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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/18/2000I 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 April 18, 2000, which were approved by the City Council on April 25, 2000. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 25th day of April, 2000. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 2:00 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Arnold Gonzales Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Melody Cooper Henry Garrett Rex A. Kinnison Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria Mark Scott City Staff: City Manager David R. Garcia Deputy City Manager George Noe City Attorney James R. Bray Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Assistant City Secretary Mary Juarez 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 Luis Torres Jr., Iglesia de Cristo, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Scott. Assistant City Secretary Juarez 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 April 11, 2000, and the bond program public hearing of April 12, 2000. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Council Member John Longoria referred to the presentation later in the meeting regarding the seafood market. He noted that normally public comment is not solicited on presentation items, and he asked if the Council could waive the rule on that particular item during the meeting. The Mayor said he would accept Mr. Longoria's suggestion and the rest of the Council concurred. He then called for public comment. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said that according to the city's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, two years ago the Marina Fund lost $200,311. He said that during 1999 the Marina Fund lost $263,991. Ms. Gail Hoffman, 3442 Paradise Dr., Executive Director of Associated General Contractors, said that last week she provided the Council with a list of people supporting the tax increment financing district and this week she was forwarding even more names to the Council. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 2 Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2-7). Council members requested that Item 4 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 2.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024012 Ordinance appropriating $85,739 from the Reserve for Capital Outlay in the No. 5110 Maintenance Service Fund to purchase equipment; amending the FY99-00 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023702, to increase appropriations by $85,739 in the No. 5110 Maintenance Service Fund. 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"; B. Longoria absent. 2.b. M2000-113 Motion approving the purchase of a 60001b capacity forklift and a 12,000 ib capacity forklift from Forklifts Unlimited, Corpus Christi, Texas to be used by the Water Department in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0086-00, based on low bid meeting specifications and best bid, for a total of $85,739. Both items are additions to the fleet. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent. 3. M2000-114 Motion approving a supply agreement with National Meter, Lancaster, Ohio, for approximately 4,605 gas meter valves ranging in size from 1"-2", in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0071-00 based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $48,232.80. The term of the supply agreement will be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by the Gas Department for FY99-00. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent. 5.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024013 Ordinance amending the FY99-00 CIP Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023703 by amending the scope of the Water Program Altemate Power Supplies - Holly Road Reservoir and Stevens Water Treatment Plant Project by adding the South Staples and Padre Island Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 3 pumping plants. 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.b. M2000-116 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 4 to the engineering services contract with Onyx Engineering Inc. in the amount of $30,000 for Phase 1 assessment of electrical, mechanical and hydraulic portions of the South Staples and Padre Island pumping plants associated with the Alternate Power Supply Project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent. 6. M2000-117 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Haeber Roofing Company in the amount of $32,375 for Convention Center roof repairs. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent. 7. RESOLUTION NO. 024014 Resolution authorizing condemnation proceedings by the City to condemn a utility easement containing 14.019 acres and a temporary construction easement containing 19.463 acres out of Lots 57 and 64, Artemus R. Roberts Subdivision, the north one-half of the northeast one- quarter of Survey No. 409, Abstract No. 555, the Beaty, Seale and Forwood Survey No. 405, Abstract No. 567, Tracts 2, 3 and 4, Rowena Shaeffer Farm Tracts Subdivision and out of The Randy Farenthold Properties, Lot 1, from the owners, Joe Braman, D.H. Braman Jr., Individually and as Trustees of the Kate S. O' Conner Trust for Thomas Edward Braman, and D. H. Braman III, to construct a water transmission main in connection with the Southside Transmission Main - Stevens Plant to Clarkwood Road project and for other municipal purposes. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; 13. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, periodical database service. Responding to Council Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 4 Member Kinnison, Mr. Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager for Development Services, said the information can be obtained through the library's Web site. Assistant City Secretary Juarez polled the Council for their votes as follows: M2000-115 Motion approving a supply agreement with Ebsco Publishing, Ipswich, Massachusetts, for online full -text periodical database service in accordance with Request for Proposal No. BI - 0061 -00 for an estimated annual expenditure of $22,000. The periodical database will be used by the Corpus Christi Public Libraries. Funds have been budgeted by the Libraries in FY99-00. 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, gas pipelines. City Attorney Bray said staff was withdrawing this item. 8. WITHDRAWN of Corpus Christi; amending Sections 55 3 of the City Codc of Ordinances; providing for penalties- ************* Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was the Wesley Seale Dam stabilization project quarterly update. Mr. Kevin Stowers, Assistant Director of Engineering Services, introduced Dr. Ron Waters of Freese & Nichols. Dr. Waters said the project is proceeding well and the contractor, ASI -RCC, is doing an excellent job. He said there have been no major change orders and the project is under schedule in terms of completion. He said mobilization for the $16.4 million contract began in July 1999. Dr. Waters said that in the north spillway, 456 drains and almost 29,000 cubic yards of ballast have been installed In addition, all except 100 feet of the hearth wall has been constructed and the gates remain to be extended. In the south spillway, 28 temporary anchors have been installed and a diversion channel has been constructed. Consequently, the water is diverted around the stilling basin so the contractor can work in the south spillway. In addition, the contractor installed sand as ballast in order to drain the water out of the basin. He said the 27 gate extensions are completed and are being painted. Dr. Waters also discussed work on the spillway chute. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 5 Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Dr. Waters said the engineers anticipated that extensive work would be needed on the spillway chute so the contract contains contingencies for that purpose. He said they do not believe those expenses will exceed the budget. In reply to Council Member Colmenero, Dr. Waters discussed the piezometers and ballast. * * * * * * * * * * * ** The second presentation was regarding the Crime Control and Prevention District's Campus Crime Stoppers program. Police Commander Bryan Smith, District Coordinator, said the Crime Stoppers Board of Directors developed the concept of a Campus Crime Stoppers program in conjunction with the board, the Police Department and the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD). Cmdr. Smith said that with funds from the Crime Control District, they were able to implement Campus Crime Stoppers programs at the five CCISD high schools, Calalien H.S., and Cunningham Middle School. He said as a result, they have confiscated a large amount of drugs and weapons and they have been able to apprehend suspects. He said one of the most important successes has been to reach out to the students and parents. The commander also noted that at the last Campus Crime Stoppers Conference, their program's public service announcement won first place in the state. He then introduced Senior Officer Heidi Friese, coordinator of the Campus Crime Stoppers program, and he recognized the student participants who were present. He said those students sit on the board of directors at each campus and they determine the reward amounts for the information provided. Cmdr. Smith also recognized the teachers who assist with the program. Officer Friese thanked U.S. Cellular for providing the students' t -shirts, Channel 3 for their production and editing abilities for the PSA, and the students and teachers for their participation. She then asked representatives from the participating campuses to come forward to receive their awards and to be congratulated by the Mayor and Council members. The students also presented an award to Officer Friese. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The third presentation was a proposal for a fish market/seafood sales at the City Marina. Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, explained that city staff has had several meetings with the Water/Shore Advisory Committee and shrimpers to seek their input regarding possible changes to the existing ordinance regarding marina seafood sales, which was last changed in 1987. Mr. Cisneros noted that the current ordinance provides for the sale of fresh seafood from the decks of shrimp boats to the public. Shrimp must be sold within 48 hours of being harvested. Mr. Cisneros said there are three governmental entities involved: City of Corpus Christi, City -County Health Department, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). He said currently 21 shrimp Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 6 boats are permitted to sell shrimp at the marina. Recently the operation of the shrimp boats selling seafood was moved from the south side of the Peoples Street T -Head to the north side, where 25 slips are completely dedicated to the sale of seafood products. Mr. Cisneros noted that the current ordinance contains no mechanism to revoke, cancel or suspend a permit, no matter how many times a permit -holder might violate shrimp sales regulations. Mr. Cisneros then described some of the current enforcement problems. He explained that TPWD is charged with regulating the shrimping industry not only in Corpus Christi Bay but also in the gulf. He said to lessen pressure on the shrimp fishery, shrimping in coastal waters for human consumption is prohibited for approximately 3'/2 months a year. Bait shrimp may be caught year- round but, during the prohibited time period, it may not be sold to the general public --only to bonafide fishermen with a two -pint limitation. The Parks Director said that at certain times of the year, with competition being what it is, there are complaints that other shrimpers are loading shrimp onto their boats from around Corpus Christi and coming into the Corpus Christi Marina to sell it. He said loading seafood onto a vessel for sale to the public violates state law. In addition, the sale of frozen seafood violates the current city ordinance which requires that shrimp be sold within 48 hours of being harvested but city staff does not have the ability to test that. Mr. Cisneros said the proposed changes to the ordinance include delegating to marina personnel the ability to control conduct of shrimpers by taking action on marina -issued permits. In addition, TPWD would control law enforcement and the Health Department would enforce safe food handling practices. Under the proposed ordinance, the marina would issue seafood sales permits for $350 a year to boat owners who must provide proof of insurance and applicable state shrimping licenses. Mr. Cisneros then described the booths that would have to be constructed on the boardwalk for the purpose of seafood sales, and he noted that the 48-hour rule would be deleted. Responding to concerns that have been raised, Mr. Cisneros described the once -per -year $350 permit fee and he said there is no requirement for cash registers, although a business operator may decide to use one if customers want a cash receipt. He also said that being a convicted felon is not part of the background investigation, and he commented on the uniform construction of the booths. Council Member Garrett asked what consequences there are for shrimpers who violate the ordinance. Mr. Cisneros said that unless city staff actually observed the violation of loading seafood onto a vessel for sale to the public, they could not enforce it by merely inspecting the product. Mr. Peter Davidson, Marina Superintendent, said that marina personnel are not able to issue citations -- they can call the city's Police Department or TPWD, which he explained. Council Member Colmenero commented on the number of shrimp boats that are no longer operating out of the marina. Mr. Cisneros said the primary reason for the proposed changes is to legalize the sale of seafood. City Manager Garcia explained how enforcement issues overlap between the state, the city, and the Health Department. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 7 Captain Kevin McDonald, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, discussed possible changes to bait shrimp regulations. He noted that only 10% of shrimp is being caught in local waters. He also discussed TPWD's enforcement procedures. He said the Texas Shrimp Association recognizes that there is a problem and they are trying to find ways to better manage the shrimp industry. In response to Council Member Gonzales, City Attorney Bray stated that the city has very broad authority to deal with this area if it thinks it is good policy. He said the city cannot establish an ordinance that is directly contrary to state law; however, the city can pass ordinances which are complementary of state law and which deal with aspects that the state law did not directly address. He said through its governance of the marina, the city can also set the conditions for lessees in the marina and basically impose whatever system it feels is necessary through the lease agreements and the ordinances governing the marina itself. Mr. Colmenero asked how someone can tell the difference between frozen shrimp and fresh shrimp. Capt. McDonald said that through experience one can visually observe different aspects such as color and making sure body parts are attached. Responding to Mr. Garrett, Mr. Davidson said they receive several complaints monthly. He said when the bay shrimp are scarce and the shrimpers are experiencing small catches, some shrimpers take their boats to another harbor (such as Aransas Pass or the Port) and mingle frozen shrimp with their fresh catch and bring it back to the marina. He said shrimpers either have to sell at market for 80 cents a pound or they will take it to a warehouse and freeze it for the winter. He said at this time the marina prohibits the sale of frozen seafood and loading seafood onto a boat. He said shrimpers also complain about how the marina is enforcing the regulations. Mr. Longoria and Dr. Gonzales said staff is trying to introduce a new concept of the fish market but they are getting off into state law and enforcement issues. Mr. Garcia said staff's objective in initiating this process was to try to bring some order to what is happening at the marina and to create an attraction for the community. However, in order to do that some changes in the existing ordinance need to be made. Mr. Garcia said while these issues have been debated in the community, this was the first time it was formally presented to the Council. Staff's intent was to present the full range of issues that the Council will have to deal with regarding this proposal. He said that in future meetings the Council will be asked to approve specific ordinances leading up to the establishment of a fish market. Capt. McDonald further explained TPWD regulations regarding shrimping and the definition of a fixed place of business. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Ms. Jane Stubbs said if someone has a bay license and a gulf license, they can sell off their boat all year long. She said she is in favor of a seafood market but she is against frozen or bought shrimp. She said that at a meeting, Deputy City Manager Noe had discussed the idea of the city Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 8 conducting an economic feasibility study of the proposed seafood market. She also discussed the number of commercial slips in the marina and shrimpers' opposition to frozen shrimp. Ms. Olivia Bocanegra, a shrimp boat owner, said that her sons can work for themselves on her boat, which they hope to be able to do. Mr. Leon Perez said the shrimp are very limited now and are heavily regulated. Capt. Buddy Clark, owner of the Flagship and the Gulf Clipper, said he did not want the Council to do anything that would put people out of business. Mr. Jason Luby, former Mayor of Corpus Christi, said he finds it very difficult to see the city heavily regulating everything and he criticized the operation of the marina by Mr. Davidson and Mr. Cisneros. He suggested that an attraction be built in the marina for children. Mr. Mike Evans, owner of four boats, showed the Council the difference between fresh and frozen shrimp. He said they are not selling frozen shrimp at this time and the Council should not allow for frozen shrimp to be sold at the marina. Ms. Julie Fredrickson also criticized Mr. Davidson, saying that if this proposal is approved, 18 shrimp boats will leave the marina. She said there is a rich tradition of shrimp boats at the marina. Mr. David Bernal said he has been selling shrimp for several years but they do not catch enough large shrimp. He said Ms. Stubbs is selling frozen shrimp at her bait stand and he said it would be better to have the fish market. Mr. Shane Evans said buying seafood from a booth in front of a boat gives the appearance that the shrimp will be fresh. He described the various types of visitors at the T -Heads and the tourist attraction the boats provide. Mr. Paul Lara said he was in favor of the seafood market concept, adding that the Water/Shore Advisory Committee has been studying the issue for several months and they are recommending it to the Council. He said this proposal is not meant to hurt the shrimpers economically but rather to help them. Mr. Phillip Lara distributed a letter to the Council in support of the seafood market. Mr. Jerry Tungate said he was concerned about the issue of the selling of bought and frozen seafood. He said the laws governing the marina have been in place for a long time and he questioned Mr. Davidson's ability to enforce them. He said the marina superintendent should work with the tenants to find a solution. He provided a list of 900 signatures on a survey they took regarding frozen seafood sales. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Tungate said there is no frozen seafood being sold off the boats at this time. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 9 Ms. Aima Jean Followell questioned why the Laras have had three bait stands, two of which have closed. She added that the Laras had received citations for selling bad shrimp. Ms. Sylvia Dancer of Dancer's Delights said if people wish they can go to the seafood market on Morgan Street. She said they do not want the shrimpers to leave. Mr. Robert Frith said the shrimpers catch three different sizes of shrimp and only one day this year did he fail to sell the shrimp off his boat. He said if jumbo shrimp is sold in the booths, people will not want to buy the smaller shrimp that was caught by the shrimpers. Mr. Frank Beck, a member of the Water/Shore Advisory Committee, said Mr. Cisneros had referred to rumors surrounding the proposed changes to the ordinance, particularly that if someone has a record they will not be able to sell seafood in the marina. Mr. Beck read from a section of the proposed ordinance concerning authority to issue or deny a permit, which states in part, "The Marina Superintendent shall issue a permit to the applicant unless one or more of the following conditions exist: (A) the applicant, employees, or vessel owners violated this Section or state laws or regulations regarding commercial fishing or shrimping operations within the previous year..." Mr. Beck also stated that staff's illustration of the seafood booth includes a cash register. Mr. Cisneros said it is the business operator's choice whether or not to have a cash register and it was included for illustrative purposes only. Mr. Greg Silvey said he is a captain on the Peoples Street T -Head. He said tourists love to see the shrimp boats bringing in their catch. He said two of the three shrimp boat owners who are in favor of this proposal have not gone out shrimping in some time. He said he is against this plan. Ms. Terry Bernal said she owns three boats and the problem of illegal sales of shrimp not caught by the shrimp boats has been occurring for 18 years. She said the city and state have been unsuccessful in trying to prevent those illegal sales. She said allowing the booths on the boardwalk would create a win-win situation for all parties involved, including that shrimpers would have an additional source of income from the sale of a variety of seafood. Mr. Ruben Lara said his son, Phillip, was too emotional to address the Council earlier. He said they want to have a choice to sell fresh or frozen shrimp, which provides for competition. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Mr. Garcia said staff is proposing that they remove the restriction that shrimp be sold within 48 hours of being caught. Mr. Scott said when this issue comes back before the Council, he would like the Water/Shore Advisory Committee to participate. In addition, Mr. Scott said he would like to know in which other cities this proposal has been successful. He said he does not want the shrimpers to leave but he feels this proposal may have merit. Responding to Mr. Scott, Mr. Cisneros said at this time the boats can sell their catch but not processed fish. Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 10 Mr. Colmenero said the Council needs to instruct staff to address the concerns that have been raised, such as not allowing the attraction of the shrimp boats to be lost, infrastructure, enforcement, and other issues. Ms. Cooper asked if it would be possible to carve out the ordinance so they could only sell fresh shrimp from the shrimp boats while the booths could sell a variety of seafood other than shrimp. Mr. Cisneros replied that one of the versions of the proposed changes looked at phasing in the sale of shrimp first on the boats and then in the booths, but that was changed at the advice of the Water/Shore Advisory Committee. Mr. Garcia said the problem is that it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between fresh and frozen shrimp, although staff is aware that frozen shrimp is being sold illegally at this time. Ms. Cooper said she wished to see more development on the bayfront but not in a way that would alienate the shrimpers. Mr. Garcia said there are a number of different options that can be considered. Dr. Gonzales said the whole idea is to market Corpus Christi as a unique destination, and he said people come here to obtain fresh seafood. Mr. Longoria suggested that the city construct the booths to ensure consistency and then rent them out to the slip tenants. Mr. Kinnison wondered if the shrimpers who are opposed to this idea were asked during the Water/Shore Advisory Committee's meetings what it would take for the shrimpers to support it. Mr. Cisneros said there was much dialogue through the different versions of the ordinance, which he explained. Mr. Kinnison said he supports the concept of the seafood market but staff needs to consider the concerns raised by the marina tenants. Mayor Neal said the Council should give direction to staff to take into account the concerns raised and to go back to the Water/Shore Advisory Committee. Dr. Gonzales asked if it would be advisable for staff to meet with some of the shrimpers. Mr. Garrett agreed that that was very important. Mr. Garcia said staff needs to make sure the parties are apprised of the recommendations they are making so they can try to resolve as many conflicts as they can. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for a short recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The fourth presentation was concerning the City of Corpus Christi summer youth programs. Mr. Dan Whitworth, Assistant Director of Park and Recreation, used a computer presentation to discuss the various programs that will take place from June 5 to July 28, 2000. Mr. Whitworth said the goals of the youth programs are to provide the following: safe, professionally supervised environments for the city's youth; opportunities to enhance life skills and build for a positive future; affordable programs sensitive to all income levels; and easy access to Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 11 programs. He said the city has an adaptive program, which is a full-day recreation program for kids with special needs in a structured recreation environment. Activities will include sports, games, arts and crafts, and field trips. He said there are a multitude of activities planned for teens, including open recreation, swimming, sports leagues and camps, golf, tennis, recreation classes, and volunteer programs. He said the city's most popular summer programs are the state -licensed Latchkey Summer Camps, which feature structured activities in a fun recreational environment. It is for parents and youth needing full-day recreation and child care. The camps will be held at the following elementary schools: Houston, Windsor Park, Kostoryz, Calk, and Flour Bluff. Mr. Whitworth said the city also offers opportunities for "come -and -go" recreation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at nine sites throughout the city. In addition, a variety of classes are offered at six recreation centers, such as dance, fitness, art, and education. The 78415 Community Youth Development Program, which is free for youth living in the 78415 ZIP code, includes the youth recreation program, Teen on the Scene media program, and Escape Outdoors. Mr. Whitworth also described the summer swim program, sports opportunities, summer food program, golf and tenths programs, Weed and Seed program, and the availability of parks throughout the city. Responding to Council members' questions, Mr. Whitworth said city staff provides program guides to the school districts within the city. He also discussed the difference between the Summer Latchkey Camps and the open recreation sites, and he noted that there are a number of issues that need to be addressed Long-term. He thanked Reba George for her efforts. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The fifth presentation was regarding proposed revisions to tax abatement agreement provisions. Mr. Utter explained that tax abatement is an economic tool that cities across the country have at their disposal. He said it is the ability of a city to grant an abatement of new ad valorem tax for some time period based on the employment that will be generated by new business. He said Corpus Christi has used tax abatement very sparingly over the years, while the county has used it more often. Mr. Utter noted that the latest set of tax abatement guidelines was approved by the Council in December 1999. Subsequently, the Council asked for possible changes to the guidelines regarding the issue of employers with large fluctuations of seasonal employees and the establishment of a living wage. First, Mr. Utter explained staff's recommendation regarding calculating an average annual employment while taking into account fluctuations of employees for seasonal purposes. He also discussed the concept of a living wage, which contends that there is some living wage that an employer should pay in order to receive benefits from a city. Those benefits could include economic development assistance, tax abatement, subsidies, and contracts or sub -contracts with the city. He said staffs research indicates that in Texas, only the cities of San Antonio and El Minutes Regular Council Meeting April 18, 2000 Page 12 Paso have adopted living wage requirements, while other cities have discussed the issue at length. Mr. Utter said if the Council chose to adopt the living wage concept, the appropriate method of calculation for the City of Corpus Christi would be to take the HHS poverty level for a family of three ($14,150) and divide it by the number of hours in the standard work year (2,080), which would result in a living wage of $6.80 per hour. This figure would then be used as the general guideline for granting tax abatement. He said another issue the Council would have to consider is benefits, and staff recommended that if they chose to offer benefits, they should offer health insurance. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Utter said that due to competition he believes all of the companies that the city has granted tax abatement to are at or above the $7.00 per hour rate. The Mayor suggested that the city's guidelines be consistent with the county's regarding the threshold. Several Council members discussed the importance of establishing a living wage that also includes benefits such as health insurance. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said next week's Council meeting includes the public hearing on the Consolidated Annual Action Plan at 6 p.m., in addition to an executive session beginning at noon. The Mayor called for Council reports. Mr. Kinnison referred to a letter in the City Manager's packet from the Port of Corpus Christi Authority to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding possibly acquiring the Corps' property on the bayfront. He expressed concern that the city was also interested in acquiring that property but had not yet moved forward with that idea. A discussion ensued regarding that and the related issue of the plans to expand the art museum. Mayor Neal asked staff to provide a report next week. Mrs. Longoria asked if the Westside Health Clinic project was included in the CDBG program, and Mayor Neal said it was. Mr. Garrett asked how the city's hiring freeze was affecting public safety civilian support personnel. Mr. Garcia replied that staff will give a detailed presentation next week on the current budget situation. Mr. Longoria pointed out that staff was negotiating a contract with Mr. Robert Perless for the "Orion's Belt" sculpture. Mr. Colmenero said he had received reports about speeding on Southern Street. Mayor Neal stated that the next public hearings on the bond program will be held April 26th at Grant Middle School, May 10th at Moody High School, May 17th at Flour Bluff High School, and May 22nd at the Convention Center. Dr. Gonzales commented on an upcoming meeting about the space port. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 6:12 p.m. on April 18, 2000. * * * * * * * * * * * * *