HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/11/2002I 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 June 11, 2002, which were approved by
the City Council on June 18, 2002.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 18th day of June 2002.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Kelly*
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Javier D. Colmenero
Henry Garrett
Rex A. Kinnison*
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott*
ABSENT
John Longoria
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - 1:07 p.m.
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. The invocation
was delivered by Rev. Randy Walterman, Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship, and the Pledge of
Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Garrett. 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 May 28, 2002. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
*Council Members Kelly, Kinnison and Scott arrived at approximately 1:10 p.m.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
Building Code Board of Appeals
Ernesto Gonzalez (Reappointed)
Ronald Wheaton
Sister City Committee
Mufid Abudiab
Ann Jaime
Randy Farrar
Leadership Committee for Senior Services
Diamantina Cisneros
Juanell McKinzie Graham
Commission on Children & Youth
Mary Jackson (Reappointed)
Liana Gonzales
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 3, a discussion about the FY 2002-03 proposed budget (General
Fund overview), five-year forecast update, and the FY 2001-02 third quarter performance report.
Mr. Mark McDaniel, Director of Management and Budget, first gave a computer presentation
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 2
about the five-year financial forecast for FY 2004-08. He said staff used the following revenue
assumptions: 3.5% growth for property tax collections and sales tax receipts; relatively flat franchise
fee and solid waste program revenues; 3% growth in Municipal Court revenues; and 2% growth in
almost all other revenues.
Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. McDaniel said that the projected 3.5% growth
in sales tax revenues may even be conservative for the next five years due to anticipated increases
in tourism from the new arena and other improvements. He added that for a time, Solid Waste
Services (SWS) expenses will outpace revenues because staff is projecting 0% growth for the
municipal solid waste service charge and 2% growth for collection services. At the same time, staff
is incorporating the automated garbage collection, which has some initial high costs, and staff is
programming to replace one garbage truck per year. He said beyond those five years, the SWS
revenues and expenses should balance out.
Mr. McDaniel then reviewed the expenditure assumptions. He said that for the first year, staff
budgeted $2 million to begin implementing the compensation/classification plan and 2.5% is
programmed for sworn personnel for the five-year period. He said staff also budgeted group
health/medical cost increases of 10% per year, as well as full -year funding (beyond FY 2002-03) for
the following: 15 new fire personnel for Station 16; an eighth ambulance company; police legal
advisor; Animal Care and Control enhancements; and the automated garbage collection program.
Council Member Kinnison said if another southside fire station or a new library are planned
for a 2004 bond election, staff has not budgeted those operating costs in their five-year projections.
Mr. McDaniel confirmed Mr. Kinnison's statement. Responding to Council Member Colmenero,
the Budget Director said that Phase 2 of the automated garbage collection program will result in 76%
of city residents being served.
Council Member Garrett asked about support personnel enhancements at the Police
Department. Mr. McDaniel said that two civilians are budgeted for next fiscal year—one to support
the 911 operation and another in the pipeline reporting area. Mr. Garrett expressed concern that
while a total of 50 police officers will have been hired through the Crime Control District (CCD),
there will not be a sufficient number of support personnel, particularly in the areas of Central
Records, Dispatch and other areas.
Responding to questions from Mr. Garrett, Police Capt. Wayne Tisdale said that currently
they are utilizing salary savings for overtime costs incurred by existing personnel. He said there are
no plans to use sworn personnel in clerical support positions. He explained that the long-term plan
is for the officers to use the MDT -AVL computer systems in their patrol cars to write their reports,
which will then be electronically transmitted to the Police Department. He said that will reduce some
of the work load in Central Records.
Council Member Noyola asked how much money is budgeted for Police Department
overtime costs. Capt. Tisdale replied that it is projected to be about $383,000. Mr. Noyola questioned
why the city does not just hire more people in the Dispatch area rather than paying overtime. Mr.
McDaniel pointed out that the Police Department is not the only one with position vacancies. He said
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 3
staff expects the new compensation/classification plan to address many of those issues, such as the
salaries of entry-level positions.
In reply to Mr. Kinnison, Capt. Tisdale reiterated that a new position has been created to
administer the 911 system in the Police Department, which previously had been handled through the
Coastal Bend Council of Governments. He noted that Metrocom costs are a different matter.
Replying to other questions from Mr. Garrett, Capt. Tisdale said that all of the General Fund
vacancies in the Police Department will be filled, but those funded through the Crime Control
District will not be.
Council Member Chesney also asked about hiring people for the Dispatch division. Capt.
Tisdale explained that it takes about one year to train each dispatcher and 911 operator, which means
that paying existing employees overtime is a more viable option at this time. He added that despite
doing numerous cost analyses, adjusting employees' pay scales and providing morale enhancements,
the attrition rate continues to outpace the hiring and training rate. Responding to Mr. Noyola, Capt.
Tisdale said that currently a dispatcher's pay ranges from $20,000 to $26,000.
Mayor Neal recessed the regular meeting to read the day's proclamations.
Upon reconvening the meeting, the Mayor asked Mr. McDaniel to continue his presentation
on Item 3. The Budget Director said that other expenditure assumptions used in the five-year
financial forecast were: annual capital purchases (replacement of patrol cars, fire truck, ambulance
and garbage trucks); Phase 3 of the automated garbage collection program; continuation of the
reengineering program; 5% increase per year for property and liability self-insurance; and 2%
increase per year for most other expenditures.
Mr. McDaniel then discussed the specific figures contained in the financial forecast,
particularly the required budget adjustments (starting in FY 2003-04 of $1 25 million) to reach the
10% surplus of revenues versus expenditures. He added that the forecast does not include the future
years of the compensation plan implementation, which is an additional $2 million per year.
Mr. Kinnison said that staff has already done a lot of cost-cutting in the current budget and
he questioned how the forecast will be achieved. Mr. McDaniel acknowledged that it will be a
challenge but he said staff has made a strong commitment to the reengineering effort. He said each
year before they start the budget process, the Council will review the 10% goal to see if they want
to make adjustments. Mayor Neal said he would much rather be dealing with Corpus Christi's budget
challenges than those of other cities, which are facing millions of dollars of shortfalls.
Mr. McDaniel also described the following emerging issues: negotiations for the pending
industrial district and collective bargaining contracts; reengineering efforts; tax rate capacity (2004
bond program and debt retirement); Crime Control District cost containment; landfill options and
costs; and investments in equipment and technology. Mr. Kinnison said the public needs to be
informed prior to the November 2002 election that the city does not have the funds to absorb the cost
of the 50 police officers currently being funded by the Crime Control District.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 4
The Budget Director then discussed the General Fund proposed budget for FY 2002-03. He
said the ad valorem revenues and property values are expected to be $8.4 billion and, at new values,
1 cent on the tax rate equals $799,688.
Responding to Mr. Kinnison, Ms. Cindy O'Brien, Assistant Budget Director, explained that
on page 74 of the proposed budget, the amount listed as ad valorem tax collections for Reinvestment
Zone No. 2 (Packery Channel) is the city's portion for that tax increment financing district. Mayor
Neal said the Reinvestment Zone No. 1 covers the downtown area and it was formed to support the
bonds for the Texas State Aquarium construction. He said that fund is in the black this year.
The Mayor pointed out that the gross ad valorem tax collections are actually almost $9.5
billion, a difference of over $1 billion from the net amount. He said that is due to various
exemptions, the most significant of which are over 65 exemptions (which accounted for almost $700
million last year). He said as this community continues to age, the over 65 exemption will have an
even greater financial impact, which illustrates the importance of a successful bond election.
Mr. McDaniel said that next fiscal year the sales tax revenue is expected to be $33.7 million
and the franchise/right-of-way rental fees are budgeted at $1.5 million for cable, $5.3 million for
telecommunications, and $8.8 million for Central Power and Light. He noted that CPL's projected
revenue is down from $10.2 million in FY01-02. He said staff will also be asking the Council to
approve a 40 -cent charge per telephone line for 911 service to offset the approximately $350,000 in
new costs related to the city's administration of that program.
The Budget Director delineated the following proposed adjustments to existing fees:
development -related fees -$140,000; public safety fees, including the transition of the ambulance
permit program from the Health Department to the Fire Department; and park and recreation fees
(although there are no major adjustments in FY02-03).
Responding to Council Member Kelly, Mr. John Murray, Director of Emergency Medical
Services (EMS), said staff is restructuring the ambulance fee to make it very similar to the taxicab
ordinance. He said staff is anticipating a $12,000 revenue increase in that area. Mr. Kelly said the
City Manager had mentioned during the May 28, 2002, Council meeting that the city does not
participate in the most lucrative form of revenues for the ambulances, which is hospital transfers.
He asked if the city would be subject to the permitting fees if it did provide that service, and Mr.
Murray said he assumed the city would be.
Mr. Kinnison asked about traffic fines. Chief Municipal Court Judge Rodolfo Tamez said
most of the major fine increases have been due to changes in state law regarding state court costs.
He said Corpus Christi is in line with other cities in its traffic fines. Mr. Garrett asked if the city had
reevaluated its fines structure. Judge Tamez said that was done prior to the last 12 months.
Mr. McDaniel discussed General Fund expenditures. He said the salary adjustments include
the new compensation plan, police and fire, civilian merit pay, and "drag -up" pay allocation. There
are also several new programs and enhancements, including the eighth ambulance, Mustang Island
Fire Station, enhanced legal services, Animal Care and Control enhancements, Phase 2 of the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 5
automated garbage collection, biannual legislative program, 911 service (excluding Metrocom),
PeopleSoft computer training, and the island development plan. Assistant City Manager Jorge Cruz-
Aedo and SWS Director Jeffrey Kaplan further explained the proposed enhancements to Animal
Care and Control and Solid Waste Services and they responded to Council members' questions.
Mr. McDaniel said the budget also contains expenditure reductions of $2.5 million and
programmed salary savings of $1.6 million. In summary, he said the current revenues equal current
expenditures; there is only a 1.1% increase in expenditures overall; and the fund balance is on track
to meet the 10% goal within the next five years. Responding to Mr. Scott, Mr. McDaniel further
discussed the importance of the reserve fund balance. With regard to the third quarter financial
report, Mr. McDaniel said staff now believes the hotel tax receipts will be on budget, although there
had been some slow months.
Mayor Neal and Mr. Chesney complimented the Police Department for tightening their
budget in light of concerns the Council had raised during last year's budget process. Capt. Tisdale
recognized Ms. Pat Eldridge and Mr. Arthur Barnes for their efforts.
In response to Mr. Kiimison, First Assistant Chief Richard Hooks said the city requires the
oil well drilling companies to maintain contingency funds. Mr. Kinnison also asked how staff
allocated the utility savings to the various consumers. Mr. McDaniel said it is a very complicated
model because some areas are achieving greater savings than others due to rate codes for the by-
passables that come from CPL. Consequently, most of the savings are being achieved in non -General
Fund departments. He added that the city is having difficulty getting the bills from Ercot. Replying
to Mr. Colmenero, Mr. McDaniel discussed electric franchise revenues.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 4-14). Council members
requested that Item 12 be discussed. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following passed:
4. M2002-160
Motion approving the purchase of a pipe video inspection system for the Wastewater
Department from the Houston -Galveston Area Council of Govemments (HGAC) for the total
amount of $66,517.20. The award is based on the cooperative purchasing agreement with
HGAC. Funds are available in the FY 2001-02 capital budget. This item is an addition to
the fleet.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kiimison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
5. M2002-161
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into a three-year lease with
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 6
Dell Financial Services, Round Rock, Texas, for 70 personal computers, in accordance with
the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program for an estimated three-year total
expenditure of $179,584.20. Funds have been budgeted by Municipal Information Systems
in FY 2001-02 and will be requested for all subsequent budget years.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
6. M2002-162
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract in
the amount of $79,450 with W.T. Young Construction of Corpus Christi, Texas, for the
Treyway Lane wastewater relief line.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
7.a. M2002-163
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract amendment
granting permission for MEI Govind Inc. to assume all the obligations and duties of
engineering contracts between the City of Corpus Christi and Govind E.C. Inc.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
7.b. M2002-164
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract amendment
granting permission for MEI Indtech Inc. to assume all the obligations and duties of
engineering contracts between the City of Corpus Christi and Indtech Inc.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
8. M2002-165
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 3 in the
amount of $37,938 with Environmental Specialities International Inc. of Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, for the Sector 9 liner improvements and final cover system installation, Phase 2
(J.C. Elliott Landfill).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 7
9.a. M2002-166
Motion approving the reimbursement application submitted by Ambassador Development
Inc., owner and developer of Royal Court Subdivision, for the over -size, over -depth
installation of 149 linear feet of 15 -inch PVC sanitary sewer collection line and over -depth
sanitary sewer manhole upon final acceptance of the improvements.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
9.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024895
Ordinance appropriating $24,659.43 in the Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Trust Fund No.
4220-250420 to pay a reimbursement request from Ambassador Development Inc. for the
installation of an over -size, over -depth sanitary sewer collection line of 149 linear feet of 15 -
inch PVC and over -depth sanitary sewer manhole to develop Royal Court Subdivision.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
10.a. RESOLUTION NO. 024896
Resolution determining the necessity for and ordering the improvement of the following
highways in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas: 1) Birmingham Street from Airline Road
to Lyons Street; 2) Lyons Street from Airline Road to end of street; specifying that certain
of these improvements will be paid for partly by the City and partly by assessments while
others will be paid for entirely by assessments; and directing the City's Director of
Engineering Services to file a notice of proposed assessments with the Nueces County Clerk.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
10.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024897
Resolution approving plans and specifications for improvements to the following highways
in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas: Birmingham Street from Airline Road to Lyons
Street; Lyons Street from Airline Road to end of street; approving the Director of
Engineering Services' project construction cost estimate including an estimate of the portion
of costs to be paid by the City and the portion to be paid by assessments; setting a public
hearing on these proposed assessments to occur during the July 23, 2002 City Council
meeting; directing the City Secretary to arrange to publish notice of this public hearing; and
ordering the director of Engineering Services to provide written notice of the public hearing
to property owners.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 8
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
11. RESOLUTION NO. 024898
Resolution 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 resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
13.a. M2002-167
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept an award for the South Texas
Library System in the amount of $23,386.95 from the Texas Office of the Attorney General.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
13.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024901
Ordinance appropriating an award in the amount of $23,386.95 from the Texas Office of
the Attorney General in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund to be added to the South
Texas Library System grant as program income.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
14.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024902
Ordinance appropriating $124,354.94 into the Federal/State Grants Fund No. 1050 from
settlement proceeds with Mid -Continent Casualty Company and Oklahoma Surety Company
for the Omaha Drive project; increasing Fund No. 1050 appropriations by $124,354.94.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
14.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024903
Ordinance appropriating $18,161.24 into the No. 3430 Wastewater Capital Improvement
Program Fund from settlement proceeds with Mid -Continent Casualty Company and
Oklahoma Surety Company for the Omaha Drive project; amending Ordinance No. 024730
which adopted the FY2002 Capital Budget by increasing appropriations by $18,161.24.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 9
Colmenero, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Garrett and Longoria absent.
14.c. ORDINANCE NO. 024904
Ordinance appropriating $5,064.79 into the No. 4080 Water Capital Improvement Program
Fund from settlement proceeds with Mid -Continent Casualty Company and Oklahoma Surety
Company for the Omaha Drive project; amending Ordinance No. 024730 which adopted the
FY2002 Capital Budget by increasing appropriations by $5,064.79.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye", Garrett and Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 12, marina restroom/laundry/shower facility.
Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Dan Whitworth, Acting Director of the Park and
Recreation Department, said this project should be completed in August 2003. Council Member
Colmenero asked about the project's relationship to any development by Landry's Restaurants Inc.
Mr. Whitworth replied that there will still be a need for the marina facility whether or not Landry's
development proceeds. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
12.a. ORDINANCE NO. 024899
Ordinance appropriating a grant in the amount of $200,000 from the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund and $66,667 from No. 4700
Marina Fund to No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for construction of a marina
restroom/shower/laundry facility at the Lawrence Street T -Head for transient boaters.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Chesney, Garrett and Longoria absent.
12.b. RESOLUTION NO. 024900
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the boating infrastructure
grant program construction agreement with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for
construction of a marina restroom/shower/laundry facility at the Lawrence Street T -Head for
transient boaters.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Kelly, Kinnison,
Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Chesney, Garrett and Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 15, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on proposed assessments for improvements to Woodlawn Drive from South Padre
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June 11, 2002 - Page 10
Island Drive west -bound frontage road to McArdle Road. There were no comments from the
audience. Mr. Scott made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kinnison, and
passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
15.b. ORDINANCE NO. 024905
Ordinance closing the public hearing on proposed assessments for improvements to the
following highway in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas: Woodlawn Drive from South
Padre Island Drive (SPID) West Bound Frontage Road to McArdle Road; imposing
assessments totaling $59,351.99 against property abutting the improvements, affected
railways, and property and railway owners; fixing corresponding liens on property and
charges against property owners; providing for subsequent adjustment of assessment amounts
and the corresponding liens and charges based on as -built conditions; specifying assessment
payment terms and lien enforcement measures.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Kinnison,
Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Chesney, Garrett, Kelly and Longoria absent.
15.c. M2002-168
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
King -Isles, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $439,796 for Woodlawn Drive
from South Padre Island Drive (SPID) west -bound frontage road to McArdle Road.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Kinnison, Noyola, and
Scott voting "Aye"; Chesney, Garrett, Kelly and Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 16, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
16. Case No. 0502-01, A&J Construction Company: A change of zoning from a "B-1"
Neighborhood Business District to a "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff
and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 20, being 2.66 acres out of Lots 9 and 10,
located 1,350 feet east of Airline Road and Vineyards Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of a
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr.
Scott made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Chapa
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 024906
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by A & J Construction Company by
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 11
changing the zoning map in reference to 2.666 acres out of Lots 9 and 10, Section 20, Flour
Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "B-1" Neighborhood Business District to
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any
deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Colmenero, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Chesney, Garrett and Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 17, a presentation about the South Central Area Development
Plan -Port Avenue realignment and circulation. Mr. Robert Payne, Senior Planner, said a presentation
was made to the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO) Policy Committee on May 2, 2002,
indicating the need to go forward with funding of the Port Avenue realignment project. City staff
have stated that Port Avenue is a critical relief route for congestion in the Bayfront Arts and Sciences
Park (BASP). However, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority has expressed the desire to realign Port
Avenue to free up larger development parcels immediately to the south of the Solomon Ortiz
International Center.
Mr. Payne explained that the South Central Area Development Plan (SCADP) was adopted
by the City Council on May 21, 1991 and amended on February 28, 1995. Staff is currently in the
process of updating it further and they are working with the Downtown Management District
(DMD), the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Port, among others. He said staff is
also working on a unified Corpus Christi transportation plan for the metropolitan region which will
impact the downtown area.
Mr. Payne then showed diagrams of the SCADP's boundaries: ship channel and bayfront,
Morgan Avenue, Crosstown Expressway, and Port Avenue. He said the vacant land in that area
presents an opportunity for redevelopment of compatible uses. He quoted from Policy C.2 of the
SCADP, which states that East Port should be improved as recommended and closure should not
occur unless an equally direct alternative route is provided between the BASP and 111-37. He said
the city has hired a consultant to provide a redevelopment plan for the Hillcrest/Washington Coles
area and those recommendations will be incorporated into the SCADP update. Mr. Payne also
referred to the Port's waterfront master plan for Cargo Docks 1 & 2, which was completed in
October 1998.
Mr. Payne noted that the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on the unified
transportation plan on July 31, 2002, and a City Council public hearing is tentatively scheduled for
August 20, 2002. Elements of that plan include short-term circulation improvements, such as making
Mesquite Street at IH -37 two-way and extending the Power Street off -ramp to Belden Street.
Medium- and long-term circulation improvements include relocating Port Avenue and proceeding
with the US -181 right-of-way acquisition and (eventually) a new Harbor Bridge location.
Mr. Payne also discussed the Port of Corpus Christi route study for the realignment of North
Port Avenue, which was completed in April 1999. The consultant recommended four alternative
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 12
routings, using either Brewster, Hughes, or Hughes and West Broadway, or Hughes and Resaca. The
costs for construction of a five -lane street ranged from $2.8 million to $3.2 million but they did not
include any improvements on Port Avenue between 111-37 and West Broadway. Mr. Payne then
showed slides of the existing roadways in that area.
The Senior Planner said there are ongoing projects related to the downtown area which will
be incorporated into the SCADP update: northside consultant plan and new zoning district; arena
and convention center expansion master plan (parking and transportation plan); RTA study for the
purpose of providing enhanced transit services to support the convention center and arena;
downtown parking study; and bayfront park plan by the DMD.
Council Member Colmenero asked if city staff will make a presentation to the Port
Commission. Mr. Michael Gunning, Director of Planning, said when staff schedules public hearings
they will probably make a presentation to both the Port Commission and the Port Industries Council.
He added that staff will be going back to the MPO Policy Committee and he discussed the need for
a region -wide transportation plan. Mr. Colmenero also asked about parking concerns. Mr. Gunning
said that while the SCADP is a conceptual plan, it can include specific recommendations.
Council Member Scott asked about costs associated with the plan's recommendations. City
Manager Garcia said the port has not agreed to pay for any of the changes. He said staff is hoping
that this plan will be included in the MPO's planning process, thereby making it eligible for federal
and state funding. Mr. Gunning added that the realignment of Port Avenue with Brewster Street will
more effectively tie in with the BASP, convention center and arena. Mr. Scott mentioned the
possibility of a baseball stadium being located in the Port Avenue area.
Council Member Kiimison said there are a number of ways that the port could partner with
the city in this project. Mayor Neal said one of the advantages of a unified transportation plan is that
it goes before the MPO and, if accepted, could receive funding.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Ashley Winship, 1113 Ocean Dr., said he is opposed to the South Wharf project being
proposed by Mr. Leon Loeb for several reasons. They include his concern that the south basin is an
estuarine area that should be protected and it is a recreational spot for many people. He said there
are also economic reasons why he does not think the project should be built.
Mr. ClifMoss, 3837 Denver, said he is vice president of the Friends of the Library. He passed
out a list of the amount of funds that are budgeted per capita by other cities for library services. He
said Corpus Christi is 10th on that list and he asked the Council to expand the city's library funding.
Mayor Neal said that Mr. Roy Pell, the new chairman of the Water/Shore Advisory
Committee, had intended to speak but was not present. The Mayor said he will forward to the
Council the information that Mr. Pell gave him.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 13
Mr. Jerome Bradford, 4805 Hamlett, said he was speaking on behalf of the Northside Manor
Apartment Association, about an incident on June 8, 2002. He said apolice officer encountered some
citizens who were gambling in that area and one of the men ran into Northside Manor. He said some
young people were having a fundraiser there and when they saw many police officers lined up with
their guns drawn, the youth got frightened and started running and other confusion ensued.
Mayor Neal said that Police Chief Alvarez has been asked to investigate the situation at
Northside Manor. City Manager Garcia said he has spoken to the chief and will provide the Council
with a detailed report. Council Member Kelly said if those neighbors were willing to react to the
police in the way they did, it is indicative of a deeper problem. He said significant community
outreach should be included as part of the strategy that will be developed to deal with that situation.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray Dr., said the former City Council promised that no tax dollars
would go into the Columbus Fleet. He said the taxpayers do not need that burden. He said people
in Corpus Christi will not support a minor or major league baseball team because they can watch it
on television instead. Mr. Gordy said the Housing Authority is being investigated by the federal
government again because of a dinner meeting they had at a local restaurant.
Council Member Kinnison said staff made a proposal regarding the Columbus Fleet as part
of the budget process but the Council has come no where near to endorsing it. He said Corpus Christi
has never had the caliber of professional minor league sports that Mr. Nolan Ryan is proposing.
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Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia discussed the upcoming budget
issues and other issues planned for the June and July Council meetings. He announced that the
ribbon cutting ceremony for Corpus Christ Beach will be held on June 14th at 4 p.m. and the seawall
ground breaking ceremony will be held on June 17th at 10 a.m.
Mayor Neal asked Mr. Noe and Mr. Scott Elliff to provide a briefing to the Council on June
25th about the marina stakeholders' meetings. He also announced that Navy Capt. Gabe Salazar, a
Carroll High School graduate, is returning to Corpus Christi and he should be recognized The
Mayor then called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Garrett asked city staff to investigate the policies in San Antonio and Dallas regarding
towing services. He said there are 25 wrecker companies in Corpus Christi that are permitted by the
Police Department and three or four of them are gouging citizens with outrageous prices. Mr. Garcia
pointed out that police -authorized tows are regulated by city ordinance but towing from private
property is not regulated. City Attorney Bray said that several years ago Congress took the regulatory
authority away from cities and states. Mr. Garcia said staff can review other cities' policies.
Mr. Colmenero reported on a meeting that was held with the Mexican Consulate regarding
the possibility of bringing flights to and from Mexico back to Corpus Christi.
Mr. Scott said he participated in a very productive trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
June 11, 2002 - Page 14
South Texas Military Facilities Task Force contingent. He also asked staff to look into changing the
ordinance to require silt fences when construction on water canals is initiated. Mr. Scott asked for
additional information about election issues and Mr. Garcia said that staff will give a presentation
on June 25th. Mr. Scott said he wanted to give his input on the draft unified transportation plan. Mr.
Gunning said the City Charter stipulates the process that must be followed and he said he forwarded
the draft plan to the Council at the same time it was provided to the MPO Policy Committee. Mr.
Scott questioned the proposal to extend Holly Road across the Cayo del Oso. Mr. Gunning said that
is a long-term plan. Mr. Scott said he is not convinced that there needs to be gulf beach access roads
at one- to two-mile intervals. Mr. Gunning said the proposal used to call for half -mile intervals and
they were lengthened.
Mr. Noyola spoke in favor of reviving direct air service to and from Mexico and he
encouraged the Corpus Christi Economic Development Corporation to assist in that effort.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 4:35 p.m. on June 11, 2002.
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