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.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *