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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/13/1995I 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 June 13, 1995, which were approved by the City Council on June 20, 1995. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 20th day of June, 1995. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL gons MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Betty Jean Longoria Council Members: Dr. Jack Best Betty Black Melody Cooper* Tony Heldenfels John Longoria Edward Martin Dr. David McNichols City Manager Juan Garza Assistant City Attorney Alison Gallaway City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by the Rev. Jack D. Boswell, Annaville Seventh Day Adventist. Mayor Rhodes then invited Ms. Carolyn Buquet to sing the "Our Father," following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Betty Jean Longoria. 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 30, 1995, and the special Council meeting of June 8, 1995; there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. The Mayor then introduced Ms. Barbara Goetzel, a new employee in the Mayor's Office, who had previously worked at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, a presentation on establishing a drainage utility. Mr. Carl Crull, Group Manager of Public Works and Utilities, noted that in December 1993 the City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to establish a local drainage utility. The resolution also allowed for the foundation of a financial package needed for new water supplies and critically needed wastewater and water capital improvements. Mr. Crull used a graph to illustrate how the foundations of the financial plan were built, pointing out that the differences between the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 2 1993 projections and the current budget projections include higher revenues than expected and a lower debt service than anticipated. Mr. Crull said the process of establishing a drainage utility is a city-wide effort beginning with the first Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit, and continuing with several other steps, such as making changes to the current utility billing system, data base, accounting and budgeting, and customer service; informing and educating the public; holding public hearings; adopting the ordinances and setting the rates; and finally initiating the billing. He noted that most of the work on this project has been accomplished by city staff with minimal assistance from outside consultants. He said Corpus Christi's storm water permit was issued by the EPA in April 1995 and it requires the city to accomplish several things, including to create programs that promote proper disposal of materials and use of pesticides, etc; control erosion from construction sites; test and monitor storm water for contaminants; reduce the amount of debris going into the bays; monitor industrial facilities within the city limits; and provide adequate financing to meet the permit requirements, which is the key element. Mr. Chill then explained how the monthly drainage user charges were determined, using the assumption that more water drains off improved land than unimproved land. He described the guidelines for drainage fees as established by state law, and exemptions allowed under the law. The Group Manager also showed a detailed chart of revenue requirements and the drainage rate, which listed current operations and maintenance; additional costs when the utility is established; existing drainage general obligation debt service; repaying the Water Fund for the drainage capital improvements; minimum EPA requirements; new drainage capital improvements; and service level enhancements. He said if the Council were to adopt that proposal, it would cost about 25.1 cents per 100 square feet per month. Currently the city's drainage operations are an activity within the Water Department, said Mr. Crull, therefore the costs are allocated to water customers on the basis of their water consumption. The proposal would establish a separate drainage utility with charges based on demand placed on the system (as determined by the amount of improved square footage). He described how some other Texas cities charge for their drainage utilities. A brief discussion ensued. Mr. Crull explained that all the water accounts were assigned tax identification numbers which are maintained by the Nueces County Tax Appraisal District; then parcel and improvement square footages were determined for all of the water accounts (where there are multiple utilities on a parcel, the square footages were allocated to each utility). Future steps in establishing the drainage utility include sending out utility bill inserts; on July 18, 1995 the Council would consider the ordinance declaring that drainage be a separate utility; on July 23 give first public notice of the utility and proposed charges; on August 5 and August 26 give second and third public notices, respectively; on September 12 have the first reading of the proposed ordinance and a public hearing, with second reading on September 19; and in January 1996 initiate the billing. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 3 Council Member McNichols commented that despite objections that the EPA requirements regarding drainage constituted an unfunded federal mandate, the city is still forced to comply. Responding to Council Member Best, City Manager Garza said the city would not have proposed the new drainage utility were it not for the EPA mandate. Mr. Crull added that the establishment of the drainage utility would relieve about $3 million a year of the Water Fund's burden that is currently being spent on drainage operations. He estimated that if all of the revenue requirements as previously discussed were met, the cost for the new utility, based on an average house size of 1,800 square feet (including living space and garage), would be $4.54 per month, and the cost for water would remain the same. Mr. Crull said if the drainage utility were not created, the Water Fund would continue to be burdened by the drainage costs. He said it would be the Council's decision to establish an annual 6% increase in the drainage utility as is the policy for the other city utilities (gas, water and wastewater). He said if the utility is established as proposed, it would generate approximately $9 million in revenue, while about $9 million in services would be provided. Dr. Best then asked about the consequences if the city's contract with the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) was declared invalid. Mr. Garza replied that the city would be further behind in its efforts to acquire long-term water resources, particularly since all the other sources of water would be more expensive. Council Member Heldenfels referred to concerns that were raised during the 1984 drought, and he also asked about funding the construction of the water pipeline. Mr. Garza replied that during the 1984 drought, the Council and the public were told of a multi -faceted planning effort to ensure that the area would not run out of water during the drought, which in fact did not occur. Mr. Garza added that the reason monies for the pipeline are not available in the financing plan is because the 6% limitation on the Utilities Funds is not sufficient to pay for it. Mr. Garza continued saying that the first step was to secure the future water supplies before actually financing the pipeline. Mr. Heldenfels said he felt that approach was short-sighted. Mr. Garza replied that staff is taking several steps to free up funding to eventually fund the pipeline, including restructuring the Choke Canyon debt, and possibly having the state oversize the pipeline and therefore share in its cost. Mr. Garza also mentioned the possibility of using the highway right- of-way for the pipeline. Upon verification by Mr. Crull, Council Member John Longoria pointed out that the only action the Council was taking that day was to approve the tentative schedule for establishing the drainage utility. Responding to a question from Mr. Longoria, Mr. Crull said maintenance of ditches and other services was currently being paid for out of the Water Fund, which would then be shifted to the new utility. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 4 Council Member Martin said he was in favor of the tentative schedule, but he questioned the proposed billing system for the drainage utility. Mr. Crull stated that the tentative charges and methodology were scheduled for Council discussion and action on July 18, 1995. Responding to a question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Crull said other Texas cities have used a tiered approach to drainage fees. A discussion ensued regarding the charges and the city's total cost for the utility, which Mr. Martin said he felt could be reduced. Mr. Martin said the consequence of not adopting the full proposed drainage utility plan was that the city would not be able to move ahead with the water and wastewater capital improvement program into the second, third and fourth years. He added that even if the city did not purchase water from LNRA, the city would still need to establish a drainage utility. Dr. McNichols reiterated that the method of determining the new utility's fees still needs to be debated, but the drainage utility does need to be established. He added that those fees would not be used to build a pipeline from Lake Texana; there are other separate issues that would be funded. Council Member Black commented about the need to have in hand the written form of the information being presented during the meeting. And she said it was important that the citizens fully understand the purpose and structure of the drainage utility. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said the drainage utility as proposed by the staff was outrageous, saying that it provided for revenues of about $9 million when only about $3 million was currently being spent for the drainage system. He said there should be a compensating reduction in the water rates if the new utility is established. He also asked if the utility would apply to industries. Referring to a comment made by Mr. O'Brien, Dr. McNichols said that if the city did not acquire water from LNRA, the next available water supply would be about four times more expensive. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, commented about the problem of contaminants and debris entering the storm water drains and being carried to the bays. Mr. Phil Rosenstein said a uniform system of fees should be created for residences, while commercial drainage users should be charged more. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, stated that the city's drainage system is substandard. Mr. Garza said that staff should be able to bring back next week different options on the rate structure. Mr. Martin suggested that the schedule be approved as presented, and Mr. Garza agreed, noting that the actual rate would not be known until the budget is debated. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 5 City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 1.b. M95-142 Motion to approve the schedule to establish a drainage utility. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the following appointments were made: Board of Adjustment Diana Z. Garza Ron Guzman (Alternate) Building Code Board of Appeals Jerry Kramer (Reappointed) Joe Fulton Building Standards Board Bill Ewing (Reappointed) Theresa Tamez Electrical Advisory Board J.L. Canales Food Services Advisory Committee Joe Gaitan (Reappointed) Pamela Fagen (Reappointed) Mayor Rhodes stated that the appointment to the Human Relations Commission would be postponed for one week. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 6 Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, Garwood water rights purchase option. Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Director, stated that the city has taken certain actions in the past to secure future water supplies by entering into the contract for water from Lake Texana, and into the Garwood Irrigation Company option contract for the purchase of water rights from the Colorado River in September 1992. That 18 -month option contract gave the city the right to purchase up to 35,000 acre-feet of water rights at the cost of $400 per acre-foot. The monthly payment to secure that option was $10,000. Prior to March 1, 1994 (when the option would have expired), the Council agreed that the city had the intent to exercise that option, but several factors indicated that the option should be extended until December 31, 1996. Mr. Dodson said that in consideration for that extension of time, the city agreed that Garwood would receive additional compensation at the time of purchase. The terms called for the purchase price of the water rights to increase $10 per acre foot every six months, as well as a monthly option payment of $25,000. He said that primarily due to the uncertainty surrounding the Lake Texana contract, staff again recommended that the Council postpone making a decision to exercise the Garwood option. Mr. Dodson noted that the Lake Texans contract is critical to the development of the Garwood water. He said staff would bring back a recommendation, probably prior to December 1995, once the Lake Texana litigation is resolved. Council Member Heldenfels questioned the proposal to postpone the Garwood option, adding that he was not convinced that the water was even needed. Responding to Council Member Best, Mr. Dodson said there were two conditions by which the city could exercise the Garwood option: the city could make an outright purchase and it would be up to the city to obtain the permits necessary to transfer the water to Corpus Christi; or the city could conditionally exercise the option, where the city would direct Garwood to submit the permit applications, and the final purchase would be contingent upon them receiving the permits to transfer the water to Corpus Christi. In reply to other questions from Dr. Best, Mr. Dodson said it would be possible to build a pipeline to the Colorado River but it would be extremely expensive; Mayor Rhodes pointed out that there would not be enough available water to exercise that option without combining it with the water from Lake Texana. Mr. Dodson briefly discussed the logistics of building the pipeline. City Manager Garza added that he believes a decision from the appeals court on the Lake Texana contract was imminent. Council Member Martin said he agreed with staff's recommendation on postponing exercising the Garwood option, noting that the city has actually saved money by not exercising the option sooner. Mr. Martin reiterated that this proposal constitutes an absolute, one-time purchase of pure water rights, which is an asset to the city. Mr. Garza concurred, noting that money has a time value. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 7 Replying to Mr. Heldenfels, Mr. Garza said both the city and Lavaca-Navidad River Authority have asked the appeals court to render a decision on Lake Texana contract, but it has not done so. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien commented about postponing the Garwood option and about holding an election on the Lake Texana contract. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2. M95-143 Motion approving the recommendation that the option to exercise the right to purchase up to 35,000 acre-feet of water rights from Garwood Irrigation Company, which expires December 31, 1996, not be exercised at this time, and that further consideration be given to exercising the option in December 1995. The price will increase from $420 to $430 per acre foot on July 1, 1995. Monthly option contract payments will continue at $25,000 and will apply to the purchase price at the time a successful purchase is completed. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the closing a portion of Del Starr Drive. Group Manager Crull explained that the Schanen Estates subdivision was developed in the 1950s. At that time, a railroad paralleling Holly Road was controlled by the U.S. Navy and Tex-Mex Railroad, which limited the number of crossings; that caused Del Starr Drive to wrap around to Weber Road. Subsequently, the decision was made to expand and improve Holly Road and to propose that a portion of Del Starr Drive be closed to eliminate the dangerous intersection at Weber. Mr. Crull also briefly discussed the proposed easement closure and the execution of quit claim deeds associated with that property. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Council Member Martin made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member McNichols, and passed unanimously. Mr. Crull pointed that there were two amendments to the proposed ordinances. Council Member Martin made a motion to accept those amendments as recommended by staff, seconded by Council Member John Longoria, and passed unanimously. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 8 Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Crull stated that the owner of Lot 1, Block 10, is also going to own Tracts 2, 3, and 5, and they have agreed to maintain the area between Del Starr Drive and Holly Road; Tracts 1 and 4 would go to the owners of Lot C. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022248 Closing and abandoning a 33,293 -square foot portion of Del Starr Drive right-of-way, located between Weber Road and a proposed cul-de-sac to be constructed approximately 548 feet east of Weber Road, and an 833 -square foot portion of a 10 -foot wide utility easement in Lot 1, Block 10, Schanen Estates - Unit 1; subject to compliance with the specified conditions; and the replatting of the property within 180 days. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 3.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022249 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute quit claim deeds for "Tract 1" (1,022 square feet) to Omni -Weber, LTD., a Limited Partnership, for a nominal fee of $100; "Tract 2" (10,768 square feet) to PAW Properties, LTD., a Limited Partnership, for a nominal fee of $100; and "Tract 3" (1,798 square feet) to PAW Properties, LTD., a Limited Partnership, for a nominal value of $100, out of a tract of land lying between the Holly Road right-of-way and Lots C and Lot 1, Block 10, Schanen Estates, Unit 1. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 4 through 14, and Council Members requested that Items 11, 12, 13.a., and 13.b. be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 4. M95-144 Motion approving the purchase of one hydraulic impact hammer in accordance with Bid Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 9 Invitation No. BI -0186-95, from Prime Equipment Company, Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid of $15,589. The equipment is budgeted by the Wastewater Department in the FY 1994-95 Capital Outlay budget. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 5. M95-145 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 300 gate valves, ranging in size from 3" - 12" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0203-95 with Mueller Co., San Antonio, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $73,127.45. 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. These valves will be used by the Water Department. Funds are budgeted in FY94-95 by the Water Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 6. M95-146 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $131,663 to Fairbairn Electric Company for electrical modifications to the Everhart/Staples Street Wastewater Lift Station. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 7. M95-147 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $129,200 to Team Controls, Inc. for installing water distribution system monitors. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 8. M95-148 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $45,868 to Lanco Engineering and Construction, Inc. for the construction of drainage improvements in Wood River Subdivision. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 10 Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 9. M95-149 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) to provide transportation services for the City summer recreational programs. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 10. M95-150 Motion authorizing the City Manager to approve an interlocal agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority whereby the Port agrees to fund, for $20,500 plus expenses, and the City agrees to administer, a consultant contract to prepare and file an application to the Texas Department of Commerce for expansion of the Corpus Christi Enterprise Zone and represent the City with respect thereto, and authorizing the City Manager employ as consultant Tax Incentive Strategies as provided for in the interlocal agreement with the Port. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 14. ORDINANCE NO. 022251 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a three-year lease with the Corpus Christi Softball Association for Kiwanis, Jaycee, and Price Softball Fields in consideration of Association paying all costs associated with maintaining and operating these softball fields; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. ss+s*a:**s+r* Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 11, Columbus Fleet Shipyard and Seaport -Phase II Shipyard Contract No. 2. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, said the proposal is for additional paving of Columbus Plaza, which was formerly included in Phase III of the museum expansion. He said the plaza would provide the necessary space for the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 11 Columbus Fleet Association to hold fundraising activities. A brief discussion ensued. In response to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Garza stated that the funding was provided through the $2.9 million in certificates of obligation approved by the Council in December 1994. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. M95-151 Motion approving Change Order No. 4 to King -Isles, Inc./Duncan-Russo, Inc., A Joint Venture in the amount of $39,600 for additional paving of Columbus Plaza for the Columbus Fleet Shipyard and Seaport Project, Phase 11, Shipyard Contract No. 2. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 12, development of Interstate 69. Council Member McNichols said that while I-69 to the Rio Grande Valley is an important regional project, he wanted it to be clear that Corpus Christi had its own projects that needed funding. Group Manager Crull explained that Interstate 69 was a long-term project and would not compete with local, shorter -term projects. Dr. McNichols and Mr. Heldenfels continued to express concern about how transportation projects were being prioritized. A brief discussion ensued. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12. RESOLUTION NO. 022250 Resolution of the City Council supporting the development of Interstate 69 to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 12 Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 13.a. & 13.b., regarding cable television rates. Mr. Leon Perez questioned the need to increase the cable television basic rate. Mr. Gary Machell, 1706 Morgan, said he was strongly opposed to the proposed rate increase, and he encouraged city officials to purchase and operate their own cable system for the community. He distributed information regarding a similar venture by the citizens of Glasgow, Kentucky. Mayor Rhodes explained that the proposal involved an increase in TCI's basic rate, and the only authority the city has is to determine if TCI's application meets the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations, which the city's consultant determined was the case. Mr. J.E. O'Brien asked about a recent ruling by the Supreme Court regarding a reduction in cable rates. Deputy City Manager Bill Hennings replied that the Council was informed that the FCC determined the rates charged for expanded basic cable were too high, and they have ordered TCI to take action accordingly. Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Hennings said the hourly service charge was being lowered, so that the charges for addressable set-top converters will be reduced. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Approving a rate of $8.90 for the basic cable service tier to be charged to customers by TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc.; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 13.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Regarding regulation of rates charged for cable television equipment and installation; and approving certain rates to be charged to customers by TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc.; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. «ass********* Mayor Rhodes called for a 10 -minute recess. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 13 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes announced the closed session regarding the following two items: pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, regarding the water delivery and conveyance contract between Lavaca-Navidad River Authority and the City of Corpus Christi, Texas dated December 14, 1993; and pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074, to deliberate the appointment, employment, and evaluation of Municipal Court Judges with possible appointments and establishment of compensation in open session. The Council went into closed session. The Council returned from closed session. Mayor Rhodes made the following motion, seconded by Council Member Martin. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 16. M95-152 Motion that a committee composed of Council Members Edward Martin, Betty Jean Longoria, and John Longoria be entrusted with Municipal Court Judge appointment procedures and notification to current incumbents and others who may interested in serving in that capacity that the City Council will be considering those appointments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report, noting that the planned budget discussion was being postponed. Mr. Garza stated that the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission notified him that June 14, 1995 would be another ozone action day, and the Regional Transportation Authority would be providing rides for 25 cents. Also, he said on June 14 an issues forum on the JFK Causeway would be held at Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi, and the same presentation would be made to the Council on July 11, 1995. He stated that the city's Wastewater Division was recognized for excellence, and the Laguna Madre Wastewater Treatment Plant would be entered in a national competition. In addition, the budget presentation will occur at the beginning of next week's Council meeting. In her report, Mayor Rhodes reminded the Council members that their group photo was rescheduled for June 20, 1995 at 1:30 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 13, 1995 Page 14 Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. *Council Member Cooper arrived at the meeting at 5:55 p.m. Council Member Best discussed ways to assist the Downtown Management District in its efforts to beautify the downtown area. Mr. Garza said he would provide a report. Mrs. Cooper apologized for arriving to the Council meeting late, saying she was in a jury trial out of town. She reported that the Neighborhood Association Task Force has been meeting and they are preparing a brochure on how to form a neighborhood association, as well as discussing the possibility of establishing a neighborhood center. She thanked Ms. Mary Beth Nelson and Ms. Susan Cable for their assistance. Mrs. Cooper also announced a neighborhood association meeting on June 19, 1995 at 6 p.m. at the Alternative Education Center on Airline Road. Council Member John Longoria asked staff to consider creating a "sound garden" at the bayfront, which is a collection of art pieces designed to catch the wind and generate sound. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said the "Taste of the Northwest" would be held from 6-8 p.m. on June 15, 1995, and a meeting would be held in Calallen the following week on June 22 to discuss street paving and drainage issues. She asked if the evening budget workshop was still planned for June 27, and Mr. Garza said that it was. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. R.F. Hasker distributed copies of information regarding rate cases with Central Power & Light. He commented about recent Public Utility Commission hearings regarding CPL and the South Texas Nuclear Project, and another hearing scheduled for July 19, 1995. He discussed in detail fees being charged by CPL. Ms. Zelma Champion, 1117 Dona Dr., said she wished to clarify a statement she had made during the May 16, 1995 Council meeting. The point she wanted to make was that she, along with other affected citizens, had worked on the buy-out plan for approximately six years, and there were three entities involved—the people, the refineries, and the Port Authority/City of Corpus Christi. She said during that time, the people being adversely affected daily have never been approached for their input by the refineries or the Port. Ms. Champion asked that an open meeting be held in the affected neighborhoods so that the citizens' input can be taken into consideration. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. on June 13, 1995.