HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/12/2000I 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 September 12, 2000, which were approved
by the City Council on September 19, 2000.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 19th day of September, 2000.
ba—
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
2:10 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Melody Cooper
Council Members:
Javier D. Colmenero
Henry Garrett
Dr. Arnold Gonzales
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
Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Council Member Scott, following which the Pledge of
Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Cooper.
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 August 29, 2000. A motion was made and passed
to approve the minutes as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the board and committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the
following appointments were made:
Community Youth Development
Steering Committee
Dick Leonard (Reappointed)
Rosario Carrizo (Reappointed)
Jackie Martin (Reappointed)
Verla Gene Varino
Sharon Williams
Senior Companion Program Advisory Committee
Roland Medrano
Russell Brent Stowers
* * * * * * * * * * *
Food Service Advisory Committee
Carlos Moreno (Reappointed)
Robert Ard
Suzanne G Gilliam
Landmark Commission
Thomas Kreneck
*
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 2
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Wolfgang Buschang, 341 Canterbury, said he is the General Manager for Noble Food
Service and his company will again be bidding on the concession contract for Memorial Coliseum
and the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center. He said when that contract was discussed during the
August 29th Council meeting, the issue was raised about a Girl Scout troop attempting to sell their
cookies at Memorial Coliseum. Mr. Buschang explained that Noble Food Service's contract with
the city requires them to collect a fee in city facilities for any food sales. He said the only way they
can override that provision is if they are directed to do so by the Director of Convention Facilities
or his designee. He said it is not that they have anything against the Girl Scouts.
Mr. Ted Stephens, 513 Dolphin, said he was lending support from the air conditioning
community in response to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission's attempt to
regulate their industry with rules on air conditioners sold in this area after 2002. He said there will
be a public hearing about that issue on September 25th at Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi.
Council Member Gonzales asked when the Air Quality Committee would be making a presentation
to the Council. City Manager Garcia said they can schedule that for next week's meeting.
Mr. Juan Hinojosa, office manager of the local Census 2000 office, said that after 22 months
of ongoing census operations, the local office will close on September 15th. He thanked several
people for their efforts, including the Mayor's Office, City Secretary's Office, Council Member Betty
Jean Longoria (co-chair of the Complete Count Committee), Willie Pulido, Connie Hahn, Michael
Gunning, and members of the Complete Count Committee for both the city and the county. Council
Member Scott pointed out that his wife, Carol, was also co-chair of that committee. Responding to
Mrs. Longoria, Mr. Hinojosa said the results of the census will be released to President Clinton in
December, and he will not release them to the public until March 2001.
Mrs. Marie Wood, representing Operation Phoenix, distributed information about their group.
She said it is an independent grassroots association of Corpus Christi -area citizens and maritime and
Spanish heritage enthusiasts who wish to help raise money for the restoration and maintenance of
the Columbus ships. She said their goal is to raise $500,000 to return the ships to their former sailing
status. She also invited the public to a birthday celebration for the ships on September 24th at 5 p.m.
Ms. Janet Rice, 118 Southern St., said that in 1993 when the Columbus Quincentenary Ships
came to Corpus Christi to be homeported here, they were displayed in the water and over 200,000
people visited them. She discussed the importance of cultural activities such as the Columbus ships,
which she said can be a great economic benefit to the city.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton St., said the city's ordinances do not say which department is
responsible for enforcing those ordinances. He said the ordinance prohibiting drinking alcohol in city
parks is still not being enforced. He added that the city's highway beautification ordinance has not
been updated to comply with state law.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said that in 1989 the City Council adopted a master plan
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 3
for Padre Island which included Packery Channel. A few months later a petition was turned in and
verified, and the Council subsequently rescinded that ordinance. He suggested that the Council
consider adopting a master plan for Padre Island due to the potential development in that area.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, referred to an opinion piece written by Mayor Neal which
appeared in the September 10, 2000 issue of the Corpus Christi Caller -Times entitled "A Message
for the `Loyal Opposition."' Mr. Perez questioned what the "loyal opposition" means. He also said
people have been questioning the types of jobs that will be created from projected development
around Packery Channel.
Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said citizens will be hit with a $1.50 fee for their car
registrations to help pay for the school crossing guards. He said that is another in a long line of
questionable deals placed on the backs of citizens.
Ms. Mary Beth Nelson said she is Vice -Chair of the state board of Common Cause. She cited
the many community organizations she has volunteered with and she said she greatly resents being
referred to as a member of the "loyal opposition." She said when citizens address the Council, they
are not guests in the Council's house; rather, the Council members are guests in the citizens' house.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the presentation on the day's agenda, an update on the automated
garbage collection pilot program and the brush collection program. Mr. Lawrence Mikolajczyk,
Acting Director of Solid Waste Services, used a computer presentation to explain that last year the
Council approved additional monies to hire crews and to purchase trucks and brush loading
equipment, which allowed the city to enhance its brush collection efforts.
Mr. Mikolajczyk said that for FY00-01, revenues are budgeted at $11.49 million and
expenses are budgeted at $9.64 million, which leaves a balance of approximately $1.85 million.
However, Mr. Mikolajczyk pointed out that if the city paid the cost to dispose of the 100,399 tons
of debris at the landfill, it would result in a net loss of $608,423.
With regard to the automated pilot program, Mr. Mikolajczyk said the program was approved
by the Council in December 1999 and it was operated February through June 2000. He said they are
continuing with the twice -a -week pickup inside the pilot areas. He said a customer survey in the pilot
areas indicated that 95% of the respondents would be in favor of continuing with the automated
garbage collection system. Mr. Mikolajczyk said if the Council approves the continuation of the
program, the first phase (with one-third of the customers) would be implemented on February 1,
2001, followed by the other two phases on February 1 of the two subsequent years.
Mr. Mikolajczyk then discussed the logistics and financial implications of three scenarios
prepared by staff: scenario #1 - twice -a -week automated garbage pickup with twice -a -month
recycling; scenario #2 - once -a -week automated garbage pickup and once -a -week recycling; scenario
#3 - once -a -week automated garbage pickup and twice -a -month recycling.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 4
Council Member Gonzales said the Council just raised the solid waste fees in order to
maintain twice -a -week garbage collection, and now staff is recommending changing that to once -a -
week collections. Mr. Mikolajczyk further explained the specifics of the second and third scenarios.
He noted that the once -a -week garbage and once -a -week recycling collections will save $485,125
over a five-year period, adding that automation promotes efficiency and overall city cleanliness.
Mr. Garcia explained that based on the investment the city will need to make to implement
the automated program (for containers, trucks, etc.), a rate increase will be required in about three
years if the current schedule is maintained (scenario #1). However, scenario #2 would involve having
the residents recycle more, which would not require a rate increase during the life of the project and
would result in a savings. He said staff is not recommending scenario #3.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Mikolajczyk verified that under scenario #1, by FY02-03
there would be a loss of approximately $401,330. Mr. Garcia said staff is also recommending that
the Solid Waste Department be set up as an enterprise fund that bears its full cost of operations,
including charging a tipping fee for dumping at the landfill. Mr. Ron Massey, Assistant City
Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said any money saved through automating collections is
then available to help pay the tipping fee at the landfill, which moves the department closer to
becoming an enterprise fund.
Council Member Kinnison said the tipping fee is really an arbitrary number because staff has
not determined the cost at the landfill. He said if staff is recommending creating an enterprise fund,
they need to know the actual costs at the landfill. Mr. Garcia reiterated that staff is recommending
scenario #2, which he said is an enhanced program that keeps the fees the same.
Council Member Scott said he had asked staff to create a financial scenario based on the
residential waste collection as its own enterprise fund. He said with that information, they can
communicate to the public that if the fund operated on its own (without being subsidized by the
landfill revenues), the city would have to charge even more for garbage collection. Mr. Garcia said
they are really only looking at half of the picture and he said staff should go back and prepare a more
comprehensive presentation. He said if the Council is interested in what the impact on the ratepayer
will be, they need to look at the impact of the enhanced collection program as well as the situation
at the landfill. Mr. Scott suggested they implement scenario #2 as its own pilot program in a
specified area of the city and then gauge the results.
Dr. Gonzales reiterated that he is concerned that they are considering going to once -a -week
garbage collection when they just increased the fees. He also asked that in the future the Council
receive staff's information prior to the meeting so they can peruse it. Council Member Betty Jean
Longoria said the day is coming when the city will have once -a -week garbage and once -a -week
recycling collections.
Council Member Colmenero agreed that the Council needs to look at the financial
information of all solid waste services activities. Council Member Cooper said she was heartened
that the survey results were positive but she was concerned about the small number of people
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 5
surveyed. She suggested that staff attempt to survey a larger number of those in the pilot program.
Responding to Council Member Garrett, Mr. Massey said that Last month staff began implementing
the amendments to the solid waste services ordinance.
Mayor Neal suggested that staff prepare the financial scenarios as previously discussed,
taking into account all of the costs involved, similar to the way the raw water costs were calculated.
He said that way the Council can make a logical policy decision about whether or not they want to
implement the automated program. Mr Kinnison said he would also like to know what other cities
are charging their residential customers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 24, issuance of certificates of obligation (CO's).
Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Director of Financial Services, said the total size of this issuance is
$13.87 million, which includes the project cost of $13.6 million and $270,000 for the cost of
issuance, discounts and premiums. He said the ratings were as follows: Fitch IBCA, AA-; Moody's
Investor Services, A3; and Standard & Poor's, A+. He said the CO's were priced on September 1 lth
and the total interest cost is 5.28%; the average life is 12.1 years; total life of the issue is 19.6 years;
the average coupon is 5.25%; and the average price is 99.41.
Mr. Cruz-Aedo then described the use of the proceeds: proposed new landfill purchase option
and closing cost, $5.3 million; J.C. Elliott Landfill final cover, $3.5 million; repayment of advanced
funding, $2.19 million; 1986 street projects (Alameda pavement rehabilitation, Santa Fe pavement
overlay and Weber Road), $1.7 million; and other street projects (Cornett, Kostoryz, Leopard Phases
1, 2 and 3, McArdle Phase 2, and Spur 3 -Phase 2 and Nile), $910,000, for the total of $13.6 million.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said all of these issuances are certificates of
obligation. Mr. Jeff Leuschel, of McCall, Parkhurst & Horton, the city's bond counsel, stated that
certificates of obligation are obligations that can be issued by the city for public works projects. They
can be secured by ad valorem taxes and a revenue source available to the city that can be lawfully
pledged. In this case, the solid waste revenues are available. Mr. Leuschel added that the city has
made an internal determination to fund the debt service for the solid waste projects with solid waste
revenues, and the street projects will be internally accounted for with ad valorem taxes.
Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
24.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024211
Ordinance by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas providing for the
issuance of $13,990,000* City of Corpus Christi, Texas Combination Tax and Revenue
Certificates of Obligation, Series 2000, and ordaining other matters relating to the subject.
(*See note below.)
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 6
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper,
Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
24.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024212
Ordinance appropriating $13,990,000* from the proceeds of the sale of Combination Tax and
Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2000 in the No. 3411 Sanitary Landfill 2000 CIP
Fund to purchase property for a new landfill, pay for final cover cost, repay advances from
the Utility System funds, and perform certain street improvements approved in the Capital
Improvement Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper,
Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
(*Note: Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Director of Financial Services, stated that the actual amount
of the certificates of obligation to be issued is $13,870,000 after the final calculations.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-17). Council members
requested that Item 13 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:
3. M2000-312
Motion approving a supply agreement with All Safety & Supply, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas
for approximately 985 pairs of hip and knee boots in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -
0143 -00 based on total low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $17,093.50. 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. The boots will be purchased into Warehouse Inventory and issued to various
departments. Funds have been budgeted in FY00-01.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
4. M2000-111
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in
the amount of $17,496 with Malek, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas for the Memorial Coliseum
Pressurization Project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 7
5. M2000-314
Motion authorizing the acquisition of Parcels 20W and 21W located on the west side of
Omaha Drive between Leopard Street and the IH -37 frontage road from Guesco, Inc. for
$32,893 in connection with the Omaha Drive Improvements project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
6. ORDINANCE NO. 024195
Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 1,750 -square foot portion of a 5 -foot wide utility
easement out of Lot 2, Block 1, Sandalwood Subdivision; and requiring CWS Communities,
L.P., the owners of said property, to comply with the specified conditions and replat the
property within 180 days at owner's expense.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting
"Aye."
7. ORDINANCE NO. 024196
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interim Use Privilege
Agreement with Grande River Communications, Inc. (GRCI), to install, operate, use, repair,
and maintain 13.5 miles of underground fiber optic facility within the following public street
rights-of-way (ROW) of the City of Corpus Christi from the Wilson Plaza located at 606 N.
Carancahua Street to the intersection of the Sharpsburg Road ROW and the Texas
Department of Transportation (TXDOT) I.H. 37 ROW, specifically the facility will run from
Wilson Plaza north on the Carancahua Street ROW to Antelope Street, then west on the
Antelope Street ROW to Waco Street where the cable will enter the TXDOT I.H. 37 South
Access Road ROW, the cable will exit the I.H. 37 State ROW at the Nueces Bay Boulevard
ROW and turn south to the Leopard Street ROW, at Leopard Street the cable will be placed
in an existing Southwestern Bell Telephone Duct System where it will run west to the
Sharpsburg Road ROW, then at Sharpsburg Road the cable will run north within the ROW,
until it again enters the I.H. 37 State ROW, in consideration of payment of $71,530.
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."
8. M2000-315
Motion authorizing the City Manager to accept an Interlocal Agreement by and between the
City of Corpus Christi, Texas and the County of Kleberg, the County of San Patricio, and the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 8
County ofNueces to share operating and maintenance costs of an integrated alert notification
and information system.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
9.a. M2000-316
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Attachment No. 05 to
Contract No. 7460005741-2001 with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of
$592,326 and providing for the Bureau of Clinical and Nutrition Services to fund group
nutrition education, individual counseling, immunization services, and to distribute food
vouchers at no cost to individuals identified as having nutritional deficiencies and/or
nutritional risk during the period October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024197
Ordinance appropriating a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of
$592,326 in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund to fund nutrition education, individual
counseling, immunization services, and to distribute food vouchers at no cost to individuals
identified as having nutritional deficiencies and/or nutritional risk.
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."
10. M2000-317
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an annual joint funding
agreement with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Department of the
Interior, for the continuation of surface water data collection and limited studies by the
USGS for the City's water supply activity; and providing for the City to pay the USGS the
amount $134,995, out of a total project cost of $175,690 during the federal fiscal year
October 1, 2000 through September 30, 2001.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
11.a. M2000-318
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a renewal Weed & Seed grant
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 9
in the amount of $350,000 for the continued support of the Weed & Seed Program from the
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
11.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024198
Ordinance appropriating $350,000 from the United States Department of Justice for the
continued support of the Weed and Seed Program in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants 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."
12.a. M2000-319
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$47,048 from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for third
year funding of the Gang Analysis Unit of the Police Department and to execute all related
documents.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
12.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024199
Ordinance appropriating $47,048 in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund from the State
of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for third year funding of the
Gang Analysis Unit of the Police Department; transferring $19,702 from the No. 1020
General Fund and appropriating it in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund as matching
funds.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper,
Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
14. M2000-321
Motion approving the application from Bayfest, Inc. to temporarily close the following street
sections for the Bayfest 2000 Festival, September 29 - October 1, 2000.
a) Northbound Shoreline Boulevard (inside lane only), between westbound Interstate
37 and Hughes Street, from 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 20 through 8:00 a.m.
Friday, September 29 and from 6:00 a.m., Monday, October 2 through 5.00 p.m.,
Wednesday, October 4, 2000.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 10
b) Southbound Shoreline Boulevard (full closure), between westbound Interstate 37 and
Hughes Street, from 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 20 through 5:00 p.m.,
Wednesday, October 4, 2000.
c) Northbound Shoreline Boulevard, (full closure), between westbound Interstate 37 and
Hughes Street, from 8:00 a.m. Friday, September 29 through 6:00 a.m. Monday,
October 2, 2000.
d) North Water Street (full closure), between Fitzgerald Street and Hughes Street from
8:00 a.m. Friday, September 29 through 6:00 a.m., Monday, October 2, 2000.
e) Power Street, Resaca Street, Palo Alto Street, Fitzgerald Street, and Hughes Street
(full closures), each between Water Street and N. Shoreline Boulevard, from 8:00
a.m., Friday, September 29 through 6:00 a.m., Monday, October 2, 2000.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
15. M2000-322
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with DMG-Maximus to
provide executive search services to fill the position of Director of Management and Budget.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
16.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024201
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute five rent -a -car concession
lease agreements with Pagan -Lewis Motors dba Budget Rent-A-Car of Corpus Christi, Inc.;
Coastal Bend Rent-A-Car, Inc. dba Avis Rent-A-Car; Mar Jean Texas, Inc. dba Hertz Car
Rental; National Car Rental of Corpus Christi, Inc.; and Southwest - Tex Leasing Co., Inc.
dba Advantage Rent-A-Car for operation of a rent -a -car concession at Corpus Christi
International Airport in consideration of payment of the greater of a guaranteed minimum
concession fee or ten percent of the concessionaire's gross monthly revenues with a term of
up to twelve months.
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."
16.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute five rent -a -car concession lease
agreements with Pagan -Lewis Motors dba Budget Rent-A-Car of Corpus Christi, Inc.;
Coastal Bend Rent-A-Car, Inc. dba Avis Rent-A-Car; Mar Jean Texas, Inc. dba Hertz Car
Rental; National Car Rental of Corpus Christi, Inc.; and Southwest - Tex Leasing Co., Inc.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 11
dba Advantage Rent-A-Car for operation of a rent -a -car concession at Corpus Christi
International Airport in consideration of payment of the greater of a guaranteed minimum
concession fee or ten percent of the concessionaire's gross monthly revenues for a term of
18 months with a month to month holdover period thereafter terminating on the date of final
completion of the new airport terminal facility.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero,
Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
17. ORDINANCE NO. 024202
Amending the City Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 33, Offenses and
Miscellaneous Provisions, Article VI. Graffiti Control, by holding property owners
responsible for the removal of graffiti from their property; providing for criminal prosecution
for failure to remove graffiti from their property; allowing the City, after reasonable notice,
to remove the graffiti if the property owner fails to do so; providing for an effective date.
The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero,
Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, grant for a computer forensics specialist. Council
Member Garrett asked about the period of time for the grant. Ms. Pat Eldridge of the Corpus Christi
Police Department replied that the grant is awarded to the city for five years with the assumption that
the city will continue the program at the end of the fifth year; however, that is not a requirement. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
13.a. M2000-320
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$53,194 from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for
funding available to hire a computer forensics specialist and to execute all related documents.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
13.b. ORDINANCE NO.
Ordinance appropriating $53,194 in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund from the State
of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for funding available to hire a
computer forensics specialist; transferring $5,075 from the No. 6010 Law Enforcement Trust
Fund and appropriating it in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund as matching funds.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 12
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting
"Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 18, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
18. Case No. 0800-01, Impression Homes, Inc.: A change of zoning from an "F -R" Farm -Rural
District to an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and
Garden Tracts, Section 19, being 4.773 acres out of Lot 12, located on the north side of
Wooldridge Road, approximately 275 feet west of Windsong Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"R-1 B" District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Colmenero made a motion
to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Scott, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 024203
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Impressions Homes, Inc., by changing
the zoning map in reference to 4.773 acres out of Lot 12, Section 19, Flour Bluff and Encinal
Farm and Garden Tracts, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling
District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing
Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye";
Kinnison 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:
19. Case No. 0800-02. Victor C. & Lana Huff: A change of zoning from a "B-4" General
Business District to an "I-2" Light Industrial District on Saratoga Subdivision, Block A,
located on the northeast corner of Saratoga Boulevard and Greenwood Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"I-2" District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Scott made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Cooper, and passed. Mr. Longoria asked if a topless bar could
be located on that property. Mr. Michael Gunning, Director of Planning and Development, said
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 13
sexually oriented businesses are required to have "I-3" zoning. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
19. ORDINANCE NO. 024204
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Victor C. and Lana Huff, by changing
the zoning map in reference to Block A, Saratoga Subdivision, from "B-4" General Business
District to "I-2" Light Industrial District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for
any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting
"Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 20, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
20. Case No. 0800-03, John Barrera: A change of zoning from an "A-1" Apartment House
District to an "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District on 7.778 acres out of Lot 5, Section 11,
Bohemian Colony Lands and the north 411 feet of Lot 25, Block 1, Penn Place, located on
the east side of Weber Road, approximately 220 feet north of Aaron Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"R -1C" District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Scott made a motion to
close the public hearing, seconded by Mrs. Longoria, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 024205
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by John Barrera by changing the zoning
map in reference to 7.778 acres out of Lot 5, Section 11, Bohemian Colony Lands, from "A-
1" 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, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting
"Aye."
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 14
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 21, "No Wake Zone" in Packery Channel. He called
for public comment.
Dr. David Foster said he and his family live on Packery Channel and they are concerned
about watercraft speeding in that waterway. He asked the Council to support this proposal.
Council Member Garrett said that while he supports making that a "no wake" area, the
residents there need to be aware that this ordinance will be difficult to enforce. Council Member
Gonzales said he thought the state would be responsible for enforcing a "no wake" zone. Mr. Tony
Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, said the Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel will enforce
the ordinance based on their observations and the signage being in place. However, they cannot be
everywhere at the same time. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
21. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the City Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 12, Boats, Bays and
Waterways, Article 1, in general, Section 12-32, No Wake Zones, by adding provisions
establishing a No Wake Zone on the entire width of Packery Channel adjoining the
residential developments fronting Packery Channel; providing for severance; providing for
an effective date
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero,
Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
************
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22, amending the ordinance which ordered a special
election to be held on November 7, 2000.
Deputy City Manager Noe said two technical changes need to be made in the election
ordinance in two parts of the ballot language. He said the ordinance currently reads "one -eight" and
it should read "one-eighth."
In addition, Mr. Noe said that during their August 29th meeting, the Council discussed the
formation of the 4A corporation board of directors. He said there was a request to consider and
develop some alternatives for the geographic boundaries that relate to the expenditure of the 4A
1/8th-cent increment for economic development. Those five alternatives were included in the City
Manager's transmittal dated September 8, 2000.
Regarding the geographic boundaries, Mr. Noe pointed out that there are portions of the
Corpus Christi city limits or the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) that extend into both San
Patricio and Kleberg counties. He said the city's current industrial districts are located outside the
city limits, but no industrial district could be created outside the city's ETJ.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 15
Mr. Noe discussed the five alternatives as follows: Alternative 1 - City of Corpus Christi and
industrial districts; Alternative 2 - Nueces County; Alternative 3 - Corpus Christi Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Nueces and San Patricio counties; Alternative 4 - Nueces,
Kleberg, and San Patricio counties; and Alternative 5 - Corpus Christi area. He said there is a sixth
option which staff did not delineate but which is implied in Alternative 1, which is Corpus Christi
and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. He explained that it is possible to be located in the city's ETJ but
not in an industrial district, which is actually the same geographic area. He responded to Council
members' questions about the differences between Alternatives 1 and 6.
Council Member Gonzales said that on September 7th, he met with Mr. Noe, City Manager
Garcia, and City Attorney Bray in order to receive clarification on the limits of their efforts for
Corpus Christi. He said Mr. Bray indicated that the election ordinance stated that monies would be
spent inside the Corpus Christi city limits. Dr. Gonzales questioned why there was an item on the
September 12th agenda to amend the election ordinance when the Council had already approved it
on August 29th. He said throughout the many hearings the Council has had on this issue, they had
never discussed the idea of the economic development tax proceeds going outside the city limits. Dr.
Gonzales said he supports regional economic development but he thought the purpose of that sales
tax was to build the infrastructure and tax base inside the city limits. He said if they are going to
change the ordinance, they should be very specific about the geographic limits.
Council Member Kinnison said that while these proposals were being introduced at a late
date, he would rather they be discussed now than after the deadline for finalizing the election
ordinance. He said he believed that including the city's ETJ in the geographic boundaries
(Alternative 6) would allow for tremendous flexibility in attracting jobs to Corpus Christi.
Council Member John Longoria said the 4A corporation board has the option of not granting
money or incentives to a particular business. He agreed that incorporating the city's ETJ provides
more flexibility. Mr. Noe reaffirmed that the Council and the 4A board can set whatever rules and
guidelines they wish to utilize the sales tax revenues, such as establishing differential incentive
packages by geographic location.
Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said if the ordinance needs to be changed, it should be
changed now. However, she said she shared Dr. Gonzales' concern about the process that was
followed. Mr. Garcia replied that he and staff had a meeting with Dr. Gonzales because of his
concerns about how the Council got to that point on the issue of the 4A corporation. He indicated
to Dr. Gonzales that not all of the Council members were in agreement about that. Subsequently, Mr.
Garcia received calls from two separate Council members, each of whom requested information
about what it would take in order to propose specific amendments that would change the existing
agreement. Since there was not unanimity among the Council members, the staff drafted the five
alternatives. He said staff is not proposing any of the changes but if there is a desire by the Council
to provide more flexibility, those are the ways they can do that. He said the only alternative staff
would not recommend was Alternative 5 because it is too nebulous.
Council Member Cooper asked how far the city's ETJ extends into San Patricio County.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 16
Mayor Neal replied that the city's ETJ is five miles outside the city limits. Mr. Garcia added that the
incorporated cities of Ingleside, Port Aransas, and Robstown are not within Corpus Christi's ETJ.
Ms. Cooper questioned why they would want to include the city's ETJ in the boundaries. Mr. Garcia
said it is very difficult to anticipate where an economic development prospect will want to locate.
Council Member Scott described a specific scenario that illustrates the possible advantage of
including the ETJ in the geographic boundaries.
Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Garcia said the existing Economic
Development Corporation does not have any physical boundaries.
In reply to Dr. Gonzales, Mr. Bray noted that the Council has the authority to create new
industrial districts within the ETJ. Dr. Gonzales said he thought the voters would support including
the industrial districts more than the ETJ. Mr. Kinnison stated that the ETJ provides more flexibility.
A brief discussion ensued. Mayor Neal called for public comment.
Mr. Manuel Ugues, President of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said
their membership is interested in knowing how the sales tax monies will be used and who would be
involved in the decision-making. He said they are supportive of moving the community forward.
Dr. Gonzales made a motion to amend Item 22.a. to change the wording in the election
ordinance to "one-eighth"; seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and passed unanimously.
Mr. Longoria made a motion to amend the election ordinance to include Alternative 1. Mayor
Neal said Alternative 1 would amend Section 10 of the election ordinance as follows: "Monies
maintained in the separate fund for Proposition No. 6 shall be expended only to attract and secure
facilities and employers who contractually agree 1) to add new facilities or expand existing facilities
in Corpus Christi or any industrial district of the City of Corpus Christi, and 2) to permanently hire
or maintain employees in Corpus Christi or any industrial district of the City of Corpus Christi." The
motion was seconded by Mr. Scott and it passed unanimously.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Item 22.a. as follows:
22.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024206
Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 024188, which ordered a special election on November
7, 2000 on questions of authorizing obligations of the City supported by ad valorem taxes
and authorizing a sales and use tax pursuant to Section 4A of Article 5190.6, Vernon's Texas
Civil Statutes.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended, by the
following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J.
Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
Mayor Neal then referred to Item 22.b. regarding the 4A corporation board of directors. Mr.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 17
Noe said that Article 4 of the proposed Articles of Incorporation would have to be amended in order
to incorporate the industrial districts as approved by the Council. He said that during their August
29th meeting, the Council indicated that the board members' terms should coincide with the city's
fiscal year, which ends July 31st. There was also discussion about establishing staggered two-year
terms, so staff developed a possible amendment.
Dr. Gonzales made a motion to establish staggered two-year terms; seconded by Council
Member Garrett. Mayor Neal read the proposed amendment to Article 9 of the Articles of
Incorporation for the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation: "(a) The affairs
of the Corporation shall be managed by a board of directors which shall be composed of five persons
appointed by the City Council of the City. The term of two of the initial members of the board of
directors shall ex ire July 31 2001 and the term of the remaining three members shall expire July
31. 2002. Thereafter the term of the directors shall be two years, expiring on July 31 of each year.
Directors may be appointed to succeed themselves. No director may serve longer than six years
consecutively, unless such service is required to complete an unexpired term. Each director must be
a resident of the City."
Dr. Gonzales pointed out that the Council can replace any member of the 4A corporation
board at any time, and he questioned why the terms should be staggered. Mr. Noe said staggered
terms provide for continuity. Mayor Neal called for a voice vote on the motion to amend as he stated
and it passed unanimously.
Mr. Chapa pointed out that the Council needed to amend the articles to include the change
in the geographic boundaries. Mr. Bray said that would entail amending Article 4 of the Articles of
Incorporation, "Purpose and Limitations," to including the words "or any industrial district of the
City of Corpus Christi" after the words "Corpus Christi" at the end of the #1 and #2. Mr. Scott made
a motion to amend as stated by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Garrett, and passed unanimously. Mayor
Neal again called for public comment.
Mr. Ugues asked the Council to consider the five people the Hispanic Chamber was
recommending be appointed to the 4A corporation board. He asked if the board will create policy
and what authority will they have. Mr. Bray replied that the board's actions on projects of any kind
and their expenditures are subject to the Council's approval. Beyond that, under the statute, the
corporation will have all the powers of a non-profit corporation, which he explained.
Responding to other questions from Mr. Ugues, Mr. Bray said that once the corporation
members are appointed, they will meet to organize as a corporation, establish bylaws, and take other
actions in preparation for selling bonds for the seawall and arena projects (if those are approved by
the voters). He added that the sales tax would take effect on April 1, 2001, and the first revenues
would be available in June 2001. He said the board members would fall under the city's six-year
term limits as with other boards (up to seven years if filling an unexpired term). Mayor Neal added
that the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other chambers would be free to approach the board
with ideas for economic development, at which time the board would evaluate the proposals and
decide whether or not to recommend them for approval by the City Council.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 18
Mr. Roland Barrera expressed support for the appointment to the board of Mr. Eloy Salazar,
Chairman of the Hispanic Contractors Association.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Item 22.b. as follows:
22.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024207
Resolution finding that it is advisable that the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development
Corporation be created pursuant to Section 4A of the Development Corporation Act of 1979,
approving Articles of Incorporation for the Corporation, and specifying the public purpose
which the Corporation may further on behalf of the City of Corpus Christi.
The foregoing resolution passed, as amended, by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero,
Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
The Council members then appointed the following board members:
Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation Board of Directors
Dr. Rosalinda Bonilla Robert Broadway
Gloria Perez John M. Richards
Sam Susser
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess.
***********
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 23, amending the investment policy. There were no
comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
23.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024208
Resolution amending the Investment Policy to provide maximum amounts that may be
invested in the Local Government Investment Cooperative and the Texas Local Government
Investment Public Funds Investment Pools, and adopting the City Investment Policy, as
amended.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Gonzales absent.
23.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024209
Resolution authorizing participation in TEXPOOL and designating authorized
representatives.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 20
26. M2000-324
Motion appointing Juliana Siracusa Rivera as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus
Christi, Texas, Division B, and setting her salary at $52,530.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
Mrs. Longoria made the following motion, which was seconded by Ms. Cooper:
27.a. M2000-325
Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute an Agreed Order with the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission regarding Notice of Enforcement Action
City of Corpus Christi, Port and Pearse Lift Station located at the corner of Port Avenue and
Pearse Street, the Leeward Lift Station located at the corner of Leeward Street and Running
Light Road, the unauthorized scrap tire storage facility located at Holly Road and Civitan
Street and the J.C. Elliott Landfill, 7001 Ayers Street, Corpus Christi, Nueces County,
NPDES Permit No. TX 5000601, TNRCC Id No. 14T001 and Municipal Solid Waste Permit
No. 423A Docket No. 2000 -0301 -MWD -E; Enforcement Id No. 14703.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
27.b. M2000-326
Motion authorizing the payment of $31,250 from the No. 5610 Liability and Employee
Benefits Fund for an administrative penalty to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission or the payment of the costs of a supplemental project to offset the
administrative penalty relating to the Notice of Enforcement Action City of Corpus Christi,
Port and Pearse Lift Station located at the corner of Port Avenue and Pearse Street, the
Leeward Lift Station located at the corner of Leeward Street and Running Light Road, the
unauthorized scrap tire storage facility located at Holly Road and Civitan Street and the J.C.
Elliott Landfill, 7001 Ayers Street, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, NPDES Permit No. TX
5000601, TNRCC Id No. 14T001 and Municipal Solid Waste Permit No. 423A Docket No.
2000 -0301 -MWD -E; Enforcement Id No. 14703.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye."
*************
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia noted that the Legislative
Weekend is scheduled for September 15-17, 2000, and he encouraged the Council members to
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 19
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Gonzales absent.
23.c. RESOLUTION NO. 024210
Resolution authorizing participation in the Local Government Investment Cooperative and
designating authorized representatives.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Gonzales absent.
*************
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 25, purchase option for new landfill land. There were
no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
25. M2000-323
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to exercise an Option to Purchase for
acquisition of 2,273.59 acres from John O. Chapman, Jr. in the amount of $5,021,109,
including closing costs for the development of the new Cefe F. Valenzuela Landfill.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Gonzales absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the following executive sessions:
26. Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 regarding
appointment of Municipal Court Judge, with possible discussion and action related thereto
in open session.
27. Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding proposed
Agreed Order with TNRCC regarding Notice of Enforcement Action City of Corpus Christi,
Port and Pearse Lift Station located at the corner of Port Avenue and Pearse Street, the
Leeward Lift Station located at the corner of Leeward Street and Running Light Road, the
unauthorized scrap tire storage facility located at Holly Road and Civitan Street and the J.C.
Elliott Landfill, 7001 Ayers Street, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, NPDES Permit No. TX
S000601, TNRCC Id No. 14T001 and Municipal Solid Waste Permit No. 423A Docket No.
2000 -0301 -MWD -E; Enforcement Id No. 14703 with possible discussion and action related
thereto in open session.
The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session.
Council Member John Longoria made the following motion, which was seconded by Council
Member Betty Jean Longoria:
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
September 12, 2000
Page 21
attend. He also referred to a memo in the City Manager's transmittal regarding the cost estimate of
$29.5 million for the arena project, which is well within the anticipated amount available of $35
million. Mr. Garcia noted that several Council members were present at a recent Nueces County
Commissioners Court meeting in which the Commissioners approved the $1.50 fee to help fund the
school crossing guard program. The Mayor then called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Colmenero referred to the workshop held earlier in the day regarding historical landfills.
He said he would like to incorporate Price Field in the analysis of the landfill areas Mayor Neal said
he would follow up on that request with a letter.
Dr. Gonzales said he had spoken with Rep. Gene Seaman, who indicated that 40 Texas
legislators were planning to attend the Legislative Weekend. He said it is important for the Council
members to lobby those legislators. Mr. Garcia agreed, pointing out that since the city's lobbyists
were cut from this year's budget, they will be relying heavily on the Council members to go to
Austin during the upcoming Legislative Session.
Mr. Longoria asked who is responsible for maintaining the areas around fire hydrants. Mr.
Garcia replied that the city contracts out that work through the Water Department. He said up until
the last budget year the Fire Department was responsible. Mr. Longoria said the hydrant located on
the corner of Trojan Drive and Castellon Street is overgrown with weeds.
Mr. Kinnison asked about the status of the development "footprint" in and around the
Bayfront Arts and Sciences Park. Mr. Garcia replied that when city staff presented that idea to the
Council several months ago, there was an issue concerning the plans of the art museum. He said staff
was directed to wait until the art museum completed the footprint for their expansion; however, that
has not yet occurred. Mr. Kinnison said he thought the city should proceed anyway with initiating
its own development plans there, and Mayor Neal agreed.
Mr. Kinnison said that in the future he would like to receive the rating agencies' full report
rather than just the press release about it. He said the Council and staff should continue to review
its five-year financial plan. He asked if the Council would be willing to meet with the Planning
Commission to discuss certain projects or priorities they may have, such as whether they are looking
into the Southside Area Development Plan and a possible revision of the sign ordinance. Mayor Neal
suggested that the chairman of the Planning Commission give a briefing to the Council.
Ms. Cooper asked staff to look into conflicts between wind storm inspections and building
inspections. She said one of her constituents has had problems with conflicting directions. She also
announced a town hall meeting on September 18, 2000, at Woodlawn Elementary at 6 p.m. Dr.
Gonzales said he has received calls from city retirees who are not receiving responses to some of
their insurance questions. He said the retirees are concerned about rumors that the cost of insurance
is rising because of the retirees.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 6:05 p.m. on September 12, 2000.