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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/29/2000I 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 February 29, 2000, which were approved by the City Council on March 7, 2000. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 7th day of March, 2000. 41 if Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Scott Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Melody Cooper Henry Garrett Dr. Arnold Gonzales Rex A. Kinnison Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 2:00 p.m. City Staff: City Manager David R. Garcia Deputy City Manager George Noe City Attorney James R. Bray Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Rev. Alston Kirk, Trinity Lutheran Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Gonzales. 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 February 22, 2000. 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 appointment was made: Arts and Cultural Commission Ricardo Sanchez * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton St., said there had been publicity last week about the Council members' new chairs. He said there is a fire station that does not have adequate furniture. Mr. Gordy questioned how many times the City Manager can approve purchases less than $15,000 without the City Council's approval, adding that he thinks there should be a limit Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 2 Mrs. Pat Suter, 1002 Chamberlain, said that while there were several months in which police officers patrolled Hans Suter Park, the police have not been in evidence recently and undesirable and criminal activity is again occurring. In addition, she said people are using a seine to take shrimp out of the channel to sell it. She said a sign is needed at the street regarding authorized personnel only as well as a sign asking people not to seine there. She said they would also like a video camera to be installed at the park. Mr. Johnny French, 4417 Carlton, said that for about two years at his own cost he has been maintaining plants at Hans Suter Park, many of which are being stolen. He asked the city to place signage indicating that taking the plants is a theft. Responding to Council Member Garrett, Mrs. Suter said that the area she was requesting a sign for is directly across from the Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant. She said they need police patrol cars to make a pass through the park so as to establish a police presence there. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, asked about the status of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is scheduled to be published on March 21, 2000. He said one of the many problems the Finance Department appeared to be having is that their bank reconciliations were not done in a timely manner, which was an issue raised in the 1996 audit management letter. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said that while most people would not begrudge the Council from having comfortable chairs to sit in during their long meetings, he said they should have used more discretion in selecting the chairs. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said that the businesses of local shrimpers are suffering because of requirements such as turtle excluder devices. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said that when he first heard about the Council members' new chairs he was a little angry; however, he understands how painful it can be to have to sit in a chair for many hours at a time. He said he is tired of a minority of people controlling the Council's agenda with negative rhetoric every week. He wondered what changes could have been brought about if those people had put their energy into positive efforts. Mr. Foster Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors, said there are people in the community who only think about the past and the present but who have a limited perspective and outlook. He encouraged the Council to reject that outlook and to continue to invest in the future. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-11). City Secretary Chapa said that Council Member Scott had filed a disclosure affidavit and would be abstaining from discussing or voting on Item 9. Council members requested that Item 11 be withheld for discussion. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 3 There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 3. M2000-056 Motion approving the purchase of fifty pilot -loaded top entry regulators in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0039-00 from Puffer-Sweiven, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas, based on low bid, for a total of $40,382. The regulators will be used by the Gas Department. Funds are budgeted in FY99-00. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 4. M2000-057 Motion approving a supply agreement with Van Waters & Rogers, Corpus Christi, Texas for approximately 7,200 tons of liquid caustic soda in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI - 0047 -00 based on low bid for an estimated expenditure of $438,840. The term of the supply agreement will be for six months with an option to extend for up to two additional six-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. The Water Department will use this chemical for water supply treatment. Funds have been budgeted in FY99-00. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 5. M2000-058 Motion approving a supply agreement with Fisher Scientific Company, Houston, Texas, for laboratory supplies consisting of various chemicals and supplies in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0017-00, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $67,307.96. The term of the contract 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 FY99-00 by the Water and Health Departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 6. M2000-059 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $89,002 with King Isles for the Parker Park drainage improvements project. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 4 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 7. M2000-060 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 5 to the Greenwood trunk main rehabilitation contract with Jalco Inc. in the amount of $560,600 for rehabilitation of the existing lines on McBride Lane and Agnes Street. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 8. M2000-061 Motion authorizing the acquisition of Parcel No. 5 located on Kostoryz Road between Holly Road and Sylvan Crest Drive for $19,598 in connection with the Kostoryz Road improvements - Holly Road to Saratoga Boulevard project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 9. M2000-062 Motion authorizing the acquisition of 4.769 acres located off Whiteley Drive between Rex Lane and Easy Street for $24,322 in connection with the minor storm drainage improvements- Easy -Whiteley project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kirmison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. 10.a. M2000-063 Motion approving a contract between Huerta Investments, LLC, owner and developer of Tract 20A, William Robertson Farm Tracts, and the City of Corpus Christi for provision of water service outside the city limits in accordance with present City water policy as set forth in City Code, Section 55-110 through 55-119. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 10.b. M2000-064 Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by Huerta Investment, LLC, Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 5 owner and developer of Tract 20A, William Robertson Farm Tracts, for the installation of 4,010 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 10.c. ORDINANCE NO. 023952 Ordinance appropriating $194,502 in the No. 4030 Water Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund to pay the reimbursement request of Huerta Investments, LLC, for the installation of a 12 -inch water grid main. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 11, police grants. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Police Chief Alvarez said that the city has always been able to absorb the cost associated with the grant at the end of the five-year period; however, if the city is not able to do that, the position will be eliminated. Mr. Colmenero commented on how the city continues to absorb grant costs. Chief Alvarez said that is the only way the city can take advantage of grant funding. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11.a. RESOLUTION NO. 023953 Resolution authorizing the submission of a third year grant application in the amount of $66,750 to the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for third year funding of the Gang Analysis Unit of the City of Corpus Christi Police Department. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 11.b. RESOLUTION NO. 023954 Resolution authorizing the submission of a first year grant application in the amount of $58,865 to the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for funding available to hire a computer forensics specialist. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 6 11.c. RESOLUTION NO. 023955 Resolution setting a priority number of one for the Gang Analysis Unit and a priority number of two for the Computer Forensics Specialist for the two State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, Grants. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 12, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following alley closure. There were no comments from the audience. Ms. Cooper made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mrs. Longoria, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12. ORDINANCE NO. 023956 Ordinance closing and abandoning a 4,558 -square foot portion of alley right-of-way out of Lots 1 - 8, Water Block 1, Beach Addition; requiring owner, Joe Adame and What -A -Burger Restaurant, to comply with the specified conditions and replat the property within 180 days at owner's expense. 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 referred to Item 13, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 13. Case No. 0200-01, King's Crossing Realty Ltd: A change of zoning from a "B-4" General Business District to an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 10, being 2.75 acres out of Lot 18, located on the south side of Yorktown Boulevard, approximately 1,110 feet east of South Staples Street. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "R -1B" District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Scott made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Cooper, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 7 13. ORDINANCE NO. 023957 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by King's Crossing Realty, LTD., by changing the zoning map in reference to 2.75 acres out of Lot 18, Section 10, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "B-4" General Business District to "R -1B" One - family Dwelling District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." ********* * ** Mayor Neal referred to Item 14, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 14. Case No. CO200-02, City of Corpus Christi: A change of zoning from an "F -R" Farm -Rural District to a "B -2A" Barrier Island Business District on W. M. Little Survey 594, located on the west side of State Highway 361, approximately 3,800 feet south of Port Aransas city limit line. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "B -2A" District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mrs. Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Cooper, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 023958 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by City of Corpus Christi by changing the zoning map in reference to William Little Survey 594, located on the west side of State Highway 361, approximately 3,800 feet south of the Port Aransas city limit line, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to `B -2A" Barrier Island Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." *********** Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, wastewater clean-out installation program. City Secretary Chapa said Quality Machine and Equipment Company and Rycon Construction had Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 8 submitted identical bids and the successful bidder would be determined by casting lots. There were no comments from the audience. Mayor Neal then drew the name of the successful bidder, Quality Machine and Equipment Company. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 15. M2000-065 Motion awarding a construction contract in the amount of $79,500 to Quality Machine & Equipment Company for the FY99-00 wastewater clean-out installation program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 16, construction of temporary facilities at the airport. Ms. Bonnie Allin, Director of Aviation, said the temporary facilities will be constructed during the spring and summer and will be completed in about July, at which time staff will be bidding the major portion of the contract --demolition and rebuilding of 90% of the terminal complex. She said the engineers and staff have spent a great deal of time planning the facilities to minimize the impact on airport customers. Ms. Allin then described a diagram of the temporary facilities. She noted that a temporary baggage claim area will be built to the west (it is now located on the east side) with a covered canopy connecting it. She said customers will enter the same ticket lobby at the front of the terminal. Southwest Airlines will be moving their ticket counter into an already completed area between Continental and Delta. In addition, the airlines will remain where they are at their gates. The whole terminal renovation project is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving 2002. Ms. Allin introduced the members of the Airport Board who were present. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 16.a. ORDINANCE NO. 023959 Ordinance appropriating $500,000 in the No. 4621 Airport Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Fund from the Unreserved Fund Balance for Terminal Reconstruction. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; J. Longoria absent. 16.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023960 Ordinance appropriating $324,830.44 in the No. 3020 Airport Capital Improvements Fund Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 9 from the Unreserved Fund Balance for terminal reconstruction and associated Capital Improvements Program Projects. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; J. Longoria absent. 16.c. M2000-066 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in the amount of $1,575,000 with B.E. Beecroft Company, Inc. for temporary facilities for the Terminal Reconstruction Program at Corpus Christi International Airport. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 17, improvements to Spur 3, Phase 2. City Secretary Chapa read a proposed amendment to substitute the figure $194,820 for the figure of $118,320 in each place it appears in the resolution (Item 17.a.) and the ordinance (Item 17.b.). Council Member Betty Jean Longoria made a motion to amend Items 17.a. and 17.b. as stated, seconded by Council Member Scott, and passed. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Mr. J.E. O'Brien questioned the validity of the argument that borrowing these funds from the Utility Department saves the city money. He said it would appear that interest rates will be increasing in the future, and he asked what is the physical process for getting the loan money out of the Utility Department and into the Street Bond Fund. Mr. O'Brien also questioned whether the certificates of obligation are being paid back with taxpayer dollars. He said the proper vote on this ordinance is "No." City Manager Garcia replied that it does cost the city less money to do this type of financing than to borrow the money directly. He explained that the Utility Fund will be paid back with interest. City Attorney Bray added that this proposal is legal and staff recommends it because it saves the taxpayers money and the Utility Fund is made whole. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 17.a. RESOLUTION NO. 023961 Resolution of Statement Expressing Official Intent to reimburse costs of Spur 3, Phase 2 Improvements Project. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 10 The foregoing resolution passed, as amended, by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 17.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023962 Ordinance appropriating $194,820 from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the Combined Utility Systems Fund; loaning and appropriating it in the No. 3539 Street Capital Improvement Projects 2000 (CO) Bond Fund for the City's share of the State's Spur 3, Phase 2 Improvements Project, to be reimbursed to the Combined Utility Systems Fund with interest; amending the FY99-00 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023702 by adding $194,820 to the Combined Utility Systems Fund; amending the FY99-00 Capital Budget, adopted by Ordinance No, 023703 by adding $194,820 to the Street CIP Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 17.c. RESOLUTION NO. 023963 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Advanced Funding Agreement with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the amount of $6,039,661.98 for construction of Spur 3, Phase 2 Improvements Project: Ennis Joslin Road, from Ocean Drive to South Padre Island Drive and Nile Drive from Pharaoh Drive to Ennis Joslin Road; and associated utility work. 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 discussion on Item 18, police grants. There were no audience comments. Responding to Council Member John Longoria, Chief Alvarez said that minors in possession cases are Class C misdemeanors and are prosecuted through Municipal Court. However, if the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission makes the arrest, they go through the Justice of the Peace courts. The Police Chief said they plan to undertake several objectives with this grant, including prosecuting those who illegally sell and purchase alcoholic beverages and establishing an educational program for both minors and the owners of business establishments through the DARE program and TABC's Project SAVE program. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 18.a. M2000-067 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 11 $96,970 from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, for funding available to implement a project to prevent minors from purchasing and consuming alcohol and to execute all related documents. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 18.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023964 Ordinance appropriating $96,970 from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, in the No. 1050 State and Federal Grant Fund to implement a project to prevent minors from purchasing and consuming alcohol. 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 announced that some city staff members had received recognitions and appointments. Chief Judge Rudy Tamez has been appointed to serve on the State Judiciary Panel, which consists of 22 judges from around the state. Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, has been appointed by Gov. George W. Bush to serve on a newly formed task force called the State Conservation Task Force, which is designed to recommend strategies for conserving Texas natural resources. In addition, the city received two awards from the Corpus Christi Advertising Federation for the "Issues and Answers" program and for the "Stop Trashing Corpus Christi" public service announcement. Also, the city received a citation of excellence for its "Clean Up Corpus Christi" program, which was a series of public service announcements on brush collection, visual obstructions, and tree pruning. Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Longoria referred to an article in the local newspaper about Girl Scouts who could not sell their cookies during a recent IceRays game. He suggested that staff approach the concessionaire at Memorial Coliseum about the possibility of letting youth organizations such as the Girl Scouts participate there. Mr. Garcia said several incidents have occurred recently with that concessionaire and he has asked staff to review the contract with the idea of addressing some of those concerns. Mr. Garrett and Ms. Cooper commended Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, and city staff for the information they provided during a meeting at Meadowbrook Elementary on February 28th. Mr. Scott said he had the same thoughts as Mr. Longoria about the Girl Scout cookie sales at Memorial Coliseum. Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 12 Mr. Colmenero suggested that staff look at other city concession contracts and how they relate to non-profit organizations. He said Mr. Garcia had included a report in the weekly transmittal about the Columbus ships and he requested that staff give the Council an official presentation about the status of the ships. He said the Council should look at the whole scenario. Mr. Garcia asked for clarification on Mr. Colmenero's request regarding the Columbus ships. The City Manager said the Council had discussed the ships' legal liability and finances in closed session. He said Council members had several questions regarding the true operation of the ships and the reason the fleet closed down. Consequently, he provided the information in the Manager's Report to reiterate to the Council the substantial deficits that were accruing when the ships closed, as well as some of the difficulties associated with assuming responsibility for the ships. Mr. Garcia said staff's recommendation continues to be that the city not insert itself into that situation. Mr. Colmenero said it is important that the Council be completely informed about the issue of the Columbus ships, and he does not think they have fully discussed it in closed session or in open session. Dr. Gonzales said he agreed with Mr. Colmenero that the Council should be made aware of what happened. He said they do not know what caused the Columbus ships project to fail. He said he is not asking the Council to make any decisions, adding that they have already decided they do not want the city to be liable for the ships. However, they want to know if there is some opportunity for the city to take over the ships and what that cost would be so they can inform the public. Mr. Colmenero said the Council needs to embrace the issue of the ships in the same way that the community embraced them so they can define what direction they need to go. He said if the Columbus ships leave Corpus Christi, they will leave a bad impression on the community. Mr. Kinnison said that while the financial projections can be adjusted somewhat, staff has said that if the city took responsibility for the Columbus fleet, it would create a financial burden, unless a new scenario comes to light. Mr. Garcia agreed, saying that there are very strong financial reasons the fleet is not open at this time, primarily because it lost money consistently. He said not only does the financial deficit continue, there would also be substantial costs involved in reopening the attraction. Mr. Kinnison said he has seen attendance projections from the Columbus Fleet Association that never materialized. Dr. Gonzales said Mr. Kinnison has seen figures and projections that the rest of the Council has not seen. Mr. Garcia said staff has the information and they know what has occurred. Staff's position is that there was a considerable amount of effort put forth to ensure that the city was not directly involved in the operation of the fleet. He said over the years the Council's policy has been that the fleet is a privately operated and financed organization. He said now the city is being approached about putting substantial amounts of money into the exhibit to make it viable. Mrs. Longoria said she thinks the Columbus ships are very important to the city but she Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 13 understands the financial obligations. However, she said she would support hearing a presentation about it. Mr. Longoria said that historically the city has not had anything to do with the ships and they are outside the scope of the basic service priorities that the Council established last year. He said very frequently the Council discusses the budget difficulties that the city faces. He said he did not know how staff could compose a history of events related to the Columbus ships when it has not been directly involved. Mr. Colmenero said that last week the Council appointed the members of the boards of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Economic Development Corporation, which will be working together to bring new dollars to Corpus Christi. He said when the ships leave, that will have a negative economic impact on the community, for which the Council should be prepared. Dr. Gonzales said staff has the responsibility of providing information and it is up to the Council to make decisions. Mr. Longoria reiterated that the city is not responsible for the ships' operation. Mr. Colmenero said that over a year ago when the Council first discussed reengineering, that eventually led into the teachings of reinventing government. He said there was a lot of resentment by people who discouraged those ideas. However, now the city is looking at a brighter opportunity. Mr. Colmenero said it is very important that the Council be aware of what is happening legally and financially regarding the Columbus ships. Mayor Neal said the Council had a closed session on the Columbus fleet and they received all the information in that session that Mr. Colmenero was currently requesting. Mr. Kinnison said he did not understand how city staff could interpret what went wrong with the Columbus fleet when they have not been involved with its operation. Mr. Scott said he had planned to submit a series of written questions to staff about the financial information they provided. Mrs. Longoria said she felt Mr. Colmenero's request was important and it is healthy to discuss issues in the open. Mr. Garcia said there have been detailed discussions with Council members as a group about the Columbus ships. He said that while no position was taken because the discussion occurred in closed session, there was a clear consensus to the staff as to what they should do. He said he felt the Council was changing that direction. However, he said if it is the consensus of the Council, staff will make the presentation next week. Mr. Scott said he was not interested in a "witch hunt" and trying to lay blame. City Attorney Bray said there were two issues to consider: if a Council member wished to put this issue on the Council agenda as an agenda item, there ought to be a motion and a vote on it. He said if the request is just for a report, the Council rules say, "Individual Council member requests for information, reports, or investigations will be provided by staff, provided that an objection is not raised by another Council member regarding that request. In cases where an objection is raised, a Minutes Regular Council Meeting February 29, 2000 Page 14 majority vote of the Council will be required in order for staff to proceed on the individual Council member's request." He said it is not clear from the Council's discussion whether there is a request for an agenda item or just a report. Mr. Garcia pointed out that a report would be given in writing and a presentation would be scheduled as an agenda item. Mr. Colmenero said this was not a witch hunt, and he said he wished to have staff make a presentation on the issue. Mayor Neal said if it goes on the agenda as a presentation, there will be no public comment and no action taken by the Council. The Mayor then directed staff to give a presentation about the Columbus ships and there was no objection. Mrs. Longoria said she was not going to be present at next week's Council meeting when they discuss the projects for the bond issue 2000. She said there are two very important projects in District 1 --FM 624 and Oxypark. She reiterated her concern about reducing the amount of the bond program. Mrs. Longoria also reported a growing pile of debris near Coles Special Emphasis School. Mr. Kinnison said he received a phone call from a citizen regarding the size of the trash cans being used in the Solid Waste Services automated pilot program. Mr. Garcia replied that there are different models of cans but they are all 96 -gallon cans which are required to be used with the automated equipment. Mr. Kinnison also announced that on March 6th at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers the YOU organization will be presenting the youth delegates who will be attending the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 10-13. Dr. Gonzales said he had also received calls from elderly people about the size of the trash cans. Mr. Garcia said people who are elderly or disabled can notify the Solid Waste Services Department and the driver will stop and move the can for the resident. Mr. Ron Massey, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said the city offers that service now. Mr. Garcia said even though the containers are large they are very maneuverable. Dr. Gonzales also thanked Mayor Neal, Ms. Cooper, and Mr. Garrett as well as staff, particularly Ms. Valerie Gray, Stormwater Superintendent, for their participation in the meeting at Meadowbrook Elementary. Dr. Gonzales discussed the importance of taking into account the amount of paved areas that are adjacent to neighborhoods since it affects water runoff into those neighborhoods. Mrs. Longoria said she has had several town hall meetings in her district and staff has provided helpful information. She added that another town hall meeting is scheduled for March 15, 2000, and she asked that Engineering staff and Chief Alvarez be present. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 3:45 p.m. on February 29, 2000. * * * * * * * * * * * * *