HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/20/1999 (2)I 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
1:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Melody Cooper
Council Members:
Javier D. Colmenero
Alex L. Garcia Jr.
Dr. Arnold Gonzales
Betty Jean Longoria
John 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.
The invocation was delivered by Rev. E.F. Bennett, following which the Pledge of Allegiance
to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Martin.
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.
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Mayor Neal referred to Item F., results of the City Council runoff election. There were no
requests for precincts to be canvassed. Council Member Garcia made a motion to adopt the
ordinance as presented, seconded by Council Member McNichols. The Mayor called for a voice vote
on the following item:
F. ORDINANCE NO. 023617
Ordinance canvassing returns and declaring the results of the Runoff Election held April 17,
1999, in the City of Corpus Christi, for the purpose of electing Council Members in Districts
2, 3 and 4.
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 then called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of April
13, 1999. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
April 20, 1999
Page 2
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Mayor Neal presented gifts to the three outgoing Council members: Alex Garcia, Edward
Martin and Dr. David McNichols. The gifts were a plaque containing a key to the city, their Council
member nameplates and an inscription noting their terms of office, as well as a custom-made
"reserved" parking sign for each man. In his remarks, the Mayor thanked the three Council members
for their dedicated service and contributions to the city.
Council Member Garcia, who served from April 1997 through April 1999, said it is important
to remember that the Council members did not get where they are by themselves. He thanked several
people, including his campaign treasurer, Trey McCampbell, Roy Smith, and his family for their
support. He added that the new Council members need to understand that the taxpayers will hold
them accountable. Mr. Garcia also thanked city staff members for their efforts, and he commented
on the wealth of information provided by Council Members Martin and McNichols. Mr. Garcia
closed by saying that he will be back.
Mayor Neal noted that Council Member McNichols has served as a Council member from
April 1991 through April 1999 and he has been a staunch advocate for a long-term water supply for
the region. Dr. McNichols said the last eight years have been exciting and productive, and he has
Teamed much during that time about the local, state and federal government. He said in addition to
his interest in water issues, he has also been concerned about wastewater issues. Dr. McNichols
thanked his wife, Irene, city staff, the citizens in District 4 as well as throughout the city.
Council Member Martin served on the Council from April 1989 through April 1999, and
prior to that he served as City Manager of Corpus Christi. He said he considers it an obligation to
give back to one's community, and to do so as an elected official is very satisfying. After spending
about 30 years in city government as a city employee and an elected official, Mr. Martin offered the
following observations: that people who choose a career in government and public service are to be
trusted, respected, and encouraged In addition, he said that the members of the City Councils are
doing the best job they can to improve their community and he thanked the incoming Council for
their willingness to serve. Mr. Martin also thanked his wife, Carole, for her support.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council
meeting adjourned at 1:22 p.m. on April 20, 1999.
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Note: The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Council members was conducted by
The Honorable Janis Graham Jack, Federal District Court Judge. Immediately following the
swearing-in ceremony, a reception was held for the outgoing Council members and the newly
elected Council members, who then held their first Council meeting after the reception.