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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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