HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/25/1994I 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 October 25, 1994, which
were approved by the City Council on November 1, 1994.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 2nd day of November, 1994.
SEAL
7
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Clif Moss
Council Members:
Dr. Jack Best
Melody Cooper
Cezar Galindo
Betty Jean Longoria
Edward Martin
David Noyola*
ABSENT
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 Father James Stembler, Corpus Christi Cathedral,
following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by
Council Member Moss.
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 October 18, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as
presented.
*Council Member Noyola arrived at the meeting.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, a presentation by the U.S.S.
Lexington Board.
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 2
Mr. Robert Rowling, President of the Lexington Museum on the Bay Association,
gave a report about the U.S.S. Lexington's activities during the association's first full fiscal
year, which ended in July 1994. He said the total attendance for the year was a bit over
340,000 people, and gross revenues produced were $3,633,000. He added that the net
operating income was over $770,000, which includes all the pledges and contributions
which the Lexington received.
Mr. Rowling gave other examples of the Lexington Museum's financial condition,
noting that much of the original bank loan of $1.1 million has been pre -paid in less than
two years, with a balance remaining of $325,000. He also described improvements that
have been made and plans for more refurbishing, adding that the ship is in better shape
now than when the city first received it from the Navy.
Due to decreased attendance, the board has devised other sources of revenue,
said Mr. Rowling, including educational and "live -aboard" programs; as a result, overall
revenues were higher than projected. Mr. Rowling thanked the staff and volunteers for
their efforts in making the Lexington Museum so successful.
Mr. Rowling also expressed concern regarding decreased attendance at the
Lexington, the inability of the Bayfront Convention Center to accommodate larger
conventions, and poor aesthetics in the downtown area.
Mayor Rhodes commented that she has received positive feedback from visitors
to the Lexington, including the fact that they had received their money's worth at the
museum.
Responding to Council Member Longoria, Mr. Rowling stated that the projected
attendance had been 400,000. Mrs. Longoria thanked the board members and staff of
the Lexington for their efforts.
Council Member Cooper asked Mr. Rowling what factors may have contributed to
the decreased attendance, and he responded that that is a trend occurring at other local
and nationwide attractions. Mrs. Cooper also congratulated those associated with the
Lexington for their success. Mr. Rowling also described some of the new exhibits at the
Lexington Museum on the Bay.
Council Member Martin noted that when the museum was first proposed, there was
a great deal of skepticism that it could be successful; instead, with the proper
management, the Lexington has become a positive financial contributor to the community.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, a presentation regarding the
Columbus Fleet.
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 3
Mr. Alex Harris, Chairman of the Columbus Fleet Task Force for the Corpus Christi
Bay Area Business Alliance, outlined the proposed recommendations for making the
Columbus Fleet exhibit a more financially successful venture. He said the members of
the Task Force appreciated all of the efforts of the members of the Columbus Fleet
Association in bringing the ships to Corpus Christi in the first place. Mr. Harris also
thanked the sailors for raising money and continuing to sail one of the ships, as well as
the other members of the Task Force.
Mr. Harris said one aspect of the proposal is to develop a new partnership for the
operation of the exhibit involving the City of Corpus Christi, the Columbus Fleet
Association and the Spain '92 Foundation. This new partnership would develop a 10,000 -
square -foot expansion of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History in order to
open the "Seeds of Change" exhibit; and it would develop an infrastructure on city
property to facilitate the exhibition of all three Columbus ships. The primary goal of the
partnership is to increase the number of visitors to the exhibit, thereby increasing the
revenues.
Mr. Harris went on to say that the proposed plan must be approved by the
American Bureau of Shipping by November 1, 1994, so that the ships' recertification can
be extended. In addition, the plan provides for a reorganization of the Columbus Fleet
Association Board of Directors to consist of nine members, with the appointment of an
executive director and/or development director.
With the use of graphs, Mr. Harris described the ships' past and projected visitor
counts and related visitor revenues. He said the plan also calls for the Santa Maria and
the Pinta to be placed on land and opened to visitors as part of the "Seeds of Change"
exhibit; the Nina, meanwhile, would be docked in its own special park nearby. After the
Pinta has been repaired, it would also be docked at the Nina Park where both could be
sailed periodically in Corpus Christi Bay. Mr. Harris added that this plan would greatly
increase the ships' visibility to the public and attract more visitors.
Responding to a question from Council Member Longoria, Mr. Harris reiterated that
the replicas of the Nina and the Pinta ships would continue to be sailed, as provided for
by the Spain '92 Foundation, particularly since the Pinta was a state-of-the-art sailing ship
when it was built in the 15th century.
Council Member Noyola asked if the plan would contradict the original contract for
the replicas, and Mr. Harris replied that Mr. Rafael Mazarrasa, President of the Spain '92
Foundation, has approved of the proposed plan --that his main goal is for the ships to be
successfully exhibited in Corpus Christi. Mr. Harris distributed and read aloud a letter
from Mr. Mazarrasa that had been faxed to Mr. Harris on October 25, 1994 stating his
support of the plan. Mr. Noyola distributed a copy of a previous letter dated September
13, 1994 from Mr. Mazarrasa to Mr. Rick Stryker, President of the Columbus Fleet
Association, in which Mr. Mazarrasa criticized how the Columbus Fleet had been
managed.
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 4
Mr. Harris then described the financial plan for the fleet, which involves asking the
Bay Area Business Alliance to be released from its obligation of the financing of the
Lexington Museum on the Bay construction, and asking the alliance to be a co -guarantor
of a $3 million financing plan to construct the Santa Maria and Nina Parks. He said, in
addition, the Columbus Fleet and the Business Alliance are also researching other
sources of revenue. The construction cost of the museum expansion and other expenses
would require certificates of obligation to be issued of $900,000, which would be covered
by revenues from the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. He added that the
exhibit needs to be open by May 15, 1995, the beginning of the tourist season.
Mayor Rhodes thanked Mr. Harris for his work on the proposed plan, adding that
she felt his involvement was an important part of securing Mr. Mazarrasa's support of the
plan. The Mayor also thanked the other members of the Columbus Fleet Task Force and
the previous members of the Columbus Fleet Association. She noted that the proposed
plan should heighten visitors' experience of the exhibit by giving them more for their
admission price.
Another important aspect of the endeavor, continued the Mayor, is that the city's
name and reputation are on the line: the city's ability to make the Columbus Fleet
successful could influence future projects for which it is bidding. She said she gave her
full support to what she called a well -thought-out plan.
Responding to Council Member Galindo, Mr. Harris said that a final design on a
road connecting the ship exhibit to the Army Corps of Engineers building had not yet
been chosen.
Council Member Moss asked if the Bay Area Business Alliance was willing to take
on the financial obligation associated with the plan, and Mr. Harris said that it was, adding
that he had met with the executive board of the alliance before showing the proposal to
Mr. Mazarrasa. Mr. Moss said he supported the proposal as well, and it was important
that the community show its support.
Mr. Galindo asked if Mr. Mazarrasa's October 25, 1994 letter to Mr. Harris could
be viewed as Mr. Mazarrasa's support of the plan, and Mr. Harris said it absolutely was
an indication of his approval. He added that Mr. Mazarrasa had planned to be present
during the day's meeting for the presentation, but he could not attend. Responding to
another question from Mr. Galindo, Mr. Harris said the plans include access to the
Columbus Fleet display by the water taxi.
Responding to Council Member Best, Mr. Harris explained that in the proposal, the
Bay Area Business Alliance would no longer be obligated for the debt of the Lexington
Museum on the Bay. He noted that he had not yet presented the proposal to the
Lexington board until he had shown it to the Council; however, he said it would not
adversely affect the Lexington since it does not change that exhibit's debt structure. City
Manager Garza said the next step in the proposal would be the Council approving a
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 5
formal resolution supporting the plan.
Dr. Best also asked if the proposed museum expansion would require a bond issue
to go before the voters, and Mr. Harris replied that the proposal calls for certificates of
obligation (COs), and the increased revenues that would result from the increase in
visitors to the museum and ship exhibit could be dedicated to those COs. Mr. Garza
added that it was important to try to make the Columbus Fleet exhibit successful. Mr.
Harris said another benefit of the plan would be the ability to maintain the ships by a
trained staff --while keeping them open to the public --instead of contracting others for their
maintenance.
Council Member Martin asked if the City Manager recommended the proposed
plan, and Mr. Garza said he did. He said an action item needed to be included on the
agenda soon supporting the plan. The Mayor asked staff to place it on the agenda for
the November 1, 1994 meeting.
Council Member Cooper thanked Mr. Harris and the rest of the task force for
working to make the exhibit successful.
Mr. Galindo asked who would pay for a road to be built from Santa Maria Park to
the Army Corps of Engineers, and Mr. Harris said a determination had not yet been
made, although the Regional Transportation Authority might be approached for the
funding.
Council Member Longoria stated that the Columbus Fleet project was a very
worthy one, adding that its location near many other attractions was beneficial.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 3, curfew for minors on school days.
Police Chief Henry Garrett said many of the questions that had arisen concerning
the proposed daytime curfew ordinance dealt with exceptions to the ordinance, which
included students on field trips, students from other areas visiting the city, students
traveling to doctor's appointments, and students going to and from work. He said the
Police Department had contacted representatives from 38 school districts in the Coastal
Bend who provided the department with a school calendar and a name of a contact
person.
Chief Garrett said the daytime curfew would help police identify a small core of
juveniles --students younger than 17 --who are chronic truants. In addition, the Corpus
Christi Commission for Children and Youth, chaired by Mrs. Grace Rank, will work with
the Police Department in providing counseling and education to these juveniles. Chief
Garrett noted that other cities that have daytime curfews have reported decreases in
daytime arrests.
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 6
Responding to a question from Mayor Rhodes, Chief Garrett said children who
have permission to be out of school should have a card indicating that; in addition, the
police dispatcher will have a list of contact people for all the school districts, as well as
the private schools, so an officer can call the dispatcher for information on the student.
He added that students who are drop -outs or were expelled from school would not be
exempted from the ordinance --they should either be at home or at a supervised area.
In response to Council Member Best, Chief Garrett, upon verification from Corpus
Christi Independent School District Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra, said CCISD has
five truancy officers Mr. Saavedra went on to explain that the district's attendance
(truancy) officers would work with the Police Department on enforcing the daytime curfew.
Dr. Best also asked if curfews had been upheld by the courts, and City Attorney
Bray stated that nighttime curfews had been upheld. Although daytime curfews are
relatively new, he said they are basically tied to the truancy laws which have been
upheld, and the consensus is that daytime curfews will be upheld as well if they are
challenged in court.
Council Member Cooper said she supported the proposed ordinance, and asked
Chief Garrett to explain the difference between the truancy law and the daytime curfew.
He responded that the truancy law requires that truancy be established for a long period
of time and it takes a long time before the parents are involved; with the daytime curfew,
if a juvenile is given a citation, the parents have to appear in Municipal Court. Mrs.
Cooper also asked about open campuses at lunch time, and the Chief said those
students would have identification cards issued to them.
Responding to Council Member Galindo, Chief Garrett emphasized that not every
juvenile who is caught skipping school would be issued a citation --options include taking
him or her to the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center, the Truant Reduction Impact
Program at the YMCA, or back to the school. He added that violation of the daytime
curfew is a Class C Misdemeanor which carries a maximum $500 fine, and it would be
up to the Municipal Court judge to determine the juvenile's punishment, which could
include counseling and/or community service.
Mr. Galindo said he felt the maximum fine could put a financial burden on some
parents who both have to work and do not have control over their child. Responding to
Mayor Rhodes, Chief Garrett reiterated that a juvenile's punishment might not include a
fine but rather counseling. Mayor Rhodes added that it was important for parents to be
involved when a student is truant, and equally important for the student to take
responsibility for his or her actions. She also said that the victims of burglaries
perpetrated by juveniles also carry a financial burden.
Council Member Martin asked that the Chief Municipal Court Judge be present
during the second reading of the ordinance on November 1, 1994 to provide data on how
the courts have punished truant juveniles in the past. In response to a question from Mr.
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October 25, 1994
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Martin, Mr. Bray said that when a juvenile is involved in a criminal procedure, state law
requires the parent to be present in court, and the juvenile would be responsible for the
fine or for the community service, unless the parent is charged. He said the parent may
be charged with a curfew violation regarding a child if the parent is grossly negligent in
allowing it to occur. Mr. Martin said he wants to ensure that the courts understand the
legislative intent of the curfew and follow through on it.
Council Member Noyola said he supported the proposed ordinance, adding that
it was overdue, and asked that the Council consider the ordinance on an emergency
basis.
Council Member Longoria said she was also interested in hearing from the Chief
Judge regarding the disposition of previous violations.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Jim McCollom Jr., a local attorney, said he opposed the daytime curfew
because he said he felt it was punitive and duplicative.
Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo, said he supported the daytime curfew because
there are too many crimes committed by juveniles and asked that the ordinance be
passed as an emergency. Mayor Rhodes said it would be considered on two readings.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, also said that the daytime curfew was necessary
because of the many crimes being committed.
Mr. Manuel Flores, District 1 CCISD School Board Member, said he supported the
daytime curfew because it would emphasize the importance of young people staying in
school and receiving an education. He noted that Chief Garrett had reassured him that
the curfew would not be carried out in a heavy-handed way.
Mrs. Grace Rank, Chairperson for the Corpus Christi Commission for Children and
Youth, said the commission members examined the proposed ordinance carefully and
met with Chief Garrett about it. She said they gave their unequivocal support to the
ordinance as the first step in a comprehensive plan to ensure that such juveniles do not
recycle through the system. Mrs. Rank said she was also representing the Violent Crime
Task Force of the Mayor's Coalition on Crime Prevention, which supported the curfew;
and the juveniles who will receive citations under the ordinance and the juveniles who will
not be harassed by delinquent juveniles.
Mrs. Carolyn Sullivan, 2902 N. Shoreline, said she supported the daytime curfew,
and suggested that juveniles who violate the ordinance and receive community service
should be forced to help paint out the graffiti around the city.
Mr. Allen Jaworski, 1253 Tyler, encouraged the Council to support the proposed
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October 25, 1994
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ordinance.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said that adults should not make excuses for
young people's actions --they do not often take responsibility or understand the
consequences for their behavior.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
3. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending Section 33-40, of Corpus Christi's Code of Ordinances, to establish a
curfew for minors between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on school days;
adopting certain exceptions; providing penalties for violation; providing for
severance.
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 announced that Items 6 and 10 were being pulled from the day's
agenda and would not be discussed at this time.
The Mayor then opened discussion on Item 4, resolution regarding the impact of
federal mandates.
Council Member Moss pointed out that the U.S. Congress adjourned without
addressing the issue of unfunded mandates.
Council Member Cooper read an excerpt from an article in Nation's Cities Weekly,
regarding the financial burden that unfunded mandates places on cities, as well as
criticizing Congress' inaction.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4. RESOLUTION NO. 022069
Resolution endorsing the efforts of the National League of Cities and the Texas
Municipal League in informing citizens about the impact of federal mandates on
City finances and pledging the support of the City of Corpus Christi to work with
NLC and TML to inform citizens; endorsing the events of National Unfunded
Mandates Week, October 24-30, 1994; and redoubling the City's efforts to inform
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 9
and work with members of our Congressional delegation to inform them about the
impact of federal mandates and actions necessary to reduce their burdens on
citizens.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Martin and McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 5, city property insurance.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. M94-287
Motion approving the purchase of City property insurance, with one, two or three
year renewal options in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0032-95 through
H.R.H. Insurance Company for a premium of $497,134. Monies for these
premiums are available in the City's Self -Insurance Fund.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin and Moss voting "Aye"; Noyola and McNichols absent.
6. WITHDRAWN
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, marina improvements.
A video promoting the marina and discussing the improvements was shown. Mr.
Carl Crull, Group Manager of Public Works and Utilities, said the proposed change order
had three components --providing adequate electrical power, enhancing the lighting
system, and relocating an electrical meter/disconnect that conflicts with a pier entrance.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Crull stated the proposed
improvements had not been included in the original contract bid due to an oversight.
There was also a brief discussion on the necessity of including the gear boxes at this
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October 25, 1994
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time.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
7. M94-288
Motion to award a Change Order in the amount of $79,062 to Garrett Construction
Company for installation of power supply improvements, improved pier lighting
systems, and relocation of a meter and disconnect on the Lawrence Street T -Head
associated with 1993 Marina Improvements Piers A, B, C, and D.
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 consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances
and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 8 through 15, and Council Members
requested that Items 8, 13, and 15 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were
passed:
9. RESOLUTION NO. 022070
Resolution authorizing eminent domain proceedings by the City to condemn fee
title to Parcel 2-16 (northwest corner of Everhart Road at Holly), for the Holly Road
Street Improvement Project and to acquire said parcel from the owner, Sigmor
Corporation.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent.
10. WITHDRAWN
his -expense.
11. ORDINANCE NO. 022071
Ordinance amending the 1994-95 City Budget Ordinance, No. 021997, to increase
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the number of Firefighters II from 131 to 133.
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.
12.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022072
Ordinance appropriating $22,500 contributed by the Board of Trade of the Port of
Corpus Christi Authority for Ozone Near Non -attainment Planning Research into
the General Fund; amending Ordinance No. 021997 which adopted the FY 1994-
95 Budget.
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.
12.b. M94-291
Motion approving Research Agreement No. 95-072 between the Texas
Engineering Experiment Station and the City of Corpus Christi, Phase One, in the
amount of $24,477. The research will be on ozone near non -attainment planning,
and will be performed by the Environmental Engineering Program at Texas A&M
University - Kingsville. A portion of the cost, $22,500, will be reimbursed by the
Board of Trade.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 022075
Amending Ordinance 021404 by adopting newly revised Nueces County precinct
changes and adjusting single member district lines to conform with precinct line
adjustments; providing for submission of the single member district line
adjustments for preclearance from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye";
McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 8.a. and 8.b., used landfill compactor.
Council Member Martin noted that the item to be purchased was a used piece of
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
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equipment. He said he felt the interest rate through General Electric for lease/purchase
items (which most recently was 7.05%) was becoming excessive, and City Manager
Garza noted that the landfill compactor was being financed through Safeline Leasing
Company of Houston at an interest rate of 6.05%. Mr. Martin suggested that staff find
other sources of financing, and Mr. Garza replied that they had already begun that work.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
8.a. M94-289
Motion approving the procurement of a used landfill compactor, with a full five (5)
year maintenance agreement, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -001.1-95
from Conley -Lott -Nichols Machinery Co., Corpus Christi, Texas, based on the low
bid of $289,431 for the compactor and $77,820 for maintenance, for a total of
$367,251. The compactor will be used by Solid Waste Services Department for
use at the Elliott Landfill. A five (5) year maintenance contract will be funded
annually from the Solid Waste Services operating budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent.
8.b. M94-290
Motion approving a five (5) year lease/purchase contract for $289,431 with Safeline
Leasing Co., Houston, Texas for funding the used landfill compactor purchased
from Conley -Lott -Nichols Machinery Co. The rate of interest is 6.05% for a total
finance charge of $45,730.19.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 13, sale of foreclosed properties.
Council Member Noyola asked if the persons who are purchasing the foreclosed
properties could be required to pay for some of the city's expense to clean them. City
Manager Garza said the city could proceed based on some settlement of the lien amount.
He added that staff has taken the position that it is more beneficial to get the properties
back on the tax rolls and the city has forgiven some of the liens on the improvements.
City Attorney Bray stated that one problem is that other liens are subordinate to the tax
liens.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
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October 25, 1994
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City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
13.a. RESOLUTION NO. 022073
Lots 2 and 3, Block 11, La Pascua No. 2, City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County,
Texas (4438 Yolanda); prospective buyer is Mario Ortiz; amount offered is $7,000.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent.
13.b. RESOLUTION NO. 022074
Lot 11C, Block 11, Highway Village Sec. 2, City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County,
Texas (2832 Robby); prospective buyer is Mr. F. Hinojosa; amount offered is
$5,900.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper,
Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 15.a., 15.b., and 15.c., Capital
Improvement Program.
Council Member Galindo asked if the proposed $1.2 million that would be
dedicated to the annual debt service payment could be transferred to the capital budget
for several projects and then bonds sold to make the debt service payment. City
Manager Garza replied that the annual debt service payment had been reduced over the
last few years (last year it was $3.2 million), and next year it will be less than $1.2 million,
in order to "phase out" the city's reliance on those monies. In addition, he said, if the
$1.2 million was dedicated to capital improvements, another $1.2 million would have to
be found to make the debt service payment.
Mr. Galindo stated that it was his impression that the debt service payment could
fluctuate, and Mr. Garza said it could as long as it stayed above the level of 75% that the
Council had set. Mr. Galindo reiterated his desire to use the $1.2 million for the capital
improvement projects. Mr. Garza replied that it was important for the Council to maintain
consistent policies, particularly regarding the minimum level of the debt service payment.
He added that he could not say at this time how challenging the city's budget will be
during the next fiscal year.
Mr. Galindo also asked if the percentage of the debt service payment would remain
the same next year, and Mr. Garza said he would like to see it remain at the same
percentage of approximately 75.3%.
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October 25, 1994
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Council Member Martin stated that the city would probably never reach zero on
interest earnings, and he questioned the reason for appropriating at this time the $1.2
million into the General Debt Service Fund (Item 15.c. on the day's agenda). Mr. Garza
replied that the appropriations ordinance could be amended by the City Council before
the actual transfer is made. Responding to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza
stated that the $1.2 million does not include the interest on the Debt Service Fund
reserve; it is included in the budget as a separate item.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
15.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022076
Adopting the Proposed 1995-1999 Five Year Capital Improvement Program and
approving the FY 1994-95 Capital Budget in the amount of $46,784,099.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye";
McNichols absent.
15.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022078
Appropriating $2,376,940 from the Capital Improvement Fund to support a portion
of the FY 94-95 Capital Budget.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye";
McNichols absent.
15.c. ORDINANCE NO. 022077
Appropriating $1,200,000 from interest earnings in the Capital Improvement Fund,
and authorizing transfer of these funds into the General Debt Service Fund for the
annual debt service payment.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes,
Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting
"No"; McNichols absent.
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza said upcoming
items for the November 1, 1994 meeting included an RFP on the Airport food
court/lounge; a possible presentation on the acquisition of land on the Oso Creek; the
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
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second reading on the daytime curfew ordinance with a possible presentation by a
Municipal Court judge. He added that there will not be a Council Meeting on November
8, 1994, because it is election day. The Mayor asked staff to advise the Council on the
schedule for holding meetings around Christmas time.
In her report, Mayor Rhodes stated that her planned meeting with Mr. John Hall,
Chairman of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, had been
postponed.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Martin noted that one of the items in the Council Members'
packets concerning questions about the Freshwater Release Operating Plan was not a
complete listing of all the questions that were raised during the presentation on October
18, 1994.
Council Member Galindo raised the issue of the Animal Control Department not
responding to citizens' calls to pick up dead animals during the weekend. Mr. Garza
stated that the department did have stand-by workers, and Mr. Galindo said he had called
and there were no stand-by workers available. Mr. Garza said staff would investigate the
matter.
Council Member Noyola asked that a commendation letter be sent to Mr. Eddie
Chavez, Gas System Mechanic in the Gas Division, for repairing gas leaks at his house
and at a neighbor's house. He also reported a vacant house at 4414 Yolanda at which
a person has parked a mobile home.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience.
Council Member Galindo said Mr. Guadalupe Valdez left the Council meeting
before he could address the Council concerning the status of donations to the Veterans
Band. Responding to Mr. Galindo, City Manager Garza said the Council had approved
$5,000 in funding for the Veterans Band's November 11, 1994 trip to Washington, D.C.,
adding that he thought it was the Council's wish for him to attempt to find other funding
sources from the General Fund. Mayor Rhodes said that action was not definite, and
instructed Mr. Garza to contact Mr. Ram Chavez, Musical Director of the Veterans Band,
concerning the funding issue.
Ms. Carolyn Sullivan, 2902 N. Shoreline, said she disagreed with the proposed
location for the Columbus Fleet. In addition, she suggested a combined pricing package
for several of the attractions, and increased publicity in other cities for the U.S.S.
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 16
Lexington. Mayor Rhodes replied that the original plan was to dock the Columbus ships
on North Beach near the Texas State Aquarium and the Lexington, but the expense to
build the docks and piers was prohibitive at this time. She added that their new location
next to the Corpus Christi Museum would make them very visible from the aquarium and
therefore attract more visitors.
Ms. Janet Rice, 118 Southern, said she was a former board member of the
Columbus Fleet Association and chairperson of the Quincentenary Commission. She
said it is a myth that the Columbus Fleet cannot stand on its own as an attraction; she
said it does not need the "Seeds of Change" exhibit to be successful. She said the fleet
did not have any funds to market the replicas. Ms. Rice added that Mr. Mazarrasa's
October 25, 1994 letter was not clearly in support of the plan but, instead, was non-
committal.
Mayor Rhodes reiterated that she had personally met with Mr. Mazarrasa and he
had told her that he approved of the proposed plan. She said it was time for the
community to pull together to support the Columbus Fleet project, rather than trying to
sabotage it.
Mrs. Helen Royal, 2801 N. Shoreline, stated that she did not understand why the
plan would call for the Columbus ships to be placed in what she called a low -visitation
area. She requested information about the cost of locating the ships on North Beach.
Mayor Rhodes stated that that information could be available for the November 1, 1994
Council meeting.
Council Member Martin stated that the proposed location of the ships is adjacent
to many other attractions, including the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History,
Heritage Park, the Art Museum of South Texas, the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center,
Harbor Playhouse, the Museum of Oriental Cultures, and Dock One. He said the traffic
at their proposed location greatly exceeds the traffic at the Lexington and the Texas State
Aquarium; in addition, much more money has been invested there.
In addition to Mr. Mazarrasa supporting the plan, Mayor Rhodes said that a great
number of specialists contributed their expertise to the proposal, and that it was not
haphazardly put together.
Mr. Galindo said that Ms. Rice's comments and others' comments were not being
given serious consideration. Mayor Rhodes replied that no one is being blamed for the
unfortunate circumstances surrounding the Columbus Fleet, but the important thing is to
move forward with a plan that can be successful.
Council Member Noyola said he believed the contract regarding the fleet had been
broken. He encouraged citizens to express their opinions about issues facing the city.
Council Member Longoria said she supported the plan for the Columbus fleet, and
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Regular Council Meeting
October 25, 1994
Page 17
said she hoped the community could rally behind the project.
Referring to Mr. Noyola's comment about the Columbus Fleet contract, Mr. Martin
said that a contract is not broken when both parties to the contract agree to change it.
Mr. Peter Davidson, 341 Melrose, a marine surveyor, a sailmaker and rigger, and
a student of naval architecture, discussed the negative impact of placing ships on land,
giving several examples of the consequences. Mayor Rhodes suggested that Mr.
Davidson contribute his expertise to the Columbus Fleet Association. Mr. Garza said that
that issue had been discussed, and Mr. Mazarrasa supported the plan to place the Santa
Maria on land and open it to the public as a museum.
Mr. Allen Jaworski, 1253 Tyler, reported a house across the street from his that
was foreclosed upon and is surrounded by trash. Mr. Garza said staff would investigate
the situation.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. on October 25, 1994.