HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 11/08/2005I 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 November 8. 2005, which were approved by
the ( ity Council on November 15. 2005.
WI FNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, on this the 15th day of November, 2005.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
PRESENT
Mayor Henry Garrett
Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Garcia
Council Members:
Brent Chesney
Rex Kinnison
Bill Kelly
John E. Marez
Jesse Noyola
Mark Scott
ABSENT
Melody Cooper
City Manager George K. Noe
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Regular Meeting
November 8, 2005 — 10:05 a.m.
City Staff:
Assistant City Manager Ron Massey
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 Mr. Henry Williams with the Corpus Christi Christian
Fellowship and the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag was led by Council Member
Kelly
Mayor Garrett called for approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of
October 25, 2005. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the minutes as
presented
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett referred to Item 2 and the following board appointments were made:
Airport Board
Jesse Olivarez (Appointed)
Board of Adjustment
Ben Molina (Appointed)
Commission on Children and Youth
Guy Nickelson (Appointed)
Library Board
Joyce Green (Appointed)
Lucy McCracken (Appointed)
Andrea Naismith (Appointed)
Reynaldo Rodriguez (Reappointed)
Barbara Silverman (Reappointed)
Sister City Committee
Ellen Murry (Reappointed)
Ann Jaime (Reappointed)
Sonia Quadros Heil (Reappointed)
Adrian Desmond Dansby (Appointed)
Kenneth W. Graves (Appointed)
Rose Gunji (Appointed)
Peter Kuntu-Mensah (Appointed)
Ping -Jung Tintera (Appointed)
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 2
e
Mayor Garrett called for consideration of the consent agenda (Items 3-15). City
Secretary Chapa announced that Council Member Noyola would be abstaining from the vote
and discussion on Item 8; Council Member Garcia would be abstaining from the vote and
discussion on Item 13; and Council Member Kelly would be abstaining from the vote and
discussion on Item 13. There were no comments from the public. A motion was made,
seconded, and passed to approve Items 3 through 15, constituting the consent agenda. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
MOTION NO. 2005-380
Motion approving the purchase of software, consisting of operating system upgrades
and licenses from SHI-Government Solutions, of Austin, Texas in accordance with the
State of Texas cooperative purchasing program for a total purchase price of $47,113.20.
The software will be purchased for 41 member libraries, including Corpus Christi, of the
South Texas Library System. Funds are available from the Texas State Library and
Archive Commission Grant
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison. Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
4 MOTION NO. 2005-381
Motion approving a supply agreement with Oil Patch Petroleum, Inc., of Corpus Christi,
Texas for lubricating oils, greases and antifreeze in accordance with Bid Invitation No.
BI -0023-06 based on low total bid for an estimated six month expenditure of $62,122.55.
The term of the agreement shall be for six months with an option to extend for up to four
additional six month periods, subject to the approval of the suppliers and the City
Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by using departments in FY
2005-2006.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye" Cooper was
absent.
5 ORDINANCE NO. 026532
Ordinance appropriating $14,000 in Training Revenues received from Del Mar College
and El Paso Javelina Co. L.P into the General Fund Fire Department for purchase of
office furniture, equipment, and construction of office cubicles; amending the FY 2005-
2006 Operating Budget, adopted in Ordinance No. 026385 by increasing estimated
revenues and appropriations by $14,000 each.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and
Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 3
6 RESOLUTION NO. 026533
Resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a subrecipient
agreement and accept a State Homeland Security Grant from the Office of the
Governor's Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $1,710,934 for the
purchase of specialized equipment and planning, training, and exercise needs to
enhance capabilities for detecting, deterring, disrupting, and preventing acts of terrorism.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly. Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
MOTION NO. 2005-382
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a construction contract
with Angelos Painting, Inc., of Manvel, Texas in the amount of $113,000 for the Choke
Canyon Dam Gate Hoist Protective Coating Replacement.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison. Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
8 MOTION NO. 2005-383
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the
Memorandum of Agreement SW -519 with the Federal Aviation Administration to
authorize payment in the estimated amount of $74,600 to review, provide ground and
flight checks, and certify Runway 13 localizer system for service.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Noyola abstained;
Cooper was absent.
9 MOTION NO. 2005-384
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Change Order No. 3 to
the contract with Malek, Inc., of Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $54,001 for the
Bayfront Convention Center Air Handler Replacement, Phase 1.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Kelly abstained;
Cooper was absent.
10 MOTION NO. 2005-385
Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute Amendment No. 11 for
construction phase engineering services with Shiner, Moseley & Associates, Inc. of
Corpus Christi, Texas in the amount of $647,120 for the Cefe F. Valenzuela Landfill.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney. Garcia, Kelly Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 4
11 a. MOTION NO. 2005-386
Motion approving the Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Construction and Reimbursement
Agreement with David Mostaghasi, owner and developer of Royal Creek Estates Units 1
and 2 Subdivision located east of Excaliber Road and south of LaSalle Drive for the
installation of 690 linear feet of off-site 18 -inch sanitary sewer trunk line.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
11 b ORDINANCE NO. 026534
Ordinance appropriating $131,881 from the Sanitary Sewer Trunk System Trust Fund
No 4220-250410 to pay David Mostaghasi for the installation of 690 linear feet of off-site
18 -inch sanitary sewer trunk line as specified in the Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line
Construction and Reimbursement Agreement to develop Royal Creek Estates Units 1
and 2.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and
Scott, voting "Aye": Cooper was absent.
1 c RESOLUTION NO. 026535
Resolution amending Resolution No. 026216 authorizing appropriation of additional
funds from the Sanitary Sewer Trunk System Trust Fund for this application previously
included in the pending reimbursement application identified on April 12, 2005.
The foregoing resolution was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
12.a ORDINANCE NO. 026536
Ordinance approving the amendment to the 1983 Master Sanitary Sewer Plan for the
Southern Portion of Corpus Christi by transferring 24 acres of Royal Creek Estates
Subdivision into Sewer Planning Area 30 that offsets the approximately 77 acres of park
land within Sewer Planning Area 30 (SPA 30)
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and
Scott, voting "Aye Cooper was absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 5
12.b MOTION NO. 2005-387
Motion approving the Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Extension Construction and
Reimbursement Agreement with David Mostaghasi, owner and developer of Royal
Creek Estates Units 1 and 2 Subdivision located east of Excaliber Road and south of
LaSalle Drive for the installation of 1,750 linear feet of off-site 15 -inch sanitary sewer
collection line.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was
absent.
2 c ORDINANCE NO. 026537
Ordinance appropriating $344,025 from the Sanitary Sewer Collection Line Trust Fund
No. 4220-250420 to pay David Mostaghasi for the installation of 1,750 linear feet of off-
site 15 -inch sanitary sewer collection line as specified in the Sanitary Sewer Collection
Line Extension Construction and Reimbursement Agreement to develop Royal Creek
Estates Units 1 and 2.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and
Scott, voting "Aye", Cooper was absent.
13 MOTION NO. 2005-388
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Half Street Deferment Agreement with
Diamondhead Development Co.. (Developer), in the amount of $14,646.50 for public
improvements including street pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalks, for the future street
construction improvements to Homedale Street between the east and west limits of
Homedale Addition Unit 2, located south of Purdue Drive east of Flour Bluff Drive, in
accordance with the Platting Ordinance.
The foregoing motion was passed and approved with the following vote: Garrett,
Chesney, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye"; Garcia abstained;
Cooper was absent.
14 FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Section 53-254, Schedule V, Increase of State
Speed Limit in Certain Zones, by revising the speed limit on a portion of Old Brownsville
Road (FM 665) from 65 MPH to 60 MPH from its intersection with the west city limits line
of Corpus Christi to a point 1 103 miles east; providing for penalties.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting °'Aye";
Cooper was absent.
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 6
15 FIRST READING ORDINANCE
Amending the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 53-254, Schedule V, Increase of state
speed limit in certain zones, by revising the speed limit on Yorktown Boulevard from 30
MPH to 35 MPH from Oso Parkway to Weber Road and re -listing the existing Yorktown
speed limits to show a north to south progression; providing for penalties.
The foregoing ordinance was passed and approved on its first reading with the following
vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and Scott, voting "Aye";
Cooper was absent
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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. 0905-07, City of Corpus Christi: A change of zoning from an "A-2" Apartment
House District to a "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District. The property is Morris and
Mitchell Subdivision; 36.22 feet east of Lot 4, Block 4, and located east of Brownlee
Boulevard and west of 12th Street
City Secretary Chapa said the Planning Commission and staff recommended the
approval of a "R -1C" One -family Dwelling District with a Special Permit subject to a site plan and
five (5) conditions.
No one appeared in opposition to the zoning case. Mr. Kinnison made a motion to close
the public hearing, seconded by Mr. Scott, and passed. City Secretary Chapa polled the
Council for their votes as follows:
16 ORDINANCE NO. 026538
Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance, upon application by the City of Corpus
Christi (NSD), by changing the zoning map in reference to Morris and Mitchell
Subdivision, 36.22 feet east of Lot 4, Block 4, (currently zoned "R -1C" One -family
Dwelling District) by granting a Special Permit for a single-family structure on a 36.22 x
143.37 Lot, subject to a site plan and five (5) 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, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, and Noyola,
voting "Aye"; Cooper and Scott were absent
* * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Mayor Garrett opened discussion on Item 17, an ordinance amending the City Code of
Ordinances to create the City Council's Youth Advisory Committee. Director of Parks and
Recreation Sally Gavlik explained the Youth Council Task Force of the Flint Hills Resources
Community Action Council presented the concept of establishing a Youth Commission to the
Council in August 2005. The Council concurred with the concept, and asked staff to take the
needed action to create the group. Ms. Gavlik said the Park and Recreation Department would
serve as staff support for the group. There were no comments from the audience. City
Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows:
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 7
ORDINANCE NO. 026539
Ordinance amending the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter Two, regarding
creation of City Council's Youth Advisory Committee.
An emergency was declared, and the foregoing ordinance was passed and approved
with the following vote: Garrett, Chesney, Garcia, Kelly, Kinnison, Marez, Noyola, and
Scott, voting "Aye"; Cooper was absent.
* * A * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett recessed the Council meeting to hold a meeting of the Corpus Christi
Community Improvement Corporation.
*************
The Council returned from recess. Mayor Garrett referred to Item 19, a presentation on
the SPID (State Highway 358) Safety Improvement and Congestion Management Project. Ms.
Paula Evans Sales, Director of Transportation Planning and Development for TxDOT's Corpus
Christi district, stated that she would be making the presentation on behalf of District Engineer
Craig Clark, who had a scheduling conflict. She introduced the TxDOT staff in attendance. Mr.
Eddie Sanchez, Vice -President of Turner Collier and Braden, who served as the consultant
project manager, would also assist with the presentation..
Ms. Evans said the project's goals were to improve safety, improve operations, and
address congestion on SPID. She provided a brief history on the project as well. In 2004, the
Texas Transportation Institute completed a report recommending changes to SPID. The
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) committed funding for the project. TxDOT brought
together business owners and the community for a series of meetings in Spring 2005,
presenting four options for consideration
Ms. Evans reviewed the major issues in the SPID project. She said the high traffic
volume on the roadway, over 150,000 vehicles per day, created significant traffic congestion.
Coupled with the current ramp configuration, the congestion resulted in a high accident rate.
She said SPID was part of a complex system that included arterials such as Weber Road,
Everhart Road, and Staples Street. In addition, she said there was limited right-of-way along
this critical commercial transportation corridor, especially on the south side of the roadway.
Ms. Evans stated that many people believed the improvements on the Crosstown
Expressway would relieve the congestion on SPID. The Crosstown Project would divert 15 to
20 percent of SPID traffic to the south upon completion. However, she said this would only
temporarily improve traffic operations; the current level of congestion was anticipated to return
in seven to ten years.
Ms. Evans discussed TxDOT's basic approach to the SPID project. She said they
planned to "reverse" a number of ramps, converting them into an "X" ramp configuration in
which exit ramps would become entrance ramps and entrance ramps would become exit ramps.
This configuration allowed for more distance between the exit ramp and the intersection,
eliminating the yield signs and consequently reducing the number of accidents. In addition,
TxDOT was proposing to add auxiliary lanes in some sections on the main lanes and on the
frontage road Ms Evans then asked Mr Eddie Sanchez to discuss the project in more detail.
Minutes - Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 - Page 8
Mr Sanchez reviewed the SPID ramp change concept, separating the project into two
segments Kostoryz to Staples, and Staples to Airline. He said the team presented only one
option for the Kostoryz to Staples segment of the project because they felt comfortable with their
proposed option, and there was little comment from the community during the public hearings.
Thus, he assumed the community was in favor the project. The more complex segment of the
project, however, was the Staples to Airline segment, and consequently the team presented four
options for consideration.
Mr Sanchez reviewed the four proposed options for the Staples to Airline segment.
Option "A" was to retain the existing ramp configuration and cease with the improvements at
Staples. Option "B" was to close two ramps, one in each direction, between Staples and Airline.
Option C" was to construct braided ramps in the segment. Finally, Option "D" was a flyover
with a braided ramp. He also emphasized the benefits of the proposed auxiliary lanes because
they provided additional capacity in those areas in between an exit ramp and an entrance ramp.
Mr Sanchez stated that the preferred recommendation was Option "D", the flyover with
a braided ramp, since it received the most community support during the many public meetings.
In addition, TxDOT felt this option provided continuity and consistency in design throughout the
corridor. Mr. Sanchez displayed a number of photos of the braided ramp approach in Corpus
Christi and San Antonio. He also displayed a photo of the flyover ramp on 1-10 in San Antonio.
Mr Sanchez described Option "D" in more detail. In the eastbound and westbound
directions, he displayed slides depicting the existing condition compared with the recommended
configuration. In the eastbound direction (south), he said there would be a flyover. In the
westbound direction, over Airline and Staples, the flyover would be combined with the braided
ramp
Mr Scott expressed concern that the traffic coming down the access road to enter SPID
was going to be crossing traffic as it comes off the braided ramp to Airline Road in the
eastbound direction. Mr Massey replied that if a vehicle entered SPID from the Staples
entrance, they would have to quickly move through the exiting traffic to get into the main lanes.
In response to Mr. Garcia's question, Mr. Sanchez said the auxiliary lane would provide an
additional lane to ease the transition Mr. Scott stated that the auxiliary lane in the photo did not
appear to be long enough to function properly. Mr. Massey replied the photo simply provided a
graphic representation of the lane, it was not the actual engineering design. Mr. Sanchez
agreed, saying the graphics were out of scale. The actual auxiliary lane was approximately
2 00 feet. which would provide plenty of room.
Mr Sanchez displayed a graphic of Option "D" east of Airline Road. He said when traffic
merged in with the new ramp, it conflicted with the existing ramps. Thus, TxDOT was required
to examine the existing ramps between Airline and Nile Roads. Consequently, he said it
presented an ideal opportunity to reverse those ramps as well. Thus, he said the project was
extended to Nile Road, where previously it had been intended to terminate at Airline Road.
Mr Sanchez reviewed the benefits of the project conceptual plan from Kostoryz to west
of Nile in Option "D". He said Option "D" addressed safety concerns, mobility on the frontage
road and the main lanes, improved driver expectation for consistency, and improved business
access
Mr Sanchez discussed the right-of-way needs in general for the project. In the Kostoryz
to Everhart segment of the project, there were no right-of-way needs on the north side of the
roadway, but the project required right-of-way on the south side near the new ramps to
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 9
accommodate the new fourth lane. In the Everhart to Nile segment, he said right-of-way was
needed on the north and south sides of the roadway near new ramps and at the Staples and
Airline intersections. Mayor Garrett commented that most of the right-of-way was comprised of
parking lots. Mr. Sanchez answered affirmatively, saying no structures of any kind would be
impacted as a result of the project. Mr. Massey added that at some point, however, depending
on how much right-of-way was taken, it may not be practical for a business to continue to
operate in that area if their parking space was severely limited. Mr. Sanchez stated the Wilcox
property was probably most affected by this scenario; he said TxDOT had been in contact with
them and they understood the proposal
Mr. Sanchez reviewed the project timeline, comprised of two or more phases based on
funding and right-of-way acquisition. Phase 1 would be let in May 2006, and Phase 2 (or more)
would be let at an undetermined date (2008 or beyond) depending on right-of-way acquisition
issues and funding
Regarding Phase 1, Mr. Sanchez said the work would focus on the north side only from
the Carroll Lane and Staples Street exits because this area did not require additional right-of-
way. thus, the project could begin right away. Phase 1 would implement all of the proposed
new ramps and lanes, with the exception of one temporary exit ramp west of Staples (Everhart
exit) that would be replaced with an permanent ramp in the future. Mr. Kinnison asked for the
estimated construction timeline. Mr. Sanchez said the initial timeline was 18 months, but
cautioned that this was only a preliminary number. Additionally, Mr. Sanchez stated it was
hoped the project could include ADA and signal improvements. The estimated project cost for
Phase 1 was $7 million.
Regarding Phase 2 (or more), Mr. Sanchez said the estimated cost was $30 million, not
including right-of-way and other costs. The improvements would include ramps on the south
side of SPID from Carroll Lane to Nile, with a permanent exit ramp west of Staples (Everhart
exit) plus other ramps from Staples to Nile on the north side.
Ms. Evans returned to discuss the possible construction approaches TxDOT was
planning to expedite the project. She said TxDOT recognized the critical importance of the
corridor for transportation as well as business access. She listed a number of approaches as
follows night construction; contract incentives/disincentives; minimizing the number of ramps
closed at one time; and seasonal scheduling that would minimize the disruption during hurricane
season or peak retail periods. Unfortunately, she noted that these incentives were not used on
the SPUR 3 project, and subsequently led to the many construction delays.
Ms. Evans stated that the proposed project plan would improve traffic safety and
mobility, and would address congestion The proposed project plan would not, however, reduce
traffic volumes or resolve all traffic problems along SPID and arterials. She highlighted the
inadequate capacity of the major arterials feeding away SPID.
Ms. Evans discussed a number of future projects to further address traffic congestion
along SPID. First, she said proposed improvements could provide for another 4th main lane as
a managed (tolled) lane. Second, she said the city must plan for additional capacity at other
locations (e.g., South Loop). Third. she said with the support of the MPO, the city needed a
plan to address congestion on the arterials.
Ms. Evans stated the next step in the process was to conduct a formal public hearing on
November 17 at the Embassy Suites on SPID. An Open House would be held at 5:00 p.m., and
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 10
the public hearing would begin at 6:00 p.m. She said TxDOT hoped to get environmental
clearance for the project in early 2006.
In conclusion, Ms. Evans said TxDOT would coordinate with the city to execute a Project
Agreement next spring to work on access management, particularly in preparation of Phase 2 of
the project and beyond. In addition, the city and TxDOT would work on individual property
issues associated with right-of-way acquisition such as parking, landscaping, signage, and
building setbacks. Finally, the city and TxDOT would need to coordinate the costs for capital
planning.
Mr. Kelly asked if TxDOT had considered using the braided ramp concept to address
traffic congestion on Highway 77 between C.R. 48 and C.R. 72. Ms. Evans replied negatively,
saying that TxDOT would need to consider the costs and feasibility of the approach from a
design perspective Mr. Kelly asked TxDOT to look into it.
Mr. Scott spoke in favor of the planned aesthetic improvements (i.e. landscaping)
planned between Staples and Everhart. Ms. Evans stated that aesthetic improvements were
part of TxDOT's standard operating procedures, and they tried to incorporate them whenever
possible.
Mr. Marez asked for more information on the proposed toll lane. Ms. Evans replied the
fourth toll lane could be added in Phase 2, but was not planned in Phase 1. She said that
before a toll lane could be added, TxDOT needed to obtain public feedback on the concept.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mayor Garrett called for the City Manager's report. Assistant City Manager Massey
stated that the media had recently reported that the city's opossum pick-up service had not
been initiated yet. Mr. Massey confirmed this report, saying that the vehicle the city was having
modified for this use had been damaged and the delivery date was affected by Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita. Staff anticipated that the vehicle would be delivered after January 1, 2006,
and a news release was issued to that effect.
Mr. Massey reported that State guidelines on the age limitation for police department
staffing had been expanded to allow for hiring of individuals with previous law enforcement or
military experience up to 45 years of age. Previously, the age limit was 35 years of age.
Mr. Massey reported that the following items were scheduled for consideration at the
November 16 Council meeting: Rodd Field Public Improvement District; two zoning cases;
presentation on the Texas International Boat Show to be held on April 2007 in the Corpus
Christi Marina; the latest update on the new site of the Broadway Wastewater Treatment Plant;
a discussion on the Aquifer Storage and Recovery District; and a construction contract to install
deeper lines under the ship channel.
Mayor Garrett referred to a letter the city had received from State Comptroller Carole
Keeton Strayhorn regarding the Renewal Community program. He asked Special Assistant to
the City Manager Tom Utter to elaborate. Mr. Utter reported that on October 21, the City
Manager informed the Council about the Strategic Investment Area designation. He said staff
and the Comptroller's Office had discussed the possibility of designating the city's Renewal
Community program as a State Strategic Investment area. As a result, the Comptroller's Office
named all of Nueces County a Strategic Investment Area for 2006. In addition, the
Comptroller's Office had designated the city's Renewal Community area as a Strategic
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 Page 11
Investment Area for the duration of that program, or until 2009. Thus, eligible business in the
Strategic Investment Area can get a job creation credit of up to five percent for any jobs created
at 110 percent or more of the county average wage level. In addition, eligible businesses could
receive up to 7.5 percent credit for any investment over $500,000 in machinery equipment.
Finally, businesses could receive a research credit equal to five percent of their research
amount. Mr. Utter said he would be distributing information on the program to the Economic
Development Corporation and the Renewal Community program. Staff felt the program would
have a tremendous long-term affect on the central portion of the city, including downtown, North
Beach, and the Port of Corpus Christi
Mayor Garrett called for Council reports. Mr. Kelly reported that the Municipal Court
Committee had met today to discuss the possibility of making the city's courts "Courts of
Record". The Committee had voted in favor of this concept, which would change the appeals
process from the Municipal Courts to the Court of Appeals. An item would be placed on the
agenda for the second Council meeting in December for approval. In addition, Mr. Kelly said
the Committee voted in favor of participating in the diversion court instituted by Judge Sandra
Watts for first-time drug offenders. Mayor Garrett thanked the Committee for their efforts.
Mr Marez reported that a constituent residing on the 3800 block of Marian had reported
a problem with cars racing through the neighborhood. He asked staff to look into the problem.
Mr Scott asked staff to provide regular e-mail updates on Director of Public Information
Cheryl Soward's condition.
Mr. Noyola asked code enforcement staff to look into demolishing a dilapidated building
on Delphi and Weber, near the Taco King. He also asked City Engineer Angel Escobar to look
into about placing flashing lights on Greenwood Drive by St. John's Baptist Church.
Mr Garcia spoke regarding constituent concerns about drainage problems in Cimarron
Estates. He said residents stated that the developers were not developing the property
according to the conditions that were agreed upon by all the parties involved. City Engineer
Escobar replied staff would be bringing a participation agreement with the developer for Council
consideration next week. He said the developer had agreed to install a detention pond on his
property with a 100 -year rain event capacity. In addition, staff was making a presentation on a
proposed overall area solution in the storm water drainage master plan to resolve drainage in
that area, Brighton Village, and Hampton.
Mr. Garcia referred to media reports about the infrastructure being developed along the
Crosstown Expressway, contributing to the area's growth. He said if the city could partner with
the private sector to fund infrastructure improvements in other areas, then it would also spur
economic growth. He asked the city to look at ways to create these partnerships because they
could enhance the entire community.
Mayor Garrett asked staff to expedite the infrastructure improvements in the Cimarron
and Yorktown area, saying the roadway was in terrible condition and required prompt attention.
City Engineer Escobar stated staff would include a discussion on the status of the project in
their presentation next week.
♦ * * * • * * * * * * * *
Minutes — Regular Council Meeting
November 8, 2005 — Page 12
Mayor Garrett called for petitions from the audience. Mr. Warren Fletcher, 3100 Santa
Fe, spoke regarding concerns that the road construction on Santa Fe Drive was lengthening the
distance to his bus stop.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray, asked for an update on the equipment missing from the
public access studio, referring to a letter sent to Ms. Cruz Colomo on September 22. Assistant
City Manager Oscar Martinez reported that a second letter had been issued to Ms. Colomo
asking for the return of the missing equipment by a particular date. The letter stated that if she
did not meet the deadline, then the matter would be turned over to the District Attorney's Office.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Garrett adjourned
the Council meeting at 11:28 a.m. on November 8. 2005.
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