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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 08/25/1998I 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 August 25, 1998, which were approved by the City Council on September 8, 1998. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 8th day of September, 1998. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 2:00 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Melody Cooper* Alex L. Garcia Jr. Dr. Arnold Gonzales Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria Dr. David McNichols City Staff: City Manager David R. Garcia City Attorney James R. Bray Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Assistant City Secretary Mary Juarez ABSENT Mayor Pro Tem Edward A. Martin 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. Assistant City Secretary Juarez 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 August 18, 1998, and there being no corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. Mr. Louis Montoya said he was representing the South Texas Conference Coordinating Committee, which is comprised of over 50 professionals from throughout South Texas in various fields, including businesses, universities, government, Chambers of Commerce, and others. He announced that the "Future of the Region" conference will be held in Corpus Christi on September 28-30 and it will focus on four main topics: workforce development, sustainable economic development, environmental concerns, and infrastructure needs. He said over 150 political, civic and business leaders are expected to attend, and he noted that the three gold -level sponsors of the event are HEB, International Bank of Commerce, and Central Power & Light. Mr. Montoya invited the Council members to participate in the conference. *Council Member Cooper arrived at 2:10 p.m. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 2 * * * * * * * * * * * * * The next presentation was made by Police Chief Alvarez, who discussed the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) yearly totals for Corpus Christi. He explained that there are seven crimes, referred to as "index" crimes, that are specifically tracked to measure overall crime in the UCR: homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and auto theft. He said the overall crime rate in Corpus Christi has gone down from 30,467 crimes reported in 1996 to 29,770 in 1997. The Police Chief referred to several graphs of crime statistics which delineated the UCR yearly totals by category: homicide - 18 in both 1996 and 1997; rape - 276 in 1996, and 154 in 1997; robbery - 485 in 1996, and 428 in 1997; aggravated assault - 2,241 in 1996, and 2,267 in 1997; burglary - 3,773 in 1996, and 4,371 in 1997; larceny - 22,006 in 1996, and 20,899 in 1997; and auto theft - 1,668 in 1996, and 1,633 in 1997. Chief Alvarez also reviewed the UCR totals by crime category for the months of January through July for 1996, 1997 and 1998. Overall the totals for the first seven months of each year are 19,843 for 1996; 16,438 for 1997; and 14,801 for 1998, which is a reduction of 9.96%. Chief Alvarez said factors contributing to that decrease in crime include community involvement and support, such as the increased participation in the Neighbors on Watch program, and the timely arrest and prosecution of offenders due to increased cooperation with the prosecutors' office and the courts. He said the Police Department has also been forming partnerships with various groups who are interested in reducing crime in their areas of the city by utilizing several police resources and engaging in proactive policing. Mayor Neal said one of the key elements is the responsiveness of the Police Department to citizens' requests and concerns. In response to Council Member John Longoria, City Manager Garcia and Chief Alvarez discussed the need for a multi -disciplinary team consisting of code enforcement personnel and police officers to deal with the environmental problems (such as dilapidated houses) that often accompany crime situations. Mr. Longoria noted that the Council will be meeting with the board of the Crime Control and Prevention District on September 8th and that is one issue that can be discussed. Chief Alvarez also referred to gasoline thefts at filling stations and the development and use of the Uniform Crime Report. Council Member Garcia asked Chief Alvarez if he intended to provide statistical updates on a quarterly basis, and the Chief said he intended to report to the Council periodically; if they prefer quarterly reports he can provide them. The Chief also discussed the recently approved Gang Analysis Unit and the difference between thefts and offenses committed by "hot check" writers. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said it was important for the Council to be kept Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 3 informed about such issues as Police Department initiatives, particularly with regard to the partnership with the Code Enforcement Department. Mrs. Longoria added that she thought citizens should be alerted when crimes such as burglaries are committed in neighborhoods; she cited the example of when her own home was burglarized. Chief Alvarez said those issues can be addressed through the formation of the Citizens Advisory Council, one of the elements of the Crime Control District. The Police Chief also discussed enforcement of laws pertaining to handicapped parking. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Chief Alvarez explained how narcotics, prostitution and gang activity are interrelated, and he said the city's gang problem is under control and much progress has been made in the last few years. Council Member Gonzales said the community needs to be made aware of the Police Department's efforts, particularly since citizens showed their support of the Police Department by approving the formation of the Crime Control District. He asked if the department was receiving cooperation from the school districts in combating gang activity. Chief Alvarez replied that they were, and he added that the school districts asked to purchase some of the Police Department's radios so they can directly communicate with the police on their frequencies. Dr. Gonzales said he supports having quarterly (or more frequent) reports on the Police Department's progress. * * * * * * * * * * * * * City Manager Garcia gave the third presentation --an update on the FY 98-99 operating budget. He said that when the Council appointed him, one of the mandates they gave him was to stabilize and improve the city's financial condition. He pointed out that the city's bond rating has been downgraded several times in recent years and there are some major issues to be dealt with in the short-term that will require that a bond program be presented to the citizens. Mr. Garcia noted that on July 2811' the City Council adopted the FY 98-99 budget which appropriated $336,015,027, including $122,293,930 in the General Fund and $34,437,532 in the Debt Service Fund. He said he is generally supportive of the overall financial structure of the budget with some reservations, in particular the General Fund balance. Mr. Garcia said that even though the adopted budget appears to meet the fund balance requirement in the financial policy, it does not meet a current revenue to current expenditure test. The City Manager expressed concern about a series of expenses which should have been included in the General Fund but instead are included in the Debt Service Fund. He said that will place the city in a difficult position as staff attempts to plan for next year's budget. He also pointed out that the cost of new labor contracts with police and firefighters are not reflected in the current budget. Mr. Garcia said the concerns he was raising should be viewed as an early warning of Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 4 potential future problems, which can be avoided by prompt, decisive actions. Consequently, the City Manager announced that he is instituting a selective hiring freeze and more stringent expenditure controls in all city funds. He said the specifics of those actions are currently being developed by the Human Resources and Budget departments and he will be coming back to the Council with more detailed recommendations. Mr. Garcia said he anticipates that the budget will need to be reduced by approximately $5 million. With that flexibility, staff will be able to make the necessary transfers from the Debt Service Fund back into the General Fund, stabilize the Debt Service Fund, and accurately reflect the current expenditures. Mr. Garcia said he wished to continue plans for the 3% cost of living increase for city employees that the Council had approved in the budget, and he said at this time he does not anticipate a need for any additional revenue increases. He concluded that he will be reporting back to the Council on the savings that will be realized and how effective staff is in bringing the budget back into balance. Mayor Neal thanked the City Manager for making the budget a top priority, and he asked when the City Manager anticipated coming back to the Council with specific recommendations. Mr. Garcia replied that for the next four to five months he plans to work with department heads in scrutinizing the individual departments' expenditures to formulate a detailed expenditure package. Council Member John Longoria said the Council needs to address as a policy the issue of what constitutes a balanced budget, and he noted that the Council discussed that issue during the recent budget preparations. Responding to a question from Mr. Longoria, City Manager Garcia referred to a list he had provided to the Council of General Fund revenue and expenditure adjustments. He said that $4,396,095 is the amount that will be needed to come into compliance with the Council's financial policy of requiring a debt service reserve this year of about $2.5 million. However, he said, it is possible to comply with that policy and still be out of balance with expenditures and revenues. As a result, an additional $910,772 of expenditure reductions will be needed to balance revenues to expenditures. Mr. Garcia went on to say that since the city had had monies in reserve, the budget had been able to be out of balance in expenditures to revenues; however, those reserves have subsequently been drawn down in the last three years. He said that is why he is proposing that corrective actions be taken. Mr. Garcia added that the selective hiring freeze is a first step and the key is to turn those vacant positions into permanent reductions. Council Member Garcia asked Mr. Garcia how long he thought it would take for these actions to affect the city's bond rating. The City Manager said that while bond ratings usually go down much faster than they go up, the bond rating agencies closely monitor what happens in communities. He said as they see the financial changes being made, he feels it will begin to restore their confidence in Corpus Christi as an investment. He pointed out that the city has one strike Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 5 against it with the bond rating due to the tax cap, an artificial cap on the city's revenue. He said one way the city can circumvent that is to have adequate reserves and a strong demonstrated ability to meet its debts. In response to another question from Council Member Garcia, Mr. Garcia said that at this stage, these actions will not affect the services currently being provided to citizens. He said there will come a time --depending on the amount of money that is taken out of the budget --where there may not be a choice but to recommend to the Council certain program reductions. Mr. Garcia said he will have more information by the end of the year, depending on the savings that can be achieved in the existing operating budget. Council Member Garcia asked about the proposed selective hiring freeze. Mr. Garcia replied that there are certain positions throughout the city's organization that will need to be filled when vacancies occur in order to maintain existing service levels. Mr. Garcia also noted that there are several major infrastructure improvements to be made in the city, such as repairing the seawall, that would probably best be handled through a bond issue. Council Member McNichols said he supported the Council policy of rebuilding the General Fund ending balances; however, he said he had a problem during this last budget cycle with the planned deterioration of the Debt Service Fund, which he said has to be maintained and protected. Dr. McNichols added that the public needs to recognize that in the next budget cycle, service reductions will be necessary unless revenues increase. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Garcia explained that with regard to revenue enhancements, he did not anticipate any recommendations for tax increases or major fee increases. He said staff will be exploring additional revenue sources and they will be reviewing all of the city's current agreements. He reiterated that if staff is able to successfully conclude their negotiations with police officers and firefighters, those settlements will have to be included in the existing budget; at this time, they have provided a general estimate for both settlements. Council Member Gonzales said it is very important to plan the city's budget carefully and judiciously. He said he hopes they do not cut programs that are important in moving the city forward, such as better parks for children and improved crime control. He said he anticipated working with the City Manager on improving the budget. Mr. Garcia replied that staff will do their best, and he pointed out that the city's situation is simple: the money the city makes is not enough for the things the money is being spent on. He said there are difficult decisions facing them regarding the services the city can continue to provide. Dr. Gonzales said the Council will need to seek citizens' input and support to make those decisions. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said there are many needs in the community and it takes money to provide city services. She cited the example of the need for more funding for Vector Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 6 Control to better address the mosquito problem, which is prevalent in her district. Mr. Garcia said the challenge is to deal with budget concerns without jeopardizing the basic services the city provides to protect the health and safety of the community. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, referred to the reduced crime statistics and he commended Police Chief Alvarez, the Police Department employees, and citizens for actively fighting crime, in particular gang -related crimes. He said he is living proof that gang violence and drugs exist in Corpus Christi, and he cautioned against prison gangs. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said that last week he had commented on the lack of credibility of this City Council. He said that last week City Manager Garcia spoke to a group concerning the lack of trust by citizens of their city government, and one of his goals was to restore that trust and credibility. Mr. O'Brien said that unfortunately elected officials have accumulated massive debt for several projects, most of which he said were not voter -approved, such as the Lake Texana pipeline. He noted that on September 23rd the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission will be holding a hearing on the Garwood issue, and he questioned the legality of the Council holding a proposed closed meeting with the attorney on September 22'. He said if the city receives a permit for the Garwood water, it will cost about $15 million, in addition to a pipeline that will need to be built. He said the voters should have their say regarding the Garwood water issue. Mr Jimmie Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Rd., said he wished there was a way to encourage citizens to help keep the city clean, such as through a reminder in their utility statements. Mr. Tony Heldenfels questioned why the City Council does not have a meeting every Tuesday. He said Council Member McNichols, who is the representative of his district, was not present when the budget was finally approved by the Council. Mr. Heldenfels also said that he grew up at 431 Del Mar and he said that neighborhood is now in shambles; he compared the area to a Mexican barrio. He also noted that the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance has contracts with the city, and he questioned whether a legal opinion had been requested from someone other than the City Attorney regarding a possible conflict of interest for Council members who serve on the Alliance board. Ms. Mary Beth Nelson, 2721 Erie Dr., thanked the Council for approving a resolution pertaining to assisting firefighters' widows. In addition, she said the members of the Cable Communications Commission (of which she is the chairperson) are concerned about the problem of political advertising on the cable public access channel, and she asked the Council to further review the issue. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 7 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 2-7. Council members and audience members requested that Items 4, 5, and 7 be withheld for discussion. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2.a. M98-300 Motion amending an agreement with Columbia Riverside Hospital, Inc. for construction of the two cul-de-sac tee -turnarounds at County Road 69 and Riverway Drive and at County Road 69 and River Rock Drive by adding $5,164 to the reimbursement to be paid to the City and restating the not to exceed amount as $25,164. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 2.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023420 Ordinance appropriating $25,164 contributed by Columbia Riverside Hospital Inc. in the No. 220 Street Capital Projects Fund for construction of intersection closings at the intersections of County Road 69 and Riverway Drive and County Road 69 and River Rock Drive; adopting a portion of the FY98-99 Capital Budget to add $25,164 to the Streets Program. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 2.c. M98-301 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $23,969.58 with Bechtol Construction for the River Rock Drive and Riverway Drive road closings at the County Road 69 project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 3.a. M98-302 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of $764,781 from the Texas State Library and to execute all necessary documents for continued Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 8 operation of the South Texas Library System located at the Corpus Christi Public Library for the State Fiscal Year 1998-99. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 3.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023421 Ordinance appropriating $764,781 from the Texas State Library in the No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund for the continued operation of the South Texas Library System located at Corpus Christi Public Library. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 6. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Division 6, Municipal Arts Commission, Section 2-100, Established; Function; Membership and 2-101, Terms of Members by: renaming the Municipal Arts Commission to the Arts and Cultural Commission; expanding the membership from 15 to 17; and restructuring the appointment criteria for new members. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, rescinding an ordinance which authorized the closing of a utility easement. He then called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien said the original ordinance was passed on an emergency reading on June 16, 1998, and on July 28, 1998 the property owner notified the city that the easement closure was no longer needed. He said this was an example of the misuse of the emergency provision of the City Charter. Mr. R.H. Shackelford, Director of Engineering Services, replied that the property owner reevaluated his development plans and determined that the easement closure was not necessary. Council Member Garcia asked if a cost was incurred to the taxpayers in a situation such as this one. Mr. Shackelford responded that there is no filing fee, although some staff time was not Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 9 compensated. Mr. Garcia asked if staff could review the possibility of charging a fee if a change is made such as this and an ordinance has to be rescinded, and Mr. Shackelford said they could. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. ORDINANCE NO. 023422 Ordinance rescinding Ordinance No. 023339 which authorized the closing and abandoning of a 962.50 -square foot portion of a 10 -foot wide by 96.25 -foot long easement out of Lots 8 & 9, Padre Business Park. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 5, Senior Community Services funding. He then called for comments from the audience. Mr. R.F. Hasker questioned the construction and operation of the new senior center located at the Garden Center. Mayor Neal replied that the city has been seeking citizen input regarding the design and conversion of the Garden Center facility for the new senior center. He said the plans called for joint use of the facility by the Garden Clubs and the city. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. ORDINANCE NO. 023423 Ordinance transferring $695,668 from the No. 102 General Fund to the No. 162 FederaUState Grants Fund; appropriating $695,668 in the No. 162 FederaUState Grants Fund as matching funds for Senior Community Services Programs An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, Sister City Committee administration. Responding to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Dan Whitworth, Acting Director of Park and Recreation, said the chairperson of the committee follows the same attendance rules as the other Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 10 committee members. He said the appropriate city department reports attendance records of city board members and provides that information to the City Secretary's Office, who then informs the Council. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. ORDINANCE NO. 023424 Amending the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration - Division 13, Sister City Committee, Section 2-154, Officers, by changing the method of electing officers; Section 2-155, Minutes, Etc., by standardizing the time frame for distribution of minutes; and Section 2-156, Funds, by correcting the department's name. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for a 10 -minute recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on Item 8, proposed 1998 ad valorem property tax rate of $0.623726 per $100 valuation. He then called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien said City Manager Garcia's plans to reduce General Fund expenditures are encouraging news. He commented that it would be preferable if the Council reduced the proposed tax rate, adding that he is opposed to adopting the tax rate as presented. Council Member Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Colmenero, and passed (Martin absent). Mayor Neal announced that on September 8, 1998, at the Council meeting beginning at 2 p.m. at City Hall, the City Council will vote on the proposed tax rate. Responding to Council Member McNichols, City Manager Garcia pointed out that the proposed tax rate is exactly the same as last year's tax rate: $0.623726 per $100 valuation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on Item 9, extension of Stone Henge Street. There were no comments from the audience. Council Member Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member McNichols, and passed (Martin absent). Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 11 City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9. RESOLUTION NO, 023425 Resolution relating to the taking of a portion of Brockhampton Park for the construction of the extension of Stone Henge Street. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 10, airport capital improvement program. Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, explained that in March the Council authorized staff to move forward with the completion of a financial feasibility study to determine if the reconstruction of the airport terminal could be completed using the airport's finances. The conclusion was that it could be done, which Ms. Bonnie Allin, Director of Aviation, explained. She said that pursuant to the Council's directive, for more than nine years the airport has been operated and maintained solely with airport -generated revenue, including the completion of more than $20 million of capital improvement projects (predominantly on the airfield itself). Ms Allin said the financial feasibility analysis focused on the airport's ability to complete its five-year capital improvement program on a user -pay basis, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, passenger facility charges, and operating revenues for the FAA - ineligible portions of the projects. She said a revenue bond sale is proposed, which will be funded with passenger facility charges and operating revenues. She added that the FAA, the signatory airlines, and the city's Airport Advisory Board concur with the capital improvement program and the feasibility plan. Ms. Allin said if the Council approves the recommendation, the next step will be to negotiate amendments on the consulting contracts to accomplish a detailed planning and programming study for the terminal and landside reconstruction program. The consultants and staff will seek input from the Council, Airport Advisory Board, airlines, and airport tenants on specific aspects of the program. In addition, studies of the concession area and the curbside and parking lots will be conducted. Mr. Mike Brown, President of the John F. Brown Company, explained that the airport's capital improvement program is preliminarily estimated to be $36 million. He said it is anticipated that the airport will issue revenue bonds of about $17 million, secured solely by airport revenues without any recourse to the taxing authority of the City of Corpus Christi. Mr. Brown said annual debt service on the bonds would increase to approximately $2 1 million, and a portion of that debt Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 12 service will be satisfied by the passenger facility charges. In preparing the financial feasibility plan, he said they made projections of passengers, revenues, and operating expenses. In response to Mayor Neal, Mr. Brown explained that the passenger facility charges (PFCs) are not part of the negotiated fees and charges that the air carriers pay the airport; rather, the PFCs are set by federal law and currently the maximum rate is $3 per enplaned passenger. He said the current agreements with the airlines will expire in 2001, and the expectation is that the city will enter into negotiations in the next six to 12 months to extend those agreements through 2006 or longer. Replying to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Brown said that since Congress establishes the PFCs, they can also take them away. However, all airports around the country conduct their financial planning predicated upon the continuation of the $3 PFC per enplaned passenger. Council Member Garcia pointed out that changes in jet service have occurred in Corpus Christi, and Mr. Brown said they have taken that factor and others into account. He said they believe their financial projections are achievable. He added that preliminary discussions with the air carriers would indicate that they are receptive to changes in their agreement (as outlined in the plan). He noted that the Council had received a copy of a letter from the chairman of the Corpus Christi Airline/Airport Affairs Committee, which endorsed the plan at their August 11, 1998 meeting. Council Member John Longoria asked about the county airport, and Ms Allin replied that the county airport also receives monies from the FAA's Airport Improvement Grant Program. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Ms. Allin reiterated that the change from jet service to turboprop service for some carriers has been incorporated into the plan. In reply to another question from Council Member Garcia, Ms. Allin said there is a formula which drives the rates and charges, of which the debt service is included along with the airport's operation and maintenance costs. She said that formula is recalculated annually based on the projected budget and the prior year's actual revenues and expenses. She added that staff hopes their marketing efforts will bring in more revenues from other sources which, in turn, will help ease the airlines' rates. In addition, Ms. Allin said the inclusion of additional passengers resulting from the possible operation of a cruise ship here will be taken into account in the airport's design. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 10.a. RESOLUTION NO 023426 Resolution approving the financial feasibility plan to fund the five-year capital improvement program for Corpus Christi International Airport, including the terminal reconstruction program. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 13 The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 10.b. RESOLUTION NO. 023427 Resolution expressing official intent to reimburse costs of the Corpus Christi Airport project. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 11, Flour Bluff Branch Library. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Herb Canales, Director of Libraries, said discussions are underway with the Flour Bluff Independent School District regarding the possible joint use of the branch library. He said the major components of the possible agreement would be that the school district would lease to the city for $1 per year approximately 24,000 square feet, which is about twice the amount of space that would be needed for the library facility. In addition, the school district would provide the rights of ingress and egress on the driveways and a minimum of 50 parking spaces (a savings of about $60,000). He said the district would build, at their expense, a corridor from Flour Bluff High School to the library (with city approval of those plans), and the city and the school district would jointly operate the library building, which would also provide savings to the city. Mrs. Longoria commented on the small size of the Northwest Branch Library. Mr. Canales said another interesting aspect of the possible partnership with FBISD is to develop programs where young people engage in activities on behalf of senior citizens, such as teach them how to use computers or play musical instruments for them. In response to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Canales said their target date to open the library is the summer of 2000. Council Member John Longoria commented on the example that this partnership can provide for others around the state. Council Member Garcia pointed out that the anonymous donation of $1.84 million, which is making the library construction possible, was specifically earmarked for the Flour Bluff Branch Library. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. M98-303 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract for Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 14 architectural/engineering services with Gignac and Associates for a total fee not to exceed $109,850 for the Flour Bluff Branch Library. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, regional water planning activities. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Replying to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said the purpose of this and other studies through the Texas Water Development Board is to share information on water resources across the state. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12.a. M98-304 Motion authorizing the City of Corpus Christi's proportional contribution of the 25% local share for regional water planning activities required by Senate Bill 1, 75`" Texas Legislature, in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement for Regional Water Planning Activities approved by Motion M98-034. The contribution shall be $115,000 on behalf of the City and the political subdivisions which purchase water from the City. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. 12.b. M98-305 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a one-year Interlocal Agreement for Regional Water Planning Services with the Nueces River Authority whereby 1) the City will provide $10,000 as a local co-sponsor of a study funded by the Texas Water Development Board on technologies for desalting brackish and saline waters, and 2) the City will pay the Authority $5,000 per month to coordinate public outreach programs in the regional water service area, identify funding for regional and inter -regional water resources development, track developments in water supply technologies, investigate environmental issues, and monitor the proposed desalination facility in Tampa Bay. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 15 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, Bayfest street closings. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. In response to Council Member Garcia, City Manager Garcia discussed the calculation of police overtime and the police services that are provided during Bayfest. A brief discussion ensued, and Mr. Whitworth said staff could provide information regarding costs to the city of the Bayfest event. Council Member Garcia also asked how construction of the new federal courthouse will affect Bayfest. Mr. Whitworth replied that the Bayfest contract contains language that the configuration of the event could be impacted by the courthouse construction. Mr. Utter added that Shoreline Boulevard will not be the principle access route to the federal courthouse. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13. M98-306 Motion approving the application from Bayfest, Inc. to temporarily close the following street sections for the Bayfest '98 Festival, September 25 - 27, 1998: a. Northbound Shoreline Boulevard (inside lane only), between westbound Interstate 37 and Hughes Street, from 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 16 through 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 25 and from 6:00 a.m. Monday, September 28 through 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 1998. b. Southbound Shoreline Boulevard (full closure), between westbound Interstate 37 and Hughes Street, from 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 16 through 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 1998. c. Northbound Shoreline Boulevard (full closure), between westbound Interstate 37 and Hughes Street, from 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 25 through 6:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 1998. d. North Water Street (full closure), between Fitzgerald Street and Hughes Street, from 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 25 through 6:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 1998. e. Power Street, Resaca Street, Palo Alto Street, Fitzgerald Street, and Hughes Street (full closures), each between Water Street and N. Shoreline Boulevard, from 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 25 through 6:00 a.m. Monday, September 28, 1998. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, implementation of a GIS system for Lake Corpus Christi. 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 August 25, 1998 Page 16 14. RESOLUTION NO. 023428 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Agreement with Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi to develop, design and implement a Geographic Information System that catalogs existing pier structures on Lake Corpus Christi. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, lighting improvements on Greenwood Drive and the bayfront parks. He called for comments from the audience. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, criticized the proposed lighting improvements on Greenwood Drive, saying that it benefits Central Power and Light. In reply to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Crull said it is necessary to install street lights on both sides of Greenwood Drive in order to provide a continuous lighting pattern with level illumination of the pavement. Council Member McNichols asked what the city's total annual operating cost is for the lighting system; Mr. Crull replied that it is approximately $2.3 million. Dr. McNichols asked if any savings could be achieved by turning off some of the street lights when traffic counts are low at night time. Mr. Crull said the power costs are only part of the tariff rate and it would probably not be cost- effective to do that. Responding to another question from Mr. Garcia, Mr. Crull said the lights to be used in the bayfront parks (Item 15.b.) will be the same type used in the Downtown Management District area. Referring to a map of the bayfront parks, Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked if Kinney Street would be closed in the area between the old City Hall site and Sherrill Park. Mr. Crull said it would be closed for special events but not permanently because it is one of the feeder areas off of the Agnes/Laredo corridor. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 15.a. M98-307 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Central Power & Light Company to install continuous street lighting improvements along Greenwood Drive, between South Padre Island Drive and Saratoga Boulevard, at a cost not to exceed $100,000. Minutes Regular Council Meeting August 25, 1998 Page 17 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; J. Longoria and Martin absent. 15.b. M98-308 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Central Power & Light Company to install lighting improvements within Sherrill Park, McCaughan Park and the new Central Park at a cost not to exceed $21,071. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; J. Longoria and Martin absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, regarding cable television access channel. The Council went into closed session. The Council returned from closed session. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia referred to information he had acquired from the Texas Municipal League regarding legislative policy issues. He said staff will be developing policy issues specifically pertaining to Corpus Christi, many of which will compliment the state policy issues. He said staff will provide that to the Council in the near future. Mr. Garcia also distributed to the Council a list of community meetings as part of the empowerment zone application process. He added that 11 firefighters from Corpus Christi were sent to Del Rio to assist in the search and rescue for victims of a devastating flood. He said Corpus Christi's lake levels have risen as a result of the recent heavy rains over the watershed, Mr. Garcia announced that Mr. Shackelford is retiring from the city effective August 315` Mr. Shackelford said he is concluding 40 years of working in facilities engineering, the last four of which were with the city, and he is grateful to have served as City Engineer. Mayor Neal and Council members wished Mr. Shackelford good luck upon his retirement. City Manager Garcia noted that the next Council meeting will be held September 8, 1998, beginning at noon with a joint luncheon meeting with the board of the Crime Control District. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m. on August 25, 1998.