HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/18/2004I 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 18, 2004, which were approved by the
City Council on May 25, 2004.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 25' day of May 2004.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - 10:02 a.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Rex Kinnison
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Javier D. Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Bill Kelly
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
ABSENT
Henry Garrett
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 Associate Pastor Brian Crown with the Bay Area Fellowship Church
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. He also noted that Mr. Garrett would
be absent today. Mayor Neal called for approval of the minutes of the Council Retreat of May 4,
2004 and the regular Council meeting of May 11, 2004. A motion was made and passed to approve
the minutes as presented.
Mayor Neal deviated from the agenda and presented a proclamation.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
Park and Recreation Advisory Committee
Hunter Young (Appointed)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-16). City Secretary
Chapa announced that Council Member Kelly was abstaining from the vote and discussion on Item
10. There were no comments from the audience. A motion was made and passed to approve Items
3 through 16, constituting the consent agenda. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 2
3. MOTION NO. 2004-189
Motion authorizing the acceptance of three donated Automatic External Defibrillators (AED)
from the American Heart Association and assigning those devices to the Fire Department to
be used in the Public Access to AED program, with one of the devices to be located at the
City's new arena.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
4. MOTION NO. 2004-190
Motion approving the purchase of captive replacement parts for the ultraviolet disinfection
system at the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant from Infilco Degremont, Inc.,
Richmond, Virginia, based on sole source for a total amount of $31,411.06. The parts will
be installed at the Greenwood Treatment Plant. Funds have been budgeted by the
Wastewater Department in FY 2003-2004.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
5. MOTION NO. 2004-191
Motion approving a supply agreement with G & K Services, Corpus Christi, Texas, for
uniform rental service, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0064-04 based on total low
bid for an estimated two year expenditure of $145,974.40 of which $18,248 is available for
the remainder of FY 2003-2004. The term of the contract shall be for twenty-four months
with an option to extend for up to one additional twelve-month period 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 and requested for FY 2004-2005.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 3
6. MOTION NO. 2004-192
Motion approving the purchase of a vacuum truck from the following companies for the
following amounts based on the cooperative purchasing agreement with the Texas Local
Government Purchasing Cooperative (TLGPC) for a total amount of $231,342.68. The
equipment will be used by the Wastewater Department. This unit is a replacement. Funding
is available from the FY 2003-2004 Capital Outlay Budget in the Maintenance Services
Fund.
Kinlock Equipment Co.
Pasadena, Texas
Vacuum Truck Body
$163,351
Grand Total: $231,342.68
Masters International
Arlington, Texas
Truck Chassis
$67,991.68
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
7.a. RESOLUTION NO. 025755
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a municipal solid waste
grant application to the Coastal Bend Council of Governments in the amount of $34,642 for
salary for a second year of grant funding for an Assistant Compliance Officer.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
7.b. RESOLUTION NO. 025756
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a municipal solid waste
grant application to the Coastal Bend Council of Governments in the amount of $4,000 to
purchase educational materials for tours and visits to the landfill and to educate the public
on solid waste issues.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
7.c. RESOLUTION NO. 025757
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a municipal solid waste
grant application to the Coastal Bend Council of Governments in the amount of $15,000 to
develop a Community Media Outreach Campaign for the City's New Anti -Litter Ordinance.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 4
8. MOTION NO. 2004-193
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 5 with
A. Ortiz Construction & Paving, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $103,125
for the Rolled Curb and Gutter Replacement and Sanitary Sewer Manhole Ring and Cover
Adjustments FY 2003 (Rebid).
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
9. MOTION NO. 2004-194
Motion approving the application from SMG to temporarily close the following street
section for the Corpus Christi and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Mixer Event, May 20,
2004:
a. The inside travel lane of Northbound Shoreline Boulevard from Fitzgerald Street to
Resaca Street, exclusive of the median crossovers at Fitzgerald Street to Resaca
Street, beginning at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 19, 2004 through 3:00 p.m., Friday,
May 21, 2004.
b. Southbound Shoreline Boulevard from Fitzgerald Street to Resaca Street, exclusive
of the median crossovers at Fitzgerald Street to Resaca Street, beginning at 8:00 a.m.,
Wednesday, May 19, 2004 through 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2004.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
10. MOTION NO. 2004-195
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Second Amendment to the
Pre -Opening Services and Management Agreement for the Corpus Christi Multi -Purpose
Arena between the City of Corpus Christi and SMG, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to
include the assignment of the naming rights for the Multi -Purpose Arena and Convention
Center.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent; Kelly
abstained.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 5
11.a. MOTION NO. 2004-196
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to approve a Statement of Services #12
for PeopleSoft Solutions Center Upgrade Services with PeopleSoft USA, Inc., of Pleasanton,
California in the amount of $190,000 to provide the City with a certified technical upgrade
of the PeopleSoft Financials v7.02 software to v8.8 based on sole source.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
11.b. MOTION NO. 2004-197
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to approve a Statement of Services #13
for Consulting Resources with PeopleSoft USA, Inc, of Pleasanton, California in the amount
of $141,440 for consulting services to provide the City with certified consultants to assist
with the upgrade of the PeopleSoft Financials v7.02 software to v8.8 based on sole source.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
1 l.c. MOTION NO. 2004-198
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into a contract with Precision
Task Group, Inc., of Houston, Texas for consulting services to support PeopleSoft Financials
v7.02 in accordance with the State of Texas Cooperative Purchasing Program for an amount
not to exceed $150,000.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
12.a. ORDINANCE NO. 025758
Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 025443 which appropriated funds for operation of 9-1-1
System and other operational expenses by reducing amount appropriated from $277,154.07
to $35,000.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott,
voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 6
12.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025759
Ordinance appropriating $72,000 from the General Fund No. 1020 Reserve for 911 Wireless
Service and $35,000 from anticipated additional revenues in the General Fund 911 Wireless
Services Revenue Account for consultant services to assist City in replacement of the
existing Police Department Tiburon, Inc. Phoenix System; amending the FY 2003-2004
Operating Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 025394 by increasing appropriations by
$107,000.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott,
voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
12.c. MOTION NO. 2004-199
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with Public
Safety Consultants, Inc. (PSCI), of Wetumpka, Alabama in the amount of $106,229.25 to
provide consulting services to the Corpus Christi Police Department and Municipal
Information Services to replace the existing Tiburon, Inc. Phoenix System. This antiquated
system provides critical technology for Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records
Management System (RMS), and Mobile Data Computer Support (MDC).
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
13. RESOLUTION NO. 025760
Resolution nominating Valero Refining Company - Texas, L. P. to the Office of the
Governor Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) through the Economic Development
Bank (Bank) for designation as a qualified business and Triple Jumbo Enterprise Project
(Project) under the Texas Enterprise Zone Program under the Texas Enterprise Zone Act,
Chapter 2303, Texas Government Code (Act).
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 025761
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit an application to serve
as the Fiscal Agent for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) FY
2004-2005 78415 Community Youth Development (CYD) Program in the amount of
$426,000.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 7
15. ORDINANCE NO. 025762
Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 1,514 -square foot portion of a 10 -foot wide utility
easement between Lots 23-25 and Lots 48-50, Block 11, Flour Bluff Park; requiring the
owner, SSP Partners II, L.L.C., to comply with the specified conditions and replat the
property within 180 days at owner's expense.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott,
voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
16. ORDINANCE NO. 025763
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. (First Reading 05/11/04)
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was
Item 17, a construction update #3 on the Packery Channel project. City Engineer Angel Escobar
reported that the project was 19 percent complete as of April 30. He reviewed the work completed
to date in more detail. First, he said the dredging of Reach 2 (Intercoastal Highway to State
Highway 361) had been completed, removing a total of 105,000 cubic yards of sand. Second, he
said the utility casing and sand by-pass casing had been completely installed. Third, he said the
expansion and fill work at Placement Area 2 (north side of Packery Channel) had been completed
from SH 361 to the dune protection line. He said it also included the installation of the storm
drainage system. Finally, he said the required dune mitigation line (1,000 feet) was completed.
City Engineer Escobar then reported on the work currently in progress. First, he said the
sand placement for Placement Area 3 was well underway and progressing well. Second, he said
approximately 20,000 tons of cover stone had been inspected, accepted, and stockpiled; 12,000 tons
of stone were at the Rincon Channel Yard waiting to be barged to the site. Third, he said erosion
filter fabric had been delivered for use in erosion control. He said prior to the Concrete Cellular
Mattress (CCM) installation, the fabric needed to be installed to prevent sand migration.
Regarding the Shamrock Island mitigation, City Engineer Escobar reported that the firm of
Shiner Moseley and Associates was selected by the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program to
design required mitigation for the project. He said the alternate analysis and design was scheduled
to begin in June 2004, continuing for the rest of the project duration.
Mr. Escobar also reported on the status of the boat ramp grant for the project. He said on
May 27, 2004, city staff would travel to Austin for the decision on a $500,000 grant from the Texas
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 8
Parks and Wildlife Commission. He said subject to approval, the grant funds would be combined
with a city match of $205,621, funded through the TIF as part of the overall project.
City Engineer Escobar then reported on the construction timeline schedule. He stated that
the work had begun in August 2003, was 19 percent complete as of April 30, 2004, and was
estimated for completion in August 2005.
Finally, Mr. Escobar stated that the Packery Channel project had received a national award
on May 12, 2004 for the "Best Value Engineering" efforts between the Corps of Engineers (COE),
city, engineers and the contractor, resulting in a $2 million cost savings. He noted that the Packery
Channel project was one of only eight projects nationwide to receive such an award this year.
Mr. Scott asked about the status of the funding for the project. Mr. Tom Utter, Special
Assistant to the City Manager, stated that the Corps of Engineers have committed to continue
funding the project through FY 2004. At the end of the fiscal year, however, Mr. Utter said the
project will need additional funding. He said the COE has stated that their goal is not to halt any
ongoing projects. In addition, he said Senator Hutchison's office has indicated that there will more
than likely be COE funding for the project in FY 2005.
Ms. Cooper asked if staff foresaw that the funding problems would delay the completion
date. Mr. Escobar replied negatively, not in terms of construction.
The final presentation item was the third quarterly update on the city's Title II transition plan
under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mr. David Ramos, director of the human
relations department, stated that there were five categories of accessibility and barrier removal under
the city's Title II ADA transition plan which were evaluated as part ofa comprehensive process. He
said he would discuss the progress made in each category individually. He also noted that the
Committee for Persons with Disabilities had provided input into the comprehensive evaluation
process, as well as other members of the public, namely Mr. Abel Alonzo, Mr. Dik Johnson, and Mr.
Jon Harwood.
Mr. Ramos first discussed the progress made in the public facilities category, comprised of
26 sites in city hall, the libraries, health department, street and solid waste services departments,
recreation centers, and senior centers. He said in March 2004, the engineering department
completed the bid process for the 26 projects. In April 2004, he said a contract was awarded for the
projects at a cost of $336,100. As a result, 17 entrance doors to city hall have been automated, and
17 door handles have been replaced. Finally, he said signage in braille was being added to 74
different locations in city hall.
Mr. Ramos then discussed the progress in the public programs category, comprised of the
libraries, museum, closed captioning, and various customer service areas. He reported that an audio
tour script was in production for the museum, and the processing of closed captioning for Cityscape
segments was completed. In addition, he said the bid process to secure a vendor for live closed
captioning for the Council meetings was underway, and staff would receive the bids on May 25.
Finally, he said accessible customer service tables for the libraries and for park and recreation
computer classes had been ordered. Most importantly, Mr. Ramos said concerns regarding program
accessibility, the main focus of Title II under the ADA, were being addressed by assisting city
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 9
departments in the development of policies and procedures, and by responding to requests for
accommodation. This quarter, Mr. Ramos reported that the human relations department has assisted
and advised the aviation, coliseum, engineering services, the nursing division of the health
department, park and recreation, solid waste services, and the traffic engineering departments.
In the site development category, Mr. Ramos reported that city plan reviewers, building
inspectors, and a compliance officer will attend the State of Texas's full academy on accessibility
standards in June 2004.
Mr. Ramos then reported on the progress made in the outreach category. He said staff
conducted three awareness training sessions for city employees during this quarter. He also said
preparations for professional training on accessibility for Title II public entities and Title III private
entities had been made. Finally, he said staff was exploring other awareness and marketing
opportunities.
The last category was the construction of citywide curb ramps for a prioritized list of arterial
and collector streets. Mr. Ramos reported that the citywide curb ramp projects were part of the
2004 Bond Program, which will go before the voters in November 2004. Regarding individual curb
ramp requests, he reported that in February 2004, engineering services completed the bid process
for curb ramp work, and a contract was awarded for $224,310.
Mayor Neal asked if the city was in line with their projections to bring their public facilities
up to standards. Mr. Ramos replied affirmatively, saying the contract for public facilities projects
was estimated for completion in October. He said staff would report on the results during the next
quarterly update.
Mr. Colmenero asked if information on the city's ADA transition plan for Title II and Title
III was available on the city's website. Mr. Ramos replied that there was preliminary information
on the city's nondiscrimination ordinance on the website, but he could also add a Frequently Asked
Questions section to further provide information.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 19 regarding a contract for the automated meter
reading/wireless broadband network pilot project. Mr. Ogilvie Gericke, director of municipal
information services, introduced Mr. Brian Anderson with PTI/RAM Technologies, the city's
consultant for the pilot project, who would report on the project status. Mr. Anderson said his team
evaluated the 38 possible technology choices based on the city's requirements through an RFI. He
said they identified Tropos Network as the only technology that would support all the city's
requirements.
In addition, Mr. Anderson reported that their research indicated that the WiFi network had
more benefits than those identified for automated meter reading (AMR) communications and
workforce management, including citywide mobile access. Based on this finding, he said the
original plan to limit the WiFi network test to the two proposed AMR pilot areas would not be an
appropriate test. Therefore, the proposed WiFi network pilot areas had been expanded. Mr.
Anderson said the scope of the proposal supported the implementation and testing activities required
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 10
for the expanded WiFi network pilot, including the AMR and mobile applications.
Mayor Neal asked how long the pilot program would last. Mr. Anderson replied that the
pilot test implementation would begin in June, and the AMR pilot would run from September
through December 2004.
There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for
their votes as follows:
19.a. MOTION NO. 2004-200
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into a sole source contract with
Tropos Networks, Inc., of San Mateo, California in the amount of $641,200 to provide the
wireless broadband network necessary for the implementation of the Automated Meter
Reading/Wireless Broadband Network Pilot project.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
19.b. MOTION NO. 2004-201
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract amendment with
PTI/RAM Technologies, of Washington, DC in the amount of $300,000 to provide
Consulting Services for the deployment and Contract administration of the Automated Meter
Reading/Wireless Broadband Network Pilot project.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
19.c. MOTION NO. 2004-202
Motion authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $100,000 to American
Electric Power for access to utility poles; power supply to automated meter reading (AMR)
devices; and build outs as necessary; and to a third party for installation of the devices
necessary for the Automated Meter Reading/Wireless Broadband Network Pilot project.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garrett was absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal announced the executive sessions, which were listed on the agenda as follows:
20. Executive session under 551.074 of the Texas Government Code for deliberations regarding
the evaluation of the City Manager, with possible discussion and action related thereto in
open session.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 11
21. Executive session under 551.087 of the Texas Government Code for deliberations regarding
economic development negotiations, with possible discussion and action related thereto in
open session.
The Council went into executive session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council returned from executive session. Mayor Neal called for petitions from the
audience. Mr. Sir Usa VII, 905 Cleveland Street #4, spoke regarding an alleged incident that took
place at last week's council meeting. Ms. Sherry Dunlap, 5825 Hopkins Road, spoke regarding last
week's appointments to the Animal Control Advisory Committee.
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess to present proclamations.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council returned from recess, and Mayor Neal called for the City Manager's report. City
Manager Noe thanked all the emergency and work crews for their efforts this weekend related to the
HAZMAT incident at 1-37 and Tancahua Street. He said the site has been cleared and the bridge
has been shored. At this point, Mr. Noe said the city has turned the matter over to TxDOT to make
the permanent repair to the bridge. He said all the affected roadways have been opened at least
partially, except for 1-37 northbound to Shoreline Drive.
City Manager Noe also reported that the call center construction has begun on the first floor
of City Hall this week, and is expected to be completed this July. He also said the state department
of health has issued an advisory on a measles outbreak in Mexico which may impact our community.
In addition, he thanked Mr. Herb Canales, director of libraries, library staff and advisory
committees for raising approximately $300,000 for the new Mary and Jeff Bell Children's Library
remodeling, exceeding their goal of $250,000.
City Manager Noe announced that the following items were scheduled for the May 25
council meeting: presentation of the city manager's proposed budget for FY 2004-05; discussion
on vacant building ordinance; six zoning cases; and items on ESG funding.
Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Mayor Neal asked for the status of the
public safety bond issue related to the fire tower project. City Manager Noe added that the fire
tower was not included in this project due to a number of funding problems, but the city has made
arrangements with Del Mar College to use their tower for the time being.
Mayor Neal asked Assistant City Manager Mark McDaniel to discuss a TML report on the
North Padre Island Development Corporation TIF. Mr. McDaniel explained that the report provided
totals on the captured appraised values, levies, and the percent growth in the TIF over the reporting
period. He noted that property values have increased, particularly on the Island, and thus, staff is
budgeting for a 18 percent growth in taxable value and 46 percent growth in captured value next
year. He said the TIF was on schedule and looked good. Mayor Neal commented that if the
governor's artificial tax cap were placed on the values, it would be very difficult to meet the city's
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 18, 2004 - Page 12
bond obligations and continue with the development in the TIF.
Mayor Neal stated that the Council evaluated City Manager Noe's job performance today,
and a summarization of the entire Council's comments was available in the city secretary's office.
He said overall, the Council was extremely pleased with Mr. Noe's leadership; however, the Council
made no provisions for any salary or other monetary increases at this time. He said any increases
would be discussed further during the budget process. Nonetheless, Mayor Neal said the Council
appreciated Mr. Noe's work and thought he was providing excellent leadership.
Mr. Scott asked Mr. Noe to tell SMG to correct their records because he was receiving
correspondence from them addressed to Dr. David McNichols, the former representative of District
4. He also asked for the status of the hospital zone on Alameda Street. City Engineer Escobar
replied that the field surveys have been completed, but the computations and justifications for
shortening or modifying the zone have not been done. He said a report would be ready within
approximately 60 days.
Mr. Scott commented that he had received information on the Arts and Cultural
Commission's public art program regarding the new baseball stadium, and he asked if
representatives from the Hooks organization were involved in the art selection. City Manager Noe
answered that technically, the Arts and Cultural Commission made the decision, with input from the
design team. Even so, he said that he would keep the Hooks organization informed.
Mr. Scott said he encountered a representative from Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc., the
organization that was turned down for CDBG funds in April, and they indicated they were still
available to assist the city if desired. He noted that City Attorney Fischer had previously said that
their services could be handled in-house, but asked if she would consider outside resources if
needed. City Attorney Fischer replied that her plan was to review their CDBG application to
determine how they intended to provide services, and then she would be open to discussing their
possible assistance.
Finally, Mr. Scott asked the Mayor and Council to direct the city manager to add a line item
for citywide neighborhood park improvements to the upcoming bond program discussion. He asked
staff to research the matter and report to the Council during the next bond discussion. Mayor Neal
spoke in support of Mr. Scott's suggestion, saying it reinforced the Park and Recreation Advisory
Committee's recommendations in their April 21 letter.
Finally, Mayor Neal reported that this month's issue of Soldiers Magazine had an outstanding
article on the Port of Corpus Christi's efforts to move equipment to and from Iraqi freedom. He also
announced that he and the county judge were tentatively scheduled to hold a Metrocomm board
meeting on Monday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m. in the county commissioners court. He said he was
hoping to receive confirmation today that there would be an item on the May 25 commissioners
court agenda regarding the county jail issue and funding for the South Texas Military Task Force.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 1::00 p.m. on May 18, 2004.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *