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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/14/2000I 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 November 14, 2000, which were approved by the City Council on November 21, 2000. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 21st day of November, 2000. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 12:05 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem John Longoria Council Members. Javier D. Colmenero Melody Cooper Henry Garrett Dr. Arnold Gonzales Rex A. Kinnison Betty Jean 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 Senior Pastor Rick Ma1m, Faith Temple, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Kinnison. City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Neal called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of October 31, 2000. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 2, special election canvassing ordinance. City Secretary Chapa explained that the City of Corpus Christi held a joint election with Nueces County on November 7, 2000. He said each Council member was provided with the precinct - by -precinct election results, and the Mayor has envelopes for 104 precincts plus an extra one for the early votes containing the results submitted by the election judges. He said in order to canvass the results, the Council should compare the election judges' returns to the County Clerk's tabulation. Mayor Neal then proceeded with the canvassing of votes, beginning with the early votes. He also compared the results from four precincts picked at random (Precincts 26, 78, 40, and 113). There were no discrepancies and no comments from the audience on the canvassing of votes. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes: (*Council Member Scott arrived at 12:13 p.m.) 2. ORDINANCE NO. 024269 Ordinance canvassing returns and declaring the results of the Special Election held on November 7, 2000, in the City of Corpus Christi for the adoption of seven propositions; Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 2 adopting and levying a sales and use tax pursuant to Section 4A of The Development Corporation Act as approved by the voters in Propositions 4 and 5. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the board and committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the following appointments were made: C. C. Bay Area Minority Business Opportunity Steering Committee (MBOC' Lamont Taylor (Reappointed) Rene Cantu Weed and Seed Steering Committee Peggy Beasley (Reappointed - Site 1) Patsy Parmer (Reappointed - Site 2) Ethics Commission Rev. Raymond Kiser (Reappointed) Eduardo Hinojosa(Reappointed) Gloria Perez (Reappointed) Fred Haley Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board Hector Baca * Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was regarding implementation of the 2000 bond issues. City Manager Garcia explained that several major projects were approved by the voters last Tuesday. He said staff has been working on them for some time and now they are moving into the implementation mode because the projects are to be substantially completed in three years. Deputy City Manager Noe said that voters approved the following bond propositions: Proposition 1 -street improvements- $20,776,000; Proposition 2-parks/museum improvements - $4,694,000; and Proposition 3 -public safety improvements -$5,330,000. He said that during the November 21, 2000 meeting, the Council will consider a resolution authorizing the reimbursement of any funds that are spent in advance of the issuance of the bonds. Mr. Noe also said that the deadline for submissions by design consultants is November 17th, after which staff will prepare recommendations for Council approval, with the design contracts to be approved beginning in January 2001. Also in January, more detailed project schedules will be developed and interim financing will be identified, and the $30.8 million bond sale will be held on March 13, 2001. Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, then referred to a detailed chart of the preliminary project schedules, which he described at length. He noted that there are 19 design contracts and 28 construction contracts. Mr. Garcia pointed out that those figures do not include the supply agreements and land acquisition where necessary. Mr. Escobar also responded to several -T Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 3 Council members' questions about specific aspects of the projects. Mr. Noe then discussed the two sales tax propositions which voters approved for repair of the seawall and construction of a multipurpose arena. He said that on November 15, 2000 notice will be sent to the State Comptroller, who will notify vendors from January to March 2001 about the impending tax. Then on April 1, 2001 the two 1/8th cent sales taxes will be initiated, with the first receipts to be received in June. He said the general schedule for the seawall project is as follows: January 2001 -amend the investigation contract to include design; September 2001 -award the pilot program contract; September 2002 to January 2004 -award four construction contracts; and January 2005 -completion of the project. Council Members Gonzales and Betty Jean Longoria asked about the possibility of small and minority contractors participating in the seawall project, and a discussion ensued. Mayor Neal pointed out that an advisory committee consisting of minority contractor representatives has been formed to provide input to the city's Engineering Department about that issue. City Attorney Bray added that the disparity study that was conducted determined that there was not a basis to do mandatory quotas, but they suggested several other things that the city is in the process of doing. Mr. Noe said the general schedule for the arena includes selection of the design team in January 2001; award of the construction contract in January 2002; and actual construction from June 2003 to January 2004. Dr. Gonzales also asked for more specific information about parking and traffic issues in the area of the arena and convention center, and the authority of the 4A Board in overseeing the funds for the arena project. Mr. Scott said he wanted the RTA and the Port to be involved in some capacity, and a brief discussion ensued. Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. Upon reconvening, Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Ms. Gail Hoffman, Mr. David Engel, and Mr. Sam Beecroft of Forward Corpus Christi thanked the Council and city staff for their support of the bond and sales tax propositions, of which five out of six were approved by the voters. Ms. Hoffman noted that the Council had determined that the propositions should be listed separately on the ballot, which aided in their successful passage. Mr. Beecroft said this Council will be remembered in Corpus Christi's history for their efforts. Mayor Neal said the volunteer members of Forward Corpus Christi were also very instrumental in the success of the election. Mr. Ernest Garza, 10201 Leopard, congratulated the Council for the passage of the propositions. He said he is a certified public accountant and a contractor, and he asked the Council to consider breaking up the contracts to ensure that local contractors will be able to participate. He also said the Nueces County Rural Fire Prevention District's proposal was approved by the voters. He said they are working to obtain more equipment to bring down the ISO rating for insurance Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 4 purposes both inside and outside the city limits, and he asked for the city's cooperation in that effort. Mr. Isidore Salazar, 5626 King Trail, thanked the Council members who attended the Hispanic Contractors Association conference. He said they want to maximize local contractors' participation in construction projects. Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, read a resolution passed on November 6, 2000 by the Executive Committee of the Corpus Christi Taxpayers Association. The resolution was regarding the effort of VFW Post 3837 to donate and dedicate a flag pole and flag to the Northwest Senior Center. The resolution stated that Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, misstated city policy regarding that incident. Mr. O'Brien said the Executive Committee voted unanimously to recommend that Mr. Cisneros be terminated based upon the facts presented by the members of the VFW Post involved, and that appropriate policies be implemented. Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton, discussed illegal advertising and he referred to the agreement that the city has with the Regional Transportation Authority. He said the RTA has been violating the agreement. He also quoted from a letter the city received from the state in 1999 regarding administration of the Highway Beautification Act, as well as other correspondence regarding illegal advertising. Mr. Jimmie Till, 6034 Lost Creek, said he hopes that as many Council members as possible remain on the City Council to ensure that the propositions are carried out. He also discussed the Veteran's Day ceremony held November 1 lth at Sherrill Park, which this year specifically honored female veterans. He said he would have liked female Council members and staff to have been present. Council Member John Longoria said he was there representing the whole Council. Mr. Till added that Sherrill Park has been beautifully maintained by the Parks Department. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said now that the bond issues have been approved, he wants to see how long it will take for them to be constructed. He also showed a copy of another local newspaper. Mayor Neal said the Council had just spent an hour discussing the implementation schedule for the bond projects. Mr. Ray Allen, of the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, brought a check in the amount of $85,000 for the acquisition of 18 acres of wetlands and associated uplands on Rincon Channel on Corpus Christi Beach. He said the city has a working relationship with the Texas State Aquarium to ensure that those lands are protected. He said they look forward to many more successful projects in the future. Council Member Colmenero pointed out that several people on Corpus Christi Beach are involved in that program. Mr. Carlos Torres, President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association, thanked the voters who approved the six propositions. He said Proposition 3 will provide for a new fire station on Padre Island as well as improvements to existing fire stations, as well as a new drill and training tower that will be used for fire, EMS, and police training. He said the voters were able to become well educated about this election. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 5 Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, also thanked the voters of Corpus Christi, in particular the voters on the westside. He said for whatever reason it is very hard to get voters on the westside out to vote, but they turned out for this election. He thinks it started years ago with Mayor Neal promising to make the city's boards and commissions more inclusive. He said people have to have a sense of belonging to their community. Mr. Alonzo said in a few years the city will need another bond election, which will be necessary for the future of children here. Mr. Manuel Ugues, President of the Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, thanked the Council and staff for working to inform voters about the bond election. He said they will continue to work with them to implement the proposals. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 5, Padre Island tax increment financing (TIF) district. City Secretary Chapa said Council Members Garrett and Gonzales would be abstaining from discussing or voting on this item. Assistant City Manager Tom Utter said the Council had a public hearing and first reading of the TIF on August 29th. He said Item 5.a. includes three specific amendments: deleting a lot of land described as Island Fairway Estates, Lot 10, Block 42; making grammatical changes in Section 8; and amending the third recital to more accurately reflect that a formal presentation has been made to the school district and a formal presentation is scheduled for the county. Mr. Utter said that since the first reading, staff has received several calls in favor of the project, and Congress has appropriated $1 million for the next phase. He said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is right on schedule and they have issued a preliminary report stating that the project is technically feasible. He said if it proceeds as scheduled, construction should begin in late 2001 or early 2002. Mayor Neal called for public comments. Mr. J.E. O'Brien said he found several discrepancies in the consultant's report, and he referred to a column in the San Antonio Express -News entitled "Coastal TIF requires close assessment." The column noted that increased development also results in greater infrastructure expenses and the bond holders may have to pay junk bond interest rates. Mr. O'Brien said this issue should be placed before the voters. Mr. Jim Kayler, 2525 Retta, a member of the Flour Bluff ISD Board, read a resolution that was passed by the board on August 31, 2000 in support of the creation of the TIF on Padre Island. The resolution stated that FBISD should benefit significantly from increased tax revenues due to the growth of the school district's tax base as a result of the TIF. It also noted that FBISD is not expected to participate financially in the TIF. Ms. Lynda Schneck, 13513 Camino de Plata, discussed the success of the bond and sales tax proposals, including the large turnout of island residents at the polls. She said she believes the whole city will benefit from the formation of the TIF. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 6 Mr. Jim Philomeno, 13546 Royal Fifth Court, pledged his support for the Packery Channel project. He said he and his wife operated retail businesses along both coasts of Florida, and they have seen how projects such as Packery Channel benefit not only the immediate area but adjacent cities and towns. Mr. Jack Gordy said he is against Packery Channel because it encourages development on Padre Island, which could be in the path of a hurricane. Ms. Gail Hoffman said last week the community took the first steps toward economic prosperity here with the passage of the bond and sales tax initiatives, and there is another opportunity to do that with Packery Channel. She emphasized the importance of educating voters about the facts regarding the TIF. Mr. John Fisher, Vice President of the Board of the Padre Isles Property Owners Association (PIPOA), said they continue to support the formation of the TIF and the North Padre Island storm damage reduction and environmental restoration project. He said the integrity of the Padre Island seawall is critical to the island residents' safety. Mr. Gene Knight, Director of the PIPOA, said that among its attributes, the project is designed to bring gulf water into the residential canals, which will improve the water quality. Mr. Jim Kolter, 13705 Tajamar St., urged the Council members to replicate the success they experienced with the bond election by explaining to the citizens the pros and cons of the TIF. Mr. Charlie Eskridge, Director of Golf and General Manager at Padre Isles Country Club, said he started working there in 1971 and felt all along that Padre Island had great developmental potential. He said this is an opportunity to make sure the island's development benefits all of the citizens of Corpus Christi. Mr. Sandy Sanderson, 14810 Windward Dr., questioned who would be able to use the boat pass through Packery Channel, and he felt the consultants' income estimates were incorrect; consequently, he said he was opposed to the project. Ms. Denise Gouin, an island resident and business owner, said she fully supports the opening of Packery Channel. She believes it will improve the ecosystem within the Laguna Madre, and the city and the island would benefit from increased tax revenues and additional jobs. Mr. Mark Ray, 630 Bradshaw, said he was representing the Coastal Conservation Association, which supports Packery Channel and the formation of the TIF. He said they believe the project will improve the quality of life of Coastal Bend residents, including sports fisherman, and it will have a positive environmental impact on the bays. Ms. Becky Dumphy, Director of the Corpus Christi Apartment Association, said they consist of 385 members who provide about 25,000 rental units city-wide She said they urge the Council to Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 7 approve the Packery Channel project because it has the potential for tremendous economic growth in the community. Mr. David Cheek, CEO of the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors, said they remain solidly behind the Council's efforts with this project. Mr. Gary Graham, 15242 Isabella, said he has lived on the island for 27 years. He said this project will provide many benefits, not only to island residents but to all the citizens. In addition, the elevation of JFK Causeway will allow island residents and visitors to evacuate in case of a hurricane. Mr. Randy Farrar, 5417 Whitemarsh, thanked the Council for finding a way to develop Packery Channel that will not cost the taxpayers money. He said this project will provide much- needed jobs and economic growth to the area. Mr. Jeff Frohm, 13501 Royal Fifth Court, said he is a business owner and Vice President of the Padre Island Business Association. He said that Nueces County Commissioner Joe McComb commissioned a study several years ago which determined that approximately 85% of the non- commercial, recreational vessels using the ship channel could use Packery Channel. He said despite the failure of the economic development sales tax initiative, this project could be a way to further economic growth without a tax increase. Mr. Gene Guernsey, 14302 Cruiser, said local business owners and residents will benefit from the Packery Channel project. He said Padre Island has the potential to develop in the same way that the city of Keemah near Galveston has. He urged the Council's and conununity's support. Mr. Cliff Zarsky said Padre Island has potential that has not been fully developed. In addition, several young people are moving away from Corpus Christi due to a lack of adequate jobs. He believes everyone will benefit from Packery Channel's development. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5.a. M2000-396 Motion to amend prior to Second Reading ordinance designating a certain area within the jurisdiction of the City of Corpus Christi as a Tax Increment Financing District to be known as "Reinvestment Zone Number Two, City of Corpus Christi, Texas," establishing a board of directors for such reinvestment zone, and other matters relating thereto, as approved on First Reading August 29, 2000, by reducing the total area from 1,930.3 acres to 1,930.08 acres, and making language corrections to Section 8 and the third recital. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Gonzales abstaining; Cooper and J. Longoria absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 8 5.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024270 Designating a certain area within the jurisdiction of the City of Corpus Christi as a tax increment financing district to be known as "Reinvestment Zone Number Two, City of Corpus Christi, Texas," establishing a Board of Directors for such Reinvestment Zone, and other matters relating thereto. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading, as amended, by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Gonzales abstaining; Cooper and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, waterfowl hunting. Mr. Michael Gunning, Director of Planning and Development, explained that based on complaints from Padre Isles residents, the Council directed staff to review the city code concerning hunting in the Laguna Madre. He said the current code allows hunting of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre except for a 400 -foot buffer area along the shoreline. Mr. Gunning said meetings were held with Council Member Scott, Padre Isles residents and representatives from the PIPOA, Ducks Unlimited, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife. As a result, there was concurrence to do the following: resolve the conflict of waterfowl hunting near residences; create a larger "no hunting" distance from residences without eliminating the hunting of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre entirely; legalize the hunting of waterfowl in Corpus Christi and Nueces bays that is already occurring; develop a signage program with assistance from local groups to clearly delineate "no hunting" areas on the water; and recognize that voluntary compliance is ultimately the key to conflict resolution since enforceability is difficult. Mr. Gunning said staff concluded that non-residential occupied structures (commercial, institutional and industrial) should also be buffered from hunting activities, and the ordinance should be amended in such a way to avoid conflicts with waterfowl hunting and future development without having to revise the ordinance after the fact. He also showed photographs of the areas in question. Mayor Neal called for public comment. Mr. Jerry McCracken said he is a member of the PIPOA Board and a resident of Commodore's Cove, where much of the duck hunting is occurring. He said the proposed amendments will provide for additional safety of the residents. Mr. Gene Knight described an incident which demonstrated how close hunters have been to residences in the Laguna Madre. He said city staff and residents have been working on this issue for about nine months and he feels it is advantageous to all. He added that the PIPOA will pay for the signs at each end of the area so there will not be any direct cost to the city. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 9 Ms. Molly Trice, a resident of Commodore's Cove, said she is not against duck hunting but she expressed concern about safety and noise caused by nearby duck hunting. Council Member Garrett said this amendment is way overdue, and he asked if the areas will be clearly marked. Mr. Gunning replied that they will focus on the areas where hunters are known to be and at the entrances to Padre Isles. He also discussed the issue of enforcement. Council Member Scott said this proposal actually opens up a large area that previously was not legalized for hunting. Council Member Gonzales asked about time restrictions, which Assistant City Attorney Jay Reining said is regulated by federal law. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 6. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 33, Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions regarding Waterfowl Hunting and providing for penalties. 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 referred to Item 23. Dr. Gonzales made a motion, which was seconded and passed, to remove from the table and open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 23. Case No. 0900-05. Supchai and Mai Ho Chanyarlak: A change of zoning from an "R -IB" 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. Mr. Gunning said this case was originally heard by the Council on October 24, 2000, when it was tabled. He said staff met with the applicant and they developed three options to the requested "B -1A" zoning, which he described. He said both the applicant and the neighbors prefer Option 2, which is denial of the "B -1A" and in lieu thereof approval of "AB" zoning with a special permit for limited retail uses subject to a site plan and six conditions. He said staff also wished to add the words "building elevations" following the words "site plan" in that option. No one spoke in opposition to the zoning case. Dr. Gonzales made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mrs. Longoria, and passed (Scott absent) Dr Gonzales made a motion to amend Item 23 to incorporate Option 2 with the words "building elevations." The motion was seconded by Mr. Kinnison and passed (Scott absent). Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes: ORDINANCE NO. 024281 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Supchai and Mai Ho Chanyarlak by changing the zoning map in reference to 0.895 acre out of Lot F, Block D, Hart Addition, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 10 from "R -1B" One -Family Dwelling District to "AB" Professional Office District and by granting a special permit for limited retail uses, subject to a site plan, building elevations, and six (6) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal returned to the presentations on the agenda, and the second presentation was regarding the Nueces Estuary diversion projects (Item 4). Mr. Ed Garana, Water Superintendent, explained that the state water rights permit for Choke Canyon Reservoir requires the City of Corpus Christi to maintain a certain minimum level of freshwater inflows to the Nueces Estuary. That requirement is now carried out under an agreed order issued by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in 1995. Mr. James Dodson, Deputy Executive Director of the Nueces River Authority, said that in 1997 the City of Corpus Christi and many surrounding communities were under Condition II of the drought management plan and there was concern that the city --under the 1995 agreed order --was required to pass water through on occasion. Consequently, efforts were made to amend the agreed order so as to protect the city's water supply while also protecting the estuary. He said one of the concepts that has been investigated for years is the use of wastewater effluents in the Nueces Delta. He said the intention was to eliminate the requirement to pass through any inflows to the estuary whenever the reservoir system fell below 50% of capacity. He said the 1997 proposal was never incorporated into the agreed order due to concerns over liability issues associated with industrial effluent. He added that a substantial cost would have been involved. Mr. Dodson then described a demonstration project that has been ongoing involving the diversion of approximately two million gallons per day of treated wastewater effluent from the Allison Wastewater Treatment Plant to a wetlands area in the lower Nueces Delta. He said this demonstration project is being closely monitored to document the enhancements in productivity expected to occur in the area's wetlands system. He said this is the second year of a six-year study. Mr. Garai% and Mr. Bray responded to Council questions. Mr. Michael Irlbeck, of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, discussed the Rincon Bayou demonstration project. He said that in 1992 a consortium of local, state, and federal entities began looking into the issue of putting fresh water back into the Nueces Delta, which consists of 20,000 acres northwest of Corpus Christi. Mr. Irlbeck said the delta is regularly inundated with salt water from tides and periodically inundated with fresh water from flood events in the Nueces River. He noted that the delta provides a critical nursery habitat for many marine organisms. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 11 Mr. Irlbeck went on to say that in a typical estuary, the highest salinity values are found in the ocean and bays, and the lowest values are found in the river and delta. Over the past several decades, the occurrence of freshwater inflow events into the Nueces Delta has been virtually eliminated. Specifically, since 1982, the Nueces River has rarely attained the necessary elevation to significantly breach the river bank. Without freshwater inflow, the delta is no longer functioning as an estuarine ecosystem; rather, it is primarily a saline or hypersaline system and is much less productive. As a result, the delta has become a "reverse estuary" in that the highest concentrations of salt are in the upper delta rather than in the bay. Mr. Irlbeck said the objectives of the Rincon Bayou demonstration project were to increase the opportunity for freshwater flow events into the upper Nueces Delta, and to monitor resulting changes in delta productivity. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation purchased temporary (6 -year) easements on 4,000 acres of private land and constructed two overflow channels and implemented a monitoring program. The Nueces overflow channel lowered the minimum flooding threshold of the river bank by about 5.5 feet. The second overflow channel was created within the interior of the delta to encourage the dispersion of freshwater to affect the largest possible area. From 1994-1999, said Mr. Irlbeck, the bureau collected measurements for hydrography, water column productivity, benthic organisms, and vegetation, which he explained. He noted that the amount of freshwater diverted into the upper delta was increased by over 730%. As a result, the average salinity value was reduced from over 50 parts per thousand (ppt) to about 25 ppt. Also, the "reverse estuary" condition was largely corrected and a significant degree of estuarine function was restored. Mr. Irlbeck pointed out that over the years, the presence of the reservoirs has affected the delta's function but the demonstration project illustrated that there are opportunities to improve that function in the future. Mr. Irlbeck explained that the demonstration project was concluded in September 2000 and the Nueces overflow channel has been filled in. He said earlier this year the bureau worked with representatives of Texas Parks and Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend the project in perpetuity. They met with the key landowners and reached an agreement in concept but not regarding the price of the land. He said there are opportunities to do the following: establish a permanent diversion project; proceed with further ecological study; integrate the information with the bay and estuary release schedules; and develop an adaptive management program. Mr. Dodson, Mr. Irlbeck, and city staff then responded to Council members' questions. In order to implement a permanent project, Mr. Irlbeck said private landowner agreements and a state permit for the diversion of water rights would have to be obtained. City Attorney Bray said with the information obtained, staff would probably ask the TNRCC for no releases under 50% of reservoir capacity (similar to the 1997 attempt to amend the agreed order). Responding to additional questions, Assistant City Manager Ron Massey said they estimate that it would cost about $1 million to $2 million to develop a permanent project in the delta, and the city would attempt to partner with another agency in that effort. Mr. Garcia pointed out that the main objective is to renegotiate the city's water release agreement. Mr. Garar"ia briefly described the steps Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 12 staff would need to take to proceed, including meeting with TNRCC staff and the Nueces Estuary Advisory Council. There was consensus of the Council for staff to proceed as discussed. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The third presentation was regarding AT&T/TCI's and ClearSource's cable television construction and installation processes. Mr. Gordon Harp, representing AT&T Broadband Cable, referred to a handout given to the Council about their upgrade efforts. He noted that the Corpus Christi system is involved in a multi-year, 750 -MHz upgrade that began in November 1999 with initial design and walkout, which is projected to be completed by 2002. At the end of this year, AT&T will have completed the upgrades in five of the 10 phases (550 miles). Mr. Harp said the UPG architecture will adhere to the following UPG guidelines: average of 500 homes per node; average of 40 to 50 nodes per hub; six amplifier cascades; six fibers to the node; standby powering (per franchise requirements); 90 volt powering; and other specifications. Mr. Harp pointed out that this is not a rebuilding of the system but rather an electronic upgrade. He said the city's network layout will consist of four distribution hubs and the main headend will be located at the company's main office at 4060 SPID. He said in the upgraded areas, 12 additional channels have been provided, with plans to provide more channels. Mr. Harp said AT&T's communications with its customers include direct mail postcards, door hangers, and expanding field, dispatch and customer service staff hours to include more evening shifts. He explained that the plan is to take the customers' signal down from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. when AT&T is working on their area (node). He said occasionally construction work has extended past the 5 p.m. deadline, creating isolated service interruptions into the early evening. When that occurs, they dispatch their top field technicians and grant credit to customers. In addition, customers have expressed concern about the size and placement of pedestals. He said they are actively working with city staff and customers to resolve those concerns. Ms. Becky Weaver, General Manager of ClearSource in Corpus Christi, said they provide customers with door hangers seven to 10 days prior to their contractors going out into the neighborhoods, and then 48 hours prior to construction. Mr. Jim Reed, Director of Construction, referred to pictures of the company's pedestals, which usually are located on every other lot in the easement. He said they provide fiber to the neighborhood network and they utilize coaxial cable, which can only be run a certain distance before it requires amplification. Consequently, the company uses amplifier pedestals on the average of four within one mile of construction. Responding to Council members' questions, Ms. Weaver said that to date, ClearSource has close to 60 miles of underground work completed, of which 41 miles are located in rear easements and 19 miles are located in front easements, mostly on the main thoroughfares of South Staples, Saratoga, Weber and Airline. She said they follow the power lines wherever they are located --either aerial or underground. ************* Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 13 Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 7-22). City Secretary Chapa stated that Item 14 was being withdrawn. Council members and audience members requested that Items 12, 16, 17, 18, 21, and 22 be withheld for discussion. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 7. M2000-397 Motion approving the purchase of 1,000 gallons of Malathion insecticide in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0029-01 from Van Waters & Rogers, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas for the amount of $22,740, based on low bid. The insecticide will be used by the Health Department, Vector Control. 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." 8. M2000-398 Motion approving the purchase of computer network equipment from the following companies for the following amounts in accordance with the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program for a total amount of $165,363. Funds are provided through the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant. Kent DataComm Hart InterCivic Austin. Texas Austin. Texas $56,445 $108,918 Grand Total: $165,363 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 9. M2000-399 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a maintenance agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc. in the amount of $59,171.89 for twelve months of hardware and operating system maintenance based on sole source. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 10. M2000-400 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with JSJ Services, Inc. for a total fee not to exceed $28,140 for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant Pollywog Pond Bird Watching Sanctuary Improvements. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 14 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 11. M2000-401 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 3 for Stage 2 services to the engineering contract in the amount of $1,640,814 with Smith, Russo & Mercer Consulting Engineers for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant High Service Pump Building No. 2 and Wash Water System project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 13.a. M2000-402 Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by Aransas Cliffs Development Company, Ltd., developer of Lots 1-11 and 54-64, Block 16, Lots 1-6 and 59-64, Block 116 and Lots 1-4 and 54-64, Block 216, Port Aransas Cliffs, for the installation of 83 linear feet of an off-site 10 -inch PVC sanitary sewer collection line. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, 13. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 13.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024272 Ordinance appropriating $14,441.84 in the No. 4220 Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Trust Fund to pay developer reimbursement request of Aransas Cliff Development Company, Ltd. for the installation of 83 linear feet of an off-site 10 -inch PVC Sanitary Sewer Collection Line to develop Lots 1-11 and 54-64, Block 16, Lots 1-6 and 59-64, Block 116 and Lots 1-4 and 54-64, Block 216, Port Aransas Cliffs. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 14. WITHDRAWN Resolution approving the tranafcr of $100,000 fret. the-Smitarr Sevret Tnti,k Linc Trust the Collection Linc T. ast Fund to carry out the purpose of the Platting Ordinance. 15.a. M2000-403 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept funding in the amount of Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 15 $14,655 from the Flour Bluff Independent School District E=MC2, 2151 Century Grant Program to provide a structured after school and a one Saturday a month recreation program, in addition to a one time camping experience for junior high school youth. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 15.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024273 Ordinance appropriating $14,655 from the Flour Bluff Independent School District E=MC2, 21st Century Grant Program in the No. 1020 General Fund to provide recreational programs at Flour Bluff Junior High School. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 15.c. RESOLUTION NO. 024274 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal Governmental Agreement with Flour Bluff Junior High School for the City to provide an afterschool program, a one Saturday a month recreation program, and a camping trip for school age youth 12 to 16 years of age in consideration for the payment of $14,655 and use of Flour Bluff Junior High School facilities. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 19. ORDINANCE NO. 024278 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 telecommunications signal strength within the airport terminal building, on a month to month basis, not to exceed 12 months, in consideration of payment of $150 per month. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 20. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease with Jesus J. Mondragon dba J&G Concessions for concession operations at the Greenwood Softball Complex located near the Intersection of Greenwood Drive and Gollihar Road, in Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 16 consideration for a variable rental rate of $100 to $350 per month which is determined in relation to the number of athletic teams registered to play two or more weeks per month. 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 12, creation of a public beach at TAMU-CC. Council Member Gonzales asked staff to give a brief description about this project. City Manager Garcia explained that the city owns a small tract of land (about 16,000 square feet) fronting Ocean Drive and the city will lease it to Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi for $1 per year. Mr. Ray Hays, Vice President of TAMU-CC, said this is a research project through the Conrad Blucher Institute to restore the beach to its pre -1942 conditions. He said they believe this will be a great asset to the community. Mr. Utter referred to a picture of the beach area. Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Hays said the Texas General Land Office wants to make this a model beach for accessibility issues. He added that there will be specific larger grain sand that will be trucked in. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a twenty-five year lease with Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) of a 71,351.28 square foot tract of land constituting City owned right-of-way fronting Ocean Drive, constituting a portion of Ward Island, Corpus Christi, Texas, in consideration for the creation of a public beach and payment of an annual rental rate of one dollar. 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." 12.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024271 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to grant a temporary construction easement for a term of eleven months to Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi (TAMU- CC), going in, on, under, over, and along a certain 16,639.92 square foot tract of land fronting Ocean Drive, constituting a portion of Ward Island, Corpus Christi, Texas, in consideration for the creation of a public beach and payment of an annual rental rate of one dollar. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 17 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 16, police grants. Responding to Council Member Garrett, Ms. Pat Eldridge, of the Police Department, said the grant specifies that drug seizure monies may be used as a cash match. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 16.a. M2000-404 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of $333,115 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for funding eligible under the FY2000 Law Enforcement Block Grants program 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." 16.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024275 Ordinance appropriating $333,115 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund to purchase law enforcement equipment for the Police Department; authorizing the transfer of $37,013 from the No. 6010 Law Enforcement Trust Fund to, and appropriating $37,013 in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund as the grant match. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 17, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). In reply to Council Member Scott, the Mayor explained that the MPO voted to transfer the fiscal agent responsibilities from the City of Corpus Christi to Nueces County effective November 14, 2000. In order to do that, the city had to formally terminate those employees of the MPO who were on the city's payroll and receiving city benefits. He said the voting members of the MPO are the mayors of the cities of Corpus Christi and Portland, the county judges from Nueces and San Patricio counties, the chairpersons of the Port and RTA, and the District Engineer from TXDOT. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 17. ORDINANCE NO. 024276 Ordinance appropriating a $50,000 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for transportation planning and related activities by the Metropolitan Planning Organization through November 14, 2000; amending Ordinance 8127, as amended, Section 510, Executive Pay Plan, by deleting the classification of Transportation Planning Director effective November 15, 2000; eliminating effective November 15, 2000 the following MPO -designated positions: one City Planner III, one City Planner II, one GIS Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 18 Systems Specialist, and one Executive Secretary. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 18, Law Enforcement Trust Fund. Responding to Mr. Garrett, Ms. Eldridge said that in March 2000 the Police Department submitted a budget of approximately $400,000 to appropriate for the drug fund, which is done every year. When it came time to appropriate those monies in July, there was not enough money in the account so only $140,000 was appropriated at that time. She said the deposits had been inadvertently placed in another trust account, which has been corrected. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 18. ORDINANCE NO. 024277 Ordinance appropriating $245,310.30 from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the No. 6010- 21130 Law Enforcement Federal Trust Fund and appropriating $213,442.70 from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the No. 6010-21120 Law Enforcement State Trust Fund for law enforcement equipment and related expenditures; amending the FY00-01 Budget, adopted by Ordinance No. 024130, to increase appropriations by $458,753 in the No. 6010 Law Enforcement Trust Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 21, taxicab fares, and he called for public comment. Mr. Sterling Branscum, owner of Super Cab Company, said the current taxicab rates are $1.50 per mile and $1.50 "flag drop" (initial fee). Under the rate proposed by staff, the per mile rate would stay the same while the flag drop would increase to $2.00 and there would be a $1.00 fee for each additional passenger. He said the drivers are proposing that the flag drop be increased by 25 cents with a 25 -cent increase per mile. He said they do not agree with the proposed $1.00 per extra passenger rate. Mr. Branscum said the cab drivers have not had a cost -of -living increase in the last four years and they need a raise. City Manager Garcia said the Police Department is responsible for overseeing the taxicabs. He said the local cab companies requested a review of the ordinance and suggested changes to the fees. Consequently, staff conducted a survey of other major Texas cities and their recommendation would keep Corpus Christi's rates in the middle of the other cities' rates. Council Member Garrett expressed concern about the extra passenger fee, and Mr. Garcia said if the Council wished, staff Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 19 would delete that fee from their proposal. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Branscum said the cab drivers' proposal for the per -mile increase will help them. Mr. Garcia said the $1.00 per -passenger fee was not part of staff's initial recommendation but was a compromise reached after discussions with the cab drivers. He said staff believes the mileage rate should stay the same as it currently is, while the flag drop should increase 50 cents to $2.00. Council Member Kinnison pointed out that currently the ordinance provides for a 50 cent surcharge per fare collected from one or more persons (not to exceed five people) who are picked up at the airport. He said he thought the cab drivers' proposal would result in much higher fares. Mr. Bob Bray, a driver with Super Cab Company, discussed the financial difficulties faced by cab drivers, as well as the strict requirements they must adhere to. He said they represent the city and should be compensated fairly. In reply to Council Member John Longoria, Assistant Police Chief Ken Bung briefly described the process staff used to arrive at their recommendation, adding that they felt it was reasonable. A discussion followed about specific cab fares. Mr. Bray of Super Cab reiterated the cab drivers' need for a raise. Dr. Gonzales made a motion to amend the ordinance to incorporate the cab drivers' recommendation of an increase of 25 cents per mile and 25 cents in the flag drop; seconded by Mr. Colmenero. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council and the motion failed to pass by the following vote: Colmenero, Cooper, Gonzales, and B. Longoria voting "Aye"; Neal, Garrett, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "No." Mayor Neal made a motion to amend the ordinance to raise the flag drop charge to $2.50 and leave the other rates the same; seconded by Mr. Longoria. Mr. Garcia said if the Council adopts that amendment, the largest impact will be on the one-half and one -mile trips, thereby raising the city's rates above that of other cities. Mr. Branscum said the flag drop increase will benefit the drivers with several calls per day but not the drivers who only make four or five calls per day (such as those who work at the airport or the downtown hotels). He reiterated the drivers' request of a 25 cent increase in the flag drop and a 25 cent increase in the per -mile rate. He added that he was not included in the cab owners' proposal so he helped the drivers organize a petition to submit to the city. Mayor Neal withdrew his motion and said he would change his vote on Dr. Gonzales' motion, thereby allowing the Council to reconsider Dr. Gonzales' motion. Mr. Garrett said he wished to change his vote as well. Mr. Chapa polled the Council on the motion to amend to an increase of 25 cents per mile and 25 cents in the flag drop. The motion to amend passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, and B. Longoria voting "Aye"; Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "No." Mr. Chapa then polled the Council on the amended ordinance: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 20 21. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 57, Vehicles for Hire, Section 57-135, Fares --Amounts, to increase taxicab fares to $1.75 for the first one-fifth mile and thirty-five cents for each succeeding one-fifth mile; providing for penalties. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading, as amended, by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, and B. Longoria voting "Aye"; Kinnison, J. Longoria and Scott voting "No." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22, TCI franchise extension. Council Member Colmenero said that in the course of the negotiations, he wanted the cable company to address the issue of DMX musical channel selections to include ethnic selections, and the exclusion of the LPTV channel from the roster. City Attorney Bray said the city can address broad parameters of programming, not individual programs. He said they have looked at the low-power issue but they will follow federal legislation. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 22.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024279 Granting to TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc. an acceptance of an agreement relating to the cable television franchise granted in Ordinance No. 16133, as amended, to extend said franchise for six months in consideration of TCI providing a franchise fee payment to City of five percent and based upon consideration of requirements relating to the transfer of the franchise to Texas Cable Partners, L.P. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett absent. 22.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024280 Authorizing the transfer of a cable television franchise from TCI Cablevision of Texas, Inc. to Texas Cable Partners, L.P., subject to requirements. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 25, grant timetable. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 21 25.a. M2000-405 Motion adopting the timetable for the FY2001 Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan that is the planning and application process for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) programs. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Garrett absent. 25.b. M2000-406 Motion reaffirming Community Development Block Grant Program objectives and guidelines as previously adopted by the City Council on March 22, 1994 by Ordinance No. 021901. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Garrett absent. Mayor Neal said he wished to defer Items 24 and 26 to next week's meeting. 24. POSTPONED of light, hcat, and powcr. 26. POSTPONED Resolution adopting thc City of Corpus Christi 's Legislative Program for thc seventy seventh session of thc Texas Legislature. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal announced the executive sessions, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding the following: Item 27 - enforcement of agreement with Calallen Independent School District (approved by City Council Motion No. M98-162 on May 12, 1998), with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session; Item 28 - legal ramifications of the conversion of Nueces County Rural Fire District No. 1 to a Nueces County Emergency Services District No. 1, with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session; and Item 29 - claims arising from water infiltration into City Hall and consequential effects thereof, with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session. The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting November 14, 2000 Page 22 Mayor Neal made the following motion, which was seconded by Dr. Gonzales: 29. M2000-407 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an employment agreement with the law firm of Hunter and Handel to provide legal services to the City of Corpus Christi in connection with claims related to conditions created by city building water infiltration at the rate of $150 per hour. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kinnison and J. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Responding to a question from Mrs. Longoria, the Mayor said there will be a presentation at the next meeting regarding the Nueces County Rural Fire District No. 1. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 6:53 p.m. on November 14, 2000. * * * * * * * * * * * * *