HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/21/1998I 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 April 21, 1998, which were approved by
the City Council on April 28, 1998.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 28th day of April, 1998.
/ 4
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
April 21, 1998
2:13 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Loyd Neal
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Arnold Gonzales
Council Members:
Javier D. Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Alex L. Garcia Jr.
John Longoria
Edward A. Martin
Dr. David McNichols
ABSENT
Betty Jean Longoria
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. Alston Kirk, Trinity Lutheran Church, following
which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Cooper.
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 April 14, 1998, and there being no
corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. Dr. Dana Williams, Executive
Vice President of the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, announced that the Foundation had
received a gift of $1.84 million from anonymous donors which they in turn were giving to the city
to fund a new 12,000 -square -foot public library in Flour Bluff. He noted that details on certain
funding requirements, including specifying that $115,000 be reserved for books for the library,
would need to be worked out. Mayor Neal thanked Dr. Williams and the Foundation for their
generous donation.
Council Member McNichols made a motion to accept the donation of $1.84 million through
the Coastal Bend Community Foundation for the new Flour Bluff Branch Library; the motion was
seconded by Council Member Garcia and it passed (B. Longoria absent).
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Regular Council Meeting
April2l, 1998
Page 2
The next presentation was made by Mr. Frank Brogan, Project Engineer for the Lake Texana
Pipeline project. Using visual aids, Mr. Brogan gave an update on progress that has been made since
last month, including the fact that almost 78 miles of pipe has been installed. He said at the end of
April or the beginning of May the contractor will install the 72 -inch pipeline from the Nueces River
to the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant in Calallen. He said four of the seven open -cut river
crossings have been installed, and construction on the pump stations is continuing, including the
pump station at Lake Texana. He said the project remains on schedule with completion anticipated
in late June or early July, with start-up testing to be completed in August.
Mayor Neal thanked Mr. Brogan and those involved for their diligence and ongoing
professionalism on this project. In response to the Mayor's request, Mr. Brogan described how the
pipeline will operate in the areas of the two directional drilled crossings under the Guadalupe River
and the Victoria Barge Canal.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Paul Koepke, 715 S. Upper Broadway, thanked the Council for their support in
continually finding ways to beautify Corpus Christi, particularly through adding "splashes of color"
throughout the city.
Ms. Allison Flores, representing the Gulf Coast Council of La Raza's Academy of
Transitional Studies, said they are studying governmental processes and one day they hope to be
sitting where the Council members now sit. She thanked the Council for allowing the students to be
present at the meeting.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3, new senior citizen center.
City Manager Hennings recalled that on February 24, 1998, staff made a presentation
regarding a new senior citizen center in which they recommended the site at Cullen Park adjacent
to the Garden Center. Following discussion on the issue, the Council asked Mr. Hennings to conduct
a more detailed analysis of three sites: Cullen Park, Lakeview Park, and Schanen Park. The firm of
Bennett, Martin & Solka Architects conducted those analyses and the Council members were
provided with conceptual site plans of the three sites as well as other information. The architects'
report recommends Lakeview Park as the preferred site, while staff and the Senior Community
Services (SCS) Advisory Committee recommend Cullen Park.
Ms. Elsa Ciminelli, a member of the SCS Advisory Committee and the Program Planning
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Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 3
and Evaluation Subcommittee, said the committee voted to endorse staffs recommendation of the
Cullen Park/Garden Center site. She pointed out that the land there is owned by the city and none
of the grant funds would have to be used to purchase additional land on which to build the new
senior citizen center.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, said
the city's land acquisition staff estimated that it would cost $100,000 to purchase two acres of land
adjacent to Lakeview Park. He said that cost would lessen the amount of construction funds available
for the new center, meaning that the center would have to be about 1,000 square feet less than
anticipated, for a new approximate size of 5,500 square feet. He said the Schanen Park site would
be the most similar to other senior centers built on city park land, while the Cullen Park site would
require about $200,000 in improvements to be made to the Garden Center in conjunction with a new
4,500 -square -foot senior center to be located adjacent to it, for a total amount of useable space of
9,000 square feet. Mr. Matthews said the two newest senior centers --Northwest and Zavala --contain
7,700 square feet.
Council Member Cooper said she did not understand why staff did not support the architects'
recommendation of the Lakeview Park site, which they chose because of its natural aesthetic
advantages, better accessibility, and visibility. Mr. Matthews said in comparing the Lakeview and
Cullen Park sites, staff reviewed the existing operation of the Garden Center there, and he said that
renovating it would allow an existing building to increase its usefulness in an area that has a large
concentration of senior citizens. On the other hand, there are no real residential areas around
Lakeview Park at this time, although eventually there will be. In addition, it is located near the
intersection of two major streets (Rodd Field and Holly roads), and the traffic there may be
intimidating for some senior citizens. Mr. Matthews agreed that Lakeview Park has the advantage
of the park and lake associated with it, and he said each of the three sites would be workable.
Mrs. Cooper said she had received much feedback from citizens who would prefer the new
center to be located at Lakeview Park. She stressed the accessibility and visibility of the Lakeview
site, adding that the Cullen Park site had very low visibility. Mrs. Cooper said she would support
locating the center at Lakeview Park.
Council Member Gonzales said the Council also asked for figures to show the population of
senior citizens around the three sites. Mr. Matthews said that during the February 24'h Council
meeting, representatives of AARP presented population figures based on Zip Code information,
which staff reviewed utilizing 1990 census figures. Mr. Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director of
Programs, said that while the two sets of figures were derived from different data bases, there
appears to be the same approximate number of seniors on both the north and south side of SPID.
Dr. Gonzales said it appears that two senior centers are needed, although it is important to
meet the immediate needs of senior citizens while recognizing the need to plan for the future.
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Regular Council Meeting
April 21, 1998
Page 4
Responding to a question from Dr. Gonzales, Mr. Matthews further explained how the Cullen Park/
Garden Center site could be made to be functional.
Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Matthews said the primary reason staff was
recommending the Cullen Park site was because operations and programs were already somewhat
in place. In addition, the Council of Garden Clubs had indicated its desire to be included in the
planning for a senior center if that location is selected. Mr. Martin said he agreed with Dr. Gonzales
that in order to balance services to seniors throughout the city, there needs to be a center located in
the southeast side of the city (north of SPID) and one south of SPID. However, Mr. Martin
emphasized that there currently is no senior center located south of SPID. He added that Lakeview
Park is probably the most unique park in the city and is not utilized to its full potential.
In reply to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Matthews reviewed the existing senior centers, and
Mr. Garcia said he shared Mr. Martin's concem that there are no senior centers south of SPID. Mr.
Matthews said if the Cullen Park site is chosen, the city's agreement with the Council of Garden
Clubs would have to be amended, which he briefly explained. He said if the new center was located
at Schanen Park, it could consist of about 7,500 square feet, and he also discussed access to the
Schanen site and other elements of usage of the senior centers.
Council Member Colmenero asked for further clarification of the Garden Center operations,
and Mr. Matthews said the Garden Center facility was donated to the city from the Council of
Garden Clubs and, through an agreement, the city leases the space available to the Council of Garden
Clubs for their offices. In addition, that organization submits a calendar to the city for their use of
the large meeting room. He reiterated that adjustments would have to be made to the existing
agreement to ensure that the seniors would be able to utilize the large meeting room.
Council Member John Longoria asked if staff had considered building a free-standing senior
center facility at the Cullen Park site. Mr. Matthews said staff considered it but that would not
maximize the potential of the existing Garden Center facility and the programs that are offered there.
He said staff is estimating operational expenses for the new senior center to be $100,000 per year,
although they are expecting a savings of about $15,000 per year if the senior center's operations are
combined with the Garden Center's operations. Mr. Matthews further discussed the senior
populations in the Lakeview Park and Cullen Park areas.
Responding to a question from Mr. Longoria, Ms. Ciminelli said the Program Planning and
Evaluation Subcommittee took a long time and studied much data in reaching its conclusion to
support the Cullen Park site. She said the concern of the SCS Advisory Committee members was
that the new senior center be large enough to accommodate a variety of activities. She added that the
architects' recommendation was made after the committee had made their recommendation Ms.
Ciminelli asked who owns the land around Lakeview Park. Mayor Neal said they had been told that
it is listed by Mr. DeLeon of Christi Properties and the owner is Ms. Martha Salinas. Ms. Ciminelli
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Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 5
added that while there are an increased number of assisted living facilities and retirement homes on
the south side of SPID, those residents would not utilize a senior center because the assisted living
facilities have their own recreation directors to organize social activities for the residents.
Ms. Barbara Skinner, Standing President of the Council of Garden Clubs, said that many of
their members are senior citizens, and if the new senior center is located in Cullen Park, more senior
citizens could take part in the Garden Center's activities, which she described. She added that she
did not foresee a scheduling conflict for the large meeting room. Mr. Garcia asked Ms. Skinner if
she thought crossing SPID would be a deterrent to senior citizens, and she replied that she felt
locating the senior center at Cullen Park could allow it to become the premier center in the city.
Council Member McNichols commented on the much higher density of senior citizens in the
neighborhoods around the Cullen Park site versus the more sparsely populated area around Lakeview
Park, as well as the faster speed of traffic along Rodd Field Road. Mr. Matthews said the two sites
would be accessed in significantly different ways, and he further described the advantages and
disadvantages posed by each site.
Responding to Mrs. Cooper, Mr. Matthews said the 5,500 -square -foot facility that could be
built at Lakeview Park may be somewhat small to serve a large area, but the architect emphasized
that the center would be designed to accommodate future expansion. Mrs. Cooper said there was
only enough money to build one center, which she felt should be on the Lakeview site.
Mr. Martin said regardless of where the new center is located, it needs to be large enough to
be used for many years. In response to a question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Matthews described the
operating cost savings that could be achieved at the Cullen Park site. He also noted that federal
grants for senior operations have been capped, which will require General Fund monies to continue
those operations. Mr. Martin pointed out that funds to operate senior centers are well spent.
Dr. Gonzales said that combining the new center with the existing Garden Center was
important because it would offer a variety of activities. He added that the Council needs to quickly
begin planning for another senior center because the senior population is growing, thus increasing
the need for such facilities.
Mayor Neal asked if the Garden Center alone was eligible for Community Development
Block Grant funds, and Mr. Matthews said it was not. In order to be eligible, it would have to be
demonstrated that the Garden Center is primarily used for senior citizens. Mayor Neal noted that the
CDBG funds had not yet been allocated and, theoretically, a new senior center could be built at
another site and the Council could elect to designate about $200,000 for renovations to the Garden
Center.
Responding to a question from the Mayor, Mr. Jack Solka, of Bennett, Martin & Solka
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Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 6
Architects, described how they had calculated the cost per square foot of the three sites that they
analyzed.
In reply to Mr. Martin, Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services,
said that under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines, a facility that is
designated for senior citizens or disabled persons would be eligible for CDBG funds. For any other
facility that will principally be used for senior citizens other than a senior citizen center, the
determination has to be made if there is a presumption that they are not low-income. He said in the
case of the Garden Center, that would probably be the assumption; however, if the Council decided
to make the Garden Center a real senior citizen center like all the rest, it is potentially eligible for
CDBG funding.
A discussion ensued, and Mr. Utter said if the City Council wished, staff could work with
the Council of Garden Clubs on the possibility of making the Garden Center a senior citizen center
with additional CDBG funds (so that it could meet HUD guidelines), and then use the full amount
of the allocated funds ($882,000) for a new senior center at either Schanen Park or Lakeview Park.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience.
Ms. Carline Gunter asked if the facilities are ambulatory and otherwise, and Mayor Neal
replied that all of the new senior citizen centers are built to ADA standards. Ms. Gunter said a
woman named Molly Burdette told her that her father was approached by someone with an offer to
buy his land on Rodd Field Road for use as a cemetery, and she asked if it was adjacent to Lakeview
Park. Mayor Neal said there was not room for a cemetery in the area of the park where the senior
center had been proposed to be located.
Mr. Phil Rosenstein, 939 Bobolo, spoke in favor of the Garden Center location because it is
accessible and centrally located. He added that the $882,000 was allocated for only one senior center.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said Schanen Park would not be a good location for a senior
center because of the presence of a large drainage ditch there, and he said the center should be built
on the most centrally located site.
Mr. K.G. Coley, 1334 Peterson, said the senior citizens on the south and west side want a
senior center that will be run by city staff as are the other senior centers, and he expressed concern
that the Council of Garden Clubs, a private organization, would dominate the use of the facility. He
presented several pages of signatures of people who support the Lakeview Park site.
Ms. Barbara Benys, 4510 Shea Parkway, said if the Cullen Park site was selected for the new
senior center, senior citizens on the south side of SPID would have much farther to travel to use the
center. She added that the Garden Center is located deep within a subdivision and not highly visible
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Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 7
or accessible. She said the Lakeview Park location would serve people on both sides of SPID.
Mr. Chuck Phillips said he has been going to senior dances for several years and he would
prefer the center be located at Lakeview Park.
Mrs. Cooper made a motion to designate Lakeview Park as the site for the new senior center,
seconded by Mr. Martin. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council, and the motion failed to pass by
the following vote: Cooper, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Garcia, Gonzales, J.
Longoria, and McNichols voting "No"; B. Longoria absent.
Dr. McNichols made a motion to instruct city staff to bring back to the Council in one week
a proposal to maximize the CDBG funds in order to fund a center south of SPID, while also
designating a senior center at the Garden Center site (including renovations when funding allows).
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Cooper.
The Council members spoke in favor of and against the motion. Following further
explanation by Mr. Utter, Mr. Hennings said if the Council wished to build two senior centers, he
suggested they select the site for one center (with the $882,000 that is currently allocated), and then
try to fund the design work for a second center in the upcoming CDBG funding year, with the
construction funds to be allocated the following CDBG year.
Mr. Chapa polled the Council on Dr. McNichols' motion, and it failed to pass by the
following vote: Cooper, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Garcia, Gonzales,
and J. Longoria voting "No"; B. Longoria absent.
Dr. Gonzales made the following motion, seconded by Mr. Longoria. Mr. Garcia said he was
in favor of another center on the south side of SPID but he did not specify Lakeview Park. Mr.
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
3. M98-125
Motion approving staff's recommendation of locating the new senior center at the Cullen
Park site, and directing staff to begin planning for the next senior center to be located at
Lakeview Park.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Gonzales, J.
Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia and McNichols voting "No"; B. Longoria
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Regular Council Meeting
April 21, 1998
Page 8
Mayor Neal called for a short recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, residential traffic calming devices.
Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said one of the most
requested actions of staff is to control speeding in residential areas, so staff has investigated traffic
calming measures that other cities utilize. Some of those include speed humps (as opposed to speed
bumps), traffic diverters, traffic circles, and time -of -day regulatory access controls. He said another
important aspect is the involvement of residents who would be most affected by these traffic calming
devices. As a result, said Mr. Crull, staff has developed a Residential Traffic Management Program
for the city, which is consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan with regard to quality of
life issues and "good neighborhood" concepts. Mr. Crull further described the criteria that would be
used to implement the program.
In response to Mayor Neal, Mr. Crull said a map in the agenda packet represents all of the
requests from citizens (about 200) for any type of traffic calming device, with some locations on
arterial streets; however, probably about one-third of those requests would be eligible for the traffic
calming devices, and about half of those will have some form of participation by the residents in the
neighborhoods. He said the purpose of the map was to show that requests are received from
throughout the city.
In reply to Council Member Martin, Mr. Crull said other cities that have utilized these
devices have shown a decrease in residential traffic speeds. Mr. David Seiler, City Traffic Engineer,
said they are installed in response to a bonafide traffic problem on a residential public street. Mr.
Martin said if the Council decides this is a feasible approach, he does not think the residents should
be asked to pay a portion of it. Mr. Martin referred to a concern that had been raised at a previous
Council meeting about speeding on Oso Parkway, and Mr. Crull said Oso Parkway is not a
neighborhood collector street so it would not meet the criteria for this program --only those streets
classified as residential streets or neighborhood collectors would qualify. Mr. Martin said he thought
this proposal was responsive to neighbors' concerns, but he questioned the workload and other issues
that would result from its implementation.
Council Member John Longoria also questioned aspects of the proposal, to which Mr. Crull
replied. He described how the program would be communicated to citizens and the time frame
involved, and he noted that speed humps will probably be the calming device used most of the time,
Council Member Gonzales expressed concern about the cost of the program, and Mr. Crull said
depending on the ranking of the need for a calming device in a certain neighborhood, the residents
could pay anywhere from zero to 100% of the cost, which he further described. Mr. Seiler added that
on a through street, police enforcement would be the more applicable method of trying to solve
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Regular Council Meeting
April2l, 1998
Page 9
speeding problems. He said by eliminating the need for police to enforce speeds in a residential
neighborhood, they would be able to concentrate their efforts on streets such as Oso Parkway.
In response to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Crull and Mr. Seiler further described the
proposal, including the criteria involved and the possibility of utilizing such devices in new
construction of subdivisions. Council Member Colmenero noted that he is a former member of the
Transportation Advisory Committee, and he questioned what potential role the committee may play
in this process. Mr. Crull said he saw this as an evolutionary process, and the intent is, as stated
previously by Mr. Seiler, to address speeding problems in residential neighborhoods with these
devices so as to allow the police to better address speeding on larger streets.
Mr. Martin commented on the probable need for calming devices around elementary schools.
Mrs. Cooper said she was pleased that liability issues were addressed in the report, and Mr. Crull
noted that the design of speed humps has improved and they will include signage to alert motorists
of their presence.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 53 -Traffic, Article IV -
Traffic Control Devices, by adding Division II -- Residential Traffic Calming Devices.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin voting "No"; B.
Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 5, water supply contracts.
City Manager Hennings said this is an important item because it is an effort to provide water
service to colonias in rural Nueces County. He explained that Nueces County has obtained a federal
grant to extend minimal water service to three colonias: Suburban Acres, Tierra Grande, and Fiesta
Ranch, the latter two of which are beyond the city's five -mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. However,
he said, the county does not have water to provide to those colonias, which are located on the water
lines owned by the Violet Water Supply Corporation (VWSC), which obtains water from the City
of Corpus Christi.
Mr. Hennings said VWSC also serves some customers under the terms of an expired contract
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Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 10
which needs to be renewed, which is one of the parts of this item. In addition, Suburban Acres is
located very close to the city limits, which is an area to be considered for future annexation.
Consequently, the water service in that subdivision will need to be brought up to the city's standard.
He added that this was a very complicated proposal that involved negotiations with the VWSC board
of directors and officials from Nueces County, and he commended Mr. Crull for his efforts. Mr.
Crull then used a map to illustrate the areas involved and further explained the history of the
situation and the project itself.
In reply to Mayor Neal, Mr. Crull said this proposal pertains only to water service; however,
the Suburban Acres area could qualify for CDBG funds which could be utilized to install sanitary
sewers in the future. He added that there are very few customers involved in this proposal and it
would not adversely affect the city's system.
Council Member Martin asked about the source of funds for the Water Arterial and Grid
Transmission Main Trust Fund. Mr. Crull replied that it consists of payments from the development
community on a per -acre basis and a per -lot basis. Mr. Martin requested a copy of the provisions of
that trust fund, including allowable uses. Mr. Crull said allowable uses are for participation in
funding of grid and arterial mains that meet the definition (a grid main is larger than 12 inches in
diameter).
Mr. Martin asked City Attorney Bray if he had reviewed this item to determine if this is an
appropriate use of the trust funds. Mr. Bray said he had not reviewed it prior to this Council meeting,
although Assistant City Attorney Jay Reining had and they will look at it further. Mr. Martin said
he would like a legal opinion on that issue.
Responding to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Crull said the Suburban Acres project
will cost about $260,000, and the city will pay $99,565, with Nueces County paying the balance. Mr.
Martin questioned why the city would have to pay $5,500 for the county's administrative costs. Mr.
Hennings said the city had to agree to that provision in order to reach an agreement. Mr. Crull added
that the city is charging VWSC the OCL commercial rate, and the lines that the city will be taking
on will not be undersized.
In reply to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Crull said the county's grant will include the service
line and the meter, and the residents will have to pay the VWSC a $50 deposit on their meter, and
then they will pay the water rate that VWSC charges. In response to Council Member Colmenero,
Mr. Hennings reiterated that the city needs to move ahead with plans to improve Suburban Acres.
With regard to the administrative cost issue, Mr. Crull explained that the county's original
plan was to locate a line inside the right-of-way of Callicoate Road, which is a state highway. And
if that road was expanded, the entity which owned the line would have had to pay the full cost of
relocating it. Consequently, the city required that the county acquire an easement outside of the
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Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 11
Callicoate Road right-of-way and if that street were widened and it encroached into the easement,
TXDOT would have to pay for the cost of relocating the line.
Council Member Gonzales also questioned and expressed concern about the $5,500 in
administrative fees, which Mr. Crull explained. Mr. Martin summarized the issue by saying that
rather than allow a substandard system to be installed in Suburban Acres, the city is stepping in to
ensure that it meets city standards because the city intends to annex Suburban Acres in the future.
Mr. Martin said he felt that staff should convey to the county that the $5,500 should be used
for direct services to the residents of Suburban Acres, rather than as an administrative fee. Mr.
Hennings said staff needed to further research Item 5.d. with regard to legal issues, and he suggested
that Items 5.a., 5.b., 5.c., and 5.d. be considered on two readings with the second readings to come
back next week along with an answer to the question raised.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
5.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Treated Water Supply Contract
with the Violet Water Supply Corporation.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria
absent.
5.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Water Distribution System
Purchase Agreement with the Violet Water Supply Corporation.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria
absent.
5.c. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement with
Nueces County relating to water service to Suburban Acres Subdivision.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
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Regular Council Meeting
April 21,1998
Page 12
Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria
absent.
5.d. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Appropriating $99,565 from the Arterial and Transmission Grid Main Trust in the No. 143
Water Arterial and Grid Transmission Main Trust Fund to participate with Nueces County
in extending the Water Main System for Suburban Acres.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper,
Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, Airport Advisory Board.
Council Member Gonzales asked Mr. Alex Kirkland, Chairman of the Airport Advisory
Board, if the board wished to provide a report to the Council on possible alternative methods of
airport operation, and Mr. Kirkland said that was correct. Dr. Gonzales said he did not object to the
board providing a report but he did not want them making a recommendation on the issue.
Council Member Martin questioned whether research had been conducted of state laws and
bond laws regarding the city's options on this issue. Mr. Kirkland replied that previous boards had
wanted to pursue this concept in the past. He noted that there are very different ways of operating
airports successfully throughout the country, and he said they wished to assemble some preliminary
facts in order to make a presentation to the Council. Mr. Martin said this was really a staff project.
Council Member Garcia asked if the board felt that the airport was being operated
unsuccessfully, and Mr. Kirkland said he felt that the operation is successful; however, he said, they
should consider the possibility of other options. Mr. Garcia said he did not wish to waste staff's time
on this project. Council Member Colmenero said he thought they should consider ways to strengthen
the current operation, and Council Member Cooper said she did not think this was the time to
conduct such a study since renovations are now underway.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience.
Mr. Jimmie Till said he was opposed to the idea of changing the airport's operation, and he
said the city should not relinquish control of the airport to an entity (such as the Port) over which the
city does not have control.
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Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 13
Dr. Gonzales said much work remains to be done at the airport, and he expressed
appreciation to the Airport Advisory Board members for their concem. City Secretary Chapa polled
the Council for their votes as follows:
6. FAILED
The foregoing motion failed to pass by the following vote: J. Longoria voting "Aye";
Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "No"; B.
Longoria absent.
Mayor Neal asked Mr. Kirkland to convey to the other board members the Council's
appreciation for their hard work.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, South Central Texas Water Advisory Committee.
Council Member Martin made a motion to appoint Mr. Ed Garana as the city's representative
on that committee, seconded by Council Member Gonzales. Mayor Neal called for comments from
the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as
follows:
7. M98-126
Motion to appoint Mr. Ed Garana as the representative of the City of Corpus Christi to the
South Central Texas Water Advisory Committee.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 8, summer recreation program. He called for
comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 14
8.a. M98-127
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Summer Food Service
Agreement with the Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS) to provide lunches and
snacks for youth and teens during the 1998 Summer season. TDHS will reimburse the City
an estimated cost of $339,000.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023280
Ordinance appropriating $339,000 from the Texas Department of Human Services for the
operation of a Summer Food Service Program for Summer Recreation Program participants
ages one to eighteen years in the No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting
"Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
8.c. RESOLUTION NO. 023281
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Governmental Agreement with Corpus Christi Independent School District to provide
summer food services for Summer Recreation Program.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia,
Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
8.d. RESOLUTION NO. 023282
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Governmental Agreement with Corpus Christi Independent School District to provide
transportation services for the summer recreation program.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia,
Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on Item 9, Harvard Street improvements.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 21, 1998
Page 15
Mr. Hennings pointed out that both the City Engineer's and the appraiser's statements were
included in the agenda packet. The Mayor called for comments from the audience, and there were
none. Council Member Gonzales made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council
Member Cooper, and passed unanimously. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023283
Ordinance closing the public hearing on proposed assessments for improvements to the
following highways in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas:
Harvard Street --Prescott Street to Vestal Street,
Vitemb Street --Hudson Street to Rosalie Street,
Vestal Street --Hudson Street to about 150 l.f. South of Rosalie Street, and
Rosalie Street--Vitemb Street to about I501.f. West of Vitemb Street (north side only);
imposing assessments totaling $73,828.20 against property abutting the improvements,
affected railways, and property and railway owners; fixing corresponding liens on property
and charges against property owners; providing for subsequent adjustment of assessment
amounts and the corresponding liens and charges based on as -build conditions; specifying
assessment payment terms and lien enforcement measures.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting
"Aye"; B. Longoria. absent.
9.c. M98-128
Motion awarding a construction contract in the amount of $468,033.25 to King -Isles Inc. for
the Harvard Street Improvements.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; 13. Longoria absent.
+.*s**sss*r*r
Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and
ordinances from previous meetings on Items 10 through 20. Council members and a citizen
requested that Items 14, 15, and 18 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes and the following were passed:
10. 1\498-129
Motion approving the purchase of two program sedans and one program pick up in
accordance with Bid Invitation No. 13I-0138-98, from Padre Ford, Corpus Christi based on
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Regular Council Meeting
April 21, 1998
Page 16
the low bid of $36,050. The vehicles are for the Fire Department and are included in the
amended FY 97-98 Capital Outlay List as replacement equipment.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
11. M98-130
Motion approving a contract with Cooper Equipment Company, San Antonio, Texas, to
repair and modify an asphalt distributor in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0123-98
based on the low bid of $26,397.00. The distributor is used by the Street Services
Department. The repair, budgeted in the FY 97-98 Budget, will extend the effective service
life of the equipment as well as maximize its operational capabilities.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
12. M98-131
Motion approving a supply agreement for Police Uniforms including 470 pair of trousers,
575 shirts, and 40 jackets, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0135-98, with Public
Safety Products, Inc., Corpus Christi, based on the total low bid of $50,378.40 The term of
the contract is twelve months, with option to extend for up to two additional twelve month
periods, subject to the approval of the contractor and the City Manager or his designee.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
13. M98-132
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Quality Machine & Equipment Company of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of
$217,165 for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant and Pumping Plants: FY 1998 On -
Going Pump Maintenance Program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
16.a. M98-135
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a $5,000 grant from the Texas
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 17
Book Festival. Funds will be used to purchase library materials for the Greenwood and
Parkdale branch libraries.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
16.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023284
Ordinance appropriating $5,000 from the Texas Book Festival grant in the No. 111 Trust
Fund to purchase library materials for the Greenwood and Parkdale branch libraries.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting
"Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
17.a. RESOLUTION NO. 023285
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute two interlocal grant
contracts with the Texas Historical Commission for expenses related to a Certified Local
Government Regional Preservation Workshop.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia,
Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
17.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023286
Ordinance appropriating $9,350 in Fund No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund, from two Texas
Historical Commission Subgrants to fund expenses related to a Certified Local Government
Regional Preservation Workshop.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote:
Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting
"Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
19. ORDINANCE NO. 023287
Amending the Transportation Plan and the Southside Area Development Plan Transportation
Element of the City of Corpus Christi's Comprehensive Plan by designating Stone Henge
Street extended as a C-1 Collector Street with a 60 foot right-of-way.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Colmenero,
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April2l, 1998
Page 18
Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B.
Longoria absent.
20. ORDINANCE NO. 023288
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 53-252, Schedule III - Parking Prohibited at All
Times on Certain Streets, by prohibiting curbside parking at all times on both sides of
Greenwood Drive between South Padre Island Drive and Saratoga Boulevard.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Colmenero,
Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B.
Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, contract for the annual audit.
Responding to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Hennings explained that even though there will
have been only a few months of activity in the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District,
he felt that the cost of that portion of the audit would be balanced out because it will be the first audit
for that entity. He added that his recommendation would be to issue requests for proposals for the
audit function in 1999. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
14. M98-133
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the estimated
amount of $91,000 to Collier, Johnson & Woods to perform the financial and compliance
audit requirements for fiscal year ending July 31, 1998.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, Weed and Seed Program application.
Council Member Garcia asked about personnel and fringe benefits costs for the two Weed
and Seed sites. Mr. Utter said there are five Weed and Seed employees and they receive the same
fringe benefits as city employees. He said the safe haven program has been added to Weed and Seed.
Mr. Utter also described the travel and consultant/contract expenses that are incurred through the
program. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 21, 1998
Page 19
15. M98-134
Motion approving the FY 98 Weed and Seed Program Application for $350,000 that includes
$50,000 for special emphasis initiatives and authorizing the City Manager or his designee
to submit the application to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales,
J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 18, utility easement closure for Del Mar College East.
Mr. Hennings said the ordinance for that item was incorrectly prepared and staff distributed a
substitute ordinance to the Council members. Mr. Crull explained that the fair market value of
$7,700 for the 14,635 square feet of utility easements is correct; however, staff determined there may
be some requirements for additional utility easements to be dedicated as a result of the relocation of
the utilities, the cost of which would be credited against the $7,700 (part of the ordinance was
changed to provide for that).
Mr. Jack Solka, coordinating architect for Del Mar College, explained that the easement
closures were being requested in order to accommodate the construction of an addition to the student
center and a new classroom building. He said Del Mar officials were notified last week that a fee was
required of $7,700. He said that was not unlike the previous item (Item 5) regarding the city and
county providing water to the Suburban Acres colonia and the $5,500 fee that was previously
discussed. Mr. Solka said that for $7,700 the city is giving up underground utility easements that the
city does not use and all of the relocation expenses will be done as part of the construction projects.
He said he was philosophically opposed --in this item and in Item 5 --to moving money back and forth
between two public agencies.
Council Member Martin asked Mr. Solka whether Del Mar's attorney was of the opinion that
the city was not required to charge the fee. Mr. Solka said he believed it was not required by law.
Mr. Martin said the Council could table this item for one week while Del Mar's attorney provides
a legal opinion on the issue that the City Attorney can review.
Mr. Solka then went on to quote a portion of a memorandum prepared by the City Attorney
in 1994 regarding financial consideration for conveyance of an easement. Mr. Martin reiterated his
request that Del Mar's attorney submit a legal opinion on the issue. City Attorney Bray said he
thought the cover letter accompanying the document quoted by Mr. Solka pointed out that for this
purpose, another entity would be treated in the same way as a private entity; consequently, the city
cannot gratuitously give away property to another governmental entity such as the county any more
than it can to a private entity.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 20
Mr. Martin made a motion to table Item 18 pending additional research; seconded by Council
Member John Longoria. Council Member Gonzales asked if tabling this item would hold up
anything, and Mr. Solka replied that it would. Responding to another question from Dr. Gonzales,
Mr. Solka said his statements constituted his personal opinion. Dr. Gonzales asked why Mr. Martin
was requesting an opinion from Del Mar College's attorney, and Mr. Martin said Mr. Solka had
introduced himself as the representative of Del Mar College and he was making a request on behalf
of the college; in addition, Mr. Solka stated that the city was trying to get money from Del Mar that
Mr. Solka said the city did not deserve.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the motion to table Item 18. The
motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols,
and Neal voting "Aye"; Gonzales voting "No"; B. Longoria absent.
18. TABLED
Mayor Neal asked Mr. Solka to request a legal opinion from Del Mar College's attorney so
that this item can be placed on next week's City Council agenda; Mr. Solka said he would do so.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Hennings announced two events
scheduled for April 22, 1998: the initiation of the beach restoration project on Corpus Christi Beach,
and a presentation for news reporters concerning the seawall investigation. He also referred to a
region meeting that will be held April 24`} involving officials and county judges from the
surrounding area, and he announced a household hazardous waste collection day that will be held
on April 25`^
Mr. Hennings noted that the annual public hearing for the Consolidated Action Plan,
including the CDBG allocations, will be held April 28th at 6 p.m. Items scheduled for the regular
agenda next week include the proposed agreement with the LBJ School of Public Affairs to conduct
a disparity study; a presentation on municipal electric utility service; and a presentation on the
National Estuary Program. Mr. Hennings said he had sent the Council members a copy of the city's
annual report on the affirmative action plan for employment, and he suggested that he provide the
Council with a more detailed presentation on the issue at an upcoming meeting; Mayor Neal agreed.
Mr. Hennings said that of the 31 department head positions in the city, three of them are
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April2l, 1998
Page 21
vacant and he has appointed acting directors for two of them (the third acting director will be
appointed this week). The City Manager said recruitment has not yet begun on permanently filling
those three vacancies, and he reiterated that he intends to let the next city manager make those
permanent appointments. Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Hennings said he
makes an adjustment in the employee's salary for the period of time that he or she is serving as an
acting director.
Mr. Crull then provided the Council with an update on a meeting the city's Engineering
Department staff had had with several residents of the Del Mar area regarding their concerns about
street improvements there. In response to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Crull said construction
will not be completed until fall 1998 and at the completion of the project, there is a final "walk-
through" to determine if there are any modifications or repairs that need to be made. If there are, the
contractor completes those and another walk-through is conducted before the project is finally
accepted In addition, there is a one-year warranty period after acceptance in case any defects arise,
which the contractor will be obligated to repair during that one-year period.
Mayor Neal asked when the report from the Ad Hoc Old Nueces County Courthouse
Committee would be presented. Mr. Utter replied that the request for proposals for the study of the
old courthouse would be placed on the Council agenda for April 28th. The Mayor also asked who
was responsible for maintaining and replacing street lights. Mr. Crull replied that Central Power &
Light Company has the responsibility for repairing the lights, and a technician in the city's Traffic
Engineering Department works with CPL as a contact person for people to report burned out lights.
The Mayor also commented about the problem of trash and debris on roadways and areas
throughout the city. Mr. Hennings said the city could reestablish a program it had at one time of
regularly comparing pictures of various areas to determine whether progress is being made to clean
up the city. He added that now that it is springtime weeds and high grass are becoming an issue,
coupled with cutbacks that had been made in the city's park maintenance department.
Mayor Neal then asked if the city had an Employee of the Quarter program, and Mr.
Hennings said it has been many years since it was in effect. The Mayor also asked when the next
discussion would be held on the Solid Waste Services Department, and Mr. Hennings said he would
schedule it probably during one of the first two meetings in May. Mayor Neal emphasized the need
for paving of the parking lot at the Briarwood Apartments where meals are served to senior citizens,
and he asked when the discussion would be held on stormwater regulations. Mr. Crull said that was
scheduled for the May 12th Council meeting, and the ordinance needs to be adopted by June 1st.
Mayor Neal then called for Council concerns and reports.
Council Member Garcia referred to a question that had arisen concerning Item 5.d., and Mr.
Hennings emphasized that that item was reviewed by an assistant city attorney and would be further
reviewed by the City Attorney. Mr. Garcia also asked that the city's policy on city employees'
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April21, 1998
Page 22
participation in elections be redistributed for their information.
Council Member Martin asked that the resolution honoring the Keelers be placed on next
week's agenda, and he asked if there was an update on the proposed KIII-TV facility on Shoreline
Boulevard. Mr. Utter said staff had not received any other information after an update he had sent
to the Council about a month ago. He said they were reviewing the size of the facility and he would
contact them again. Mr. Martin also asked staff to review the ordinance requiring drip irrigation
systems between the sidewalk and curb in new construction, and he asked about the request for
proposals for the outside study of the Police Department. Mr. Hennings said the RFP was sent out.
Council Member Gonzales asked about plans to possibly privatize the operation of the O.N.
Stevens Water Treatment Plant. Mr. Hennings replied that he would provide a report to the Council
within the next 30 days. He said it does not appear there is any prospect for cost savings through
private operation of the water treatment plant. However, he said staff will now investigate the
possibility of private operation of some of the city's wastewater treatment plants. Mr. Hennings said
he was surprised to learn that the city is purchasing chemicals for use in water treatment at a price
that the large national companies cannot beat; for that and other reasons it does not appear that
privatized water treatment operations would be feasible.
Council Member Colmenero said that as budget discussions begin, he would like to consider
the possibility of combining the city's water and gas meter reading with CPL's meter reading
functions.
Mayor Neal pointed out that many people are wearing blue ribbons as part of the campaign
to prevent child abuse across the country. He also reminded the Council that there will be a special
Council meeting on May 5' at 2 p.m. for the discussion in closed session of the new city manager
selection. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor declared the
Council meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. on April 21, 1998.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *