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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/24/2000I 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 October 24, 2000, which were approved by the City Council on October 31, 2000. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 31st day of October, 2000. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 2:12 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem John Longoria Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Henry Garrett Dr. Arnold Gonzales Rex A. Kinnison Betty Jean Longoria Mark Scott ABSENT Melody Cooper City Staff: City Manager David R. Garcia City Secretary Armando Chapa Assistant City Attorney Jay Reining Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Rev. Medicus Rentz, Christus Spohn Hospital -Memorial, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Student Council members from George Evans Elementary. 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 October 17, 2000. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the presentation on the day's agenda regarding the quarterly update on the Wesley Seale Dam stabilization project. Dr. Ron Waters, of Freese & Nichols Engineers, used a video and computer presentation to describe the progress that has been made on the project from July to September 2000. Dr. Waters noted that the prime contractor, ASI -RCC of Buena Vista, Colorado, mobilized to the site in early July 1999. He said the entire north spillway hearth slab has been covered with mass concrete and all except 100 feet of the hearth wall extension has been completed. That wall section was omitted to allow for the use of the north spillway for flood releases if required during the project; however, that did not occur and that section should be completed within the next two weeks. Dr. Waters said all of the gate extension work is complete on both the north and south spillways. In the south spillway, he said six deep sand drains along the downstream end of the chute basin and 16 shallow sand drains near the middle of the chute have been completed. In addition, anchor installation is proceeding. All 124 anchor holes have been cored through the chute concrete Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 2 slab and 79% of the anchors have been installed. He said the contractor is in the process of cleaning up the south spillway basin now and in the near future the expansion joints will be sealed, the instrumentation will be remoted, and the water will be diverted back through the south spillway channel, probably around Thanksgiving. In summary, Dr. Waters said the total contract amount is $18,228,367.10, which includes four change orders. Thus far the contractor has been paid $15,061,551.99 or 83% of the contract amount and there have been no claims. Projected completion of the total project is June 2001. He said Freese & Nichols has also recommended that the level of Lake Corpus Christi be allowed to rise to 93.5 feet and will further recommend during the next quarter that the lake level be returned to its normal pool elevation of 94 feet. He said that recommendation is the result of their belief that the dam is probably more stable today than it has ever been. Responding to Council members' questions, Dr. Waters said since the ballast work came in under the estimate, the contractor was able to install the parapet wall on the embankments at no additional charge over the original projection for the ballast. He said this dam will be as safe as any dam in Texas in terms of the probable maximum flood and the stability of the dam itself. Dr. Waters said they determined that the original bulge in the hearth slab was probably related to the expansive nature of the clay. However, if it was not for the existence of the bulge, there might not have been a closer inspection of the dam which revealed the extensive stability problems. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said there are too many courthouses in Corpus Christi. Mr. Mike Baker, 4641 Gayle Circle, said many of his questions about the Wesley Seale Dam were answered following Dr. Waters' presentation. He suggested that the Council begin thinking about how to use the excess funds from the dam repair bond sale. He asked why the level of Lake Corpus Christi has been allowed to recede so far without any major conservation effort. Mr. Baker also asked how the proposed arena will impact Heritage Park. Assistant City Manager Tom Utter said the arena will not impact Heritage Park. Council Member Scott said the arena will increase pedestrian traffic in that area, which would have a positive impact on Heritage Park. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said that prior to the Council meeting, Mayor Neal declared October 25, 2000 as "Disability Mentoring Day." Mr. Alonzo said he does not know what that means and while the majority of the people accepting the proclamation are his friends, there was not one disabled person present. He said he has been urging the City Manager to hire a disabled person as the city's ADA Coordinator because he or she would be knowledgeable about the needs of the disabled community. Mayor Neal replied that over the last few weeks, the leadership of the Mayor's Committee on Disabilities has brought to him and the staff several recommendations which are now being Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 3 reviewed. He said they will make a formal presentation to the Council, including recommending that the Mayor's Committee be changed to a commission appointed by the Council. Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton, said that last week he reported problems at Collier Park, including ant hills, graffiti, and a missing restroom light. He said as of yesterday the conditions were the same. He also questioned why Forward Corpus Christi is being allowed to violate several ordinances regarding the placement of their campaign signs. Responding to Mr. Gordy's concems about Collier Park, Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, said city staff water -blasted the graffiti on the walls but remnants of the paint has remained despite their efforts. He said the light fixtures in that restroom have been vandalized and need to be repaired by an electrician, which will take time since there are many other repairs around the city which need to be made and the department is short-staffed. In addition, excessive ant hills are a problem throughout the city but Collier Park has been treated with insecticide. Council Member Colmenero suggested that signs be placed in the parks stating that the facilities have been vandalized and are under repair. Following a brief discussion, Council Member Betty Jean Longoria suggested that a list of needed repairs be provided, and she noted that every year the Park and Recreation Department receives budget cuts. Rev. Gene Stewart, Pastor of Reach Out for Christ Ministries, said they were told that they need to take down their tents at the corner of Leopard Street and Crosstown Expressway. He said their church feeds almost 2,000 people a month and they help homeless people. He asked the Council for their assistance in this matter. Mayor Neal asked Rev. Stewart to meet with city staff. Mr. Carlos Torres, President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association, said they are endorsing the seven propositions in the upcoming bond and sales tax election. He said they are very supportive of bringing new jobs here, expanding the economy and tax base, and improving the quality of life in Corpus Christi. He said the ballot is very specifically worded and he discussed the need for new and improved fire training facilities. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2-10). Council members requested that Items 4 and 6 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: 2. M2000-381. Motion approving a supply agreement with Casco Industries, Inc., Pasadena, Texas for firefighting clothing consisting of ninety sets of pants and coats in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0017-01, based on low bid meeting specifications, for an estimated annual expenditure of $71,761.50. The term of the agreement will be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve -months periods, subject to the approval of the supplier, and the City Manager or his designee. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 4 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 3. M2000-382 Motion approving the purchase of fourteen (14) police patrol car video systems for the Police Department in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0006-01, from Kustom Signals, Inc., Lenexa, Kansas for a total of $62,090 based on low bid meeting specifications. These police patrol car video systems will be used in police vehicles. Funds are available in the 1999 Law Enforcement Block Grant. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 5. M2000-384 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a testing agreement in the amount of $50,600 with Fugro South, Inc. for the South Alameda Street, Santa Fe Street, and Weber Road Overlay Projects (1986 Bond Program). The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 7.a. M2000-385 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a renewal grant in the amount of $4,375 and execute a contract with the Corporation for National and Community Service for the continuation of the Senior Companion Program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 7.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024256 Ordinance appropriating $4,375 from a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for the Senior Companion Program. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 8.a. M2000-386 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 5 $18,115 from the Texas Department on Aging (TDOA) through the Corporation for National Service for the continuation of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024257 Ordinance appropriating a $18,115 grant from the Texas Department on Aging through the Corporation for National Service in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for the continuation of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 9. M2000-387 Motion requesting a one-year time extension to October 26, 2001 to Case No. 0999-08, William Paul Sissamis on a Special Permit for a mini -storage facility and a bar on property located on the east side of Weber Road, approximately 150 feet south of Gollihar Road. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. 10. ORDINANCE NO. 024258 Ordinance appropriating $11,006.33 in the No. 4130 Gas Fund, Clean Cities Program Trust Account No. 203310 for transfer to the South Texas Clean Cities Coalition, Inc.; closing the No. 4130 Gas Fund, Clean Cities Program Trust Account No. 203310. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 10, pedestrian signals and hardware poles. He pointed out that the price of the pedestrian signals increased from $198.50 to $266 each and for the poles from $99 to $119 each. He said this is an example of the rising cost of government. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. M2000-383 Motion approving the purchase of 689 pedestrian signals and 72 hardware poles from Texas Highway Products, Round Rock, TX, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0032-01, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 6 based on low bid for a total amount of $191,842. The LED equipment will be installed by the Traffic Signals Division of the Street Department; funds have been budgeted in 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, Southmoreland Addition street improvements. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, said this paving assessment program is partially funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. He said the 1986 bond election set forth the seed monies for this project. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6. ORDINANCE NO. 024255 Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 023259 passed and approved on March 24, 1998 by amending Section 3 to adopt the final assessment roll and assessments to be levied against the owners of property abutting on the following streets: Southmoreland Addition Street Improvements, Phase 1: Naples Street - Edwards Street to Blevins Street; Tarlton Street - Ayers Street to Naples Street; Lewis Street - Edwards Street to Blevins Street. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 11, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 11. Case No. 0900-01. Betty Armstrong for D.W. Grant, Trust: A change of zoning from an "FR" Farm -Rural District to an "I-2" Light Industrial District on 33 -acres out of 103 -acres out of Assessors Map 141, out of Tract 1, located between Interstate Highway 37 and Leopard Street between Suntide and Hunter Roads. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "I-2" Light Industrial District. 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 (Cooper absent). Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 024259 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Betty Armstrong for D.W. Grant Trust by changing the zoning map in reference to 33 acres out of 103 acres out of Tract 1, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 7 Assessors Map 141, from "F -R" Farm -Rural 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: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. ************* Mayor Neal referred to Item 12, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 12. Case No. 0900-04. Juan A. Rodriguez: A change of zoning from an "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Molina Subdivision, Block 2, Lots 26- A and 26-B, located on the south side of Horne Road, approximately 70 feet west of Barrera Street. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Dr. Gonzales made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Scott, and passed (Cooper absent). Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 024260 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Juan A. Rodriguez by changing the zoning map in reference to Lots 26A and 26B, Block 2, Molina Subdivision, from "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood 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: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 13, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 13. Case No, 0900-05. Supchai and Mai Ho Chanyarlak: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to a "B -1A" Neighborhood Business District on Hart Addition, Block D, being 0.895 acre out of Lot F, located on the north side of Leopard Street, approximately 200 feet west of Hart Road. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "B -1A" Neighborhood Business District. Mayor Neal called for public comment. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 8 Mr. Mark Crider, 4402 Hart Rd., distributed a letter in opposition, saying that this property has previously been rejected for a zoning change by the Planning Commission He said this zoning change could create traffic problems. Mr. Michael Gunning, Director of Planning and Development, said the applicant wishes to change the zoning from "R -1B" to `B -1A" in order to open an office with limited retail use in the future. Mr. Gunning showed pictures of the subject property and adjacent properties. He said the adopted area development plan called for single-family, low-density residential. He said the applicant applied for the `B -1A" --and staff is recommending approval --because that zoning designation eliminates some of the more onerous uses, such as fueling stations, liquor stores, and pawn shops. He said `B -1A" also limits the hours of operation, requires installation of a six-foot masonry screening fence at the rear of the property when it is adjacent to a residence, and requires the planting of canopy trees. He said the property's only direct access is to an arterial (Leopard Street) and there is no access to a local street that would bring traffic through the neighborhood. Responding to Council members' questions, Mr. Gunning said the adjacent properties are single-family residences on very large tracts of land. He further described the uses allowed under `B - 1A" zoning, noting that restaurants cannot have a drive-through window. However, he said the applicant has no intention of constructing a restaurant. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said that with the widening of Leopard Street, more and more businesses will be locating along that street. Referring to the map, Mr. Gunning said that next to the subject property there is a vacant lot on the corner of Hart Road and Leopard Street, and Mr. Crider's property is located on the opposite corner of Hart and Leopard. He referred to a diagram of the proposed structure, which is designed to retain the residential character of the neighborhood. Ms. Carol Wilkinson, representing the applicant, also showed a picture of the proposed use. She said the applicant was seeking the `B -1A" zoning in case he wished to sell computers at his business in the future; retail uses are not allowed in some of the other zoning districts. In addition, she said the "B -1A" zoning has stringent construction and landscaping requirements, which they felt was more suited to the neighborhood. She said she would not work with someone who would do anything that is detrimental to any part of Leopard Street or the northwest. Mr. Gunning suggested that the Council table this item for a specific time period so staff can develop the language for a special permit that addresses the Council's and neighbors' concerns. He explained that "AB" zoning not only allows professional offices, it also allows daycare centers, clinics, and multi -family uses. Responding to a question, Ms. Wilkinson said she would presume that the applicant would be agreeable to a special permit. Following additional discussion, there was consensus of the Council that the applicant meet with staff to discuss the possibility of a special permit that would allow an office building with some specific retail sales. Dr. Gonzales made a motion to table this zoning case until November 14, 2000, seconded by Mr. Colmenero. Mayor Neal called for a voice vote and the motion to table passed as follows: Neal, Colmenero, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett voting "No"; Cooper absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 9 TABLED tknending Zerm.g O.di.rm.cc upon application by Suychai and -Mai IIo Chanyailak by from "R 1B" Onc family Dwelling District to "B 1A" Neighborhood Busi..ess Dist.ict, Co..iprchensive Plus Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, Rodd Field Public Improvement District (PID). Mr. Utter explained that Rodd Field Village is located on the southwest comer of Yorktown Boulevard and Rodd Field Road, east of Bill Witt Park. He said it was annexed in April 1989 and is predominantly zoned "I-2" Light Industrial with mixed commercial and residential use. He said there are 88.31 acres (excluding streets) in 62 parcels with 42 different property owners. He said this area was originally a Naval barracks from the 1940s to 1960. He said a prior city effort in 1991 to get the property platted and the infrastructure installed failed due to a lack of owner participation. In 1999, at the request of property owners, city staff met with the owners' group regarding the establishment of a public improvement district. On October 9, 2000 the final meeting with the owners was held about the estimated costs. He said that 55% of the owners within the boundaries have signed petitions requesting the establishment of a public improvement district. Those owners represent over 50% of the land and over 50% of the appraised value. Mr. Utter said Mr. David Hull met with staff on October 24th and indicated that he wished to sign the petition, as does Mr. Eloy Salazar, which should equal to about 70% of the acreage. Mr. Utter said a public improvement district is a vehicle which allows a city to establish a district where over 50% of the property owners have petitioned the city to put in some public improvement and the city is allowed to assess the cost to the property owners. Mr. Utter used specific examples to illustrate that not all the property owners will benefit in the same way from this plan. However, one benefit is that all the properties would be platted at the same time and all of them would have access to a dedicated road. Mr. Utter said that under the proposed PID, staff is recommending that the city pay the engineering and surveying fees required to plat the properties; that the city waive the plat application fees and recording fees; and that all the assessment fees paid by the property owners under the district substitute for the development fees for water acreage, wastewater acreage, and street lighting. The surveying and engineering fees in the total estimated amount of $89,000 are proposed to be funded from CDBG monies, which would have to come back to the Council in a separate action for their approval. He added that staff does not yet know the acquisition costs, which will be an assessment against the property owners. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 10 Mr. Utter said Rodd Field Village poses a problem for the city and the only way it will be corrected is if the city is willing to work with the property owners since they cannot afford individually to pay for the improvements themselves. He added that by law the city cannot give a building permit to someone whose property is not platted. Mr. Utter then responded to several Council members' questions. He said Rodd Field Village is similar to the situation with Village on the Green and the San Carlos addition, which was platted with the use of CDBG funds. He said the process to establish the Rodd Field PID should take about three to four months. Referring to the estimated cost contained in the agenda material, he said the landowners would be assessed a total of $780,000 for the street, water, and wastewater improvements, which staff estimates to be $8,832 per acre. The landowners would be given seven years to pay their individual assessments back. He said if the Council makes the finding that the PID should be established, the property owners who did not agree to the PID would still be assessed for the improvements. To demonstrate the benefit of pooling resources, Mr. Utter gave examples of the estimated costs of a property owner undertaking the project himself versus participating in the public improvement district. For a 3.08 -acre internal tract, the costs under the platting ordinance for administration, surveying, infrastructure, and engineering would total $232,500, while the cost under the PID would be $27,200. For a 5.5 -acre external tract, the cost would be $150,300 versus $48,982. He said the reason the city annexed Rodd Field Village was to not let that "industrial colonia" go any further without developmental criteria. He said in order to keep costs down, the city would waive such requirements as curbs and gutters and sidewalks in order to get the area platted. Council Member Kinnison said this project was a long time coming and he thanked staff and the property owners for their efforts. Council Member Gonzales said one possible source of funding is the economic development sales tax. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria said she has toured that area and the improvements are definitely needed. Council Member Colmenero expressed concern about earmarking CDBG funds for this project. Mayor Neal called for public comment. Mr. Ron Jicha, 7002 Holly Rd., said he has owned land in Rodd Field Village over 30 years and he is in favor of improvements if they are done correctly. He said he understands that some landowners will not be able to get sewer lines to the main line and will have to remain on septic tanks. He also commented that that area floods. Responding to Council Member Garrett, Mr. Utter said there is limited drainage there and staff is not proposing to put in any additional drainage and sewer lines because it would raise the cost too much. However, the engineering assessment will look at those issues. Mr. Tony Bender said it is unfair for the city to annex property and then not help the landowners. He said that as of now 70% of the landowners are in favor of the PID. He asked the Council to allow them to benefit from the use of their property. Responding to Mayor Neal and Dr. Gonzales, Mr. Utter and Mr. Escobar further discussed Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 11 the installation of utilities, fire hydrants, and street lighting poles. Mr. Gunning pointed out that a PID allows for different standards. Mr. Utter explained that when Rodd Field Village was annexed in 1989, the plan specifically stated that the land would be brought into the city at reduced standards in order to get it platted. He added that the individual properties would be platted as one large property; i.e., it would be 90 acres of plat with property lots as designated by the owners. Mr. Utter noted that there are other subdivisions within the city --usually rural estate subdivisions --being built without curbs, gutters and underground storm drainage. The plats of those subdivisions specifically state that any future curbs, gutters or sidewalks will be the responsibility of the property owner. Following additional discussion, the Mayor asked what the city would gain by establishing this PID. Mr. Utter replied that Rodd Field Village is stagnant and the existing businesses cannot even get a permit to repair something because they are not platted. With the PID, there will be a dedicated street and water available to every property. In addition, sewer would be available, even though some property owners would have to pay more than others to access it. He said staff can inform the Council what the cost would be to bring that area up to the city's new development standards versus reduced standards. Mr. Garcia pointed out that there are many properties in Corpus Christi that are undevelopable because of the cost to improve them. Mr. Kinnison said he thought the property owners understood the costs associated with the proposed improvements. A discussion followed about the sewer lines and Mr. Utter reiterated the benefits of platting this property. Council Member John Longoria pointed out that the majority of the properties are small businesses. Mr. Utter said the city would probably use certificates of obligation based upon the assessments to pay for the improvements, which he explained. Mr. Jan Rehler, a local attorney, pointed on the map to the 4.5 -acre tract owned by Mr. Mark Bratton. He said Mr. Bratton's property is unlike any of the others in Rodd Field Village because it has access to a dedicated road and already has a water line. He said Mr. Bratton would have to pay $40,000 to participate in the PID but he would not benefit from it other than reducing the platting fee by $10,000. He said the proposed assessment is based on acreage but does not take into consideration the value of the property. He said Mr. Bratton would be willing to pay to meet whatever criteria would be imposed in the future. Consequently, Mr. Rehler said they are asking that Mr. Bratton's property be excluded from the proposed PID. Mr. Kip Layton said he is an attorney representing Ms. Shirley Handley, who owns 7.5 acres assessed at $88,000. He said her share of the proposed improvements would be $66,000. He said the statute says that the cost of an improvement may be assessed equally for front foot, square foot, according to the value of the property as determined by the governing body or in any other manner. He said it is unfair to determine the improvement costs on an acreage basis. Mr. William Manak said he owns the building at 7740 Road H, where he also resides. He said he is in favor of the acreage basis because he owns 0.75 acre and he already has a dedicated road and a sewer line. He said the area floods when it rains five inches in an hour, but so does South Staples Street. He urged the Council to approved the proposed PID. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 12 Mr. Eloy Salazar said he owns 35 undeveloped acres on the back part of Rodd Field Village, adding that something needs to be done with that area. He said he is willing to participate somehow but if owners start pulling out, the cost will increase. Mr. William Ward said the area was annexed to control uncontrolled growth there. He said there are no fire hydrants but there are businesses with explosives, volatile solvents, and fuel. Mr. Ward said they need this project and if the Council does not support it now, it will never happen. Mr. Bender said the Council's approval of the PID will show that annexation helps citizens. Dr. Gonzales said the Council supports providing city services to annexed areas but he said they should do it right, possibly by working in planned stages. He said he would not support using CDBG funds, and they should ask staff to go back and address the concerns raised by the Council. Mr. Garcia referred to the proposed resolution (on page 150), saying this action is the first step in a multiple -step process. He said the resolution would direct the City Manager to hire a surveyor and engineers to develop the necessary detailed information on the PID. Mr. Sonny Heinaman said he has owned property there for 28 years. He said he believes in progress and he said they should work together to improve it. He suggested that the Council tour that area to view it for themselves. Mr. Kinnison pointed out that Mr. Heinaman had not signed up to participate but he indicated his willingness to work together. He said this Council cannot commit future Councils to any actions --all they can do is approve a plan that they agree on. Dr. Gonzales said he does not mind spending the money to develop a well thought-out plan. Responding to the Council, Mr. Garcia reiterated that staff's estimate to carry this process through to conclusion is $89,000. Mayor Neal said that Section 1.d. of the resolution states that the city will pay the cost of all future maintenance of roads, water lines, and sewer lines. The property owners within the proposed district will pay the cost of the initial repair, replacement and installation of the required roads, water lines, and sanitary sewer line (as detailed in Exhibit 3). Mr. Utter said the $89,000 is not in the city's FY00-01 budget and would have to be appropriated from some source by the Council. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 14. RESOLUTION NO. 024261 Resolution initiating proceedings to establish the Rodd Field Public Improvement District. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper absent. Mayor Neal asked what the time table is, and Mr. Utter said three to four months is an optimistic estimate. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 13 Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said the FY00-01 budget document was presented to the Council and is available for review by the public in the City Secretary's Office, the Budget Office, and the public libraries. He said the November 14th Council meeting will include the first presentation about the legislative agenda and the November 21st meeting will have the quarterly update about the FY00-01 budget. Mr. Garcia said since the red tide has affected the bay, Solid Waste Services and Park and Recreation has been collecting dead fish three times a day from the bayfront beaches as well as from citizens who live along Ocean Drive. In addition, the body of Seaman Ronchester Santiago, a victim of the terrorist attack on the USS Cole, will be arriving at Corpus Christi International Airport on October 24th. Mr. Garcia said the city's Health and Wellness Fair will be held October 25-26. Mr. Utter said he met with Rev. Stewart and he distributed to the Council a copy of the permit that Rev. Stewart was granted for a temporary promotional event from July 11, 2000 to July 25, 2000. He also referred to the portion of the City Code of Ordinances which states that promotional events shall be limited to four events per year and shall not exceed 15 days at a time. He said city staff allowed Rev. Stewart to stay there as long as possible and then notified him that he needed to move. He said the city will allow Rev. Stewart sufficient time to take down the tents. Mayor Neal said that in addition to receiving a copy of the operating budget, the Council also received the capital improvement plan and there were some differences in the five-year totals as well as a new line item for the Engineering Department. He asked staff to provide an update on the CIP. The Mayor said Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison was able to get an additional $500,000 for the bayfront expansion area, in addition to the $1 million for Packery Channel and the beach restoration and renourishment project on North Padre Island. Mr. Garcia said based on their discussions several weeks ago, staff is developing a policy that modifies the existing process for renaming streets, which they will bring back to the Council. The Mayor then called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Colmenero said he wished to reiterate the request for information about repairs at Collier Park and other parks, and he said there have been problems with the escalators at the convention center. Mr. Garcia replied that the escalators are very old and they will be replaced as part of the convention center's renovation project. Mr. Garrett said some citizens were very concerned about a man who allegedly assaulted a six-year-old girl but who was not allowed to be put in the Nueces County Jail. He said that in the last three days, five prisoners have been rejected because of minor medical problems. Police Chief Pete Alvarez replied that the Police Department knew about the individual's medical history involving heart problems but at the time of the man's arrest for aggravated sexual assault of a child, he was walking around. He said the police made the jail officials aware of the man's medical history and, based on that information, the decision was made not to book him. Consequently, the police officers had to release him However, he said the Police Department is Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 24, 2000 Page 14 pursuing the charges against him and more than likely his case will go before the grand jury by the end of this week. He said the man did not have to post bond nor was he processed or fingerprinted. The Chief said there is an increase in the number of prisoners being rejected by the county jail, which he said is the result of a recent lawsuit against the jail. He said they will be working with jail officials to address these concerns. Mr. Longoria said the Council action requests need to be responded to by staff more quickly, and he said he would rather hear from the City Manager rather than the local newspaper about the status of the police substations. Mr. Garcia replied that city staff tries to advise the citizen volunteers who sit on the city's boards and commissions about different projects before they are brought to the City Council. Mr. Longoria said the Council members receive correspondence from the board and committee members and the Council members need to have accurate information from the City Manager. Mr. Garcia said staff is planning a full presentation on community based policing. Mr. Longoria also commented on the need to enforce the prohibition against temporary signs, and he suggested that more effective signage be placed at the airport about ongoing construction there. Mr. Longoria also requested information about campaign efforts by Forward Corpus Christi at Memorial Coliseum. He said Dr. Helen Gurley, Director of Human Relations, will be leaving the city soon, and he added that Mr. Escobar was given an award by the Minority Business Development Center for his advocacy of minority businesses. Mayor Neal suggested that Mr. Escobar's comments at the awards ceremony be forwarded to the Council in a memo. Mr. Longoria also asked that written staff presentations be provided to the Council the Friday before the meetings. Mr. Scott said he agreed with Mr. Longoria regarding signage at the airport and the police substations. He commended Solid Waste Services for enforcing the solid waste ordinances, and he asked if it is possible to put the city's budget on the internet. Mr. Garcia said staff is trying to put both the budget and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on the internet. Mr. Scott said it is significant that staff will be giving the Council a quarterly financial update, and he requested an update on the spaceport project. Dr. Gonzales said he hopes staff does not make the process for renaming a street more difficult or too expensive. He said he thinks it should be an open process, adding that it can benefit in the marketing of Corpus Christi. He said people should be able to honor those who have had distinguished careers in different fields by naming a street after them. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 6:40 p.m. on October 24, 2000. ************ *