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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/15/1999I 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 June 15, 1999, which were approved by the City Council on June 22, 1999. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 22nd day of June, 1999. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 12:05 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 Rev. Derrick Reaves, St. John Baptist Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Scott. 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 June 8, 1999. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 2-11. City Secretary Chapa said that Item 12 had been withdrawn by staff. Council members and an audience member requested that Items 8 and 9 be withheld for discussion. *Council Member John Longoria arrived at 12:09 p.m. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2. M99-176 Motion approving the purchase of three truck -mounted ultra-low volume mosquito sprayers in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0133-99, from Adapco Inc., Florence, MO, based on the low bid of $19,500. The sprayers will be used by the Health Department and are included in the 1998-99 amended Capital Outlay Budget. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 2 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. 3. M99-177 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $280,870 with Belmont Constructors Co. Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas for the O. N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant clearwell nos. 1 & 2 connection project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. 4. M99-178 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $146,240.24 with Prime Technologies Solutions, LLC, of Lafayette, LA, for the water system supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) improvements, specifically: A) water distribution system: pressure monitoring points; B) water distribution system elevated tank control valves: SCADA additions; and C) O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant ammonia & chlorine SCADA System. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. 5. M99-179 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $35,603.88 with Enviro Remediation Coating Services of Katy, Texas for the Clarkwood north lift station wetwell structure rehabilitation. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. 6. M99-180 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Rabalais Electric in the amount of $389,690 to construct and install a new state-of-the-art automated parking control revenue system in the public parking lot at Corpus Christi International Airport. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 3 7. M99-181 Motion approving contract between Lloyd, Gosselink, Blevins, Rochelle, Baldwin & Townsend, P.C., and Alan Plumber Associates Inc., in association with Shiner, Moseley & Associates, for engineering services in support of the law firm's representation of the City of Corpus Christi in its efforts to obtain a TPDES MS4 discharge permit from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. 10. ORDINANCE NO. 023671 Ordinance appropriating $121,858.86 from the Estate of Mildred Sessions in the No. 6010 Trust Fund - Museum Donations; amending Ordinance Number 23387 which adopted the FY 98-99 Budget by adding $121,858.86 to the No. 6010 Trust Fund - Museum Donations; authorizing the transfer of $121,858.86 to the Friends of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History for the benefit of the Museum. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. 11. ORDINANCE NO. 023672 Ordinance appropriating $350 in Fund No. 1050, Federal/State Grant Fund, from a Texas Historical Commission grant, to fund travel and training expenses related to the 1999 Certified Local Government Program Workshop. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Cooper absent. 12. WITHDRAWN Authorizing thc City Manager or his designee to execute an amendment to thc joint use parking agreement between thc City of Corpus Christi and All Saints' Episcopal Church to allow for thc installation of a church sign on the public parking arca in Lindale Park, located hearM.,Gluidun Stiea and South -staples Street. *Council Member Colmenero arrived at 12:11 p.m. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 4 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 8, street closures for Powerboat Shoot -Out. Responding to Mayor Neal, Ms. Elaine Motl, representing E.M. Marketing, said the Corpus Christi Offshore Racing Association is the club associated with the American Powerboat Association. She added that when each racer registers for the event, he or she signs a waiver indemnifying the city in case of an accident. Mayor Neal requested a copy of that information. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 8. M99-182 Motion approving the application from the Corpus Christi Offshore Racing Association to temporarily close the following street sections in conjunction with the East-West Powerboat Shoot -Out and related activities, June 18-20, 1999: 1. Northbound Shoreline Boulevard (inside lane and parking lane), from the north right-of-way of Interstate 37 to the Barge Dock entrance, beginning 12:00 pm, June 15 until 8:00 am, June 17, and from 2:00 pm, June 21 until 5:00 pm, June 22, 1999. 2. Southbound Shoreline Boulevard (inside lane and parking lane), from the north right-of-way of Interstate 37 to the south right-of-way of Hughes Street, beginning 12:00 pm, June 15 until 8:00 am, June 17, and from 2:00 pm, June 21 until 5:00 pm, lune 22, 1999. 3. Northbound Shoreline Boulevard (full street closing), between the north right-of-way of Interstate 37 and the Barge dock, beginning 8:00 am, June 17 until 2:00 pm, June 21, 1999. 4. Southbound Shoreline Boulevard (full street closing), between the north right-of-way of Interstate 37 and the south right-of-way of Hughes Street, beginning 8:00 am, June 17 until 2:00 am, June 21, 1999. 5. Northbound Shoreline Boulevard (parking lane and sidewalk area) between the north right-of-way of Interstate 37 and Taylor Street, beginning 1:00 pm, June 18 until 8:00 am, June 21, 1999. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 9, amendment to bond sale ordinance. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said the amount of the bonds sold was in excess of $35 million and the amount of bonds refunded was over $33 million. He questioned whether the difference of over $1 million is the cost of the bond sale and the insurance on the bonds. Mr. Jorge Garza, Assistant City Manager for Administrative Services, explained that the par amount of the bonds is $34,740,000; the city is also receiving a premium of $678,845, for a total of $35,418,000. He said the city is also going to have to pay out of the Debt Service Fund money that is already programmed for debt service in the amount of $612,000. Mr. Garza said the sources of the funds are a total of $36 million and the uses will be to buy SLGs in the amount of $34.8 million; a Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 5 cash deposit of $612,000; and $139,000 for excess transferred proceeds for the total of $35.5 million. Mr. Garza added that the issuance cost is $175,000, the underwriter discount is $198,000, and insurance for the bonds is $87,000. He said the difference between the amount of the refunded bonds and the amount that was sold is to make up the numbers he described, with the exception of the amount coming out of the Debt Service Fund. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Garza said the point of this sale was to realize a savings over a period of years due to the market rate. City Manager Garcia explained that when staff first made this proposal to the Council, they presented two types of bond issues; the one recently concluded was a revenue bond sale to pay for the repairs to the Wesley Seale Dam. At the same time that proposal was made, staff also told the Council that historically low bond rates provided an opportunity to sell bonds substantially in advance of the time they will be needed (known as an advance refunding). He said the Council told staff not to pursue the advance refunding unless the city can realize a savings of at least $1.2 million. He said staff is now calculating the net savings to be over $1.6 million. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9. ORDINANCE NO. 023670 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 023633 that authorized the issuance and sale of City of Corpus Christi, Texas Utility System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2000. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent, * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Steve Morales, 4101 Brett, said he learned after the county bond election last week that it is very difficult to get information from any political body. He also said that collectively the taxpayers are awash in public debt from the city, CCISD, Del Mar, Nueces County, and the Nueces County Hospital District. He said those entities owe at least $1.23 billion in principal and interest. He asked the Council not to sell any more bonds until they receive a comprehensive report from all the public bodies mentioned regarding specific details about their debt and payments. Mr. Morales said the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is wasting millions of dollars each year. He said the Council has the legal power to withdraw from the RTA, restructure it, and receive funds from it, which he explained. Mayor Neal replied to Mr. Morales that the recent county bond election was a carefully put together plan to try to move the county forward. He also said there is no way the Council can control Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 6 the other public entities and their debt. He noted that the RTA is a legislatively created governmental entity. Mr. Morales said he is not against public transportation but he feels the RTA wastes money. Council Member Scott thanked Mr. Morales for recognizing that the Council --working with the City Manager --is trimming the city's budget. He also questioned Mr. Morales' estimate about a seven -times multiplier for the circulation of money in the city. Mr. Scott said he thought the general multiplier was four or five times. Mr. Sam Wigginton, 5334 Gateridge, cited a recent study which placed Corpus Christi number 150 out of 162 cities in the country as far as most favorable places to live. He said the city was so low on the list because of its low economy and low pay scale. He said at the same time the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance is asking the city for money for economic development. Mr. Wigginton said while he supports economic development, the Alliance should be made accountable and results have to be obtained. Mr. Irving Dietz, 455 Miramar, said he and others were surprised to read that the 1986 bond monies will be used to complete just a few of the road projects, one of which was not included in that bond election (Kostoryz Road). He said steps were taken in 1995 to complete the 1986 bond program, and he questioned what happened to the money that went to the projects. Mayor Neal replied that the Council has not yet discussed the capital improvement program, and when they do they will try to answer all of Mr. Dietz's questions. Council Member Gonzales said he would like to receive a list of the projects that the leveraged money was diverted to. City Manager Garcia said that question has come up before and staff is trying to reconstruct the decisions that have been made since 1986 by the Council. Mr. J.E. O'Brien said that today's debt is tomorrow's tax rate, and debt is a major concern of this community. He urged the Council, as they go through the budget process, to scrutinize the budget and trim it as much as possible. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria commented that in dealing with the state on such things as road projects, sometimes the city has to make changes. She described how a woman commented on the radio about the many amenities that San Antonio has, yet the woman did not support the county's bond projects. *Council Member Cooper arrived at 12:38 p.m. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal announced the closed session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, regarding legal issues associated with budget cuts. The Council went into closed session. The Council returned from closed session. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 7 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, recommended FY 99-00 Operating Budget. City Manager Garcia referred to a tentative budget workshop schedule. He said at this meeting he will discuss revenues and expenditures in the General Fund, and next week he will discuss the Combined Utilities Fund, specifically revenues and expenditures, debt capacity model, utility rate recommendation, and the capital improvement program (CIP). In addition, the Council will pass a motion setting the public hearing for the budget for July 13, 1999. On June 29th the Council and staff will cotinue to discuss the CIP, as well as outside agencies and supplemental budgets and revenues. On July 13th will be the public hearing and the first reading of the ordinance adopting the budget, followed by the scheduled second reading on July 20th. Mr. Garcia then read the City Manager's message contained in the recommended base budget for FY 99-00. He noted that the budget is balanced, with projected revenues equal to projected expenditures. He said it also adheres to the financial policies established by the Council and uses only current revenue sources without any tax increases or major additional revenues. Mr. Garcia said the budget includes the cost of approved collective bargaining agreements, as well as the full -year costs of salary increases and service enhancements which were only partially funded during the last fiscal year. He also discussed why this budget process was particularly challenging. Other key budget elements summarized by the City Manager include; that the General Obligation Debt Service Fund maintains a coverage of more than 60% of next year's principal and interest debt requirement; the inclusion of a merit pay program for city employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements; and an amount for supplemental programs to fund service enhancements and Council priorities. Mr. Garcia noted that according to the statement of revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, total revenues for the preliminary FY 99-00 budget are $125,682,385 and total expenditures are $124,310,651, which results in an unreserved fund balance of $5,537,251, or 5.06% of expenditures. He pointed out that 53% of the General Fund major revenues are derived from property and sales taxes; in addition, 50% of the total General Fund expenditures are in the Police and Fire departments. Another chart illustrated the difference between most General Fund departments' budgets and those with the five largest expenditure amounts (listed in ascending order): Street Services, Park and Recreation, Solid Waste Services, Fire, and Police, The City Manager described other factors affecting the city' s budget, including net assessed taxable values, property tax rate, ad valorem tax rate, sales tax revenues, franchise fees, industrial district revenues, and Solid Waste Services revenues. Mr. Garcia said that during their retreat, the Council established priorities for improving the following basic services: trash, brush, and debris collection; street and road maintenance; park maintenance; animal control; street lighting; environmental compliance; and quality water. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 8 Mr. Garcia said that in order to improve collection of trash, brush and debris, staff is proposing to restructure the city's Collection Division --brush and debris collection will be separated from garbage collection, and they will propose initiating a pilot program for automated garbage collection. In addition, the position of brush superintendent is being proposed as well as an additional brush crew and new brush loaders, trucks, and a trailer in order to establish a regular brush collection schedule. A discussion ensued regarding the city's brush collection, and Mr. Andy Leal, Director of Solid Waste Services, responded to Council members' questions. With regard to Street Services, Mr. Garcia said the budgeted amount to meet basic services is $6.4 million, which would provide for level -up and seal coating of 1 million square yards of roadway; recycling 175,000 square yards of roadway; overlaying of 10,000 square yards of roadway; and responding to complaints and performing reactive maintenance, including potholes, base failures and utility cut repairs within established time standards. Ms. Barbara Stover, Acting Director of Street Services, explained that the proposed budget is approximately $480,000 less than the current budget. She said that most of the cuts were made in the area of preventative maintenance, which means that more will have to be done in the future. Mr. Garcia said that even if $400,000 was added to the Street Services budget, it would not be sufficient to maintain the city's streets adequately. Mr. Garcia next discussed park maintenance, explaining that this budget item showed increases over the current budget. The amount budgeted for park maintenance is $4.59 million. Responding to Council members' questions, Mr. Garcia and Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, described the right-of-way mowing that the department performs. There was also a discussion about the need to develop the city's parks. The next priority discussed was animal control, and Mr. Garcia said that $826,175 is budgeted to meet that basic service. He emphasized that the existing animal shelter needs to be replaced, which is an issue that staff hopes to place on a future bond election, although it is included in the CIP; another priority issue is animal collection. Dr. Nina Sisley, Director of Public Health, said the proposed enhancement of $5,000 will provide an upgrade of the software used by Animal Control field employees. She said Animal Control services could really be enhanced with additional personnel and trucks. She added that a new office and kennel building would cost about $2.3 million. Mr. Garcia said that in the future staff will be informing the Council about their efforts to establish a multi -county mosquito control district. Mr. Garcia said another priority is street lighting. He said staff is proposing to add $125,000 to the base budget of $2.14 million for the installation of approximately 150 new residential street lights and 81 new street lights for primary through streets and city parks; and the conversion of about 150 residential street lights to more efficient lighting. Mr. David Seiler, Traffic Engineer, noted that in the proposed budget, more street lighting enhancements will be done along residential streets than along arterial streets. The City Manager said one of staff's proposals is to create an office of environmental Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 9 programs in order to accommodate the burgeoning area of environmental regulation --including air quality and water quality. He said Solid Waste Services in the General Fund will pay for a portion of the new program, although most of it will be paid for by the Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Gas departments. Mr. Garcia said the other priority issue --water quality --is a major expenditure area for the city. He said they will discuss it in more detail when they address the Combined Utility Fund. He noted that $25.5 million is budgeted in this category to meet basic services. He added that since it generates its own revenue, the Water Department has a substantial capital program. The City Manager also referred to a separate list of Council priorities, including expansion of the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center; a capital improvements bond issue; Crime Control District; economic development plan; stormwater utility; airport improvements; northside plan; a new golf course; and youth crime initiatives. Council Member Scott noted that there were additional Council priorities identified during the retreat that were not listed on the action plan because it was assumed that other entities would take care of them, including raising the JFK Causeway. Mr. Garcia said they will probably have a detailed discussion about a municipally sponsored bond issue, which will have a number of major components. He said the causeway has been part of the city's capital improvement program in the past and they can discuss how it should be prioritized. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria added that the defeat of the county bond proposals also impacts needed improvements on FM 624. Responding to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. Garcia referred to Park and Recreation fees that will be administratively adjusted to meet the cost of operations, totaling $121,816 for the P&R General Fund; $125,416 for the Marina Fund; and $308,000 for the Golf Fund. He added that at an upcoming Council meeting they will discuss the debt model to maintain the capital program in the Combined Utilities Fund as well as the five-year rate program for the utilities. In reply to Council members' comments and questions, Mr. Garcia also discussed the participation by Nueces County, CCISD, Hospital District, and the RTA in such programs as the county road and bridge fund, school crossing guard program, and EMS costs. Mr. Garza further described the city's debt situation. Mr. Colmenero requested a list of projects that may qualify for funding through the State Infrastructure Bank, and Mrs. Longoria asked for information about furnishing additional ambulance service to the northwest area. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. Ms. Diana Garza, Assistant to the Mayor, introduced Mr. Mike Lind, Co -Chairman of the Mayor's Planning Committee, and Mr. Joe Ochoa of the Buccaneer Commission. They discussed Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 10 the activities planned for the Fourth of July "Big Bang" celebration, including a bayfront run, old fashioned picnic, Tejano music concert, patriotic parade and ceremony, "Stars and Stripes Aboard the U.S.S. Lexington," a "Pachanga in the Park" featuring Tejano artist Jennifer Pena, and the 12th annual H -E -B Independence Day fireworks display over the bayfront. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The next presentation was regarding the Art Center of Corpus Christi's expansion plans. Ms. Dorothy Kucera said that by participating in a joint project with the Durrill Foundation, the Art Center has a unique opportunity to upgrade and expand its present facility, add parking, and be joined to a landscaped park in the median to the north of the center. She described the specific plans to improve the center and she noted that 12 years ago a previous Council agreed that the art organization could convert the former City Hall annex into a working art center, provided that they could raise the necessary funds to renovate the building. She said they raised almost $700,000 for that project. Ms. Kucera went on to say that they are not seeking assistance from the city for the Art Center's new capital project but are raising private donations. There was a consensus of the Council that the Art Center be allowed to proceed with their expansion plans. Mayor Neal said that will include making presentations to the various commissions that have responsibility for making recommendations to the Council regarding bayfront activities. He also asked if staff is still preparing a bayfront plan, and Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, said they are. Mr. Utter said staff met with Mr. Dusty Durrill regarding the Art Center's proposal and it fits in with plans for that area. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The third presentation was a recap of the 76th Texas Legislative Session. Mr. Utter said that this session contained some of the strongest anti -city sentiment he has seen, which was evident through the many bills that were introduced. However, said Mr. Utter, through the assistance of the city's legislative delegation, lobbyists, and the Texas Municipal League, it was an excellent session for the city. He thanked the city's legislative delegation and their staff members: Senator Carlos Truan and Representatives Vilma Luna, Gene Seaman, and Jaime Capelo. He noted that over 5,900 bills were filed, 1,368 bills were passed, of which about 130 were city -related. Mr. Utter also praised the efforts of the city's lobbyists, Mr. Hugo Berlanga, Mr. Todd Hunter, and Mr. Cliff Johnson He noted that during the legislative session, Mayor Neal, Council Member Gonzales, and City Attorney Bray went to Austin to lobby on behalf of the city. Mr. Utter then explained in detail how the city's legislative policy fared during the session, including the major issues of franchise fees, 911 fees, hotel -motel tax, annexation, windstorm insurance, marine archeological repository funding, affordable housing, extraterritorial jurisdiction, Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 11 Latchkey program, juvenile crime, Health Education Center at Texas A&M -Corpus Christi, beach cleaning, and firefighter pensions, among others. Mr. Utter said other important issues which were not part of the city's legislative agenda include a program to battle coastal erosion, establishment of an estuary program, and the naming of the Asian Cultures Museum as the official state Asian cultures museum. Mr. Berlanga and Mr. Hunter then responded to Council members' questions. They discussed the significance of the City of Corpus Christi and other cities having representation in Austin, particularly since 20% of the total bills that were filed affected cities, which does not include the number of amendments that are filed once a municipal -type bill reaches the floor of the Legislature. They also discussed the importance of Corpus Christi maintaining good relationships with the legislators from other areas of the state, and the need for the city to maintain a high profile. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Berlanga briefly discussed the RTA, and he noted that it is unfortunate that Corpus Christi is the only city of any size that does not utilize the half -cent sales tax for economic development. The Mayor also requested information about the impact of H.B. 3257 regarding uniform election dates. Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Utter said they have raised the issue of allowing the city's inspectors to conduct inspections for the Texas Department of Insurance; he said they have that issue under advisement. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * ** The next presentation, Item 17, was regarding the community oriented policing implementation plan. City Manager Garcia said staff has been working on this issue since the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) presented to the City Council the results of their comprehensive analysis of the Police Department. Police Chief Pete Alvarez said the IACP made 121 recommendations following their study, and beginning in January 1999, the Police Department examined each of the recommendations to determine which ones can be implemented to improve the department's operations and to shift toward a community policing program. Chief Alvarez said that one of the IACP recommendations was that the department establish a vision statement and a mission statement. He said the commanders and assistant chiefs discussed the issue and developed the following vision statement: "The Corpus Christi Police Department will utilize community involvement that links new, innovative crime -fighting methods and technology to develop a community policing organization where officers and the public operate as one." The Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 12 mission statement is: "The mission of the Corpus Christi Police Department is to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, the fear of crime, and to improve the quality of life in our community." He said the main goal that was developed is: "To establish a Police Department that fully embodies the philosophies and principles of community oriented policing through education and empowerment of personnel, and the development of community partnerships that emphasize collective problem solving." Chief Alvarez said the implementation planning process consists of three elements, the first of which is the strategic five-year plan. The second element is an annual plan that sets the goals and objectives for each fiscal year. He said each objective will be very mission -focused and at the end of the year the objectives will be measured as having been completed or not completed. The third element is the near-term plan, which is task -oriented and very definitive for each planning quarter. He said success will be measured through accountability and task completion. The Police Chief also referred to the proposed organizational chart for the department, which consists of the Chief's position followed by the division of the department into three major bureaus -- Community Services, Special Operations, and Support Services --which will each be commanded by an Assistant Chief of Police. Chief Alvarez said the most important part of the whole plan is the proposal to decentralize the uniform function of the Police Department by dividing the city into five community oriented policing (COP) districts. He noted that in addition to uniform officers, the Community Services Bureau will also include the Community Relations officers, bike officers, District Administrative offices (including the traffic function), and the Operational Planning Unit (crime analysts). The Special Operations Bureau consists of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and the Tactical Response Division. Chief Alvarez said that under this concept, CID itself is broken down into three major units: Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Property, and Family Violence Unit. The Tactical Response Division will consist of what is now known as the Special Services Division, which includes vice and narcotics officers. Also in that unit will be the JET Team, SWAT officers, and the Organized Crime Unit. The Police Chief said the Support Services Bureau will be made up of the following sections: Training, Identification, Property and Evidence, Building Maintenance and Operations, and the Information Services Group, which consists of Computer Support, Communications, and Central Records/Telephone Reporting Unit. Chief Alvarez said that currently there are six commanders in the department. To implement this plan, an additional commander would be needed because the plan calls for a commander to be in charge of each of the five COP districts, as well as two commanders to each head up the Criminal Investigation Division and the Tactical Response Division. He said the IACP study recommended that a civilian director be hired to head up the Support Services Bureau at a comparable salary to an Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 13 assistant chief (about $75,000 a year). However, Chief Alvarez said he recommends that Support Services be directed by an assistant chief instead because it is more advantageous to the department. Regarding the decentralization of the uniform function, Chief Alvarez said each of the five COP districts would consist of a police substation that would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, the police commanders heading up each of the COP districts would be held strictly responsible and accountable for all the criminal activity taking place within that particular geographic area. He said this concept places the burden on the commanders to go into their districts and identify problems and solutions. The Chief said the department is doing that now but on a much smaller scale. He emphasized that this proposed structure would dramatically improve the supervision of officers in the field, since at this time only one commander is in charge of almost 200 uniform police officers. It will also establish a valuable link between the residents and the police officers and will further implement a policing style to which the community is receptive --namely, crime prevention and intervention. Chief Alvarez then referred to a map of the proposed Community Oriented Policing Districts. He said they have discussed the possibility of building the substations on city park land because the city would not have to purchase the property and the facilities would enhance the parks themselves by helping to eliminate graffiti through a constant police presence there. He said the first structure they are proposing be built is a combined substation and curfew/truancy assessment center, which has been pledged to be built through the Crime Control and Prevention District but has not yet been implemented. He said if the funding is approved through the Crime Control District, the combined facility could probably be built within 12 to 18 months and would consist of about 6,400 square feet --2,400 square feet for the police substation and 4,000 square feet for the curfew center; the estimated cost is $880,000. The Chief said they are recommending that the facility be located in Hector P. Garcia Park on Greenwood Drive. Chief Alvarez also further described the Family Violence Unit, which would involve a partnership between the Women's Shelter, Child Protective Services, County and District Attorney's Offices, and the Nueces County Children's Advocacy Center. He said they want to ensure that every complaint about family violence receives adequate follow-up in an effort to intervene at an early stage and to try to prevent such violence from reoccurring. He said they also plan to provide training to the department's initial responders about how to handle family violence situations. With regard to the Tactical Response Unit, Chief Alvarez said it will provide the resources for direct intervention throughout the city as requested by the COP district commanders. For example, if a commander has identified a problem with drug trafficking in his district, he has the authority to request the assistance of vice and narcotics officers; if there is a gang problem, the commander can call upon the JET officers for assistance. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 14 Chief Alvarez then discussed the revised budget for the proposed five-year strategic plan: Year One -$647,735; Year Two -$423,968; Year Three -$402,559; Year Four -$521,559; and Year Five -$346,559. He said there are three options to fund the proposal. The first option involves combining all the funding sources available to the Police Department. Major areas to be considered are reprioritizing expenditures of the remaining four years of the current Crime Control District; including the COP district substations as part of the city's capital improvement program; and utilizing federal and state grants. The second option involves gradually increasing the Police Department General Fund budget to include all of the items (with the exception of the construction of the substations) beginning in FY 1999-00. The substations would be included in an expanded CIP when bonds are sold. The third option entails increasing the collection of the Crime Control District sales tax to one-quarter cent in November 2002; the current rate is one-eighth cent, which is the lowest rate of the 16 Crime Control Districts in Texas. Chief Alvarez said the Police Department is seeking the City Council's approval of the community oriented policing plan. He also asked that they be allowed to go before the Crime Control District Board to request funding to begin building the combined police substation and curfew and truancy assessment center. Council Member Garrett said that for 30 years the Police Department has been dealing with a rank structure problem, including the elimination of the rank of sergeant and, according to the IACP, the "top-heavy" nature of the department as a whole. Mr. Garrett said he is concerned about the creation of a third assistant chief position and he questioned why a civilian could not be utilized in that position. He added that he is also concerned about the addition of a seventh commander and the large number of existing captains. Mr. Garrett went on to say that he contacted 10 Texas cities that utilize the community policing concept, which he said he supports. However, he said they should think about some of the concerns that have been raised in other cities, such as San Antonio, where a representative of the department described the program as being labor-intensive and that the officers are not comfortable with their role as social service providers. Mr. Garrett said it is important that as Corpus Christi moves into the community policing concept that its officers are well-trained and prepared for the change from a traditional policing style. Mr. Garrett also questioned whether community policing will benefit the city as a whole. Chief Alvarez responded first to Mr. Garrett's concerns about the third assistant chief position. He explained that there is a conflict with the collective bargaining agreement regarding having a civilian supervise sworn police officers. He said eventually they plan to civilianize the Support Services Bureau but at this time several knowledgeable sworn police officers provide those services, and they would need to be supervised by a police commander. He added that a third assistant chief would enable the department to utilize all of its personnel in times of a disaster. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 15 City Manager Garcia said he supports the recommendation because it involves restructuring the department and taking the commanders who are currently centralized at the Police Department and putting them out in the field. He reiterated that the commanders will make their presence known in the COP districts by addressing problems on a daily basis in a proactive way. Chief Alvarez further discussed how they studied the IACP recommendations for several months before making these recommendations, and why he feels the assistant chief position in the new structure is important. He also commented on the need to empower police officers to identify problems and devise solutions. He said he agreed with Mr. Garrett that the Police Department has too many captains under its current structure, but under the proposed plan he has a slot for every one of the 18 captains, which he explained. The Chief also emphasized that community policing will benefit the whole city. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Chief Alvarez discussed the funding sources in more detail, explaining that not all of the funds for the plan will come from the General Fund -- some will come from the Crime Control District, law enforcement block grants, and the capital improvement program. Council Member Kinnison said that when personnel are added to the department it constitutes a continuing cost. In reply to other questions, Mr. Garcia said what they are asking the Council to do that day is to approve in concept the community oriented policing program outlined by Chief Alvarez. He said they are also asking the Council to approve the one specific step the Police Department needs to proceed with to demonstrate a commitment to the program, which is the first substation in conjunction with the curfew and truancy assessment center. He said the Council will not be approving any of the expenditures at this time because the plan needs to go through the normal budget process. Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Chief Alvarez said that under this concept, the police officers in the five districts will still be performing law enforcement duties, but they will also be establishing much closer communication with citizens and dealing with the sources of problems in the community. Mr. Longoria discussed the timing of the creation of the additional positions of assistant chief and commander. He also commented on the operation of the TRIP center; specific personnel assignments, such as polygraph examiner and duty desk officer; Criminal Investigations Division; Family Violence Unit; and the Telephone Reporting Unit. Mr. Longoria said he believes this is a good concept and the key is to make sure the officers have the authority and ability to do their jobs. Council Member Scott said he supports the proposal. Chief Alvarez said the main reason they are recommending it is because the community wants it and it reduces crime. Mr. Scott asked if the IACP provides peer review for such a program. Chief Alvarez said the IACP conducted an extensive review of the Police Department and formulated their recommendations, 74 of which were utilized in the community policing plan. Mr. Scott asked why a substation would not be built on Padre Island. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 16 The Chief replied that in the event of a hurricane, the police would have to evacuate the island, although there will be a gathering point on the island. Mr. Scott also asked Mr. Garcia to provide information about the impact of this plan on the General Fund. Council Member Gonzales said he thought the timing of construction of the five COP district substations is well thought out, which he said will provide an important 24-hour presence in the community. He commended Chief Alvarez and his staff for their efforts. Council Member Kinnison also said he agreed with the concept, and he reiterated his request for projected expenditures for each of the next five years. Council Member Cooper said Chief Alvarez provided a plan that the Council said they wanted, which she supports. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she also supports the concept of community policing, and she agreed that there are some specifics that need to be worked out. She asked about the temporary use of the Joe Garza facility, and Mayor Neal said the Council was not considering that issue at that time. Mrs. Longoria then made the following motion, which was seconded by Dr. Gonzales and passed as follows: 17. M99-183 Motion to approve in concept the community oriented policing program proposed by Police Chief Alvarez, as well as to allow the Police Department to go before the Crime Control and Prevention District Board to seek the necessary funding to establish the police substation/ truancy and curfew assessment center in Hector P. Garcia Park. 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 Item 18 was being canceled since city staff needed to prepare for a Y2K forum being held that evening at the Bayfront Convention Center. Mayor Neal then introduced Item 19, the Needs Assessment and Restoration Study of the old Nueces County Courthouse prepared by Killis Almond and Associates Inc. of San Antonio. Mr. Utter thanked the members of the ad hoc committee that studied this issue and selected the architectural firm which conducted the study. Mr. Killis Almond was accompanied by Mr. Per Schneider of WSC Inc. -Structural Engineers. Mr. Almond said his firm and a group of highly specialized consultants were hired by the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 17 city to determine the structural viability and reuse potential of the old Nueces County Courthouse. He said their instructions were to document the building and to determine the potential cost exposure and potential benefits to the community for rehabilitation of the facility. He said the study included a structural analysis of the existing building and structural systems with a view toward reuse. Mr. Almond said they were also instructed to provide a historic overview and discussion on the architectural aspects of the building; determine the mechanical and electrical constraints; and determine the environmental problems with the building and the site that would have to be mitigated prior to any demolition or rework of it. Mr. Schneider said they concluded that most of the old courthouse is in excellent structural condition, while parts of it are in terrible shape structurally. He pointed out that the masonry panels that are visible do not have any impact on the structure of the building itself. He said as part of the study, they recommend removing the slab and placing all mechanical and electrical systems below the slab and then recasting it. He said the total repairs they are recommending are not highly sophisticated nor very expensive; he said the cost to repair the facility is about half of what it would cost to build a new one. Mr. Almond also referred to photographs of the interior and exterior of the old courthouse and he described in detail repairs that would need to be made. He said in order for the facility to be reused, a vision would have to be created for an activity to fit within it. Mr. Almond said there are two major sources of funding currently available --one is the Governor's initiative regarding historic courthouses. Mr. Almond said this courthouse is classified as one of the most endangered courthouses in the state; therefore, the funding potential is very high. In addition, Mr. Stan Graves of the Texas Historical Commission has spoken with the Nueces County Judge about possibly pursuing funding through the county's sponsorship. Mr. Almond said another possible source of funding could be ISTEA funding through the federal government, and the two funding sources could total approximately $6 million. He described the elements that are included in their estimate of $13,677,000 to rehabilitate the old courthouse. Council Member Cooper asked whether practicality was one of the issues the consultants were supposed to consider in their assessment. Mr. Utter said the consultants feel it is practical to rehabilitate the facility but the real issue is whether a use can be found for it. He said another complicating factor is the historical easement which is on the building through the year 2018. Mr. Utter added that this study finally provides an actual figure from a reputable firm about the cost of rehabilitating the courthouse. Ms. Cooper said this was an academic discussion since the city does not have a use for the facility nor the money to rehabilitate it. Mr. Almond said they were not asking the city for funding but rather for approval of the report. Mr. Utter said the consultants also estimated that it would cost $744,000 to demolish the courthouse and remove the foundation to four feet below existing grade. He added that the state legislation was amended to allow this courthouse to qualify for the Governor's initiative due to the existence of the historical covenant. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 18 Mr. Utter said city staff intends to provide copies of Mr. Almond's report to the county, to Mr. Dusty Durrill, to the state, and any other interested persons. He said the study was paid for with non -tax funds through the Corpus Christi Industrial Development Corporation for a total of $50,000. Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Almond said their skill is to analyze a building and provide information to the client. He said they do not determine whether a building is viable or not --that is a business decision that needs to be made by individual clients. Mr. Utter also further discussed the legislation and he commended Mr. Art Sosa, Building Official, for his participation. Council Member Betty Jean said she feels that more needs to be done than just distributing the report, such as involving different foundations in this issue. City Manager Garcia pointed out that the city does not own the facility. Mr. Sosa said Mrs. Glenda Kane has been actively pursuing possible funding sources through various entities. Council Member Colmenero said the Council could consider giving an additional charge to the Ad Hoc Historic Nueces County Courthouse Advisory Committee to address the issue raised by Mrs. Longoria. He said the building does have potential. Mr. Utter said since the building is structurally sound it cannot be demolished until the covenant expires in 2018. In reply to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. Almond commented on requirements to possibly acquire ISTEA funds. He added that there will be a new round of funding this year. Mr. Kinnison requested a copy of the minutes when this study was originally discussed. He said he recalls that one of the parts of the study was to determine the economic viability of the building. Mr. Almond said the building is as economical to rehabilitate under current conditions and potential funding as it is to build a new structure. He added that they have determined that the building is economically viable as an office -type structure. Ms. Cooper said she is not against historical renovation but she reiterated that the city does not have the funds to renovate the old courthouse. She added that the Durrill Foundation has been actively looking for funding for it for a long time. Mrs. Longoria asked what the next step is. Mr. Utter replied that there are several windows of opportunity for funding the courthouse project which have been discussed. He said they need to sit down with Mr. Durrill to discuss the issue, and he added that this report should go a long way to helping a group secure funding because it contains a plan. Mr. Terry Orf, a member of the advisory committee, said Mr. Durrill has hired an architectural firm to start the paperwork to apply for some of the funding discussed. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The next presentation, Item 20, was the quarterly update by the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 19 Mr. Gary Bushell, Alliance President and CEO, commented on the Forbes "best places" article referred to by the local newspaper and by a citizen earlier in the Council meeting. He read from the first paragraph of that report, which discussed the factor of a city's proximity to top research institutions. He said there is no question that South Texas has paid a terrible price over the last 40 years for not having played a stronger role in higher education. However, he added, the good news is the growing strength of Texas A&M -Corpus Christi, the fastest growing state university in Texas, as well as other advances in higher education. Mr. Bushell said the Alliance's mission is "to provide the leadership that promotes an environment of economic vitality throughout the Corpus Christi Bay Area." He said they do that by creating jobs --both by recruiting industries and helping expand existing ones, and by recruiting visitors and conventions to the area that bring in new dollars. He said the Alliance is now aggressively pursuing those goals through its Convention and Visitors Bureau Division, headed up by Ms. Char Beltran, and through its Economic Development Division, led by Ms. Myra Garcia - Martinez. Ms. Garcia first discussed the quarterly report for the Economic Development Division. In it she described several elements, including lead generation; number of "hot" prospects; commitments that have been made since January; the regional marketing effort for the 12 -county Coastal Bend area; the teleservice wage survey; and the Business Development Department's participation in the EuroTex trade show in Dallas. Ms. Garcia then described in detail the Economic Development Division's 1999-2000 action plan. She said the bulk of the budget -related activity for 1999 is market outreach through a variety of channels, including on-site recruitment and trade shows, direct mail, existing industries, print and television advertising, and consultant networking. She said market outreach generates leads, which take time to mature and must be analyzed. Ms. Garcia said the target industries are chemicals/petrochemicals, plastics, metal fabrication, food, pharmaceuticals, medical, electronics, and developers/entertainment. Mr. Al Jones, Chairman of the Economic Development Board Council, said the plan highlighted by Ms. Garcia is very aggressive, focused and aimed at bringing jobs to Corpus Christi. He said not enough money or effort has been spent in the past to promote economic development, but now there is a new emphasis and willingness by many people to reverse past negative trends. He said funding this economic development effort will have to be undertaken by the public entities --the city, the county, and the Port of Corpus Christi Authority --as well as the private sector. He said it is their goal to increase the amount of private contributions to 50% of the total amount. Mr. Jones asked the Council to seriously consider the Alliance's economic development plan. In the quarterly report of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ms. Beltran provided updates on six priorities that were identified last August: update technology by developing an interactive Web site; develop market research; create partnerships that will enhance the CVB's efforts; bring Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 20 accountability by instituting realistic and specific performance measures; create awareness of Corpus Christi as a destination through domestic and international travel media; and develop and implement a Mexico marketing program. She also showed a video of clips promoting Corpus Christi, which was produced by Televisa for the "Ritmo Son" television program. Ms. Elvira Ortiz, of Ortiz & Espinoza Public Relations, further described the project with Televisa. Ms. Beltran discussed future plans, and she noted that tourism is the third largest industry in Corpus Christi, employing more than 8,000 people locally and generating revenues of more than $550 million annually in direct expenditures. She said each year the competition for visitors grows stronger and the CVB has to be creative to meet that challenge. Ms. Beltran described new priorities and goals for the CVB, which will be based on budget allocations: to book 44 city-wide conventions into the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center with an average attendance of 1,500 conventioneers; to seek the Council's assistance in a series of events designed to maximize their promotional efforts; reach into the incentive market; and purchase, install and train on new convention sales software. Mr. Bill Pruet, Chairman of the Convention and Visitors Bureau Directors Council, said the CVB is requesting an increase in funding from their current budgeted amount of $2.16 million to $2.46 million for FY 99-00, an increase of about $300,000. He explained why they feel the increase is justified, noting that in the last decade local hotel -motel tax receipts have increased from $2.67 million to $4.92 million, while visitor expenditures have grown from $320 million annually to $581 million this year. He said the percentage of the hotel -motel tax allocated to the CVB currently is 41%, while their requested amount is 47% (the national average is 58%). Mr. Pruet also discussed the potential effect of the legislation to expand the convention center. Mr. Gonzalo Sandoval, Chairman -Elect of the Alliance Board of Directors, asked that as the Council discusses the budget that they consider the action plans presented by Ms. Garcia and Ms. Beltran, which he said represent investments for the community. Mr. Bushell, Ms. Beltran and Ms. Garcia then responded to Council members' questions regarding issues such as investment trends, the ERA report, contributions from the private sector, and the Regional Marketing Group. Several Council members expressed support for the plans while commenting on accountability. Mr. Bushell said the Alliance wants to make the quarterly reports much more meaningful than they have been in the past in order to demonstrate their progress. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 21, a public hearing on the FY 99-00 budget for the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District. He called for comments from the audience. Mr. Leon Loeb, President of the Crime Control Board, noted that the Council had been provided with copies of the FY 99-00 proposed budget for the Crime Control District, which they discussed during their joint meeting on May 25, 1999. With regard to a temporary facility for the Juvenile Services Center, he said they have identified some satisfactory rental locations; Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 21 consequently, there will be no need to occupy any Park and Recreation Department facilities. He said they believe they can occupy a facility with little capital investment beyond the furniture and equipment that will be needed. He added that job descriptions are being developed and will be presented to the Crime Control Board at their next meeting on June 23rd. Mr. Loeb added that as they receive more information from the Police Department, they will have amendments to the Crime Control District budget, as well as an amendment to include the expenditure for part of the year for the third series of uniformed officers, which was omitted through a clerical error (although it is contained in the five-year plan). Mr. Loeb added that most of the board members were present earlier in the Council meeting. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Colmenero, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 21. RESOLUTION NO. 023673 Resolution approving the FY 99-00 budget for the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District. The foregoing resolution 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: 22. Case No. 599-1, Garron Dean: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to an "AB" Professional Office District on Alameda Estates, Block 2, east 7,275 square feet of Lot 8A, located between Walton and Delano Drives, approximately 100 feet east of Robert Drive. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "AB" District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Council Member Cooper made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Council Member Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 023674 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Garron Dean, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to a 7,275 square feet tract out of Lot 8A, Block 2, Alameda Estates, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 15, 1999 Page 22 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 called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said the next Council meeting that will be dedicated to presentations will be on July 20th. Those presentations will include an update on the Mary Rhodes Pipeline and the LNRA water contract. Mayor Neal noted that the Y2K forum was being held that evening and will continue the next two nights. The Mayor then called for Council concerns and reports. Council Member John Longoria expressed concern about the fact that the Council is often asked to vote on an item on the same day that they have an extensive discussion about it. He cited the example of upcoming action items, including an ordinance increasing the hotel -motel tax rate, revising the Solid Waste Services ordinance, and establishing a property maintenance ordinance. He said he thought those items were policy issues that warranted more extensive discussion before the Council voted on them. Mr. Garcia pointed out that some of those items are time -sensitive, such as the hotel -motel tax. A discussion ensued and Mr. Garcia said the Council seemed to be indicating that they wished to have items scheduled one week in advance of the first reading. Council Member Scott requested a copy of the February 19th memo concerning the State Infrastructure Bank. He also noted that the Water/Shore Advisory Committee had requested a six- month stay for tenants in violation of the ordinance prohibiting "live-aboards" in the marina. Mr. Cisneros said city staff is not against live-aboards but the infrastructure is not in place to support them, which he described. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Garcia said staff can delay action on the issue until they have the opportunity to make a presentation to the Council about live-aboards. Mr. Scott also said there has been concern by Padre Island residents regarding zoning issues on the island. Council Member Garrett asked about water toys in the marina. Mr. Cisneros said that fewer concessionaires are providing those attractions since they have not been financially viable. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. on June 15, 1999. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Motion to approve in concept the community oriented policing program proposed by Chief Alvarez, as well as to allow the Police Department to go before the Crime Control District Board to seek the necessary funding to establish the police substation/truancy and curfew assessment center in Hector P. Garcia Park.