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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/04/1995I 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 April 4, 1995, which were approved by the City Council on April 18, 1995. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 18th day of April, 1995. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting April 4, 1995 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Edward Martin Council Members: Dr. Jack Best Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Clif Moss Dr. David McNichols David Noyola ABSENT Melody Cooper 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. Before the invocation was delivered by Rev. Bob Parsons, Grace United Methodist Church, the Mayor asked that a moment of silence be observed out of respect for the families who had tragically lost loved ones in Corpus Christi earlier in the week. Mayor Rhodes said she had received many telephone calls regarding the recent tragic events (the murders of Selena Quintanilla-Perez and five employees at the Walter Rossler Company), and she was trying to find an appropriate way to honor the victims' memories and unite the community. She said she asked Nueces County Judge Richard Borchard to co-chair a committee with her to appoint people from throughout the community to determine how to memorialize Selena Quintanilla- Perez. She encouraged citizens who were interested to contact her office or Judge Borchard's office. Council Member Noyola said he had received many phone calls about how to honor Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez, adding that he had spoken to the superintendent of West Oso Independent School District about the possibility of renaming West Oso Junior High after the popular slain Tejano singer. In addition, he said the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center should also be renamed to commemorate Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez, with a special memorial located there. He asked staff to provide information on the steps to take to rename the convention center. Mr. Noyola described how well -loved the singer was and why such an action would be appropriate. Mayor Rhodes said that idea and all ideas will be considered very carefully after first Minutes Regular Council Meeting April4, 1995 Page 2 discussing those issues with Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez's family. She added that her family had approved the notion of establishing a committee to study the matter. Council Member Galindo encouraged the public to call the Mayor's office and Judge Borchard's office to express their support about renaming the convention center for Mrs. Quintanilla- Perez. Mayor Rhodes responded that she had received many other ideas besides that one, and anyone was welcome to call and contribute ideas. Council Member Longoria commented that it was important to involve different people in the Mayor's and County Judge's committee to aid in healing the community. She added that she would like to serve on the committee herself. Responding to Mr. Noyola, Mayor Rhodes said the number of members of the committee had not yet been determined. Mr. Noyola then said he would also like to be a member. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Council Member Longoria led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States, following which 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 March 28, 1995, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 1.a. and 1.b., canvassing of election results. A member of the audience asked that the results of Precinct 33 be canvassed, and Council Member Moss asked that Precinct 63 be canvassed, which Mayor Rhodes did; there were no discrepancies. 1.a. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 022203 Ordinance canvassing returns and declaring the results of the General Election held on April 1, 1995, in the City of Corpus Christi, for the purpose of electing the Mayor and Council Members. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 4, 1995 Page 3 An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 1.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022204 Ordinance calling a runoff election for Council Member District 2 and Council Member District 3, in the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, to be held on the 15th day of April, 1995; designating polling place locations for such election; enacting provisions incident and relating to the subject and purpose of this ordinance. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. **r****s***s• Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, contract regarding Phase V of the Columbus Fleet Shipyard and Seaport. Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, said the proposed contract was with Bay Inc. to relocate the Columbus ships, the Santa Maria and the Pinta, from their present water berths to the new shipyard adjacent to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. He described the physical difficulties involved in safely transporting the ships and placing them in dry dock. Due to the complexity of the project, all prospective bidders were required to attend a pre-bid conference. The only pre -qualified bidder submitting a bid proposal was Bay Inc. of Corpus Christi. The other pre -qualified bidder, Joe D. Hughes of Houston, declined to bid due to the extra mobilization costs that would have been incurred. Mr. Shackelford stated that Bay Inc.'s lump sum bid of $271,492.92 exceeded the original budget of $200,000 for the project, because it includes some additional work to ensure the safety of the ships during the move. He said the plan calls for the ships to be moved no later than May 4, 1995, in anticipation of the opening of the new shipyard shortly thereafter. Council Member McNichols asked about the difference between the amount of the proposed contract and the original budget amount. Mr. Shackelford responded that the additional amount of $71,492.92 needed would be taken from the seaport part of the overall project (the water berthing of the Nifia ship), and the Columbus Fleet Association would have to raise additional funds. He added that the next contract to be approved would be for the expansion of the museum, followed by the contract for the construction of the Columbus Fleet Seaport. Dr. McNichols expressed concern about possible overages on the project's other contracts. Mr. Alex Harris, Chairman of the Columbus Fleet Association, replied that the association was 1— Minutes Regular Council Meeting April4, 1995 Page 4 currently raising funds to complete the seaport phase of the project. He added that since the ships which were damaged in a barge collision would be repaired on-site, the insurance company agreed to pay a portion of the cost of relocating the ships to the shipyard. Upon verification by Mr. Harris, Dr. McNichols noted that the amount of the previously approved certificates of obligation used to fund the project would not change. Mr. Harris added that construction of the Nifia Park (the seaport) would be completed in phases as financing becomes available during the next five years. Responding to Council Member Moss, Mr. Harris stated that at this time, there is approximately $300,000 available for construction of the Nina Park, the total cost of which is estimated at $800,000. Mr. Moss said he supported the project as long as it was fiscally sound. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2. M95-072 Motion awarding a contract in the base bid amount of $271,492.92 to Bay, Inc. for the lifting, transportation and placement of the Columbus ships, Santa Maria and Pinta, in the new drydock portion of the Columbus Fleet Shipyard and Seaport exhibit adjacent to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Moss voting "Aye"; Cooper and Noyola absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mr. Augustine Rivera, Chairman of the Public Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, introduced Mr. Victor De La Cruz, the new Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Public Housing Authority. Mr. Rivera noted that Mr. De La Cruz had worked for many years with the San Antonio Public Housing Authority. Mr. Rivera then introduced the following people: Mr. Wayne Hood, Deputy Executive Director of the Housing Authority; Mr. Ramiro Hoyos, Chairman of the Advanced Housing Alternatives Corporation; Mr. John Mulvenna, the city's Community Development Administrator; and Ms. Dawn Volk, HOME Program Manager. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes recessed the Council meeting to conduct the meetings of the Workforce Development Executive Committee and the Corpus Christi Community Improvement Corporation. The Mayor reconvened the regular Council meeting. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting April4, 1995 Page 5 Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 4 through 10, and Council Members requested that Items 6, 7, 8, and 9 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 4. M95-073 Motion approving supply agreements for Utility Business Office billing envelopes which include approximately 1,360,000 mail -out and 1,360,000 return envelopes, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0139-95 with the following companies for the following amounts, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $36,114.20. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are budgeted in FY 94-95 by the Utilities Business Office. Envelopes & Specialities San Antonio. Texas $19,692.80 GRAND TOTAL - $36,114.20 Color Tree, Inc. Austin. Texas $16,421.40 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 5. M95-074 Motion approving a supply agreement for swimming pool chemicals which includes 28,000 gallons of sodium hypochlorite; 6,000 gallons of muriatic acid; 6,000 lbs. of cyanuric acid; and 30,000 lbs. of bicarbonate of soda, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0154-95 with the following companies for the following amounts based on low bid for a total estimated annual expenditure of $57,979.40. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months, with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are budgeted in FY 94- 95 by the Aquatics Division of the Park and Recreation Department. Aqua Chlor San Antonio, Texas $43,880.00 Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies Chatsworth. California $5,999.40 Grand Total - $57,979.40 D X Distributing Corpus Christi. Texas $8,100.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 4, 1995 Page 6 10. ORDINANCE NO. 022206 Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18, Fire Prevention and Protection, by adding a new Section 18-2, Outside City Limits Fire Engine Response Rates, establishing rates of $350 per truck hour and $5.00 per mile for fire calls and establishing a "first responder" fee for those OCL calls when a fire engine responds to a medical emergency requiring a "first responder," in addition to any EMS charges which may also be incurred, of $350 per truck hour and $5.00 per mile for fire calls, or emergency "first responder" calls, which fire and "first responder" calls do not involve providing assistance to the U.S. Navy; and providing for an effective date. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 6, purchase of traffic signs. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. F.D. Glenn, Purchasing Agent, explained that prices for traffic signs have increased approximately 9.5% over the past two years, which includes an increased cost of aluminum. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6. M95-075 Motion approving supply agreements for approximately 845 regulatory traffic signs to Vulcan Signs, Foley, Alabama, for the total of $17,673.50 based on low bid; and various traffic safety supplies including traffic cones, barricades and lights, safety vests, barrier fencing, flagging tape and flags, to Vallen Safety Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas for the total amount of $41,412.50 based on low bid and best bid. Grand total of awards is $59,086.00. The supply agreements are in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0146-95 and are for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months, subject to the approval of the suppliers and the City Manager or his designee. All items will be stocked in the City Warehouse for Street Services, Gas, Water, and Wastewater Services. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper and Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 4, 1995 Page 7 Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, motion to reject bids for computer paper. Council Member McNichols asked that since the market for computer paper is currently unstable, if it would be more feasible to purchase recycled paper. Mr. Glenn replied that the computer paper the city already purchases is recycled paper. He said none of the bidders, including the paper manufacturers, would give the city any type of price protection; consequently, the city is resorting to open market purchases on an as -needed basis until the paper market stabilizes. Council Member Moss commented that the export market will probably increase in the future. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. M95-076 Motion rejecting bids received for Bid Invitation No. BI -0180-95 for a supply agreement for computer paper based on unstable market conditions. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. **srs*s*r*rss Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 8.a. and 8.b., amendment to a contract with the Texas Department of Health for clinical health and family planning services. Responding to Council Member Galindo, City Manager Garza said the funding source was a grant from the Texas Department of Health. 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. M95-077 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. C500024 with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $64,652 for clinical health and family planning services during the period of September I, 1994 to August 31, 1995, and adding three full-time equivalent positions to the Health Department to replace three state -funded positions which are being discontinued. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Minutes Regular Council Meeting April4, 1995 Page 8 Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022205 Ordinance appropriating a grant in the amount of $64,652 from the Texas Department of Health for clinical health and family planning services during the period September 1, 1994 to August 31, 1995; amending Ordinance No. 021997, which adopted the FY 1994-95 budget, by adding $64,652 to the No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund - Health Department; adding three full-time equivalents to the Health Department. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 9, lighting system on IH -37. In reply to a question from Council Member McNichols, Mr. Carl Crull, Group Manager of Public Works and Utilities, said one of the options for funding the proposed lighting system involves the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) funding the whole cost of construction of $1,441,900, while the city assumes all of the operation and maintenance costs of $53,800 per year for 20 years, for a total of approximately $1.08 million. The other option is for the city to pay half of the construction cost ($720,950) plus one-half of the operation and maintenance cost over 20 years (the city's share would be $538,000). He noted that in order to finance the construction cost, the city would have to borrow the money, which would total $1.27 million once the principle and interest are repaid. Dr. McNichols asked if another option was to forego the project completely. Mr. Crull replied that the system has deteriorated over a number of years; in fact, one person suffered severe burns after being electrocuted while working in that area. He said the city is spending about $4,400 a month in maintaining the lighting system there. In addition, the current light standards do not meet the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) interstate highway standards, so a complete upgrade is needed. The area to receive upgraded lighting includes from the Harbor Bridge ramps to Lantana. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Crull stated that there were different reasons why staff did not request that the city's share of the project be budgeted. One reason was that the state did not have its share of the cost budgeted --it only had an estimate. Also, since 1985 the scope of the project was broadened significantly to meet the more stringent FHWA standards. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 4, 1995 Page 9 9. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the State of Texas, acting through its Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a "high mast" continuous lighting system on Interstate 37 between Waco Street and Lantana Road. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza stated that a sludge suction line at the Broadway Treatment Plant failed and he authorized an emergency repair for approximately $18,000. There will be a household hazardous waste collection day at the Elliott Landfill on April 8, 1995. Also, since construction on Ennis Joslin Road is scheduled to begin in 1996, spot repairs on that street will be made at this time. Mr. Crull reported that the Texas Department of Transportation is reconstructing three miles of Holly Road, and beginning April 5, work will be centered on the Holly -Everhart Road intersection. For the next four to six weeks, modifications will be made to the traffic flow to accommodate the construction. Council Member Martin suggested that signs be posted on Saratoga notifying motorists that traffic will be reduced to one lane each way at the Holly-Everthart intersection. The Mayor asked City Secretary Chapa to review the schedule for the upcoming Council meetings. Mr. Chapa stated that there will not be a Council meeting on April 11, and on April 18 the votes for the runoff election will be canvassed during a special called meeting at 10 a.m. with the present Council in attendance. Then at 2 p.m. the regular Council meeting will be convened and the newly elected Council members will be sworn in by Mr. Chaps. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Jorge Garza, Group Manager for Administrative Services, stated that warrants for unpaid citations were being issued beginning April 4, 1995 by Municipal Court. Council Member Galindo asked staff to review the situation concerning street lighting around the city. City Manager Garza stated that the newly installed yellow lights provide more illumination for the same amount of energy than the white lights. He acknowledged that the lighting standards themselves are too far apart and are sometimes shrouded by trees; to add more lighting standards would involve a significant increase in cost. Mr. Galindo commented that, on the other hand, inadequate lighting contributes to higher crime rates, which raises the city's costs in many other ways. Mr. Garza added that any revision to the lighting policy would have to be uniformly applied r Minutes Regular Council Meeting April4, 1995 Page 10 throughout the city. Mr. Galindo reiterated his request that staff provide more information. Mr. Galindo also forwarded a letter to Mr. Garza from Mr. Tim Clower concerning a development project in the Flour Bluff area. Council Member Moss asked if the city was actively pursuing funding through the Texas Department of Transportation for the extension of the Crosstown Expressway. Mr. Garza replied that staff is pursuing funding for the interchange of Crosstown Expressway and South Padre Island Drive, not for the expressway extension. The extension project is scheduled for work by the state in the future. Mr. Moss also reported that there was a large traffic controller box located near a house at 3766 Santa Fe (at the Doddridge intersection). He asked if that controller box could be relocated away from the home's main entrance. Mr. Garza said he would investigate the matter. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Larry Morano, 5223 Inverness, discussed bids that were submitted for a vending site at Whitecap Beach for the rental of beach equipment (chairs, surf boards, etc.), which he contested. He asked the Council to review the situation. In reply to Mayor Rhodes, City Manager Garza stated that the bid had not yet been let. Group Manager Tom Utter stated, in response to Council Member Martin, that this and similar vendor permits are often issued under a park use permit. Mr. Utter said no bids would be awarded until staff examined these bids. Mr. Gary Mitchell, 1706 Rand Morgan, expressed his opposition to the concealed gun legislation, and proposed that the city pass an ordinance or resolution opposing that legislation. Mayor Rhodes replied that only the state can regulate the use of guns. City Attorney Bray added that under the proposed law, the state would issue the gun permits. The Mayor encouraged Mr. Mitchell to voice his opinion to his legislators and to Texas Governor George W. Bush. Council Member Noyola asked if the Council, on behalf of the citizens of Corpus Christi, could pass an ordinance voicing its collective opposition to the proposed concealed gun legislation. Mr. Bray replied that the issue could be placed on the Council's agenda. Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 949 Bobalo Dr., recounted how a friend had recently been involved in an auto accident with a driver who had no insurance nor a driver's license. He said in such a case, a car that is driven by an uninsured motorist should be impounded immediately by city police. Mr. Bray said he would review the legal issue and report back to the Council. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. on April 4, 1995. * * * * * * * * * * * * *