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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/27/1995I 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 27, 1995, which were approved by the City Council on July 11, 1995. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 11th day of July, 1995. SEAL ando Chapa City Secretary v. MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 27, 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 City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. She then introduced Ms. Lizette Solis, South Texas Regional Spelling Bee Champion 1995, who recently competed in the national spelling bee for the third year in a row. The Mayor also recognized Ms. Solis' parents and her sister, who were in the audience. Mayor Rhodes recognized the employees retiring from the City in the month of June 1995 as follows: Mr. Robert M. Garcia, Water Department, 37 years of service; and Mr. Jesse R. Salinas, Police Officer, 30 years of service. The invocation was delivered by Capt. Ernest Branscum, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Betty Jean Longoria. Assistant City Secretary Saundra Koenning 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 June 20, 1995, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, a presentation on the hurricane shelters. Police Chief Henry Garrett announced that the city's emergency plan is in place, adding that the Salvation Army has offered its expertise and resources to manage the hurricane shelters. Mr. Bob Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 2 Welsh, Chairman of the Board of the Salvation Army, introduced Capt. Branscum, the new Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army. He described the extensive experience he has in disaster management and the Salvation Army's plans to assist if a disaster were to occur. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Chief Garrett explained that information will continue to be disseminated regarding the city's emergency plan. He said a task force is in the process of identifying people who will need shelters, although he wanted it made clear that the city still recommends early evacuation, especially for easily flooded areas including Padre Island, some areas of Flour Bluff and Corpus Christi Beach, and around the Nueces River. Council Member Martin said the Salvation Army's assistance is greatly appreciated, and he encouraged officials to inform citizens of the city's emergency plan through many different educational avenues. *Council Member Heldenfels arrived at the meeting at 2:20 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 3, issuance of utility system revenue bonds. Ms. Rosie Vela, Director of Finance, said the bonds will be private placement bonds sold to the Texas Water Development Board. She noted that state law requires that a notice of intention be published when revenue bonds are to be sold, and the dates of publication are to be July 2, 1995 and July 9, 1995; July 25, 1995 is the date scheduled for the sale. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, asked if staffhad answered a question regarding an increase in the Utility System Debt Service since FY 93-94. City Manager Garza replied that the Council had received that information from the City Manager's Office on June 23, 1995. Council Member Martin asked Mr. Garza to forward that memo to Mr. O'Brien. Responding to questions from Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza stated that the reserve requirement is funded over a period of 60 months, at which time the reserve requirement is fully funded. He added that there were three choices on funding the reserves: take them out of the existing fund balance in the Combined Utility Fund; to fund the reserve by borrowing money; or to fund the reserve over 60 months, which he felt was the less expensive option. A brief discussion ensued. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. RESOLUTION NO. 022258 Resolution by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, directing publication of Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 3 Notice of Intention to issue Utility System Revenue Bonds, Series 1995-A; and resolving other matters relating to the subject. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, Whitewing Drive curb and gutter improvements. Deputy City Manager Bill Hennings showed slides illustrating examples of curb "rolling," which has created difficulty in entering and leaving driveways in that area. He noted that the proposed drainage utility included a capital improvement program that would begin to solve this problem, which is particularly prevalent in older subdivisions. About two years ago, the Council changed the construction standards which should prevent such curb and gutter problems in new subdivisions. He said the recommendation for this project was to fund it from the Water Department operating budget. Responding to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Hennings said these curb and gutter problems arose more from the design standards which existed at that time --there was no requirement to construct a base under the curb and gutter section. City Attorney Bray added that if the contractor's work is substandard, then the statute of limitations generally does not run against the city on a contract; however, the warranties in the contract are usually much shorter, about one year. Council Member McNichols pointed out that curb and gutter problems exist throughout the city, and he asked how projects are ranked in terms of importance. Mr. Hennings replied that this case on Whitewing Drive involved the inability of a disabled person to have access to transportation. Dr. McNichols commented that inadequate drainage seems to be linked to inferior curbs and gutters, and Mr. Hennings pointed out that that is why staff will be proposing to fund a program to repair these problems from the drainage utility. In response to Council Member Best, Mr. Hennings said the only repairs will be made to the curbs and gutters only, not to Whitewing Drive itself. He added that the curbs have to be removed in order to construct an adequate base, or the problem of rolling will reoccur. Dr. Best asked if there was a way that property owners could share the cost of repairing such problems, and Mr. Hennings said that was an option. Council Member Heldenfels commented on the problems associated with the rolling curbs. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 4 4. M95-157 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $21,847.50 to Duncan -Russo, Inc. for improvements on Whitewing Drive between Fox Run and Pheasant Circle. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 5, new golf course design services. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of the Park and Recreation Department, said the day's action involved asking for the authority to solicit requests for proposals (RFPs) from golf course architectural firms, none of which are located in Corpus Christi. He said that much of the work on the golf course would be conducted by the contracted firm, although there would be some work, such as some engineering and contracting, that could involve local professional companies. He noted that a proposed contract would be brought to the Council once the outlet mall is under construction some time in the fall. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Matthews said all architectural/engineering services for the new golf course ($230,000) are included in the Golf Fund FY 95-96 budget. Mr. Martin then asked if that fund balance would be reimbursed out of the project costs, and Mr. Matthews said staff had not planned on doing that. Mr. Martin pointed out that that decision affects the proposed budget which the Council is currently discussing, and it is different from the original proposal regarding the golf course project that was previously approved by the Council. In reply to Mr. Martin's concerns, City Manager Garza stated that the decision to pay for the architectural services from the Golf Fund arose primarily from a desire to not add any more debt to the city. He acknowledged that the original plan called for borrowing monies to pay for all of the cost of the new golf course, including the design. Mr. Martin stated that a recommendation should have been made to amend the plan. Mr. Garza stated that the original plan was still in effect, and a reimbursement resolution would be needed before the city enters into a design contract for the new golf course. Mr. Martin asked for a more detailed memo regarding the status of the outlet mall. Council Member Cooper echoed Mr. Martin's concerns about the funding of the design services. Mr. Garza pointed out that staff did not want to spend any money on the construction of the golf course until there were strong assurances that the outlet mall was in place. Council Member Heldenfels also questioned the proposal regarding funding the design services from the Golf Fund. Mr. Garza reiterated that the plan is still in effect, and staff was merely recommending that the city not incur any debt to fund the architectural design. He said that no action would be taken on the recommendation unless the Council approved the proposal. Mr. Garza Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 5 commented on ways that funds have been reinvested in the golf courses. Council Member McNichols said the role of the Council was to set policy and not micro - manage the city. He added that he understood why staff would make the proposal to utilize the Golf Fund rather than add new debt for the design of the new golf course. Mr. Martin pointed out that the Golf Fund is unlike the city's other funds in that it is totally supported by user fees and does not take money from the General Fund. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, questioned the cost of irrigating the new golf course. Mr. Matthews replied that the Golf Fund is one of the few funds that pays for all of its utilities. As a result, more effluent has been used for irrigation so as to reduce the cost of water. In addition, the new golf course will utilize a raw water line from the Nueces River rather than use treated water. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. M95-158 Motion authorizing the solicitation of proposals for design and construction phase management from golf course architects for the proposed new golf course in northwest Corpus Christi. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 6, proposed salt water disposal well. In reply to the Mayor's questions, Deputy City Manager Hennings said the proposal was only for this one project, and the Mustang Island Park Ranger has advised city staff that he has no objection to the well. The action would require waiving the requirement which prohibits the drilling of wells in public parks. Council Member McNichols questioned the location of the proposed well. Mr. Hennings stated that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will soon be prohibiting the practice of disposing of produced salt water into the Gulf of Mexico. He noted that there are existing oil and gas production facilities in Mustang Island State Park (the City Council had granted three previous waivers for drilling there). He said the deepwater injection solution to brine disposal is well accepted by the environmental regulatory agencies. Dr. McNichols said he was concerned about the disposal well and would not support the proposal. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 6 Responding to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Hennings said the company would drill a new well for the salt water injection. Mr. James Conn, Petroleum Superintendent, stated that the Texas General Land Office requires the disposal depth to be between 3,000 and 3,500 feet, and this well would be 3,500 feet deep. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. She added that she would support the proposal because city staff the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee, and the Park Ranger all recommended it. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6. M95-159 Motion approving the recommendation of the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee to waive the requirement prohibiting drill sites in public parks for a proposed Petrotex Engineering Company salt water disposal well to be located within the Mustang Island State Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Martin voting "Aye"; Heldenfels and McNichols voting "No." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, concession contract for Lozano Golf Center. Mr. Matthews said Pan American Golf Corporation (doing business as "Helen's Snack Bar") has successfully operated a concession stand at the Gabe Lozano Senior Golf Center since 1990. He added that the company uses their proceeds to sponsor scholarships in the community and they agreed to the terms and conditions of the previous lease, which was very competitive. Council Member Martin commended staff and the concessionaire on the good work they have accomplished. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease with Pan American Golf Corporation, d.b.a. as "Helen's Snack Bar," for concession operations in 1,900 square feet at the Gabe Lozano Sr. Golf Center Clubhouse, at a payment of twelve percent (12%) of gross sales per month. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 7 The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for a five-minute recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 8, public hearing on the proposed Southeast Area Development Plan. Mr. Bob Payne, Senior Planner with the Planning and Development Department, said the Southeast Area Development Plan was the 12th in a series of plans brought to the Council since the City Charter required the Comprehensive Plan in 1987. Mr. Payne used slides to illustrate the plan being considered. He pointed out that it comprises about 19 square miles and about 81,000 people live there, or approximately one-third of the city's population. Also, very little (about 10 percent) of the land is vacant, primarily along Ennis Joslin Road and South Padre Island Drive. Mr. Payne said this plan has been reviewed by the Water Shore Advisory Committee, the Parks Board, the Transportation Advisory Committee, and the Planning Commission, which held eight public hearings on the plan. He said there is an environmental section in the plan, and it is proposed that staff come back with an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for a proposed Cayo del Oso overlay district. He said there are some public objectives staff would like to achieve in shoreline areas, such as water quality, preserving views, etc. He emphasized that the Council would not be committed to such actions during the day's meeting. Mr. Payne also illustrated the ultimate development plan, which does not suggest when development should occur but to allow staff to be prepared once it does. He said some of the policy issues in the plan include maintaining the present design of Ocean Drive while improving its paralleling streets to accommodate increased usage. He noted that staff was recommending deleting a specific proposal regarding the Ennis Joslin extension to Alameda because they felt it was premature at this time. Council Member Martin said that in the plan, staff was recommending that a section of Santa Fe be widened to provide a minimum of 11 -foot wide travel lanes. He commented that a pending proposal for an integrated bicycle lane on Ocean Drive would reduce the vehicle travel lanes (to 10.25 feet and 11.25 feet). Mr. Martin then asked if the Southeast Area Development Plan called for the closing of Elizabeth Street, and Mr. Payne said it did not. The only issue in this plan dealt with possibly changing the designation of Elizabeth Street to a collector street, and keep it as a through street from Ocean Drive to Brownlee Boulevard. Mr. Payne also briefly discussed the possible future realignment of Third Street. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 8 Council Member McNichols referred to the plan's policy statement that rezonings on Ocean Drive "to higher density multi -family or commercial uses should be strongly discouraged." He pointed out that some areas of Ocean Drive, such as around Robert Street, currently contain multi- family land uses. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, said that some of the single-family uses are actually zoned for multi -family use, but are currently not developed that way. He said the plan calls for not changing the existing zoning but discouraging any additional rezonings that would increase the density even more. A brief discussion ensued. Mr. Van Huseman spoke on behalf of the owners of Marina Del Sol. He described the residents' concerns about an aspect of the plan which called for redesignating Elizabeth Street, between Ocean Drive and Brownlee Boulevard, "from an 80 -foot arterial with five lanes to a 70 -foot collector with four lanes." He asked that the citizens be allowed to give their input on any plans to that portion of Elizabeth Street because it is the only access they have to their homes. Mr. Harvey emphasized that the existing right-of-way and the existing pavement section of Elizabeth Street would not be narrowed; rather, it would not continue to be widened. Responding to a question from Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Huseman briefly discussed what he had been told were Spotlit Hospital's plans for that area. Mayor Rhodes reassured the residents that they would be consulted about any plans for that section of Elizabeth Street. Mr. Bob Eisenberg, 1309 Sandpiper, representing Pharaoh Valley Neighborhood Association, expressed the neighbors' concerns about the location of a proposed view vista. He said the neighbors do not want to be bordered on the north and south by public parks. Presently, on the north is South Guth Park and Hans Suter Park, where they have experienced many problems with disturbances. Mr. Payne said that the proposed view vista would be located along a drainage ditch and staff had planned to acquire a park next to it. Mr. Harvey said that during the Planning Commission meeting when this issue was discussed, the consensus was that there should be a park somewhere in that area --the drainage way location seemed to be the most cost-effective plan. Dr. McNichols said the plan's reference to the park in that area should be deleted at this time. Mr. Harvey replied that the purpose of locating a park there was to allow for quick movement by vehicles into the public park area, where they could view the water, as opposed to Hans Suter Park, which is designed as a nature trail that pedestrians walk through. Dr. McNichols said the lack of a firm plan about the Baytrail Project complicates the issue about the park's location, and he made a motion to delete reference in the plan to the park. Mr. Harvey said staff could bring back to the Council wording in the plan that would call for a park but not locate it specifically at the drainage way or at McArdle; Dr. McNichols agreed. Mr. Heldenfels commented about the location of another park nearby. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 9 Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 8. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Adopting the Southeast Area Development Plan as an element of the City of Corpus Christi Comprehensive Plan; modifying the Transportation Element of the City of Corpus Christi Comprehensive Plan; and establishing the City of Corpus Christi's development objectives, policies, and programs for the Southeast Area. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 9. Case No. 595-5, A&J Construction, Inc.: A change of zoning from "A -1A" Apartment House and `B-1" Neighborhood Business Districts to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 6, being 9.66 acres out of Lot 13, located on the northeast corner of Yorktown and Lipes Boulevards. 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 Heldenfels, and passed unanimously. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 022259 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by A&J Construction, Inc., by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 6, being 9.66 acres out of Lot 13, from "A -1A" Apartment House and `B-1" Neighborhood Business Districts to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District; providing for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 10 through 20. The Mayor announced that Items 13 and 16.b. were being postponed, and Council Members requested that Items 14 and 19 be withheld for Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 10 discussion. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes and the following passed: 10. M95-160 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 9,800 tubes of a testing reagent (Colilert) and 2,808 testing bottles in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0225-95, with IDEXX Laboratories, West Brook, ME, based on sole source for an estimated annual expenditure of $28,422.80. 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 and requested for FY 95-96 by the Water Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 11. M95-161 Motion authorizing solicitation of proposals from consultants for professional services necessary to carry out sedimentation basin repairs at O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 12. M95-162 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $89,890 to Mathieu Electric for installation of water distribution system monitors. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 13. POSTPONED tepta.cnient of ietuLl *45 1 water pumps at O.N. Std 15.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022260 Ordinance appropriating $135,800.13 from the Water Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 11 An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 15.b. M95-163 Motion approving waterline reimbursement application submitted by WalMart, Inc., developer of S.P.I.C.E. Plaza. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 16.a. M95-164 Motion approving the submission of a grant application for $20,000 to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) for the TROOPS TO COPS program and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract and designating the Chief of Police as the official representative of the City. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 16.b. POSTPONED ld,ncatty apprupnatllig a grant in the aleount of $20, ustke, OffiLe of Community Olicnt� d Policing Scrvias (COPS) fu 111 ogl aln Fund No. 162-213-801.91. 17. RESOLUTION NO. 022261 .J. L1.4.1 talc Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept an amendment to Grant No. 3-48-0051-18-92 from the Federal Aviation Administration in the amount of $8,006 for construction of the Airfield Perimeter Road, and Attendant Drainage Improvements, and reconstruction of the Airport Rotating Beacon. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 18. ORDINANCE NO. 022262 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 10,140 square foot utility easement and dedicating a utility easement of approximate equal area within Lot 12, Block 1, Moore Plaza; subject to compliance with the specified conditions; and the owner replatting the property within 180 Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 12 days at his expense. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 20. ORDINANCE NO. 022257 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 second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 14, application by Diamond L. Development. Council Member Martin said the property adjacent to the subject property of Item 14 is owned by the same owner and it has been the subject of a major problem with the city trying to acquire a fire break there. He said it would be difficult to authorize a reimbursement application to someone who has ignored notices from the city regarding another piece of property. He said the Council should delay this item. In a related action, City Manager Garza said that last week he authorized staff to continue issuing liens against properties that were in violation of city ordinances. Mr. Garza added that Item 14 should be postponed until staff can further research the issue. 14.a. POSTPONED 14.b. POSTPONED ution appmvingil,e rc rliburbelneiit apphcatwn Sub�mltcd Ly D,a,no�,d L. Dcv, Iii,. cvelvpct of the Grcat LakcS Lstat liuedi fcc t Of a 12-ii.cli PVC watci girl main. 14.c. POSTPONED c 9 IpaAOf Agrccmcnt on. llIanioud L. tur mpmvemcmb tv YOrtetvwn illvd. of whicL the City'S Sharc iS $44,547. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 13 14.d. POSTPONED * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 19, Street Department land lease renewal. Responding to Council Member Best, City Manager Garza stated that several types of bulk street resurfacing materials are delivered by rail, and the city needs an area adjacent to the railroad to receive and store those materials. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 19. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a two-year lease agreement with John B. Russo and Thomas W. Stewart for a tract of land located at Resaca and Sam Rankin Street to be used by the City's Street Department for material storage for a rental fee of $300 per month with the option to renew for an additional two-year period under the same terms and conditions. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, regarding the public access cable television channel. The Council went into closed session. The Council returned from closed session. * * * * * * * * * * * * * In her report, Mayor Rhodes asked about citizens' concerns regarding inadequate cable television service in a particular area of town. City Manager Garza said he would follow through on Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 14 that question. The Mayor also appealed to the public to donate canned goods and other items to local homeless missions. Mayor Rhodes then called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza noted that there would be a budget discussion later in the day's meeting. Other points of interest: Holly Road is scheduled to be closed from Ayers to Everhart June 26 -June 30; there are no plans at this time to build a shelter at Oleander Point; and groups or organizations who receive city permission to hold functions at Oleander Point are required to repair any damage to the area that may occur. Mr. Garza said that items scheduled for the July 11, 1995 Council meeting include a public hearing on the proposed FY 95-96 budget, first reading on Phase I of the annexation program, and a presentation on the JFK Causeway elevation study. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member John Longoria asked if there was a comprehensive city-wide bike path plan. Mr. Harvey replied that there is one that was last updated in 1984 and it is in the process of being further updated. Mr. Longoria said he would like more information about not only the proposed bike trail along Ocean Drive but about other bike areas throughout the city. Council Member Martin requested the schedules for the Fourth of July celebrations for the city and the Texas State Aquarium. Responding to a question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza said staff would give a presentation on the street capital improvement program during the budget workshop that evening. Mr. Martin also discussed the need to hold a closed Council session on the appointment of the Municipal Court judges. It was concluded that the Council would meet in closed session at 1 p.m. July 11, 1995 to begin interviewing candidates for Municipal Court judge. Council Member Best asked why citizens could not have their utility bill drafted out of their bank accounts every month. Mr. Garza replied that staff is gearing up to do that but they do not have the capability at this time. He said he plans to recommend such a billing system in the near future, which he hopes will pay for itself. Dr. Best also asked about some curb cuts for accessibility by disabled persons that were recently made on different streets. Mr. Garza said the state constructed those curb cuts and the city was not involved in that project. Dr. Best noted that some of the curb cuts are adjacent to empty lots. Mr. Garza said he would like to approach the curb cuts for the city on a priority basis. Council Member Black reiterated Mayor Rhodes' comments about the need to donate items to different charities during the summer, which is a particularly slow time for receiving donations. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience, and there were none. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes recessed the Council meeting for a dinner break prior to a budget workshop. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 15 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes reconvened the Council meeting at 6 p.m., and began the workshop on the proposed budget for FY 95-96. Fire Chief J.J. Adame gave a presentation on the proposed southside fire station. He said in 1983 the city contracted with a company to do a fire station location study, which was adopted by the Council in 1984. He said the study identified a site at Rodd Field and Holly roads, and the 1986 bond program included the relocation of two other fire stations. He said the proposed fire station would cover an area bounded by Airline, McArdle and Oso Bay, and he recommended that the Council approve funding the construction of the new fire station. Responding to Council Member Martin, Chief Adame discussed the response times in the area of the proposed fire station and in other areas. Mr. Martin said the city may have to reconsider the location of other fire stations, in addition to the construction of the new station, and a discussion ensued regarding different locations. Chief Adame reiterated that the proposed location of the new station had nothing to do with the fact that the city had bought the land on that site. Mr. Robert Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, described the volume of work being conducted by his department; for example, since September 1, 1994, the Engineering Department has processed 171 small engineering, consulting, and construction contracts totaling $1.1 million. In addition, the department has issued 15 architectural engineering contracts in excess of $15,000 for a total of $2.8 million, and construction contracts totaling $21.5 million. He said these contracts require a great deal of administrative work. Due to the increase in volume and the need to carry out the capital improvement program, Mr. Shackelford said staff is requesting the addition of five positions for Engineering Services, which he described. Referring to a memo about the additional engineering personnel, Mr. Martin pointed out that during FY 92-93 a decrease in staffing in that department (from 93 people to 65) occurred because traffic signal and signs and markings activities were transferred to the Street Department. Deputy City Manager Hennings used a chart to illustrate proposed FY 95-96 street capital improvement projects (CIP). He noted that there is not a bond sale in the proposed budget, and if one is to be included, the Council would have to take action to do so. Mr. Hennings then described changes in the funding requirements of some of the endorsed Transportation Improvement Projects (TIP): McArdle Road (Carroll to Everhart); Texas A&M -Corpus Christi access improvements Phase 2; and Greenwood Drive (SPID to Saratoga); the addition of the city's share of street construction in new subdivisions; and the deferment of the Airline Road project (Wooldridge to Saratoga) in order to fit within the $4.7 million bond sale target, which equates to about two-thirds of a cent in tax rate. Council Member Cooper asked about the plans to extend Yorktown Boulevard, and Mr. Hennings said that project was planned for a future CIP, but no specific year had been set. She added that she did not want to see the Airline Road project deferred, and asked staff to try to reduce the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 16 amount of funding in other street projects so as not to defer the Airline project. Mr. Martin asked about some of the specific projects that Mr. Hennings discussed. He commented that the Council was told the 1986 bond authorization would end after 10 years, according to the Attorney General, and the Council should have the opportunity to determine how to prioritize the different projects. Mr. Hennings stated that there were four street projects approved by the voters in 1986 that have not yet been completed: repair of major thoroughfares with overlays, Airline Road, Del Mar Neighborhood Phase I, and Leopard Street (from Rand Morgan to Callicoate Road). He said if those projects do not move ahead now, the city will probably have to have them reauthorized in a future bond election. Responding to comments by Council Member Best, City Manager Garza noted that the city's tax rate has remained approximately the same during the last 10 years. Dr. Best said citizens continue to be heavily taxed, and he said the funding of some projects should be reconsidered in light of the tax burden. Mr. Garza said he agreed, adding that the city's budget mostly reflected basic services, such as public safety and solid waste services. In reply to another question from Dr. Best, Police Chief Garrett briefly discussed positions in the Police Department which could be filled by civilian employees. Mr. Garza went on to describe ways that the city has reduced expenditures during the last few years. Mr. Martin suggested that another budget workshop be held during the July 11, 1995 Council meeting to discuss many unresolved budget issues. He added that increasing budgetary costs are not just caused by increasing growth but also by more stringent federal mandates (such as the landfill liner required by the Environmental Protection Agency) and fewer federally funded programs. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked staff to determine what the street CIP cost would be if the four remaining 1986 projects previously discussed were included in the FY 1995-96 budget. Mr. Garza then discussed the General Obligation Debt Service Fund. Referring to a statement of revenues and expenditures, he said assuming there was a $0.0042 tax increase in 1995-96 and no further tax rate adjustments over the next five years (as well as a 2.75% growth in the tax base for FY 95-96 and projected 2% growth the following years), the projected debt service coverage would decrease from 76% in FY 95-96 to 27.90% in FY 2000-01. He said some adjustments need to be made now in order to avoid that scenario in the future. Council Member McNichols said the projected decrease in the debt service coverage cannot be allowed to occur. Mr. Garza commented that in previous years city staff has, in effect, reduced the operating levy in the General Fund and increased the debt service levy in the Debt Service Fund to some degree, and taxes have also been increased to support that service. Dr. McNichols pointed out that the city used to keep the debt service coverage at 85% and it has since been lowered to the proposed 76%. Mr. Garza also discussed the city's overall tax rate capacity, which is one of the factors used to determine the city's bond rating. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 17 Mr. Martin asked staffto project what type of tax increase would be necessary to set the debt service reserve in place so that it would be self-sustaining at 75%. He said some action would need to be taken this year to avoid the decreasing debt service projections. Dr. McNichols commented that one consideration could be an annual increase in fees to offset short-term deficits. Responding to Dr. Best, Mr. Garza stated that many other Texas cities are grappling with the same difficult budget concerns that Corpus Christi is facing. Mayor Rhodes pointed out that this city's tax base is less than that of other cities in the state. Council Member John Longoria referred to a chart illustrating a 10 -year comparison of the city's property tax rates versus all the other major taxing entities, which showed that the city's tax rate has increased from $0.565 (per $100 of assessed valuation) in FY 85-86 to $0.622726 for the FY 95-96 proposed city budget. Mr. Longoria asked if such a small increase in the city's tax rate may have actually hurt the city in the long run by affecting its ability to meet its costs. Mr. Garza replied that the city has been trying very hard to live within the city's means, and he gave various examples. He acknowledged that two things most often complained about by citizens are rolled -over curbs and poor maintenance of ditches throughout the city, which need to be funded better. Mr. Longoria pointed out that it costs money to run the city, and Mr. Garza said people need to feel they are receiving quality services for their money. Mrs. Longoria asked about the fees collected by Nueces County for each car registered, which are used for road improvements outside the city but within the county. Mr. Garza noted that most of the cars registered are driven within the city, but he is not aware of any of that money being spent for road improvements inside the city. He discussed failed legislative efforts for the city to collect its own fees on registered vehicles. Dr. McNichols asked for a report on the results of the city's recycling program. Responding to Dr. Best, Mr. Garza said staff has been able to successfully install landfill liners under temporary regulations which were less expensive than the permanent regulations, and they have convinced the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) to amend the requirements. In addition, staff will continue to argue that due to this area's soil composition, the liners are not even needed in the first place. Mr. Martin asked, in light of the changing mandates regarding solid waste, if it were better to create a separate fund for solid waste; Mr. Garza replied that it was better to keep it the way it is. Mr. Robert Bruner, Director of Solid Waste Services, used maps and other visual aids to illustrate the current landfill situation as well as requirements and timelines for future landfill pits. He noted that in the FY 94-95 budget staff had planned to construct a cell, but that construction was deferred due to several factors (use of special foam cover and tarps and compaction). He described in detail the EPA Subtitle D requirements for the final closure of a landfill, as compared to amended requirements for the Elliott Landfill. Mr. Bruner also gave a cost estimate and comparison of the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 18 Elliott Landfill liner/leachate system. Mr. Martin raised several questions about the cost and timeframe of the construction of one of the landfill cells. Following discussion, Mr. Garza stated that he would review the figures being presented, adding that he would like to enact the solid waste rate increases and reserve them for future needs for mandated costs, including any future liners and top cover liners. Mr. Martin said he would support necessary increases in the budget, but he would not support increases that do not have to be spent during FY 95-96. Further discussion ensued. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, said over the last several years this department has had incremental fee increases; the proposed budget contains fee increases in those programs that do not anticipate a drop in participation, and they would result in an estimated $169,816 increase in revenue for FY 95-96. He discussed the various facilities and services which have recommended fee increases (a few of them have increases in some fees and decreases in others, depending on demand): athletics, aquatics, tennis, recreational centers, senior centers, Multicultural Center, latchkey program, summer youth program, adaptive programs, and special services program. He said staff is also recommending an increase in fees for the Golf Fund, which would result in an estimated $91,190 increase in revenue. Mr. Matthews said staff is not recommending an increase in fees at the City Marina because the floating slips have recently been completed and the goal is to increase the occupancy rate. He added that the marina's rates are competitive with other marinas around the state, and the complaint about the quality of the boat slips has been rectified with the new slips. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Matthews described recommended changes in the latchkey and summer recreation programs. Mr. Longoria asked staff to investigate test sites for youth teen recreation programs. Mr. Garza distributed a list to the Council of non -departmental activities that are recommended for funding for FY 95-96: Downtown Management District ($100,000 budgeted); Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance ($275,000); CCISD-Washington School ($37,150); Art Museum of South Texas ($200,000); Asian Cultures Museum ($15,000); Volunteer Center ($6,400); Nueces County Beach Clean -Up ($85,000); Graffiti Clean -Up Project ($3,000); CCISD Contract ($16,000); C.C. Symphony ($12,000); Arts Commission ($50,000); Arts Community Center ($15,000); Sister City ($20,000); Hispanic Arts Center ($15,000); and Mental Health/Mental Retardation ($60,000). Halo Flight and the Nueces County Children's Advocacy Center has also requested funding but none was budgeted in the upcoming fiscal year. In response to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Garza explained that the Arts Commission is part of the city's arts grant program in which money is regranted to non-profit arts organizations. Mr. Longoria expressed concern about certain organizations receiving funds directly from the General Fund; he said it would be preferable to have an organization or group scrutinize the requests and determine the funding levels. Mr. Garza said that option was open to the Council. A discussion ensued among the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 27, 1995 Page 19 Council members regarding these line item appropriations. In conclusion, Mr. Garza briefly summarized some of the issues that staff would bring back for further discussion at the next budget workshop, including the street program, solid waste, golf fund, Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others. Mr. Martin asked staff to also provide more information about the tax rate and how it affects the city's bond rating. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. on June 27, 1995. * * * * * * * * * * * * *