HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/27/1998I 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 27, 1998, which were approved
by the City Council on February 10, 1998.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 10th day of February, 1998.
Armando �
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
2:10 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Loyd Neal
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. David McNichols
Council Members:
Javier Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Alex L. Garcia Jr.
Dr. Arnold Gonzales
Betty Jean Longoria
John Longoria
Edward Martin
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 cafeteria of Foy H. Moody High School in
Corpus Christi.
The invocation was delivered by Mr. Steve Castillo, Foy H. Moody High School, following
which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member
Gonzales. Mayor Neal noted that this was a regular meeting of the City Council, although it was
being held at Moody High School as part of a seminar on government and politics. He explained to
the students who were in attendance the process that the City Council follows in these proceedings.
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 January 20,
1998, and there being no corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item G., discussion and consideration of city manager recruitment
profile.
Mr. Chuck Rohre, Vice President of Ralph Andersen & Associates, noted that after having
met with the Council members and key staff members individually, Mr. Rohre developed a draft
recruitment profile which he provided to the Council. The profile will take the form of a brochure
that will be mailed out to interested candidates informing them of Corpus Christi and the challenges
involved in the city manager position.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 2
Mayor Neal then asked the Council members for comments on each of the pages of the draft
recruitment profile. Many Council members asked Mr. Rohre to strengthen and enhance the
descriptions of the positive aspects of this community, and several suggestions were made to modify
the section regarding "major issues facing the organization." The Council members also discussed
at length the requirements under the "candidate profile" section, including educational requirements
and experience, and personal characteristics, in particular the issue of being able to communicate in
Spanish.
Mr. Rohre said he would incorporate the Council members' suggestions and input and he
noted that the profile included a deadline for applications of April 1, 1998. Mayor Neal asked Mr.
Rohre to come back before the Council during their next meeting on February 10, 1998, so they can
approve the recruitment profile. Mr. Rohre said he would provide the Council members with a
second draft to review prior to their next meeting, and the Mayor asked the Council members to
forward any additional comments to City Secretary Chapa, who will in turn forward them to Mr.
Rohre.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was
regarding computer system replacements (Year 2000 issue).
City Manager Hennings said four teams of city employees have been working on the
procurement of four replacement systems for the city's four major computer applications: human
resources, finance, fleet management, and Municipal Court. He said when staff discussed this issue
previously with the City Council, they asked staff to engage the services of an expert to evaluate the
city's approach to the Year 2000 problem.
Mr. Hennings explained that about seven or eight years ago, the city was in need of a
replacement mainframe computer for its operations throughout the 1990s. At that time, the city
engaged the services of Mr. Curtis Wolfe, a Dallas consultant, to assist in that acquisition.
Consequently, the city purchased a mainframe computer system for $9,900 from the Exxon
Company, which was moving out of Corpus Christi. He said it provided the extra capacity that the
city needed at the time, but it is now old and obsolete.
The City Manager went on to say that since it would be very expensive and unproductive to
modify the four existing systems in order to make them Year 2000 compliant, staff has chosen to
replace them on a time table to avoid the compliance problem. He then introduced Mr. Curtis Wolfe,
President of Wolfe & Associates Inc Management Consultants.
As Mr. Wolfe began to address the Council, the school bell rang and Mayor Neal called for
a five-minute recess of the Council meeting to allow the students to leave the cafeteria.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 3
Mr. Wolfe referred to an overview of the "Year 2000 Assessment Report" his firm prepared
for the city. In his overview, Mr. Wolfe noted that Year 2000 compliance is a major problem that
all organizations --not just municipalities --will have to deal with. He reiterated that the City of
Corpus Christi's mainframe and systems software is not compliant and cannot reliably operate after
January 1, 2000. In addition, the city has many other applications that reside and operate on other
platforms that are not compliant, and many of the personal computers will have to be replaced
because they are also not compliant. Mr. Wolfe said that replacing the systems would provide
significantly more functionality, and the costs for replacement are comparable to those for
remediation, which he briefly explained.
Mr. Wolfe also discussed significant issues related to the timing of the systems replacement,
pointing out that his firm felt the proposed implementation of the four major replacement
applications by the end of 1998 was impractical, and he suggested extending that time period to mid -
1999, which will have to be further refined once the vendor is selected and the specific tasks
identified. Mr. Wolfe said it is also important for the city to develop a contingency plan in case the
city fails to approve the purchase of one or more of the applications, there is deviation from the
schedule, or if any of the systems fail to function properly after implementation.
Mr. Wolfe summarized his recommendations as follows: replace all four of the major
applications; accelerate the funding decision as much as possible; negotiate a strong contract(s);
develop realistic project schedules (vendor responsibilities and city responsibilities); assign or obtain
project oversight assistance for all of the Year 2000 compliance and implementation efforts; dedicate
staff to the compliance and implementation efforts; and understand and follow through on
departments' commitment to those efforts. He also discussed specific recommendations for the
mainframe and other systems and devices, including the need to check with the city's business
partners (banks, power companies, suppliers, etc.) regarding their compliance.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Hennings said that Mr. Wolfe was merely making a report
at this meeting on his findings, and based on his recommendations, staff is investigating the
possibility of hiring additional consultants to expedite the contract negotiation phase. Mayor Neal
pointed out that the Council had not yet discussed the financing of this project, and Mr. Hennings
said they could discuss the cost and financing options on February 10th.
Council Member McNichols said the members of the Council's Administrative Analysis
Committee had been discussing this issue, and he commented on some of the implications of the city
and other entities not being Year 2000 compliant. He added that it is not the case that the city is
behind in this process, but rather that this problem affects computers all over the world and people
did not realize how complex and difficult non-compliance would be.
Mr. Wolfe said he thought city staff was doing a very good job of evaluating the proposed
vendors, and he said they need to go through a structured process because the solution involves
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 4
millions of dollars for systems that will support the city's operations for the next 20 years.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said the four Council members who comprise the
Administrative Analysis Committee had been studying the Year 2000 issue and they wanted the rest
of the Council to be aware of the situation as well. She asked Mr. Hennings about the proposed
schedule for Council consideration, and he replied that although the committee had asked staff to
have the contracts ready for consideration by the Council in February, he felt that March 10`h or
March 17`h were more realistic dates. He said they would discuss financing options first on February
10`h, with the opportunity for further discussion on that issue during the following two Council
meetings.
Council Member Martin asked Mr. Wolfe what his assignment was, and Mr. Wolfe replied
that it was to review the process used to make the decision to pursue replacement software versus
remediation of the four major applications, and to review the staff's assessment of where the Year
2000 problem is for the city. He added that he did not review the request for proposals (RFPs) or the
responses from the vendors. Mr. Martin said he had asked that a consultant be brought in to help
review the specifications, not to take the actions that Mr. Wolfe took.
Responding to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Hennings said the first action of the
Council regarding this issue would be to authorize the equipment notes program that staff intends
to present to them, followed by approval of the purchase contracts. Mr. Martin pointed out that the
utility billing system has already been replaced, and Mr. Hennings added that the Police Department
system has been replaced as well.
Mr. Martin asked if anyone has been assigned to help city staff review the bids, and Mr.
Hennings said they had not yet done that but they would do so. Mr. Wolfe said that while his firm
was not commissioned to review the request for proposals, they undertook that task anyway. In their
report, they listed many functional aspects that the current system does not contain that need to be
included in the new systems, and they are included in the RFP. He added that all the costs are not
delineated by the vendors in their proposals. Mr. Martin said his questions were not a criticism of
Mr. Wolfe's firm or of city staff's ability to review the RFPs, but rather authorizing staff to obtain
assistance in this process since it is a monumental problem.
Mr. Martin also asked about the problems with the personal computers. Mr. Wolfe replied
that the personal computers are not set up to deal with six -digit dates, although the city plans to run
diagnostics software to determine how many of the city's personal computers will not be functional,
which could be a substantial number of them. Mayor Neal commented that his business recently
went through a two-year conversion process, and 90% of their personal computers were not
compatible. Mr. Martin said this was the first time he had heard about the problem with the city's
personal computers Mr. Hennings replied that in the presentation staff made to the Council
regarding the Year 2000 issue (on November 11, 1997), staff listed the actions they had taken to
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 5
address the compliance issue. One of those actions was to survey the personal computers and to
estimate, based on their ages and the types of computers, whether or not they might be compliant.
He said the next step is to run the diagnostics software and to finally determine if they are compliant,
which has not yet been done.
Responding to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Wolfe said it is estimated that the cost
to replace the computer systems could be $8 million to $10 million, which would include staff time
devoted to dealing with the Year 2000 problem, all vendor support, and replacement hardware. Dr.
McNichols added that the personal computer issue could be addressed in a contingency plan; a brief
discussion ensued.
Council Member Gonzales questioned why this issue was being addressed so late, and Mr.
Wolfe said the city's problem is not unique; in fact, he said it is estimated that half of the
organizations have not even addressed this problem. He said that since the city is a public sector
agency, it takes longer for decisions to be made considering budget constraints that exist as well as
other concerns. Mr. Wolfe said he thought there would be enough resources --using the vendors and
city staff members --to accomplish the task. He said a consultant may be helpful with contract
negotiations, creation of the contingency plan, and occasionally reviewing the city's progress.
Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. John Bacon, Director of Information
Systems, said there are about 900 personal computers in the city, and based on their ages and
models, staff originally estimated that about half of those would need to be replaced. He said now
staff intends to use diagnostics to test each one of the personal computers to determine which ones
are compliant and which are not. He said he was informed that not all computers containing Pentium
software are Year 2000 compliant. Mr. Colmenero asked about other systems that are not reliant on
dates, and Mr. Bacon said that staff is developing a check list for each of the city's computer systems
to evaluate them. Mr. Colmenero said that some of the data that will be affected by the compliance
issue will be confidential in nature, and he asked if staff had discussed implementing a credentialing
system for handling that data; Mr. Bacon replied that staff had not discussed it.
Mr. Colmenero asked about the space that will be necessary for the replacement systems,
which Mr. Bacon briefly addressed, as well as the condition of the existing mainframe system. Mr.
Bacon said they have been having problems with the mainframe once or twice a month.
Council Member Garcia said he had recently made some site visits with some city staff to
view existing systems in other cities. He commented that the time frame is extremely tight and it is
important to act quickly to resolve this issue.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for a recess to allow the next group of students to exit the cafeteria.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 6
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Mayor Neal opened discussion on the next presentation regarding pre -positioned contracts
for post-hurricane/disaster recovery.
Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, said that in August 1997 the Council
approved a consulting contract with Shiner, Moseley & Associates to develop several pre -positioned
contracts to expedite recovery of the city in the event of a major hurricane or other natural disaster.
He said the purpose was to optimize the reimbursements the city might be able to receive from
federal sources and property insurance funds, as well as to help the city recover as quickly as
possible. Mr. Shackelford introduced Mr. Tom Rodino, Project Manager for Shiner, Moseley &
Associates, and a former Captain of the Port of Corpus Christi.
Mr. Rodino referred to an outline of this project, and he said that of the entities involved in
the post -hurricane recovery organization, the three that will receive the most attention immediately
following a disaster will be public information, infrastructure recovery operations, and individual
assistance. Items that have been identified as most appropriate for contractors to handle on behalf
of the city include: damage assessment; right-of-way clearing; debris removal; hazardous material
disposal; temporary debris storage and reduction sites (TDSRS) operations; and sign/signal
restoration.
Mr. Rodino said the damage assessment processes are the most complex of all the contracts,
and he noted that the combination of damages to both private and public property would be used by
the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) to determine whether or not federal
assistance would be a consideration. He added that the focus of this project was to identify activities
(like the damage assessment) that contractors could undertake that would not require a specific
government role. He explained that the first phase of this project, which began last August and was
completed this month, established the operational framework, identified the needs and requirements,
and developed draft contracts, requests for qualifications and requests for proposals.
He went on to say that the second contract is for the debris and hazardous materials
management, and he said it is estimated a category 2 hurricane in Corpus Christi would generate
over 1 million cubic yards of debris, and a category 4 hurricane could potentially generate more than
7 million cubic yards. Mr. Rodino said a key element of designing the debris removal programs is
the reimbursement criteria used by FEMA. The other two contracts in this project are for restoration
of signs and signals, and public information, which he explained. He said the intent is for the
contracts to be activated 24 to 36 hours before landfall of a hurricane, so that contractor
representatives would be in Corpus Christi to immediately initiate the necessary activities, such as
roadway clearing and debris removal.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 7
Mr. Rodino said the second phase of the contract involves initiating the work to ensure that
qualified contractors are available to complete the tasks; designing and implementing a training
program for the people involved in the damage assessment process; and developing quality assurance
guidelines. Other elements of the second phase include pre -season preparedness and activities that
are carried out before, during and after a storm.
Mr. Rodino said that reasons for implementing this project include the high cost and
complexity of recovering from a natural disaster, the fact that the city does not have the resources
to handle all of the recovery operations by itself, and the need to take advantage of local resources,
interests and commitments. He said one of the elements will be a requirement that local contractors
be used to the greatest extent possible, and the intent is to inform the local contractors of these
processes and to give them an opportunity to pair with a large contractor.
Mr. Hennings said that Item 10 on the day's agenda asks for the Council's authorization to
proceed with the next phase of this project. He said they are on schedule to have this project
completed by June 1", which is the beginning of hurricane season.
Mayor Neal complimented those involved in this project, and he noted that Corpus Christi
has not experienced a major hurricane since 1970, and many of the residents have never been
through a hurricane. Mr. Rodino added that this is the only program of its kind in the country at this
point, since Corpus Christi has moved beyond the City of Virginia Beach in its implementation of
the program. The Mayor suggested that the large visual aids accompanying Mr. Rodino's
presentation be used in the future to inform the public about this plan, particularly about disposal
sites and other information.
Council Member Garcia asked if there would be any minority business participation
requirements associated with these contracts. Mr. Hennings replied that the city's current public
works contract program would apply. He said in the aftermath of a disaster, the city also has to rely
on contractors from inland areas, and to the extent possible, the city will try to involve local
contractors by giving them advance notice to plan to be part of this recovery effort.
Council Member Colmenero said he thought the contractors should be diversified, and he
questioned whether there would be safeguards to prevent unfair price increases on goods
immediately prior to a hurricane. Responding to Mr. Colmenero's first question, Mr. Rodino said
one of the provisions is that major local contractors must have a back up contractor identified who
is located outside the area. He added that by executing these contracts in advance, the prices are
probably more reasonable than they would be; in addition, FEMA reimburses costs based on
reasonableness. Mr. Hennings pointed out that the state Attorney General has been helpful when
businesses try to raise prices unfairly before a hurricane.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 8
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Luis Corona, 2805 David, reported an area of poor drainage around the area of Spohn
Medical Plaza.
Ms. Julie Wise, 7701 Cisco Circle, and Ms. Pam Barnes, 4910 Oso Parkway, both appeared
before the Council to discuss their concern about speeding on Oso Parkway. Ms. Wise said the speed
limits are posted at 30 miles per hour and 25 mph on the curves, but those speed limits are frequently
ignored by motorists. She submitted a petition signed by 72 people objecting to the excessive speeds,
and she asked if speed bumps could be installed on Oso Parkway.
Mayor Neal asked Mr. Hennings to comment on information in the Council members' packet
pertaining to traffic concerns. Mr. Hennings said that with regard to Oso Parkway, they have asked
the Police Department to be especially alert to speeding in that area.
Council Member Martin asked the specific part of Oso Parkway the speakers were referring
to, and Ms. Barnes replied it was on Oso Parkway between Everhart and Staples.
Mr. Shackelford said staff had sent the Council a draft of the Residential Traffic Management
Program (RTMP) that will be brought to the Council in March. He said it addresses the types of
speed and access controls that possibly can be implemented in neighborhoods, as well as a proposed
funding mechanism for that program.
Mr. Martin said the speeding problem on Oso Parkway was an enforcement issue, and he
thought that enforcement should be increased. Ms. Wise said she and others have been trying to have
the speeding problem addressed for 2/ years, which she briefly described. Mr. Shackelford pointed
out that Oso Parkway is not a residential street, and the RTMP merely addresses residential streets.
Council Member McNichols reiterated that the speeding problem on Oso Parkway is an
enforcement issue, as is the problem with speeding and "drag racing" on Ocean Drive.
Mr. David Seiler, City Traffic Engineer, described the difference between speed humps and
rumble strips, and he added that the draft of the traffic management program would not allow speed
humps to be installed on a street like Oso Parkway. He said the city has been working with the Police
Department to sustain enforcement on Oso Parkway, as well as recently installing a narrow corridor
striping pattern, which generally results in some slower travel speeds.
Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Seiler briefly discussed the effect of
three-way stops. Mr. Longoria said that speeding in neighborhoods and running red lights should
be better addressed because citizens frequently express concern about them. A brief discussion
ensued on ways to reduce speeding, including specifically on Oso Parkway.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 9
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 2, Shoreline Boulevard landscaping plan.
Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, briefly explained how
staff's recommended landscaping plan came about, and he said that some spokespersons who had
originally criticized the Gateway Project seemed to be in favor of this landscaping plan. He also
referred to a similar landscaping plan from 1945-47.
Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, said that one of the purposes of this
landscaping plan was to try to salvage a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) grant that
had been intended for the Gateway Project. He said city staff has met extensively with TPWD staff,
and they have agreed to the concept of utilizing the funds on the south end of Shoreline Boulevard
near McGee Beach.
Council Member Martin asked about the status of the I-37/Shoreline Boulevard intersection
improvements. Mr. Shackelford replied that staff is proceeding with the design of a T-type
intersection there and the goal is to complete construction by mid-May, prior to Memorial Day
weekend. Mr. Martin asked if funds for the intersection project had already been obligated, and Mr.
Shackelford said they had been.
Mr. Matthews described in detail the project that staff was recommending at this Council
meeting, which consists of five main elements: replanting palm trees along Shoreline Boulevard
from Furman Avenue to I1-1-37; replacing the irrigation system in the medians and parks along
Shoreline from Furman to Hughes; making several improvements to the park area from McCaughan
Park to Sherrill Park (incorporating the old City Hall site), as well as improvements to McGee
Beach; repaving Shoreline from Peoples Street to Palo Alto Street; and replacing the lighting along
the entire length of Shoreline on the seawall side only.
Responding to questions from Council members, Mr. Matthews pointed out that the TPWD
grant can only be used for park improvements, which he explained. He said this project was designed
in response to Council members' concerns that improvements to Shoreline be made in the areas
frequented by people --namely, in the McGee Beach area. Mr. Matthews also referred to a budget for
the TPWD grant, which consists of $371,000 in a local match (General Services Administration
funds, trust/bond fund, and in-house labor, equipment, and materials), and $371,000 from the state.
He said if they are able to acquire any additional funds between now and the end of the project time
period, that grant amount may be able to be increased.
Mr. Matthews then referred to a tentative time schedule for the TPWD grant, which requires
that the work be completed by August 31, 1998. He said that if the Council approved the proposal
at this meeting, it would allow for the TPWD grant amendment to be completed by mid-February.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 10
In addition, he said staff plans to amend the contract with Goldston Engineering to perform the
design on this project since they have been under contract for the Gateway Project and can expedite
the work. Mr. Matthews said staff also hopes to begin the construction contract bid process in March,
as well as beginning the in-house work of installing the palms and the irrigation system using city
crews. He said that process should allow for the project to be completed by the end of July.
In reply to Council Member Cooper, Mr. Matthews explained that the TPWD had originally
approved a grant for use in the Gateway Project, which would have required that the northbound
travel lanes of Shoreline be realigned in order to create a park area. However, since the Council
ultimately voted down the proposed realignment of Shoreline, he said it would not be advisable to
place playground equipment and shading areas in the 80 -foot wide medians that are bordered on both
sides by swiftly moving traffic.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked if the improvements to the McGee Beach fishing
pier could be extended. Mr. Matthews said that if additional funds become available later that area
could be further extended and enhanced, including lighting, widening of the walkway and hand rails.
Council Member Gonzales commented on the need to improve the appearance of Shoreline
further north, and Mr. Matthews said that the inclusion of the automatic irrigation system and
replanting of the palm trees will improve its appearance, with the idea of continuing to make
improvements. Council Member Colmenero asked about the timing of the palm planting, and Mr.
Matthews said the palms would begin to be planted in March and continue through May.
Council Member Garcia commented about using different kinds of palm trees than currently
being used, and he asked if the TPWD grant could be used to extend the beach area of McGee
Beach; Mr. Matthews said it could not be. Mr. Garcia also asked whether the proposed observation
structures on the seawall would have to be torn down once the seawall repairs begin. Mr. Matthews
said staff did not feel they would cause a problem, and he added that the installation of those
structures would probably be able to provide more information about the seawall itself. Mr. Garcia
also commented on possibly shifting the location of the areas to be improved further down Shoreline.
Mr. Martin asked about the design of the proposed lights on Shoreline. Mr. Matthews said
they would consist of a square, tapered pole with a double arm. He added that that portion of the
project would have to come back before the Council with a detailed plan. He also responded to
questions from Mr. Martin about the irrigation system and about future improvements to the
medians. Mr. Martin asked if the Downtown Management District had made any funding
commitments and Mr. Matthews said they have had discussions but have made no commitments.
Mr. Shackelford also further described the installation of the light poles along the seawall and the
amount of illumination they will provide. Mr. Martin said there were many unanswered questions.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 11
Council Member McNichols said he was in favor of replanting the palm trees and replacing
the irrigation system along the full length of Shoreline, as well as utilizing the grant money.
Responding to Mr. Colmenero, Mr. Matthews discussed the prioritization of TPWD grants,
as well as the possibility of accessing grants from other entities to improve the Shoreline medians.
Mr. Longoria asked about the arts project at the Shoreline intersection and the lighting project there,
as well as optional plants and designs that could be used.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Frank Hankins, 721 Crestview, said he was speaking in part on behalf of OPUS
(Organization for the Preservation of an Unblemished Shoreline), and the members of that
organization said they support the proposed landscaping plan because it is "user-friendly." He also
commented favorably on the central pavilion.
Mr. Ed Harvin, 3338 Casa de Amigos, also spoke in support of the plan on his behalf and on
behalf of Ms. Sylvia Gulley, who was not able to attend the meeting.
Mr. Jimmie Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, thanked the Council for stopping the
Gateway Project, and he complimented this proposed plan.
In reply to Mr. Martin, Mr. Matthews said TPWD requires that the old City Hall site be
dedicated for park and recreation purposes in order for the city to take advantage of that agency's
grant monies, which he briefly explained.
Mr. Martin reiterated that there were unanswered questions regarding the Shoreline repaving
and lighting aspects of this proposal, and Mr. Matthews verified that if those two elements were
removed, they would not affect the TPWD grant.
Dr. Gonzales made a motion to approve the plan with the deletion of the repaving and
lighting portions; seconded by Mrs. Cooper. Responding to Council members' comments, Mr.
Hennings said the Council could consider a project in the future to add to the palm trees along the
medians, and Mayor Neal said that input from such entities as the DMD could be solicited for future
proposals.
Mayor Neal called for a voice vote on the motion to amend Item 2, and the motion passed.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
2. M98-006
Motion approving the Shoreline Boulevard landscaping and park improvements plan,
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 12
including palm replacement, irrigation improvements, park equipment and construction, and
design/inspection; and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to amend Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department local parks grant 50-00082 as necessary to meet the purposes of the
improvements plan.
The foregoing motion passed, as amended, by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
*************
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3, Laguna Madre collection system project. He called
for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
3. M98-013
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for Engineering
and Consulting Services with Goldston Engineering, Inc. for a total fee not to exceed
$397,587 for Stage 1 services related to the Laguna Madre Service Area: Collection System
Rehabilitation project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, Southmoreland 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:
4.a. RESOLUTION NO. 023199
Resolution determining the necessity for and ordering the improvements of the following
highways in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas for the Southmoreland Addition Street
Improvements - Phase I:
Naples Street --Baldwin Boulevard to Kosar Street
Naples Street --Edwards Street to Blevins Street
Tarlton Street --Ayers Street to Naples Street
Lewis Street --Edwards Street to Blevins 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
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 13
Director of Engineering Services to file a Notice of Proposed Assessments with the Nueces
County Clerk.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia,
Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
4.b. RESOLUTION NO. 023200
Resolution approving plans and specifications for improvements to the following highways
in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas for the Southmoreland Addition Street
Improvements - Phase I:
Naples Street --Baldwin Boulevard to Kosar Street
Naples Street --Edwards Street to Blevins Street
Tarlton Street --Ayers Street to Naples Street
Lewis Street --Edwards Street to Blevins 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 March 24, 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: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia,
Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on Item 5, San Felipe Drive right-of-way closure. No
one appeared in opposition to the street closure. Council Member Cooper made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Colmenero, and passed unanimously.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Shackelford said the appraisal of the property
was based on comparable sales. Mr. Martin asked if Mr. Shackelford had a copy of the appraisal, and
Mr. Shackelford replied that he did not have it with him. Mr. Martin said he did not want to delay
this item but he would like to receive a copy of the appraisal later.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. ORDINANCE NO. 023201
Ordinance closing and abandoning a 22,500 -square foot portion of San Felipe Drive right-of-
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January 27, 1998
Page 14
way out of Padre Island No. 1, subject to compliance with the specified conditions and the
owner, Island Builders, Inc., replatting the property within 180 days at its expense.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal
voting "Aye"; Martin voting "No."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
6. Case No. 1297-1, Spohn Memorial Hospital. A change of zoning from a `B -2A" Barrier
Island Business District to an "I-3" Heavy Industrial District on Padre Island - Corpus
Christi, Section 18, Block 4, being .028 acre out of Lot 5, located approximately 350 feet
east of South Padre Island Drive and approximately 900 feet north of Verdemar Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the
"I-3" District, and in lieu, approval of a Special Permit for a medical helipad subject to a site plan
and two (2) conditions. 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.
Council Member McNichols said this facility was a clinic located on Padre Island and was
not a trauma center, and he questioned how it was determined to place a helipad there. Mr. Brandol
Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, said that question had arisen at the Planning
Commission meeting, and the answers given were that this would be the only emergency care
helipad on the island for use in emergency response situations. Dr. McNichols said that when
accidents occurred on the island in the past, Haloflight was called to a specific accident site, and he
expressed concern that valuable time would be lost in the transporting of patients. Responding to
another question from Dr. McNichols, Mr. Harvey said staff's information indicates that the airspace
around the helipad is not an approach way or dedicated pathway.
In reply to Council Member Martin, Mr. Harvey said staff did not contact the Navy regarding
this zoning case because their information indicated that this was not a conflicting area.
Mr. Jesse Westley, Director of Plant Operations for Spohn Memorial Hospital, said that he
thought the only people who investigated the flight paths of the Navy were the staff of Haloflight.
He said it was Spohn's intent to have a place for injured people to go to and for Haloflight to pick
them up at the helipad on the island.
Dr. McNichols said he was not opposed to this item as a zoning issue, but if there is
uncertainty regarding the air clearance, he said he would like it to be reviewed by the appropriate
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January 27, 1998
Page 15
authorities and to obtain an opinion from the trauma service. He then made a motion to table Item
6, which was seconded and passed unanimously. (Later in the Council meeting, prior to announcing
the Consent Agenda items, City Secretary Chapa asked if the Council was tabling Item 6 to the
February 10th meeting, and Mayor Neal verified that was correct.)
6. TABLED
Island Corpus Chi sti.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
7. Case No. 1297-2, Filipino International Baptist Church: A change of zoning from an "F -R"
Farm -Rural District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Flour Bluff and Encinal
Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 41, being 1.57 acres out of Lot 15, located on the west side
of Flour Bluff Drive, approximately 220 feet south of Graham Road.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"B-1" District. Mr. Utter noted that the 20% rule was in effect --one property owner across the street
owns slightly more than 20% of the area in the notification range. No one appeared in opposition to
the zoning change. Council Member Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, and passed.
Responding to Mr. Garcia, Mr. Utter said that if the church's rezoning request is approved,
the church could put any "B-1" uses on that specific tract. The remaining portion of the church's land
is not being rezoned at this time. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 023202
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Filipino International Baptist Church,
by changing the zoning map in reference to 1.57 acres out of Lot 15, Section 41, Flour Bluff
and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to `B-1"
Neighborhood Business District.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, 13. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and
Neal voting "Aye."
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Regular Council Meeting
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Page 16
Mayor Neal called for a 10 -minute recess.
************
Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and
ordinances from previous meetings on Items 8 through 18. City Secretary Chapa noted that Council
Member Martin had filed a disclosure affidavit for Item 9, adding that he would abstain from
discussing or voting on that item. Council members and an audience member requested that Items
8, 11, 12, and 14 be withheld for discussion. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes and
the following were passed:
9. M98-015
Motion approving a supply agreement with Haas -Anderson Construction, Inc., Corpus
Christi, Texas for approximately 960 tons of crushed limestone in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0074-98, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of
$17,239.50. The term of the contract will be for twelve months with an option to extend for
up to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the
City Manager or his designee. This material will be used by the Gas, Wastewater, and Water
Departments. Funds have been budgeted in FY 97/98 by the using departments.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin abstaining.
10. M98-016
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 2 to the
Contract for Engineering/Consulting Services with Shiner, Moseley and Associates, Inc., in
an amount not to exceed $71,000 for Pre -Planning for Post-Hurricane/Disaster Recovery
Operations.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
13. M98-019
Motion approving a contract between the law firm of Brown & Potts and HDR Engineering
for engineering services in support of the Garwood Irrigation Company application to the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission to permit the transfer of water purchased
by Corpus Christi to the Corpus Christi area.
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January 27, 1998
Page 17
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
15. M98-021
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute agreements for funds
provided from the FY97 Community Development Block Grant Program with the following
agencies:
A. Gulf Coast Council of La Raza, Inc. - $53,260 for improvements to La Raza
Runaway Shelter/Assessment Center.
B. Neighborhood Centers of Corpus Christi, Inc. - $45,616 for improvements to the
Elgin Park Neighborhood Center.
C. Nueces County Community Action Agency - $80,000 for minor repairs that will
supplement the weatherization program.
D. AVANCE Selena Center - $16,124 for improvements to the center.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
17.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Lease No. DTFA07-98-1-01123
between the City of Corpus Christi and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal
Aviation Administration, authorizing the lease of property at the Corpus Christi International
Airport for Runway 31 MALSR, ILS (Localizer) and VASI, Runway 13 MALSR, ILS,
(Localizer, GS, MM), VASI, RVR, together with associated access roads and cable routes
in consideration of Federal Aviation Administration operating and maintaining the air traffic
control tower at the Airport.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
17.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Lease No. DTFA07-98-1-01153
between the City of Corpus Christi and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal
Aviation Administration, authorizing use of land at the Corpus Christi International Airport
to construct and operate an airport traffic control tower in consideration of constructing and
operating the air traffic control tower.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 18
Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
17.c. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to approve Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to
Lease No. DTFA07-83-1-0165 between the City of Corpus Christi and the U.S. Department
of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration authorizing the use of land at the Corpus
Christi International Airport to install the Runway 35Touchdown New Generation Runway
Visual Range Facility, and Adding: Runway 17 Omnidirectional Approach Lighting System
and Runway 17 VASI/REIL Access Roads and Walkways to the leased premises in
consideration of the Federal Aviation Administration establishing, operating, and
maintaining the air traffic control tower at the Airport; deleting Runway 13 NAVAIDS
Identified as ALS, LOC, GS, and MM together with Remote Transmitter Site No. 1 from
Supplemental Agreement No. 1 and Exhibits B, C, D, E, and F. All other terms and
conditions of the basic lease except as amended remain the same.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
17.d. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to
Lease No. DTFA07-97-1-01062 between the City of Corpus Christi and the U.S. Department
of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, adding Remote Transmitter Site No. 1
identified in Lease No. DTFA07-83-1-01065 to this lease and canceling Lease No. DTFA07-
93-1-1098, in Consideration of Federal Aviation Administration operating and maintaining
the air traffic control tower at the Airport.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
18.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five year lease, with four 5 -year
options to extend, with San Antonio MTA, L.P., acting through its general partner, Primeco
Personal Communications, L.P., for an antenna lease on the Alameda Street Water Tower
in consideration of Primeco paying $700 per month, payable annually and adjusted by CPI
Index every 5 years.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 19
18.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five year lease, with four 5 -year
options to extend, with San Antonio MTA, L.P., acting through its general partner, Primeco
Personal Communications, L.P., for an antenna lease on the Gollihar Street Water Tower in
consideration of Primeco paying $700 per month, payable annually and adjusted by CPI
Index every 5 years.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 8, elevator/escalator maintenance.
Council Member Garcia questioned whether the request for proposals for this item specified
that the computers for the escalators and elevators be Year 2000 compliant. City Manager Hennings
said that if the Council were to approve this recommendation, staff can negotiate with the company
for a change order on the agreement to include that specification. He said it is possible that the
company's maintenance staff would not be responsible for that. A brief discussion ensued, and
Council Member Martin suggested that bid documents for contracts extending beyond the Year 2000
contain language regarding date compliance.
Responding to Council Member Gonzales, City Manager Hennings said city staff has been
very disappointed with the timeliness of the response of the company charged with maintaining the
city's escalator and elevator service, particularly with the escalator at the airport (which is now
operational). However, he said, the contractor's management representatives have assured staff that
they will improve their service. Mr. Hennings said if their performance does not improve, the city
will have cause to terminate the contract and rebid it, which is probably better than going to the
second bid because it is quite high. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
8. M98-014
Motion approving a five year supply agreement for elevator/escalator maintenance in
accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0069-98 with Montgomery Kone Inc., San Antonio,
Texas, based on the low bid of $363,516. The total for the first year is $61,992. The term
of the contract is five years, subject to annual appropriation, with an option to extend for up
to two additional twelve month periods, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City
Manager or his designee. This service will be used by various departments and funds have
been budgeted in FY 97/98.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 20
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Gonzales voting "No"; Cooper
absent.
* * * * * * * * * *
*
* *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 11, Wesley Seale Dam electrical upgrade. He
questioned why this work was proceeding if the city has not received the recommendations for
repairing the dam. City Manager Hennings replied that this project was originally associated with
the project to rehabilitate the dam's spillgates, but this work was deferred. He said the electrical
upgrade is separate from the project to improve the dam's stability. Mr. Shackelford said this project
pertained to lighting of the deck area above the spillway. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council
for their votes as follows:
11. M98-017
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of
$202,050 with C.W. Campbell Electric for the Wesley Seale Dam Electrical Upgrade - 1997
project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, Gonzales, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, airport access control security system.
Responding to Council Member McNichols, Ms. Bonnie Allin, Director of Aviation, said
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has advised staff to proceed with this item. She added
that until the city receives bids, the FAA cannot give the city a grant. However, if the funding does
not go through, staff will not proceed with the project until the funding is available.
Mayor Neal asked why funds would be expended on a security system for the airport terminal
when the city does not have recommendations on the repair needs of the terminal. Ms. Allin said
staff is under a deadline to have this project designed and bid by September 301h before the
discretionary funding ceases. She said they may delay the award of the contract depending on the
outcome of the repair issues, which she further explained. The Mayor asked when the
recommendations on the status of the terminal would be available, and Ms. Allin said they anticipate
bringing them to the Council in mid-March. Responding to additional Council questions, Ms. Allin
explained how the security system could be designed to consider different contingencies with regard
to the layout of the terminal.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 21
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12. M98-018
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for
Engineering/Consulting Services with Glover/Resnick and Associates, Inc., in an amount not
to exceed $107,175 for a new Airport Automated Access Control Security System.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, Gonzales, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, professional representation on legislative and
policy issues. He said he had requested information from the Greater Corpus Christi Business
Alliance about the possibility of extending the contract through the Year 2000 because of the
upcoming elections and long-term issues pertaining to Choke Canyon and the military bases. The
Mayor said he wanted to determine if a fee schedule could be agreed upon for the next few years.
Alliance representatives said that Mr. Larry Meyers is willing to negotiate a three-year fixed contract
at a fee of $6,250 per month.
Mr. Gary Bushell, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance, said the Alliance entered into a
contract with Meyers & Associates in 1993 for a retainer of $5,500 per month, which had not been
adjusted since the contract began. The new rate of $6,250 per month reflects an adjustment for the
consumer price index.
Council Member Martin noted that this contract is always subject to appropriation, and it
would be advantageous to secure that rate for a three-year period. He and Council Member
McNichols added that Mr. Meyers is highly respected in Washington. Council Member Gonzales
questioned the need to extend the contract for three years.
Mayor Neal made a motion to amend Item 14 to change the term to three years at a fixed fee
of $6,250 per month and up to $5,000 over the term of the contract for actual travel expenses on an
annual basis. Mr. Hennings said the contract would also need to state that it is subject to
appropriation. The motion to amend was seconded and it passed (Cooper absent).
Mr. Roy Martinez, who had also asked that this item be discussed, said that there were
elected representatives in Washington who were working to protect Corpus Christi's interests with
regard to the military bases and other issues. He said the only representation that Meyers &
Associates will provide is for the long-term water supply and related debt. Mayor Neal said the
decisions that affect Corpus Christi are being made in Washington every day through a variety of
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 22
committees, which is almost impossible for one person to keep up with, which emphasizes the
importance of having additional sources of information in many critical areas. Dr. Gonzales said he
supports having lobbyists in Washington, but his question pertained to the three-year term of the
contract.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
14. M98-020
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into a contract with the Greater
Corpus Christi Business Alliance wherein, for the period January 1, 1998 through December
31, 2000, subject to appropriation, the Alliance will obtain professional representation in
Washington, D.C. from Meyers & Associates on legislative and policy issues related to long
term water supply and related debt, area military facilities, ozone standards under the Clean
Air Act, and various other federal regulatory and funding programs, and providing that the
City will pay $6,250 per month to the Alliance for professional representation and up to
$5,000 per year over the term of the contract for actual travel expenses related to supervision
of the contract.
The foregoing motion passed, as amended, by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia,
Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 16, Corpus Christi Power & Light's proposal.
Responding to Council Member Garcia, City Manager Hennings said the recommendation
that the Council approved last week was to bring back a resolution stating the Council's intent to
further consider a pass-through tariff and setting a date for a public hearing to allow Central Power
and Light and others to address the issues. He said while that does not have to be accomplished
through a resolution, it was a more formal way of proceeding than by setting the public hearing
through a motion.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
16. RESOLUTION NO. 023203
Resolution stating the City Council's intent to further consider a "Buy -Through" Tariff for
Central Power and Light as proposed by Corpus Christi Power & Light Company, L.C.; and
setting a public hearing thereon on February 10, 1998.
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Regular Council Meeting
January 27, 1998
Page 23
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, Gonzales, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols voting "No"; Cooper
absent.
Mr. Hennings further explained that it might have been presumptuous for staff to put this
action on the agenda last week, and it is best if it is clearly stated on the agenda, since this
proceeding will likely be appealed to the Public Utility Commission and possibly to court.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.071, regarding collective bargaining with Corpus Christi Firefighters Association.
The Council went into closed session.
The Council returned from closed session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings said that the Senior
Community Services Advisory Committee is reviewing the options for a southside senior center, and
staff expects to bring their recommendation to the Council on February 17th. He noted that there
would not be a Council meeting on February 3rd, and the primary issue during the February 10
meeting will be the public hearing on the electricity proposal. He said staff had originally scheduled
on February 10t" a joint meeting with the Planning Commission at noon, but that has been postponed
until February 241h.
Mr. Hennings added that the Human Relations Commission wished to meet with the Council
at noon on February 17th. Council Member Martin said he was not in favor of meeting with the
Human Relations Commission, pointing out that there are many more city committees. Mr.
Hennings said the Human Relations Commission members wanted to give the Council members a
presentation on their mission and function. He wanted the Council to discuss with them their desire
to propose an amendment to the fair housing ordinance that would allow the city to qualify for a
federal grant to increase the city's work in the area of fair housing.
Mayor Neal asked if the Human Relations Commission could make their presentation to the
Council during a regular meeting, and Mr. Hennings said they could do that on February 17th, as well
as provide a report on the issue.
The Mayor then referred to the original memo the Council had received on the ice hockey
team, and he said he wanted to ensure that the irrevocable letter of credit has been executed. Mr.
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January 27, 1998
Page 24
Hennings said he would provide more information. Mayor Neal said there has also been continuous
correspondence regarding the "Herbie the Curbie" solid waste issue, and he said it was important
to place that issue on a future agenda in order to have open discussions about that entire subject.
Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Gonzales said he hoped that the Police Department increases its efforts to
enforce speed limits in the city, particularly with regard to the drag racing on Ocean Drive.
Council Member Martin asked about the drainage situation in the Wood River subdivision.
Mr. Shackelford said a meeting had been held that day and they outlined a series of actions; he said
staff would provide a report to the Council.
Council Member Garcia asked if the streets around Sam Houston Elementary School were
on a schedule for improvements, and Mr. Hennings said staff would look into that. Mr. Garcia also
questioned whether there would be a problem with blowing sand around the helipad on Padre Island,
and he requested information about the number of tickets that are issued on Oso Parkway and Ocean
Drive.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the
Council meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. on January 27, 1998.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *