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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/20/1999I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of April 20, 1999, which were approved by the City Council on April 27, 1999. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 27th day of April, 1999. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 2:28 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Henry Garrett Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Melody Cooper Dr. Arnold Gonzales Rex A. Kinnison Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria Mark Scott 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. Raymond Kaiser, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Betty Jean Longoria. 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 referred to Item E., selection of the Mayor Pro Tem. Council Member John Longoria made a motion, seconded by Council Member Scott, that the Mayor Pro Tem service dates be selected as follows: Javier Colmenero (April 20, 1999 - July 19, 1999), Rex A. Kinnison (July 20, 1999 - October 18, 1999), Henry Garrett (October 19, 1999 - January 17, 2000), Mark Scott (January 18, 2000 - April 17, 2000), Arnold Gonzales (April 18, 2000 - July 17, 2000), Melody Cooper (July 18, 2000 - October 16, 2000), John Longoria (October 17, 2000 - January 15, 2001), and Betty Jean Longoria (January 16, 2001 - End of Term). Council Member Colmenero asked if Mr. Garrett could serve as the first Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Neal said he preferred to keep it in the order as previously stated. Mr. Longoria asked Mr. Colmenero and Mr. Garrett if they wished to exchange their service dates for the Mayor Pro Tem so that Mr. Garrett would serve first; they both agreed. Consequently, Mr. Longoria amended his motion to make that change; Mr. Scott accepted Mr. Longoria's amendment. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 2 E. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: M99-104 Motion selecting the Mayor Pro Tem service dates for 1999-2001 as follows: Council Member Henry Garrett April 20, 1999 - July 19, 1999 Council Member Rex A. Kinnison July 20, 1999 - October 18, 1999 Council Member Javier D. Colmenero Council Member Mark Scott Council Member Arnold Gonzales Council Member Melody Cooper Council Member John Longoria Council Member Betty Jean Longoria October 19, 1999 - January 17, 2000 January 18, 2000 - April 17, 2000 April 18, 2000 - July 17, 2000 July 18, 2000 - October 16, 2000 October 17, 2000 - January 15, 2001 January 16, 2001 - End of Term The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Neal voting "No." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the two presentations on the day's agenda, an update on Kid's Place expansion project and the proposed H -E -B Tennis Center expansion project. Ms. Rosine Runyon and Ms. Bridgette Ferguson, Co -Chairpersons of the Junior League's Kid's Place expansion project, said that since their presentation to the Council last October, renovation plans have been developed and a community -wide steering committee has been established in the effort to make Kid's Place accessible to all children, including those with disabilities, The budget for the project is $167,000 and they have already raised $100,000 in donations; construction is planned for June 8-13, 1999. They emphasized the need for many volunteers to participate in the renovation project, and they asked for the Council's support. The second presentation concerned the H -E -B Tennis Center expansion project. Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, introduced Mr. Mike Gordon, Assistant Director of Programs, who described the need to cover some of the courts at the tennis center. Mr. David Richter, architect of the project, showed an animated computer graphic presentation. Mr. Steve Denton, tennis pro at the center, said that to date they have raised approximately $1 million in private donations and grants toward the $1.5 million cost of the renovation. Council Member John Longoria asked if the H -E-13 Tennis Center is located in a CDBG- eligible area. Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, said that while the H -E -B pool adjacent to the tennis center is eligible, the tennis center itself would not necessarily qualify because it draws users from throughout the city rather than a specific area. City Manager Garcia said staff needs to provide the Council with a written legal determination on that issue. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 3 Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Denton said the new facility will have six covered courts that can accommodate large programs for the city's youth as well as collegiate tennis matches. Mr. Longoria suggested that staff provide information about potential city funding sources. * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. * Ms. Cydney Farrar, 15334 Tortuga, Vice President of the Padre Isles Property Owners Association, discussed a seismic testing demonstration scheduled for the next day that was permitted by Kleberg County. She forwarded a letter from the PIPOA to Council Member Scott, in which she noted that the City of Galveston had dealt with a similar situation. She said they are not against development of the mineral rights in the area but they are opposed to seismic testing, which she said can disrupt the environment and crack homeowners' foundations. Council Member Scott asked staff to contact officials in Galveston to find out what they have done to protect the property interests in their seismic testing. City Manager Garcia said staff can do that and provide the Council with a report as soon as possible. Mayor Neal pointed out that a public meeting on the issue is scheduled for May 5, 1999 at 1:30 p.m. in the Corpus Christi Council Chambers. First Assistant Fire Chief E.E. Irwin said the Oil and Gas Division in the Fire Department, which issues those permits, has publicized the meeting. Mr. Jack Gordy, 1310 Norton, said the previous Council told citizens that they would not have a charge on their utility bills until they received usable water from the pipeline. He said citizens have been paying for nine months but have not yet received usable water. Mr. Gordy also said that political signs are supposed to be removed by April 28', which is 11 days after the runoff election, and he questioned who is supposed to enforce the state law regarding political signs. Responding to Mayor Neal, City Secretary Chapa said they have instructed city staff to remove political signs that are located within the rights-of-way. In addition, all of the candidates have been instructed to remove their signs on private property by the 11' day after the election. Mr. Mike Baker, 4641 Gayle Circle, said the Junior League went to considerable effort and expense to restore the Sidbury House in Heritage Park to its original Victorian appearance. He said it would be a shame to turn the second floor of that house into office space for the city. City Manager Garcia replied that the city does not have any plans to put offices on the second floor of that building. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said the Mayor had made a statement that he supports the proposed bond issue for three major Nueces County projects. Mr. Hasker referred to a previous unsuccessful plan to dredge Packery Channel, which he opposed at that time as well. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 4 Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said he was impressed that while Mayor Neal was campaigning for reelection he publicly supported the three county projects, and he urged the rest of the Council to support those projects and others which can improve this community. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, questioned whether it is fair that the newly elected Council members are being asked to vote on three agenda items that day totaling over $19 million. He also referred to Article V, Section 4 of the City Charter concerning the comprehensive plan. He said some time ago the Council was preparing to adopt a comprehensive plan for Padre Island that contained the Packery Channel project. However, citizens collected over 8,600 signatures and the Council decided to drop the adoption of the comprehensive plan. He wondered what legal ramifications there might be in the event this Council decided to endorse the Packery Channel project. Mr. Edward Hoffer, 6526 Downing, said they own a small business in the area of Baldwin and Villa between Agnes and Leopard. He said in the last 61/2 months their business has been broken into six times. He questioned what the Council plans to do to control such criminal activity. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she will ask the City Manager to provide a report on the criminal activity there, and she asked Mr. Hoffer to provide his telephone number so they can contact him. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda, which consisted of Item 1. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following item was passed: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 023618 Ordinance appropriating $10,000 from the Blanche Moore Foundation in the No. 6010 Trust Fund -Youth Sports for the expenses of the Corpus Christi Magic Blanche Moore Baseball Team; amending the FY 1998-99 budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023387, to increase appropriations by $10,000 in the No. 6010 Trust Fund -Youth Sports. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened the public hearing on the following zoning case: 2. Case No. 399-1, Fielder Family Trust #1: A change in zoning from a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District to a "B-4" General Business District on Woodlawn Estates, Block 3, Lots 11 and 12, located on the northwest corner of South Padre Island and Woodlawn Drives. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 5 City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "B-4" District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Michael Gunning, Acting Director of Planning and Development, said the applicant is proposing to expand an existing auto sales lot that is located on the adjoining two lots to the northwest. He said the rezoning request and the use is consistent with the uses in that area. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2. ORDINANCE NO. 023619 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Fielder Family Trust #1, by changing the zoning map in reference to Lots 11 and 12, Block 3, Woodlawn Estates, from "B-1" Neighborhood Business District to `B-4" General Business District; 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: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * ** Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3, revenue bond issue. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Manager Garcia said these are projects that were planned as part of the utility capital improvement program, and staff is presenting a change in the financing mechanism. He said they have the opportunity, through the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), to access money that is available at a substantially lower interest rate than the city could access on its own. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Garcia said this proposal is different from one discussed by the previous Council recently; he said that one pertained to an advance refunding. In reply to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Jorge Garza, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, further explained the interest rates. Mr. Colmenero suggested that staff indicate on a map the location of the projects. Council Member Gonzales said he was impressed with the savings that will be achieved through this financing. Mr. Garcia said this was the maximum amount that was available to the city. Mr. Garza said the state has a certain number of dollars every year for which the city can apply. Mr. Jeff Leuschel of McCall, Parkhurst & Horton, the city's bond counsel, said the TWDB's program is limited to wastewater projects. He said they are beginning a water supply/drinking water program, Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 6 but it will be much more limited and it is really designed to assist smaller communities rather than those the size of Corpus Christi. Mr. Garza introduced Mr. James Seal and Mr. Mark Seal of M.E. Allison & Co., the city's financial advisors. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3.a. ORDINANCE NO. 023620 Ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of $15,750,000 City of Corpus Christi, Texas Utility System Revenue Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 1999-A. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott absent. 3.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023621 Ordinance appropriating $15,750,000 from the proceeds of the sale of City of Corpus Christi, Texas, Utility System Revenue Refunding and Improvement Bonds, Series 1999-A in the No. 4243 Wastewater 1999-A Capital Improvements Project Fund to improve and extend the Wastewater disposal system component of the utility system and refund the City's designated Commercial Paper notes issued to provide interim financing; authorizing the transfer of $1,685,000 to the No. 4500 Commercial Paper Program Wastewater Capital Improvement Project Fund, to reimburse the Commercial Paper Program for previous expenditures. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, architectural services for airport terminal project. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Ms. Bonnie Allin, Aviation Director, said this contract is based on the concept that was approved by the City Council on March 30, 1999. Upon verification by Ms. Allin, Mayor Neal said the Council was approving the selection of the architectural team that will prepare the design of the new terminal. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Ms. Allin said that former Council Member Martin had asked about plans that were initiated as part of the original terminal renovation program. She showed the sketches the previous Council had approved regarding the proposed facade for the Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 7 renovated facility. City Manager Garcia pointed out that while the renovation project was underway, severe structural problems in the terminal were discovered and it was subsequently determined that the terminal should be reconstructed. Ms. Allin further explained that the renovation architect (Wilson Kullman McCord) was not very far along in the construction documents when the structural deficiencies were discovered. A stop work order was issued, followed later by cancellation of the contract by mutual agreement. Mr. Garcia said they will not be able to use many of the drawings prepared by the renovation architect. Council Member Colmenero asked what the city's portion is in the funding of the terminal reconstruction. Ms. Allin replied that 95% of the project will be paid for with grants and passenger facility charges. A small amount of the design, which will include the tenant areas, is not eligible for grants or PFCs and that will be paid for out of airport operating reserves. She said they are proposing to have workshops in the future to receive the Council's comments about the design of the new terminal. She said it will take approximately 12 months for the architect to complete the designs and 18 to 24 months for construction of the facility. Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Ms. Allin said the contract with the renovation architect consisted of two phases. The city accomplished approximately $3 million in renovations, including a new central plant, new restrooms, Fire, Life and Safety Code requirements, and other improvements. She said they will be reusing all of the central plant in the reconstruction project to accommodate the new facility. Ms. Allin added that local firms that will be involved in the reconstruction include Bennett, Martin & Solka and Urban Engineering. Council Member Scott asked about the percentage of local participation, and Ms. Allin said it is approximately 15%. Mr. Scott asked if the city has a written policy regarding the desire to use local contractors. The City Manager replied that there is a strong expression by the Council to use local architects and engineers; there are also specific state prohibitions against limiting a city to only Local providers in certain areas. City Attorney Bray said he will provide additional information on that issue for the next Council meeting. In reply to Dr. Gonzales, Mr. Garcia reiterated that there will be at least two Council workshops so Council members can offer input into the design of the new terminal. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. M99-105 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with M. Arthur Gensler Jr. and Associates Inc. in the amount of $2,225,000 to provide architectural/engineering services for the new Corpus Christi International Airport Terminal Building project. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 8 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 5, aviation program management services. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5.a. M99-106 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract amendment with DMJM Aviation (formerly Day & Zimmerman) to provide program management services for the new Corpus Christi International (CCIA) Terminal Building and associated Capital Improvement Program projects in an amount of $1,158,288.50, for a revised total contract amount of $1,784,983.50. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 5.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023622 Ordinance appropriating $107,000 in Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) in the No. 4621 PFC Fund to provide funding for the DMJM Aviation Program management services contract for the new airport terminal; amending the FY 98-99 Capital Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023474, by adding $107,000 to the Airport Program. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, agreement with Southwest Airlines. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6. M99-107 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a letter of agreement with Southwest Airlines to temporarily relocate operations at the Airport at a cost of $191,532. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 9 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, facilities for male and female firefighters at Fire Station No. 4. He called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Responding to a question from the Mayor, Mr. Angel Escobar, Acting Director of Engineering Services, said the city is now implementing a program to provide separate sleeping and restroom facilities in all of the city's fire stations over the next 10 years. Since Fire Station No. 4 is currently under construction, it was determined that the plans should be changed now to accommodate the separate facilities. City Manager Garcia added that the city is actively recruiting females to become firefighters and there are increasing numbers of females in the Fire Department at all levels; consequently, it is important that all the fire stations be habitable for both sexes, which traditionally has not been the case. He said he hopes it will not take the full 10 -year period to retrofit the fire stations. In reply to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Garcia said a survey was conducted of all the fire stations and a general plan was established to determine what it will take to retrofit them. Council Member Kinnison asked if this is a new policy that has been adopted after the contract for the new fire station was approved; Mr. Garcia said that was correct. Mr. Kinnison also noted that this is the fifth change order in the contract for the new fire station and it is now up to 16% over the original cost of the contract. Mr. Escobar said the need to accommodate the separate facilities added to the cost of the project; however, usually new construction has less than 5% of total change orders. Replying to Council Member Gonzales, Chief Irwin said there are about 330 men and women who use the fire station facilities. Council Member Cooper asked about the source of funds, and Chief Irwin replied that monies were identified in the 911 fund that will not be used this year. Council Member Scott commented that he thought the previous change orders for this contract were somewhat excessive, although he understands the need for this action. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. M99-108 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $49,337.16 with Nuway International Inc. to provide separate sleeping and bathroom facilities for male and female firefighters at Fire Station No. 4 - Rodd Field Road at Wooldridge. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 10 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * City Manager Garcia said he was withdrawing Item 8 regarding condemnation proceedings. 8. WITHDRAWN Resolution authorizing condemnation proceedings by the City to condemn fcc simple title to Lot 9, Block 7, Central Wharf and Warchous., Company's subdivision located on North Carrizo Strcct, between Kinncy and Blucher Streets, from the owners, Joe K. Watson and Larry J. Beaman, to expand and enhance Blucher Park and for othcr municipal purposes. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal announced the two closed sessions as follows: closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission Notice of Enforcement Action, City of Corpus Christi Public Water Supply System, O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Docket No. 1998 -1391 -PWS -E, with possible action related thereto in open session; and closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to deliberate regarding Municipal Court Judges with possible action related thereto in open session. The Council went into closed session. The Council returned from closed session. Council Member John Longoria made the following motion, seconded by Council Member Garrett. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: M.2. M99-109 Motion reappointing the following judges, effective April 20, 1999, to terms coterminous with the City Council: a. Rodolfo Tamez as Presiding Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Judge of Division A; b. Donald Alex as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, Division B; c. Nelva Gonzales Ramos as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, Division C; d. Julianna Siracusa Rivera as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, Division E. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting April20, 1999 Page 11 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia referred to the information that had been provided to the Council regarding the Annual Action Plan, which includes the Community Development Block Grants, HOME Program, and ESG Program. He said the public hearing on those programs will be held on May 11, 1999 beginning at 6 p.m. City Attorney Bray provided an update on the City of San Juan v. Central Power and Light Company lawsuit, in which the City of San Juan claims underpayment of franchise fees by CPL over a number of years. The suit is in behalf of the class of cities within the CPL service area, which consists of over 100 cities. He said the previous Corpus Christi City Council had several meetings to discuss the merits of the case and ultimately they could not come to a vote either to opt in or to opt out of the case. Under standard class action law, that would mean that Corpus Christi would be part of the class and part of the lawsuit; however, CPL has raised arguments that cities are unique and cannot opt into a case by inaction. That issue is now going to the judge along with some other issues, including whether the period for cities opting in ought to be extended. He said there will be a hearing on those issues in Hidalgo County on April 26, 1999, which city staff will monitor and report back to the City Council. Mr. Garcia said that at the last meeting, the Council strongly expressed the need for staff to take action to pick up the brush in the city. Since then staff has taken several actions to mobilize city resources as well as to bring in outside contractors and purchase some equipment on an emergency basis. Mr. Ogilvie Gericke, Acting Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, explained that beginning last Friday some crews from the Water, Wastewater, and Street departments were utilized to pick up brush beginning in the Flour Bluff area. Mr. Andy Leal, Director of Solid Waste Services, used a map to further explain the areas of concentration on brush pick up and he responded to Council members' questions. Mr. Garcia emphasized that one element to consider is changing the ordinance to restrict the type of debris that people can place in front of their houses to be picked up. Council members also discussed the need to make the landfill more accessible to citizens and to gain ideas from successful programs adopted by other cities. Mr. Garcia also announced the appointment of Mr. Foster Crowell as Wastewater Superintendent. Mr. Crowell noted that he came to Corpus Christi 19 years ago as the Assistant Wastewater Superintendent and during that time many changes have been made to the city's wastewater system and many more are planned. The City Manager said that other items scheduled for the May 11th Council meeting include the proposed ordinance authorizing the sale of utility revenue bonds for repairs of Wesley Seale Dam and other utility projects, as well as forward delivery bonds. They will also discuss the L -Head bait stand. The following week there will be discussion of the windstorm and building code provisions Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 12 and a presentation of the consultant's recommendation regarding the old Nueces County Courthouse. Mr. Garcia said that on May 25, 1999 a joint meeting of the City Council and the Crime Control and Prevention District Board is scheduled. He said the Council members' retreat is set for May 4-5. Mayor Neal asked City Secretary Chapa to explain the appointment process to the Crime Control and Prevention District Board. Mr. Chapa said each Council member has one appointment to make to that board, which they submit to the City Secretary's Office in writing. Mayor Neal emphasized the importance of that appointment. Mr. Utter then gave an update on legislative issues. He explained that approximately 5,700 bills have been filed in the State Legislature and there are 41 days left in this legislative session. The Texas Municipal League is tracking 1,815 bills and the City of Corpus Christi is tracking about 400 bills. He referred to the legislative program previously adopted by the Council, and he described the status of several bills relating to that program. Mr. Utter also responded to Council members' questions. Mr. Garcia noted that TML will be holding a meeting in Austin on April 23' to discuss the bills they are tracking. Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member John Longoria asked about a position that had been advertised for a Crime Control and Prevention District Administrator. Mr. Garcia replied that that position was advertised in error. He explained that the Crime Control District Board had considered creating that position and they suggested that it be jointly funded by the city and the Crime Control District. However, the board could not come to a consensus about that issue and the advertisement should be withdrawn. Mr. Longoria also asked Mr. Chapa to provide attendance records of the Crime Control Board members. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mayor Neal and Mr. Garcia said they will provide additional information on the upcoming Council retreat, which was briefly discussed. Council Member Colmenero requested a report on the projects at the airport, and he reported an influx of transients and alleged criminal activity on North Beach. Mr. Colmenero then made a motion to request city staff to provide information on what other cities are doing regarding political signs (size, placement, etc.). The motion died for lack of a second. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria also asked about the Council retreat, and Mayor Neal pointed out that there will not be staff presentations made during the retreat, although key staff will be available to provide information. However, staff presentations on different issues are planned for upcoming Council meetings. Council Member Cooper said she will forward to Mr. Garcia some letters she had received regarding the following issues: a gang situation in the Carolyn Heights neighborhood on Parkview Street, and a possible zoning violation on Hamlett Drive. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 20, 1999 Page 13 Council Member Kinnison asked for a clarification about what was in the local newspaper regarding the disparity study. Mr. Garcia replied that the consultants preparing the disparity study said they will need an additional 90 to 120 days to complete the study. He said what was expressed in the newspaper was correct in that during the presentation the consultants made to the Council's Administrative Analysis Committee, there was general dissatisfaction with the content of the presentation. Mr. Garcia went on to say that the consultants have maintained that due to the sensitive nature of the work they are performing, they are trying to avoid a lot of detail on their product. Subsequently, the consultants met with city staff and they were advised that they needed to show some progress on the report. He added that the task force overseeing the disparity study has expressed concern several times about the progress of the consultants. He said staff is trying to work with them to provide a quality product. Council Members Betty Jean Longoria and John Longoria, members of the Administrative Analysis Committee, commented on the presentation made at that meeting by the consultants. A brief discussion ensued. Council Member Scott referred to the issue about seismic testing on Padre Island, saying that the residents there are extremely opposed to what they perceive to be impending damage to their homes. He said he was concerned that they just found out about the hearing on the issue scheduled for May 5'h. He also commented that he hoped the bill that would allow city inspectors to inspect for state building codes will be approved. Council Member Gonzales said that the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee is the group that will be holding the May 5`h hearing on the seismic testing. He expressed concern about that committee, saying it is one of the few city boards and committees that can make a final decision on an issue without having to come before the Council. City Attorney Bray said the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee merely makes a recommendation and the Petroleum Superintendent makes the final decision. He said the Council could amend the ordinance by placing the decision in the hands of the committee because --under the City Charter --any committee decision is appealable to the City Council. Mayor Neal asked if that proposed amendment needed to be brought to the Council before the committee's May 5th hearing. Mr. Garcia said they can bring it back next week if the Council wished. Mr. Kinnison said the Crime Control Board is scheduled to have a meeting on April 28`h, and he noted that unless the Council members make appointments to that board, they may not have a quorum for that meeting. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m. on April 20, 1999. * * * * * * * * * * * * *