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
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* * * * * * * * * *
*
* *
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.
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