HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/15/1995I 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 August 15, 1995, which were approved by
the City Council on August 22, 1995.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 22nd day of August, 1995.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
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MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Betty Black
Council Members:
Dr. Jack Best
Melody Cooper
Tony Heldenfels
Betty Jean Longoria
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 Father Christos Matos, following which the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Best.
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 August
8, 1995 and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented.
The Mayor then introduced Mr. Steven Weatherford, Secretary Henry Cisneros' appointment
as the representative of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the southwest region,
and presented him with a key to the city. Mr. Weatherford explained that he was participating in an
environmental conference beginning the next day in Corpus Christi. He went on to describe the many
changes that have occurred in Washington, D.C., including efforts to "downsize" the federal
government.
Mayor Rhodes pointed out that the Conference of Mayors passed a resolution supporting
keeping HUD intact, which she said was the city's only vehicle to have access to the federal
government.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 2
Before introducing Mr. Jorge Rangel, Chairman of the Selena Memorial Committee, Mayor
Rhodes explained that she and Nueces County Judge Richard Borchard gave the 10 committee
members only limited instruction for their task. She said when the committee's recommendations on
ways to memorialize Selena Quintanilla-Perez were made public the day before, two extremes of
opinions surfaced: those who feel the recommendations do not accomplish enough, and those who
feel they go too far. She pointed out that the committee was charged with the task of finding a way
to memorialize the internationally known singer in a way that the majority of the community could
support. She added that many people in Corpus Christi do not realize the world-wide impact that
Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez's death had.
The Mayor pointed out that in order for the committee to be sensitive to the fact that the
name "Selena" has a monetary value and only her family owns it, a member of the Quintanilla family
also served on the committee.
Mr. Rangel recognized members of the Selena Memorial Committee who were present:
Yolanda Olivares, Judge Nelda Rodriguez, Al Jones, Luiz Munoz, and Alex Garcia Jr. Mr. Rangel
commented that Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Selena's father, was honored that the community wished
to memorialize his daughter in some way.
Mr. Rangel then described the process by which the committee made its recommendations,
which were: 1) place a statue of Selena in the Heritage Park/Water Garden/Convention Center area;
2) adopt resolutions by the City Council and Nueces County Commissioners Court endorsing the
concept of an Avance family center, named after Selena, in the Molina neighborhood area; 3) name
the Bayfront Plaza Auditorium the "Selena Bayfront Plaza Auditorium" and place an accompanying
tile mural of Selena at an appropriate location in the auditorium; 4) locate welcome signs at entrances
to the city identifying Corpus Christi as Selena's hometown; and 5) rename Bloomington Street,
where Selena lived, "Selena Drive" or "Selena Street." He added that many other cities have already
begun plans for their own memorials to the slain Tejano singer.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria stated that she is personally aware of the number of
people who visit the production studios of the Quintanilla family since her business is located around
the corner. She said she supported the recommendation of renaming the Bayfront Plaza Auditorium
and of building a statue of Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez. Mrs. Longoria did express concem about
renaming Bloomington Street, and the cost of the projects if they are accepted.
Regarding the cost, Mayor Rhodes said there are people all over the world who want to help
memorialize Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez, and she felt that funds would be available. She added that
perhaps the city could play a role in facilitating the collection of those funds.
Council Member John Longoria said he supported the idea of erecting a statue of Mrs.
Quintanilla-Perez, possibly with the participation of the Municipal Arts Commission. Mr. Longoria
said he would not support the resolution concerning naming the Avance neighborhood center after
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 3
the singer because it was a private, non-profit corporation and the city should not be involved in that
way. He said if the recommendation for the welcome signs is passed it should also receive approval
from the state so the signs will continue to be maintained by the state. Mr. Longoria also expressed
concern about renaming Bloomington Street due to the potential of increased traffic in that
neighborhood and the risk of the street sign being stolen. He suggested that the neighbors be polled
for their input on renaming Bloomington.
Responding to a question from Mr. Longoria, Mr. Rangel said the Selena Memorial
Committee had at one time discussed renaming the whole Bayfront Convention Center complex after
Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez; however, the committee's recommendation focused on the Bayfront
Auditorium itself because the singer had performed there.
Mayor Rhodes said she did not feel the second recommendation, concerning the Avance
center, should be considered by the Council. She also asked staff to investigate the possibility of the
city administering funds that are collected for construction of the tile mural and the statue of Mrs.
Quintanilla-Perez, if those recommendations are approved.
Replying to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Rangel said the committee stood behind all five
of its recommendations, while recognizing that it was the Council's prerogative to determine which
ones should be adopted. He reiterated the committee's commitment to assisting the city in any way
in this endeavor. The Mayor replied by thanking the committee members, and she pointed out that
Corpus Christi is receiving national attention on this issue. Council Members Martin and Cooper also
expressed appreciation to the committee members for their time and efforts.
Council Member McNichols said he felt the resolution regarding the Avance family center
should continue to be considered because Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez was actively involved in promoting
education, family values and ethnic pride. Mayor Rhodes acknowledged that Avance is an excellent
program, but regardless of whether the Council approved or disapproved of the naming of that center,
it was up to the center's board to make that decision. Additionally, the name may become
controversial because other non-profit groups may feel that the center has an unfair advantage
regarding fundraising because of its popular and high-profile name. Dr. McNichols pointed out that
the city has a policy regarding renaming streets because of problems that result.
Council Member Black also thanked the committee, adding that she felt the community would
eventually come to an agreement on how Mrs. Quintanilla-Perez should be memorialized.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda, and
the following appointment was made:
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 4
Citizens Advisory Health Board
Melinda Gonzales
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Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the Terminal Street right-of-way closure.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Council
Member Best made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Heldenfels,
and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Closing and abandoning a 43,122 square foot portion of the Terminal Street right-of-way
located adjacent to Lots 5-9, Block 3, and Lots 13-19, Block 5, Navigation Industrial Park,
Section 2; subject to the compliance with the specified conditions; and the replatting of the
property within 180 days.
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."
*ss*+ss+s*rs*
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
2. Case No. 795-1, Steven E. Ayala: A change of zoning from "B-1" Neighborhood Business
District to "B-4" General Business District on Ava Cooper Subdivision, Lot 3A, located on
the west side of Kostoryz Road, approximately 150 feet south of Home Road.
Mayor Rhodes said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "B-4"
District, in lieu thereof, approval of a "B-3" Business District. Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager for
Development Services, said the applicant has agreed with the zoning change.
No one opposed the zoning application. Council Member Best made a motion to close the
public hearing, seconded by Council Member Heldenfels, and passed unanimously.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter said staff felt that "B-3" would be
appropriate for the subject property because this tract of land is somewhat large. Mr. Martin said he
could support granting a special permit to allow the use of the property (a used auto sales lot), but
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 5
he was opposed to granting a "B-4" zoning in the middle of a block that is zoned "B-1" (Mr. Martin
pointed out that "B-3" is essentially the same as "B-4" except that residential use is not allowed on
"B-3"). He said it would be better to just rezone the whole block.
Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, noted that there had been
discussion during a previous Council meeting about problems that have arisen with the wide gap
between `B-1" Neighborhood Business and "B-4" General Business use. He said there are two
characteristics that have to be reconciled; the first is that a number of streets, such as Kostoryz Road,
were zoned "B-1" because that was the intent (small lots and small services to the adjacent
neighborhood). However, Kostoryz eventually became an arterial street and the market is now
moving toward "B-4" when there is appropriate lot area. He said an allowance for more intensive
uses needs to be made, but the size of those properties would need to be controlled. He added that
a new zoning "tool" should be created that considers size and use, rather than the two zoning
extremes that are currently used.
Mr. Martin said it was not his understanding that all arterials be zoned `B-4," especially since
arterial streets are only about one lot deep before there is residential use. A brief discussion ensued
regarding conditions and restrictions which may exist with a special permit.
Council Member McNichols said he thought this zoning application should receive a special
permit. In response to a question from Dr. McNichols, Mr. Harvey said when the Council deliberates
a zoning case, it should consider economic development in the context of the comprehensive plan and
policy statements adopted by the City Council. However, he added that the city does not have a
comprehensive economic development chapter in the comprehensive plan. Dr. McNichols said that
such a formal statement regarding economic development may need to be included.
Mr. Harvey went on to say that the closest policy statement relating to this issue that currently
exists indicates that if a piece of property has over 100 feet of frontage on an arterial street and over
7,500 square feet of lot area, then it is a good candidate for a higher intensity commercial use zoning.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 022315
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Steven E. Ayala, by changing the
Zoning Map in reference to Ava Cooper Subdivision, Lot 3A, from "B-1" Neighborhood
Business District to "B-3" Business District.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and McNichols voting "Aye";
Heldenfels and Martin voting "No."
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 6
Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
3. Case No. 795-2, Rick Hillin: A change of zoning from `B-3" Business District to "RE"
Residential Estate District on Tract 1 and "F -R" Farm -Rural District on Flour Bluff and
Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 41, being 8.76 acres out of Lot 15, located along
the south side of Graham Road and along the west side of Flour Bluff Drive.
Mayor Rhodes said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval.
No one opposed the zoning application. Council Member Heldenfels made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Council Member John Longoria, and passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 022316
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Rick Hillin, by changing the Zoning
Map in reference to Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 41, being 8.76
acres out of Lot 15, from "B-3" Business District to "RE" Residential Estate District on Tract
1 and "F -R" Farm -Rural District on Tract 2.
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 opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
4. Case No. 795-3, Ronald Massad: A change of zoning from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling and
"B-1" Neighborhood Business Districts to"B-4" General Business District on Gardendale
Unit 3, Block 11, Lots 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22, located on the northwest corner of Williams
Drive and South Staples Street.
Mayor Rhodes said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval.
No one opposed the zoning application. Council Member Best made a motion to close the
public hearing, seconded by Council Member Heldenfels, and passed unanimously.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter said Lot 17 of the subject property (South
Texas Music Mart and Elmo's Restaurant) is currently being used as a parking lot, which is a
violation of the "R -1B" zoning of that lot.
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 7
Mr. Martin expressed concern about rezoning Lot 17 (which is adjacent on two sides to
residences) to "B-4" because that would allow any general business use to be built there in the future.
Mr. Utter replied that many of the lots on Williams Drive that back up to Moore Plaza have been
bought by investors, and it appears to staff that that area is in transition, therefore staff felt rezoning
all of the subject property (including Lot 17) to "B-4" was appropriate. He acknowledged that one
could argue for a special permit to allow a parking lot just on Lot 17, rather than rezoning that
particular lot to `B-4."
Mr. Martin maintained that there are too many investors in the city who are buying property
and having it rezoned for commercial use, rather than buying property that is already zoned
commercially, and he continued to express concern about a "B-4" use on Lot 17 infringing upon the
neighborhood on Williams Drive. Mr. Utter pointed out that it was appropriate for the front part of
the property to be zoned "B-4" because it is located on the corner of Staples Street and Williams
Drive in a very developed area.
Council Member Heldenfels said he agreed with Mr. Martin to restrict the use of Lot 17 to
just a parking lot. Mr. Harvey suggested that Lot 17 be zoned "B-1" which would allow for parking,
although it would not allow for "B-4" signage on that lot.
Council Member Black commented about the nature of the subdivision on Williams Drive,
noting that there are some very large lots in that area.
Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Utter said staff did not recommend
the "B-4" zoning in this case because of the signage that would be allowed --they considered the fact
that the front portion of the subject property is surrounded on three sides by "B-4" use. Mr. Harvey
added that Lot 16 is owner -occupied and Lot 15 is vacant.
In reply to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Harvey said the difference between the subject
property's zoning case and a previous zoning case on Everhart involving Kiko's Restaurant is that
Williams Drive has become a minor arterial, while the side street on which Kiko's is situated serves
predominantly single-family residential lots --in that zoning case a special permit was granted for
Kiko's to expand into the neighborhood. It was also reiterated that the lots on Williams Drive next
to Moore Plaza are anticipated to eventually become commercial lots.
Council Member Longoria asked if the parking lot located on Lot 17 of the subject property
was fully developed, and Mr. Utter said it was, adding that it was an illegal use.
Mr. Martin made a motion, seconded by Council Member Cooper, to change the zoning of
Lot 17 from "R -1B" to "B-1" rather than "B-4" as proposed. He added that he agreed with staffs
recommendation regarding zoning Lots 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 to `B-4." The motion passed
unanimously.
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 8
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 022317
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Ronald Massad, by changing
the Zoning Map in reference to Gardendale Unit 3, Block 11, Lots 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22,
from `B-1" Neighborhood Business District to `B-4" General Business District, and
Gardendale Unit 3, Block 11, Lot 17 from "R -1B" One -Family Dwelling District to "B-1"
Neighborhood Business District.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, 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 5 through 14, and Council Members requested that Item
8 be withheld for discussion. City Manager Garza said there was a correction on Item 11 a. City
Secretary Chapa noted that Item 9 would be considered as a two -reading ordinance, even though it
is listed on the agenda as an emergency ordinance. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes
and the following were passed:
M95-231
Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 4,500 pipe repair clamps, ranging
in size from 2" - 30" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0285-95 with Davis -McAllen
Pipe and Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid and best bid for an estimated
annual expenditure of $197,513.82. 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 95-96 by the
Water, Wastewater and Park and Recreation Departments.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
6. M95-232
Motion approving a supply agreement for linen and towel service in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0297-95 with American Linen Supply Co., Corpus Christi, Texas based on
low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $16,008. The term of the agreement shall be
for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 9
the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The services are used by
the Fire, Library and Animal Control Departments.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
7. M95-233
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $53,458 to S & K Services, Inc. for
handicapped facilities along Ayers Street and Port Avenue.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
9. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an amendment to the lease
with the United States of America (National Weather Service) authorized by Ordinance No.
021822 approved on December 14, 1993 by decreasing the original premises from 5.663
acres and by adding a second premises including temporary and permanent easements for the
Radar Dome, which is an integral part of the Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD) Facility.
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."
10.a. M95-235
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. C5000224
with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $18,140 for clinical health and family
planning services during the period September 1, 1994 to August 31, 1995, and adding one
full-time equivalent position to the Health Department.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
10.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022318
Ordinance appropriating grant in the amount of $18,140 from the Texas Department of
Health for clinical health and family planning services during the period September 1, 1994
to August 31, 1995; amending Ordinance No. 022279, which adopted the FY 1995-96
Budget, by adding $18,140 to the No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund - Health Department;
adding one full-time equivalent to the Health Department.
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 10
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."
12. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Closing and abandoning a 3,240 -square foot portion of a 12 -foot wide utility easement within
Lot 1, Block A, Brookhaven Annex; subject to compliance with the specified conditions; and
the owner replatting the property within 180 days at his expense.
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."
13. ORDINANCE NO. 022320
Closing and abandoning a 1,023 square foot portion of a 10 -foot -wide utility easement
situated between Lot 17 and 18, Block 20, Ports of Call Subdivision; subject to compliance
with specified conditions and the replatting the property within 180 days.
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."
14. ORDINANCE NO. 022321
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Oil and Gas, Section 35-80, Insurance and Bonds, to
require that well permittees' "letters of credit" be from banks in Corpus Christi, Texas; to
authorize the cashing of sureties if replacement sureties are not provided by successor well
operators within 30 days of ownership transfers; and to require bonding companies to redeem
bonds when the city encounters the obligation to expend funds to implement the City Code.
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 8, Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant interim
upgrade.
Responding to Council Member Martin, City Manager Garza said that the proposed
improvements will enable the existing portion of the plant to be upgraded to the 10/15/3 permit
discharge requirements. Mr. Carl Cru 1, Group Manager of Public Works and Utilities, said that when
the plant was last expanded, there were some improvements which were not made, including sludge
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 11
handling facilities. Those improvements are included in the upgrade of the plant at a cost of about
$9.4 million, and another $9.2 million has been allocated to expand that plant from 6 million gallons
per day (MGD) to 8 MGD.
In reply to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Crull said this proposal involves completing
some interim modifications to allow that treatment plant to meet the permit requirements in the permit
time frame, and to allow the city to finish the design for the other work that is necessary to meet the
permit requirements for the full 6 MGD capacity.
Mr. Garza asked Mr. Crull if permit modifications would be needed if this plant did not
require any future expansion. Mr. Crull replied that as long as the city wanted to maintain a permit
for 6 MGD and meet the discharge requirements, it is necessary to make these modifications now as
well as those currently being designed. A brief discussion ensued regarding the plant's current
capacity as well as future enhancements.
Council Member McNichols said the permit requirements were unfunded mandates. Mr. Crull
added that the work that is proposed for the plant will be incorporated into the permit improvements.
Responding to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Crull briefly described the plant's present permit.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
8. M95-234
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $999,991 to Bracco Construction Company for
the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant Interim Upgrade to meet the new 10/15/3
Permit Discharge Requirements.
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 Items 11.a. and 11.b., new Headstart Program.
City Manager Garza explained that the agenda memorandum erroneously named the
Community Development Block Grant program as the source of funds for this project, when it
actually is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none.
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 12
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
11.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022319
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one year lease with the
Nueces County Community Action Agency for City owned property consisting a 4,254 -
square foot building and an 11,200 -square foot parking lot located at 442 Mohawk Avenue
(Lot 12, Block 23, Meadow Park Addition, an addition of the City of Corpus Christi recorded
in volume 4, page 52, of the map records of Nueces County, Texas), for a new Headstart
Program facility; in consideration of payment of $1.00, remodeling the building and
conducting a Headstart Program.
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."
11.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease with the Nueces
County Community Action Agency for City owned property consisting of a 4,254 -square foot
building and an 11,200 -square foot parking lot located at 442 Mohawk Avenue (Lot 12,
Block 23, Meadow Park Addition, an addition of the City of Corpus Christi recorded in
volume 4, page 52, of the map records of Nueces County, Texas), for a new Headstart
Program Facility; in consideration of $1.00 per year, remodeling the building, and operating
a Headstart Program.
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 10 -minute recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened the discussion of priority and funding options for FY 95-96 Capital
Improvement Projects.
City Manager Garza noted that during the discussion about the proposed FY 95-96 city
budget, the Council decided to consider the capital improvement projects separately from the budget.
Deputy City Manager Hennings described in detail each of the capital improvement projects
requiring funding during FY 95-96. He noted that the projects listed (which were tentatively
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 13
approved by the Council on May 23, 1995) have been updated to show current cost estimates, current
schedules for federal funding, and recommendations for reallocating available funds.
Mr. Hennings discussed the following street projects currently underway, which were
approved during the 1986 bond election: Greenwood Drive (SPID to Saratoga); McArdle Road
(Carroll Lane to Everhart); Holly Road (Ayers to Rodd Field); Airline Road, Phase 2 (Wooldridge
to Saratoga); Wynn Seale School area, Phase 3; SPID/Ayers Street neighborhood streets; Annaville
Area No. 3, Phase 2; Del Mar Neighborhood streets, Phase 3; Saratoga/Rodd Field street lighting;
city's share of street construction in new subdivisions; Nile Drive (Pharaoh to Ennis Joslin); Leopard
Street (Rand Morgan to Rehfield); Del Mar area streets, Phase 1; street overlay program; and traffic
signal improvements.
Mr. Hennings also described the following additional street projects: Texas A&M -Corpus
Christi access improvements, Phases 1 and 2; Kostoryz Road (Holly to Cabaniss Field); Yorktown
Road (Flynn ditch to Weber Road -design); intersection approach improvements; McArdle Road
(design of Everhart to Homes, and design of Nile to Ennis Joslin); Oso Parkway Bridge (Greenfields-
Southfork connection); 113-37 ramp reversals; and Violet Road (Annaville to Starlite lighting).
Council Member Martin pointed out that there are projects which have funds appropriated
for them, and it would be possible to use those funds for other projects if the Council decided to.
Council Member Best said that according to the agenda memorandum for this item, in order
to complete these capital improvement projects, a sale of bonds and certificates of obligation would
be required in the amount of $5,050,000. If that sale occurred in October 1995, it would require an
increase in the tax rate next year of approximately seven -tenths of a cent (0.7 cents), which Dr. Best
said would probably actually be a one -cent tax increase, taking inflation into account. Mr. Garza
emphasized that this year's tax rate would not be affected.
Mr. Martin said that if there is a tax increase next year as a result of this bond sale, it is voter -
approved. He added that he did not think the city had yet implemented the tax increase that was
disclosed and discussed during the 1986 bond program. Mr. Garza said he thought part of it has been
implemented. Mr. Martin said that during the last several years, the city has accomplished many
capital improvement programs that have met the spirit of the 1986 bond issue, and this list constitutes
some projects that needed to be completed.
Responding to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Garza said since the access improvements
at Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) were not included in the 1986 bond sale --and
therefore not voter -approved --they would require certificates of obligation. Mayor Rhodes pointed
out that those access improvements were endorsed by the City Council.
Referring to the Airline Road (Phase 2) project, Council Member Cooper asked about the
availability of PASS program funding. Mr. Hennings replied that the bid -letting schedule has been
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 14
changed to August 1997, which would require the staff beginning the design work and right-of-way
acquisition before that date.
Mr. Hennings noted that the IH -37 ramp reversal project is under design, and the schedule
for that is dependent upon the developer's commitment on the outlet mall. Once construction of the
mall begins, then the city is obligated to begin the ramp reversals. Mr. Martin asked about the status
of the outlet mall, and Group Manager Utter stated that the developer is projecting that ground
breaking will occur around September. In addition, the city's application for a grant for the ramp
reversals is being reviewed by the Economic Development Administration.
Mr. Hennings said the Council also asked staff to review 1986 bond projects (other than street
projects) that should be considered for funding. They included development of unimproved parkland:
Brockhampton, Brandywine, South Fork II, Golden Oaks, Country Estates, Wales, Willow, Tuloso,
Creekway, Brookhill, Castle River, and Forest; and renovation and expansion of existing recreation
facilities: Parker Park pool, Ben Garza gym, T.C. Ayers, Kiwanis Recreation Center, Oak Park
Recreation Center, and West Guth Recreation Center.
Mr. Martin emphasized that the parks should be developed in some way because those are
high priority projects among the voters who approved the 1986 bond program and who have been
waiting for years for those improvements. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria added that the street
improvements are also highly visible to the citizens since they travel on them every day.
Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Hennings explained that the voluntary
paving program begins with the property owners signing a petition asking the city to do the project
and agreeing to pay a portion of the cost themselves. Then the project is built and, based on the cost
of the project, each one of the property owners is assessed a portion of the cost. Mr. Crull added that
typically on a residential street project, the abutting property owner pays between 20% to 25% of the
total project cost. For example, for the Ayers/SPID project, which is estimated to cost $930,000,
the propery owners would pay about $250,000 over a 5- to 10 -year period.
Mr. Longoria also asked if the original funding for these projects is from the 1986 bond issue,
and Mr. Hennings replied that it was.
In reply to Dr. Best, Mr. Hennings said the options facing the Council at this point are that
if the Council decided not to sell bonds, they could direct staff to use available funds to construct the
most important projects. He said that option was previously discussed and it is not a desirable
alternative. If the Council did decide to sell bonds, the question becomes: what should the amount
of the bonds be, which affects the amount of the tax rate increase. Mr. Hennings commented that it
was the Council's prerogative to prioritize the projects.
Responding to Dr. Best, Mr. Hennings reviewed the projects for which additional funds are
needed: Greenwood ($780,000); McArdle ($90,000); Holly ($2.1 million); Airline or Nile
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 15
($410,000); city's share of new subdivisions ($200,000); Violet ($205,000); and Spur 3 (Ocean and
Ennis Joslin-$1.6 million). To construct those projects, the total additional funds needed are
$5,385,000.
Mayor Rhodes asked staff to prepare a one-page summary outlining the projects that can be
completed with no tax increase, as well as a summary of the projects (in priority order as
recommended by staff) that would be funded with a 0.7 cent tax rate increase. Mr. Garza said he
would also indicate how the annual debt payment works against the total amount that would be
borrowed.
Mr. Heldenfels asked if improvements to Leopard Street were included in the 1986 bond
issue, and Mr.Garza replied that it was. He said Phases 1 and 2 of that project should be a higher
priority.
Dr. McNichols pointed out that if the economy had not slumped so dramatically in the years
following the 1986 bond issue --which resulted in a decrease in the tax base --many more of these
projects would have been completed or further along by now. He also said the Council had told
citizens that property taxes would not be increased at this point. Dr. McNichols then asked if a
portion of the future increase in the tax base could be pledged to fund the highest priority projects.
He added that despite the fact that each of these projects falls in a particular single -member district
in the city, they should be viewed in terms of their overall importance to the whole community.
Mr. Garza commented that in the face of a major recession, the city was still able to complete
many projects from the 1986 bond program and many others as well.
Mr. Martin requested a list of the amount of funds required to complete the 1986 bond
program, so that priority and funding decisions can be made. He questioned a chart which indicated
the projects that have available funding, saying that some of them are not bond -approved. Mr. Martin
also questioned the need to make decisions on some projects that are not scheduled for three years,
and he pointed out other projects which could be implemented in the meantime.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza noted that public hearings on
the proposed drainage utility will be held as follows: Monday, August 21, 1995: District 1-Oveal
Williams Senior Center cafeteria, District 3 -Garcia Elementary School cafeteria; and Thursday,
August 24, 1995: District 2-Lindale Recreation Center, District 4 -Oso Recreation Center, and District
5-Spohn South Health Plaza. All the neighborhood public hearings will begin at 6:00 p.m.
In her report, Mayor Rhodes said she neglected to thank City Secretary Chapa for his work
as a member of the Selena Memorial Committee.
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 16
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member McNichols referred to reports from different engineering companies about
the cost of desalination, as well as a discussion of this issue during last week's City Council meeting.
Dr. McNichols said there are no facts to support the position of the proponents of desalination. On
the other hand, he said a great deal of technical data has been gathered to form the current
recommendation that the best future water supply for the Corpus Christi area is the transport of
surface water from Lake Texana. What is needed at this point, continued Dr. McNichols, is for Mr.
James Dodson, Regional Water Director, to make a presentation clearly laying out the facts --not
opinions --about this issue.
Mayor Rhodes agreed with Dr. McNichols' statements, but she added that despite what Mr.
Dodson would discuss in a presentation, the opponents of the Lake Texana plan would refuse to
believe it. Dr. McNichols replied that it was still important for this issue to be discussed in the public
forum.
Mr. Garza said the desalination proponents argue that there is a time value of money which
they say the city has not dealt with. Mr. Garza said it is important to deal with that concern, although
it can be very complicated.
Council Member John Longoria asked for a fact sheet on the proposed drainage utility, and
Mr. Garza said staff would provide it by August 18, 1995. He also pointed out that the "CityLine"
telephone information service is now available (886-4848, category 2489) and he encouraged citizens
to utilize it.
The Mayor criticized the local newspaper's "Sound Off' telephone service, which she said
allows a certain faction of disgruntled citizens the opportunity to continually complain and manipulate
the telephone polls.
Council Member Cooper said that during a neighborhood meeting on August 14, 1995, the
residents of the Bear Creek subdivision expressed the desire to erect a memorial for a young girl who
was murdered in her home there. She asked staff to work with the citizens on pursuing that plan.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she would like to have a public hearing on the
proposed drainage utility in the northwest area of the city (the hearing scheduled for District 1 will
be held at the Oveal Williams Senior Center, 1414 Martin Luther King Dr.). She said there was also
a Weed and Seed program meeting that night at 6:30 p.m. at Oveal Williams. Mrs. Longoria added
that Up River Road between McKenzie and Rand Morgan roads needed to be improved.
Council Member Heldenfels said there is a perception that since the Regional Water Director
is a city employee, his bias is to the city, not to the rest of the region the city supplies with water. He
added that in order to deal with the problem of conflicting reports about long-term water supplies,
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Regular Council Meeting
August 15, 1995
Page 17
a neutral third party --such as a university --should review the data. He agreed that city staff should
address the issue of the time value of money with regards to the water supply.
Council Member Martin said he would welcome a thorough presentation by Mr. Dodson on
the facts about water. He said he also discussed the issue about net present value with Mr. Garza
about one month ago. Mr. Martin then referred to a report by Naismith Engineering which rebutted
the report supporting desalination, which he said contained many valid points. He added that it is the
experts' obligation to provide the Council members' with all of the relevant facts so that the Council
may make an informed decision.
Council Member Black said she had received some calls from citizens complaining that they
do not have drainage facilities in their neighborhoods. Mr. Garza replied that almost every developed
area has a drainage plan and drainage system; he acknowledged that there are some that do not work
well and the city is trying to improve them. Mr. Crull added that there are some areas in the city
which were designed to have overland drainage flow but since the area may be too flat, ponding has
resulted. Mr. Garza added that the drainage inlets are located too far apart, because that made it less
expensive to construct a street.
Mrs. Black also asked who was responsible for maintaining the road from the Tulle Lake
Bridge to the Harbor Bridge Area. Mr. Crull said part of that road, which is East Navigation, is
located in the city limits and other parts are not. He said staff would assess that area.
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 5:50 p.m. on August 15, 1995.
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