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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/20/1996I 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 February 20, 1996, which were approved by the City Council on February 27, 1996. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 27th day of February, 1996 Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL Mâ–șCRUFILMLU MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting February 20, 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 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 Tom Burdett, Unitarian Universalist, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member John Longoria. City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of February 13, 1996, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. ************* City Manager Garza introduced Mr. Quenten Cook, the new Marina Superintendent. Mr. Cook said a few words, then introduced Ms. Kathleen White and Mr. Randy Poelma, who briefly described two world-class sailing events that will be held in Corpus Christi in March. *Council Member Heldenfels arrived at the meeting at 2:05 p.m. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, discussed the North Bay Basketball League program. He noted that the city's overall youth basketball program is the largest municipally operated basketball program in the state, with about 1,600 children participating. There are about 200 young people participating in the basketball program that was created for the city's northside, Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 2 with assistance from Koch Refining Company and CITGO, whose representatives were present at the Council meeting to present donations of $8,000 each. Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Matthews noted that the basketball program uses two city gymnasiums and nine Corpus Christi Independent School District gyms. He also verified that the city will be making improvements to the gym at Coles Elementary School for use both by the school and the city. Mr. Chuck Cazalas, of CITGO, commended city staff and said that CITGO supports the city's efforts in this program and are pleased to be a part of it. Mr. Tom Heilman, of Koch Refining Company, said his company is committed to improving the quality of life in this community, and he said they are glad to be part of the basketball program. Mayor Rhodes and Mrs. Longoria thanked both men for their companies' support. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, Weed and Seed recognition grant. Mr. Florencio Sauceda, Director of Housing and Community Development (HCD), announced that the city's Weed and Seed program had been awarded a $35,000 federal grant. He noted that the local program is administered jointly by HCD and the Police Department. Mayor Rhodes commented that the Weed and Seed program was established without federal assistance and has been very successful. Mr. George Hodge, Weed and Seed Coordinator, described some of the ways in which the program has benefitted the northside community, and he commended many people who have contributed to it. Police Chief Pete Alvarez said that the residents of the northside have been very receptive to the Weed and Seed program, and he described police programs that coincide with the Weed and Seed efforts, including the bicycle patrol, "Jump Out Boys" (police officers who target drug dealers in action), demolition of "crack" houses, and others. He said he hopes that Weed and Seed can be utilized in the westside as well. Council Member Heldenfels asked if Assistant Police Chief Lou Villagomez was involved with the Weed and Seed program. Chief Alvarez replied that he is not involved in it in his capacity as Assistant Chief, but Villagomez was involved when he served as the Commander of the Community Services Division. Responding to Council Member Cooper, City Manager Garza said that despite ongoing budget discussions at the federal level, there seems to be a high priority placed on law enforcement Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 3 programs, and staff is hopeful that funding will continue. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria thanked Mayor Rhodes and the Council members for their support of the Weed and Seed program. She said that as a result of the program, residents on the northside are once again participating in Boy Scouts programs, Little League baseball, and the city's basketball program, among others. She reiterated that a similar program is needed on the westside. Mayor Rhodes pointed out that a wide range of community organizations have been instrumental in the program's success. In reply to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Garza said that up to this point, the Weed and Seed program has been funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Receipt of the $35,000 grant will allow HCD to reprogram $35,000 in CDBG funds to other CDBG programs Mr. Longoria commended Mr. Hodge for his efforts. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, thanked all those involved in the Weed and Seed program. He noted that he was a former gang member who grew up on the westside, and he is anticipating the program's movement to the westside. Mr. Rene Cervantes praised the success of the Weed and Seed program. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2.a. M96-046 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute all documents necessary to accept a $35,000 Weed and Seed Recognition grant awarded by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Executive Office of Weed and Seed (SOWS) for planning, coordination, or implementation of the local Weed and Seed Program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 2.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022488 Ordinance appropriating a Weed and Seed Recognition grant in the amount of $35,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice for the administration of the local Weed and Seed Program by the Department of Housing and Community Development to the Federal/State Grant Fund No. 162. -r Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 4 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 discussion on Item 3, Central Power and Light (CPL) rate ordinance. Mr. Garza explained that in November 1995, CPL filed a rate increase request with the cities it serves and the Public Utility Commission (PUC). The case was suspended for 90 days while the cities' consultants reviewed the rate request, and that review has been completed. Mr. Garza said that Corpus Christi has until March 9, 1996 to file its action with the PUC. Mr. Garza said the consultants' concluded that not only is an increase not justified but, in fact, a rate decrease of 6.7% is called for. The proposed new rates would be approved by the Council with two readings, and the matter would probably be appealed by CPL to the PUC, and the hearing process would most likely continue until December 1996. Mr. Geoffrey Gay, of the Austin law firm of Butler, Porter, Gay & Day, said his firm represents the coalition of cities that intervene before the PUC on rate matters. He said that he and the attorney representing CPL had agreed that they would not delve into the complicated details of this issue before the Council but would be available to answer the Council's questions. Council Member Best asked about a secret legal settlement with Westinghouse involving the South Texas Nuclear Project (STP). Mr. Gay replied that the settlement --which has been highly sensitive and secretive --is an issue in the pending rate case that the coalition of cities have tried to learn more about through the legal discovery process. Mr. Gay explained that the STP owners (CPL, Houston Lighting and Power, and the cities of San Antonio and Austin) sued Westinghouse with regard to some deficiencies. They then reached a settlement and the parties agreed that there would not be a revelation of the settlement, which the judge agreed to and consequently issued an order to that effect. He added that there is some possibility that part of the settlement agreement was a concession that Westinghouse would provide certain services in the future which would lower the operating and maintenance expense of the South Texas Nuclear Project. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Gay summarized the reasons why CPL was requesting a rate increase at this time. He explained that this rate increase was anticipated back in 1990 when there was a settlement to bring the South Texas Project into rate base for the first time. That settlement included a five-year moratorium on rate increases. He said it was thought that as the rate moderation plan expired, CPL would have justification to request higher rates. However, Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 5 taking into account the whole situation, consultants concluded that there are many areas where costs have declined and CPL's revenues have increased, which have allowed CPL to earn more than the consultants feel they should be earning. In reply to another question from Dr. McNichols, Mr. Gay said the main justification that CPL is using for its rate increase request is the loss of the rate moderation plan benefits to rate payers. In response to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Gay said that in the last year, the South Texas Project has been an excellent producer of electricity. Mr. Heldenfels also asked about the Westinghouse settlement, and Mr. Gay explained that the judge in the civil trial said the settlement was secret and could not be revealed. He said the consultants feel the PUC has a responsibility to review that settlement to protect rate payers irrespective of the judge's decision. Mr. Mark Held, representing CPL, addressed the Westinghouse settlement. He explained that Westinghouse has been involved in numerous disputes throughout the country over the steam generators that it supplied during the 1960s through the 1980s, as is the case with the South Texas Project. He said if the settlement had not been kept confidential, it would not have occurred. He said CPL recognizes the public's interest in the Westinghouse case. He emphasized that CPL is not trying to hide anything and he acknowledged that this was a difficult situation. Mayor Rhodes called for other comments from the audience. Mr. Glynn Pugh said he is an attorney of record in the pending CPL rate case before the PUC. He gave several reasons why the Council should approve the proposed rate reduction ordinance, including what he said were CPL's already high rates; the fact that capital costs and fuel costs have decreased; the cost of poor management at STP which has been passed on to the rate payers; and the high costs of the rate cases themselves, which he said are paid for by the rate payers. Mr. Pugh agreed with the consultants' conclusion that the recommended rate decrease would still allow CPL to produce more than a reasonable return on its invested capital, which is used in rendering services to its customers. Mr. Leon Perez criticized CPL and its operations. Mr. Phil Rosenstein also criticized CPL's request for an increase, and he urged the Council to pursue a decrease in the rates. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 6 3. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Revising the rates of Central Power & Light Company in the City of Corpus Christi, Texas; providing for conditions, severability, and repeal of conflicting ordinances. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." ************* Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, airport improvement grant program. Ms. Bonnie Allin, with the Aviation Department, said the proposed resolution requests that the city's congressional delegation pass new legislation to reauthorize the Airport Improvement Grant Program, which is a user -pay system. Those dollars are intended to go into the Aviation Trust Fund and then go back to the communities for their capital infrastructure needs. She said this issue will be discussed in mid-March as part of the overall budget debate. If the program is discontinued, it could result in a loss of about $1.25 million per year to the Corpus Christi airport. City Manager Garza noted that Ms. Allin, who has worked for the city for about eight years, is a certified airport executive and he has named her the Interim Director of Aviation. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. RESOLUTION NO. 022489 Resolution urging Congress to pass legislation to reauthorize the Airport Improvement Grant Program beginning in FY 1997 and restore grants in aid funding to at least $1.7 billion to meet infrastructure capacity needs of the nation's airports. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 5, reconstruction of the airport terminal building. Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, said that when the second phase of the terminal building is completed, it should provide a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing "front door" for those traveling to Corpus Christi. He said that once the design for Phase II is Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 7 completed, two construction contracts will be developed for implementation. Mr. Shackelford described the essential elements that were included in Phase I, which is currently under construction. He said Phase II is much more extensive with regard to the terminal's interior. It involves an expansion of about 11,000 square feet to provide for a new baggage claim area, relocation of the rental car kiosks and security area, upgraded mechanical systems, and new public address system and signage. Mr. Shackelford said the design of Phase II and construction documents for Contract 2A will be ready within 182 calendar days following the Council's approval of the contract. Interim Aviation Director Allin described how the improvements in Phase II will benefit the airport's customers. Responding to Council Member Best, Ms. Allin said staff has met several times with the Airline Technical Affairs Committee about several aspects of the renovation. Responding to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Shackelford said the construction and administration services for the Phase II Contract 2A will be carried out by Wilson Kullman McCord, while the airport has acquired an on-site day-to-day inspector. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria requested a list of the subcontractors for Phase I. Council Member Martin asked about the sources of funding for the approximately $4 million contract. Ms. Allin replied that the sources are federal grants and passenger facility charges. Mr. Martin pointed out that future federal grants are not assured and he questioned whether the project's scope should be scaled back as a result. Mr. Garza replied that staff would still recommend the project in its current scope, but the completion schedule may have to be extended. Mr. Martin asked if all of the projects included in Contract 2A were of a higher priority than those in Contract 2B, and Ms. Allin replied that the greatest constraint in the terminal today is the baggage claim area. Council Member Cooper said that signage was needed to explain the airport's construction. Responding to another question from Mr. Martin, Ms. Allin said the rental car companies have also been included in the discussion of the terminal renovation. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022490 Ordinance appropriating $375,000 from the Passenger Facility Charge Fund Unreserved Fund Balance for Amendment No. 5 to the consultant's contract for services related to the International Airport's Terminal Building Reconstruction; amending the FY 95-96 Capital Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 022394 by adding $375,000 to the PFC Fund No. 246. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 8 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." 5.b. M96-047 Motion approving Amendment No. 5 to the architectural services contract with Wilson Kullman McCord, Inc. for terminal building reconstruction in the amount of $358,100 for a new total of $604,550 and authorization to proceed with planned phase 2 design and construction 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 the public hearing on Item 6, alley closure in The Park at Wood River. 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: 6. ORDINANCE NO. 022491 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 3,669.30 square foot portion of a 20 foot wide alley right-of-way located adjacent to Lot 1, Block 49, the Park at Wood River, Unit 8; subject to compliance with specified conditions and owner replatting the property within 180 days at his expense. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case. 7. Case No. 196-1. Carl F. Badalich: A change of zoning from "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District on Crestmont Unit 2, Block 6, Lots 37 and 38, located Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 9 on the southeast corner of Kostoryz Road and Crestwater Drive. 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 John Longoria, Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, said that deed restrictions are enforced by any homeowners association or any individual property owners, but not by the city. Council Member Black asked about the applicant's intention to construct an office building with one -bedroom apartments above the offices. Mr. Badalich, the applicant, replied that he planned to operate his insurance company on the subject property and wanted to have living quarters above his office. At Mr. Longoria's request, Mr. Harvey showed a video of the subject property. Mr. Longoria pointed out that that portion of Kostoryz, on which the subject property fronts, is very narrow and heavily traveled. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 022492 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Carl F. Badalich by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Crestmont Unit 2, Block 6, Lots 37 and 38 from "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District; providing for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 8 through 14, and Council Members requested that Item 9 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 10 8. M96-048 Motion approving a supply agreement with Pencco, Inc., Bellville, Texas for approximately 2,000,000 gallons of ferrous sulfate in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0122-96 based on low bid of $453,000. The term of the contract will be twelve months with an option to extend for up to two (2) additional twelve month periods. This chemical will be used by the Wastewater Department for odor control at various treatment locations. Funds have been budgeted by the Wastewater Department for FY 95-96. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 10. M96-050 Motion to award a contract not to exceed $39,000 to Shiner, Moseley and Associates, Inc. for engineering services for Sector 6 development and permit modifications - J.C. Elliott Landfill. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 11.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022493 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year lease with the Corpus Christi Art Foundation for the Art Museum of South Texas building, in consideration of Foundation operating the Museum for the benefit of the public and to further public appreciation of art. 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 ten-year lease with the Corpus Christi Art Foundation for the Art Museum of South Texas building, in consideration of Foundation operating the Museum for the benefit of the public and to further public appreciation of art. 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." Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 11 12. ORDINANCE NO. 022487 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 7 -square foot portion of a 15 -foot wide utility easement located within Lot 62, Block 3, Candlewood Addition, Unit 4; subject to compliance with specified conditions and owner replatting the property within 180 days at his expense. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 13. ORDINANCE NO. 022494 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 6.8 -acre portion of Inundation Easement out of E. Sterling, Kinkier Lands for Lake Corpus Christi (Live Oak County, Texas), subject to compliance with specified conditions. 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. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a ten-year lease with the Corpus Christi Area Garden Council, Inc. for the use of the Garden Center in consideration of the Garden Council, or its member clubs providing educational or recreational programs in Corpus Christi annually for the term of the lease. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 9, underground fuel storage tank mitigation. Responding to Council Member McNichols, City Manager Garza said the city has identified all of the sites of leaking petroleum tanks and has either removed, repaired or replaced them. Mr. Carl Crull, Group Manager for Public Works and Utilities, explained that the proposed contract was to complete an assessment of each of the sites. He said the assessment could range from a finding of no significant contamination to having to complete some remediation, such as removal of soil. He added that the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission will reimburse the city for approved services less a deductible of $2,500 per site. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 12 Dr. McNichols asked about the seriousness of the leakage, and Mr. Crull replied that there are some sites that will require some remediation, but probably the contamination is restricted to the soil around the tank. Council Member Heldenfels commented on the TNRCC's schedule of reimbursement on such projects. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9. M96-049 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $32,780 to Geraghty and Miller, Inc. for consultant services for underground fuel storage tank mitigation - Contract No. 1. The foregoing motion 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 introduced Mr. Robert Flores, a junior at Miller High School who had been "shadowing" him throughout the day. Mr. Garza also said that the level of the combined lakes is 40% of capacity, and while that is not a critical stage, staff is reviewing the drought contingency plan and will make a presentation on February 27, 1996. In addition, a presentation on the Gateway Project is also scheduled for the next Council meeting. Mr. Garza also announced a reception on February 22, 1996 to plan for the Texas Municipal League state convention that will be held in Corpus Christi in November. And a ribbon -cutting ceremony was being planned for February 27 for the McKenzie Road improvements. Mr. Crull noted that the Texas Department of Transportation was commencing construction on Greenwood Drive from South Padre Island Drive to Saratoga Boulevard, and the first action would be the utility relocations, adjustments and installations. He said that beginning February 26, the section of Greenwood between S.P.I.D. and Holly Road would be closed for about 10 days, with only local access provided. In her report, Mayor Rhodes said the Chairman of the Recycling Committee was requesting new members for that committee; interested persons can contact her office. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 13 Council Member Martin asked how the prevailing wage requirements were enforced in the city's contracts. Mr. Garza replied that the contractors are required to submit wage documentation. Mr. Martin requested that a spot audit be conducted to ensure that that practice is being carried out. Mr. Martin expressed concern about the emergency purchase of a new ladder truck for the Fire Department. Mr. Garza explained that during last year's budget preparations, the 1986 ladder truck was overhauled and it was felt that those repairs would be sufficient for several years. The department has another ladder truck in good condition. Subsequently, a portion of the repaired truck experienced some cracking, and in the meantime, staff felt two snorkel trucks could be used to fill in for the damaged ladder truck. However, an inspection of the back-up snorkel trucks indicated that they should not even be used in a reserve capacity, which left the city with only one functional aerial ladder truck. Mr. Martin said the whole process was highly unusual, and he asked why bids for a new ladder truck had not been sent out last August. Mr. Garza said the price of the new ladder truck was competitive; the City of San Antonio bought a similar truck last year for $535,000. Mr. Martin commented on a petition that was being circulated to recall Mayor Rhodes. He said that the recall petition was really for the whole Council since the Mayor does not act on her own --the majority of the Council could overturn any action she would take. He said that during her tenure as a Council member and Mayor, she has been straightforward, honest, and willing to make difficult decisions. Mr. Martin added that as a result of Mayor Rhodes' leadership, Corpus Christi will enter the next century with water, wastewater, and solid waste plans in place; with an excellent low-income housing program; and with an improved airport. He then thanked the Mayor for her efforts, and Council Members McNichols and Best concurred. Responding to a question from Dr. Best, Mr. Garza said that last year Fire Chief J.J. Adame began having the department's fire trucks inspected by an outside inspector, and that will continue on an annual basis. He noted that the EMS units have a much shorter life --a new unit is purchased each year and another is refurbished each year. Mr. Garza also commented on the firefighting capacity that is built into buildings, such as sprinklers, fire walls, etc. Dr. Best also asked about the status of the factory outlet mall. Mr. Garza replied that the last report he received from the developers was very encouraging, and he will provide the Council with an update Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked about a business located on the corner of McKenzie and McNorton called Midway Motor Company, and Mr. Garza said he would investigate it. She also asked about the status of the proposed industrial dump site near Choke Canyon Reservoir. Mr. Garza said the city has continued to oppose a permit for that site. She added that residents in the area of the proposed buy-out program are questioning that situation. Mr. Garza said Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 14 that with the commencement of legal action on that issue, much of the city's work has been postponed. Council Member John Longoria asked about proforma statements on certificates of obligation for assets of the Texas State Aquarium that he had requested last week. Mr. Garza said staff has consulted with the aquarium's auditors in the verification of every line item of the statements that they reviewed, and he will provide that information. He added that when the city sells bonds that are supported from revenues, the investors have to be convinced that the revenues are available. Mr. Longoria asked if it was the city's operating procedure to have detailed financial information about a financing proposal beforehand, and Mr. Garza replied that the market dictates that policy. Mr. Longoria also referred to the recall petition, saying that being a member of the City Council --particularly the Mayor --is a difficult job that requires more time and responsibility than most people realize. He praised Mayor Rhodes for her accomplishments, and he urged citizens to consider the work she and the Council members have undertaken before they consider signing a recall petition. Council Member Cooper echoed Mr. Martin's comments about Mayor Rhodes. She also requested a thorough report of all of the Fire Department's major equipment. She mentioned the Texas Young Lawyers Association Youth Conference on March 2, 1996 at Carroll High School, and she encouraged the public to participate. Mayor Rhodes thanked the Council members for their public support. She said in her 10 years on the Council, she has learned that criticism is always loud, vocal and public, while appreciation is quiet, private and on a one-to-one basis. She said she has received many letters from people who appreciate the time it takes to be a Council member, but they would never dream of calling a radio talk show or expressing their opinion in the public forum. She said when her term ends in April 1997, she intends to organize a vocal support system for people who serve in public office. The Mayor said she has frequently urged citizens to run for public office and their response is that they would not submit themselves to what public officials must endure. She said that has to change or there will not be any good people who will want to run for office. ************* Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Orence Carrasco, 2636 Waldron, complained about a traffic signal at Purdue and Waldron. Mayor Rhodes asked if he had received copies of letters from City Manager Garza and Mr. David Seiler, City Traffic Engineer, in response to his question, and he said he had not. Mr. Garza said he would speak with Mr. Carrasco after the Council meeting. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 20, 1996 Page 15 Mr. Raymond Wimberly, 806 Alden Dr., referred to a letter he had given the Council members about a plan he had for the old Nueces County Courthouse. He also said that eminent domain should play a part in the situation regarding adult businesses with undesirable secondary effects. Mr. Tim Lyon, 6116 Ayers, president of the Corpus Christi Area Bowling Association, said that members of the local bowling community fully endorse all efforts to hold the American Bowling Congress (ABC) national tournament in Corpus Christi in the year 2002. He said when the ABC tournament was held here in 1992, it was the second largest in participation in the history of the event. He cited statistics of the economic advantage of holding the tournament in this city. Mayor Rhodes asked that the issue of the ABC tournament be discussed at the next Council meeting because of deadlines concerning the bid. Mr. Garza said he had questions about some of the financial aspects of that proposal, but he would place it on the agenda. Mr. Martin commented that the decision on the location of the tournament was not made by the bowlers themselves or the communities submitting bids. He urged the Convention and Visitors Bureau to assist in the preparation of the proposal to host the ABC tournament. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said he agreed with the Council members concerning the recall petition, and he suggested that the Taxpayers Association spend more energy trying to better the community rather than attacking people's character and credibility. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. on February 20, 1996. * * * * * * * * * * * * *