HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/13/1998I 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 January 13, 1998, which were approved
by the City Council on January 20, 1998.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 20th day of January, 1998.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
12:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Loyd Neal
Council Members:
Javier Colmenero
Melody Cooper*
Betty Jean Longoria
John Longoria
Edward Martin*
Dr. David McNichols*
ABSENT
Mayor Pro Tem Alex L. Garcia Jr.
Arnold Gonzales
Ci y Staff:
City Manager Bill Hennings
City Attorney James R. Bray Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order at 12:18 p.m. City Secretary Chapa called the roll
and noted that at that time there was not a quorum of the Council present.
The Mayor announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section
551.071 regarding efforts of the Garwood Irrigation Company to obtain the required permit
amendment that would authorize the interbasin transfer to and use by the City of Corpus Christi of
the Garwood water rights, under the agreement authorized November 26, 1996.
The Council went into closed session. (*Council Member McNichols arrived at 12:20 p.m.,
at which time there was a quorum of the Council present.)
The Council returned from closed session.
Mayor Neal reconvened the Council meeting in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 2:00
p.m. The invocation was delivered by Father Cristos Matos, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church,
following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by the Mayor.
City Secretary Chapa verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required
charter officers were present to continue the meeting. (*Council Members Cooper and Martin arrived
at the meeting at 2:00 p.m.) Mr. Chapa added that Council Member Garcia was out of town on city
business, and Council Member Gonzales was ill.
Mayor Neal called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of January 6,
1998, and there being no corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 2
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Mayor explained that Council Member Javier D. Colmenero, the new District 2
representative, had been officially sworn into office last week in order for him to participate in the
closed session earlier on January 13th. He said this ceremony was being conducted for the benefit
of Mr. Colmenero's family and friends, many of whom were present, and the public. The Mayor then
gave the Oath of Office to Mr. Colmenero, who recognized his family and pledged to the citizens
of District 2 that he would work hard to represent them well.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item I., a comprehensive overview of water supply
alternatives.
Mr. James Dodson, Regional Water Director, addressed several aspects of the water supply
issue. He explained that beginning in the late 1980s, after the Choke Canyon Reservoir was
completed, the city began a series of regional water supply planning studies for the entire Nueces
River basin, which revealed that the yield of the Choke Canyon -Lake Corpus Christi reservoir
system was much less than originally estimated and which meant that the city would need to develop
additional water supplies much sooner than anticipated (in 10 to 15 years rather than 20 to 30 years).
Using visual aids, Mr. Dodson discussed strategies that have been developed for a
dependable, affordable water supply: maximize existing supplies, which includes water conservation
and reuse and refinement of the freshwater inflow operating plan; develop new supplies, which
entails identifying and evaluating potential sources, securing rights to new supplies, and developing
new supplies as needed; and make it affordable by developing the most affordable sources first,
seeking state assistance in financing, and improving funding capabilities.
Mr. Dodson pointed out that the Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi reservoirs form the
basis of a water supply system that now serves over 400,000 people in seven counties in the Coastal
Bend, while the service area actually consists of 12 counties in the Coastal Bend. He noted that
Corpus Christi leads the state in water conservation in gallons per capita per day.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked Mr. Dodson why he thought Corpus Christi's
conservation efforts were successful. He replied that there were several reasons, including a strong
effort to educate citizens (beginning on the elementary school level) about the importance of
conservation, as well as the real experience of droughts in this area.
Mr. Dodson said that in 1992 Corpus Christi entered into another set of regional water
planning studies --the Trans -Texas Water Program (TTWP), sponsored in part by the Texas Water
Development Board, the City, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, the Port industries, and the
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Regular Council Meeting
Janunry 13, 1998
Page 3
Lavaca-Navidad River Authority. He said the purpose was to identify the area's long-term water
demand, existing supplies, and future alternatives. Mr. Dodson said that two phases of the Trans -
Texas study eventually evaluated 22 water supply alternatives and divided them into four groups:
Group 1 - dependable, permanent, affordable supply options; Group 2 - stand-by water supply
options (used during drought management periods); Group 3 - potentially dependable, permanent,
affordable options; and Group 4 - potential future options.
Mr. Dodson further explained that the period of 1993-95 was the lowest three-year period
of combined inflows to the reservoir system in the 61 years that stream gauge records have been
kept; consequently, it is believed that the 1996 drought will probably define the new drought of
record and a new critical period of the drought, which means there is probably less firm yield than
anticipated and all of the water supply planning estimates will have to be revised downward.
The Regional Water Director said that water supplies that have been developed since the
1995 TTWP report include an amendment to the freshwater inflow operating order and the Lake
Texana water purchase contract. He noted, however, that it is estimated this area will need an
additional 60,000 to 70,000 acre-feet per year of water supply by the year 2050. The next water
supply alternative being sought is the purchase of the Garwood water rights, and the city
conditionally exercised that purchase option in November 1996 and the permit application
amendment process is underway.
Mr. Dodson said that since the passage of Senate Bill 1 last year, some of the water supply
alternatives evaluated by TTWP are no longer viable. As a result, other alternatives are being
investigated, including possibly acquiring additional water supplies from Lake Texana; blending
better quality surface water from Lake Texana with lesser quality ground water from the Gulf Coast
Aquifer; utilizing the concept of aquifer storage recovery; increasing the efficiencies of the reservoir
system, possibly through additional amendments to the operating policies and construction of certain
pipelines; and possibly utilizing desalination.
Mr. Dodson also described several aspects of regional water planning as outlined in Senate
Bill 1, including definitions of the regions, membership of the planning groups, division of the plan
costs, and important planning dates. He noted that Item 3 on the day's agenda is a proposal to
endorse the recommendations for membership on the initial regional water planning group that will
be sent to the Texas Water Development Board. Mr. Dodson also described opportunities that the
City Council will have in the future to set the agenda for future water supply decisions.
The next presentation regarded the Lake Texana Pipeline progress report, which was given
by Mr. Frank Brogan, Director of Engineering for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority. He explained
that about 54% of the overall project has been completed, with over 40 miles of pipe installed
(including in the high-priority "prairie chicken" area north of Refugio) and 91 miles of right-of-way
acquired. He said the pipe materials for the directional -drilled river contract at the Guadalupe River
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 4
and the Victoria Barge Canal are presently being fabricated with the actual drilling for those
contracts to begin in March. Mr. Brogan showed a picture of a "swamp buggy" that the contractor
has used to work in very wet areas.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Brogan said they are anticipating that the total expenditures
for the construction of the project will be about $115.7 million, which is on target. Mayor Neal
called for comments from the audience on Mr. Brogan's report, and there were none.
Mr. Dodson then introduced Dr. Ralph Wurbs, a professor at Texas A&M University in the
Department of Civil Engineering/Environmental, Ocean and Water Resources. He said Dr. Wurbs
has much experience in many areas of water supply/water resources planning and management.
Dr. Wurbs referred to his report, entitled "Desalination and Its Role in Meeting Future Water
Supply Needs of the Corpus Christi Region." He said in the area of water resources planning and
management, one has to think in terms of comprehensive water management, and an alternative such
as desalination has to be considered in the context of all the options available to the community.
Dr. Wurbs described the classification of salinity levels, noting that seawater averages about
35,000 milligrams per liter of total dissolved solids (TDS), while fresh water has less than 500 mg/1
of TDS, and brackish water ranges from 500 mg/1 to 35,000 mg/1 of TDS. He said there are three
main types of desalting techniques --thermal distillation processes; membrane processes (including
reverse osmosis and electrodialysis); and ion exchange. Dr. Wurbs also described the history of the
development of desalination technology, beginning in the 1950s, as well as a major desalination
project that is ongoing in Tampa Bay, Florida, with an expected capacity of 20 million to 50 million
gallons per day. He pointed out that most of the desalting plants are located in the Middle East
(58.7%), and they are seawater distillation plants; the United States has 15.2% of the total number
of plants, with most of those being small reverse osmosis plants, including 75 plants in Texas.
He went on to say that according to his comprehensive review of desalination literature in
1997, it costs approximately $3 to $10 per 1,000 gallons to desalt seawater, while desalting brackish
water costs much less depending on the amount of total dissolved solids. By comparison, the 1995
Trans -Texas study estimated that the cost for the Texana pipeline project (excluding treatment cost)
was estimated to be $1.09 per 1,000 gallons of firm yield.
Dr. Wurbs concluded that desalination technology is well established and readily available;
however, the cost of desalination relative to other water supply options is a primary factor in whether
or not it is utilized. In addition, the quality of the feed water is a primary determinant in the
desalination cost. He said desalination is an option in a complex array of possible measures for
supplying future water needs in the Corpus Christi region.
Mayor Neal asked Dr. Wurbs to comment specifically on multiple -effect distillation. Dr.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 5
Wurbs replied that that technology has been very popular in the Middle East, and he said if Corpus
Christi was to build a seawater desalting plant, all of the technologies should be considered. He said
another possibility is combining electric power generating plants with the desalting plant. On the
other hand, he said, the membrane desalting processes were better utilized for brackish water, which
has a much lower concentration of salt.
Council Member Martin said that Dr. Wurbs' report was a compilation of the information
that is available concerning desalination, and Dr. Wurbs agreed that it is not an engineering
feasibility study in the sense of designing plants, nor did he develop any cost data. Mr. Martin briefly
discussed raw water and treated water costs, and Mr. Hennings stated that the preliminary estimate
of the cost of the Lake Texana water is $400 per acre-foot including the treatment, although more
review of that cost is needed. Mr. Dodson said it is believed that the cost of the raw Lake Texana
water is substantially lower than originally estimated because of the savings on the pipeline project
and other elements.
Mr. Dodson went on to say that the Regional Water Supply Task Force has again reviewed
Dr. Wurbs' report and at the task force's recent meeting they made some recommendations in that
regard: that the Council direct the Regional Water Supply Task Force and city staff to closely
monitor the progress of the Tampa Bay project; that the Council provide the necessary resources to
obtain professional consulting services to help evaluate the Tampa Bay information so as to consider
it in the context of the Corpus Christi region's water supply situation; and that regional studies be
initiated of the hydrogeology of the Gulf Coast Aquifer in the Corpus Christi area, especially with
respect to the availability of significant quantities of brackish ground water.
Council Member McNichols also discussed various factors that affect the cost of the
desalination process, and Dr. Wurbs said that the only way to know what it would cost to desalt
seawater in Corpus Christi would be to actually engage in that process, which would involve a
feasibility study and a major commitment of resources to do that. He added that the most important
cost factor would be the amount of salt that is being removed from the water; another cost factor
would be the ability to tie the desalting process into an electric power plant.
Council Member Colmenero asked about the disposal of residuals or potential contaminants
that would result from the desalting process. Dr. Wurbs replied that he was unsure if there was an
extensive amount of literature currently in existence regarding that issue. He added that by the time
a plant was constructed and in operation in Corpus Christi, the city would have commissioned
studies to support the city's permitting process, which is not a simple process. Mr. Colmenero also
asked if the membranes used in some desalting processes were recyclable, and Dr. Wurbs said there
has been some effort to actually sell the salt that results from that process.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Dodson said that a permit would not be required for an entity
to conduct a feasibility study, but a permit would be required in order to construct a pilot -scale
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 6
desalting plant. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Dodson added that under Senate Bill 1, desalination
is one of the altematives that is eligible for state funding for assistance in planning and development
of those kinds of facilities. He said that in addition to following the progress of the Tampa Bay
project, he would also recommend that the city begin to determine how it might obtain some state
or federal assistance for its own initiatives.
Mr. Jerry Kane, Co -Chairman with Dr. McNichols of the Regional Water Supply Task Force,
said that initially the task force was moving toward recommending to the City Council that a $5
million -$10 million pilot desalination plant be constructed in Corpus Christi; however, they decided
instead to first closely monitor the progress of the Tampa Bay project and analyze their experiences
in the context of Corpus Christi's circumstances.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience on the desalination issue.
Mr. Byron Wooldridge, 6705 Deerwood, President of the South Texas Research Foundation,
noted that he had sent a letter to the Council describing how members of that organization are in
disagreement with some of the findings from Dr. Wurbs' report. He added that he had information
on costs associated with the Tampa Bay project, and he noted some projects that had not been
discussed in Dr. Wurbs' report.
Mr. John Hartley said that on May 1, 1998, there will be a workshop in Corpus Christi
regarding aspects of membrane technology desalination. He added that several cities have been
working to attain a charter from the state of Texas to form the South -Central Desal Association
which will incorporate Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. Mr. Hartley said
there is a large amount of information that has been compiled by local citizens, and he said that
additional study and progress can be made on this issue if people work together on it.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, commented that he had spent years on ships where desalination
technology has been used successfully to provide plentiful amounts of water. He also questioned
why the water from Lake Texana would be brought to Lake Corpus Christi when there are problems
associated with the Wesley Seale Dam. Mayor Neal pointed out that the Lake Texana water will go
directly to the city's water treatment plant and not to Lake Corpus Christi.
Mr Jimmie Till said that he had spent over a month on a troop ship and despite desalination,
fresh water on the ship was not plentiful; in fact, he said, they bathed in salt water. On another
subject, Mr. Till said he objected to members of the news media asking Council members for
interviews while the Council meetings are going on.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 7
Mr. Byron Wooldridge urged the Council to contact Foster Wheeler or a similar company
that makes trash -to -steam boilers. He said there are 14 major power -generating facilities in the U.S.
that utilize municipal waste that are operating within their EPA -mandated limits, and he briefly
described specific cost estimates about that issue. Mayor Neal pointed out that a lengthy study
involving many years has been conducted on the city's new landfill project.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, questioned the city's natural gas costs. He also reiterated
his contention made the previous week that the city had overspent during the last 10 years, and he
cited specific figures on page 205 of the city's annual financial report to support his argument. Mr.
O'Brien added that the Council should let the citizens vote on the Garwood water issue. Mayor Neal
asked Mr. O'Brien to review the figures he had cited, and the Mayor said that the city did not
overspend by $54 million but rather it collected less than it spent over the 10 -year period by $6
million. He said that amount was made up out of the reserves, which this Council has committed to
try not to do in the future. Mr. O'Brien said that proves the point of overspending by previous
Councils.
Mr. Leon Perez complained about the increase in the cost to use pay phones. Mayor Neal and
City Manager Hennings pointed out that the city does not control the cost of pay phones; rather, the
Texas Public Utility Commission regulates the charges levied by telephone companies.
Mr. Glynn Pugh, 725 Harrison, continued comments he had made last week about advantages
of having a city -owned electric distribution system, including avoiding the issue of excess of cost
over market of generation plants, which he described. Council Member Martin said that Mr. Pugh
should not just apply the experience of San Antonio's electric system with Corpus Christi because
San Antonio's is also a generating system. Mayor Neal pointed out that it would cost millions of
dollars for Corpus Christi to establish an electric distribution system. Council Member John
Longoria noted that people in San Antonio have been paying for the South Texas Power Plant for
years and the history of those costs needs to be considered.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for a short recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
*
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3, Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
appointments. City Manager Hennings said the Regional Water Supply Task Force has
recommended that the Council nominate the following people to the TWDB: Ben Figueroa, Judge
Josephine Miller, Judge Richard Borchard, Council Member Dr. David McNichols, Jerry Kane,
Presnall Cage, Jennifer Prouty, Richard Garza Gonzalo Sandoval, George Finley, Scott Bledsoe III,
Carola Serrato, Frank Newchurch, and Bernard Paulson.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 8
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
3. RESOLUTION NO. 023184
Resolution recommending that the Texas Water Development Board appoint certain
individuals representing eleven different interests categories, as specified in Senate Bill 1,
and two additional interests to represent the special needs of the region, to constitute the
initial Regional Water Planning Group that will be responsible for implementing the
Regional Water Planning Program in Region "N" of the Texas Water Development Board
designated planning regions; and directing that the list of names be forwarded to the Texas
Water Development Board for their consideration.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria,
McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, and Martin absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, creation of a regional water planning partnership.
City Manager Hennings said this item was also a recommendation of the Regional Water
Supply Task Force. Mr. Con Mimms, Executive Director of the Nueces River Authority (NRA),
stated that the TWDB will only contract with a political subdivision to carry out the requirements
of Senate Bill 1. He said the NRA Board unanimously supported the concept of establishing a
partnership of political subdivisions in the Coastal Bend consisting of municipalities, water districts,
water utilities, and counties that would operate within and under the direction of the Regional
Planning Group. He said they are also proposing that the NRA be the managing partner of the
political subdivisions within the partnership, which he further described.
Mr. Jerry Kane said the City of Corpus Christi and the NRA has a long history of
representing the water interests of the entire region. He reassured the Council that this proposal does
not hamper the needs of the citizens of Corpus Christi or of the region.
Council Member Martin said he thought this was an excellent idea, adding that the NRA has
an outstanding history of regional water leadership and would be a good choice to be the managing
partner. Council Member McNichols commented on the necessity of accessing state funds in this
process.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 9
4. M98-002
Motion directing the City Manager or his designee to enter into discussions with the Nueces
River Authority and other regional governmental entities to develop an interlocal agreement
that creates a Regional Water Planning Partnership.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and Gonzales absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 5, master lease purchase agreement. He called for
comments from the audience, and there were none.
Responding to Council Member McNichols, City Manager Hennings noted that this
financing mechanism has been used in the past, and a recent example is the Council's decision to
purchase four new rescue vehicles for the ambulance service rather than one. Dr. McNichols said
the overall feeling is that the city should not use this method more than is necessary.
Council Member John Longoria commented on a recent news report about the ambulances
that were delivered but were not able to be used. Mr. Hennings explained that the ambulances were
delivered at a later date than they were supposed to be delivered, and the contract with GE Capital
had expired. He added that the renewal of that contract was delayed because staff had to make some
amendments to cover the proposed ice hockey equipment. However, the ambulances have been
received and are scheduled to go into service February l ; meanwhile, they have been used to train
drivers in the Fire Academy.
Council Member Martin said the general position of the Council, as stated by Dr. McNichols,
has been that lease purchase should not be used as a tool of convenience. He said the ambulances
are an example of how lease purchase can be advantageous because the annual cost is no more than
if the city had purchased the ambulances one at a time every 15 months for the next five years.
Council Member Colmenero asked what the usual fluctuation of interest rates are for lease
agreements. Ms. Dorothea Montoya, City Treasurer, said the city does not lock into an interest rate,
but rather it locks into the rate that is tied to the five-year treasury note, which she explained.
Mr. Colmenero also asked about the situation with the ice hockey team. Mr. Hennings replied
that the agreement with the hockey team is different from the situation with the professional
basketball team, which recently experienced financial problems. He said the hockey team has agreed
to pay for the investment in the ice equipment and other expenses that will be required for a
professional operation. He added that whether the hockey team succeeds or fails, the city will not
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 10
be exposed financially. Mr. Martin asked Mr. Hennings to send to the Council the original memo
about the hockey team.
In reply to Dr. McNichols, Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development
Services, said the suppliers of the ice hockey equipment have agreed to provide the materials at a
particular price and if the equipment was not used, they would buy it back for the remaining portion
of the indebtedness; any indebtedness to that point is paid for by the hockey team as it becomes due.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. M98-003
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Master Lease Purchase
Agreement with GE Capital for a one-year term with a renewal option of one year.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and Gonzales absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, Solid Waste Services grants. He called for
comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
6.a. ORDINANCE NO. 023185
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement
with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, which will fund a front-end loader for the
City's centralized composting program.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
6.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023186
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement
with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, that will fund an additional Code
Enforcement Officer for Solid Waste Services.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 11
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
6.c. ORDINANCE NO. 023187
Ordinance appropriating $120,000 in the Federal/State Grants Fund No. 162, received from
the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, as a pass-through grant from the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission, to purchase a front-end loader for the City's centralized
composting program.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
6.d. ORDINANCE NO. 023188
Ordinance appropriating $24,642 in the Federal/State Grants Fund No. 162, received from
the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, as a pass-through grant from the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission, to hire an additional Code Enforcement Officer for
Solid Waste Services.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, a public hearing on Bonita Addition Street
improvements assessment roll and related actions. City Secretary Chapa said that Council Member
Martin had filed a disclosure affidavit on Item 7.c., and he will abstain from discussing or voting on
the item.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience.
A woman said she was speaking on behalf of her mother, who lives at 1413 Date Street. She
asked if her mother would be able to receive an exemption from the assessment. Mr. Carl Crull,
Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, replied that since this street project is being
financed through the Community Development Block Grant program, there is a provision for people
who meet the low and moderate income guidelines to have their assessment taken care of through
the CDBG program. He said staff would provide that information to the woman requesting it.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 12
Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of
Engineering Services, said that when the Council voted last November to set the public hearing date
for this item, certified letters were sent to the applicable residents and they were advised of the
amount of their proposed assessment. He added that this is not part of the voluntary paving program.
In reply to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Shackelford said it was up to the
citizen to contact city staff to determine whether he or she meets the income guidelines for assistance
through the CDBG program. Mrs. Longoria also asked about COF Corporation, and Mr. Shackelford
said that Mr. W.T. Young is one of the principal officers in that corporation.
Council Member Colmenero asked about city staff's contact with the residents, and Mr.
Shackelford verified that personnel had been in that area contacting the residents. He added that the
final assessment will be made on the basis of any changes that the resident may request. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
7.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023189
Ordinance closing the public hearing on proposed assessments for improvements to the
following highways in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas:
Fig Street - Baldwin Boulevard to 18"' Street
Isabel Street - Bonita Avenue to 18`" Street
Bonita Avenue - Terrace Street to Ayers Street
Date Street - Fig Street to Ayers
imposing assessments totaling $135,566.89 against property abutting the improvements,
affected railways, and property and railway owners; fixing corresponding liens on property
and charges against property owners; providing for subsequent adjustment of assessment
amounts and the corresponding liens and charges based on as -built conditions; specifying
assessment payment terms and lien enforcement measures.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin
abstaining; Garcia and Gonzales absent.
7.c. M98-005
Motion awarding a construction contract in the amount of $763,670 to COF Corporation,
Corpus Christi, Texas for the Bonita Addition Street Improvements.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin abstaining; Garcia and Gonzales
absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 13
* * * * * * * * * *
*
**
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
8. Case No. 1297-3 - Ricardo and Maria M Lopez: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -
family Dwelling District to an "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District and `B-1"
Neighborhood Business District on Hudson Acres, Block 2, Lot 1, located on the southwest
corner of Main Drive and Erne Street.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the
"R -1C" District and approval of the `B-1" District with a Special Permit for one 5,000 -square foot
residential lot subject to two (2) conditions.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Antonio Contreras, 3801 Bertram St., raised concerns about traffic and litter on the
subject property, and he questioned uses that are allowed in `B-1."
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded
by Council Member John Longoria, and passed unanimously.
Council Member Martin asked about the statement on page 121 of the agenda material which
stated that the special permit included three conditions. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning
and Development, said that was an error and there are two conditions being recommended. He added
that if the grocery store received over 50% damage, it would have to meet all of the current
standards, including landscaping and parking. Mr. Martin asked if "R -1C" zoning was not being
recommended for the residence because that area is to transition into a business use over time and
"R -1C" would increase the residential density, and Mr. Harvey said that was correct. He noted that
Mr. Contreras had attended the Planning Commission hearing and it was explained at that time that
a bar or tavern cannot be operated in "B-1" zoning.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked staff to meet with Mr. Contreras to ensure that
he understands the zoning change. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 023190
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Ricardo and Maria M. Lopez, by
changing the zoning map in reference to Hudson Acres, Block 2, Lot 1 from "R -1B" One -
Family Dwelling District to `B-1" Neighborhood Business District and granting a Special
Permit for one (1), 5,000 square foot residential lot.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 14
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
9. Case No. 1297-4 - I.R C.: A change of zoning from a "B-4" General Business District and
"B-4" General Business District with a Special Permit to an "I-2" Light Industrial District
on South Staples Center, all of Block A, and 5.91 acres out of Lot B-1, bounded by South
Staples Street, Everhart Road, Jacquelyn Drive, Caddo Street, and Gollihar Road.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the
"I-2" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a resistor assembly plant subject
to a site plan and eight (8) conditions. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council
Member McNichols made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member
Cooper, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 023191
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by I.R.C. by granting a Special Permit for
a resistor assembly plant to South Staples Center, all of Block A and 5.91 acres out of Lot
B-1.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
* * * * * * * *
*
* * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and
ordinances from previous meetings on Items 10 through 14, and Council members requested Item
10 be withheld for discussion. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following passed:
11. ORDINANCE NO. 023192
Ordinance closing and abandoning a 1,643.82 -square foot portion of a 5 -foot wide electrical
easement out of Lot 1A, Block D, Wilkey Addition, subject to compliance with the specified
conditions and the owner, PPI McArdle, LTD, replatting the property within 180 days at its
expense.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 15
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
12.a. ORDINANCE NO. 023193
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to terminate the lease authorized by
Ordinance No. 022048 on September 27, 1994, and the first amendment to the lease,
authorized by Ordinance No. 022468 on January 16, 1996 with the Instituto de Cultura
Hispanica.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye";
Garcia and Gonzales absent.
12.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a twenty-year lease agreement with
the Instituto de Cultura Hispanica for the Lichtenstein House in Heritage Park, Lots 5 and
6, Block 70, Beach Portion, Corpus Christi, Texas, to use as their business office and
educational center, in consideration of monthly rent of $300.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and Gonzales
absent.
13.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a twenty-year lease with the Camp
Fire Council of Corpus Christi Area, Inc. for the Gugenheim House in Heritage Park, Lots
1 and 2, Block 70, Beach Portion, Corpus Christi, Texas to use as their business office and
as meeting space in consideration of monthly rent of $210, which may be partially or fully
offset by services rendered to the City and will be renegotiated every five years.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and Gonzales
absent.
13.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute approximately a four-year lease,
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 16
terminating May 31, 2001, with the Junior League of Corpus Christi, Inc. for the Sidbury
House in Heritage Park, Lots 3 and 4, Block 70, Beach Portion, Corpus Christi, Texas to use
as a historical restoration of an early Corpus Christi home in consideration of monthly rent
of $310, which may be partially or fully offset by services rendered to the City.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and Gonzales
absent.
14. ORDINANCE NO. 023194
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease with the Corpus
Christi Softball Association for Price Field and the Yellow and Green Fields at Greenwood
Softball Complex in consideration of Corpus Christi Softball Association paying all costs
associated with maintaining and operating an adult softball program on these three fields.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Colmenero,
Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and
Gonzales absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 10, city manager recruitment consultant agreement.
Council Member Martin said it was a shame that the media reported that the Council had
selected the most expensive firm (although it was not the most expensive), rather than reporting that
the Council felt that firm was the best for the city's needs.
In reply to Mayor Neal, City Attorney Bray said the contract was drawn up jointly with the
city and the executive search firm. Mr. Martin asked if it represented the city's needs with regard to
disclosure, and Mr. Bray said it did. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
10. M98-004
Motion approving an agreement with Ralph Andersen & Associates to provide professional
services to recruit City Manager candidates for consideration by the City for a fee of $13,500
and reimbursement of reasonable and customary expenses.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and Gonzales absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 13, 1998
Page 17
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings said next week's Council
meeting will include a discussion about the proposal for electricity service from Corpus Christi
Power and Light Company. He said staff would provide a report and additional information to the
Council on January 16th. Mr. Hennings said there would also be a presentation on the Texas
Department of Transportation loan program, and Mayor Neal asked that a discussion of the toll road
also be included. Mr. Hennings also announced that on January 17th, the mulch from Christmas tree
recycling, as well as tree seedlings, will be distributed at four locations in the city.
In his report, Mayor Neal asked when the Council would discuss the site for the new senior
citizen center. Mr. Utter replied that he thought the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee would be
making a recommendation on that in about two weeks. The Mayor also noted that a new electronic
components manufacturing firm would be opening in Robstown, with the possibility of the firm
relocating its home office from California to Corpus Christi. He commended the Greater Corpus
Christi Business Alliance, Nueces County and city officials for their efforts in that regard.
Council Member John Longoria noted that staff had tentatively scheduled the first reading
adopting a residential traffic management program in March, and he asked that staff forward a draft
of that proposal to the Council well before they consider it on the agenda.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked about the status of discussing the capital
improvement programs (CIP). Mayor Neal said his impression was that the Council had discussed
the utility CIP, and they will address the rest of the CIP as the budget discussions get underway. Mr.
Hennings said since that was a complicated subject it may require a separate discussion.
Council Member Cooper reported on a town hall meeting she held the night before, and she
requested information that can be distributed to citizens on such issues as how their taxes are divided
among the different taxing entities (city, county, school district, etc.). She noted that many people
get angry at the city for things that the city has no responsibility or jurisdiction over.
Mr. Oscar Soliz, District Clerk, said he had come to the Council meeting to show his support
for the lease with the Camp Fire Council of Corpus Christi Area Inc. (Item 13.a. on the agenda).
Responding to an earlier question, Mr. Hennings said the gas price on the utility bill lags
behind the market by about two months; in addition, the city pays the spot market price plus a mark-
up. He added that Corpus Christi citizens' gas bills are among the lowest in the state.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the
Council meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. on January 13, 1998.
CITY ENGINEER'S STATEMENT
BONITA ADDITION STREET IMPROVEMENTS
My name is Robert H. Shackelford. I am the City Engineer for the City of Corpus Christi.
I have been so employed for forty (40) months.
I am a Professional Engineer, licensed by the State of Texas since 1979. I have 38 years
of experience in design of construction and estimating the costs thereof.
I am familiar with this project which encompasses:
Fig Street - Baldwin to 18th Street
Date Street - Fig Street to Ayers Street
Bonita Avenue - Terrace Street to Ayers Street
Isabel Street - Bonita Avenue to 18th Street
The project consists of the reconstruction of the streets and underground drainage and the
construction of curb and gutter, sidewalks and driveway aprons. The streets will be
reconstructed to 28 feet back-to-back of curb. The plans/specifications provide the details
of the design. Also included is the replacement of some of the water and wastewater lines
and associated service connections.
Funding for street and utility related improvements is available from FY 95 CDBG Program.
Prior to this hearing, I had an estimate of project costs prepared. and it compared favorably
with the bids received. In my opinion, the costs are true and accurate. The contract
specifies completion within 120 working days. Work is expected to begin in March, 1998,
with an anticipated completion date of December, 1998.
Robert H. Shackelford, P.E.
Director of Engineering Services
December 16. 1997
Mr. Harry P. Maxim, Field Representative
City of Corpus Christi Paving Property Management
1317 Mestina Street
Corpus Christi. Texas 78469-9277
RE: Bonita Addition
STR 713
Dear Mr. Maxim:
I have completed my review and limited appraisal analysis of enhancements to the
62 parcels located in the Bonita Addition Street improvements according to engineering
plans. This review consisted of a visual inspection of the exteriors of the parcels listed on
your roll and analysis of the owners cost of improvements. Your assessment notices and
assessment roll showing owner, property description. description of assessments, rates
and total assessment are hereby incorporated herein and made a part of this report.
It is my opinion that the properties being assessed in this street improvement
project should be enhanced to a minimum of the amount of the improvements assessed.
It is noted that this is a voluntary assessment on the owners for street improvements and
they are paying only a fraction of the actual cost of the improvement specified.
I hereby certify that I have received the project assessment roll and personally
examined the exterior of each parcel of land included in the Bonita Addition Street
improvement project (STR 713). Each parcel will be benefitted by the improvements to
be assessed against it without regard to the overall community benefit.
Sincerely,
Effbna
Ken Combs
Ik
REALTOR'
4659 EVERHART, SUITE 215 • CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411 • (512) 857-2600
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS • FAX (512) 851-2700