HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/23/1996I 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 January 23, 1996, which were approved
by the City Council on January 30, 1996.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 30th day of January, 1996
SEAL
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
*0"`t°
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
2 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. David McNichols
Council Members:
Dr. Jack Best
Betty Black
Melody Cooper
Tony Heldenfels
Betty Jean Longoria
John Longoria
Edward Martin
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.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Isaac I. Rodriguez, Segunda Iglesia Bautista,
following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council
Member Cooper.
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 January
16, 1996, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 1, a presentation of the Sister City delegation from
Agen, France. She noted that Agen is Corpus Christi's newest Sister City, and she presented
Certificates of Citizenship and a key to the city to the French visitors, who included Dr. and Mrs.
Paul Chollet (the Mayor of Agen) and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Isaac (a City Council member). Council
Member Cooper also welcomed the visitors, some of whom were her guests.
Through an interpreter, Dr. Chollet extended warmest greetings to the citizens of Corpus
Christi from the people of Agen. He described the town of Agen, explaining that it is about four
times smaller than Corpus Christi and is located at a crossroads between Anglo-Saxon Europe and
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 2
Latin Europe. He said Agen is located on the Garonne River, and with its temperate climate, many
fruits are grown there; the town is also famous for a breed of cattle called 1'Blonde Aquitaine. Dr.
Chollet invited Corpus Christians to visit Agen, and he noted that five years ago their city was
chosen as the "Happiest City in France."
Dr. Chollet also presented to Mayor Rhodes a watercolor of the town square of Agen, as well
as gifts of fruit for the Council members.
*************
Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, a presentation on the Great Texas Coastal
Birding Trail.
Ms. Madge Lindsay, of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, used slides to discuss the
birding trail. She noted that two years ago her department produced a nature tourism report in
conjunction with the Texas Department of Commerce and the Texas Department of Transportation.
She said tourism is the third largest industry in Texas, and it is projected to be the largest industry
at the turn of the century. She said one reason for its growth is the desire of many more people to
escape stressful jobs and city life for the pleasures of the outdoors.
Ms. Lindsay added that the Texas coast is one of the richest birding areas in the United States
(with over 400 identified species), and Texas is the number one destination of bird watchers. She
said birdwatchers have been coming here for years, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department --
and the state's departments of commerce and transportation --are embarking on a large-scale
marketing campaign to attract even more bird watchers here.
She said that in a few weeks signs designating "The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail" will
be erected in 95 sites along the central Texas coast. In addition, free highway maps indicating the
location of all the sites will be available in highway information centers and at the Chambers of
Commerce of the cities along the coast. She said there are 19 sites in the Corpus Christi area which
have been designated on the birding trail which will attract thousands of visitors (and potentially
millions of dollars). She cited Corpus Christi's existing tourism infrastructure and existing bird
sanctuaries as a benefit to bird watchers who will be coming here. Ms. Lindsay also discussed ways
to promote a voluntary community partnership in bird conservation.
Ms. Lindsay said that the local contact people for this effort are Mr. Carter Whatley of the
Department of Social Sciences at Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi (994-5997), and Ms.
Marilyn Pierce of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance (881-1809).
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 3
Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda, and
the following appointments were made:
Animal Control Advisory Board
Pamela Hoge -Smith
Royston Moore
Sister City Committee
Rachel Gonzalez
Transportation Advisory Committee
Walter Prothro
Ray Mims
Clif Moss
************
*
Mayor Rhodes announced that Item 4, regarding the Whitecap Wastewater Treatment Plant
expansion, was being postponed one week. She then opened discussion on Item 3, downtown
wastewater system repairs/improvements.
Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, explained that in March 1995, the
Council approved an engineering services contract with ADS Environmental Services Inc. of Dallas,
which was teamed with the local firm of Urban Engineering. The purpose of the contract was to
perform a condition assessment and capacity analysis of the downtown wastewater collection system
(I&I study).
Mr. Tom Harris, of ADS Environmental Services (a sewer diagnostics firm), used slides to
explain how ADS conducted its study of the downtown wastewater system, which included flow
monitoring, physical inspection and map update, smoke testing, dye water testing, cleaning and
internal television inspection, and computer analysis of the data.
Mr. Jim Urban, of Urban Engineering, said the study area was bordered by Broadway on the
west, the seawall on the east, IH -37 on the north and Kinney Street on the south. He noted that there
is a 24" intercepter line which transmits the wastewater from the study area to the Broadway
Wastewater Treatment Plant. He said the engineering services contract identified the following
objectives: determine the general condition of the intercepter line; identify any defects and make a
recommendation regarding maintenance and cleaning; identify sources of odor in the study area and
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 4
find ways to eliminate it; and assess the capacity for future expansion.
Mr. Urban went on to say that following the study, the engineers were surprised to find that
the wastewater system --while not free of defects --was in better condition than they had anticipated.
He used a graph to illustrate which lines needed to be replaced and which needed other work
performed on them. In trying to determine the source of the odor problems, the engineers concluded
that there were no direct cross -connections between storm sewer and sanitary sewer lines. They also
concluded that the waste from food products in dumpsters was seeping into the storm sewers; in
some cases, people were actually dumping food waste directly into the storm sewer.
Mr. Urban said the study also concluded that if certain corrections in the system are made
(including in the intercepter line), there should be approximately 50% reserve capacity, which
provides considerable expansion capability.
Responding to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Urban said problems with cracked pipes can be a minor
contributor to the odor problem, but not the main contributor.
Council Member Martin noted that the issue of grease traps for the downtown restaurants was
a major issue a few years ago, and he asked about the inspection records for those restaurants. City
Manager Garza replied that staff could provide those records, adding that he was not aware that
enforcement had been a problem. Mr. Carl Crull, Group Manager for Public Works and Utilities,
added that the grease trap ordinance at that time also "grandfathered" existing facilities as long as
they met certain criteria of frequency of cleaning, which was every quarter.
Mr. Crull also said the Wastewater Department staff works with the Health Department staff
as part of the health inspection of the restaurants to ensure that the grease traps are cleaned at least
quarterly. And on an annual basis, a sample of the discharge from the restaurants is taken to
determine if any one is exceeding the allowable limits for fats, oils and greases. If there is a
problem, the restaurant is notified and instructed to improve the cleaning and maintenance of their
grease trap.
Mayor Rhodes commented that it would appear to be much less expensive to send the city
inspectors more frequently than to let the grease build up in the system. She suggested that staff
meet with representatives of the Restaurant Association to discuss the findings of this study and to
solicit their cooperation. Mr. Garza replied that staff has met with members of the Downtown
Management District, which includes restaurant representatives, throughout the course of the study,
and they are fully aware of the problems that have been experienced with the grease traps and the
dumpsters.
Responding to Council Member Best, Mr. Urban stated that one of the problems is that many
of the lines have not been thoroughly cleaned for quite some time, and there has been a gradual
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 5
build-up of the grease. He said once the system is completely cleaned and a consistent problem with
grease in a certain area develops, then the problem may be traced back to a particular restaurant. Mr.
Urban said one way to address the problem is through education about proper disposal methods for
not only the restaurant owners but particularly for those who clean the tables and work in the
kitchens.
Referring to another comment made by Dr. Best, Mr. Urban reiterated that the existing
downtown wastewater system is large enough to accommodate considerable expansion.
Council Member John Longoria stated that at one time, the city of San Antonio was
experiencing the same problem with grease traps that Corpus Christi is now. He said one way they
dealt with it was with the use of a certain chemical on the grease. Mayor Rhodes commented that
the goal should be to more properly dispose of the grease in the first place.
In reply to Council Member Black, Mr. Urban described how a grease trap works.
Mr. Ted Stevens, Chairman of the Downtown Management District's Infrastructure
Committee, thanked the Council and staff for their work on this issue, and he urged the Council to
approve the proposed contract so improvements can be made. Replying to Dr. Best, Mr. Stevens
said there are 26 restaurants in the downtown area, and they are monitored annually, as Mr. Crull
had previously explained. He added that when the grease is removed from the restaurant's grease
traps, it must be disposed of properly at the treatment plants. Mr. Garza said he would discuss with
the staff the issue of increasing the frequency of monitoring.
Mr. Martin noted that prior to the completion of this study, there had been much speculation
that the downtown wastewater system was in very poor condition and development would be
severely impeded as a result. He emphasized that the study had proven just the opposite --the system
is in very good condition and much more capacity is available. He said improved inspections and
cleaning of the lines will contribute to the improvement of the system.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
3.b. M96-016
Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $48,000 to Urban Engineering for consultant
services for the Downtown Wastewater System repairs/improvements.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 6
4.a. POSTPONED
Fund by $525,000.
4.b. POSTPONED
eenlstruetien-site-
4.c. POSTPONED
4.d. POSTPONED
.::
Y.:.,.i Lint 0.8 MGD to 2.5 MGD.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and
ordinances from previous meetings on Items 5 through 15, and Council Members requested that
Items 5 and 12 be withheld for discussion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed:
6. M96-018
Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 960 tons of crushed limestone in
accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0079-96 with Alamo Concrete Products, Ltd., Corpus
Christi, Texas based on the basis of an only bid for an estimated annual expenditure of
$19,440. 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
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 7
Manager or his designee. This material will be used by the Wastewater, Water and Gas
Departments. Funds are budgeted in FY 95-96 by the using departments.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
7. M96-019
Motion approving a supply agreement for library books and recordings in accordance with
Bid Invitation No. BI -0073-96 with the following companies for the following amounts
based on low bid for primary awards for an estimated annual expenditure of $424,873.32.
The term of the agreements shall be for twelve month periods with an option to extend for
up to two additional twelve month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the
City Manager or his designee. These books and recordings will be used by the Corpus
Christi Public Libraries and the South Texas Library System. Funds are budgeted in FY 95-
96 by the Libraries.
Brodart Baker and Taylor Ingram Library Services
Williamsport. PA Charlotte. NC La Vergne. TN
Primary Supplier Primary Supplier Primary Supplier
Groups 1-3 Groups 4, 6, 7 Group 5
$367,000.00 $33,863.32 $24,010.00
GRAND TOTAL - $424,873.32
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
8. M96-020
Motion approving a supply agreement for photographic film and development in accordance
with Bid Invitation No. BI -0108-96 with Picture Express Photo Lab, Inc., Corpus Christi,
Texas on the basis of an only bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $39,500. 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 using departments.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 8
9. M96-021
Motion authorizing the City Manager's representative to directly negotiate with Shiner,
Moseley and Associates, Inc. for engineering services associated with Sector 6 ofJ.C. Elliott
Landfill design/construction documents.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
10. M96-022
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Oso Water
Reclamation Plant Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring agreement with Conrad Blucher Institute
for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi (Blucher Institute) in
the amount of $36,411 subject to annual appropriations for the purpose of providing
dissolved oxygen monitoring and data collection in Oso Creek as required by the operating
permit for the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
11. RESOLUTION NO. 022472
Resolution authorizing condemnation proceedings by the City to condemn fee title to five
parcels of land for the Ocean Drive Spur 3 -Phase 1 Project and to acquire a 20 foot
temporary construction easement adjacent to and along the parcels and to acquire the parcels
and construction easement from the owners, and claimed owners, William P. Riddick
Individually, and as trustee, and William M. Riddick Co -trustee, and Jerry E. Fischer,
Trustee, for trusts for Cynthia Roane Riddick, William McDonald Riddick, Warren Pretlow
Riddick and Patricia Swarm Riddick, and George Morse III, Lienholder; and rescinding
Resolution No. 022434.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
13.a. M96-021
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. C6000165
with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $145,201 for Expanded Tuberculosis
Prevention and Control and Outreach Services during the period September 1, 1995 to
August 31, 1996.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 9
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
13.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022474
Ordinance appropriating a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of
$145,201 for Expanded Tuberculosis Prevention and Control and Outreach Services during
the period September 1, 1995 to August 31, 1996; amending Ordinance No. 022279 which
adopted the FY 1995-96 Budget by adding $145,201 to the No. 162 Federal/State Grants
Fund - Health Department; adding a part-time equivalent to the Health Department.
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."
14.a. M96-024
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to Contract No. C6000165
with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $289,485.79 and providing for the
Bureau of Nutrition Services for fund group nutrition education, individual counseling and
to prescribe food at no cost to individuals identified as having nutritional deficiencies and/or
nutritional risk during the period October 1, 1995 to March 31, 1996.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
14.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022473
Ordinance appropriating a grant in the amount of $289,485.79 to fund group nutrition
education, individual counseling and to prescribe food at no cost to individuals identified as
having nutritional deficiencies and/or nutritional risk during the period October 1, 1995 to
March 31, 1996; amending Ordinance No. 022279 which adopted the FY 1995-96 Budget
by adding $289,485.79 to the No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund - Health Department.
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. ORDINANCE NO. 022477
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 53-254, Schedule V, Increase of State Speed
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 10
Limit in Certain Zones by reducing the speed limit on Whitecap Boulevard from 40 MPH
to 35 MPH from Park Road 22 (South Padre Island Drive) to a point 1,000 feet west of
Cruiser Street.
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 5, supply agreement for dairy items.
Council Member Martin questioned the purchase of whole milk for the elderly nutrition
program. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, said he would provide more
information about the nutritional reasons for purchasing that type of milk. Mayor Rhodes said the
reason could be that the senior citizens prefer the whole milk over skim or low-fat milk.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. M96-017
Motion approving a supply agreement for dairy items including 140,000 - 1/2 pints of whole
milk; 18,000 -'/ pints of buttermilk; 25,000 - / pints of chocolate milk; 30,000 - 1/2 pints
of skim milk; and 30,000 -'h pints of 2% milk in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -
0069 -96 with Borden's Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual
expenditure of $39,042.70. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an
option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier
and the City Manager or his designee. These items will be used by Senior Community
Services. Funds are budgeted in FY 95-96 by Senior Community Services.
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 12, Interstate Highway 37 right-of-way.
Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager for Development Services, explained that City Manager
Garza and city staff met last week with representatives of the federal General Services
Administration (GSA) and with U.S. District Judges Hayden W. Head Jr. and Janis Graham Jack.
He said GSA has authorized staff to have property in the downtown area appraised as a potential site
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 11
for a new federal courthouse. Using a map, Mr. Utter described the area that GSA is interested in
purchasing for the courthouse. He said staff has informed GSA that the city intends to use the funds
from the sale of the property to relocate lanes of IH -37 and to develop the Gateway Project.
Mr. Utter went on to explain the two agenda items being considered by the Council. He
added that according to GSA, construction is anticipated to begin within 14 months, subject to
federal funding.
Responding to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Utter said the Metropolitan Planning
Organization has not approved this proposal because no federal or state highway funds are involved
at this time.
Council Member Martin questioned whether the Council had fully discussed the sale of the
particular piece of property under consideration for the site of the new federal courthouse. Mr. Utter
replied that there will be many aspects of this project that will require action by the City Council.
Mr. Martin said the approval of certain perfunctory items could be made based upon an extensive
discussion of what would be included in the whole project.
In response to Mr. Martin's concerns about the possible design of the new courthouse, Mr.
Utter said GSA had recently negotiated the agreement with the architectural firms for the design, and
a conceptual design was not yet available. In general, staff believes that the courthouse will
probably have some limited underground parking due to the slope from the seawall down to Water
Street. Mr. Martin asked if the city had a right to suggest where the courthouse would be located
on the property. Mr. Utter replied that it is staffs understanding that GSA and the designers will
confer with staff about the building's design; requirements such as the building's specific location
have not been negotiated with GSA. Mr. Garza said staff would bring this issue back to the Council
with a full briefing.
Replying to Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Utter said that under federal guidelines, major federal
buildings, to the greatest extent possible, are to be located in a city's central business district. He
said the GSA suggested a general area for the site of the new federal courthouse, and city staff
proposed to the GSA and to the local federal judges the site being discussed. One reason for
suggesting that site was that it did not remove any land off the tax rolls because it is owned by the
city. Mr. Garza briefly discussed some aspects of the design of the new courthouse.
Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Utter said staff has met with
representatives of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance, which is housed on Shoreline
Boulevard, and discussed the proposed location of the federal courthouse. Mr. Utter added that the
government building located on Mann Street was not designed by a firm selected by GSA; rather,
it was a private building leased to GSA. He also noted that the Council's approval of the two items
on the day's agenda was needed regardless of where the new courthouse would be located.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 12
In reply to Council Member Best, Mr. Utter said if the city sells that property to GSA, it does
not have the right to enforce any zoning or platting requirements because the federal government is
exempt from them. He added that he felt Judges Head and Jack would have a significant amount
of input into the courthouse project.
Mayor Rhodes pointed out that if GSA does purchase the city's property, it would be to the
city's advantage.
Council Member Heldenfels requested more information about previous discussions held on
this issue.
Council Member McNichols echoed the Mayor's comments that this proposal would benefit
the city, particularly with regard to the development of the Gateway Project. He added that the city
would not have the final say on the exact design of the courthouse.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12.a. RESOLUTION NO. 022476
Resolution requesting the Texas Transportation Commission take the appropriate action to
remove that portion of Interstate Highway 37 from Mesquite Street to Shoreline Boulevard
from the federal and state highway system and that the land be conveyed to the City of
Corpus Christi by the appropriate means.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
12.b. RESOLUTION NO. 022475
Resolution requesting Nueces County take the appropriate action to terminate the Agreement
of Assignment of the City's rights to the County to install, use and control certain parking
facilities within the right-of-way of Interstate Highway 37 between Mesquite Street and
Shoreline Boulevard.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper,
Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza reminded the Council about
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Regular Council Meeting
January 23, 1996
Page 13
a reception on January 24, 1996 for the Texas Transportation Commission members, with the
meeting to be held the next day. Mr. Crull briefly discussed the schedule for that meeting. Mr.
Garza added that items scheduled for the January 30 Council meeting were approval of a contract
with EMCON for the landfill, and an agreement for improvements to the Utility Business Office
billing system.
Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Cooper thanked Ms. Drue Combs, Mr. Femando Iglesias, and Mr. Michael
Flores for hosting the delegation from Agen, France.
Council Member Martin questioned the staff memo regarding the 20% rule for the recent
A&J Construction zoning case.
Council Member McNichols asked about the Texas Transportation Commission meeting, and
Mr. Crull responded that Corpus Christi's presentation was the first item on the agenda. He added
that the commission was in the process of holding more of its meetings around the state, and it was
important for the Council to show its unified support of the city's proposed projects. Dr. McNichols
also requested more information regarding a letter sent by the city to the owners of Island House
Condominiums.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she had received calls from concerned citizens
about a spray -painting business located at 544 Scott.
Council Member John Longoria requested an assessment of the condition of the city's
firefighting vehicles.
Council Member Black said she had received complaints about the condition of the Kiwanis
Park building on North Beach.
Mr. Martin said he had received a complaint from a citizen about a utility bill, in which a
corrected reading was taken of the citizen's utilities, but a corrected bill was not sent back to the
citizen. Mr. Garza replied that he would investigate the situation.
Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience, and there were none.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the
Council meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m. on January 23, 1996.