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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/08/1998I 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 December 8, 1998, which were approved by the City Council on December 15, 1998. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 15th clay of December, 1998. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 12:08 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem John Longoria Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Melody Cooper Alex L. Garcia Jr.* Dr. Arnold Gonzales Betty Jean Longoria Edward A. Martin Dr. David McNichols* 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. 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 November 24, 1998. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. Mayor Neal announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, regarding Central Power & Light Company vs. Public Utility Commission of Texas, No. 97-13879 (Consolidated), 345th District Court, Travis County, Texas; Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Docket No. 14965; PUCT Docket No. 19265 (State Office of Administrative Hearing Docket No. 473-98-0839); and PUCT Docket No. 19502. The Council went into closed session. (*Council Members Garcia and McNichols arrived during the closed session.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Council retumed from closed session and the meeting was reconvened at 2:00 p.m. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Doug Jackson, Second Baptist Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by the students who had received awards in the "Winter Holiday Fantasy" children's recycled art contest. Mayor Neal referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the following appointments were made: Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 2 Arts & Cultural Commission George Dunson (Reappointed) Van Phan Villa (Reappointed) Crystal Lyons (Reappointed) Brad Kisner Nora Garcia Dennis Kemmerer Lynne Sommers Human Relations Commission Laura Rios Toni Tamez Sylvester Peterson Citizens Advisory Health Board Dr. Tone Johnson Jr. (Reappointed) C.C. Museum of Science & History Board Evelyn Farias-Gonzales Nueces County Tax Appraisal District Board Jeanette Cantu -Bazar Library Board Vera McGonigle (Reappointed) Sue Stanford (Reappointed) Margaret Moss * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item H., presentations. Council Member John Longoria briefly described the activities of the members of the Sister City delegation who traveled to Keelung, Taiwan, including Council Member Cooper and Ms. Yalee Shih. They then presented gifts from Keelung to Mayor Neal, Ms. Marion Loucks of the Park and Recreation Department and Ms. Mary Juarez, Assistant City Secretary. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item I., an update on the FY 98-99 operating budget and expenditure reduction measures. City Manager Garcia explained that expenditures exceeded revenues in the adopted FY 98-99 budget. He said expenses that should have been in the General Fund were transferred to other funds, which understated the true difference between revenues and expenses. And for the last two budget years, the city has used debt service reserves to balance the General Fund budget. He said that action caused him to be concerned about the city's ability to meet its debt service obligations. Mr. Garcia said that since July new expenses have occurred which have resulted in the need to identify approximately $5 million in additional budget reductions to balance current expenditures and revenues. Consequently, in August he proposed to the Council a reorganization of the budget (Phase I), which included a selective hiring freeze and expenditure rollbacks. Those efforts resulted in a savings of $1.4 million, but an additional $3.7 million is needed to balance the budget. Mr. Garcia proposed implementing a second phase of budget reductions to include additional departmental expenditure reductions ($1,368,682); other miscellaneous expenditure reductions Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 3 ($884,057); year-to-date vacancy savings ($426,762); and savings from the hiring freeze ($1,016,369), for a total savings of $3,695,870. The City Manager then compared the FY 98-99 adopted budget to the budget that would result from these proposed revisions. The closing balance of the adopted budget was $4,254,142 and the closing balance of the revised budget would be $7,021,950. He noted that in the adopted budget, expenditures exceeded revenues, whereas in his revised budget they match. Referring to graphs he had distributed to the Council, Mr. Garcia pointed out that out of the 30 General Fund departments, Fire and Police account for approximately 50% of the budget. Mr. Garcia said he is recommending the immediate implementation of the Phase II budget reduction plan, which has specific goals of dollar amount reductions in each department. He then briefly described specific adjustments to the FY 98-99 budget and he referred to a chart comparing revenues, expenditures and closing balances of eight other major Texas cities to Corpus Christi's adopted and proposed budgets. He noted that almost all of the other cities have closing balances of at least 10% of expenditures, while Corpus Christi's adopted closing balance is approximately $4.25 million (3.48%) and the revised closing balance is about $7.02 million (5.75%). Mr. Garcia said these proposed changes will lay the groundwork for a substantially healthier closing balance for the FY 1999-2000 budget. That, in turn, may allow the city's bond rating to be reevaluated by the rating agencies in time for a possible upcoming bond election. The City Manager said he has met with all of the departments regarding their proposed reductions in an effort to identify efficiencies in the budget. Council Member McNichols asked how decreases in Street Services, Park and Recreation, Solid Waste Services, and Community Development would not equate to a decrease in services. Mr. Garcia replied that some departments have offered reductions in administrative costs while others have proposed reductions in some types of equipment. In response to Dr. McNichols, Mr. Garcia specifically described the proposed reductions in the Street Services department. Replying to Council Member Garcia, City Manager Garcia said that with these proposed changes, the city will be able to maintain the same level of services that have been provided over the last year; however, citizens will not see major additions in city services. He also explained the handout regarding the General Fund FY 97-98 revenue and expenditure variance schedule and he further discussed the chart comparing closing balances of major Texas cities. In response to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Garcia reiterated that the proposals do not eliminate any major programs but they do involve a scaling back in the amount of growth in some areas. Mr. Colmenero asked about the proposed reductions in the Fire and Police departments. Mr.Garcia explained that the administrative reductions in the Police Department --approximately $500,000 --will not affect any policing efforts in the community. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 4 Council Member John Longoria asked about the police academies, and Mr. Garcia said the net gain of 50 officers at the end of five years, as provided for through the Crime Control and Prevention District, will be maintained on schedule. Council Member Gonzales asked about street lighting. Mr. Garcia said staff is anticipating a reduction of $164,000 in street lighting power costs, which is a direct result of savings from lower CPL rates. Also, staff is proposing a $125,000 reduction in street lighting capital costs. Mr. Garcia said that would result in a reduction in the amount of lights that will be placed in newer developments, principally on the south side. Dr Gonzales emphasized that he did not want to reduce basic services, including street lights in high crime areas and police services. Mr. Garcia said this budget program is designed to balance expenditures and revenues, have the city live within its means, and at the same time put the city on solid financial footing so as to begin building services to the community. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked about privatization. Mr. Garcia said there are some areas in which staff can consider contracting out existing services. He said the city has been approached about privatizing some utility operations. However, he noted, the problem is not in the utilities but in the General Fund, which has a limited amount of tax dollars to support it. Council Member Martin requested information on how these proposals would affect the debt service budget, and he commended Mr. Garcia's recommended reduction plan. Mr. Garcia said staff reviewed the proposals with the city's external auditors, who verified that these are legitimate reductions. Council Member Garcia asked if the (non-union) city employees would still receive the 3% salary increase, and Mr. Garcia said the increase was going into effect in December. In reply to another question from the Council member, Mr. Garcia said in order to maintain the health of the community there needs to be a strong, growing economy, and the city put $2 million into the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance to assist in that effort. He said it is important to continue to recruit new businesses and to help existing businesses expand. Council Member Garcia said the organizations which receive city funds should be held accountable. City Manager Garcia said one of the areas of the budget that was not addressed in this reduction plan was funding for outside agencies, which should be addressed during the next budget cycle for FY 99-00. He said another area that has not been explored is major revenue enhancements. Dr. Gonzales said he would like the City Manager to describe his plans for attracting more industries and jobs. Mr. Garcia said the city has relied on the Business Alliance to provide that economic development service. He said staff may need to rethink that strategy, including whether the city should develop an economic development capacity within its own organization. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 5 Mayor Neal commended Mr. Garcia's budget reduction proposals, and he noted that the city's expenditures had increased previously. A motion was made and seconded to authorize the City Manager to proceed with the Phase II budget recommendations and to bring back to the Council as soon as possible the necessary budget actions. The motion passed unanimously. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal reminded the public that earlier that day the Council held a closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, regarding Central Power & Light Company vs. Public Utility Commission of Texas on a number of court dockets. He said the Council was briefed on those issues by the attorney representing the City of Corpus Christi. The Mayor announced that the Council will hold a public hearing on December 15, 1998 on the issue of approval of the settlement of the pending CPL merger and rate case. The Mayor then called for petitions from the audience. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, suggested that the city annex all the industries and have them pay taxes. He asked if the city has received a response from the Attorney General regarding the 911 fee. He also asked if the city had solicited information regarding the management of the pipeline or wastewater treatment plants. City Manager Garcia replied that a task force is exploring the feasibility of preparing a proposal to privatize some of the city's utility functions, but that has not yet been finalized. In response to Mr. Hasker's question about the 911 fee, Mayor Neal said he, the City Manager, and staff members have traveled to Austin to try to get the ruling from the Attorney General's Office on that issue. Mr. Phil Rosenstein discussed levels of police services, saying that more traffic patrols and police patrols in high crime areas are needed. He said he regularly receives calls from senior citizens, who live mostly on the west and north side of the city, who are burglarized and mugged or are in fear of being victimized. He said he was opposed to taking money from the Police Department budget and using it for something other than police protection. Mr. Jose R. Marroquin, 2433 Allencrest, referred to several pages of figures he had compiled regarding rates charged by Central Power and Light Company. He said in his electric bill the fuel charge was increased 20%. Also, he said there was an increase of 88% of the on -peak versus off- peak rates, while his usage during the on -peak period only increased 38%. Mr. Marroquin added that large industries are only paying 1 cent per kilowatt hour while he pays 8 cents/kwh at his residence and 12 cents/kwh at his business. He questioned the status of his petition for a rate hearing. Mayor Neal replied that he had just announced there will be a public hearing on the electric Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 6 rate issue on December 15`h. Mr. Marroquin asked if his request will be considered at that hearing. City Attorney Bray said the Council will consider whether to approve the recommended settlement in the merger case and the rate case that has been pending at the Public Utility Commission. He said that will have a determination over whether a new rate case ought to be initiated. Responding to Council Member Garcia, Mr. Bray said that under the state law, fuel is a direct cost that is passed through to electric utility customers. He said the City Council has no rate jurisdiction over fuel charges; that is handled only by the PUC. Periodically the PUC sets a fuel recovery factor based on the present cost of fuel and, over a period of time, CPL either over -recovers or under -recovers for the fuel charge. Mr. Bray said that recovery of charges is periodically reconciled, which results in either CPL making a refund to customers or customers having to pay a surcharge. Mr. Garcia asked Mr. Marroquin if his rates went down in September and thereafter. Mr. Marroquin said they had gone down because of the change from on -peak to off-peak billing. He added that he is objecting to the high electric rates being charged by CPL during the on -peak season. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said the estimated savings from the proposed merger between Central and South West (CPL's parent company) and American Electric Power Company is $2 billion over 10 years, and CPL's ratepayers may receive about 2% of that, or $40 million. Mr. O'Brien referred to a bill (HB 349) filed by Rep. Steve Wolens, which proposes a 12% decrease in electric rates for Texas electric companies. He said the bill also provides that any electric rate reductions during the last two years would be set aside. Mr. O'Brien also said that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has scheduled hearings on the proposed merger to begin in June 1999 with an order to be issued next December. He said the executive board of the Corpus Christi Taxpayers Association passed a resolution opposing the electric company merger, saying that the local community will have less control over service and charges for electricity. He said the Taxpayers Association is asking that the merger be delayed until electric utility competition comes to Texas. Ms. Sonia Flores, 514 Balboa, said she is concerned that her electric bill has doubled and she worries how higher bills will affect senior citizens on fixed incomes. She said she wishes there was a way to lower the electric rates. Mr. William Martin, 6613 Mountain Wood, said Mr. Marroquin was raising three issues with regard to CPUs electric rates: the inconsistency of the rates; lack of a proper explanation by CPL; and the apparent high rates. He said customers trust that the rates on their bills are accurate. Mr. Martin said that as elected officials, the Council members have a duty to look into this issue. Mr. John Hartley, 3925 Sandy Hollow, referred to an article in the December 6, 1998, issue of the Corpus Christi Caller -Times about OxyChem's cogeneration plant in Ingleside. He said cogeneration is not new technology, and he said many people criticized members of the South Texas Research Foundation who expounded the benefits of cogeneration. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 7 Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said money should be spent on increasing the lighting in neighborhoods rather than downtown. He also criticized the Council's decision to hire a consultant to assist the city in negotiations with TCI Cablevision of Texas for renewal of the cable franchise. Mrs. Dorothy Spann, 502 Del Mar, said many people were concerned about the possible settlement amount of 2% for CPL customers as part of the merger, which she compared to the settlement proposal for Oklahoma's ratepayers. She encouraged the Council to stand firm on the settlement negotiations and she asked them to try to influence the PUC regarding the local fuel rate. Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 3-9. Council members requested that Item 4 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 3. M98-406 Motion approving the purchase of park and playground equipment from the following companies based on low bid, low bid meeting specifications and best bid in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0019-99 for a total of $43,062.58. The equipment will be installed by Park & Recreation crews as part of the Bayfront Parks Improvement Project. Funding is from a Texas Park and Wildlife Department Grant and General Service Administration Fund Account sale proceeds. Little Tikes Commercial Play Systems Laredo, TX Bid Items: 1, 3.1-3.4, 4 Total: $38,366.58 Grand Total: $43,062.58 Gametime c/o Thompson Recreation Products New Braunfels, TX Bid Item: 2 Total: 54,696 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. 5. M98-407 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Bracco Construction Company in the amount of $199,000 for the H.E.B. Pool and Bathhouse Improvements. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 8 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. 6. M98-408 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Isensee Construction Company in the amount of $78,900 for ADA improvements at Violet Park Pool. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. 7. M98-409 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Utilities Service Co., of San Antonio, Texas in the amount of $392,475 for the elevated storage tanks inspection and rehabilitation (Flour Bluff elevated storage tank) project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. 8. M98-410 Motion authorizing the acquisition of Parcel No. 1 located north of Saratoga Boulevard adjacent to the Airport Drainage Channel for $61,923 in connection with the LaVolta Creek drainage project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. 9.a. M98-411 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Attachment No. 02 to Contract No. 7460005741-00 with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $124,258 to provide immunization services. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. 9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023497 Ordinance appropriating a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 9 $124,258 in the No. 162 Federal/State Grants Fund -Health Department to fund immunization services. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, watershed monitoring program. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Carl Crull, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said some of the gauges that are upstream of Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi are necessary to determine the amount of inflows into the reservoir system, which in turn affect the amount of flows that are required to the bays and estuaries. Mr. Crull said the other monitoring stations help gauge the amount of inflow that can be expected, particularly into Lake Corpus Christi, so staff can moderate the effects of the flows downstream from the lake. Mr. Crull added that the United States Geological Survey owns, operates and maintains the river gauges and the city participates in that cost. Mr. Martin asked why the cost increased $50,000 for the same number of gauges, and Mr. Crull said he did not have the answer. Mr. Martin made a motion to postpone Item 4. The motion was seconded and it passed. 4. POSTPONED USGS fur the City's atei supply activity; provtda,g that the City pay the USCS th„ amount * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 10. Case No. 1198-1. Walter B. & Carol L. Wright: A change of zoning from an "A-1" Apartment House District to an "I-2" Light Industrial District on Gateway Park, Block 2, Lots 16 and 17, located on the west side of Cline Street, approximately 370 feet south of South Padre Island 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 "B-3" Business District with a Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 10 special permit for outside boat repair subject to a site plan and two (2) conditions. No one appeared in opposition to the recommended zoning change. Council Member McNichols made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Garcia, and passed (Cooper absent). Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Michael Gunning, Acting Director of Planning and Development, said the properties on the north side of the subject property, which are also owned by the applicant, are already zoned "B-4" with a special permit. Mr. Martin also asked why staff was recommending `B-3." Mr. Gunning said staff believes the area along Cline Street will transition to non-residential uses toward Knickerbocker Street. He added that the remaining properties south of the subject property that front on Cline Street are vacant and undeveloped. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 10. ORDINANCE NO. 023498 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Walter B. and Carol L. Wright, by changing the zoning map in reference to Lots 16 and 17, Block 2, Gateway Park, from "A-1" Apartment House District to `B-3" Business District and granting a special permit for outside repair of boats, subject to a site plan and two (2) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Mr. Martin asked about the portion of the ordinance which amends the Comprehensive Plan. Mr, Gunning said the zoning notices that are mailed out as well as the legal advertisement in the local newspaper does not reference amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. City Attorney Bray said the reference to the Comprehensive Plan is not required in those notices, but it is required and included in the Open Meetings posting. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 11. Case No. 1198-2 Manuel V. Banuelos: A change of zoning from an "R- IB" One -family Dwelling District to a "B-4" General Business District on Tract 1 and "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District on Tract 2 on Gardendale Unit 2, Block 4, Lots 14 and 15, located on the south side of Williams Drive, approximately 230 feet west of South Staples Street. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "R-2" District on Tract 2 and denial of the `B-4" District on Tract 1, and in lieu thereof, approval Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 11 of an "R-2" District with a special permit for an office and storage building subject to a site plan and five (5) 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 McNichols, and passed. Council Member Garcia said he understood that there were environmental problems with a portion of the property, and he was opposed to additional development if that is the situation. Mr. Gunning said he was not aware of any environmental concerns but staff could review it. Mr. Garcia made a motion to table Item 11 for one week. Mayor Neal asked if the applicant was present at the meeting; he was not present at that time. Mr. Garcia's motion to Table Item 11 for one week was seconded by Council Member Gonzales and passed. (Please refer to page 15 of the minutes when this zoning case was later removed from the table and acted upon by the Council.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, renaming Jaycee Field. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Council Member Garcia expressed his support for this proposal. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12. M98-412 Motion authorizing the renaming Jaycee Field in honor of Walter Schumacher, Park Manager of Jaycee Softball Field for 23 years and Charter Member of the Corpus Christi Softball Hall of Fame. The field is to be named Walter Schumacher/Jaycee Field. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, purchase of landfill equipment. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Responding to Council Member McNichols, Mr. Crull said staff contacted other cities using the Internet and by telephone and found five used crawler -tractors, four of which were more expensive than the purchase price of a new crawler -tractor (which is $238,896). In addition, he said staff located one used landfill compactor with 3,000 hours of use at a price of $325,000. Holt Company of Texas quoted a price of an additional $325,000 for a maintenance contract to cover the remaining 9,500 hours the compactor would be used. Mr. Crull added that if a new landfill compactor is purchased from Al -Jon Inc. (the manufacturer) in Ottumwa, Iowa, the maintenance agreement would be provided by Waukesha- Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 12 Pearce in Corpus Christi. He said that under the agreement, an additional piece of equipment would be provided to the city if the other piece is out of service for repairs; the replacement equipment is sold at auction. A brief discussion ensued. In reply to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Crull said there were a number of sites on the Internet that have used equipment available, but landfill -configured equipment is fairly rare. He added that normally the city does not buy a maintenance agreement on a piece of equipment after five years because by that time the intent is to replace the equipment. He said staff believes it is more economical to purchase a maintenance agreement than to buy the parts and have the staff qualified to repair that type of equipment. Council Member Garcia asked about the status of the other landfill equipment. Mr. Andy Leal, Director of Solid Waste Services, said the equipment is operational. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13. M98-413 Motion approving the purchase of one crawler tractor and one landfill compactor and a 5 year full maintenance agreement in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0022-99, from the following vendors, based on low bid and only bid. The equipment is to be used by Solid Waste Services Department, and is budgeted in the 1998-99 budget as lease/purchase. Waukesha -Pearce Industries Al -Jon, Inc. Corpus Christi, TX Ottumwa, IA Crawler -Tractor Landfill Compactor $418,056 $634,516 Total of Awards: $1,052,572 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, Solid Waste grants. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 14.a. RESOLUTION NO. 023500 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments that provides a grant of $10,000 for purchase of video surveillance equipment. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 13 The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 14.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023501 Ordinance appropriating $10,000 in the Federal/State Grants Fund No. 162 , received from the Coastal Bend Council of Governments as a pass-through grant from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, to purchase video surveillance equipment to reduce illegal dumping and improper solid waste disposal. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 14.c. RESOLUTION NO. 023502 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments that provides a grant of $30,000 for the purchase of a stacking conveyor belt system. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 14.d. ORDINANCE NO. 023503 Ordinance appropriating $30,000 in the Federal/State Grants Fund No. 162, received from the Coastal Bend Council of Governments as a pass-through grant from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission to purchase a stacking conveyor belt system to use in the city's composting program. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 14.e. RESOLUTION NO. 023504 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments that provides a grant of $30,600 for the purchase of a mulch top dresser and tractor. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 14 14.f. ORDINANCE NO, 023505 Ordinance appropriating $30,600 in the Federal/State Grants Fund No. 162, received from the Coastal Bend Council of Governments as a pass-through grant from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, to purchase a mulch top dresser and tractor to use city mulch on city property. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 14.g. RESOLUTION NO. 023506 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments that provides a grant of $112,266 for solid waste community awareness program. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 14.h. ORDINANCE NO. 023507 Ordinance appropriating $112,266 in the Federal/State Grants Fund No. 162, received from the Coastal Bend Council of Governments as a pass-through grant from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, to develop community awareness programs for solid waste reduction, composting and recycling efforts. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, Downtown Management District lighting improvements. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Council Member Colmenero said he supported the lighting improvement project. Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Crull said the tariff with CPL provides for a typical installation with certain parameters; however, the additional underground wiring is over and above that. He said for such projects as continuous lighting for arterial streets, the city normally enters into an agreement with CPL for those installations under the authorization of the tariff. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 15 In reply to another question from Mr. Martin, Mr. Crull said the decorative lighting on the Harbor Bridge is a unique situation in that the predecessor of the Downtown Management District provided the initial installation and the city agreed to maintain it. He said the city is working on a contract for major renovations to that lighting system, which has deteriorated. Council Member McNichols asked about the annual operating expenses to be borne by the city. Mr. Crull said that after Phase 2 of the downtown lighting system is installed, the city's cost will be about $7,000 over the cost of the original lighting system and Phase 1 combined. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 15.a. M98-414 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District and Central Power & Light Company for the construction of Phase 2 of proposed sidewalk/street lighting improvements in the Downtown Business District at a cost not to exceed $370,000. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." 15.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023508 Ordinance appropriating $370,000 from the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District in the No. 102 General Fund - Street Lighting Activity for Phase 2 of lighting improvements in the Downtown Business District; amending Ordinance No. 023387 which adopted the FY 98-99 Budget, by adding $370,000 to the No. 102 General Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal noted that the applicant for the zoning case under Item 11 was present in the Council Chambers. Council Member McNichols made a motion to remove Item 11 from the table, seconded by Council Member John Longoria, and passed. Responding to a question from Council Member Garcia, Ms. Sally Jefferson, a representative of the applicant, Banuelos Used Tires, replied that there had been environmental concerns associated with the adjacent property but they had been rectified. Mr. Longoria pointed out that the only issue the Council needed to consider at this time pertained to the zoning of the subject property. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 16 Mr. Longoria then made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mrs. Cooper, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. ORDIN • NCE NO. 023499 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Manuel V. Banuelos, by changing the zoning map in reference to Lots 14 and 15, Block 4, Gardendale Unit 2, from "R -IB" One - family Dwelling District to "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District and granting a Special Permit for office and storage building, subject to a site plan and five (5) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garcia, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, Martin, McNichols, and Neal voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal recognized a member of the audience who had not spoken during the public comment portion of the meeting. Mr. Jaramillo, 1442 Yorktown Boulevard, said the city provides water and garbage pickup to his home, but not sewer and natural gas, which is not available to other areas of Flour Bluff. Council Member Martin said Flour Bluff has sewer service and gas service, although there may be isolated properties to which those services are not available. Mr. Jaramillo said his property has been in the city limits for about 20 years. Mr. Martin said staff should investigate Mr. Jaramillo's location because there have been millions of dollars spent installing sewer systems in Flour Bluff. ************* Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said Mr. Bill Christian of Senator Phil Gramm's staff will be in Corpus Christi on December 11th, and city staff have arranged a meeting of the Transportation Committee of the Business Alliance and other individuals at 2 p.m. in the Committee Room of City Hall. Mr. Garcia said items scheduled for the Council's December 15th meeting include: progress report on the Year 2000 compliance plan; hearing on CPL's consolidation; Business Alliance quarterly update; resolution to create an automobile -free zone on the North Alameda Street bridge; and a motion on the architectural and engineering contract for the old Nueces County Courthouse. Mr. Garcia noted that the Council had voted to cancel the Council meetings of December 22nd and December 29th, and the next meeting would not be held until January 12, 1999 (January 9h is the first Tuesday of the month). Council Member Martin asked if some business could be conducted on January 5`h, and the City Manager said they could look into the need for a meeting on that date Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 17 Mayor Neal asked staff to review the indemnification requirements for city contracts. He also asked staff to look into lighting the monument at Sherrill Park. The Mayor said there will be a kick- off for a city-wide cleanup campaign on January 14, 1999. He then called for Council reports. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked why the MPO Policy Committee packet for the MPO's December 3rd meeting did not include the minutes from a meeting that was held in Calallen on November 23, 1998; Mr. Crull said he would find out. Mrs. Longoria discussed the increase in traffic on FM 624 and the need for street improvements there. Mr. Crull said that on December 3rd the MPO Policy Committee approved the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for FY 2000-02, as well as a Priority II listing of projects for future years, which included the FM 624 project. He said that allows the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) to proceed with the preliminary designs, environmental assessments and cost estimates for the project; however, no construction monies for FM 624 were placed in the three-year TIP. Mr. Crull went on to say that he, Mr. David Seiler, City Traffic Engineer, and TXDOT staff have been discussing the city's traffic projections for FM 624, which indicate that some action will need to be taken, possibly with the interchange or by providing some secondary access to the south via improvements to County Road 52 or County Road 48. Mrs. Longoria added that she disagreed with moving funds from the Leopard Street project. Responding to Mr. Martin, Mr. Crull said there is about $15 million in MPO monies that need to be let by September 30, 2000. He said staff is preparing upcoming projects for June lettings. Mr. Martin suggested that staff provide an update on upcoming projects at the beginning of the new year. City Manager Garcia said the Council has requested a review of both the CDBG projects and the capital projects, which staff is preparing. Mr. Martin also asked about the Harbor Bridge lights. Mr. Crull replied that since there are problems with the system, staff does not believe the lights are safe to operate. He added that the cost to repair the Harbor Bridge lights, about $80,000 to $100,000, is included in the street lighting budget. Mr. Martin asked if there were lighting restrictions on the Wienerschnitzel Restaurant on Magee Beach, and Mr. Crull said he would investigate it. Mr. Martin also referred to a memo in the City Manager's transmittal about options for a new municipal golf course, for which he said there is a great demand. He said the question is whether the city can operate a golf course on a "pay-as- you-go" basis, including the capital costs. City Manager Garcia said staff will develop that analysis. Council Member Cooper said she had had a town hall meeting the night before, and she forwarded several concerns that were raised by residents of District 5, including code enforcement on a particular property, ditch cleaning and ditch debris collection, and a possible traffic signal at the intersection of Lipes and Staples. Minutes Regular Council Meeting December 8, 1998 Page 18 Council Member McNichols asked for a clarification about the legislative forum scheduled for December J6`h. Mayor Neal replied that in response to several telephone calls and visits with Senator Carlos Truan, they have canceled a luncheon meeting that the City Council had planned for December 15th with the legislative delegation. Mayor Neal added that Senator Truan said he would be happy to meet with the Council informally or formally after December 16`h and before the beginning of the legislative session in January if a mutually convenient time can be arranged. If such a meeting is arranged, the Senator said he will ask the other members of the delegation to join them. Dr. McNichols asked if the city's legislative agenda had been forwarded to the local legislative delegation; City Manager Garcia said staff has not yet done that. Mayor Neal said the legislative package will be formally presented to the delegation during the December 1 6th meeting. Dr. McNichols also asked about installing a traffic signal at the intersection of Nile and McArdle. Mr. Crull said staff was hoping that the Ennis Joslin improvements would divert a lot of the traffic off of Nile Drive so that that intersection would not have to be signalized. Council Member Garcia referred to a memo in the manager's transmittal about the conflicts provision in the political consultant contracts. City Attorney Bray said he had not been contacted about that issue, although he thought another staff member may have been. Council Member Colmenero said he had received letters from residents in the area of County Road 41 and South Staples Street. Mr. Crull said he had also received similar letters, and he said once another site has been located about a mile farther west he intends to send a letter to all of the residents of Country Creek, Botanical Gardens and King Estates who attended the recent meeting informing them that an item will be on the agenda in the near future. Mr. Colmenero said he had received a few calls from city employees who are concerned about possible layoffs. City Manager Garcia said he is not willing to say that there will not be layoffs at some point, but there are no layoffs planned in the immediate future. Council Member John Longoria asked how many bids had been received for the health insurance contract. Mr. Garcia said there were 12 bids, although only two made proposals for the fully insured option. He said staff is analyzing each bid at this time and they will provide the Council with a full report. Responding to Council members' questions, Mr. Garcia said that what staff makes available to anyone who asks are the amount of claims that were submitted. He said the brokers wanted to know what Humana actually paid on those claims, which is the amount of the discount. A discussion ensued about what constitutes proprietary information regarding health insurance. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. on December 8, 1998.