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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/29/1999I 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 29, 1999, which were approved by the City Council on July 13, 1999. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 13th day of July, 1999. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 12:08 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Henry Garrett Council Members: Melody Cooper* Dr. Arnold Gonzales Rex A. Kinnison Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria Mark Scott ABSENT Javier D. Colmenero (Absence due to a death in the family) City Staff: City Manager David R. Garcia City Attorney James R. Bray Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Assistant City Attorney Jay Reining Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Council Member Scott, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States was led by Council Member Kinnison. 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 22, 1999. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the board and committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the following appointments were made: Building Code Board of Appeals Civil Service Board/Commission Philip Skrobarczyk Rixio E. Medina Park and Recreation Advisory Committee Robert Tamez * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 2 Mr. Buck Sosa, 3801 Devonshire, said that changing the name of Agnes Street to Cesar Chavez Boulevard will enhance the efforts of the Westside Business Association to improve that street. He said the business owners will have expenses associated with the changing of the 512 area code to 361. He asked that the issue of renaming Agnes Street be placed on the next City Council meeting agenda, and he urged the Council to approve it. Mr. Roger Wright said that for a few more days he lives on a boat in the city's marina. He said he was not living on his boat in April 1996 when he was appointed to the Water/Shore Advisory Committee. He added that when he decided in late 1997 to sell his house and to move onto his boat, the Marina Superintendent and Park and Recreation Director at that time were in favor of changing the ban on "live aboards" at the marina and felt that the ordinance would be changed in a few months. Mr. Wright said despite that, he did experience guilt about serving on the Water/Shore Advisory Committee while living on a boat in violation of that ordinance. He noted that the Marina Superintendent, Park and Recreation Director, and City Manager resigned and he was faced with a void of non -decision and no house to go to. Mr. Wright said he does not dump waste into the marina and he feels every boat in the marina should comply with federal law on that issue. He also said all of the live aboards except two are in metered boat slips. Mr. Wright commented that the Water/Shore Advisory Committee spent months developing recommendations to modify the ordinances governing the marina but no action has been taken. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said this is the third time he has requested information on the Southside Senior Center. He said he received a copy of the architectural drawing, but he questioned why construction has not yet begun. He said he noticed the Garden Club is still meeting in the present facility, and he said he hopes that has nothing to do with the delay in building the new center. Mayor Neal asked a member of the Park and Recreation Department to visit with Mr. Hasker on that issue. Mr. Phil Rosenstein discussed the issue of uninsured motorists. He said that unfortunately it is left up to the officer whether or not to impound the car of an uninsured motorist who is involved in a collision, and many times the vehicle is not impounded. Mayor Neal said he did not know of any part of the law that requires that the car of an uninsured motorist be impounded, although there is a stipulation regarding ticketing the motorist. Mr. Irving Dietz, 455 Miramar, said that in December 1995 the city sold bonds to complete the 1986 bond program and taxes were raised 1.1 cent. He said the Council is corning back to the taxpayers and are still wanting more money. He noted that the certificates of obligation included funds for Kostoryz Road, which was not in the 1986 bond program. Mayor Neal said the Council was going to discuss the capital improvement program at that meeting, which should help answer Mr. Dietz's questions. Mr. Bill Sheka, 4706 Champions Dr., spoke in favor of the L -Head bait stand project. He said that last year they presented a petition containing about 1,370 names of people in favor of the bait Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 3 stand. He said the new bait stand was supposed to have been completed in February, and the present facility would have been condemned if it did not belong to the city since it is unsafe. Mr. Jerry Tungate, 6225 Strasbourg, said that improving the L -Head bait stand would be an asset to the marina and the city. He commented on the poor condition of the current facility. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said the L -Head bait stand contract is with the City of Corpus Christi, not with the city staff. He said the "city" means elected officials who are accountable to the public. Last week after all the public comment on the bait stand issue, not one elected official had anything to say on the issue. He said two Council members assured Ms. Jane Stubbs that there would be no further delays. He said Mr. Tony Cisneros, the Park and Recreation Director, gave Ms. Stubbs his word that contracts would be let in May. Mr. O'Brien then read a portion of a memo from former Park and Recreation Director Malcolm Matthews to then -City Manager Bill Hennings dated May 30, 1997, in which he said that within reason the Park and Recreation Department would like to retain Jane Stubbs as the bait stand operator. He said trust and credibility of local officials does not exist in Corpus Christi. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said all the discussion of the Y2K issue has elderly people scared and they are preparing for the worst. He said half of the people in the city do not own computers nor care to learn. Mayor Neal said that on June 15-17 there was a special forum involving over 30 organizations to discuss the preparedness of citizens and business for the Y2K issue. He said the tape of that forum will run on public access television throughout the summer and a hotline and Web site will also be available. Ms. Jane Stubbs said that at the present time the city, herself, and citizens are in a losing situation regarding the L -Head bait stand. She said she met with several city staff members last Friday and she feels there needs to be some positive intervention to return to a tenant/landlord relationship. Mr. Mike Zepeda, 4533 Townsend St., said he and others had approached the City Council last year asking that the renaming of Agnes Street to Cesar Chavez Boulevard be placed on the agenda. He said the Council decided to study the issue, and it was determined that it would cost about $2,000 to change the signage He said there have been pledges to pay the expenses so there will be no cost to the taxpayers. He asked that the street renaming be placed on the agenda for the July 13, 1999 Council meeting. Mr. Zepeda said many people have expressed their support for this change and it is time to move forward. Ms. Anna Jean Followell said she used to go to the L -Head bait stand quite often but no longer does because of the facility's deteriorated condition. Ms. Followell asked the Council to do what they can to help Ms. Stubbs. Ms. Julie Quick said she works with Ms. Stubbs at the bait stand, where she has experienced Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 4 numerous injuries. She said she does not understand why there have been no answers to their concerns about the bait stand, and she challenged the Council to work with her at the bait stand to experience the conditions there for themselves. Mr. Roy Pell said that through tomorrow he lives on his sailboat in the city marina. He said it is a disgrace the way Ms. Stubbs has been treated by city government over the bait stand issue. He added that this issue, which has been highly visible in the media, would be an excellent opportunity for the City Council to begin to restore trust between the citizens and city government. Ms. Christen Sorrell, 39 Camden Place, said her analysis of the proposed FY 99-00 operating budget seems to show a disproportionate assessment of cuts in certain departments, such as in city services, while administrative areas have shown increases, which she explained. Ms. Sorrell said it appears that the Council wants to impact services that directly affect citizens so that later on they can come up with the rationale for a tax increase. Mayor Neal said thus far the Council has only had presentations by the staff about the budget --they have not yet begun to discuss it themselves. Council Member Kinnison asked Ms. Sorrell to provide a list of her questions, some of which he said will be asked during the budget process. *Council Member Cooper arrived at 12:45 p.m. Mr. Paul Garcia, 354 W. Saxet Dr., said he was speaking on behalf of the Westside Business Association, which passed a resolution in support of renaming Agnes Street to Cesar Chavez Avenue. He said he was requesting that the Council place that item on their next meeting agenda. Ms. Mary Helen Salazar, 4113 Eagle Dr., President of LULAC Council No. 1, said they recently approved a resolution supporting the renaming of Agnes Street to Cesar Chavez Avenue. She said she is appalled to learn about business owners on Agnes Street who are opposed to the renaming of the street. She said those business owners receive the majority of their business from the Hispanic community. Ms. Salazar asked that the issue be considered by the Council at their next meeting. Council Member Kinnison said he would like the Council to ask the City Manager to get involved in the bait stand issue and to do everything possible to resolve it, with the realization that legal issues are involved. Mayor Neal read the following statement: "From the Council's stand point, a number of unforeseen problems have developed with the lease, particularly as to the location of the bait stand. It is essential that the bait stand have a location that does not risk injury to the public. My understanding is that the staff has worked as late as last Friday with Ms. Stubbs to attempt to find mutually acceptable solutions that fully carry out the intent and purpose of the lease. It is also my understanding that the City Manager on down will continue to work with Ms. Stubbs to try to find solutions that address the interests of both the public and Ms. Stubbs." Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 5 Council Member Betty Jean Longoria referred to the public comments that had been made regarding renaming Agnes Street in honor of Cesar Chavez. She noted that it took about three years to change the name of the portion of FM 624 within the city limits to Northwest Boulevard. She asked City Secretary Chapa to describe the process involved in changing a street name. Mr. Chapa replied that according to the City Code of Ordinances, an individual who resides or has a business or ownership of property along a particular street can come to the city and request a name change. That individual can avoid a charge if he gets all the persons who live on that street to concur with the name change; if not, a $25 fee must be paid. The property owners are then informed about the date of the public hearing when the Council will consider the street name change. Mrs. Longoria said she is supportive of the proposed name change, but she wished to have a consensus of the Council regarding this issue. Mayor Neal said if the formal process has not yet been started, the Council could start the process. Mr. Chapa said the Council can direct the City Manager to proceed with obtaining the names of all the property owners along Agnes Street and then set the public hearing. Mrs. Longoria made a motion that the Council start the process to rename Agnes Street to Cesar Chavez Boulevard. She added that changing the street name is more complicated than merely changing a business's stationery. Council Member Gonzales seconded Mrs. Longoria's motion. Council Member John Longoria said if the Council did as Mrs. Longoria was proposing they would be circumventing the whole process. He asked what would happen if they polled the owners along Agnes Street and they were opposed to the street name change. Dr. Gonzales said all the Council needed to do was set the date for the public hearing. Mr. Chapa noted that the code specifically addresses individuals who reside or own property on a street who want to request a street name change --the code does not discuss other processes. He pointed out that the Council was considering initiating the process themselves rather than an individual initiating it. City Attorney Bray added that the Council retains the power to initiate street name changes if it wishes to; however, he believes the process laid out in the ordinance (as previously described by Mr. Chapa) would still be a good process to follow because it allows everyone concerned to receive specific notice about what is being proposed. He said it would take some weeks to go through that process. Council Member Scott said he thought a business owner on Agnes Street should be responsible for initiating the street name change. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Mrs. Longoria's motion, and it failed to pass by the following vote: Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, and B. Longoria voting "Aye"; Neal, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "No"; Colmenero absent. Mr. Longoria made a motion to allow a business owner on Agnes Street initiate the street name change process to Cesar Chavez Boulevard; seconded by Mr. Scott. Mr. Chapa polled the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 6 Council and the motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-24). City Secretary Chapa stated that the City Manager had withdrawn Item 25. Council members requested that Items 7, 12, 22, 23 and 24 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 3. M99-193 Motion approving a supply agreement for brass service fittings in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0103-99 with Hughes Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas on the basis of low bid of $85,458.00. The fittings consist of various pipe fittings from 3/4" to 2" used by the Water Department. The term of the agreement is twelve months with option to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods, subject to the approval of the vendor and the City Manager or his designee. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 4. M99-194 Motion approving a supply agreement with Van Waters and Rogers, Corpus Christi, Texas for approximately 550 tons of liquid ferric sulfate in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI - 0110 -99 based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $53,900. The term of the supply agreement will be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted in FY 98-99 by the Water Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 5. M99-195 Motion approving a supply agreement for PVC Pipe in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0102-99 with US Filter Distribution Group, Corpus Christi, Texas on the basis of low bid of $219,520. The pipe consists of sizes 6" through 16" and is used by Water and Wastewater Services for maintenance of lines. The term of the supply agreement is twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods subject to the approval of the vendor and the City Manager or his designee. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 7 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 6. M99-196 Motion approving the purchase of one turf top dresser from Watson Distributing Company, San Antonio, Texas for the amount of $18,149.75, based on sole source. The top dresser will be used by Park and Recreation Department and is funded through a Coastal Bend Council of Governments grant. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 8. M99-198 Motion approving the purchase of fifteen computers from Compaq Computer Corporation, Houston, Texas to be used by the Central Library in accordance with the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program for a total of $24,690. Funds are available through the Telecommunication Infrastructure Fund Grant. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 9. M99-199 Motion approving the purchase of one vacuum truck from Houston -Galveston Area Council of Governments, for the amount of $196,676.21. The award is based on the cooperative purchasing agreement with Houston -Galveston Area Council of Governments. The truck is budgeted in the 1998-99 Capital Outlay as additional equipment for the Storm Water Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 10. M99-200 Motion approving the purchase of construction equipment in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0134-99 for Street Services Department from the following vendors, based on only bid and low bid. Funding for the equipment will be provided through the City's lease purchase financing agreement with G.E. Capital. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 8 Closner Equipment Co. San Antonio, TX 3 Each 4-6 ton Rollers Total $116,120 Waukesha Pearce Ind. Corpus Christi, TX 2 Each Hydraulic Excavator 1 Each Excavator Extension Total $334,311 Total Award: Nueces Power Equipment Co. Corpus Christi, TX 2 Each 12 ton Rollers 1 Each Street Broom Total $118,169 H&V Equipment Services Corpus Christi, TX 1 Each Soil Compactor Total $77,395 $645,995 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 11. M99-201 Motion approving the purchase of three submersible non -clog sewage pumps and four submersible grinder sewage pumps in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0127-99, for $25,477.00 with Peeco, Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid and low bid meeting specifications. The Wastewater Department will use this equipment in various lift stations throughout the City of Corpus Christi. These items are budgeted in the FY98-99 Capital Outlay. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 13. M99-204 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $58,800 with R.S. Black Civil Engineers & Contractors/Materials and Machinery, a joint venture of Corpus Christi, Texas for the Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant lift station overhead crane/rail system project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 14. M99-205 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $121,590.90 with Bracco Construction of Corpus Christi, Texas for the Allison Wastewater Treatment Plant post -thickener wall rehabilitation. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 9 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 15. M99-206 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $154,380 with Rabalais Electrical Constructors of Corpus Christi, Texas for the Williams/Country Club lift stations control system replacement. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 16. M99-207 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an annual maintenance services contract in the amount of $146,690.08 with Rabalais Electrical Constructors of Corpus Christi, Texas for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant: ongoing instrument maintenance program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 17. M99-208 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $196,344 with C.W. Campbell Electric Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant & River Station: alarm system, temperature & vibration monitoring project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 18. M99-209 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $72,500 with R.S. Black Civil Engineers & Contractors/Machinery and Materials, a joint venture of Corpus Christi, Texas for the O. N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant: filter aid storage modifications and platform improvements - 1998. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 10 19. M99-210 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $99,690 with Rabalais Electrical Constructors of Corpus Christi, Texas for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant: sedimentation basins & gas measurement building closed circuit television monitoring FY98-99 project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 20. M99-211 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $45,687 with Jhabores Construction of Corpus Christi, Texas for the Rojo Street drainage improvements. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 21. M99-212 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $63,375 with Mid -Gulf Industrial Inc. of Pasadena, Texas for the marina pile project FY98-99. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and B. Longoria absent. 25. WITHDRAWN Amcndin5 the Codc of Ordinances, Chapter 23, Article III, Section 23 57, Swimming Pool regulations for swimming -pools, wading pools, hot tubs or spas; providing for pcnaltica under City Cod, Scction 1 6. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, purchase of mowing equipment. Council Member Scott asked if the expenses are recouped through the golf revenues, and City Manager Garcia replied affirmatively. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 11 7. M99-197 Motion approving the purchase of mowing equipment in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0129-99, from the following firms based on low bid meeting specifications and on best bid. The equipment will be used by Park and Recreations Department at Lozano and Oso golf courses and is included in the 1998-99 Capital Outlay. Turf & Irrigation Hardware Corpus Christi, TX 72" Rotary Mower 1 Each $11,735.00 Total Award: $32,959 Professional Turf Products San Antonio, TX Utility Truckster 4 Each $21,224.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, landfill sector liner construction. Council Member Kinnison asked if Sector 8 is the last sector in the J.C. Elliott Landfill. Mr. Andy Leal, Director of Solid Waste Services, said there are three more sectors. He added that of the $1,125,000 in available funds, $525,000 will be used to complete Sector 8 and $600,000 will be used to initiate the construction of Sector 9. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 12.a. M99-202 Motion approving supply agreements for material for landfill sector liner construction in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0074-99 from the following companies, based on low bid. The term of the contracts will be for twelve months with options to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods, based on the approval of the contractor and the City Manager, or his designee. Suntide Material & Trucking Wright Materials, Inc. Corpus Christi, TX Robstown, TX Sand -35,000 tons Gravel -2,200 tons $243,250 $28,050 Grand Total of Award - $271,300 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 12 12.b. M99-203 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $183,268.15 with Falcon Environmental Lining of Odessa, Texas for J. C. Elliott Landfill Expansion Sector 8 Liner Improvements. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22, Spur 3, Phase 2 project. Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Angel Escobar, Acting Director of Engineering Services, said the let date for this project is February 2000. He said they are proposing to include a joint contract with the Texas Department of Transportation to also include the city's requirement to relocate the utilities that are presently in the way of the construction, as well as the expansion of Nile Road, which was in the 1986 bond program. Mr. Escobar said the estimated completion of the entire project is 2003. Council Member John Longoria asked if Nile will be expanded to five lanes, and Mr. Escobar said it will be. Mr. Longoria asked if there would be a continuous right-hand turning lane from Nile Drive onto Ennis Joslin. Mr. Escobar said he would have to check TXDOT's plans. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 22. M99-213 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 3 to the contract for engineering services with Naismith Engineering Inc. in an amount not to exceed $19,050 for the Spur 3, Phase 2: Ennis Joslin road utilities adjustments and Nile Drive improvements project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Gonzales absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 23, agreement for psychological services for the Police and Aviation Departments. Council Member Kinnison said if the estimated annual cost of the city's contract with Dr. Koch is $70,000 and the hourly rate is $30.00, then Dr. Koch would be working for the city 2,333 Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 13 hours per year. Ms. Pat Eldridge, Management Assistant V at the Police Department, said Dr. Koch's services average 175 hours per month at the Police Department. Mr. Kinnison asked if Dr. Koch also has a private practice, and Ms. Eldridge said he does. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 23. M99-214 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with M. Dee Koch, Ph.D., for psychological services for the Police and Aviation Departments. The term of the agreement is for three years at an hourly rate of $30 at an estimated annual cost of $70,000. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kinnison and J. Longoria voting "No"; Colmenero and Gonzales absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 24, Minority Business Opportunity Committee (MBOC) program. Council Member John Longoria asked if Mr. Steve Gomez is still the Chairman of the MBOC Committee. Mr. Norbert Hart, Director of Housing and Community Development, replied affirmatively. He added, however, that Mr. Gomez will not be the contractor for this contract. He said staff originally had Mr. Gomez's name down as part of the grant application, but the Legal Department determined that there was a conflict of interest. Consequently, Mr. Gomez withdrew his name from consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 24. ORDINANCE NO. 023683 Ordinance authorizing the appropriation of $10,000 received from the Coastal Bend Work- force Development Board in the No. 1050 Federal/State grants fund to implement a program emphasizing business communications and leadership development for at -risk youth. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Gonzales absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 26, consideration of FY 99-00 Operating and Capital budgets. The first issues discussed were the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund and the Visitors Facilities Fund. City Manager Garcia explained that those funds are used primarily to fund the operation of Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 14 the Convention Center and tourism and visitor activities. They are also used to fund several outside agencies that are either directly or indirectly related to tourism. He said a major financial obligation is the outstanding debt service on the facilities. Mr. Hal Peterson, Director of Convention Facilities, said that until about a year ago those two funds were combined but it was decided to separate the hotel monies from the operating monies for better tracking purposes. The current city hotel occupancy tax rate is 7%. He noted that total revenues for the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund are expected to be $5,060,299, and they will be distributed as follows: $2,173,072 (43%) to the Facilities Fund; $2,052,723 (41%) to the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance; $422,500 (8%) to debt service; and $412,004 (8%) to arts/cultural services. Responding to Council members' questions, Mr. Garcia and Mr. Peterson further discussed the debt service obligations and funds allocated to arts and cultural organizations. Mr. Garcia added that staff can make a presentation to the Council regarding different development proposals in the area where the Art Museum is located. With regard to the Visitors Facility Fund, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Garcia discussed revenues and expenditures, as well as the Convention Center Department's fund balance. There was also a discussion about expenses associated with Heritage Park operations and the Water Garden. Mr. Garcia said he would recommend that the city move toward cost -recovery in many areas; however, that would involve substantial rate increases in many of the city's activities. Mr. Peterson also reviewed supplemental needs that were not included in his budget proposal. He noted that the air conditioner at Memorial Coliseum failed and staff will be bringing a proposal to approve a replacement air conditioner. (There was further discussion about the budget later in the meeting.) * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 27, ordinance increasing the hotel occupancy tax. He said the two sponsors of the recently approved legislation were Senator Carlos Truan and Representative Vilma Luna, with help from Representatives Jaime Capelo and Gene Seaman. The Mayor then recognized Senator Truan, who stated that the legislation will allow for expansion of the Convention Center, which will hopefully attract larger conventions to the city, thereby allowing citizens to benefit financially from the increase in visitors. Senator Truan also thanked the Mayor, Council members, and city staff for the cooperation and assistance they provided to the legislative delegation regarding other legislative issues as well. Representative Luna also thanked city staff, particularly Assistant City Manager Tom Utter. She echoed Senator Truan's remarks regarding the importance of tourism to Corpus Christi. She commented favorably on the increase in the hotel/motel tax and the willingness of the hotel/motel/ condominium industry to support this effort. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 15 Ms. Laurie Cook, Chairperson of the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance, read a resolution passed that morning by the Alliance board commending the Corpus Christi City Council and the Corpus Christi legislative delegation for their efforts regarding the hotel/motel tax increase. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 27. ORDINANCE NO. 023684 Ordinance increasing the hotel occupancy tax of the City of Corpus Christi to nine percent for the purpose of improving the city's Convention Center, in accordance with House Bill 1655, 1999 Texas Legislature; conforming language related to the city's hotel occupancy tax to state law, and providing for penalties. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal recognized several Corpus Christi exchange students who will be traveling to various Sister Cities around the world, and he presented them with Goodwill Ambassador certificates. The Mayor then called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 28, consideration of an appeal of the determination of the Petroleum Superintendent to issue a seismic permit to Western Geophysical Company. He then called for comments from the appellants first. Mr. Charles Spencer, 13845 Hawksnest Bay Dr., said he attended the public hearing of the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee on June 16, 1999. He said that after lengthy discussions with public officials and private scientists, he is convinced that there is a significant possibility of damage to private property as a result of the seismic testing in the area of Padre Island. Mr. Spencer said that although Western Geophysical has established claim procedures if damage does result to private property, the process of proving casual relationship for a claim is difficult. He added that legal representation and fees for such a claim could be very costly for residents of Padre Isles. Mr. Spencer also said that if petroleum reserves are detected in large quantities, the construction of oil and natural gas wells in the area of Padre Isles will have disastrous effects upon the quality of life currently experienced by island residents. He urged the Council to reject the Petroleum Superintendent's decision to issue the permit or at least delay their decision until they hear the opinions of third -party scientists. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 16 Dr. E.B. Nuckols also addressed the Council as a member of the appealing parties. He said he has a Ph.D. in environmental sciences and a master's degree in petroleum geology. He said he has about 30 years of professional experience, 15 of those years in the exploration and production of oil and gas resources, both internationally and domestically. Dr. Nuckols expressed concern that Western Geophysical or any similar company has ever conducted any significant seismic tests through a densely populated area such as Padre Island. He said the Padre Isles Property Owners Association does not represent the homeowners but only the "common areas" and "bulkheads" within the residential community. Dr. Nuckols said that he is a strong proponent of mineral resource development, but not if it impacts the residents or the quality of life there. He asked the Council to withhold approval of the seismic permit so they can study potential damage to the island. Mr. George Walcott, 13813 Doubloon St., expressed concern about the amount of insurance coverage that would be provided in the event of a worst-case scenario. He said there appears to be a conflict of interest since the persons who will be conducting the tests are the ones who will be reviewing and ruling whether or not damage occurred. He said a disinterested third party should review the claims if any are submitted. Mr. Spencer said they were led to believe that the largest charge that would be set off during the seismic testing would be 2 -pound charges. After the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee meeting on June 16th, they learned that 8 -pound charges would be set off right outside the city limits, which is not far from several property owners. Mayor Neal then called for comments from the applicants. Mr. Steve Chang, Operations Manager for the Southeastern U.S. region for Western Geophysical, said his company has conducted extensive testing to determine the peak particle velocity motion of their actions. Responding to Mr. Spencer's previous comment, Mr. Chang said the charge in question is 6 pounds rather than 8 pounds, and he added that Western has a permit from the Texas General Land Office to conduct that charge size at the specified depth. He also said Western is in the process of completing a 1,500 square mile project in and around the Mississippi River levee system in Louisiana. He said they also have worked off of barrier islands before, although they were not as extensively populated as Padre Island. Dr. Nuckols said they wished to see information from an independent organization verifying what will potentially happen near Padre Island when the survey is conducted. He added that most other barrier islands do not have slab homes built on them as Padre Island does. Mr. Vito Sacchere, President of Ameridian Technologies Inc., said his company is independent and not owned or operated by Western Geophysical. He said his company is routinely hired by government entities to conduct independent technical investigations. He said they gave an extensive presentation to the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee on June 16th. Mr. Sacchere said in the last two years they went through the center of 14 cities with their equipment, and officials in those cities will verify that no damage occurred. He said they will be keeping Western Geophysical Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 17 below the threshold damage of plaster, which is the weakest component in any home. He added that there were several construction items on the Council's agenda that will be inducing more vibrations into the ground than will be experienced through Western's tests. Dr. Nuckols replied that the cities referred to by Mr. Sacchere were not located on barrier islands, which presents a different situation. He added that there are unknown elements that could result in serious impacts to the residential values of the homes on the island. Mr. Sacchere said the local geology has been investigated and safe operating parameters have been determined. Mr. Jerry Dewbre, Chairman of the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee, said he has worked in the oil and gas business for 30 years, and he has a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a master's in engineering management, as well as being a registered professional engineer In addition, the committee consists of eight members --four from industry and four from non -industry. He said they have conducted two hearings on this matter to hear testimony from Western Geophysical and to hear residents' concerns. Mr. Dewbre said it has been demonstrated that Western has conducted surveys in much more densely populated areas, including in the Galveston area, a barrier island. He said Western also conducted tests on Padre Island to see exactly what kind of energy would be transmitted from various charges at various distances. Based on that testing, Western reduced the charge sizes and increased the distance between structures. Mr. Dewbre said Western has also agreed to conduct pre -inspection surveys of all the structures and homes in the perimeter of the area they will be testing so they can establish base line conditions. He added that if oil and gas is found in that area, it will increase the tax base of the community. He said the committee voted unanimously to approve the permit. Mayor Neal then called for general comments from the audience. Mr. Burton Smith, 5402 Sugar Creek, said he is a 20 -year Navy veteran (retired), having served in the underwater demolition teams and Navy SEAL teams. He said 2 -pound charges are very minimal, which he explained. He said he thought the potential for damage by Western's tests has been overstated. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Chang distributed a packet of information to the Council which included a letter of indemnification, operations timeline, airboat procedure, energy source guideline, contact sheet, damage claim procedure, and areas of operation. Dr. Nuckols, Mr. Dewbre and Fire Chief J.J. Adame also replied to other questions from Dr. Gonzales and commented on the information that had been presented. Mr. Chang suggested that once Western Geophysical begins their operations closer to the city limits, they can provide on a daily basis the review of the monitoring information to Chief Adame, so he can be aware of their operations. Mr. Sacchere further described the tests that are conducted. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 18 Council Member Scott said there are several issues to consider, including recognizing the interests of the mineral owners and sharing the homeowners' concerns about tests being conducted in that area. He explained that he attended a demonstration conducted by Western Geophysical and then he began a series of private meetings with representatives of the Padre Isles Property Owners Association, Western Geophysical, BNP Petroleum Corp., mineral interests, island home owners, and business people. Ultimately, the PIPOA developed a list of demands which were negotiated and agreed upon by Western and finally approved by the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee. He said that document incorporated all of the concerns that had been raised (which were previously explained by Mr. Chang). Mr. Scott also noted that the city hired a consultant to review Western's application, and the consultant's recommendations were also incorporated in the permit. Dr. Gonzales said he supports oil and gas exploration but he wants to ensure that the citizens are protected throughout the process. Dr. Nuckols said the National Seashore requested that Western Geophysical post a performance bond of $110,000, which is different from insurance. He also commented about the need to establish a base line. Council Member John Longoria asked what is the alternative to using dynamite. Mr. Chang replied that can use airguns in the bays or canals or vibroseis, which he explained. Mr. Sacchere also discussed seismic monitors and safe thresholds of vibrations. City Secretary Chapa noted that Council Member Garrett had filed a disclosure affidavit and he will abstain from voting on this item. Mayor Neal said the Council had heard the testimony of several parties and he explained the options available to the Council. Mr. Scott made the following motion, which was seconded by Mr. Kinnison. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 28. M99-215 Motion to deny the appeal of the determination of the Petroleum Superintendent to issue a seismic permit to Western Geophysical Company. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett abstaining; Colmenero absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal then returned to the discussion on Item 26 regarding the operating and capital improvement budgets. City Manager Garcia explained that the recommended budget he presented to the Council on June 1st balanced operating expenditures with revenues. He said the budget contained "supplemental appropriations" in the total amount of $750,000 which included items specifically earmarked to be program enhancements. Consequently, the city departments were asked to submit Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 19 supplemental budgets, some of which ended up being requests to restore some programs that were cut in order to balance the budget. The total supplemental requests were $7,421,746. Mr. Garcia pointed out that on the summary of supplemental budget requests, some items show both the cost to purchase a piece of equipment as well as the cost to lease the equipment. He then highlighted some of the supplemental items and he referred to a list of revenue enhancement options, which he said staff is not recommending at this time. Mayor Neal stated that he did not think the Council was ready to consider the supplemental requests until the Council examines the capital improvement program (CIP). With regard to the CIP, Mr. Garcia said that since their discussion last week of the city's debt model, staff closely examined the details of the city's expenditures. They determined that the support costs for two of the city's new computer systems --financial management and human resources -- should have been distributed among all the user departments, as opposed to only the Finance and Human Resources departments. As a result, the General Fund is relieved of $408,166 in expenditures for the two systems. Mr. Garcia said he is recommending that the city use the $408,166 to establish a Special Projects Debt Service Fund for certificates of obligation to be used to complete the 1986 bond program as well as accumulate funds for a proposed loan from the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). The SIB loan would be used to fund the city's cost for elevating the JFK Causeway and for the Leopard Street Phase 3 street project (if eligible). Mr. Garcia added that staff is recommending that the Kostoryz Street and Cornett Street improvement projects remain in the FY 99-00 CIP, even though staff has not identified the funding for them yet. He said staff is anticipating closing out several other projects which have excess funds. Mr. Garcia reiterated that he is recommending the FY 99-00 street CIP consist of the following: the 1986 bond projects, JFK Causeway, Leopard Street Phase 3, Kostoryz Street, and Cornett Street. He said every other project listed in the street portion of the CIP will have to be deferred until future years. Mr. Escobar then explained in detail the street projects that were being proposed to be deferred. He noted that most of them would be deferred for one year. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Escobar also responded to Council members' questions. Mr. Garcia emphasized that the capital program staff is proposing does not keep up with the deterioration of the city's streets, parks, and infrastructure. Council Member Gonzales asked about showing support for funding the JFK Causeway project. Mr. Garcia replied that the Council could make a motion that the city establish the Special Projects Debt Service Fund, which would give staff the authority to apply for the State Infrastructure Bank loan. Dr. Gonzales made a motion directing staff to establish the Special Projects Debt Service Fund as outlined; seconded by Council Member Scott, and passed (Colmenero absent). Mr. Garcia Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 20 noted that staff is scheduled to meet with representatives of the State Infrastructure Bank tomorrow. He said the total loan amount that will be requested will be $8.3 million ($4 million for the causeway and $4.3 million for Leopard Street). Mayor Neal said that at least once a quarter city staff should bring back a reconciliation schedule of each of the projects so as to restore trust among citizens that the Council is making sound decisions. The next aspect of the CIP to be discussed was Park and Recreation, which was presented by Mr. Mike Gordon, Assistant Director of Operations. He said they have three projects scheduled in the FY 99-00 CIP: new senior's central kitchen location and design project; youth sports complex on State School property; and historical rehabilitation of the old Bayview Cemetery. Two other projects listed in the preliminary CIP are being recommended for deferral --Bay Trail and Corpus Christi Beach erosion. Mr. Andy Leal, Director of Solid Waste Services, said the proposed FY 99-00 capital budget includes funds to continue the process of building the new landfill as well as to continue to move toward closing the J.C. Elliott Landfill. He said $5.2 million is budgeted for the purchase of the new landfill property; $500,000 for engineering, construction oversight, and quality control; and $10.3 million for construction of the new landfill. In years 2 and 3 there is a total of $4.5 million that will serve to close out J.C. Elliott Landfill with its final cover. Mayor Neal asked about funding, and Mr. Garcia replied that it would involve revenue bonds as opposed to G.O. bonds based on revenues from the landfill. Responding to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. Garcia said staff is not planning a rate increase for solid waste services through 2003, which Mr. Leal briefly explained. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. Following a brief discussion, it was determined that the Council will begin at noon on July 13th. Prior to discussing the supplemental budgets, Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. Upon reconvening, the Mayor called for public comment from agency representatives. Ms. Gilna Nance, Director of the Volunteer Center, discussed the services offered through the contract between Municipal Court and Volunteer Center. She said the contract amount of $9,500 is not enough because they are understaffed and must utilize many of the agency's resources on the Municipal Court referral program rather than on other volunteer needs in the community. She asked that the city increase its contract amount to $21,000. Mr. Wally Whitworth, Executive Director of Nueces County MHMR, asked that the city continue to provide funding to MHMR in the amount of $60,000. He said the Council is well aware of the vulnerable population that they serve as well as the agency's history of being under funded. He commented that it is state board policy for the agency to have 60 to 90 days' worth of operating funds in its fund balance. He said they serve about 4,000 people a year or 1,500 per month. He noted that MHMR has had a reduction in the last few years, particularly in Medicaid funding. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 21 Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Garcia said the proposed budget includes a 10% reduction in funding to most of the outside agencies, including MHMR's allocation, which would be reduced by $6,000. He said there is a supplemental budget item to restore that $6,000 to the city's budget. Mr. Abel Alonzo, speaking as an advocate for the disabled, said MHMR provides needed services to disabled persons. He said MHMR has been criticized for being operated in an efficient manner and having reserve funding. He said the agency had to cut some of its jobs but it did not cut services to the community. He added that the $6,000 in reduced allocations will result in a reduction of services to the disabled. Mayor Neal then called for Council comments on the supplemental budget requests. Mr. Kinnison asked what the effect will be by cutting the fire academy in the proposed budget. Fire Chief Adame explained that the men and women currently enrolled in the fire academy will graduate and be ready to work by the end of September. At that time the department's staffing level will be about three people below; that level will probably remain in place until around January 2000, when some retirements are expected. Mr. Garcia said the cost of an academy is $611,000 and he said he anticipates the need for a larger than normal academy next year in order to make up the difference created by cutting it in this year's budget. He added that deferring the academy will result in some overtime expenses and minimum staffing levels. Mr. Kinnison said he wished to review the 2000-01 pro forma to ensure that the larger academy is included. With regard to fire equipment, Mr. Garcia discussed the option of a five-year lease purchase of a hazardous materials response truck, Light & air truck and brush truck. Responding to Mayor Neal, Chief Adame further discussed the timing and costs of the fire academy. There was also additional discussion regarding fire equipment and the use of ambulances throughout the city. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Pat Alba, Director of Risk Management, said the allocation for self-insurance includes general liability, auto liability, workers compensation, and property insurance the city purchases for its buildings. He said the workers comp and general liability are based on claims filed over a three-year period. Mr. Alba noted that the Fire Department has one of the highest cost allocations in that area. Mr. Garcia added that there were substantive increases in injuries in the Fire, Police and Solid Waste departments; consequently, a more concerted safety program has been implemented to try to reduce those on-the-job injuries. The next issue to be discussed was the Police Department. Mr. Kinnison said he wished to see what the five-year budget for the Crime Control and Prevention District will be if the juvenile assessment center/police substation is built. Council Member Garrett asked if police officers will have to be used in place of the two transport officers which were deleted from the Police Department's budget. Police Chief Alvarez Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 22 said they would be, and he described the role of the civilian transport officers, which he called a valuable tool in saving police officers' time. Mr. Garcia said staff was recommending reducing two of the three civilian transport officers at a savings of about $47,000. Council Member Scott asked about the first-year cost of the community oriented policing program. Chief Alvarez replied that initially that cost was higher. He said that after his presentation to the Council about the program, the Council raised some concerns about the costs so he deleted all the new employee positions that had been recommended by the IACP study to civilianize some positions. He also deleted the assistant chief position and he moved the additional commander's position to the fourth year of the five-year plan. The Chief then delineated the COP program five- year total costs. Mr. Longoria said he thought the city had agreed to renovate an existing facility in order to house and operate a TRIP center rather than spend money to build a new facility. Mr. Garcia said they are trying to combine the commitment to operate a TRIP center with the commitment to go to community oriented policing. He said staff feels that a police substation and a truancy and curfew center would be compatible uses, adding that staff will provide those budgets. Mr. Longoria also discussed the expenses associated with the school crossing guard program. He wondered whether the money in the Crime Control and Prevention District budget for campus police programs could instead be used for the city's school crossing guards. Dr. Gonzales suggested that the city again approach Nueces County about the issue of school crossing guard costs. With regard to the Street Services Department, Mr. Kinnison asked why the personnel costs are staying the same if the department is cutting back on materials and doing less work on street reconstruction. Ms. Barbara Stover, Acting Director of Street Services, replied that personnel will be keeping busy working on other types of street work, such as potholes. In response to Mr. Longoria, Ms. Stover and Mr. Rudy Garza, Assistant Director of Management and Budget, further explained lease purchase and materials costs in the Street Department. Mr. Kinnison asked if the Parks Department is on a five- to six-week cycle for mowing of parks, and Mr. Gordon replied affirmatively. He added that staff had bid out the mowing work but the bids came in over their estimate so they reworked their specifications and will bid it out again. He said the contract work will help maintain some of the median areas. In reply to Mrs. Longoria, Mr. Gordon briefly explained the supplemental budget request to reinstate the Park Planning Division. There was also a discussion about right-of-way mowing. Responding to Dr. Gonzales, Dr. Nina Sisley, Director of Public Health, discussed cuts that were made in her budget, including one nurse, office assistants, and a community service aide. She said they will basically have to close the Flour Bluff Clinic except for WIC services and possibly immunizations once or twice per month. Dr. Gonzales said he will try very hard to not eliminate positions in the Health Department. Mr. Garcia said those reductions amounted to $93,400. Dr. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 23 Sisley pointed out that the supplemental budget included two additional animal control officers, while the other supplemental requests were to reinstate cuts made in her department, such as a new roof for the main health facility. A brief discussion ensued. With regard to the Planning Department's supplemental budget request, Mrs. Longoria, Chairperson of the Complete Count Committee, discussed the need for $20,002 to educate the public about the importance of participating in the 2000 Census. Mr. Kinnison asked about the supplemental budget item in the Solid Waste Services Department for an automated garbage collection pilot program. Mr. Leal explained that there are some areas in the city that can be easily converted to an automated collection program. The pilot program would provide additional information about challenges that may be faced in other areas. Mr. Garcia added that the city is buying 13 new trucks, some of which will replace the rear -loaders and some will be the automated trucks. In response to another question from Mr. Kinnison, Mr. Leal also discussed brush collection. Mr. Garrett questioned the training functions in the Human Resources Department. Ms. Cynthia Garcia, Director of Human Resources, said the department is requesting funds to provide customer service training for every city employee. Other training the department currently conducts includes sexual harassment training, violence in the workplace, discrimination, customer training through the orientation process, and other training. Mr. Kinnison asked City Secretary Chapa if he would have enough money in his proposed budget if the city held an election in the coming fiscal year. Mr. Chapa replied that they would have to budget for an election in the amount of $90,000 to $100,000. Mr. Kinnison asked that an additional supplemental budget be prepared to cover election costs. Mayor Neal asked if the supplemental request to establish the Office of Protocol could be funded from the hotel/motel tax revenues; Mr. Garcia replied that it could. Mayor Neal said there currently is not anyone in the city who is responsible for protocol issues, but it will have to be included eventually since Corpus Christi is a growing international city. Mr. Chapa said staff visited the Office of Protocol in San Antonio, which includes functions of the Sister City program along with protocol activities. Mrs. Longoria asked about the City Secretary's supplemental budget request for an optical imaging system. Mr. Chapa said the estimated cost of $100,000 was derived from information from the MIS Department and several vendors they have talked with. He said they have tried to include an imaging system for the last six years but budget constraints have prevented it. Mr. Chapa explained that the imaging system would allow his staff to access all of the city's permanent records (ordinances, contracts, motions, minutes, etc.) much more quickly and efficiently, while also allowing the records to be more accessible to other city departments and to the public through the city libraries. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 24 Mr. Kinnison said he supports the city's Web site and he would like to expand upon it, such as allowing the public to send e-mail messages to individual Council members. Mr. Garcia said that as a public entity, the city must abide by several regulations concerning maintenance and other aspects of its Web site, which he explained. Ms. Susan Cable, Director of Communications and Quality Management, said she receives several requests from people for additional information about city services. Referring to the supplemental budget request for a public information technician in the Communications Department, Mr. Longoria questioned the function of the current staff members. Ms. Cable described the roles of the following staff members: Yvonne Haag, Community Relations Coordinator; Ted Nelson, Media and Productions Coordinator; and Diana Ramirez, Graphics Coordinator. Ms. Cable also discussed costs associated with city productions, such as "Issues and Answers," and other communications services. Mayor Neal commented that Corpus Christi is probably the largest city in Texas that does not have its own production studio. Mr. Longoria also discussed the possibility of lighting only the portion of Harbor Bridge which faces the downtown area. Mr. Escobar replied that it would cost approximately $165,500. Mr. Kinnison asked when the new Flour Bluff library will be completed. Mr. Herb Canales, Director of Libraries, said the approved construction contract will extend until mid-June 2000. He also discussed costs for books, magazines and on-line services. He also noted that there is a supplemental budget request to replace the telephone system at the Central Library, which is about 15 years old and not Y2K compliant. Mr. Kinnison referred to the supplemental budget request for the creation of a City Marshals division in Municipal Court. He asked why this item was not included in the operating budget. Mr. Garcia replied that the base budget provided the same level of city services while the supplemental budget included items that were enhancements or new programs, such as the City Marshals. Ms. Barb Sudhoff, Director of Municipal Courts, said once the marshals program is implemented, they anticipate first-year revenues to be over $400.000. In addition, first-year costs are also greater to initiate the program while subsequent expenses will decrease. Ms. Sudhoff and Judge Rudy Tamez further discussed how the marshals program would benefit the city. Mr. Scott asked if the supplemental budget requests for improvements to the city's golf courses could be financed through the fee structure. Mr. Gordon replied that there presently is a surcharge on each green fee for a new golf course. He said the Council could redirect those funds to make the requested improvements to the existing courses. Responding to other Council members' questions, Mr. Gordon discussed golf revenues and the cost for a new golf course, which is estimated at $3 million to $5 million. Responding to Mr. Kinnison, Mr. Garcia said the supplemental budget requests for renovations to the Convention Center would be dealt with through the hotel/motel tax increase. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 29, 1999 Page 25 The next issue to be discussed were the requests from the outside agencies. Mr. Garcia noted that the Asian Cultures Museum is being recommended to receive $15,000 and they are requesting an additional $15,000 to pay for increased utilities expenses resulting from their recent expansion. The Downtown Management District and MHMR were requesting that the 10% cut from their allocations be restored by means of the supplemental budget. In reply to Mr. Kinnison, Mr. Garcia said the Alliance's requested increase for tourism promotion and the special project to promote the Latin market could qualify for hotel/motel tax revenues, which he explained. Responding to another question, City Attorney Bray said even though the debt referred to by Mr. Kinnison consists of general obligation bonds and are voter -approved, that does not mean ad valorem tax revenues have to be used to pay it off; any source of funds can be used for those legal expenses since they are ultimately backed by taxes. Dr. Gonzales said the city needs to push harder to promote economic development. Mr. Garcia said he agreed, adding that the amount in the budget represents about double the amount the Alliance received last year. The City Manager said the hotel/motel tax increase will generate about $18 million, but he feels very certain that amount will be insufficient to fund the type of improvements that are needed at the Convention Center ($20 million to $25 million). He said they may have to supplement the 2 cent increase with some of the existing hotel/motel occupancy tax allocation that currently goes to existing operations. Mr. Longoria said there are many agencies that benefit from that fund, which is an issue that needs to be further discussed. In conclusion, Mayor Neal asked the Council, prior to their next meeting on July 13th, to go back through the supplemental budget requests and prioritize how they believe the $750,000 should be allocated. * * * * * * * * * * * ** Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said there may be a need for a special Council meeting on August 3rd, but they will not be able to confirm that until they get more details about when the tax rate will be available. Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Garrett asked Neighborhood Improvement staff to investigate a house between 126 Richard St. and 118 Richard St. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal declared the Council meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. on June 29, 1999. * * * * * * * * * * * * *