Loading...
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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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, Minutes 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 Minutes 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- Minutes Regular Council Meeting 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 Minutes Regular Council Meeting 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." Minutes Regular Council Meeting January 27, 1998 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. Minutes Regular Council Meeting 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, Minutes 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." Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes Regular Council Meeting 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * *