HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 10/12/2004I 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 October 12, 2004, which were approved by
the City Council on October 19, 2004.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 19th day of October 2004.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - 10:00 a.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Noyola
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Javier Colmenero (Arrived at 10:07 a.m.)
Melody Cooper (Arrived at 10:07 a.m.)
Henry Garrett
Bill Kelly (Arrived at 10:05 a.m.)
Rex Kinnison
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 Mayor Neal and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was
led by Council Member Noyola. 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 September 28, 2004. A
motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
Mayor Neal announced a change in the order of the agenda. He said immediately after the
consideration of the consent agenda, the Council would go into executive session.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
Commission on Children and Youth
Aaron Cooley (Appointed)
Shanel Magee (Appointed)
Leadership Committee for Senior Services
Jerry Wagoner (Appointed)
Storm Water Management Advisory Committee
Patrick Veteto (Appointed)
Museum of Science and History Adv. Comm.
Phyllis H. Riddle (Reappointed)
Dr. Alexey Sadovski (Reappointed)
Linda Scott (Appointed)
Bill Richmond (Appointed)
* * * * * * * * * *
*
**
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-12). City Secretary
Chapa announced Council Member Noyola would be abstaining from the vote and discussion on
Item 9. Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, requested that Item 11 be discussed. A motion was made
and passed to approve Items 3 through 12, constituting the consent agenda, except for Item 11,
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 2
which was pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
3. RESOLUTION NO. 025979
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an Interlocal
Cooperation Agreement with Corpus Christi Independent School District in the amount of
$162,036 for the DARE and KIDS and COPS Curricula and to execute all related
documents.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
4.a. RESOLUTION NO. 025980
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant from the State of
Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, in the amount of $92,001 for
eligible funding under the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant Program to reduce
juvenile delinquency, improve the juvenile justice system, and increase accountability for
juvenile offenders, with a City match of $10,223 in the No. 1020 General Fund, and a total
project cost of $102,224.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
4.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025981
Ordinance appropriating $92,001 from the State of Texas, Office of the Governor, Criminal
Justice Division, in the No. 1061 Police Grant Fund for eligible funding under the Juvenile
Accountability Incentive Block Grant Program to reduce juvenile delinquency, improve the
juvenile justice system, and increase accountability for juvenile offenders; transferring
$10,223 from the No. 1020 General Fund and appropriating it in the No. 1061 Police Grant
Fund to continue to operate a Juvenile Court within Municipal Court.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
5.a. RESOLUTION NO. 025982
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant from the Texas
Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $1,000
under the Local Hurricane Grant Program for enhanced hurricane related public awareness
and education.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 3
5.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025983
Ordinance appropriating $1,000 from the Texas Department of Public Safety Division of
Emergency Management in the No. 1063 Emergency Management Grants Fund for
enhanced hurricane related public awareness and education.
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".
6.a. RESOLUTION NO. 025984
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant from the Texas
Department of State Health Services in the amount of $620,000 for the Women, Infants, and
Children Program for FY 2005, based on a $10.45 reimbursement for each participant
served.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
6.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025985
Ordinance appropriating a grant with the Texas Department of State Health Services in the
No. 1066 Health Grants Fund in the amount of $620,000 for the Women, Infants, and
Children Program for FY 2005, based on a $10.45 reimbursement for each participant
served.
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. 025986
Ordinance appropriating $201,500 from the estimated program income revenue in the No.
1066 Health Grants Fund as State Fiscal Year 2004-2005 program income to fund laboratory
and nursing services for the period of September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005.
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".
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 4
8. MOTION NO. 2004-378
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Utility Easement
instrument with L&L Family Partnership, Ltd., for Parcel 428, in the total amount of
$35,000, necessary for the Southside Water Transmission Main, Phase 4a, Project #8425,
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".
9. MOTION NO. 2004-379
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract with
ARC Abatement, of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $82,430 for the Corpus Christi
International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Asbestos Abatement 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.
10. MOTION NO. 2004-380
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to a
Contract for Professional Services with Naismith Engineering, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas
in the amount of $120,995, for a total restated fee of $145,495 for Storm Sewer Extensions
at the following locations:
* Leonard Drive/Mulholland Drive Drainage Improvements,
* Villa Drive Drainage Improvements, Phase 1,
* Fair Oaks Drive Drainage Improvements,
* Milky Way Drive Outfall Improvements, and
* Greenwood Park Area Drainage Improvements.
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. 2004-382
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute an agreement with the
Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) whereby the EDC will
promote economic development in the Corpus Christi Bay area for an annual fee of $475,000
and ratifying the first quarterly payment. The agreement term is August 1, 2004 through
July 31, 2005.
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 11 regarding a contract for a computerized
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 5
maintenance management system. Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, commented the city had spent
a sizable amount of money on software and upgrades over the last five years. He told the Council
to carefully review the city's software purchases to ensure their utility. Assistant City Manager Ron
Massey replied the contract in question was with EMA, Inc. for a computerized maintenance
management system related to the city's re-engineering effort. He said the contract was much more
than a software purchase. Rather, he said the system was a major tool in the re-engineering effort,
and integrated with new business practices and implementation.
Mayor Neal shared Mr. Kopecky's concern that the city was purchasing software but did not
have a review process in place to determine whether the purchased software was still useful. City
Manager Noe stated staff would provide a report on the number of software programs the city has
now and the policies on upgrades and replacements. Mr. Colmenero asked staff to include
information on any anticipated software upgrades. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
11. MOTION NO. 2004-381
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 4 to the
contract with EMA, Inc., of Houston, Texas in the amount of 5674,510 for next phase
implementation of the Computerized Maintenance Management System.
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 session, which was listed on the agenda as follows:
20. Executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 for consultation with
attorney regarding the use of public rights-of-way and property by pipelines, grants of rights
therein, fees therefore, and related matters, with possible discussion and action related
thereto in open session.
The Council went into executive session.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council returned from executive session. Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 18
regarding the licensing of pipelines in city rights-of-way and in city -owned property. Mr. Geoffrey
Gay with Lloyd, Gosselink, Blevins, Rochelle, Baldwin & Townsend, L.L.P. reported this item was
the fulfillment of the settlement the Council reached with Gulfterra Energy Partners L.P. in
December 2003. The settlement required Gulfterra to make payments to the city for failure to
compensate it for use of right-of-way, laying out a payment plan for the future. One of the key
elements of the settlement was that the settlement should be uniformly and consistently applied to
all the pipelines in the city, and the ordinance applied a methodology for requiring they pay a fair
value for their use of the right-of-way. It has a $500 per crossing annual assessment and a $1.25
linear foot assessment. Mr. Gay stated the industries wished to continue discussing the requirements
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 6
of the settlement, and they had asked for an extension before it was implemented. Mayor Neal made
a motion that the Council pass this ordinance on first reading, and encouraged all parties with
concerns about the implementation of this ordinance to enter into a dialogue with the city before the
second reading, tentatively scheduled for November 9. Mr. Scott seconded the motion and it passed
unanimously. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council
for their votes as follows:
18. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending Chapter 49 of the City of Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances by adopting new
Article VII and amending Article IV, Section 49, relating to the requirement that all
pipelines in the City rights-of-way and in City -owned property be licensed or otherwise
authorized by the City; establishing procedures for the application for and granting of
licenses; establishing the charges for the use of City rights-of-way and City -owned property
by authorized and unauthorized pipelines; providing for protection of City rights-of-way and
City -owned properties and interests; reserving the City's claims for prior occupation of
public property by pipelines; providing for related matters; and other provisions related to
the subject matter of this ordinance; providing an effective date; providing for penalties;
providing for reservation of civil remedies.
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 referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was a
report on an alternative site for the skate park by the Junior League of Corpus Christi. Ms. Lavonne
Garrison with the Junior League provided a brief history on the skate park to date. In April 2003,
the Junior League voted to build the skate park and gift it to the Boys and Girls Club upon
completion for their continuing operation. For over a year, the committee has diligently researched
many aspects of the project. In addition, Ms. Garrison said the league held a Speak Out forum to
obtain feedback on what features would make the park successful.
Ms. Garrison reported the Junior League was working closely with Grindline from Seattle,
WA, a world-renowned firm that has constructed over 100 skate parks. The skate park is being
designed to appeal to skaters of all ability levels, and will include features for individuals who skate
on flat surfaces as well as bowls. In addition, the concrete skating facility would require minimal
ongoing maintenance, approximately $2,000 to $5,000. She said the concrete surface would be
treated with a graffiti -resistant coating.
Ms. Garrison stated their research indicates that people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds
skate. In addition, skating can be considered a tourist attraction, as the city has experienced with
the tremendous success and growth of the Velocity Games. She said skating competitions are now
televised on ESPN, and there has been a growth in skate park construction across the country.
For a number of reasons, Ms. Garrison stated the Junior League has reconsidered the location
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October 12, 2004 - Page 7
of the skate park because of the growing interest in skating. First, she said while the Boys and Girls
Club provides needed services, their location on Greenwood Drive may limit its use by adults,
tourists, and members of the community. Second, the Boys and Girls Club would need to charge
admission and limit the hours of operation as well as carry liability insurance. Third, the
overwhelming majority of skate parks across the country are free of charge and have open
accessibility to the public, meaning there is a posted set of rules and skaters use it at their own risk.
Ms. Garrison displayed a sample set of posted rules from a skate park in Spokane, WA.
Ms. Garrison reported the Junior League had spoken with city planners, park and recreation
directors, and administrators in other cities who were amazed at the overwhelming popularity of
skate parks in their communities. She said the Junior League's proposed skate park would be a
$400,000 asset to the community. The Junior League wanted to ensure the park would be built to
last for decades, and also provide the greatest possible accessibility and utilization for all citizens.
Ms. Garrison said the Junior League met with city staff about finding an alternative site for
the skate park on the bayfront because of its high visibility and usage by the community, and staff
had recommended Cole Park. She said upon completion of the park, the Junior League would gift
it to the city. Unlike the Boys and Girls Club, Ms. Garrison said the city would not be required to
carry liability insurance because city -owned skate parks were provided municipal immunity by the
state. The Cole Park location would also allow the park to be used free of charge, serve as a tourist
attraction, and allow for greater utilization.
Mr. Colmenero asked where in Cole Park the skate park would be built. Ms. Garrison
replied the site was still tentative, but it would probably be placed somewhere on the south side of
the park, between KidsPlace and the pier. Mr. Colmenero asked if additional parking would be
needed. Ms. Garrison deferred this question to staff, but noted that Cole Park was on the RTA's bus
route. Mr. Colmenero asked what the projected life span of the park was. Ms. Garrison replied
some of the older parks in the northeastern United States were ten years old, but noted that skating
was a relatively new sport.
Ms. Cooper spoke in support of locating the skate park in Cole Park because it could serve
as a tourist attraction, and it would also tie in with other planned bayfront improvements.
Mr. Scott asked staff to respond to concerns about adequate parking in Cole Park. City
Manager Noe replied there was no official master plan for Cole Park. Before moving forward with
the skate park, he said it was important to have a public dialogue regarding Cole Park. Park and
Recreation Director Sally Gavlik added staff was recommending the development of a master plan
for Cole Park to incorporate the various uses of the park (e.g. windsurfing, KidsPlace, and the
proposed skate park). She said a master plan would address parking issues as well as the appropriate
siting of the skate park in Cole Park. Mr. Scott concurred with the development of a master plan
for Cole Park, including provisions for adequate irrigation, since it served as the city's most visible
park.
Mr. Scott asked if the Junior League had initiated a dialogue with the First Baptist Church,
which already had a skate park in place. Ms. Garrison answered affirmatively, saying the church
was not opposed to a bayfront skate park. She said the parks would probably not be in competition
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October 12, 2004 - Page 8
because they were very different. The church's skate park was wooden, for example, while the city's
park would be a concrete, championship -level facility. In addition, Ms. Garrison stated they had
spoken with the Marina del Sol condominiums and a number of Ocean Drive property owners with
lots overlooking the park site, and their main concern was the enforcement of the curfew.
Finally, Mr. Scott asked if staff was looking into installing a surveillance system for the skate
park. City Manager Noe answered affirmatively.
Mr. Noyola asked if the Boys and Girls Club agreed with the decision to relocate the skate
park to Cole Park. Ms. Garrison replied they had several meetings with the Boys and Girls Club
director and board of directors and they understood the reasons for the proposed site change. She
said the Junior League would be working with the Boys and Girls Club in the future to find ways
to foster skating in this area. Mr. Noyola asked the Junior League to consider initiating projects in
other major city parks, such as the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Park or West Guth Park. Ms. Garrison said
the Junior League would consider these sites for future projects.
Mr. Kinnison asked when construction on the skate park could begin, once the master plan
and site selection were completed. Ms. Gavlik replied staff estimated the development of a Cole
Park master plan would take approximately three months if the city hired the same consultant used
for the citywide parks master plan. She said the timeline for construction would depend on the
Junior League's fundraising efforts. Ms. Garrison added the Junior League needed the Council's
approval for the Cole Park site before their fundraising efforts could truly begin.
Mr. Chesney thanked the Junior League for taking the initiative to build a skate park for the
community. He also thanked Mr. Noyola for bringing the discussion about a skate park fee to the
forefront. He spoke in support of the Cole Park location because it provided many benefits, but he
was also in support of a future skating facility in the Greenwood area or in other areas of town. He
mentioned the use of modular skate parks which were less expensive to build. Mr. Colmenero
encouraged the Junior League to begin developing future plans for projects in other main city parks.
Mr. Kelly thanked the Junior League for their efforts. He also mentioned the use of modular
skate parks, asking staff to explore the possibility of a modular facility that could be moved from
park to park. He stressed he was not advocating this option as a substitute for the Junior League
project. Rather, if skating was as popular as they believed, the modular skate parks would be an
additional way of meeting the demand. City Manager Noe replied staff has proposed the
construction of two to three other modular parks in the city on several occasions.
Mayor Neal asked if there was a general consensus among the Council to proceed with the
Cole Park site for the skate park. The Council concurred.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next presentation was an quarterly project update on the Crime Control and Prevention
District. Ms. Linda Bridges, chairman of the Crime Control and Prevention District Board of
Directors, asked Commander Bryan Smith to provide a brief report on the directed patrol officers
program and JET team. Regarding the directed patrol program, Commander Smith showed a
number of photos depicting "before" and "after" photos of houses identified by the program as
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 9
safety hazards or centers of illicit activities. He noted that individuals in the community supervision
and corrections program, led by Lieutenant Hernandez with the Nueces County Sheriffs Office,
worked on cleaning up the structures. In addition, he reported the directed patrol program had
worked on cleaning up a transient camp on Lipan Street, and mowed high grass and weeds near
Brownlee and Lipan where children were walking to George Evans Elementary School.
Mr. Noyola asked how often the directed patrol officers reported vacant lots with high weeds
and grass. He said vacant lots with high weeds and grass were a common sight nowadays, and code
enforcement needed to be more involved. City Manager Noe replied the wet weather has made it
difficult for city crews to keep up with the demand, but they were working to stay on top of the
problem. Commander Smith added the directed patrol officers and code enforcement officers
prioritize the lots in order of highest need.
Commander Smith reported the directed patrol officers also met with neighbors on a frequent
basis to identify and prioritize problem areas or buildings in their neighborhood. The officers tried
to respond to neighborhood concerns as quickly as possible.
Commander Smith reported on the directed patrol program's progress in other areas. In the
Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) Area #6, he reported directed patrol officers had organized
six drivers license check points. In the Northside Manor Initiative, 100 arrests were made from the
end of August through mid-September. He said the Police Athletic League was expecting more than
600 children to register for baseball after Christmas.
Commander Smith discussed the progress of the Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET). Within
the last quarter, he said they had made 285 arrests, 105 of which were related to gang activity. Of
the 105 arrests, 50 were for felony offenses and 55 were for misdemeanors. The JET confiscated
24 firearms in this quarter, one of which was used in a homicide.
Chairman Bridges reported on the Juvenile Assessment Center. In FY 2004, she said the
Juvenile Assessment Center returned over 928 children to school, saving local school districts
approximately $1.6 million in ADA funding. In addition, 85 percent of the students processed
through the center have committed no additional offenses of any kind after intervention efforts.
More importantly, Ms. Bridges said out of 1,338 intakes at the center, there have been only 66 repeat
offenders, a recidivism rate of only 5.7 percent. She thanked the city for picking up the Title V
funding that was lost last year. Because of the continuing funding, the case management program
was able to continue without interruption.
Chairman Bridges reported on another area of concern for the board of directors, the
shortage of manpower on the police force. She said prior to the creation of the Crime Control
District, the city had authorized 395 police officers in their budget. Today, while the authorized
strength was 448, there were only 422 officers available. When the current academy was completed,
the number would increase by 15 officers to 437 officers. She noted, however, that the annual trends
for the past 15 years indicated a loss of approximately 18 officers. Thus, she said the city police
force would be short approximately 11 to 20 officers. She said if one looked at the entire eight year
period since the Crime Control District was formed in 1997, the police force has experienced a net
loss of eight officers. She said the district will continue to fund its 50 officers, but felt the city
needed to address the manpower shortage through future budgets and academies. City Manager Noe
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October 12, 2004 - Page 10
replied staff has discussed ways to bolster the police force, possibly through an alternate hiring
process to hire individuals already possessing the necessary credentials who could begin patrolling
the street in as little as eight weeks. He said the typical police cadet would not begin patrolling the
streets until a year after hire.
Mr. Garrett shared the Crime Control District's concern about the shortage of manpower on
the police force. He suggested the city take aggressive action to increase the number of officers on
the police force, possibly by overhiring for a few years. City Manager Noe replied staff would do
what it could to address the problem within the city's financial resources. Mr. Noyola asked staff
to look at the overtime budgets of the police and fire departments as an indication whether there was
enough personnel.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next presentation was Item 15, an update on the remaining Bond Issue 2000 projects.
City Engineer Angel Escobar discussed the status of street improvements funded through Bond Issue
2000 that had not been completed. First, the bond issue had funded the city share of cost
participation in TxDOT projects as follows: F.M. 624/U.S. 77 to F.M. 1889; McKinzie Road, Phase
2 - Haven to South City Limits; and Future TxDOT participation. He said these projects were
awaiting funding and construction timelines from TxDOT. He also said a number of street
improvements were ongoing efforts as follows: city share of street construction in new subdivisions;
street lighting; and guardrails/pedestrian bridges/school zones. Of the neighborhood street
reconstruction and resurfacing projects, he said the following projects were still under construction,
and he gave their completion dates: Laguna Shores - mid to late 2004; Up River Road - November
2004; Ayers Street - December 2004; Gollihar Road - December 2004; McArdle Road Phase 3 -
December 2004; Horne Road - Mid 2005; and Yorktown Boulevard - Early 2005.
Mr. Escobar reported all the park and recreation projects were completed. He said all the
public health and safety facilities had also been completed except the public safety training facility.
He said it was still under construction, with a scheduled completion date of April 2005.
City Manager Noe reported on the history of the public safety training facility. He said Bond
2000 included Phase 1 of the project at an estimated cost of $1.7 million, including a police firing
range and a fire tower. The firing range was estimated to cost $1,269,362, and the fire tower was
estimated to cost $430,375. It was assumed the facility would be constructed and receive
infrastructure support from the Cefe Valenzuela landfill project.
During the implementation of Bond 2000, Mr. Noe said it became apparent the construction
of the Cefe Valenzuela landfill was being delayed to the point where it could no longer be the site
for the training facility. Since there were no funds available for land acquisition, staff made an effort
to find a suitable site which could be acquired with little or no cash.
Mr. Noe reported the initial focus was on a tract of land in the vicinity of Hernes Ferry Road
and Carbon Plant Road that was owned by Flint Hills Resources. During the initial discussions, he
said staff believed it was possible to trade property or surplus rights-of-way for the training facility
site without exchanging cash. He said, however, that after substantial negotiations, it became clear
that a non-cash transaction would not be possible. Staff began looking at other options. Mr. Noe
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October 12, 2004 - Page 11
said a site adjacent to the airport was explored for some time, but was discarded because of
excessive development costs.
Mr. Noe reported the decision was then made to return to the Flint Hills site and try to find
a way to pay for the cost of acquisition. Staff negotiated the acquisition of the two pad sites totaling
16.24 acres on which the firing range and fire training tower would be constructed, with an option
to purchase the balance of the property. The initial cost of the pads was $164,400, of which the city
paid $64,090 in cash and the balance by value to value trade of surplus city rights-of-way. The price
for the remainder of the tract was agreed to be $865,290. A two-year option on the remainder was
included for $1,000.
Mr. Noe stated as the city was concluding site negotiations and initiating the project design,
the public approved Del Mar College's $108 million bond issue in April 2003. Their package
included new training facilities for the fire training program at Del Mar including the construction
of a fire tower at the West Campus location. The college immediately opened up a dialogue with
city staff to potentially share the use of the various facilities.
Mr. Noe reported as the design of the city's public safety training facility progressed, it
became apparent that the budget could not support both the firing range and the fire tower. He said
the architect's estimate prior to construction documents was $2,536,276 (5/12/03), and the fire tower
comprised $1.4 million of that amount. He said he indicated to staff at this point that it would be
best to construct those facilities which would not duplicate facilities at Del Mar, and to work with
the college on a cooperative use arrangement for the remaining facilities. Thus, the decision was
made to recommend the city proceed with the construction of the firing range which was
unduplicated, and then secure the fire tower and the other training facilities through a cooperative
agreement with Del Mar College. On June 29, 2004, the Council acted to approve the contract with
Barcom Commercial to construct the firing range and other infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Chesney asked why the initial cost of the public safety training facility had increased
from $1.7 million in the Bond 2000 issue to $2.5 million in the most recent estimate provided by the
architect in 5/12/03. City Manager Noe replied the firing range estimates were still on target.
However, when the original $13 million project was reduced to $1.7 million, the estimate for the fire
tower only included the cost of the tower itself. He said the tower was not usable unless the site
included other site work. Mr. Noe said even if the city did have the money to build its own fire
tower, he would still recommend a cooperative agreement with Del Mar College for the use of their
fire training facilities.
Mr. Chesney stated it was imperative that the fire department have a training facility. He
asked a representative from Del Mar College whether he thought the facility would be readily
available for the city's fire training needs. Mr. Chris Black, EMS Program Director for Del Mac
College, replied the college had multiple training areas which were primarily used by their trainees
in the spring and summer. He said he could guarantee the city at least 20 hours a week for training,
but it would probably be higher. Mr. Chesney said he was curious to see how much training time
the TriData study would recommend for the city's firefighters. Mr. Chesney asked what type of
financial agreement had been made. Mr. Noe replied Del Mar College was asking for a donation
of the water required for the fire operations, and the city had agreed.
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October 12, 2004 - Page 12
Mr. Chesney was concerned the city had secured an option to purchase the remaining land
at Flint Hills without any real need for it, despite the fact the citizens had approved bond funds to
build a training facility on it. City Manager Noe replied 100 percent of the funds had been used for
the design, land acquisition, and construction of the firing range. He said the city had no intention
of using the property for anything other than fire and police training. In fact, he said staff wanted
to continue the option to allow the city to purchase the rest of the tract to meet future public safety
training needs.
Mr. Chesney thanked staff for the phenomenal job they had done to complete the projects
in Bond 2000. He asked staff to work on finalizing the plan for the firing training facility to put
Bond 2000 behind us.
Mr. Noyola agreed with Mr. Chesney in that he thought 20 hours a week of training time was
insufficient. City Manager Noe replied that Fire ChiefJ.J. Adame thought this was sufficient. Mr.
Noyola spoke in support of securing the firefighters with their own training facility. He asked Chief
Adame to obtain more input from the firefighters on this matter.
Mr. Colmenero asked for a copy of the curriculum used to train firefighters. He also asked
staff to provide information on their plan to fund a fire training facility on the Flint Hills site.
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess to present proclamations.
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The Council returned from recess, and Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Sirfrederickvon USA King 7th, 905 Cleveland Street #4, spoke in favor of having off-duty
policeman drive the taxicabs at the airport to provide extra security. Mr. Wayne Hodge, 3626
Rodwood of the Corpus Christi Police Officers Association, spoke in support of implementing the
alternate hiring process to increase the police force.
The following individuals spoke in support of the current administration of NuPAC and
asked the Council to look into problems with the public access channel: Mr. Thomas Booker and
Mr. Arturo Garcia, 924 Leopard.
Mr. Gary Porter, 902 Hancock, and Ms. Cruz Colomo spoke against the Cable
Communication Commission's action to decertify the NuPAC board of directors.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, spoke in support of the Cable Communication Commission's
decision to decertify the NuPAC board of directors.
Mr. Carsten E. Meyer, 924 Leopard, spoke regarding the importance of maintaining the
operation of Channel 10.
Mr. Richard Pulido, chairman of the Cable Communications Commission, spoke in support
of their decision to decertify the NuPAC board of directors because they had been unable to address
a number of outstanding problems over a six month period of time.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 13
Mr. Carlos Torres with the Corpus Christi Firefighters Association stated the association was
against a joint training facility with Del Mar College. He also thanked Council Member Chesney
for touring all 16 fire stations.
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Mayor Neal called for a brief recess to hold the Corpus Christi Housing Finance Corporation
Meeting.
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The Council returned from recess, and Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 16, repealing
a number of street assessments. City Manager Noe explained HUD had previously allowed the city
to use CDBG funds as part of the street assessment program. In 2002, HUD decided to disallow this
use. This action would repeal those ordinances calling for street assessments and authorized the city
to return approximately $21,000 of assessments to those individuals who had paid them. There were
no comments from the public.
City Secretary Chapa explained that Item 16 needed to be separated into two actions - 16.a.
would repeal the ordinances calling for the assessments, and 16.b. would repeal Section 49.21 of the
city code of ordinances and refund the assessments. Mr. Scott made a motion to amend Item 16 as
stated by Mr. Chapa, seconded by Mr. Kinnison, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
16.a. ORDINANCE NO. 025987
Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 024703 which imposes assessments and fixes liens on
property abutting improvements for Southmoreland Addition Street Phase 3A - Lewis Street
between Richard and Clemmer and 4A - Ramsey Street between Brawner Parkway and
Norton Street; repealing portions of Resolution No. 024623 which determines the necessity
for and ordering the improvements to Southmoreland Addition Street Phase 3A - Lewis
Street between Richard and Clemmer and 4A - Ramsey Street between Brawner Parkway
and Norton Street and which imposes assessments and directs filing of proposed
assessments; repealing portions of Resolution No. 024624 giving notice of proposed
assessments;
Repealing Ordinance No. 024288 which imposes assessments and fixes liens on property
abutting improvements for Omaha Drive - Interstate Highway 37 to Leopard Street;
repealing portions of Resolution No. 024246 which determines the necessity for and ordering
the improvements to Omaha Drive - Interstate Highway 37 to Leopard Street and which
imposes assessments and directs filing of proposed assessments; repealing portions of
Resolution No. 024247 giving notice of proposed assessments;
Repealing Ordinance No. 024729 which imposes assessments and fixes liens on property
abutting improvements for Hampshire Road from State Highway 358 to McBride Lane;
repealing portions of Resolution No. 024625 which determines the necessity for and ordering
the improvements to Hampshire Road from State Highway 358 to McBride Lane and which
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 14
imposes assessments and directs filing of proposed assessments; repealing portions of
Resolution No. 024626 giving notice of proposed assessments;
Repealing Ordinance No. 024927 which imposes assessments and fixes liens on property
abutting improvements for Flour Bluff Area Street Improvements Phase 1 (Scotland Street -
N. A. S. Drive to Jane Street) (Webb Street - N. A. S. Drive to Jane Street) (Claride Street -
N. A. S. Drive to Mounts Street) (Jane Street - Jester Street to Claride Street) (Mounts Street
- Claride Street to Lakeside Drive); repealing portions of Resolution No. 024865 which
determines the necessity for and ordering the improvements to Flour Bluff Area Street
Improvements Phase 1 and which imposes assessments and directs filing of proposed
assessments; repealing portions of Resolution No. 024864 giving notice of proposed
assessments.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved as
amended with the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
16.b. ORDINANCE NO. 025988
Repealing Section 49.21 ( C. II )(1)-(4) Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi;
providing for refunds of all assessments in these projects and release of all assessment liens.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved as
amended with the following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly,
Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 17 regarding an amendment to the dance hall permit
ordinance to reduce the fee for non-profit organizations from $500 to $50. There were no comments
from the public. Mr. Colmenero asked for a copy of the list of organizations that had registered with
the city as a dance hall. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
17. ORDINANCE NO. 025989
Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances Section 33-117 Permit Fees by revising the fee
structure for recognized non-profit organizations.
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 called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Noe reported the voter's
guide and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet was now available. Mayor Neal encouraged
the city to distribute the guides to the public as widely as possible.
Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. There were none.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
October 12, 2004 - Page 15
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 1:15 p.m. on October 12, 2004.
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