HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/19/2001I 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 19, 2001, which were approved by
the City Council on June 26, 2001.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 26th day of June, 2001.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
12:00 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
Assistant City Secretary Mary Juarez
Recording Secretary Rachelle P. Ramon
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation
was delivered by Dr. Ray Kiser, First United Methodist Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the
United States flag was led by Council Member Chesney.
Assistant City Secretary Juarez 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 referred
to the minutes of the regular Council meeting of June 12, 2001. He noted that staff had amended
page 9 to state that the net assessed taxable value for FY01-02 is proposed to be $7.84 billion.
Council Member Chesney made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Council
Member Colmenero, and passed (Garrett, Kelly, Longoria, and Scott absent).
Mayor Neal announced the executive sessions, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.071 for legal advice regarding the following: (Item 2.a.) claim of Rosario Prado, Individually
and on behalf of the estate of Robert Prado, deceased, with possible discussion and action related
thereto in open session; (Item 2.b.) Priscilla G. Leal v. the City of Corpus Christi, et al No. 01-0253-
E, l48`h District Court, Nueces County, Texas, with possible discussion and action related thereto
in open session; and (Item 2.c.) advertising on bus benches within City rights-of-way, with possible
discussion and action related thereto in open session.
The Council went into executive session. *Council Members Garrett, Kelly, Longoria, and
Scott were attending a Municipal Court Committee meeting and arrived at 12:04 p.m. The Council
returned from executive session. (A motion was made on Item 2. b.; see page 5 of the minutes.)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-8.b., Item 8.c. having
been withdrawn). Council members requested that Items 3, 6, 8.a. and 8.b. be discussed. There were
no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
T
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 2
4. ORDINANCE NO. 024477
Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 1,173 -square foot portion, of a 10 -foot wide utility
easement out of Lot 9, Arbor Terrace Subdivision; requiring the owner, Mr. Gregg Kupec,
to comply with the specified conditions and replat the property within 180 days at owner's
expense.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Neal,
Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
5. M2001-228
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application in the
amount of $25,000 to the State of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for tobacco
compliance and prevention activities.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
7.a. M2001-229
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept funding in the amount of
$5,884 from the Texas Department of Health, Toxic Substances Control Division, Hazard
Communications Branch for the Corpus Christi - Nueces County Local Emergency Planning
Committee to conduct planning and response activities under the Emergency Planning and
Community Right -to -Know Act.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
7.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024479
Ordinance appropriating $5,884 from the Texas Department of Health, Toxic Substances
Control Division, Hazard Communications Branch in the No. 1050 FederaUState Grants
Fund for the Corpus Christi - Nueces County Local Emergency Planning Committee to
conduct planning and response activities under the Emergency Planning and Community
Right -to -Know Act.
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. WITHDRAWN
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 3
Tcxa3 Ce..cral Land Office Coastal Coordinatioi, C—etn.cil for a Bayfrei.t Redevelopi..ent
Study in the amount of $50,000, with a $33,333 cash match and a for a total projcct coat of
$83,333.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 3, Health Department roof repairs. Mr. Kevin
Stowers, Acting Assistant Director of Engineering Services, said this is one of the first architectural
projects to be addressed under the Bond 2000 program. He said staff received three bids and the low
qualified bid was submitted by Haeber Roofing of Corpus Christi in the amount of $141,214. He said
as a result of the favorable bids, after award of the contract staff would like to repair some of the
water infiltration damage in the building. Mr. Stowers said the three bidders were local companies.
Responding to Council Members Scott and Colmenero, Mr. Stowers said the project is
expected to be completed by November 2001. He added that the water infiltration repair will not
exceed the original budget for the project. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
3. M2001-227
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Haeber Roofmg, Corpus Christi, Texas, for a total fee not to exceed $141,214 for the Health
Department Roof Repairs (Bond Issue Project Al).
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, master advance funding agreement with the Texas
Department of Transportation (TXDOT). In reply to Council Member Scott, Mr. Ron Massey,
Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, said the bid let date for the Park Road 22
(JFK Causeway) project is September 2001. Mr. Scott asked staff to contact him to answer additional
questions. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
6. RESOLUTION NO, 024478
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Master Agreement
Governing Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements with the Texas
Department of Transportation.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Items 8.a. and 8.b., hike and bike trail. Council Member
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 4
Chesney said a news report incorrectly stated that this project entailed money given by the Council
when in fact it is a grant application. Assistant City Manager Tom Utter, Office of Intergovernmental
Relations, confirmed that it is a grant application to the Coastal Coordination Council under the
Coastal Management Program. He said the local match for each project in the total amount of
$80,000 would come from the Padre Isles Property Owners Association (PIPOA) and Padre Island
Business Association.
Mr. Utter said the city has received similar grants in the past. He said in October construction
will begin on a hike and bike trail on Whitecap Boulevard from the Intracoastal Canal to South Padre
Island Drive. He said these two proposed projects will be constructed on Gypsy Street and Encantada
Avenue and tie into the Whitecap project. Council Member Noyola asked about the PIPOA's
contribution. Mr. Utter said they will provide $40,000 for each project as well as in-kind services.
He also further described the projects in response to Council Member Colmenero.
Council Member Longoria asked about the grant criteria. Mr. Utter said the projects to be
funded have to be located within the county and have direct impact on a coastal area, which he
explained. Mr. Longoria suggested that a study be conducted on the pedestrian flow on Corpus
Christi Beach and in the downtown area. Mr. Utter said the Corpus Christi Beach Association is
considering a boardwalk concept. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
8.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024480
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application to the
Texas General Land Office - Coastal Coordination Council for in the amount of $60,000 for
a Hike and Bike Trail on Gypsy Street, with a $40,000 match from Padre Island Property
Owners Association.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
8.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024481
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application to the
Texas General Land Office - Coastal Coordination Council for a Hike and Bike Trail on
Encantada Avenue in the amount $60,000, with a $40,000 match from Padre Island Property
Owners Association.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the presentation on the day's agenda (Item 10) regarding the July 4`11
Big Bang Celebration. Ms. Diana Garza, Management Assistant to the Mayor, introduced Mr. Mike
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 5
Lind, co-chairman of Bayfest Inc. Mr. Lind noted some of the events that will occur on July 4th,
including a bayfront run, parade, patriotic ceremony, performance by the U.S. Air Force "Band of
the West," "Stars and Stripes Aboard the U.S.S. Lexington," picnic at the Texas State Aquarium,
and a fireworks display along the bayfront.
The following representatives also further discussed the July 4th events: Joe Ochoa and
Vicky Lewis, Buccaneer Commission; Daiquiri Richard, Beautify Corpus Christi Association; Rocco
Montesano, U.S.S. Lexington; Crystal Mead and Monica de la Garza, Texas State Aquarium; and
Debbie Lindsey -Opel, H -E -B Grocery Company. Ms. Garza said that in addition to those
organizations, others involved in the celebration include the Office of the Mayor, Park and
Recreation, Solid Waste, Coliseum, Marina, Street Department, Traffic Engineering, Police, Fire,
Corpus Christi Veterans Band, Mayor's Committee on Veterans Affairs, Corpus Christi
Roadrunners, Z-95 Radio, Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Management District,
Freelance Creative, RTA, Valero, and Whataburger.
*************
Returning to Item 2.b., Mayor Neal made the following motion, which was seconded by
Council Member Kinnison and passed:
2.b. M2001-226
Motion authorizing the City Manager to employ Robert Nichols, Bracewell & Patterson law
firm, Corpus Christi, to represent the defendants in Priscilla G. Leal v. the City of Corpus
Christi, No. C-01-247, United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Corpus
Christi Division, at the rate of $150 per hour, subject to appropriation and certification of
funds.
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 11, budget for the Corpus Christi Crime Control and
Prevention District. Mr. Leon Loeb, President of the District Board, explained that the district's
original budget projections for FY00-01 were based on five months of data (August through
December). The revised estimates are now based on actual expenditures for the first 10 months of
the fiscal year and the ending balance for FY00-01 has been decreased by $270,822.
Mr. Loeb said the FY01-02 proposed district budget has also been modified to include the
following: an increase of $166,599; a 3% cost -of -living increase for civilian employees totaling
$47,615; revised salary figures for the legal advisor and career ladder increases totaling $9,984; an
increase in street lighting of $15,000; election costs of $100,000; and the deletion of the
encumbrance for the biannual district evaluation for $6,000 (which will be paid in FY00-01).
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 6
Council Member Chesney asked Mr. Loeb's opinion and that of the board regarding the
DARE program. Mr. Loeb replied that he agrees with the suggestion of Cmdr. Bryan Smith,
Coordinator of the district, that they move the DARE program into the middle schools and
incorporate some DARE officers into the directed patrol program. He commended Cmdr. Smith for
his efforts as coordinator. Mr. Loeb described the use of funds under the miscellaneous line item.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council as follows:
11. RESOLUTION NO. 024483
Resolution approving the FY2001-2002 Budget for the Corpus Christi Crime Control and
Prevention District.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. Upon reconvening, he referred to Item 9. A motion was
made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case:
9. Case No. 0501-02. Dunhill Enterprises. LLC: A change of zoning from an "A-1" Apartment
House District to "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm
and Garden Tracts, Section 52, Lot 15, located on the north side of Yorktown Boulevard,
approximately 650 feet east of Waldron Road.
Mr. Michael Gunning, Director of Planning and Development, referred to a memo in the
Council's packet which explained that the applicants, James and Regina Stevenson, submitted a
written request asking the City Council to approve an "RE" Residential -Estate District in lieu of the
"R -1B" One -Family Dwelling District they had originally requested. He said on the advice of their
banker, the Stevensons are now proposing to develop a large lot single-family subdivision consisting
of 15 residences instead of the original 75 residences under "R -1B."
Mr. Gunning said staff feels the "RE" District is actually more advantageous in that the large -
acre lots would provide more of a buffer between the "B-3" area and the subdivision. He said there
were no notices in opposition to the proposed zoning change and there were two notices in favor as
well as a favorable response from the Navy. Mr. Gunning described the Council's options.
Mayor Neal asked about possible drainage problems in that area. Mr. Gunning said he has
not had the Engineering Department review that issue yet, but the property owner will be required
to submit a plat to the Engineering Department demonstrating how he plans to drain the property.
The Mayor added that staff also needs to bring the Council a stormwater master plan. He then called
for public comment.
Mr. John Bell, a local attorney representing the Stevensons, said they intended to be at the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 7
meeting but business obligations prevented that. Mr. Bell said "RE" zoning is the least dense;
consequently, the demands on utilities is far less than the existing apartment zoning or the initially
proposed "R -1B" zoning.
Mr. Longoria made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and
passed. Mr. Kelly made a motion, seconded by Mr. Scott, to amend Item 9 to rezone the property
from "A-1" Apartment House District to "RE" Residential -Estate District. A voice vote was called
and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
9. ORDINANCE NO. 024482
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Dunhill Enterprises, L.L.C., by
changing the Zoning Map in reference to Lot 15, Section 52, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm
and Garden Tracts, from "A-1" Apartment House District to "RE" Residential -Estate
District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing
Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed, as amended: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 12 regarding several discussion items on the FY2001-02
proposed operating budget. Mr. Mark McDaniel, Director of Management and Budget, first
discussed the enterprise funds, which consist of Water, Wastewater, Gas, Airport, Ambulance,
Marina, and Golf Centers.
Mr. McDaniel said the re-engineering efforts in the Water and Wastewater departments have
resulted in the following: total personnel services expenditures are programmed to increase by only
$49,082 (including salaries/wages, overtime, retirement and group health); elimination of 42
positions (24 in Water and 18 in Wastewater); annualized expenditure savings of $927,800; salaries
are budgeted at the 98% level and valued at $363,436 less; and only one new position is being
recommended (a water resource planner).
The Budget Director said that in the Utility Fund overall, there is a $3.9 million increase in
debt service for utility projects, and a total of $12 million of the unreserved fund balance will be used
for "pay-as-you-go" financing of currently approved capital projects (as per the second year of the
five-year capital improvement program). He added that the FY01-02 proposed budget includes a 2%
rate increase for all the utilities.
City Manager Garcia noted that beginning in FY94-95, the Council adopted a policy of 6%
utility rate increases each year. However, in FY99-00 the gas rate increase was only 2% while the
others remained at 6%, and in FY00-01 there were no rate increases in water and wastewater and
only a 2% increase in gas. He said staff feels they will have to resume the 6% rate increase after next
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 8
fiscal year and continue it for several years in order to avoid major rate increases due to substantial
capital expenditures programmed in the future. Mr. McDaniel illustrated the impact of the proposed
2% rate increases on the average residential customer, which would equate to $1.05 per month.
In the Water Fund, Mr. McDaniel said staff is proposing total expenditures of $70.39 million
including $5 million for pay-as-you-go CIP projects. He said the 2% rate increase for the cost of
service will generate an additional $700,000 to support capital projects. He said the budget also
includes $1.5 million for water supply development, including the addition of the water resources
planner and studies/professional services for possible desalination and Garwood pipeline projects.
In the Gas Fund, staff is budgeting total expenditures of $42.97 million including $2 million
for CIP projects and an additional $275,000 generated from the 2% rate increase. Mr. McDaniel said
the price of natural gas is projected at $6.94/mcf (versus the prior year adopted budget of $3.42/mcf).
The Wastewater Fund includes total expenditures of $33.24 million including $5 million for pay-as-
you-go CIP projects and an additional $593,000 for capital projects from the 2% rate increase.
Responding to Council Member Noyola, Mr. McDaniel reiterated the need for the 2% utility
rate increases proposed in FY01-02 to fund the debt that the city has begun to incur for all the
projects that are currently underway as well as future projects. Mr. Garcia acknowledged that the 6%
rate increases are not mandatory, but if the Council does not implement them the effect is
compounded and an even higher increase will be necessary in the future to fund the debt for the
capital projects.
Council Member Scott asked about the Choke Canyon Fund. Mr. Massey pointed out that
the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation does not have the authority to grant the city any water rights, which
come from the state. He said the water rights are based on the droughts of record. He said under the
calculations of the 1960s drought of record, the yield of Choke Canyon Reservoir was estimated to
be higher than it is actually. Mr. Massey and Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Director of Financial Services,
further explained the debt payments for that fund.
Responding to Council Member Kelly, Mr. Ed Garafia, Water Superintendent, said the
Southside Transmission Main is estimated to cost $50 million. Mr. Garcia said staff tries to
anticipate when the city will actually have to expend the money for capital projects and balance out
pay-as-you-go funding with debt funding. He said staff will review the rate model with the Council.
Council Member Longoria asked about the proposed $1.5 million for water supply
development. Mr. Garcia said the city needs to develop a more sophisticated projecting and planning
capacity, particularly in the Water Department. He said Corpus Christi is one of the largest cities in
the state without any water planning capacity. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Garana further responded to
specific questions from Mr. Longoria.
Council Member Kinnison asked if the city currently has an adopted long-term water plan.
Mr. Massey replied that the city does not and that is one of the issues to be addressed now that the
Senate Bill 1 plan has been approved for the region. Mr. Garcia said the elements required in Senate
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 9
Bill 1 are not adequate for this area. He said the city needs a comprehensive plan that analyzes the
city's existing water inventories; considers all the available options; balances that against the area's
population and industrial demands; projects the needs 20-80 years in the future; and sets critical time
lines. Mr. Kinnison said he agrees that the city needs to plan for its future water needs, including
continuing to cooperate with regional entities, while at the same time not duplicating efforts.
Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Massey discussed the
CIP program, which will be discussed in more detail in a few months. Mr. Garana also commented
that staff plans to bring back a very comprehensive water plan in the future. Mr. Garcia said there
is extensive information available from the Nueces River Authority but there is very little
information available exclusively about the City of Corpus Christi.
Council Member Chesney asked about desalination projects. Mr. Massey said any possible
desalination projects are preliminary at this point. He said the technology needs to be demonstrated
in a production base and he added that it would be advantageous for the city to work with the state
of Texas on that issue. Mayor Neal noted that the city's combined system reservoir capacity is
currently at 35% and as a result the city's water plans need to be expedited.
Continuing with his computer presentation, Mr. McDaniel discussed the proposed FY01-02
Airport Fund, which includes total revenue of $6.27 million and total expenditures of $6.38 million.
He said there is an increase in expenditures of $365,854 due primarily to significant increases in
power costs. However, revenues are projected to increase due to new oil and gas leases and property
rentals and other revenues should increase upon completion of the new terminal in Spring 2002. Mr.
Dave Hamrick, Acting Aviation Director, replied to specific questions about the proposed budget.
Referring to the Gas Fund, Mr. Kinnison requested a report about performance measures for
the Gas Department's marketing plan. Mr. McDaniel noted that the Ambulance Fund was discussed
last week during the General Fund overview. Responding to Council Member Garrett, Mr. John
Murray, Director of EMS, explained that the ambulance service was established in 1973 as a joint
effort between the city and the Nueces County Hospital District. He said the district stopped its
financial contributions to the ambulance service after FY87-88. In 1993 a contract was drawn up
between Corpus Christi and Nueces County which stated that the county would reimburse the city
for a percentage of the total number of calls made into the unincorporated areas of Nueces County.
He said the city's call volume has decreased in those areas for several reasons.
Mr. McDaniel also discussed the Marina Fund, which has total revenues and expenditures
of about $1.09 million. He said bayfront revenues are projected to increase after the opening of the
new restaurant in the marina this month, which calls for 1.5% of gross receipts He said the proposed
5% increase in slip rentals will generate additional revenue of $34,520.
The Golf Centers Fund includes total revenues and expenditures of $2.3 million Mr.
McDaniel noted that the revenue stream has decreased by 13% primarily due to fewer rounds being
played at the city's two golf courses.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 10
Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, used a computer presentation to discuss
options for a third golf facility. He described the history of the effort to establish a third facility
beginning in May 1999 when the Council identified that need. He said the city did not receive any
responses to a request for proposals (RFP) it sent out for private development of a golf course
adjacent to the J.C. Elliott Landfill.
Staff then developed the following options which were presented to the Council: light the
executive nine -hole course at the Gabe Lozano Sr. Golf Center - $500,000; build an additional nine
holes at Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course - $1.5 million; build a third facility at the Cayo del Oso
city property - $5.6 million; purchase an existing daily fee golf facility if offered for sale -
approximately $4 million to $6 million; build a third facility at a yet -to -be purchased location - $7.5
million; wait and build a course at the landfill after it closes - $250,000 (city's portion of a joint
venture); maintain the status quo with the two existing courses - $600,000; or perform a market
analysis/feasibility study to assess possible options for the city to pursue - $35,000 to $50,000.
Mr. Cisneros explained the options staff has been developing since January 2001: donated
property and development - $8.7 million; acquired property and development - $8.2 million; and
airport property and development - $8.3 million. With regard to the airport option, Mr. Cisneros said
the city owns 70 acres and would need to purchase an additional 110 acres for the possibility of a
private golf contractor building and operating the facility. He said financing possibilities for that
option include certificates of obligation, a future bond program, airport revenue bonds, or increasing
the golf surcharge of $10.50 per round, for a total greens fee of $27. He said staff is recommending
continuing to pursue the airport site option.
Mr. Cisneros then responded to Mr. Kelly's questions about land donations and percentage -
for -park requirements. Mr. Garrett said he thought constructing an additional nine regulation holes
at the Oso Golf Course could be done fairly quickly. Mr. Cisneros said the direction staff received
after January was to pursue the construction of an 18 -hole course. Mr. Garrett said he agrees that an
18 -hole course needs to be built eventually but a nine -hole course would help relieve some of the
congestion at the existing two courses.
Mr. Cisneros and Mr. Hamrick described the possible site of a course at the airport. Mr.
Hamrick explained that a company called Gilmore Graves Golf of Phoenix expressed an interest in
designing, building and operating a golf course on airport property if the city could provide the land
and a suitable water supply. Following additional discussion, Mr. Garcia said staff feels the most
cost-effective option at this time is to proceed with the privatization effort at the airport for an 18 -
hole course. Mr. Kelly expressed concern about locating the course at the airport. He said he is not
ready to commit to a specific location yet, but said there is some preliminary positive response about
the city getting 200 acres off of Rand Morgan Road. He said he should have more definitive
information in a few weeks.
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. Upon reconvening, Mr. McDaniel discussed the Police
Department budget for FY00-01 and the proposed budget for FY01-02. He referred to additional
information he provided to the Council in response to their extensive questions during last week's
1'
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 11
meeting. He said the re -estimated budget analysis at 10 months shows over -expenditures of
$1,128,324 after all reimbursements have been accounted for.
Police Chief Pete Alvarez also referred to the re -estimate of the FY00-01 budget and he
described in detail the line items which made up the bulk of the over -expenditures: salaries and
wages, $290,457; overtime, $663,510 ($271,798 net after reimbursements); other pay, $180,191;
retirement, $125,803; and equipment maintenance, $152,201. He noted that the salaries and wages
included costs for "drag -up" pay (accrued vacation and sick leave paid to retiring and departing
officers), contractual step increases, civilian merit pay, and dispatchers' skill -based pay. The cost for
the Metrocom dispatchers is being reimbursed by the county.
Chief Alvarez said the overtime costs were incurred through Special Services grant programs,
Concrete Street amphitheater activities, spring break, and vacancies in various divisions that must
be covered. The "other pay" line item consists of an increase in vacation leave buy -backs and the
equipment maintenance costs were for the mobile data terminal/automated vehicle location system.
He said the adopted budget for FY00-01 is $39,682,181 and the re -estimated year-end amount is
$40,734,322. The proposed FY01-02 budget amount is $42,071,441.
Chief Alvarez acknowledged that anticipating drag -up costs is difficult but staff plans to
change the way that issue is addressed. In addition, staff now has a better idea about how much
overtime costs will be for the Concrete Street events and for spring break. He said they will closely
monitor those expenditures to make sure they stay within their budget as much as possible.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Garcia and Ms. Pat Eldridge of the Police Department said
the graph illustrating overtime is a percentage of the hours of overtime used, not a percentage of the
dollar amount. Ms. Eldridge said the city does not have a good tracking method for routine overtime
because the grants are included in the overtime numbers she receives from the computer system. Mr.
Garcia said it is difficult to manage overtime in the Police Department because of the unpredictable
nature of their work. However, in the FY01-02 budget the reimbursements are being handled
separately. He said staff needs to provide more accurate and timely information to the police
commanders so they can determine the status of their divisions' expenditures and overtime usage.
In reply to Mr. Kinnison, Chief Alvarez further discussed the contractual step increases, skill -
based pay, other pay and the costs associated with the Concrete Street Amphitheater. Mr. Longoria
asked about budgeting for drag -up costs. Mr. McDaniel said staff is budgeting for drag -up costs
centrally for a total of $1.1 million for the whole organization. He said staff will be constantly
evaluating how much should be transferred to the affected departments. A discussion ensued.
Mayor Neal noted that it was time to hear comments from the audience.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, referred to Article IV, Section 2(c) of the City Charter
which reads that expenditures in the proposed budget will not exceed estimated revenues. He said
the proposed budget violates that section of the Charter and he reminded the Council of the oath of
office they took to uphold the law, including the city's laws. Mayor Neal said the Council has not
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 12
yet approved the budget; therefore, it has not violated the Charter. City Attorney Bray said he
disagrees with the implication that that section of the Charter only pertains to current revenues. He
said balancing the budget with reserves conforms with the Charter requirements. Mr. Garcia added
that expenditures and revenues in the General Fund do balance.
Mr. Leon Perez, 904 Buford, said the Police and Fire departments need to be adequately
funded. He commented on previous city manager Marvin Townsend.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 310 Norton, said he turned in an open records request asking for any
exemptions for the Regional Transportation Authority and Cooper Outdoor Advertising. He said the
Legal Department said no such document exists. He said Cooper is selling advertising on bus
benches located in the rights-of-way, which he said violates state and city laws.
Ms. Tracey Smith, 211 N. Carrizo, said she owns the George Blucher House Bed and
Breakfast. She complained about the noise levels at the Concrete Street Amphitheater and she said
she feels the legal noise limit of 80 decibels is too high and should be lowered. Ms. Smith said her
business is located several blocks from the amphitheater but the noise is still very obtrusive. Mr.
Garcia said he and the Police Chief are discussing how to deal with the noise problem. Mr.
Colmenero suggested that the sound system be altered to change the direction of the sound waves.
Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said the tax monies brought in by the tax increment
financing district will not support the financing of the Packery Channel project. He said there are
many questions still surrounding the project.
Ms. Susie Luna-Saldana, 4710 Hakel, said the Police and Fire departments do a tremendous
job and she singled out the efforts of Chief Alvarez.
Returning to the discussion about the Police Department, Mr. Scott said representatives of
the Concrete Street Amphitheater have a different understanding about the costs for which they
should be responsible. Chief Alvarez said his staff has had several meetings with amphitheater
personnel about different costs. Mr. Garcia pointed out that the number of officers the city needs to
provide at that venue varies greatly depending on the actual event.
In response to Mr. Colmenero, Mr. Garcia said Buccaneer Days and Bayfest reimburse the
city for the city's costs but other events do not, such as Beach to Bay and the Jazz Festival, which
are free events. Ms. Eldridge said the timing of the grant reimbursements varies greatly. Chief
Alvarez discussed the use of on -duty and off-duty police officers at Concrete Street and other events.
Mr. Chesney said he believes Chief Alvarez deserves credit for Police Department
achievements, such as the rebuilding of a former crack house on Stafford Street. He said he is still
concerned about the causes of the over -expenditures. Mr. Chesney asked how many years the Police
Department has gone over budget and by what amounts. Mr. McDaniel distributed a handout
showing a breakdown of the Police budgets from FY95-96 to the proposed FY01-02 budget. Mr.
Garcia said the department was under -budget in fiscal years 1996-97 and 1997-98 and over -budget
7
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 13
in fiscal years 1995-96, 1998-99, 1999-2000, and 2000-01.
Responding to additional questions from Mr. Chesney, Chief Alvarez said he became Chief
of Police in January 1996. He said drastic cuts were made in the two fiscal years when the
department was under -budget but cuts like that result in a reduction of services, which eventually
impacts the department. Chief Alvarez said this budget process has been a learning process for him
and his staff and there are a number of things he will do to ensure that this situation does not reoccur.
Mr. Chesney noted that the citizens approved a crime control district which gave the Police
Department even more monies to provide public safety programs to the community, yet the
department has been over -budget the last three fiscal years. Chief Alvarez said barring any
catastrophes or unexpected major incidents, the Police Department will be within budget next year.
In reply to Mr. Garrett, Chief Alvarez described the process he and his staff go through when
preparing their budgets for the next fiscal year. He said his commanders present their budgets and
he meets with them to begin making reductions. Then additional reductions occur when the Police
Department budget is submitted to the Office of Management and Budget. He admitted that the
"other pay" over -expenditure was an oversight on their part.
Mr. Noyola thanked Chief Alvarez, the police officers, and volunteers for their efforts with
the house on Stafford Street. Responding to a question from Mr. Noyola, Chief Alvarez said the
Police Department is budgeted for 395 officers but the actual number of officers is 383. He said the
department is reimbursed for salaries and overtime for nine dispatchers provided by the county in
Metrocom. He also further discussed the Concrete Street and spring break activities.
Mr. Kelly asked about the drag -up pay issue. Mr. McDaniel said it will be the joint
responsibility of both the Budget Office and the Police Department, but the monies will be centrally
budgeted. He said the anticipated drag -up pay for FY01-02 is not reflected in the proposed Police
budget of $42,071,441. He said the amount budgeted for drag -up pay next year is $1.1 million for
all departments, the majority of which is attributed to the Police and Fire departments. Mr. McDaniel
said he worked closely with the departments when they submitted their budgets for FY01-02 so the
department heads will be comfortable with the figures as they and the Budget Office monitor them
throughout the fiscal year. Mr. Noyola asked that the Council receive a quarterly report on the
amount of overtime being used in all city departments.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Garcia said staff will be bringing back a recommendation
on the deficit in the school crossing guard program as a result of the county no longer collecting the
additional $1.50 fee. Chief Alvarez further described how overtime is apportioned. Mr. Scott asked
about last year's attrition plan. The Chief replied that they are in the second year of a five-year plan.
The Mayor said the over -expenditures that occurred in the Police Department are not just the
responsibility of Chief Alvarez and Ms. Eldridge. He said the Chief needs to look closely at his
associates and make them accountable. Mr. Garcia pointed out that the public hearing on the
proposed operating budget is scheduled for June 26th, with the first reading on July 10th and the
second reading on July 17th.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 19, 2001
Page 14
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 13, Sesquicentennial Committee. There were no
comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
13. RESOLUTION NO. 024484
Resolution establishing a City of Corpus Christi Sesquicentennial Celebration Advisory
Committee to consider and propose activities, events, and promotions to recognize the 150th
Anniversary of the City.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia announced a legislative wrap-up
to be held in Dallas on June 25th. In addition to the budget discussions for next week, other items
include a presentation about the Corpus Christi Army Depot, the marina, Corpus Christi Beach
project, solid waste disposal contracts, and other issues.
In his report, the Mayor said he attended a workshop in Dallas last week where he and others
met the new director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Ms. Christine Todd Whitman. The
workshop was intended for cities which have non -attainment status or are near non -attainment to
comment on changes to the air pollution monitoring standards. He said Corpus Christi wants to
retain oversight of its pollution -control efforts and receive credit for its achievements over the years.
He then called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Scott asked for an update on a speed hump on Hawksnest Bay Drive and he said several
residents on Robert Street are very concerned about one particular resident's actions. Mr. Kelly
reported that a park clean up was held at Labonte Park in northwest Corpus Christi on Saturday and
he thanked the CITGO volunteers and others for their assistance.
Mr. Chesney submitted the names of Lori Wilson and Eddie Galvan and Mr. Noyola
submitted the names of Edna Balboa and Maria Ramirez to serve on the Sesquicentennial
Committee. Mr. Noyola also thanked Mr. Chesney and Mr. Kelly for attending the Stafford Street
event and the volunteers for their help.
Mayor Neal invited the Council members to the TML Board reception on the U.S.S.
Lexington on June 21st. Mr. Colmenero announced that the Association of Hispanic Municipal
Officials will hold their state conference in Corpus Christi on June 28-29.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 7:12 p.m. on June 19, 2001.
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