HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/07/2000I 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 March 7, 2000, which were approved by
the City Council on March 21, 2000.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 21st day of March, 2000.
G.Jac
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
John Longoria
ABSENT
Betty Jean Longoria
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 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
Assistant City Attorney Alison Gallaway
Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Minister Charles Boren, Norton Street Church of Christ,
following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member
Garrett. 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 29, 2000. A motion was made and passed
to approve the minutes as presented.
Mayor Neal asked City Manager Garcia to explain a letter the city received earlier that day
from the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). Mr. Garcia said city staff
have been working with the TNRCC for some time regarding a number of environmental violations
that have occurred at the J.C. Elliott Landfill. He said most of the violations have to do with fairly
technical issues, such as berms and daily and final coverage of the landfill's cells. He said the letter
also mentions the corrective actions that the city has taken, but it does not relieve the city of its
obligation to deal with the violations.
Mr. Garcia said the TNRCC is proposing a fine of approximately $87,675 and now the city
will enter into detailed discussions with TNRCC about the fine and alternative ways that the city can
resolve that issue. The City Manager said the city will propose that environmental projects be
substituted for dollar payments; he added that staff will provide periodic reports to the Council
regarding the negotiations.
Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Garcia said the city will respond to TNRCC
immediately regarding this issue.
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 2
Mayor Neal referred to the board and committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the
following appointments were made:
Board of Adjustment
Robert Broadway
Building Standards Board
Jennifer Hilliard
Mary Helen Salazar
Senior Companion Program
Advisory Committee
Deidra Graves
George Perez
Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board
Ralph Pitzer (Reappointed)
Patrick Scarpulla (Reappointed)
Nicolas Llanes (Reappointed)
Abelardo Flores (Reappointed)
Neill Amsler
Food Service Advisory Committee
Tommy Watson
Water Shore Advisory Committee
Dr. Oscar Garcia
Richard Poremba
Transportation Advisory Committee
Sandy Keiser
Michele Trevino
Mayor Neal referred to the presentation on the day's agenda regarding the Gypsy Park
Neighborhood Adopt -A -Park Program. Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, said
this project involves the work of many volunteers who are working with the city to improve Gypsy
Park on Padre Island.
Mrs. Sandy Billish, 13866 Hawksnest Bay Dr., said she is chairperson of the Gypsy Park
Project Committee, which is now a subcommittee of the Padre Island Property Owners Association
(PIPOA) and consists of 25 volunteers from throughout the island. She said the committee intends
to develop the 11.5 -acre park into a family park overlooking two channels. She said Gypsy Park,
which is the largest of five parks located on Padre Island, can become the center of several
community activities. Mrs. Billish said the committee's comprehensive plan for the park has been
endorsed by the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee, the PIPOA, Padre Island Business
Association, Padre Island Enrichment Club, and the Kiwanis Club.
Mrs. Billish said the park will be developed in phases as funds become available through
contributions, pledges, and in-kind services; to date, they have received commitments totaling
$30,982. With the city's approval, they can begin developing Phase I, which will consist of
additional playground equipment, a large picnic area, a 30x30 pavilion, a 20x20 gazebo, a volleyball
court, and additional landscaping. She said they are also seeking funds to develop a walking and
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 3
exercise path. She added that they made sure the equipment chosen required little maintenance and
that maintenance funds were built into the budget. Mrs. Billish then thanked Tony Cisneros, Carlos
Mendez and Vic Menard, and she introduced fellow committee members who were present. She also
described a diagram of the proposed park project.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1529 Casa Grande, said he understood that the Council meeting was
being held on March 7th instead of March 14th because five Council members and three spouses are
going to Washington, D.C., for the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. Those
five members are Rex Kinnison, John Longoria, Mark Scott, Arnold Gonzales, and Melody Cooper.
The Council members pointed out that their spouses were paying their own way and they questioned
why Mr. Lovelace made a point of mentioning it. Mr. Lovelace also delineated costs for the trip
(hotel, airfare, and registration expenses) and he said that at the conclusion of the conference, he will
inquire about the total of expenses. He said there is no money for a children's playground or for
adequate infrastructure, but the Council receives expensive chairs and trips paid with tax dollars.
Council Member Kinnison said he and the other four Council members are giving up their
time to attend the NLC conference and represent Corpus Christi in order to bring back tax dollars.
He noted that they will be meeting with congressional delegations and they will be accompanied by
at -risk youth who want to be active in the community through the Y.O.U. organization. He said the
Council deals with multi-million dollar items that Mr. Lovelace and others ignore.
Mayor Neal said he was not attending the NLC conference because he just returned from the
U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting. The Mayor said Mr. Lovelace's comments were another
character assassination by his group on city government and the members of the Council. He said
the Council members have an obligation to network with organizations that control grants and state
and federal funding, as well as other Council members and Mayors to exchange ideas. Mayor Neal
said Corpus Christi needs to rise above such pettiness or it will not progress. Mr. Lovelace said he
was not representing anyone except himself.
Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, referred to the Council members' new chairs, saying that
three Council members wanted to give the chairs back to the vendor but they were told they were
special ordered and could not be returned. He said there are many other needs in the community; he
also discussed the marina bait stand. Mr. Hasker said there are a few, proud taxpayers who have the
courage to question the decisions made by the City Manager, staff and Council members.
Mr. Paul Lara, 1305 Brentwood, discussed a proposal for a seafood market on the Peoples
Street T -Head. He said that for years shrimpers have been selling their catch from their boats,
although some have been illegally selling shrimp they have not caught. Mr. Lara said the
establishment of a seafood market would provide an additional source of income for the shrimpers
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 4
as well as meet the seafood demands of visitors to the marina and improve the area's tourism.
Mr. Jeff Frahm, 13501 Royal Fifth Court, said the defeat of the county's bond election last
November changed the county's revenue projections, which forced them to pass a tax increase to
meet revenue requirements. Mr Frahm said he applauds the City Council's efforts to improve the
city's tax base and tax revenues. He said that while new businesses have opened on Padre Island,
other businesses have closed. He said the city needs to leverage its tax dollars and continue to invest
in the future.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton St., said last Tuesday he noticed political signs located in the
flower beds around City Hall. He said information about the city is available from newspapers and
the Internet, and people from other cities have read that the city does not have the funding to
complete a children's playground or buy furniture for fire stations, but it does have money to buy
expensive chairs for the Council.
City Secretary Chapa stated that early voting was again taking place on March 7th in City
Hall for the March 14th primary election. He said the city has a long-standing policy that political
signs are allowed during periods of early voting in City Hall and other city buildings, but only in
specified areas. He said the political signs will be removed after March 7th. Dr. Gonzales said he
agreed that the signs should not be placed in the flower beds of City Hall.
Referring to a question from Dr. Gonzales, Council Member John Longoria said three of the
citizens were referring to a playground near Memorial Coliseum, which Mr. Garcia pointed out is
not Kids' Place. Mr. Cisneros explained that due to ADA requirements, the playground equipment
at the children's park requires the installation of manufactured surfacing. He said the money for that
project is in the budget and it will be completed. Dr. Gonzales said he had asked for a report on the
development of the park in that location. Mr. Cisneros said he would provide a copy of the report
provided to the Council.
In response to Council Member Garrett, Mr. Garcia explained that as a cost-saving measure,
the Fire Department provides a shop where the fire fighters can manufacture their own chairs,
shelving, and lockers. He said there was a lag between the time the new fire station on Rodd Field
Road was opened and the time the chairs and some internal furnishings were completed.
Consequently, furniture from other fire stations was moved into the new station until the furniture
for that station was ready.
Mr. Sam Beecroft, 144 Ropes, said he believes there is a growing appreciation among the
people he talks to that the Council and staff are making a difference and having a positive impact.
Mr. Tony Hartwell referred to a firearms transaction record form from the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms. He said he had gone to Congressman Solomon Ortiz's office with
suggestions on changing that form to reflect the number and ages of children of the person filling
out the form. He suggested that the Council establish a pilot program in Corpus Christi that would
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 5
require people to provide that information when purchasing a gun, as well as requiring them to
purchase a safe box that is inaccessible to children.
Mr. Gene Guernsey, 7522 Holly Rd., encouraged the Council to think about the future of
Corpus Christi when they make decisions. He said he and his six -month-old son support the
Council's efforts to create a better economy in the community.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said that buying $1,200 chairs is a symptom of not properly
managing taxpayer dollars. He questioned when the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
(CAFR) will be available. He said there was a report about the city having money for the Council
to attend the Washington conference but no monies to finish the children's playground. He also said
the city pays $250,000 for lobbyists and no one knows what they do. Mr. O'Brien added that a
citizen was told at the Water/Shore Advisory Committee meeting that they could have a copy of the
staff's seafood market proposal after it was passed.
Responding to Mr. Garrett, Mr. Garcia said the auditors have all the information for the
CAFR, and they are scheduled to have the report back on March 25, 2000.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said he had read in the newspaper that McAllen was doing
better than Corpus Christi, even though it took four attempts for McAllen to pass a sales tax. He said
when a city concentrates on economic development, jobs are created. He challenged the community
to come before the Council every week to concentrate on positive issues and to move forward, and
he said they have to pay the price for growth.
Mr. Rolando Barrera, 2621 Camargo, said he was representing the Hispanic Contractors
Association, which supports economic development in the community. He said their organization
would like to see a more diverse representation on the Economic Development Corporation Board,
as well as a clear and concise plan on how a possible economic development tax would be spent.
Mr. Phillip Lara, 538 Indiana, said positive changes have been occurring on the bayfront. He
said seafood markets in other marinas around the country are thriving, and a similar wharf in Corpus
Christi's marina will generate money for the city. Dr. Gonzales said the legislation that he helped
pass several years ago regarding selling seafood off of boats was designed for the boat owners to
make money but also to create seafood markets in the future.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-6). There were no
comments from the Council or the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
3. M2000-068
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an engineering services
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 6
contract in the amount of $780,565 with BHP Engineering for the O. N. Stevens Water
Treatment Plant chemical storage and feed system addition and upgrade project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
4. ORDINANCE NO. 023965
Ordinance appropriating $34,213.23 from the State of Texas in the No. 6010 Trust Fund -
Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education for training of police personnel;
amending the FY99-00 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023702 by adding $34,213.23 to
the No. 6010 Trust Fund - Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B.
Longoria absent.
5. ORDINANCE NO. 023966
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a use privilege agreement
with CWS Communities, L.P., owners of the Misty Winds Manufactured Home Park, for the
right to construct, install and maintain two concrete box culvert structures and two 45 -foot
wide vehicular bridges across an 80 -foot wide city drainage easement right-of-way;
establishing a fee of $2,070.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B.
Longoria absent.
6.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 13, Buildings;
Construction and Related Operations; Housing and Housing Premises Standards, to adopt
the 1999 National Electric Code, with minor alterations, as the City of Corpus Christi
Electric Code; providing for penalties.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero,
Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria
absent.
6.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending Section 13-6, Plumbing Code, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi,
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 7
by revising the standards for lawn irrigation systems and by providing exceptions to the
provisions relating to trap seals and separate facilities; providing for penalties.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero,
Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria
absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, neighborhood parks rehabilitation project. There
were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
7. M2000-069
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Reese Contracting in the amount of $477,000 for the Neighborhood Parks Rehabilitation
Project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 8, Kostoryz Road improvements. He called for
comments from the audience.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien said he was not opposed to the appropriation of $78,484 in the Stormwater
CIP Fund, but he was opposed to the $160,966 going into the Street CIP Fund, which he said was
a transfer that is prohibited by the City Charter. He said the proper vote on this item is "No."
Mr. Jack Gordy addressed Item 8.d. on the day's agenda. He said many people were
wondering why that ordinance needed to be amended by deleting the word "transferring" and
replacing it with the word "loaning." He said those changes should have been done before the
Council originally voted on that ordinance on December 21, 1999.
Council Members Scott and Garrett asked City Attorney Bray whether transferring money
is a violation of the City Charter. Mr. Bray replied that transferring money gratuitously would violate
the Charter; i.e., to take utility funds and subsidize another activity like a General Fund activity
where the Utility Fund is not being reimbursed for those dollars. On the other hand, the Charter does
not prohibit a loan from the Utility Fund to another fund where the Utility Fund is fully reimbursed
with a rate of interest that would be comparable to what the Utility Fund would get if it were
invested. Mr. Bray added that the reason the Council has done this in several cases recently is
because the Utility Fund is made entirely whole, the loan is carried on the books as an asset
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 8
accounting -wise, and it saves the taxpayers money in the General Fund because it cuts down on the
cost of borrowing funds.
With respect to Item 8.d., Mr. Bray read from the agenda memorandum, which states, "The
previous appropriation ordinance on the Leopard Street Improvements Project-McKinzie to Rehfeld
Road is unmistakably a loan from the Combined Utility Systems Fund to the Street Bond Fund
(`with the funds actually borrowed...to be reimbursed...at 5.6% interest within 12 months.').
However, use of the word `transferred' has been the subject of an unfounded allegation in a lawsuit
that 'said ordinance, by its terms, provides for a prohibited transfer ' Consequently, it is
recommended that Ordinance 023879 be amended to substitute the word `loaned' for the word
`transferred."' Mr. Bray said that ordinance obviously is a loan but the lawsuit itself claims that in
terms it is a transfer, so if anyone is confused by that, this amendment will make it clear.
Dr. Gonzales asked when the project will be completed. Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of
Engineering Services, said the Kostoryz Road project is under the Texas Department of
Transportation's TIP program and it is scheduled to be awarded in May 2000; the completion date
is estimated to be October 2001. He said once the city finishes relocating the water and sewer lines,
the contractor will begin construction in about July. He said he will need to find out if there will be
a signal at the intersection of Kostoryz and Masterson.
Mr. Longoria said they have been working on this project since he was elected to the Council
in 1995, which is an example of the length of time projects can take to be constructed. He said that
project has been the number one issue for the residents of the Crestmont subdivision and it will
provide much-needed relief from traffic congestion along Kostoryz Road. Mr. Colmenero reflected
on the amount of time the Council and staff spend in answering the negative comments made by
citizens during Council meetings, which affects future investments in this city.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
8.a. RESOLUTION NO. 023967
Resolution of statement expressing official intent to reimburse costs of Kostoryz Road
improvements project.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 023968
Ordinance appropriating $239,450 from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the Combined
Utility Systems Fund; transferring to and appropriating $78,484 in the No. 3480 Stormwater
CIP Fund for the Kostoryz Road Improvements Project; loaning and appropriating $160,966
in the No. 3539 Street Capital Improvements Project 2000 (CO) Bond Fund for the City's
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
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share of the State's Kostoryz Road improvements project, to be reimbursed to the Combined
Utility Systems Fund at 6.16% interest; amending the FY 99-00 Budget, adopted by
Ordinance No. 023702, by adding $239,450 to the Combined Utility Systems Fund;
amending the FY 99-00 Capital Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023703, by adding
$78,484 to the Stormwater CIP Fund and $160,966 to the Street CIP Fund.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B.
Longoria absent.
8.c. RESOLUTION NO. 023969
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an advanced funding
agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation in the estimated amount of
$698,377.77 for the construction of Kostoryz Road improvements (Holly Road to Saratoga
Boulevard).
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
8.d. ORDINANCE NO. 023970
Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 23879, adopted on December 21, 1999, which
appropriated $728,834 from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the Combined Utility Systems
Fund, for the purpose of clarification only, by substituting Section 2, deleting the word
"transferring" and replacing it with the word "loaning."
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B.
Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 9, Weed and Seed grants. He called for comments
from the audience.
Ms. Yvonne Guerra, 5821 Hugo Dr., said she represents the AVANCE Family Support and
Education program, a safe haven site for the Weed and Seed program. She said she was appealing
the decision made by the committee in not approving the renewal of AVANCE's grant. Ms. Guerra
said that last week they closed their doors and Laid off five employees since they could not continue
their literacy and fatherhood programs. She said they were asking for a grant of $5,500 to continue
the program year to May 2000, which will allow some students to continue their GED testing as well
as pay for childcare and transportation expenses.
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March 7, 2000
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Mr. Jimmie Till, 6034 Lost Creek, thanked city staff for separating out the agenda items so
they are more easily understood.
Responding to Council Member Gonzales, City Manager Garcia said there was $197,000
available for the Weed and Seed program. The city received over 40 grant proposals totaling over
$700,000 and since only 12 could be funded, there were many worthy programs that did not receive
funding. He said staff was recommending these amounts but the Council can amend them.
Dr Gonzales said he had been approached by several individuals regarding the cost (50 cents
per person) of using the pool at the Joe Garza Recreation Center. Mr. Cisneros replied that the city
had applied for a grant to subsidize the children's use of that pool, but that proposal was not one of
the 12 being recommended for funding. A discussion ensued, and Mr. Garcia pointed out that the
revenue the city receives from its pools is $270,000 annually, which goes back into the aquatics
program and allows the city to operate the pools during the hours specified. He said if the Council
directs staff to do so, they can change the amount of money the city charges to users of the pools,
which would decrease the amount of revenue available to operate the pools. Consequently, that
shortfall would have to come from another source or the pools' operations would have to change.
Council Member John Longoria asked about Item 9.c. (an agreement with Youth Odyssey
to provide $10,482 to implement youth development activities in outdoor settings). Mr. George
Hodge, Director of the Weed and Seed program, said Youth Odyssey operates out of the Oscar
Romero Center and they service youth from safe haven sites throughout the city.
Mr. Longoria also inquired about Item 9.e. ($18,000 for transportation costs). Mr. Cisneros
said that money is used to provide transportation for target -area youth to attend various city
programs, such as the museum, swimming pools, and field trips.
Mr. Longoria pointed out that Item 9.1. is a $21,122 grant to provide a Northside Manor
Community Network Center. He asked about the drug elimination grant money that Northside Manor
received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Hodge replied that
some of that money provides for law enforcement services to that housing area, but he did not have
all the details about it. Mr. Longoria discussed the lack of funding for such westside programs as
AVANCE and the Boys and Girls Club at La Armada. Mr. Cisneros said that this year the Weed and
Seed committee decided to provide partial funding for certain programs so they could expand it to
12 sites (four on the north side, four on the west side, and four city-wide sites). He added that other
than ensuring that the selected programs served the specific target area, location was not a selection
criterion.
Responding to Mr. Longoria's question about AVANCE's grant request, Mr. Cisneros said
that AVANCE had submitted grant requests for three programs: $24,934 for AVANCE Community
Education Program; $3,099 for AVANCE childcare to West Oso ISD; and $5,490 for AVANCE
transportation costs. He said AVANCE's appeal that day for $5,500 is apparently trying to
encompass all three programs in some form.
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March 7, 2000
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Mr. Longoria questioned the committee's decision to fund the program at Northside Manor
Apartments when they still have $250,000 to spend from another funding source. Mr. Hodge replied
that staff could have the committee readdress that item. Responding to another question from Mr.
Longoria, Mr. Hodge said La Armada's grant request was to bring youth from the La Armada Boys
and Girls Club to participate in programs at the main Boys and Girls Club site on Greenwood. A
representative of AVANCE explained that they were asking for money to complete their program
through April and May with minimum staffing.
Council Member Colmenero asked about Item 9.h. for a Northside Outreach Program. Mr.
Cisneros explained that the YMCA Executive Board is waiting for the decision on the OJP form
before making their decision. He said if the board decided that they did not want to participate in the
Weed and Seed grant program, it would free up the $8,265.75 being recommended for that program.
Mr. Colmenero also asked about Item 9.e. regarding transportation costs. Mr. Hodge said that
last year those costs totaled almost $17,600. Mr. Colmenero asked about other reprogrammed funds
that may be available. Mr. Cisneros said staff is waiting to receive specific written verification from
the Department of Justice that the city can reallocate unused funds. Mr. Garcia said that when the
city receives that verification, staff will come back to the Council with a specific recommendation
on how to use the reprogrammed funds. Mr. Colmenero suggested that funds be taken from Item 9.e.
to be used by another project until the reprogrammed funds are available.
Mr. Longoria made a motion to amend Item 9.e. to reduce the grant amount to $7,500 for
transportation costs, and to add two new programs: Item 9.m. to fund the AVANCE program at
$5,500; and Item 9.n. to fund the La Armada Boys and Girls Club for $5,000.
Dr Gonzales asked how the funding reduction would affect the transportation program (Item
9.e.). Mr. Hodge said the funds are used to transport youth to various events throughout the city, such
as the museum and pools. Dr. Gonzales then seconded the motion.
Mayor Neal called for a voice vote on Mr. Longoria's motion to amend, and it passed by the
following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting
"Aye"; B. Longoria absent. Responding to another question from Dr. Gonzales, Mr. Hodge said
about 1,800 children utilized the Joe Garza pool. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
9.a. M2000-070
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the
Tejano Academy of Fine Arts to provide $12,500 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program
to implement a Prevention Through the Arts program, "Songs for Life."
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
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9.b. M2000-071
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Fighting
to Rid Gangs in America Foundation to provide $22,500 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed
Program to implement a Leadership Enhancement and Achievement Development Program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.c. M2000-072
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Youth
Odyssey to provide $10,482 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program to implement Youth
Development Activities in Outdoor Settings.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.d. M2000-073
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Park
and Recreation Department to provide $18,000 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program
to implement a northside basketball program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.e. M2000-074
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Park
and Recreation Department to provide $7,500 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program to
implement a transportation program for youth recreation.
The foregoing motion passed, as amended, by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper,
Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.f. M2000-075
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with James
W. Fannin Elementary School to provide $18,321.25 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed
Program to implement a summer program, "Math in the Kitchen."
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 13
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.g. M2000-076
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with South
Texas Institute for the Arts to provide $12,500 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program
to implement a Prevention Through the Arts program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.h. M2000-077
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with YMCA
of Corpus Christi to provide $8,265.75 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program to
implement a Northside Outreach Program; provided, however, that the contract will not be
deemed effective, nor will any funds be dispersed, until Exhibit D, OJP Form 4000/3
"Assurances" is executed by a duly authorized representative of the YMCA of Corpus
Christi.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.i. M2000-078
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Gulf
Coast Council of La Raza Inc. to provide $25,000 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program
to implement an education enhancement program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.j. M2000-079
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Boys
and Girls Club of Corpus Christi to provide $22,500 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed
Program to implement a teen program with a special emphasis on gang prevention.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 14
9.k. M2000-080
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Park
and Recreation Department to provide $8,000 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program to
implement a boxing program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.1. M2000-081
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the RC
Foundation, Northside Manor Apartments to provide $21,122 from the FY2000 Weed and
Seed Program to provide a Northside Manor Community Network Center.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.m. M2000-082
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with
AVANCE Inc. to provide $5,500 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed Program to fund
parenting, literacy, early childhood development programs and transportation services.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
9.n. M2000-083
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the Boys
and Girls Club of Corpus Christi to provide $5,000 from the FY2000 Weed and Seed
Program to fund the 3902 Teen Club with a special emphasis on gang prevention.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 10, Bond Issue 2000.
Minutes
Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 15
Deputy City Manager Noe referred to a computer presentation to discuss the proposed bond
program, which consists of three elements: a 1/8th cent sales tax for a multi-purpose arena, a 1/8th
cent sales tax to repair the seawall, and a property tax bond issue. He said that on February 15, 2000,
staff presented in greater detail the property tax bond issue proposal known as Package #2, which
consisted of the following: streets -$30.6 million; public health and safety -$9.7 million; public
facilities -$1.8 million; and park and recreation -$10.9 million, for a total of $53 million. He said
staffs goal with that proposal was to structure the debt in such a way that it would have a minimal
impact on the tax rate by "backloading" the program. As a result, the increased maximum tax rate
was 2.6 cents and the cost to the average homeowner was $17.50 per year or $1.46 per month.
During the February 15th meeting, the Council asked staff to bring back another proposal
with a smaller total amount. That proposal, known as Package #3, includes projects in the following
amounts: streets -$15 5 million; public health and safety -$5.5 million; public facilities -$0.3 million;
and park and recreation -$3.7 million, for a total of $25 million He said the Council had expressed
an interest in proposing a bond package that could be implemented quickly; as a result, staff
anticipates issuing debt in January 2001 after a November 2000 election. In addition, the projects
would need to be substantially completed within three years.
Mr. Noe said that significant differences between Package #2 and Package #3 are: replacing
the proposed Yorktown Fire Station with a modular building; deleting five major projects (public
safety training facility, Northwest Branch Library expansion, McKinzie Road, McArdle Road, and
Yorktown Boulevard); adding Cliff Maus project with partial funding; and reducing the overall
funding for street overlays and improvements.
Mr. Noe said staff also developed a package which is a variation of Package #3. The other
package, known as Package #4, consists of: streets -$15.3 million; public health and safety -$6.1
million; public facilities -$0.3 million; park and recreation -$3.5 million; and inflation -$0.5 million,
for a total of $25.7 million. He then discussed the differences between Packages #3 and #4 as well
as the impact on the average homeowner.
Mr. Garcia pointed out that by mandating that a project be substantially complete in three
years, it automatically eliminates any major street project that requires substantial right-of-way,
improvement, and utility relocation. He said that is due to the lengthy legal process that must be
followed in order to condemn and acquire the right-of-way for the utility relocation, which must
occur even before the street construction can take place. Mr. Noe said in anticipation of those delays,
staff was proposing that funds be included for right-of-way acquisition of specific street projects for
this bond issue, with the assumption that the construction dollars be included in the next bond issue.
Mr. Noe said staff also recognized the Council's desire to have a program that begins
construction sooner so they developed Package #2A, which takes the same $53 million in projects
as contained in Package #2 but issues approximately the same amount of debt for five years (rather
than backloading the debt over six years).
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 16
Council Member Kinnison asked about staff's approach to handling the operation and
maintenance (O&M) costs in the alternative packages. Mr. Noe discussed the issue of including
projects that have a good chance of being approved by the voters. Mr. Kinnison responded that it is
not just a matter of selling the bond package to the public, it is a matter of the public being willing
and able to afford the projects. He said they are not discussing the extreme pressure that will be
placed on the General Fund to meet the O&M costs, which could result in a tax increase for that. In
addition, he pointed out that the Crime Control and Prevention District will be coming up for voter
approval again which, if it is not passed, will place more pressure on the budget.
Mr. Kinnison then distributed copies of a bond proposal he had prepared, which was referred
to as Package #5. He explained that he first took Package #2 (which was prepared by staff) and he
backed out the projects that were scheduled for 2005 and 2006, resulting in a new starting point of
$24,171,000. Mr. Kinnison then went through the projects and added some that the Council had
indicated they wanted, while he also deleted other projects for a total of $28,788,000. He said one
of the "big-ticket" items that he deleted was the Yorktown Fire Station for $1.4 million (which also
has $875,000 of cost to man it) He said that project can be included in the next bond issue.
Mr. Garcia pointed out that even without a bond issue, the cost of running the city increases
3% to 5% every year (for example, the cost of gasoline has increased since last year). He said the
city's economic growth rate is not sufficient to offset the cost of providing city services. The City
Manager said this community has not invested in its infrastructure since the last bond election in
1986; meanwhile, the infrastructure continues to deteriorate. He said the Council has made the
decision to not raise taxes over the years, and part of the implementation of that decision is to cut
costs wherever possible. For example, he said the decision to not build a new fire station results in
an increase in the emergency response time, particularly in faster growing areas of the city.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience.
Ms. Johnnie Ray Seale, 144 Lakeshore Dr., said the Traffic Engineering Department and the
Traffic Advisory Council have determined there is a need for a traffic signal at Congressional and
Everhart but there is no funding at this time. She said she has lived at Country Club Townhomes
since 1976 and they have been working with the city since 1985 to find safe ways for residents to
travel in and out of that development. She asked that the Council make that signal a top priority.
Mr. Manuel Ugues, President of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said
their membership believes that economic development should be a high priority, and they support
the concept of a 1/8th cent sales tax for economic development. He said the Hispanic Chamber
believes the sales tax revenues should be used for projects that are beneficial to the entire
community, such as infrastructure, small business training, and support of existing small businesses.
In addition, they strongly recommend that at least 50% of the EDC board consist of women and
minority representatives.
Mr. Tom Niskala, CEO of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, said there is a limited
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 17
number of taxpayers on which to place the burden of government, and if that number does not grow
it will be increasingly difficult to meet the needs of the citizens. He said one way to solve that
problem is a 1/8th cent sales tax for economic development, which will help businesses grow.
Mr. Foster Edwards, CEO of the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors, said their
organization is willing to pay more tax to increase growth in Corpus Christi through a 1/8th cent
sales tax. He said they will work with the Council in promoting this issue, and he stressed the
importance of unified support of the proposal. He said Corpus Christi is in a contest with other cities
for economic development but it lacks the weapons the other cities have.
Mr. Dixon Clements, Executive Officer of the Builders Association, said their association
is very much in favor of any package the Council would propose to support economic development.
He said they support a 1/8th cent sales tax for economic development being placed on the ballot in
November.
Mr. Tim Stevens said he owns a small business and he is the secretary of the Westside
Business Association. He is a proponent of the I/8th cent sales tax for economic development
because Corpus Christi is a wonderful place to live but they need help in attracting businesses.
Ms. Shirley Mims, 4949 Everhart, said she serves on the Planning Commission and is a
member of the board of the Chamber of Commerce. She spoke in favor of the 1/8th cent sales tax
for economic development. She said if they do not create more jobs in Corpus Christi, her business
suffers and her employees suffer.
Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Dr. Nina Sisley, Director of Public Health,
explained that the vector control program is currently housed in a substandard county -owned
building. She said the city has invested money to improve the facility but the county does not feel
it should spend any money to maintain it. In addition, she said they need a storage facility to store
chemicals in order to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards. She said that while she is
grateful that the animal control facility funding is still being recommended in the various bond
proposals, she feels the vector control facility funding is needed almost as badly. In reply to Council
Member John Longoria, Mr. Escobar described the proposals for both the vector control and animal
control facilities. Dr. Sisley added that the reported O&M costs includes much laboratory equipment.
Council Member Garrett asked about the effect of deleting the public safety training facility
from the bond package. Fire Chief Adame and Police Chief Alvarez discussed the limitations of
using their current training facilities, which they said does not allow the fire fighters and police
officers to receive the extensive training that is necessary to maintain their skills.
Council Member Colmenero asked about vector control costs, which Dr. Sisley and Mr. Noe
addressed. He also asked about funding for parks, and Mr. Cisneros said it is more difficult to
acquire grants for single dedicated uses of parks rather than multi-purpose uses. He also discussed
the continuing growth of youth sports leagues, particularly of girls' teams.
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 18
Mr. Colmenero also asked about the proposed reductions in some street projects, such as
street lighting and overlays. Mr. Garcia said the city will continue to have a street lighting program,
but the question is to what magnitude it will be able to provide those services. Mr. Colmenero
suggested amending Mr Kinnison's proposal to include $600,000 for the vector control facility, $2
million for youth sports facilities, and $2 million for renovations of existing parks, which would total
$33.3 million for that bond package.
Council Member Scott said that no matter which bond package the Council adopts, the
underlying issue is the city's inability to pay the ongoing maintenance and operation expenses
because the city is not growing. He pointed out that the bond proposal assumes a growth in the tax
base of 2.55%, but inflation is running between 3% and 5%. He said an economist told him recently
that the job growth in Corpus Christi in the last year was 0.38%, while the rest of the state was 2.8%.
He said those and other statistics indicate that there needs to be a method to fund economic
development, such as the 1/8th cent sales tax. Mayor Neal said he wanted the Council to finish its
discussion about the property tax bond issue before they consider the sales tax issues.
Mr. Longoria said Mr. Kinnison's proposal includes many projects that have been needed
for several years, specifically street projects. He said some people have criticized past bond packages
because they contained too many projects, too much money, and there was uncertainty about how
the projects would be completed.
Mr. Longoria then suggested the following amendments to Mr. Kinnison's proposal:
reinstating the $1.7 million for the public safety training facility; reinstating the $600,000 for the
vector control facility; decrease the fire station ADA/co-ed projects by $150,000; decrease signalized
intersections and upgraded signalized intersections by $300,000 each; decrease neighborhood street
reconstruction by $1 million; decrease city share of street construction in new subdivisions by
$100,000; and decrease street lighting by $200,000, which totals $29 million.
Mr. Kinnison pointed out that in the category of neighborhood street reconstruction, staff
included the Cliff Maus Drive project at a cost of $500,000; however, Mr. Kinnison had already
separated out that project in his proposal. Consequently, Mr. Longoria's proposal in effect reduces
the neighborhood street reconstruction category by just $500,000.
Mr. Garcia commented that there are some interrelationships between the city's capital
program and other key programs that have been Council priorities. He said the most direct one is the
link between the community-based policing program and the police substations. He explained that
through the use of grants and the Crime Control District, the city has been able to increase the
number of police officers so there is enough personnel available to implement the community-based
policing program. However, if the police substations are dropped out of the city's capital program,
the policing program cannot be fully implemented. Mr. Longoria said there are other ways to utilize
substations without building them, such as leasing them.
Dr. Gonzales said that a three-year bond program does not develop a road map for the future.
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 19
He said the public should be able to choose which projects they want to see completed, including
the amount of funding involved. He said he did not think they should limit themselves to a $30
million bond program. Mr. Longoria and Mr. Kinnison commented that they thought their proposal
was responsible and visionary. Mr. Colmenero discussed the importance of improving the city's
parks and youth sports facilities.
Mayor Neal suggested that the Council take a brief recess while staff incorporates Mr.
Longoria's amendments to Mr. Kinnison's bond package.
Upon reconvening, Mr. Noe referred to a spread sheet illustrating the bond packages as
previously discussed by the Council: Package #2 - $53 million; Package #3 - $25.04 million;
Package #4 - $25.25 million; Package #5 (Mr. Kinnison's proposal) - $28.78 million; and Package
#5A (Mr. Longoria's proposal) - $29.038 million. Mr. Noe said Package #5A can be roughly
categorized as follows: $5 3 million for public health and safety; $4.4 million for parks and
recreation; $0.3 million for public facilities; and $19 million for streets.
Mr. Garrett asked if the $53 million bond package could be placed on the ballot and approved
by voters line for line. City Attorney Bray replied that traditionally, general obligation bond issues
group the projects by category, such as streets, parks and cultural, and public safety. He said within
those categories the projects can legally be broken down further into smaller ballot propositions.
Mayor Neal commented on the effect of the senior citizen homeowners exemption.
Mr. Kinnison made a motion to adopt Package #5A and proceed through the bond election
preparation process, such as the neighborhood meetings, in order to receive community input. Mr.
Longoria seconded Mr. Kinnison's motion.
Dr. Gonzales said there were many projects needed in the city and he expressed concern
about the projects that were eliminated from Package #5A. He then made a motion to amend Mr.
Kinnison's motion to reinstate funding for the Northwest Branch Library expansion for $1.5 million.
Mr. Colmenero seconded Dr. Gonzales' motion.
Mr. Scott said he interpreted this proposal as being the first of two phases that will total six
years (three years each). He noted that staff had projected the Northwest Branch Library expansion
to be constructed in 2006; consequently, he felt that project should not be included in the first phase
of this funding plan. Mr. Colmenero said he thought the Council needed to find a package that is
saleable to the public.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council on Dr. Gonzales' motion to amend to fund the
Northwest Branch Library expansion. The motion failed to pass by the following vote: Colmenero,
Cooper, Garrett, and Gonzales voting "Aye"; Neal, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "No";
B. Longoria absent.
Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Mr. Kinnison's motion to adopt Package
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 20
#5A. The motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kinnison, J.
Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Gonzales voting "No"; B. Longoria absent.
Mr. Garrett made a motion to direct staff to prepare a plan to place on the ballot a 1 /8th cent
sales tax for a multi-purpose arena; seconded by Mr. Colmenero and passed as follows: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria
absent.
Mr. Colmenero made a motion to direct staff to prepare a plan to place on the ballot a 1/8th
cent sales tax for the repair of the seawall. The motion was seconded and it passed by the following
vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye";
B. Longoria absent.
Mr. Scott made a motion to direct staff to develop a plan for the utilization of a 1/8th cent
sales tax for economic development, seconded by Dr. Gonzales.
Dr. Gonzales discussed the importance of working together as an inclusive community,
including ensuring that the EDC Board is representative of the make up of the city. Responding to
Mr. Kinnison, Mr. Bray explained that there are two different kinds of corporations: one is a five -
member board that is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council; the other type of
corporation has a seven -member board appointed by the City Council, four of whom could be city
officers or employees. Those members serve at the pleasure of the Council.
Mr. Bray said the statute also provides that the city must approve all programs and
expenditures of the corporation and shall annually review any financial statements of the corporation,
and that the powers of the corporation shall at all times be subject to the control of the City Council.
Mr. Garcia said if Mr. Scott's motion passes, staff will come back to the full Council with the details
on how the program would be structured for the Council's approval.
Mr. Scott's motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
Dr. Gonzales said he wished to change his vote on the motion adopting bond Package #5A
to "Aye" so that it would reflect a unanimous vote by the Council. There was no objection from the
rest of the Council members.
10. M2000-084
Motion approving a project list for Bond Issue 2000 and authorizing staff to proceed with
necessary actions.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent.
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Regular Council Meeting
March 7, 2000
Page 21
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia announced that the second
"Cash for Trash" event will be held on March 11, 2000, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the J.C. Elliott
Landfill. He then introduced Mr. C. Kim McGuire, who was hired as the city's Director of
Environmental Programs. He noted that one of the Council's priorities was to consolidate the city's
environmental efforts. Mr. McGuire said the city needs to set high standards in that area.
Mr. Garcia also said the Planning Commission had asked to have a joint meeting with the
City Council. He said the Council is currently scheduled to have joint meetings with the Crime
Control District Board and the Nueces County Commissioners Court. Mayor Neal asked staff to
recommend possible dates for a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. Mr. Garcia said since
the Council's next regular meeting on March 21st is its presentations meeting, staff is suggesting that
the meeting begin at noon. Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Colmenero asked for a report outlining recommendations to maintain public safety on
the Peoples Street T -Head regarding skateboarding activity.
Mr. Garrett asked about the status of the Solid Waste automated pilot program. Mr. Ron
Massey, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said one of the mechanized trucks
had a problem and had not yet arrived. However, staff utilized an alternate system of lifts that attach
to the city's regular trucks.
Ms. Cooper announced that there will be a neighborhood meeting at the Northwest Senior
Center hosted by Mrs. Longoria, Mr. Garrett, and herself on March 15th at 6 p.m.
Mayor Neal thanked the Council for their unanimous support of the bond proposal, saying
that now they can go out into the community to promote it. There being no further business to come
before the Council, the Mayor adjourned the Council meeting at 7:25 p.m. on March 7, 2000.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *