HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/23/1994I 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 August 23, 1994, which
were approved by the City Council on August 30, 1994.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 31st day of August, 1994.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 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
Dr. David McNichols
Clif Moss
David Noyola
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Dr. William H. Carr, First Presbyterian
Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led
by Council Member McNichols.
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 August 16, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, presentation on the new Texas
Employment Commission Office.
Ms. Rosie Rangel, Area Manager of the Texas Employment Commission,
expressed appreciation to the Council for providing funds to the Commission to purchase
equipment. She briefly commented on the services which are provided by the
Commission.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 2
Mrs. Debbie Seeger, president of the Workforce Development Corporation (WDC),
commented on the joint efforts of the Texas Employment Commission (TEC) and the
WDC. She stated that the WDC and TEC provided individuals with a "one-stop" shopping
system in obtaining employment.
Mayor Rhodes expressed her appreciation to Mr. Eddie Cavazos, Chairman of the
Texas Employment Commission, for his involvement with the placement of the local TEC
office within the WDC building.
Fire Chief J.J. Adame introduced Ms. Jackie Burrows, District Chief. Chief Adame
stated that Ms. Burrows is the first female in the City's Fire Department to become District
Chief, after having been a firefighter for 14 years. He added that she acquired the rank
of District Chief by passing both the promotional written and assessment exams.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, presentation on the Regional
Transportation Authority (RTA) water taxi.
Mayor Rhodes stated that Mr. Nathan Clark, owner of Captain Clark's Flagship, at
last week's meeting expressed concerns about the operation of the water taxi and
requested the item be put on the agenda. She further stated that the Council did not
have jurisdiction on the water taxi matter and that the RTA board should render a
decision. She added that she would, however, allow Mr. Clark and his attorney to make
a brief presentation.
Mr. Bill Meredith, attorney for Mr. Clark, distributed documents to the Council which
related to a settlement agreement in a condemnation action by the City. He presented
a background on the condemnation action and pointed out that the agreement stated that
his client would have exclusive use of the docking facilities for his party/tour boat for a
period of five years. He stated that Mr. Clark raised the issue because his tour boat
revenue has declined due to what he said was competition of the water taxi and its use
basically as a tour boat. He said the issue was brought before the Council because the
city is a party to the settlement agreement.
Mr. Meredith noted that in February 1994, he had had a meeting with Mr. Tom
Niskala, RTA General Manager and Mr. Bill Harrison. Mr. Meredith said that it was
decided that to try to settle the issue raised by Mr. Clark, the water taxi would post a sign
explaining to passengers that it was not a tour boat and that they should disembark. He
said that despite those efforts, passengers were still using the water taxi as a tour boat,
thereby competing with Mr. Clark's tour boat service.
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Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 3
Mr. Clark then addressed the Council, referring to a February 14, 1994, memo from
Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager for Development Services, to City Manager Garza.
Quoting from a portion of the memo, Mr. Clark objected to the proposal to move the water
taxi from its present location at the barge dock to the Peoples Street T -Head, where it will
continue to carry passengers to the Texas State Aquarium and, upon demand, to the
Columbus Fleet at Cargo Dock One. Mr. Clark also showed a video of a news report of
the water taxi and referred to a graph which reflected a decline in seasonal ticket sales.
Mayor Rhodes asked Mr. Niskala of the RTA to respond to Mr. Meredith's and Mr.
Clark's comments. Mr. Niskala stated that it was not the RTA's intent to directly compete
with any private contractors. The Mayor asked why the water taxi passengers are not
required to disembark at the conclusion of their one-way trip across the bay. Mr. Niskala
responded that a large portion of the water taxi's passengers are tourists, and the RTA
board felt that forcing them to disembark would be a negative experience for them. He
went on to give a brief history of the water taxi, noting that the taxi currently in use is a
point-to-point service and does not make a tour of the bay.
Mr. Niskala introduced two of the RTA board members present, Mr. Arnold
Gonzales Jr. and Ms. Karen Sperry, who told the Council Members that after much
consideration, the board decided that the water taxi operator would collect the $1 fare
both ways when passengers did not disembark. Mayor Rhodes stated that many cities
have such attractions as sky rides which require people to exit at the end of the ride.
Council Member Best asked if forcing passengers to disembark would settle Mr.
Clark's concern regarding competition from the water taxi, and Mayor Rhodes responded
that it would meet the requirements of the settlement agreement.
Mr. Gonzales reiterated Ms. Sperry's remarks, adding that the board members did
not feel that the water taxi was competing with Mr. Clark's tour boat service.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, City Attorney Bray stated that not forcing the taxi
passengers to disembark did not violate the settlement agreement. He noted that the
water taxi does not serve refreshments and does not tour the bay.
In response to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Niskala said that the water taxi fares
are sold individually at the taxi's dock sites and as part of a package sold by the
attractions served by the taxi. Mr. Galindo expressed concern that the publically
subsidized RTA was in competition with private business. Mr. Niskala responded that the
RTA is subsidizing members of the tax -paying private sector to provide its services.
Council Member Moss stated that he had recently ridden the water taxi, had not
disembarked and had paid the return trip fee. He added that he felt the issue raised by
Mr. Clark was irrelevant. Mr. Niskala noted that Mr. Clark's tour boat does not stop at the
barge dock, the aquarium or the Columbus Fleet.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 4
Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Niskala explained why the RTA
board had proposed relocating the water taxi, adding that the board is reconsidering that
proposal. Dr. McNichols stated that moving the water taxi to the People's Street T -Head
would put it in more direct competition with Mr. Clark's Flagship. He added that
passengers should be forced to disembark.
Council Member Noyola echoed Dr. McNichols' comments regarding passengers
disembarking. He also stated that the RTA should not compete with small businesses.
In response to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Niskala said the water taxi averages
700-800 total rides a day, adding that he did not have statistics illustrating how many
passengers are not disembarking at the end of a one-way trip. Mrs. Cooper stated that
it was unfair to force passengers to disembark, and urged the RTA board to keep the
water taxi at the barge dock.
Responding to Mr. Galindo's request for a neutral attorney's opinion on the contract
dispute, Mayor Rhodes responded that City Attorney Bray does not represent the RTA
nor Mr. Clark; therefore, his opinion was neutral.
Council Member Martin noted that public transportation exists because of the
failure of the private sector to provide for that, and gave examples of his statement. He
stated that the RTA should continue providing their current services while encouraging
the private sector to take over a particular service with no subsidy.
Mayor Rhodes suggested that the RTA board considering posting a sign on the
water taxi requiring passengers to disembark.
Mayor Rhodes deviated from the day's agenda and opened discussion on Item 4,
zoning case involving Doddridge Associates Joint Venture.
4. Case No. 794-3, Doddridge Associates Joint Venture: A change of zoning from
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "3-1" Neighborhood Business District on
Hopper Addition, Block 2, Lot 12, located on the southwest corner of S. Alameda
Street and Hopper Drive. The Planning Commission's and staffs recommendation
was denial of a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District, and in lieu thereof, approval
of a Special Permit for a parking lot subject to five (5) conditions.
Mayor Rhodes stated that two public hearings had already been conducted on the
zoning case and a vote by the Council was the only required action.
Council Member Galindo made a motion that the Special Permit for a parking lot
be denied; seconded by Council Member McNichols.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 5
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the motion as follows:
Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper, Martin, Moss, and
Noyola voting "No."
FAILED
Council Member Martin inquired about the voting procedure for the case. City
Attorney Bray stated that the vote taken was satisfactory.
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
5. Case No. C894-4, City of Corpus Christi: A change of zoning from "R-16" One -
family Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Colonia
Hidalgo, Block 6, Lot 14C, located on the south side of West Point Road,
approximately 100 feet west of Barrera Drive.
Mayor Rhodes commented that this was the second public hearing on the zoning
case because of a lack of Council members present during the first hearing.
Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended
approval.
Council Member Noyola stated that he opposed the zoning change, and
encouraged the Council Members to maintain the "R -1B" zoning on the subject property.
Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, showed a video of the
subject property, pointing out that the vacant lots on either side, which are also owned
by the applicant, Mr. Harry Williams, are zoned "B-1" Neighborhood Business District.
Responding to Council Member Longoria, Mr. Harvey stated that West Point Road
on which the subject property is located is designated an arterial, which indicates it is
expected to receive more traffic than it is currently receiving. Mr. Harvey went on to
explain that the minimum lot size for a single-family dwelling in an "R-1 B" zone is 6,000
square feet, and the subject property is 5,500 square feet, which means it does not meet
the minimum lot standards. He added that because the property had been replatted in
1970, it would require a variance for a single-family house from the Board of Zoning
Appeals. In response to another question from Mrs. Longoria, Mr. Harvey stated that
either the City Council or the property owner could initiate a zoning change, such as
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Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 6
changing the adjacent lots from "13-1" to "R-113" if the subject property failed to achieve
its zoning change from "R -1B" to "13-1."
Upon verification from Mr. Harvey, Council Member Moss stated that it would be
difficult for the property owner to build a residence on the subject property since the
adjacent lots owned by Mr. Williams are zoned for business use. Mr. Harvey added that
the subject property has been vacant for quite some time and the city's records do not
indicate what, if anything, existed on that lot.
Mr. Noyola cited several businesses which had been built in and around the
neighborhood in question to which he said the residents were opposed. He urged the
Council to maintain the integrity of the residential neighborhood.
Referring to a comment by Mr. Noyola, Mayor Rhodes clarified that the subject
property was not being rezoned for use as a bar, but rather for use as a furniture store.
Mr. Harvey added that under a "B-1" zoning, which was the application being considered,
a bar would not be allowed.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Harvey said that in the 1970s several
single-family residences were rezoned to business in the neighborhood being discussed.
He added that if the current zoning change was approved, Mr. Williams intended to
combine the three "8-1" lots in order to build his furniture store. Mr. Martin pointed out
that the Council should be consistent in the criteria it uses when considering zoning
cases, adding that it would be just as appropriate to rezone the adjacent business lots
back to neighborhood lots.
Mr. Williams, the applicant, stated that if he had known he would have experienced
so much difficulty in attempting to rezone the subject property, he would have bought
some lots elsewhere on which to build his business. He pointed out that the subject
property and adjacent lots are currently vacant, and his proposal was to make a positive
contribution to that community by building a successful minority business there.
No one opposed the zoning change.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, stated that he did not understand why the Council
was concerned about Mr. Williams' proposal to build the furniture store.
Council Member Noyola made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by
Council Member McNichols, and passed unanimously.
Mayor Rhodes stated that she talked to two of the neighbors in the area who had
no objection to the zoning change. She contrasted this zoning case with the previous
one, in which several residents strongly voiced their opposition to the proposed zoning
change and it ultimately failed. She noted that both of the zoning cases were difficult
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Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 7
because of the variety of circumstances involved. Mayor Rhodes said she would support
the zoning change on the current case.
Council Member Galindo stated that he opposed the zoning change in order to
maintain the neighborhood's residential zoning. Mr. Noyola echoed Mr. Galindo's
comments.
Mrs. Longoria said that the zoning case in question was difficult to decide upon,
but said that she would not support it.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
FAILED
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance failed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Cooper, and Moss voting "Aye"; Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin,
McNichols, and Noyola voting "No."
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 3.a. and 3.b., acquisition of the Nueces
River Delta.
Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Director, gave a presentation on the city's
efforts to renegotiate its debt on the Choke Canyon Reservoir to an amount that more
accurately reflects the yield from the reservoir system. He described a 1977 directive of
the Secretary of the Interior instructing the Bureau of Reclamation to acquire and protect
approximately 8,854 acres of wildlife habitat due to the fact that the Choke Canyon
Reservoir had inundated a similar amount of land; he noted, however, that the Bureau
had not fulfilled that requirement.
Mr. Dodson went on to explain the purpose of the resolution before the Council,
noting that acquisition of the Nueces River Delta would benefit the city in several ways.
He noted that the concept is to form a partnership of public and private agencies to
acquire the property and to manage it as a wildlife area. He added that, as stated in the
resolution, the city is not committing itself in the acquisition of the brushland property
unless it receives a fair and equitable renegotiation of the Choke Canyon Debt.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 8
Mayor Rhodes stated that the resolution was important in formally stating the city's
position regarding the delta acquisition and debt reduction.
In response to Council Member Moss, Mr. Dodson stated that although a formal
appraisal of the delta land had not been conducted, it was estimated that the current
market value of the land was approximately $400 an acre, or $4 million for 10,000 acres,
with additional costs for the mineral rights. Mr. Moss stated that the proposed resolution
should be more specific regarding restructuring of the debt and the required water
releases.
Council Member Martin agreed that the proposed resolution was vague, adding
that the resolution should indicate that there would be a partnership to acquire the delta.
Council Member McNichols noted that while there is not a contractural obligation,
in order to get a substantial reduction in the reservoir debt, the city would have to indicate
its willingness to participate in the acquisition of the delta. A brief discussion ensued
regarding the present value of the Choke Canyon debt.
Council Member Best requested that the staff inform the Council about what the
city can afford to negotiate on the debt restructuring and the land acquisition, as well as
who would be responsible for the land's management. Dr. McNichols responded that the
staff could provide the Council with some proposed figures, but they could not be
incorporated into the proposed resolution because they are still being negotiated.
Mayor Rhodes requested that Item 3.b. be postponed for one week.
3.b. POSTPONED
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 6 through 13, and Council Members
requested that Items 6 and 7 be withheld for discussion.
City Manager Garza requested that Item 11 be pulled from the agenda. He stated
that the property had been purchased without the need for condemnation.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 9
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
8. M94-230
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an annual joint
funding agreement with the Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, for
the continuation of surface water data collection and limited studies by the
Geological Survey for the City's water supply activity; and providing for the
Geological Survey to pay $37,405, and for the City to reimburse the Geological
Survey in the amount of $60,015, out of a total project cost of $97,420 during the
federal fiscal year October 1, 1993 through September 30, 1994.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
9.a. M94-231
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute amendments to a contract
between the City and the Texas Department of Health (TDH Document No.
C5000224) which: 1) add revised general provisions to the contract; 2) provide a
grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $183,847 for the
period September 1, 1994 through August 31, 1995, for tuberculosis prevention
and control services, tuberculosis outreach services, and for comprehensive public
health services including personal and environmental health services; and 3)
provide a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $17,736 for
the period February 1, 1994 through January 31, 1995, to fund expanded outreach
services to individuals of identified sub -groups who have tuberculosis or are at a
high risk of developing tuberculosis.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022020
Ordinance appropriating a grant in the amount of $183,847 from the Texas
Department of Health, for the period September 1, 1994 through August 31, 1995,
for tuberculosis prevention and control services, tuberculosis outreach services,
and for comprehensive public health services including personal and environmental
health services, appropriating an additional grant in the amount of $17,736 from
the Texas Department of Health for the period February 1, 1994 through January
31, 1995, to fund expanded outreach services to individuals of identified sub-
groups who have tuberculosis or are at a high risk of developing tuberculosis,
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 10
amending Ordinance No. 021997, which adopted the FY 1994-95 budget, by
adding $201,583 to the No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund - Health Department.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following
vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola
voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
10. M94-232
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit an application to
and execute all contract documents with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments
(CBCOG) for the period of October 1, 1994, to September 30, 1995, for the
continuation of the Elderly Nutrition Program as funded by the Older Americans
Act. The planned budget includes $504,742 in Older Americans Act Funds,
$124,322 in USDA funds, $364,556 in City funds and $36,464 in donations from
program participants, for a contract total of $1,030,084. All funds are included in
the City's FY 1994-95 budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
11. WITHDRAWN
of Parcel 1, Holly Road Street Improvements, Phase 1, from the owners Ray Leal
Sr. and wife, Beatrice P. Leal.
12.a. RESOLUTION NO. 022021
Lot 10, Block 4, Hudson Acres, City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
(1638 Main Drive); prospective buyer is Arnulfo Alvarez; amount offered is $8,500.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
12.b. RESOLUTION NO. 022022
Tuloso Circle, Lot B, City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas (8189 Stillwell);
prospective buyer is Method R. Snapka; amount offered is $9,200.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 11
13. RESOLUTION NO. 022023
Resolution establishing a City plan of action to pursue a solution to the former
Nueces County Courthouse.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 6, repair of storm water pumps.
Council Member Moss expressed concerns regarding costs associated with the
repairs of the pump station. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, stated that
the costs were reasonable for the project and that the itemized figures for the project
were estimates. He explained that excess funds would be returned to the operating
budget.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
6. M94-228
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $61,500 to E.J. Stefek Company to
repair the storm water pumps in the Downtown Storm Water Pump Station "B".
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, Dunstain Street construction.
Responding to Council Member McNichols' concerns, Mr. Crull stated that the
same conditions in Item 6 regarding construction costs would apply to this project also.
Council Member Moss requested clarification of a half -street. Mr. Crull stated that
the developer of Callicoate Estates constructed only half of the street for subdivision
requirements. He also stated that no further development occurred in the subdivision
which resulted in the City's necessity to purchase the right-of-way to complete the street.
Council Member Martin inquired if the City has any recourse with the adjacent
property owner for the development of the property. Mr. Crull replied that currently there
is no recourse. Mr. Martin commented that this type of project would be the first of its
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Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 12
kind to be undertaken by the City and stated that it should be the obligation of the
adjacent property owner to construct the street.
A discussion ensued regarding establishment of recourse, and Mr. Crull stated that
it could be taken in the assessment process of the property. He further stated that the
Platting Ordinance could be updated to address the requirement of developers to
complete projects.
Mr. Martin requested staff to investigate the possibility of drafting verbiage
addressing the completion of projects as suggested by Mr. Crull.
Council Member Longoria commented on similar concerns about a street near
Tuloso-Midway High School. She also expressed her support for the project.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
7. M94-229
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $43,911.50 to A. Ortiz Construction
and Paving, Inc. to construct the Dunstain Street extension and Round Rock half -
street.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
Mayor Rhodes announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government
Code Section 551.071 regarding contract negotiations with Corpus Christi Firefighters
Association and related proceedings; with possible action thereon in open session.
The Council went into closed session.
The Council returned from closed session.
Mayor Rhodes made a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract
with the Corpus Christi Firefighters' Association pursuant to collective bargaining
negotiations for the period of August 1, 1993 through July 31, 1996; seconded by Council
Member Noyola. (M94-233)
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 13
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the motion and the
motion passed as follows: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss,and
Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo absent.
City Manager Garza commented favorably on the outcome of the contract
negotiations for the firefighters. He stated that the contract included random drug testing,
but that the firefighters do police themselves on possible substance abuse.
Council Member Martin expressed his appreciation to the City Manager for
reaching an agreement through the negotiating process rather than the arbitration
process.
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report.
City Manager Garza addressed the item planned for the August 30, 1994 meeting;
relocation of the Tex-Mex railroad depot building.
• s s r** r: w* e* w
Mayor Rhodes stated that the intersection at Betty Jean Drive and Williams Drive
would be getting a traffic light, but that the need for the light should be a higher priority.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Martin asked staff to investigate the need for crossing guards at
Luther Jones Elementary School. He requested information regarding the status of the
Ethel Eyerly Senior Center parking lot, and also inquired about future Councils' decisions
relating to the new crime bill and funding for cities to hire police officers. He said that the
city should take advantage of the funding provided by the crime bill.
Council Member Best suggested that the Planning Commission examine the
possibility of a six-month time limitation for reapplication of zoning cases. He commented
on a case at the day's meeting which had been submitted for Council consideration within
a short period of time.
Council Member Cooper requested staff to study the need for additional employees
at Animal Control during the evening hours. She thanked staff for their involvement in
the placement of a traffic signal at Cedar Pass and Everhart Road. She stated that a
"Vision 2000" meeting would be held August 23, 1994 at Spohn Hospital South and
encouraged citizens to attend.
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Regular Council Meeting
August 23, 1994
Page 14
Council Member Longoria requested staff to assist Mr. Harry Williams with zoning
changes to his property. She also stated that a meeting would be held at the Hilltop
Senior Center on August 24, 1994 regarding youth programs and facilities.
Council Member Noyola stated that he had received a complaint from a disabled
citizen who lived in an apartment complex which had not modified structures to
accommodate disabled persons. He requested staff to send a letter to the Builder's
Association or Apartment Association regarding this issue.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Leon Loeb, 3845 Ocean Drive, commented on his 20 year community
involvement as a developer of major projects and approximately $20 million in
investments for small businesses. He stated that he has been a responsible developer
in the City, and further commented on the Council's decision regarding zoning cases.
Mr. Joe Barrera, president of the Police Officer's Association, requested the
Council to review a packet he had prepared regarding contractual issues.
Council Member Martin commented that contract issues should be handled through
the collective bargaining process. He stated that the Council should not be involved in
the process and if negotiations come to an impasse, determination should be reached by
arbitration. In response to Mr. Martin, Mr. Barrera stated that the association has
followed procedures but has not received answers to grievances which have been filed.
Mr. Martin then stated that he had reviewed the packet and understood that the City
Manager had denied an issue in the contract and felt that the contract is reasonable and
not all issues could be addressed. He then suggested that the contract incorporate
procedures to be followed in the event of a dispute.
A brief discussion ensued regarding issues in the contract which could be subject
to arbitration.
Mr. Barrera again stated that proper procedures had been followed to no avail.
Responding to Mr. Barrera, City Manager Garza stated that he had previously met with
Mr. Barrera and that the Association did not agree with his decision. He stated that Mr.
Barrera's recourse would be to grieve that decision.
Mr. Martin reiterated that the contract should address procedures to be followed
for disputes.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. on August 23, 1994.