HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/22/2000 - Public HearingI HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Bond
Program Public Hearing of the City of Corpus Christi of May 22, 2000, which were approved by the
City Council on May 30, 2000.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 30th day of May, 2000.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Bond Program Public Hearing
May 22, 2000
6:02 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
John Longoria*
Mark Scott
ABSENT
Betty Jean Longoria
City Staff:
Deputy City Manager George Noe
Assistant City Secretary Mary Juarez
Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ram6n
Mayor Neal called the hearing to order in Room 224 of the Bayfront Plaza Convention
Center in Corpus Christi. Assistant City Secretary Juarez declared that the necessary quorum of the
Council were present to conduct the hearing. The Mayor announced that City Manager Garcia was
attending the board meeting of the Corpus Christi Independent School District to discuss the refuge
of last resort program.
Deputy City Manager Noe gave a detailed computer presentation of the bond program,
including the property tax proposals, the three 1/a cent sales tax proposals and the resulting financial
impact of the program.
Mayor Neal opened the hearing for public comment
Mr. Bill Kopecky commented on several aspects of the G.O. bond package and sales tax
propositions. In response to a question from Mr. Kopecky, Fire ChiefJ.J. Adame said all of the funds
from the sale of the fire training facility land went to build the new fire station. He said the training
facility had outlived its usefulness.
*Council Member John Longoria arrived at 6:20 p.m.
Mr. Kopecky also discussed the multi-purpose arena facility, including its use, possible
location, and parking. He said Memorial Coliseum could be modified to increase its capacity. He
also commented on the economic development sales tax proposal. Council Member Kinnison
pointed out that the Council was awaiting the results of a study on the convention center.
Mrs. Louie Evans asked about the homeport bonds, which Mayor Neal said were issued by
Minutes
Bond Program Public Hearing
May 22, 2000
Page 2
the county in 1985. Mrs. Evans also asked about the use of the proposed arena by Texas A&M
University -Corpus Christi. The Mayor stated that no agreements have been drafted yet on the use of
the arena. Mrs. Evans questioned whether the arena could be used as a hurricane shelter and she said
she has concerns about the arena's location.
Mrs. Dorothy Spann said everyone wants Corpus Christi to move forward. She asked if staff
had sought federal funds to repair the seawall, and Mayor Neal replied that they had.
Mr. Steve Cervantes said the seawall was paramount to development downtown, and he said
the arena should be able to accommodate different uses. He added that economic development is one
of the most important ways that the city can entice more jobs, which will benefit the community's
children in the future.
Mr. Sam Beecroft said he did not think the seawall should be funded with a sales tax
proposal. He also discussed the importance of economic development, saying that graduates are
leaving Corpus Christi because there are not enough good jobs here. He added that the G.O. bond
package was essential.
Mr. Ted Stevens spoke in favor of the proposed projects, adding that the arena will help
support the convention center.
Mr. Paul Hanna said these projects are an investment in the city's future, similar to the
convention center when it was first constructed. He said the Council needs to provide more detail
on the proposals and inform the public.
Mayor Neal then called for Council comments. Mr. Scott commented on an article describing
counties that have surpassed Nueces County in growth. Mr. Colmenero discussed the competition
among Texas cities, saying it is difficult to attract industry and these proposals represent the future
of the community. The Mayor said they are moving forward on getting the Attorney General's
opinion and the results of the arena/convention center study.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
hearing at 6:50 p.m. on May 22, 2000.
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