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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/15/1998I 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 September 15, 1998, which were approved by the City Council on September 22, 1998. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 22nd day of September, 1998. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 2:05 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Edward A. Martin Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Melody Cooper Alex L. Garcia Jr. Betty Jean Longoria Dr. David McNichols ABSENT Dr. Arnold Gonzales John Longoria City Staff: City Manager David R. Garcia 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 Dr. J. Michael Morris, Pastor of Faith Temple, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member McNichols. 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 joint and regular Council meetings of September 8, 1998; there being no corrections, he proclaimed them approved as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was made by Mr. Frank Brogan, Project Manager of the Lake Texana pipeline. He said last month they had successfully filled and tested the line, and they are now proceeding with the start-up process for the pump stations; in addition, right-of-way restoration will be completed. He showed slides of various aspects of the project, including the booster pump stations, which will be operated through the central controls at Lake Texana via radio towers located next to the booster stations. Mr. Brogan stated that the project will come in just under the budget and they expect water to begin moving through the line later in September. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 2 Council Member Martin suggested that Mr. Brogan give a presentation on the project's budget, particularly in light of the opposition that had been expressed to the pipeline project. Mr. Martin also asked staff to give a presentation on the operating plan, and City Manager Garcia said they would. Council Member Colmenero also requested information about how the radio control towers will operate during a storm. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The next presentation was made by Dr. Ronald Waters, of Freese & Nichols Inc., who gave the quarterly progress report on the Wesley Seale Dam spillway stabilization project. Dr. Waters said the design engineers have been moving forward in three areas: at the dam site to collect information necessary for the completion of the design, including relief well testing and anchor testing; off-site studies, including hydraulic model studies at Utah State University and a roller compacted concrete test program; in-house design work in Fort Worth, where they are investigating the stability analysis of the spillways and the structural analysis of the mat foundation underneath the spillway buttresses. Dr. Waters said Freese & Nichols are also beginning the environmental permitting process, including discussing with the Corps of Engineers various aspects of construction that might affect the local area. He said another activity is the instrumentation monitoring and reporting. Dr. Waters said the design is on schedule to produce a bid package in March 1999, and they are projecting that their budget estimates are adequate for the restoration of the dam. He added that they believe the level of Lake Corpus Christi should remain at 91 feet. He explained that the extensometers indicate that during the cycle of a year, the dam tilts downstream and then tilts back upstream as the temperatures change. However, there is an indication at one extensometer in the south spillway of inelastic response, which could be progressive over time. Mayor Neal asked Dr. Waters about his reference in the report to the motorization of the north spillway gates and the cost associated with that. Dr. Waters explained that one of the tasks given to Freese & Nichols was to investigate the north spillway gates and how they can be operated during an extreme flood, which was an issue raised by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. He said they concluded that in the short-term, the city could increase the number of operators needed to open the north spillway gates during a flood; or a long-term solution could be to phase-in a modification of the gates so they will open automatically. Council Member Martin pointed out that the situation of the north spillway gates has existed since the initial design of the dam, and it needs to be treated as a separate capital project. Responding to a question from Mr. Martin, Dr. Waters said Freese & Nichols had reported that the difference in the cost between repairing the dam and leaving it at elevation 91 was less than $2 million. He added that it will probably be three years before the lake level can return to 94 feet. In reply to Council Member Colmenero, Dr. Waters said they do not anticipate having to lower the lake level below 91 feet during the construction period or at any time in the near future. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 3 * * * * * * * * * * * ** The last presentation was made by Mr. Dan Whitworth, Acting Director of Park and Recreation, concerning the city's Latchkey Program. He explained that the program was established in 1985 as a result of an article in the Corpus Christi Caller -Times about the after-school care needs of children. The article led to a needs assessment which concluded that parents' preferred solution was an extended care program after school for which they were willing to pay. He said the city's Park and Recreation Department and Corpus Christi Independent School District formed a partnership in which the school district provides facilities, utilities, and custodial services and the city provides staffing, program planning, supplies, equipment, and administration. Mr. Whitworth said the Latchkey Program is licensed by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services and today it has over 2,200 children in grades K-6 participating at 31 schools. He said a study of the program was commissioned and it was undertaken by Peter A. Witt, Ph.D., from the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University - College Station. The study evaluated program staffing, content, and facilities, and information was collected from principals, staff, children, and parents through surveys and interviews at 12 sites. Mr. Whitworth reviewed ratings that were made of the program and recommendations regarding licensing, staffing, program enhancements, and intergovernmental partnerships. He said during the next year city staff will evaluate the viability of using the self -licensing approach for the Latchkey Program and investigate the possibility of adding staff to all the sites. He also discussed staff training, improved supplies, and a pilot program that is being developed through the cooperation of principals at four schools to offer tutoring and homework assistance. Mayor Neal suggested that staff consider involving the PTA in developing the tutoring element of the Latchkey Program. Council Member Garcia asked if there has ever been a mission statement for the program. Mr. Whitworth said the mission has been to provide affordable, after-school care for children who would otherwise go home alone. Mr. Garcia said he is a strong supporter of the Latchkey Program but he believes it should be the responsibility of the school districts. In response to another question from Mr. Garcia, Mr. Whitworth said staff is estimating that the Latchkey Program will have a deficit this year of about $45,000 for direct costs, even with the fee increase that was incorporated this year. He reiterated that city staff are working with school district staff in developing homework assistance and tutoring programs. He noted that the city initially took on the Latchkey Program because they had expertise in providing recreational activities for children in cafeteria settings, such as through the summer recreation programs. Mr. Whitworth went on to say that when the Latchkey Program was first established, the Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 4 revenues covered the costs. Later, in order to not exclude any students from the program, the city began offering scholarships, which began to change the balance of revenues to expenditures. City Manager Garcia said the $45,000 deficit in the Latchkey Program is not going to be meaningful in terms of the $5 million that staff is trying to pull together from all the different budget sources. However, he said, there are some policy issues regarding the Latchkey Program that need to be reviewed with the Council. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Whitworth said the ratio in the Latchkey Program is one staff member to 20 participants. He said he feels that the scope of the program is such that it is difficult for private providers to offer the services the city provides. He said there are many variables staff will be studying with regard to self -licensing. City Manager Garcia said the city will continue to emphasize children's safety in its administration of the program. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria suggested that the city consider the possibility of using senior citizens to help in a tutoring program. Council Member Martin said the Latchkey Program is a tremendous asset and he pointed out that it could be operated on a break-even basis but the Council has continued to direct that scholarships be made available for those who cannot afford to pay the full cost. He acknowledged that the Council members are frustrated and want the school districts to take an active role in the program, but the Council members and the school trustees have not yet met to discuss the issue. Council Member Cooper thanked the Park and Recreation Department for their efforts regarding the Latchkey Program, She said she doubted the school districts would help fund the program at all. Mr. Garcia commented that the Latchkey Program has evolved from a recreation -based program to an educational format, which is not the Latchkey staff's area of expertise. He said the city may need to assist in funding the program while at the same time recognizing that the quality of the program needs to be improved. Mr. Garcia then made a motion to ask City Secretary Chapa to schedule a meeting with the independent school districts currently operating a Latchkey Program; the motion was seconded by Mrs. Longoria. Mayor Neal suggested that a joint meeting be held first between the City Council and the Corpus Christi Independent School District Board. He called for a voice vote of the motion, and it passed (Gonzales and J. Longoria absent). * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 5 Ms. Marie Speer, 909 Red Start, said she thought the city's lobbyists should work together to make the JFK Causeway elevation project the state's first priority. She added that she did not think the county or the city should be required to contribute funds to the project since she said it is the state's responsibility. She cited the importance of Mustang Island State Park and the Padre Island National Seashore; she added that Padre Island could be utilitized much better as a tourism destination. Mr. Byron Wooldridge, 6705 Deerwood, referred to a presentation given a few weeks ago by Mr. James Dodson concerning the Regional Water Planning Group and, specifically, the issue of desalination. He said Mr. Dodson implied that engineers who are involved in designing, operating, and maintaining refineries are not qualified in the area of desalination. He said he had espoused cogeneration MED as an economical way for Corpus Christi citizens to have the water and power they needed, but he said Mr. Dodson and CPL representatives said it was not economically feasible. He said the reason they gave was that CPL had a plentiful supply of power or could purchase it cheaply. However, Mr. Wooldridge added, both CPL and the Texas Public Utility Commission recently expressed concern about curtailing electricity usage. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 3-7. Council members and an audience member requested that Items 4 and 6 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 3. M98-317 Motion approving the purchase of a cutaway cab & chassis with delivery van body, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0003-99, from Padre Ford, Corpus Christi, based on the low bid of $30,460. The truck is to be used by the Senior Community Services and funds are available through Federal/State Grants Fund for a replacement unit. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Gonzales and J. Longoria absent. 5. M98-319 Motion stating that the City has no objection to the proposed issue by the Coastal Bend Health Facilities Development Corporation of its Incarnate Word Health System Revenue Bonds, Series 1998, in the principal sum not to exceed $150 million and the Mayor's approval of such bonds under Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 6 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Gonzales and J. Longoria absent. 7. ORDINANCE NO. 023437 Approving, ratifying, confirming and accepting two time -of -use tariffs and related contracts filed by Central Power and Light Company for the furnishing of electricity and electric service within the City of Corpus Christi, Texas. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Gonzales and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, moving Lawrence House to Heritage Park. Ms. Marie Speer pointed out that Theodore "Buddy" Lawrence had been a County Commissioner for many years, and she suggested that the county may wish to contribute toward moving the house and helping to renovate it. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. M98-318 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with JFK House Movers in the amount of $57,940 to move the Theodore Merchant "Buddy" Lawrence house from 1217 McBride Lane to Heritage Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Gonzales and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, Complete Count Committee. He asked Mrs. Evangelina Chapa, Community Partnership Specialist with the 2000 Census, to briefly explain the importance of the Complete Count Committee. Mrs. Chapa said the purpose of the committee is to help motivate people to participate in the 2000 census so as to eliminate the undercount. She noted that the census provides important demographical information for the next 10 years and it is in the best interest of every community to establish its own Complete Count Committee. Mayor Neal said that Corpus Christi's committee will consist of no more than 20 members Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 7 appointed by the City Council who will serve from November 1, 1998 to June 30, 2000. City Secretary Chapa explained that once the Council approves the resolution, a press release will be sent out informing the public about the establishment of the Complete Count Committee and asking that interested persons submit their names to the Council or to the City Secretary's Office for appointment in early October. Council Member McNichols complimented the media for beginning to publicize the Complete Count Committee and he commented on the importance of people participating in the census. Council Member Garcia asked for regular updates on the status of the census. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6. RESOLUTION NO, 023436 Resolution establishing a Complete Count Committee for the City of Corpus Christi to help promote full participation in the 2000 Census. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Gonzales and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 8. Case No. 798-4, Paul Keller Investments, Ltd.: A change of zoning from a "B-3" Business District to an "I-2" Light Industrial District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Block 41, being 7.404 acres out of Lot 6, located on the northwest corner of Graham Road and Flour Bluff Drive. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "I-2" Light Industrial District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a boat storage facility subject to a site plan and five (5) conditions. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Dr. Demarious Frey, 14353 Aquarius, said the subject property belongs to her family and they are interested in building mini -storage and boat storage units there. She said the property is currently zoned `B-3" and they feel that although less desirable uses would be allowed under "B-3" as a matter of right, they believe the boat barns would be less intrusive and produce less traffic. She urged the Council to approve the special permit for the boat storage units. Mr. Larry Ludka, 1631 Graham Rd., said he owns Lots 19-24 in Oak Harbor Estates, a five- Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 8 acre tract across the street from the subject property. He said with the exception of the Freys, the other residents in that immediate area object to the proposed boat storage units. He said that area is very quiet and could not withstand additional traffic, particularly large vehicles towing boats. In response to Council Member Martin, Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager of Development Services, said the 20% rule was not in effect. He said there was one notice in opposition to the zoning request from within the 200 -foot notification area, and eight responses in opposition from outside the notification area. Mr. Michael Gunning, Acting Director of Planning and Development, described the uses of the adjacent properties. Mr. Utter said that about three-fourths of the subject property is located within the Navy's APZ-2 zone, which recommends no more than one to two residential units per acre, which is why this property was zoned `B-3." He said that in "B-3" mini -storage units are allowed as long as they do not exceed 300 square feet, and since boat barns are usually larger than 300 square feet, the special permit was being recommended. Mr. Utter said staff felt that boat barns would generate less traffic than mini -storage units. Mr. Gunning said two of the Planning Commission members voted against the special permit because they felt the proposed use was not sensitive to the presence of a pond on the property; however, the majority of the commissioners approved it. Mrs. Linda Nee Beck, 1725 Graham Rd., said the proposed boat storage units will bring much unwanted traffic into what she described as a safe, quiet neighborhood. Ms. Jane Harvey, 1718 Wittner Place, said she and her husband recently finished building their retirement home on the corner of Graham Road. She said there are many wildlife in that area and it is safe for children. Mr. Rick Haynes, of Naismith Engineering, said he was representing the applicant. He reiterated that while the current "B-3" allows mini -storage usage, the applicant instead wanted to build boat barns because they felt there would be less traffic. He noted that vehicular access is restricted to Flour Bluff Drive. Council Member Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member McNichols, and passed (Cooper, Gonzales and J. Longoria absent). In response to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Utter described the conditions that would be included with the special permit. Dr. McNichols asked if noise restrictions were placed on the subject property, and Mr. Gunning said they were not. Dr. McNichols asked what the distance is between the subject property and the adjacent residential properties; it was determined that they are about 250 to 300 feet in distance. Mr. Garcia asked how long the property has been zoned `B-3," and Mr. Gunning said it has been `B-3" for several years. Mr. Garcia said he supported the rezoning because he felt the use was sufficiently restrictive while still allowing the business to develop. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 9 Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: FAILED Amending, the Zoning O.di.narnee ape,n application by Paul Kello-hiv,stments7L-tlay.., Flum Bluff and Enci..al Farm a,td Garden Tracts, subject to a sitc and fivc (5) Comp cb�trsive Plain. The foregoing ordinance failed to pass by the following vote: Garcia, B. Longoria, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero, Martin, and McNichols voting "No"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 9. Case No. 798-5, George Taylor: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District with a "SP" Special Permit and "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District with a "SP" Special Permit to a `B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Port Aransas Cliffs, Block 816A, Lots 65 and 66, located on the east side of South Alameda Street, approximately 300 feet south of Ropes Street. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "B-1" Neighborhood Business District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a shopping center subject to a site plan and eight (8) conditions. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council Member Garcia made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Colmenero, and passed (Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent). In response to Mr. Garcia, Mr. Utter said the original piece of property is under a special permit, and the south portion adjacent to Brawner Parkway has been sold and is planned to become a health (weight -loss) clinic. He said the original special permit allowed a free-standing sign up to 40 square feet, and the applicant is requesting the use of two free-standing signs, one on each piece of property, but together they would be less than 40 square feet. Mr. Garcia asked how this would affect the flow of traffic on Alameda, and Mr. Utter said they did not think it would impact traffic any more than the previous retail uses there did. Mr. Garcia said he thought a traffic signal was needed on Alameda between Texan Trail and Doddridge. Mr. Gunning added that the special permit would authorize the medical clinic use. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 10 Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Utter said the original special permit did not specifically list a medical clinic as a permitted use. He said the proposal is to retain the zoning of "R -1B" and "R-2" with a special permit and to approve a special permit for the medical clinic. Council Member Martin said he thought signage could not be addressed with a special permit. Mr. Utter replied that staff felt this was a unique case in which the property which previously allowed a certain size sign was divided into two properties, and the two new signs would not exceed the original maximum signage area. In response to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Gunning said that at the time the building permit was issued, it was the opinion of the Building Division and the Code Enforcement Officer that the proposed use was allowed as a shopping center use. He said the rezoning application initially was for the additional sign. After further review, the Legal Department advised that the medical weight -loss clinic was not an allowable use under the current special permit. Consequently, the rezoning application was refiled to allow the medical clinic use as well as to accommodate the additional sign. Mr. Martin asked if this case was estoppel. City Attorney Bray said that if the owners are aware that the zoning does not support the use that is being constructed but they continue anyway, they could be taking a risk. However, he said it could be a close question. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9. ORDINANCE NO 023438 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by George Taylor, by granting a Special Permit for a shopping center on Lots 65 and 66, Block 816A, Port Aransas Cliffs, subject to a site plan and eight (8) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviation from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 10. Case No. 898-2 F & T Body_ Shop: A change of zoning from a "B-3" Business District to an "I-2" Light Industrial District on Flour Bluff Estates Unit 2, Block 8, Lot 26B, located on the northeast corner of Claride Street and Naval Air Station Drive. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 11 City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "I-2" Light Industrial District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council Member Martin made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, and passed (Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent). Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO 023439 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by F & T Body Shop, by changing the zoning map in reference to Lot 26B, Block 8, Unit 2, Flour Bluff Estates from "B-3" Business District to "I-2" Light Industrial District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviation from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for a 10 -minute recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 11, bayfront improvement projects. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. The Mayor then asked about the land area covered by the proposed construction contract. Mr. Utter said the map in the support material was incorrect and he referred to the correct map and described the area to be constructed with landscaping, irrigation and sidewalks. He pointed out that the area from the closed portion of Water Street to Chaparral Street next to IH -37 will be used as a "lay -down" yard for construction of the new federal courthouse on Shoreline Boulevard. Council Member Garcia asked if that portion of the bayfront improvements could be delayed until after the federal courthouse is constructed. Mr. Utter said since that portion was not included in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant, theoretically it could be delayed but staff saw no reason to do so. He said a large amount of money has already been spent to relocate the lanes of IH - 37 and this was a good time and price to proceed with this project. He added that the new courthouse will not be completed for 24 to 30 months, and he commented on the need to improve the entranceway for the Bayfront Arts and Sciences Park on Chaparral Street. A brief discussion ensued regarding parking in that area. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 12 City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. M98-320 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $204,867.96 with Fox Nursery for the Bayfront Improvement Projects: Interstate 37 Park, Phase I project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Garcia voting "No"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, purchase of golf cars. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Council Member McNichols said this proposal was to spend over $300,000 to purchase a whole new fleet of golf cars even though they are four years old. He asked if they had reached the end of their useful life. Mr. Whitworth said the frames are what give out generally; batteries and tires are not covered under the warranty. He said the reason they replace the whole fleet is to try to maintain a standard inventory on repair parts to control costs. He said this bid includes a four-year bumper -to -bumper warranty on the carts and at the end of three years staff will evaluate the fleet so there will not be a lot of carts out of service before the contract is renewed. Mr. Mike Gordon, Assistant Director of Operations, said the average life span of a golf cart is three to five years depending on usage and the course conditions. He said in order to accommodate a phased -in replacement program the carts would have to have a longer Life span of at least five years. He said the condition of the fleet at this time warrants full replacement. Council Member Martin said it is less expensive to replace the fleet at one time, and he noted that the fleet will be paid for in 11/2 years and the other 21/4 years of the contract will be profitable because they are paid for by the users. Council Member Garcia asked if staff had tried to sell the used carts to golfers or interested parties. Mr. Gordon replied that historically the carts are more valuable as trade-ins than selling them on the open market. He added that he would like to investigate what would legally be permissible with regard to a Long-term relationship with a single vendor, which would allow them to percentage out the fleet on an ongoing basis. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked if there was a need for more carts, and Mr. Gordon said this size fleet will be sufficient once all the carts are operational. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 13 City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12.a. M98-321 Motion approving the purchase of 140 golf cars, less trade in value for 133 golf cars, for Oso and Gabe Lozano golf courses, and 4 golf cars for the Police Department in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0157-98, from EZ GO/Textron Gulf Coast, Humble, Texas, for the net total of $328,486, based on low bid. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols voting "No"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. 12.b. M98-322 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a financing agreement with Frost Leasing, Albuquerque, New Mexico for 140 golf cars at the interest rate of 5.93% for a period of three years, for a total of $29,795, based on low total bid. Grand Total of Awards: Golf Cars for Oso & Gabe Lozano Centers $316,806 Financing for above cars 29.795 Subtotal $346,601 Golf Cars for Police 11 680 Total $358,281 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, and Neal voting "Aye"; McNichols voting "No"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. ************ Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, policy for upgrading traffic signal hardware. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. In response to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said that with the proposed policy in place, the Federal Emergency Management Agency would pay the cost differential between the overhead spanwire-suspended traffic signals and the cantilevered signals in order to better prepare areas against future storms and thus save the agency money in the long run. He added that there are about 215 spanwire installations in the city and staff has been installing about five cantilevered signals per year, each one costing about $90,000. He said they also try to take advantage of state funding when possible. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 14 Replying to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Crull said staff learned of this FEMA policy some time ago when they began working on the hurricane and debris management programs and began working to implement it. A brief discussion followed about collapsible barrels. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13. RESOLUTION NO. 023440 Resolution amending the resolution adopting policies and general rules and procedures of the City Council to add a new policy for upgrading traffic signalized intersections throughout the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, to storm -resistant hardware and that newly signalized intersections constructed by the City of Corpus Christi and by the Texas Department of Transportation within the City of Corpus Christi city limits and its extra -territorial jurisdiction by constructed with storm -resistant hardware. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, Mustang Island beach access project. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Responding to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Utter said that a few years ago the city was required to prepare a dune protection and beach access plan. In the area from Mustang Island State Park north to the city limits of Port Aransas, the plan called for beach access points approximately every one-half mile. He said the beach access points do not necessarily have to be roads; for instance, this one is proposed to be (at some time in the future) a long, narrow, double -loaded parking lot with a dune walk -over. He added that there would be no cost to maintain the access points and at this point the cost is to purchase the land. City Manager Garcia said the action was being taken now because the land in this area is about to be developed and beach access for the public needed to be secured for the future. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14. M98-323 Motion authorizing the acquisition of a 3.5 acre tract of land on the east side of State Highway 361 (Park Road 53) for $69,514 in connection with the Mustang Island Beach Access Project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, B. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper, Gonzales, and J. Longoria absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 15 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal announced that the closed session regarding telecommunications and cable television franchise grants and renewals would be canceled. The Mayor then referred to plans for the dedication of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline on September 29, 1998. He also commented on citizens' concerns in the Del Mar/Louisiana area, and he announced that there will be a neighborhood clean- up on September 19, 1998 in the Tarlton/McArthur/Belton/Greenwood area. He added that although Tropical Storm Frances bypassed Corpus Christi, it gave officials the chance to test their emergency operations procedures. He then called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member Garcia said he had received some calls from citizens regarding a news report about the San Patricio Municipal Water District (SPMWD) tapping into the Lake Texana pipeline. City Manager Garcia replied that the Council approved a contract with the SPMWD on March 4, 1997. He said the news story gave the impression that San Patricio County was getting a discounted rate by tying into the pipeline; the reality is that they are being charged the same raw water rate that is charged to all customers. In addition, the SPMWD has to pay to transmit the water either from the Stevens Water Treatment Plant or directly from the pipeline, which costs less than pumping it from the treatment plant. Mr. Crull said the raw water contract with the SPMWD specifies that they can take 20% of the water in the pipeline, whether it comes from the plant, the Calalien pool or the pipeline tap. Other water customers include the cities of Alice, Beeville, and Mathis, which take water out of Lake Corpus Christi; Celanese Chemicals in Bishop; and Koch Refining. He said Celanese officials have approached staff about taking water directly from the pipeline, which would cost less for them. He said that action would have to be approved by the Council. City Manager Garcia explained that the price for the water is based on the cost to get it through the pipeline, and the city recovers all of its costs from its customers; the variable in the cost is the transmission cost (pumping, etc.). Mr. Crull said there is a caveat in the city's contract with the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority which requires that at least 19,000 acre-feet of the yield from Lake Texana has to be used for municipal purposes. Mr. Crull went on to say that the SPMWD sent a letter saying they will not sell the water directly to their raw water customers; rather, they will send the water through their treatment works, which counts as municipal water. He said there are provisions in the raw water contract with the SPMWD pertaining to that issue. Mr. Crull added that if the SPMWD takes its portion of the water directly from the pipeline, it will reduce the demand on the Nueces River system to some degree and allow for more water to be stored in Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon. Council Member Martin said a treatment model needs to be developed. Council Member Garcia said there is a need for improved enforcement in the hospital district Minutes Regular Council Meeting September 15, 1998 Page 16 traffic zone on Alameda, and he asked about land along Holly Road in the area that has been improved. Mr. Crull replied that along much of the length of Holly Road there is a CPL transmission easement, which is adjacent to the Holly Road right-of-way. He said some property owners have fenced that easement once the railroad was taken out. He said there is an area off Holly from Weber Road to Flynn Parkway that, due to a variety of reasons, was not included in the plat or the adjacent properties. He said the city intends to approach the property owners about the possibility of platting the property and quit -claiming it to the property owners. He said the city would then just be responsible for the actual right-of-way of Holly Road. City Manager Garcia said he has asked the Legal Department to review ways to strengthen the city's existing property maintenance ordinance in order to address many of those issues, such as along roadways from rear fence lines to the street. Council Member Colmenero referred to the issue of municipal and industrial water uses; the city's grant to the Asian Cultures Museum; and use of the performing area known as "The Place" by two art groups. Council Member McNichols passed on information to city staff about street lighting in San Diego, and he said there appears to be some confusion among citizens about how the reduced rate for the Latchkey Program is applied and he asked staff to review that. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she had received some letters from citizens concerning the Flour Bluff Library. Mr. Herb Canales, Director of Libraries, said they are working on the final details of the contract for the new library with a decision expected in the next few weeks. He said the Flour Bluff Independent School District Board will be meeting later in September and if the issue goes beyond the school board, it will come to the City Council for action. He added that the citizens' committee appointed by the Flour Bluff School Board to advise them on all issues relating to the high school expansion --including the library issue --is unanimously in support of the library. Mrs. Longoria added that she and City Attorney Bray had attended a Texas Municipal League meeting in Austin September 14th pertaining to the deregulation of the electrical industry. She said TML is concerned about protecting franchise fees and ensuring that all customers are treated equally. Mr. Bray said staff will be bringing the city's legislative package to the Council soon and it will include information about electric deregulation. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. on September 15, 1998. * * * * * * * * * * * * *