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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/25/1997I 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 November 25, 1997, which were approved by the City Council on December 9, 1997. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 9th day of December, 1997 Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 1:30 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Loyd Neal Mayor Pro Tem Alex L. Garcia Jr. Council Members: Jaime L. Capelo Jr. Melody Cooper 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 the Rev. Alston Kirk, Trinity Lutheran Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Cooper. 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 November 18, 1997, and there being no corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item F., consideration of the selection process for a new city manager. City Manager Hennings pointed out that City Secretary Chapa had provided the Council with copies of documents from the city manager search last year, and Mr. Hennings provided copies of the recruitment guidelines for selecting a local government administrator. Mayor Neal thanked Mr. Hennings and Mr. Chapa for the information, and he said he hoped that the Council could arrive at a decision that they could unanimously support. Council Member McNichols said he thought it was important to first establish a process and then adhere to it. To that end, he said, they need to determine the characteristics of a city manager that the Council feels are essential. He said that last year the Council hired an executive search firm which conducted interviews of the Council members and others in order to develop a city manager Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 2 profile, which he felt was a valuable part of the process. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Chapa explained that last year, due to the short time span involved, his office called six different executive search firms to request proposals. Once those proposals were received, he and then -Mayor Rhodes reviewed the proposals and she presented them to the City Council, who then narrowed the list to three firms to interview. Representatives from those three firms gave presentations to the Council in open session, and immediately thereafter the Council discussed it and chose one firm to continue the search process. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she thought the Council should use the same format as it had before for the city manager search. She added that the development of the profile was an important aspect of the process. Council Member Gonzales said he thought the Council needed to accomplish two things in this process --select a good search firm and once that is done, adhere to the process and not conduct the search through the media. He said he thought they had a good basis for the criteria needed for the city manager which was developed last year. Dr. McNichols suggested that if the Council does hire an executive search firm, the Council should refer any interested persons to the search firm itself. Council Member Garcia said it appeared there was a consensus of the Council to begin the process of selecting an executive search firm. Also, the Council needed to determine if the previous recruitment profile would be sufficient for this city manager search. He expressed concern about the time frame involved. Mayor Neal said the Texas Municipal League guidelines suggested a 12 -week to 13 -week selection process. Mr. Chapa said most of the proposers previously had a 12- to 13 -week turnaround from the point of the award of the contract. Council Member Cooper suggested that each of the Council members review the previous recruitment profile to make any changes they wished so as to serve as a good starting point for the new search firm. Responding to Mrs. Longoria, Mr. Chapa said the National League of Cities (NLC) had furnished the list of executive search firms that had been provided to the Council. She asked how the Council could receive names of other firms, and Mr. Chapa said he had a file of additional search firms that he could provide. He added that NLC was not endorsing any of the firms on their list. Dr. Gonzales said any information pertaining to the city manager search should be forwarded to every member of the City Council, to which Mayor Neal agreed. Mr. Chapa said he had made the information available to all of the Council members; he also asked how the Council wished to pare down the list. Mayor Neal said he thought there was a shorter list of firms which are consistently Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 3 used in Texas and the southwest United States. He said several firms could be notified that the City of Corpus Christi is in the process of searching for an executive search firm, and find out if they would be interested in making a proposal. The Mayor said if six or eight proposals are received, then the Council could determine which three firms they would like to interview as a group. Mr. Garcia asked if an elected official could apply for the city manager position. City Attorney Bray said that an elected official other than a Council member could apply. Mr. Garcia asked if anyone else was disqualified, and Mr. Bray replied negatively. In reply to another question from Mr. Garcia, Mr. Chapa said the previous city manager search process involved several visits from Mr. Norm Roberts that were held during the Council's executive session, and he had advised the Council of the large number of people who had expressed interest in the position and how he was paring down that list. He said there was not a list of finalists until the end of the process. Mr. Garcia also asked about privacy concerns of the candidates, and Mr. Bray said the arrangements can be designed so there is confidentiality up until the time the Council receives a list of finalists or preliminary finalists, at which point the candidates' names become public record. He said the last contract was designed to do that. Mr. Garcia then asked what the Council could do differently during this search process to avoid some of the mistakes that were made the last time. Mr. Hennings replied that he would be willing to share some of his thoughts on that issue with the Council in a memorandum. Council Member John Longoria commented on different aspects of the process of first selecting an executive search firm which will be followed by the city manager selection process. He added that he thought a new profile needed to be developed as well and he discussed the need for the community to be involved in the selection process. Mr. Longoria discussed the importance of hiring a search firm in order to maintain the confidentiality of the candidates up to a certain point. Mr. Longoria then made a motion to direct the City Secretary to draft a list of executive search firms to present to the City Council. Mayor Neal said that there were still some Council members who wished to make comments before they proceeded with any possible actions on this issue. The Mayor added that although he had never been involved in a city manager selection process, he had been involved with some large organizations and the most successful selection process involves the finalists meeting people from the community. Dr. Gonzales noted that some of the Council members, along with Mr. Chapa, would be attending the NLC annual convention in Philadelphia next week and he anticipated gathering additional information on this issue. Dr. McNichols asked, if the Council concurred, that Mr. Bray provide information in a memo Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 4 on the issue of privacy and confidentiality in the selection process. He noted, as had other Council members in similar comments, that the previous search process was not handled successfully and mistakes were made, most of which were blamed on the Council. He described the scenario in which confidentiality is not maintained and the media becomes involved, which complicates the situation. Mrs. Cooper reiterated that she did not mean to suggest using the previous search firm but rather that the Council members could edit the recruitment profile to reflect their own ideas. Council Member Capelo said he would like to receive a written report setting down the different steps involved in the city manager selection process. In addition, he said he would like to see a staff member, such as Mr. Bray, provide assistance to the Council when difficult questions or situations arise to ensure that the proper procedures are followed. Mrs. Longoria commented that by coincidence she will be the moderator of a workshop on city manager selection during the NLC conference next week. Mr. Longoria said that despite problems that were experienced during the last city manager selection process, the end result was that Mr. Hennings was ultimately offered the position, and the city has benefitted from his acceptance of it. Mr. Longoria then restated his motion as follows, which was seconded by Mr. Garcia: F. M97-343 Motion approving using an executive search firm to assist in the selection of a City Manager, and directing the City Secretary to develop a list of executive search firms from which the Council will select several to solicit proposals. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. Dr. Gonzales reiterated his desire that the community, including the media, assist and support the Council in the selection process, specifically by not starting rumors about the issue. Mayor Neal asked Mr. Chapa to, as directed in the previous motion, prepare a list for the Council by the December 9th Council meeting. He said they will move forward with that list to arrive at a Council -approved list of selection firms, narrowing the list to approximately three to five firms, from which they will seek proposals. ************* Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 5 Mayor Neal said he would defer Item 2, appointment of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance Board, until Council Member Martin arrived at the meeting. The Mayor then asked Council Member Cooper to proceed with the presentation regarding the Sister City of Keelung, Taiwan. Mrs. Cooper asked the members of the Corpus Christi delegation to join her at the podium, Yale Shih, Drue Combs, and Rose Gunji, who accompanied Mrs. Cooper to Keelung recently (Amando Soto had also traveled to Taiwan but was not present at the Council meeting). Mrs. Cooper described their visit to the Sister City and presented Mayor Neal with several gifts from the citizens and city officials of Keelung. Mayor Neal then presented Certificates of Goodwill Ambassadorship to the delegates who had traveled to Keelung. Mrs. Cooper also presented a plaque to Police Chief Alvarez from the Police Chief of Keelung. * * * ** The next item was a budget and financial review of the first quarter of FY 97-98. City Manager Hennings thanked city staff for preparing the three-month report, including Mr. Joe Montez, Director of Management and Budget; Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Director of Finance; and Mr. Jorge Garza, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services. Using visual aids, Mr. Hennings first reviewed the revenues for the operating funds via a comparison of the first quarter results for each of the last five years of the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund, Enterprise Funds, and Internal Service Funds. He noted that the Enterprise Funds (which consists of the Utility Fund, Aviation Fund, Golf Fund) show an increase compared to prior years, which he said was due to the affect on the water fund of the end of the drought in July, which had begun in July 1993. Mr. Hennings also discussed the five-year comparison of the expenditures and encumbrances of those four areas, Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Hennings said there has been a 6% utility rate increase on August 1 during each of the last five fiscal years (including FY 1997-98). Mr. Hennings also reviewed charts which illustrated five-year comparisons in the following categories for the four fund areas: actual versus budgeted revenues and expenditures, and major revenue sources and expenditures and encumbrances in the different funds. The City Manager also commented about two of the major revenue sources for the General Fund which can be tracked monthly --the sales tax analysis and the Central Power and Light franchise fee. Mr. Hennings also discussed some of the major issues (particularly those affecting the General Fund) that are sure to be a part of next year's budget: collective bargaining contracts with the police and firefighters unions; implementation of the Crime Control and Prevention District; one- time use of available cash in the General Obligation Debt Service Fund to meet requirements for debt service for Solid Waste and museum bonds, as well as obligations for lease/purchase payments for General Fund equipment; cost of the construction of the liner at the landfill; purchase of four new Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 6 computer systems; one-year extension of the city's health insurance contract; and City Council election in FY 1998-99. Council Member Gonzales said he was going to be asking the Council to eliminate the sales tax on residential gas and electricity, which will also affect next year's budget. Council Member McNichols pointed out that a financing plan had been devised for Solid Waste Services until the year 2002, and Mr. Hennings agreed that the city is committed to follow that plan and to be able to meet the city's needs within the rate structure that was developed. Responding to another question from Dr. McNichols, Mr. Hennings said the Council had adopted a plan to rebuild the General Fund ending balances, and in order to follow that plan revenues are going to have to remain greater than expenditures. The decision about using the cash available in the General Obligation Debt Service Fund will have to be made each year by the Council. Dr. McNichols also commented that the sales tax increase that will fund the Crime Control and Prevention District is for new services, and Mr. Hennings said the basic part of the district is the addition of 50 police officers. Dr. McNichols said the city's public safety costs will continue to increase over the years as they have already. Council Member Garcia asked when the city received most of the monies from the collection of property taxes, and Mr. Hennings said December and January are the highest months. Mr. Garcia also asked about "step" increases, and Mr. Hennings said they are included in the expenditure budget for each fund. He said he would provide a more detailed financial report on that issue. Council Member John Longoria asked if the City Charter prohibited the charging of a franchise fee on utilities, and Mr. Hennings replied affirmatively. He further explained that most utilities, if they are privately owned, pay property taxes and sales taxes, as well as franchise fees; if they are publicly owned, they usually make payments in lieu of property taxes and franchise fees to the General Fund. He said that was the case in Corpus Christi's city government until the City Charter was amended several years ago. Mr. Longoria commented on the fact that public safety accounts for over half of the General Fund budget, and it is an important part of the community. He referred to an article in the day's newspaper about a reduction in crime rates, which can be partly attributed to the emphasis on public safety. Mr. Hennings added that the public safety budget continues to increase, while the other department budgets do not, which reflects the City Council's commitment to fire and police services over the years. Mr. Longoria also referred to Dr. Gonzales' idea of eliminating the sales tax on residential gas and electricity. He asked staff to research that idea further, and he used the example of Philadelphia not charging a sales tax on clothes. Mr. Hennings said staff would do that, adding that Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 7 the Enterprise Zone concept is similar in its objective to promote economic development. Dr. Gonzales said there was also a recent media report that New York City has greatly improved its safety factor due to increased police presence on the streets there. He thanked the citizens of Corpus Christi for supporting the Crime Control and Prevention District proposal. Mayor Neal asked if there was any action required by the Council on this item, and Mr. Hennings said there was not. The Mayor thanked staff for their report. * * * * * * * * * * * * * City Manager Hennings said the next presentation was regarding the airport capital improvement projects. He noted that it has been the City Council's policy that the operation and improvement of the Corpus Christi International Airport should not place any demand on local property taxes or Local sales taxes. Instead, the airport is operated as an Enterprise Fund, and operation and capital projects costs are provided by funds generated by the airport itself, including through passenger facility charges, lease payments by tenants, and federal grants. Mr. Hennings noted that there were several items on the day's agenda for action related to the airport's capital needs, including the application for approval of the passenger facility charges (PFCs), which expires in May 1998. He said it takes about 150 days for a new application to be approved. In addition, Ms. Bonnie Allin, Director of Aviation, will be discussing the need to conduct further study to bring the Council recommendations about future changes in the adopted master plan. Ms. Allin noted that the PFCs, which consist of a $3 charge per boarded passenger, are airport -specific and must be approved by the local governing entity and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). She said the taxes for both the grants and the PFCs can be used for safety, security, and capacity -related projects that benefit the public use of the facilities; they cannot be used for exclusive tenant or revenue-producing areas such as the parking lot improvements. Consequently, operating fund contributions for those non -eligible items are the third source of funding for the airport's capital development. Ms. Allin further explained that in order to participate in the FAA's funding programs, it is necessary to have an approved FAA master plan. She said the FAA recommends updating that master plan every five to seven years; the city's last airport master plan was adopted in 1990. Part of the master plan consists of the development of a five-year capital improvement program as well as review of the longterm capital needs of the airport. Ms. Allin said the airport's CIP is updated and adopted annually by the City Council and then is forwarded to the FAA, which incorporates the annual updates into their national planning program. The Aviation Director said the airport pays the city's General Fund on a full cost -recovery Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 8 basis for services provided to the airport from other city departments. The airline use and lease agreement currently in place guarantees that the city's airport fund will break even; the rates and charges are adjusted annually. If a cash profit is made, it is split with 40% going back to the airlines in the form of credit on their landing fee, with 60% going into a capital reserve fund, which then can be used for large ineligible projects or toward matching federal grant funds. If a loss is experienced, the rates and charges are increased for the following year. She said part of the lease agreement states that it is incumbent upon the Aviation Department to keep the airlines' rates and charges as low as possible and be as efficiently operated as possible. *Council Member Martin arrived at the meeting at 3:20 p.m. Ms. Allin said that with regard to the capital program, the city has rebuilt the over 30 -year- old airfield. The city has received over $25 million in both the airport's annual entitlement grants and additional discretionary grants, which she described. In addition, part of the master plan studies includes a drainage plan which identifies all of the airfield' s drainage needs. Utilizing visual aids, Ms. Allin also described the terminal rehabilitation that has been ongoing, as well as proposed roadway and parking lot improvements. She said staff is proposing further study on the master plan for several reasons, including changes that have occurred over the Last several months. In the area northeast of the airport to South Padre Island Drive, there has been strong commercial development, which has significantly increased land prices. As a result, staff believes airport expansion should occur toward the southwest away from the populated area. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Ms. Allin said the projected passenger growth is about 2% per year, which means that it would probably be another 20 to 30 years before a long-term runway would be needed. She said short-term improvements (two to five years) may include the development of cargo facilities, which staff is actively pursuing. In reply to Council Member Martin, Ms. Allin said that land acquisition and airfield improvements are 90% eligible for federal grants, while a terminal building may be one-third to two- thirds eligible. Mr. Martin asked how the decision would be made with regard to abandoning the land acquisition to the east because of cost and other factors. Ms. Allin replied that further study is needed and alternatives will be presented to the Council for their future action. In response to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Ms. Allin said land acquisition is low on the priority list unless it is noise -related; therefore, an airport needs to use its entitlement funds. The discretionary funds are very competitive and a city needs to have high-priority projects to expect them to be funded. Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, explained that Item 3.b. on the day's Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 9 agenda was a proposal to amend the professional services contract with Leigh Fisher Associates in order to prepare a conceptual plan for a new terminal. He said the question is whether the city should proceed with the current renovation plans, including the cost of the structural repairs, which will result in a facility with a 20 -year life expectancy, or whether the city should develop a replacement option which would retain only the 1986 portions of the terminal, and demolish the older sections of the 1960 terminal. He said that would result in a terminal that would last about 40 years. Mr. Shackelford said that in order to make that kind of a comparison, a conceptual plan needs to be developed. Mr. Shackelford also described the recent actions that have been taken with regard to the temporary shoring of portions of the terminal structure. He noted that an in-depth review of the structure was conducted and it concluded that the structural system can be repaired, with some additional determinations to be made, which he described. Ms. Allin went on to explain that since the terminal structural problems were discovered to be significant and since there were unknown elements yet to be considered, staff reworked the financial plan to be a worst case scenario. She said that involves increasing the budget for the terminal reconstruction from approximately $12 million to $19 million, which is the maximum amount of revenue that the PFCs can support. She said they are proposing, if it is necessary, to sell revenue bonds backed by the PFCs. Ms. Allin emphasized that the Council has the option of reducing the amount requested, but it cannot be increased. Mayor Neal pointed out that the Council would discuss that issue again later in the meeting as part of Items 3, 4, and 5. ************* Mayor Neal referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda. Council Member John Longoria made a motion to table the two appointments representing the Visitor Industry category of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance until the Council meeting of December 9, 1997; the motion was seconded by Council Member Gonzales. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the motion to table, and it failed to pass. The Council then made the following appointments: Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance Ralph Ehrlich (Reappointed) Jacob Munoz Donald Stewart Cathy Harrison * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 10 Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Frank Hankins, 721 Crestview, said he was representing OPUS (Organization for the Preservation of an Unblemished Seashore), which had provided the Council with a position paper regarding Shoreline Boulevard and the bayfront, which he described. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said he was glad that the minutes had been corrected of the special Council meeting which began at noon on November 11, 1997, in the Fifth Floor Conference Room. He said the minutes reflected that that was a special Council meeting; however, in response to a question that was raised during that meeting, City Attorney Bray had stated that no quorum was needed for the Council to listen to a staff presentation. He said that if that meeting was a special Council meeting, he did not think the City Attorney's comment was in order; if it was a workshop, then he might have a valid point. Mr. O'Brien also referred to an award the city's Finance Department had received for excellence in financial reporting, which he said was commendable. He then gave a memo to Mayor Neal dated January 10, 1997 that was sent to Mr. Hennings from Mr. Jorge Garza referring to a question from then -Council Member Tony Heldenfels about when the annual financial statement was going to be published. He said the Texas Local Government Code requires the city's annual financial statement be filed in the City Secretary's Office within 120 days after the last day of the city's fiscal year. Mr. O'Brien asked if the city's financial statement will be ready on November 28th as required. Mayor Neal replied that the financial statement was completed on November 21st, and Mr. Hennings gave Mr. O'Brien a copy of it. Ms. Janet Rice, 118 Southern, showed the Council drawings and photographs of different types of bayfront medians and landscaping from other cities, and she said that several of those ideas can be incorporated into Corpus Christi's bayfront. Mr. Alex Harris, Chairman of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance, invited the Council to an open house at the Alliance on December 3rd and to the Alliance's annual banquet on January 29th. He added that there are thousands of business people who are not able to attend the Council meetings but who appreciate the time and efforts of the Council members. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, thanked Mayor Neal for his earlier presentation to the Pearl Harbor survivors, and he said people should remember the democratic principles the veterans served to uphold, and that some died in that service. Mayor Neal announced that the Council had appointed the nine members of the Crime Control and Prevention District: Terry Baiamonte, Leon Loeb, Arthur Serrano Jr., Dr. Sandra Lanier - Lerma, Jeanette Bazar, Rose Vela, Isaac Valencia, Mike Hummel, and Rex Kinnison. The Mayor commended the Council for their appointments to that board. He then called for a 10 -minute recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 11 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3, airport 1997 master plan update and associated projects contract. Council Member Martin asked about the revenue bonds that would be backed by the passenger facility charges. Ms. Allin replied that the difference between those types of bonds and the general airport revenue bonds is that the airlines are not required to sign a long-term lease agreement to guarantee the life of the bonds. Mr. Martin asked, under that approach, if the city would lose any opportunity for an FAA match that might occur in later years. Ms Allin said staff is proposing to set aside a specific amount to service the debt but retain an amount of money (about $100,000 to $200,000 a year) to match federal grants. Mr. Martin also asked if there were any other airport bonds outstanding, and Ms. Allin said there are some general obligation bonds as part of the city's debt, and the last time the airport participated in a bond program was 1990. Mr. Martin pointed out that even though that is general obligation debt, it is being serviced as if it is revenue bond debt. Ms. Aliin said the airport's operating funds are paying the debt service on those general obligation bonds, so that goes into the airline rate base. Mr. Martin asked if the studies should address any possible economic advantages to being an airport district. Ms. Allin said staff had not investigated that issue. Upon verification by Ms. Allin, Mr. Martin said the airport is totally self-supporting and there is no tax base issue involved, and he added that they should not consider that after all. Mayor Neal said that in Items 3.a. -3.c. the Council was being asked to approve the further planning process and to provide the Council with financial alternatives. Ms. Allin reiterated that the Council could amend the PFC application to a lower rate. Mr. Martin asked if the proposals had been recommended by the Airport Advisory Board, and Ms. Allin said it was unanimously approved by them. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3.a. ORDINANCE NO. 023146 Ordinance appropriating $100,000 of interest earnings in the No. 544 Airport Capital Projects Fund; adopting a portion of the FY 97-98 Capital Budget to revise the Corpus Christi International Airport Master Plan Update, Drainage Study and Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study, which will be included in the FY 97-98 Capital Budget when adopted. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 12 Capelo, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 3.b. M97-344 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Contract with Leigh Fisher Associates in the amount of $125,000 for services related to revision of the 1997 Master Plan Update, Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study and Drainage Study and development of Terminal Building Conceptual Plan for a new contract amount of $678,260. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 3.c. RESOLUTION NO. 023147 Resolution expressing the intent to reimburse the No. 544 Airport Capital Projects Fund for costs of certain revisions to the future Airport Layout Plan and Financial Plan to be made as part of the 1997 Master Plan Update, Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study, and Drainage Study. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Items 4 and 5, professional services agreement for the airport and passenger facility charge application. Responding to Council Member Martin, Ms. Allin said staff took the existing funds (about $12 million) as part of the current program, and then determined what amount would be needed to construct the entrance road and the other projects, and the maximum that was left to service that debt and yet still remain "pay-as-you-go" for federal grant matches. Mr. Martin asked if some flexibility was needed in the plan. City Manager Hennings said staff could investigate different options and if needed bring an amendment to the Council before the second reading. Council Members Gonzales and Capelo questioned the consultant's proposed fee of an amount not to exceed $80,000. Ms. Allin said that if the Council proceeded with a PFC-backed revenue bond sale, the consultant would conduct the airport -specific research and appendix to the official statement. She said they would only be authorized to do the work that is determined under the program. Mr. Hennings pointed out that the agreement consists of two specialized activities: one Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 13 is the PFC application that will be prepared for the FAA, and the other pertains to the proposed PFC- backed bonds. He said a specialist is needed because the city's financial advisor, for example, does not deal with those types of issues. Mayor Neal stated that the Council would be approving a maximum of $80,000 for the financial consultant but they would not be authorizing staff to spend that amount until they bring the plan back with all of the available options. Mr. Capelo asked if most of the consultant's work had already been done. Ms. Allin replied that the city has an existing agreement with that firm that was approved by the Council for them to provide financial advisory services and to develop the rates and charges formula that is part of the airline contract. She said there is a basic services fee based on hourly charges not to exceed $60,000, and if supplemental services by the consultant are needed, then funding in an amount not to exceed $20,000 would be available, if approved by the Council. Responding to Dr. Gonzales and Mr. Martin, Ms. Allin further explained what is included in basic services. She added that about $12,000 has been paid to the consultant for work performed under the existing contract. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Hennings said staff could provide a report next week on an estimate of what the consultant's contract would involve until the Council is ready to make a decision on the revenue bond sale. Replying to Mr. Martin, Ms. Allin said she did not think there was a requirement that the city had to hire a specialized financial consultant, but she said a city would have to have the in-house capability to perform the work, which is not the case at the airport. Mr. Martin then referred to the list of the contract's basic services outlined in the agenda material, saying he did not think the item "document finding in a report of the airport consultant for inclusion as an appendix in the bond offering document" was a basic service. He suggested that the contract state that basic services shall include specific items and not exceed $30,000, for example, and then include everything else as supplemental services. Mr. Hennings said it would be satisfactory if the Council passed a motion instructing him not to exceed $30,000 without acquiring the Council's approval beforehand. Mr. Capelo further questioned the consultant's fee. Mayor Neal asked what form the suggested amendment would take. Mr. Hennings replied that he recommended the Council approve Items 4.a., 4.b., and 5 as stated on the agenda, and in addition that the Council pass a motion instructing him not to exceed a total of $30,000 expenditures on Item 4.a. until he has further Council approval. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 14 Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4.a. M97-345 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Professional Service Agreement with John F. Brown Company in an amount not to exceed $80,000 to provide financial consulting services to develop the new Passenger Facility Charge Application and to provide information required for capital financing of airport improvement projects. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Capelo voting "No." 4.b. RESOLUTION NO. 023148 Resolution expressing the intent to reimburse the No. 117 Airport Operating Fund for costs of financial advisory services from John F. Brown Company for the Passenger Facility Charge Application and resulting Revenue Bond sale. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Capelo voting "No." 5. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit an application to the Federal Aviation Administration to collect and use a passenger facility charge of $3 per enplaned passenger at Corpus Christi International Airport for 20 years beginning June 1, 1998. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Capelo voting "No." Dr. Gonzales made the following motion, which was seconded by Mr. Garcia. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4.c. M97-346 Motion that not more than $30,000 of the consulting fees be paid to the John F. Brown Company to develop the new passenger facility charge application without the City Manager coming back for the Council's approval. Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 15 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, status of funds for the Gateway Project. City Manager Hennings explained that staff had provided the Council with a breakdown of the original budget for the Gateway Project as well as actions that have occurred and how they affected the original budget. He said the projects that staff was recommending be considered were: repavement of Shoreline Boulevard from Peoples Street to Palo Alto Street, $214,200; replant palm trees and repair the irrigation systems in the medians from Furman Street to the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center, $319,000; replacement of the street lighting along the seawall, $550,000; and installation of a traffic signal system at the intersection of Twigg Street and Shoreline Boulevard, $110,000. He said the Council did not have to take action on this item that day, but staff was providing the information. Council Member Garcia asked about the possibility of refunding some monies that had been provided by the Downtown Management District (DMD). Mr. Hennings said that Phase 1 of the Gateway Project, which was part of the original plan, is being executed. He said it was his understanding that there was never any designation by the DMD or by the city that the DMD's contribution of $200,000 would be divided in any way among the parts of the total Gateway Project. Mr. Garcia also asked about staff's recommendation regarding the palm trees and repair of the irrigation system, Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, explained that of the estimated $319,000 for the project, it would cost $50,000 to move about 300 palms from the city's nursery; repair of the irrigation system is estimated at $200,000 (including incorporating drip irrigation systems to minimize water running in the street); additional landscaping is estimated to be $50,000; with the balance of $19,000 to be set aside as contingency funds. Mr. Matthews further explained why the proposed automated irrigation system would be an improvement over the existing manual irrigation system on Shoreline, as well as the benefits of using the palms grown in the city's nursery. Mr. Garcia questioned the need for the improvements being recommended by staff, which Mr. Hennings explained. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Hennings described what he thought would be an appropriate amount to refund the DMD. He noted that the DMD had planned to give a total of $200,000, and since the first phase of the Gateway Project would be completed, he thought it would be appropriate for the city to keep half of that amount, or $100,000. However, the DMD had already given the city $150,000, so he said the city could reimburse the DMD $50,000. Dr. Gonzales referred to the landscaping suggestions for Shoreline made by Ms. Rice earlier Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 16 in the meeting, and he commented on the need to develop a good design that would include shaded areas. Mr. Hennings said the Council could ask the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee to work on a plan that would accomplish that and not allocate the funds until then. Mr. Martin commented on different aspects of the staff's recommendation. He said he thought the city should reimburse the DMD the full $150,000 they had given to the city for the Gateway Project, and then have staff negotiate with them about possibly using some of those funds for other downtown projects, such as another phase of the lighting project. He added that he thought the Council should authorize staff to develop a landscaping plan for Shoreline. Council Member Capelo asked about a $190,000 line item in the original Gateway budget. Mr. Hennings said that amount was for water line work on IH -37 in conjunction with the federal courthouse site in Phase 1, which has already been spent. Mr. Capelo also asked about the original commitment of $300,000 from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Mr. Hennings said the proposal was to use the RTA's money to improve the places where the buses stop along Shoreline. He said staff could discuss with the RTA what they see as a need for improvements. Mr. Capelo also asked about other possible funding sources. Mr. Hennings said staff has discussed the grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) with that agency, and they have not said that the grant would be denied. Also, the Bay Trail grant from ISTEA funds has to be used for the Bay Trail project, even though Phase 2 of the Gateway Project will not be done. Council Member John Longoria asked if there were still plans to place art on Shoreline. Mr. Hennings said that was a decision for the Council to make; the proposed art project was to be part of Phase 2 and the money was allocated for that. Mr. Matthews said that the Municipal Arts Commission has stated that with or without realignment of Shoreline, they would recommend that a major piece of art be placed in the medians, and they are going through the process of selecting an artist to recommend to the Council. Mr. Longoria concurred with Mr. Martin regarding reimbursing the DMD $150,000. He also asked about the lighting along the seawall, and Mr. Hennings pointed out that the lighting project would include the seawall steps as well. Council Member Cooper said she would like to know how the DMD felt about the possibility of reimbursing their funds. She said if the Council did reimburse the money she would like it to be tied to some agreement about how the funds would be spent. She added that she thought the seawall lighting project should be reserved until the seawall study is completed. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she also supported refunding the DMD their monies, and she asked about the TPWD grant. Mr. Matthews said staff will try to utilize as much of that grant as possible around McCaughan Park, Sherrill Park, McGee Beach and the old City Hall site. Mrs. Longoria also asked about involving other people in the planning of these projects, and Mr. Hennings explained different ways the Council could accomplish that. Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 17 Council Member McNichols said it is a misconception that there is about $3.5 million available that could be redirected to repair the seawall, which he said was not correct. He noted that the grants have to be used for specific projects relating to the bayfront, which he explained. Responding to Mr. Garcia, Mr. Matthews said the city's palm nursery consists of several generations of palms, and he noted that they have proven to be the most resilient form of plant material on the bayfront. Mr. Garcia agreed that $150,000 should be reimbursed to the DMD. Mr. Martin commented on different aspects of the proposal, and he made the following motion: to approve the requirements as recommended by staff regarding the seawall investigation, IH -37 park/landscape, IH -37 intersection/signals/engineering, art on Shoreline, and GSA parking construction; to return the $150,000 to the Downtown Management District with direction to staff to meet with them about additional projects in which they might be interested; to investigate how to preserve as much of the $1 million in RTA, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Bay Trail grant funds as possible; and to take the steps necessary to begin a landscape design for the medians on Shoreline Boulevard. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garcia. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Ms. Norma Urban, DMD President, said the organization would be pleased to receive the reimbursement of funds from the city. She commented on a lighting project that the DMD had initiated, and she said that although the DMD had not yet voted on it, more than likely the reimbursed funds would be used for the next phase of the lighting project. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the motion to amend Item 6 as stated by Mr. Martin, and it passed unanimously. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes on Item 6 as amended: 6, M97-347 Motion approving the following with regard to the Gateway Project: a. to approve the requirements as recommended by staff regarding the seawall investigation, IH -37 park/landscape, IH -37 intersection/signals/engineering, art on Shoreline, and GSA parking construction; b. to return the $150,000 to the Downtown Management District with direction to staff to meet with them about additional projects in which they might be interested; c. to investigate how to preserve as much of the $1 million in RTA, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Bay Trail grant funds as possible; and d. to take the steps necessary to begin a landscape design for the medians on Shoreline Boulevard. Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 18 The foregoing motion passed, 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 7, force main repairs project. He then called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. M97-348 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for Engineering and Consulting Services with Goldston Engineering, Inc. for a fee not to exceed $268,550 for Stage 1 of the Force Main Repairs and Replacement project. The foregoing motion passed 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, Bonita Addition street improvements. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 8.a. RESOLUTION NO. 023149 Resolution determining the necessity for and ordering the improvement of the following highways in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas for the Bonita Addition street improvements: Fig Street - Baldwin Blvd. to 18th Street; Isabel Street - Bonita Avenue to 18th Street; Bonita Avenue - Terrace Street to Ayers Street; Date Street - Fig Street to Ayers Street; specifying that certain of these improvements will be paid for partly by the City and partly by assessments while others will be paid for entirely by assessments; and directing the City's Director of Engineering Services to file a Notice of Proposed Assessments with the Nueces County Clerk, The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 8.b. RESOLUTION NO. 023150 Resolution approving plans and specifications for improvements to the following highways Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 19 in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas for the Bonita Addition street improvements: Fig Street - Baldwin Blvd. to 18th Street; Isabel Street - Bonita Avenue to 18th Street; Bonita Avenue - Terrace Street to Ayers Street; Date Street - Fig Street to Ayers Street; approving the Director of Engineering Services' Project Construction Cost Estimate including an estimate of the portion of costs to be paid by the City and the portion of costs to be paid by assessments; setting a public hearing on these proposed assessments to occur during the January 13, 1998 City Council Meeting; directing the City Secretary to arrange to publish notice of this public hearing; and ordering the Director of Engineering Services to provide written notice of the public hearing to property owners. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 9, allocation of the arts subgrant program. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9. M97-349 Motion approving the allocation of $114,000 from the Tourist and Convention Fund to a total of 23 arts organizations; allocating $10,000 from the Tourist and Convention Fund for the maintenance of the existing public art collection; and allocating and transferring $10,000 from the Tourist and Convention Fund to the Permanent Art Trust Fund, for a total of $134,000 for FY 97-98. Funding is authorized in the FY 97-98 Operating Budget. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 10. Case No. 1097-7, GP Properties, Inc.: A change of zoning from an "F -R" Farm -Rural District to an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 26, portion of Lots 17, 18, 19, 29, and 30, located along the south side of Brooke Road (County Road 26A), approximately 1,000 feet east of Rodd Field Road. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "R -1B" District. Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 20 No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council Member Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Cooper, and passed unanimously. Council Member Martin asked if both sides of County Road 26A (Brooke Road) are going to be paved. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, said not as a function of this plat. He said that since the road is already paved for the full length that it abuts the subject property, the platting ordinance does not require that this subdivision improve that street --it becomes the city's responsibility to do that. He said if it was an unpaved right-of-way, the developer would be required to improve it. Mr. Martin asked if the street included curbs and gutters, and Mr. Harvey said it did not. Mr. Martin referred to the situation on Cimarron Road, which Mr. Harvey and Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, explained. Mr. Martin discussed the impact of that aspect of the platting ordinance. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Crull said this situation of perimeter streets around new subdivisions has been addressed many times without resolving it in a way that would be satisfactory to both the city and the development community. Council Member McNichols pointed out that curbs, gutters and drainage would be required inside a subdivision. Mr. Crull also discussed the factors that would trigger a road being improved to a full collector street section. In reply to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Harvey said this subject property has to be rezoned to allow the smaller lots before the Planning Commission can approve the final plat. Mr. Garcia asked if a park would be included in the subdivision. Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, said in this case, as allowed under the platting ordinance, the city would accept cash in lieu of land for a park, and the city plans to utilize that cash in the Oso Parkway just to the north in the Southfork subdivision. Mr. Crull further explained how the subdivision would be developed. A brief discussion ensued. In response to questions from Mr. Martin, Mr. Crull said the development of that whole area will cost the city money. Dr. Gonzales commented on the issue of the Council being aware of the city's costs in development of subdivisions. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria also commented on the city's costs, and Mr. Crull said he thought the Council was suggesting that staff needs to examine the requirements of the platting ordinance and consider the possibility of having some financial contribution by the developers to improve the perimeter streets of a development. Council Member Cooper said she did not think they should penalize this particular developer because of the possibility of revising an existing policy, and Mr. Garcia agreed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 21 10. ORDINANCE NO. 023145 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by GP Properties, Inc., by changing the zoning map in reference to Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 26, Portions of Lots 17, 18, 19, 29, and 30 from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to "R -1B" One - family Dwelling District. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Capelo and Gonzales voting "No"; McNichols absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 11 through 16, and Council members did not request that any items be withheld for discussion, nor were there any comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 11. M97-350 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract for purchase of services from Tiburon, Inc. to provide computer software support and maintenance to the Police Department's Records Management and Computer Aided Dispatching systems from November 15, 1997 to June 30, 1998. The total amount of the agreement is $25,089. Funds have been included in 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. 12.a. ORDINANCE NO. 023151 Ordinance appropriating $76,140 from the Combined Utility Systems Unreserved Fund balance; amending Ordinance No. 022993, which adopted the FY 1997-98 Budget, by adding $76,140 to the Combined Utility Systems Fund; adopting a portion of the FY 97-98 Capital Budget, for the Chlorine Removal and Ultraviolet System Installation project, which will be included in the FY 97-98 Capital Budget when adopted; transferring $76,140 to and appropriating $76,140 in the No. 250 Sanitary Sewer Capital Projects Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 22 12.b. M97-351 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the Contract for Engineering Services for the Chlorine Removal and Ultraviolet System Installation project with Naismith Engineering, Inc. for a fee not to exceed $74,140. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 12.c. RESOLUTION NO. 023152 Resolution expressing the intent to reimburse the Combined Utility Systems Fund for costs of certain wastewater system improvements to be made as part of the Chlorine Removal and Ultraviolet System Installation project. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 13.a. M97-352 Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by Cinemark USA, Inc., developer of S.P.I.C.E. Plaza, Block 3, Lots 1 and 5, for the installation of 926 linear feet and over sizing of 894 linear feet of 12 -inch PVC water grid main lines. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 13.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023153 Ordinance appropriating $31,530 from the No. 143 Water Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund to pay Cinemark USA, Inc.'s Developer Reimbursement Request for installing 926 linear feet of 12 -inch water grid main line and over sizing 894 linear feet of 12 -inch water grid main line to develop Lots 1 and 5, Block 3, S.P.I.C.E. Plaza. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 13.c. M97-353 Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by Cinemark USA, Inc., Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 23 developer of S.P.I.C.E. Plaza, Block 3, Lots 1 and 5, for the replacement of an undersized existing 6 -inch force main with 932 linear feet of 10 -inch PVC sanitary sewer collection line. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 13.d. ORDINANCE NO. 023154 Ordinance appropriating $38,302 from the No. 145 Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Trust Fund to pay Cinemark USA, Inc.'s Developer Reimbursement Request for installing 932 linear feet of 10 -inch oversized replacement sanitary sewer collection line to develop Lots 1 and 5, Block 3, S.P.I.C.E. Plaza. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 14. RESOLUTION NO. 023144 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a Community Outdoor Outreach Program application for up to $20,000 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for outdoor education and recreation enhancements to the City's summer recreation program. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 023155 Ordinance appropriating $100,000 from the Estate of L. Lloyd Sessions in the No. 111 Museum Trust Fund; authorizing transfer of $100,000 to the Friends of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History for the benefit of the Museum. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Capelo, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols absent. 16. ORDINANCE NO. 023156 Amending the Comprehensive Plan and adopting the Master Sanitary Sewer Plan for the Southern Area. Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 24 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 called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings announced the city facilities' operating hours during the Thanksgiving holidays. He said there would not be a Council meeting on December 2', and items scheduled for the December 9th meeting included the first reading on the capital budget ordinance, a closed session on a competitive electric franchise agreement, a presentation on area transportation projects, and appointments to the Stormwater Management Advisory Committee. On December 16t the Council is scheduled to receive the report from Freese & Nichols on the Wesley Seale Dam. He suggested that the Council plan a field trip to the dam on the morning of December 16(h. Mayor Neal said he would like suggestions from the Council members on appointments to the Stormwater Management Advisory Committee, and he said Mr. Vicente Carranza was inviting the Council to participate in a turkey give-away. He then called for Council concerns and reports. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Hennings said the city has a machine that recycles antifreeze. Dr. Gonzales then informed the Council that he was hoping to place the issue of the sales tax on utilities on the agenda for December 16'h, and Mayor Neal said he would place that item on the agenda for discussion for that date. Council Member John Longoria said the Council's Municipal Court Committee was inviting the Council members to participate in a tour of Municipal Court on January 20`h, and the committee will hold a meeting at noon on January 15th. Council Member Martin asked when the audit would be discussed. Mr. Hennings said it was scheduled for December 16`h. Mr. Martin said he thought it should be tied into the management letter. He also referred to a memo from Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Director, who did not recommend that public scoping meetings be held in Corpus Christi with regard to the proposed Lake Texana title transfer. Mr. Martin also asked about recent television ads involving Police Chief Alvarez and a local attorney, and he said he thought those ads had been canceled when they first aired last spring. He said the perception was that the Police Chief was endorsing that particular attorney. Mayor Neal said he had received several telephone calls about those television ads, and it was his understanding that while the Council may not have formally had a Council opinion on the subject, they were certainly not going to encourage it. Council Member John Longoria said he thought that the Chief was free to tape public service announcements but not advertisements. Mr. Minutes Regular Council Meeting November 25, 1997 Page 25 Hennings said he reviewed the tape and they removed all the commercial aspects of the spots, and he said he realized they were subject to interpretation. He added that the consideration from the other side was paying for the cost of production, and they are seasonal spots in connection with the holiday driving issue. He said if he misunderstood the primary concern, then they will no longer run the t.v. spots. A discussion ensued. Council Member Garcia requested a report on the status of improvements to Harvard Street. Mr. Crull said they will be taking bids on that project in January. Mr. Garcia also commented on the contributions made by volunteers throughout the community, and he asked if there was a way for the city to thank them. He said he had already toured Municipal Court, which was very informative. Council Member Capelo commended Chief Alvarez and the city's police officers, saying that the recent crime statistics demonstrate that they are doing a good job, and he encouraged citizens to continue to help lower the crime rate. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said the city has a program in which it awards citizens for their volunteerism. She also requested information about a problem involving the entrance to Wood River in the northwest area off FM 624. Council Member Cooper thanked the members of the Youth Council from King High School who mentored to the Baker Middle School 8' graders, and she reported on a successful clean-up effort around the area of Lozano Special Emphasis School last week. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. on November 25, 1997. * * * * * * * * * * * * *