HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 05/31/2005I 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 May 31, 2005, which were approved by the
City Council on June 14, 2005.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 14th day of June, 2005.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - 10:02 a.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Henry Garrett
Council Members:
Melody Cooper
Jerry Garcia
Rex Kinnison
Bill Kelly
John E. Marez
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
ABSENT
Mayor Pro Tem Brent Chesney
City Staff:
City Manager George K. Noe
First Asst. City Attorney Jay Reining
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Garrett called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Randy Walterman of the Corpus Christi Christian
Fellowship and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member
Marez.
Mayor Garrett called for approval of the minutes of the City Council Retreat of May 2, 2005.
A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes as presented.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2-13). Council members
requested that Item 6 be discussed. There were no comments from the public. A motion was made,
seconded, and passed to approve Items 2 through 13, constituting the consent agenda, except for Item
6, which was pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 2
MOTION NO. 2005-170
Motion approving the purchase of five (5) pickup trucks and one (1) van from the following
companies, for the following amounts, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0089-05,
based on low bid for a total amount of $124,948. The vehicles will be purchased for Fire,
Municipal Information Systems (MIS) and the Wastewater Department. Four of the vehicles
are replacements and two are additions to the fleet. Funds are available in the Capital Outlay
Budget of the Maintenance Services Fund, the Fire Stations Operational Budget, and the MIS
WiFi Operational Budget.
Access Ford, LTD Champion Ford
Corpus Christi, TX Corpus Christi, TX
Bid Items 1, 2 and 4 Bid Item 3
$100,408 $24,540
Grand Total: S124,948
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
MOTION NO. 2005-171
Motion approving the lease purchase of three (3) 1250 GPM pumper fire trucks from
Siddons Fire Apparatus, of Manor, Texas for the total amount of $645,212. The award is
based on the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the Houston Galveston Area Council
of Governments (HGAC). These units are replacements. Financing will be provided through
the City's lease/purchase financing program with an initial payment scheduled for February
2006. Funds have been requested by the Fire Department for FY 2005-2006.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
MOTION NO. 2005-172
Motion approving the lease purchase of one (1) bucket truck from Philpott Motor Company,
of Nederland, Texas for the total amount of $68,189. The award is based on the Cooperative
Purchasing Agreement with Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments. This unit is
an addition to the fleet. Financing will be provided through the City's lease/purchase
financing program with payments initiating in December 2005. Funds have been requested
by the MIS Department for FY 2005-2006.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 3
5. MOTION NO. 2005-173
Motion approving a supply agreement with Texas Tire Recycling, Inc., of Baytown, Texas
for used tire disposal service in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0064-05 based on only
bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $79,200 of which $14,400 is budgeted in FY
2004-2005. The term of the supply agreement will be for twelve months with an option to
extend for up to two additional twelve-month periods subject to the approval of the supplier
and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been requested by Solid Waste and
Maintenance Services for FY 2005-2006.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
7.a. ORDINANCE NO. 026285
Ordinance appropriating $423,980 from the unappropriated miscellaneous revenues from
Water Capital Improvement Program Fund 4080; and appropriating and approving the
transfer of $423,980 from Water Capital Improvement Program Fund 4080 into Street
Capital Improvement Program Fund 3530 for the Laguna Shores Road Street Improvement
Project; amending FY 2004-2005 Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 026188 by
increasing appropriations by $847,960.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting
"Aye"; Chesney was absent.
7.6. MOTION NO. 2005-175
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for Professional
Services with RVE, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $423,980 for the Laguna
Shores Road Street Improvements from Graham to Hustlin Hornet. (BOND ISSUE 2004)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
8.a. ORDINANCE NO. 026286
Ordinance appropriating and approving the transfer of $173,502 from the unappropriated
interest earnings in the Water Capital Improvement Program Fund 4084 to and appropriating
in the Street Capital Improvement Program Fund 3530 for the Cliff Maus Road
Improvements Project Phases 2 & 3; amending FY 2004-2005 Capital Budget adopted by
Ordinance No. 026188 by increasing appropriations by $347,004.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting
"Aye"; Chesney was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 4
8.b. MOTION NO. 2005-176
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for Professional
Services with Naismith Engineering, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of
$422,904 for the Cliff Maus Road Improvements Project as follows:
* Phase 2 - Old Brownsville Road to Bear Lane
* Phase 3 - SPID to Rockford Road
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
9. MOTION NO. 2005-177
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 6 with
Garver Construction, Ltd., of Houston, Texas in the amount of $433,336.10 for the 30 -inch
Gravity Sewer Line from Greenwood Drive to Richter Ditch for additional water and
wastewater lines to serve area businesses.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
10. MOTION NO. 2005-178
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 5 to the
Resaca Lift Station contract with Holloman Corporation, of Converse, Texas in the amount
of $142,468.18 for additional work to provide access to the existing Broadway Wastewater
Treatment Plant and for dewatering at two locations.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
11. RESOLUTION NO. 026288
Resolution recognizing the public necessity of acquiring fee simple title to a tract of land
containing 2.286 acres out of the Enriquez Villarreal Survey A-1, also being out of Section
11, Bohemian Colony Lands, from the owners of record, being the Estate of Paul Snyder,
Deceased and the Frances Snyder Trust, for the construction of drainage improvements in
connection with the Club Estates Channel Improvement Project, Phase 2 (#2238) and other
municipal purposes, and authorizing acquisition by means of negotiations or eminent domain
proceedings by the City of Corpus Christi in acquiring the property.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 5
12. ORDINANCE NO.. 026289
Ordinance appropriating $24,168.71 from the unappropriated interest earnings in Packery
Channel Capital Improvement Program Fund 3277 for the Packery Channel Project South
Parking Lot Project (Windward/St. Augustine Seawall Parking Lot); amending FY 2004-
2005 Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 026188 by increasing appropriations by
$24,168.71.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye";
Chesney was absent; Kelly abstained.
13. ORDINANCE NO. 026289
Ordinance appropriating $6,000 from Special Events Grants and Vendor Fees in the No.
1020 General Fund to pay expenses for Bay Jammin' Concerts and Movies 2004-2005 and
Texas Independence Celebration 2005.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting
"Aye"; Chesney was absent.
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 6 regarding a construction project on Greenwood
Drive. There were no questions on Item 6. Council Member Noyola asked for more information
on Item 8 regarding street improvements to Cliff Maus Road. City Engineer Angel Escobar stated
Phases 2 and 3 of the project would install drainage and wastewater lines, and a three -lane road with
a continuous left -turn lane. He said the project would take approximately nine months to complete.
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Item 6 as follows:
6.a. ORDINANCE NO. 026284
Ordinance appropriating $298,809 from the unappropriated miscellaneous revenues from
Water Capital Improvement Program Fund 4080; and appropriating and approving the
transfer of $298,809 from Water Capital Improvement Program Fund 4080 into Street
Capital Improvement Program Fund 3530 for the Greenwood Drive, Phase 1 Street
Improvement Project; amending FY 2004-2005 Capital Budget adopted by Ordinance No.
026188 by increasing appropriations by $597,618.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting
"Aye"; Chesney was absent.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 6
6.b. MOTION NO. 2005-174
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for Professional
Services with Shiner, Moseley & Associates, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount
of $534,416 for the Greenwood Drive, Phase 1, from Gollihar to SPID Project. (BOND
ISSUE 2004)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 14, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the
public hearing on the following zoning case:
Case No. 0505-06, Oceantree Limited: A change of zoning from an "A -T" Apartment -
Tourist District to an "A -T" Apartment -Tourist District with a "PUD -2" Planned Unit
Development. The property is in Ocean Village Estate, Block 1, Lots 1, 2 and 3, located at
the southwest corner of Ocean Drive and Airline Road.
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval of
an "A -T" Apartment -Tourist District with a "PUD -2" Planned Unit Development subject to eight
(8) conditions.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Ms. Cooper made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kinnison, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their
votes as follows:
14. ORDINANCE NO. 026290
Amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by Oceantree Limited, by changing the
zoning map in reference to Ocean Village Estate, Block 1, Lots 1, 2 and 3, from "A -T"
Apartment -Tourist District to "A-T"/"PUD-2" Apartment -Tourist District with a Planned
Unit Development 2, subject to eight (8) conditions; amending the Comprehensive Plan to
account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting
"Aye"; Chesney was absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 15 regarding a utility water rate analysis study,
which . City Manager Noe said this item had been tabled last week. He said staff had asked the
city's industrial water customers to either contact the Council or be present today to discuss the
Council's concerns regarding this study. He said a number of industrial customers had contacted
the Mayor and him reiterating their support for this initiative. Mr. Massey stated that Mr. Don Roach
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 7
with the San Patricio Municipal Water District was in the audience and supported the study. Mr.
Noe commented that Mr. Roger TenNapel with Flint Hills had contacted him this morning to pledge
their support for the initiative.
Mr. Noyola and Mr. Scott stated that they had not heard from any of the city's large water
users about this initiative. Mr. Scott said he had requested that representatives from the large water
users group be here today to address the Council's concerns regarding their support for this study.
Mr. Scott asked who contacted the city to say they were in support of the initiative.
Mr. Noe stated the initial request for the study came through the Chamber of Commerce's
Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Mr. Ralph Coker, which had representation from most of the
major water users in the area. He said Assistant City Manager Ron Massey had reported that he had
notified all the members on the Infrastructure Committee to advise them of the Council's concern.
Mr. Massey said they agreed to move forward with the study, including Mr. Tom Curlee with the
Port Industries, Mr. Coker, and Mr. TenNapel. Mr. Noe said he understood Mr. Curlee would be
here today representing the industry.
Mr. Noyola stated that if the industrial customers had requested this study, then they should
pay half of the cost. He was also concerned that if the study results showed that the industrial users
were being undercharged, then would the industrial users agree to implementing the results.
In response to Mr. Garcia's question, Mr. Massey said the costs could shift any way, to the
residential customers or to the industrial customers, depending on the study results. He said the
study would provide various options for the Council and staff to consider.
Mr. Kinnison stated he felt the city had made every possible effort to inform the industrial
water users that the rate study could result in rate increases for them. He spoke in support of the
study because the equity of the city's rates needed to be addressed.
Mayor Garrett asked for public comment. Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, expressed
concern that the city could raise utility rates even for those water users who lived outside the city
limits. He didn't think it was fair that because those individuals were not able to vote for the Mayor
and Council. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1718 Thames, stated he was concerned that the industrial water
users would not abide by the results of the study if they meant a rate increase.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 8
City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
15.a. ORDINANCE NO. 026291
Ordinance appropriating $255,790 from the Water Fund unappropriated fund balance into
Water Fund No. 4010 for the Utility Water Rate Analysis Study; amending the FY 2004-
2005 Annual Operating Budget adopted by Ordinance No. 025878 by increasing
appropriations by $255,790. (Tabled 5/24/05)
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the
following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting
"Aye"; Chesney was absent.
15.b. MOTION NO. 2005-175
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a contract with HDR
Engineering, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $255,790 for a Utility Rate
Analysis Study. (Tabled 5/24/05)
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Marez and Noyola, voting "No"; Chesney
was absent.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 16, an overview of the proposed FY 2005-2006 operating
budget. City Manager Noe stated the purpose of today's presentation was to highlight key aspects
of the recommended budget, and outline the budget adoption schedule.
Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez discussed the budget preparation process, which
began in February 2005. He said the process was based on a number of criteria as follows: clear
identification of available resources; departmental expertise; goal to maintain the current level of
service; consideration of existing contractual commitments; correlation of budget amounts to
performance measures; consideration of the volatile cost of fuel; consideration of least critical costs
and expanded level of service requests prepared by departments; consideration of prioritization of
services (core/ semi -core/ non-core); and conformance with city policies and procedures.
Mr. Martinez reviewed the FY 2005-2006 document format. He said the Manager's Message
and the FY 2005-2006 budget summary outlined the key points in the budget. In addition, he said
the budget document included an update on the progress towards the Council's goals and priorities
set prior to their retreat (May 2, 2005). The document also included budget summaries of
expenditures, revenues, and staffing levels, as well as summaries by fund. Finally, he mentioned a
best practices section, a supplemental information section, and a reader's guide.
Mr. Martinez covered the overview of the FY 2005-2006 budget. He reviewed a graph
depicting the combined fund summary of revenues by fund (general, enterprise, internal, debt, and
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 9
special funds). He pointed out that the 2005 figures were estimates, and the 2006 figures were the
proposed budget numbers. He observed that the city's revenues between 2005 and 2006 had
remained relatively level.
Mr. Martinez then reviewed a graph illustrating the combined fund summary of expenditures
by fund. He pointed out there was a level trend in expenditures between 2005 and 2006, and a flat
level of expenditures by fund.
Mr. Martinez discussed a graph enumerating the 2006 expenditures by category for each of
the funds. He noted that personnel comprised the largest portion of the city's budget at 31 percent,
compared with 32 percent this year. He noted the internal allocations and transfers may skew the
numbers slightly.
Mr. Martinez referred to a personnel summary chart, comparing the current FY 2004-05
levels with the proposed FY 2005-06 levels. He pointed out that in total, the proposed FY 2005-06
included a net reduction of 36 FTEs (full-time equivalents). In the General Fund, he noted an
increase of 46 FTEs. This was partly attributable to the blending of 68 FTEs in the Ambulance Fund
into the General fund, but staff did make reductions in other departments to reach the estimated 46
FTEs. Mr. Scott asked where the reductions were made. Mr. Noe replied the bulk of the staff
reductions were in the solid waste department, since the city had contracted out the landfill
operations. Mr. Martinez stated the Enterprise Fund showed a net reduction of 80.5 FTEs, once
again partly attributable to the blending of the Ambulance Fund, previously categorized as an
Enterprise Fund, into the General Fund. In addition, he reported 18 positions in the Utilities
department were being moved to the Call Center, an Internal Service Fund. Finally, he reported the
reduction of 10 FTEs in the Special Revenue Fund was primarily due to the reduced staffing
requirements for the coliseum in FY 2005-06.
Mr. Martinez reviewed a chart depicting the projected fund balance as of August 1, 2005
through July 31, 2006. He highlighted that the city's total fund balance continued to increase by
roughly $5 million. In addition, he observed that the projected budget revenues generally matched
the projected expenditures, with the exception of the Debt Service fund. He said the level of
contribution for the seawall fund did not have to be as high because the city had built up a significant
fund balance within the seawall debt service fund that allowed us to draw down that fund balance
somewhat. In total, however, he said budget revenues ($522 million) were higher than budget
expenditures ($517 million).
Mr. Martinez discussed a graph depicting the General Fund unreserved fund balance from
1994 to 2004. Per the city's financial policies, the city had been able to increase their fund balance
year by year to comprise ten percent of the budget, from a low of $7,547 in 1995 to $12,387,000 in
2004. Staff estimated that the unreserved fund balance would reach $15 million by the end of FY
2004-05, but he noted the fund balance was adjusted for reserve for encumberances, resulting in a
total of $14.3 million.
Mr. Martinez reviewed a chart illustrating the city's history of net taxable values from 1994
to 2005. He said the city has recently seen significant growth in net taxable values. He also
displayed a chart depicting the city's historical tax rates. He said the city's recent growth had
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 10
allowed the City of Corpus Christi to maintain a relatively level tax rate, and even occasionally
reduce the tax rate. Mr. Noe noted the difference between the 2000 tax rate and the 2001 tax rate
was a voter -authorized tax increase for Bond 2000. He emphasized that all the tax increases in the
chart were voter -authorized.
Mr. Martinez discussed a chart illustrating the change in sales tax collections from 1992 to
2005. He said the city had recently seen a strong sales tax performance this recent year, a six percent
increase over last year. He noted in 2003, the city actually saw a decrease in its sales tax collections.
He emphasized that it was important to understand the significance and vulnerability of the city's
funding structure to upswings and downswings in the economy.
Finally, Mr. Martinez reviewed the upcoming budget calendar as follows: June 14 - budget
discussion on the General Fund; June 21 - Budget discussion on the Enterprise Fund; June 28 -
budget discussion on Special Revenue/Internal Services/Debt Service Funds; July 12- budget
hearing; July 19 - first reading of the budget; and July 26 - second reading and adoption of the
budget.
Mr. Scott noted the proposed budget included additional funding to the Convention and
Visitors Bureau (CVB) because of anticipated revenues from the American Bowling Congress. He
asked staff if the CVB understood that this was a one-time allocation. Mr. Martinez stated the city
was conservatively estimating their costs and the income generated by hotel motel taxes related to
this conference. Mr. Noe stated the amount was sustainable.
Mr. Scott noted he had received constituent complaints regarding the condition of the county
beaches. He noted that the county stated that their beach cleaning equipment was broken. Since the
city was the predominant beach cleaner, he said there seemed to be a benefit for the tax payer if the
county were to consolidate their beach cleaning with the city, as long as they paid a portion of the
costs. Mr. Noe replied there was a significant equipment cost for beach maintenance, and he thought
it would be beneficial to everyone to maximize the equipment value. Mayor Garrett stated he and
Mr. Noe would discuss the matter with the County Judge at their next meeting.
Mr. Kinnison was pleased to see a tax rate cut included in the proposed budget. He said this
was a good start, and he challenged the city to do more. He said if there was any additional revenue
such as from the appraisal rolls, for example, then he hoped the Council would give that back to the
community in the form of a tax cut.
Mr. Kinnison asked how CPUs stranded rate case would affect the city's revenue stream. Mr.
Noe replied that it would not affect the city's revenue stream because our franchise was based on a
flat amount for kilowatt hours sold, regardless of CPUs revenue levels. He said it may impact the
city's expenditure levels, however, in terms of what the city had to pay for line charges to our
facilities.
Mr. Kinnison also asked if the industrial district contract revenue was affected if the city were
to implement a tax rate decrease. Mr. Noe and Mr. Martinez said they were uncertain, and they
would research this. Mr. Martinez said it depended if the three percent floor was based upon value
or revenue.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 11
Mr. Garcia and Mr. Scott both stated that they wanted Development Services to have enough
resources to proceed and enhance its services. Mr. Martinez stated this was the general direction
from the Council. He said generally speaking, the number of FTEs assigned to Development
Services had increased by three from 2005 to 2006. He said Development Services would be
provided the necessary resources to deliver services, yet would also be held accountable for utilizing
those resources as effectively as possible.
Mayor Garrett asked for the following information: the number of citywide vacancies; and
the percentage of the budget for salaries by department, especially in fire, police, and street/solid
waste. He also asked Public Information Officer Cheryl Soward to publicize the positive aspects
of the proposed budget (more police officers, more fire academies, etc.).
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett called for a Legislative Update, given by Special Assistant to the City Manager
Tom Utter. Mr. Utter reported that the 79th state legislative session ended at 6:50 p.m. yesterday.
He said this was one of the most virulent anti -city legislative sessions agendas he had ever attended,
but all the major attacks on local government had been averted (e.g. appraisal caps and revenue
caps). He mentioned a bill that was defeated that would have basically taken cable away from cities,
a major victory. Mr. Utter reported Senate Bill 18 was passed with concurrence, which will provide
for more truth in taxation. It also reduced the number of signatures required for a rollback election
from 10 percent to 7 percent of registered voters In addition, he said restrictive telecommunications
and WiFi bills were also defeated.
Mr. Utter briefly mentioned a number of good bills that were passed. One bill created a City
of Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and Recovery Conservation District. A second bill allowed the
use of general purpose sales tax as a secondary pledge for projects within economic development
districts (e.g. enterprise zones, renewal communities, tax incremental finance districts, etc.). A third
bill, SB 3, was a water bill that was amended to grandfather basin flow groups that were already
established by the TCEQ, allowing them to remain in effect and full force.
Mr. Utter stated he had not had an opportunity to review the final conference report on all
the bills. All in all, he said it was a difficult but positive legislative session for cities. He said he
would provide a detailed report in approximately four weeks. In addition, he said he would invite
the city's legislative delegation to meet with the Council in July or August. He said there could be
a special session, since the school finance issue was up in the air. Mr. Utter also complimented the
city's legislative delegation for their enormous efforts.
Mr. Scott asked questions about legislation regarding the school start date, the city's stance
on the gambling, and the Del Mar College district. Mr. Kelly asked for information on legislation
regarding the remititur period for foreclosed properties. Mr. Utter replied he needed to review the
final conference report and then report back to the Council.
Mr. Garcia asked about legislation affecting tuition for Texas A&M -Corpus Christi and Del
Mar College. Mr. Utter replied Texas A&M -CC was given an additional $16 million at the last
minute to fund a number of campus utility improvements. He said Del Mar College was not hurt,
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 12
but did not receive additional funding.
Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess to present proclamations.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Council returned from recess, and Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience.
Mr. Eloy Soza, 5725 Curtis Clark, spoke regarding closed captioning for City Council meetings.
City Secretary Chapa replied the Human Relations department had gone out for bids on the
equipment, and were working out the details on the work. He said the work should hopefully be
completed within the next few months.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett announced the executive session, which was listed on the agenda as follows:
17. Executive session under Texas Government Code Section 551.074 for deliberations
regarding the appointment of Municipal Court Judges, with possible discussion and action
related thereto in open session.
The Council went into executive session. The Council returned from executive session and
the following motion was passed with the following vote:
17. MOTION NO. 2005-180
Motion appointing the following judges at their current salaries for a term coterminous with
the City Council:
a. Rodolfo Tamez as Presiding Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas,
and Judge of Division A;
b. Deanie King as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Judge
of Division D;
c. Margie Flores as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Judge
of Division B;
d. Mary Medary as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Judge
of Division C;
e. John A. Rank, III as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas and
Judge of Division D;
f. Mike Alaniz as Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Judge of
Division D;
g. Michael Sullivan, as Part-time Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi,
Texas, and Judge of Division E;
h. Melissa Madrigal, as Part-time Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi,
Texas, and Judge of Division E;
I. Hector DePena, as Part-time Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas,
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
May 31, 2005 - Page 13
and Judge of Division E;
j. Jerry Batek, as Part-time Judge of the Municipal Court of Corpus Christi, Texas and
Judge of Division E.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper,
Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent.
Municipal Court Judge Rudy Tamez thanked the Council for reappointing the Municipal
Court Judges.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett called for the City Manager's report. City Manager Noe announced tomorrow
was the beginning of the hurricane season. A news conference would be held tomorrow at 11:00
a.m. at the Emergency Operation Center emphasizing the need for hurricane preparedness. He said
the conference would involve the city, county, National Weather Service, Department of Public
Safety, TxDOT, and other agencies.
Mr. Noe announced that a ribbon -cutting ceremony for the city's new boater facility would
be held on Friday, June 10. He said the Assistant Secretary of the Interior was expected to attend,
noting that the facility was partially funded by a boating infrastructure grant from the federal
government.
At the June 14 Council meeting, Mr. Noe reported staff would begin a series of budget
reviews, beginning with the General Fund. The public hearing for the Crime Control and Prevention
District budget would also be held on this date Finally, he said the Council would consider a
number of grant opportunities, including a potential grant for the State School Property Master Plan
implementation.
Mayor Garrett called for Council concerns and reports. Ms. Cooper reported that Mr. Jerry
Elsner, a member of the local Czech Association, had been awarded a public service award from the
Czech government. He would be traveling to Prague on June 23, and he was requesting that Mayor
Garrett provide a letter and a proclamation he could present to the Czech govemment.
Ms. Cooper also announced that the next town hall meeting would be held on June 6 at 6:00
p.m. at the Baker Middle School cafeteria.
Mr. Scott asked for a report on the litter ordinance enforcement efforts during the Memorial
Day weekend.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned the
Council meeting at 12:15 p.m. on May 31, 2005.
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