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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/09/19941 HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the CiZ, of Corpus Christi of August 9, 1994, which were approved by the City Council on August 16, 1994. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 17th day of August, 1994. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MICROFILMED,. MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Jack Best Council Members: Melody Cooper Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Clif Moss David Noyola ABSENT Dr. David McNichols Deputy City Manager Bill Hennings Assistant City Attorney Alison Gallaway City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Council Member Moss, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Andy Avalos and Will Caldwell from Boy Scout Troop 3 of First United Methodist Church. 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 July 26, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, an update on the status of "Vision 2000." Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 2 Mr. Mark Scott, a member of the "Vision 2000" Planning Committee, gave a brief history of the project leading up to a retreat held on June 25, 1994, during which 575 citizens met to establish goals for the community. Stakeholders were elected and a draft vision document was developed, said Mr. Scott, adding that the next step in the process is a series of 24 neighborhood meetings that are planned for the last two weeks in August and the first week in September around the county. During the neighborhood meetings, continued Mr. Scott, the participants will develop priorities which will be compiled and presented to the community. He said the next phase of the project is to develop task forces, which will create implementation plans. Mayor Rhodes and Council Member Cooper commended Mr. Scott and the "Vision 2000" participants for their efforts and encouraged all citizens to give their input during the upcoming neighborhood meetings. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Scott noted that the Council Members are invited to attend the neighborhood meetings but they should not participate so the citizens will feel free to contribute their ideas. Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 2.a. and 2.b., presentation and possible action on the Corpus Christi Bay Area Business Alliance. Council Member Martin explained that the alliance came about through an effort to consolidate the activities of the Chamber of Commerce, Corpus Christi Bay Area Economic Development Corporation, and the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He noted that he and Council Member Longoria had served on a committee to formulate the details of the agencies' consolidation. Mr. Mike Carrell, Chairman of the Economic Development Corporation, further explained the make up of the business alliance's board, which will consist of 15 members from the public sector and 15 from the private sector. He said that during the day's meeting the Council was being asked to approve the nominees for that board, approve an assignment of lease of office space in the Chamber building, and to approve a funding agreement. Responding to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Carrell said that some of the concerns that had been raised by different groups about the alliance concerned small business representation and public and private directorship. He added that alterations were made to the alliance's composition to satisfy those concerns. Mr. Carrell also discussed ways in which the alliance's activities (economic development and tourism) has and would continue to benefit the community as a whole and business owners in particular. In response to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Carrell stated that the funding Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 3 arrangements with the alliance would not change. He also noted that the alliance's agreement with the city contained a cancellation clause under which either party could nullify the agreement after one year if either one was dissatisfied. Council Member Best said he was concerned that the Chamber of Commerce's name was not included in the alliance's name, and Mr. Carrell maintained that other people expressed the same concern. He added that the final decision on the alliance's name would be made by the permanent board of directors. Council Member Longoria stated that while many citizens were in favor of the consolidation of the three agencies, there were many others who were apprehensive and still had concerns. She also expressed concern about the composition of the Board. Referring to comments by Council Members Longoria and Moss, Mr. Carrell pointed out that the proposed public sector nominees to the alliance board had been previously appointed by the Council to other boards, and their membership would be staggered (one-year, two-year and three-year terms) in order to provide both continuity and new membership. Mr. Moss made a motion to table the appointment of the board of directors for one week; seconded by Mr. Galindo. The motion failed to pass. Council Member Noyola asked if the city could perform the functions of the alliance, and Deputy City Manager Hennings responded that city departments could perform some of the alliance's duties but not all of them. He added that a study had not been conducted regarding whether that effort would be cost-effective. Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Carrell stated that several details about the alliance's operation, such as the alliance's name and how to aggressively market its services, would be determined by the permanent board of directors. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Joe O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, stated his opposition to the formation of the alliance, due to what he said would be a lack of accountability of tax dollars. He also asked if the city's expense for the expansion of the Chamber of Commerce building had been repaid. Mr. Hennings replied that to the best of his knowledge, there were no outstanding loans or payments due to the city. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Rescinding certain prior contracts, and repealing all related ordinances and Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 4 motions, with the Corpus Christi Bay Area Economic Development Corporation and the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; assigning a lease from the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to the Corpus Christi Bay Area Business Alliance; and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with the Corpus Christi Bay Area Business Alliance. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda (Item 2.c.). Council Member Martin made a motion to accept the slate of nominees to the Board of Directors of the Corpus Christi Bay Area Business Alliance as submitted; seconded by Mr. Noyola. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No"; McNichols absent. (M94-214) rate. The following appointments were made: Corpus Christi Bay Area Business Alliance: Ike Barrera (Small Business Representative) Bill Pruet (Small Business Representative) Marion Luna Brem (Medium Business Representative) Alex Garcia (Medium Business Representative) Irma Caballero (Large Business Representative) Robert Rowling (Large Business Representative) Harold Moore (Visitor Industry Representative) Dave Coggins (Visitor Industry Representative) Cathy Harrison (Visitor Industry Representative) Ralph Ehrlich (Visitor Industry Representative) Gene Urban (Visitor Industry Representative) Adolph Lechtenberger (Channel Industry Representative) Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 3, adopting the 1994 ad valorem tax Deputy City Manager Hennings reminded the Council that the FY 1994-95 budget Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 5 had been prepared with the assumption that the growth in the tax base would be 2.5%, and that the actual growth in the tax base was 3.38%. The Council voted to return the additional increment of tax base growth to the tax payers. He said the proposed tax rate is $.612726 per $100 valuation, and that is approximately one-half cent less than the tax rate adopted last fiscal year. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Joe O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said that even though the tax rate is being decreased, the taxes are being increased. He also said that when the first reading of the ordinance adopting the city's FY 1994-95 budget was read, the budget amount was approximately $282 million; the budget amount, as adopted on July 26, 1994, was approximately $285 million. Mrs. Rosie Vela, Director of Finance, explained that the effective tax rate is $.603995 and the proposed tax rate is $.612726; in effect, the city is increasing the amount of revenues it will collect. She noted that the proposed tax rate is not 3% higher than the effective tax rate. A brief discussion ensued regarding the amount of taxes levied and the tax rate. Mayor Rhodes asked that the vote on Item 3 be postponed until later in the meeting pending a response to one of Mr. O'Brien's questions. Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 4.a. and 4.b., the FY94 HOME Program. Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager of Development Services, explained that in March 1994 the Council had approved the FY94 HOME program description, and last month the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) advised the city that the HOME program was accepted and the funds were authorized. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter verified that the Council's action on the day's agenda was to implement the HOME program which had already been approved. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4.a. M94-215 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 6 necessary to accept and implement the FY94 HOME Program through the Corpus Christi Community Improvement Corporation (CCCIC). The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 4.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022006 Ordinance appropriating $1,474,000 of FY94 HOME Program funds for activities approved by the City Council on March 15, 1994; and providing for severance. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 5.a. and 5.b., public hearing and possible action regarding the expansion of the Corpus Christi Texas Enterprise Zone. Deputy City Manager Hennings explained that enterprise zones were created by the State Legislature. He said that the criteria for establishing an enterprise zone in a city is that in the proposed area, the unemployment rate is higher than the average unemployment rate for the rest of the city. As a result, he continued, businesses located within the enterprise zone which hire a certain percentage of their new employees from within the zone can receive certain tax breaks from the state. In 1989 the Corpus Christi City Council established an enterprise zone, which was approved by the state, and several enterprise zone projects have been initiated. Using a map, Mr. Utter described the boundaries of the existing enterprise zone in the city and the projects included in it. He said that the proposal before the Council was an expansion application to include four more projects in different areas of the city: Coastal Refining and Marketing area, CITGO Refining and Chemicals Inc., 100 South Padre/Industrial Technology Park, and Agnes Street expansion. Responding to Council Members Moss and Martin, Mr. Utter noted that the enterprise zone projects receive state tax breaks, not city tax breaks; he also briefly described the advantages of having an enterprise zone in the city. Council Member Galindo requested additional information regarding the Agnes Street expansion. In response to Council Member Longoria, Mr. Utter said that the enterprise zone requirements concerning jobs refers only to the number of permanent jobs. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 7 Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Joe O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, opposed extending the boundaries of the enterprise zone outside of the city limits, i.e., the refineries. He also suggested that the industrial district be annexed. Mr. Chuck Cazalas, an employee of CITGO Refining, spoke in favor of the enterprise zone expansion. He explained the criteria that would be used in the hiring of 25% of the refinery's workforce. Mr. Jack White, an employee of Coastal Refining, also supported the proposed zone expansion. Council Member Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Moss, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022007 Ordinance amending the boundaries of the Corpus Christi expanded Enterprise Zone and authorizing the filing of an Enterprise Zone application with the Texas Department of Commerce. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; McNichols and Noyola absent. 5.c. RESOLUTION NO. 022008 Resolution nominating and designating CITGO Refining and Chemicals, Inc., as a qualified business and Enterprise Zone Project pursuant to the Texas Enterprise Zone Act, V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 2303. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; McNichols and Noyola absent. Mayor Rhodes returned to the discussion on Item 3, the proposed tax rate. Mr. Joe Montez, Director of Management and Budget, distributed to the Council copies of the July 22, 1994 agenda memorandum explaining the difference between the FY 1994-95 budget as originally recommended and the amended budget which was Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 8 adopted. Reading from that memorandum, Mr. Hennings noted that the difference of $2,140,736 included the addition of the Airport Passenger Facility Charge Revenue Fund, which was $1,540,448, and the rest of the difference came from amendments that the Council had made, such as the addition of two neighborhood inspectors and a reference librarian. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Prescribing the taxes to be levied, assessed and collected by the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, for the Year 1994 and for each succeeding year thereafter until otherwise provided and ordained and such other years as the same may be applicable. Debt Service Rate Maintenance & Operation Rate Total Tax Rate $.171430 .441296 $.612726 The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: Case No. 794-1, Robert F. Goliohtlev: A change of zoning from "T-1 C" Mobile Home Subdivision District to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Holliday Harbor, Block 1, Lot 6, located on the west side of Herring Drive, approximately 320 feet north of Yorktown Boulevard. Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, showed a video of the subject property and adjacent lots and described the applicant's request for a zoning change. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Harvey pointed out that the only property that would be affected by the rezoning to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District would be the subject property; the adjacent properties would retain their "T-1 C" Mobile Home Subdivision District zoning designations. Ms. Susan Uttley, 3813 Herring Dr., opposed the zoning change, saying that the applicant, Mr. Robert Golightley, had bought the subject property with the knowledge that Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 9 it was zoned "T -1C" and subsequently built a house on it (after erroneously receiving a building permit to do so). Council Member Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Best, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 022009 Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance upon application by Robert F. Golightley, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Holliday Harbor, Block 1, Lot 6, from "T -1C" Mobile Home Subdivision District to "R-113" One -family Dwelling District; providing for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 7. Case No. 794-2, T.C. Isensee: A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District on lsensee Subdivision, Block 3, Lot 1, located on the west side of Clarkwood South Road, approximately 435 feet south of Agnes Street. Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "R-2" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for thirteen (13) apartment units subject to two (2) conditions. No one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Galindo, and passed unanimously. Council Member Noyola expressed concern about the zoning change, including the fact that the proposed apartment units would be located under the flight path of a future runway at the Corpus Christi International Airport. Mrs. Longoria stated that she supported the zoning change because of the need for additional apartment units in that area. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 10 Council Member Martin questioned the viability of the owner's plan to convert old school buildings on the subject property into 13 apartment units. He noted that the applicant, Mr. T.C. Isensee, had been granted a special permit for the same property in 1992 but he never initiated the construction of the apartment units and the special permit expired. A brief discussion ensued. Mr. Isensee pointed out that his present application was the same as the 1992 zoning change application. He also noted that he proposes to building only 13 apartment units, rather than approximately 30 houses, which is what could legally be built on the 6.5 -acre property with its current "R -1B" zoning. Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Harvey stated that certain criteria are used when considering a zoning case: the existing zoning on the subject property, zoning on adjacent properties, and the future plan of the city. He also addressed the avigation easement executed by the property owner. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 022010 Ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance upon application by T.C. Isensee, by granting a Special Permit for thirteen (13) apartment units subject to two (2) conditions on Isensee Subdivision, Block 3, Lot 1; providing for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, and Moss voting "Aye"; Martin and Noyola voting "No"; McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 8. Case No. 694-5, James A. Caplin: A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District on Segrest Addition, Block 18, Lot 12, located on the northeast corner of Segrest and Crews Streets. Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial. Mr. Harvey showed a video of the subject property and adjacent properties. He also explained the zoning application and reasons for the recommendation of denial, including a concern about excessive traffic to and from the proposed day care center. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the applicant. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 11 Mr. Albert Alaniz, an engineer working for the applicant, Dr. James Caplin, described the proposed private home group center and stated that the traffic that would be generated would not exceed established limits. Ms. Lupe Vidal, an employee of the applicant, expressed support for the zoning change. Mr. Jim Flanagan, an engineer, also supported the proposed change. Council Member Galindo made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Noyola, and passed unanimously. Referring to comments by Mr. Flanagan, Mayor Rhodes stated that the issue at hand was zoning, and not jobs being created or the admirable idea of an employer establishing a day care center for his or her employees. She added that she would not support the zoning change because the subject property is surrounded by other "R -1B" residential properties, and the zoning change would adversely affect the neighborhood. Council Member Martin also praised the concept of the day care center, but criticized its proposed location. Fle said that the applicant should choose another site for the center. Rather than vote on the ordinance as presented, Mr. Martin made a motion to concur with the Planning Commission's and staffs recommendation to deny the zoning request; seconded by Council Member Longoria. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council, and the foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. FAILED TO PASS "R 1B" One family Dwolling District to "AB" Profossional Office District; providing for-publisatien. Mayor Rhodes called for a five-minute recess. Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 9 regarding the old Nueces County Courthouse. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 12 Group Manager Utter gave an update of the status of the old courthouse, which was originally built in 1914 and has been vacant since 1977. He said the building is currently being held by Justice Building Inc., a non-profit organization headed by Mr. Dusty Durrill. During his presentation, Mr. Utter noted that the old courthouse contains a historic conservation easement until May 31, 2018, and representatives of the State Attorney General's Office and the Texas Historical Commission said that they could sue the city if it tried to raze the old courthouse. He said it was staffs recommendation to assist Mr. Durrill in his efforts to determine a use for the courthouse and a way to fund renovation. Mr. Utter then distributed to the Council a draft resolution regarding the old courthouse. Mayor Rhodes expressed concern about certain aspects of the proposed resolution, including its provision to begin legal action against the state if there is no positive change in the status of the old courthouse on or before January 17, 1995. Mr. Utter emphasized that the state, through the Texas Historical Commission, has an ownership interest in that building with the intention of preserving its historical integrity. Council Member Best discussed some of the many proposals that had been made since 1977 about the old courthouse's use, none of which had been developed. Dr. Best then read the proposed resolution and asked the Council to support it. Mayor Rhodes noted that no action would be taken on that item during the day's meeting, but it could be placed on the agenda for the August 16, 1994 meeting. Council Member Cooper said she would not support any effort to raze the old courthouse because of its historical significance; she stated that renovation is possible in time. Mayor Rhodes echoed Mrs. Cooper's comments, adding that many visitors to Corpus Christi had expressed interest in viewing the inside of the old courthouse, which is not possible at this time. Council Member Galindo criticized the outer appearance of the building and the grounds. Mr. Utter replied that the maintenance is being done by volunteer members of Justice Building Inc. in the best way they can. Council Member Martin stated that there are three parties which have the greatest stake in this property because of the taxes associated with it: the city, the county and Corpus Christi Independent School District. He said that the state should be urged to participate in finding a solution about the old courthouse's future, and the resolution should be adapted to reflect that. Dr. Best requested staff to give him an estimate of the fair market value for the property on which the old courthouse stands. Council Member Longoria agreed that staff should be directed to assist Mr. Durrill. Mr. Utter responded that staff would use the Council Members' comments to redraft the Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 13 proposed resolution. Mr. Galindo suggested that rather than use approximately $750,000 to demolish the old courthouse --which had been proposed at one time --that same amount could be offered by the city to assist in the building's renovation, possibly on a matching -grant basis. Council Member Noyola said that a solution to the old courthouse should be found quickly because there are many other pressing matters in the community. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Dusty Durrill said that the proposal to demolish the old courthouse was not as simple as it appeared, citing as a result a long, expensive lawsuit filed by historical groups and possibly the state. He stated that a more viable alternative would be to maintain the old courthouse and to actively seek a way to renovate the building. Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Durrill stated that a fence was installed around the building to prohibit transients and others from entering or getting too close due to the structure's instability. In response to Dr. Best and Mr. Noyola, Mr. Durrill also briefly discussed some of the covenants on the building, ways in which it could be renovated, and Texas A&M - Corpus Christi's tentative interest in the building as a downtown campus. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 10 through 14.b., and Council Members requested that Item 12 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 10. M94-216 Motion approving a supply agreement for uniform rental service which includes approximately 6,240 changes of uniforms, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI - 0231 -94, with Unifirst Corp., Corpus Christi, Texas on the basis of low bid, for an estimated two year expenditure of $31,499.52. The term of the agreement will be for two years with an option to extend for up to one additional year, subject to the approval of the City Manager or his designee. This uniform rental service will be used by various departments throughout the City. Funds are budgeted in FY 94- 95 by the using departments. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 14 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 11. M94-217 Motion approving the purchase of 18,820 feet of copper pipe, ranging in size from %:' - 2" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0262-94, with Fergusson Enterprises Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for a total of $18,974. Funds are budgeted in FY 94-95 by the Water Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 13. RESOLUTION NO. 022011 Resolution concerning legislation preempting the right of the City of Corpus Christi to be compensated for the use of City street rights-of-way by telephone and cable television companies. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 14.a. RESOLUTION NO. 022012 Rescinding Resolution No. 021991 due to the specific format required by the state government. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No"; McNichols absent. 14.b. RESOLUTION NO. 022013 Resolution of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, hereinafter referred to as "Applicant", designating certain officials as being responsible for, acting for, and on behalf of the "Applicant" in dealing with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, hereinafter referred to as "Department", for the purpose of participating in the grant programs; certifying that the "Applicant" is eligible to receive assistance under such programs; certifying that the "Applicant's" matching share is readily available; and dedicating the proposed site for public recreational uses. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola voting "No"; McNichols absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 15 Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 12, mainframe laser printers. Responding to Council Member Martin, Deputy City Manager Hennings said that the city's budget had included funds of approximately $500,000 for laser printers, and that the bids that had been submitted came in higher than the amount that had been budgeted. Mr. John Bacon, Director of Information Systems, said that the proposal was to lease two high-volume mainframe laser printers for five years. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12. M94-218 Motion rejecting all bids received for mainframe laser printers included in Bid Invitation No. BI -0226-94. Specifications will be amended and new bid invitations will be issued. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Deputy City Manager Hennings discussed items to be addressed at the August 16, 1994 meeting, including capital improvement needs, Doddridge Associates Joint Venture zoning case, and some street closings in anticipation of an upcoming festival. In her report, Mayor Rhodes described her August 4, 1994 testimony to the Senate Subcommittee on Water and Power in Washington, D.C. She explained that Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Representative Solomon Ortiz had both sponsored bills in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives seeking to lower the city's debt on the Choke Canyon Dam. The Mayor added that Mr. Daniel Beard, Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, told the Senate subcommittee that he and his staff would be willing to consider a compromise with the city. She noted that this issue would be discussed very soon during a Council meeting. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 16 Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Martin stated that an evaluation of City Manager Garza should be held soon, now that the budget has been adopted. He asked about the status of the search for a new landfill site, and Mr. Hennings responded that staff would give a presentation on that issue. Council Member Galindo raised the issue of a dispute between Nathan Clark, owner of a sightseeing boat, and the Regional Transportation Authority regarding its water taxi. Mayor Rhodes asked about the city's jurisdiction regarding this issue, and Mr. Utter responded that the RTA had approached the city about operating a water taxi off of the People's Street T -Head, and are awaiting a permit to begin construction. A brief discussion ensued. Mr. Galindo also requested an update on the industrial district contracts, and asked that staff be directed to assist the Sports District in finding an appropriate place in which to hold their meetings. Council Member Moss noted that the city was not donating services for the Feria De Las Flores celebration. He also asked about the status of repairs to the city marina and the use of the airport passenger facility fees. Responding to Mr. Moss, Mr. Hennings stated that the fact-finding phase of the firefighters contract negotiations was scheduled to begin in September. Council Member Best questioned two letters Council Members received from the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association regarding civilian employees. He also stated that the next Consolidation Committee meeting would be held on August 19, 1994 at noon. Council Member Noyola said several citizens had complained that they had not received responses to their employment applications with the city. He said there were also complaints about high grass along both Greenwood Drive and Holly Road, and graffiti on buildings and in parks throughout the city. Council Member Longoria asked staff to investigate inadequate street lighting on the corner of Horne Road and Ayers, and the possibility of getting speed bumps installed in the Arcadia Village area. Council Member Cooper encouraged citizens in District 5 to attend the Vision 2000 neighborhood meeting at Spohn Health Plaza, 5920 Saratoga, on Tuesday, August 23, 1994 at 7-8:30 p.m. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 9, 1994 Page 17 Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Nathan Clark, 344 Bartlett, said that the RTA's water taxi created unfair competition for his sightseeing boat service. A brief discussion ensued and Mayor Rhodes concluded that the item should be discussed during an upcoming Council meeting, with city and RTA representatives in attendance as well. Mr. Joe E. Barrera, 710 Ralston, president of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, asked if the Council had received information about the manning situation at the police telephone reporting unit. Mr. Hennings noted that one of the Police Department's unmet needs from the FY 1994-95 budget was a request for four civilian clerks for that unit. Responding to Mr. Galindo, Mr. Hennings said that Police Chief Garrett supported the idea of the civilian clerks; however, the funds were not available. Mr. Robert MacDonald, a lieutenant in the Police Department and a director of the CCPOA, urged the Council to allocate funds to hire additional police officers. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. on August 9, 1994.