita per services in the General Fund, to increase to approximately $409 per
capita in FY 1994-95.
Detailing specific changes in certain departmental budgets, Mr. Garza stated that
staff was proposing the purchase of new computers for the Legal Department and
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 13
allocating funds for two city-wide elections to be coordinated through the City Secretary's
Office. In the Community Development Department, he said that new building inspector
positions were added in FY 1993-94. Responding to Mr. Martin and Mr. Galindo, Mr.
Garza stated that if building inspections increase during the next year, then the permit
fees will increase as well, allowing for the addition of one or more inspectors. Mr.
Galindo declared that he would not support a budget that did not provide for more
neighborhood inspectors, and Mr. Garza clarified that he was referring to building
inspectors, adding that he understood Mr. Galindo's concern.
In the Finance Department, Mr. Garza said that with an upgrade of the utility billing
system, the city will be able to repay its investment in approximately four to five years
through increased efficiency. He stated that the proposed FY 1994-95 budget did
allocate the purchase of a new pumper truck for the Fire Department and new
administrative offices; whether the fire fighters will receive a pay increase depends upon
the negotiations with the city, which had not yet concluded. Responding to Mr. Noyola,
Mr. Garza said that the budget did not allocate funds for additional fire fighters.
The City Manager stated that in response to the federal Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), an ADA Coordinator had been allocated for the Human Resources
Department, as well as a Disability Review Committee Coordinator. In the Library
Department, $300,000 was being proposed for books and periodicals; and there were
plans for a new computer system for the Municipal Courts.
Mr. Garza stated that a new Latchkey Program was proposed for the West Oso,
Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi school districts, which is fully funded by the parents. In the
Police Department, he noted that the Council had previously approved an upgrade to the
computer system. Mr. Noyola asked if additional police officers were budgeted, and Mr.
Garza stated they were not.
In Risk Management, Mr. Garza pointed out that the number of lost -time accidents
had decreased due to the success of the Safety Focus Program, which resulted in a
savings of $1 million in workmen's compensation costs. With regard to Solid Waste
Services, he said that federal mandates such as the landfill liner would be felt in the
proposed budget; he also discussed use of a foam cover at the landfill.
The proposed budget, said Mr. Garza, allocated approximately $1 million for street
repairs and new street construction. Responding to Mr. Noyola, Mr. Garza stated that if
a company does not complete a construction job on time or to the proper specifications,
it would have to complete it properly at the company's expense.
The City Manager explained that despite the many unmet needs in the city
departments, he felt that the budget provided an acceptable level of services to city
residents. Referring to a discussion during a previous Council meeting, Mr. Garza said
he was convinced of the need to purchase special scales for the city's garbage trucks for
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 14
three reasons: it provides accurate data for structuring of routes; helps save wear and
tear on the truck itself due to overloading; extends the life of the streets due to proper
truck weight. He added that he would be bringing that item back to the Council in the
future.
Responding to Council Members' questions, Mr. Garza briefly described the state's
plans to improve Holly Road, adding that he would provide a report describing how the
monies which the city had allocated for that project have since been diverted to other
projects. Other proposals in the budget included funding for the South Texas Military
Task Force and Vision 2000.
With regard to Debt Service, Mr. Garza showed charts illustrating general
obligation bonds, certificates of obligation and debt per capita (the City of Corpus Christi
has the lowest debt per capita for direct and overlapping debt among major cities in the
state). He said that this proposed budget continued the policy of maintaining the General
Obligation Debt Service Reserves above the 75 percent level.
Referring to the Utility Fund and responding to Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza stated that
staff was preparing a proposal to establish a Stormwater Utility Fund, which would
change the assumptions in the proposed budget. A brief discussion ensued regarding
the way in which the assumptions would change.
Mr. Garza's next chart showed a comparison of residential gas costs and service,
water rates and sewage rates among Texas cities, in which Corpus Christi fared well.
Mr. Martin suggested that staff prepare a comprehensive comparison of those rates for
prospective homeowners that could be a valuable tool to the Board of Realtors and other
entities. He also suggested preparation of a chart illustrating the number of police and
fire personnel per capita.
The City Manager pointed out that capital improvements in the Water and
Wastewater Departments would now be budgeted through the capital improvement
program, not as part of the ongoing operations. He said that way the Council can
scrutinize the capital improvement programs separately. He added that money was being
transferred from the General Fund to the Coliseum and Convention Fund to help offset
the cost of maintaining the complex, which includes the Bayfront Plaza Convention
Center, Heritage Park, the Museum of Science and Natural History, the Watergardens,
the parking lots, etc.
In the Aviation Fund, Mr. Garza said the passenger facility charges, approximately
$1.5 million a year, were not budgeted—they will be brought to the Council as a separate
matter as part of their capital improvement program. A discussion ensued regarding
funding of Aviation Fund capital improvements, and the nature of the passenger facility
charges. With regard to the Marina Fund, Mr. Garza stated that $400,000 would be spent
to perform some spot dredging in the marina. Mr. Moss noted that several boat slips are
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Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 15
in very poor condition, and Mr. Garza responded that they will be improved and the
marina can then be aggressively marketed.
In closing his presentation, Mr. Garza stated that it was his opinion that Corpus
Christi's budget compares favorably with budgets of other major cities in the state. He
remarked that during the public hearing for the budget on July 12, 1994, he would have
the figures for the month of June to give a more accurate picture of how the proposed
budget will perform.
Mr. Martin requested a historical review of employee wage increases, as well as
a list of equipment that needed to be replaced in the future for which funds were not
budgeted. He said it was his concern that funds be earmarked each fiscal year to
eventually buy such items as a new fire truck, which costs approximately $400,000.
Regarding funds for new library books, Mr. Garza responded that the proposed budget
was increased by $40,000. A brief discussion ensued about increasing the amount
allocated for library books.
Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Garza stated that the utility increases were to
primarily fund capital improvements and new water projects; he reiterated that the
Stormwater Utility would not be implemented until possibly FY 1995-96, which would alter
the projections.
Mrs. Longoria asked for reassurance that certain buildings that need repairs, such
as the roof of the City -County Health Department, would be adequately mended until
funds are available for replacement. Mr. Garza responded that some roofs had been
replaced while maintenance of others was ongoing. She also expressed concern about
the need for a new fire station on the south side of Corpus Christi. The City Manager
replied that he and Fire Chief J.J. Adame had discussed the issue; however, there were
no funds available in this proposed budget to pay for the 15 additional firefighters, and
the pattern of calls had not yet indicated that the need for the new station was imminent.
Mr. Garza commended Mr. Joe Montez, Director of Management and Budget, and
his staff for their work in preparing the proposed budget.
Mayor Rhodes deviated from the day's agenda and stated that Mr. Martin would
give a report.
Mr. Martin updated the Council on the status of efforts to consolidate the Chamber
of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Responding to Mr. Noyola, Mr. Martin stated that the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
had stated that due to its successful development at this time, it was not yet interested
in consolidating with those entities.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 16
Mayor Rhodes announced the closed session as follows:
14. Closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding
contract negotiations with Corpus Christi Firefighters Association and related
proceedings.
The Council went into closed session.
The Council retumed from closed session.
Mayor Rhodes stated that some directional exit signs were needed at the Texas
State Aquarium, and downtown merchants had requested a small sign indicating to
visitors the direction of the downtown area.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concems and reports.
Mr. Galindo asked staff to investigate solutions to traffic congestion at Calk
Elementary School.
Mrs. Longoria asked that H -E -B Food Store be thanked for their donation of four
18 -wheel trailers to Solid Waste Services for the recycling program, one of which will be
located in the northwest area. She added that she had received complaints about weeds
and high grass along IH -37 and on McKenzie Road between Leopard Street and IH -37.
Mr. Garza replied that maintenance of the land along IH -37 was the responsibility of the
state, which had drastically reduced its funding for maintenance in recent years.
Mr. Noyola asked for a status report on his previous request to assist the City of
Gregory with a used fire truck for their volunteer fire department. Mr. Garza replied that
other cities had expressed a similar interest. Mr. Noyola concurred that high weeds are
a problem around the city, particularly along Holly Road. He added that there were some
dilapidated buildings at Holly and Ayers streets.
Responding to Mrs. Cooper, Mayor Rhodes stated that representatives of the Teen
Center had been meeting on a regular basis and had acquired some corporate sponsors,
and some refineries had donated funds and volunteers to assist with the center's
construction.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
June 28, 1994
Page 17
Mr. R.J. Herschbach, 4650 Hake!, expressed concern about the collective
bargaining; he referred to an opinion of the attorney general regarding the Open Meetings
Law. He also objected to funds being granted to private organizations, such as Vision
2000.
In response, City Attomey James Bray stated that the collective bargaining statute
provides that if an entity chooses the option of binding arbitration, then the amount that
is negotiated can relate back to the date that bargaining started. He said that the city's
action does not violate the provision of the Constitution cited by Mr. Herschbach. In
addition, he said that the dosed sessions held by the Council are in accordance with
attomey general opinion and are within the attomey-client framework. Mr. Bray said that
the city and other govemmental entities can grant public monies for organizations to carry
out public purposes, such as grants to arts groups; he said those actions are justified in
a number of attorney general opinions.
Mr. Galindo stated that a Council meeting should be held on July 5, 1994, to
answer more questions concerning the proposed budget. Mr. Garza stated that he would
provide a packet containing answers to questions raised during the day's meeting.
Responding to Mr. Moss, City Secretary Chapa stated that the public hearing was
scheduled to be held during the regular Council meeting on July 12, 1994, which begins
at 2 p.m.
Mr. Galindo made a motion to hold another budget workshop on July 5, 1994;
Mayor Rhodes stated her opposition to the motion; the motion died for lack of a second.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m. on June 28, 1994.