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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 SEAL ,tgUtU IILMLU 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes 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 Minutes 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: Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 15, 1995 Page 4 Citizens Advisory Health Board Melinda Gonzales •sssssr*■**ss 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 Minutes 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." Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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 Minutes 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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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, Minutes 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * *