HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/26/1998I 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 May 26, 1998, which were approved by
the City Council on June 9, 1998.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 9th day of June, 1998.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINI JTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
May 26, 1998
12:05 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Arnold Gonzales*
Council Members:
Javier D. Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Alex L. Garcia Jr.*
Betty Jean Longoria
John Longoria
Edward A. Martin*
Dr. David McNichols
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.
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 announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.074 regarding new city manager selection, including candidate interviews and other matters
related to selection, with possible action thereafter in open session. He noted that the first of the
executive sessions would take place in the Assistant City Manager's Conference Room on the 5th
floor of City Hall for initial discussions, followed by the executive session in the Staff Conference
Room on the 1st floor where the candidate interviews would be conducted beginning at about 1 p.m.
The Council went into closed session.
*Council Member Gonzales arrived at the meeting at 12:10 p.m., and Council Members
Garcia and Martin arrived at 12:15 p.m.
The Council returned from closed session. Mayor Neal announced that the Council would
remain in recess until 5:00 p.m. on May 27, 1998.
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Mayor Neal reconvened the Council meeting at 5:00 p.m. on May 27, 1998. City Secretary
Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required charter
officers were present to continue the meeting. (Council Member Cooper was absent during that
portion of the meeting.)
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 26, 1998
Page 2
Mayor Neal announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.074 regarding new city manager selection, including candidate interviews and other matters
related to selection, with possible action thereafter in open session.
The Council went into closed session.
The Council returned from closed session.
Council Member Martin made the following motion, which was seconded by Council
Member Gonzales.
1. M98-180
Motion to appoint Mr. David Garcia as the next City Manager of the City of Corpus Christi
under the following terms: salary of $130,000 per year; car allowance of $6,000 per year;
deferred compensation package of $7,500 per year; severance package of six months;
payment of his regular, normal moving expenses plus $3,000 in other moving expenses
associated with moving Mr. Garcia's family to Corpus Christi; with employment to
commence on August 1, 1998.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, Gonzales, B.
Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper and McNichols absent.
Mr. Martin said Dr. McNichols had to leave the meeting but he had indicated that he was in
support of the motion.
Mayor Neal said he had called Mr. David Garcia and explained the terms of the offer,
whereby Mr. Garcia accepted the position. Mr. Garcia said he would notify the Mayor and Council
of Phoenix of his decision and await the final legal documents being prepared by City Attorney
Bray, which will be ratified by the Corpus Christi City Council on June 9, 1998.
Mayor Neal read the provisions of the employment package, and said Mr. Garcia would
begin working in Corpus Christi on August 1, 1998. He said Mr. Garcia had to give 30 days' notice
in Phoenix. Mr. Martin said the terms listed by the Mayor should be incorporated into the motion
itself (as noted above), and the Council concurred.
The Mayor said there were five excellent candidates who were considered for the city
manager position, and he thanked the city staff and the Council for conducting the search process
in a professional manner,
Dr. Gonzales thanked the media for being supportive throughout the process, as well as City
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
May 26, 1998
Page 3
Manager Hennings and his staff and fellow Council members. He concurred that the five candidates
were very qualified, and he said he hopes the community will share the Council's regard for Mr.
Garcia.
Council Members Garcia and Betty Jean Longoria also thanked the media for their
cooperation and Mr. Hennings for his leadership. Mr. Garcia asked Mr. Hennings to inform city staff
that the Council believes his successor will be effective as the new city manager.
Council Member Colmenero expressed his appreciation to Mr. Hennings, saying he had made
many contributions to this city and they look forward to a smooth transition of leadership.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the
Council meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. on May 27, 1998.
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