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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/27/1996I 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 27, 1996, which were approved by the City Council on March 5, 1996. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 5th day of March, 1996 Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting February 27, 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 Father Richard Speer, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 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 February 20, 1996, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes recognized the following speakers who made presentations before the Council (Items 2 through 5 on the day's agenda). The first presentation was about Koch Refinery's Kids Offered Computer Help Program. Mr. Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director of Programs for the Park and Recreation Department, said the program is a cooperative venture between the Park and Recreation Department, area schools and businesses. The program, which is designed for youth aged 19 and under, will teach typing and computer skills. Mr. Whitworth said the program is made possible by the donation of eight computers by Koch Refinery, and will be offered at T.C. Ayers Center and Oveal Williams Senior Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 2 Center seven days a week. He said the Park and Recreation Department is also working with Workforce Development in offering a job training skills class Mondays through Fridays. Mr. Tom Heilman, of Koch Industries, said this program is an example of Koch's commitment to youth and education. He said Koch is anticipating working with city staff in making this a very effective program. The next presentation dealt with the Corpus Christi Council of Neighborhood Associations manual. Council Member Cooper, Chairperson of the Neighborhood Association Task Force, said that the first neighborhood association orientation meeting will be held on March 7, 1996, in the City Hall basement. Mrs. Cooper noted that some of the task force members, including Ms. Mary Beth Nelson, designed a manual that they will be presenting during the Neighborhood USA Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, in May. Ms. Nelson encouraged citizens to form neighborhood associations in their neighborhoods, saying that they can improve the quality of life. She said the manual contains very helpful information regarding neighborhood associations, and she thanked Mayor Rhodes and Mrs. Cooper for initiating this project. The third presentation pertained to the new Corpus Christi Community Development Corporation (CDC). Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager for Development Services, explained that the formation of this corporation allows local banks to make conforming investments which can be used to provide affordable housing and small business development. Mr. Gene Gibbs, President of Mercantile Bank in Corpus Christi, said the CDC will be a for-profit corporation empowered and chartered under the laws of the state of Texas. The board of directors will initially consist of 12 people; 75% will be elected by the shareholders and the other 25% will consist of community members who have interests in affordable housing and small businesses. Mr. Gibbs noted that six banks have initially invested in the CDC as follows: Mercantile Bank, $200,000; American Bank, $100,000; Citizens State Bank of Corpus Christi, $100,000; NationsBank of Texas, $100,000; Frost National Bank, $25,000; and International Bank of Commerce, $25,000, for a total initial investment of $550,000. He said the CDC members are asking the city to consider investing $500,000 in the corporation at some point. Mr. Gibbs also discussed two possible CDC projects. Council Member John Longoria commended the investors in the CDC and said there should be no reason why the city cannot participate as well. He and Mayor Rhodes commended all those involved, saying their partnership will benefit low- and moderate -income citizens in the community. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter said the Council had already approved setting aside approximately $500,000 for CDC activities. He added that staff is working with CDC in developing an initial affordable housing program that will be recommended for Council approval. r Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 3 Council Member McNichols said this program will be very beneficial to the community. He then asked about the CDC's relationship to the Corpus Christi Community Improvement Corporation (CCCIC). Mr. Utter replied that the CCCIC is a non-profit corporation through which the Council administers its Community Development Block Grant funds as well as the HOME funds. He noted that city staff will assist the CDC by performing the CDC's administrative functions, thereby keeping the CDC's costs down. Council Member Black thanked the banks which have invested in the CDC for their cooperation. Mr. Gibbs invited other banks and corporations to join in the CDC. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria also commended the banks for their assistance in this program and in many other programs. The last presentation regarded the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance's community goals and projects. Mr. Al Jones, representing the Alliance's Board of Directors, explained that when the Alliance was formed over a year ago, several task forces were developed, one of which was the Special Projects Task Force. The task force members concluded that in order to undertake the Alliance's mission of promoting economic vitality in this area, much public input was needed to determine which projects and programs were of the highest priority. Mr. Jones said that a process model for a community projects plan was developed which includes public hearings (to receive input from a wide variety of groups), research, project and program lists, and funding options. He said the task force members feel the community has some significant needs, and the community projects plan may be a reasonable way of addressing those needs. He asked the Council to consider joining with the Alliance in developing that plan. Mayor Rhodes asked which group would be responsible for receiving the public input, and Mr. Jones replied that that had not yet been determined. Dr. McNichols asked how this process would differ from the Vision 2000 process. Mr. Jones said it is believed that the findings of Vision 2000 will flow naturally into an implementation process that will be proposed. He said he did not think this plan would duplicate Vision 2000's efforts. Mr. Jones added that there is no preconceived notion of which projects and programs should be considered. Mrs. Cooper said she supported this effort, and she suggested that some of the people who were involved in Vision 2000 also be included in this process. Responding to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Jones said that if the result of this process was a "package" of projects and/or programs, and if the funding for them included tax monies, it is assumed that the voters would have to approve them. Mr. Heldenfels then asked how a project differs from a program. Mr. Jones said an example of a project would be the expansion of the Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 4 Bayfront Plaza Convention Center, while a program could be the enhancement of people's job skills. Mr. Martin noted that one of the recommendations of Vision 2000 was that the Alliance assist in implementing their goals, and this process would be a consistent outgrowth of that. Mr. Martin said that particularly in the last few years, the Council and staff have been working to find ways to meet the city's basic needs, such as water, wastewater and solid waste. He said it is unlikely that this city will be able to afford any amenities (youth and senior facilities, libraries, etc.). As a result, this process is an opportunity to receive input from citizens and then ask them if they are prepared to support their goals. Mr. Martin suggested that city staff work with staff from the Alliance to begin working on the details of this process. Mr. Longoria echoed Mr. Martin's comments about the staffs working together on a plan. He added that citizens will have a wonderful opportunity to provide their input as well as to determine the final outcome of the plan. Mrs. Longoria pointed out that Vision 2000 consisted of volunteers who worked to solicit input from citizens, and the next step was to involve the staffs of the city and the Alliance. She said she looks forward to hearing from people about their goals, and she supports this process. Mr. Jones added that the Council will continue to be updated about this plan, and people who are interested can contact the City Manager's Office or the Alliance. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 6, 2002 American Bowling Congress tournament. City Manager Garza explained that the American Bowling Congress (ABC) had held its tournament in Corpus Christi in 1992 and it was a success for two main reasons: the hotel/motel tax increased during the time the bowlers were here, and the bowlers themselves were a very visible part of the community at that time. In addition, the Bayfront Plaza Convention staff was able to market the Convention Center and there was a resulting increase in tourism. He said the city's bid for the 2002 ABC tournament would include certain incentives, such as a cash subsidy of approximately $400,000--$150,000 would be paid by the city from its hotel/motel tax, with the other $250,000 contributed by the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance and local businesses. The city would pay its share to the American Bowling Congress at a rate of $30,000 per year for five years. The convention would require the free use of the Convention Center's Exhibit Hall from January through the middle of June, 2002 for the tournament itself and free use of all facilities for a week in March, 2002 for the ABC convention; the loss of potential revenues is approximately $75,000 and increased utility costs are expected to be $175,000. Mr. Garza said the cost to the city for the tournament is expected to be $525,000, while the Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 5 hoteUmotel tax is expected to increase by about $200,000. Other sources of revenue which cannot be enumerated at this time include an increase in the sale tax (which could be significant) and an increase in passenger facility charges for bowlers who fly into the city. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Garza said the city pays the Alliance approximately $1.8 million a year for different services. He said that how the Alliance chooses to pay for its share of the ABC tournament would be their decision, but it might involve some fundraising with the businesses which belong to the Alliance. Dr. McNichols said the city's expenses for this tournament were an investment into the community and the net return, in the long run, would be much greater. Council Member Martin noted that an important part of this bid proposal is the Alliance's involvement in the funding aspect. He also discussed positive benefits of hosting the tournament, but he pointed out that the bidding would be competitive. Council Member Cooper suggested that the success of the 1992 tournament hosted by this city be well publicized. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6. RESOLUTION NO. 022496 Resolution expressing the City's desire to host the American Bowling Congress Tournament in 2002, and authorizing the City Manager to provide them with $30,000 per year for five years, free rental of the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center Exhibit Hall and related in-kind services, subject to appropriation. 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 a five-minute recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, presentation and update on the Gateway Project and possible location of a new federal courthouse. Group Manager Utter said the Gateway Project, which involves the creation of an attractive entranceway into the city from about Mesquite Street to Shoreline Boulevard on IH -37, has been discussed for several years. He described previous actions that have been taken regarding this Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 6 project: in 1991 the Council approved the South Central Area Development Plan, which included a gateway concept; various boards and commissions approved the concept in April and May of 1994; and in June 1994 the Council formally approved the Gateway Project concept and the preparation of applications for outside funding (some of which was later obtained). In addition, said Mr. Utter, staff felt that a new federal courthouse that was being planned for Corpus Christi could be located in the area of the Gateway Project. That idea could be beneficial because it would mean that no land would be taken off the tax rolls, and it could provide significant monies for the Gateway Project funding. He said another step was the approval last month of the removal of the portion of IH -37 from Mesquite to Shoreline from the federal and state highway system. At this point, the funding commitments include a $500,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) grant; a commitment of $300,000 over a two-year period by the Regional Transportation Authority; a $200,000 commitment over four years by the Downtown Management District; approximately $215,000 for public art from the Permanent Art Trust Fund; and $500,000 committed by TRT Holdings. Using visual aids, Mr. Malcolm Matthews discussed the proposed design of the Gateway Project, and Mr. Utter talked about the proposed new federal courthouse site. He said the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has been awarded about $6.5 million for the courthouse's site acquisition and design; GSA has hired the Washington architectural firm of Hartman -Cox and the Corpus Christi firm of Wilson, Kullman, McCord to design the facility. He said GSA has requested that two configurations of property be appraised, which he described (north -south and east - west configurations). Mr. Utter also showed examples of recent federal courthouse designs. Mr. Utter said the relocation of IH -37 as part of the Gateway Project is crucial because GSA has indicated they want the new federal courthouse to be under construction in about 14 months, and the engineering consultants for the relocation of IH -37 will have to be hired soon. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Utter said GSA is considering both configurations due to concern about underground piping in the area, for which an easement would need to be maintained by the city. Mr. Martin asked about the ownership of the property on which the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance is located, and Mr. Utter said the city has the majority of the control of that site; Mr. Martin requested a history of that site. A discussion ensued about aspects of the appraisal of the site. Council Member McNichols discussed the possibility of incorporating the best elements of the facade of the old county courthouse into the new federal courthouse, so that the historical covenant that exists on the old building could be lifted and the rest of the structure could be removed. Mr. Utter said that idea had not been discussed with the federal courthouse architects; however, in the past the idea of using some aspects of the old courthouse in the Gateway Project was broached with the Texas Historical Commission, but they were not enthusiastic about it. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 7 Council Member Heldenfels said he disagreed with the idea of locating the federal courthouse in the Gateway Project. Mr. Utter pointed out that the federal government is required to locate federal courthouses in urban areas. He added that the money the government will pay to buy the land for the courthouse will be used to assist in the Gateway Project. Mayor Rhodes said that without the federal courthouse monies, she doubted the Gateway Project could be built. Responding to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Utter said the TPWD grant is intended for the Shoreline phase of the Gateway Project. Mrs. Cooper said she supported the project and the addition of the federal courthouse there will be a bonus. Mr. Heldenfels noted that the Petroleum Tower is vacant, and he asked if GSA had investigated the possibility of using that building. Mr. Utter said GSA conducted an extensive review of available buildings and sites in the downtown area, and they concluded that there were no existing buildings that met their requirements. Mr. Heldenfels expressed concern about a lawsuit that was filed against the Downtown Management District (DMD) and about that organization's involvement in the Gateway Project. Mr. Utter said the DMD had committed $200,000 to the project, which would not adversely affect the project's final outcome. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she supported the project, and she emphasized the importance of seeking federal and state funding. She also asked about the walkways in the park. Mr. Matthews said the park will have 8 -feet -wide and 12 -feet -wide walkways. Council Member Best asked if GSA had the right of eminent domain, and Mr. Utter said it did. Dr. Best said he felt that the new federal courthouse should be located in the old county courthouse. Mr. Utter replied that that would not be possible for many reasons, including the complicated structural and historical constrictions on the old building. Council Member Black said the Gateway Project will be beneficial because it will attract more people to the downtown area. Mr. Martin questioned the action items the Council was considering on the day's agenda. Mr. Utter said the first was the appointment of an ad hoc panel to select permanent public art for the Gateway Project. Mr. Martin said he did not object to taking that action, but he said he did not want the design of the Gateway Project to be controlled by an arts panel, and Mr. Utter said it would not be. He added that the second item was to dedicate a certain portion of Shoreline Boulevard right-of- way for outdoor public recreation purposes. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. She then asked those who supported and opposed the Gateway Project to stand and be recognized; several people stood up in favor and no one stood up in opposition. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 8 City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7.b. M96-051 Motion authorizing the appointment of an ad hoc panel to select permanent public art for the Gateway Project as per the Public Art Ordinance. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels voting "No." 7.c. RESOLUTION NO. 022497 Resolution dedicating that portion of the current right-of-way of Shoreline Boulevard bounded by the east curbline of the relocated Shoreline Boulevard, Palo Alto Street, the existing east curbline of Shoreline Boulevard, and Peoples Street, for outdoor public recreation purposes in perpetuity, subject to the relocation of Shoreline Boulevard and construction of the Gateway Project. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels voting "No." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 8, certificates of obligation for the Texas State Aquarium. City Manager Garza said the day's action items, if approved, will result in the issuance of $4.4 million in certificates of obligation which are payable from revenues generated by the Texas State Aquarium and which have the underlying full pledge of the city. Mr. Garza said that at different times, the Council has approved actions in support of the aquarium. Most recently, aquarium officials approached the city about assisting them with their outstanding debt (that carried a high interest rate); with necessary maintenance on the facility; and with plans for expanding the aquarium with new attractions. Mr. Garza said the aquarium bonds were marketed privately using the city's traditional team of financial advisors. He said the interest rate the city acquired was very competitive at 5.29% interest. He said both rating agencies commented that the city's debt was manageable for a city this size. Mr. Garza added that he specifically reviewed the financial statements of the Texas State Aquarium Association for the four previous years and the proforma statements for the future, and he felt that the revenues and expenditures were conservatively stated. He said the aquarium has the wherewithal to support the debt service for these certificates of obligation. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 9 Upon verification by Mr. Garza, Council Member Martin reiterated that this bond proposal was carefully scrutinized by many people and it is their conclusion that the aquarium's revenues will be able to support this debt and, according to the data, the city's full faith and credit is not expected to be called upon. Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Garza said that today's proposal was consistent with the original request for funds. Mr. Longoria said the funding process for this project was backwards, causing the Council members to have more questions about it than they normally would have. Mr. Garza emphasized that the investors would not invest in the city's bonds if the underwriters had not conducted a thorough review. He noted that this project required an expedited process in order to assist the aquarium with its proposals. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said this proposal involved the transfer of private debt to public debt, which he said was unconstitutional. Mr. O'Brien then referred to the aquarium's financial information, and questioned why this item was being voted on as an emergency item. Mr. Garza replied that aquarium officials have in the past demonstrated the ability to reduce expenditures and to ensure that they stay within their budget. Mr. Garza added that bonds are sold on an emergency basis. Mr. Martin pointed out that in the state of Texas, all bond sales have to be approved by the state's Attorney General. Mayor Rhodes asked the people in the audience who support the Texas State Aquarium to stand and be recognized, and she thanked them for their continuing public support. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 8.a. RESOLUTION NO. 022498 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement between the Texas State Aquarium Association and the City of Corpus Christi for transfer of aquarium admissions in support of Certificates of Obligation issued by the City. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022495 Ordinance by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas providing for the 1 Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 10 issuance of $4,400,000 City of Corpus Christi, Texas Combination Tax and Texas State Aquarium Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1996 and ordaining other matters relating to the subject. 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." 8.c. ORDINANCE NO. 022499 Ordinance appropriating $4,400,000 to the Texas State Aquarium Bond Fund No. 525 for the acquisition of facilities, land, and improvements for aquarium purposes, and construction and rehabilitation of improvements and additions to certain of the facilities that comprise the Texas State Aquarium, and the payment of fiscal, engineering and legal fees incurred in connection therewith from the sale of $4,400,000 in Combination Tax and Texas State Aquarium Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 1996; amending the FY 1995-96 Capital budget adopted by Ordinance No. 022394. 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." 8.d. RESOLUTION NO. 022500 Resolution authorizing the City Manager of his designee to execute a purchase agreement with the Texas State Aquarium Association, a Warranty Deed accepting the conveyance of real property from the Aquarium, an instrument of sale and conveyance accepting the conveyance of improvements and personal property from the Aquarium. 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 consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 9 through 14, and Council Members requested that Item 11 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa said that Council Member John Longoria would abstain from discussing or voting on Item 10, since he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbus Fleet Association. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 11 9. M96-052 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Gulf Coast Council of La Raza, Inc. to provide $297,260 from the FY95 CDBG Program to construct a building adjacent to the current runaway shelter and to bring the shelter in ADA compliance. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye." 10. M96-053 Motion awarding a contract in the amount of $17,698 to Safeguard Systems, Inc. as a sole source procurement, for modification and extension of the existing security system to the Museum of Science and History Expansion for the Smithsonian Institution's Seeds of Change Exhibit and Columbus Fleet Shipyard. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Cooper, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; J. Longoria abstaining. 12. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 53-250, Schedule I, One-way Streets and Alleys, by adding the Interstate 37 north frontage road system (northbound) from Rand Morgan Road to Violet Road, and a portion of Up River Road (northbound) from Rand Morgan Road to approximately 1,000 feet south of Rand Morgan Road; providing for publication. 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. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Use Privilege Agreement with the James Brooks, VFW Post 3837 to bore a 6" steel welded casing, approximately 160 feet in length across the Leopard Street right-of-way approximately 1,150 feet east of Callicoate Road to accommodate a 2" force (wastewater) main and with the intent to allow two additional 2" inactive lines within that same 6" steel welded casing for future use under separate use privilege agreements; and establishing a fee of $310. 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 27, 1996 Page 12 14. ORDINANCE NO. 022502 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 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 11, Police Department air conditioning chiller. Council Member Martin asked how this item would be funded, and Mr. Garza replied that he had not yet determined a funding source, since it was an unexpected expenditure for the General Fund. Mr. Martin noted that staff is considering recommending that the Police Department's 300 - ton electric chiller be replaced with a 175 -ton gas chiller, and he suggested that this item be placed on the Council's regular agenda for discussion prior to action on it. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022501 Ordinance appropriating $24,000 from interest earnings in the No. 536 Public Health and Safety Capital Improvement Fund; amending the FY 95-96 Capital budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 022394, by adding $24,000 to Fund No. 536 Public Health and Safety Capital Improvement Fund for the Police Department air conditioning chiller project. 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. 11.b. M96-054 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in an amount not to exceed $24,000 with Horizon Engineering (Richard J. Miller, P.E.) for engineering services for Chiller Replacement -1996 - Police Department Building. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 13 Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza said there would not be a Council meeting on March 12, 1996 due to the Council members attending the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. However, a Council meeting was being scheduled for March 5, 1996, and items for discussion include the drought contingency program and the budget update. With regard to the status of the factory outlet mall, Mr. Garza said the developers were in town recently and they are still holding to their projection that the mall will be under construction during the second quarter of 1996. He added that the city would not spend any monies until there is a guarantee that the project will proceed. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked about the projects being considered by the members of the Texas Transportation Commission. Mr. Carl Crull, Group Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said he understood that in March the commission members would receive a list of the projects that have been requested for finding, and in May the commissioners will receive the staffs recommendation on the prioritization of those projects, and they would not vote on them until August. He said Mr. Tom Word of the Texas Department of Transportation had recommended that Council members write to the commissioners thanking them for coming to Corpus Christi recently, and reiterating the importance of the city's three projects. Mrs. Longoria also asked about a letter she had received from Fox Tree Nursery, and Mr. Garza said staff was preparing a response to that letter. Mrs. Longoria noted that Mr. Garza had written a memo to the Council members about the Fire Department's heavy equipment, and she suggested that he further discuss the issue during the Council meeting. Mr. Garza said that Fire Chief J.J. Adame recognized the need to replace the department's brush trucks, but his first priority was the aerial ladder truck, which had been budgeted and which was recently purchased. He said staff will continue to pursue options with regard to the brush trucks, and will investigate a concern about the need for more aerial ladder trucks. Mr. Garza added that he is confident in the way the Fire Department is staffed, equipped and managed. Mrs. Longoria referred to an incident in which two vials of nitroglycerin were taken to an area in her district and diffused by the city's bomb squad. She said the citizens had not been informed about the activities of the bomb squad and had expressed concern. Mr. Garza said that area is specifically used for that purpose because it is relatively isolated, but he recognized the need to alert the public. Council Member Heldenfels asked about the city's quarterly financial statements, and Mr. Garza said he would provide more information. Mr. Heldenfels also asked about an apparent misprint in the city's budget, and Mr. Garza said he was not aware of it. Responding to a question from Mr. Heldenfels, Mr. Crull said the priority of the city's three Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 27, 1996 Page 14 transportation projects were the South Padre Island Drive -Crosstown Expressway interchange, the J.F. Kennedy Causeway elevation, and the northside road and rail corridor. Council Member McNichols pointed out that as the drought conditions continue, the danger of brush fires increases. He suggested that the Council consider the possibility of purchasing at least one new brush truck rather than refurbishing one. Mr. Garza said he would review it and make a recommendation. Dr. McNichols commented that if it were not for the foresightedness of previous Councils, which approved the construction of the Choke Canyon Reservoir, this city would be in a much worse situation with regard to the effects of this drought on the current water supply. He said this further illustrates the importance of continuing to plan for the city's future water needs. Council Member Cooper said more attention needed to be given to the Fire Department's brush trucks. She said she had also received complaints about the fire station on Doddridge. And she reminded people about the Texas Young Lawyers Association Youth Conference on March 2, 1996 at Carroll High School. Council Member Martin requested a copy of the city's current drought contingency plan, as well as the status of the city's wells. Council Member Black asked about citizens watering their foundations while still voluntarily conserving water. Mr. Garza suggested that people use a soaker hose (which uses very little water) around their foundations to prevent cracking. Responding to Mr. Heldenfels, Mr. Garza said there are some water conservation measures that have not yet been triggered by the city's water levels. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Ms. Eleanor K. Boats, 1233 2nd St., commented on the wholesome, family-oriented atmosphere of Branson, Missouri. She said Corpus Christi should strive to create the same atmosphere, and she criticized the adult businesses that are located here. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. on February 27, 1996. *************