HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/08/2002I 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 October 8, 2002, which were approved by
the City Council on October 22, 2002.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 22nd 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
John Longoria
Jesse Noyola
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - 2:05 p.m.
City Staff:
City Manager David R. Garcia
Deputy City Manager George Noe
City Attomey James R. Bray Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Recording Secretary Rachelle Parry
Before calling the meeting to order, Mayor Neal asked for a moment of silence for Mr.
Berney Seal, a long-time city advocate. The Mayor then called the meeting to order in the Council
Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Mr. Henry J. Williams, Corpus Christi
Christian Fellowship, and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council
Member Chesney. 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 said he wished to move Items 15 and 17 from the consent agenda to the regular
agenda and he wanted the executive sessions to be held prior to the presentations and the rest of the
regular agenda. City Manager Garcia introduced Ms. Mary E. Dominguez as the new director of
Housing and Community Development.
The Mayor called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of September
24, 2002. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
Arts & Cultural Commission
Chuck Anastos (Reappointed)
Sheila Rogers (Reinstated)
Elizabeth Reese (Reinstated)
Deborah Fullerton (Reinstated)
Anne Stewart (Reinstated)
Daiquiri Richard
Armando Camina
Norma Urban
Museum of Science & History Adv. Cmte.
Joe E. Martinez Jr.
Grady Blount, Ph.D.
Randy Lara
Water Resources Advisory Committee
Capt. Paula Hinger
Jane Stanford, Ph.D.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 2
Storm Water Management Advisory Cmte.
Hector Estrada, Ph.D.
Ed A. Lopez
Park and Recreation Advisory Committee
Tommy E Watson Jr.
Ethics Commission
Rev. Derrick Reaves (Reappointed)
Fred Haley (Reappointed)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-18). City Secretary Chapa
announced the following Council member abstentions: Mr. Kelly on Item 3 and Mr. Noyola on Items
16.a. -b. Council members requested that Item 7 be discussed. There were no comments from the
audience. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following passed:
3. M2002-329
Motion approving a supply agreement for part time security personnel for the Convention
Center Facilities in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0138-02 with Southern Security
Company of Corpus Christi, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure
of $115,625. The term of the contract shall be for twelve months with an option to extend
for up to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the
City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by Convention Center and
Coliseum in FY2002-2003.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kelly abstaining.
4. M2002-330
Motion approving a supply agreement with Dell Financial Services of Round Rock, Texas,
for lease of approximately 600 personal computers, in accordance with the State of Texas
Cooperative Purchasing Program for an estimated three-year expenditure of$ 1,423,782. The
term of the contract 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 have been budgeted by the using departments in FY2002-2003 and
will be requested for all subsequent budget years.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
5. M2002-331
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with Cingular
Wireless, LLC, of Atlanta, Georgia, for wireless telephone services based on the State of
Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program for an estimated annual expenditure of $251,038.20.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 3
The term of the contract 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. This service will be used by all City departments requiring cellular service.
Funds have been budgeted by the using departments in FY2002-2003.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kirmison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
6. M2002-332
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Fencing Inc. of Texas, of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $84,895 for the J.C. Elliott
Landfill fence repairs project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
8. M2002-336
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Garver Construction of Houston, Texas, in the amount of $2,524,704 for the 30 -inch Gravity
Sewer Line from Greenwood Drive to Richter Ditch.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
9. M2002-337
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Garver Construction of Houston, Texas, in the amount of $1,552,629 for the Up River Road
24 -inch Water Line Improvements from Lantana Road to 1H37, Phase 4.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
10. M2002-338
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
engineering laboratory, inspection and materials testing service contract with Professional
Services Industries (PSI) of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount of $40,062 for the Corpus
Christi International Airport Roadway and Parking Lot Improvements (Phases 2, 3 and 4).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 4
11.a. RESOLUTION NO. 025036
Resolution determining the necessity for and ordering the improvement of the following
highway in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas: Jamaica Street from Mediterranean to
Caribbean, 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, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
11.b. RESOLUTION NO. 025037
Resolution approving plans and specifications for improvements to the following highway
in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas: Jamaica Street from Mediterranean to Caribbean,
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
November 19, 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, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
12. M2002-339
Motion approving the application by the Harley -Owners Group (HOG) for the temporary
closing of Chaparral Street between Lawrence Street and William Street, between 5:00 p.m.,
Thursday, October 17, 2002 and 2:00 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2002, pending proof of
insurance.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
13.a. M2002-340
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Attachment No. 7 to
Contract No. 7460005741-2003 with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of
$128,562 to enable the Corpus Christi - Nueces County Public Health District to upgrade to
a Level B Capacity in the National Laboratory Response Network for coping with
bioterrorism threats.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 5
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
13.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025038
Ordinance appropriating a grant in the amount of $128,562 from the Texas Department of
Health in the No. 1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for upgrading the Corpus Christi-Nueces
County Public Health District to a Level B Capacity Bioterrorism Testing Laboratory
Facility.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
14.a. M2002-341
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Attachment No. 06 to
Contract No. 7460005741-2003 with the Texas Department of Health in the amount of
$600,000 based on a $9.45 reimbursement for each participant served, to fund group
nutrition education, individual counseling, and to distribute food vouchers at no cost to
individuals identified as having nutritional deficiencies and/or nutritional risk during the
period of October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003 as part of the Women Infant Children
(WIC) Federal Program.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
14.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025039
Ordinance appropriating a renewal grant from the Texas Department of Health, in the amount
of $600,000 based on a $9.45 reimbursement for each participant served, in the No. 1050
Federal/State Grants Fund to fund nutrition education, individual counseling, and to
distribute food vouchers at no cost to individuals identified as having nutritional deficiencies
and/or nutritional risk.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
16.a. ORDINANCE NO. 025041
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a lease agreement with
Host International Inc. of Bethesda, Maryland, for the operation of a news and gift
concession at the Corpus Christi International Airport for a period not to exceed twelve
months.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as follows: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Noyola abstaining.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 6
16.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a long-term lease
agreement with Host International Inc. ofBethesda, Maryland for the operation of a news and
gift concession at the Corpus Christi International Airport for a term of ninety-six months.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, and Scott voting "Aye"; Noyola abstaining.
18. ORDINANCE NO. 025043
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 second reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, street resurfacing projects. Responding to Council
Member Kelly, Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services, said this is a Bond Issue 2000
project and it consists of an overlay and reconstruction of damaged base areas He said there is quite
a bit of water line work to be done under Up River Road so the base failures there will be replaced.
He said the roads will also include the ADA -required curb cuts.
Council Member Colmenero referred to the planned resurfacing of Gollihar Road and he
asked why it is being re -striped at this time. Mr. Escobar explained that there is an immediate safety
issue that needs to be addressed. He said the asphalt work will not occur for about 12 months. Mr.
Colmenero asked if the concrete aprons can be leveled up and Mr. Escobar said staff will look into
that. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
7.a. M2002-333
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Garver Construction of Houston, Texas, in the amount of $2,241,537 for street resurfacing
on Up River Road (IH 37 to Leopard Street).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
7.b. M2002-334
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 $4,981,673 for street resurfacing
on Ayers Street (South Padre Island Drive to Port Avenue) and Gollihar Road (Crosstown
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 7
Expressway to Kostoryz Road).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
7.c. M2002-335
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a testing services contract
with Rock Engineering & Testing Laboratory, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas, in the amount
of $39,170 for materials testing on Ayers Street (South Padre Island Drive to Port Avenue)
and Gollihar Road (Crosstown Expressway to Kostoryz Road).
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 19, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
19. Case No. 0802-02, HDB Enterprises, Inc.: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District to a "B-4" General Business District on a 0.502 acre out ofNueces River
Irrigation Park, Annex No. 1, located 150 feet north of Northwest Boulevard and 475 feet
west of County Road 69.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the
"B-4" General Business District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Scott
made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Noyola, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled
the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 024044
Amending the zoning ordinance upon application by HDB Enterprises Inc. by changing the
zoning map in reference to 0.502 acre out ofNueces River Irrigation Park, Annex No. 1 from
"R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-4" General 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,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the executive sessions, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section
551.071, regarding Items 25, 26 and 28 on the agenda as follows:
25. Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Article V, Chapter 57, Vehicles for Hire, by
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 8
revising the provisions regarding auto wreckers and providing for penalties, with possible
discussion and action related thereto in open session.
26. City of San Benito v. PG&E Gas Transmission, Texas Corporation et. al, No. 96-12-7404-A,
107th District Court, Cameron County, Texas, and the remaining claim of the City of Corpus
Christi related thereto, and regarding similar claims of the City of Corpus Christi against
other similar entities, with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session.
28. James Skrobarcek v. City of Corpus Christi, No. 024974-F, 214th District Court, Nueces
County, Texas, with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session.
The executive session under Item 27 regarding the minor league baseball stadium was
cancelled. The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, formation of the North Padre Island Development
Corporation. City Secretary Chapa stated that Council Member Kelly would be abstaining from
discussing or voting on this item.
City Attorney Bray explained that this item relates to the development of Packery Channel.
He said that under state law the only monies that are devoted to the payment of bonds for this project
are the tax increment for the district. He said some concern has been expressed that the city should
not suffer any negative consequences arising out of the issuance of the bonds and one of the devices
for making that even more certain is to create a municipal government corporation to issue the
bonds. He said the Tax Increment Financing Act specifically authorizes the City Council to create
a corporation to administer a tax increment district. He said bond counsel and city staff recommend
this action, which has been taken by other cities.
Mayor Neal called for public comment on Item 15.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, asked if it is usual to appoint all staff members to a board
of this nature. Mr. Bray replied that the statute allows that and the first appointment would run
through the end of 2002. He said staff is expecting to sell the bonds at the end of November or early
December 2002. He said this is to expedite the process and another appointment will be made.
Council Member Scott said that someone wants to develop property close to the channel but
they are concerned that the city would use or lease out the property it has under lease with the
General Land Office (GLO). Mr. Garcia said the city is in the process of executing a lease with the
GLO, which the Council will have to approve. Mr. Scott said that if someone wants to develop land
there but they want a clear line of sight to the channel, the city should be willing to negotiate with
the developer.
Council Member Kinnison asked if the corporation will have an agreement directly with the
city or with the tax increment finance (TIF) district. Deputy City Manager Noe said he thinks the
corporation will have a relationship with both entities. Mr. Kinnison said he wants to make sure that
when those agreements come back, the Council and the TIF board are the ones who maintain the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 9
ability to evaluate the issuance of the bonds and make other decisions. Mr. Garcia reiterated that the
only reason for creating the corporation is to separate the corporate entity and credit of the City of
Corpus Christi from responsibility for these bonds. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
15. RESOLUTION NO. 025040
Resolution approving formation of the North Padre Island Development Corporation, and
approving its articles of incorporation and bylaws.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kelly abstaining.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 17, negotiation guidelines for development of the
marina. Council Member Kinnison explained that during the negotiations with Landry's in the last
few months, the Council members have been dealing with many questions from citizens. He said
when he explained to people what the Council had in mind with respect to the bayfront development
project, many of them replied that the Council should have shared that information with the public.
Consequently, Mr. Kinnison said he used the report by the Marina Operations and
Development Ad Hoc Committee (the stakeholders' group) as well as other sources in order to list
key issues that he personally feels very strongly about. Mr. Kinnison said this is an opportunity for
the Council to make a statement to the community that he wishes they had made three or four months
ago. He said city staff had been working on an agreement that endorsed these proposed concepts yet
the Council did not publicly state them. Mr. Kinnison then read the seven specific guidelines.
Council Member Colmenero asked about the term "patented water area." Mr. Bray replied
that in 1919 there was legislation where the state gave to the city an area that was under the waters
of Corpus Christi Bay. He said today that area extends roughly from the U.S.S. Lexington Museum
on the Bay down to Cole Park and out to approximately the end of the breakwater. He said when it
was granted, the area included basically back to Water Street, which was on the shoreline. He said
there was a patent by the governor in 1924 that carried out that grant of bay bottom to the city.
Council Member Chesney thanked Mr. Kinnison for taking on this task of clarifying the
negotiation issues. He discussed the process that was followed and said he believes this is a positive
step. Council Member Scott said there was extensive public input on the marina development issue.
He said the City Manager also addressed the concerns about prohibiting gambling on the T -Heads
and maintaining public access to them. He said he supports the proposed resolution. Mayor Neal
called for public comment on Item 17.
Mr. Roy Pell, 5022 Rasputin Court, said he was a member of the marina ad hoc committee,
which took their charge very seriously and came back with a comprehensive list of issues which were
passed on to city staff. He said they had a process in place to move forward with marina
development. However, through a petition drive a certain group of citizens brought that process to
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 10
a halt. He said he and others are working very hard to defeat Proposition 4 on the November 5, 2002
ballot and hopefully they can get marina development back on track. He applauded Mr. Kinnison for
his reaffirmation of what the ad hoc committee had done.
Mr. R.F. Hasker, 1813 Wallace, said he remembers a brochure developed by Landry's which
showed that the T -Heads would be closed down and would consist of a carnival atmosphere. He
questioned when this information was put before the taxpayers and he said the Council tried to push
the agreement with Landry's through the process Mr. Colmenero said Landry's representatives
indicated that their initial brochure was not going to be the actual project. Council Member Longoria
said that closing access to the T -Heads was never part of any plan.
Mr. Bob Patterson, 4734 Ocean Dr., said he welcomes the resolution, saying it is too far
down the road to be holding things back from the public. He said he thinks the resolution should
contain an admonition to the negotiators to follow current city charter provisions. Mr. Patterson said
that according to a city document he obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, Mr. Bray and
others discussed strategies prior to the June 3, 2002 meeting of the Marina Operations and
Development Ad Hoc Committee. According to the document, Mr. Bray said that if the proposal
involved any water areas of the marina, an election would have to be held. Mr. Patterson said that
somehow the Council strayed from that legal advice and an election has been forced by the citizens.
He said the charter has a provision that if there is a lease over water, an election must be held. He
asked that the Council consider that in their resolution.
Mr. Bray replied that if it is a water area, it requires a lease. If it is part of the existing land
masses (the T -Heads and L -Head), then it falls within the provision that the City Council can grant
a lease and the lease is not effective for 60 days after that and within that time a 10% petition could
require an election. He said an election is required on the front end of the present charter only for the
water areas themselves, not for the land areas.
Mr. Patterson said the city is proposing to give Landry's control for 40 years of the marina
and he believes that is control of the water areas. Mr. Longoria said that under the charter the
Council has that authority right now. Mr. Patterson said the Council has the authority to do that for
a five-year lease and the citizens can vote on anything beyond that. Mr. Longoria said that is
incorrect.
Council Member Kelly said this resolution is necessary because people (some of whom were
members of the stakeholders' committee) have gone into the community and made accusations that
the Council is somehow violating the charter by negotiating to lease the T -Heads and suggesting that
they are part of the water area. He said these types of representations are designed to mislead the
public and scare them into signing petitions. He said it is unfortunate that this resolution is necessary.
Mr. Kinnison asked Mr. Bray if there is anything in the Landry's negotiations about it being
a water lease. Mr. Bray replied that the Landry's proposal has not been to lease the water areas but
rather the land areas. He said the up -front election requirement would only be necessary if a water
lease was involved but that is not what is being proposed.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 11
Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, said the resolution is a little bit late and it is not binding like an
ordinance is. He said if Texas citizens vote to make gambling legal, it can be allowed on the T -
Heads. He said the resolution will not change people's attitudes.
Mr. Kinnison said the resolution is binding because it involves the Council giving their word
and if they go back on that, they do not need to be on the Council. He said the only way he would
vote on an agreement is if it meets the criteria outlined in the resolution. He agreed that a majority
of a future Council has the right to change the resolution, but by adopting this the Council is giving
its word. Mr. Colmenero said the Council has worked on similar projects, such as the convention
center and seawall, and this resolution is a way to move that process forward. City Secretary Chapa
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
17. RESOLUTION NO. 025042
Resolution establishing guidelines for city staff to follow in negotiations for development of
the marina and the patented water area.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 22 pertaining to the arena project. City Secretary
Chapa said that Council Member Kelly would be abstaining from discussing or voting on this item.
Deputy City Manager Noe explained that in November 2000 the voters approved the 1/8 cent sales
tax for the construction of the multipurpose arena and the Council has received several presentations
about the project. Mr. Noe said the financing is done through the Corpus Christi Business and Job
Development Corporation (the 4A board), which is responsible for allocating the dollars. He said
that at the conclusion of the project, the facility will be turned over to the city for operation.
Mr. Noe referred to the presentation information provided to the rating agencies and bond
insurers during meetings with them on October 2-4, 2002. He said the arena's financing basically
tracks the financing for the seawall renovation project: there is a pledge for the sales tax to repay the
bonds. He described specific aspects of the arena project and said the construction cost is estimated
to be just over $35 million, with design fees and construction management and other fees for a total
net funding requirement of $46.56 million.
Mr. Noe also discussed the arena operating budget pro forma, including cash flow and debt
service coverage. He noted that this is a parameter sale and at this point the plan is to go to the
market during the week of October 21' and they anticipate bringing bids to the Council on October
29`'. He said staff expects the bids to come in below their estimate. He said the proposed resolution
was unanimously adopted by the 4A board yesterday. Mayor Neal called for comments on Item 22.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien said that an article in the local newspaper dated November 8, 2000 said the
city was to get the new arena in 2003 at a cost of $35 million. He quoted from the article which cited
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 12
a study conducted by PKF Consulting. He also referred to a July 28, 2002 article that said the new
arena is moving ahead as planned and will cost $40 million. Mr. O'Brien also quoted from a
brochure issued by a member of the Council while he was running for election.
Mr. Noe said the $35 million was always a construction cost estimate and staff is very close
to that even though they have made some good, long-term decisions; i.e., ensuring that the facility
can be enlarged in the future. He said he does not think the timing of the project ever included
opening at the beginning of 2003. In addition, the PKF report did not include a time schedule; rather,
it discussed sizing and financial feasibility. He said the arena is on target for the 2004 season, which
was staff's commitment to the Islanders and the IceRays. He said the commitment that was made
to the voters was that they would build the facility within the 1/8th cent tax over a 25 -year period
and they are fulfilling that commitment. He said in the year 2017, if there is no other use for the
bonds, there is the potential for the bonds to be paid off at that time.
Council Member Kinnison complimented staff for the bond book they prepared for the
presentations. He said the arena project is on track and Mr. Noe agreed that they are tentatively
scheduled to break ground on November 3, 2002. Mr. Noe in tum commended Ms. Lee Ann
Dumbauld, Director of Finance, and her staff for their efforts.
Council Member Scott said Mr. Noe has stuck to his commitment for the 2004 season. He
said the arena will be a phenomenal facility and it is evidence that the city continues to move
forward. Council Member Noyola reiterated that there is a possibility the bonds could be paid off
in 2017. Mr. Noe said the Council at that time will have the opportunity to dissolve the tax. Mr.
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
22. RESOLUTION NO. 025045
Resolution approving the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds by the Corpus Christi
Business and Job Development Corporation and the execution of a project agreement, and
a bond purchase agreement with respect to the arena project.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kelly abstaining.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Items 23 and 24 regarding the Noble Food Service contract
and the food and beverage service. Responding to Council Member Scott, Deputy City Manager
Noe said that Item 23 is basically an extension of the city's current contract with Noble Food Service
through August 1, 2004 under the same terms and conditions at the convention center. There were
no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
23. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an amendment to the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 13
lease agreement executed with Noble Food Services, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas, on
November 21, 2000, by Ordinance No. 024289, and amended on December 11, 2001, by
Ordinance No. 024685, to extend the term of the lease from 3:01 a.m. January 1, 2003, until
3:00 a.m. August 1, 2004.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Kinnison absent.
Mayor Neal then referred to Item 24 regarding the food and beverage service contract. Mr.
Noe explained that in June 2000, PKF Consulting conducted an analysis of the Bayfront Plaza
Convention Center and the proposed multipurpose arena. He said the Council accepted PKF's
recommendations, which have been incorporated into the designs of both the renovated convention
center and new arena. They will include a single full-service kitchen, commissary, club restaurant,
suite food service and concession stands.
Mr. Noe said that based on the input of consultants and others in the business, staff is
recommending that the city use a management fee for service approach in which the city would pay
a fee to a vendor for managing the operation. The city pays the expenses and receives all the
revenues and the net revenues support the facility's operations.
The Deputy City Manager said the advantages of the management fee for service arrangement
are as follows: allows the facility to control the quality of service; provides for flexibility in dealing
with customers; it is the most suitable for the transition from the current system; it is recommended
by Conventional Wisdom; and it is similar to the arrangement at Texas A&M University -Corpus
Christi and SMG.
Mr. Noe said staff is proposing a two-step process t hat involves sending a request for
qualifications (RFQ) to all potential vendors and then the list is reduced to a small number of
finalists, who will be asked to submit an actual detailed proposal. He said the proposal will include
the name of the food and beverage manager and will involve site visits. He also outlined the
proposed schedule, which includes recommending a firm to the Council in February 2003 with pre-
opening operations set to begin in April 2003. He added that the evaluation will include criteria for
branded and local food items.
City Manager Garcia pointed out that even though this is called a "food and beverage"
contract, the city is requesting a major (probably multi-million dollar) capital investment on the part
of the successful bidder. Mr. Noe introduced Mr. David O'Neal with Conventional Wisdom, the
consultant on the project.
Mayor Neal said that right now the city has a contract with a local vendor but the people who
rent the convention center are not obligated to use that vendor. However, under this proposal that
will no longer be an option. Mr. Noe replied that if there is some unique event, there is the
opportunity to use another vendor but that would be the exception. The Mayor asked if staff has
considered the economic impact on local caterers if this proposal is adopted and Mr. Noe said they
have not.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 14
Council Member Longoria asked about the vendor providing the equipment. Mr. O'Neal said
that in many buildings, the food service vendors are asked to make a substantial capital contribution
to the project. He said the monetary requirement of the vendor will become clearer as the budget for
this project is finalized. Mr. O'Neal acknowledged that this process somewhat limits the pool of
available candidates but this request is often made of the larger food service providers and it is built
into the rate.
Mr. O'Neal went on to say that such an arrangement may be a necessity for the convention
center and arena due to the extensive amount of food service equipment that is required for the joint
facilities. He added that this is a change from the current practice and it places Corpus Christi on the
same par as San Antonio, Austin and other statewide competitors. He also noted that this
arrangement provides the city with a great deal of flexibility. He said the proposal phase will allow
local caterers/vendors to bid on the suite catering services in the arena.
Mr. Garcia said that a key element in attracting large conventions is the ability to negotiate --
often years in advance—the entire food and beverage package along with the meeting rooms and
banquet halls.
Mr. Longoria said this arrangement, which is also used at the Solomon Ortiz International
Center, essentially freezes out small businesses. He questioned how the city will provide
opportunities for them, for example, in the arena's food court. He also asked whether the convention
center will have its own permanent food court. Mr. Noe said there are seven concession stands in the
arena and one of the things staff will evaluate as part of the proposal will be how the vendor elects
to handle those goods and services. He said there is also a complete restaurant in the club in the
arena, as well as kiosks and push carts.
Mr. Garcia said the Council will have several decisions to make throughout this process.
However, the F&B manager will have to be on board and committed substantially before the opening
of the arena because he will need to be a key part of the finish -out of that facility.
Mr. Longoria said this will be a dramatic change not only for the local caterers but for the
users as well because the prices will go up. Mr. O'Neal pointed out that there is a two-year transition
period before the facility opens as well as another two years in which the usage will stabilize. He said
if the convention center is doing its job, it will be booked up years in advance and the number of
dates that will be available for smaller local events will be diminished from what it is now. He said
this may justify creating or converting a local meeting/banquet hall that is either separate from the
convention center and arena facilities or part of the same complex.
Mr. Longoria said he thinks the request for proposals should address how the F&B manager
will provide opportunities for local caterers. Mr. O'Neal said a savvy proposer will understand the
local climate and the wishes of the Council. Responding to another question from Mr. Longoria, Mr.
Noe said the pro forma in the bond presentation book includes a line item estimating $325,000 a year
in food and beverage revenues in the arena. He said it is the difference between breaking even and
losing money.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 15
Mayor Neal asked if it is possible to design an RFQ/RFP in which the city caters to large
conventions through a large vendor while retaining the ability for local caterers to service smaller
groups. He added that since the Ortiz Center and TAMU-CC now use this arrangement, if the city
adopts it as well there will be no place left for local people to use their own caterers other than Del
Mar College.
Mr. Noe replied that it is not the goal of city staff to shut out local businesses but rather to
meet the expectations of the people to which they are selling the building. Mr. Garcia said they need
to remember the promises they made to the people who are paying this tax. He said staff had
extensive meetings with the hospitality industry about what the city would do and how they would
move them into a different market. He said they are expecting the city to provide a state-of-the-art
facility that will attract the conventions that have been lost. He noted that the hoteliers and the
restaurateurs do not derive a lot of revenues from the local events, aside from the catering aspect.
He said there is a possibility of using Memorial Coliseum for local events. Council Member Noyola
discussed the importance of using local businesses in the convention center and arena.
Responding to Council Member Kinnison, Mr. O'Neal said the management fee for service
approach offers the city the flexibility to do anything. He said there are facilities that have some
"official" caterers that the F&B manager permits to service local events and they have to meet certain
criteria and standards. He said there are many ways to approach this issue. Mr. Noe said staff is
recommending this approach because it is easier to work through such concerns. Mr. Kinnison said
if the city has the funding, it should build out the kitchen rather than requiring the vendor to do so.
Council Member Garrett asked about the services provided by Noble Food Services. Mr. Hal
Peterson explained that for many years that company has been running the concession operation at
the convention center and Memorial Coliseum. He said they do some catering but it is mostly
concessions. He added that currently people can hire their own caterer, who has a contract with the
city and pays the city 10% of what they charge the customer. Mr. Garrett said the Council has made
it clear that they do not want local caterers to be eliminated in this process. Mr. Peterson said the
convention center has a "finishing" kitchen but it is not a full facility.
Mayor Neal postponed discussion on Item 24 in order to hear petitions from the audience.
Mr. Stanley Andrick, 3902 Westland, said that for many years he attended Council meetings
but lately had been unable to because he was caring for his ill wife. He said in the future he
anticipates being more active in the city's affairs. He said CPL is possibly planning to close three
of its local plants and he said it may be an opportunity for the city to own its own electric plant.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien said that unless there was a pressing reason to change the time when the
executive sessions were held, he feels it shows a decided lack of consideration for the public.
Mr. Jack Gordy said that political signs for both Forward Corpus Christi and Tony Sanchez
are located in the right-of-way all over the city. He said he called Code Enforcement and they
removed Mr. Sanchez's signs but not Forward Corpus Christi's signs. He also discussed the
confidentiality of utilitybills, saying that he thinks the city received a letter from the state saying that
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 16
if the proper form is not on file, the information is not confidential.
Responding to Mr. Noyola, City Manager Garcia said that Mr. Gordy indicated that his utility
bill is in his daughter's name and generally city staff do not release information unless they receive
a formal open records request. Assistant City Manager Jorge Cruz-Aedo said that the accounts note
whether o r n of t he i nformation i s c onfidential. M r. G arcia s aid t here is a standard format for
requesting public information which allows staff a period of time within which to respond.
Mr. Lewis Lovelace, 1549 Casa Grande, asked about the status of building steps to the water
at Airheart Point. He requested a copy of all paperwork that has been drafted to date on that issue
and he asked to sit in o n t he d esign o f the project. Mr. Escobar said staff has completed the
topographic survey to determine the angle at which the steps will be constructed but the drawings
have not yet been started. He said if the funds are available, the project maybe completed by the first
of next year. Mr. Michael Gunning, Planning Director, added that in the next few weeks the adjacent
property owner's engineer is supposed to submit the construction plans for the improvements that
are unrelated to Mr. Lovelace's request.
Mayor Neal returned to the discussion on Item 24, food and beverage contract. Council
Member Colmenero suggested that a list of pre -negotiated subcontractors be developed to facilitate
the convention center's and arena's services.
Council Member Chesney said there are very few local businesses that can provide the
millions of dollars in capital and serve as a concessionaire. Mr. Noe replied that staff is expecting
several local companies to bid on this project. He said that with or without the capital investment,
this is a large operation—they are expecting gross revenues of about $5 million. Mr. Chesney said the
Council has to balance the needs of the facilities with the concerns raised by local vendors. Mr. Noe
said the single-caterer/full-service operation policy issue has been in place since the PKF study in
2000; the capital investment idea has arisen as part of the budget discussions.
Responding to Council Member Scott, Mr. Noe said the RFQ was contained in the Council's
agenda packet. He said when staff puts out the RFP, based on the information in the construction
bids, they will know whether the city can afford to pay for the kitchen equipment out of the existing
funding or whether it will be required of the vendor. In addition, based on the Council's comments
today, staff will draft additional language to spell out local participation more clearly to meet the
Council's objectives.
Mr. Scott asked if including the local businesses will jeopardize the city's ability to not only
compete with but beat other cities' conventioneer efforts. Mr. O'Neal said it should not. Mr. Noe
said it will, however, cost the city money because the revenues will be lower than with a single entity
that has a lock on the business. Mr. O'Neal referred to the example of the convention center in
Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City.
Mayor Neal called for public comment on Item 24.
Mr. J.E. O'Brien said the Mayor and Council have some very valid points in this discussion.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 17
He said that free enterprise is based on competition, which benefits consumers. He said consideration
for local businesses should be the Council's utmost concern and the staff's proposal should be
rejected, or at the very minimum, it should be tabled. He said he supports an open catering policy.
Mr. Tim Lyons, 431 Ohio, said he is co-owner of B&T Rents. He asked the Council to table
this motion because of what he said would be far-reaching negative effects, such as businesses
having to lay off people because of the convention center's "closed -door" policy. Mr. Chesney asked
Mr. Lyons why tabling the item will be beneficial. Mr. Lyons replied that it will allow the Council
to look into the possible economic impact of adopting this policy.
Mr. Malcolm De Shields, 6834 Dorsey St., said that in 1980 there was a committee consisting
of local restaurateurs who helped develop the current policy for the convention center. He said his
company, the BBQ Man, has been catering there since then. He recommended that the Council seek
input from the caterers to address the concerns that have been raised, including having the city pay
for the kitchen equipment.
Mr. Garrett said that if he votes for this motion, he wants to ensure that the RFP will be
drafted to include the Council's concerns about including local businesses. Mr. Noe said that rather
than the city talking with the restaurants, that they place the proposers in the position of talking with
the restaurants and continuing local participation. Mr. Colmenero and Mr. Noyola reiterated their
comments about including local businesses. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
24. M2002-342
Motion authorizing the City Manager to send out a request for qualifications (RFQ) followed
by a request for proposals (RFP) to retain a food and beverage company (F&B company) to
manage the food service operation at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center and new
multipurpose arena for a period of five years beginning August 1, 2004.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 25, amendments to the auto wrecker ordinance. City
Attorney Bray said that staff was recommending an amendment to delete the provision in Section
57-233 which states: "and for sustained complaints of repeated deceptive business practices,
including but not limited to unconscionable actions or courses of action as defined in state law..."
Mr. Bray said that language would have allowed the Police Chief to revoke a wrecker service's
license that was authorized to do consent tows due to repeated instances of overcharging customers.
City Manager Garcia said this amendment would remove the city from regulation of consent tows.
Responding to Council Member Noyola, Assistant Chief Ken Bung said city staff met with
wrecker company representatives three times and they discussed issues that were raised during the
Council's discussion on September 17, 2002. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Bung discussed specific aspects
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 18
of the proposed changes, including the separate issues of work time and wait time.
Mr. Noyola expressed concern that towing companies will not want to cover a large accident,
such as a chemical truck roll-over. Mr. Bung said that currently there are no large wreckers on the
rotation list because of the fee. Council Member Garrett discussed the difference between work time
and wait time and he suggested that they look again at the issue of work time because it could be
important even though it is rarely used. Mr. Bung said staff's direction was to not change the fees
but they can reconsider it.
Council Member Chesney made a motion to amend Item 25 as stated by Mr. Bray, seconded
by Mr. Noyola. The motion to amend passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Mr. Garrett made a motion to amend Item 25 to allow work time in the ordinance of $200
per hour with the rest of the fees being the same; seconded by Mr. Noyola. Mr. Garcia said that
provision would be added to the section on heavy tows. Another voice vote was called and the
motion passed unanimously. Mayor Neal called for public comment on Item 25.
Ms. Lana White, Airline Wrecker Service, said there are many details in the ordinance that
can affect towing companies, such as the criminal offenses and consent rotation tows.
Mr. Chuck Milks, 7430 Spitfire, suggested that the Council form a vehicle -for -hire advisory
committee to receive input from that industry. He said the towing company employees often face
dangers in their work.
Mr. Joe Dees, 4617 McGregor, said he owns Statewide Wrecker Service. He agrees that they
are moving in the right direction but there are still concerns, such as the requirement to place a sign
on the trucks stating a "drop" fee of $35. He also questioned the requirement of a permit to perform
wrecker services.
Council Member Kinnison questioned the purpose of the drop fee sign. Mr. Garcia replied
that that fee has been subject to a lot of abuse. He said there is a requirement that if a citizen
encounters a wrecker company hooking up his car and the citizen contests it, the driver is required
to drop the car. He said the purpose of the sign is to make citizens aware of the authorized drop fee.
Mr. Dave Resendez, owner of Apollo Towing and Easy Rider Wrecker Service, said the drop
fee sign will create problems because sometimes wrecker companies are authorized under the
ordinance to charge more money if special equipment has to be used to hook up a vehicle.
Responding to Mr. Garrett, Mr. Resendez said that currently his company's simple drop fee is $50.
Mr. Jason White, with Airline Wrecker, said he supports the Police Department's efforts but
the language in the ordinance regarding consent towing still needs to be amended because it appears
the city is trying to regulate how they do business on a day-to-day basis.
Mr. Steve Zastrow, Police Department legal advisor, said the ordinance includes a phrase
stating that the addition of a price schedule is not required if the owner of the vehicle consents to the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 19
omission; i.e., if a wrecker company has a long-term contractual relationship with an auto company
such as AAA.
Mr. White said he believes some of the language does not reflect what the city is trying to
do. Mayor Neal said they will never have a perfect ordinance but the Council is trying to address
abuses that have been perpetrated by a few wrecker companies. Mr. White said the wrecker
companies are in favor of regulating the private property impounds (non -consent towing); however,
when the city seeks to regulate consent towing, it affects the wrecker companies' operations.
Mr. Ray Rivera, owner and operator of Texas Wrecker Service, said he and other companies
conduct tows for the Department of Public Safety and they have $200 per hour working time and
$100 per hour waiting time. He said he charges separately for other services, which are itemized. He
said he does not intend to become part of the city's rotation list.
Mayor Neal suggested that the Council vote on this ordinance on first reading and set the
second reading for November 12, 2002, thereby letting people submit their comments to Assistant
Chief Bung prior to second reading. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes:
25. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, Article V, Chapter 57, Vehicles for Hire, by
revising the provisions regarding auto wreckers, and providing for penalties.
The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading, as amended, by the following vote: Neal,
Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Longoria, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess. Upon reconvening, he referred to the presentations on
the day's agenda. The first presentation (Item 20) was regarding the city's E -Government and
internet s ite s ervices. M s. S usan C able, D irector o f E -Government S ervices, s aid t he c ity h as
implemented the first of the online payment and business processes with Texas Local Interactive Inc.
She said citizens can now pay their utility bill online and apply for jobs with the city. She said
basketball registration will be available online prior to November 4th. Other future online initiatives
are traffic ticket payments and building permits.
Ms. Cable said that city staff and Farenthold Consulting Inc. have been working for several
months on redesigning the city's web site, which has a new address: www.cctexas.com. She said the
results of citizen surveys were used to develop the site's features. In addition, the content
management system (back -end system) has been customized, which significantly increases the site's
efficiency. Ms. Cable said the site also offers live video streaming and will feature an e -governance
forum, a partnership with the League of Women Voters and the Corpus Christi Caller -Times.
In addition to Mr. Blake Farenthold, Ms. Cable said several people participated i n the
development of the new site. They include Mr. Olgivie Gericke, MIS Director; members of the city's
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 20
Utilities Billing Office and Human Resources Department; Ms. Diana Ramirez in E -Government
Services; and Quadrant Productions. Ms. Cable then demonstrated several features that are available
on the new site and she, Mr. Gericke and Mr. Farenthold responded to Council members' questions.
She said staff is also developing interactive voice response systems for several city departments.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The second presentation (Item 21) was regarding the Corpus Christi Park and Recreation
open space master plan 2002-2007. Mr. Dan Whitworth, Director of Park and Recreation, said this
is the first time in the city's history that they have had an adopted park master plan. Prior to this time,
they have utilized area development plans. Mr. Whitworth emphasized that the master plan is a
"living" document in that it will be reviewed every two years and revamped every five years as
necessary. He said that is a requirement of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
Mr. James Carrillo, Vice President and Director of Operations for Halff Associates, said that
a park master plan is important for several reasons, including that it creates a "snapshot" of where
the parks system is now; it creates a forum for citizens to indicate the types of parks, trails and other
facilities they want; sets the goals for the parks, trails and open space system; and establishes the
priorities for the next five to 10 years and is used as a guide for future acquisition opportunities.
Mr. Carrillo said a master plan, which is also called a recovery action plan, helps the city
qualify for TPWD grants for indoor and outdoor park facilities development and urban parks and
recreation recovery grants from the Department of the Interior. He said the steps in the planning
process include demographics, inventory of existing parks, public input (citizens' survey and public
meetings), key issues, concept development, prioritization, and the master plan.
He said the city's pre -established area development plans were combined into three major
zones with comparable population totals—north, central and south. Referring to base population
projections, Mr. Carrillo said that significant growth (as many as 16,000 people) is expected by 2007
in the far northern part of the city in Calallen, Flour Bluff and on the island. He discussed the citizen
input methods that were used and the results of the survey. He noted that skate parks scored very
high on the survey, which they have never seen before. He said that according to the survey, the most
important facilities to construct are picnic tables (90%) and playgrounds (89%). He said there was
a lot of support for renovating and upgrading existing parks.
Mr. Carrillo also discussed the recommended starting standards for park acreage in Corpus
Christi: neighborhood parks -1.5 acres per 1,000 population; community parks - 4.0 acres per 1,000
population; for a total of 5.5 acres per 1,000 population for close -to -home parks. Other types of parks
are special purpose parks; linear/linkage parks; and open space preserves, all of which should total
13 to 20 acres per 1,000 population.
He said that currently the city has about 280 acres of neighborhood parks, which equates to
0.97 acres per 1,000 population or 65% of the recommended total. He said that 66 out of the
approximately 190 parks are considered pocket parks (under three acres in size), which represents
almost 35% oft he total citywide And over 50%oft he p arks i n t he s ystem a re c lassified as
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 21
underdeveloped or undeveloped, with very few or no recreation facilities built in those park sites.
Mr. Carrillo also discussed community parks, which currently consist of 744 acres at a ratio of 2.48
acres per 1,000 population (the recommended standard is 4.0 acres).
He then reviewed park deficiencies in the three main areas: north - West Guth and Labonte
parks; central - Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park; and south - Bill Witt Park. Mr. Carrillo said in summary
that the city has many small parks, but most are underdeveloped, which creates a significant
maintenance burden. He said there are well -located "district" parks (South Guth and Bill Witt), but
they are devoted mostly to athletics and the goal is to incorporate more types of activities in those
parks, such as trails and picnic tables.
Council Member Longoria said that Swantner Park on Ocean Drive has the potential to be
another beautiful park like Cole Park but currently it has no facilities. Council Member Kelly said
that many people use West Guth Park rather than going to Cole Park. Mr. Carrillo said West Guth
is a great example of many uses that are available in one park. He said the city's pool and
recreational facilities are fairly old and need to be addressed over time as well.
Mr. Carrillo then reviewed the planning concepts as follows: focus on quality, not quantity;
although the waterfront is important, focus on interior parks for the next five to 10 years; address one
to two major parks at a time, not small portions of many parks; adopt an aggressive grant- and fund -
leveraging approach; and modify the park land dedication ordinance to increase funding for new
neighborhood parks.
Mr. Carrillo noted that today it costs about $500,000 to develop a small, neighborhood park
and under the current system, the city is not receiving enough money to develop those parks.
Additional discussion ensued. Mr. Carrillo pointed out that most cities have gone to a system where
they charge a developer for the land and then they charge a development fee. He said that way there
is a significant amount of money up front that can be pulled together to build a park.
The consultant also discussed other recommendations of the master plan. He said that Oso
Creek is a major green belt away from the waterfront and more land should be acquired to create a
significant linear corridor. He said they are also recommending coordinating with the drainage
master plan where feasible.
With regard to the action plan for the next five years, Mr. Carrillo said they are
recommending the following: upgrade existing large "district" parks, $6 million to $10 million total
estimated cost; develop additional athletic facilities, $4.5 million to $7 million; develop additional
trails, $2 million to $3 million; focus on key underdeveloped neighborhood parks, $2 5 million over
the next five years; develop one major recreation center, $3 million to $6 million; develop unique
recreation opportunities, $500,000 to $1 million; and continue to acquire land for open space
preserves and major parks, also $500,000 to $1 million (annually adjusted as needed). The total
estimated overall cost is $19 million to $29 million.
Mr. Whitworth said staff is taking the proposed park master plan to the Park and Recreation
Advisory Board and the Planning Commission and then it will come back to the Council on October
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 22
291h in time to send it to the state for grant applications. City Manager Garcia said that if accepted,
this plan will be included in the city's 2003-2004 budget cycle, which will be key in planning for the
2004 bond issue.
Mr. Chesney discussed the efforts of the newly formed organization, Friends of the Park. He
asked about businesses "adopting" parks. Mr. Carrillo discussed some of the challenges that exist
in adopting parks to address maintenance issues, as well as the plan's recommended acreage
standards. Mr. Scott discussed Oso Creek and Cole Park and Mr. Kelly commented on Nueces River
Park. Mayor Neal suggested that the city further develop hike and bike trails. He added that the city
will never solve the problems at Cole Park (irrigation needs and lack of vegetation) as long as the
amphitheater remains there. Mr. Whitworth said there are things that can be done to help minimize
the problems but he acknowledged that they exist. Mayor Neal also discussed the need to create a
festival site and working with other governmental entities on park development.
*************
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garcia noted that the October 15, 2002
Council meeting has been cancelled since many of the Council members will be attending the Texas
Municipal League conference in Fort Worth. He said the next meeting will be held on October 22"d
beginning at noon with a joint meeting with the Convention and Visitors Bureau board, followed by
the regular Council meeting. Issues to be discussed include the city's legislative agenda, zoning
cases, and a presentation by the Crime Control District on the 50 police officers.
The Mayor asked if the election information provided to the Council can be reproduced for
others and Mr. Garcia said it can be. Mr. Noe said staff provided it to the Council to receive their
feedback on it. Mr. Garrett asked about the possibility of including that information in the Caller -
Times. Mr. Noe replied that they had originally planned to put it in the Caller -Times as an insert but
their prices have doubled since the last time they did that. The Mayor suggested that it be published
in neighborhood newspapers which are less expensive and have a large readership.
Mayor Neal also referred to a letter about the City -County Health Advisory Committee and
Mr. Garcia said staff will provide a report. The Mayor also asked about the construction of the
Animal Control facility and Mr. Garcia said staff is monitoring the progress of that project. The
Mayor said there was an article in Texas Town and City regarding city regulations of tow trucks. He
then called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Chesney said that apparently there is high grass and standing water along C armel
Parkway and around Parkdale Library and he announced a Friends of the Park meeting on October
10ih at 5:30 p.m. He thanked Mr. Garcia for his swift response on the issue with the 600 Building and
he congratulated the Bayfest organizers for having a record year.
Mr. Noyola said that Mr. Herb Canales, Director of Libraries, and Ms. Patty Mueller will be
attending a book festival and a reception hosted by First Lady Laura Bush in Washington, D.C. Mr.
Noyola also encouraged people to attend the Texas Jazz Festival on October 18-20 and he said the
Moody Civic Minded Students are holding their community convention on October 13`h.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 8, 2002 - Page 23
Mr. Scott said he is scheduling four town hall meetings prior to the November 5th election:
October 146 , co-sponsored with Forward Corpus Christi, at Holiday Inn Gulf Beach Resort; October
15`h, co-sponsored with Pharaoh Valley Property Owners Association, at Pharaoh Valley Country
Club; October 23rd at Ethel Eyerly Senior Center; and October 28th at Robert Wilson Elementary
School cafeteria. He also commented that Ms. Jean Cook's suggestion about moving the barriers on
the JFK Causeway were heeded by TXDOT staff, and he said an Austin developer was impressed
with city staff, in particular Ms. Faryce Goode -Macon of the Planning Department. Mr. Scott also
thanked Wastewater Superintendent Foster Crowell for his assistance with a constituent's concern
and Mr. Garcia for meeting with the Padre Island Property Owners Association.
Mr. Colmenero said there is a concern about Labor Ready's clients at the corner of Port and
Arlington. Mr. Kelly said that Mr. Benavidez, a LULAC member, suggested that the city use police
and fire employees to help identify problem areas on the streets. Mr. Garcia said staff rely on them
as well as Solid Waste and meter reading employees and citizens.
Mayor Neal said the J-22 World Championships are being held in Corpus Christi this week
and he announced that the State of the City speech will be held October 23rd at the Bayfront Plaza
Convention Center. There being no further business to come before the Council, the Mayor
adjourned the Council meeting at 9:17 p.m. on October 8, 2002.
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