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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, Minutes 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, Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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: Minutes 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; Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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 Minutes 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 Minutes 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.