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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 12/19/2000I 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 December 19, 2000, which were approved by the City Council on January 9, 2001. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 9th day of January, 2001. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting December 19, 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 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. Ed Seeger, Metro Ministries, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Colmenero. 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 December 12, 2000. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was the quarterly update on the Crime Control and Prevention District and the directed patrol program. Police Commander Bryan Smith, Coordinator of the Crime Control District, said the district is on track with a variety of initiatives, including 40 police officers who are paid for with district funds and a successful property recovery unit. *Council Member Scott arrived at 12:10 p.m. Cmdr. Smith explained that there are 17 Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs), which are based on the geographic boundaries of Corpus Christi area middle schools (there are separate CACs for Flour Bluff and Padre Island). He described methods used to communicate CAC meeting times and locations, including fliers on doors and the telephone dial -down system, which uses 72 phone lines to notify 3,500 residents with a 30 -second message. Cmdr. Smith said there are seven directed patrol officers on the street who bring the philosophy of community policing to the neighborhood level. He said that with the help of citizens, they ascertain what problems exist in the neighborhoods and formulate appropriate solutions. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 2 Cmdr. Smith said the most visible example of the directed patrol officers' work has been their efforts to evict people from uninhabitable dwellings, thereby reducing continuing occurrences of criminal activity, such as drug use and prostitution. He said the officers have also been involved with moving legal residents out of substandard housing and trying to find them better housing. As a result, the officers are moving away from "old school" policing methods and learning to work with other city departments and social service agencies to attack the underlying causes of criminal activity rather than just the symptoms of it. Cmdr. Smith then showed a video of news stories that highlight the efforts and successes of the directed patrol program. Cmdr. Smith then responded to Council members' questions. He discussed the CAC meetings; the positive impact on the neighborhoods of cleaning up and repairing dilapidated homes; and the way that directed patrol officers carry out the philosophy of community oriented policing. City Manager Garcia pointed out that the directed patrol officers are involved in more proactive policing --they are trying to reduce the number of calls that the beat officers have to respond to. However, the daily call load still has to be responded to in a rapid and effective way. Cmdr. Smith said he could not say at this time whether more directed patrol officers will be needed in the future. Council members commented on the need to train the CAC members and the success of the programs. Cmdr. Smith also discussed the process involved in enforcing code violations for substandard housing. ************* The second presentation was an update on the status of the reengineering efforts in the water and wastewater departments. In his computer presentation, Mr. Ron Massey, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said that two commitments were made on October 12, 1999: pursue a reengineering effort for water and wastewater and adopt a plan to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for contract operations and maintenance for selected system components. He explained that reengineering focuses on three basic areas: providing for employee development and compensation, reducing costs, and establishing a "springboard" for city-wide improvements. In the first area of employee development, Mr. Massey said they are working within the confines of the current compensation plan on the following issues: shift differential pay; more formal in-house training; continuing as a regional utility training facility; more use of flexible schedules; and the increased use of skill -based pay. He said a new compensation plan could provide classification changes, competitive wages, and employee gain -sharing. With regard to the second area of reducing costs, he said that less than 50% of all expenditures are directly controlled by the department, and the costs that are controlled are flat or are decreasing. He further described the debt service, fees and charges, and controllable costs of the water and wastewater departments. He said initial reengineering efforts are focused on departmentally managed expenditures. He noted that actual expenses for FY99-00 were $11.9 million for water and $12.7 million for wastewater, while the estimated expenses for FY00-01 are $12.1 million for water and $11.4 million for wastewater. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 3 Mr. Massey said that in a presentation to the Council on July 20, 1999, United Water suggested that by contracting out the operation of the utility, an annual savings of approximately $12 million could be achieved. He pointed out that the actual costs for the current year will achieve about 70% of United Water's estimated savings. One area of cost savings is salaries, which has been reduced $1.4 million by basing the staffing on a continuous workload rather than on peak conditions and partnering with other companies when conditions warrant that. Mr. Massey stated that future operation and maintenance costs will be further reduced by capital projects that are currently underway. Wastewater projects include SCADA, inflow and infiltration reduction, closing and diverting flows from the Broadway Wastewater Treatment Plant, and upgrading the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant. The water projects include SCADA, upgrade of the O.N. Stevens Treatment Plant, the Southside transmission main, and the consolidation of two pumping plants into one. Mr. Massey said the third area of establishing a "springboard" for city-wide improvements involves: city-wide work management; increasing local and small business procurement; job training; a small business "umbrella"; and a city-wide compensation study. The Assistant City Manager then discussed the contracting process. He reviewed a suggested time line as follows: January -April 2001, select a consultant to help develop the RFP; May - November 2001, develop and issue an RFP to operate the plants; December 2001 -April 2002, evaluate responses to the RFP; and May -August 2002, select the best option. Mr. Massey noted that out of the 70 largest cities in the United States (of which Corpus Christi is No. 64), only seven have contracted out their entire water or wastewater system, and none have contracted out both utilities. Consequently, he said, this is uncharted territory and care must be exercised to ensure that service levels do not decrease. Mr. Massey said the RFP must include a draft contract with the following provisions: scope of services, contract term and termination, contractor compensation issues, capital improvements, and employee issues. He said the RFP process will cost at least $1 million, which will initially be paid for by the city. He noted that the city will continue to streamline the water and wastewater departments, while the question remains about selecting a consultant to help develop the RFP. Mr. Massey responded to Council members' questions regarding employee compensation and development; factors affecting water and wastewater rates; employees' reactions to the reengineering effort; differential pay and salary ranges; EMA report; and revenue and expense comparisons. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Foster Crowell, Wastewater Superintendent, said they do not yet know what the optimal number of employees should be because the study of the compensation plan is not completed. The Mayor said that based on the discussion, the Council would like staff to continue the reengineering effort; however, the Council will need to make a decision in about three months as they prepare for the next budget year. He then called for a brief recess. ************* Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 4 Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria noted that several citizens in the audience were former city employees who were interested in the upcoming discussion regarding the city's health insurance. As chairperson of the Council's Administrative Analysis Committee, Mrs. Longoria said the committee members heard presentations by staff regarding the health insurance plan. She said she wanted to make it clear that staff's presentation is not a recommendation of the Administrative Analysis Committee. Mr. Cefe Valenzuela, 4958 High Meadow, said he was speaking on behalf of several retired city employees. He said some retirees have to take several kinds of medications and the costs have increased so much that some have had to drop their insurance. He said they gave the best years of their lives to the city, thinking they would be protected when they retired. He said they were only asking for fair treatment. Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton St., said he had a copy of a letter from Cooper Advertising stating that the bus benches located in the state rights-of-way will be left in place even after their advertising is removed. He said the Council needs to uphold state laws. He also referred to regulations in the Transportation Code. Mr. Phil Rosenstein said many senior citizens appreciated receiving free flu shots from the City/County Health Department. He also said the senior centers provide many important activities for elderly people. He thanked Senior Community Services and the Park and Recreation Department for the Christmas dinner provided to senior citizens. Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, disagreed with Senator Carlos Truan's proposal to increase the number of board members on the Port of Corpus Christi Authority. Mr. Gene Guernsey, 14302 Cruiser, said this year the Council and staff have instituted many positive programs, including "Cash for Trash," bond initiatives, and efforts on Padre Island. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The third presentation was regarding the city's health insurance program. City Manager Garcia said that in an effort to control costs, the city employed an actuary to evaluate the city's health care program and to make funding recommendations. He said staff presented the actuary's report to the Administrative Analysis Committee and the police and firefighters associations. Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Director of Financial Services, explained that the city has four health insurance plans: Citicare, which constitutes the vast majority of non-swom employees and retirees; Citicare Q -Plus, which covers a small number of employees; Citicare Fire; and Public Safety Citicare (for sworn police employees). Mr. Cruz-Aedo said that in the first quarter of FY00-01, the Citicare plan ended up with a deficit of $171,683, which was much better than the $557,031 deficit for the first quarter of FY99-00. First-quarter comparisons for Citicare Fire were an ending balance of $51,556 for FY00-01 versus $153,254 for FY99-00; and in Public Safety Citicare there was a deficit of approximately $32,000 for the first quarters of both fiscal years. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 5 Mr. Cruz-Aedo also reviewed the combined monthly premiums for employees and retirees in the four insurance plans (figures do not include costs for dependents): Citicare, $194.32; Citicare Q -Plus, $383.89; Citicare Fire, $160.52; and Public Safety Citicare, $216.62. The employees' cost on a biweekly basis is: Citicare, $10.00; Citicare Q -Plus, $97.49; Citicare Fire, $5.75; and Public Safety Citicare, $0. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said the actuarial report recommended the following premium increases on the basis of continuing to combine the active and retired employees: Citicare and Citicare Q -Plus, 13.35%; Citicare Fire, 21.91%; and Public Safety Citicare, 11.77%. If the active and retired employees were separated, the actuary's recommended increases would be as follows: Citicare and Citicare Q -Plus, 4.27% for active and 84.88% for retired; Citicare Fire, 16.4% for active and 60.77% for retired; and Public Safety Citicare, 0% for active and 227.29% for retired. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said staff reviewed the actuary's report with the city's insurance broker and third party administrator to develop ways to control costs in the future. On November 1, 2000 they administratively implemented the following cost -control measures, which he explained: pre - certifications, discharge planning, diabetic care training, and a new pharmacy agreement. He said with those measures in place, staff predicts the actuary's recommended premium increases can be reduced by 6% to yield the following increases for the combination of active and retired employees: Citicare and Citicare Q -Plus, 7.35%; Citicare Fire, 15.91%, and Public Safety Citicare, 5.77%. Separating the active and retired employees resulted in the following premium increases (with the cost -control measures in place): Citicare and Citicare Q -Plus, 0% for active and 78.88% for retired; Citicare Fire, 10.4% for active and 54.77% for retired; and Public Safety Citicare, 0% for active and 221.29% for retired. Taking into consideration the possible Large increase in retirees' rates, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said staff is suggesting that a separate retiree plan be developed under the Citicare umbrella, similar to police and fire, while continuing to monitor the program and evaluate plan changes. Responding to Council Member Gonzales, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said staff is asking the Council for permission to design several alternatives for a "Citicare-Retirees" program. City Manager Garcia said there are several options available to control costs, such as to reduce benefits, increase deductibles and limit available services. However, if no changes are made to the health care plan, staff is anticipating a substantial rate increase for all employees next year plus a cost to the city of over $1 million. He said staff asked the actuary why the city is facing those cost increases, and the answer given was because of the claims made by retirees. Mr. Garcia said the actuary pointed out that the retirees pay a very low premium compared to their usage. In response to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said that a Citicare-Retirees plan would involve a rate adjustment as well as a modification to the program. He said staff plans to have options ready for Council consideration in late January or early February. Mr. Kinnison expressed concern about a lack of time to further discuss this issue before the new health care plan goes into effect on March 1, 2001. Mr. Garcia added that staff can design a program that has no rate increase. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 6 Mayor Neal said since the cost of hospitalization is fixed, the cost of prescriptions and physician charges must be what is driving the need for a rate increase. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said there are several factors to consider, including utilization. The Mayor added that the Council needs to consider the options soon and Mr. Cruz-Aedo said they will present them during the last meeting in January. Responding to Council Member Betty Jean Longoria, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said that establishing a separate Citicare-Retirees plan is one of the options that staff plans to bring back to the Council. Council Member Garrett said he would not support a separate retirees' plan. He said that when the last premium increase was implemented on August 1, 2000, staff said there would not be another premium increase for two years. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said he would never guarantee that there will not be any rate increases because the insurance industry is changing so quickly. He said the city's agreement with Spolm does guarantee the rate structure for medical treatment for another two years but it does not protect the city from increased utilization. Mr. Garcia said since the city is self-insured, the Council and staff are the custodians of the program and they have a responsibility to balance the claims with the premiums. He said right now the city's program is holding its own but the insurance industry is very volatile. For example, a new cancer treatment has just been approved that will cost $500,000 each and staff has been told that the city can expect to have two or three employees utilize that treatment per year. He said the actuary evaluated the city's program and determined what it will take to have adequate reserves to sustain the program over time. Mr. Cruz-Aedo pointed out that the police and fire plans still need to be negotiated with those associations. Council Member Scott commented on the difficult decisions the Council made in February when they first considered changes to the insurance plan, and as a result he is questioning staff's figures and projections. Dr. Gonzales said the city does not pay for any of the retirees' premiums and he said he cannot envision what kind of plan the retirees will have. He also discussed the way the presentation was made by staff to the Administrative Analysis Committee, adding that this information needs to be brought to the whole Council first. Mr. Garcia said staff can do that if the Council wished. Council Member John Longoria, a member of the Administrative Analysis Committee, said that after hearing staffs presentation, the committee recognized the need for the whole Council to hear the report. He asked how staff communicates insurance information to active and retired employees. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said that staff plans to develop a formal means of communication with employees. Following a brief discussion, the Council suggested that regular workshop sessions be held with the whole Council to discuss the insurance plan. Council Members Kinnison and Colmenero suggested that the full Council also receive monthly reports on the health care plan. Mr. Colmenero added that the Council also needs to see the pharmacy agreement as well as the original contract. Dr. Gonzales suggested that a hotline be established so employees can receive answers to their insurance questions. Mayor Neal discussed the city's self-insured status, adding that if the city was a true Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 7 insurance carrier, it would have already brought back a huge rate increase. He said that yesterday he was in the office of a large local employer with more employees than the city and that employer was looking at a 70% increase in his premiums. He said health care increases are rampant today. However, the benefits the city provides have to be equal to the premiums it receives. As the custodians of the program, the Council will need to receive pertinent information every quarter. Mr. Garrett made a motion to not separate the retirees from the active employees' insurance plan. The motion was seconded by Dr. Gonzales. A hand vote was called for and the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Neal said the Council needs to know actuarially what has to be done to keep the existing insurance plan affordable. Mr. Garcia said that in the past staff presented a series of administrative options to the Administrative Analysis Committee for their consideration. He said now the Council is directing staff to treat the whole Council as the plan trustees and to proceed in that manner. Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal deviated from the regular agenda and opened discussion on Item 37, wetlands interpretive project. City Secretary Chapa stated that Council Member Scott would abstain from discussing or voting on Item 37. Assistant City Manager Tom Utter explained that the city would be purchasing two adjacent 18 -acre tracts by the Rincon Channel for the creation of a wetlands interpretive project. He said the Texas State Aquarium (TSA) will take those two observation areas and use them as part of their outdoor classroom in connection with the constructed marsh area at the aquarium. Mr. Ray Allen, Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program, commented on the number of partners who are participating in this project as well as the many educational benefits. Mr. Tom Schmid, TSA Executive Director, thanked the city, Mr. Allen and his organization and the Coastal Coordination Council for their participation. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Utter said this project and the beach restoration project on the day's agenda (Item 36) total about $2.2 million. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 37.a. M2000-463 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant of $85,000 from the Coastal Coordination Council for the construction of wetlands interpretive overlooks on the southern half of Tract D, Brooklyn Addition, and at Corpus Christi Beach Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 8 37.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024323 Ordinance appropriating $85,000 from the Coastal Coordination Council in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for the construction of wetlands interpretive overlooks on the southern half of Tract D, Brooklyn Addition, and at Corpus Christi Beach Park. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. 37.c. M2000-464 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to purchase the southern half of Tract D, Brooklyn Addition, Corpus Christi, Texas from Betty Jenkins for $99,000 of which $85,000 is from Fund No. 5610 and the remaining $14,000 considered a gift donation from Betty Jenkins. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. 37.d. M2000-465 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant of $85,000 from the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program for the purchase of the northern half of Tract D (18 acres), Brooklyn Addition. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. 37.e. ORDINANCE NO. 024324 Ordinance appropriating $85,000 from the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for the purchase of the northern half of Tract D, Brooklyn Addition. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. 37.f. M2000-466 Motion authorizing the City to purchase the northern half of Tract D, Brooklyn Addition, Corpus Christi, Texas from Betty Jenkins for $117,000 of which $85,000 is from Fund No. 5610 and the remaining $32,000 considered a gift donation from Betty Jenkins. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 9 Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 33, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on proposed amendments to the Northwest Area Development Plan (NWADP). Mr. Michael Gunning, Director of Planning and Development, commented on the need to begin planning now for large road facilities as well as small changes that will be made to the plan's text prior to second reading. Mayor Neal called for comments from the audience. Mr. Steve Wadell, Superintendent of the Tuloso-Midway Independent School District, spoke in support of the proposed plan. He said he and others are very concerned about a number of issues related to growth --including the type of growth --in northwest Corpus Christi that have to be resolved. He said they are pleased with the input they have been able to provide to the plan. Mr. Neal Amsler, a member of the Planning Commission, said the northwest area will probably have the greatest amount of growth over the long term. He complimented staff for their efforts in preparing this plan. Council Member Betty Jean Longoria asked the members of the northwest planning group to remain aware of future capital needs in that area, particularly around the new schools that will be built. She said the city also needs the county's support in developing alternative routes to FM 624. Nueces County Commissioner Frank Schwing said he recently had a meeting with the county engineer and he informed the Council that County Road 52 is very close to being built. He said he understands that the Texas Department of Transportation has an overpass plan for both County Roads 52 and 48. He said the Commissioners Court is currently buying easement related to CR 48. Mrs. Longoria said eventually the road will need to be widened beyond a county road section. Mr. William Kelly, also a member of the Planning Commission, said staff has been very responsive to the wishes of citizens in the northwest about a variety of issues. Dr. Gonzales made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mrs. Longoria, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 33. FIRST READING ORDINANCF Ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi ("the City") by adopting the revised Northwest Area Development Plan for the area generally bounded by the City's extratemtonal jurisdiction (ETJ) to the west, the Nueces River on the north, Rand Morgan Road on the east, and State Highway 44 and Robstown city limits on the south; establishing the City's policies for growth and development of the area to assure the most appropriate and beneficial use of land, water and other natural resources, consistent with the public interest; rescinding the Northwest Area Development Plan adopted by the City Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 10 Council by Ordinance No. 20428, August 16, 1988 and the portion of the Port/Airport/Violet Area Development Plan covering the area located west of Rand Morgan Road and north of State Highway 44 adopted by City Council Resolution No. 21490 and amended by Ordinance No. 022166, September 22, 1995. 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 called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 5-32). City Secretary Chapa stated that Item 22 had been withdrawn and that Council Member Scott would be abstaining from discussing or voting on Item 15. Council members requested that Items 18 and 24 be discussed. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 5. M2000-439 Motion approving the purchase of two vacuum trucks and one line jetting truck from the Houston -Galveston Area Council of Government (HGAC), for the total amount of $471,406.35. The award is based on the cooperative purchasing agreement with HGAC. The equipment will be used by the Storm Water and Wastewater Departments. Funds are available through the FY 00-01 Capital Budget. The vacuum trucks are replacements. The line jetting truck is an addition to the fleet. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 6. M2000-440 Motion approving a supply agreement with Ferguson Enterprise, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas for approximately 2,974 ductile iron mechanical joint, flanged and swivel fittings and approximately 5,100 related accessories in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0023-01, based on total low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $27,641.53. The term of the contract is for twelve months with options to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods, subject to the approval of the contractor and the City Manager or his designee. These items are purchased into the Warehouse Inventory and charged out to the Water and Wastewater Departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 7. M2000-441 Motion approving a supply agreement for black and galvanized pipe fittings in accordance Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 11 with Bid Invitation No. BI -0034-01 from Priester Supply Company, Corpus Christi, Texas based on total low bid for an estimated annual amount of $28,119.99. The fittings will be stocked by the Warehouse and distributed to the Gas and Water Departments. The term of the contract is for twelve months with options to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods, subject to the approval of the vendor and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by the using departments 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. M2000-442 Motion approving a supply agreement with U.S. Filter, Corpus Christi, Texas for approximately 1,201 service saddles, ranging in size from' inch to 12 inch, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0028-01 based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $21,990.02. The term of the supply agreement will be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by the using departments 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." 9. M2000-443 Motion approving supply agreements with the following companies for the following amounts in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0008-01, for approximately 2,095 gas service regulators based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $35,401. The term of the agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve month periods, subject to the approval of the suppliers and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by the Gas Department in FY00-01: National Meter, Inc. Schlumberger RMS Fisher Controls Grand Total: Lancaster. OH Owenton. KY c/o Puffer Sweiven $35,401 Corpus Christi. TX Bid Item: 1 Bid Item: 2 Bid Item: 3 Total: $25,900 Total: $6,600 Total: $2,901 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 10. M2000-444 Motion approving the purchase of 7,800 feet of 16" coated and wrapped steel pipe in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0063-01 from Pipe Exchange, Inc., Houston, Texas, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 12 based on low bid for a total of $149,292. The pipe will be used by the Gas Department. Funds have been budgeted by the Gas Department in FY 00-01. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 11. M2000-445 Motion approving a supply agreement with Bay Chemical & Supply Company, Odem, Texas for approximately 6,400 tons of liquid aluminum sulfate in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0044-01 based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $296,320. The term of the contract is for twelve months with options to extend for up to two additional twelve- month periods, subject to the approval of the contractor and the City Manager or his designee. This chemical will be used by the Water Department for treatment of our water supply. 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." 12. M2000-446 Motion approving a supply agreement for an estimated 1,506 cases of white copy paper and 134 cases of colored copy paper in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0022-01 with FasClampitt, Corpus Christi, Texas for an estimated six-month expenditure of $44,266.45 based on low bid. The term of the contract is for six months with options to extend for up to four additional six-month periods, subject to the approval of the contractor and the City Manager or his designee. The paper is used by various City departments. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 13.a. M2000-447 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract in the amount of $356,333 with Rabalais I & E Constructors for rendering services associated with the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant On -Going Instrumentation Maintenance Program, FY 00-01. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 13.b. M2000-448 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $14,454 to the engineering contract with BHP Engineering & Construction Inc. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 13 for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant on-going instrumentation maintenance program, FY 00-01. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 14. M2000-449 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 3 with Applied Earth Sciences Inc. in the amount of $2,827 to exceed $16,667 for TNRCC Final Site Closure of the former Crockett Oil Gasateria (1823 Chaparral Street). The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 15. M2000-450 Motion authorizing the acquisition of Parcel 1, a 9.853 -acre tract of land located on Navigation Boulevard, south of and adjacent to the Savage Lane Water Pumping Plant, out of Lot 11, Block 3, Navigation Industrial Park, Section 2, from the owners of Ear, Nose and Throat Pension Plan, for $120,000 in connection with the Savage Lane Pumping Plant Clearwell Replacement project and for other municipal purposes. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and J. Longoria voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining. 16.a. M2000-451 Motion approving the application from the Buccaneer Commission Inc. to temporarily close the southbound leg of Shoreline Boulevard between Interstate 37 and People Street beginning at 5:00 a.m., December 26, 2000, and ending at 12:00 midnight, January 3, 2001, to conduct the "Millennium Carnival" festivities. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 16.b. M2000-452 Motion pursuant to Chapter 49 (Streets and Sidewalks), Division 2 (Temporary Closure of Streets), Section 49-17 (Conditions and Requirements for Permits), paragraph (a) to allow the applicant for the Millennium Carnival event to charge an admittance fee of $1.00 for all persons attending the carnival. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 14 Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 17. ORDINANCE NO. 024309 Ordinance appropriating $1,995 from Clear Source in the No. 1020 General Fund for the Leopard Street Fiber Optic Conduit Project; amending Ordinance No. 024130 which adopted the FY00-01 Budget to increase appropriations by $1,995 in the No. 1020 General Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 19.a. M2000-454 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Attachment No. 01 to Contract No. 7460005741-2002 with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $87,979 for tuberculosis prevention and control and expanded outreach services. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 19.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024310 Ordinance appropriating a grant from the Texas Department of Health in the amount of $87,979 for tuberculosis prevention and control and expanded outreach services in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 20. RESOLUTION NO. 024311 Resolution authorizing condemnation proceedings by the City to condemn fee simple title to a strip of land out of Lot 22, Block 2, Edgewater Terrace, located on Ennis Joslin Road, south of Carson Drive, from the owners, Cynthia Riddick Marmolejo and William McDonald Riddick, Co -Trustees of the Warren Pretlow Riddick Tejas Trust and Patricia Swann Riddick Tejas Trust; Warren Pretlow Riddick and Patricia Swann Riddick, Co -Trustees of the Cynthia Riddick Marmolejo Tejas Trust and the William McDonald Riddick Tejas Trust, to construct street and utility improvements as part of the Spur 3, Phase 2 Street Improvements project and for other municipal purposes. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 15 21. RESOLUTION NO. 024312 Resolution authorizing condemnation proceedings by the City to condemn fee simple title to a strip of land out of Lot 23A, Block 2, Edgewater Terrace, located on Ennis Joslin Road, south of Carson Drive, from the owners, John L. Johnson and wife, Janet Johnson, to construct street and utility improvements as part of the Spur 3, Phase 2 Street Improvements project and for other municipal purposes. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 22. WITHDRAWN 23. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Lease No. DTFA07-98-L-01153 with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) providing for the establishment of applicable easements and rights-of-way necessary for the installation of water, wastewater, electric, and natural gas utility lines, utility service lines, and power/control cable routes in support of Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) operations at Corpus Christi International Airport; and providing for FAA ownership and maintenance of all installed water, wastewater and natural gas utility lines in consideration of the FAA operating the ATCT. 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." 25. RESOLUTION NO. 024314 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the amount of $68,331 to the State of Texas, Criminal Justice Division for funding available under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 16 26. RESOLUTION NO. 024315 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the amount of $72,847 to the State of Texas, Criminal Justice Division for funding available under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Fund. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 27.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024316 Resolution amending Resolution No. 024074 which approved the FY00-01 Crime Control and Prevention District budget, to increase appropriations by $85,765 in the No. 9010 Crime Control and Prevention District Fund for a video imaging system. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 27.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024317 Ordinance appropriating $85,765 from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the No. 9010-11717 Crime Control and Prevention District Fund for the purchase of a video imaging system. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 27.c. M2000-455 Motion approving the purchase of TIPS (Tiburon's Imaging for Public Safety -Video Imaging System) from Tiburon Inc. for the total amount of $55,762. The award is based on sole source and will be used by the Police Department. Funds are provided through the Crime Control and Prevention District. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 27.d. M2000-456 Motion approving the purchase of computer hardware and software from Sequel Data Systems Inc. for the total amount of $17,157 based on the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the General Services Commission. Funds are provided through the Crime Control and Prevention District. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 17 Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 28.a. M2000-457 Motion accepting a restricted $15,000 donation from the Blanche Moore Foundation for the Corpus Christi Magic Blanche Moore Baseball Team. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 28.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024318 Ordinance appropriating $15,000 from the Blanche Moore Foundation in the No. 6010 Trust Fund -Youth Sports to fund the Corpus Christi Magic Blanche Moore Baseball Team; amending the FY00-01 Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 024130, to increase appropriations by $15,000 in the No. 6010 Trust Fund -Youth Sports. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 29. M2000-458 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Texas A&M University -Kingsville in the amount of $30,000 to research prefabricated end -of -pipe debris collection and removal systems that could be installed at one of the storm water outfalls to determine the effectiveness of this management practice. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 30. ORDINANCE NO. 024308 Ordinance granting a one-year franchise extension to Central Power and Light Company for provision of light, heat and power. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 31. ORDINANCE NO. 024319 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a fifteen -year lease agreement with Buccaneer Little League to sublease the Clara Driscoll Field from the City and in consideration of Buccaneer Little League maintaining the premises and improvements and operating its baseball program. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 18 The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 32. ORDINANCE NO. 024320 Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 240 -square foot portion of a 10 -foot wide utility easement out of Lot 5, Block 3, South Sea Islands Subdivision; requiring the owner, David Kapavik, to comply with the specified conditions and replat the property within 180 days at owner's expense. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 18, utilities rate study. Responding to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said the industry standard is to have a formal rate review about every five years; the last study was conducted in 1996. He said staff wanted to have a universal model rather than having three separate models. Mr. Garcia added that stormwater was included because the stormwater financial structure (debt load, cost of service and other issues) is an important part of the water rate and it is essential to have an understanding of its operating costs, regardless of whether a separate stormwater utility is eventually established. In response to Council Member John Longoria, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said this company is not the same one that conducted the study in 1996. Council Member Gonzales asked about a stormwater utility. Mr. Reining responded that there is a separate provision in the Local Government Code for stormwater utilities that are different from districts. Dr. Gonzales said the Council has not directed staff to look into the formation of a district. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 18. M2000-453 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with DMG Maximus to perform a water, wastewater, natural gas and new stormwater rate study for a fee not to exceed $89,700. 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 24, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant. Responding to Mr. Longoria, Assistant City Manager Jorge Garza, Interim Director of Aviation, said this is a four-year grant and for the first two years the city received approximately $3.2 million. Consequently, staff estimated half of that for the current year but it came in at twice the amount. He Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 19 said they will use that money before they use the bond monies to pay for the terminal construction. Mr. Garcia said when the terminal was originally designed, the funds were very tight and staff economized in many areas. Since then there has been an increase in the passenger facility charge and this additional money allows for even more flexibility. He said staff will present options on what to do with the additional funding to the Airport Board and the Council. Mr. Garrett asked how citizens are reacting to the construction, and Mr. Garza said overall they are reacting very well. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 24. ORDINANCE NO. 024313 Ordinance appropriating $3,118,294 from Federal Aviation Administration Grant No. 3-48- 0051-28-00 in the No. 3020 Airport Capital Improvement Fund to modify the terminal building. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; B. Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 34, Cafeteria Plan administration. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 34. M2000-459 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a four-year contract with Ceridian Company to administer the City's Section 125 Cafeteria Plan at estimated annual costs of $13,372 Year One; $13,372 Year Two; $13,719 Year Three; and $14,077 Year Four. The foregoingmotion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 35, tax-deferred 457 plan. Referring to Item 34, Mr. Longoria noted that the recommended proposal is well below the current cost. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said staff was comfortable with the review of the proposals. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 35.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024321 Resolution authorizing adoption of the tax-deferred 457 plan with American General Financial Group for sworn officers of the Police Department. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 20 The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 35.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024322 Resolution authorizing the Director of Financial Services to act on behalf of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas as the Plan Administrator with American General Financial Group for the tax-deferred 457 plan for sworn officers of the Police Department. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 35.c. M2000-460 Motion authorizing the operation and maintenance of a trust account for management of the American General Financial Group's account for a tax-deferred 457 plan for the sworn officers of the Police Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 36, nourishment of Corpus Christi Beach. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Utter said the beach has eroded so much that some of the playground equipment is in the water. This project will add about 150 feet of additional beach. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 36.a. M2000-461 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract for the nourishment of Corpus Christi Beach with Phoenix Demolition in an amount not to exceed $1,002,500. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." 36.b. M2000-462 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to authorize the award of Additive Alternates 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in an amount not to exceed $448,000, with the award subject to receipt of additional grant funding from the General Land Office and appropriation by the Council. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 21 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye." * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 38, speed limit reduction on Staples Street. Mr. David Seiler, Traffic Engineer, said this is a recommendation that has been forwarded to the city from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). Referring to a map of the area, he said that section of Staples Street (FM 2444) is within the city limits and as such, TXDOT has jurisdiction over performing the speed limit studies and assigning the speed limits subject to the approval of the City Council. He noted that on April 25, 2000, the Council passed a resolution expressing the city's interest in improving traffic safety along Staples Street between Saratoga Boulevard and the south city limits by encouraging the implementation of available short- and longer- term measures by TXDOT. Mr. Seiler said staff has met with residents from subdivisions in the area, including King Estates and Country Creek, about the speed limit issue. He said staff has been concerned not only about the speed limit in that area but also on Staples Street between Oso Creek and Saratoga Boulevard, which is 55 miles per hour. He noted that traffic signals will be added in 2001 at the intersections of Staples and Timbergate and Staples and Lipes as a result of the approved bond program. He described the use of the 85th percentile method for determining speed limits, accident history and planned improvements on that roadway section. Council Member Kinnison commented that the installation of traffic signals there should help slow the travel speeds and the planned TXDOT projects will help in the long term. Council Member Garrett asked if the Council could request that the speed limit also be reduced from King Trail to County Road 41 (south city limits) Mr. Seiler said city staff and the TXDOT District Engineer in Corpus Christi concurred in their original recommendation that the speed limit be reduced to 50 miles per hour all the way to the south city limits. However, upon reviewing the traffic accident experience and the prevailing travel speeds, the TXDOT Austin office could not support a speed limit reduction between King Trail and the south city limits. Mr. Garrett commented on the dangerous nature of the curve before King Trail, and Mr. Seiler said there is a 45 MPH advisory for the curve. He added that many of the residents there are concerned about people who travel well in excess of the posted speed limit. Council Member Gonzales expressed concern about maintaining the 55 MPH speed limit from King Trail to the south city limits and he suggested that the city challenge the state's decision on that issue. Mr. Massey pointed out that the speed limit in that section used to be higher and the state lowered it last year. He added that adopting the state's current recommendation to lower the speed limit further up on Staples Street will help decrease the travel speeds, thereby providing a possible justification in the future for lowering the speed in the desired area. Mayor Neal called for public comment and there was none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 22 38. ORDINANCE NO. 024325 Ordinance amending the City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53, Traffic Section, Section 53- 254, Schedule V, Increase of State Speed Limit in Certain Zones, by revising the speed limit on Staples Street (FM 2444) from 55 MPH to 50 MPH as follows and providing for penalties: From a point 75 feet south of Timbergate Drive centerline to a point 250 feet north of King Trail Drive -- 50 MPH -- at all times. 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 suggested that staff prepare a resolution to bring back to the Council asking that the state reconsider lowering the speed limit from King Trail to the south city limits. There were no objections from the Council. Mr. Longoria said more traffic enforcement is needed in that area. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 39, governmental relations services. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 39. M2000-467 Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and Meyers & Associates for governmental relations services. 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 40, participation in the reinvestment zone. City Secretary Chapa said Council Members Garrett and Gonzales would be abstaining from discussing or voting on Items 40.a. -40.c. The Mayor and Council Member Scott thanked staff for working with the three entities on this issue. Responding to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. Utter said the board will meet as soon as they can get the seven Council members and the other board members together. He added that Mr. Gabriel Rivas is Del Mar College's representative and Mr. Joe McComb is Nueces County's representative; the Hospital District has not yet named a representative. City Attorney Bray said the three agreements he distributed to the Council included the most recent changes after they were reviewed by Del Mar College and Nueces County, which he briefly explained. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 23 40.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024326 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with Nueces County for the participation of the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County in Reinvestment Zone Number Two, City of Corpus Christi, Texas. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Gonzales abstaining. 40.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024327 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with Del Mar College for the participation of the City of Corpus Christi and Del Mar College in Reinvestment Zone Number Two, City of Corpus Christi, Texas. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Gonzales abstaining. 40.c. RESOLUTION NO. 024328 Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Nueces County Hospital District for the participation of the City of Corpus Christi and the Nueces County Hospital District in Reinvestment Zone Number Two, City of Corpus Christi, Texas. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Kinnison, B. Longoria, J. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Gonzales abstaining. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said the first meeting of 2001 will be held on January 9th and scheduled items include the first reading to amend the platting ordinance and the request to rename Belden Street to Concrete Street. On January 16th there will be a joint luncheon with the Council and the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Board, as well as updates on the spaceport and the Wesley Seale Dam project. Mayor Neal thanked the Council and staff for a great year, and he said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's office announced that another $1 million would be available for U.S. marshal service in the new federal courthouse. He then called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Scott requested a revised budget for the Crime Control and Prevention District and an update on the new golf course. Mr. Garcia said the city did not receive any acceptable bids and staff is deciding upon an appropriate response. Mr. Scott also requested a regional transportation presentation, including all of the Texas -Mexico border areas, the Rio Grande Valley, and Highways I-69, 44 and 77. Dr. Gonzales said that was a good suggestion, adding that the Economic Minutes - Regular Council Meeting December 19, 2000 Page 24 Development Corporation should be able to provide that information. Mr. Kinnison requested a copy of Senator Truan's proposal to increase the membership of the Port Board. Mr. Utter said once the proposed legislation is drafted, he will bring it to the Council in case they wish to add it to the city's legislative agenda. Mr. Kinnison also requested an update on the City/County Health Department. Mayor Neal said they have been trying for a month to meet and now it will be after January 1st before they can meet. Mrs. Longoria asked if the Council would be able to meet with the Corpus Christi legislative delegation. Mr. Garcia said that last year they were unsuccessful in doing so. Mr. Utter said the Texas Legislature convenes on January 9, 2001. He added that the city's legislative agenda has been given to the staffs of the local legislative delegation. Mr. Utter said he and hopefully some Council members will be meeting with the delegation members after the Legislature convenes. Mr. Colmenero requested information about spaceport and he thanked city staff for their efforts this year. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on December 19, 2000. * * * * * * * * * * * * *