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
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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."
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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:
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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