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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/31/2000I 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 31, 2000, which were approved by the City Council on November 14, 2000. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 14th day of November, 2000. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 2:00 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Henry Garrett Dr. Arnold Gonzales Rex A. Kinnison Mark Scott ABSENT Mayor Pro Tem John Longoria Melody Cooper Betty Jean Longoria 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. Ram6n Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Rev. Stelios Sitaras, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by students from Calk, Coles, and Crossley Elementary Schools. 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 24, 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: Citizens Advisory Health Board Sister City Committee Dan Chapa (Reappointed) JoAnn Canales Commission on Children and Youth D'yan Lopez * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Gerald Dunaway, 5061 Cascade Dr., said he has had problems with AT&T Cable tearing Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 2 up his yard while they were installing large cable equipment there. He said there has been confusion about the easements and he questioned the city's ability to resolve this. Council Member Kinnison asked the City Manager to schedule a presentation about the activities of both AT&T Cable and ClearSource. He said he has received numerous phone calls about both companies. Council Member Colmenero concurred. Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, showed pictures of the cable pedestals being installed by AT&T, adding that they have scheduled a meeting on November 16th to address the concerns. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Garcia said the franchise agreement allowed the cable company to use the rights-of-way to power their system. Dr. Gonzales said this use of the ROW is an abuse of private property. Mr. Garcia said the work the cable companies are performing is within their rights and he said that for the most part they have been responsive to citizens' concerns. He added that staff could schedule a presentation about this issue. City Attorney Bray said there are two elements involved --one is the cable companies' ability through the franchise to install the necessary apparatus for the operation of the system. The other is the overlying federal law requiring cities to allow cable and telecommunications companies to install new technological equipment. Dr. Gonzales and Mr. Colmenero reiterated their concerns about the appearance and location of the equipment. Ms. Delia Perez, 3703 Itaska, and Ms. Veronica Grant, 3701 Itaska, said they were protesting the Housing Authority Board's decision to terminate H.J. Russell and Company's contract. Ms. Grant said she had petitions from fellow Housing Authority residents who share her view, as well as photographs of several units that became severely dilapidated under the Housing Authority's management. Ms. Perez, another resident, said that under Russell's management, crime and vandalism have decreased and several improvements have been made to the housing units. Mr. Garcia said Assistant City Manager Tom Utter, the city's liaison to the Housing Authority, could meet with Ms. Perez and Ms. Grant about their concerns. Mr. Bob Bezdek, 6300 Ocean Dr., said he has a high level of confidence in the City Council. He said that while occasionally he disagrees with the Council's and city staff's positions, he does so cautiously and with respect for the hard work they do. Ms. Gail Hoffman, 3442 Paradise Dr., commended the Council and staff for their work in the preparation of the upcoming bond proposals, which she encouraged citizens to support. Mr. Isaac Valencia, President of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, said the union understands the city's financial condition and did not make a request for an across-the-board wage increase. He said they resolved the issue of the nepotism problem as well as other issues, but there are other non -economic issues that are unresolved. Mr. Trian Serbu, 14310 Playa Del Rey, said when the Council asks citizens to approve bond issues, they are asking for their trust. However, he said several times this year the Council has voted against the people's interests and for the interests of single large developers, most notably regarding Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 3 Packery Channel and the proposed new arena. He said the solid waste fee has been raised to supplement the General Fund, which he said is improper taxation. He said the people need to decide those and several other issues. Mr. Kinnison said the city still does not charge citizens the actual cost of picking up their garbage, and he said he did not know of anyone offering to come to Corpus Christi to build an arena. Ms. Debbie Lindsey -Opel, 5409 Hulen, said she had the pleasure of working for the city for 10 years. She said her perspective changed somewhat with the birth of her son, and she said the upcoming bond election is an opportunity for citizens to move this community forward for everyone, particularly for the future of the children. Mr. Sam Beecroft, 144 Ropes, said he supports all six bond and sales tax issues. He commended city staff for their hard work and responsiveness. Mr Jimmie Till, 6034 Lost Creek, said this Council has been able to work out their disagreements. And while higher taxes are not welcome, he said the bond proposals are needed. Mr. Foster Edwards, 118 Alta Plaza, thanked the Council for their efforts regarding the restructure of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, repair of the Wesley Seale Dam, construction of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, increased city cleanliness, proposed development of Packery Channel, and the bond issue. Mr. Edwards said the more he has studied the bond proposals, the more he is convinced of their necessity. Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton, said the highway beautification ordinance deals with advertising along state-controlled roads that fall under the Highway Beautification Act. He said according to state and city statutes, advertisements on benches at bus stops along state-controlled roads are illegal and encroach on the right-of-way. Mr. Tom Schmid, 319 Long Point, said Corpus Christi has had a strong community atmosphere with generations of families having lived here. However, more and more young people are moving away for better economic opportunities. He said the bond proposals can help reverse that trend and he commended the Council and staff. Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said several people spoke against Packery Channel during a scoping meeting held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He said the Congressional delegates do not represent the interests of local citizens. He said he cannot support Packery Channel. M. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said he is 54 years old and has lived in Corpus Christi all his life. He discussed the importance of people not seeing themselves as victims and becoming responsible, civic -minded citizens. He said he hopes all the bond propositions pass. Mr. Manuel Ugues, Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said that approval of the six bond and sales tax proposals will allow this city to offer more economic opportunities for citizens and businesses alike. He said it is important to educate voters about the issues. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 4 Mayor Neal referred to the presentation on the day's agenda regarding an update on the authorized FY00-01 police officer positions. City Manager Garcia explained that during the budget process, the Council decided to reduce, through attrition, two captain's positions. The problem is that there is an active list of people who are in position to be promoted to captain. He suggested that they continue through this year with the existing captain's list, which will expire on April 26, 2001. He said at that point he would make the budget cuts and not test for the captain position. He said while this action does not require Council approval, Mr. Garcia wanted to present it to the Council since they had deliberated about it during the budget discussions. Mayor Neal said that currently there are two vacancies in the captain's positions, and he questioned when other vacancies may occur after the list expires next April. Mr. Garcia replied that future vacancies would occur when other police captains retire, which could be over the next year or two. He added that the officers take competitive examinations and they are ranked according to their scores --those who rank the highest are the first to be promoted as vacancies occur. Council Member Scott said his reaction is to oppose the City Manager's plan. Mr. Garcia said that to fund this proposal, Police Chief Pete Alvarez suggested using unused 911 funds, of which there is currently a balance of about $55,000. He said there will be a savings this year as well as in future years. Mr. Scott said the Council was told there were no more places to make reductions, and Mr. Garcia said those unused funds have accumulated in the months since the budget was approved. Chief Alvarez said that during the budget discussions, staff indicated that they thought vacancies in the captains' positions would occur within a five-year period, and it just so happens that two captains retired recently. Mr. Garcia said staff can proceed as originally planned in the budget, but it creates an inequity for the people on the list who are anticipating being promoted to captain, which could result in a lawsuit against the city. Mr. Scott asked if the work load would be shifted to accommodate filling the captains' vacancies. Chief Alvarez said all along staff agreed that there are too many captains, and plans are to accommodate them. In reply to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Garcia said staff put money aside to settle the 911 suit, which has not yet been settled. He said it appears there will be excess 911 funds for this fiscal year, depending on when the suit is finally resolved. Council Member Kinnison asked about the source of funds for the next fiscal year since the two captains' positions will have been filled. Mr. Garcia said staff will balance the Police Department's budget during the budget process next year. He said he felt this proposal was being driven more from an equity perspective on the part of the officers than from a legal one. Mr. Kinnison noted that a recent study of the Police Department concluded that there are too many captains' positions. Mr. Valencia, President of the CCPOA, said he agreed that this proposal was fair and equitable in light of the existing list of candidates. In addition, if substations are formed, there will be a need for additional captains. Council Member Gonzales asked about the cost difference for the captains' salaries once the two lieutenants are promoted; Mr. Garcia said it is $41,000 for both. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 5 Mr. Scott said that due to budget constraints, the Council had to eliminate other positions in the city. He said he thought the Council should continue following the original budget plan concerning the captains' positions, adding that he was opposed to Mr. Garcia's recommendation. Council Member Garrett said he supports the recommendation but he was concerned about the situation of one or two captains retiring in January. Mr. Garcia said he is proposing that staff make the budget reduction after the current list expires. He said the proper way to make a reduction in this level of command staff is to do so when there is no longer an active list. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-12). City Secretary Chapa stated that Item 9 was withdrawn. Council members and an audience member requested that Items 4 and 6 be withheld for discussion. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes: 3. M2000-388 Motion approving a supply agreement with Wilson Supply, Corpus Christi, Texas for approximately 52,800 feet of steel pipe ranging in size from 1" to 8" in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0012-01, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $166,908. The pipe is used by the Gas Department. The term of the contract will be twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted in FY00-01. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 5. M2000-390 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to purchase a HP 9000 N4000 Enterprise server including necessary CPU, memory, dual controller, SCSI drives, and related peripheral computer equipment from Texas Department of Information Resources in the amount of $240,772.59 based upon the State Cooperative Purchasing Agreement. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 7.a. M2000-393 Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by Mr. Gene Graham, developer of Oak Terrace Estates Unit 2, for the installation of 1500 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 6 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 7.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024262 Ordinance appropriating $53,855.85 in the No. 4030 Water Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund to pay developer reimbursement request by Gene Graham for the installation of 1500 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main to develop Oak Terrace Estates Unit 2. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 8.a. M2000-394 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of $100,000 in Weed and Seed Asset Forfeiture funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Executive Office for Weed and Seed, for support in Weed and Seed Sites Numbers 1 and 2. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024263 Ordinance appropriating $100,000 of Weed and Seed Asset Forfeiture Funds from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs for Weed and Seed in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund, to support the Weed and Seed Sites Numbers 1 and 2. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 9. WITHDRAWN Motion authorizing thc City Manager or his designee to execute a Master Service Agreement $257,8$5 per year totaling $773,535 in accordance with thc Tcxas Ceoperativc Purchasing Agreet..cnt. The City willeei.t:,.uc .rtet.th to month-telepheae 0ervice with ICG during the transition.. 10.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024264 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 7 Interlocal Cooperation Contract with Texas A&M University -Kingsville by reducing the amount of funding available for air quality research and planning program by $45,000 from $336,500 to $291,500, and amending the work plan. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 10.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024265 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the Alamo Area Council of Governments in the amount of $45,000 for creation of joint Texas near non -attainment region CAMx Photochemical Modeling Episode. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 11. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Use Privilege Agreement with a term of eighteen months and holding over month to month thereafter terminating on the date of final completion of the new terminal facility, with Sky Sites, Inc. to operate an advertising services business at various locations in the Corpus Christi International Airport in consideration of 48% of gross profits or $90,000 for eighteen months, whichever is greater, and 48% of gross profits or $5,000 a month during the holdover period, whichever is greater. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 12. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a non-exclusive lease with San Antonio MTA, L.P. a Delaware Limited Partnership, dba Verizon Wireless, by its sole general partner, Primeco Personal Communications, L.P., a Delaware Limited Partnership, for the installation of several low profile antennas at the airport to improve telecommunication signal strength within the airport terminal building, in consideration of payment of $150 a month, commencing on the effective date of final approval by City Council and terminating on the earlier of the date of substantial completion of the new terminal facility located at the Airport or the eighteen month anniversary of the effective date The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 8 * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, household hazardous waste quarterly collections. Mr. Joe Kramer, Vice President of Texas Ecologists, said they operate a hazardous waste management company in western Nueces County and they would like to bid on this contract. Responding to Council Members Colmenero and Gonzales, Mr. Mike Barrera, Procurement and General Services Manager, said the contract was established in 1997 and was extended for two years. He said Solid Waste Services scheduled a quarterly household hazardous waste collection on November 18th, and staff realized that the contract for 12 events for the three-year period had expired. Consequently, staff is recommending this extension to accommodate the November 18th event and they are working on a request for proposals for a new contract. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. M2000-389 Motion approving an extension of the Household Hazardous Waste Quarterly Collections Agreement with Safety Kleen, Inc. (formerly Laidlaw Environmental Services), La Porte, Texas for an estimated quarterly expenditure of $40,000. Funds have been budgeted by the Storm Water Department in FY00-01. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, purchase of video equipment for the Council Chambers. Responding to Council Member Scott, City Secretary Chapa said the new cameras will improve the broadcast quality of the Council meetings. He said the cameras are scheduled to be installed by the next Council meeting on November 14, 2000. He added that the funding came from the franchise agreement with ClearSource. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes: 6.a. M2000-391 Motion to rescind purchase approved by Motion No. M2000 - 244 with The Intellisys Group to purchase video equipment for the Council Chambers in the amount of $67,995. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. 6.b. M2000-392 Motion approving the purchase of video equipment for the Council Chambers and Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 9 installation and integration with the current audio/video system from Visual Innovations, San Antonio, Texas in accordance with the State Cooperative Purchasing Agreement in the amount of $67,995. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, drainage system improvements. Utilizing a computer presentation, Mr. Escobar said the Salt Flats drainage system lacks sufficient hydraulic capacity to accommodate storm flows in the area, and he reviewed photographs of past flooding there. He said the Salt Flats drainage channel serves a large portion of the northside between the Hillcrest and Coles areas and the ship channel. Mr. Escobar said that Phase I (for $1.5 million) consists of drainage improvements between Leopard and Winnebago and between Winnebago and Wheatley beyond the D.H. Leathers housing area. He said the project will include the installation of an additional 8x4 concrete box to improve drainage flow; and reinforced concrete pipe, including inlets, appurtenance and a debris filter/safety guard. The work is scheduled to take six months. He said Phase II (for $1.4 million) of the Salt Flats drainage improvements will address the area from Wheatley Street to the ship channel. He said that project, which will be undertaken when the necessary permits and environmental clearances are secured, will consist of channel modifications to improve the flow efficiency and the possible modification of structures crossing streets and railroads. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Escobar said this drainage system extends underground to Mestina and Coke streets, but eventually it will extend all the way up to Port Avenue and Agnes Street. Ms. Valerie Gray, Stormwater Superintendent, said minimal maintenance has been performed on the drainage system in that area. In reply to Council Member Scott, Mr. Escobar further described the streets that will be affected. Council Member Gonzales asked if the city will receive state funds for this project. Mr. Escobar explained that after the state constructed Crosstown Expressway, the city was responsible for maintaining the off-site drainage. Dr. Gonzales commented on drainage problems at Santa Fe near Dolphin. Mr. Escobar said they are part of the minor storm drainage improvements in the current capital improvement plan. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Mr. Jimmie Till said he also questioned whether the state would be participating in this project. He commented on the installation of a wall where the ditch runs down into the ship channel to prevent water from coming up during high tides and storms. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 10 13. M2000-395 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with King Isles, Inc. for a total amount not to exceed $1,092,397 for the Salt Flats drainage system improvements and Leopard/Brownlee drainage system improvements. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, Garrett, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, SEEDTECH program sites. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024266 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Technical Assistance Agreement with the National Urban Technology Center, Inc. for the establishment of two SEEDTECH program sites at the Salvation Army and the Corpus Christi Housing Authority premises and for the provision of custom curriculum training to site staff to facilitate the implementation of the SEEDTECH program in exchange for the payment of $50,000 from the Weed and Seed Grant Carryover Monies FY99-00. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, and Kinnison voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott absent. 14.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024267 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute 3 -year lease agreements with the Salvation Army and the Corpus Christi Housing Authority for use of six computer workstations and supporting equipment at each site to implement the SEEDTECH program, in consideration of the Salvation Army and the Corpus Christi Housing Authority's commitment to maintain the SEEDTECH program and to maintain and periodically upgrade the computer equipment for the term of the lease; and providing for transfer of title of the computer equipment at the end of the three year term to the Salvation Army and the Corpus Christi Housing Authority in consideration of the Salvation Army and the Corpus Christi Housing Authority's commitment to maintain the SEEDTECH program for the useful life of the computer equipment. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, and Kinnison voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 11 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, assignment of a lease. City Attorney Bray explained that the Lighthouse Restaurant was asking that their two leases with the city for the restaurant and fuel station be transferred to Landry's Crab Shack Inc. He said Landry's intends to close the restaurant located on the Lawrence Street T -Head for five months in order to remodel it as a Joe's Crab Shack. He said they would still pay the minimum rent, which is what the Lighthouse is paying to the city. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Mr. Jimmie Till thanked Mr. Bill Harrison and his wife for their dedication to the Lighthouse Restaurant over the years. He said visitors frequently want to go to the Lighthouse. Mr. Matthew Dillick, Director of Real Estate for Landry's Restaurants, said they will spend about $1.2 million to retrofit that facility to eventually become "Joe's Crab Shack at the Lighthouse." Responding to Council members' questions, Mr. Dillick said they intend to continue operating the Landry's restaurant in the marina and Joe's Crab Shack on SPID. Mr. Bill Harrison, 214 Bayridge, said he and his family are honored to have been part of the Corpus Christi Marina and the city's history. Several Council members thanked Mr. Harrison. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 15. ORDINANCE NO. 024268 Ordinance approving assignment of the "First Amended Lease between T -Head Marina, L.C., on the Lawrence Street T -Head and the City of Corpus Christi - Restaurant/Patio Bar" (Ordinance No. 022999) and the "First Amended Lease between Marina Fuel and Charter Boat Company, L.C. on the Lawrence Street T -Head and the City of Corpus Christi - Fuel Station" (Ordinance No. 022998) to Landry's Crab Shack, Inc. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Cooper, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal announced the executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding William Hernandez et al v. City of Corpus Christi, No. 96-5496-E, 148' District Court, Nueces County, Texas with possible discussion and action in open session. The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session. ************* Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said that items scheduled for the November 14th meeting include presentations on the effluent diversion project; legislative program; Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; and the second reading of the tax increment financing Minutes - Regular Council Meeting October 31, 2000 Page 12 district. Mayor Neal said that meeting should begin at noon. Mr. Garcia also announced the city games, which will culminate in the employee picnic on November 11th. Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Colmenero requested information regarding advertising on bus benches on state highway property, and he reported a problem with high weeds at the corner of Sixth and Buford. Mr. Garrett requested an update on the development of the RTA pedestrian overpass at N. Alameda and IH -37. Mr. Scott said the Council has come a long way in the development of the bond election to be held November 7th. He commended staff for the large increase in women and minority business participation in city projects, and he asked when the city can submit a request for funding of street projects to the RTA. Dr. Gonzales said there are high weeds along Ocean Drive on both private and public properties, and he said he has received several complaints about flooding in the area of Santa Fe, Doddridge, and Aberdeen. He urged everyone to get out and vote next Tuesday. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 4:13 p.m. on October 31, 2000. * * * * * * * * * * * * *