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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 Minutes - Regular Council Meeting 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * * 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. * * * * * * * * * * * * *