HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/17/1998I 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 March 17, 1998, which were approved by
the City Council on March 24, 1998.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 24th day of March, 1998.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
2:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Loyd Neal
Council Members:
Melody Cooper
Alex L. Garcia Jr.
Betty Jean Longoria
John Longoria
Edward A. Martin
ABSENT
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. David McNichols
Javier D. Colmenero
Dr. Arnold Gonzales
City Staff:
City Manager Bill Hennings
City Attorney James R. Bray Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Rev. E.F. Bennett (retired), following which the Pledge of
Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Betty Jean Longoria. 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 March 10,
1998. Council Member John Longoria asked about the notation in the minutes that Mr. Jesus Leija
was an ineligible appointment to the C.C. Bay Area Minority Business Opportunity Steering
Committee. Mr. Chapa said he had sent a memo to the Council last Friday explaining that Mr. Leija
was already serving on another board, and the Council's policy is they cannot appoint an individual
to two boards. Mr. Chapa said if Mr. Leija is interested in resigning from the original board, staff
can bring this appointment back if he wishes to serve on the Minority Business Opportunity Steering
Committee. As there were no corrections to the minutes, they were approved as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the board and committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the
following appointments were made:
Senior Companion Program Advisory Committee
James Denham
Mary Johnson
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 2
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item G., an update on the Workforce Development Board of the
Coastal Bend (WDBCB).
Mr. Cheyenne Eichelberger, Chairman of the WDBCB, explained that in 1996 the chief
elected officials of the 12 -county region signed an interlocal agreement that created the workforce
area, and on July 1, 1997, the WDBCB assumed responsibility for the workforce development
agenda in the Coastal Bend region. He said the board is responsible for monitoring the federal
monies that come into this area for job training; creating links with businesses; and supplying
individuals with skills that businesses have said they will need in the future. Previously, the Texas
workforce system was disjointed and resulted in a duplication of services. The system was
reorganized and consolidated through legislation and now operates under the Texas Workforce
Commission as it focuses on meeting the needs of business and industry on a local level.
Mr. Eichelberger further described the structure and efforts of the local Workforce
Development Board, including the existence of two "OneStop Centers" at Martin Luther King Drive
and on Staples Street at the former location of the Texas Employment Commission. He said over
100,000 people have been served at those centers since January 1998, and the board has oversight
for $9.6 million for this area. He added that the local board is the first in the state to achieve
certification for the MLK OneStop Center.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Eichelberger said Goodwill Industries is in partnership with
the Workforce Development Board to provide the Welfare to Work initiatives, for which $3.2
million has tentatively been allocated.
Council Member Garcia suggested that some of the programs offered by the Workforce
Development Board be listed on the local public access channel for the public's benefit. In response
to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Eichelberger further explained the Welfare to Work
program. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked what steps were being taken to assist skilled
laborers. Mr. Eichelberger said they plan to hold a forum to ask businesses which types of skills are
needed here; he also commented about assisting dislocated employees.
In reply to Council Member Martin, Mr. Eichelberger said the chief elected officials act as
partners with the Workforce Development Board in planning and overseeing the workforce
operations locally. Responding to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Carlos Herrera, Chairman
and CEO of the WDBCB, said the Mayor appoints three City Council members to serve with the
chief elected officials.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 3
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3, monthly progress report on the Texana pipeline.
Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, noted that he would
be giving the report in the place of Mr. Frank Brogan, Project Engineer He utilized visual aids to
explain that about 91% of the pipe has been manufactured and about 63% of the pipe has been
installed. The completion of the pump stations is as follows: LNRA, 38% complete; Bloomington,
44%; and Woodsboro, 28%. Mr. Crull said the project is still on schedule for anticipated completion
in July. He added that with regard to the river crossings, three are complete, two are under
construction with two more remaining. He also noted that Lake Texana has received a significant
amount of rain.
In reply to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, City Manager Hennings said they will
propose that a planning group be established to address the naming of the pipeline after former
Mayor Mary Rhodes.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Crull said that construction is expected to be
completed in July and the pipeline is expected to be operational in August. Mr. Martin also requested
a summary of various aspects of the contract, such as the transfer of title. Mayor Neal agreed that
those issues needed to be discussed by the Council.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said there was a lack of media coverage about a question
from Council Member McNichols last week about the amount of revenue that might be generated
by a street use fee. He said the most insidious proposal for new sources of revenue for the General
Fund was to raise citizens' electric bills by incorporating $1.8 million the city pays for street lights
into CPL's rate base. He also took issue with the City Manager's comment that a 5% franchise fee
on public utilities may require a change in the City Charter. He said the voters approved a Charter
amendment to stop the transfer of funds from the utility department to the General Fund in lieu of
franchise and property taxes. Mayor Neal replied that the information to which Mr, O'Brien was
referring was addressed in a memo from the City Manager; however, the Council did not have a
detailed discussion about those issues at the last meeting. He emphasized that the Council will spend
a great deal of time discussing all of the city's budget issues, including possible new sources of
revenue.
Mr. Ronald Scott, 5929 Shamrock, questioned whether the best solution to the Year 2000
computer problem was to reprogram the city's computers rather than replace them. Mayor Neal said
the Council has had lengthy discussions on that issue, including in-depth deliberation by the four
Council members who serve on the Administrative Analysis Committee. Mr. Hennings said the
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Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 4
media has not adequately reported that four of the city's major computer systems are being replaced
because they are obsolete and not functional compared to what is new and presently available on the
market. He also said the city has purchased a new public safety dispatch system, as well as a new
utility billing system. The City Manager noted that the city is replacing the four obsolete computer
systems at the same time, at a cost of about $7 million, so as to avoid the need to spend any money
upgrading them because of the Year 2000 problem.
Mr. A.W. Edwards, 456 Glenmore, addressed the Year 2000 issue, saying that any new
computer system will have to be able to address the old data, such as in the case of Long-term
mortgages.
Council Member Martin explained that about eight years ago, staff determined that the city
needed a new mainframe computer system, and the estimated cost at that time was $5 million. He
said the long-term plan was to move away from the mainframe concept (the city had the largest
mainframe in the whole region) and move toward the smaller, stand-alone systems. At the same
time, Exxon officials proposed that the city acquire its mainframe system for a minimal cost, which
would give city staff time to address their long-term goals for new systems. Mr. Martin pointed out
that the Year 2000 issue has merely forced the city to finally confront the need to purchase updated
computer systems. He added that the city has saved money by not having purchased a $5 million
system eight years ago that probably would not have been Year 2000 compliant. Mr. Hennings said
he forwarded written comments from Mr. Edwards to the city's technical staff for review.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said he did not think Corpus Christi residents should be "guinea
pigs" in the use of reformulated gasoline. Mayor Neal replied that reformulated gas has been used
for quite a while in Houston and Dallas and local citizens were not being asked to be guinea pigs.
Ms. Carline Gunter described how she had applied for a position and left her application with
the City Secretary's Office.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, leases regarding music festivals. He called for
comments from the audience, and there were none.
Council Member John Longoria expressed concern about the possibility of traveling music
shows leaving unpaid debts. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, said there is
not a way for the city to guarantee that all the debts will be paid since the city is not producing the
music festival itself --other than not allowing the festival to be produced in Corpus Christi in
subsequent years. Mr. Hennings stated that most of the suppliers are aware of the risks involved in
such endeavors.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 5
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria requested a report on these particular music festivals
following the events. Mr. Hennings pointed out that traffic control is part of normal police service
that is performed.
Council Member Garcia said he thought the city's contracts with promoters such as these
should contain "hold -harmless" clauses. He asked about publications referring to the Foundation of
Hope, the local non-profit organization that will benefit from the two music festivals. Mr. Matthews
said staff contacted the promoter, Mr. Sirron Kyles, who is presently in Albuquerque, and Ms. Alicia
Gallegos -Gomez of the Foundation of Hope, that their lease agreement would be on the day's
agenda; however, neither of them were present at the Council meeting.
Council Member Martin said he thought staff needed to address the cost of police services
for special events. He also suggested that staff of the Convention and Visitors Bureau be informed
of proposed special events for marketing purposes. Mr. Martin said he thought the sponsor should
be present at the Council meeting during consideration of the proposed agreements. City Attorney
Bray said Ms. Gallegos -Gomez had called him earlier that day and said she could not attend the
meeting due to family obligations.
Mr. Martin made a motion to table Items 4.a. and 4.b. for one week, seconded by Mrs.
Cooper, and passed. Mr. Garcia said he thought the sponsors of any special events that utilize public
rights-of-way should be required to attend or have a representative present at the meeting.
4.a. TABLED
S.V. Kyles and Associates/Earth Works Productions to hold a reggae music festival and
weekend, from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, 1998, and
inJudn.g-exclusin use flat.. 6.00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, to 6.00 a.m. Tuc,day, May 26,
1998, a. eo..sideratio., of a p,..nit f.,c and 4% of the grass reeeipts a. direLt eity eests,
4.b. TABLED
Alto Stteets7-Isteii exelusive date3 for the cent w„uld fru-di 6.00 aut. Wednesday,
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 6
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on Item 5, amendment to the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. He called for comments from the audience, and there
were none. Council Member Martin made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council
Member Betty Jean Longoria, and passed.
City Manager Hennings said the motion needed to be amended to change the dollar amount
to $544,200. Mr. Martin made a motion to amend Item 5 as stated by Mr. Hennings, seconded by
Mrs. Longoria, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5. M98-072
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an amendment to the FY 97
Consolidated Annual Action Plan -Community Development Block Grant Program by
reprogramming $96,272 from the FY 94 Community Development Block Grant Program and
$544,200 from the FY 95 Community Development Block Grant Program for additional FY
97 Community Development Block Grant project.
The foregoing motion passed, as amended, by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Gonzales, and
McNichols absent.
In response to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for
Development Services, said staff had talked with both the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the
Veterans Band, and the Hispanic Chamber probably will be the responsible party. He added that
those agreements will be coming back to the Council for approval.
Mayor Neal called for a 10 -minute recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
6. Case No. 298-2. Robert Harman: A change of zoning from an "F -R" Farm -Rural District to
a "T -1B" Manufactured Home Park District on Tract 1 and "B-4" General Business District
on Tract 2, on 82.97 acres out of the Gregorio Farias Grant, Abstract 592, located on the east
side of U.S. Highway 77 and south of County Road 52.
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Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 7
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"T -1B" Manufactured Home Park District on Tract I and `B-4" General Business District on Tract
2. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria made
a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Garcia, and passed.
Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Hennings said the type of zoning on a
piece of property would not change its agricultural exemption but rather its use. Mr. Brandol Harvey,
Director of Planning and Development, briefly discussed the location of the subject property. Mr.
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 023251
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Robert Harman, by changing the
zoning map in reference to 82.97 acres out of the Gregorio Farias Grant, Abstract 592 from
"F -R" Farm -Rural District to "T -1B" Manufactured Home Park District on Tract 1 and `B-4"
General Business District on Tract 2.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero,
Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
7. Case No. 298-3. Jose Guadalupe Leon: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Montrose Park, Block 2,
being the west 0.13 acre out of Lot 9, located on the west side of 25th Street, approximately
150 feet south of Ruth Street.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the
"B-1" Neighborhood Business District, and in lieu, approval of a Special Permit for a parking lot on
the west 75 feet of Lot 9 subject to replatting and six (6) conditions. No one appeared in opposition
to the zoning change. Council Member Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing, which was
seconded and passed.
Mr. Harvey said the ordinance approving the special permit needed to be amended to include
the Planning Commission's and staff's recommendation to require replatting of the subject property.
Council Member Martin made a motion to amend Item 7 as stated by Mr. Harvey, seconded by
Council Member John Longoria, and passed.
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Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 8
Responding to Mr. Garcia, Mr. Harvey said that duplexes are located behind the corner
property and there is open space behind the restaurant where the applicant is requesting the rezoning
for a parking lot. He added that it would be fenced. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
7. ORDINANCE NO. 023252
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Jose Guadalupe Leon, by granting a
Special Permit for off-street parking lot on the west 0.1033 acre out of Lot 9, Block 2,
Montrose Park.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the
following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye";
Colmenero, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
* * * * * * * * * * *
*
*
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case:
8. Case No. 298-4. Joe M. Raymond. Jr.: A change of zoning from an "AB" Professional Office
District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Villa Flambeau, being 4.0 acres,
located on the north side of Wooldridge Road, approximately 630 feet east of Airline Road.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"B-1 " Neighborhood Business District. 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. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 023253
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Joe M. Raymond, Jr., by changing the
zoning map in reference to Villa Flambeau from "AB" Professional Office District to "B -l"
Neighborhood Business District.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero,
Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and
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Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 9
ordinances from previous meetings on Items 9 through 15, and Council members requested that
Items 11, 12, and 14 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed:
9. M98-073
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Corpus
Christi Crime Control and Prevention District whereby the City of Corpus Christi agrees to
assist the administration and management of the District.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
10. M98-074
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of
$77,250 with Industrial Services USA for the Wastewater Clean-out Installation Program -
1997-98.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
13. M98-077
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in an amount not
to exceed $42,000 with Eric B. Kollgaard, P.E. for structural engineering review services for
the Wesley Seale Dam Spillway Stabilization Project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
15.a. M98-079
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Attachment No. 04A to
Contract No. 7460005741-98 with the Texas Department of Health in the additive amount
of $26,496 for environmental and consumer health services for the period September 1, 1997
through August 31, 1998.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 10
15.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023254
Ordinance appropriating $26,496 from the Texas Department of Health in the No. 162
Federal/State Grants Fund for additional environmental and consumer health services for the
period September 1, 1997 through August 31, 1998.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero,
Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 11, water transmission main project.
Responding to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Crull briefly described the types of engineering
services included under basic services and special services. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council
for their votes as follows:
11. M98-075
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 3 to the
Contract for Engineering Services for the Up River Road Water Transmission Main Project -
Phases II & III with Bass & Welsh Engineering and J.R. Thompson Engineering in an
amount not to exceed $338,840.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
*************
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, beach restoration project.
In reply to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Crull said GCC Constructors is owned by
Manuel Garcia. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12. M98-076
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of
$75,950 with GCC Constructors Inc. for the Corpus Christi Beach Restoration project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, J.
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Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 11
Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, community tile project.
Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Utter said staff of Aloe Tile Works will
work with about 600 elementary and middle school children to create tiles, and staff will make a
recommendation to the Council on the location of those tiles. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
14. M98-078
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement for funds not
to exceed $18,750 from the FY 97-98 Community Youth Development Program to
implement a community tile project through the Weed and Seed Program with Aloe Tile
Works, Inc.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Garcia, B. Longoria, J. Longoria,
Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Cooper, Gonzales, and McNichols absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings said the procurement of the
four replacement computer systems will be on next week's agenda, as well as some solid waste
issues. He asked if the Council wished to attend a tour of the landfill, and the Council suggested that
that be postponed until the other Council members are present. Other items for next week include
the proposed sites for three halfway houses, as well as annexation possibilities. He said he is
proposing that the discussion of the Shoreline Boulevard art project take place March 31st.
Mayor Neal reminded the public that the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
was holding a public hearing that night at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center. He then called for
Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Garcia requested a clarification of the upcoming sales tax increase.
Council Member Martin asked if the annexation discussion could be postponed for one week
and Mr. Hennings said it could be; there was no objection from the other Council members. He also
requested an update on the new building codes incorporating windstorm regulations.
Council Member John Longoria asked city staff to prepare proposals on how to cut the city's
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Regular Council Meeting
March 17, 1998
Page 12
expenses. He also briefly reported on his attendance at the meeting of the Texas Municipal League
Policy Committee on Finance and Administration, including the issue of workman's compensation
insurance.
Council Member Cooper announced that she will be hosting a town hall meeting on March
23`d at Grant Middle School, and there will be a meeting of the Mayor's Task Force on Youth
Violence on March 26`h.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the
Council meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. on March 17, 1998.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *