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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/20/2000I 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 June 20, 2000, which were approved by the City Council on June 27, 2000. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 27th day of June, 2000. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 11:35 a.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Arnold Gonzales Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero* Henry Garrett Rex A. Kinnison Betty Jean Longoria John Longoria Mark Scott ABSENT Melody Cooper City Staff: City Manager David R. Garcia Deputy City Manager George Noe City Attorney James R. Bray Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Michael P. Groves, Southside Community Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Kinnison. 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 June 13, 2000. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. Mayor Neal announced the executive session, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, regarding cable television franchise renewal for AT&T Cable. The Council went into executive session. *Council Member Colmenero arrived at the meeting at 11:45 a.m. The Council returned from executive session. ************* Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. First he acknowledged the achievements of the Calallen High School baseball team as the Class 4A State Champions and he presented each team member and coach with a special recognition. The second presentation was made by the Mayor's July 4th Planning Committee, including Ms. Diana Garza, Assistant to the Mayor, Mr. Joe Ochoa, Buccaneer Commission, and Ms. Debbie Lindsey -Opel, representing H -E -B Company. They described events planned for the "Big Bang Celebration," including the parade and fireworks events. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 2 The third presentation was made by Ms. Char Beltran, CEO of the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) regarding their quarterly update. Ms. Beltran said the CVB has continued to focus on the four priorities jointly developed by the CVB staff, interim board, and stakeholders. The priorities are to update technology; develop market research; create partnerships; and bring accountability by instituting realistic and specific performance measures. She said the most recent report from Source Strategies states that during the first quarter of 2000, room revenues are up 5.6% over 1999; the average daily rate is up 1.4%; occupancy is up 0.7%; and revenue per room is up 0.81%. She said increases in all four of those areas is a positive indicator. Ms. Beltran further described the CVB's efforts to meet its four priorities. Regarding updating technology, she said that the CVB's website continues to perform above expectations. She said since being launched in February 1999, the site has had 255,344 user sessions and 7,113 room reservation requests for hotels. In addition, the CVB has leased new hardware from Dell Computers which allows their staff to use new convention sales software. Ms. Beltran said the CVB continues to expand their market research through online surveys and, when funds are available, through contracting research firms to determine the viability of certain markets. She said the CVB is continuing to develop partnerships with other entities, which is another one of the organization's priorities. Those partnerships include The Beaches of Texas program with Galveston and South Padre Island; with the San Antonio CVB and the San Antonio Visitors Council, in which Corpus Christi is positioned as "San Antonio's Beach"; and with Viva Gaming in Las Vegas to promote the "Texas Treasure" gaming ship. The Corpus Christi CVB has also worked closely with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to identify domestic Hispanic conventions and meetings, as well as possibly outsourcing the Mexico marketing program to the Hispanic Chamber. Regarding accountability, Ms. Beltran said the CVB has been actively measuring return on investment in a variety of ways. She noted that each month the Council receives activity reports, multi-level booking reports, and lost business reports. She said the CVB has hired Mr. Joey Jarreau as the Director of Sales and Marketing and Ms. Martha Kleine as the new Senior Convention Sales Manager (she starts July 1st). Ms. Beltran also reviewed the CVB's year-to-date status report, citing figures for convention sales, communications and public relations, tourism sales, Mexico sales, and the Visitor Center. She said the CVB's approved goals for the FY 2000-01 program of work are 39 Bayfront Plaza bookings; generating 200 qualified convention leads; and booking 120,000 room nights, as well as goals in other areas. Ms. Beltran responded to some Council questions. Mr. Bert Quintanilla, Treasurer of the CVB Board, explained the budget process that the new independent board has followed, including holding a planning retreat and another retreat to streamline the CVB's budget. Mr. Bill Pruet, Chairman of the CVB Board, said they understand the pressure that the city's General Fund budget is experiencing and the steps being taken to balance the budget. Consequently, he said the board looked only to the hotel/motel tax revenues as a source of additional funding for Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 3 the CVB. He said the hotel/motel revenues increased $105,000 this year over last year; there was a decrease in debt service at the convention center of $90,000; there was an increase in funding for arts/cultural services of $45,000; and there was an increase in funding for the convention center, coliseum, and auditorium of $195,000. Mr. Pruet said if the Council believes that tourism is a significant industry for the community and the CVB is playing a proper role in developing that industry, then their request for additional funding of $185,000 in next year's budget is justified. He said of that amount, $132,000 is the increased obligation that the CVB has for the Columbus ships' plaza, as well as an increase in insurance of $35,000. He also recognized the board members who were present. Council members then asked several questions of Ms. Beltran, Mr. Pruet, Mr. Jarreau, and City Manager Garcia regarding several issues, including the CVB's website, budget figures, Columbus ships, Mexico marketing effort, developing convention leads, and the CVB's debt obligations. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton St., said the American flag flying in front of City Hall is dirty and ragged and needs to be replaced. He also commented that the flag flying in front of Fire Station #7 is not being illuminated at night as required. Mr. Manuel Ugues, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said their board thinks that the Latin market program is a good investment opportunity that has not been captured completely. He described a recent trade mission to Monterrey, Mexico, and he discussed the need to expand those relationships. Mr. Isaac Valencia, President of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, discussed why he feels the last 10 officers for the Crime Control and Prevention District should be hired as originally planned and not deferred as is being recommended by the crime control district board. He said this is not the time to eliminate those positions now that crime rates are going down. He added that community oriented policing has not been fully implemented, which takes manpower, and he said not hiring the officers would constitute breaking a promise to the public. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said that without public transportation, persons with disabilities would not have as much mobility as they do, which would limit their ability to be active in the community. He said the Regional Transportation Authority has been run very efficiently and he commented on the funding that the RTA provides to the city. Ms. Debbie Lindsey -Opel, Chair -Elect of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber board passed a resolution urging the adoption of the City of Corpus Christi bond issue in November 2000. She also offered the board's assistance in promoting the bond program. Referring Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 4 to a comment made during the CVB discussion, Ms. Lindsey -Opel pointed out that the funding stream was not split three ways when the Greater Corpus Christi Business Alliance was split into the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said that while crime may be clown overall, it has not declined in his neighborhood. He said there is much commotion around a bar near his house but he said he has not seen much police presence there. Mr. Perez also questioned why the city is having financial difficulties. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, acknowledged that the Council has some very difficult decisions facing them during this budget process. He said he thought the CVB presentation was impressive, and he questioned why public comment on the budget is not being solicited until the public hearing and the first and second readings of the budget ordinance. Mr. O'Brien added that last week's agenda stated that the Council would have a budget workshop (at which time actions are not to be taken), but two motions were made and passed regarding the budget last week. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said tax dollars should be spent on people's necessities, such as public safety, and not on tourism, the museum, and downtown entities. He said the city should not be placed in greater debt. Mr. Gonzalo Tamez, Vice President of LULAC Council 4444, said they passed a resolution stating their opposition to the recommendation to eliminate the two assistant chief positions in the Police Department budget. He said the assistant chiefs serve an important role in the department. Ms. Agnes Horn commented on the recent Memorial Day ceremony at Sherrill Park. She said there were not enough chairs and they also needed a portable restroom and water available. Mayor Neal commented that Memorial Day is an exception and that most of the time there are sufficient chairs for the veterans' ceremonies. Mr. Hasker said water and food were available. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The third presentation was regarding the Regional Transportation Authority's street maintenance contribution. City Manager Garcia said that about three weeks ago the Council requested additional information about the city's agreement with the RTA. Ms. Barbara Stover, Director of Street Services, gave a computer presentation about the RTA's agreement. She explained that in 1985 the city and the RTA approved an interlocal agreement which established the Street Improvement Fund consisting of $200,000 per year for street maintenance. In 1991 the RTA initiated the Transportation Assistance Fund, which started as a one- time payment of $480,000 which the city used to support the EMS system. That fund was continued until FY 98-99, when a new interlocal agreement was approved which established the Street Improvement Program, a combination of the two previous funds. Ms. Stover said there are three parts to the Street Improvement Program. The first element Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 5 consists of $937,000 for general purpose street improvements on designated RTA routes. The second part involves $500,000 for specific RTA needs, such as bus pads and bus turnouts. The third part is the Livable Communities Initiative, which consists of grant funds available to the RTA and used on a mutually agreed-upon project. She said the Street Improvement Program, which must be renewed every year, is funded through a percentage of sales tax receipts. Ms. Stover then showed slides of street damage around RTA bus stops, as well as an example of a bus pad. She said that while RTA contributions have helped support street maintenance needs and street reconstruction projects, they have had no correlation to the actual pavement life consumed by RTA vehicles. She noted that every vehicle that drives on the street consumes pavement life, and larger vehicles contribute a disproportionate amount of wear and tear on street pavement. Using accepted street pavement design methods, that wear and tear can be calculated, which she explained. She also referred to a survey of other mass transit authorities and the per capita amounts contributed. The Street Services Director said that city staff and RTA officials are finalizing the list of special projects and street maintenance to be included in the year 2000 interlocal agreement at the same level as the 1999 agreement. However, she said there should be a correlation between the contributions to the city and the pavement life consumed by RTA vehicles. She said the present contribution of $1.4 million falls short of the estimated pavement consumption of $2.4 million. Mayor Neal asked about the allocation of the RTA's contribution, which was explained by Mr. Garcia, Mr. Rudy Garza, Acting Budget Director, and Mr. Ron Massey, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities. Mr. Garcia noted that the $1.4 million annual contribution consists of approximately $900,000, which can only be used for repairs on selected streets; and $500,000, which can only be used for bus pads, turnouts and other restricted projects. He said if the city received additional money from the RTA, they would have to negotiate with them about how that money can be used. He said the city's street repair and reconstruction program is much more comprehensive than just those street sections damaged by RTA vehicles. Ms. Linda Watson, RTA General Manager, said the RTA operates 60 fixed -route buses on city streets and only 24% of those are the large 40 -foot buses. She said they are continuing to downsize the RTA fleet. She said according to RTA's calculations, they operate only 9.1% of all heavy vehicle miles on city streets. She said the city has 240 vehicles that weigh over 28,000 pounds. In addition, she said they also operate on only 12% of all city street miles although they are being asked to pay almost 49% of the street maintenance budget. Ms. Watson acknowledged that much of the wear and tear occurs at bus stops, which is why the RTA felt it was important to direct some of their funds to construct bus pads to prevent future problems. Council Member Gonzales asked if the city charged BFI and other companies which have heavy vehicles a fee for using the city's streets, and Mr. Garcia said they do not, although staff has discussed with the Council about the possibility of instituting a street use fee. He said the city will continue its negotiations with the RTA on another interlocal agreement. Responding to other Council members' questions, Ms. Watson said the RTA does not agree Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 6 with the formula discussed by Ms. Stover. She said there are very few transit systems in the country which provide funds to cities for streets, and of the ones in Texas which do, none of those use a formula --the contributions are negotiated. She also discussed the RTA's contribution to Nueces County and she introduced board members who were present. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The fourth presentation was regarding the Junior League's Graffiti Wipeout Program. Ms. Brooke Sween -McGloin said that program has been in existence since 1996 and they hold nine graffiti wipeout sessions per year (one per month). She said Junior League members do not believe they should allow gangs to advertise and they support the protection and preservation of a clean, healthy, safe environment for their children, themselves, and future generations. She said the program is designed to combat youth violence and she noted that due to their concentrated efforts at Kids Place, the graffiti there is dramatically subsiding. In addition, the Junior League executed a trial agreement with city staff to eradicate graffiti on city traffic signal boxes. Ms. Sween -McGloin said the Graffiti Wipeout Subcommittee studied graffiti ordinances throughout the state and they discovered that compared to other Texas cities, Corpus Christi's current ordinance lacks several tools to eradicate graffiti. She said they have worked with other local entities interested in the eradication of graffiti and are recommending several amendments to the city's ordinance. They include requiring that property owners be responsible for removing graffiti within 30 days, either by doing it themselves or by signing a permission slip allowing a graffiti eradication group to remove it at no charge. Ms. Sween -McGloin said another recommendation is to increase the fines to not less than $500, and for the city to work with the newly formed Graffiti Task Force composed of members of several entities. She said they would also like to establish a three-part system consisting of a warning, written notification, and court action for failure to comply. Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, said that if a city facility is "tagged" with graffiti, staff acts as quickly as possible to remove it. He also discussed the importance of the public-private partnership that has been developed among the several entities, including the city and the Junior League. Mr. Cisneros and City Attorney Bray responded to Council members' questions regarding specific aspects of the proposed amendments. Mr. Joe Alley, with the Nueces County Juvenile Department, said that since 1993 that department has been involved in painting over graffiti with donated paint and volunteer labor. He said that over the years they have had problems with property owners who have not been willing to have graffiti on their property painted over for a variety of reasons. He said one advantage of this program is its collaborative nature in which a community group is dealing with a community problem. He urged the Council to approve the recommended amendments. Responding to Council Member Garrett, Mr. Bray said that a property owner cannot be held liable until they have rejected having a volunteer organization remove the graffiti for free. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 7 Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. ************ * Mayor Neal referred to Item J., departmental review of the FY2000-01 budget. City Manager Garcia stated that last week they discussed in length the revenue projections and the ending fund balance for next year. He said this week they will begin discussing expenditures, particularly in individual departments. Council Member Kinnison said that last week the Council began framing the budget process through the revenues and the ending fund balance. He said those steps were well received by the bond rating agencies when city officials met with them on June 19th. However, he said he felt the Council needed to deal with the suggestion that was made about raising taxes to help balance the budget. He said that is a philosophical question that colors all of the budget considerations, and he explained why he would not support a property tax increase in support of the budget. Council Member Gonzales said the Council discussed the revenue portion of the budget last week and he questioned why the issue of a property tax increase was being brought up at this time. He said he thought the Council should follow the process. Mr. Kinnison then made a motion that the Council go on record that they will not support a tax increase while framing the budget; the motion was seconded by Council Member Scott. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she would not support Mr. Kinnison's motion because the Council was just starting the budget process and they need to keep their options open. Dr. Gonzales questioned how the Council could not support a tax increase when the bond program in November contains a 3.75 -cent tax increase. He said the option of raising taxes is an important tool that has been given to City Councils. Mr. Scott said the Council needs to frame the budget to live within their means, saying that they cannot raise taxes for the budget at the same time they hope to have the bond issue approved by voters. Council Member John Longoria said he also supported the motion because it is not appropriate to raise taxes to balance the budget at this time. Responding to Mayor Neal, City Secretary Chapa said Mr. Kinnison's motion gives direction for the rest of the budget discussions. He said the final decisions on the budget will not be made until the first and second readings of the budget ordinance. Following another brief discussion, Mr. Chapa polled the Council and the motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Gonzales and B. Longoria voting "No"; Cooper absent. Police Chief Pete Alvarez then gave a computer presentation on the Police Department budget. He said the FY00-01 proposed budget is $39.69 million and the FY99-00 adopted budget is $38.3 million, or a 3.5% increase. He outlined specific budget line items which have experienced Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 8 increases: sworn officers' salaries, $294,592; operational expenses, $478,214; internal service allocations, $337,165; and group insurance benefits, $497,015. Chief Alvarez also discussed the proposed reductions as follows: no police academy next fiscal year; the elimination of six civilian positions (two dispatch trainees, one office assistant, one stock clerk, one maintenance mechanic, and one garage service person); a decrease in overtime costs by $68,904; deletion of two assistant chief positions; and the elimination through attrition of two lieutenant positions and one captain position. The Chief also further discussed overtime costs. Throughout his presentation, Chief Alvarez and City Manager Garcia and Mr. Garza responded to Council members' questions regarding several issues, including the department's authorized strength, the police academy, and the elimination of the civilian and assistant chiefs' positions. Mr. Garcia stated that he recommended cutting the assistant chiefs' positions --it was not Chief Alvarez's recommendation. Regarding service level objectives, Chief Alvarez said they have budgeted for 35 replacement marked vehicles to accommodate the loss of 3.5 vehicles per month; continue the Crime Control District projects scheduled for deployment in August 2000, including five bike patrol officers, two traffic safety, three walking motors, and five directed patrol; address attrition in the dispatch function; and continue the community policing plan. There was additional discussion on those issues. Chief Alvarez pointed out that the collective bargaining contract ends in July and there is no salary increase included in the FY00-01 budget. He said they will continue to strictly monitor the department's overtime expenses (prior supervisory approval will be required), and no unmarked units will be scheduled for replacement. The Chief described the current staffing structure, which consists of two assistant chiefs; six commanders overseeing the following divisions: training, professional standards, criminal investigation, community relations, uniform, and vice/narcotics/organized crime; 18 captains; and 35 lieutenants. He then discussed an alternative proposal to reduce staffing. In lieu of eliminating the two assistant chief positions, he suggested that they attrition out one assistant chief position as well as three captain positions (the two assistant chiefs and five captains are already eligible for retirement). Chief Alvarez also responded to additional Council questions. Rather than proceeding to the next budget presentation, it was determined that those two presentations (Street Services and Park and Recreation) would be postponed until next week's meeting at 9 a.m. The Mayor then called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2-17). Council members requested that Item 11 be withheld for discussion. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 9 2.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024061 Ordinance appropriating $10,433.28 from the Reserve for Capital Outlay in the No. 5110 Maintenance Services Fund to purchase equipment; amending the FY99-00 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023702, to increase appropriations by $10,433.28 in the No. 5110 Maintenance Service Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 2.b. M2000-188 Motion approving the purchase of three welding units in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0119-00 from the following companies in the following amounts, based on low bid in the amount of $18,270.56. The welders are to be used by Gas and Wastewater Departments. Funds are available in the Reserve Capital Outlay Budget for FY98-99 and the Capital Outlay Budget for FY99-00. All items are replacements. Matheson TriGas Prime Equipment Co. Corpus Christi Texas Corpus Christi. Texas Item 1: 2 Each- 250 Amp Welder Item 2: 1 Each - 225 Amp Welder $15,674.56 $2,596 Grand Total: $18,270.56 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 3. M2000-189 Motion approving the purchase of one towable backhoe from Contractors Building Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0118-00. The award is based on only bid for a total amount of $17,788. Funds are available in the Capital Outlay Budget for FY 99-00. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 4.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024062 Ordinance appropriating $28,985 from the Reserve for Capital Outlay in the No. 5110 Maintenance Service Fund to purchase equipment; amending the FY 99-00 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023702, by increasing appropriations by $28,985 in the No. 5110 Maintenance Service Fund. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 10 An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 4.b. M2000-190 Motion approving the purchase of seven trucksters from Coastal Plains Equipment Co. Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0126-00 for the total amount of $40,579 based on low bid. Funds are available in the Reserve Capital Outlay Budget for FY 98-99 and the Capital Outlay Budget for FY99-00. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 5. M2000-191 Motion approving a supply agreement with Unisource/National Sanitary, Corpus Christi, Texas for approximately 682,000 garbage can liners in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0090-00. The award is based on total low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $27,433.36. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods, subject to the approval of the suppliers and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are available from the Warehouse Inventory for FY99-00. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 6. M2000-192 Motion approving a supply agreement with Borden Milk Products LLC, Austin, Texas, in accordance with Coastal Bend Council of Governments Bid Invitation No. CBCOG-00-4, for 118,537 half-pint containers of milk consisting of homogenized milk, buttermilk, low fat milk, low fat chocolate milk and skim milk. The award is based on the recommended award submitted by the Coastal Bend Council of Governments for an estimated six-month expenditure of $22,522.03. The term of the agreement shall be for six months with an option to extend for up to three additional months, subject to the approval of the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by Senior Community Services in FY99-00 and requested for FY00-01. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 11 7. M2000-193 Motion approving supply agreements for automotive repair parts in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0072-00, with the following companies for the following amounts. Awards are based on low bid or only bid, for a total estimated annual expenditure of $367,435. Funds have been budgeted by Maintenance Services and Fire Department for FY 99-00 and requested for FY 00-01. Amold Oil Company CarQuest Auto Parts O'Reilly Auto Parts Coastal Dist. Co. Inc. Corous Christi, TX Cornus Christi. TX Cornus Christi, TX Cornus Christi TX Groups 1.0, 15.0, 19.0 Groups 2.0, 4.0, 7.0, Group 2A.0 Groups 8.0, 18.0, 22.0 and 21.0 16,0, 17.0, and 20.0 $99,000 $56,000 $10,110 $49,000 C.C. Brake & Clutch Texas Battery Company FleetPride C.C. Freightliners Cornus Christi, TX Cornus Christi. TX Cornus Christi, TX Cornus Christi, TX Groups 3.0 and 14.0 Group 5.0 Groups 6.0, 10.0, 12.0, Groups 23.0 and 24.0 13.0, 14A.0 and 22A.0 $22,000 $43,000 $54,325 $34,000 Grand Total: $367,435 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 8. M2000-194 Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 5,600 tubes of a testing reagent (Colilert) and 3,200 testing bottles, with IDEXX Distribution Corporation, Memphis, Tennessee, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0128-00 based on sole source for an estimated annual total of $18,840. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods, subject to approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are budgeted in FY 99-00 and requested for FY 00-01 by the Health and Water Departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 9. M2000-195 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with C.D. Electric for a total fee not to exceed $18,870 for the reconditioning of O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant River Station Raw Water Pump No. 7. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 10. M2000-196 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Outside City Limits Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 12 (OCL) water service contract with Northwest Corpus Christi Baptist Church, Inc. (Iglesia Corpus Christi Bautista Noreste, Inc.) whose address is 2011 Callicoate Road (FM 1694). The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 12. M2000-198 Motion setting a public hearing on the proposed FY2000-01 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets during the regular Council meeting of July 11, 2000. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 13.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024063 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a lease for one hundred and twenty days with Nueces County Community Action Agency (NCCAA) for seven real and personal properties identified on the attached and incorporated Exhibit A, in consideration of NCCAA operating Head Start programs for eligible citizens of Corpus Christi and maintaining the properties. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 13.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024064 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a ten year lease with an option to renew for 10 years, with Nueces County Community Action Agency for seven real and personal properties identified on the attached and incorporated Exhibit A, in consideration of NCCAA operating Head Start programs for eligible citizens of Corpus Christi and maintaining the properties. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 14.a. ORDINANCE NO, 024065 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an eleven month lease with Texas A&M Corpus Christi for the use of the area located adjacent to the northern most Hobie Cat launching ramp on North Beach and the area located on the north side of Ocean Drive right- of-way on Ward Island, in consideration of the installation and operation of two CODAR Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 13 radio towers and providing for the maintenance of the premises. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 14.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024066 Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five year lease with Texas A&M Corpus Christi for the use of the area located adjacent to the northern most Hobie Cat launching ramp on North Beach and the area located on the north side of Ocean Drive right- of-way on Ward Island, in consideration of the installation and operation of two CODAR radio towers and providing for the year-round maintenance of the premises. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 024067 Amending the City Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55, Utilities, regarding compressed natural gas rates. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 16. ORDINANCE NO. 024068 Amending the City Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55, Utilities, regarding the establishment of a Builder's Incentive Program to promote the installation of natural gas powered equipment throughout the City. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 17.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024069 Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Chapter 12, Boats, Bays and Waterways, Chapter 21, Garbage, Trash, and other Refuse, Chapter 49, Streets and Sidewalks, regarding Solid Waste Services, the disposal of garbage, trash and other refuse, and the control of litter including increases in fees; providing for penalties, and providing for an effective date of August 1, 2000. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 14 The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 17.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024070 Amending Section 21-40 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, regarding charges for Solid Waste Collection Services. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 1 I, expressway illumination rehabilitation. Council Member Kinnison requested additional information about the Street Capital Projects Reserve Fund. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 11. M2000-197 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Advance Funding Agreement with the State of Texas, acting through its Texas Transportation Commission, setting forth responsibilities for the reconstruction of expressway illumination on S.H. 358 (South and North Padre Island Drive) Expressway from Greenwood Drive to Interstate 37, and authorizing the deposit of $112,981.41 with the Texas Department of Transportation as the City's share of construction costs. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 18, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 18. Case No. 0500-01. Rocky Enriquez: A change of zoning from an "A-1" Apartment House District to a `B-4" General Business District on South Park Subdivision, Block 4, Lot 43, located on the west side of Monitor Street, approximately 50 feet north of S.P.I.D. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "B-4" General Business District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mrs. Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 15 18. ORDINANCE NO. 024071 Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Rocky Enriquez, by changing the zoning map in reference to Lot 43, Block 4, South Park Subdivision, from "A-1" Apartment House District to `B-4" General Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. ************* Mayor Neal referred to Item 20, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 20. Case No. 0500-03, Stony Brook Investment Inc.: A change of zoning from an "A-2" Apartment House District to an "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 6, Lots 20 and 29, located approximately 150 feet west of the Stony Brook and Boston Drives terminus and approximately 400 feet south of Yorktown Boulevard. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff reconunended approval of the "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Kinnison made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 024073 Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Stony Brook Property Investment, Inc., by changing the zoning map in reference to 6.178 acres out of Lots 20 and 29, Section 6, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "A-2" Apartment House District to "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. ************* Mayor Neal referred to Item 19, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 16 19. Case No. 0500-01 David Farjardo: A change of zoning from an "A-2" Apartment House District to a `B-4" General Business District on H. E. Butt Tract, Lots 6C and 6D, located on the west side of South Alameda Street, approximately 50 feet south of Rossiter Street. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "B-4" District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a `B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Lots 6C and 6D with a "SP" Special Permit for additional building height on Lot 6D subject to two (2) conditions. Mayor Neal asked Mr. Michael Gunning, Director of Planning and Development, to provide a brief presentation on the proposed zoning change. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Dr. Gonzales made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 024072 Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by David Farjardo, by changing the zoning map in reference to Lots 6C and 6D, H. E. Butt Tract, from "A-2" Apartment House District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District; granting a Special Permit on Lot 6D for additional building height, subject to two (2) conditions, amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22, water plant alternate power supply. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 22.a. M2000-199 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of $3,248,459 with Rabalais I&E Constructors for construction of the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant Alternate Power Supply project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 22.b. M2000-200 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement in the amount of $40,000 with Central Power and Light (CPL) for modifications of CPL'S Stevens Water Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 17 Plant Substation. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 22.c. M2000-201 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 6 in the amount of $55,372 to the contract with Onyx Engineering, Inc. for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant Alternate Power Supply Project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 23, purchase of heavy trucks. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 23.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024075 Ordinance appropriating $745,985 from the Reserve for Capital Outlay in the No. 5110 Maintenance Services Fund to purchase equipment; amending the FY99-00 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 023702, by increasing appropriations by $745,985 in the No. 5110 Maintenance Services Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 23.b. M2000-202 Motion approving the purchase of thirty-nine heavy trucks in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0085-00 from the following companies, for the following amounts, based on low bid and only bid., for a total amount of $1,934,558. Eight units will be financed through the City's lease/purchase contractor, while the remaining 31 units will be purchased outright. Five units are additional; thirty-four units are replacements. Crosstown Ford Sales Power Equipment International Inc. Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi. Texas 14 Units 25 Units $617,763 $1,316,795 Grand Total: $1,934,558 Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 18 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 21, crime control district budget. Mr. Garza said staff is recommending adoption of the previously submitted budget. City Manager Garcia said they will be exploring additional revenue sources in the coming year and they anticipate making some modifications depending on those efforts. The Mayor called for public comment. Mr. Abel Alonzo said he agreed with the officer who spoke earlier in the meeting that if the crime control board does not hire the remaining 10 police officers, they will be breaking a promise made to the public when they approved the creation of the crime control district. He said as a result, the bond election will not be approved in November. Council members and Mr. Garza pointed out that the proposed crime control budget for FY00-01 merely continues the programs as originally established and there is no long-term commitment on the part of the Council with this vote. Mr. Leon Loeb, president of the crime control board, said the FY00-01 budget would not have included any additional officers in any case. He said city staff and the crime control board have been working very hard to create a program that can be funded within the district's revenue stream. Mayor Neal said they can hire the remaining 10 police officers; however, if they do so and make no changes to the programs that are in place, there will be a deficit of $1.2 million in the sixth year. A discussion ensued. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Loeb said at the board's last meeting they decided to stay with the existing juvenile assessment center program for next fiscal year until they decide to take other action. He said the center has two functions --custody and case analysis and management, which he briefly discussed. Council Member Garrett asked what the original revenue estimates were. Mr. Loeb said he thought it was approximately $4.8 million and now it is $3.7 million. Mr. Garrett said he resented people telling the Council that they have broken a promise since the five-year period for the crime control district has not yet expired and all 50 police officers may yet be hired Dr Gonzales said they have been told and they need to accept that the final 10 officers will not be hired because there is not enough revenue to support them. In reply to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mayor Neal said when the crime control budget was originally formulated, it was expected that the 1/8th cent sales tax would apply to telecommunications but it did not. He said there may be an effort to begin collecting that revenue, which would garner approximately $200,000. Dr. Gonzales said he wanted to receive more information about the operation of the juvenile assessment center. Council Member Kinnison also asked about the budget for the assessment center, and Mr. Loeb said the board will be back with a report and a budget amendment if necessary in October Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 19 2000. He said the board will address the school police partnership issue at their July meeting. He explained that all of the adjustments regarding funding the ongoing programs occurred after the statutory process for adopting the district's budget for FY00-01. Mr. Kinnison pointed out that if the crime control district is not continued after the fifth year, there will be no district revenues to pay for the 40 police officers who will have already been hired. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 21. RESOLUTION NO. 024074 Resolution approving the FY00-01 budget for the Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kinnison and J. Longoria voting "No"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 24, bond election list of projects. City Manager Garcia said they hoped to reach consensus on the ad valorem portion of the bond issue at that meeting. With regard to the three 1/8th-cent sales tax initiatives, he said they have already had several presentations on the seawall project and they received a letter from the Texas Attorney General's Office basically saying the project can proceed as planned. He said staff will be presenting a report next week about the multi-purpose arena and the economic development sales tax. Deputy City Manager Noe referred to a computer presentation that the Council had been previously given about the whole bond issue. He explained that when the $2 2 million budget was developed for the five street resurfacing (overlay) projects, it was assumed that the work would be done in-house. However, that will not be the case, which results in an additional $433,000 being needed. In addition, those five projects will trigger the requirement to comply with ADA regulations regarding sidewalks, curb cuts and traffic signals for an additional $1.3 million; the total cost of both elements is approximately $1.75 million. With those additional requirements, it will cost $3.9 million (instead of $2.2 million) to complete the five resurfacing projects in their entirety. He said the alternatives are as follows: increase the bond issue to fund the total amount, which would result in a bond issue of $30.8 million and a tax rate increase of 4 cents; identify supplemental project funding (such as CDBG funds); adjust the projects or project length to the budget; or eliminate the resurfacing projects, which would result in either reducing the bond issue or reallocating the $2.2 million to other projects. Mr. Noe said staffs recommendation is to allocate $2.2 million for the first three resurfacing projects: Up River Road (IH -37 to Leopard), Alameda (Parade to Ocean), and Ayers (SPID to Port). That would result in the last two projects not being constructed: Gollihar (Crosstown to Kostoryz) and South Staples (Gollihar to Williams). He noted that the projects were originally listed in priority Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 20 order by the Street Department staff and he added that the last two projects could be deferred until a planned bond program after the completion of this bond program in about three years. Council Member Gonzales said the Council told the public during the course of six bond hearings that the bond issue would include the projects presented. Council Member Scott said they told the public that they would have to finalize the list. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Noe said the ADA requirements were included in the budget estimates for the neighborhood street reconstruction projects included in the bond issue, but they were not included in the street resurfacing projects. Mr. Colmenero said he would not support deferring the Gollihar and South Staples projects. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she thought it was misleading to talk about a "second" three-year bond issue. Mayor Neal asked if the $400,000 allocated for the sidewalk accessibility improvements for the disabled could be redirected toward the $545,050 needed for the ADA sidewalk requirements as part of the resurfacing projects. Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, said the $400,000 is the city's 20% share to match the state's portion for the total of $1.6 million. A brief discussion ensued about utilizing CDBG funds to make up the $1.7 million difference. In reply to a question from the Mayor, City Attorney Bray said that federal case law states that at least some degree of resurfacing requires ADA improvements. Mr. Escobar explained that there is a difference between an extensive resurfacing project and seal coating projects that take place throughout the city. Mr. Noe also explained how staff determined that the ADA requirements had been left out when the Engineering staff was refining the budget estimates for the bond projects. Council Member Kinnison discussed the group of projects under the heading "Renovation/ Development of Existing Parks." He noted that $100,000 has been allocated to seven parks and $200,000 to an eighth park. He said he would prefer reducing the amounts going to those parks and set aside funding for undesignated neighborhood parks to be spent as the needs are identified. Mr. Cisneros said that the projects consist of facilities improvements and replacements at the parks, which includes meeting ADA requirements. Mr. Kinnison asked which parks qualify for CDBG funding. Mr. Cisneros replied that they are Los Encinos Park, Oak Park, and South Bluff Park. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Kinnison made a motion to reduce the funding for Los Encinos Park, Oak Park, and South Bluff Park to $50,000 each and that the remaining $150,000 total for the three parks would come from CDBG funding over a four-year period. In addition, the $150,000 savings in the bond issue could be reprogrammed for some neighborhood parks. The motion died for lack of a second. Referring to page 218 in the background material for the bond issue, Dr. Gonzales made a motion to list items #1 - #5 under the heading of "Health and Safety" as a separate vote on the bond issue ballot; seconded by Mrs. Longoria. A voice vote was called and the motion passed unanimously (Cooper absent). Minutes - Regular Council Meeting June 20, 2000 Page 21 Mayor Neal made a motion that items #6 - #32 as stated on pages 218 and 219 be a separate vote on the ballot under the heading of "Park and Recreation." The motion was seconded by Mr. Scott and it passed unanimously (Cooper absent). Mayor Neal also made a motion to increase the funding for items #45 - #49 from $2.267 million to $4.017 million, which changes the total of the bond program to $30.8 million, results in a 4 -cent tax increase, and incorporates the other projects as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Colmenero and passed unanimously (Cooper absent). Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said next week's Council meeting will start at 9 a.m. and will include the Streets and Park and Recreation budget presentations, as well as the convention center and arena assessment studies and the economic development sales tax. Mr. Mario Tapia, Assistant to the City Manager, said the departmental budgets to be discussed next week are Fire, Solid Waste, Health, Municipal Court, Maintenance Services, MIS, Insurance, and Engineering. Referring again to Item 24, Mr. Kinnison made a motion to reduce the funding for St. Andrews Park (item #28) from $100,000 to $75,000 and to reallocate the $25,000 to another neighborhood park which some residents brought forward during the bond hearings. The motion was seconded by Mr. Longoria. City Secretary Chapa asked that the Council approve Item 24 on the agenda as a complete item, which would incorporate the previous amendments made by the Council. Mayor Neal called for public comment on Item 24. Mr. Abel Alonzo thanked the Council for their approval of the ADA requirements and he said he would work hard to promote the passage of the bond program. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes on Item 24 as follows: 24. M2000-203 Motion authorizing the City Manager to finalize a project list totaling $30,800,000 for the proposed November 76 Bond 2000 Election. The foregoing motion passed, as amended, by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Mrs. Longoria said Mr. Victor Lara Ortegon will be retiring soon and she asked if the Council could recognize his achievements, and Mayor Neal agreed. She also said she serves on the Community Action Agency and she would like to appoint someone to serve in her place. Mrs. Longoria asked that the appointment to the Port of Corpus Christi Authority be placed on next week's agenda and the Mayor agreed. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 8:35 p.m. on June 20, 2000. * * * * * * * * * * * * *