HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/11/2004I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the
Regular Meeting of the Corpus Christi City Council of May 11, 2004, which were approved by the
City Council on May 18, 2004.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 181h day of May 2004.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - 10:05 a.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Rex Kinnison
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Javier D. Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Henry Garrett
Bill Kelly
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
City Staff:
City Manager George K. Noe
City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Neal called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The
invocation was delivered by Pastor John Bradshaw of the Fellowship of Oso Creek 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 April 27, 2004. 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:
Animal Control Advisory Committee
Dr. William Watson (Appointed)
Dr. John Buckley (Appointed)
Z. Paul Reynolds (Appointed)
Building Code Board of Appeals
Bill Alford (Appointed)
John Taylor (Appointed)
Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau
N. Foster Edwards (Appointed)
Transportation Advisory Committee
Robbie Foster (Reappointed)
William Green (Appointed)
Alex McNair (Appointed)
Water Shore Advisory Committee
William Grant Ferguson (Reappointed)
Phillip Lara (Appointed)
Victor Menard (Appointed)
Brien A. Nicolau (Appointed)
Joe Morris Fox (Appointed)
* * * * * * * * * * *
**
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 2
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-20). City Secretary
Chapa announced that Council Member Noyola would abstain from the vote and discussion on Items
14 and 16, and Council Member Kelly would abstain from the vote and discussion on Item 8.
Council members requested that Items 9 and 17 be discussed. There were no comments from the
audience. A motion was made and passed to approve Items 3 through 20, constituting the consent
agenda, except for Items 9 and 17, which were pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
3. MOTION NO. 2004-176
Motion approving the purchase of three tractor loader backhoes from Landmark Equipment,
Inc., Irving, Texas for the total amount of $195,804.63. The award is based on the
Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the Houston -Galveston Area Council of
Governments (HGAC). These backhoes will be used by the Gas and Water Departments.
Funding is available from the FY 2003-2004 Capital Outlay Budget in the Maintenance
Services Fund. All three units are replacements to the fleet.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
4. MOTION NO. 2004-177
Motion approving the purchase of laboratory casework furniture from VWR International,
Irving, Texas in the amount of $44,403.03. The equipment will be used by the Health
Department. This purchase is exempt from the competitive bidding statutes. Funds are
available from the Health Department Bioterrorism Preparedness Grant Fund.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
5. MOTION NO. 2004-178
Motion approving a supply agreement with Ridgeway's, Corpus Christi, Texas for
blueprinting service in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0057-04, based on low bid for
an estimated annual expenditure of $125,000, of which $31,250 is budgeted in FY 2003-
2004. The term of the agreement will be for twelve months with an option to extend for up
to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier and the City
Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by the using departments in FY 2003-
2004.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 3
6.a. MOTION NO. 2004-179
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of
$139,790 in funding from the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug
Control Policy, to support the Police Departments role in the Texas Coastal Corridor
Initiative in the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
6.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025741
Ordinance appropriating $139,790 Grant from the Executive Office of the President, Office
of National Drug Control Policy, in the No. 1061 Police Grants Fund, to support the Police
Department's role in the Texas Coastal Corridor Initiative in the Houston High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Area.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and
Scott, voting "Aye".
7. ORDINANCE NO. 025742
Ordinance appropriating $500,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in
the No. 1058 Marina Grant Fund to provide funding for a new Cooper's Alley L -Head three
lane boat ramp.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and
Scott, voting "Aye".
8. MOTION NO. 2004-180
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Geograph
Industries, Inc., of Harrison, Ohio in an amount not to exceed $280,688.74 for the Corpus
Christi Multi -Purpose Arena and Convention Center Wayfinding Signage Package.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Kelly abstained.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 4
10. MOTION NO. 2004-182
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 $284,740 for the Tesoro Drive
Lift Station and Force Main Replacement.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
11. MOTION NO. 2004-183
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute two Utility Easement
Instruments with Ronald S. Browning, for Parcels 415 and 416, in the total amount of
$31,290, both parcels necessary for the Southside Water Transmission Main, Phase 4a,
Project and for other municipal purposes.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
12. MOTION NO. 2004-184
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Advanced Funding
Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the amount of
5399,468.35 for the State Highway 44 Clarkwood Bypass Utility Casings.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
13. MOTION NO. 2004-185
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Advanced Funding
Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the amount of
$296,607.54 for the installation of two (2) steel utility casings on United States Highway 77.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
14. MOTION NO. 2004-186
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Sun Ports International, Inc., of Dallas, Texas in the amount of $1,143,095 for the Corpus
Christi International Airport Covered Parking project.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Noyola abstained.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 5
15. MOTION NO. 2004-187
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a sixty -month lease
agreement with Holt -Cat, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $10,394 per month
for replacement of failed bulldozer at J. C. Elliott Landfill.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye".
16. ORDINANCE NO. 025743
Ordinance appropriating $1,089,744 in Passenger Facility Charge Fund No. 4621 from
unreserved fund balance for Airport Landside Roadway System Reconstruction
Improvements; amending FY 2003-2004 Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 025647
to increase appropriations by $1,089,744.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Scott,
voting "Aye"; Noyola abstained.
18. ORDINANCE NO. 025745
Amending Article VII, Chapter 14, Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, regarding
Fill Permits; and providing for penalties. (First Reading 4/27/04)
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the following
vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott,
voting "Aye".
19. ORDINANCE NO. 025746
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 14, to reduce building
permit and survey fees for businesses operating exclusively in the Renewal Community; and
providing for an effective date. (First Reading 4/27/04)
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the following
vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott,
voting "Aye".
20. ORDINANCE NO. 025747
Ordinance naming the Ground Transportation Facility at the Corpus Christi International
Airport the Virginia L. Turner Parking Plaza. (First Reading 4/27/04)
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the following
vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott,
voting "Aye".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 6
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 9 regarding the a construction contract for the Resaca
lift station. Council Member Scott asked if this item was included in the proposed budget for the
downtown drainage improvements. City Engineer Angel Escobar replied affirmatively. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
9. MOTION NO. 2004-181
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
Holloman Corporation, of Converse, Texas in the amount of $4,621,795 for the Resaca Lift
Station and 48 -Inch Wastewater Gravity Line.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 17 regarding the resale of 91 foreclosed properties.
Council Member Kelly asked who held the title to these properties. Mr. Marvin Leary with
Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, & Sampson, L.L.P. replied that the titles were in the name of Nueces
County as trustee for themselves and the other taxing units from whom they collect. Mr. Kelly
asked if the city had explored using any of the lots for in -fill use. City Manager Noe replied that
staff had examined the list and determined that approximately 30 properties had some potential for
an in -fill program. He said the city had until June 12 to strike any property from the list. He said
staff was investigating the matter further, and could potentially ask to withhold a number of
properties to pursue more in -fill lots opportunities, as the Council had requested during their retreat.
He cautioned, however, that the city would need more financial resources to pursue in -fill lots more
aggressively.
Mr. Kelly asked if the city would have to pay the other taxing units compensation for back
taxes on the selected properties. City Manager Noe answered that the city had not discussed the
matter with the other taxing units, but the taxing entities did have the power to waive or greatly
reduce the payment in exchange for beneficial use. He also cautioned that under Texas law, the
property owner had up to two years to reclaim the property. Council Member Kelly asked Mr. Noe
to begin discussions with the other taxing entities now to see if they would be amenable to an
agreement regarding in -fill lots. Mr. Leary added that all tax sales are made "as is", with no
guarantees that the property is fit for development or a clear title. He said the city may have to
determine whether there were any title issues, an additional expense. City Secretary Chapa polled
the Council for their votes as follows:
17. ORDINANCE NO. 025744
Ordinance authorizing the resale of ninety-one (91) properties shown on the attached and
incorporated Exhibit A, which were foreclosed upon for failure to pay ad valorem taxes and
miscellaneous liens, for minimum opening bids equal to prices listed on the attached Exhibit
A.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 7
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 21, a public hearing to abandon and vacate an undeveloped
right-of-way in West's Laguna Madre Place. Director of Development Services Barbara Bailey
announced that this item had been withdrawn by the applicant.
21.a. WITHDRAWN
Public h.,al in to consider abandoning and vacating a 12 -foot wide by 159 -foot long (1,908-
•
Made Place.
21.b. WITHDRAWN
O.dinancc abandoning and vacating a 12 -foot midi. by 159 -foot lung (1,908-squa.c foot)
puway Out Ot LOta l -L, UIULl. ll, Wc5
., ..ac.,, auUJL
eo phance w.tl, tLe apeeilied con ions andtllc ownci n,platting the property
y5 at its capLns�.
Mayor Neal referred to Item 22, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0404-01, Yorktown Oso Joint Venture: A change of zoning from a "F -R" Farm -
Rural District to a "B-1" Neighborhood District on Tract 1, "R-2" Multiple Dwelling District
on Tract 2, "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District on Tracts 3, 4, and "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District on Tract 5. The property is in Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden
Tracts, Section 25, being 62.92 acres out of Lots 17, 18, 19, and 20, located along the
southeast intersection of Yorktown Boulevard and Rodd Field Road.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval
of the "B-1" Neighborhood Business District.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. A motion was made, seconded and
passed to close the public hearing. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 8
22. ORDINANCE NO. 025748
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Yorktown Oso Joint Venture, by
changing the zoning map in reference to 62.92 acres out of Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and
Garden Tracts, Section 25, Lots 17, 18, 19, and 20 from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to Tract
1 - `B-1" Neighborhood Business District, Tract 2 - "R-2" Multi -Family District, Tracts 3
and 4 - "R -1C" One -Family Dwelling District and Tract 5 - "R -1B" One -Family Dwelling
District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing
Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and
Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal referred to Item 23, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0404-02, Puentes Family Limited Partnership: A change of zoning from a "R -1B"
One -family Dwelling District to a "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District on Tract I, "AB"
Professional Office District on Tract 2, and `B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Tract
3. The property is in Bohemian Colony Lands, Section 9, being 36.36 acres out of Lot 6,
located along the east side of Kostoryz Road at Masterson Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval
of the "R-1 C" One -family Dwelling District on Tract I, "AB" Professional Office District on Tract
2, and "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Tract 3.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. A motion was made, seconded and
passed to close the public hearing. Mr. Noyola asked where the property was located. Assistant
Director of Development Services Michael Gunning answered that the property was located south
of Holly Road, and directly across from Kostoryz Road to the east on Wickersham. Mr. Chapa
polled the Council for their votes as follows:
23. ORDINANCE NO. 025749
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Puentes Family Limited Partnership,
by changing the zoning map in reference to 36.36 acres out of Lot 6, Section 9, Bohemian
Colony Lands, from "R -1B" One -Family Dwelling District to "R -1C" One -Family Dwelling
District on Tract 1, "AB" Professional Office District on Tract 2, and `B-1" Neighborhood
Business District on Tract 3; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any
deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and
Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal referred to Item 24, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 9
public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0404-03, Mostaghasi Investment Trust, Inc.: A change of zoning from a "F -R"
Farm -Rural District to an "A-1" Apartment House District. The property is in Flour Bluff
and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 12, being 9.809 acres out of Lots 21 and 22,
located along the southwest corner of Wooldridge Road and Dewberry Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval
of an "A-1" Apartment House District.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Noyola made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Chesney, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
24. ORDINANCE NO. 025750
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Mostaghasi Investment Trust, Inc.,
by changing the zoning map in reference to 9.809 acres out of Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm
and Garden Tracts, Section 12, Lots 21 and 22 from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to "A-1"
Apartment House District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations
from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and
Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal referred to Item 25, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0404-04, Ata-O-Azali, Inc.: A change of zoning from a "F -R" Farm -Rural
District, "A-2" Apartment House District and "B-4" General Business District to a "R -1C"
One -family Dwelling District on Tracts 1 and 2, and "B-4" General Business District on
Tract 3. The property is in Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, Section 22,
being 25.29 acres out of Lots 17, 18, 19, 25, and 26, located along the east side of Cimarron
Boulevard, north of the Oso Creek.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval
of the "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District on Tracts 1 and 2; denial of the "B-4" General Business
District on Tract 3, and in lieu thereof, approval of a `B-1" Neighborhood Business District.
Mayor Neal asked if the applicant concurred with the changes. Mr. Gunning replied
affirmatively.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Kinnison made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Colmenero, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 10
25. ORDINANCE NO. 025751
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Ata-O-Azali, Inc., by changing the
zoning map in reference to 25.29 acres out of Lots 17, 18, 19, 25, and 26, Section 22, Flour
Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District, "A-2"
Apartment House District, and "B-4" General Business District to "R -1C" One -Family
Dwelling District on Tracts 1 and 2 and "B-1" Neighborhood Business District on Tract 3;
amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing
Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and
Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal referred to Item 26, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0404-05, Richard Hesse II: A change of zoning from a "R -1B" One -family
Dwelling District to an "AT" Apartment Tourist District. The property is in Padre Island -
Corpus Christi, Section E, Block 3, Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, located on the north side
of Running Light Drive and 250 west of Leeward Drive.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval
of an "AT" Apartment Tourist District.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Colmenero made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Cooper, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council
for their votes as follows:
26. ORDINANCE NO. 025752
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Richard Hesse, II, by changing the
zoning map in reference to Padre Island, Section E, Block 3, Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26,
from "R -1B" One -Family Dwelling District to "A-1" Apartment House District; amending
the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive
Plan.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and
Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal pointed out that several of the zoning cases today were for new residential
subdivisions in the proximity of the southside corridor being considered for street improvements
through the Bond 2004 program. He wanted to ensure that staff was coordinating the development
efforts with potential projects included in the bond package. Mr. Gunning replied that staff was
coordinating the re -zoning requests with Engineering Services and the Special Projects division
through periodic reports. Mayor Neal emphasized that it was important to keep track of this
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 11
information because it would impact the decision making process for the bond package.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was a
quarterly update from Work -Force 1. Ms. Irma Caballero, Chairperson of the Work -Force 1 Board,
reported that the board had adopted a new, more stringent conflict of interest policy on April 22,
2004. She said it was consistent with the new rules adopted by the Texas Workforce Commission,
adopted on April 6. The new rules prohibited the board from contracting with a board member, a
board member's business, organization, institution, or a board employee. She said this provision did
impact two current board members. She also said the local policy was stronger than the state policy
in that it did not allow community-based organizations (CBOs) to serve on the board and have
existing contracts. She said the board was pleased with the changes.
Ms. Caballero then gave an update on the service provider procurement process, one of the
most important functions of the board. She said the request for proposals (RFPs) were designed to
allow bid responses to be tailored to three specific geographic areas as follows: Region 1: Nueces
and San Patricio counties; Region 2 - Live Oak, Bee, Aransas, Refugio, and McMullen counties;
and Region 3 - Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, and Brooks counties. She said separate
proposals were required for youth services and one-stop adult services (including child care). She
said the deadline to submit a proposal was April 16. She said they have received six proposals for
the one-stop contract and four proposals for youth services. She said the provider selections would
be made on May 20, when the board would receive recommendations from the independent
reviewers.
Mr. Oscar Martinez, CEO of Work -Force 1, then provided an update on the local labor
market. He reviewed charts depicting the annual average labor force for Nueces County and the
Coastal Bend Workforce area since 1998. He said the trends demonstrated that the labor force in
both areas was growing, but at a very slow rate. In Nueces County, the annual average labor force
increased by 3.5 percent since 1998, or a 0.6 percent increase per year. In the Coastal Bend
Workforce area, the annual average labor force rate increased by 3.18 percent, or 0.5 percent
increase per year. By contrast, he said the annual average labor force in the state of Texas during
the same time period was 7.64 percent, or 1.27 percent growth per year. Mr. Scott asked Mr.
Martinez to send his interpretation of how the Texas Workforce Commission generated these labor
numbers.
Mr. Martinez briefly reviewed a chart illustrating the 2004 unemployment rate in Nueces
County compared with Texas and the Coastal Bend Workforce Development area. He said the
trends demonstrated that Nueces County's rate was lower than the state and the Workforce area. He
said, however, that the unemployment rate had increased in Nueces County since 2001 from 5.1
percent to 5.8 percent in 2004.
Mr. Martinez then briefed the Council on the Work -Force 1 performance review. He said
Work -Force 1 was closely monitored by the Texas Workforce Commission on 42 performance
standards. As of March 2004, Mr. Martinez said the Coastal Bend Work -Force 1 was ranked
number two in the state for performance, meeting or exceeding performance in 35 out of 42
standards. Although recognizing the importance of the state's performance standards, Mr. Martinez
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 12
thought they should be the minimum standards Work -Force 1 should meet. He said they were
working to at least meet expectations on the seven standards they were not currently meeting. He
said Work -Force 1 had until the end of August 2004 or June 30, 2004 to meet the performance
standards.
Finally, Mr. Martinez reported on Work -Force 1 contractors and training institutions. He
said by law, they were prohibited from providing direct services to any customers. He said they
were required to contract out for all of their service delivery needs, which explained why the service
provider procurement previously mentioned was so important. He provided a list of contractors,
including the following: Aransas County ISD/Rockport-Fulton, Beeville ISD, Care Consulting
Services, Communities in Schools, Del Mar College, and the Workforce Network, Incorporated.
He also listed their training institutions, including the following: 4-K/Houston, Inc., Career Centers
of Texas, Coastal Bend College, CompUSA, Texas A&M University, and Southern Careers
Institute, Incorporated.
The next presentation was Item 28, an update on the governor's desalination grant study.
Assistant City Manager Ron Massey introduced Mr. Mark Lowry with Turner Collie and Braden,
the lead consultant on the project, who would provide the update. Mr. Massey noted that the grant
required that an update be submitted at the halfway completion point of the project.
Mr. Lowry briefly reviewed the project timeline. He said a draft completion report was due
on July 31, 2004; however, he said staff was asking for an extension to August 31, 2004 to address
some recent concerns. He said the final regional planning report completion date was September
30, 2004.
Mr. Lowry provided a list of consultant team members, including the following: Metcalf and
Eddy; Olivarri and Associates; LNV Inc.; RVE Inc.; and BHP Incorporated.
Mr. Lowry then discussed the project public information activities. He said a kick-off
meeting had been held for Region N. In addition, a project fact sheet had been created, and
information on the project was posted on the city's website. Finally, he said the Coastal Bend Bays
Foundation had sponsored an Oso Bay workshop to promote the project. He said the main challenge
was to differentiate this project from the Padre Island desalination project.
Mr. Lowry provided a summary of nine different tasks required for the project as follows:
site requirements; treatment; source -water blending; potential partners; potential customers; identify
power sources; project funding and structure; cost model; and final report. Regarding Task 1, the
site requirements, he said the initial criteria for screening had been completed, resulting in four
possible site locations. He said the team had narrowed down the list to two sites, with the potential
for a third site sponsored by an outside group. In addition, he said they had evaluated the intake
options for each of the facilities.
Mr. Lowry reported on Task 2, treatment, which was comprised of two measures, water
quality and byproduct management. Regarding water quality, he said each potential site had
different quality parameters which required study. He said they were investigating the use of
brackish groundwater to reduce quality issues. Regarding byproduct management, he said the team
was investigating a number of options, including evaporation, concentration, deep well, and Gulf
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 13
discharge. In addition, he said there was a potential industrial customer interested in reusing the
byproduct water at one of the potential sites.
Mr. Lowry then reported on Task 3, source -water blending. He said each site had specific
data that needed to be studied. For groundwater blending, he said a significant and stable amount
of groundwater (extraction at greater than 10 mgd) was needed, which was hard to find in this area.
Regarding Task 4, potential partners, Mr. Lowry said the list would depend on the site
selected. He said they have investigated research needs based on the treatment and site development
needed. Finally, he said the project development draft is complete, and will be submitted to staff
shortly.
Regarding Task 5, potential customers, Mr. Lowry said their selection was based on need,
including the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), Laredo, Central Hays County, and Southern
Williamson County. He said they would determine raw water costs and potential revenue streams
for each potential site. He said the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has recognized that
signed commitments from the users are not feasible by the deadline because they take time to
negotiate.
Mr. Lowry reported on Task 6, identifying power sources. He said the Barney Davis site
could be powered off the grid if it was not functional. They also looked at alternate sources like
wind power and solar power, and he said wind power was a close competitor for a portion of the
electricity required.
Regarding Task 7, project funding and structure, Mr. Lowry said the team has drafted a
report comparing the advantages and disadvantages of project delivery for each site which will be
submitted to the city shortly. He noted that the team has incorporated lessons learned from the
Tampa Bay desal project in the draft report.
Finally, Mr. Lowry reported on Tasks 8 and 9, cost model and report. He said the team
developed a task report for each task. He said the draft text sections were complete, and awaiting
additional sections. He said the cost model framework had been prepared, and awaiting additional
cost data from other tasks.
Mr. Scott noted that Corpus Christi was one of three cities vying for the desal project. He
asked what criteria the state legislature would use to judge the projects. Mr. Lowry replied that the
projects would be judged primarily on the water needs served by the project, and also on the size
of the subsidy needed from the state to realize the project. He said Corpus Christi was at a
disadvantage because they did not need the water, but they were close to areas, like San Antonio,
that did need the water. He said Corpus Christi's advantage was that it had demonstrated the ability
to construct a water -distribution project in a short period of time (Mary Rhodes pipeline), and they
could easily serve the water needs of their existing customers with the surplus water.
Mayor Neal deviated from the agenda and referred to Item 30, a presentation on a proposed
cooperative marketing concept for the Bayfront Arts and Sciences Park/Corpus Christi Beach area.
Mr. Tom Galyon, CEO and President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, reported that on
Thursday, May 6, a group representing the major attractions in the harbor area, bordering I-37 to the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 14
Harbor Bridge and Corpus Christi Beach, met with City Manager Noe to discuss the need for a
unified theme and proposed branding of this area to maximize marketing budgets and stimulate
interest as a tourist destination. He noted that a similar concept was first introduced in 1998, but did
not come to fruition. He said the group included representatives from Heritage Park, Asian Cultures
Museum, Art Museum of South Texas, Museum of Science and History, Texas State Aquarium,
USS Lexington, Ortiz Center, and the Old Concrete Street amphitheater. In addition, he said the
new development in the area, namely the new arena and expanded convention center, baseball
stadium, and the water taxi linking the northern and southern sides of the harbor, perfectly
complimented the existing attractions and added to the concept.
Mr. Galyon showed a video depicting the group's ideas for the area, naming it "Harbor
Place". He emphasized that it was important, as the city prepares for the upcoming bond election,
that attention be given to this section of the city, in terms of infrastructure improvement, signage
lighting, and brand development.
The Council then asked several questions. In response to Mr. Scotts question, City Manager
Noe said the capital costs for initiating the project were unknown at this time. He said a plan needed
to be developed, but there could be opportunities to integrate the improvements into existing
projects. He stated, however, that additional funds would be required to develop the plan. Mr.
Galyon added that the Convention and Visitors Bureau would contribute the funds needed to market
the concept.
Mr. Bill Otton with the South Texas Institute for the Arts, Mr. Tom Schmid with the Texas
State Aquarium, Mr. Rocco Montesano with the USS Lexington, and Mr. Sam Susser, President of
the USS Lexington Association, spoke in support of the concept and asked for the Council's
consideration and support in the upcoming bond election.
Mayor Neal thanked all the representatives for their efforts and input. He asked City
Manager Noe to place an item on the agenda soon so the Council could formally endorse the
concept. He thanked Mr. Susser for bringing all the various visitor industry groups together.
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess to present proclamations.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council returned from recess, and Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Sirfrederickvonusa King 7`h, 904 Cleveland St. #4, spoke regarding the possibility of having Air
Force One or Marine Corps One visit Corpus Christi. Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, thanked the
Council for their efforts to communicate with Nueces County on the jail contract issue, and he also
spoke regarding issues involving an incident in which police officers entered his home in April
allegedly without knocking, and the Proposition 13 petition. Ms. Kay Noyes, 930 Coral, spoke
regarding her views on various issues raised in the editorial page of the local paper.
Mayor Neal called for another brief recess.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 15
The Council returned from recess. Mayor Neal referred to the next presentation on the day's
agenda, Item 29, an update on Phase 1 of the Garwood Pipeline routing plan. Mr. Russell "Rusty"
Gibson, project manager with Freese & Nichols, explained that there were seven phases in the study
as follows: screening study of options (complete); detailed study of options; pipeline route study;
surveying, easements, and permitting; preliminary design; final design; and construction.
Mr. Gibson reported that during Phase 1, the screening study of options, the team had
developed eight options, three of which were being recommended for further development. He said
the eight options were comprised of three categories as follows: alternate intake locations; alternate
delivery operations; and alternate partnership scenarios. In addition, he said the following selection
criteria were used to narrow down the list of options: requirement for facilities; construction cost;
land cost; environmental conflicts; ease of permitting; flexibility for additional partners, and water
availability.
Mr. Gibson briefly reviewed each of the eight options, and explained why they were or were
not being recommended. He noted that several of the options originated in Bay City, one originated
in the Pierce Ranch Irrigation District near Wharton, and two originated near the town of Garwood.
He concluded that Option 1 (combined facilities with LCRA), Option 6 (Gulf Coast I.D. Furbor
Canal to the Mary Rhodes Pipeline), and Option 5 (Garwood Town canal to the Mary Rhodes
Pipeline) were being recommended for further study in Phase 2.
Mr. Gibson described each of the recommended options in more detail. He said Option 1
involved partnering with the LCRA and SAWS to develop combined facilities including a pipeline,
pumping station, and possible off -channel storage. He said the delivery of the Lower Colorado
River water would be from a diversion site located at LCRA's existing channel dam near Bay City
to a point near Lake Texana, where a connection could be made to the Mary Rhodes Pipeline for the
delivery of water to Corpus Christi, and a separate pipeline could be constructed by SAWS, for water
delivery to San Antonio. He said it could be a very favorable partnership arrangement if SAWS's
pipeline goes south of Lake Texana. In addition, he stated that LCRA and SAWS were currently
performing studies on environmental impacts mandated by the state for a study period of seven
years. The project construction was estimated to be seven to 40 years. Finally, he said Option 1 was
conducive to favorable partnership arrangements, and would probably result in economic benefits
for the city.
Regarding Option 5, Mr. Gibson reported that it involved the diversion of water from the
Garwood Irrigation District's "Town Canal" into West Mustang Creek and ultimately Lake Texana.
He said this option had the lowest capital costs, but had some challenging permitting issues.
Finally, Mr. Gibson said Option 6 included a new pump station located on the LCRA's Gulf
Coast Irrigation District's Furbor Canal near F.M. 2431 and a new pipeline to the existing Mary
Rhodes Pipeline at Lake Texana. He said Option 6 had a medium construction cost, the lowest
environmental conflicts, and the lowest permitting difficulty. He said LCRA was in favor of this
option.
Council members asked questions regarding potential partnerships with SAWS and LCRA,
water rights, and the timeline for the projects. Regarding the timeline, Mr. Massey said staff would
develop a Phase 2 contract for Freese & Nichols to allow them to begin the analysis of the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 16
recommended options. Meanwhile, the city would obtain more information on the SAWS/LCRA
study timeline. He noted that any partnership options would be affected by the LCRA/SAWS study
timeline. City Manager Noe added that the city would hold ajoint meeting with the LCRA Water
Committee from August 23-24 to discuss their respective plans.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 31, a resolution supporting the concept of an
enhanced public transit system within the downtown area. City Secretary Chapa announced that
Council Member Scott and Council Member Kelly were abstaining from the vote and discussion on
this item. City Manager Noe stated that the item was placed on the agenda in response to the
discussion at the last regular Council meeting regarding the RTA's proposed trolley project. He said
the draft resolution was designed to outline three key policy questions as follows: general support
for the project; the Council was not in the position to provide substantial funding; and basic
endorsement of the trolley routing north of I-37 to be on Shoreline and south of 1-37 to be along
Water Street (Alternative 3).
Mr. Kinnison remarked that he approved of the resolution's language regarding funding
issues. He did not support, however, Section 5 regarding the Council's endorsement of a trolley
route along Shoreline Boulevard north of I-37 and along Water Street south of I-37. He was
opposed to Alternative 1 which ran exclusively along Shoreline Boulevard, but he was still
considering a number of variations for Alternative 3 which may or may not include the one outlined
in the resolution. He asked Ms. Linda Watson, RTA Director, several questions regarding the
environmental assessment study and funding issues.
Mr. Garrett commented that he has been hearing a great deal of misinformation regarding
the trolley project, and he asked Ms. Watson to enhance the project's public information campaign.
Mr. Noyola apologized if he gave the appearance of being completely against the Shoreline
route at last week's regular meeting. He said he now wanted to keep his options open until the
public input period of the RTA's study was completed.
Mr. Colmenero remarked that it seemed the community was questioning the need and
expense for this project when so many other transportation and infrastructure needs were not being
addressed. He spoke in support of the completion of the RTA's environmental assessment study for
the trolley project because it would provide important information on the project's feasibility.
Regarding the resolution's language, he asked that the seventh paragraph be amended to make it
more general.
Mayor Neal commented that during his meetings with the representatives of the harbor area
attractions, the consensus of the group was to route the trolley through the Water Gardens area to
increase the number of visitors to the museums and other attractions in this area. Mr. Kinnison
disagreed, saying that there was not a consensus among the group. Ms. Watson suggested that the
Council wait until the completion of the public information stage of the environmental assessment
before determining a preferred route. She said the study would provide them with a wealth of
information to use in the decision making process.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 17
Mayor Neal asked for public comment. Mr. Sirfrederickvonusa King 7"' asked if the new
trolley would be free of charge like the existing rubber -tire trolley. Ms. Watson replied negatively,
saying that a fare would be charged.
Mr. Kinnison made a motion to amend Section 5 of the resolution to read that "the City
Council supports adoption of an alternate route that avoids Shoreline Boulevard south of IH -37",
seconded by Mr. Chesney. Mr. Colmenero requesting amending the seventh paragraph of the
resolution to include more general language. Mr. Chesney suggested eliminating the paragraph
altogether, and Mr. Colmenero agreed. Mr. Kinnison and Mr. Chesney were in agreement with Mr.
Colmenero's amendment. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the
amendments as follows: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kinnison, and Noyola, voting
"Aye"; Kelly and Scott abstained. The motion to amend the resolution passed. City Secretary
Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the amended resolution as follows:
31. RESOLUTION NO. 025753
Resolution supporting the concept of an enhanced Public Transit System within downtown
Corpus Christi.
The foregoing resolution was passed as amended with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kinnison, and Noyola, voting "Aye"; Kelly and Scott
abstained.
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 32, a proposed amendment to the city code to restrict
traffic on the Alameda Street Bridge over I-37 as part of the RTA's Livable Communities Initiative.
Assistant Director of Engineering Services Kevin Stowers explained that the RTA was responsible
for all of the costs and maintenance associated with the project. He added that the Council had
previously endorsed the project in 1998. There were no comments from the audience. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
32. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the City's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53 - Traffic, Article V - Operation of
Vehicles, by restricting vehicular traffic on the Alameda Street Bridge over I-37 as part of
the Regional Transportation Authority's Livable Communities Initiative; and providing for
penalties.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott,
voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 33 regarding an increase in beach parking permit fees
for beach maintenance. City Manager Noe reminded the Council that when the city recently
annexed property on the island, the city negotiated with Nueces County and Port Aransas to have
a single beach permit for $6 that was good for use at all the beaches in the area. He reported,
however, that additional revenues were needed to support beach related services within Corpus
Christi, Port Aransas and Nueces County. Thus, he said Nueces County and Port Aransas have
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 18
agreed to raise the fee to $12. He noted that there were still free areas on the beach, but this permit
was only for those areas that required a permit. He also said that the General Land Office would
ultimately have to approve the increase.
Council Member Scott asked what the additional revenues generated by the increase would
be used towards. City Manager Noe replied that the revenues would reduce the amount of the
subsidy from the general operating budget for beach maintenance.
Council Member Noyola was concerned about the amount of the increase. Mr. Noe said the
amount of revenue generated from the fee was substantially less than what it cost the city for beach
maintenance. He also said having a single permit for the entire area was very customer -friendly
because it consolidated the fees.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
33. RESOLUTION NO. 025754
Resolution authorizing an increase in the beach parking permit fees for beach maintenance.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 34, a consultant services contract for the preparation
of the Unified Development Code. Assistant Director of Development Services Michael Gunning
reported that staff and the Council had recognized the importance of bringing the city's development
regulations up-to-date and codifying the regulations into a single code book. Thus, he reported that
in December 2003, staff sent out a request for a Letter of Interest and Statement of Proposal and
Qualifications to 11 nationally recognized consulting firms. He said they received five responses
from which three firms were selected for interviews with the city's consultant selection team. He
said the team unanimously recommended Duncan/Associates Inc., based in Austin, TX. He said the
approval of the contract would allow staff to begin work on the project by June 21, 2004. He
introduced Mr. James Duncan and Mr. Lee Einsweiler with Duncan/Associates Inc. to brief the
Council on the project.
Mr. Duncan briefed the Council on the members of the project team. The legal partners were
Mr. Eric Kelly, who would advise on federal legal issues, and Mr. Terry Morgan, who would advise
on Texas legal analysis procedures. He said the Corpus Christi partners were Mr. Larry Urban of
Urban Engineering and Ms. Brooke Sween -McGloin with McGloin+Sween Architects. Mr. Duncan
also briefly mentioned his firm's national and Texas code experience.
Mr. Duncan discussed the four focus areas mentioned in the city's RFP as follows:
development process; development quality and innovation (core area, corridors, neighborhoods, and
sensitive areas); legal soundness; and regulatory clarity/ease of use. Regarding the development
process, he said the process should be predictable, fair and cost-effective. He said the code should
allow more "by -right" approvals and should use standards, not discretionary reviews. He said the
code should also enable lower -level decision making through site plan review and administrative
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 19
relief. Finally, he said the code should reduce the city's reliance on hearings by allowing concurrent
processing of applications, eliminating hearing requirements for "compliance determination", and
promoting early, focused citizen input.
In terms of quality development and innovation, Mr. Duncan said the code should promote
"smart growth" principles, such as compact, mixed-use development patterns. He said the code
should preserve community character and create a sense of place, provide walkability and
transportation choice, housing opportunity and choice, natural resource protection, and infill and
resource development. He briefly described several core areas, neighborhoods, and sensitive areas
in the city and how they could be addressed through the code.
Mr. Duncan then briefly reviewed several examples of page layout, tables and charts, clarity
of text, and illustrations that could be incorporated in the code.
Mr. Duncan emphasized that the goal was to create a code that would balance community
values. He said growth needed to be balanced with stability, flexibility with certainty, and
congestion with mobility.
Mr. Duncan reviewed the Unified Development Code (UDC) work plan for the next 18
months. He said it would be composed of the following stages: project initiation; assessment of
documents and plan consistency, and stakeholder interviews/field studies; assessment report; code
drafting modules; public review draft; and adoption draft.
Regarding communication techniques, Mr. Duncan said his firm would employ various tools
to keep the public informed, such as advisory committees, stakeholder interviews, periodic public
meetings, media tools/relations, and SharePoint/web sites. In addition, he said local groups like the
Padre Isle Owners Association, Downtown Management District, and the Westside Community
Group would also be involved in the process.
In conclusion, Mr. Duncan said his team was a good fit for this project for the following
reasons: they were code specialists; they employed a user-friendly, plain -English style; they
possessed a practitioner perspective and national experience; local familiarity and involvement;
Texas/National legal experience; and a commitment to project success.
Mr. Scott cautioned that when appointing representatives from the various stakeholders to
the advisory committees, it should not be assumed that the representatives were relaying information
to their groups. City Manager Noe replied that the key would be to have more general, open
meetings to give interested parties several opportunities to comment on the project. Mr. Scott also
asked how the city was going to balance requirements for more aesthetic construction with
construction costs. Mr. Einsweiler responded that there were costs associated with changes in the
code, but it was important to first determine which elements were the most important to the city.
He said, for example, that landscaping may be much more critical to development than architecture,
yet it was much less expensive. He said each community had its own distinct needs and character,
and the team's role was to achieve a balance between the community's values. Mr. Scott agreed that
balance was important, because he did not want the code to become so stringent that it would make
new development prohibitively expensive.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 20
There were no comments from the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
34. MOTION NO. 2004-188
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a consultant services
contract with Duncan/Associates, of Austin, Texas in an amount not to exceed $199,420 for
the preparation of the Unified Development Code.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the executive sessions, which were listed on the agenda as follows:
35. Executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding Cause No. C-
01-200, Carol Kinney, Individually and as executor of the Estate of George Pannel Jackson
and as next friend for Robert Williams, a minor child; Janet Gilmore, as next friend for
Jontee Jackson and Jaron Jackson, minor children; and Dasheba Miller, as next friend for
Anthony Miller, a minor child vs. Nueces County and City of Corpus Christi, in the United
States District Court, with possible discussion and action related thereto in open session.
The Council went into executive session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council returned from executive session, and Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's
report. City Manager Noe reported that on April 30, Continental Express named the city's airport
station as the Outstanding Station for the quarter. In addition, he said Continental Express was
going to lease a maintenance facility for $50,000 from the city. He thanked Aviation Director Dave
Hamrick and EDC President Ron Kitchens for their efforts in brokering this deal. He also
announced that the city began accepting job applications electronically this week. He said at 6:00
p.m. this evening, a groundbreaking ceremony would be held for the Corpus Christi Beach
boardwalk project. He announced that a ceremony honoring officers who have given their lives in
the line of duty would be held this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in CCPD headquarters. He announced
that this Saturday was a free household hazardous waste collection day at the landfill. He
acknowledged that Director of Human Relations David Ramos was appointed to the MHMR Board
of Trustees, and Director of Libraries Herb Canales was installed as president of the Nueces County
Historical Society. Finally, he reported that the following items were scheduled for next week's
council meeting: RTA update; and contracts for the infrastructure improvements for the baseball
stadium project.
Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Mayor Neal reminded the Council that
he needed each of their evaluations by the end of the week.
Mr. Noyola asked Mr. Noe about the cancellation of a rabies clinic at T.C. Ayers. Mr. Noe
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 11, 2004 - Page 21
answered that the clinic was being rescheduled. He also asked what the city's regulations were, if
any, regarding the fencing in of dumpsters. He said a citizen complained that she was cited for not
fencing in a dumpster at her business, yet the city does not fence in its dumpsters. City Manager
Noe said he would look into the matter.
Mr. Kelly announced that Father Matthew Ling, a Catholic priest who had ministered in the
area for decades, passed away this week. He said the rosary would be held tomorrow night at 7:00
p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on F.M. 624, and his funeral would be held Thursday at
11:00 a.m., also at St. Thomas Church.
Mr. Kinnison said that the Caller -Times was reporting that the Mayor and the County Judge
had come to an agreement regarding the Metrocomm, BRAC, and jail contract issues. Mayor Neal
said he would not confirm this, but he did speak with the County Judge regarding these matters. He
said the County Judge was planning to discuss the Mayor's letter regarding the county jail contract,
and the BRAC issue at their next Commissioners Court meeting Commissioners Court meeting.
Regarding the city/county health department budget, the Mayor suggested that the County Judge
read a previous report outlining ways in which the city and the county could consolidate services.
The County Judge said he would look at it and then speak with Mr. Noe about the matter.
Mr. Kinnison asked about the status of the Wilson Plaza contract for the construction of a
magistration center. City Manager Noe said the contract was executed, but the construction could
be halted if needed at a small cost. He said the city could still lease the space for another purpose.
He stated that the city was forced to proceed with the contract because it could not risk the
possibility of not having a magistration facility.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 3:10 p.m. on May 11, 2004.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *