HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 01/25/2005I 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 January 25, 2005, which were approved as
amended by the City Council on February 8, 2005.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 8th day of February, 2005.
4 41
Armando Chapa ,
City Secretary
SEAL
PRESENT
Mayor Samuel L. Neal Jr.
Mayor Pro Tem Bill Kelly
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Javier Colmenero
Melody Cooper
Henry Garrett
Rex Kinnison
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - 10:00 a.m.
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 and the Pledge
of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Colmenero. 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 thanked Mayor Pro Tem Kelly for presiding over the January 18 Council
meeting in his absence.
Mayor Neal called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting ofJanuary 18,
2005. Mayor Neal noted an error on page 18 stating that he called for the city manager's report
when, in fact, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly had presided over this meeting in his absence. He made a
motion to approve the minutes as corrected, which was seconded, and passed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2 - 20). City Secretary
Chapa announced that Mr. Noyola was abstaining from the vote and discussion on Items 10, 11, and
12, and Mr. Kelly was abstaining from the vote and discussion on Item 6. Mr. Scott stated he was
abstaining from the vote and discussion on Items 18 and 19. Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka,
requested that Item 6 be discussed. City Secretary Chapa stated Item 15 needed to be amended. A
motion was made and passed to approve Items 2 through 20, constituting the consent agenda, except
for Items 6 and 15, which were pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 2
2. MOTION NO. 2005-026
Motion approving a supply agreement for approximately 118,000 pounds of drop -on type
glass spheres, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0040-05 from Swarco Reflex, Inc.,
Mexia, Texas, based on low bid for an estimated annual amount of $26,715.20. This item
will be used by Street Services. The term of the contract is for twelve months with options
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
department in FY 2004-2005.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
3. MOTION NO. 2005-027
Motion approving supply agreements with the following companies for the following
amounts in accordance with the Coastal Bend Council of Governments Bid Invitation No.
CBCOG-05-1 for food items which include canned and frozen fruits and vegetables, meats
and condiments for an estimated six month expenditure of $129,401.82. The terms of the
contracts shall be for six months with an option to extend for up to three additional months,
subject to the approval of the Coastal Bend Council of Governments, the suppliers, and the
City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by Senior Community Services
in FY 2004-2005.
Ben E. Keith LaBatt Food Service PFG
San Antonio, Texas Corpus Christi Texas Victoria, Texas
64 Items 104 Items 76 Items
$20,634.73 $53,421.65 $55,345.44
Grand Total: $129,401.82
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. 2005-028
Motion approving a supply agreement with Hill Country Dairies, Corpus Christi, Texas in
accordance with Coastal Bend Council of Governments Bid Invitation No. CBCOG-05-2,
for 152,000 half-pint containers of low fat milk, based on the recommended award submitted
by the Coastal Bend Council of Governments for an estimated twelve month expenditure of
$29,670.40. The term of the agreement shall be for twelve months with an option to extend
for up to three additional months, subject to the approval of the Coastal Bend Council of
Governments, the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted
by Senior Community Services in FY 2004-2005.
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
January 25, 2005 - Page 3
5. RESOLUTION NO. 026116
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application to the
State of Texas, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $56,163 for Year 6 funding
available under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund for the Police Department's Family
Violence Unit, with a City match of $11,959 in the No. 1061 Trust Fund and $2,800 in-kind
services; for a total project cost of $70,922.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
7. MOTION NO. 2005-030
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to increase the escrow funding with
the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the amount of $157,482.45 for the
construction of a proposed drainage culvert on Farm -to -Market Road 70 to serve Cefe
Valenzuela Landfill.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
8. MOTION NO. 2005-031
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 3 to the
Contract for Professional Services with LNV Engineering, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas,
in the amount of $172,500 for a total restated fee of $516,475 for the Mansheim Area
Drainage Improvements Project, Phases 2A through 6A (BOND ISSUE 2004).
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. 2005-032
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 2 to the
contract with Berry Contracting, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $293,078
for the Laguna Shores Road Street Reconstruction Project from Mediterranean to Caribbean
for waterline replacement.
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
January 25, 2005 - Page 4
10. ORDINANCE NO. 026118
Ordinance appropriating $957,594.17 in Passenger Facility Charge Fund 4621 from
unreserved fund balance; transferring $957,594.17 into the Airport 2000A Debt Service
Fund 4640 for debt service on airport improvements; amending FY 2003-2004 Capital
Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 025647 to increase appropriations by $957,594.17.
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.
11. ORDINANCE NO. 026119
Ordinance appropriating $516,717.46 in unappropriated interest earnings and $7,534.14 in
unappropriated bond proceeds in the Airport 2000B Capital Improvement Program Fund
3025; transferring $516,717.46 into the Airport 2000B Debt Service Fund 4641 for debt
service on airport improvements; amending FY 2003-2004 Capital Budget adopted by
Ordinance No. 025647 to increase appropriations by $524,251.60.
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.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 026120
Ordinance appropriating $240.32 in unappropriated interest earnings in Airport 1990 Capital
Improvement Program Fund 3022 for airport improvements; amending FY 2003-2004
Capital budget adopted by Ordinance No. 025647 to increase appropriations by $240.32.
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.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 026121
Ordinance abandoning and vacating a 3,379.70 -square foot portion of a 7.5 -foot wide utility
easement in Lot 1, Block 2, King's Crossing Unit 13; requiring the owner, Windsor Park
Church of Christ, to comply with the specified conditions.
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
January 25, 2005 - Page 5
14. ORDINANCE NO. 026122
Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Use Privilege
Agreement with Tradewinds Business Park doing business as Steve Paulson Properties, LP,
(Owner) for the right to construct and maintain a private 2 -inch PVC force main that will
extend approximately 448 linear feet within a city utility easement and the Palmira Avenue
street right-of-way, establishing an annual fee.
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".
16. FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 12, Small Business Advisory
Committee regarding membership and duties.
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".
17. ORDINANCE NO. 026124
Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapters 2, 17 and 39, regarding
political participation of City employees, resign to run restrictions, and homestead exemption
provisions, to correspond with election results. (First Reading 01/18/05)
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".
18. ORDINANCE NO. 026125
Abandoning and vacating a 4,380 -square foot portion of a 22.60 -foot wide alley right-of-
way, between Lots 1-6 and 7-11, Block 2, Furman Addition (between Hancock Avenue and
Furman Avenue) east of South Carancahua Street; subject to owner's compliance with the
specified conditions. (First Reading 01/18/05)
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
January 25, 2005 - Page 6
19. ORDINANCE NO. 026126
Abandoning and vacating a 6,394.30 -square foot portion of the South Carancahua Street
right-of-way, north of Hancock Avenue; and the Hancock Avenue right-of-way, east of
South Carancahua Street; subject to owner's compliance with the specified conditions. (First
Reading 01/18/05)
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola,
voting "Aye"; Scott abstained.
20. ORDINANCE NO. 026127
Abandoning and vacating the 14,731 -square feet of the Huntwick Avenue right-of-way
extending south from the intersection with Saratoga Boulevard (State Highway 357) west
of South Staples Street (Farm -to -Market Road 2444); subject to owner's compliance with
the specified conditions. (First Reading 01/18/05)
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Neal, Chesney, Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, and Noyola,
voting "Aye"; Scott abstained.
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 6 regarding the American Bank Center arena. Mr.
Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, stated the cumulative cost for the arena construction was now $53.25
million, exceeding the initial $30 million estimate. City Secretary Chapapolled the Council for their
votes as follows:
6.a. ORDINANCE NO. 026117
Ordinance appropriating $250,000 interest earnings and miscellaneous revenues in the No.
3275 Arena Facility Capital Improvement Program Fund to provide funding for the
American Bank Center Arena change orders, contingencies, parking, storage and other
facility needs; amending FY 2003-2004 Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 025647
to increase appropriations by $250,000.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance 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
January 25, 2005 - Page 7
6.b. MOTION NO. 2005-029
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 13 for
the American Bank Center Arena in the amount of $285,793 with Fulton Coastcon, Joint
Venture of Corpus Christi, Texas for various architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical and
structural modifications.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye"; Kelly abstained.
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 15, the ordinance calling for the April 2, 2005
general election. City Secretary Chapa reported three changes to the polling places for the general
election. The first change was in Precinct 42, Citko's Deli on Santa Fe Drive. Mr. Chapa reported
the deli was requesting a rental fee increase from $50 to $900; hence staff was not recommending
its use as a polling place. Since Precinct 42 was a small precinct with 403 registered voters, he
recommended combining Precinct 42 with Precinct 63, the Parkway Presbyterian Church on Santa
Fe Drive.
The second change was in Precinct 48, the Abiding Savior Church. Staff was informed the
church would not be available for use as polling place during this election; hence staff recommended
the use of the U.S. Army Reserve Center on 4722 McArdle.
The third change was in Precinct 118, Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. Staff was
informed the church had a scheduling conflict prohibiting its use as a polling place. Mr. Chapa said
staff was recommending the Saratoga Medical Center, 3434 Saratoga Boulevard, as a substitute,
noting it was directly adjacent to the church.
Mr. Chesney made a motion to amend the polling places as described by City Secretary
Chapa, seconded by Mr. Garrett, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
15. ORDINANCE NO. 026133
Ordinance ordering a General Election to be held on April 2, 2005, in the City of Corpus
Christi for the election of mayor and eight council members; providing for procedures for
holding such election; providing for notice of election and publication thereof; providing for
establishment of branch early polling places; designating polling place locations; authorizing
the City Secretary to contract with the Nueces County Election Officer for equipment,
supplies, and printing necessary to conduct the election; selection of April 30, 2005 as the
Runoff Election date, if one is necessary; enacting provisions incident and relating to the
subject and purpose of this ordinance.
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".
Mr. Noyola asked City Secretary Chapa to inform the voters in the aforementioned precincts
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 8
about the changes in their polling place sites. Mr. Chapa replied affirmatively, saying staff would
post signs at the former sites to inform voters about the change in their polling place site. Mr.
Noyola also hoped the Caller -Times would publicize the changes in the newspaper.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was
Item 21, an FY 2004-2005 first quarter report on the health benefits/risk management fund. Director
of Human Resources Cynthia Garcia summarized the report by saying there were no surprises in the
first quarter, but it was still too early to predict how the fund would perform at year's end.
Ms. Garcia discussed the performance of the health benefits fund in more detail. Referring
to a graph illustrating the number of claims filed by plan, she said there was a drop in the number
of claims processed in August 2004, with 4,377 claims processed. In September 2004, however, Ms.
Garcia said the number of claims increased to 7,608. A similar increase in claims was observed last
year within the same time frame, and could be attributed to start-up costs for the new plan year.
Finally, Ms. Garcia reported the number of claims dropped in October by approximately 1,000
claims.
Ms. Garcia referred to a graph delineating the number of dollars paid by plan including
prescriptions. She said the average monthly amount paid in the first quarter was $1,354,000,
compared with the average monthly amount of $1,393,000 recorded for the first quarter of last fiscal
year. Comparing the percent change in dollars paid among the plans for last fiscal year and this
fiscal year, Ms. Garcia reported the following findings: Citicare - 9.73 percent decrease; Fire - 7.51
percent increase; Police -11.01 percent increase; and Citicare Basic - 19.08 percent decrease. Ms.
Garcia also reported a 4.19 percent increase in prescriptions.
Mr. Noyola asked Ms. Garcia if the city allowed employees to buy prescriptions for three
to six months at a time over the Internet or by mail. Ms. Garcia replied negatively. Mr. Noyola
asked staff to look into offering this enhanced benefit to employees because it was a much more cost
effective way to buy prescriptions.
Ms. Garcia reported the average cost per claim in August 2004 was $252 compared with
$387.22 in August 2003, a decrease of 35 percent. September's average cost per claim was $204.26,
a 9 percent increase compared with September 2003, and October's average cost per claim was
$210.45, an 18 percent increase compared with October 2003. She pointed out, however, that both
numbers were much lower than the average cost per claim in August 2003.
Ms. Garcia reported on the risk management fund, comprised of workers' compensation and
general liability. Regarding workers' compensation, she said current costs for this quarter had
decreased by $131,190. Although this seemed promising, she reminded the Council that this number
could change as each claim worked through the system. In addition, the number of claims for the
first quarter had also decreased from 281 claims at the same time last year to 255 claims.
Ms. Garcia discussed a graph illustrating the dollars paid in the current year for prior years'
claims. She said $776,690 was paid in this quarter for claims in prior years.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 9
Ms. Garcia referred to a graph depicting a year-to-date claims count comparison by
department. She reported the number of claims had decreased compared to the first quarter last year
in every department except park and recreation and the "all other" category.
Ms. Garcia reviewed a chart illustrating the year-to-date incurred cost comparison by
department showing a reduction in costs in the police, fire, and solid waste departments when
compared to first quarter last year. However, there were increases in the park and recreation,
wastewater, and street departments.
Ms. Garcia referred to a graph depicting the year-to-date claims count by type of injury. She
said strains and contusions continue to be two of the top three types of injuries this quarter, but the
numbers have decreased. Lacerations became the third most common injury, replacing sprains,
which were also down.
Ms. Garcia reported on the general liability component of the risk management fund. She
said there were 188 claims in the first quarter, a decrease in the number of claims compared with the
first quarter last year. The police department's claims decreased from 36 claims to 59 claims
compared with the first quarter of last year.
Ms. Garcia referred to a graph illustrating the dollars paid in the current year for previous
years' claims. She said the total paid this quarter was $334,572.
Finally, Ms. Garcia discussed a slide showing the number of claims by type. The vehicle
damage category continued to have the highest number of claims for the quarter, but was down
compared to last year's first quarter. In an effort to reduce vehicle accidents, staff was considering
the implementation of a driving feedback system that could include a drive -cam video component.
She said a pilot program would be implemented later this year once staff had reviewed the types of
systems available.
Mayor Neal asked if staff knew how many outstanding lawsuits were pending against the
city. Ms. Garcia replied affirmatively, saying staff had a litigation and claims meeting at least once
a month to monitor claims, and revise the incurred amounts posted on the books as needed. Mayor
Neal asked if the city did the same on workers' compensation claims. Ms. Garcia replied negatively,
saying staff did not meet regarding them on a monthly basis, but they were reviewed regularly and
adjusted as needed. She thought there might be a claims meeting held between Richard &
Associates, the city's third party administrator (TPA), and the risk management division. She said
she would find out and report to the Council. Mayor Neal suggested staff also review workers'
compensation cases on a monthly basis to monitor costs. Ms. Garcia stated that workers'
compensation claims were reviewed monthly by F.A. Richard and Associates, the city's TPA for
workers' compensation, and risk management staff.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The next presentation was Item 22, an update on the city's Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) Title II Transition Plan and the city's non-discrimination ordinance. Director of Human
Relations Leon Bazan said although the implementation was a joint effort among all the
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 10
departments, he recognized the engineering, public information office, museum, park and recreation,
and solid waste departments for their assistance.
Mr. Bazan reported on the implementation of the ADA Title II transition plan. He discussed
the accessibility improvements in public facilities, including the following sites: city hall, the
libraries, health clinics, street/solid waste departments, recreation center, and senior centers. He
stated that since their last quarterly report in December 2004, the construction phase was
approximately 93 percent complete on city facilities, encompassing 19 projects. In City Hall, Mr.
Bazan stated 17 additional doors were automated, and 17 door levers were installed. In addition,
76 additional tactile signs were mounted for braille readers.
Mr. Bazan discussed accessibility improvements in public programs, services or activities.
To date, staff had purchased assistive technology, accessible equipment and services for the park
and recreation department, public information department, and Museum of Science and History.
Specifically, he said games, recreation tools, games and sports equipment were purchased for
participants with hearing and sight impairments for the park and recreation department. In addition,
the pool entrance for Collier Pool was improved to provide more accessibility. Finally, he reported
that closed -captioning was now available for public information programs and the museum's
educational videos. He announced Museum Director Rick Stryker was available to provide a
demonstration of the museum's new audio equipment after the meeting for the Council and staff.
Mr. Bazan also reported staff had purchased new materials for American Sign Language
classes to be held in the park and recreation department. Accessible furniture for the libraries, the
recreation centers, and the senior centers was also purchased, and modifications were made to the
service counters at the Parkdale and Northwest Branch Libraries to improve accessibility for book
retrieval. Finally, he said staff held policy reviews with all city departments.
Mr. Bazan reported on their efforts to improve accessibility in site development through
training on State of Texas accessibility standards through the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation. He said three staff members from the development services department and one staff
member from the human relations department attended this academy. With the training they
received, these individuals will assist in reviewing, inspecting, and/or investigating ADA
compliance issues on behalf of the city.
Regarding accessibility outreach, Mr. Bazan stated staff provided training to city directors
and ADA coordinators. Training was also provided at the 2004 Human Relations Annual
Conference, including ADA sessions for non-profit, public, and private entities. Finally, he said
monthly employee awareness and PeopleFirst training sessions were ongoing.
Mr. Bazan discussed the progress on curb ramp projects throughout the city and by
individual request. He said the citywide curb ramp projects along arterial and collector streets were
approved by the voters in the 2004 bond election. During the street improvements process, he
reported individual departments were demonstrating flexibility wherever possible in addressing
ADA curb ramp needs.
Mr. Scott asked for a map of all the streets included in the curb cuts and sidewalk
improvement program the city was implementing. Specifically, he was curious why Santa Fe Drive
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 11
was being worked on seemingly early in the program. City Manager Noe replied the curb cut and
sidewalk improvements on Santa Fe Drive were being initiated as part of the street work completed
on Santa Fe Drive, Alameda Street, and Weber Street. He said the city used funds from the Bond
2000 allocated for accessibility improvements and matched them with funding from TxDOT (Texas
Department of Transportation), in effect completing the aforementioned projects that were actually
part of the 1986 bond program. Mr. Bazan added TxDOT has played a critical role in the ADA
accessibility improvements for these projects by providing an 80/20 funding match.
With regard to the individual curb ramp projects, Mr. Bazan reported Phase I of the
individual curb ramps request program was complete, encompassing 16 projects in the Mary Grett,
Chula Vista, Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital, Christus Spohn Shoreline, Tarlton Street, and the
Poenisch/Ropes Park areas. Phase II of the project would commence in Spring 2005, including four
individual requests. The engineering department would provide a list of the projects with maps.
Mayor Neal reminded the Council that the curb ramp projects were prioritized with the
assistance of the Committee for Persons with Disabilities. He asked staff to provide the prioritized
list the committee had developed because it was driving the order of the projects, along with the
Bond 2004 program. City Manager Noe agreed, saying the city had made a commitment to spend
$1,000,000 a year on curb cuts and similar accessibility improvements, targeting those identified as
priority projects by the committee.
Mr. Bazan reported on the city's non-discrimination ordinance. He briefly reviewed the
purpose of the ordinance, which amended Chapter 24, Human Relations, of the city code of
ordinances by adding Article V, "Discrimination Against an Individual with a Disability". The
ordinance was designed to provide a local resource in allegations of disability discrimination
through review, investigation, and enforcement, using ADA guidelines for public and private
entities.
Mr. Bazan stated the non-discrimination ordinance categorized complaints into three areas
as follows: places of public accommodation (i.e. stores, hotels, and restaurants); other governmental
entities (i.e. school districts, state, and county offices); and the City of Corpus Christi (public
programs and services). In Category I, places of accommodation, there were a total of eight
complaints, four of which were related to restaurant services (e.g. insufficient parking, inaccessible
restrooms). The other four complaints were related to the following establishments: a retail shop,
a shopping center, a medical center, and a non-profit sporting event. These complaints were also
resolved.
In Category II, other governmental entities, Mr. Bazan reported a total of three complaints
were made in this category. Two of the complaints were related to education, and one was related
to licensing. Mr. Bazan stated the complainants were referred to the appropriate governmental
entity.
With regard to Category III, the city's programs, services, and activities, Mr. Bazan reported
the city had received 108 complaints. Of the 108 complaints, 101 were related to the automated
trash collection services. He said these complaints had been addressed primarily by providing
alternate trash pick-up service. The seven remaining complaints were related to the following areas:
ramps/aisles - 2; seating - 2; parking - 1; curb ramps - 1; and cost of services - 1. He said each of
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 12
the complaints was being addressed.
In response to Mr. Colmenero's question, City Manager Noe replied the large number of
complaints regarding the automated trash pick-up service were directly related to the recent
deployment of the last automation phase.
Mr. Noyola also asked if the arena was making arrangements to accommodate for children
with disabilities who may want to attend a family event, such as the upcoming Hilary Duff concert.
He also remarked that strollers were not allowed in the arena, which made it difficult for families
to take young children to the event. Mr. Bazan replied the engineering department was closely
monitoring the arena construction to ensure the facility would be ADA -compliant.
Finally, Mr. Bazan discussed a number of other accessibility awareness efforts. First, the
annual human relations conference included ADA compliance segments. Second, the Committee
for Persons with Disabilities sponsored the Texas Governors' Committee for People with
Disabilities' Barbara Jordan Media Awards dinner. They also hosted a number of workshops on
cultural access and ADA compliance for non -profits, public, and private entities. Third, he reported
the park and recreation department had sponsored a Recreation Inclusion Awareness Month with
the assistance of a diverse community planning committee, including human relations
commissioners and Committee for Persons with Disabilities members. He also recognized the
Committee for Persons with Disabilities for their activism and civic involvement.
Mayor Neal asked for an update on closed captioning for the Council meetings. Ms. Taylor
Butler replied staff issued an RFP on the closed captioning for the Council meeting, and one vendor
responded. Discussions with the vendor have been postponed until the Council Chamber and sixth
floor conference room renovations are completed. She mentioned there was a change in the type
of equipment recommended for the closed captioning which would be brought to the Council for
their consideration. She anticipated resuming with the project shortly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 23 regarding a significant donation to the Parkdale
Branch Library, and the renaming of said library to the William T. Neyland Public Library. Director
of Libraries Herb Canales reported he was informed by the Wells Fargo Trust department that the
library was named a beneficiary in the last will and testament of Mr. William T. Neyland. Mr.
Neyland had established a trust for his wife, Mrs. Anita T. Neyland, and he directed that 25 percent
of the trust be distributed to the library upon Mrs. Neyland's death. Mrs. Neyland passed away in
October. Mr. Canales stated the estimated amount to be distributed to the library was between
$500,000 to $600,000.
Mr. Canales reported the Library Board was recommending the funds be used to improve
the Parkdale Branch Library, the oldest library facility. The recommended improvements included
replacing the carpet and ceiling, upgrading mechanical and lighting systems, and providing ADA
access to the second floor of the library. The second floor of the library totaled approximately 2,000
square feet, but was being used primarily for storage due to lack of access. The Parkdale Branch
Library was the city's most popular branch, and was overdue for facility enhancements.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 13
Mayor Neal said the Neylands' gift was wonderful news. He said Mr. Neyland had also been
a strong advocate for transportation issues, and he spoke in support of recognizing Mr. Neyland's
generosity and community involvement.
Mr. Noyola remarked about a year ago, a group of constituents had approached him with the
idea of renaming the Central Library in honor of Dr. Cleo Garcia to recognize her long-time civic
involvement. He met with Mr. Canales about the idea, but he said Mr. Canales did not support the
idea due to funding constraints. Mr. Canales replied the library needed funding, and hence reserved
naming opportunities in recognition of monetary contributions toward facilities.
Mr. Noyola stated he did not have anything against the Neyland family personally and
recognized their contribution to the community, but he did not support the renaming of the Parkdale
Branch Library. He said Dr. Cleo Garcia had also contributed greatly to the community, spending
much of her time educating the public at the Central Library. He did not believe his request to
rename the Central Library in her honor should be rejected simply for monetary concerns.
Mr. Colmenero suggested honoring Dr. Cleo's work in the field of genealogy through some
form of recognition . He referred to the Central Library's Local History department, saying the
Corpus Christi Genealogical Society could become involved in determining an appropriate form of
recognition. Mr. Canales replied Dr. Cleo was already prominently recognized in the Local History
department, with a plaque and the dedication of room in her honor purchased by a private donor in
the 1980s.
Mr. Canales explained the library system had a number of pressing needs which could not
be funded through the general fund. Thus, staff relied on the assistance of private donors to
supplement the library system's expansion and development. He said the library system had
developed an informal tradition of recognizing private donors with naming opportunities.
Mr. Noyola stated he would support this item after all, but he asked staff to speak with the
Canales family to find a way to further recognize Dr. Cleo Garcia. Mr. Canales replied he had
worked closely with Dr. Garcia, and he respected her greatly. He said this matter was strictly a
business decision. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
23.a. ORDINANCE NO. 026128
Ordinance appropriating an amount up to $600,000 of the estimated cash distribution to be
received from the William T. Neyland Estate into the Library Capital Improvement Program
Fund No. 3210 for improvements to the Parkdale Branch Library; amending FY 2003-2004
Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 025647 to increase appropriations by up to
$600,000.
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
January 25, 2005 - Page 14
23.b. RESOLUTION NO. 026129
Resolution authorizing the renaming of the Parkdale Branch Public Library to the William
T. Neyland Public Library upon completion of improvements to the facility, upon
recommendation by the Library Board.
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 24 regarding the purchase of servers, software, and
software implementation services by the Municipal Information Systems (MIS) department.
Director of MIS Ogilvie Gericke explained the city used HP servers operating on a proprietary
UNIX operating system. He said the servers were expensive, costing $150,000 each, and only had
a three year life span. For these reasons, staff had been phasing them out over the past few years.
The city currently had only five servers remaining, two in the police department/municipal court,
and three in City Hall. Each server was loaded with a different set of applications, all using Oracle
as a database. Unfortunately, this meant that when one server failed, the specific applications loaded
on that server became unavailable. Mr. Gericke stated one server must be replaced during FY 2004-
2005 and the other two during FY 2005-06.
Mr. Gericke reported staff investigated different options for replacement of the existing
servers, and found that Intel servers operating on an open Linux system have become an industry
standard. These types of servers were inexpensive compared to HP UNIX servers and could be
purchased from a number of manufacturers. In addition, he said Oracle/Dell had developed a
clustering system that was less prone to failure because when one server failed, the other servers
smoothly took over its operation. Another advantage was the new system would allow the city to
add more applications without additional database personnel. Finally, he said the system was
expandable as well.
Mr. Gericke stated staff received favorable quotes from Dell to provide the necessary
software and MYTHICS to move the current applications and databases from the HP UNIX system
to the Linux based clustered environment. Thus, staff was recommending the approval of the
proposed system.
Mayor Neal asked if these would be recurring costs. Mr. Gericke replied the servers would
need to be replaced every three years. The only one-time cost was the software purchase and the
cost to migrate the current applications and data to the proposed system. City Manager Noe added
the costs were being spread out over a five-year period.
Mr. Colmenero asked how long the transition from the outgoing system to the new system
would take. Mr. Gericke replied the transition would take approximately four to six months. Staff
would run the systems concurrently to thoroughly test the new system before switching over
permanently. There were no comments from the audience. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council
for their votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 15
24.a. MOTION NO. 2005-033
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to purchase ORACLE software from
DELL MARKETING, L.P., of Round Rock, Texas in the amount of $313,296, using the
City's line of credit, to replace the current proprietary HP UX server environment with Intel
Linux server environment. The Oracle software will be used to cluster the servers and
automate some functions performed by the database administrators. Dell is an approved
Texas Department of Information Resources vendor. Funds have been budgeted for the
anticipated FY 2004-2005 lease purchase payments and will be requested for all subsequent
budget years.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Neal, Chesney,
Colmenero, Cooper, Garrett, Kelly, Kinnison, Noyola and Scott, voting "Aye".
24.b. MOTION NO. 2005-034
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to purchase implementation services
from MYTHICS of Virginia Beach, Virginia in the amount of $209,117 using the City's line
of credit, to migrate the existing applications and databases from the current proprietary HP
UX server environment to an open Intel Linux environment. MYTHICS is an approved
Texas Department of Information Resources vendor. Funds have been budgeted for the
anticipated FY 2004-2005 lease purchase payments and will be requested for all subsequent
budget years.
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 25, the consideration of a request by petitioners that
the city adopt an ordinance which would mandate spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Mayor
Neal asked City Secretary Chapa to explain the options available to the Council on this matter.
City Secretary Chapa briefly provided background information on the petition and the
proposed ordinance. He stated the petition was submitted by 50 petitioners in December 2004 under
Charter Article 1, Section 4, Initiative and Referendum. The proposed ordinance required the
spaying and neutering of all dogs and cats. The ordinance did provide for a number of exceptions,
including extreme health conditions, or the purchase of a breeder or intact permit by the owner. The
ordinance also set the level of payment for the permits, and required the permit numbers to be
tattooed or embedded in the dog or cat with a microchip.
City Secretary Chapa stated the Council's deadline to consider the ordinance was February
4, 2005. The Council had requested, however, that the initiative request be forwarded to the Animal
Control Advisory Committee for a recommendation. Thus, the issue was placed on the agenda today
to allow the committee to report on their recommendation.
Animal Care Program Manager Cherrie Stunz reported the Animal Control Advisory
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 16
Committee recommended that no action be taken on the petition at this time pending the re-
evaluation in one year's time of the existing ordinances the city recently revised and passed.
Mayor Neal asked for public comment. Ms. Susan Thiem, 96 Lakeshore Drive, said she was
a senior member of the Animal Control Advisory Committee. She stated the committee felt it would
be prudent to see if the revised animal care ordinances were enforceable before adopting any
measures. If, after one year's time, the revised ordinances proved to be ineffective, then the
committee would be open to considering other legislation.
Mr. Kelly asked how long the existing ordinances had been in effect. Ms. Stunz replied the
existing ordinances had been in effect since January 1, 2005. Mr. Kelly asked if any meaningful
data on the effectiveness of the ordinance could be compiled by early February. Ms. Stunz answered
negatively, saying the city would need approximately six months of data before drawing any
conclusions.
Mr. Kelly asked if the proposed ordinance was intended to reduce the number of stray
animals the city had in the city. City Manager Noe replied this seemed to be the petitioners' intent,
but it was questionable whether their proposal would truly accomplish this goal.
Ms. Stunz stated the city's existing animal care ordinance provided for mandatory spaying
or neutering of pets that are impounded without a current rabies vaccination or a city license. If the
pet did have a city license and a current rabies vaccination, then the pet would simply be released
after the impoundment fees were paid on the first offense. If the animal was impounded a second
time, however, then a mandatory spaying or neutering would be required.
Mr. Kelly asked if the city was undertaking any other efforts to control the stray animal
population. Ms. Stunz replied the animal care division performed sweeps in problem areas, and was
active with the Neighborhood Initiative Program. In addition, staff was planning a number of
educational programs this fiscal year. Mr. Kelly asked if the petitioners were aware of the animal
care division's efforts to control the stray animal population. Ms. Stunz replied one of the petitioners
currently served on the Animal Control Advisory Committee, so this individual should be aware of
the animal care division's initiatives.
Mr. Kelly asked City Attorney Fischer if she considered the city's existing animal care
ordinance to be enforceable. Ms. Fischer answered affirmatively.
Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, stated he did not think the petitioners would be able to
obtain the number of signatures (5 percent of non -registered voters) required through the referendum
process. He also did not believe the existing ordinance was enforceable.
Mayor Neal asked Mr. Chapa to discuss the Council's options. City Secretary Chapa replied
the Council could approve the ordinance submitted by the petitioners, deny their request, or take no
action. If the Council decided to take no action or to deny the request, then Mr. Chapa would
present the petitioners with petition pages for circulation on February 4. If the petitioners submitted
a valid petition within 90 days, an election would have to be held on this issue in April 2007. The
Council decided to take no action on the petition.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 17
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Neal opened discussion on Item 26 regarding the hospital speed zone on Alameda
Street. City Manager Noe stated the Council had expressed interest in the status of the hospital
speed zone on several occasions. He said the Transportation Advisory Committee had discussed
the issue this week, and offered a number of recommendations. He asked City Engineer Angel
Escobar and Traffic Consultant Engineer Kevin St. Jacques, to provide a briefing.
Mr. Escobar reported staff has been studying the effectiveness of the hospital speed zone on
Alameda Street for the last year, considering its proximity to an existing school zone and its length.
Staff completed a number of traffic counts and in -field pedestrian surveys to obtain data. In
addition, Mr. Escobar stated last August, the Transportation Advisory Committee asked for
additional pedestrian safety improvements such as safety striping. Finally, he reported the issue was
brought before the Transportation Advisory Committee yesterday for their recommendations, which
staff would present shortly.
Mr. St. Jacques described the current conditions on the affected section of Alameda Street.
He said the hospital zone extended from Texan Trail to Ropes Street, with a 20 -MPH speed limit
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Embedded within the hospital zone was a 20 -MPH school zone,
extending from Texan Trail to Sinclair Street, which was in effect from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. He said Alameda Street was designated as an arterial road in the city's
thoroughfare plan. Hence, having an arterial with a 20 -MPH speed limit for the majority of the day
was a serious consideration.
Mr. St. Jacques stated there were a number of issues related to the continuation of the
hospital zone. Regarding traffic delays, Mr. St. Jacques reported there were approximately 19,000
vehicles traveling on Alameda Street on a typical weekday, with 12,000 vehicles traveling between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He said the speed limit was reduced from 35 MPH to 20 MPH,
a 15 MPH reduction, which resulted in a delay of over a half -mile length, or .64 minutes per vehicle.
This amount of delay may seem insignificant, but Mr. St. Jacques stated that cumulatively, it
amounted to 120 vehicle -hour delays per weekday.
With regard to traffic safety, Mr. St. Jacques stated there were over 40 driveways on this
three -to -four block section of Alameda Street. He said having this number of driveways was not an
ideal situation on an arterial roadway. The slower traffic, however, did improve the drivers' ability
to utilize gaps in traffic. Mr. St. Jacques also noted there were eight collisions per year over the past
three years, particularly in the area near Rossiter Street and the entrance to a nearby apartment
complex.
Mr. St. Jacques discussed pedestrian crossing safety measures. He reported staff counted
the pedestrians crossing the street in the hospital zone for an entire week at two different times of
the year. The types of pedestrians in the area included bus passengers, hospital patients and visitors,
and hospital employees. Staff spoke with representatives from area hospitals and a number of local
business owners, and also held a public hearing at a Transportation Advisory Committee public
hearing to obtain public input on the hospital zone. Mr. St. Jacques reported many individuals spoke
in support of the hospital zone because the slower traffic created a calming effect, the noise of
rushing traffic was reduced, and driveway entry and exit was less stressful.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 18
Since these discussions, Mr. St. Jacques reported staff has initiated a number of pedestrian
safety improvements in the area. Phase 1 of the improvements has already been completed, and
consisted of enhancements to two existing crosswalks near Driscoll Children's Hospital and near
Sinclair Street. The enhancements created a pedestrian refuge in the median so pedestrians could
cross one direction of traffic. This was accomplished by painting a solid yellow line the full width
of the median for a certain distance on either side of the crosswalk to divert left turning traffic away
from the crosswalk. In addition, he said traffic lanes were shifted, using extra pavement width in
the area to create a horizontal traffic diversion.
Mr. St. Jacques discussed the effects of the crosswalk enhancements to date. Before the lane
shift and the pedestrian refuges were in place, the compliance rate for the 20 MPH hospital speed
zone was as follows: 50 percent of drivers - 26 MPH; and 85 percent of drivers - 33 MPH. After
the crosswalk enhancements were made, the compliance rate improved as follows: 50 percent - 22
MPH; and 85 percent - 28 MPH. After 5:00 p.m., the average speed was 33 MPH for 50 percent
of drivers and 38 MPH for 85 percent.
In light of their success with the Phase 1 improvements, Mr. St. Jacques reported staff was
recommending the implementation of Phase 2 improvements. First, staff recommended installing
a white edge line stripe at the edge of the outside travel lanes northbound and southbound, creating
a l0 -foot wide "channel" which tend to calm traffic. Second, staff recommended keeping the
existing school zone intact. Third, staff would provide a new marked crosswalk across Alameda and
ADA accessible landings along the south side of Rossiter Street intersection, eliminating the existing
crosswalk at the middle of the driveway to the apartments. Additional treatments to enhance
pedestrian crossings could be added as deemed necessary, such as creating raised pedestrian refuges
in the Alameda median at Sinclair Street and Rossiter Street, and installing push-button activated
pedestrian crossing flashers.
Mr. St. Jacques stated once the Phase 2 improvements were implemented, staff would
monitor the performance of the street for one to two months. After this trial period, staff
recommended eliminating the hospital speed limit zone and retaining the school zone. He said staff
was requesting Council approval to proceed with the Phase 2 improvements on first reading, and
then hold a public hearing at the second reading of the ordinance in two to three months. The public
hearing would give the public an opportunity to comment regarding the hospital zone, and allow the
Council to amend the ordinance if needed based on their comments. City Engineer Escobar added
the Transportation Advisory Committee concurred with this plan at their meeting yesterday.
Mr. Chesney asked if staff had informed any of the parties opposed to the elimination of the
hospital speed zone about the proposed improvements being considered today. Mr. Escobar replied
staff had discussed the planned improvements with a number of area stakeholders (e.g. businesses,
local hospitals, and apartment complex representatives) at the August 24, 2004 Transportation
Advisory Committee meeting. He added, however, that staff had not spoken with the stakeholders
recently, but had informed them at the August meeting that the subject would be discussed at a
January Council meeting. Mr. Chesney asked what the stakeholders's response had been regarding
the proposed elimination of the hospital zone. Mr. Escobar replied they were against the elimination
of the hospital zone.
Mr. Chesney took exception to the fact that staff had not kept the public informed about this
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 19
controversial issue. He was strongly opposed to approving staffs recommendation today without
eliciting more public comment on the issue. Assistant City Manager Ron Massey explained there
were two sides to the issue: pedestrian safety and traffic delays due to slow speed. At the August
Transportation Advisory Committee meeting, he reported that none ofthe stakeholders spoke against
the proposed pedestrian safety improvements. Staffs recommendation was to implement the
pedestrian safety improvements, and then evaluate their effectiveness. Once the evaluation results
were known, he said they could be used to reach agreement between all parties to eliminate the
speed zone. Mr. Chesney reiterated his concern, and he asked the Council to consider delaying the
vote until the first meeting in February.
City Manager Noe added the Council had raised concerns about the impact of the hospital
zone on area traffic about a year ago. The Council requested that staff provide them with the data
they had submitted to the TAC, which was the purpose of today's presentation. He said staff had
discussed the issue with the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) on various occasions, but
the discussion had reached an impasse. The TAC did take the reasonable approach of requesting
additional data, and then offered to reconsider eliminating the zone in 60 to 90 days.
Mr. Scott remarked that according to the pedestrian crossing counts presented today, the
highest counts were across from St. Patrick's Church (162 pedestrians a week) and the Regency
Square Apartments (252 pedestrians a week). Thus, it seemed the people benefitting the most from
the zone were apartment residents rather than the hospitals and the medical facility patrons. Mr. St.
Jacques replied this was why staff felt it would be preferable to create pedestrian safety
improvements at those focus points rather than create an entire speed zone. Mr. Scott spoke in
support of staffs recommendation, but asked staff to elicit more public input. He specifically
mentioned including the Morningside Preservation Society in the discussion as well as area
businesses.
Ms. Cooper agreed with Mr. Chesney's view that the city should elicit more public input, and
expressed concern about passing this ordinance on first reading. Mr. Massey replied the Council
could direct staff to proceed with the pedestrian safety improvements and defer the first reading until
a public hearing on the issue was held. Ms. Cooper spoke in support of staffs recommendation, but
she asked staff to provide more public notice on controversial items in the future.
Mr. Kelly observed that the proposed ordinance did not mention the pedestrian safety
improvements at all; rather, it was strictly about the elimination of the hospital zone. Mr. Escobar
answered affirmatively. Mr. Kelly asked if staff could proceed with the pedestrian safety
improvements as outlined in today's presentation without the Council's approval. Mr. Escobar
replied affirmatively, but said staff would like the Council to formally concur with the
recommendation.
Mr. Chesney referred to Mr. Kelly's comments, saying that in reality, the proposed first
reading ordinance was limited to the elimination of the hospital speed zone. He said he had just
spoken with a representative from Driscoll Children's Hospital who said the hospital was strongly
against the elimination of the hospital zone. Mr. Chesney took exception to taking action on this
item without public discussion, and he spoke against staffs recommendation strictly on these
grounds.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 20
Mr. Kinnison asked if staff could continue with the proposed pedestrian safety improvements
even if the Council decided to postpone the first reading of the ordinance. Mr. Escobar replied
affirmatively.
Mayor Neal made the following motion, seconded by Ms. Cooper:
26. MOTION NO. 2005-035
Motion to delay the first reading of the ordinance eliminating the Hospital Speed Zone on
Alameda Street, and to instruct staff to proceed with pedestrian safety improvements; and
to request that a public hearing be held by the Transportation Advisory Committee on the
proposed ordinance prior to the first reading to be brought back for Council consideration
within 120 days
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 that Item 27 regarding public access cablecasting was being
withdrawn by staff.
27.a. Sccund RLadins Oidn,ancL
27.b.
LaauIb' VI UtiIa�H.L
Mayor Neal called for a brief recess to present proclamations.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council returned from recess, and Mayor Neal called for petitions from the audience.
Ms. Susan Thiem, 96 Lakeshore Drive, spoke in support of staffs decision regarding the current
operating hours of the animal control facility.
Ms. Becki Jones, 1856 C.R. 32, spoke regarding several concerns about the animal care
facility.
Ms. Sherry Dunlap, 5825 Hopkins, expressed concern about the displacement of residents
and their pets at the Agnes Street Apartments due to building code violations.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 21
Ms. Sharon Massad spoke regarding her concerns about the treatment of a mother dog and
her puppies related to the displacement of the Agnes Street Apartment residents.
Ms. Pamela Rhyner spoke regarding a dead animal that has not been picked up by animal
control on Wood River Road since Saturday.
Regarding the hours of operation for the animal care facility, Mr. Kelly asked staff to
consider maximizing adoptions as one of the criteria for extending the hours.
The following individuals spoke regarding public access channel and/or studio issues: Mr.
Rolando Garza; Mr. Gary Porter, 902 Hancock; Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray; and Mr. Emile Bolden,
5602 Palo Verde. Mr. Garza also asked the Council to appoint pro -labor members to the Civil
Service Commission.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Neal announced the executive session, which was listed on the agenda as follows:
28. Executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.071 regarding Cause No. C-
04-94, Deborah J. Golder, et al v. City of Corpus Christi, et al, in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of Texas, 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 stated the following items were scheduled for the February 8 Council
meeting: a discussion on the RTA trolley project; second reading of the PAUG ordinances; and a
number of items related to proposed incentives for several companies, including Admiral Linen and
APAC.
Mayor Neal called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Colmenero reported traffic
congestion problems on Gollihar and Port related to the area construction. Mr. Escobar replied the
underground work along Gollihar and Ayers that was the cause of much of the congestion on Port
Avenue had been completed. He said the Gollihar/Ayers project should be completed by the second
week in February, barring poor weather. Mr. Colmenero also reported a recurring problem with
potholes in the Roosevelt/Naples Street area. Finally, he also asked for an update on the potential
reuse of the coliseum within the next three months.
Mr. Noyola reported asked the police department to check for speeders on Leon Street near
Gollihar Drive, especially after 5:00 p.m. In addition, he stated there was a problem with loose
animals near the Linwood addition. He also asked staff to look into an alternative material for speed
humps which may be less expensive. He reported a problem with potholes on 9509 Paula Street.
Regarding the coliseum, he asked to include all proposals submitted for the Council's review.
Finally, he announced that there would be an Neighborhood Initiative Program meeting on February
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
January 25, 2005 - Page 22
3. He said he would not be able to attend, but thanked staff for their efforts and spoke in support
of the program.
Ms. Cooper asked if staff had initiated any marketing efforts regarding the city's selection
by Intel as a digital city. City Manager Noe replied staff was awaiting marketing materials from
Intel. Ms. Cooper announced that the next town hall meeting would held in Mr. Scott's district on
Monday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Island Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Kelly spoke regarding improvements to County Road 52, saying the county judge had
requested information on the percentages and amounts required from the county. City Manager Noe
replied staff would provide the county judge with this information.
Mr. Garrett reported he had spoken to a constituent who was concerned whether the
escalators at the arena were functioning properly. City Manager Noe replied the escalators were
stopped during large crowds to prevent the cause of injury.
Mayor Neal asked about automated pick-up of recycling. Assistant City Manager Massey
replied staff has considered automated recycling pick-up, but there budget constraints preventing
their implementation now. He said at some point, the city would need to replace its current solid
waste trucks, and had researched a truck with this option. In addition to new vehicles, he said the
city would also need to invest in a support facility to sort the recycling. Mayor Neal commented he
did not feel the city would be able to increase recycling participation unless they instituted a more
user-friendly system. Assistant City Manager Massey agreed, saying the ideal situation would be
to have weekly automated recyclables and trash pick-up on the same day.
Mayor Neal reported a trailer had been parked on La Playa Street for one month now. City
Manager Noe replied staff would investigate.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Neal adjourned the
Council meeting at 1:21 p.m. on January 25, 2005.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *