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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 09/24/2002I 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 September 24, 2002, which were approved by the City Council on October 8, 2002. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 8th day of October 2002. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL PRESENT Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Scott Council Members: Brent Chesney Javier D. Colmenero Henry Garrett Bill Kelly Rex A. Kinnison Jesse Noyola ABSENT John Longoria MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - 2:00 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. Dr. Tim Brewer, Grace United Methodist Church, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Kinnison. 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 stated that Council Member Longoria was not present because he was called out of town on business. The Mayor then called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of September 17, 2002. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented. Mayor Neal referred to Item 2 and the following board appointment was made: Port of Corpus Christi Authority Bernard A. Paulson Mayor Neal read a proclamation honoring Mr. William B. "Bill" Pruet Jr., who passed away on September 21, 2002. Mr. Pruet served on the Corpus Christi City Council from 1985-89 and was later elected president of the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau. He said Mr. Pruet and his wife, Phyllis, who have two children and three grandchildren, established The Trend House. The Mayor then recessed the meeting so the Council could attend Mr. Pruet's memorial service. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upon reconvening the meeting, Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 21, renaming Cobo Park. Council Member Scott said the neighbors worked tirelessly to improve that park. He noted that the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee voted unanimously to change the park's name. Council Member Chesney commended the citizens involved, particularly the Doudens. He invited any of them to join the Friends of the Park Committee. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 2 21. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Ordinance waiving the publication of legal notice renaming the park at 13608 Port Royal on Padre Island from Cobo Park to Douden Park. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-15). City Secretary Chapa announced the following abstentions by Council members: Mr. Noyola on Items 3 and 9.a. -b.; Mr. Chesney on Item 10.a.; Mr. Scott on Item 10.b.; and Mr. Kelly on Item 14. Council members requested that Items 9 and 14 be discussed. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 3. M2002-315 Motion approving a supply agreement for portable chemical toilet service in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0117-02 with BFI Waste Services of Texas, L.P., Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $35,484.50. The term of the supply agreement will be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are budgeted by the using departments in FY2002-2003. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Noyola abstaining; Longoria absent. 4. M2002-316 Motion approving the purchase of three (3) "Bullard" thermal imaging cameras from Four Alarm Fire Equipment, Houston, Texas based on only bid for a total amount of $29,100. The thermal imaging cameras will be used by the Fire Department. Funds are available from a grant through the Federal Domestic Preparedness Program. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 5. M2002-317 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Adrian Enterprises of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $288,900 for the Youth Outdoor Sports Facilities Lighting Improvements Project at South Guth Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 3 Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 6. M2002-318 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with R.E. Rabalais Constructors, Ltd., dba Rabalais I & E Constructors of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $26,690 for the Youth Outdoor Sports Facilities Lighting Improvements Project at Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 7. M2002-319 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with F & W Electrical Construction, Inc. of Floresville, Texas in the amount of $221,000 for the Youth Outdoor Sports Facilities Lighting Improvements Project at Bill Witt Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 8. M2002-320 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with R.E. Rabalais Constructors, Ltd., dba Rabalais I & E Constructors of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $134,690 for the Youth Outdoor Sports Facilities Lighting Improvements Project at Evelyn Price Park. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 10.a. M2002-323 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee, to execute a Real Estate Sales Contract with Adan Martinez and wife, Maria Martinez, in the amount of $62,000, plus $1,500 in closing costs and an additional amount not to exceed $22,500, for relocation assistance to cover moving costs, price differential payments and incidental expenses for replacement housing, for the purchase of fee simple property rights for Parcel 9, being all of Lot 12, Block 4, Mount Vernon Subdivision, with street address of4901 Prinston, necessary for the McArdle Road Street Improvement Project, Phase 3, No. 6146, Project No. C-6, and for other municipal purposes. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Chesney abstaining; Longoria absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 4 10.b. M2002-324 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Real Estate Sales Contract with Eric Barnes and wife, Maria Barnes, in the amount of $67,000, plus $1,500 in closing costs and an additional amount not to exceed $5,250 for relocation assistance of any existing tenants, including but not limited to rental assistance or down payment supplement for replacement housing and moving costs, for the purchase of fee simple property rights for Parcel 11, being all of Lot 12, Block 5, Mount Vernon Subdivision Unit 2, with street address of 4901 Lansdown, necessary for the McArdle Road Street Improvement Project, Phase 3, No. 6146, Project No. C-6, and for other municipal purposes. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Scott abstaining; Longoria absent. 11.a. M2002-325 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of $46,058 from the Texas Department of Transportation for Year Three of the Intersection Traffic Control Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP) for traffic enforcement overtime within the Police Department and to execute all related documents. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 11.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025030 Ordinance appropriating $46,058 from the Texas Department of Transportation for funding to continue the Intersection Traffic Control Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP) within the Police Department in No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 12. M2002-326 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Siemens Transportation System, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the amount of $80,760 for hardware and software support services on the Police and Fire Department's 200 Mobile Data Computer/Automated Vehicle Locator systems located in emergency vehicles. The term of the contract is one year. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 5 13. M2002-327 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract for professional services between AMTEC of Hartford, Connecticut and the City of Corpus Christi for a five- year term to provide arbitrage compliance services. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 15. ORDINANCE NO. 025032 Ordinance a mending the ClearSource/Grande franchise to provide one-month extension for broadcasting of public and repeat Government Access Channel programming. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * ** Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 9, airport lift station project. Responding to Council Member Kelly, City Manager Garcia explained that Pate & Pate, LLC, was the low bidder at $959,685 but they were unable to successfully comply with the bonding requirements. Consequently, staff is recommending canceling that contract and awarding the project to the next lowest bidder, Jalco Inc. for $1,026,400. He said staff could cancel all the bids and rebid the project but it would involve a substantial delay. He added that the extra funds are contained in the construction budget. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 9.a. M2002-321 Motion rescinding authorization for the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Pate & Pate, LLC, of The Woodlands, Texas in the amount of $959,685 for the Corpus Christi International Airport Lift Station and Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Noyola abstaining; Longoria absent. 9.b. M2002-322 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with Jalco, Inc. of Houston, Texas in the amount of $1,026,400 for the Corpus Christi International Airport Lift Station and Sanitary Sewer Relocation Project. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Scott voting "Aye"; Noyola abstaining; Longoria absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 6 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 14, intention to issue certificates of obligation (COs). Council Member Kinnison said that according to the agenda material, the COs could be issued for up to $35 million and he thought the amount was much smaller. Ms. Lee Ann Dumbauld, Finance Director, said it is a smaller number; however, they have allowed for the ability to size up for cost of issuance and for any premium that might be paid on the bonds. Deputy City Manager Noe said the estimate for construction of the convention center expansion remains at $22.8 million. Mr. Kinnison asked whether the hotel/motel occupancy tax receipts have been sufficient enough to allow for ahigher issuance of COs than originally planned. Ms. Dumbauld said this should take care of it for quite a while with the current rate the city is receiving, in addition to the growth the city has experienced. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14. RESOLUTION NO. 025031 Resolution by the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, directing publication of notice of intention to issue Combination Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2002; and resolving other matters relating to the subject (for the purpose of funding renovations and improvements to the Convention Center). The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kelly abstaining; 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. 0702-01, Mostaghasi Investment Trust: A change of zoning from an "F -R" Farm - Rural District to an "AB" Professional Office District on Area 1 and a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Area 2, on Airline Subdivision Unit 3, Block 1, Lot 1, located on the east side of Airline Road and south of Cimarron Road. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial, and in lieu thereof, that an "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District be approved on Area 1 and a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District be approved on Area 2. Mr. Michael Gunning, Planning Director, said the applicant Mr. Mostaghasi originally requested a change of zoning on the 3.2 -acre tract of land from "F -R" to "B-1" on Area 2 (which fronts on Airline Road) and to "AB" on Area 1 in the rear. He said there were two public hearings before the Planning Commission, which recommended the "R-2" zoning on Area 1 which staff supported and the applicant agreed to. He said Mr. Mostaghasi would like to develop Area 1 with town homes and Area 2 with retail uses. Mr. Gunning said that some residents to the south of the subject property indicated at the Planning Commission that they were opposed to the rezoning because they did not want their line Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 7 of sight from their properties to be blocked and they felt it would block wind flow as well. Mr. Gunning added that this is a difficult piece of property to develop and staff recommends approval. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Kinnison made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kelly, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 16. ORDINANCE NO. 025033 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Mostaghasi Investments Trust by changing the zoning map in reference to Lot 1, Block 1, Airline Subdivision Unit 3, from "F- R" Farm -Rural District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Area 2 and to "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District on Area 1; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to Item 17, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 17. Case No. 0702-02. David L. Grant dba ILLUSIONS: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to an "AB" Professional Office District on Alameda Park Subdivision, Block 4, Lot 1, located on the southeast side of Gertie Street and Robert Drive intersection. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended denial of the "AB" Professional Office District. Mr. Gunning said that Mr. Grant's hair salon is located in a neighborhood and he is seeking a zoning change to "AB" Professional Office District, which would accommodate the current use. He said the Planning Commission unanimously recommended denial of the zoning change; in addition, they did not consider a special permit to allow Mr. Grant to operate his hair salon in that location for one year. Mr. Gunning said that before the Council meeting he received a second petition (containing 69 signatures) in opposition to the zoning change, which brings the percentage opposed to over 52% within the 200 -foot notification area. Mr. Gunning then showed slides of the subject property and adjacent properties as well as current zoning designations. He said the hair salon operation at that location is an illegal use and Mr. Grant was issued a notice of zoning violation in July 2002. He said a zoning change would be necessary in order to legalize the property's use. Mayor Neal called for public comment. Ms. Candi Jirmette, 622 Collingswood, said she is a 17 -year resident of the neighborhood in question. She said she is representing other residents who are opposed to the rezoning or special Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 8 permit requests and she asked the others to stand and be noted. Ms. Jinnette then showed slides of the hair salon and the surrounding properties. She said that speed humps were installed on Robert Drive in April 2002 to try to alleviate cut -through traffic and, according to the city's zoning report, estimated traffic generation would be 41 additional daily vehicle trips as a result of the hair salon. Ms. Jinnette also discussed parking concerns and safety issues due to the lack of sidewalks in that neighborhood. She expressed concern about a "domino" effect occurring if the rezoning is granted and she noted that Mr. Grant has been operating his business illegally for almost three months. Ms. Shelley Bennett, 4410 Wesley Dr., said she has lived in that neighborhood for years. She said Mr. Grant ignored the law regarding the rezoning issue until he was issued a citation and forced to follow the proper procedure. She said there are other hair salons operating in appropriately zoned locations along Avalon, Alameda and Everhart and she urged the Council to deny the rezoning. Mr. David Grant, the applicant, said he does not think the residents described what the condition of the neighborhood is, saying it is fairly run-down. He said most of the people who signed the petition do not live within or close to the 200 -foot notification area. He said two people work at the hair salon and they do not have very many clients during the day. He added that the property is located on the corner of Robert and Gertie streets. Mr. Grant said he believes his business can serve as a positive catalyst in the neighborhood and he expressed concern about children riding their bicycles in the area. He requested a special permit to operate in that location for one year and, if granted, he promised that he would not apply for another permit. Mr. Kelly made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Garrett, and passed. Mr. Chapa explained that the ordinance before the Council is the applicant's request and if they approve i t, t hey w ill b e approving the r ezoning; or they can opt t o c oncur w ith the P Commission's and staff's recommendation of denial of the rezoning. Mr. Kelly made a motion to concur with the Planning Commission's and staff's recommendation of denial of the rezoning; seconded by Mr. Noyola. Mr. Chapa polled the Council and the motion passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. 17. DENIED Amend thL. Zoning OidinancL, upon application by David L. Grant dba ILLUSIONS by 61116 ui's S 1, 91 99 Coinpicltc„stve Plan w ur a„y th V iatioiis Iloin ttiC existing u, f Mr. Scott said he has a great deal of respect for Mr. Grant, who has worked to upgrade another subdivision. Mr. Scott said he feels that the debate about opening a business in a neighborhood is valid but he is concerned about comments made about Mr. Grant and the perception of how he does business. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 9 Mayor Neal referred to Item 18, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: 18. Case No. 0702-03, Arnold and Doris Hill: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Lexington Subdivision, Block 3, Lot 51, located on the north side of Sacky Drive, approximately 300 feet east of Ayers Street. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Noyola made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Chesney, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 025034 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Arnold and Doris Hill, by changing the zoning map in reference to Lot 51, Block 3, Lexington Subdivision, from "R -1B" One - family Dwelling District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Colmenero and Longoria absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation (Item 19) was regarding the Juvenile Assessment Center of the Crime Control and Prevention District. Mr. Dan Whitworth, Director of Park and Recreation, explained that 15% of all juvenile offenders commit 75% of all violent offenses nationally. He discussed patterns of behavior of juvenile offenders, saying that between the ages of 9 and 12, youth begin to commit status offenses (such as truancy and curfew violations) and if they do not receive services at that time, they will go on to commit violent offenses by the age of 14. Mr. Whitworth said that since the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) opened in September 1999, it has provided comprehensive case management to 2,211 at -risk youth and their families. He said the cycle of delinquency was broken in over 81% of those cases. In addition, the JAC has gained the attention of the Office ofJuvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Washington, D.C., and it has been used as an international model for other programs. Mr. Whitworth pointed out that the JAC was begun with funds from the Crime Control District (CCD). He said that Ms. Mariah Boone, who was hired to operate the JAC, successfully obtained a Title V delinquency prevention grant that provided funds needed to hire a municipal juvenile judge and four case managers in addition to the two CCD -funded case managers. The Park and Recreation Director said the JAC returned over 663 children to school for a Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 10 total of 34,825 ADA -eligible days during FY2002, keeping them off the streets and saving local school districts $870,625 in ADA funding. He said the pre -case management attendance was: 53 in the "good" category, 75 fair, and 146 poor. After case management the attendance was: 163 good, 64 fair, and 47 poor. He added that 70% of the youth who were processed committed no additional offenses and the recidivism rate was only 9%. He said that after case management, the JAC was able to reduce by more than one-half violent and non-violent delinquent behavior among the youth who came through the program. Mr. Whitworth said the program's success is largely due to its partnership with the Municipal Juvenile Court, which refers juvenile offenders to the JAC for assessment and/or case management. In addition to the Title V grant, the court also receives funding from a juvenile accountability incentive block grant. Mr. Whitworth said preventing delinquency benefits the whole community. Judge Deanie King, Juvenile Court Judge, said there are many youth coming through the court and being sent to the JAC. She said that Youth Opportunities United and other entities have created a list of risk factors, which have changed somewhat in that truancy has gone down as a risk factor for delinquency. As a result, some of the other risk factors have shifted into priority status, which she explained. She said it is her goal to refer every child who comes to Municipal Juvenile Court to case management services because they are effective. Mayor Neal commended Judge King for her efforts, saying that the Council's appointment of her was a good decision. Council Member Garrett said he and the entire Council wanted to thank Judge King for her commitment to the program. Council Member Noyola said he has heard many good things about Judge King and her court. Council Member Chesney asked Judge King to explain the difference between her court and Judge Lewis' court. Judge King explained that she has the same jurisdiction of the Justices of the Peace. Also, the city court is a "shadow" system of the county's juvenile system because they handle Class B and above offenses and everything in her court is Class C criminal offenses. She said that prior to this system, the Class C offenses were handled at the regular Municipal Court along with the other cases. Mr. Chesney discussed the importance of assessing juvenile behavior and attempting to keep youth out of the adult penal system. In response to a question from Mr. Chesney, Ms. Boone replied that her position, two case managers, three intake staff members, an office assistant and almost all of the JAC's operational funding comes from the Crime Control District, for a total of about $295,000. She said the Title V funding is for additional case managers and the judge's position. She noted that it is very gratifying to see how many more youth the JAC can reach now than were able to be reached through the TRIP program, which she also headed up. Police Cmdr. Bryan Smith, CCD Coordinator, said that prior to the opening of the JAC, police officers had to literally babysit youth who had been picked up at night and taken to the Corona Training Center. He said the difference was that previously there were no services provided to the juveniles or assessments conducted because that is not what a police officer is trained to do. He said the whole purpose of the JAC is to intervene before a juvenile's behavior turns criminal. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 11 Council Member Colmenero asked how parents are responding to the JAC. Cmdr. Smith said that from the police perspective, parents' response has been very positive. He said some parents have told them that they were not aware that their child was suicidal or had gang problems. He said often police officers do not get to see the end result of their work but this program has created synergy between the police, the courts and intervention and prevention efforts. Ms. Boone added that the JAC accepts referrals from the various police agencies and the courts and they refer families to a wide variety of social service organizations. Council Member Kelly asked about the JAC's affect on crime statistics. Cmdr. Smith said he thinks it has had an impact on juvenile crime and he noted that gang -related activity and graffiti problems have decreased. He said the recidivism rate is phenomenally low and he added that these are long-term programs that need to be continually nurtured. Mr. Kelly asked what other proactive programs the Police Department has in place. Cmdr. Smith said those programs include the Juvenile Enforcement Team, bicycle patrol, and directed patrol. He said the point is to keep gangs and drugs from becoming common elements and, therefore, negative influences in neighborhoods. Mayor Neal recognized Ms. Paige Dinn, co-chair of Youth Opportunities United, and he thanked everyone for their efforts. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The second presentation (Item 20) was the quarterly report of the airport terminal reconstruction project and other related projects. Mr. Dave Hamrick, Aviation Director, introduced Mr. Richard Maxwell, project architect with Gensler, and Mr. Doug Ellis, project manager with DMJM Aviation Services. Mr. Hamrick said the new terminal is scheduled to be open November 1, 2002, and flights will be operating from there beginning November 3, 2002. Mr. Hamrick said that with regard to the terminal construction, the contractor has been focusing on the interior work, including HVAC, plumbing and electrical, terrazzo flooring and elevators. In a ddition, t he e xtension of the r oadway c anopy i s b eing c onstructed. H e s aid t he passenger loading bridge tie -downs have been installed as part of Phase 2 of the terminal apron improvements, and the loading bridges are currently being installed. He also discussed delivery dates for the terminal and gate hold room furniture. The Aviation Director also discussed the roads and parking project, which is expected to be completed by August 8, 2003, and he showed slides of the construction progress. City Manager Garcia said that although the terminal will be open on November 1, 2002, there will still be aspects of the project being done primarily behind the scenes and in the parking areas. Mr. Hamrick said the city received a good response from its request for proposals for news and gift shop services which will be taken to the Airport Board and the Council for approval. He added that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has asked the city to build out 3,000 square feet of office space for them in the new terminal, which was not included in the original design. He said they are negotiating an add-on contract and method of payment for that project. Mr. Garcia said he believes the traveling public will be very pleased with the new terminal's enhanced amenities. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 12 Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Hamrick said that the whole area to the current Gate 5 will eventually be torn down as will the old control tower. However, first the city has to do asbestos abatement in addition to leasing two floors of the old tower to TSA if and until the Council autho- rizes the build -out of the new terminal for their offices. Council Member Colmenero asked about the transition period, which Mr. Ellis discussed. He said the existing concourse will be cordoned off after November 151 and the two new security checkpoints will be in place and operational in the new concourse. He said the airlines initially will be working from their current ticket locations but the passengers will have to board through the new concourse. Council Member Garrett asked if cars in the short-term parking lot will still have to be inspected. Mr. Garcia replied that there is a rule prohibiting parking within 300 feet of the terminal; however, the city asked to reopen part of the short-term parking area and, in order to do so, staff have to conduct inspections of cars parked there. Mr. Garrett asked if the traffic pattern will be improved once the new terminal opens. Mr. Hamrick said that people will be able to drop passengers off at the drive-through immediately adjacent to the front of the terminal. He added that there will also be customer and commercial lanes. Council Member Scott asked about the canopy extension. Mr. Hamrick said the Council was provided with a notice of intent for the Aviation Department to go out for a design/build RFP. He said they anticipate it will cost about $600,000. Mr. Scott said he believes the new terminal will be architecturally significant and he complimented those involved. Mayor Neal called for public comment on non -agenda items and there were none. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22, appropriating the utility system bond proceeds. Mr. Mark McDaniel, Director of Management and Budget, said the city did not do the refunding portion on some older revenue bonds. However, they did roll the commercial paper (which was $42 million) and the balance is $53,599,700, which will be appropriated to the various projects. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes: 22. ORDINANCE NO. 025035 Ordinance appropriating $53,599,700 from the proceeds of the sale of Utility System Improvement Bonds Series 2002 in the Nos. 4084 Water 2002 Capital Improvement Plan, 4244 Wastewater 2002 Capital Improvement Plan, and 3487 Storm Water 2002 Capital Improvement Plan Funds to fund various eligible Water, Wastewater and Storm Water projects on the FY97-98, FY98-99, FY99-00, FY00-01 and FY01-02, Capital Improvement Projects list. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 13 Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 23, computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). City Secretary Chapa said that Council Member Noyola would be abstaining on this item. City Manager Garcia said staff made a very detailed presentation on this issue when EMA Inc. first discussed the annual implementation phases of the project, of which this is the second phase. Assistant City Manager Ron Massey explained that this particular contract will give reinforcement training for the water production and wastewater treatment departments. The program will then be extended to the departments of water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater, gas, and the airport. Mr. Massey discussed the organizational redesign that has taken place and he said they will implement new business practices by focusing on customer service. Those practices include performance/service measures; continuous improvement programs; work planning and sche- duling; and citywide work/service standards. Mr. Massey said they are also continuing to develop technology and incorporating licenses, integration and training. He said that CMMS will be linked to the programs of PeopleSoft, GIS and HTE and they will replace the airport software. In addition, the contract will involve training of non- utility staff who create utility work orders (health, hydrant testing, etc.). He added that the city is on target for the master plan schedule and budget. Mr. Garcia said the philosophy that staff has been moving toward over the last four years is to reduce the overall number of city employees but to keep the remaining workforce as productive if not more productive than previously. Mr. Massey said the contract can be canceled at any time but staff would like to get through the utility departments first. Mr. Foster Crowell, Wastewater Superintendent, used the wastewater treatment plants to explain how this new work program operates. He said they incorporated work coordinators and planners/schedulers as well as included the maintenance activities. He said it was a complex program to implement while still maintaining the continuous operation of the six treatment plants and 93 lift stations. He said the employees have experienced changes in their job duties and have received training for multiple tasks. Council Member Kinnison asked about the timing of the contract funding. Mr. Massey said that after this year there is the option to extend the program into the General Fund departments. Mr. Kinnison said Mr. Massey had indicated it would be spread out to FY 2005-06. Mr. Massey said the advantage of the contract's structure is that it can be implemented based on what the city can afford and execute. Mr. Garcia said that while the cost is substantial, the savings are also substantial and it requires a lot of intensive, hands-on education for everyone in the workforce. Mr. Kinnison also asked about the system's software. Mr. Massey said there are few licenses associated with the system because it is web -based, which also simplifies the upgrade process. He said every time another phase is implemented, the required connectivity is also done so that it is fully functional. Ms. Nancy Lerner, project manager from EMA, said the software the city purchased came bundled with the first year of maintenance and the city's MIS Department has budgeted for the future maintenance of it (15% of the software purchase price). She said they are controlling the acquisition of new software so the city is never paying to maintain more than what staff is actually using. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 14 Responding to Council Member Colmenero, Mr. Garcia said they are creating a fully integrated data base in which, for example, staff will be able to immediately determine the status of a particular job work order. Mr. Massey said the data base will also include such information as the number and kinds of assets (pieces of equipment) the city maintains and operates. Mr. Colmenero requested a copy of the calendar. There were no comments from the audience. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 23. M2002-328 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the contract with EMA Inc. of Houston, Texas in the amount of $1,253,000 for next phase implementation of the computerized maintenance management system (Aviation, Gas, Storm Water, Wastewater and Water Departments). The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, and Kelly voting "Aye"; Noyola abstaining; Kinnison, Longoria and Scott absent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Neal noted that the executive sessions (Items 24 and 25) were withdrawn. He then called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia asked Mr. Juan Ortiz, Coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center, to discuss the anticipated track of Tropical Storm Isidore into Louisiana. He noted that Corpus Christi is expected to experience some of the effects of the storm surge, resulting in higher than normal tides. Mr. Chesney complimented staff for keeping the Council and the public informed about the storm. Mr. Garrett asked about contingencies for the JFK Causeway, which Mr. Ortiz explained. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Massey also discussed how Tropical Storm Fay washed out a bridge at the Oso Creek which is key to the operation of the J.C. Elliott Landfill. Mr. Garcia said that as a result, staff is having to take emergency measures to maintain that operation. Mayor Neal asked about the status of the National Guard request for those bridges. Mr. Massey said one went through EOC channels but it was denied. Mr. Garcia said staff will resubmit the request through civilian channels. Mr. Garcia said the next Council meeting will be held October 8th and scheduled items include the wrecker ordinance and dilapidated housing. He added that last week the Council voted to cancel the October 15"' Council meeting since most of the Council and several staff members will be attending the Texas Municipal League Conference in Ft. Worth October 16-19. He said that on October 22"d there will be a joint meeting at noon with the Convention and Visitors Bureau board followed by the regular Council meeting. Mayor Neal asked City Attorney Bray what information city staff can provide to the Council and the public about the propositions on the November 5th ballot pertaining to the strong mayor form of government and the marina leases. Mr. Bray said staff is planning to provide factual information about what the effect of those propositions will be if they are passed. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting September 24, 2002 - Page 15 The Mayor also asked if the Council can pass a resolution either in favor of or against the proposed charter revisions. Mr. Bray said the Council can pass a resolution as they did on the constitutional amendments but they cannot spend money to make copies and distribute them. Mr. Kelly said he thought the individual Council members' positions were clear and he questioned whether a resolution would be appropriate. Mr. Chesney said he has no problem with it as long as it is legal. Mayor Neal said he would like staff to bring back resolutions on each one of those items. He then called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Chesney said he had discussed with the City Manager and with Mr. Whitworth the problem relating to the parking behind the police and fire substation on the island. He asked if something will be brought before the Council. Mr. Garcia replied that there is an extensive history with that parking lot and he asked the City Engineer to provide a full report. Mr. Chesney also announced a Friends of the Park meeting on October 10`h from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a town hall meeting on September 30th at Miller High School hosted by Mr. Kelly, Mr. Garrett and himself. Mr. Chesney also referred to flooding problems that have been occurring frequently. Mayor Neal said the stormwater master plan will be coming before the Council in the next 30 days. Mr. Garcia said he has told staff that it does not do any good to identify the needs that exist without also providing funding options. Mr. Chesney also asked about expediting the builders' permitting process through the city. Assistant City Manager Margie Rose said that today they were able to work out the details relating to the requirement for having certified engineers' seals on some of the plans that are submitted via fax. Mr. Chesney said that is an important issue to the builders. Mr. Garrett said they have been discussing the problem with the parking lot on the island since 1990. He said he received a copy of a letter from Ms. Elizabeth Johnson and he asked Mr. Massey to have staff contact her. Mr. Garrett also asked about the status of the public safety training center. Mr. Garcia said the land acquisition is underway and Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, said additional progress should be made in the next 30 to 60 days. Mr. Garrett also said that a meeting needs to be held with the wrecker company representatives to make sure they understand the proposed changes to the ordinance. Mr. Kinnison referred to the explanations that will be provided about the ballot issues. He said the information about the baseball stadium did not clearly state that if the stadium is not built, that money stays within the jobs development program for a specific period of time and then it has to be used for the specific purposes. Mr. Colmenero reiterated his request that staff address the high weed problem throughout the city. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the Council meeting at 6:38 p.m. on September 24, 2002. * * * * * * * * * * * * *