HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/05/1997 - SpecialI HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the
Special Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of August 5, 1997, which were approved by
the City Council on August 12, 1997.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 12th day of August, 1997
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
12:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Loyd Neal
Mayor Pro Tem Jaime L. Capelo Jr.
Council Members:
Alex L. Garcia Jr.
Arnold Gonzales
Betty Jean Longoria
John Longoria
Edward Martin
ABSENT
Melody Cooper
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.
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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
City Manager Hennings reported on roof repairs that are underway at the Corpus Christi
International Airport. He explained that two weeks ago staff sent a memorandum to the Council
telling them that during the course of airport terminal renovations, some cracking in the roof
structure was discovered. As a result, temporary shoring had to be installed in the area of the
Conquest and Southwest Airlines ticket counters. Then on July 30, 1997, the asbestos removal
contractor exposed some areas of the roof that also showed some damage, which resulted in the need
for additional shoring on an emergency basis.
Ms. Bonnie Allin, Director of Aviation, described in detail the problems that were discovered
and the actions that were taken to address them. She noted that the original portion of the Hayden
Head Terminal Building was constructed in 1958-59 and officially opened in 1960. Over the
subsequent 38 years, the city has added on and improved the terminal facilities to meet the growth
requirements of the community.
Ms. Allin said it is suspected that over time, some tensioning in the main concrete beams has
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
Page 2
been lost due to shrinkage and "creep" (shortening) of the concrete. The shortening in the main
beams has caused some cracking in the main beams and cross -beams at the expansion joints. The
rest of the original facility is constructed with beams of shorter spans and is showing no evidence
of a creep problem. Three independent structural consultants were retained to determine the extent
and cause of the problems, and they proposed immediate and long-term corrective actions. She said
that as a precautionary measure, temporary shoring is currently being installed in that portion of the
building until the structural analysis can be completed. In addition, the asbestos abatement of the
ceiling in that area is continuing. She added that the facilities continue to be used as intended.
Ms. Allin then responded to questions raised by the Council members.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.071, regarding the permit application for the new landfill site.
The Council went into closed session.
The Council returned from closed session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Glynn Pugh said he is an attorney representing Central Power and Light (CPL)
ratepayers in the current rate case before the Public Utility Commission (PUC). He asked the city
to instruct its attorney with Butler, Porter, Gay and Day to demand from CPL an immediate refund
of the overcharges CPL made. Mr. Pugh said the PUC will consider the motions filed for immediate
refunds at its August 21st meeting.
Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, asked the Council to support the motions seeking immediate
refunds from CPL to the ratepayers. He also commended Mr. Pugh's efforts in trying to obtain the
refunds.
Mr. Irving Dietz, 455 Miramar, questioned why the Wesley Seale Dam is not able to
withstand a capacity of 104 feet elevation as it supposedly was constructed to do so.
Mr. Neal Trolinger, 337 Stages Dr., said it is a misstatement that Corpus Christi ranks second
only to San Antonio in tourism. He said that, rather, Corpus Christi ranks second in retaining
visitors for additional days. He said that a possible increase in the sales tax to fund economic
development projects could be devastating and could reduce tourism in the city. He added that the
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
Page 3
Gateway Project and the Garwood contract should be voted upon by the citizens.
Mr. Leon Perez said he was opposed to the idea of locating an arena in the downtown area.
He also commented negatively on Choke Canyon and the Wesley Seale Dam.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien said he could not believe that the Council approved the budget of the
Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance which he said most of the Council had not seen previously.
He also quoted from documents pertaining to the Wesley Seale Dam.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said the proposed Community Progress Partnership (CPP)
projects are an opportunity to improve the quality of life in Corpus Christi. He said it is unfortunate
that members of the Corpus Christi Taxpayers Association continue to make negative comments
during Council meetings, adding that they do not represent the whole community.
Mr. Charles Nichols said he was supporting Mr Pugh in his attempt to obtain refunds for the
CPL ratepayers.
Mr Jimmie Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Rd., said he appreciated the mowing that had been
done on Leopard Street, and he encouraged people to promote cleanliness. He added that the
Gateway Project should be put before the voters.
Ms. Carol Scott, 3126 Austin, said the League of Women Voters is examining the CPP
recommendations and will be deciding whether it will support or oppose the CPP's possible three-
eighths cent sales tax election. She encouraged all citizens to educate themselves about the issue.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the
following appointment was made:
Temporary Board of the Corpus Christi Crime Control
and Prevention District
Fernando Morales
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item E., consideration of the Community Progress
Partnership recommendations.
Mr. Al Jones, CPP Chairman, explained that if the Council calls for an election to be held,
the voters will be able to consider the adoption of an increase in the sales tax totaling one-half cent
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
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that will fund two separate initiatives --one-eighth of a cent would be allocated to create a crime
control and prevention district, and three-eighths of a cent would fund several important community
projects. He said those involved with the CPP believe that the proposed projects meet a wide variety
of needs throughout the community.
Mr. Jones said the proposal to build a multi-purpose arena on the campus of Texas A&M
University -Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) was the most controversial from the outset. He said the CPP
committee determined that that was not a viable option at this time. However, the committee is
convinced of the need for some facility that can house large events and will be accessible to Corpus
Christi residents, tourists and conventioneers. He said that in lieu of the TAMU-CC stadium
proposal, the committee wished to recommend that the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center be
significantly expanded and Memorial Coliseum be extensively renovated to serve as a viable sports
venue, which he explained in some detail in response to Council members' questions. (There is a
description of both projects below.)
Following Mr. Jones' comments, several CPP volunteers described the recommended
projects and answered Council members' questions about them. (The volunteers' presentations
corresponded with a detailed description of all the projects and the trust funds that was distributed
to the Council and which is included here.)
New Flour Bluff Library. New Southside Library & Expansion of Northwest Library: (The
presently estimated project total is $4.21 million) This provides a significant expansion of the
Corpus Christi Library System, which is the major resource center for South Texas, serving 26
counties. Current facilities in these locations are either non-existent or inadequate. Each library will
be located in and operated as part of a City park, serving as a center of entertainment, learning, and
recreation. Programs will be conducted at each library to cater to Winter Texans, in order to make
our community more attractive to these visitors. Programs at these libraries will expand literacy in
the area; this is crucial to the area since South Texas economic development is hampered by low
educational and literacy levels. Libraries are amenities which are important in business recruiting,
particularly the higher salary companies which are especially needed in this community. These
library additions will contribute to the infrastructure that fosters economic expansion. (Presented by
Dr. Linda Mora)
Northside Enterprise Community Projects: ($1.87 million) Targets development in the
northside area of the city (north of I37, east of Port Avenue), improving economic opportunity and
improved quality of life, including development of current T.C. Ayers Park into a multi-purpose
family life complex, preparation of old City transit system site for economic development,
development of Little League baseball site for Hillcrest neighborhood, and closure and relocation
of Broadway Wastewater Treatment Plant with site to be made available for commercial or industrial
development. (Presented by Mr. Mark Scott)
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August 5, 1997
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Padre Island Park and Community Center: ($1.4 million) Performance/banquet pavilion,
courtyard, sports facilities and parking for youth, seniors and area residents; and West Oso Park &
Community Learning Center: ($1.4 million) Park with activity and education center to support and
strengthen youth and families. (Presented by Mr. Danny Noyola)
78415 Area Park & Learning Center: ($2.34 million) Park with activity and education center
to be developed by LULAC Council #1 under park lease to focus on job skills and crime prevention,
and to support and strengthen youth and families. (Presented by Mr. Isaac Valencia)
Greenwood Park & Community Learning Center: ($1.4 million) Park with activity and
education center to support and strengthen youth and families. (Presented by Mr. Scott)
Agnes/Laredo Corridor Revitalization: ($2.34 million) Create new business and job
opportunities in the Agnes/Laredo area by connecting downtown to the Westside via the Agnes
corridor, and making necessary infrastructure improvements such as lighting, etc. as proposed by
the Westside Business Association. (Presented by Mr. Noyola)
Southside Park Senior Citizen Center: ($940,000) Park facility to target the needs of seniors
in this area. (Presented by Mr. Vic Menard)
Streets. Lighting. Curbs and Gutter. Sidewalks and Drainage: ($9.35 million) Much-needed
improvements, including downtown lighting, in the arterial/commercial areas of the city, in support
of purposes authorized by State law. (Presented by Ms. Laurie Cook)
Youth Park Complex Improvements -Price. Waldron. Northwest. South Guth. Greenwood/
Home. Bill Witt: ($7 million) Lighting, grading, parking, support buildings, and field improvements
in these public park facilities, to support youth sports and activities. (Presented by Mr. Menard)
Del Mar College Bay Area Business and Technology Center: ($1 87 million) Joint venture
to establish a multi-purpose facility to offer local job training for the purpose of recruitment and
retention of industry, development of small business, and building a skilled workforce. (Presented
by Mr. Alex Harris)
Park Facility to Provide Special Programs for At -Risk Youth through Academy of
Transitional Studies Charter School: ($3.18 million) Construction of building within park to be
leased to the Academy to provide sports, athletic, entertainment, and educational programs targeting
at -risk youth, which educational program will assist in the promotion and development of new and
expanded business activities. (Presented by Dr. Mora)
New Fire Training Center: ($2.81 million) Includes classrooms, structures for simulations
and equipment testing, and areas for driving practice, dedicated to initial and continuing training for
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August 5, 1997
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firefighting, including industrial fires, EMS, and other public safety personnel, to be located in
Enterprise Zone. (Presented by Mr. Buck Sosa)
Bayfront Plaza Convention Center Improvements: ($22.33 million) Improvements,
renovation, and expansion of public facilities, including an exposition hall, which are necessary to
retain present conventions and events, to enable Corpus Christi to attract larger conventions and
events, and to enable Corpus Christi to more adequately host larger community and entertainment
events. (Previously presented by Mr. Jones)
Nina Seaport & Marina (Expansion of Columbus Fleet Visitor Attraction): An expansion of
the Columbus Ship location to include docking facilities for the Nina and a water ferry stop. Match
anticipated from private sources and Regional Transit Authority of $350,000 for an estimated project
total of $960,000. (Presented by Ms. Maureen Bennett)
USS Lexington Improvements: Improvements to promote additional tourism, including
Visitor Center at the foot of the Lexington approach way, gift shop and admission areas, air
conditioning for selected areas of hangar deck and tour routes, other on -board improvements, and
necessary land acquisition for improvements. Match anticipated from private sources of $4 million,
for an estimated project total of $7.74 million. (Presented by Ms. Gloria Hicks)
Texas State Aquarium. Phase II: Double the size of exhibit space at the aquarium focusing
on utilizing the natural beauty of the bayfront, to enhance the city as a visitor destination, and to
make the Aquarium even more accessible and attractive for local residents; expand adventure
education features and package of setting and exhibited species. Match anticipated from private
sources of $11 million, for an estimated project total of $21 million. (Presented by Ms. Hicks)
Padre Island Seawall Public Parking Facility and Restrooms: Large public parking facility
together with public restroom adjacent to the seawall, to enhance visitor and local resident beach
access. Match anticipated from the state of Texas of $460,000, for an estimated project total of
$1.16 million. (Presented by Mr. Harris)
Asian Cultures Museum & Educational Center Improvements in the Bayfront Arts &
Sciences Park: Expansion of existing Museum in Bayfront Arts & Sciences Park to provide
additional exhibit space and gardens, enhancing attraction for visitors. Match anticipated from
private sources of $300,000, for an estimated project total of $560,000. (Presented by Ms. Cook)
Northwest Golf Course: Recreational facilities needed in this area. City golf fees would
provide a match for this project of $2 million, for an estimated project total of $4.81 million.
(Presented by Mr. Harris)
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
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Texas A&M -CC & Youth Baseball Facilities: ($2.5 million) Game fields for collegiate,
youth, and high school baseball; community use; and possible future professional use. Operational
costs and management will be provided by Texas A&M -Corpus Christi. (Presented by Mr. Menard)
Art Museum of South Texas Expansion: Visitor enhancements including multi -use addition
to the existing facility to facilitate the recent merger of the Art Museum, the Creative Arts Center
and the Hispanic Center for the Arts, construction of a new dock area, improved access to
Watergarden and museums, classrooms, interactive learning center, multimedia library, storage and
exhibit space, food service facilities, and disabled access. Match anticipated from private sources
of $3 million, for an estimated project total of $5.81 million. (Presented by Ms. Hicks)
Festival Park in Bayfront Arts & Sciences Park: ($1.87 million) Festival Area specified in
the City's Comprehensive Plan to be located in the Bayfront Arts & Sciences park for the purpose
of providing adequate space to accommodate large community events. (Presented by Mr. Scott)
Discovery Hall Addition to Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (featuring
discovery, exploration and settlement of South Texas): An addition to the Corpus Christi Museum
of Science and History to house exhibits and programs relating to the discovery, exploration and
settlement of South Texas. Match anticipated from private sources of $530,000, for an estimated
project total of $1.47 million. (Presented by Ms. Bennett)
C.C. Ballet Building in Heritage Park - Renovation and Improvements: Building in Heritage
Park, presently under lease from the City, will receive extensive remodeling and additions for
rehearsal space, costume/scenery storage, and office space. Match anticipated from private sources
of $300,000, for an estimated project total of $580,000. (Presented by Ms. Cook)
Bayfront Arts & Sciences Park Land Acquisition: ($1 million) Required land to support other
projects. (Presented by Ms. Hicks)
City's HEB Public Tennis Center Pavilion: Improvements to City's HEB Tennis Center will
include six covered courts to allow for all-weather play, offices, meeting rooms and storage,
concession area, upgrades of locker rooms, restrooms, pro shop, installations of electronic score
boards and lighting in stadium area. Match anticipated from private sources of $750,000, for an
estimated project total of $1.03 million. (Presented by Dr. Mora)
Botanical Gardens Improvements: Completion of Phase I with construction of a visitors'
center, administration building, display gardens and enhancement of the gator lake wetland area.
Match anticipated from private sources of $500,000, for an estimated project total of $970,000.
(Presented by Ms. Bennett)
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
Page 8
Memorial Coliseum Improvements: ($3.87 million) Significant renovations and
redevelopment of the Memorial Coliseum, including additional seating, together with landscaping
and beautification of Coliseum area, including Magee Beach. (Previously presented by Mr. Jones)
Trust Fund for Youth. Parks. and Recreation Projects: (Initial annual amount of $1 5 million)
A trust fund to provide ongoing resources to support Youth, Parks, and Recreation Projects.
Community input will be a vital factor in selecting projects. (Presented by Mr. Menard)
Trust Fund for Community Projects, Equally Divided Between the Single -Member Council
Districts: (Initial annual amount of $1 million) A trust fund to provide ongoing resources to support
a variety of facilities for a variety of needed Community Projects. The available funds will be
equally divided between the Single -member Council Districts, and community input will be a vital
factor in selecting projects. (Presented by Mr. Noyola)
Trust Fund for Fire Fighting. Fire Prevention Emergency Medical Services and Related
Facilities and Equipment: (Initial annual amount of $750,000) A trust fund to provide ongoing
resources to support needed improvements and equipment for firefighting, emergency medical
services, and related activities. (Presented by Mr. Sosa)
Trust Fund for Operation and Maintenance of Public Facilities.: (Initial annual amount of
$1.25 million) A trust fund to provide ongoing funding to assure that publicly owned and operated
facilities provided through the sales tax will be properly operated and maintained without requiring
additional sources of revenue. The Development Corporation Board will determine the reasonable
time period during which the required match must be available. If the match is not made, funds
allocated for that project will become surplus. (Presented by Dr. Mora)
Ms. Cook then discussed the proposal to create a crime control and prevention district. She
pointed out that two members of the CPP committee are members of the temporary board of the
crime district, and the board will be making a report to the Council next week on the issue.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Jones said that in order to construct the
proposed projects (contingent upon approval by the voters), the CPP committee envisions passing
a bond issue that is backed by the repayment of the sales tax to provide the money as soon as is
practical. Mr. Martin said that would mean the capital projects could be completed in five years.
Mr. Jones also commented on the need for a time line for the matching funds, and a discussion
ensued regarding the debt service.
In reply to another question from Mr. Martin, City Attorney Bray said they were ensuring
that the language being used would be approved by the Attorney General's Office. There will be
additional discussion and action on the CPP and the crime control district during the August 26th
Council meeting.
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
Page 9
Council Member John Longoria discussed the need to improve the bayfront and marina area,
as well as the Harbor Playhouse, which he said was not included in this plan.
Council Members Gonzales and Capelo asked about plans to improve the baseball facilities
in the area, including possibly attracting a AA baseball team to Corpus Christi. A discussion ensued,
including comments from Mr. Mark Patterson and Mr. Dan Viola.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience on each of the recommended projects.
Mr. Greg Clark discussed efforts that have been made to attract a AA baseball team here.
Mr. Jimmie Till said he was in favor of the recommended improvements to Memorial
Coliseum, and he asked if the construction contracts would be approved by the Council. Mayor Neal
said the exact procedure still needed to be determined, by the Council would have a say about the
process.
Mr. Steve Sullivan spoke on behalf of the many volunteers who had participated in the CPP,
saying it was a huge effort. He urged the Council to support the recommendations.
Following another brief discussion, Mr. Martin made a motion that the City Council support
in concept the recommendations of the Community Progress Partnership Committee (subject to
technical amendments by the Council), and to direct the staff to prepare the necessary implementing
actions. The motion was seconded by Council Member Garcia, and it passed unanimously (Cooper
and McNichols absent).
Mr. Longoria made a motion to subtract $940,000 from the $2.34 million being proposed for
the 78415 Area Park and Learning Center project, and add that $940,000 to the Greenwood/Horne
youth park complex improvements project. The motion was seconded by Dr. Gonzales, and a
discussion ensued. Ms. Blakely Fernandez, of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance, briefly
described the proposal for the 78415 Area Park and Learning Center.
Mr. Longoria amended his motion to simply add $940,000 to the Greenwood/Horne youth
park complex improvements project; Dr Gonzales accepted the amendment, and the motion passed
unanimously (Cooper and McNichols absent).
Responding to Mayor Neal, City Manager Hennings said there was a deadline of August 26th
in order to call the election, and he suggested placing the CPP on each of the next two Council
agendas.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria also discussed the need to improve the Shoreline area.
Mr. Capelo requested more information about the possibility of a professional baseball team here.
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
Page 10
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item F., a staff presentation on Phase II of the Gateway
Project, as previously approved by the City Council.
Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, referred to three maps to describe
in detail the history of the bayfront area and the Phase II proposal. He explained that in 1994 the
Downtown Management District (DMD) approached the Council with an idea to build an entryway
and a bayfront park for the city. The Council, along with several boards and commissions,
recommended that staff research funding sources for the project. Over the next three years, staff
brought to the Council 21 different agenda items to try to get different phases of the project in place.
The funding sources that were identified include the General Services Administration on the sale of
the federal courthouse property from the city; the Regional Transportation Authority; the DMD; a
grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD); a grant for the Bay Trail; TRT
Holdings; and the public art trust fund, which total about $5.5 million.
Mr. Matthews said that earlier in 1997 the city awarded the construction project for the first
phase of the Gateway Project, which moved the two lanes of IH -37 together to allow for the creation
of a green space from Mesquite Street to Shoreline Boulevard. He said the balance of the project
funding, as currently proposed, is intended for Phase I, Contract 2, to install the landscaping and
improvements within the IH -37 portion; and Phase II, Contracts 1 and 2, to construct the Shoreline
portion, which proposes to move the northbound lanes of Shoreline next to the southbound lanes
(maintaining six traffic lanes) and to build a parkway along the seawall.
Responding to Dr. Gonzales, Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and
Utilities, said that a portion of Water Street was closed but not abandoned, which means that it was
closed for traffic purposes but the right-of-way was not abandoned and therefore did not revert to
any of the adjacent property owners. A brief discussion ensued.
In reply to Mr. Martin, Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, said that a
traffic study was conducted that examined the area from about First United Methodist Church to the
convention center.
Mr. Matthews briefly described some of the provisions related to the funding sources,
including the TPWD grant.
Mayor Neal referred to a budget for the Gateway Project that had been included in a recent
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Special Council Meeting
August 5, 1997
Page 11
memo to the Council. He commented that there was about $2.9 million available for whatever plan
the Council eventually chose to develop the Shoreline area.
Mr. Garcia discussed the need to include the whole Shoreline area in the development
proposals, rather than just the eight blocks currently proposed in Phase II. Mr. Gordon Landreth,
DMD Chairman, explained that the idea was to initiate development with the funding that could be
acquired, with the expectation that that development would spur future development along other
parts of Shoreline. Further discussion ensued, including other possible options that could be
addressed.
*************
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings said that next week the
Council would be meeting with the Port industries at noon. Items scheduled for the Council meeting
next week include the Community Youth Development grant application.
Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Martin asked about the Central Power and Light refund, and Mr. Bray replied that he
would provide a report.
Mr. Capelo commented on several issues: CPL rebate; Lollapalooza music festival; Feria de
las Flores on August 9th; and a meeting with residents of the Del Mar area with staff and the
contractor on street improvements there.
Mrs. Longoria commented on the paid parking at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center.
Mr. Garcia asked about the possibility of purchasing palm trees at a discounted price.
Mayor Neal pointed out that National Night Out would be held that night.
Mr. Luis R. Corona, 2805 David St., said he had frequently reported problems with the
streets and manholes in the area of Comanche Street, and he commended Mayor Neal.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the special
Council meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m. on August 5, 1997.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *