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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 02/12/2002I 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 February 12, 2002, which were approved by the City Council on February 19, 2002. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 19th day of February 2002. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL 1. f 7 1 MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 1:00 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Brent Chesney Council Members: Javier D. Colmenero Henry Garrett Bill Kelly Rex A. Kinnison John Longoria Jesse Noyola ABSENT 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 Parry Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. He delivered the invocation and Council Member Garrett delivered the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag. City Secretary Chapa called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Neal called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of January 29, 2002. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made: Leadership Committee for Senior Services Marion Ball Pauline Johnson Hector Garza Carol Suckey Apolonia Cantu Pete Oliver H. Rex Amick Roland Medrano Alan Bligh Gloria Farias Anna Gonzales Lucy Johnson Patricia Shufelt Russell Brent Stowers Commission on Children & Youth Vicky Alexander Margaret Canales Lt. Vidal De la Cerda Melissa Madrigal Drew Reining Water Resources Advisory Committee Kimberly Davis Stockseth Capt. Richard Marcantonio Jon Kiggans Carola Serrato Bob Kent Conrado Garcia Herman Johnson Sr. Lena Coleman Maribel Bermudez Council Member Henry Garrett (Ex -Officio) Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 2 Museum of Science and History Advisory Committee Dr. Alexey Sadovski (Reappointed) Dr. Henry Brennecke (Reappointed) Tony Diaz (Reappointed) Shirley Abrams Phyllis Howerton-Riddle Intergovernmental Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Linda Cook Park and Recreation Advisory Committee Maria Ramos Committee for Persons with Disabilities Crystal Lyons (Reappointed) Linda Fallwell-Stover (Reappointed) Toni Padilla (Reappointed) Arts & Cultural Commission Kacie Sicilia Human Relations Commission Gustavo Valadez Ortiz Ruth Silva * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal announced the executive session (Item 3), pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074, to interview candidates regarding appointment of Municipal Court Judges with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session. The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session. Council Member Longoria made the following motion, which was seconded by Council Member Kinnison: 3.a. M2002-042 Motion appointing Jeanette Cantu -Bazar as Substitute Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, to a term coterminous with that of the City Council to serve as may be required and scheduled by the Presiding Judge and setting her pay at an hourly rate based on an annualized salary of $54,105. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Scott absent. Mr. Longoria also made the following motion, which was seconded by Mr. Kinnison: 3.b. M2002-043 Motion appointing Missy Medary as Municipal Court Judge of Corpus Christi, Texas, Division C and setting her salary at $54,104 to a term coterminous with that of the City Council. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 3 Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 4-16). Council members requested that Items 10, 11, 12 and 14 be discussed. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: M2002-044 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Rabalais Industrial and Electrical Constructors in the amount of $234,092.40 for the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant On -Going Instrument Maintenance Program FY2001-2002. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 5. M2002-045 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with King -Isles, Inc. in the amount of $101,600 for the Wood River Lift Station Manifold and Piping Rehabilitation. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 6. M2002-046 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the engineering services contract with Bass & Welsh Engineering in the amount of $46,250 for Neighborhood Street Reconstruction, providing design, bid and construction phase services for underground utilities along Laguna Shores Road. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 7. M2002-047 Motion authorizing the acquisition of a utility easement and a temporary construction easement combined as Parcel 7 out of Lot K, Block 28, and Lots 0 and P, Block 29, Bass Subdivision in the amount of $27,401 from the owner, Erma Traynham in connection with the Sanitary Sewer Installation in developed areas: Bass Subdivision; Wastewater Capital Improvement Program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 4 8.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024755 Ordinance appropriating $15,472.48 from the Water Arterial Transmission and Grid Main Trust Fund No. 4030-209010 to pay developer reimbursement request for the installation of 452 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main to develop Lots 16 through 20, Block 38, Garden Homes at King's Crossing Subdivision. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 8.b. M2002-048 Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by King's Crossing Realty, Ltd., owner and developer of Lots 16 through 20, Block 38, Garden Homes at King's Crossing Subdivision, for the installation of 452 linear feet of a 12 -inch PVC water grid main. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 9. ORDINANCE NO. 024756 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Use Privilege Agreement with Del Mar College for the right to construct, install, maintain, and/or remove an entrance sign on the northeast corner of the City -owned Lot 1A, Block 3, Del Mar College East Campus; and waiving the Use Privilege Agreement fee of $500 in consideration of the college maintaining the lot grounds; and requiring Del Mar College to comply with the specified conditions. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 13. ORDINANCE NO. 024759 Ordinance reappropriating $388,330 from the Frost National Bank Lease Purchase Agreement into the General Fund No. 1020, amending Ordinance No. 024528 which adopted the FY2001-2002 Budget to increase appropriations by $388,330 in the No. 1020 Fund for Frost Bank Lease Space Improvements. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 024761 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute a sixty -year lease a r Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 5 contract with Destiny Associates, Inc. for the occupancy of 450 -square feet into the existing Schatzel Street Right -of Way (ROW), to repair and maintain a permanent building structure, concrete facings and planters that are encroaching into the public street Right -of- Way located respectively adjacent to the north boundary line of Lot 7, Block 12, Beach Portion; establishing a fee of $1,050 as payment for the first five (5) year Lease increment. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 16. ORDINANCE NO. 024762 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Lease between the Bayfest, Inc., and the City of Corpus Christi, authorized on March 21, 2000, by Ordinance No. 023972, to adjust the amount payable for Police services and to add a late payment fee; providing for severance; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 10, agreement with Beautify Corpus Christi Association (BCCA). Responding to Council Member Noyola, City Manager Garcia said that Solid Waste Services will provide $25,000 to BCCA to implement the program outlined in the scope of work. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 10. M2002-049 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to approve a Letter of Agreement between the City of Corpus Christi, Solid Waste Services and the Beautify Corpus Christi Association for a grant in the amount of $25,000 for professional services in support of Solid Waste Service's educational programs and new basic services. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 11, regional water planning activities. He said he and the Council support the Regional Water Planning Group but the city is often criticized and accused of paying the majority of the cost for planning activities. Mr. Ron Massey, Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities, explained that for simplicity the city pays the cost and then passes it on to the water customers through the raw water calculation. Mayor Neal pointed out that charges are allocated throughout the region. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 6 11. M2002-050 Motion authorizing the City of Corpus Christi's proportional contribution of the local share of administrative expenses for regional water planning activities during FY2002, required by Senate Bill 1, 75`" Texas Legislature, in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement for Water Planning Activities approved by Motion M98-034, with the City's remaining share according to the formula adopted by the Regional Water Planning Group, to be $44,309.51. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. ************* Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, police grant applications, and he asked for an explanation. Ms. Pat Eldridge, Management Assistant in the Police Department, said that each year the Criminal Justice Division provides funds for new grants and continuation grants, for which the gang analysis unit and computer forensics specialist qualify. She said when staff brought this to the Council on January 29, 2002, they did not have the final numbers from the state so they are asking the Council to amend the previous resolutions to reflect the corrected numbers. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024757 Resolution amending Resolution No. 024749 authorizing the submission of a grant application for the Gang Analysis Unit of the Police Department to the State of Texas, Office of the Govemor, Criminal Justice Division to increase the City cash match by $673, for a total of $59,631, and the total grant application of $75,314. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 12.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024758 Resolution amending Resolution No. 024750 authorizing the submission of a grant application for the Computer Forensics Specialist grant of the Police Department to the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division to increase the City cash match by $8.00, for a total of $18,895, and the total grant application to $58,791. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. ************* Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 7 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, Water Resources Advisory Committee, and he asked for an explanation. City Secretary Chapa said that the ordinance as it was originally approved did not allow for staggered terms. He said this amendment would establish that, thereby providing continuity on the committee. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14. ORDINANCE NO. 024760 Ordinance amending Section 2-230(a)(2) of the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, regarding appointment of members of the Water Resources Advisory Committee: providing for penalties; providing for severance. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 17, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing regarding an amendment to Article 12A, `B -1A" Neighborhood Business District. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval. Mr. Michael Gunning, Planning Director, explained that the masonry fence requirement in the `B -1A" regulations created an obstacle for many business owners, as well as created problems with easements. He said staff reconunended deleting that requirement and leaving the standard screening fence requirement in place, which would be coupled with the `B -1A" landscaping regulations. No one appeared in opposition to the amendment. Mr. Garrett made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Chesney, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council as follows: 17.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance by revising Article 12A, `B -1A" Neighborhood Business District Regulations, by replacing masonry fence with standard screening fence requirement and providing supplementary landscaping and site design requirements; and Article 27, Supplementary Height, Area, and Bulk Requirements, by revising Section 27- 3.01.06 (1) Fence Requirements. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 18, curfew ordinance for minors. City Secretary Chapa said this item was listed on the agenda as a first reading ordinance but it will be read as an emergency ordinance because the present ordinance will expire on February 19, 2002. A motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on Item 18. • Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 8 Judge Deanie King of the Juvenile Court (Division D) urged the Council to renew the ordinance, which has both daytime and nighttime elements. She said she will soon change the docket in order to hear 50 truancy and curfew cases per week. She said they are trying to address the causes of juvenile delinquency through the Juvenile Assessment Center's case management program and the Gulf Coast Council of La Raza. Presiding Judge Rodolfo Tamez further discussed the importance of the curfew ordinance and the programs to address juvenile problems. Mayor Neal asked why the ordinance pertains to youth under 17 rather than under 18. Judge King replied that when the ordinance was enacted, the mandatory requirement of going to school through age 18 did not exist. She said it may make sense to modify the ordinance to include 17-year- olds, particularly with regard to the daytime curfew. She said now the schools have the option of filing truancy violations against those under 18. The Mayor said he receives a large number of calls from concerned citizens about 17-year-olds not being addressed by the ordinance. Council Members Chesney and Garrett commended the efforts of Judge Tamez and Judge King. Mr. Garrett asked Judge King if she felt the curfew hours needed to be adjusted. She replied that at this time she does not because most of those who come before the court for curfew violations are older juveniles (middle and high schoolers). She said she would like to draft an amendment to the ordinance and discuss it with the Council at another time. Mr. Garrett asked if CCISD schools still have closed campuses at noon, and Judge King replied that to her knowledge they do. Council Member Colmenero asked about repeat offenders. Judge King said she did not have specific statistics available with her but she estimated that the typical amount of repeat offenders is 20%. She said she spends a lot of time educating the juveniles who go through the Juvenile Court both through imposing consequences for their actions and trying to prevent future delinquency. Police Chief Pete Alvarez explained that state law requires cities to revisit their curfew ordinances every three years and the last time Corpus Christi did so was in February 1999. He said the ordinance has been very effective in reducing juvenile crime and has had a positive impact in this community. He said prior to the ordinance's enactment, there were many instances of criminal acts committed by juveniles against juveniles, and the curfew law has helped to reduce those occurrences. The Chief said it is apparent the message about the curfew has reached the citizens. No one appeared in opposition to Item 18. Mr. Garrett made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kinnison, and passed. Mayor Neal pointed out that the state has passed new laws about underage drivers and he said city staff needs to look into how that affects the curfew ordinance. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 18.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024763 Ordinance continuing the curfew ordinance for minors, Corpus Christi City Code Sections 33-40, 33-41, 33-42, and 33-42.1. TM T 11 1 Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 9 An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 19, Mexican Consulate Office. City Manager Garcia said the Corpus Christi office received word about two weeks ago that it would close as part of a world-wide realignment of consular offices. He said it has provided important services to this community. In conjunction with the Mayor's Office, staff is trying to contact the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico to appeal the decision. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, City Secretary Chapa said that if the Corpus Christi office does close, there are three other offices approximately an equal distance from Corpus Christi --San Antonio, Brownsville and Laredo --that are scheduled to remain open. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 19. RESOLUTION NO. 024764 Resolution in support of maintaining the Mexican Consulate Office in Corpus Christi. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. Mayor Neal said Item 20 had been withdrawn. 20. WITHDRAWN Muton autl,o..ziug tl,c City Manag...a o' c to e,.tcr i1ito a tL...., y.,ai w • ICC JOluttO,iS, l;OIPuS l lirtSty leAao, IO1 copiers, u. awoiuwiw w lCuyu�al Iii pose r o. , Io1 ail 111 1., t1u Ga. ycas a,aywaldua6 OI abtL,U1t. ko * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 21, "e -government" services. City Manager Garcia said one of his major objectives has been to improve the city's customer service. He said there are major improvements in the use of the intemet and e -government and staff needs to harness many of those resources. He said Ms. Susan Cable, Director of Communications and Quality Management, and Mr. Ogilvie Gericke, Director of Municipal Information Systems, have developed an excellent web site and they continue to look for ways to improve citizens' access to government services. He said such endeavors are key to the city's re-engineering efforts. w Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 10 Using a computer presentation, Ms. Cable explained that a definition of "e -government" is streamlining government by providing efficient and effective services and information to citizens and businesses through advanced technology. She said that factors driving the use of the intemet and e -government include changes in citizen and business expectations and the growth of technology. She said according to a survey conducted by the city, 58.6% of citizens have internet access at home and even more have access at work. She said the city's internet site (www.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us) receives over 14,000 hits per day and in the United States, the rate of growth is two million new internet users per month. Ms. Cable further discussed citizens' changing expectations, including their desire for convenient, continuous accessibility. Ms. Cable said that according to a recent study, costs for customer service vary as follows: call center (human) -$1.56 per minute; kiosk (bank machine) -$1.05 per transaction; interactive voice responses (telephone systems) -$0.35 to $0.56 per transaction; and internet/web-$0.01 per transaction. Mr. Garcia emphasized the potential for cost savings through internet use. Ms. Cable said the current city intemet site contains approximately 8,000 pages, including a citizen comment form, although there is a need for interactive and payment services. Ms. Cable said that following a survey, request for information, and presentations and interviews, city staff is recommending contracting with Texas Local Interactive Inc. (TLI) to provide e -government services. She said TLI is a competent external provider which offers flexible funding, interfacing with back -end systems, hardware and technical expertise, experience, and security. She said the first four target areas are utility bill payments and information; traffic ticket and fine payments; basketball registration (Park and Recreation Department); and job applications. She said when those are completed, other applications will be considered, such as the building permit process. She said the goal is to improve service delivery, minimize the cost to the user, and realize cost efficiencies. The estimated annual costs are $197,416 for the first year; $256,135 for the second year; and $261,490 for the third year, which will be offset by corresponding revenue sources (transaction fees, utility funds, and General Fund "P -card" rebates). Ms Cable said the target for on-line implementation is summer 2002. Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Ms. Cable said the city's goal is to put the kiosks in the 24-hour H -E -B grocery stores and areas where citizens do not have as much access to computers. Mr. Garcia added that the city is providing increased internet access through all the city's libraries. Ms. Cable also discussed upcoming requests for proposals. Council Member Kinnison said he hopes they continue looking at the fee structure, particularly a tiered approach. Ms. Cable said staff can review that. Mr. Kinnison also asked about convenience fees for utility payments. Ms. Cable responded that at this point the city plans to not charge that fee. Mr. Garcia also discussed the use of "P -cards." Mr. Jorge Cruz-Aedo, Assistant City Manager, said that after 12 months Wells Fargo Bank will calculate purchases made with P -cards and rebate back to the city a fee for the use of the card. Mr. Garcia said the real savings in the e -government program will be the city's ability to move away from cashiering operations and customer service phone banks to people who respond to Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 11 e-mails and reconcile transactions at the end of the day. Mr. Kinnison asked if customers will be able to go on-line and provide credit card information so their monthly utility payments can be automatically charged to their credit card. Ms. Cable said staff is discussing that possibility with TLI. Mr. Garcia said they will also explore the option of drafting directly from customers' bank accounts. Mr. Kinnison also asked about information dissemination (holiday schedules, etc.) and other registration applications in addition to basketball. Ms. Cable said staff is first targeting basketball registration due to the large participation but they plan to expand into other areas as well. Responding to another question from Mr. Colmenero, Ms. Cable said the contract includes specific language about privacy. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 21.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024765 Ordinance appropriating $73,554 in the No. 5210 Municipal Information System (MIS) Fund for implementation of E -Government services; authorizing the transfer of $24,518 from each of the following funds to the No. 5210 MIS Fund: Water System Fund, Wastewater System Fund, and Gas System Fund for E -Government services; amending Ordinance No. 024528 which adopted the FY2001-2002 budget to increase appropriations by $73,554 in the No. 5210 MIS Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. 21.b. M2002-051 Motion authorizing the City Manager of his designee to execute a three-year contract with Texas Local Interactive Inc., to implement E -Government services for $715,042, including estimated bank transaction fees of $383,887. Texas Local Interactive Inc. will establish, operate and maintain a web site and portal access through local, wide area and global computer networks to provide electronic access to City information and the ability to perform electronic transactions. The four initial web applications are: utility bill payments and information, traffic and parking fine payments and information, Park and Recreation basketball registration, and job applications. Texas Local Interactive Inc. is a Qualified Information Services Vendor (QISV) with the State of Texas. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Longoria and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia said that on February 19th the Council will have a joint meeting at noon with the board of the Regional Transportation Authority a Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 12 followed by the regular meeting. He said the discussion about traffic signal upgrades and new installations will be held on February 26th. In his report, Mayor Neal announced that Council Member Colmenero had been appointed to the National League of Cities' International Task Force. He noted that there will be a Sesquicentennial Committee meeting on February 20th in the Basement Training Room. He asked the Council to encourage their representatives to attend. The Mayor said cities and counties have pending before them the effects of HB 1445, which calls for an April 1st resolution regarding extra- territorial jurisdiction. Mr. Garcia said staff will provide a report. Mayor Neal said it is his understanding there is a potential problem with the connectivity of video imaging equipment between the city and the county. Also, he said the city has been waiting since last August to hold discussions with county and hospital district officials regarding funding for the city -county health department. Mr. Garcia said they have attempted several times to schedule those meetings but they have been cancelled. Mayor Neal also asked for a report at the Council's next meeting on the status of Metrocom and a discussion (either in executive session or regular session) on the situation with the firefighters. The Mayor called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Chesney asked staff to follow up on concems and questions raised by citizens during the town hall meeting at Ray High School on January 31st. He said another town hall meeting will be held in March in District 4. He also said that on March 19th the Council will be given a full presentation on the marina development proposals with an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions. He said that during the Council's retreat on March 15th, he would like to discuss the process of hearing presentations and public comment some time before the Council actually takes action on a proposal. He said he would also like to discuss the number of emergency ordinances on the regular agenda. Mr. Chesney said he and Mr. Garrett attended a positive meeting with citizens concerned about the treatment of animals at the Animal Control facility. Mr. Garcia said the volunteer coordination effort has begun at that facility. Mr. Chesney also said he receives copies of minutes from the Council of Government meetings after the fact but not copies of agendas. City Secretary Chapa said Mr. Chesney is a COG member and staff will find out why he is not receiving the notices. Mr. Garrett asked about irrigation of the Labonte Park soccer fields. Mr. Tony Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, said that park is on the list of needed improvements for a future bond program. Mr. Garrett asked staff to support citizens' volunteer efforts at the animal shelter. Mr. Kinnison asked staff to keep the Council updated on the beach permit issue. Mr. Garcia said staff will have an item for the Council to consider in the near future. Mr. Kinnison asked that the Council consider holding their retreat for a day and a half as opposed to just one day. Mayor Neal said he did not have a problem with that idea except March 16th is the first Saturday of spring break. Mr. Kinnison noted that the city's current General Fund balance is approximately $8 million, and Mr. Cruz-Aedo said the city has made great strides in its financial position. Mr. Kinnison Minutes - Regular Council Meeting February 12, 2002 Page 13 referred to a comment made by a county official about that issue and he suggested that staff provide the county with the most current report from Standard and Poor's rating agency. Mr. Garcia said Corpus Christi is probably the healthiest large city in the state in light of the experiences of Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, which had been very reliant on sales tax projections. Mayor Neal said an inference was also made by a county official that the reason the city's General Fund budget is healthy is because the Council has been balancing it out of the Utility Fund, which is incorrect. Mr. Cruz-Aedo agreed that such transfers are prohibited by the City Charter. Mr. Kelly said he has received calls about the need for water at the Labonte Park soccer fields. He also noted that CCISD officials have said they will develop a master plan for the schools in light of a recent question about school closures. He said he thinks the district's plans will have an impact on the city's efforts to revitalize some of the neighborhoods and, in turn, school officials may be interested in the renewal community designation and other assistance programs. Mayor Neal said he has discussed those issues with the president of the school board and has offered whatever facilities the city has with the renewable community program to the school district as well as assistance from Traffic Engineering and Park and Recreation. Mr. Colmenero echoed Mr. Kelly's concerns about the impact of the district's plans for the schools. He said during a meeting the night before, there was a question about the use of the former Corpus Christi Transit System building. Mr. Massey said that site is covered under the state's leaking underground storage tank program and it has been under remediation since 1988. He said staff will find out what it will take to have that site declared as being cleaned up. Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience and there were none. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 3:35 p.m. on February 12, 2002. ************* w r