HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/16/2001 - JointI HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Joint
Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of January 16, 2001, which were approved by the City
Council on January 23, 2001.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 23rd day of January, 2001.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
CORPUS CHRISTI CITY COUNCIL AND
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS
January 16, 2001 - 12:17 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Betty Jean Longoria
Javier D. Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Henry Garrett
Arnold Gonzales
Rex Kinnison
John Longoria
Mark Scott
City Staff Present
City Manager David R. Garcia
Deputy City Manager George Noe
City Attorney James R. Bray
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ram6n
CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
Bill Pruet, Board Chairman
Vangie Chapa
Cristina Garza
Bill Goin
Victor Gonzalez
Brad Lomax
Bill Morgan
Jody Patel
Linda Routh
Berney Seal
Jim Snow
John Trice
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Govind Nadkarni
Bert Quintanilla
Yolanda Olivarez
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Basement Training Room of City Hall. City
Secretary Chapa checked the roll and verified that a quorum was present to conduct the meeting. Mr.
Pruet also confirmed that a majority of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) board members
were present. Mr. Pruet stated that work is progressing within the CVB, and he pointed out that the
Council was provided with financial information about the organization's progress. He commended
Mr. Joey Jarreau, Acting Director of the CVB, for his efforts.
Mr. Seal gave an update on the search for a new chief executive officer. He said the board's
search committee reviewed about 50 resumes and interviewed about eight candidates. He said the
committee has made its selection and the person being recommended will meet the full board at a
meeting on January 29th at noon. He invited the Council to that meeting.
Mr. Seal also commented that during the selection process, the committee met a dynamic
woman from Harlingen who had a real forte for planning special events. He suggested that Corpus
Christi consider creating the position of events coordinator. He also thanked Ms. Cynthia Garcia, the
city's Director of Human Resources, for her assistance in the selection process.
Mr. Snow, head of the Marketing Committee, said the CVB is developing an ad focusing on
the leisure segment as well as a direct mail campaign with multiple pieces and an updated Beach to
Bay guide. He said they have started the marketing plan for 2002 and are talking with stakeholders.
Minutes - Joint Meeting
January 16, 2001
Page 2
Responding to Mr. Kinnison, Mr. Jarreau said the original contract for the CVB's website
expires in February 2002. He said they are continuing to market the website as well as monitor its
activities. A brief discussion ensued about the website. In reply to additional questions, Mr. Snow
said Pettus Advertising is developing an image for the city which they can use in marketing efforts.
Mr. Pruet added that the top three CEO candidates emphasized the importance of creating a long-
term marketing plan and the CVB is talking with staff about a long-range budget.
Mr. Jarreau also commented that CVB staff are working on extensive data base management
and he discussed assisted business and definite business. Dr. Gonzales asked about a list of events
in the city, and Mr. Morgan replied that the CVB prepares such a list. A discussion followed about
the accuracy and usefulness of published economic indicators.
Mr. Lomax reported that the CVB and city staff are finalizing preparations for the bid to the
American Bowling Congress to have Corpus Christi host that event in 2006. Additional comments
were made by board members and Council members.
Mr. Pruet noted that the terms of five board members (Ms. Olivarez, Ms. Routh, Mr. Morgan,
Mr. Trice and Mr. Gonzalez) will be expiring soon. Mr. Pruet said Ms. Olivarez had indicated that
she was not interested in being reappointed. Mr. Chapa said that would open up one of the
transportation industry slots. Mayor Neal asked Mr. Chapa to provide some direction on the
reappointment process.
Dr. Gonzales thanked the CVB for their participation in hosting the National Latino Arts and
Culture convention this week in Corpus Christi. Mr. Garrett asked about the effectiveness of the
Visitor's Centers. Mr. Pruet said the one at Nueces River Park and on Chaparral Street receive many
visitors, while the center on Padre Island has some access problems.
Mr. Lomax asked about the location of the new multi-purpose arena. Mr. Noe said that
decision will be made by the design team early in the process. The arena is scheduled to be open in
January 2004. Mr. Kinnison suggested that the soon-to-be vacant transportation slot be changed to
an at -large slot on the board.
There being no other business, Mayor Neal adjourned the meeting at 1:18 p.m. on January
16, 2001.
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