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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 07/22/1997I 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 July 22, 1997, which were approved by the City Council on July 29, 1997. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 29th day of July, 1997 Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Loyd Neal Mayor Pro Tem Jaime L. Capelo Jr. Council Members: Melody Cooper* Alex L. Garcia Jr. Arnold Gonzales Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria Edward Martin Dr. David McNichols* City Staff: City Manager Bill Hennings City Attorney James R. Bray Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Rick Milby, Arlington Heights Community Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Mayor Neal. 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 Neal called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of July 15, 1997, and there being no corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented. ************ Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. David Diaz, a local attorney, briefly discussed information he provided to the Council concerning the possible establishment of police precincts and a different method of deploying police officers on the streets. *Council Members Cooper and McNichols arrived at the meeting at 2:10 p.m. Mr. Jimmie Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, urged the Council to allow the citizens to vote on the Gateway Project. Mr. Charles Nichols discussed the idea of consolidating city and county government into one Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 2 unit, and he suggested that Council Member Gonzales and Nueces County Commissioner Joe McComb head up a committee to study the idea. Mr. Phil Rosenstein thanked Mayor Neal for operating the Council meeting in a democratic manner. He objected to a comment made last week by Council Member John Longoria concerning the frequency of appearances by members of the Corpus Christi Taxpayers Association during the petitions from the audience portion of the Council meeting. Mr. Longoria reiterated that Mr. Rosenstein and everyone else had ample time to express their opinions. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, referred to a recall petition initiated by a member of the Taxpayers Association against Council Member McNichols. Mr. Alonzo said the Taxpayers Association says they try to save taxpayers' money, but if a special recall election is held, it will cost citizens approximately $100,000. Mr. Donald Gene Suter, a homeless veteran, said he was speaking on behalf of certain homeless men and women who wished to apologize for the unsightliness of the areas where they congregate. Mr. Jeffrey Roberts read from a letter he wrote to Mayor Neal on June 25, 1997, concerning the situation at the Wesley Seale Dam and the area's water shortage. He encouraged the Mayor to appoint an independent committee to investigate the dam situation and other areas where he said the city operated against the will of the people. Mr. Neal Trolinger, 337 Stages Dr., expressed concern about the way that tourism is marketed in Corpus Christi. He said he hoped the Council would require that the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance bring their itemized budget before the Council. Mr. Young suggested ways in which he thought government could operate more efficiently. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to a presentation concerning the Mary Rhodes Memorial Committee. Mayor Emeritus Luther Jones and Ms. Mary Beth Nelson, Co -Chairs of that committee, informed the Council that they had had a meeting and several ideas were discussed among the 31 members present. Ms. Nelson described the membership of the committee, and said they hope to make a recommendation to the Council by the end of October on how to memorialize Mrs. Rhodes. In addition, citizens can offer their ideas by calling the Caller -Times' information line at 886-4848, category "MARY" (6279), and the Council members were encouraged to provide their input as well. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 3 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Items 2 and 3, employee compensation and classification plan. City Manager Hennings explained that there are three different city employee compensation plans: one spelled out by the police officers' union contract; the second one spelled out by the firefighters' union contract; and the third one spelled out by the city's Compensation and Classification Plan ordinance. He noted that the third plan was reformed about eight years ago, while the other two plans are very similar to what they have been for many years. Mr. Hennings then referred to a summary of employee benefits categorized into the three compensation plans. He described how various benefits compare, including vacation, sick leave, and personal leave accrual and pay -out; health, Life and dental insurance; miscellaneous benefits; and types of pay, including merit pay, certification pay, and assignment pay. He also noted the budget amounts for police and fire longevity pay for FY 1997-98, and for merit increases for the non- contract city employees. With regard to possibly reforming the policy of "drag -up" pay for police and fire, Mr. Hennings said staff studied how it would affect the Fire Department. They concluded that if drag -up pay was limited, the additional time off that firefighters would take would require seven more firefighters to take their place. Council Member Garcia asked that staff compare the benefits offered to City of Corpus Christi employees with benefits offered by similar -sized cities. Mr. Hennings then discussed various aspects of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). He noted that a few years ago, Congress passed a law requiring private companies to take steps to fully fund their pension plans, which is not the case for public pension plans. He said typically the funding under a public pension plan is designed to amortize the unfunded liability over 25 years. Responding to questions from Council Member McNichols, the City Manager referred to a table showing the TMRS contribution rate history for the city, and he pointed out that the contribution rate (which is an actuarial calculation) has fluctuated over the last 10 years. He added that according to the TMRS annual report, there are 90 cities which contribute more than Corpus Christi. Council Member Martin noted that the city's current TMRS contribution is 11.24%, which does not include the 6% contribution for Social Security. Replying to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Hennings said the city's contribution rate would be 11.24% until January 1, 1998, when the rate would be 11.15% if the Council approved the proposal on the day's agenda. He said the disadvantage of not adopting the updated service credits is that the pension benefits would erode. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 4 Mr. Martin pointed out that under the pension portion in the summary of employee benefits, staff should also list the Social Security benefits that police and non-union city employees receive. Mr. Martin suggested that the TMRS chairman have the TMRS executive director make a presentation to the Council in the future about the unfunded liability issue. He also asked staff to determine the percentage of benefits that an average city employee receives. City Secretary Chapa then read the agenda caption for Item 3, "housekeeping" ordinance to revise classification schedules. Mr. Hennings briefly described some of the proposed actions that would occur if approved by the Council, including title additions, changes, deletions and range changes in the schedules. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Hennings said the City Manager has the authority to set salaries within the ranges that are specified within the ordinance. He added that the Civil Service ordinance provides that an employee has a right to request a reclassification study, and a department head will often initiate a reclassification study. Mayor Neal said that when the Council approves the ordinance, they are automatically building into the system potentially several million dollars worth of increases in pay through merit increases, union -negotiated contracts, and classification changes. He added that since payroll drives all of the other benefit packages, payroll increases automatically result in increases in TMRS contributions, drag -up pay, etc. Mr. Martin asked if there was any cost effect in the ordinance the Council was adopting, other than the reclassifications contained therein, and Mr. Hennings said it was only the reclassifications that affect the cost. Mr. Martin also discussed the issues of car allowances and merit pay increases. Mr. Garcia asked specific questions about the classification schedules, to which Mr. Hennings responded. Mr. Garcia commented that they need to begin considering consolidating departments and utilizing technology to increase the city's effectiveness. Dr. McNichols commented that such an effort had previously been undertaken, and Mr. Hennings added that staff is continuing to deploy the total quality management tools that had been effectively implemented in the Street Services Department. A brief discussion ensued. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Hennings pointed out that a study of how to improve the Police Department's effectiveness would soon be underway. In reply to other questions from Dr. Gonzales, Mr. Hennings said he encourages his department heads to stay in contact with their peers in other cities to gain insight from their managerial successes. He also briefly addressed the issue of car allowances again. Mayor Neal discussed the impact of drag -up pay in future years, adding that they had an obligation now to begin investigating ways to lessen those monetary impacts in the future. Mr. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 5 Martin suggested that after the Council approves the budget, staff and the Council can begin addressing some of the concerns raised in their discussion. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Approval of ordinance amending Ordinance No. 3658, as amended, Subsections 251-257, revising Classification Schedules, as reflected in Exhibit A; approval of ordinance amending Ordinance No. 8127, Section 510, as amended, to reflect housekeeping revisions to the Managerial Group Pay Plan for FY 97-98 and adjustments of salary range maximums of certain managerial classifications, as reflected in Exhibit B; approval of ordinance amending Ordinance 8127, as amended, Section 501, to provide for equitable adjustments to the maximum of the salary range in Salary Schedule A for Grades 8-12 as reflected in Exhibit C, providing for severance. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, annual updating of prior service credits and annuities for retirees. The Mayor said there was confusion among the public about this issue. He said that in actuality, the city is matching a little over 1 to 1 for current funding for city employees, and the unfunded liability portion which the city is actuarially required to fund changes every year. Mayor Neal added that it was important to understand that the city is in compliance with the Texas Municipal League retirement plan, which is a defined contribution plan. He added that he agreed with Council Member Martin that the city needs to do a better job in explaining that to its citizens and employees. City Manager Hennings noted that Mr. Isaac Valencia, President of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, is the current chairman of the board of the Texas Municipal Retirement System. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 6 4. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing and allowing, under the act governing the Texas Municipal Retirement System, "Updated Service Credits" in said system for service performed by qualifying members of such system who presently are in the employment of the City of Corpus Christi; providing for increased prior and current service annuities for retirees and beneficiaries of deceased retirees of the City; establishing an effective date for such actions; and providing for severance. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Items 5, 6, and 7, FY 1997-98 budget. Using visual aids, City Manager Hennings referred to a five-year comparison of the General Fund budget from 1993 to the proposed budget. He pointed out that the public safety budget (police and fire) has increased roughly 50%, or $20 million; the street maintenance budget has increased 7%; the Latchkey program budget has increased 95% (a revenue -supported budget); for a total of approximately a 25% increase in the General Fund budget in five years. Mr. Hennings said there were several issues which warranted continued discussion after the adoption of the new budget: Latchkey program; garbage and recycling collection service; Municipal Court administration, county road and bridge fund; Regional Transportation Authority sales tax revenue; and annexation of the south portion of Mustang Island. Mayor Neal commented that on a quarterly basis the Council could possibly use the first Tuesday of the month over the next year to spend time addressing those concerns. Upon verification from Mr. Hennings, Council Member Betty Jean Longoria stated that there were not enough funds in the Park and Recreation Department budget to develop special projects such as a youth park, and the only way to fund that would be either through the Community Development Block Grant program; as a capital improvement project; or possibly through the Community Progress Partnership, if it were to be approved. With regard to Item 6, Mr. Hennings stated that the financial policies resolution has been amended to take into account the Council's decision last week to allow current expenditures to exceed current revenues to the extent that a minimum of 25% growth in the ending fund balance is achieved. He added that there were also some clarifications made in the resolution about the starting point of $1,613,134 that had been previously discussed. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 7 Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Hennings said the tax rate in 1993 was .617958, and today it is .623726, which was an increase of .005766 over five years. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien said that while the Council was discussing the increase in the tax rate, they should also consider the increase in valuations, which he said compensated for the small increase in the tax rate. In reply to Council Member Martin, Mr. Hennings said he had received information that the tax revenue for next year would be about $299,000 less than contained in the General Fund budget, which was based on a 4.3% increase. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Item 6 as follows: 6. RESOLUTION NO. 022992 Resolution adopting updated financial policies to rebuild General Fund ending balances to prior year levels and ensure that acceptable levels are maintained in future years. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." With regard to Item 7 (second reading of the budget ordinance), Mr. Hennings referred to a memo that reflects the adjustments the Council made during the first reading of the ordinance last week. He said the proposed budget ordinance includes a total amount of expenditure appropriation of $315,661,568, which is an increase over the total in the preliminary budget The City Manager also discussed the General Fund revenues and expenditures. Council members questioned the number of police cadets that would be budgeted next year. Mr. Hennings explained that the proposed Police Department budget remained the same. He said there was a grant application to fund 10 additional police officers, which would be available once they completed the Police Academy (the grant does not pay for their costs while they are in training). Consequently, if the grant application is approved (which staff expects), the city will have to fund the training of those additional officers when the academy begins in January. However, he said, there were no funds in the budget to do that but there were other options, which he briefly discussed. A discussion ensued concerning how the addition of police officers will impact the budget, including reductions that would be made in another area of the budget, as well as the affect it would have in future budgets. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 8 Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien said he could not support the proposed budget for many reasons, including the amount of expenditures versus revenues, as well as increases in utility rates, parking fines, and license plate fees. He said he still questioned the loan from the utility department to the Self - Insurance Fund, and questioned the perception by the public of the Council members, some of whom are on the board of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance, approving the Alliance's budget. He also wondered if anyone had seen the Alliance's budget. Responding to Mr. O'Brien's comments, City Attorney Bray stated that there was not a conflict of interest under either the state law or the city ethics code regarding the Council members' involvement with the Alliance. In order for there to be a conflict of interest, it would require that the Council member have a personal financial interest which is not the case. He said that, in fact, the Alliance board is established in connection with a contract signed in 1994 between the city and the Alliance for the Alliance to carry out various economic development purposes. The contract specifies that the Mayor or a Council member designated by the Mayor shall be a member of the Alliance board; it also contemplates that the City Council will nominate about half of the members of the board, since the board is to carry out a number of public functions on behalf of the city. Mr. Neal Trolinger said the Alliance is required to submit a budget in writing to the Council in regards to the expenditures of hotel/motel tax dollars. He suggested that the Council request from the Alliance a separate budget for the convention and visitors department. He also commented on the need to more aggressively market the City of Corpus Christi. Ms. Christine Tetzlaff-Belhasen, 4913 Marion, asked the Council to reinstate funding for adaptive recreation services in the Park and Recreation Department. She described how her 15 -year- old son, a high -functioning autistic child, benefits from the adaptive recreation services. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, explained that staff has not proposed to eliminate those services but rather to change how the program is operated, which he described. Mr. Matthews also responded to Council members' questions about the program and its funding. Council Member Capelo made a motion to amend the budget ordinance, prior to second reading, to return approximately $212,000 to the budget for 10 additional police cadets. Council Member Cooper seconded the motion. Dr. Gonzales suggested that the additional funding be taken from the item regarding the Self - Insurance Fund. Mr. Hennings explained that one of the proposals in the budget was to restructure the payments for the loan to the Self -Insurance Fund, so that only interest payments would be paid in the budget year and the principal payments would be pushed back to the following three years, which would result in a reduction in expenditures of $601,241 in next year's budget. Mr. Martin reiterated that only the $212,000 for the additional police cadets would have to come from that Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 9 budget item. Mr. Capelo and Mrs. Cooper accepted Dr. Gonzales' amendment to their motion, and it passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols voting "No." Dr. Gonzales asked if the Council would be approving the Alliance's budget if it approved the city budget. Mr. Hennings replied that the contract with the Alliance calls for the city to approve the Alliance's budget, and that approval is written into the city's budget ordinance. Following a brief discussion, Mayor Neal asked that a representative of the Alliance give a presentation to the Council at next week's meeting. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. ORDINANCE NO. 022993 Adopting the City of Corpus Christi Budget for the ensuing fiscal year beginning August 1, 1997; to be filed with the County Clerk; appropriating monies as provided in said budget. The foregoing ordinance passed onsecond reading, as amended, by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 8, FY 1997-98 fee increases. Council Member Garcia asked why the food handler and food manager permit fees were proposed to remain at $6.00 rather than be increased. City Manager Hennings replied that staff felt it was more advantageous to maintain that rate of rounded dollars. Council Member Capelo asked if these fee increases were in line with those of other municipalities, and Mr. Hennings said he thought they were. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 8.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi Section 53-106 Oversized Vehicles, by increasing the processing fee from $75 to $80. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 10 The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Manual of Driveway Design and Construction Standards adopted in the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi Section 49-40 by increasing the driveway permit application fee from $40 to $45. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.c. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Section 6-10 - Licensing, by increasing the annual license fee for each dog or cat not spayed or neutered from $8 to $10 effective September 1, 1997; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.d. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Section 19-33 - Issuance; Fee, by increasing fees for health permits for food service and food processing establishments effective September 1, 1997; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.e. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi Chapter 53 - Traffic, Section 53- 195 - Procedures for Occupancy of Public Right -of -Way (covering of parking meters and rendering of curb space unusable) and establishing charges during construction or repair of buildings, by increasing fees specified in Subsections (1), (2), (3), and (6); and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 11 8.f. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Corpus Christi Zoning Ordinance Article 7, "T -1A" Travel Trailer Park, "T - 1B" Mobile Home Park District and "T -1C Mobile Home Subdivision District Regulations, Article 25, Special Permit Regulations, Article 28, "PUD" Planned Unit Development, Section 28-5, Procedure and Article 33, Permits, Plats, and Filing Fees, Section 33-1, Permits and Section 33-3, Filing Fees, by adding processing fees for screening fence exceptions for travel trailer parks, mobile home parks and mobile home subdivisions, and for time extensions for special permits and by increasing pud processing fees, conditional sign permit fees, filing fees for zoning district classification changes, and fence exception fees; and providing for severance. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.g. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Platting Ordinance, Section III, Procedure, Section V, Required Improvements, Section VII, Variances, and Section XIII, Appeal, by adding processing fees for plat time extensions, variances and appeals and by increasing application fees, and water and sewer lines determination of exemption fees; and providing for severance. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.h. FIRST READING ORDINANCE, Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 13, Buildings; Construction and Related Operations; Housing and Housing Premises Standards, to recodify and increase the technical Construction Code fee schedules; providing for severance; providing an effective date of August 1, 1997; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 81. FIRST READING ORDINANCE, Amending Chapter 18, Fire Prevention Code, Article I, General, Chapter 4, Permits and Certificates, Section 403, Permit Fees, of the City Code of Ordinances by increasing existing fees in the Corpus Christi Fire Department Fire Prevention Permit Fee Schedule; repealing all previous provisions of Section 403; providing a savings clause; and providing an effective Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 12 date of August 1, 1997. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.j. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the City Code of Ordinances Chapter 35, Oil and Gas Well Division to Increase Fees in the Following Sections: 35-82, Application for Permit Required, Fee; Section 35-87, Permits for Production Structures or Facilities in Marine Areas and on State Tracts (7); and Section 35-88, Seismic Surveys, to increase the permit fees for drilling oil and gas wells; Section 35-117, Annual Well Inspections, Fee; and providing for severance; and providing for an effective date of August 1, 1997. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.k. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the City Code of Ordinances Chapter 12, Boats, Bays, and Waterways, to delete fees from Section 12-61, Rates and Rental Fees for Use of Slips and Dock Space --Schedule and Regulations and change the section to Definitions and Regulations; providing for severance; and providing for an effective date of August 1, 1997. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.1. RESOLUTION NO. 022994 Resolution authorizing Parks, Recreation, Cultural and Leisure Time Activities Rental Fee and Recreational fee increases and adding new Rental and Recreational fees; providing for severance and providing for an effective date of August 1, 1997. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.m. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53, Traffic, Section 53-153, Court Costs, by increasing the assessed court costs on each parking violation to be used for the School Crossing Guard program from $1.00 to $5.00; providing for severance; and providing for Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 13 publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin voting "No." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 9, ground transportation rates and charges adjustment. Ms. Bonnie Allin, Director of Aviation, said that as part of the budget preparation, Aviation Department staff has been reviewing all of the department's rates and the associated methodologies. She said they are trying to use a reasonable method of calculating the rates that provides sufficient revenue to cover the operation and maintenance costs that the airport incurs. Ms. Allin said staff is proposing to change the methodology for calculating ground transportation rates from a flat permit fee to a fee based on the amount of use, which she described. Council Member Martin asked if staff was concerned that this change may discourage ground transportation companies from working at the airport. Ms. Allin replied that they do not believe it will discourage use. Mr. Martin also asked if staff considered a parking fee adjustment. Ms. Allin said staff discussed that issue, but did not recommend raising the fees at this time. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Ms. Allin said the taxis are required to have a permit at the airport, and they are allowed to operate there any time the airport operates. She said the limousine service has specific operating hours. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Section 9-61, Permit for Ground Transportation Operations, by revising the method of calculating fees and adding new fees; providing for an effective date of February 1, 1998; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 14 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 10, school crossing guard program funding. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 10. RESOLUTION NO 022995 Resolution requesting the Nueces County Commissioner's Court to levy an optional county fee for child safety of $1.50 per vehicle registered in Nueces County, pursuant to Section 502.173 of the Transportation Code. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." City Manager Hennings noted that he withdrew Item 11. 11. WITHDRAWN ,.� latti that-Oat/her 21, 1997. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, appeal of Building Standards Board decision. Ms. Marilynne McKeithan described the situation surrounding a house she owns at 5326 Burton Lane, which has been going on for about two years. She said she had had renters whom she evicted for not paying the rent who then damaged the house and informed city officials that she had rented the house to them in that condition. Ms. McKeithan said that for the last 20 months she has been attempting to repair the house as her finances allowed. She said that city staff informed her that the foundation also needed to be brought up to code. As a result, she hired Mr. Edward Sample, a registered professional engineer, who she said determined that the house was safe to be occupied. Ms. McKeithan said she provided copies of Mr. Sample's report to Ms. Sue Corey, Zoning/Code Enforcement Administrator, and Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, and she was told that Mr. Sample's letter does not say that the house meets code requirements for new construction. Ms. McKeithan went on to explain why she disagreed with that determination. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 15 Mr. Utter distributed to the Council pictures and showed slides of the house, which he said illustrated the fact that the foundation of the house is below the ground level. He said Ms. McKeithan has made many repairs to the structure, but the problem remained about the house sitting on the ground, which needs to be rectified. He said Ms. McKeithan had obtained a bid of $26,000 to repair the foundation, which staff felt was exorbitant for the type of work needed on that house. Mr. Utter went on to say that he spoke with Mr. Sample after receiving his letter and asked him if Mr. Sample was saying the house came close to meeting the code. Mr. Utter said Mr. Sample's reply was that the house would not fall in if the house was occupied. Responding to questions from Council Member Garcia, Mr. Utter said the tenant had called the city to report the code violations. He also addressed sections of the code referred to by Ms. McKeithan, and described what would be required of this house's foundation to meet the code, as well as other aspects of the case. Council Member Martin pointed out that the requirement that the wood of the house be raised a minimum of 12 inches off the ground, which would have been in place even at the time that the house was constructed. He said if Ms. McKeithan was willing, he would be willing to get another engineer, at the city's expense, to conduct a very brief investigation of the foundation. Mr. Utter said the decision of the Building Standards Board was to obtain a permit and 60 days to complete repairs, or 30 days if demolition is started to complete the demolition. Council Member John Longoria referred to many of the problems that had been cited on the house, and he added that he would be willing to support a small time extension for Ms. McKeithan but if she could not bring the house up to code, then it should be demolished. In reply to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Utter said there were some concerns about the roof but the main concern was the foundation. Ms. McKeithan addressed some of the Council members' comments and questions. She said that she had a prospective buyer for the house who was completely aware of its condition. She added that the buyer had spoken with Ms. Corey about the house, and she distributed pictures of it and of other houses in her neighborhood which she said were also deteriorated. Mr. Martin made a motion to support the decision of the Building Standards Board, and the motion was seconded. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the motion: 12. M97-215 Motion to uphold the decision of the Building Standards Board to require repair of the building at 5326 Burton Lane. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 16 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and McNichols voting "No"; B. Longoria absent. Mayor Neal instructed staff to work with Ms. McKeithan on this situation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, Up River Road water transmission main project. Council Member Martin said he did not question the validity of the project but rather the funding of it. Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said staff was anticipating that some of the funding would be included in a bond sale, and the estimate was not on target for various reasons. Mr. Martin asked if the project needed to be done at this time, and Mr. Crull replied that the incidents of leaks on the line were increasing. Mr. Martin pointed out that the Council had not been presented with a bond sale proposal. Mr. Hennings said staff was asking the Council to approve this contract, and they would bring back an agenda item for an alternative funding recommendation. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13. M97-201 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of $1,341,873 with Hoot Johnson Construction Company for the Up River Road Water Transmission Main Project - Phase II. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Capelo voting "No"; Cooper and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 14. Case No. 697-9. Holland & McRoberts. Inc • A change of zoning from a "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to an "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District with a "PUD -2" Planned Unit Development on South Fork Subdivision, Block 2, Lot 4, located on the west side of Quail Springs Road, approximately 900 feet south of The Mansions Drive. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 17 "R-2/PUD-2" District subject to an "Approved Plan of Development" and nine (9) conditions. Council Member Martin commented that this proposal was a unique development, and he asked about driveway access to the external street, which Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, explained. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Mr. Bill Holland and Mr. Craig McRoberts distributed a larger diagram of the proposed Quail Run community. He explained why they had requested driveway access to Quail Springs Road. Mr. Martin asked how they could amend the ordinance to allow driveway access. Mr. Harvey replied that the Council could make driveway access to Quail Springs Road a condition of the "PUD" and further state that the driveway cannot be a through driveway to the internal street. Mr. Martin made a motion to amend the ordinance as described by Mr. Harvey, seconded by Mr. Capelo. The motion passed (McNichols absent). Mr. Martin made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Capelo, and passed unanimously (McNichols absent). City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14. ORDINANCE NO. 022996 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Holland & McRoberts, Inc., by changing the zoning map in reference to South Fork Subdivision, Block 2, Lot 5 from "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District with a "PUD -2" Planned Unit Development subject to nine (9) conditions; providing for publication. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 15 through 31. City Secretary Chapa said he had a disclosure affidavit signed by Council Member Garcia, who will abstain from discussing or voting on Item 30. Council members requested that Items 17, 21, 22, 26, 28, and 29 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience on any of the consent items. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 18 15. M97-202 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 17,100 plastic recycling bins in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0167-97 with Tulip Corporation, Springfield, AL, based on the low bid of $64,296. The term of the contract will be twelve months with option to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. These bins will be furnished by Solid Waste Services for use in the City-wide recycling program. Funds have been budgeted by Solid Waste Services for FY 97/98. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 16. M97-203 Motion approving the purchase of a security access system for the Gas Department and a security access system for the parking lot of the Wastewater Maintenance facility from Total Protection Systems, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, based on sole source for a total of $33,038.18. These items are listed in the approved FY 96/97 Capital Outlay list. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 18. M97-204 Motion approving a supply agreement with Casco Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas for firefighting clothing consisting of ninety sets of pants and coats in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0175-97, based on best bid, for a total estimated annual expenditure of $54,900. The term of the agreement will 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 have been budgeted by the Fire Department in FY 96- 97 and requested for FY 97-98. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 19. M97-205 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 35,000 feet of steel pipe, size 1" - 8", in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0180-97 with Texas Pipe and Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas, based on the low bid of $117,440. The term of the contract will be twelve Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 19 months with 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. This pipe will be used by the Gas Department and funds are budgeted for FY 97/98. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 20. M97-206 Motion approving a supply agreement with the following companies for the following amounts for approximately 3,670 cases of copy paper in accordance with a Joint Governmental Purchasing Group Bid Invitation No. JGPG 97-2, for an estimated annual expenditure of $94,514.80, based on low bid and best bid. The terms of the agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve month period, subject to the approval of the suppliers, the Joint Governmental Purchasing Group, and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been requested by the using departments for FY 97/98. Willamette Industries, Inc. Unisource San Antonio. Texas Corpus Christi. Texas Items 1-4 Items 5 & 6 $54,101.60 $40,413.20 Grand Total $94,514.80 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 23. M97-209 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of $46,000 with General Construction by Randy's for the Morgan Avenue 500,000 gallon Water Storage Tank project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 24. M97-210 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of $21,980 with Precision Masonry Company, Inc. for replacement of the windows at Storm Water Pump Station "A." Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 20 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 25. M97-211 Motion granting a six-month extension for a Special Permit granted on July 9, 1996 to General Automatic Transmission for a vehicle impound lot (Zoning Case No. 696-1). The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 27. M97-213 Motion approving the installation of public art at the Laguna Madre Wastewater Treatment Plant. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 30.a. ORDINANCE NO. 022998 Authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to the fuel station lease between the City of Corpus Christi and Marina Fuel & Charter Boat Company L.C., authorized by Ordinance No. 022066; which sets July 31, 1998 as the final date for installation of new fuel tanks, subject to governmental approval; which recognizes the temporary fueling location; which authorizes continued use of the portable building in compliance with all laws and regulations; which clarifies that a default under this lease is also a default under the restaurant lease between the City of Corpus Christi and T -head Marina, L.C.; which terminates the penalty for arrearages accrued on or before February 1, 1997 on December 1, 1996; modifies the lease premises to abut the restaurant lease premises, rather than leaving a gap; and which makes other related changes; providing for publication; and providing for severance. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia abstaining; McNichols absent. 30.b. ORDINANCE NO. 022999 Authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to the restaurant lease between the City of Corpus Christi and T -head Marina L.C., authorized by Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 21 Ordinance No. 022065; which clarifies that governmental prohibition of a marine fuel operation will increase the rent under this lease to the greater of $5,833 or 3% of gross sales per month and all other defaults of the fuel station lease will result in termination of this lease; which sets the date of completion for improvements, which are permitted on April 23, 1997, as December 31, 1997 and requires completion of other improvements within one year of permit issuance; which terminates the penalty for arrearages accrued on or before February 1, 1997 on December 1, 1996; which requires lessee to provide a temporary office for the marina staff no later than July 15, 1997; which clarifies that a default under the fuel station lease between the City of Corpus Christi and Marina Fuel & Charter Boat Company, L.C. is also a default under this restaurant lease; and which makes other related changes; providing for publication; and providing for severance. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia abstaining; McNichols absent. 31. ORDINANCE NO. 023000 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a lease for a period not to exceed 60 years on lot 1R, Lexington Industrial Center, as recorded in volume 50, page 71, Nueces County Map Records, to the Flour Bluff Business Association to install landscaping and Welcome to Flour Bluff sign, in consideration of the Flour Bluff Business Association installing and maintaining the sign and landscaping and holding the City harmless for all costs associated with the sign and landscaping. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. ****•********* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 17, Municipal Court computer equipment. Responding to questions from Council Member Garcia, Ms. Barbara Sudhoff, Director of Municipal Courts, discussed aspects of the proposal. She explained that it would involve adding work stations and creating a local area network and a wide area network. She said the next phase will be to purchase a new court management system, at which time staff will have to address the conversion of existing data to the new system. Council Member John Longoria asked if any local companies were allowed to bid on this equipment. Mr. F.D. Glenn, Purchasing Agent, stated that no bid invitations were issued; rather, the Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 22 city is proposing to purchase the equipment through the State Cooperative Purchasing Program, which he explained. In reply to Council Member Martin, Ms. Sudhoff said this proposal is to purchase computer hardware to begin moving the court in phases toward a new court management system. Mr. Martin asked what the budget would be for the entire system, and Ms. Sudhoff said they did not have a figure at this time, although they had done research on similar systems in other cities. Mr. Martin asked why staff had not utilized a total system approach, rather than the phased approach being proposed. City Manager Hennings replied that it was due to the time constraints involved and staff was attempting to expedite the implementation of the system. Council members further questioned the implementation process being proposed and the cost of the computer equipment, to which Ms. Sudhoff and Mr. John Bacon, Director of Information Systems, responded. Some Council members also questioned whether the court management system that would be proposed in the next phase would most effectively meet this city's needs because of the need to make it compatible with the hardware that would have already been purchased. Responding to Mr. Martin, Mr. Hennings explained why the court management system would need to be operational by December 1998. Mr. Bacon added that Nueces County was facing a similar situation. Another discussion ensued. Council Member Gonzales expressed support for the proposal. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 17.a. FAILED • Court coinpnte, system; a.nei.di.,g-Ordi„ancc No. 022643 which-adopt.,d the FY 1996 97 operating budgct, by adding $160,120 to the No. 102 Cenral Fund for the purchase of The foregoing ordinance failed to pass by the following vote: Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Capelo, Cooper, Martin, and Neal voting "No"; McNichols absent. 17.b. FAILED Yar.,l.ash..g ag.e.,.i.ci.t. Total amount of th., purci,as., :s $129,332.00. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 23 Tcaaa D„ parba-eiit of l..f m.atie.. R„ 0ouree., (DIR) $62,161.00 GI and—Taal $129,332.00 The foregoing ordinance failed to pass by the following vote: Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Capelo, Cooper, Martin, and Neal voting "No"; McNichols absent. 17.c. FAILED limn th., ful-lewring vende, s/pactics. This is ba.,cd on 1„w bid fur a grand total of $30,786.57. Alltell Supply, L.e. McCall Sewiees, Lie. Nttsvork Cabling-5ia%:ec3, Inc. (N,,,averk Cabl., preps) N...werk Cabling Sc vices, L.c. (Tel„ phone Lincs) City of CoiNts Chri.,ti St.eet D.,partn.e..t Grand Total $ 4,681.32 $ 7,030.00 $12,222.93 $ 3,452.32 $ 3,400.00 $30,786.57 The foregoing ordinance failed to pass by the following vote: Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Capelo, Cooper, Martin, and Neal voting "No"; McNichols absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 21, contract with KPMG Peat Marwick. Council Member Martin said this was an important plan and he hoped that awarding the contract to this company would not tie up staff time unnecessarily in working with the company's representative. Mr. Hennings said staff felt this proposal would be viable. Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Director of Finance, said the Finance Committee established a team to evaluate qualifications and they feel confident that KPMG will be able to begin the work with little disruption to city staff. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 21. M97-207 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one year contract in the amount of $17,000 with KPMG Peat Marwick LLP for the preparation of an A-87 Cost Allocation Plan, Full Cost Budget Plan, and Internal Service Fund Allocations, with the option to renew for four additional periods of one year each. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 24 Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22, contract with Bracco Construction. Responding to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Crull said that company had been awarded several other city contracts in the past and had provided the necessary performance and payment bonds, and the bid bond is the assurance that they will comply with the terms of the bid. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 22. M97-208 Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a contract in the amount of $183,902 with Bracco Construction Company for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant Ammonia On -Line Piping Installation Project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Garcia, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Capelo, Cooper, Gonzales, and McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 26, lease renewal for Austin Neighborhood Park. In reply to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Matthews explained that the city leases the property from Corpus Christi Independent School District, and the city built and now manages a park there. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 26. M97-212 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into a ten year lease agreement with the Corpus Christi Independent School District to lease Corpus Christi Independent School District property that the City has developed into Austin Neighborhood Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper and McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 25 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 28, Wesley Seale Dam Oversight Committee. Council Member John Longoria made a motion to amend the proposed goals of the committee to specify that the provision in the City Charter granting the authority for the investigation be cited. Council Member Capelo, Chairman of the committee, agreed. Mr. Longoria's motion was seconded by Council Member Garcia, and it passed (Cooper and McNichols absent). City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 28. M97-214 Motion approving the Goals of the Wesley Seale Dam Oversight Committee. The foregoing motion passed, as amended, by the following vote: Capelo, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper and McNichols absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 29, lease agreement with the Food Bank. Council Member Garcia made a motion to delete the specific dollar amount for the permit fee, seconded by Council Member Gonzales; the motion passed (Capelo abstaining; Cooper and McNichols absent). City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 29. ORDINANCE NO. 022997 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into a two (2) year lease agreement with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Inc. to hold a music festival and related activities including non-exclusive use of sidewalks and medians on Shoreline Boulevard, north of Interstate Highway 37 between Resaca and Palo Alto Streets, on Labor Day weekends, from September 2, 1998, 6 a.m. through September 9, 1998, 6 a.m. and from September 1, 1999, 6 a.m. to September 8, 1999, 6 a.m., and from September 4, 1999, 6 a.m. and including exclusive use from September 5, 1998, 6 a.m. to September 8, 1998, 6 a.m., and from September 4, 1999, 6 a.m. to September 7, 1999, 6 a.m., in consideration of a permit fee and 4% of the gross receipts or direct City costs, whichever is greater; providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading, as amended, by the following vote: Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Capelo Minutes Regular Council Meeting July 22, 1997 Page 26 abstaining; Cooper and McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings asked if the Council wished to schedule a workshop on the Community Progress Partnership on August 5, 1997, and there was consensus of the Council to do so beginning at noon. Mr. Hennings said the major item on next week's agenda would be the Gateway Project. In his report, the Mayor said he would like to discuss at an upcoming meeting the issues of the industrial district and the minority bidding process. He also requested information about police protection at the large musical festival to be held at Texas Sky Festival Park. Council Member Capelo asked if city police could function as police officers outside the city limits. City Attorney Bray replied that under department regulations, they are generally not allowed to do so except for during a pursuit. He said he would provide a report concerning jurisdiction. Council Member Martin requested an update on the status of the Choke Canyon debt repayment, and he commented on the new ozone standards. He also asked about the status of the new electrical code. Council Member Cooper announced that there would be a meeting of the Mayor's Task Force on Youth Violence on July 24th in the Council Chambers. She also thanked staff of the Alliance and Congressman Solomon Ortiz's office for their work during recent meetings in Washington, D.C. Council Member John Longoria commented on the need to appoint members to the 78415 Committee, and City Secretary Chapa said staff could put that item on next week's agenda. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked about membership on the committee to study the old County Courthouse. Mr. Hennings said that item would be included next week as well. Mr. Capelo also thanked Congressman Ortiz and his staff as well as the Alliance staff, and Larry Meyers of Meyers & Associates. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. on July 22, 1997. * * * * * * * * * * * * *