HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/12/2001I 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 June 12, 2001, which were approved by
the City Council on June 19, 2001.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 19th day of June, 2001.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
12:03 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 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 Council Member Chesney and the Pledge of Allegiance to
the United States flag was led by Council Member Kinnison. 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 City Council retreat
meeting of May 7, 2001 and the regular Council meeting of May 29, 2001. A motion was made and
passed to approve the minutes as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the board and committee appointments on the day's agenda, and the
following appointments were made:
Water/Shore Advisory Committee
Terri Nicolau (Reappointed)
Roy Pell (Reappointed)
Dr. Oscar Garcia (Reappointed)
Dan Leyendecker
Civil Service Board/Commission
Cydney Farrar (Reappointed)
Food Service Advisory Committee
Suzanne Gilliam (Reappointed)
Gabriel Hernandez (Reappointed)
Ethics Commission
Harold Fredrickson
Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau
David Prewitt
* * * * * * * *
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 2
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-14). Council members
requested that Items 4 and 6 be discussed. There were no comments from the audience. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed:
3. M2001-215
Motion approving supply agreements for vehicle and equipment tires and tubes in accordance
with Bid Invitation No. BI -0130-01, with the following companies for the following
amounts. Awards are based on low bid or only bid, for multiple progressive awards, for a
total estimated annual expenditure of $527,521.72. The term of the contracts 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 Maintenance Services and the Fire Department in FY00-01.
A to Z Tire and Battery
Corpus Christi. TX
Items: 1.1-1.5, 1.7, 1.12-1.14,
1.18,2.1,2.3,3.1,4.1,4.8,
4.10-4.12, 4.15, 4.17, 5.1, 5.2,
6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.3,
10.1-10.4, 11.1, 11.2
$302,843.32
Wingfoot
Cornus Christi, TX
Items: 4.3, 4.13, 4.14, 4.19, 9.2
$133,082.50
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Cornus Christi. TX
Items: 1.8-1.11, 1.15-1.17,
1.19, 2.2, 4.2, 4.4-4.7, 4.9,
4.16, 4.18, 6.3, 7.2, 8.1, 8.3-8.5
$85,148.90
Delta Tire & Wheel
Cornus Christi. TX
Item: 1.6
$6,447.00
Grand Total:
$527,521.72
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
5. M2001-217
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an engineering services
contract in the amount of $224,413 with Bass & Welsh Engineering for the following
projects: Up River Road Force Main Replacement near Callicoate Road, and Sharpsburg
Wastewater Subsystem Service Plan.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
7.a. M2001-219
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 8 to the
architectural contract for testing services in the deductive amount of ($132,344) with M.
Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates for the Corpus Christi International Airport terminal project.
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Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 3
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
7.b. M2001-220
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
contract for engineering laboratory, construction materials testing, and inspection services
in the amount of $107,625.50 with Professional Service Industries, Inc. for the Corpus
Christi International Airport terminal project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
8.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024471
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept the Federal Aviation
Administration Grant No. 3-48-0051-32-01 in the amount of $1,950,400, to construct the
Terminal Apron - Phase II and improve the Airfield Lighting Control System at Corpus
Christi International Airport.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
8.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024472
Ordinance appropriating $1,950,400 from the Federal Aviation Administration Grant No. 3-
48-0051-32-01 in the No. 3020 Airport Capital Improvement Fund for the Terminal Apron
Improvements Project - Phase II and Airfield Lighting Improvements Project; appropriating
$53,000 in the No. 4621 Passenger Facility Charge Fund for the Airfield Lighting Control
System.
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."
8.c. M2001-221
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in
the amount of $355,260 to Scott Electric Company of Corpus Christi, Texas for the Corpus
Christi International Airport Airfield Lighting Improvements Project, Airfield Lighting
Control System.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 4
9. ORDINANCE NO. 024473
Ordinance appropriating $54,552 from the Federal Aviation Administration Grant No. 3-48-
0051-30-00, Amendment No. 2 in the No. 3020 Airport Capital Improvement Fund for the
purchase of replacement Airfield Rescue Fire Fighting Truck and Personal Protective
Clothing at Corpus Christi International Airport.
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."
10. RESOLUTION NO. 024474
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 3 to the
Federal Aviation Administration Grant No. 3-48-0051-31-00 amending the scope of work
of the Terminal Apron Improvements Project, defined as "Construct Terminal Apron - Phase
I; Airfield Lighting Controls, Installation of Hold Position Markings" by adding the language
"Construct Airfield Access Roads, Phase II and Installation of Elevated Guard Lights."
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
11. M2001-222
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a maintenance agreement
with Hewlett-Packard Company in the amount of $23,481.51 for maintenance of the
hardware and operating system of the Municipal Court's computer management system,
based on sole source. The term of the agreement is for 12 months.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
12.a. M2001-223
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$88,500 to implement a communications program for the prevention of underage drinking,
substance abuse and impaired driving, pending final approval from the Texas Department
of Transportation.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
12.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024475
Ordinance appropriating $88,500 from Texas Department of Transportation in the No. 1050
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 5
State and Federal Grant Fund to implement a communications program for the prevention
of underage drinking, substance abuse and impaired driving.
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."
13.a. M2001-224
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept the Community Outdoor
Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grant in the amount of $30,000 from the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department to provide outdoor recreation programs for youth participating in the
City's summer programs
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
13.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024476
Ordinance appropriating a grant in the amount of $30,000 in the No. 1050 Federal/State
Grants Fund from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to operate the community
outdoor outreach program to operate an outdoor recreation program for youth participating
in the City's summer program.
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."
14. M2001-225
Motion setting a Public Hearing on the proposed FY01-02 Operating Budget during the
Regular Council Meeting of June 26, 2001.
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 4, purchase of liquid chlorine. Responding to a
question from the Mayor, Mr. Mike Barrera, Procurement & General Services Manager, explained
that 13 bid invitations were issued and two were received. In addition to the low bidder (Altivia),
the other bid received was from DPC Industries of Corpus Christi, which bid $168 per ton for a total
bid price of $181,440. Mr. Barrera said DPC's bid was $2,160 more than Altivia's bid of $179,280.
In reply to Council Member Noyola, Mr. Barrera said the majority of the city's procurements
fall under the state bid invitation statutes. Council Member Chesney asked about the difference
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Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 6
between bids and proposals. Mr. Barrera said that bid invitations (such as this one) fall under
Chapter 252 of the Texas Local Government Code and requests for proposals fall under the
Professional Services Procurement Act. He said the law dictates that the entity issuing the bid
invitation has to accept the lowest responsible bid, while criteria other than price can be used for
proposals received. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
4. M2001-216
Motion approving a supply agreement with Altivia, Houston, Texas in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0131-01, for approximately 1,080 tons of liquid chlorine based on low bid
for an estimated annual expenditure of $179,280. The term of the agreement shall be for
twelve months with an option to extend for up to two (2) additional twelve-month periods,
subject to the approval of the supplier 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, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6, Ennis Joslin road improvements. Responding to
Council Member Kinnison, Mr. Kevin Stowers, Assistant Director of Engineering Services, said the
amount escrowed with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is based on their
engineers' estimate of what the bids will be. The amount in the street area was under -escrowed and
the bids came in higher than estimated by TXDOT. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
6. M2001-218
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to increase the escrow amount as a
result of higher bid prices than estimated and to execute Change Orders Nos. 10, 13, and 24
with the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $205,649.76 as part of the
Spur 3, Phase 2 Ennis Joslin/Nile Drive construction contract in accordance with the
Advanced Funding Agreement.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation (Item
15) was regarding the city's sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary. Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of
Park and Recreation, explained that on September 9, 1852, the first City Council elections were held.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 7
Since the actual 150th anniversary date of September 9, 2002 falls on a Monday, one of the questions
to be answered is whether the celebration should be instead held on Sunday, September 8th or
whether sesquicentennial events should be planned throughout the 2002 year.
Mr. Cisneros said other details to consider are the location of the event(s); whether the city
should commission a design for a totally new city seal as part of the 150th anniversary activities; and
whether the Council should appoint an auxiliary committee for special fundraising efforts.
In response to Mayor Neal, Mr. Herb Canales, Director of Libraries, said the Central Library
has a rare "bird's-eye view" map of Corpus Christi from 1887, which has been preserved using
private funds. He said the Friends of the Library want to duplicate that map and sell it as a
sesquicentennial poster. He added that the Nueces County Historical Society would be a very good
group to work with in planning the city's sesquicentennial.
Replying to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Cisneros said city staff has not specifically
approached the Bayfest organizers about tying in their event with any sesquicentennial activities. Mr.
Colmenero commented that planners will have to be creative in identifying funding sources and he
suggested that they consider creating a commemorative seal for the anniversary.
Council Member Kelly noted that when the state of Texas celebrated its sesquicentennial,
they sold posters of historical figures and that idea can be utilized for local historical figures, such
as Alonzo de Pineda, Gen. Zachary Taylor, and Col. Henry Lawrence Kinney. Council Member
Chesney suggested that the Council members appoint members to a planning committee that can
work with entities such as the Bayfest and Buccaneer coordinators. The Mayor asked the Council
to appoint two people each and he asked staff to bring this issue back to the Council next week.
City Manager Garcia arrived at the meeting and explained that he had attended the Nueces
County Commissioners Court meeting because they were discussing the extra $1.50 on vehicle
registration fees to help offset the cost of the school crossing guard program. (This issue was
discussed again later in the meeting; see page 9 of the minutes.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The second presentation (Item 16) was made by Mr. Mark McDaniel, Director of
Management and Budget, regarding the following: the FY 2000-01 third quarter financial
performance report; the five-year General Fund financial forecast; and an overview of the FY 2001-
02 General Fund proposed budget.
Using a computer presentation, Mr. McDaniel first discussed the third quarter financial
report. He said the total FY00-01 revenues and expenditures through the end of April are consistent
with FY01-02 proposed budget estimates. Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. McDaniel said the
expenditures are set up in 12 equal periods and revenues are budgeted on a period basis according
to historical trends. He said staff has provided an executive summary and details and he agreed that
an intermediate step describing the detail would be helpful to have.
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Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
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City Manager Garcia said that once the Council approves the budget, it is the responsibility
of the Budget Office and the executives to manage it, which is one of the criteria he uses to evaluate
the senior staff members. Mr. Garcia said these budget tools are substantially better than the city had
two years ago. He said the City of Corpus Christi has historically not been very sophisticated in
projecting its internal expenditures on a departmental basis.
Mr. Garcia went on to say that the budget has two problem areas: the Police Department and
the Solid Waste Department. He said staff has been tracking the drop in revenue at the landfill and
keeping the Council apprised of that situation, but the Police Department had unexpected expenses,
one of which was "drag -up" pay (the payment for accrued vacation and sick leave when employees
retire or resign). Mayor Neal said the quarterly financial reconciliation should indicate if a
department's budget is experiencing difficulties.
Council Member Scott complimented Municipal Court for having an increase in revenues
of $375,166 over the year to date budgeted amount of $2,646,388. He also asked how the Police
Department ended up being over budget. Mr. McDaniel said he had a handout which explains the
areas that the Police Department exceeded their budget.
Responding to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. McDaniel said that originally the software
system had a lock -out provision preventing departments from exceeding their budgets in each line
item, which resulted in the need for multiple transfers between line items. He said staff decided to
remove the lock -out provision and give department heads the responsibility of managing their
budgets, which are monitored by the Budget Office and reported to the Council on a quarterly basis.
Mr. Garcia said the Council approves the budget after which, through the course of the year,
staff does not bring every budget change to the Council. He said they do inform the Council about
major additions or deletions to the budget. Council Member Kelly highlighted specific departments
that were either over -budget or under -budget and he said it would be helpful to have an "executive
variance report" in the quarterly report.
In reply to Council Member Chesney, Mr. McDaniel said the variance in the Police
Department is an expenditure issue and the variance in the Solid Waste Department is a revenue
issue. Responding to another question from Mr. Chesney, Mr. McDaniel said the Police Department
is by far the city's largest department with a projected budget of approximately $43 million and a
$1 million over -expenditure is fairly significant. Council Member Colmenero said he is looking
forward to an explanation of the variances.
Mr. McDaniel then continued with his computer presentation about the forecast for the fiscal
years 2002-06, which includes the following revenue assumptions: 2.5% annual increase in property
taxes; 3% annual growth in sales tax receipts; a significant decrease in electric franchise fee
payments beginning in mid-FY01-02 due to the implementation of the deregulation legislation and
0.25% annual growth thereafter; a $1.7 million decrease in Solid Waste disposal fees for FY01-02
and a 2% growth thereafter; and an average of 2% growth for all other revenues.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 9
Mr. McDaniel said the five-year expenditure assumptions are: no salary increases figured into
the baseline projection after FY01-02; 10% annual growth in group health insurance costs after
FY01-02; major increase in power, light, heat and fuel programmed for FY01-02 and 2% growth
thereafter; no major capital or equipment expenditures factored into the baseline projection other
than police patrol units, mobile data terminals, fire trucks, and other routine items; and a 2.5%
average increase for all other expenditures.
The Budget Director said this forecast contains some different figures from those in the
proposed budget. He said staff is suggesting revising the numbers in the General Fund as follows:
electric franchise fee revenue increase - $200,000; additional 0.5% increase in the tax value -
$242,125; new development -related fees - $100,000; delay repayment to the Insurance Fund for the
tire fire claim - $155,000; and reduce the landfill cell opening reserve - $136,151, for a total of
$833,277. He said now revenues equal expenditures and those figures are reflected in the five-year
forecast, which he explained.
Mr. McDaniel said that emerging issues include the restructure of the Health Department's
clinical services effective in October 2001; new Solid Waste disposal contracts at reduced tipping
rates effective in June 2001 and new hauler/fee assessments effective in July 2001; implementation
of the compensation study recommendations after FY01-02; and the annexation effective in January
2002 and programming of annexation costs beginning in FY02-03. He noted that the forecast is
intended to be a financial planning tool and includes conservative projections which depict a "worst-
case" scenario. Mr. Kinnison said it is unrealistic to not program cost -of -living adjustments (COLA)
for employees, some of which may be warranted by the compensation study.
The last portion of Mr. McDaniel's presentation was the General Fund overview for the
FY01-02 proposed budget. He said staff originally proposed a 5.0% unreserved fund balance and
with the inclusion of the changes he mentioned previously, they are adjusting it to be 5.7%. He also
discussed the net assessed taxable value of $7.84 billion; distribution of the tax rate of .6637260 per
$100 assessed value; sales tax revenues of $32.6 million; franchise fees of $1 2 million for cable,
$10.1 million for CPL and $5.2 million for telecommunications; Solid Waste Services combined
revenue of $19 million; industrial district valuations, which have basically remained flat; Municipal
Court revenues of $4.1 million; and other General Fund revenues - child safety fee and fee/rate
increases in Environmental Health, Animal Control, and recreation activities. A brief discussion
followed about the industrial districts.
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess to read the proclamations.
Upon reconvening, Mr. Garcia said that during the Commissioner's Court meeting, the
commissioners voted to remove the $1.50 fee for the school crossing guards, which will result in a
decrease in the amount staff budgeted for that program in FY01-02. Responding to Mr. Kinnison,
he said the fee is imposed on a calendar -year basis. He added that staff will bring back a
recommendation on how to prioritize the use of available funds. Mr. Garrett suggested that staff ask
the school districts to help pay for the school crossing guards.
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Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 10
Returning to his presentation, Mr. McDaniel said that General Fund expenditures include a
line item for salary adjustments (COLA, merit, and shift differential) throughout the General Fund
departments totaling $2.9 million, and a total of $1 million in group insurance increases. He said that
overall, staff is budgeting a 3% increase in Citicare and Citicare Q -Plus, 19% in Citicare Fire and
54% in Citicare Public Safety. In addition, the General Fund new and existing program
enhancements are expected to cost $2.9 million, while the impact of the Health Department
restructuring will be better known next month.
Police Chief Pete Alvarez then referred to the handout summarizing expenditure variances
in the Police Department, including the current year versus the year-end estimates and the current
year budget versus the proposed budget. He explained that the department has always had difficulty
anticipating how many officers will be retiring or leaving, which affects the drag -up pay line item
in the budget. The Chief said they plan to implement a system based on historical figures to address
this problem in the future.
Responding to Mr. Chesney, Chief Alvarez said that for FY00-01 the drag -up pay amount
is $694,373. Mr. McDaniel said the additional cost for retirement raises that figure to almost
$800,000, while about $150,000 to $200,000 was actually budgeted for drag -up pay. He said taking
into account the amount that was budgeted for police positions that were unfilled and other factors,
the net over -expenditure in salaries and wages is projected to be $212,617 through the end of the
fiscal year on July 31st. He said the total amount of over -expenditures in the Police Department is
projected to be $1,261,156. Mr. Chesney said if those figures are accurate, the City Manager should
hold the Police Chief accountable to explain every single cost and how cost overruns are approved.
Referring to the over -expended overtime costs of $481,216, Chief Alvarez said most of those
costs are reimbursed through grants. He said this is the first time the department has been operating
with nine separate grants. Mr. McDaniel said the figures in the handout are net amounts. Mr. Garrett
noted that there are several vacancies in Communications and Central Records, and he asked if the
vacancies were being filled through overtime costs; Chief Alvarez replied affirmatively.
Mr. Garcia said with regard to overtime costs, this was the first year the city was responsible
for security and traffic management at the Concrete Street Amphitheater and during large events such
as spring break and "C -Sculptures" on Padre Island. Chief Alvarez also addressed the $228,759 that
was not budgeted for the increase in vacation buy -backs and the $152,201 for the maintenance
agreement on the mobile data terminals/automated vehicle location systems. Ms. Pat Eldridge,
Management Assistant in the Police Department, also explained other over -expenditures.
Following a discussion about the methods used to determine the budget amounts, Mr.
McDaniel said the proposed FY01-02 Police Department budget figure is $43,562,396. Mr. Garcia
explained that there has been a change in the way staff accounts for reimbursements --now they are
classified as revenues. Mr. McDaniel pointed out that on page 128 of the proposed budget document,
both revenues and expenditures are listed and balance to the $43,562,396 figure.
Responding to Mr. Scott, Mr. McDaniel said the total budget for overtime in FY00-01 is $1.5
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Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 11
million. Mr. Scott questioned how staff could have underestimated overtime costs by $481,216 and
drag -up and other pay by $212,617. Mr. Garcia and Chief Alvarez reiterated that it is very difficult
to anticipate when people will retire. Mr. Kelly asked if staff debriefed the people who retired from
the Police Department this fiscal year to determine if they left because of dissatisfaction with the
department. Chief Alvarez said 15 people voluntarily left and two were terminated, and
dissatisfaction was not a factor among the former group. Further discussion ensued about overtime
and drag -up costs. Mayor Neal emphasized the importance of staff presenting uniform budget
figures. Mr. Garcia said staff will provide additional detail next week.
Council members then asked questions, to which staff responded, on the following General
Fund departments: City Attorney's, Communications and Quality Management, Internal Audit,
Municipal Court, Fire, and Park and Recreation. Additional discussion followed about a third
municipal golf facility, and several Council members said the proposed budget did not include
options for developing that facility. With regard to the new golf facility surcharge reserve, Mr.
Garcia explained that the Greens Committee wants that money to be used on existing golf courses
but staff intends to use it for a third golf course, which the Council authorized when the fund was
created. In accordance with Council direction, Mr. Garcia said staff will bring back a
recommendation to raise the greens fee to an amount that, in conjunction with the projected revenue
from a third golf course, will allow for the development of a viable financing package.
Mr. Kelly asked about the master drainage plan. Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering
Services, said consultants have been selected through the RFP process and negotiations are
underway. Staff will take their recommendation to the Stormwater Advisory Committee and then
to the Council in July. Mr. McDaniel said if the Council adopts the proposed COLA and merit pay
programs, those costs will be spread throughout the departments. Mr. Garcia noted that the Council
has already approved the creation of a "one-stop" services center in the Frost Bank building and staff
is evaluating how to reorganize existing functions to accommodate that plan.
Mayor Neal said staff is scheduled to provide budget presentations on Solid Waste Services
and an additional presentation on the Police Department. He called for a brief recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upon reconvening, the Mayor referred to Item 17, the legislative update. Assistant City
Manager Tom Utter, Office of Intergovernmental Relations, distributed a copy of the city's approved
legislative program with an explanation of the status of the individual issues. Mr. Utter discussed
the following items: franchise fees; state hotel tax for beach maintenance; street accessibility
improvements; 911 fees; liability law; sales tax information; prompt payment statute; indemnity
provisions; mandated fees; municipal court costs; water; transportation; development; wind storm
insurance; marine archeological repository funding; regulation of location of manufactured housing;
affordable housing; historic courthouse preservation; nuisances; annexation and condemnation
authority; and dune protection.
Other issues addressed by Mr. Utter were higher education; regional public safety training
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 12
academy; South Texas/border initiative; fire control and prevention district; child safety registration
fee; photographic traffic signal enforcement; and 911 emergency service systems.
At 5:30 p.m. Mayor Neal asked Mr. Utter to suspend his presentation so the Council could
hear comments from the audience.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, said the current budget schedule calls for adopting the
budget on July 17th, while the certified tax rolls from the appraisal district are not required to be
submitted until July 25th. He quoted from the City Charter regarding the requirement that
expenditures in the proposed budget will not exceed estimated revenues. He said the proposed FY
01-02 budget does not comply with the charter in that respect.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, commented negatively about the city's proposed budget and
the Texas State Aquarium. He said the city needs a third golf course and should adequately
compensate police and firefighters.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton St., referred to a November 2000 letter which he said states that
the city received $7,370.92 for illegal signs on bus benches in the rights-of-way. He said the city's
ordinance states that no signs will be permitted in the right-of-way and no one can erect a sign
without a permit. He questioned how long the city will allow Cooper Advertising to violate the
ordinance and, as a result, the city is collecting bribes. Mr. Scott said he received a call that two of
Mr. Gordy's campaign signs are still up and Mr. Gordy said he will remove the signs.
Responding to Mr. Colmenero, Mr. Reining said Cooper Advertising has a contract with the
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the city has an agreement with the RTA. He said staff
is not aware that Cooper Advertising is operating illegally. Council Members Chesney and Noyola
asked staff to provide Mr. Gordy with the information he is requesting. Mr. Chesney said Mr.
Gordy's comments about the city taking bribes includes the Council as well and he said that is not
a fair or proper statement to make.
Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said he is trying to understand the intent of the Council's
recent action to reimburse costs for the Packery Channel project. He said at some point the escalating
cost of Packery Channel will exceed the earning capacity of the tax increment financing zone (TIF).
In response to Mr. Hasker, Council Member Kinnison said the recommended FY01-02
budget includes $60,000 of revenue projected to come into the TIF and the Council has said it will
not spend more than the available revenue. He said the city is not selling bonds for that project at this
time. Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Hasker said he thought CCISD voted to participate
in the TIF, and Mr. Scott said they did not. Council Member Kelly said the TIF is being funded by
the increase in property values that will result in the improvements that are put on the land contained
in the TIF boundary. He said the city and other taxing entities will continue to collect taxes on the
property at their current values.
Mr. Anthony Nocella said he was appearing on behalf of Project TSA, which is asking the
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Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 13
Texas State Aquarium to reconsider its plans to create a dolphin exhibit in the near future. He said
a dolphin averages 100 miles a day swimming in the wild. He said a dolphin sanctuary should be
created rather than an exhibit. He said he and other members of Project TSA are on a fast until
Saturday to draw attention to their cause.
Continuing with his legislative update, Mr. Utter highlighted the following issues: electric
industry deregulation; right-of-way control; effluent use; air quality; National Estuary Program;
regional water planning; personnel; military; Spaceport; economic development authority; design -
build; and procurement. Mr. Utter also discussed bills that were outside the city's legislative
program, including those regarding reverse auctions; liquor licenses; Texas bond law; and the Port
board expansion. He noted that redistricting did not pass and he commended Rep. Gene Seaman and
Rep. Vilma Luna, who was one of four Democrats to vote against the House bill. He also briefly
described SB 170, HB 782, and HB 1445. Mr. Utter commended the city's legislative delegation,
staff of the Texas Municipal League, city staff and the Council members for their support.
Mayor Neal thanked Mr. Utter for his efforts, which were even more important this year since
the city did not have outside lobbyists during this legislative session. The Mayor added that Mr. Utter
recently returned from Poland where he was a lecturer on behalf of the U.S. National Community
Development Association.
Mayor Neal asked Deputy City Manager Noe to address Mr. O'Brien's previous comments.
Mr. Noe said there were a number of suggestions staff discussed with the Council regarding the use
of excess fund balances for capital improvements. He said next week staff will be making a
presentation about that issue.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said that on June 13th at 11 a.m.
there will be a ceremony for the activation of the traffic signal at Lipes and Staples streets, which is
the first Bond 2000 project to be completed. He also delineated the upcoming budget workshops.
Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Chesney reiterated his concern about the Police Department's budget, and he said he
hopes the County Commissioners will reconsider their decision and reinstate the $1.50 fee for the
crossing guard program.
Mr. Longoria said he and other Council members viewed an informative presentation given
by the Corpus Christi Army Depot and he said they are working with the Mayor's Office to show
that presentation to the rest of the Council. Mr. Longoria also asked about the public restrooms at
the T -Head being built by Landry's Restaurant. Mr. Cisneros reviewed a copy of the drawings.
In response to another question from Mr. Longoria, Mr. Ron Massey, Assistant City Manager
for Public Works and Utilities, explained the contract situation with the restoration of Corpus Christi
North Beach. Mr. Longoria also referred to staff's intention to issue a request for proposals for an
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Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 12, 2001
Page 14
artist for the seawall project. He said the designers of the convention center/arena projects have
already developed attractive designs for the north end of the seawall and he questioned the need for
an RFP for an artist. Following additional discussion, Mayor Neal said staff should ask the Arts and
Cultural Commission to provide their input on this issue.
Mr. Kelly asked if there was problem with the election of site council officers at the senior
centers. Mr. Garcia said staff will provide a report. Mr. Scott said the Council received a letter from
the Kleberg law firm regarding the use of land for the arena. Mr. Garcia replied that staff is
researching that issue, which surfaces periodically and dates back to the original dedication of the
property. Mr. Noyola reported a lack of maintenance at a senior center.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. on June 12, 2001.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *