HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/11/2003I 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 March 11, 2003, which were approved by
the City Council on March 25, 2003.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 25th day of March 2003.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 - 2:05 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Javier D. Colmenero
Henry Garrett
Bill Kelly
Rex A. Kinnison
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
ABSENT
Mayor Pro Tem John Longoria
City Staff:
Acting City Manager George Noe
Acting City Attorney R. Jay Reining
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The
invocation was delivered by Pastor Alston Kirk, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Pledge of
Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Kelly. City Secretary Chapa
called the roll and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required charter
officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Neal called for approval of the minutes of
the regular Council meeting of February 25, 2003. A motion was made and passed to approve the
minutes as presented.
The Mayor called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2-11). He requested that
Items 3, 4, 5 and 7 be discussed. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following passed:
2. M2003-100
Motion approving a supply agreement with OneSource Facility Services, Inc., Corpus
Christi, Texas for custodial services for the Frost Building in accordance with Bid
Invitation No. BI -0055-03, based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of
$46,602.96. The term of the contract is 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
Acting City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by Building
Maintenance in FY 2002-2003.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
6. M2003-105
Motion authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order
No. 1 with Garver Construction, LTD., of Houston, Texas in the amount of $354,287.50
for the Sanitary Sewer Trunk Main Rehabilitation Project.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 2
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
8. ORDINANCE NO. 025228
Ordinance authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to implement the
Participation Agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and Braselton Land Ventures
Inc. in the amount of $90,517.10 for construction of an 18 -inch Sanitary Sewer Force
Main (Buckingham Estates Lift Station).
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
9. M2003-106
Motion authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with
Inwood Contractors, Inc., dba Trailer Trash of Corpus Christi, Texas guaranteeing the
annual delivery of specific tonnage of acceptable waste to the J.C. Elliott Landfill for a
specific fee, for a period not to exceed the life of the J.C. Elliot Landfill.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
10.a. M2003-107
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a contract with the Coastal
Bend Council of Governments -Area Agency on Aging/Direct Purchase Vendor
Agreement with the Senior Companion Program for FY 2003 in the amount $50,000.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
10.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025229
Ordinance appropriating $50,000 in anticipated funds from the Coastal Bend Council of
Governments -Area Agency on Aging/Direct Purchase Vendor Agreement in the No.
1050 Federal/State Grants Fund for the Senior Companion Program.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
11. ORDINANCE NO. 025230
Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 53 - Traffic, Section 53-84, Project
Eligibility Requirements and Design Standards, by adding discretionary language to the
Guidelines for Location of Traffic Calming Devices.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 3
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 3, force main repairs and replacement project.
Responding to a question from the Mayor, Mr. Angel Escobar, Director of Engineering Services,
explained that in October 2002, the force main under South Staples Street at the Saratoga
Boulevard intersection collapsed. He said the old cast iron 24 -inch force main line "C" needs to
be replaced. He explained the proposed new route of the force main, which will include the golf
course of the Corpus Christi Country Club. He said the project has not yet been bid. He also
noted that force main "B" is in the process of being replaced.
In reply to Council Member Garrett, Mr. Escobar said the PFC pipes are color -coded and
staff will be installing a blue pressure pipe inside a steel casing. He added that the landscaping
will be completed at the intersection of Saratoga and South Staples. City Secretary Chapa polled
the Council for their votes as follows:
3. M2003-101
Motion authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No.
8 to the consultant contract with Goldston Engineering, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas for
a total fee not to exceed $359,130 for the Force Main Repairs and Replacement Project -
Force Main Line "C."
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 4, Phase 1 of the sanitary sewer master plan. Mr.
Escobar said the last master plan was completed in 1972 and Phase 1 of this plan will involve the
Allison Wastewater Plant service area, which is a large geographic area. Mr. Foster Crowell,
Wastewater Superintendent, added that this plan will review previous master plan studies and
changed conditions of all six wastewater service areas to determine the location of major trunk
lines for future development and the most feasible construction alternatives. He said Phase 1
goes all the way to Wood River and also covers south of FM 624. Responding to another
question from the Mayor, Mr. Crowell said the Broadway Plant area is already very developed.
In reply to Council Member Kelly, Mr. Escobar said the city is responsible for all of the
costs of the treatment plants. However, he said the collection system is usually paid for by
developers and the city participates in enlarging systems when needed. He added that the
Wastewater Department follows zoning and planning activities as well as the existing master
plan to anticipate where development will occur and prioritizes accordingly. Mr. Kelly asked if
adoption of this plan will impede development of the land along Hwy. 77. Acting City Manager
Noe said it should not.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 4
Council Member Garrett said there are several businesses on Leopard Street between
Rand Morgan and Clarkwood roads that do not have city wastewater service. Mr. Escobar said
this plan will give them the framework with which they can connect to the city's system. He said
there is a capital improvement program called the extension of sanitary sewer lines to developed
areas. Mr. Crowell said there is a new lift station proposed on Rand Morgan where a temporary
station exists to serve the new school and subdivision. Mr. Garrett asked when those businesses
will receive wastewater service and Mr. Crowell said staff will provide that information.
Council Member Colmenero asked if the master plan analysis will be based on
population density or existing infrastructure. Mr. Escobar said several components will be
examined in order to project future wastewater flows. He said this will be a 30- to 50 -year plan.
Responding to Council Member Noyola, Mr. Escobar said the Clarkwood plan encompasses the
area inside the city limits, which he described. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council:
4. M2003-102
Motion authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to execute a consultant
contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas for a total fee not to
exceed $285,406 for the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, Phase 1.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 5, realignment of water and wastewater utilities
as part of the Spur 3, Phase 2 Ennis Joslin Road construction contract. Mr. Escobar said the cost
takes into account the sequencing change, cost increases for PFC pipe for both wastewater and
water lines, and certain sensitive areas where the lines will be located. The Mayor said this
project has been under construction approximately 11 years. Mr. Escobar said the portion from
Nile to SPID will probably be completed by this summer while the Nile to Ocean Drive portion
will take another 14 months. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council as follows:
5.a. M2003-103
Motion authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order
No. 43 with the Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $1,114,384.29 for
the realignment of water and wastewater utilities as part of the Spur 3, Phase 2 Ennis
Joslin Road construction contract in accordance with the Advance Funding Agreement.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
5.b. M2003-104
Motion authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to execute a consultant
contract with ECMS Inc. of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $60,500 for
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 5
management of contractor claim and utility construction inspection for the Spur 3, Phase
2 project.
The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett,
Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 7, Bay Trail Phase 3 project, and he asked staff to
describe it. Mr. Kevin Stowers, Assistant Director of Engineering Services, said this action will
extend the hike and bike trail along the Cayo del Oso from South Padre Island Drive to Holly
Road and from the end of Holly Road to the railroad trestle. He said that as a result of
cooperative agreements and changes in regulations, TXDOT will pay 80% of the local cost of the
engineering and environmental mitigation.
Mr. Ray Allen, Director of the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBEP), said
his organization is pleased to work with the city on this project. He said the CBBEP and the
Coastal Bend Land Trust have acquired 55 acres along the Oso and they will be making that
property available to the city as well as providing monies for the acquisition of the right-of-way
for the trail itself. Mayor Neal said the city invests $75,000 a year into the CBBEP and the return
on that investment has been worth millions of dollars. Council Member Scott commented on the
positive quality of life that this project provides. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council:
7. RESOLUTION NO. 025227
Resolution authorizing the Acting City Manager or his designee to execute a Local
Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreement using an in-kind contribution (real
property valued at $400,000) as a local match for the Bay Trail, Phase 3 Project.
The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero,
Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 12, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open
the public hearing on the following zoning case:
12. Case No. 0103-02, Morteza Shafinurv: A change of zoning from an "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District and "AB" Professional Office District to a "B-1" Neighborhood
Business District on Airline Subdivision, Block B, Lots 1, 4 and 5, located on the east
side of Airline Road and on the north side of Lyons Street.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of
the "B-1" District on Lot 1 and denial of the "B-1" District on Lots 4 and 5. Mr. Michael
Gunning, Director of Planning, explained that the applicant has requested a change of zoning on
three of five lots that front on Airline Road and Lyons Street. He said both the Planning
Commission and staff felt the commercial district should be limited to those lots which front on
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 6
Airline Road in order to avoid any further intrusion into the neighborhood on Lyons Street. Mr.
Gunning said that while some people called to oppose this case, there were no letters of
opposition sent to the city. Mr. Shafinury's attorney requested a reconsideration of the Planning
Commission's denial, which was also denied. Mr. Gunning then described the subject and
adjacent properties. He said Mr. Shafinury is proposing that the Council approve "B-1" on Lots 1
and 4 and a special permit on Lot 5 for parking only with landscaping and no access to Lyons
Street from Lots 4 and 5.
Mr. Shafinury and his representative then addressed the Council. Responding to Council
Member Kinnison, Mr. Shafinury said he would like to open a retail shopping center on the
subject property as allowed with "B-1" zoning. Mr. Kinnison asked about staff's opinion on the
applicant's request for a special permit on Lot 5. Mr. Gunning said staff thinks the special permit
is reasonable in light of the condition that all five lots be replatted as a single premise, which
prevents the resale of any lots. In addition, staff can prohibit driveway access to Lyons Street and
landscaping would be required. Mr. Kinnison said he supported the applicant's new proposal.
Mr. Doyle Curtis, Assistant City Attorney, said the proposed ordinance in the Council's
packet (titled "Alternate 2") was revised to reflect Mr. Shafinury's request for operating hours of
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mr. Gunning said there is no limit to the operating hours for the other shopping
centers in the area.
Responding to Council Member Kelly, Mr. Gunning said the size and location of the
proposed building will be governed by the setbacks and parking requirements in the zoning
ordinance. He said the building will be located on Lots 1, 2 and 4 and no structures will be
allowed on Lot 5. Mr. Kelly asked if any other businesses have driveway access to Lyons Street
and Mr. Gunning said some were allowed prior to more restrictive regulations being put in place.
Mr. Kinnison made a motion to amend Item 12 to adopt alternate ordinances 1 and 2; the
motion was seconded and it passed. Mr. Garrett made a motion to close the public hearing,
seconded by Mr. Colmenero and passed. Mr. Chapa then polled the Council for their votes:
12.a. ORDINANCE NO. 025231
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Morteza Shafinury, by changing
the zoning map in reference to Lots 1 and 4, Block B, Airline Subdivision Unit 3, from
"AB" Professional Office District and "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 amended: Neal,
Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye";
Longoria absent.
12.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025232
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Morteza Shafinury, by changing
the zoning map in reference to Lot 5, Block B, Airline Subdivision Unit 3, (currently
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 7
zoned "R -1B" One -Family Dwelling District) by granting a special permit for a shopping
center parking area subject to a site plan and ten (10) conditions; amending the
Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive
Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed as amended: Neal,
Chesney, Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye";
Longoria absent.
************
Mayor Neal referred to Item 13, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open
the public hearing on the following zoning case:
13. Case No. 0103-04, Hogan Development Company, L.P.: A change of zoning from a "B-
4" General Business District to a "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District on Flour Bluff
and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 21, being 23.064 acres out of Lots 17, 18,
31, and 32, located on the east side of Cimarron Boulevard and approximately 300 feet
south of Yorktown Boulevard.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of
the "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change.
Mr. Scott made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kelly and passed. Mr.
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 025233
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Hogan Development Company,
L.P. by changing the zoning map in reference to 23.064 acres out of Lots 17, 18, 31, and
32, Section 21, Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "B-4" General
Business District to "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District; amending the Comprehensive
Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 14, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open
the public hearing on the following zoning case:
14. Case No. 0103-05, Carmen Fader: A change of zoning from a "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Flour Bluff and Encinal
Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 5, being a 0.590 acre out of Lot 25, located west of
South Staples Street and approximately 349 feet north of Lipes Boulevard.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 8
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. Scott made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero and passed.
Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
14. ORDINANCE NO. 025234
Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Carmen Fader by changing the
zoning map in reference to 0.590 acre out of Lot 25, Section 5, Flour Bluff and Encinal
Farm and Garden Tracts, 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: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 15 and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing to consider amending the Corpus Christi Urban Transportation Plan, an element
of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi. Mr. Gunning said the city currently has
11 area development plans, nine of which have been adopted. He said this proposal is intended to
consolidate all those plan documents into a single plan, which will facilitate staff's ability to
review transportation plans or street extension improvements with developers. He said the plan
has been coordinated with the city's Engineering Services and Traffic Engineering departments
as well as several outside entities.
Mr. Bob Payne, Senior City Planner, reviewed the computer presentation he gave at the
February 25th Council meeting. He noted that issues in the transportation plan include a future
street network to minimize traffic congestion; consolidation of transportation plans; sidewalks
which meet ADA standards; bikeways which meet the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials standards; and street alignment and network changes. He said the
plan will minimize the future purchase of rights-of-way and address collector and arterial streets.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Mr. Gunning said this plan is not a comprehensive bikeway
plan but staff is beginning to address the bikeway issues. Mr. Payne continued his presentation,
saying that the Planning Commission suggested a northwest collector grid pattern, which would
help solve the east -west traffic issues in that area. He added that this plan is not a panacea to
planning challenges and he referred to a table that compared right-of-way requirements.
Mr. Muhammad Amin Ulkarim, of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, said the
MPO will use this plan in their planning efforts. He said the MPO is preparing additional
information about other planning issues that will be used to validate the city's plan.
Mr. Greg Brubeck, of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, said they are pleased to see
the addition of the Fulton Corridor and the proposed improvements to Up River Road, which are
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 9
important not only to the port's current operations but also to its future growth. He said the port
supports the adoption of the revised urban transportation plan.
Mr. David Seiler, of the Regional Transportation Authority, said the RTA supports the
proposed increases in travel lane widths as well as the identification of the RTA as a planning
partner with the city in terms of capital improvements and design elements.
Council Member Colmenero made a motion to close the public hearing, which was
seconded and passed. Council Member Kelly asked why the plan reduces the size of County
Road 52 at County Road 73A from an arterial to a collector street. Mr. Kelly said he thought the
plan was to make County Road 52 a parallel arterial from Orange Grove to Hwy. 77. Mr. Payne
said in the denser areas that road is shown as an arterial and as it moves west it becomes a lesser
street section. Acting City Manager Noe said staff can review that issue prior to second reading.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
15.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Ordinance amending the Corpus Christi Urban Transportation Plan, an element of the
Comprehensive Plan of the City of Corpus Christi, by adopting the revised Corpus Christi
Urban Transportation Plan for the City and its extraterritorial jurisdiction; establishing a
Unified Transportation Plan for coordination of street improvements consistent with the
public interest; rescinding the Corpus Christi Urban Transportation Plan adopted by City
Council Ordinance No. 022166, February 22, 1995; amending the Comprehensive Plan of
the City.
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 asked staff to prepare a report summarizing all of the planning documents
that have been presented to the Council over the last two years and related Council actions.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 16, general obligation refunding bonds. Acting
City Manager Noe said that staff and the city's financial advisors regularly monitor the market to
determine if there are opportunities to save money by refunding various types of debt. He said
that occurs when the city is able to realize a 3% present value savings. Ms. Lee Ann Dumbauld,
Director of Finance, passed out information that had been gathered the day before. She said the
current savings are 6.09% or $1.4 million on the bonds proposed for refunding. She said it is a
delegated sale that will allow the City Manager to pull the trigger on a date that is most
advantageous on the market. She said the city's underwriter is J.P. Morgan.
Responding to Mayor Neal, Ms. Dumbauld said they are not extending the term of the
debt and they are also taking the majority of the savings in the early years. The Mayor asked
staff to also prepare a report recapping savings that have been realized in the last two years.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 10
In reply to Council Member Scott, Mr. Noe said the last time a request for proposals was
done, there were no local underwriters that responded. Council Member Chesney echoed Mr.
Scott's concem about using a local company. There were no comments from the audience. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
16. ORDINANCE NO. 025235
Ordinance providing for the issuance of the General Improvement Refunding Bonds,
Series 2003, of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, in an amount not to exceed
$25,000,000; establishing parameters regarding the sale of the bonds; approving the
execution of a bond purchase contract and an escrow agreement; and all other matters
related thereto; and providing that this ordinance shall be in force and effect from and
after the date of its passage.
An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott voting "Aye"; Longoria absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the executive session, which was listed on the agenda as:
17. Executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding Hector
Villarreal, Corpus Christi Association of City Employees, and Stan Wilt, Cause No. 02-
868-E, 214th District Court, Nueces County, Texas, with possible discussion and action in
open session.
The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. Acting City Manager Noe said the
Council will receive information in the Friday packet about the skate operation and on March
l2`h the Nueces County Commissioners Court will consider a resolution to endorse the child
safety fee bill. He said there is no Council meeting on March 18th and there are several items
scheduled for the March 25th meeting. Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports.
Mr. Chesney said that on March 10`h there was a successful town hall meeting on the
island and another town hall meeting is scheduled for March 315`. He thanked Mr. Noe and Mr.
Crowell for their assistance with a constituent's problem and he asked if the new animal control
facility had a cracked foundation. Mr. Escobar said the slab on the kennel area will be replaced.
Mr. Chesney congratulated the Tarpon Foundation for a successful fundraiser.
Mr. Garrett asked if the parking meters can be replaced on the south curb of the 600
block of Leopard Street. He also asked if there is a space problem at the Police Department or
Municipal Court. Mr. Noe said there has been an ongoing effort to find a new location for the
court. He said staff can provide a written report. Mr. Garrett said he also wants to ensure that the
city inspects roadways that have been repaired following the inclusion of utility lines through
them.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
March 11, 2003 — Page 11
Responding to Mr. Kinnison, Mr. Massey said that in addition to the traffic signal at
Weber and Saratoga, the intersection of Staples and Saratoga also has a protected left turn light.
Mr. Kinnison said a similar light is needed at Saratoga and Everhart.
Mr. Noyola said he reported a large concrete block on Navigation Road at Agnes Street.
He also asked when the One -Stop Center will be fully operational. Mr. Art Sosa said almost all
the boxes have been unpacked. Mr. Noyola said he has received numerous complaints about an
uneven section of Ayers Street between Horne, Gollihar and Port.
Mr. Scott complimented staff for the opening of the One -Stop Center and he said a
constituent commented during the town hall meeting last night that he had not received responses
to his concerns. Mr. Scott also spoke positively about the refunding bond sale.
Mr. Kelly commended the Junior League and the directed patrol officers at Hudson Park
off of Main Drive for the recent tree planting there. In addition, the Police Athletic League
baseball season is now underway at T.C. Ayers and team sponsorships are available. He thanked
Mr. Dan Whitworth, Director of Park and Recreation, for his efforts. He said there will be a
presentation at the next Council meeting about the housing initiatives and he said the issue of the
shopping center on Old Robstown Road should be resolved soon. Mr. Kelly thanked Police Chief
Alvarez for his responses to his questions.
Mr. Colmenero thanked Mr. Noe and Mr. Escobar for their responses to several concerns
and he requested an update on legislative issues. He also asked how the available space in City
Hall will be utilized. Mr. Noe said staff will bring back a recommendation. Mr. Colmenero also
requested information about regulations regarding building inhabitants and signage. Mr. Chesney
said he wants to ensure that constituents' questions are responded to by staff.
Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Figeroa said he was speaking on behalf of the Labor Council for Latin American
Advancement, which presented Council Member Colmenero with a token of their appreciation.
Ms. Judy Loverde said she represents the South Texas Alliance for Peace, which feels the
resolution presented to the Council at their March 4th meeting was dismissed. She read a letter
from Ms. Susan J. Peoples, a member of the organization's steering committee, who said the
minimum projected cost of a war with Iraq is $80 billion to $100 billion. She said they represent
people who have serious questions about this issue.
Mr. Daniel Green commended the Council for their care for the city of Corpus Christi
and its citizens. He said he is also a member of the South Texas Alliance for Peace and he
commented on the devastation that occurred during World War II.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 4:35 p.m. on March 11, 2003.