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Minutes City Council - 07/19/2005
I 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 July 19, 2005, which were approved by the City Council on July 26, 2005. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL. on this the 26th day of July, 2005. Armando Chapa City Secretary SEAL. MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - 10:01 a.m. PRESENT Mayor Henry Garrett Mayor Pro Tem Melody Cooper Council Members: Brent Chesney (Arrived at 10:13 a.m.) Jerry Garcia Rex Kinnison Bill Kelly John E. Marez Jesse Noyola Mark Scott City Staff: City Manager George K. Noe City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Garrett called the meeting to order in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Pastor Bobby Underhill of Windsor Park Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member Cooper. Mayor Garrett called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of July 12, 2005. A motion was made. seconded, and passed to approve the minutes as presented. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 2 - 12). Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, requested that Item 8 be pulled for individual consideration. A motion was made and passed to approve Items 2 through 12, constituting the consent agenda, except for Item 8, which was pulled for individual consideration. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: MOTION NO. 2005-224 Motion approving the purchase of laboratory equipment from Bio -Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA, based on sole source in the amount of $42,459. This equipment will be used by the Health Department. Funds are available from the Health Department Grants Fund. [he 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 July 19. 2005 - Page 2 MOTION NO. 2005-225 Motion approving the purchase of two (2) brush loaders from Chastang's Bayou City Ford Truck Sales Inc., Houston, Texas for the total amount of $174,768. The award is based on the cooperative purchasing agreement with the Texas Local Government Purchasing Cooperative (TLGPC). These brush loader trucks will be used by Solid Waste Services. Funds are budgeted in the Maintenance Services Capital Outlay Fund and are replacements to the fleet. 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. 2005-226 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of $145,740 in funding from the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy, to support the Police Department's role in the Texas Coastal Corridor Initiative in the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. l'he foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent. 4.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026342 Ordinance appropriating $145,740 from the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy, in the No. 1061 Police Grants Fund to support the Corpus Christi Police Department's (CCPD) Role in the Texas Coastal Corridor Initiative in the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent. a. MOTION NO. 2005-227 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant in the amount of $469,142 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) to continue the motor vehicle theft enforcement grant within the Police Department for Year 5. 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 July 19, 2005 - Page 3 5.b. ORDINANCE NO. 026343 Ordinance appropriating $469,142 from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) in the No. 1061 Police Grants Fund. appropriating $11,263 from the No. 1061 ATPA Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Account as matching funds. 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. 6. MOTION NO. 2005-22S Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a Contract for Professional Services with Coym, Rehmet, & Gutierrez Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $433,220 for the Street Overlays Project as follows (BOND ISSUE 2004): * Williams Drive - Everhart Road to South Staples Street * McArdle Road - Holmes Drive to Whitaker Drive * Gollihar Road - South Staples Street to Airline Road * Whitecap Boulevard - Bonasse Court to SPID (Park Road 22) * Baldwin Boulevard - Crosstown Expressway to South Staples Street * Ayers Street - Horne Road to Watson Street * Calallen Drive - Highway 77 to West Redbird Lane * West Redbird Lane - Calallen Drive to IH -37 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. RESOLUTION NO. 026344 Resolution amending Resolution No. 025547 recognizing public necessity of acquiring utility, right-of-way, and construction easements for the Southside Water Transmission Main Project, Phase 5, for utility and other municipal purposes in connection with said project; and authorizing acquisition by means of negotiations or eminent domain proceedings by the City of Corpus Christi or its agents in acquiring said easements; and revising the list of properties along the route due to rerouting of the pipeline at Yorktown Boulevard and Waldron Road. Che foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent. RESOLUTION NO. 026345 Resolution approving amendments to the City's Investment Policy. 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 July 19, 2005 - Page 4 10. RESOLUTION NO. 026346 Resolution amending the VALIC Retirement Services company dba American General Retirement Services Deferred Compensation Plan adopted by Resolution No. 024321 to include provisions for loans to participants. 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. 1 1 ORDINANCE NO. 026347 Ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a five-year professional services contract and lease agreement with Total Tennis, Inc., Steven B. Denton, President (Pro), for tennis operations at the HEB Tennis Center in consideration of Pro paying the city 5% of Pro and lesson revenue, and collecting and forwarding City revenue to City in return for Pro's exclusive use of tennis center, and City paying Pro $4,138 per month for pro operating tennis center. 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. 12. ORDINANCE NO. 026348 Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 53, increasing parking meter rates on Breakwater. West Surfside, East Surfside and U.S. Highway 181 East Access Road from twenty-five cents per hour to fifty cents per hour; providing for penalties; and providing for effective date of August 1. 2005. (First Reading - 7/12/05) The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its second reading with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 8 regarding a functional support contract for the upgrade of the PeopleSoft Financials software. Mr. Bill Kopecky, 3609 Topeka, questioned the need to spend money on software that required frequent updates and training to use. Mr. Noe replied virtually every software package required upgrades, and the purpose of the contract was to assist in implementing the upgrade. Mr. Kinnison asked when the upgrade would go live. Director of Finance Cindy O'Brien replied staff was hoping to go live with the upgrade tomorrow to allow departments to enter purchase orders, and to make and receive vendor payments on the new system. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 5 8 MOTION NO. 2005-229 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a professional services contract with Mythics, Incorporated in an amount not to exceed $49,750 for consulting services to provide the City with functional support for the upgrade of the PeopleSoft Financials v7.02 software to v8.8 software. 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 13, and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: Case No. 0605-03, Randy Maldonado: A change of zoning from an "AB" Professional Office District to a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. The property is in Tracy Subdivision, Block 8, 30 feet of Lot 1 and 24 and Lots 2 and 23, located along Baldwin Boulevard between Cloyde Street and Lynch Street. City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval of a'B-1" Neighborhood Business District. No one appeared in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Noyola made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Ms. Cooper, and passed. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13. ORDINANCE NO. 026349 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Randy Maldonado, by changing the zoning map in reference to Tracy Subdivision, Block 8, 30 feet of Lots 1 and 24, and Lots 2 and 23, from "A -B" Professional Office District to "B-1" Neighborhood Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: 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. 0605-04, James Spencer: A change of zoning from a "12-1B" One -family Dwelling District to a `B-3" Business District. The property is in Flour Bluff Estates No. 2, Block 9, Lots 7A and 7B, located along Scotland Street and 125 feet east of N.A.S. Drive. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 6 City Secretary Chapa stated the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval of a "B-3" Business District. No one spoke in opposition to the zoning change. Mr. Scott made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Kinnison. and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 14. ORDINANCE NO. 026350 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by James Spencer, by changing the zoning map in reference to Flour Bluff Estates Number 2, Block 9, Lots 7A and 7B, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District to "B-3" Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett. Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent. Mayor Garrett referred to Item 15, and a motion was made, seconded, and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: Case No. 0605-05, John Bratton: A change of zoning from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to a "R -E" Residential Estate District and a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. The property is 350 acres out of Laureles Farm Tracts, south half of Section 31, and north half of Section 32. located south of F.M. 2444 (South Staples Street) and east of County Road 41. City Secretary Chapa stated the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval of a "R -E" Residential Estate District and a "B-1" Neighborhood Business District. (* Mr. Chesney arrived at 10:13 a.m.) No one spoke in opposition to the zoning change. Ms. Cooper made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Garcia, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 026351 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by John Bratton, by changing the zoning map in reference to 350 acres out of the Laureles Farm Tracts, south half of Section 31, and north half of Section 32, from "F -R" Farm -Rural District to "RE" Residential Estate District and `B-1" Neighborhood Business District; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations from the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". Minutes - Regular Council Meeting 1 my 19. 2005 - Page 7 Mayor Garrett referred to Item 16. and a motion was made, seconded and passed to open the public hearing on the following zoning case: Case No. 0605-08, Leon Johnson I1I/Landmark Commission: A change of zoning from a "R- IB" One -family Dwelling District to a "R-1B"/HC-IV One -family Dwelling District with a Historical Cultural Overlay Classification. This property is in Del Mar Subdivision, Block 17. Lot 21, located along Clifford Street and 300 feet west of Santa Fe Street. City Secretary Chapa stated the Planning Commission and staff recommended the approval of a -R-1B"/HC-IV One -family Dwelling District with a Historical Cultural Overlay Classification. No one spoke in opposition to the zoning change. Ms. Cooper made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Chesney, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 16. ORDINANCE NO. 026352 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by the City of Corpus Christi Landmark Commission and Leon Johnson III, by changing the zoning map in reference to the Del Mar Subdivision. Block 17. Lot 21, from "R -1B" One -family Dwelling District with "HC" Historical Cultural Overlay Classification; amending the Comprehensive Plan to account for any deviations to the existing Comprehensive Plan. An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett referred to the presentations on the day's agenda. The first presentation was Item 17, a quarterly update from Work -Force 1. Director of Business Development Rick Zamarripa discussed the state of the region's workforce. He said the labor market had grown by 658 jobs in the second quarter, and had an annual employment gain of 1,100 new jobs. The area had the seventh best quarter employment growth rate, the area's best performance since 2000. Mr. Zamarripa stated the industries that gained the most jobs were leisure and hospitality, retail building supply stores, petrochemical, education services, and health care services. The industries losing the most jobs were professional business services, financial activities, and construction. He also stated there were anticipated labor shortages in education services, health care, and petrochemical services. Mr. Zamarripa reported the labor market was changing, requiring higher levels of education, communication, math, and technical skills on the job. He said the industrial sector was in transition to focus on services rather than products. The demand for high-tech and high -touch (i.e. nursing, construction) industries would continue to rise. He also stated there were more jobs in the small and middle business sector (less than 50 employees) than the large business sector between 1989-2005. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 8 Mr. Zamarripa discussed short- and long-term industry and occupation projections. He projected short-term growth in the finance, administrative support, remediation services, real estate, finance, and insurance industries. He projected long-term growth in oil and gas, health care, and education services. He said nursing, food preparation. cashiers, and home health industries were expected to see short-term growth. while nursing, welders. child care workers, welders, and computer software engineers were expected to see long-term growth. He also noted that 63 percent of all jobs in the area required a GED or high school diploma and 32 percent required an Associate's Degree or higher, an increase of 8 percent since last year. Mr. Zamarripa briefly mentioned a number of Work -Force 1 initiatives addressing the current workforce challenges. He reported on the Texas A & M Nursing Partnership, which would result in 20 new registered nurses. Work -Force 1 also received a $75,000 Youth Grant from the Department of Labor for youth between the ages of 17 and 25. In addition, Work -Force 1 provided $300,000 in funding to the Education Service Center for improving the quality of child care services. Other initiatives included an adult literacy program headed by the Adult Education Center, the "I Can Learn' computer-based math program, and an apprenticeship training program expansion to the Moody Career Academy. Finally. he mentioned a summer youth experience program with 1,200 youth enrolled, and the creation of a specific division providing services to the corporate business community. He stressed that effective workforce development affected economic development. Mr. Zamarripa discussed Work -Force 1 initiatives addressing future workforce challenges as follows: military veterans transition; work skills enhancement grants; establishing a business center for liking E3 partners; seeking state and federal grants for workforce development with community partners; Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) planning phase; and development of a marketing plan to target potential employers beginning in October. Mr. Zamarripa concluded by discussing an amendment to the Work -Force 1 strategic plan called for creating and maintaining a pipeline of workers in high-growth, high -demand industries with transferable skill sets that transcend across most industries. He affirmed Work -Force 1's commitment to strengthening our relationship with E3 partners and the business community. Finally, he introduced Mr. Roger DeAses, an apprentice, and Mr. Sergio Perez, summer youth program participant. who were beneficiaries of the Work -Force 1's services. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The next presentation was Item 18, an update from the Downtown Management District ( DMD). DMD President Norma Urban covered their goals and results for 2004-2005. The first goal was to mitigate storm water drainage problems. Ms. Urban thanked the city for the completion of Phases I. III, and IV of this project. The second goal was to support housing and residential opportunities. To this end, the city passed an ordinance changing the number of parking spaces to assist downtown dwellers and there were two new housing projects completed or in progress in the downtown/uptown area. The third goal was to advance the master plan for parks along Shoreline Boulevard to create a greenbelt. Ms. Urban reported funds to implement Phase 1 of the project were passed in Bond Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 9 Issue 2004. fhe fourth goal was to maintain and improve the DMD website. Ms. Urban reported many enhancements had been made, resulting in an increase of 800 to 6,000 website visits per month. The fifth goal was to develop and implement a performance measurement system for projects. Ms. Urban reported the DMD was currently setting benchmarks for this system. The sixth goal was to continue and expand communications with property owners, tenants, and the community. Mr. Urban stated the DMD's efforts to this end included the publication of a monthly newsletter; personal visits with property owners; more publicity; development and expansion of their website: and community outreach through public speaking engagements to civic groups. The seventh goal was to develop and implement a plan for streets, sidewalks, and landscaping. Ms. Urban stated Phase I of the Trees & Sidewalks, One Block at a Time Program was completed on Peoples and Schatzell Streets in May 2004. Phase II of the tree planting project was completed in July 2005, and Phase III was in progress. She said maintenance efforts for the landscaping project were on-going. The ninth goal was to monitor and ensure public transportation runs through downtown. The tenth goal was to stay on top of funding opportunities. Ms. Urban reported Bond Issue 2004 had approved $250,000 in funding for downtown projects which had not been activated at this point. In addition, Work -Force 1 had awarded an $80,000 grant for ARTSparks, an art/educational project which was in progress. The eleventh goal was to improve the quality of La Retama Park, and to build a coalition to fund the expansion and improvement of Artesian Park. Ms. Urban reported that DMD hired a team of designers to plan park enhancements, and held a public forum on June 15. She said fundraising efforts were to begin in the fall. Che twelfth and final goal was to monitor unkempt buildings and vacant properties. Ms. Urban stated the DMD maintained a list of vacant buildings which were monitored by staff. In addition, she reported a committee had been formed to identify and evaluate vacant buildings for possible use. In addition to these specified goals, Ms. Urban reported on various projects in which the DMD had participated in 2004-2005 as follows: Sidewalk Partnership Grant ($59,000); Tree Planting Phase II ($65,000); Litter Critter (sidewalk sweeper) plus an operator ($58,000); trash receptacle refurbishing ($6,800); printing of 30,000 entertainment brochures ($4,750); engineering surveys for two parks ($7,000); schematic designs for two parks ($31,000); Chaparral Oak Tree lighting ($4,000); enhanced landscaping and maintenance ($4,000); Christmas decorations ($4,000); and news letters ($2,256). In addition, Ms. Urban highlighted the DMD's marketing and branding of the DTOWN concept for the downtown area. She said a $50,000 media blitz would begin in two weeks, with digitally designed banners for strategic locations in downtown entrances and gateways. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19. 2005 - Page 10 Other projects included a partnership with the RTA for bus stops at parks; a public/private partnership for ARTStops; and the establishment of a 501©3 status through the Coastal Bend Community Foundation. Finally, she briefly mentioned the DMD's participation in various downtown events for a total of $10.500. These events are as follows: ArtWalk ($2,000), Flicks in the City ($5,000), Harbor Ferry ($1.000), and the Velocity Games ($2,500). In conclusion, Ms. Urban thanked the City Council and staff for their continued interest in the downtown area, and for their continued support of the DMD and its endeavors. Mayor Garrett asked Ms. Urban to provide information on the number of vacant buildings in the downtown area, and how long they had been vacant. Mr. Marez spoke in support of the DMD's efforts to publicize the many eateries and shops in the downtown area through their website. He also spoke in support of the ARTSparks program. He expressed concern, however, about the dilapidated properties in the downtown area. He stated the property owners should be made accountable for the condition and maintenance of their properties, and he asked Mr. Noe to step up enforcement efforts. Ms. Urban stated a number of buildings were grandfathered under the city's vacant building ordinance; thus, they were not subject to its regulations. City Manager Noe replied he did not believe any vacant properties were grandfathered under the vacant building ordinance. He said staff would look at the list of vacant buildings and ensure they were in compliance with the vacant building ordinance. Finally, Mr. Marez spoke in support of the DTOWN marketing initiative as a way of making the downtown area more unique. Mr. Scott commented he had yet to hear an idea that would restore the coliseum to its former splendor, and that would honor the city's war veterans. He requested that the city make a significant effort to honor our veterans in the downtown area, whether at Sherrill Park, the T -Heads, or on the proposed pedestrian boulevard in the arena area. He said if necessary, he would be in favor of moving the memorial plaque on the coliseum to a new facility. He spoke in favor of a private/public venture to accomplish this. Mr. Kinnison spoke regarding the code violations in the downtown area. He asked if staff had considered bringing the Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP) to coordinate an intensive clean- up of the area. City Manager Noe replied staff had sent code enforcement officers to the downtown area several times looking for code violations. He said staff had not included the downtown area in the NIP program because most of the clean-up was related to commercial trash, not residential. He said staff could look at bringing the NIP program downtown, and could also dispatch code enforcement officers again to sweep the area. Mr. Garcia expressed interest in enhancing downtown housing and residential opportunities. He asked Ms. Urban to provide suggestions on how best to achieve this goal. He also suggested forming public/private partnerships to address the maintenance needs and property enhancements of the area. ************* Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19. 2005 - Page 11 The last presentation was Item 19, a report on a City Council Focus Area regarding the revitalization of the city's downtown. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez said the area in question was east of Upper Broadway, south of 114-37, and north of Buford, which encompassed a broader area than defined by the DMD. Mr. Martinez discussed the demographic characteristics of the downtown area according to the 2000 census data. The total population was 972, less than one percent of the city's total population. The median age in the downtown area was 52.3, which exceeded the city's total median age of 33.2. The total number of downtown housing units was 565, less than one percent of the city's total housing units (107,831). Total occupied downtown housing units were 481, or 85 percent of total units, while the city's total occupied housing units were 98,791, or 92 percent of total units. total downtown vacant housing units were 84, or 15 percent of total units, while the city's total vacant housing units were 9,040. or 8 percent of total units. Finally, he said the average downtown household size was 1.37, while the city's average household size was 2.75. Mr. Martinez displayed a chart depicting the composition of the downtown by number of parcels. He said there were 73 commercial parcels, 15 public parcels, 20 park parcels, 2 multi -family parcels, and 3 high-density multi -family parcels. Mr. Martinez discussed transportation modes in the downtown area, primarily comprised of RTA bus routes. He highlighted two routes in the focus area, both of which went by City Hall and the Police department. In addition, various routes lead to other city attractions such as the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium, and Corpus Christi Beach. He also discussed the number of available parking spaces in the area, saying there were 462 non -metered parking spaces, 723 paid parking spaces, and 578 metered parking spaces, for a total of 1,760 parking spaces. Mr. Martinez reported on the downtown zoning pattern. It was comprised of A-2 (Apartment Housing District). B-2 (Bayfront Business District), B-5 (Primary Business District), and B-6 (Primary Business Core District) zoning. Mr. Martinez mentioned the surrounding amenities in the area, including the marina, the Bayfront Arts and Science Park, the seawall, and Cole Park. Mr. Martinez briefly mentioned a number of current downtown initiatives as follows: Wi-Fi; street construction; storm water improvements: ADA improvements; Bayfront Master Plan; Downtown Management District; and the coliseum re -use. Mr. Martinez discussed other incentives available in the downtown area through the Renewal Community program and the Enterprise Zone. The Renewal Community zone included Census Tract 3, which was primarily composed of the downtown area. The Commercial Revitalization Deductions (CRD) available through this program offered annual allocations of $12 million in federal tax deductions. In addition. employers could take advantage of up to $1,500 in federal tax wage credits per year for each employee who lived and worked in the Renewal Community. Finally, owners of qualifying Renewal Community assets were eligible for a Zero Percent Capital Gains rate. Regarding the Enterprise Zone, Mr. Martinez stated businesses designated as Texas Enterprise Zone projects were eligible to receive refunds on their state sales and use taxes. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19. 2005 - Page 12 Eligibility was based on each permanent job created or retained during the five-year designation period. Finally, Mr. Martinez mentioned other incentives in the downtown area such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Reinvestment Zone. The CDBG designation allowed business owners to vie for Section 108 Loan Guarantee Programs, as well as funding economic development, housing rehabilitation, public facilities, and large scale physical development projects. The Reinvestment Zone provided tax abatement for eligible businesses if the project met the city's criteria for granting tax abatement. Mr. Martinez discussed four potential downtown revitalization strategies as follows: organization; design; promotion; and economic restructuring. By "organization", staff was referring to establishing consensus and cooperation by building partnerships that work together to improve downtown. Key groups in the downtown area included merchants, property owners, bankers, city officials. chamber members. economic development professionals, and individual citizens. "Design" referred to a movement to encourage appropriate, high quality design in the maintenance, renovation, and re -use of downtown buildings to plan and promote infrastructure improvements. "Promotion" described the promotion of a positive image of downtown. The promotions would market traditional commercial district assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, and local citizens. In addition, the promotion of downtown as a tourist destination through marketing and advertising was also recommended. "Economic restructuring" referred to the effort to strengthen downtown's existing economic base: to identify market needs and develop programs to meet those needs; and meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development. Finally, Mr. Martinez displayed a flow chart of possible stakeholders who could contribute to the downtown revitalization initiative. Mayor Garrett asked staff to see if there was a grandfathering clause in the city's vacant building ordinance. Mr. Scott asked staff to provide information on the vacancy rates for downtown housing units distinguishing between new and old developments. He thought perhaps the older units were vacant, but the new units were doing well. Mr. Martinez said he would provide this information. In response to Mr. Scott's question, Mr. Noe replied there were a number of senior citizen facilities h the downtown area which may have skewed the median age in the downtown area. Mr. Scott asked if there was any proposed coliseum re -use project that would restore the facility to its former luster. If not, then Mr. Scott asked the city to consider designating a World War II veteran's memorial. Mr. Garcia asked for information on the median income for the downtown residential Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 13 population. He also asked for information on what types of housing units had sold best in the downtown area. He wanted to know if a PUD would be viable, and if so, what it would entail. Mr. Kinnison asked for a status on the Memorial Coliseum re -use RFQ process. Mr. Noe stated Mr. Martinez had submitted a semi-final draft. and he would probably be including copies in the Council's packets sometime this week. In response to Mr. Noyola's question, Mr. Martinez stated the Renewal Community program had been underutilized in the downtown area. He said this was most likely because the program had not been marketed sufficiently and because business owners were intimidated by the paperwork involved. He thought the city could do a better job marketing the program. Mr. Noyola also asked about the possibility of using CDBG funds for downtown housing. Mr. Noe replied there was no active program to utilize CDBG funds for downtown housing, but the city has offered tax abatement as an incentive. He said the Council could allocate CDBG funds in a future allocation. In response to Mr. Noyola's question, Mr. Martinez stated the first responses to the coliseum RFQ could be expected at the end of August. Mr. Noyola stated one group had submitted a proposal that may meet Mr. Scott's expectations. He agreed with Mr. Scott's idea to make the plaque at the coliseum more prominent. noting the facility was called the Memorial Coliseum for a reason. He spoke against tearing down the coliseum_ City Attorney Fischer announced that upon review of the vacant building ordinance, there was no grandfathering clause which excluded any buildings from the provisions of the ordinances. Mr. Scott added then the city should ensure its enforcement efforts. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 20 regarding a project agreement and business incentives between the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation and McTurbine Incorporated. Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez stated the item consisted of two resolutions. The first resolution authorized the City Manager to execute a project agreement regarding the implementation, administration, and agreement to grant business incentives to McTurbine, Incorporated. The second resolution approved the contract between the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation (4A Board) and McTurbine, Inc. for $500,000 in economic development sales tax for reimbursement purposes only. The monies would offset a portion of the cost of constructing a new helicopter maintenance facility. As a result of the expansion, it was expected that over 100 jobs would be created over a three-year period at over $20 an hour. The facility would need to be completed 12 months of execution of the agreement. Mayor Garrett asked for public comment. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, asked how many of the 100 new jobs created would be local hires. Mr. Martinez replied it depended on the company; he assumed a majority of the jobs would be hired locally. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 14 20.a. RESOLUTION NO. 026353 Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a project agreement with the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation regarding implementation and administration of agreement to grant business incentives to McTurbine, Inc. for the creation of 100 jobs. The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". 20 b. RESOLUTION NO. 026354 Resolution approving contract between Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation and McTurbine, Inc. for $500,000 of economic development sales tax monies for reimbursement of construction costs for new 40,000 square foot helicopter maintenance facility for creation and employment of 100 new full-time positions. The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 21 regarding proposed amendments to the Texas Cable Partners (Time Warner) franchise agreement. Director of E -Government Services Susan Cable explained the item consisted of two recommendations. First, she said the Channel 10 Public Access User Group forwarded requested changes to the Rules and Procedures related to tapes, programming, and the lottery to the Cable Communications Commission. The commission concurred with the changes. Second, she said the Time Warner franchise agreement needed to be modified to be consistent with similar provisions in the Grande Communications cable franchise, al lowing them to fill air time with alternate programming when producers had no programming. She noted that all the recommendations had been approved by the Cable Communications Commission, Grande Communications, and Time Warner. Mr. Marez remarked one of the changes in the Rules and Procedures prohibited portrayals of criminal acts being condoned or accepted. Ms. Cable stated this was a new change resulting from a program that was portraying acts of animal cruelty, and there was nothing in the Rules and Procedures to address it. Mr. Marez asked about an additional change in the Rules that allowed non-resident property owners to become public access producers. Ms. Cable clarified that this change was not added. She said the Channel 10 PAUG proposed the change, but Time Warner rejected it because based on the current franchise agreement, the city cannot impose any greater requirements than those currently in the agreement. She said the PAUG agreed to move forward without the amendment. Mayor Garrett asked for public comment. Mr. Jack Gordy, President of the Channel 10 PAUG, stated at the Cable Communications Commission meeting, the Channel 10 and Channel 18 PAUGs were represented and they agreed with the changes except the exclusion of non-resident property owners. He said the Channel 10 PAUG believed that non-resident property owners should Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 15 be allowed to produce a program. In addition, he said the Channel 10 PAUG disagreed with another of Time Warner's recommendations about putting the production date on the tape label. He said the PAUG did not understand why this rule was necessary. They felt it was confusing because the production date could vary with the content. Other than these exceptions, Mr. Gordy said the Channel 10 PAUG agreed with the changes. Mr. Garcia asked if these changes were necessary because of ongoing problems or complaints with the public access channel. Ms. Cable replied there had been very few complaints from the Channel 10 PAUG in the last several months regarding tape delivery and programming. She added the reason Time Warner was requesting a program identification (production date) on the tape was to clarify to the viewer when a producer aired a program from 2000 or 2002. Mr. Scott and Mr. Noyola asked for an explanation why non-resident property owners were being prohibited from being producers. Ms. Cable replied Time Warner, Grande Communications, and the Cable Communications Commission rejected this proposed change because based on the current franchise agreement, the city cannot impose any greater requirements on Time Warner than those currently in the agreement. Mr. Gordy refuted this statement, saying the Cable Commission did not agree to removing this change; rather, they recommended submitting the change for the ('ouncil's consideration. Ms. Cable stated the Cable Commission approved the recommendations for Council consideration at their April meeting and on June 11, 2005. Mr. Noyola asked if the city could amend the non-resident property owner requirement to say they could participate if they lived within a certain radius of the city. City Manager Noe stated the issue was not what the city could propose; rather, it was what Time Warner and Grande Communications would agree to. He said the city could not unilaterally impose any requirements on Time Warner and Grande that were greater than those currently in the franchise agreement. Mr. Noyola took exception to this. saying it was unfair to taxpayers and ratepayers in Robstown and other outlying communities. Mr. Noyola asked what would happen if the Council were to approve the inclusion of non- resident property owners as producers. Assistant City Attorney Lisa Aguilar stated it was the Council's prerogative to adopt the change, but legally, Time Warner was not required to comply with the requirement if they felt it was more burdensome than the franchise agreement provided. Mr. Kelly asked if taxpayers were supporting public access. City Manager Noe replied negatively, saying public access was provided as a provision of the franchise agreement as compensation to the city for the use of public streets. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting lul) 19.2005 - Page 16 21.a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55 regarding Rules and Procedures for Public Access Cablecasting. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye" 2 1.b. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the franchise granted to Texas Cable Partners (Time Warner) regarding use of access channels when not in use by access channel users. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess to conduct a swearing-in ceremony for new board and commission members, and to present proclamations. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Dan Stiefel, 3701 Bentwood Lane, spoke against a new initiative to allow an individual to open a taxi cab company with only one driver. He noted the current requirement is that the maximum number of vehicles shall be no lower than five. Mr. Noe stated City Attorney Fischer had told him the payment had to be equal to five vehicles, but there was no requirement the owner had to operate five vehicles. He said he would provide Mr. Stiefel with a written explanation. Mr. John Kelley, 3621 Austin, spoke against the city's position to lift the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) on the Jones Tract in Kleberg County. He said the city's request to lift the OBRA can only be seen as a willingness to provide a public subsidy to a developer since the act prevented any federal assistance. Mr. Scott asked City Manager Noe to contact Mr. Tom Utter for a background paper on CBRA. Mr. Chesney clarified that he was not in favor of closing all beaches as has been portrayed in the media. He supported the exclusion of the Jones Tract from the CBRA because this property was never intended to be included. Mr. Scott and Mr. Garcia stated they had no vested interest in this development. Mr. Kelley stated the city should focus its efforts on redeveloping the interior of the city to prevent urban sprawl. Mr. Scott stated the city was making efforts to redevelop the city, mentioning the in -fill lot program. Mr. Thomas Dreyer, 914 Ligustrum, spoke regarding the lack of handicapped access in a number of downtown areas, including Sherrill Park. Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19. 2005 - Page 17 Mr. Johnny French, 4417 Carlton, spoke against the proposed beach closure along the seawall near Packery Channel. He said the proposed parking lot for vehicles in this area was inadequate. He also spoke against lifting CBRA from the Jones Tract near Kleberg County. Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, spoke regarding the condition of the U.S. flag being flown at City Hall. Mr. Domingo Ibarra, 3122 Leopard, introduced himself as the new president of the Police Officers Association, and said he looked forward to working with the Council and city staff. Ms. Pat Suter. 1002 Chamberlain, spoke regarding her concerns about the lack of cleanliness in city parks, and suggested enhancing the park maintenance budget. In addition, she stated the city should increase its efforts to support recycling. Finally, she spoke in favor of the beach closure in tront of the seawall provided the proposed parking lot was adequate and had proper amenities. The following individuals spoke in favor of reinstating the city service of picking up opossums caught in traps: Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray; Ms. Joan Veit, 5701 Cain Drive; Ms. Dorothy Earwood, 605 Williams; Ms. Rosa L. Flores, 5837 Llano; Mr. Danny Noyola, 4410 Acushnet; Ms. Doris Yaklin, 4605 Mildred; Ms. Carolyn Moon, 4902 Calvin; Ms. Patti and Mr. Charles Boeckman, 322 Del Mar; and Mr. and Mrs. Joel Walker, 6046 Hugo. Ms. Sherry Dunlap, P. 0. Box 9093, commented that city resources should be applied toward the city's feral cat and dog problem, not toward opossum pick-up. Mr. Peter Torres, 302 Foster Drive, spoke regarding his concerns about speeding on Santa Fe Drive, which he attributed to drivers avoiding the Alameda Hospital Zone. Mr. Abel Alonzo thanked the Council for appointing him to the Committee for Persons with Disabilities. He challenged persons with disabilities to become more involved in their community by serving on a board or commission. Mr. R.E. Byers, 4630 Blundell. asked the Council to address problems with Mr. Jack Gordy's leadership of the Channel 10 public access users group and with the public access studio. Mr. Noyola suggested that Mr. Byers focus on better management of their funds rather than Mr. Gordy. Mr. Adam Rios, 2002 Airline. spoke regarding his concems about underage drinking in the community, and asked for the Council's support. Mr. Carlos Torres, 6014 Ayers, spoke regarding the Del Mar College joint fire training facility item on last week's agenda. He said the Firefighters Association preferred having a facility for their exclusive use. Ms. Cruz Colomo expressed concern that the Council had not addressed the problems with the public access studio. ********** * ** Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 18 Mayor Garrett called for a brief recess. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 22, the first reading of the budget adoption ordinance. City Manager Noe reviewed that at the last Council meeting, the Council had requested staff to look at reducing the budget and keeping the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate is the rate that will generate the same amount of revenues as the prior year from the same taxpayers. The only growth that would occur is due to new improvements. At this point, staff was estimating that the tax roll would include about $216 million worth of new improvements. He said the rate for debt service was added to the maintenance and operations (M&O) rate to equal the total tax rate. City Manager Noe reviewed a chart depicting the current tax rate of $.634, comprised of an V1&O rate of $.460 and a debt service rate of $.174. In the proposed budget, the M&O rate was reduced to $.455 and the debt service rate was $.199 to support the Bond 2004 initiative, totaling $.654. To make the M&O rate reflect the effective tax rate, the M&O rate would be reduced to $.432 which when added to the debt service rate of $.199, would make the total rate $.631. Mr. Noe stated the reductions required in the general fund to accomplish this 2.3 cent decrease in the M&O rate was approximately $2.1 million. Staff was recommending the following reductions to this end: Reduce General Fund appropriation to GO debt service fund - $1,000,000 Reduce General Fund department salary and retirement to anticipate salary savings due to vacancies - $714,514 Reduction of the General Fund reserve appropriation - $200,000 Reduction of the Risk Management Fund unencumbered reserve - $250,000 In addition, Mr. Noe stated the Council had considered a second alternative to have a slight increase in the property tax with a reduction in the proposed residential garbage fee increase. To accomplish this, he said the revised solid waste/effective M&O rate would be $.644 ($.445 in M&O rate and debt service rate of $.199). Mr. Noe also stated staff had received a request on repairs to the Harbor Playhouse and the Art Museum of South Texas. He noted staff was conservative on the amount of revenue received from the hotel tax because a bowling conference next year would probably increase revenues dramatically. He said a local bank had offered the opportunity to finance the improvements at the playhouse and art museum at a six percent rate over a period of time, which would slightly increase the current year funding for these agencies by $103,000. He said staff felt this amount could be more than accommodated by an increase in the hotel tax. In addition, Mr. Noe said the Council had asked staff to provide the cost for reinstating the city's opossum pick-up service. He noted the city previously picked up any trapped animal, not just opossums. Using the estimate of 5,000 animals, he said the cost was $72,000, assuming the city lease -purchased a vehicle. He said Dr. Bergin and staff at the Health Department did not feel the opossums were the public health threat they were perceived to be; thus, staff was still in favor of eliminating the service. However, if the Council wished to reinstate the service due to public Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 19 demand, it was their option. With regard to privatizing the service, Mr. Noe said the city could offer the service at approximately $15 per pick-up, while the private sector was charging $25 to $75 per pick-up. He did not believe they could find a private sector contractor who could provide the service for less than the city's cost, but staff could test the issue. He noted this action had the potential to delay reinstatement of the service because of the formal bidding process. If the Council wished to charge a fee-for-service. which would be $15 a pick-up. The Council could require all or part of the fee to be charged as they wished. Mr. Kinnison thanked staff for providing these options. He asked how staff could recover the monies required to reinstate the opossum pick-up without charging a fee. Mr. Noe suggested using the $100,000 set aside for implementing the Tri -Data report because this amount would not make substantial progress to implementing it. Mr. Kinnison stated during the Bond 2004 election, the public expected to pay a 2.5 cent increase, but this budget actually contained a rate reduction. He said this was significant, and he spoke in favor of adopting the changes outlined by Mr. Noe to lower the effective rate to $.631 including the following elements: reinstatement of the opossum pick-up without charging a fee and the improvements to the Harbor Playhouse and the Art Museum. Mr. Scott stated he had hoped to contract out the opossum pick-up. Mr. Noe stated staff could look into it to see if a private sector company could do it for less. Mr. Scott also asked staff to provide the historical significance of the proposed M&O rate, noting the last time it had been this Regarding the police department budget, he said the budget appeared to have grown 30 percent since 2001. This year, he said the police department was proposing an approximately $53 million budget, an increase of six percent. He said this demonstrated the Council has made a commitment to fund the police department. Mr. Scott also stated he had requested the police department to provide 5 -year projections on total crime, violent crime, property crime, and a major city comparison. He said he did not receive five year projections on total crime or violent crime, and the property crime statistics did not include a trend line. Mr. Scott took exception to this, and he asked the police chief and Mr. Noe to provide the information. Mr. Noe stated he understood Mr. Scott had requested comparative data on the five-year trends and compare it across the cities. He said staff would provide the comparative data. Mr. Scott then spoke in support of staffs recommendations. Mr. Chesney spoke in support of staffs recommendations to reduce the budget while keeping the effective tax rate, resulting a tax decrease. He asked staff to publicize the decrease. He also thanked Mr. Kinnison for his efforts. Mr. Noe cautioned the city had not received the final data from the appraisal district. Once the data was received, staff could improve their projections. Traditionally, he said the numbers from the district were better. Mr. Noyola asked to consider hiring three part-time workers to work on opossum pick-up, Minutes - Regular Council Meeting lull) 19. 2005 - Page 20 instead of the proposed one full-time, and one part-time worker. Mr. Noe said he would need to see if there was a market for part-time workers. but he would look into it. Mr. Kelly asked if the proposed $1,000,000 reduction to the debt service fund was a good idea. Mr. Martinez replied the if the fund balance was too large, the city could be criticized. Thus, staff was recommending the reduction, but noted they would need to track all the reductions closely. Mr. Kelly thanked Mr. Kinnison for his efforts on the budget. In response to Mr. Scott's question about the historical M&O rate, Mr. Noe replied the lowest rate found was in 1994 of $.439, while the Council was considering adopting a $.432 rate today. Mr. Kinnison encouraged the Council to keep asking questions. He thanked City Manager Noe and Assistant City Manager Martinez for answering his questions. Mayor Garrett thanked City Manager Noe and staff for their efforts on the budget. There were no comments from the public. A motion was made and seconded to amend the budget as proposed by Mr. Kinnison and recommended by staff to lower the effective rate to $.631 and including the following elements: reinstatement of the opossum pick-up without charging a fee and the improvements to the Harbor Playhouse and the Art Museum. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on the motion to amend as follows: Garrett. Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". The motion to amend passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes on Item 22 as amended as follows: 22. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Adopting the City of Corpus Christi Budget for the ensuing Fiscal Year beginning August 1, 2005; to be filed with the County Clerk; appropriating monies as provided in the budget. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading as amended with the following vote: Garrett. Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye'. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 23 regarding the annual compensation ordinance, which provided for the salary and wage adjustments the Council authorized in the proposed budget. Director of Human Resources Cynthia Garcia stated the following revisions were being recommended: a 2.25 percent increase in general pay to employees in the 100 and 900 Pay Plans; a section to address salary pay compression when there is less than a 5 percent differential between the Kase pay of a Skill Based pay workforce and the highest base pay of a Skill Base pay sub -zone in the same division; granting the City Manager the discretion to grant bereavement leave for relationships that exist outside of the current ordinance; and a number of non -substantive changes to clarify existing language. There were no comments from the public. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 21 FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances by revising Section 39-301 Definitions; revising Section 39-303, Standard Classifications, Pay Plans. Pay Grades, and Ranges, as amended; and providing for pay adjustments to relieve pay compression; revising Section 39-306 Full Time Employees; revising Section 39-334 Plan I Bereavement Leave; revising Section 39-338 Plan I Use of Personal Leave and Vacation in lieu of Sick Leave; revising Section 39-350 Plan II Bereavement Leave; revising Section 39-353 Plan II Use of Personal Leave and Vacation in 1 ieu of Sick Leave; repealing all other ordinances, and rules, or parts of ordinances and rules, in conflict with this ordinance; providing for effective date. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following vote: Garrett, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Chesney was absent. Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 24 a -g, a number of rate and fee adjustments reflected in the adopted budget. Mayor Garrett asked for public comment. Mr. Sam Cowling, 138 Southern, asked questions regarding the proposed rate increases for water, gas and wastewater. City Secretary Chapa announced that Mr. Noyola was abstaining from the vote and discussion on Items 24.f. and 24.g. Mr. Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 24,a. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, Chapter 55, Utilities, regarding Water, Gas and Wastewater Rates; providing for an effective date. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". 24.b FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending Section 55-22, 55-28, and 55-38, the Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, regarding application fees for Utility Service, fees for testing meters, and service charges related to disconnecting utility service and bypassing or tampering with meters; providing for penalties. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". Minutes - Regular Council Meeting July 19, 2005 - Page 22 24.c. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending Section 55-63 and 55-70, Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, regarding fees for servicing gas appliances and gas tap fees. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". 24.d. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending Section 35-92, Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi, to impose an administrative fee for the transfer of an oil and gas well permit; providing for penalties. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola. and Scott, voting "Aye". 24.e. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Increasing Resource Recovery Fees in Chapter 21, Code of Ordinances, City of Corpus Christi; providing an effective date. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye". 24.1: FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9, Section 9-61, Permit for Airport Ground Transportation Operations, by revising fees and charges; providing for an effective date of September 1, 2005, providing for repeal; providing for penalties. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Noyola abstained. 24.g. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending Section 9-35.1 Code of Ordinances, to add discounts for parking for thirty days or longer, waiver of certain parking fees, and commuter monthly parking permits for flight staff of airlines and code -sharing airlines based at the Corpus Christi International Airport; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances; providing for penalties; providing for an effective date. The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Cooper, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison. Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Noyola abstained. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Minutes - Regular Council Meeting .luly 19. 2005 - Page 23 Mayor Garrett called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Noe reported on Hurricane Emily, saying it was on target to hit the coast of Mexico south of Brownsville. The impacts locally would be precipitation from the rain bands coming from the east side of the storm today through tomorrow. 1 -le said the city has seen rising tides, and was in the process of shutting down the access roads off 01 SH 361. Mayor Garrett asked for an update on the seawall construction in September. He also asked tor a report on the addition to Spohn Hospital. Mayor Garrett called for Council concerns and reports. Mr. Scott spoke in support of the initiative to remove vehicles in front of the seawall. He said the city was proposing to limit vehicles on less than one percent of the available beach. He said the city had agreed to build a parking lot for this area years ago, and was now funding the lot through TIF funds. He said he was surprised about requests for amenities on the parking lot when there were none on the beach today. He said he was in favor of the additional amenities provided there was funding. He suggested waiting for the TIF fund to grow and then fund the amenities in the future. Mr. Scott thanked Mr. Kinnison for his work on the budget. Mr. Noyola thanked Mr. Kinnison for his work on the budget. He also asked if the city provided food to essential employees who had to remain in town during the hurricane. Mr. Noe answered affirmatively, saying food and shelter was provided to the employees and their families. Mr. Marez reported a constituent on 1001 Chamberlain was complaining about a problem with the sewer line near her residence related to a manhole. Mr. Noe said he would contact her. Mr. Garcia reported the deer crossing sign and post the city had erected on Flour Bluff Drive had been stolen, and was now near Flour Bluff Drive and Caribbean. Mayor Garrett asked if there were cameras set up at all traffic intersections. City Engineer hscobar replied negatively. saying traffic sensors were set up at traffic intersections to regulate traffic. Mayor Garrett stated there was a public misconception that they were cameras, and he wanted to clarify the issue. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned the Council meeting at 2:35 p.m. on July 19, 2005. * * * * * * * * * * * * *