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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/25/1997I 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 March 25, 1997, which were approved by the City Council on April 8, 1997. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 8th day of April, 1997 Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL tAMCROFILMEU MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Edward Martin Council Members: Dr. Jack Best Betty Black Tony Heldenfels* Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria Dr. David McNichols ABSENT Melody Cooper City Staff: City Manager Bill Hennings 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 Rev. Dr. Don Tharp, Central Christian Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Ms. Zahra Elkassabgi, an eighth grade student at Haas Middle School, who was "shadowing" Mayor Rhodes that day. Assistant City Secretary Koenning 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 March 18, 1997, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the following appointment was made: Park & Recreation Advisory Committee Billy Olivarez * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 2 Council Member Black received an award on behalf of the city from the North Bay Area Community Advisory Council and Neighborhood Visions Inc., and she in turn presented it to Ms. Sue Corey, Zoning and Code Enforcement Administrator, for the city's involvement in "Operation Clean Sweep." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 3, Park and Recreation fees. City Manager Hennings explained that in implementing the recommendations of the Commission on Children and Youth, the Park and Recreation Department has been reviewing its programs to see what changes might be made to be consistent with the commission's goals. He said the Park and Recreation Department is recommending that the swimming pool charges be reduced, and the charges for the summer recreation program be deleted in an effort to increase participation. *Council Member Heldenfels arrived at the meeting at 2:10 p.m. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, said the money identified for the fee reduction or elimination is being covered either through the Park and Recreation budget (where some expenditure reductions have been made), or through the City Manager's Office budget in order to avoid impacting this year's operating budget. Mr. Matthews went on to explain that each year the city works with the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) in trying to locate school sites for the summer recreation program because the city itself has a limited number of facilities. He said this year, they worked with the Police Department in identifying the areas of the city with high incidents of juvenile arrests and citations, with the intention of locating recreation programs at the schools in those areas. Mr. Matthews also referred to a list of proposed programs for volunteer and employment opportunities through the department. He noted that the city hires many summer lifeguards who must be Red Cross and WSI-rated, which costs the participants about $50. He said staff is proposing to reimburse the participants' training fee if they work for the city as a lifeguard through the summer. In addition, staff is proposing to utilize Coles Gym to extend the Northside basketball program into the summer months, as well as enter into a joint venture with Youth Odyssey, a local non-profit corporation. Before proceeding with the Council comments on Item 3, Mayor Rhodes recognized a group of students from Germany who had received honorary citizenships prior to the Council meeting. Council Member Martin commented that this proposal is probably one of the most sensitive recommendations he has seen in terms of staff anticipating the issues and being willing to use the Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 3 city's limited reserves to decrease the fees in order to increase youth attendance. Council Member John Longoria referred to a national study indicating that after-school hours and summertime are when youth are most at risk for negative influences. He said the city's Latchkey and summer recreation programs (including the summer food program) help to meet the needs that youth have. He commended the Park and Recreation proposals. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Matthews said the proposed fee reduction was on the agenda because it required action by the Council in order for it to be implemented. He said the Park and Recreation Department will also be extending the hours of operation at recreation centers and emphasizing family programs such as family swim night. He added that there are many programs that are not being proposed for fee reductions, such as Summer Latchkey Camp, team sports, and others; however, the city does have scholarships available for those programs for youth who qualify for the free or reduced lunch program in the school system. Council Member Black said this proposal was the most important action the city will have taken in the past few years to help curtail the problem of gangs. Responding to a question from Mrs. Black, Mr. Matthews said the city works with the Regional Transportation Authority and CCISD in providing bus tokens to youth for transportation. Council Member Best asked if corporations helped sponsor some of the city's youth programs, and Mr. Matthews cited some of them, including CITGO, Koch, H.E.B., Whataburger, and Wendy's. Dr. Best commended the programs. In reply to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Matthews said the Calallen and Tuloso-Midway school districts have both initiated and operated youth programs that the city feels do not need to be duplicated there. He said the city is still trying to work with the West Oso Independent School District in making youth programs available there. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. M97-067 Motion to amend the Park and Recreation Fee Schedule presented to Council July 23, 1996, to include fees associated with the FY 96-97 Summer Program. 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 March 25, 1997 Page 4 Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, purchase of rescue/transport vehicles. City Manager Hennings said the replacement program for ambulances in the past has involved two ambulances each year. Staff concluded this year that larger, more heavy-duty ambulances are needed, which will cost more money. He said after evaluating the situation, staff was recommending that the city proceed with the purchase of four heavy-duty units through a lease/purchase agreement, which will accommodate the need for two units this year and two units next year as part of the normal replacement program. He added that the Fire Chief from Weslaco had brought a heavy-duty unit they had purchased in order to show it to Corpus Christi officials. Corpus Christi Fire Chief J.J. Adame said the heavy-duty vehicles will provide increased reliability and longer vehicular life. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. M97-068 Motion approving the purchase of 4 Rescue/Transport Vehicles (ambulances) from Emergency/One, Inc. through Emergency Vehicles of Texas, Houston, Texas, for the amount of $496,944. Financing will be provided through the City's Lease/Purchase Program with General Electric Finance Corporation and funds will be included in the proposed Fire Department Budget in FY 97-98. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 5. Case No. 297-3 Bruce Callaway: A change of zoning from an "AB" Professional Office District with a Special Permit to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Windsor Park Unit 4, Block 20, Lot 17R, located on the southeast corner of South Staples Street and Collingswood Drive. Mayor Rhodes said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council Member Best made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Heldenfels, and passed unanimously. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 5 Council Member McNichols asked what would not be an allowable use in `B-1" zoning. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, said that "B-1" zoning would not allow a bar, a sexually oriented business, automobile repair, or larger -size general commercial uses. He explained that "B-1" is geared toward smaller commercial use, such as personal service and retail services needed by the community. Council Member Martin asked what triggered the 20% rule for this case. Mr. Harvey said that of the three notices returned in opposition, two had no written comment and one said they did not know what kind of business was being proposed for the subject property. He added that no one appeared in opposition at the Planning Commission public hearing. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 022876 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Bruce Callaway, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Windsor Park Unit 4, Block 20, Lot 17R from "AB" Professional Office District with a Special Permit to "B-1" Neighborhood Business 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 6 through 15, and Council Members requested that Items 7 and 8 be withheld for discussion. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 6. M97-069 Motion approving a supply agreement with American Meter, Plano, TX in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0101-97 for approximately 2,075 gas service regulators, sizes 1" x 1" and 1 1/4" x 1 1/4", based on low bid for an estimated annual total of $29,436.25. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months 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. Funds are budgeted in FY 96-97 by the Gas Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 6 Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 9.a. M97-072 Motion authorizing the City Manager to accept a Letter of Intent from the Texas Department of Health to provide funding for the Farmer's Market Nutrition Program for low-income women and children who are at high nutritional risk. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022878 Ordinance appropriating $7,000 as estimated reimbursements from the Texas Department of Health associated with administering the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program for Fiscal Year 1997; adding $7,000 in 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, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 10. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the following Farm Lease Agreements authorized by Ordinance No. 021900, adopted on March 15, 1994; (a) with Pat McDonough, to decrease the acreage farmed from 379.5 to 363.994 acres and (b) with Bemsen Brothers Farms to decrease the acreage farmed from 446.94 to 421.662 acres and (c) with Kelly Farms, to increase the acreage farmed from 310.30 to 439.996. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 11. ORDINANCE NO. 022879 Amending the Schedule of water rates in Section 55-50, Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, eliminating decreasing block water rates for large volume commercial and industrial users, establishing a new rate class for those users, and establishing a flat water rate for single family residential customers with consumption up to 15,000 gallons; providing for severance; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 7 Black, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Heldenfels voting "No"; Cooper absent. 12. ORDINANCE NO. 022880 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a 10 -year lease with National Little League for 4.349 acres at South Guth Park for a youth program in consideration of the League maintaining the facility and premises. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 13. ORDINANCE NO. 022881 Amending Chapter 55, Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, to implement a management program for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 14. ORDINANCE NO. 022882 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement with Nueces County to deny motor vehicle registration when vehicle owner has a Municipal Court Warrant. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 022883 Amending the City's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53 - Traffic, Article VIII - Schedules, Section 53-254, Schedule V - Increase of State Speed Limit in Certain Zones, by establishing speed limits on the Crosstown Expressway Extension East and West Frontage Roads, as follows: 50 MPH - East Frontage Road from a point approximately 3,335 feet north of Holly Road to a point approximately 1,510 feet south of Holly Road; 50 MPH - West Frontage Road from a point approximately 4,720 feet north of Holly Road to a point approximately 1,510 feet south of Holly Road; 55 MPH - East/West Frontage Roads from Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 8 a point approximately 1,510 feet south of Holly Road to a point approximately 2,500 feet south of Saratoga Boulevard; and 60 MPH - East/West Frontage Roads from a point approximately 2,500 feet south of Saratoga Boulevard to the South City Limit. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, park improvements for Cedar Ridge, Stony Brook and Caribbean parks. Council Member McNichols asked about the proposed improvements specifically for Caribbean Park. Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, explained that the improvements will include sidewalk access into the park, a multi-purpose court, and drainage and curb improvements in and around the park. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. M97-070 Motion to award a contract in the amount of $21,752 to Tamez-Pearson Construction for improvements to Cedar Ridge, Stony Brook & Caribbean Parks. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. *********** Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 8, purchase of tone -activated radios. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Fire Chief Adame explained that if an emergency occurs, the 9-1-1 Center will activate a tone and the radios will become operational and emergency officials will be able to broadcast emergency information. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Assistant City Secretary Koenning polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 9 8.a. M97-071 Motion authorizing the City's Fire Chief, Chairperson of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, to execute a Supplemental Environmental Project Agreement with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and accept $16,000 for the purchase of tone activated radios to be used in hazardous material incidents. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Black, Heldenfels, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and McNichols voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022877 Ordinance amending the FY 96-97 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 022643, by adding $16,000, received from respondents to Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission administrative enforcement proceedings, to account No. 107-223-750.03, LEPC-SEP account; appropriating $16,000 from account No. 107-223-750.03, LEPC-SEP account, to purchase tone activated radios for emergency response and communications during hazardous material incidents and conduct related public education programs. 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 the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings asked Ms. Bonnie Allin, Director of Aviation, to discuss the design of the airport terminal canopy. Ms. Allin introduced Mr. Bill Wilson, of Wilson, Kullman, McCord, the project architects. Referring to renderings, Mr. Wilson said the canopy is being proposed to be extended to the north and to the east, where the new baggage lobby will be expanded. He said the public ground transportation in front of the terminal will be moved to the outboard lane away from the most adjacent curb side, with the canopy extended over that lane. Mr. Wilson explained that nine proposals were reviewed, and the architects' recommendation (with approval by the Airport Advisory Board) was to keep the improvements relatively consistent with the existing structure. He said they are analyzing whether they will reuse the existing fascia panels or utilize another type of panel system. In addition, they are conducting further studies on how to integrate the signage. Other planned improvements include: ADA -accessibility in the crossing areas, canopy lighting, and pedestrian safety in the traffic lanes. He said the designers anticipate expanding the covered canopy between 15,000 and 22,000 square feet, and the bid Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 10 documents will be structured so that more of the canopy will be constructed if the unit cost is lower. Responding to Council Member Martin, Ms. Allin said the plan is to widen the outer lane to provide more space for drop-offs and ground transportation. Mr. Martin asked if the proposed design is limited by the way the building is currently constructed. He said that although design is a matter of taste, he did not feel that the canopy design was representative of Corpus Christi or South Texas. Mr. Wilson said that the designers were taking a modest approach with respect to aesthetic issues on the canopy. A discussion ensued. Mr. Wilson noted that the design is driven by the monies available, and the major changes are occurring on the interior rather than the exterior of the building. Mr. Hennings noted that there were other design options to consider, which the Council viewed. Responding to Council Member Heldenfels, Mr. Wilson said the pillars consisted of a brick veneer. He reiterated that they had not attempted to redesign the exterior of the airport terminal. Council Member Best expressed his ongoing dissatisfaction with the road leading to and from the airport. Ms. Allin replied that staff is preparing a proposal for funding for improvements to that entranceway, including replacing the light standards. Council Member McNichols said he did not think that access and functionality were a problem at Corpus Christi's airport facility. He said the terminal's entrance should be redesigned to be more modern -looking. Mr. Wilson said the architect's charge and budget at this point is not to rebuild the front of the airport. In reply to Council Member John Longoria, Ms. Allin said the booths for the parking lot attendants to collect fees will be improved but not replaced during this project. Council Member Black said she was satisfied with the proposed design of the terminal exterior. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked about the funding source for this project. Ms. Allin replied that the monies are derived from the passenger facility charges, which is a specific amount approved first by the City Council and then by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the federal airport improvement grants. Mayor Rhodes asked about the design process thus far. Ms. Allin said nine design options were studied, and some were eliminated due to cost, while others were ruled out because of their susceptibility to hurricanes. The options were narrowed down to the four options being shown to the Council, which the Airport Advisory Board discussed at length during their last meeting. The Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 11 Mayor said the problem was that the nine people on the Council could have nine different opinions about the design of the exterior, which may differ from the opinions of the advisory board members. Mr. Wilson said there were not enough funds to greatly impact the exterior design of the terminal. Mayor Rhodes asked what the options were at that point. Mr. Hennings replied that if the Council accepted the advisory board's recommendation, it would allow the project to remain on schedule and on budget. The other option would be to renegotiate with the architects for additional designs. Dr. McNichols said he thought they should wait until the new Council is seated. He emphasized that the funding for this project is not being taken from other city programs, but rather from federal grants and passenger facility charges. Mr. Heldenfels said he was not in favor of having the architects suggest any further redesigns of the terminal's exterior. Responding to Mr. Martin, Mr. Wilson said the proposal would almost double the size of the exterior canopy. Mr. Wilson further described the board's recommended design. Mr. Hennings said that since there was not a consensus of the Council with regard to the canopy design, staff would bring the item back for Council consideration in two weeks. Mr. Wilson pointed out that if the goal is to make a dramatic change to the terminal's exterior, that is a different charge than what the architects were given and that would be a policy decision rather than a design decision. With regard to other aspects of his Manager's Report, Mr. Hennings said that he did not have a legislative update for that week's Council meeting. He also referred to a recent news story about the bait stand in the Corpus Christi Marina. He explained that the city has been very satisfied with the performance of the bait stand operator; however, the structure is deteriorated and needs to be replaced and the city plans to build a new structure. The current operator's lease expires in May and he said he has asked staff to talk to the lessee about extending her lease to continue through the construction period of a new structure. He said staff has had discussions with her about the fuel station and other issues. Mayor Rhodes said the understanding is that the operator is being told that she cannot operate the bait stand unless she accepts the fueling station, which she does not want to do. The Mayor said the Council had been told previously that the operator had agreed to running the fueling station, but the Mayor understood that the operator does not want the fueling responsibility. Mr. Hennings said he thought the operator had changed her mind, adding that she had no obligation to operate the fueling station. He said that staff would like to bring a recommendation to extend her lease for some period of time. Mayor Rhodes asked if the operator was being forced to be responsible for the fueling station, and Mr. Hennings said that was not true. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 12 Mr. Hennings also reported that due to the recent rainfall, some inflows were received and the city was obligated to release 589 acre-feet to Nueces Bay. He said there would be a ribbon - cutting ceremony for the new Northwest Senior Center on March 26, 1997 at 2 p.m.; and the next Council meeting is scheduled for April 8th, which will include the canvassing of the election as well as the award for the construction of the Allison Wastewater Plant effluent diversion project. He added that three zoning cases --one of which is controversial --are scheduled for April 8th. Mayor Rhodes said that if the 20% rule was applicable, it would require seven votes of the Council. She said she did not think it would be fair to the applicant to consider a controversial zoning case so close to the Council election. Mr. Hennings said staff could ask the applicant what he wanted to do in that situation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Best requested an update on the construction of Del Mar Phases I and III. Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said that when the plans and specifications were being prepared for those two projects, it became evident that there are very few vacant lots or areas to serve as a construction yard. Staff agreed to let the construction company use a portion of the Louisiana Parkway median as their construction yards on a temporary basis. Mr. Crull went on to say that the scope of these projects is different from that of the Del Mar Phase II project, in that it involves extensive water and wastewater improvements, which requires deliveries and storage of pipe in close proximity to the construction (but not stored on the street at night). He stated that the construction yards have cedar fences around them and would include dust - proof surfaces. In addition, each contractor will provide a water well for the watering of the base material and for compaction. If the water is of sufficient quality for irrigation purposes, then the city will retain those wells and use them for irrigating the parkway. Mayor Rhodes said she had many people call her office asking that this issue be placed on the day's Council agenda; however, it was after the deadline for publishing the agenda. She told them that the item could be put on the agenda for the April 8th meeting. Dr. Best asked if there were other sites available for use as a construction yard. Mr. Crull said there were other options, but they would have a financial impact on the projects. In addition, the movement of equipment and materials on the busy streets in that area would be difficult. Responding to a question from Mayor Rhodes, Mr. Crull said there is an 18 -month construction time frame on each of the two projects. He referred to a diagram of the construction area, noting that the two construction yards take up a small portion of the parkway. Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 13 Mayor Rhodes asked who would bear the cost of relocating the construction yards. Mr. Crull said that since the city had already agreed with the contractors to provide those construction yards, they would probably require a monetary change order to compensate them for additional costs for finding another construction yard and for the additional transportation distance of the equipment. City Manager pointed out that the two construction yards have been fenced and it would be very difficult to undo the work that has been completed there. Council Member John Longoria asked about possibly using the side streets off of Louisiana Avenue as a construction yard. Mr. Crull pointed out that those streets provide driveway access for the homes on the corner lots. Council Member Martin said he thought one of the major problems was a lack of communication regarding the location of the construction yards during the public hearings. Mr. Crull said staff agreed that they were remiss in not communicating their intentions. Mr. Martin also referred to a memo concerning park curfews, saying that he did not think there would be a problem with adopting a dusk -to -dawn park curfew. Council Member Heldenfels said there were two vacant lots on Alameda Street near the area of the Del Mar construction sites. Mr. Crull said those two lots were used during the Phase II construction, which did not entail an extensive amount of water and wastewater work, which requires storage of pipe, manholes, etc. Mr. Heldenfels said he had received many telephone calls from concerned citizens about this issue, adding that the city was violating the Code of Ordinances with the use of heavy equipment on Louisiana Avenue. Mr. Crull stated that the north roadway of Louisiana Avenue is part of the construction project. Council Member McNichols asked for an update on the city's request to not have to make water releases when the reservoir levels fall below 40% of capacity. Mr. Hennings replied that the Chairman of the Nueces Estuary Advisory Council had circulated the city's proposal to members of the Advisory Council for comments, virtually all of which were negative to the proposal. Nevertheless, he said, the city filed its request and he expects it to be heard by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). The TNRCC Chairman said he will not participate in that discussion because he has been active in previous discussions on that issue. * * * * * * * * * * * ** Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience. Ms. Katherine Risinger, 406 Louisiana Ave., said she is distressed and disappointed with the placement of the construction yards in the parkway on Louisiana Avenue. She said they used the parkway daily, as did many other residents. She said there is a large lot on the corner of Atlantic and Minutes Regular Council Meeting March 25, 1997 Page 14 Ocean Drive that could be used as a construction yard, as well as other options that are not in violation of sections 53-97 and 53-99 of the Code of Ordinances. She said the parkway must be preserved as a park. Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Crull said the two projects combined will cost about $5.5 million and the funds were derived from the 1986 bond program, the water and wastewater revenue bond program, and assessments. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, questioned what the cost would be if the construction yards on Louisiana are moved to another location. He said whenever there is major construction, there is going to be an inconvenience, and the residents there should have expected that. He said he knows several westside neighborhoods that would gladly tolerate whatever inconvenience would occur for a beautified neighborhood. Ms. Sarah Hanby -Skinner, 450 Louisiana Ave., said many residents utilize the parkway on Lousiana, and she said she was overwhelmed by the presence of the construction yards there. She said this was a misuse of property belonging to the citizens, and she reiterated that it violated city ordinances. Mr. Neal Trolinger, 337 Stages Dr., said this City Council and city staff have taken great measures over the last term to prevent involvement of the people, and have increased the city's debt without voter approval. He said the people have lost trust in the Council. Mrs. Dorothy Spann, 502 Del Mar, said her house is situated across from two vacant lots on Alameda that are being used in the Del Mar Phases I and III projects to store dirt. She said the Del Mar Neighborhood Association wants to adopt the Louisiana Parkway and is seeking support from the residents. Council Member Martin said staff should respond to the legal issue concerning construction vehicles in and around Louisiana Parkway. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. on March 25, 1997. ************