HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 04/24/2001I 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 April 24, 2001, which were approved by
the City Council on May 8, 2001.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 8th day of May, 2001.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
2:33 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Henry Garrett
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Javier D. Colmenero
Bill Kelly
Rex A. Kinnison
John Longoria
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
City Staff:
City Manager David R. Garcia
Deputy City Manager George Noe
City Attorney James R. Bray Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Bishop Edmond Carmody of the Catholic Diocese of
Corpus Christi and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by the Mayor. 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 made a motion, which was seconded by Council Member Longoria, that the
Mayor Pro Tem service dates be selected as follows: Henry Garrett, April 24, 2001 -July 23, 2001;
Rex Kinnison, July 24, 2001 -October 22, 2001; Jesse Noyola, October 23, 2001 -January 21, 2002;
Brent Chesney, January 22, 2002 -April 22, 2002; Bill Kelly, April 23, 2002 -July 22, 2002; Mark
Scott, July 23, 2002 -October 21, 2002; Javier Colmenero, October 22, 2002 -January 20, 2003; and
John Longoria, January 21, 2003 -end of term. Mayor Neal called for a voice vote, and the motion
passed unanimously (M2001 -144A).
All nine Council members, who were sworn in during the 1:30 p.m. special Council meeting
earlier that day, then thanked their families, supporters and the voters who elected them.
*************
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Phil Rosenstein thanked the Council members, particularly Mrs. Betty Jean Longoria and
Ms. Melody Cooper, for their support of senior citizens. He also wished the Council luck during the
next two years.
Mr. Isaac Valencia, President of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, thanked the
outgoing Council members for their hard work and dedication. He said there are positive things
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 2
happening in the city and the CCPOA would like to work with the Council in the future.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, complained about chairs that had been removed from the Lobby
outside the Council Chambers.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton, congratulated the incoming Council members. He said the flag
flying outside City Hall looks worn and he questioned where it was purchased. He added that some
Council candidates who were not in the runoff have signs in the rights-of-way that are violating the
Highway Beautification Act. Mr. Gordy also said he turned in an ethics complaint to the City
Secretary, which needs to be forwarded to the Ethics Commission.
Mrs. Betty Jean Longoria, 9534 Wilkins, thanked everyone who supported the Leopard Street
improvements, which are now underway. She wished the new Council well and offered her
assistance to them.
Ms. Judy Telge and Mr. Richard Bullock discussed the Coastal Bend 2001 Fair Housing
Seminar to be held on Friday, April 27th at the Bayfront Convention Center. Ms. Telge noted that
one of the speakers is Mr. David Enzel, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Programs
for Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Carlos Torres, President of the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association, said this is the
first time in recent history that all of the elected Council members were endorsed by the CCFFA. He
listed some of the firefighters' concerns, including an insufficient number of firefighters, EMTs and
paramedics on the daily staffing rosters, firefighters academy, and medical insurance issues. He also
discussed NFPA Standard 1710, which will provide deployment criteria for structural, aircraft fire
and rescue, and emergency and special operations responses.
Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, said he had just received a $1,000 donation toward the
$8,000 needed to repair five wheelchairs. He welcomed the returning and new Council members,
and said there will always be a minority of people who will attack them. He said the Council has a
choice to fight among themselves or to be positive and proactive.
Ms. Cruz Colomo thanked the Council members who have supported the Coalition for the
Advancement of Women and she invited them to a gala honoring women. She also asked them to
be responsive to the community and to appoint qualified women to city boards and commissions.
*************
Mayor Neal referred to the presentation on the day's agenda, the first quarterly update of the
Bond 2000 projects. Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, said that of the 57
projects approved by the voters on November 7, 2000, 10 are being completed in-house and the other
47 will be completed by architectural/engineering (A/E) consultants. In fact, he noted, the last two
A/E consulting contracts will be awarded during the meeting. He referred to a booklet containing
detailed information about each of the projects and their schedules.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 3
Mr. Escobar said the street improvement projects include the following budget amounts:
$14.87 million for streets; $5.07 million for water projects; $2.75 million for wastewater projects;
and $5.16 million for stormwater projects, for a total of $27.36 million. He discussed the time lines
for the public health and safety and park and recreation/museum projects and the street improvement
projects. The time lines consisted of the following phases: A/E selection, preliminary phase,
permitting, design phase, land acquisition, bid/award phase, and construction phase.
Mayor Neal commended staff for preparing this information, saying it is very important to
make this information available to the Council and the public. He also asked that the 1986 bond
projects be summarized in a similar fashion in order to mark their progress as well. Mr. Escobar
distributed a summary of the status of the 1986 bond street projects as follows: Airline, scheduled
to be completed in July 2001; Alameda/Santa Fe/Weber, October 2001; Cornett, May 2001;
Kostoryz, March 2002; Leopard Phases 1&2, December 2001; Leopard Phase 3, March 2002;
McArdle Phase 1, January 2003; McArdle Phase 2, July 2002; and Spur 3, Phase 2, July 2004.
Responding to Mr. Colmenero, Mr. Escobar described some of the land acquisition issues
and signalizations involved in the street projects. Mr. Kinnison asked staff to follow up on the
possibility of obtaining matching funds from TXDOT for street lighting projects. Mayor Neal
requested a city map showing the 1986 and 2000 street projects and the TXDOT street projects.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2-17). City Secretary Chapa
stated that Item 14 had been withdrawn. Council members and an audience member requested that
Items 8 and 12 be withheld for discussion. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
2. M2001-145
Motion approving a supply agreement with Quadrant Productions, Corpus Christi, Texas for
video productions services, in accordance with Request for Proposal No. BI -0116-01, for an
estimated annual expenditure of $120,000. This service will be utilized by the
Communications and Quality Management Department.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
3. M2001-146
Motion approving a supply agreement with Perfection Corporation, Madison, Ohio, for
approximately 90 polyethylene valves, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0109-01
based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $15,625. The term of the contract
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 Gas Department in FY00-01.
T
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 4
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
4. M2001-147
Motion approving the purchase of a hydraulic tree cutter from B -C Equipment Sales Inc.,
Corpus Christi, Texas, based on sole source for a total of $21,716.16. This equipment will
be used by the Storm Water Department. Funds have been budgeted in the FY00-01 Capital
Outlay Fund.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
5. M2001-148
Motion approving the purchase of twenty-one pickup trucks and vans from the following
companies, for the following amounts, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0095-01,
based on low bid and low bid meeting specifications. Various departments will use the
pickup trucks and vans. Three units are additions to the fleet. The remaining units are
replacements. Funds are available in the FY00-01 Capital Outlay Fund.
Creveling Dodge Padre Ford Crosstown Ford Grand Total:
Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas $382,105.49
Bid Items 2, 3, & 8 Bid Items 5, 7, & 9 Bid Items 1, 4 & 6
$133,122 $69,115 $179,868.49
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
6.a. M2001-149
Motion approving the purchase of voice/data networking equipment from Southwestern Bell
Telephone Company in accordance with the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program
for a total of $258,250. The voice/data networking equipment will be used by the Corpus
Christi Fire Department and the Emergency Operations Center located in the Frost Bank
Building. Funding will be provided through the City's lease/purchase contractor.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
6.b. M2001-150
Motion approving the purchase of on-site Architecture for Voice and Video Integrated Data
Internet Protocol (AVVIDIP) telephone training for 10 employees from Advanced Network
Information, Inc. for a total of $22,907.50 based on sole source. The training will be used by
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 5
Municipal Information Systems technical personnel on maintaining the voice/data net-
working equipment for the Frost Building. Funding is available in the Frost Bank Office
Space Improvements Fund.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
7. M2001-151
Motion approving the purchase of three sedans from the Houston -Galveston Area Council
of Governments (HGAC), for the total amount of $49,786.99. The award is based on the
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with HGAC. These vehicles will be used by the Fire
Department. Funds are available in the FY00-01 Capital Outlay Budget. These items are
replacements to the fleet.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
9. M2001-153
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an amendment to the
contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. in the amount of $21,700 for engineering services for
flow metering improvements, City of Alice Water Intake Pump Station, Wesley Seale Dam.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
10. M2001-154
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 9 in the
amount of $103,140.44 with Fulton Construction/Coastcon Inc. -Joint Venture for the Corpus
Christi International Airport Terminal Construction Project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
11. M2001-155
Motion amending the Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB) contract to allow the Port of
Corpus Christi Authority to appoint one ex -officio (non-voting) member to the CVB Board.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 6
13.a. M2001-157
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with the Padre
Island Property Owners Association in the amount of $3,215 to construct and install signage
for the Padre Island pump -out facility.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
13.b. M2001-158
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a use privilege agreement
between the City of Corpus Christi and the Padre Island Property Owners Association to
install signage for the pump -out facility.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
14.a. WITHDRAWN
Motion authorizing thc City Manager or his dcsigncc to acccpt thc Summer Food Service
14.b. WITHDRAWN
Resolution authorizing thc City Manager or his designee to cxccutc an Interlocal
14.c. WITHDRAWN
14.d. WITHDRAWN
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Covcrnmcntal Agreement with Corpus Christi Independent School District to provide
Preg.at..s for a fix.,d rate of $2.42 pe. milc.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 7
15.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024430
Ordinance appropriating $66,277.17 in interest earnings from the Unreserved Fund Balance
in the No. 1050-820896 Law Enforcement Block Grant 1996 Grant Fund to purchase
computer equipment for the Police Department; appropriating $448.62 in interest earnings
from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the No. 1050-820898 Law Enforcement Block Grant
1998 Grant Fund to purchase law enforcement equipment for the Police Department; and
appropriating $16,573.04 in interest earnings from the Unreserved Fund Balance in the No.
1050-820899 Law Enforcement Block Grant 1999 Grant Fund to purchase law enforcement
equipment for the Police Department.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
15.b. M2001-159
Motion approving the purchase of a computer system upgrade from Arrow Wyle Computer
Products in accordance with the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program for the total
amount of $73,847. The upgraded system is for the Police Department backbone computer
system for the Personal Computer network.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
16. RESOLUTION NO. 024431
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the
amount of $98,000 to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the purchase of 3
rapid intervention kits and 350 brush coats for the Fire Department.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
17. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year lease
agreement with the Corpus Christi Police Officer's Association (CCPOA) to lease the
Centennial Museum for the purpose of operating a youth athletic/boxing program in
consideration for CCPOA ensuring that access to and participation in the program remains
open to the general public.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 8
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 8, youth sports complex restroom improvements. He
asked why there was such a large difference between the engineer's construction estimate of $72,285
and the lowest responsible bid of $96,568. Mr. Escobar explained that when this project was
initiated, the Sparkling City Fast -Pitch program was eligible for Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds and drawings were prepared. However, before the project could be put out for
bids, the Fast -Pitch program opened their enrollment city-wide and therefore only the ADA restroom
improvements were eligible for CDBG funds. In addition, problems with the soil conditions resulted
in the scope of the project being reduced.
Council Member Longoria pointed out that Chuck Anastos Associates Inc. received $23,870
and Urban Engineering received $6,000 to design the project. City Manager Garcia explained that
the project's original design contained elements (such as storage facilities and concession stands)
that had to be eliminated because they were not eligible for CDBG funds. Mr. Escobar said that
about $50,000 of CDBG funds were determined to be ineligible and an alternate source of funding
could not be found in the budget. Mr. Garcia reiterated that it was an operational decision by the
league to open up their membership city-wide that affected their eligibility for CDBG funds.
Council Member Colmenero asked about the architectural drawings for the facilities that
cannot be constructed at this time. Mr. Escobar replied that they will be shelved in case they can be
used in the future. Mr. Garcia noted that the design fees for those facilities have already been paid.
Council Member Kinnison asked if the unconstructed portion of this project will be rolled over to
the capital improvement program list, and Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, said
that it would be.
Council Member Kelly asked about the ineligible CDBG funds. Mr. Escobar said since the
budget was insufficient, all of the CDBG funds will be used for the ADA restroom construction. Mr.
Garcia said there were some questions that needed to be addressed, but there was a consensus of the
Council that this project needs to proceed apart from questions about the process that was followed.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
8. M2001-152
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in
the amount of $96,568 with Southwest Standard Construction Inc. for the Youth Sports
Complex restrooms (Sparkling City Fastpitch ADA restroom construction).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, electronic statement processing services.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 9
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, questioned why this item is on the consent agenda and he
said the background material regarding the bidding information seems incomplete. He also
commented that this proposal benefits a San Antonio company rather than a Corpus Christi one. He
suggested that this item be tabled until the Council has more information.
Mayor Neal said this contract is for a fee not to exceed $1,285,000 and the Council was not
given a list of the vendors. Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Director of Financial Services, said this was a
request for proposals (RFP) and only two non -local firms responded during the specified time. City
Manager Garcia further explained that it is more expensive for the city to process these electronic
statements than it is for a private sector operator. He said if this proposal is approved, staff estimates
that the city will save approximately $250,000 over a five-year period. Mr. Garcia said this is one
of the areas in which the city is reengineering its operations and limiting costs.
Mr. Cruz-Aedo said that one of the criteria was that this work be done by one vendor because
of the short time -line involved. He said currently the city processes over 100,000 bills per month.
He added that this is a specialized service and is very capital intensive, which are two of the reasons
staff is proposing to privatize it. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said one additional response was received after the
deadline from a local company, but it was about $500,000 more than the recommended company.
Council Member Kinnison said he had questioned staff about this proposal prior to the
Council meeting. He noted that staff placed ads in the local newspaper requesting proposals from
local vendors and held meetings which no vendors attended. He said he was satisfied with the
process that was followed.
Council Member Chesney read from the City Council policies regarding use of local
businesses. Mr. Cruz-Aedo replied that staff solicits proposals from local vendors using both the
local newspaper and written invitations. He said in this case it was determined that there was little
likelihood that a local vendor would be able to provide this service, so the RFPs were expanded to
include other cities. Mr. Garcia added that not only was the local respondent's proposal more
expensive than the recommended vendor's proposal, it was also more expensive than the city's
current operation. He said by going to a larger, more efficient contractor, the city can save taxpayers'
money and defer capital costs that would have been necessary to continue providing this service. Mr.
Chesney said he hopes that the local vendor policy will continue to be followed.
In response to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Cruz-Aedo discussed the three positions that
will be affected, two of which will be reassigned to another department and one of which is a part-
time position and will no longer be funded. Council Member Kelly asked how staff arrived at the
estimated $50,000 savings each year, which Mr. Cruz-Aedo explained. Mr. Kelly asked what
recourse the city will have if the company's performance is not satisfactory. Mr. Cruz-Aedo said
performance standards are built into the contract and a project manager will ensure that it is being
administered correctly.
Replying to Council Member Scott, Mr. Cruz-Aedo said some of Holmes & Shaw's clients
include Corpus Christi Area Teachers Federal Credit Union and the local Army/Navy Credit Union,
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 10
Bexar County Appraisal District, City of Laredo, Houston Electric Co-op and others. Mr. Scott said
he thinks this proposal saves the taxpayers money over the long-term. Council Member Garrett said
this item should have been placed on the regular agenda with a presentation. City Secretary Chapa
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12. M2001-156
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year Service
Agreement with Holmes and Shaw Inc., of San Antonio, Texas, for electronic statement
processing services for utility statements and delinquency notices for a fee not to exceed
$1,285,000 assuming a 3% increase in volumes over five years.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Longoria, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Kinnison and Scott absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 18, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
18. Case No. 0301-03. Yoshiko Glass and Charlie Burroughs. A change of zoning from an "RA"
One -family Dwelling District to an "R -1A" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff
Heights, Block 5, Lot 12-D, located on the north side of Jester Street, approximately 150 feet
west of Marzbacher Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the
"R -1A" One -family Dwelling District, and in lieu thereof, approval of a Special Permit for a single
family residence subject to two (2) conditions. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change.
Mr. Garrett 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. 024432
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Yoshiko Glass and Charlie Burroughs
by changing the zoning map in reference to Lot 12D, Block 5, Flour Bluff Heights (currently
zoned "RA" One -family Dwelling District) by granting a Special Permit for a single-family
residence subject to two (2) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any
deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 11
Mayor Neal referred to Item 19, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
19. Case No. 0301-04. A.J. and M.C. Ramos Partnership. Ltd.: A change of zoning from a `B-4"
General Business District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Flour Bluff and
Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 29, being 0.586 acre out of Lot 3, located on the
north side of McArdle Road extension, approximately 300 feet east of Ennis Joslin Road.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"B-1" Neighborhood Business District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr.
Colmenero made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kinnison, and passed. Mr.
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 024433
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by A.J. and M.C. Ramos Partnership, Ltd.
by changing the zoning map in reference to 0.586 acre out of Lot 3, Section 29, Flour Bluff
and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "B-4" General Business District to `B-1"
Neighborhood Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any
deviations to the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Items 20 and 21, street resurfacing projects. Mr. Escobar
explained that these two bond 2000 projects also include ADA components and water line
replacements and improvements. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
20. M2001-160
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an engineering services
contract in the amount of $519,000 with LVN Inc. dba Smith, Russo and Mercer for street
resurfacing at the following sites: Up River Road (IH 37 to Leopard Street); Ayers Street
(SPID to Port Avenue); and Gollihar Road (Crosstown Expressway to Kostoryz Road).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kinnison absent.
21. M2001-161
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an engineering services
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 12
contract in the amount of $292,605 with Goldston Engineering Inc. for street resurfacing at
the following sites: Alameda Street (Parade Street to Ocean Drive) and South Staples Street
(Gollihar Road to Williams Drive).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kinnison absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22, Southside Transmission Main. City Manager
Garcia said this is a multi -phased project that will take several years to construct. It will address the
problem of poor water pressure and inadequate water supply in Pressure Zone 2 (the area southeast
of Everhart Road).
Mr. Escobar explained the seven phases of the project as follows: Phase 1 (which is
underway) - construction of a 60 -inch waterline from the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant to
Clarkwood Road; Phases 2, 2a and 3 - construction of the transmission main to the Staples Street
Pumping Plant; and Phases 4, 4a, 5, 6 and 7 - construction of the main across the Laguna Madre to
Padre Island. Mr. Escobar said staff is considering alternate routes to avoid having the water
distribution main cross the Oso Creek at Yorktown. He said they are discussing the issue with CPL
and King Ranch officials.
Mr. Escobar said Phases 2, 2a and 3 are scheduled to be completed by December 2003. He
said the routing plan for the last five phases will be completed in July 2001 and the project should
be ultimately completed in March 2005. He added that the pipe in the Country Creek area has already
been installed and is currently functioning.
Council Member Kelly asked what impact this project will have on the water pressure in
Pressure Zone 1 west of the Stevens Treatment Plant. Mr. Escobar said that pressure zone has
already been upgraded and is independent of the work being done in Pressure Zone 2. Replying to
another question from Mr. Kelly, Mr. Escobar said staff will bring a proposed drainage master plan
to the Council in June, which will enable the consultant to examine not only existing rights-of-way
and ditches but also potential outfalls.
Council Member Garrett asked about a specific portion of the water main route. Mr. Escobar
said the route studies take advantage of the city's existing rights-of-way in that area. He said the goal
is to tie into the 42 -inch water line on Holly Road to pressurize and feed more water into that system
as well as deliver water to the water tank. Mr. Garcia noted that the line leading to the Staples Street
Pumping Plant will need to tie into several existing lateral lines.
Mr. Garrett said several people who live on FM 2444 have called him regarding water service
to their area. Mr. Ed Garana, Water Superintendent, said in the future the city will start furnishing
water to increase system pressures in the London School and Chapman Ranch areas and the capital
improvement program has a line item for an outside city limits water system upgrade.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 13
Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Escobar said Phase 1 will cost $11 million. Mr.
Garana reiterated that the project as a whole will connect the Stevens Treatment Plant to the Staples
Street Pumping Plant, which will allow for increased water pressure on the southside of Corpus
Christi, Flour Bluff and Padre Island. Mr. Garcia said as each phase is completed, it will provide
extra water capacity in each of the major pressure zones.
Mr. Scott said he thought that 2005 was too long to wait to relieve the water pressure
problems on Padre Island. Mr. Garana said once a large transmission main is connected to the
Staples Street Pumping Plant in about 2003, people on the island will see a noticeable improvement
in their water pressure. Mr. Garrett, who lives on Padre Island, said some improvement has already
occurred. In reply to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Garana described the pounds -per -square -inch
water pressure requirements, which are being addressed through these improvements. There were
no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
22. M2001-162
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an engineering services
contract in the amount of $1,247,003 with Urban Engineering for Southside Transmission
Main, Phases 2, 2a and 3.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
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Mayor Neal announced the executive sessions pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.071 regarding the following: Item 24 - City of Corpus Christi v. Texas Municipal League
Intergovernmental Risk Pool and Texas Municipal League Joint Self Insurance Fund, No. 01-00327-
D, 105 District Court, Nueces County, Texas; June Schultz v. City of Corpus Christi, Docket No.
CC-00012366-02-CC-HD48, Texas Workers' Compensation Commission Hearings Division, Corpus
Christi Local Office; and similar and related claims and legal issues; and Item 24.5 - George Kines
Taylor et al v. City of Corpus Christi, No. 98-61993-3, County Court at Law No. 3, Nueces County,
Texas, with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session. (Item 23, Kelly Lewis v.
City of Corpus Christi, was withdrawn.)
The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session.
Mayor Neal made the following motion, which was seconded by Council Member Longoria:
24.5 M2001-163
Motion directing the City Attorney to appeal the ruling of the trial court in George Kines
Taylor et al v. City of Corpus Christi, No. 98-61993-3, County Court at Law No. 3, Nueces
County, Texas.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 14
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
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Mayor Neal called for the legislative report. City Attorney Bray explained that the state
legislative committee working on redistricting issued a "working plan" concerning the local House
districts. He said State Representative Vilma Luna's and State Representative Jaime Capelo's
districts are located within Nueces County, while District 44 is being proposed to be changed. Mr.
Bray said the boundaries of District 44 are proposed to be as follows: the neighborhood along Ocean
Drive south of Airline Road and the city precinct in which Representative Gene Seaman lives,
Corpus Christi Bay, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi Beach, five precincts in Calallen, and south to Starr
County.
Mr. Bray said the total population of the proposed district would be about 143,000 with
22,500 (17%) of those in Corpus Christi and about 8,000 to 9,000 in Nueces County. He said the
proposed district would also include residents in Duval, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells and Starr counties. He
said the concern is that the proposed district incorporates areas that do not share the coastal or urban
interests of Corpus Christi. Mr. Bray said Rep. Luna strongly opposes this plan, and Mayor Neal and
other Council members agreed that it needs to be defeated.
Mr. Garcia announced the following events: Convention Center Expansion/Arena Oversight
Committee meeting on May 2nd; City Council retreat on May 7th; Consolidated Annual Action Plan
public hearing at 6 p.m. during the Council's May 8th meeting; opening of the new exhibit at the
museum on May 18th; joint meeting with the Convention and Visitors Bureau at noon on May 22nd;
and presentation of the budget to the Council on May 29th.
Mayor Neal requested a status report about the possible use of treated effluent by different
entities. He also announced that the Corpus Christi Housing Authority received a rating of 90.7 from
the Housing and Urban Development agency, which is a great improvement over its previous ratings.
He also noted that Corpus Christi's clean air initiatives were highlighted in Natural Outlook, a
publication of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. Mayor Neal thanked city staff,
Mr. Bill Hennings, and the members of industry who have worked diligently on that issue. He then
called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Garrett said neighbors in the 5000 block of Oso Parkway South are requesting
permission from the city to plant and maintain vegetation along the drainage ditch at their expense.
He asked staff to contact the interested citizens.
Mr. Scott asked if legislation had been proposed to address other uses for treated effluent.
Mr. Ron Massey, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, replied that the city's
permit only allows a certain amount of water to be used for irrigation. Mr. Bray said the city's
consultant had discussions about that issue but the legislation that was filed was regarding obtaining
the diversions without going through the permitting process, which the TNRCC resisted.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
April 24, 2001
Page 15
Consequently, the city has backed off from that issue since the TNRCC said they would expedite the
city's Rincon Bayou project. Mr. Massey said the city will pursue the proposal through
administrative processes.
Mr. Scott asked if the Regional Transportation Authority is interested in trying to leverage
local funds with federal monies for the convention center expansion and arena construction. Mr.
Garcia said they are very involved in the process and interested in establishing shuttle networks. Mr.
Scott also commended the city's management team and he asked that Mr. Utter get involved in the
piping plover legislative issue, which could affect development on Padre Island.
Mr. Colmenero asked about the possibility of moving a traffic light from a nearby
intersection to the intersection of Clemmer and Ayers.
Mr. Chesney requested a summary of the city's total revenues and total expenses as well as
information regarding "live-aboards" in the Corpus Christi Marina.
Mr. Noyola said he had received complaints about a tree at the Gabe Lozano Golf Course.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 5:53 p.m. on April 24, 2001.
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