HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/09/2001I 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 January 9, 2001, which were approved by
the City Council on January 16, 2001.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 16th day of January, 2001.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
2:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Council Members:
Javier D. Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Henry Garrett
Dr. Arnold Gonzales
Rex A Kinnison
Betty Jean Longoria
Mark Scott*
ABSENT
Mayor Pro Tem John Longoria
City Staff:
City Manager David R. Garcia
Deputy City Manager George Noe
City Attorney James R. Bray Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Pete Vela, Water from the Rock Church, following
which the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Gonzales. 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 19, 2000. A motion was made and passed to
approve the minutes as presented.
The Mayor announced that according to Mr. Ram Chavez, the Veterans Affairs and Military
Installations Committee has been reestablished in Austin and State Senator Carlos Truan is once
again the committee's chairman. *Council Member Scott arrived at 2:05 p.m.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the board and committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the
following appointments were made:
Electrical Advisory Board
Miguel Carranco (Reappointed)
Charles Sebbert (Reappointed)
Joe Hernandez (Reappointed)
Martin Adrian
Jack Horner
Robert Conolly
Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board
Ronald Klepac (Reappointed)
Sam Beecroft (Reappointed)
Elvin O'Bryan (Reappointed)
Clarence Neal (Reappointed)
Robert Knowles (Reappointed)
Herman Johnson (Reappointed)
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 2
Airport Board
Ramiro Gamboa (Reappointed)
J.E. Rehler (Reappointed)
Chuck Cazalas (Reappointed)
Oil and Gas Advisory Committee
Jerry Dewbre (Reappointed)
Michael Woodcock
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Dr. Xico P. Garcia, Commander of American G.I. Forum, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Founder's
Chapter, said he was pleased that the Veterans Affairs and Military Installations Committee had been
reestablished, and he discussed the importance of this committee. He said Senator Truan has been
a leader in addressing veterans' concerns in communities.
Ms. Kay Noyes, 930 Coral, suggested ways that the city's alleys and sidewalks can be
beautified.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton, referred to information he distributed to the Council members
regarding enforcement of the Highway Beautification Act and responses by the city's Legal
Department to his inquiries. He added that not all of the signs on bus benches in state rights-of-way
have been removed.
Ms. Agnes Horn also expressed her appreciation that the Veterans Affairs and Military
Installations Committee was reinstated and that Senator Truan would be heading it. She said the
senator is well liked by veterans groups.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-9). No items were
withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
3. M2001-001
Motion approving the purchase of 3,346 curbside collection carts from the following vendors
for the following amounts based on sole source for a total amount of $126,053.30. The carts
are currently being used by the Solid Waste Department in the pilot automation collection
program. Funds have been budgeted by the Solid Waste Department in FY00-01.
Cascade Engineering Toter Incorporated Schaefer Systems International, Inc.
Grand Rapids. MI Charlotte. NCCharlotte. NC
666 carts 640 carts 660 carts
$26,806.50 $20,800 523,251.80
Otto Industries, Inc. Plastic Omnium Zam, Inc. Grand Total: 5126,053.30
Charlotte. NC Charlotte. NC
740 carts 640 carts
$28,955 $26,240
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 3
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria absent.
4. M2001-002
Motion approving a maintenance agreement with Medtronic Physio Control Corporation,
Redmond, Washington for testing and calibrating of automatic external defibrilators for the
EMS Department based on sole source for the amount of $21,060.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria absent.
5. M2001-003
Motion approving a contract with Caron Compactor Company, Modesto, California to
rebuild the trash compactor wheels on the Unit 502 in accordance with Bid Invitation No.
BI -0065-01, based on low bid for a total amount of $21,154. Funds have been budgeted by
Solid Waste Services in FY00-01.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria absent.
6. M2001-004
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an analytical laboratory and
sampling contract with AnalySys, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $129,800 in accordance
with the Groundwater Sampling and Analysis Plan for the J.C. Elliott Landfill as approved
by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria absent.
7.a. M2001-005
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$42,000 from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for reimbursement of costs
incurred by the Planning Department for the 2001 Federal Fiscal Year (October 1, 2000 -
September 30, 2001) for conduct of transportation planning and related studies in accordance
with the approved MPO FY00-01 Unified Planning Work Programs.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 4
7.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024329
Ordinance appropriating $42,000 from the Metropolitan Planning Organization in the No.
1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for the Land Use Data Development Project for the FY2000-
2001 Unified Planning Work Program.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria
absent.
8.a. M2001-006
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$3,215 from the Texas General Land Office for signage for the Padre Island boat pump -out
facility.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria absent.
8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024330
Ordinance appropriating $3,215 from the Texas General Land Office in the No. 1050
Federal/State Grants Fund for signage for the Padre Island boat pump -out facility.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria
absent.
9.a. M2001-007
Motion to amend, prior to second reading, the December 19, 2000 ordinance adopting the
revised Northwest Area Development Plan by replacing the plan attached as Exhibit "A" to
the ordinance with a corrected and revised plan.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Cooper, Garrett, Gonzales,
Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J. Longoria absent.
9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024331
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 extraterritorial 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
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 5
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
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 second reading by the following vote: Neal, Cooper,
Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and J.
Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 10, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
10. Case No. 1000-01. Don Hodges: A change of zoning from a `B-1" Neighborhood Business
District to a `B-4" General Business District on Koolside Addition, Block 6, Lot 22R,
located on the west side of Airline Road, approximately 150 feet south of Gollihar Road.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the
"B-4" General Business District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a retail
automobile sales use subject to a site plan and eight (8) conditions. Mr. Michael Gunning, Director
of Planning and Development, said staff met last week with the applicant, who concurred with the
recommendation. He also outlined the eight conditions of the special permit.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mrs. Longoria made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 024332
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Don Hodges by changing the zoning
map in reference to Lot 22R, Block 6, Koolside Addition (currently zoned "B-1"
Neighborhood Business District), by granting a Special Permit for a retail automobile sales
use, subject to a site plan and eight (8) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to
account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper,
Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; J. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal stated that Item 11, Case No. 1200-01, had been withdrawn by the applicant.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 6
11. WITHDRAWN
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 12, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
12. Case No. 1200-02. Emilio Cane: A change of zoning from an "FR" Farm -Rural District to
an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden
Tracts, Section 20, being a 34.85 acre tract out of a portion of Lots 13 and 14, located on the
west side of Airline Road, approximately 2,220 feet south of Saratoga Boulevard.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District.
Mr. Gunning stated that the applicant applied for the zoning change in order to build a single-
family subdivision on a 34 -acre tract of land, which is near the Brighton Village and Vineyard
subdivisions. He said staff believes that the proposed development is consistent with the existing
single-family developments. In addition, staff will ensure that the plat is consistent with the adopted
transportation plan for that area and that the local street system will serve the neighborhood and
provide connectivity to Brighton Village and Airline Road.
Mr. Gunning went on to say that during the Planning Commission public hearing, a resident
of Brighton Village expressed concern that Brockhampton Street would be opened up and connected
to Airline Road through the new subdivision, which will create more traffic. He said that
Brockhampton Street will veer to the south and then to the west to tie back into Cimmaron
Boulevard. However, there will be a local street connection tying into Brockhampton but the
subdivision plat has not yet been developed.
Mr. Jim Robbins, 3126 Briarhurst, said Brockhampton Street already ties into Cimmaron
Boulevard and he and other residents are concerned about whether Brockhampton and the planned
extension into the new subdivision will be included in the traffic master plan. He said they are also
concerned about the developer buying the property next to the church and having it rezoned to `B-4."
In addition, Mr. Robbins said the developer has asked for one entrance from Airline Road into the
200 -home neighborhood. Also, he said there are no deed restrictions in place for the new
neighborhood, as opposed to standard deed restrictions in Brighton Village, and they also want to
ensure that there is proper drainage there.
Mr. Gunning reiterated that Brockhampton Street will not connect to Airline Road but back
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 7
to Cimmaron Boulevard instead. He said there will be a public hearing before the Planning
Commission to consider the proposed plat for the new development. He said staff will ensure that
the Brighton Village Neighborhood Association and residents are notified about that hearing. In
addition, the stormwater drainage plan and all construction plans must be reviewed and approved
by the City's Engineer. He said this subdivision will require a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet,
which is the same as Brighton Village, and the houses should be comparable in value ($100,000 up).
Mr. Robbins said that if the new development is built, there will be an average of 200 cars
per day going through the Brighton Village neighborhood, and he discussed increased usage of
Brighton Park. Mayor Neal said that creation of the proposed subdivision involves an extensive
public process.
Mr. Terry White, President of the Brighton Village Neighborhood Association, also voiced
concern about the new development to be built. He said he understood that there would be 2,000 cars
per day going into the new neighborhood with only two entrances --from Cimmaron via
Brockhampton and from Airline. He said they are also concerned about their homes depreciating in
value and about maintaining the safety of their neighborhood.
Mrs. Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kinnison, and
passed. Responding to Mrs. Longoria, Mr. Gunning said Brockhampton Street is a collector street
so it is 60 feet wide. She said Brighton Village is not the first established neighborhood to be
concerned about previously vacant adjacent land being developed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
12. ORDINANCE NO. 024333
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Emilio Cano by changing the zoning
map in reference to 34.85 acres out of Lots 13 and 14, Section 20, Flour Bluff and Encinal
Farm and Garden Tracts, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling
District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing
Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper,
Garrett, Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; J. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 13, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing regarding amendments to the Platting Ordinance.
In a computer presentation, Deputy City Manager Noe explained that the proposed
amendments address three issues: financial responsibility on city street and bridge participation, use
of the Park Trust Fund, and street lighting costs. Regarding the first issue, Mr. Noe said that in the
current ordinance, there is no process to determine whether funds are available and to secure Council
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 8
approval for city participation in street and bridge construction. He said the City Charter requires that
funds be available before the city is committed to a project. Consequently, staff is recommending
a change in the process whereby the participation agreement would be approved by the City Council
prior to the construction plans being approved by Engineering Services, followed by the other steps
in the process.
With regard to the Park Trust Fund usage, the ordinance currently states that when a fee is
collected from a developer in lieu of land dedication, the money has to be spent within 1.5 miles of
the area from which it is collected. Mr. Noe said that in keeping with the city's current planning
efforts and the need to use park funds more effectively, staff is recommending that the radius be
extended to three miles in order to create fewer but larger parks. He said this would not affect past
park dedications but prospectively for new park dedications.
Council Member Gonzales expressed concern that that recommendation would move parks
too far away from the neighborhoods. Mr. Noe said a park master plan process is currently underway
which staff believes will provide a more effective use of park funds. Council Member Betty Jean
Longoria said she has been a strong supporter of neighborhood parks but she has seen how the city's
budget cuts have affected the maintenance of its parks.
Mayor Neal used the example of the previous zoning case (Item 12) to question how the
proposed policy change regarding Park Fund usage would apply. He said if the developer does not
dedicate a park in the new neighborhood, the fee in lieu of the dedication could be used on an
existing park as far as three miles away, which is quite a distance.
Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, acknowledged that the ideal would be
to have beautiful parks in every neighborhood, but the reality is that the city's budget cannot support
that. He said they are proposing well-developed, centrally located parks that can serve several
neighborhoods. Mayor Neal said if they proceed with that concept, staff needs to be begin identifying
areas for park development as new subdivisions are planned and constructed in the future. Mr.
Cisneros added that the park master plan will help determine what should be the proper radius.
Council Member Colmenero also expressed concern about the proposed distance between parks.
City Manager Garcia said the purpose of staff's recommendation is to allow for more
flexibility on where the park dedication monies can be spent. Mayor Neal said staff should bring the
Council the park master plan before they proceed on this issue. Council Member Scott said he
thought the trend across the country was moving toward fewer but larger neighborhood parks. Mr.
Cisneros agreed that that is the trend, and he said the park master plan will identify whether the parks
are serving the neighborhoods as they should. Mr. Garcia said staff can bring this issue back with
a more comprehensive presentation on the park master plan.
Mr. Noe said the third proposed amendment regards street lighting costs. He said currently
the ordinance requires that developers pay a set amount per street light, which covered the cost of
the lights when the ordinance was adopted. However, now the actual cost per light is twice that
amount and the proposal is to require that the developer pay the actual cost. In addition, the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 9
ordinance would extend the responsibility for street lighting to new subdivisions outside the city
limits but inside the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction. Mr. Noe said that the development community
was extensively involved in the creation of these proposals and a number of public meetings were
held. He said prior to second reading staff can change the radius back to 1.5 miles on the park land
issue until the Council has an opportunity to further discuss it.
Mayor Neal called for public comments.
Mr. Jim Robbins said the neighbors in Brighton Village use Brighton Park several times a
year. He reiterated his concem about increased traffic on Brockhampton Street-- and its effect on the
park --as a result of the new subdivision adjacent to Brighton Village. Using Brighton Park as an
example, Mr. Garcia said that currently the only money that would be available to improve that park
would be the limited amount that would be contributed by developers in the immediate vicinity.
Mr. Colmenero made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Dr. Gonzales, and
passed. Mrs. Longoria asked if the city has any ability to determine where a park will be located
when a new subdivision is developed. Mr. Cisneros said there are certain requirements that have to
be met, although in the past there was a lot of latitude regarding what the city accepted as park land
dedication. He said staff is trying to address other issues regarding park land dedication in the park
master plan.
Mr. Scott said Mr. Noe and staff went to great lengths to involve the development community
in these proposals, and he noted that there were no developers present in opposition. He asked how
the time line would be affected. Mr. Noe said staff will work to make the time difference as minimal
as possible. Dr. Gonzales asked that the Council receive the park master plan prior to staff's
presentation so they can study it. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
13.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Platting Ordinance regarding the City's participation in streets,
parks, and street lighting infrastructure improvements; and regarding park dedication and use
of monies in the Park Trust Fund.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; J. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 14 regarding the proposed name change of Belden Street to
Concrete Street. City Secretary Chapa said the applicant asked that this issue be postponed for two
weeks. A motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing. Dr. Gonzales made a
motion to postpone this item for two weeks (until the January 23, 2001 Council meeting). Mr.
Colmenero seconded the motion to postpone, and it passed.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 10
14.b. POSTPONED
cnd3 of Bcldcn Strcct.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, reduction of speed limit on FM 2444. Mr. David
Seiler, Traffic Engineer, said if the Council approves this resolution, it will be submitted to the
Corpus Christi District office of the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), which in turn
will submit it to the TXDOT office in Austin which reviews speed limit revisions. In addition, the
City of Corpus Christi will conduct its own traffic study, including speed limit and traffic accident
surveys, on that specific portion of FM 2444. He said in about two weeks staff will complete the
study and forward it to TXDOT, which may take as long as two months to respond to the city's
recommendation and traffic study.
Mr. Seiler said if TXDOT accepts the city's recommendation, the matter will be taken to the
Texas Transportation Commission, which would conduct a hearing and set a minute order in support
of the speed limit reduction. Council Members Garrett and Gonzales said they wanted to ensure that
city officials' and neighbors' concerns about the safety of FM 2444 are communicated to TXDOT.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
15. RESOLUTION NO. 024334
Resolution expressing the City of Corpus Christi's strong opposition to the 55 MPH speed
limit on FM Highway 2444 (Staples Street) between King Trail Drive and the south city limit
and that this speed limit be reduced to less than 55 MPH at the earliest possible opportunity.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, and B. Longoria voting "Aye"; J. Longoria and Scott absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 16, financing team for the general obligation bonds.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
16. M2001-008
Motion approving the selection of the Financial Advisor, M.E. Allison & Co., Inc.; Senior
Managing Underwriter, BancOne; Co -Managing Underwriter, Loop Capital Markets; and
Bond Counsel, McCall, Parkhurst & Horton.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, and B. Longoria voting "Aye"; J. Longoria and Scott absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 11
*************
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 17, South Texas Water Alliance.
City Attorney Bray explained that Senate Bill 1, which was passed by the 1999 Texas
Legislature, created a new framework for Texas water law that relies heavily on regional efforts. He
said Corpus Christi has been participating with other entities in a regional water plan, which will be
put into a state water plan with the other regional plans by the Texas Water Development Board.
Mr. Bray said the question has been raised whether entities in Corpus Christi's general region
(the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority, the Nueces River Authority, the Guadalupe -Blanco River
Authority, the San Antonio River Authority, and the San Antonio Water System) can form an
alliance with Corpus Christi to share resources for the mutual benefit of all involved. He said the
proposed resolution would authorize staff to explore such an agreement in order to bring it back to
the City Council. One example of shared resources could be the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, of which the
city uses 40,000 acre-feet of the pipeline's 112,000 acre-feet of capacity. He said three river
authorities (Guadalupe -Blanco, Lavaca-Navidad, and Nueces) have approved similar resolutions.
There were no comments from the audience.
Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Bray said it is possible that entities south of
Corpus Christi could be involved in such an alliance. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
17. RESOLUTION NO. 024335
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to negotiate an agreement relating
to the formation of and participation in the South Texas Water Alliance; and directing him
to bring same to the City Council for its consideration.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett,
Gonzales, Kinnison, B. Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; J. Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the executive session (Item 18), pursuant to Texas Government Code
Section 551.071, regarding City claim to Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool for
damage to the City Hall building. The Council went into executive session. The Council returned
from executive session.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said that next week the Council
will have a joint luncheon meeting at noon with the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. Items
scheduled for the regular meeting that day include the quarterly update on the Wesley Seale Dam
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 9, 2001
Page 12
project, water supply plan, and police negotiations. He said the Metrocom Board met yesterday and
the target date for initiating joint operations is February 20, 2001. For several weeks prior to that
date, staff will be testing the system. In addition, the Council will have a meeting on health insurance
issues on January 30th.
The Mayor distributed evaluation forms for the City Manager and City Secretary to the
Council members and asked them to complete the forms and return them to the Mayor's Office by
January 16th. He said an executive session on that issue will be scheduled for January 23rd.
Dr. Gonzales requested that staff prepare a resolution in support of Senator Carlos Truan's
efforts to increase the membership of the Port Board.
Mr. Garrett commented on a profusion of garbage at Kid's Place at Cole Park. He also asked
about the status of the recognition for the LaBonte brothers. Mr. Garcia said there are at least three
options which staff plans to bring back to the Council for their approval.
Mrs. Longoria said the Administrative Analysis Committee met and they will be reviewing
proposals for auditing services.
Mr. Scott announced that Council Member John Longoria's wife, Sonia, had a baby boy on
January 8th. Mr. Scott also asked about a police officer's concern regarding the active list for the
police academy. Mr. Garcia said that is one of the time -sensitive issues which need to be addressed
in the police negotiations. He said the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association's (CCPOA)
preference is to have a completed contract which deals with all the negotiable issues to put before
their membership rather than piecemeal it; however, that makes the negotiations more complex. Mr.
Noe said staff has asked the CCPOA to take the active list issue as a single -issue amendment apart
from the rest of the process. He added that he has a meeting scheduled on January 10th with the
CCPOA president, which he will brief the Council about next Tuesday.
Mr. Colmenero requested the status of possible traffic control devices around the new H -E -B
store at the intersection of Port and Tarlton. He also asked staff to respond to Mr. Gordy's complaint
regarding information from the Legal Department and illegal signs.
Mr. Kinnison said he hoped that the recognition for Terry and Bobby LaBonte would be a
large event to which the LaBontes would be invited. He also noted that the City Council elections
are approaching and he asked the City Secretary to ensure that Council candidates are aware of the
sign regulations.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 4:20 p.m. on January 9, 2001.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *