HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/30/1995I 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 May 30, 1995, which were approved by
the City Council on June 13, 1995.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 13th day of June, 1995.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Betty Jean Longoria
Council Members:
Dr. Jack Best
Betty Black
Melody Cooper
John Longoria
Edward Martin
Dr. David McNichols
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
ABSENT
Tony Heldenfels
Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Tim Jewett, Free Methodist Church, following which
the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Black.
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 May 23,
1995, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, a presentation of the preliminary FY 95-96
budget.
City Manager Garza presented the preliminary budget to the Council members, which was
broken down by the various funds which comprise the entire budget. He noted that the budget
document also included a listing of the capital equipment staff intends to purchase, as well as a
summary of the city's full-time equivalent employees by department.
Mr. Garza stated that this City Council is similar to other Councils in its emphasis on
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 2
providing basic services, such as public safety (fire and police protection), health services, good
building codes, proper maintenance of streets and transportation system, maintenance of the utility
infrastructure, and maintenance of city parks. He said this Council and the proposed budget also
address the needs of special populations, such as the elderly and young people.
Regarding public safety, Mr. Garza said he is recommending the following additions: 15
employees to the Police Department (10 officers through the federal COPS Ahead program and five
civilian employees for Police); 25 fire fighter trainees (10 to replace retiring fire fighters and 15 to
staff the Southside Fire Station); 33 police cars; a pumper truck and an aerial ladder; and the
replacement of two vehicles used for Emergency Medical Service with one rescue vehicle.
Other budget items Mr. Garza highlighted were: the inclusion of funds (to be included with
community development funds) for the demolition of old structures; increase of 13 employees in Park
and Recreation (which would be funded from recreation program fees); and the addition of five
engineers in Engineering Services, with costs reimbursed from the Capital Projects Fund to implement
the five-year Capital Improvement Program.
Mr. Garza also discussed budget needs in Solid Waste Services, including stricter and more
costly state and federal regulations pertaining to landfill liners and the installation of gas extraction
wells. M increase in the surcharge for state and federal mandated costs of $0.50 per month for
residential customers and $3.19 per ton for commercial and industrial customers is included.
Mr. Garza said that at this time he was not recommending an increase of general fees for
services, which have not been adjusted in about three years. He noted that the Council had previously
approved rate increases of 6% for utilities which are included in the proposed budget. He did
recommend a one -cent property tax increase for the combined General Fund and Debt Service Fund;
and he also proposed an option of combining the funding for the drainage utility, which is currently
partially funded from the General Fund (for outstanding debt) and partially from the water system (for
the program's operation).
The City Manager said that despite a total increase during the last three years of $11.5 million
in Police, Fire and Solid Waste Services, other city departments have reduced expenditures by $3.5
million, for a net increase in the General Fund of $8 million. He said one of the greatest savings has
been achieved in the workers compensation program. He went on to say that the burden of cost to
the citizens is very reasonable and the utility rates are very competitive with regard to other Texas
cities.
Mr. Garza encouraged the Council to review the budget and forward any questions they had
to him. Responding to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Garza reiterated the option regarding the
drainage program. He also said the money for the construction of the Southside Fire Station is
included in the Capital Improvement budget and the staffing is included in this budget.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 3
In response to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Garza said this budget did not include
consideration of a major street improvement program, which would consist of a two-thirds of a cent
tax rate increase.
Council Member Martin suggested that a special budget workshop be held one evening.
Mayor Rhodes tentatively scheduled a budget workshop to be held at 6 p.m. on June 27, following
the regular Council meeting which would begin at 2 p.m. Dr. McNichols pointed out that that
workshop should include responses to Council members' previously submitted questions about the
budget. Council Member Best asked for more information about lease/purchases and the
consequences of not adopting a one -cent property tax increase.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, a presentation on an annexation proposal.
Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, used a slide presentation to
describe the history of this city's annexation, goals and objectives, and plans for future growth. In
1925 Corpus Christi was comprised of approximately 20 square miles, one-third of which was water
area. In 1940 the city began to expand to the west, south and north, and by 1950 most of Corpus
Christi Bay and Nueces Bay were annexed. During the next three decades, much land to the south
and west—as well as water area—was annexed, with the present city limits comprising approximately
450 square miles, with only 125 square miles of land area. The annexation program being proposed
would add 48 square miles of land area.
Mr. Harvey said the last major land annexation occurred in the early 1960s, which added
about 44 square miles to the city. He described the concept of extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ),
which basically means that cities have dominance for annexation in areas outside their current city
limits; Corpus Christi's ETJ is five miles. He added that under state law, the city has the
responsibility to control platting not only inside the city limits but also inside the city's ETJ.
Mr. Harvey reviewed the benefits of orderly growth and the objectives of the 1995 annexation
program, which include ensuring an adequate supply of developable land; promoting orderly growth;
utilizing four phases in the annexation process; pursuing zoning discussions simultaneously with
annexation; and completing the proposed annexations by December 31, 1995. He said the 1995
program consists of 27 tracts of land (48 square miles) and, as of 1993, has a $148 million taxable
base. He then outlined the annexation procedure, including notification, public hearings, and approval
of the annexation ordinance.
The Planning Director used graphs to illustrate cost and tax revenue projections using a
medium growth scenario. He explained in detail the types of initial costs, annual operating costs, and
capital costs that will be incurred upon the annexation. Responding to Council Member McNichols,
Mr. Harvey said the cost and revenue projections were conservative based on the information staff
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 4
had available at this time; during the public hearings, those projections will be updated as more
information becomes available.
Dr. McNichols asked why such a large acreage of land was being considered for annexation
at one time, and Mr. Harvey said staffbelieves those areas are appropriate for annexation at this time.
He added that staff is also proposing a policy that the Council consider annual or biannual
annexations rather than waiting a long time, resulting in large annexations such as this one. Mr.
Harvey said much more specific information will be discussed during the upcoming public hearings.
Council Member Martin questioned the way the four annexation phases were divided. Mr.
Harvey said part of the consideration centered on the complexity of the areas being discussed; for
example, the complexities of the Quail Valley area were similar to the Mustang Island area for various
reasons. Mr. Martin also inquired about the tax information, and Mr. Harvey reiterated that that
information will continue to be updated throughout the annexation process.
Responding to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager for
Development Services, said there are properties which have contractual annexation agreements,
which would require the same public hearing process as the other areas to be annexed. Mr. Martin
also commented about establishing a policy for more annexation programs.
In response to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Harvey said there will be two sets of notification
announcements made through the annexation and zoning process. He said staff could send out
mailings regarding the public hearings, however they do not have clear mailing addresses for
properties outside the city limits. He added that staff does have some limited information on
neighborhood interest groups, which they could utilize.
Mr. Harvey then introduced Mr. Willie Pulido, City Planner III, who described in detail the
27 tracts being considered. Mayor Rhodes also asked about the division of the annexation phases.
Mr. Pulido explained that the Phase I tracts consisted of: properties in which the owners/developers
requested annexation; properties involving contractual annexation; or state-owned properties. Mr.
Utter said that is why those areas were being considered at one time. He said Phase I contained 13%
of the total area being considered for annexation; Phase II contained most of the outside city limits
water contracts; Phase III consisted of tracts in the northwest area, agricultural tracts and tracts in
the Mustang Island and Padre Island areas; Phase IV included the outermost areas of the city.
Mr. Martin reiterated his concern about the way the tracts are grouped. Mr. Utter suggested
that the annexation process for Phase I could begin and staff could make a recommendation for the
June 13, 1995 Council meeting regarding the annexation of the other three phases.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Utter said that both the Planning Commission and the
Council will hold annexation hearings and zoning hearings, as outlined on a proposed schedule. He
said the City Council could hold the first public hearing on Phase I on June 20, 1995.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 5
Mr. Martin made a motion to authorize the scheduling of Phase I of the annexation public
hearing procedures and to direct staff to recommend scheduling of the remaining three phases of
annexation, including areas of land to be considered in each phase. The motion was seconded by
Council Member Best.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
M95-132
Motion authorizing the scheduling of Phase I of annexation public hearing procedures and
directing staff to recommend scheduling of remaining three phases of annexation, including
areas of land to be considered in each phase.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
*s*t***ss*s*•
Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda, and
the following appointments were made:
Civil Service Board and Commission
Nanette Hasette (Reappointed)
Senior Community Services Advisory Committee
Carol Smith
Grace Rhyne
Transportation Advisory Committee
Bert Quintanilla (Reappointed)
Joyce Holst (Reappointed)
Robert Beggs (Reappointed)
Chief Mike Phillips (NAS Security Officer)
Water Shore Advisory Committee
Vic Menard (Reappointed)
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 6
Randy Thompson (Reappointed)
Trian Serbu
Robert Forest
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 3, Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant interim
upgrade.
Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, said the Texas Natural Resource
Conservation Commission (TNRCC) upgraded the treatment requirements at the Greenwood Plant
from 20/20 to 10/15/3 effective January 1, 1996, for a 6 million gallon per day (MGD) discharge.
With TNRCC's concurrence, staff initiated a re -rating study to determine what interim improvements
could be made to the plant to bring it into compliance with the new permit parameters. This will
allow the plant to operate within the parameters while it is being upgraded and expanded to 8 MGD,
as previously approved by the Council.
Mr. Shackelford said negotiations were held with the local firm that was involved in the re -
rating study regarding the cost of the interim modifications; however, no agreement could be reached.
Permission was obtained to negotiate with Urban Engineering, which is currently designing the
expansion to 8 MGD, and an agreement with that firm was attained. Construction on the interim
modifications should be completed by December 15, 1995, before the January 1, 1996, deadline.
Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Carl Crull, Group Manager for Public Works
and Utilities, discussed the reason why TNRCC raised the requirements for effluent quality.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
3. M95-133
Motion approving Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $36,400 to the contract for
engineering services with Urban Engineering to upgrade the Greenwood Wastewater
Treatment Plant to meet the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's (TNRCC)
January, 1996 deadline requirements for effluent quality.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels and Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 7
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, public warning and information system.
Fire Chief J.J. Adame explained that the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
Hazard Analysis Subcommittee created a community alert work group, which developed and
approved an Integrated Alert Notification and Information System. A low-power AM radio station
is one component of an overall alert system which consists of a community alert network, a siren
system and other components. He said the low-power AM station will continually broadcast weather
reports and, in the event of an emergency, the system can be immediately accessed and public safety
information can be transmitted within seconds.
Chief Adame said the cost of the system's installation and first year of maintenance will be
borne by industry; the system will then be the responsibility of the Emergency Management Division
and the Emergency Management Coordinator.
Responding to Council Member Cooper, Chief Adame explained how the 9-1-1 Center of the
Corpus Christi Police Department will access the system.
In answer to questions from Council Member Martin, Chief Adame said that in the event of
a hurricane, the city does have access to city-wide radio stations to broadcast emergency information.
The proposed low-power AM station would be used primarily in the refinery area, the port and in
Robstown, and citizens would be told prior to any emergency where to obtain emergency information
on the AM station. Council Member Best discussed advantages of obtaining the system.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4. M95-134
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Letter of Intent to
cooperate with the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and acceptance of
ownership of the low frequency, emergency public radio station.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 5, appointment of Council members to certain city
corporations.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 8
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. M95-135
Motion appointing the Council Members to the Boards of Directors of the Corpus Christi
Housing Finance Corporation, Corpus Christi Industrial Development Corporation, and
Corpus Christi Health Facilities Development Corporation.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
6. Case No. 595-2 Kathleen G. Davis: A change of zoning from "T -1C" Mobile Home
Subdivision District to "I-2" Light Industrial District on J.C. Russell Farm Blocks, Block 9,
being 28.79 acres out of Lot 3, located south of Bates Drive, between South Navigation
Boulevard and the Airport Drainage Easement.
Mayor Rhodes stated that the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval.
No one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Best made a motion to close the public
hearing, seconded by Council Member McNichols, and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 022243
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Kathleen G. Davis by changing the
Zoning Map in reference to J.C. Russell Farm Blocks, Block 9, being 28.79 acres out of Lot
3, from "T -1C" Mobile Home Subdivision District to "I-2" Light Industrial District; providing
for publication.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting
"Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 9
7. Case No. 495-3, Victoria Bank & Trust: A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -Family
Dwelling District and `B-1" Neighborhood Business District to "B-4" General Business
District on Tract 1 and "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District on Tract 2 on parts of Lots 3 and
4, Section 18, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located between South Padre
Island Drive and McArdle Road and between Daly and Aswan Drives.
Mayor Rhodes said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "R-2"
District on Tract 2 and approval of the "B-4" District on Tract 1, excluding a 150 -foot by 520 -foot
portion out of the northeast comer. She asked if the applicant agreed to the recommendation, and
Group Manager Utter stated that they did.
No one opposed the zoning change. Council Member Best made a motion to close the public
hearing, seconded by Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, and passed unanimously.
Council Member McNichols asked if the neighbors were no Longer opposed to the zoning
change as long as the portion of the subject property fronting on McArdle Road remained "R -1B,"
and Mr. Utter said he understood that to be the case. He added that the 20% rule was not in effect.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 022245
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Victoria Bank & Trust, by changing the
Zoning Map in reference to the south portion of Lots 3 and 4, Section 18, Flour Bluff and
Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling and `B-1" Neighborhood
Business Districts to "B-4" General Business District; providing for publication.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting
"Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes recessed the regular Council meeting for the meetings of the Corpus Christi
Community Improvement Corporation, Corpus Christi Health Facilities Development Corporation,
Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation, and the Corpus Christi Industrial Development
Corporation.
The Mayor then reconvened the regular Council meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 10
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, 12 and 13 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed:
9. M95-137
Motion approving the purchase of CD-ROM computer equipment in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0213-95 from the following firms, based on low bid. The equipment is for
the South Texas Library System and funds are available through a grant approved by the
Texas State Library. No City funds are involved.
Tiger Direct
Morrisville, NC
Bid Item 8
$273.80
Cottage Computers
Yoakum, TX
Bid Items 1-7, 9, 10
12-15, 19, 20
$32,621.00
Comark Sales
Bloomingdale, IL
Bid Items 11, 16-18
$1,056.00
GRAND TOTAL OF AWARDS: $33,950.80
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
10. M95-138
Motion approving supply agreements for blueprinting service in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0205-95 with the following companies based on low bid for multiple
progressive awards for an estimated annual expenditure of $37,027. The blueprinting service
will be used by the Planning, Engineering, Aviation, Water and Wastewater Departments.
The terms of the agreement will 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 have been budgeted by the using departments in FY 94-95.
Ridgway's
Corpus Christi, TX
Primary Supplier
TOTAL: $37,027
Pronto Reprographics
Corpus Christi, TX
Secondary Supplier
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 11
11. M95-139
Motion approving a supply agreement for 57,000 feet of/Z", 1" and 2" polyethylene pipe and
approximately 1,100 fittings in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0174-95 with Uponor
Aldyl Company, Shawnee, Oklahoma, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure
of $30,161.20. The term of the agreement will 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 have been budgeted by the Gas Department in FY 94-95.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
14. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease with Oso Pony
Baseball League for 15.411 acres in South Guth Park for youth baseball programs for the
consideration of $1.00 and maintenance of the facility and premises.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black,
Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
15. ORDINANCE NO. 022244
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Use Privilege Agreement with
TeleCorpus, Inc. (KORO -TV, Channel 28) for the right to construct, operate, and maintain
a 4'6" wide by 27 -foot long access ramp for the disabled along the front of KORO -TV,
Channel 28 Administration Office Building located at 102 Mesquite Street, approximately
4'6" onto an existing 10 -foot wide concrete sidewalk within City right-of-way; and
establishing a fee of $100.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best,
Black, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 8, airport professional services contracts.
Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Shackelford explained that the Council has
a policy in the case of consulting contracts that, where possible, 75% local firms be used with 25%
non -local firms. Since airport planning is such a specialized process, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) requires that the city seek a broad base of airport planners to consider for the
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Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 12
update on the airport master plan. As a result, staff is asking that the 75% requirement be waived.
City Manager Garza pointed out that if 75% participation cannot be achieved, then the next step is
to achieve as much local participation as possible through the national firm's association with a local
professional services engineering firm.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
8. M95-136
Motion approving the solicitation of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified airport
planners and waiver of the City Council's policy that professional services contracts have 75%
local/25% out-of-town participation.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 12, agreement with Gulf Coast Council of La Raza.
Council Member McNichols commented that this proposal speaks well of the staff's
administration of the Emergency Shelter Grants program, which resulted in $7,122 being available
for use by the Gulf Coast Council of La Raza.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12. M95-140
Motion amending M94-203 to amend the FY94 agreement with Gulf Coast Council of La
Raza to provide an additional $7,122 for food and operations of the Runaway Shelter and
Assessment Center.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 13, improvements on McKinzie Road.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 13
Responding to Council Member Martin, City Manager Garza said these funds were being
taken from a project (rehabilitating part of the city's Up River Road transmission main system) that
the city would have implemented in that area in any event. He said this action would essentially be
spending the money for that project ahead of schedule and would not compromise the Up River Road
water main project.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
13. M95-141
Motion authorizing an increase of $138,114.03 to the City's escrow account on deposit with
the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for a total of $2,054,893.59 to cover
costs associated with relocating, adjusting and/or construction of water and wastewater
facilities as required for the construction of roadway improvements on McKinzie Road, from
McKinzie Lane to Haven Drive.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, and Martin voting "Aye"; Cooper, Heldenfels, and McNichols absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza noted that there would not
be a Council meeting on June 6, 1995, and the first presentation on the budget would be given on
June 13, 1995. Mr. Garza then asked Group Manager Crull to give a brief review of the situation
regarding the Bay Trail project.
Mr. Crull reminded the Council that the Bay Trail project was approved by the Texas
Department of Transportation (TXDOT) in March 1994. The total $1.8 million project includes hike
and bike trails from the downtown area to Texas A&M -Corpus Christi and down Spur 3 to South
Padre Island and Rodd Field Road, then back to Holly Road. One of the important components of
the Ocean Drive portion of the project was the creation of a separate bike trail. He showed
illustrations of three options regarding that bike trail, one of which proposed the elimination of
parking on Ocean Drive during the main hours bikers use Ocean Drive, and allowing vehicle parking
during off-peak hours.
That and other options were discussed at length at the Transportation Advisory Committee
meeting on May 22, 1995. Another proposal was to narrow the traffic lanes to 10 feet each and to
create a 4 -foot bike lane while maintaining a 7.5 -foot parking lane. Mr. Crull said the narrower travel
lane would reduce vehicle speeds. He said a reconvened public hearing would be held on June 12 at
7 p.m. to further discuss the issue.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 14
Council Member Martin expressed concern about the narrowing of the traffic lanes in that
section, and asked Council to conduct studies on the number of accidents on narrower lanes. Mr.
Crull said that staff concluded there was a minimal amount of parking on the approximately five -mile
stretch of Ocean Drive from Louisiana Parkway to Alameda Street. He added that the project
included rest areas and informational kiosks at different points.
Council Member McNichols expressed concern about the options being proposed. Council
Member Black commented that she was not aware of any bike trails in other cities which were located
right next to a busy thoroughfare such as Ocean Drive. A brief discussion ensued.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Martin asked when the Garwood water rights issue would be discussed, and
Mr. Garza replied that it is scheduled for the June 13, 1995 meeting.
Group Manager Utter gave a brief summary of some of the bills considered by the 74th Texas
Legislature: S.B. 60 regarding hand guns, would allow cities to prohibit the carrying of hand guns
into City Hall; Bureau of Reclamation bill which calls on the state to assist cities and counties in
purchasing interest that the bureau has in dams; S.B. 1676, regarding releasing the Port of Corpus
Christi Authority from liability in any buy-out proposal, was not approved; S.B. 1688, regarding the
sea wall, was approved; the bill pertaining to sports facilities districts did not pass; H.B. 788 which
maintained the half -cent sales tax was approved; the bill pertaining to the Enterprise Zone was
approved; and H.B. 3226, the Coastal Management Program, was approved. In addition, Governor
George W. Bush will be in Corpus Christi on June 8, 1995, to sign two bills into law --tort reform and
Coastal Management.
Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Utter said that since the bill
pertaining to the buy-out proposal died in the legislature, city staff will continue to seek a solution
with the Port's representatives and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. He said
staff would provide a report at the next Council meeting.
Council Member Cooper stated that she had attended the Neighborhood USA conference in
Birmingham, Alabama, last week and she commented about some of the different ideas that were
discussed there. She also asked if staff had ever looked into the response time of city taxicabs at
major hotels, noting that it was important for Corpus Christi to be "user-friendly" for tourists.
Council Member John Longoria pointed out that the personnel contract with police employees
expires July 31, 1995. Mr. Garza said that their contract becomes effective on August 1, regardless
of when it is approved. Mr. Longoria also reported that some young people were taking donations
from citizens on the corner of Everhart and South Padre Island Drive, and he expressed concern
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 30, 1995
Page 15
about their safety. He also asked to work with staff on a hotline to make City Hall more responsive.
In response to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Garza said that he had not been
aware of the young people soliciting donations on that street corner, adding that they were not
allowed to do that.
Council Member Martin referred to a police contract that was recently negotiated in San
Antonio. He also asked about the scheduling of a closed session regarding Municipal Court
appointments. Mr. Garza said that closed session would be held during the June 13 Council meeting.
Council Member Black asked about the procedure for reporting city signs that are blown
down. Mr. Garza asked that the Council call staff to inform them of the signs' location.
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Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience, and there were none.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the
Council meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. on May 30, 1995.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *