Loading...
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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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. Minutes 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 Minutes 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * *